Electronic animal hoof force detection systems
US4703217A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 23, 1986 |
| Grant date | Oct 27, 1987 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 23, 2006 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61D17/00
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Hoof force detection apparatus having shoe portions adapted for connecting to the hooves of hoofed animals. The apparatus also includes piezoelectric elements mounted on sensor mounting sections which are connected to the shoe portions using flexion joints. The flexion joints allow forces applied to the animal's hooves through the shoe to be accommodated without applying undesirable bending moments and shear forces which would render output signals from the piezoelectric elements unreliable. Preferred forms of shoe-transducer structures include a plurality of spokes extending from shoe portions to centrally positioned sensor mounting sections. Other forms have sensors mounted in the shoe portions. The piezoelectric sensor structures preferably include a ceramic piezoelectric element protected by a cap having a flange. The protective cap and piezoelectric element are held in place by a mounting ring in some preferred embodiments. Backup plates can be used to properly support the sensor structures. Also disclosed is a signal amplication and integration circuit for analyzing the output signals produced by the piezoelectric elements and similar sensor types. The circuits include curren…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.