Monitoring tension in an elongate flexible member
US4928538A · kind A · utility
Assignees
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 11, 1988 |
| Grant date | May 29, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 11, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S73/01
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method of monitoring the tension in a flexible drive belt (1) which passes around a plurality of pulleys (2, 3) includes the steps of causing a portion of the belt (1) when installed around the pulleys to vibrate at a natural frequency and detecting that frequency. In one arrangement the belt (1) is set into a vibrating motion by an impulse and the frequency of the transient vibrations measured. In another arrangement the belt (1) vibrated by a drive mechanism which receives a drive signal derived from the belt movement. Specific methods and apparatus for monitoring the tension are also applied to measuring the tension in elongate flexible members other than drive belts.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.