Abstract:
A double-ended tuning fork (DETF) is formed from two vibrating beams joined together at each end, having a thickness t, a width w, a length L and a vibrating beam length m. The dimensional ratios t/w and L/m for the DETF are selected according to a relatively more accurate spurious mode map based upon detailed finite element calculations at specific dimensional ratios for t/w and L/m. The results of the finite element analysis is fit by way of a lease-squared polynomial over the entire dimensional range of interest. The results of the finite element analysis for the spurious modes provides differences of up to fourteen percent (14%) relative to the spurious mode map based on simple beam theory. In addition, the spurious mode map in accordance with the present invention accounts for the use of symmetric outriggers in the base region of the DETF which increases the mechanical Q of the DETF.
Abstract:
A double tuning fork type force transducer comprising two identical parallel branches fastened at their ends to two coupling members adapted to vibrate in bending mode and in phase opposition in response to imposed vibrational loads with an intrinsic frequency representative of the amplitude of a force F applied longitudinally to the coupling members is laminated; it comprises two identical metal leaf springs of constant thickness forming said branches and comprising ends of larger width than said branches and held apart by two metal spacers both having the same thickness, these spacers and these ends being fastened within said coupling members and having substantially the same external profile.
Abstract:
A device for measuring force, which is preferably applicable to a weighing device, is provided, wherein two cantilever arms are arranged substantially in parallel and generally in a vertical plane, an elastic member is coupled between the free ends of the both arms so as to be subjected to tension or compression when a force to be measured is applied to the free end of the either arm, the elastic member forms a part of mechano-electric transducer which produces an electric signal whose feature has a theoretical relationship with the applied force, and the device further includes an arithmetic unit for calculating the force in accordance with this relationship.
Abstract:
A flat measuring string is disclosed that is formed from a blank of sheet metal (such as a niobium-zirconium alloy), characterized by the provision of bendable or foldable wing flaps arranged at the nodal portions of the string, thereby to permit the connection of nodal masses to the string. In this manner, it is possible to achieve good measurement-technical data, especially, data regarding hysteresis and creepage under load, coupled with extensive freedom in the choice of materials and very economical mass production of the string components. The measuring string is particularly suitable for use in force or distance measurement.
Abstract:
A cylindrical stress sensor has a case that is long relative to its diameter. The case may be completely imbedded in the body of a host material in which a change of stress is of interest. That portion of the sensor which is imbedded has a rounded end. The rounded end, circular cross section, and relatively large length-to-diameter ratio avoid errors occasioned by stress concentration. A strain transducer of a vibrating wire excited by a magnetic coil is located remote from any imbedded end of the sensor. Changes in strain on the wire alter the frequency of the wire. This change in frequency is picked up by the excitation coil as a signal. A stacked, three-transducer array, with the wire of each transducer at 45.degree. from a neighboring transducer, can detect changes in the magnitudes and directions of the principal stresses, without first establishing the direction of the primary or secondary principal stress. The effective Young's modulus of the sensor is large relative to the host material, being at least equal to, or greater than, four times the latter's modulus. The distance from a transducer to an end of the sensor to be imbedded in the host is sufficient to avoid erroneous signals occasioned by end effects of the case, and is usually at least ten radii.
Abstract:
Two pretensioned vibrating strings are respectively stressed and stress-relieved by a force to be measured, said force being applied through an adjusting member by which the angle of force application can be varied to compensate initial errors of the apparatus.
Abstract:
A force transducer in which a strut is fixed at one end and has the other end coupled to an arrangement for applying force in the axial direction of the strut. In operation, transverse vibration of a length of the strut is maintained by feedback from a pickup coil to a drive coil through an amplifier, the frequency being a measure of the axial force to which the strut is subjected. Adjacent the said other end a node is formed by a clamp gripping a portion of the strut. This clamp includes rolling bearings arranged to permit axial movement of the gripped portion of the strut.
Abstract:
The invention relates to a vibrating bridge for a vibrating-wire sensor, comprising opposing clamping points for connecting the vibrating bridge to the vibrating-wire sensor and comprising multiple vibrators which are provided between the clamping points and which are mechanically connected to the securing points and can be tensioned via the securing points, wherein one of the vibrators is free of a vibration exciter or vibration detector, and another vibrator is provided with a vibration exciter.
Abstract:
An environmental condition may be measured with a sensor (10) including a wire (20) having an ultrasonic signal transmission characteristic that varies in response to the environmental condition by sensing ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using multiple types of propagation, and separating an effect of temperature on the wire from an effect of strain on the wire using the sensed ultrasonic energy propagated through the wire using the multiple types of propagation. A positive feedback loop may be used to excite the wire such that strain in the wire is based upon a sensed resonant frequency, while a square wave with a controlled duty cycle may be used to excite the wire at multiple excitation frequencies. A phase matched cone (200, 210) may be used to couple ultrasonic energy between a waveguide wire (202, 212) and a transducer (204, 214).