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:
Jan. 15, 2002
Filed:
Aug. 13, 1997
Yehia El-Ibiary, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Richard M. Whiddon, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Gary E. DeWachter, Simpsonville, SC (US);
John F. Cook, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Reliance Electric Technologies, LLC, Mayfield Heights, OH (US);
Abstract
A bearing apparatus having one or more integrated load sensors for determining the load imposed on a rotatable shaft. The bearing apparatus includes a bearing housing having a bearing set, such as a bearing insert, located therein. The load sensors are preferably configured as strain gauges having resistance characteristics that vary as the bearing housing is deformed. For example, the strain gauges may be angularly spaced in an arcuate recess defined below the bearing set in the bearing housing. Preferably, circuitry is also provided to condition the deformation signal to provide an indication of loading on the shaft. The conditioning circuitry may be advantageously attached to the exterior of the bearing housing.