Abstract:
A force measuring device, such as a weighing device, having device for automatically compensating for temperature-induced zero and span deviations. The device includes force and temperature sensors for producing force and temperature indicative signals, respectively. Device for processing processes these force and temperature signals at various temperatures in no-load and reference-load conditions by regressive analysis in order to obtain and store in memory equations representing the zero and span deviations with temperature. During use of the force measuring device for measurement, the device uses the stored equations to calculate the zero and span deviations from the current temperature to correct the force indicative signal.
Abstract:
A force-measuring instrument of the vibrating-wire type wherein the mechanical components are located at the force-measuring location and the vibrating wire is coupled through a two-wire transmission line to electronic circuitry at a distant location. The electronic circuitry includes means to excite the vibrating wire and to produce a d-c measurement output signal corresponding to the frequency of vibrations. The electronic circuitry further includes function-generating means to establish a closely-linear relationship between the output current and the force applied to the wire. Means also are incorporated in the electronic circuitry for adjusting the zero and span of the instrument, and this can be done without interaction between the adjustments.
Abstract:
Apparatus and methods for measuring strain and torque are described. The apparatus, which is used in the methods, usually includes a thin walled cylinder within a thick walled cylinder, the cylinders being fixed together at their ends only, means for vibrating the walls of the thin walled cylinder and means for indicating the frequency of vibration. As torque is applied to the thick walled cylinder and therefore to the thin walled cylinder, longitudinal strain appears in the thin walled cylinder and the frequency of vibration changes. Thus an indication is obtained of the applied torque or of strain in a test member applying the torque.
Abstract:
A loaded spring in a pressure relief valve or other spring-loaded device is excited with acoustic vibrations and the resonant frequencies of selected vibration modes are measured. Changes in spring constant due to aging and high temperature are detected by monitoring the longitudinal vibration mode resonant frequency, and changes in loading by monitoring the transverse and/or torsional vibration mode resonant frequency. The pressure set point is ascertained from manufacturing data of resonant frequency versus set point.
Abstract:
Resonant vibration is employed for imparting oscillations to a stressed wire, cable or metallic strip for the purpose of measuring its tension or for setting the vibrated member at a desired tension. A U-shaped magnetic resonator has an air gap to receive a stressed wire or cable and to impart vibrations thereto, the air gap being of such a width as to permit the received element to vibrate freely at its resonant frequency. The tension of the stressed element can be measured by varying the frequency of the resonator and noting when the condition of resonance exists or the tension of the element may be set by varying its tension while subjected to a steady predetermined pulsating magnetic flux field until the condition of resonance is noted. Either operation is performed in the absence of current flow through the stressed element.
Abstract:
Hundreds of thousands of concrete bridges and hundreds of billions of tons of concrete require characterization with time for corrosion. Accordingly, protocols for rapid testing and improved field characterization systems that automatically triangulate electrical resistivity and half-cell corrosion potential measurements would be beneficial allowing discrete/periodic mapping of a structure to be performed as well as addressing testing for asphalt covered concrete. Further, it is the low frequency impedance of rebar in concrete that correlates to corrosion state but these are normally time consuming vulnerable to noise. Hence, it would be beneficial to provide a means of making low frequency electrical resistivity measurements rapidly. Further, prior art techniques for electrical rebar measurements require electrical connection be made to the rebar which increases measurement complexity/disruption/repair/cost even when no corrosion is identified. Beneficially a method of determining the state of a rebar without electrical contact is taught.
Abstract:
An active mechanical waveguide including an ultrasonically-transmissive material and a plurality of reflection points defined along a length of the waveguide may be driven at multiple resonant frequencies to sense environmental conditions, e.g., using tracking of a phase derivative. In addition, frequency-dependent reflectors may be incorporated into an active mechanical waveguide, and a drive frequency may be selected to render the frequency-dependent reflectors substantially transparent.