Patent US4445065A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4445065A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Non-prismal beam resonator
Assignee: Kearfott Guidance and Navigation Corp
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Filing: 1981-09-14
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Granted: 1984-04-24
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Expires: 2001-09-14
Abstract
Abstract A single beam force transducer has a beam characterized by a thickened central portion and tapered outward portions. The support members of the transducer are thickened and are thus stiffer while the isolator masses are shortened. These critical configuration changes raise the undesirable "tuning fork" resonant frequency of the beam supporting structure far above that of the beam and ensures that the isolating structure behaves as a rigid body.
Inventors
- 👤 William C. Albert
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 10:21
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01L; G01L1/00; G01L1/16; G01L1/162
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
150 words
In a force transducer, an isolator structure generally shaped like a tuning fork for supporting a beam having a longitudinal axis and adapted to vibrate in a plane including the axis, the isolator structure comprising: a thickened support element secured to each end of the beam and extending in both directions transversely of said axis of the beam; a pair of end mounts; a pair of thin spaced isolator springs extending between each mount and a corresponding support element for transmitting axial forces from the end mounts to the beam along the axis thereof; and a pair of cantilevered parallel spaced shortened isolator masses secured at first ends thereof to each support element; wherein the isolator structure supporting the beam behaves as a rigid body and raises the "tuning fork" resonant frequency of the isolator structure far above the beam resonant frequency thereby preventing interference of the latter resonant frequency.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
150 words
In a force transducer, an isolator structure generally shaped like a tuning fork for supporting a beam having a longitudinal axis and adapted to vibrate in a plane including the axis, the isolator structure comprising: a thickened support element secured to each end of the beam and extending in both directions transversely of said axis of the beam; a pair of end mounts; a pair of thin spaced isolator springs extending between each mount and a corresponding support element for transmitting axial forces from the end mounts to the beam along the axis thereof; and a pair of cantilevered parallel spaced shortened isolator masses secured at first ends thereof to each support element; wherein the isolator structure supporting the beam behaves as a rigid body and raises the "tuning fork" resonant frequency of the isolator structure far above the beam resonant frequency thereby preventing interference of the latter resonant frequency.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the beam has a non-prismal configuration comprising a central portion which is thicker than the outward ends permitting the beam to bend easily thus reducing the bending moment.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the beam has a central portion extending outwardly to thinner end portions, each of which has a rectangular cross section permitting the beam to bend easily thus reducing the bending moment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure set forth in claim 1 wherein the beam has a relatively thick central portion gradually tapering at opposite ends thereof permitting the beam to bend easily thus reducing the bending moment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
44 words
A single beam force transducer comprising: a beam isolating structure; a non-prismal beam having a central portion extending outwardly to thinner end portions respectively connected to the isolating structure, the thinner end portions permitting the beam to bend easily thus reducing the bending moment.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
44 words
A single beam force transducer comprising: a beam isolating structure; a non-prismal beam having a central portion extending outwardly to thinner end portions respectively connected to the isolating structure, the thinner end portions permitting the beam to bend easily thus reducing the bending moment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein the beam has a rectangular cross section.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein the beam has a gradually tapering cross section.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
127 words
The structure set forth in claim 5 wherein the isolating structure comprises: a thickened support element secured to each end of the beam and extending in both directions transversely of said axis of the beam; a pair of end mounts; a pair of thin spaced isolator springs extending between each mount and a corresponding support element for transmitting axial forces from the end mounts to the beam along the axis thereof; and a pair of cantilevered parallel spaced shortened isolator masses secured at first ends thereof to each support element; wherein the isolator structure supporting the beam behaves as a rigid body and raises the "tuning fork" resonant frequency of the isolator structure far above the beam resonant frequency thereby preventing interference of the latter resonant frequency.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1987-04-24 | 1987-10-24 | 1988-04-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-24 | 1991-10-24 | 1992-04-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-24 | 1995-10-24 | 1996-04-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |