Eskridge, Inc.

Jared Armstrong

Jesse Schmidtberger

Marshall Kolb

A system and method of measuring torque generated by a drive train like that used in a rotating equipment drive. A drive motor is mounted to a rotatable brake assembly which, in turn, is coupled to a gear drive which, in turn, transmits rotational power. The brake assembly is coupled to a fixed cover of the gear drive by a gearbox torque sensor that prevents rotation between the brake assembly and the housing. The sensor can be a load cell or its equivalent. A control module may be configured to adjust operation of the rotating equipment drive in response to the torque signal. All input torque from the drive motor to the gearbox is measured when the brake is disengaged through the load cell. All input torque at the gearbox output shaft, through back-driving, is measured when the brake is engaged through the load cell.

Gearbox torque sensor

An improved gear shift mechanism for an auger gear drive which uses a hydraulic cylinder or other linear force means to push on one end of a rocker arm. This moves the rocker arm and the gear train between a first gear set and a second gear set. A biasing means is applied directly to the rocker arm by a spring or other device. The design eliminates adjustable linkages and the need adjustments in the field and allows for use of a simpler hydraulic cylinder than found in the prior art.

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Olathe, KS, United States of America

Jared Armstrong