Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Nathan H Cook

Forest J Carignan

Bruce F White

Krishnamoorthy Subramanian

Bruce M Kramer

An apparatus and method for a multi-axis wheel transducer are disclosed. The apparatus of the invention comprises a wheel transducer for measuring the loads and moments acting on a vehicle wheel. Tubular load cells positioned in a radial fashion around the perimeter of the transducer hub join the rim and hub. Loads and moments acting on the rim of the wheel are transferred through the spoke-like load cells to the hub of the wheel. Sensors strategically positioned around the circumference of the tubular load cell monitor the intensity of the loads and moments. To detect angular position of the wheel, a light source generates a cone of polarized light to flood the wheel of the vehicle and detector-polarizing filter pairs detect an angle of the polarization relative to the wheel to determine its angular position. The transducer hub computer processes the sensor data and transfers the information via infrared signal to a computer located in the fender of the vehicle.

Multi-axis wheel transducer with angular position detector

A multi-axis force platform for determining forces and moments exerted on the platform along x, y and z axes includes at least one multi-axis spring. The multi-axis spring includes a block of rigid material through which a pattern of slots pass through to form a series of deflectable beams separated from each other by the slots. The deflectable beams surround an interior region of the spring and elastically couple the interior region of the spring to an outer region of the spring such that the interior region can deflect relative to the outer region along x, y and z axes when subjected to a load. One or more magnetic sensors are positioned within the interior region of the spring for sensing loads exerted on the spring.

Multi-axis force platform

In a force measuring platform, a top plate 12 is supported on tubular load cells 16. The load cells have strain gages to measure the strain due to the horizontal shear forces. The 'shear' strain gages also measure moments about the Z axis when properly placed in a bridge circuit. Strain gages mounted to measure vertical strain indicate vertical forces and moments about horizontal axes.

Force measuring platform and load cell therefor using strain gages to

A force measuring apparatus includes a platform construction on which forces may be exerted, as for example, by an individual stepping upon a top plate of the platform construction. Apparatus of this nature is commonly referred to in the art as a 'Biomechanics Platform', and may include a bottom plate, a top plate deformable by forces exerted thereon and a plurality of load cell members arranged to yieldably support the top plate in spaced relation to the bottom plate. The load cells are constructed with strain ring means having strain gage elements suitably supported thereon, and the cells further include composite anchoring means for connecting the top plate with strain rings of respective load cells in a unique manner. Each of the composite anchoring means includes a compliant or elastic member which is arranged to transmit, at any given time, an entire load exerted between the top plate and its respective load cell. Also included in each composite anchoring means are retaining elements arranged to engage with a respective elastic member as well as adjacent top plate and strain ring portions. The elastic member is further characterized by a compliance with respect to rotation and lateral translation of the top plate greater than the compliance of the entire load cell structure, thereby to eliminate to a very large extent transmission of erroneous force signals resulting from deformation of the top plate.

Force platform construction and method of operating same

A process for implanting a precise quantity of radioactive metal on a metal substrate such as a cutting tool or other metal part subject to wear at the area or areas where the part is expected to wear during its operation. The presence of the radioactive spot can be sensed to determine the extent of wear during use. The radioactive metal is deposited from a wire formed of a core of the radioactive metal surrounded by a sheath of metal having a high thermal and electrical conductivity relative to the core. In operation, the wire contacts the metal surface under pressure and electric current is passed through the wire in order to (1) form a pit on the tool surface, (2) weld the radioactive metal in the pit and (3) evaporate a small portion of the conductive sheath adjacent the pit. A second current then is passed through the wire to break it near the bottom of the pit, leaving a small quantity of radioactive material welded to the bottom of the pit.

Article for implanting radioactive metal on a substrate

Process for implanting radioactive metal on a substrate

Tungsten carbide tools are provided having improved wear properties which tools produce an improved surface finish on workpieces cut with said tools, both initially and after extended use. The tools are prepared by a process which comprises applying a coating of a Group IVB or VB metal of the Periodic Chart of the Elements over the tool, diffusing said metal into the tool and removing any excess of the metal from the surface of the tool, possibly by further diffusion of the metal into the tool. The preferred method is by gaseous decomposition of a metal halide in an atmosphere which does not contain a carbon source such as methane, used in some previous processes. The source of the carbon in the Group IVB or VB metal carbide is the carbon in the carbide tool being coated. Tools formed in accordance with the invention have wear properties such that they typically last at least four times as long as untreated tools and under most preferred conditions, as much as nine times as long as untreated tools.

Growing community of inventors

North Eastham, MA, United States of America

Nathan H Cook