Sensotec, Inc.

Wireless Data Corporation

Wayne A Pittman

David P Swartz

Allen A Sweet

Stephen L Bill

The new Ground Fault Detection and Diode Fault Detection (GFD/DFD) Systems have rotating and stationary component assemblies. The rotating assembly has four interface modules, which are normally encapsulated, in a specially configured support ring. The GFD/DFD Systems support ring assembly is bolted to the brushless exciter. The brushless exciter is attached to a generator or motor. The GFD/DFD System support ring is provided power by an induction loop antenna attached to a stationary Induction Power Supply (IPS). A Receiver Control Unit provides power to the IPS and receives and conditions the RF (radio frequencies) data transmitted from the GFD/DFD System support ring assembly. These units together provide the means to detect ground faults, to detect diode faults, and to activate alarm lights and electrical control signals for normal and faulty operating conditions.

Diode fault detection and ground fault detection systems

A hollow shaft torque measurement and telemetry system is provided for race cars. The system provides information on the torque delivered to each drive wheel of a race car while the race car is in motion. That information is valuable in attempting to maximize the speed during a race. The system operates under the high vibrations and temperature levels typical of a race car. A set of strain gauges, a transmitter, and batteries are installed inside one of the hollow shafts connected to a race car's drive wheels. The batteries provide power for the system. The strain gauges are mounted in an electrical bridge configuration so that they provide an electrical indication of torsion only. The strain gauges are connected to the transmitter. The transmitter converts that electrical indication of torsion to an FM radio signal, and has an automatic calibration circuit. The transmitter is connected to a rotating antenna over-wrapped with glass epoxy on the outside of the shaft. The FM radio signal is transmitted via the over-wrapped antenna. A whip antenna mounted on a stationary non-rotating part of the race car receives the FM radio signal from either or both hollow shafts. The whip antenna is connected to a specially hardened low power receiver mounted on a stationary part of the race car. The receiver receives the FM radio signal, demodulates and conveys a torque related voltage to the race car's indicator and data collection system.

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Milpitas, CA, United States of America

Wayne A Pittman