The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 13, 1989
Filed:
Mar. 15, 1988
Paul K Schroeder, Center Point, IA (US);
Gary W Sampson, Marion, IA (US);
Rockwell International Corporation, El Segundo, CA (US);
Abstract
An improved strain sensor is disclosed utilizing a linear variable displacement transducer (LVDT) to precisely output the linear strain over a structural member. The LVDT is mounted utilizing a position apparatus having a similar coefficient of thermal expansion as the structural member, and effectively integrates the strain over the entire longitudinal dimension of the member by precisely measuring displacement under load. This assembly is readily incorporated in locomotive couplers and crane structures having a void or hollow coinciding with the neutral bending axis of the member being tested, as well as over relatively large spans, in pairs or singly, having bending moments present. A locomotive control system for increasing the strain on a locomotive coupler by monitoring the draw bar force with an associated generator speed and maximizing the draw bar force by manipulating the generator speed. A CPU interconnects the draw bar force sensor and the engine generator and makes comparisons and calculations necessary to set the generator speed in order to maximize draw bar force.