US4491019A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detection of dynamic unbalances of centrifuges
Assignee: Kontron Holding AG
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Filing: 1982-12-16
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Granted: 1985-01-01
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Expires: 2002-12-16
Abstract
Abstract In accordance with the invention, a magnetic field sensor is disposed on a stationary part of a centrifuge near an annular member of a rotor and is adapted to detect those variations in a gap which exists between the annular member and the sensor. The variations in the gap arising from deflection and/or precession of the rotor axis.
Inventors
- 👤 Gerhard Wicki
- 👤 Rolf Naff
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:23
CPC Classifications
B; B04; B04B; B04B9/00; B04B9/14; B04B9/146
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
An apparatus for detecting imbalance of a centrifuge comprising: (a) a centrifuge having: (i) a stationary portion; (ii) a magnetic field sensor means disposed on the stationary portion; (iii) a rotor means disposed above said stationary portion; (iv) a rotor shaft rotatably connecting the rotor means with the stationary portion, the rotor shaft rotating with said rotor means; and (v) an annular member fixedly attached to the rotor means for rotation therewith and having an annular end surface positioned in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotor shaft, said annular end surface located and disposed at a predetermined distance above the sensor means thereby forming a predetermined gap between the sensor means and the annular end surface, wherein the sensor means generates a signal when the dimension of the gap between the annular end surface and sensor means is altered due to imbalance of the centrifuge; and (b) electronic circuit means for processing the signal from the sensor means so as to activate an alarm signal upon imbalance of the centrifuge.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
An apparatus for detecting imbalance of a centrifuge comprising: (a) a centrifuge having: (i) a stationary portion; (ii) a magnetic field sensor means disposed on the stationary portion; (iii) a rotor means disposed above said stationary portion; (iv) a rotor shaft rotatably connecting the rotor means with the stationary portion, the rotor shaft rotating with said rotor means; and (v) an annular member fixedly attached to the rotor means for rotation therewith and having an annular end surface positioned in a plane generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the rotor shaft, said annular end surface located and disposed at a predetermined distance above the sensor means thereby forming a predetermined gap between the sensor means and the annular end surface, wherein the sensor means generates a signal when the dimension of the gap between the annular end surface and sensor means is altered due to imbalance of the centrifuge; and (b) electronic circuit means for processing the signal from the sensor means so as to activate an alarm signal upon imbalance of the centrifuge.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
18 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the annular member is a coaxial flange-like member made of soft iron.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sensor means is a magnetic-field-dependent resistance or a Hall generator.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the sensor means is a magnetic-field-dependent resistance.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the sensor means is a Hall generator.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the sensor is a differential sensor having two magnetic-field-dependent resistances disposed on a permanent magnet.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
12 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotor means includes a rotor.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotor means includes (i) a rotor disposed above the stationary portion; and (ii) an adapter having a portion disposed within the rotor for rotation therewith, and the annular member is fixedly attached to the adapter.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotor means includes (i) a rotor disposed above the stationary portion; and (ii) an adapter having a portion disposed within the rotor for rotation therewith, and the annular member forms an integral flange with said adapter.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the rotor means includes a rotor and the annular member is fixedly attached to the rotor for rotation therewith.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
11 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the centrifuge is an ultracentrifuge.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1988-01-01 | 1988-07-02 | 1989-01-01 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1992-01-01 | 1992-07-02 | 1993-01-01 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1996-01-01 | 1996-07-02 | 1997-01-01 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |