Abstract:
A force sensor, especially an acceleration sensor or a pressure sensor, has a structure that vibrates in resonance, and its oscillation frequency is variable due to an acting force which is to be detected. The distance of an operating point of the force sensor from the point of its mechanical instability can be adjusted by applying an electric voltage.
Abstract:
A vibration type force detector comprising: a string to which a force to be measured is applied in the direction in which the string is tensioned; a driver for causing the string to vibrate at its natural frequency and simultaneously producing a series of pulses at a frequency in synchronism with the vibration of the string; a gate to which the series of pulses are applied; a counter for counting the series of pulses that have passed through the gate; means for providing a gating time determined in accordance with the result of the counting of the counter; and a controller for controlling the gate in accordance with the gating time. The gating time providing means is so arranged that as the vibration frequency of the string increases, the gating time lengthens.
Abstract:
A vibrating strip transducer, wherein a vibrating strip 54 mounted between a fixed mount 52 and a moveable mount 51 and under load 53 directly responds to a change in force applied to the strip with a change in the magnitude of stress in the strip. The change in stress produces a corresponding change in the resonant frequency of vibrating strip 54 which is detected by coil assembly 55 to output a frequency based signal directly related to the force applied. Fluid level and buoyancy sensing embodiments are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Instrument system including an electronic transmitter for a vibrating-wire differential-pressure sensor at a field location and connected by a two-wire line to a control room. The transmitter includes an oscillator to produce vibrations of the wire at its resonant frequency, and applies to the two-wire line a corresponding alternating voltage signal. The control room equipment converts this raw measurement data to an analog measurement signal. The control room equipment provides for adjustment of the zero and span of this signal, and for linearization with respect to the input differential pressure. The two-wire line carries a direct-current component the average value of which is automatically adjusted at the control room to match the scaled and linearized analog measurement signal. This line current passes through a meter at the transmitter to provide field service personnel with a visual indication of the value of the scaled and linearized measurement signal.
Abstract:
The method of making a force-responsive instrument of the type including a tensioned wire of round cross-section to be vibrated perpendicular to the wire axis, wherein said instrument includes field-producing magnetic means operable with said wire to induce vibration; said method including the steps of:positioning said wire in a magnetic field directed perpendicularly to the wire axis;vibrating said wire by electrical means connected to the wire and arranged to develop interaction with said magnetic field;developing an electrical signal proportionately responsive to the magnitude of vibrations of said wire;effecting relative rotation between said wire axis and said magnetic field while maintaining constant the intensity of said magnetic field;making measurements of the amplitude of the signal developed by said wire;determining from said measurements the position of said wire relative to said magnetic field providing maximum signal amplitude; andfixing said wire in said instrument in said position relative to said magnetic means.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for delivering energy to an oscillatory system in a signal transmitter to maintain the system in a state of oscillation. A component of the oscillatory system that affects the oscillation frequency is influenced by the magnitude of a measured condition which is to be transmitted by the signal transmitter. The oscillatory state of the system is sensed through a signal path, and energy is delivered to the system through substantially the same signal path, said energy being delivered in the form of pulses at time intervals longer than a whole period of oscillation of the system to maintain the system in a state of oscillation.
Abstract:
A mass and force meter comprising, a frame, a load support connected to said frame; a measuring system comprising two dynamometers, a reference base and a force input; a load spring mounted between said frame and said load support, and a measuring spring mounted between said load support and said force input, said load spring being at least ten times stronger than said measuring spring, said load spring and said measuring spring eliminating partly or completely force-reducing lever systems in mass meters and allowing, if required, the linearization of non-linear characteristics of several components of the meter.
Abstract:
A pressure measuring instrument of the vibrating-wire type comprising an elongate base on which is pivotally mounted an elongate lever parallel to the base. A vibratory wire in the form of a very thin flat ribbon of tungsten is held tautly between the lever and the base. A pair of bellows are supported on the base, on opposite sides of the pivot mounted for the lever, and apply a torque to the lever proportional to differential pressure. Counterbalance means are provided to prevent errors with changes in spatial orientation of the instrument. The lever support-structure is formed of a composite of elements providing a match of temperature expansion characteristics with the vibratory wire. An overrange protection mechanism prevents the application of excessive force to the wire.
Abstract:
Apparatus for weight measurement comprising a wire mounted for tensioning by a weight to be measured, means for resonating the wire, means for measuring the frequency of resonation, at least one programmable read only memory (PROM) fed from the means for measuring the frequency of resonation and programmed to provide output signals indicative of the weight applied to the wire, and digital display means fed from said PROM.