William P Tassic

US Patent:

52729249, Dec 28, 1993

Filed:

Nov 5, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/788204

Inventors:

William P. Tassic - Northville MI
Mark A. Hockert - Bettendorf IA
Robert L. Miller - Davenport IA
Randall J. Peterson - Davenport IA

International Classification:

G01L 504

US Classification:

73862391

Abstract:

A system and method for monitoring the tension loading of a conveyor chain (12) utilizing a transducer (22) that is mounted on the chain to travel therewith and generate an electrical signal based on the tension of the chain (12) and a data logger (60) mounted on the chain for converting the electrical signal into tension data for storage in a memory (132) of the logger on the chain. The system also includes an infrared transmitter (146 ) for generating a position signal representing a predetermined position of the chain (12). The method utilizes the data logger (60) and involves mounting the logger on the chain and placing the chain under tension. The method further involves generating an electrical signal based on the tension of the chain, converting the electrical signal into tension data and storing the tension data in the memory on the chain.

US Patent:

52877566, Feb 22, 1994

Filed:

Apr 19, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/049170

Inventors:

William P. Tassic - Northville MI

International Classification:

G01L 504

US Classification:

73862391

Abstract:

A transducer (30) for sensing tension loading of a conveyor chain (12) of the type including single and dual links (14,16) pivotally connected in an alternating relationship includes a transducer link (40) having opposite ends (42,44) for connection along the chain and also includes a transducer member (46) mounted by the transducer link (40) between its ends. The transducer member (46) includes an opening (48) and at least one strain gauge (50) mounted thereon. A clamp (52) of the transducer compresses the transducer member (46) as tension loading is applied between the opposite ends of the transducer link to provide a strain gauge indication of the extent of the tension loading. The clamp (52) includes a clamp member (54) that opposes a clamping seat (56) on the transducer link (40) with the transducer member (46) clamped therebetween by a connector (58) that extends to one end (42) of the transducer link. The connector (58) includes a connector end ( 62) that carries the chain tension, a shank (64) that extends through a hole (60) in the transducer member (46), and a clamping end (66) that is secured to the clamp member (54) preferably by a threaded connection.

US Patent:

52071081, May 4, 1993

Filed:

Jun 7, 1991

Appl. No.:

7/711931

Inventors:

William P. Tassic - Northville MI

International Classification:

G01L 504

US Classification:

73862391

Abstract:

A transducer (30) for sensing tension loading of a conveyor chain (12) of the type including single and dual links (14,16) pivotally connected in an alternating relationship includes a transducer link (40) having opposite ends (42,44) for connection along the chain and also includes a transducer member (46) mounted by the transducer link (40) between its ends. The transducer member (46) includes an opening (48) and at least one strain gauge (50) mounted thereon. A clamp (52) of the transducer compresses the transducer member (46) as tension loading is applied between the opposite ends of the transducer link to provide a strain gauge indication of the extent of the tension loading. The clamp (52) includes a clamp member (54) that opposes a clamping seat (56) on the transducer link (40) with the transducer member (46) clamped therebetween by a connector (58) that extends to one end (42) of the transducer link. The connector (58) includes a connector end ( 62) that carries the chain tension, a shank (64) that extends through a hole (60) in the transducer member (46), and a clamping end (66) that is secured to the clamp member (54) preferably by a threaded connection.