Microdot Inc.

Liberty Technologies, Inc.

Liberty Technology Center, Inc.

Stephen M Heiman

Michael J Delzingaro

A strain sensor device is attached to a cylindrical structural member for measuring the amount of twist of the member about an axis of rotation and includes a central beam, which is aligned parallel to the axis of rotation of the structural member and is fastened in between two mounting members which are themselves fixedly secured to the structural member. When torsion occurs in the structural member, the one mounting member will move in a relative direction parallel to the other mounting member but offset by the length of the central beam. The central beam is significantly less rigid than the mounting blocks and bends to accommodate the movement. Four strain gauges are secured to the central beam in a bridge circuit to measure bending of the beam. The bridge circuit generates electrical signals proportional to the angle of twist and the torsional load on the structural member. Additional strain gauges can be provided on a second beam, perpendicular to the central beam, to measure bending of the second beam proportional to axial loads on the structural member. Shaped blocks, which are adhered to the structural member, or clamps may be used as mounting members.

Stem torque sensor

A system for determining torque generated by a motor actuated operator driving a partial turn valve including a torque ring replacing the cover of the operator housing, a frictional shaft coupling member coupling the inner circumferential surface of the drive sleeve within the operator housing to the central shaft of a torque plug projecting from the operator through the torque ring. Two or more stops are provided projecting from the torque ring on either side of the central shaft. A cross member is provided extending radially outwardly from the central shaft of the torque plug to contact each of the stops when the operator is driven. A sensor, preferably an array of strain gauges mounted to the central shaft, generates a signal proportional to the torque applied by the operator to the operator housing through the frictional shaft coupling and the torque plug. The system can be used to calibrate torque switches typically associated with the motor actuator of the operator or corrolate another parameter of the motor actuated operator, such as an actuator spring pack force or displacement which varies with torque load, so as to measure torque indirectly from such parameter.

System and method for determining torque output of motor actuated valve

A vacuum dump valve comprises a housing having a cylindrical cavity therein communicating with ambient pressure and with a vacuum line, and a plunger in said cavity having a pair of diametrically spaced tabs acceptable in a pair of slots in said housing to limit travel and guide the plunger relative to the housing.

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Exton, PA, United States of America

Stephen M Heiman