Abstract:
A force-sensing system suitable, for example, for atomic force microscopy. This system includes a rocking beam, a base, and means for supporting the beam adjacent a surface of the base such that the beam can pivot about at least one axis parallel to the base surface. In contrast to rocking-beam systems of the prior art, the support means comprise at least one pivot element that can be held against the base surface by a magnetic field.
Abstract:
A variable load cell arrangement operative for precisely measuring loads over a range beyond the range of a single conventional single low range load cell. The arrangement includes a low range measuring element positioned in a case and having one end adapted to be connected through the case to a load and the opposing end coupled to a fixed reference. A variable pressure means, such as a controllable bellows, is interposed in the case between the load element and an end of the case whereby a predetermined force may be selectively applied to the load measuring element in a direction opposing the load to relieve the strain on the element and permit it to continue to function in an extended range. Electrical circuits, including Wheatstone bridges, are coupled to the load measuring element and provide an electrical output indicative of the applied load and an electrical output that is used to control the variable pressure means.
Abstract:
For hard of hearing people, speech sounds are recognized electronically and displayed on eyeglasses at syllable speed, consonants are shown as a symbol resembling a hand sign, and vowels by the symbol's location in a quadrant display, or by color.
Abstract:
The anemometer is for use in measuring two orthogonal velocity components of a fluid, such as air or water. When used to measure wind speed, the wind force acting on a sphere attached to a shaft tends to deflect the shaft from the neutral position. This deflection is measured by optical or electromagnetic sensors which control an electromagnetic actuator which generates a force opposing the wind force thereby returning the shaft to the neutral position. The actuator generates a force proportional to the square of the current applied to the actuator coils. Since the drag force is proportional to the fluid velocity squared (for one dimensional measurement), the wind speed measurement derived from the current applied to the electromagnet will be partly linearized. A microprocessoris used to compute the wind speed components or the wind speed and its direction from the electromagnet signals.
Abstract:
A force measuring device of the electromagnetic compensation type is disclosed. The force measuring device includes a coil moving in a magnetic field, a display unit and a control circuit which returns the coil to its original position and supplies the display with the value of the forces being measured at substantially the same time. The device is also disclosed including a variable integration constant in the control circuit to provide a quicker response to small disturbances thus making the balance insensitive to vibrations.
Abstract:
An electromagnetic, compensating force-measuring or weighing device having at least one working coil movable in an air gap of a magnet system. At least two members for temperature compensation are positioned at different, spaced apart points. The compensating effect of these members on the active part of the system jointly produce a temperature compensating value which is optionally approximately equal to the exact value of the actual temperature curve. The members may be in the form of a plurality of minute particles of nonretentive material having a high negative coefficient of saturation magnetization distributed in the active part. The members may be formed of the afore-mentioned material and be positioned on the active part or be PTC or NTC resistors so positioned.
Abstract:
Electromagnetically compensating weighing or dynamometer apparatus in which coil moves out of an equilibrium position relative to a magnet under the influence of a force, including a compensating circuit providing a compensation current proportional to the amplitude of the deflection, an a taring arrangement comprising a store and a digital/analog converter connected to the coil in parallel to the compensation circuit.
Abstract:
Improved weighing apparatus of the electromagnetic type is disclosed including linearizing means for controlling the operation of either the compensating means or the indicating means of the system to effect linearization of the load indication over the weighing range, whereby the effect of the compensating coil magnetic field on the main magnetic field of the instrument is eliminated. In the preferred embodiment, smoothing capacitor means are connected with the reference voltage input terminal of the voltage-to-current converter of the constant current source, switch means being operable to control the charging and discharging of the smoothing capacitor means in accordance with the time periods during which compensating current is periodically supplied to the compensating coil means. In an alternate embodiment, the linearization means are provided within the internal structure of digital voltmeter means, and in a further embodiment, the linearization means includes an analog multiplier connected between the digital voltmeter means and the measuring resistor across which the compensation current to the coil is measured.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for providing data related to the ice breaking efficiency of a hull of a vessel as the vessel passes through ice, and particularly for providing data related to the frictional forces experienced on the hull of the vessel as the vessel passes through ice. Movable means is carried on the hull of the vessel generally flush with the hull for displacement in response to forces applied thereto as the vessel passes through ice. The displacement of said movable means relative to the hull of the vessel is determined as a manifestation of frictional forces between the hull of the vessel and the ice. The movable means preferably comprises a generally coplanar relation therewith and flush with the outer hull skin. The plate is mounted on a plate suspending means which permits omnidirectional movement of the plate at least in the plane of the hull. In one embodiment, the degree of movement of the plate is sensed by a plurality of electromagnets carried by the hull of the ship and disposed at spaced positions adjacent the edges of the plate, with the electromagnets cooperating with a plurality of electrical conductors carried by the plate adjacent respective ones of the plurality of electromagnets, the electrical conductors producing electrical signals related to the degree of movement of the plate relative to the plurality of electromagnets. In another embodiment, plate movement is sensed by displacement probes in contact therewith and arranged to provide electrical signals representing displacement.
Abstract:
An electrodynamic force measuring apparatus comprising a force coil arranged in a stationary magnetic field and movable out of a null position by means of the force which is to be measured. The force coil is supplied with a current through the agency of an amplifier as a function of its deviation out of the null position as detected by a feeler. This current, under the action of the stationary magnetic field, produces a restoring force which forces back the force coil into the null position. The force coil is connected in series with a compensation coil which varies the field intensity of the stationary magnetic field. The compensation coil is dimensioned to alter the magnetic field resulting from the stationary magnetic field and the magnetic field produced by the current in the force coil in such a manner that the restoring force acting upon the force coil remains proportional to the current.