Flat, multiconductor cable coil device for in situ detecting of axial motion of a generally cylindrical member

• US 4,879,511 A
• Filed: 10/31/1988
• Issued: 11/07/1989
• Est. Priority Date: 08/20/1987
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Crane Nuclear, Inc. (Crane Company)
• Original Assignee: Liberty Technology Company Limited
• Inventors: Leon, Robert L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Strecker, Gerard R.
• Application Number:
  US07/265,082
• Time in Patent Office: 372 Days
• Field of Search: 324/179, 324/207, 324/208, 324/160, 324/163, 324/165, 336/200, 336/220, 336/223, 137/554, 340/870.31, 340/870.32, 340/870.35, 340/870.36
• US Class Current: 324/163
• CPC Class Codes: F16K 37/0083 by measuring valve parameters
• CPC Class Codes: G01B 7/16 for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
• CPC Class Codes: G01L 5/0061 Force sensors associated with industrial machines or actuators for the specific machine or actuator involved see relevant class, e.g. F01, F04, F16, B66, E21
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 3/00 Registering or indicating the condition or the working of machines or other apparatus, other than vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8242 Electrical

Abstract

A device is disclosed for in situ detecting of axial motion of a generally cylindrical member in which both ends of the member are unavailable for the installation of a prewound coil. The device comprises a predetermined length of generally flat multiconductor cable. A first connector component is secured to one end of the cable, the first connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable. A second connector component is secured to the other end of the cable, the second connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable. The two connector components are interconnected with the cable surrounding the cylindrical member so that contacts of the first and second connector components interengage to contact together predetermined conductors of the cable to form two generally parallel, independent coils extending around the cylindrical member with the ends of the coils being located on the first and second connector components. A current source is electrically connected to one of the coils for imparting current through the one coil. A display device is electrically connected to the other of the coils for receiving voltages induced in the other coil. The induced voltages are proportional to the velocity of axial movement of the cylindrical member through the coils.

Claims

1. A device for in situ detecting of axial motion of a generally cylindrical member in which both ends of the member are unavailable for the installation of a prewound coil, the device comprising:

a predetermined length of generally flat, multiconductor cable;

a first connector component secured to one end of the cable, the first connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable;

a second connector component secured to the other end of the cable, the second connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable, the two connector components being interconnected with the cable surrounding the cylindrical member so that the contacts of the first and second connector components interengage to connect together predetermined conductors of the cable to form two generally parallel, independent coils extending around the cylindrical member, the ends of the coils being located on the first and second connector components and accessible for external connection;

a current source electrically connected to the accessible ends of one of the coils for imparting current flow through the one coil; and

display means electrically connected to the accessible ends of the other of the coils for receiving induced voltages proportional to the velocity of axial movement of the cylindrical member through the coils and for indicating the received voltages as an indication of the velocity of axial motion of the cylindrical member.

2. The device as recited in claim 1 wherein the display means further include means for indicating the polarity of the received voltages to indicate the direction of axial movement of the cylindrical member.

3. A device for detecting axial motion of a valve stem which has been installed within, and is surrounded by, a valve yoke so that the ends of the valve stem are unavailable for the installation of a prewound coil, the device comprising:

a predetermined length of generally flat, multiconductor cable;

a first connector component secured to one end of the cable, the first connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable;

a second connector component secured to the other end of the cable, the second connector component having a plurality of electrical contacts, the number of contacts being at least two greater than the number of conductors of the cable, the two connector components being interconnected with the cable surrounding the valve stem so that the contact of the first and second connector components interengage to connect together predetermined conductors of the cable to form two generally parallel, independent coils extending around the valve stem, the ends of the coils being located on the first and second connector components and accessible for external connection;

a current source electrically connected to the accessible ends of one of the coils for imparting current flow through the one coil; and

display means electrically connected to the accessible ends of the other of the coils for receiving induced voltages proportional to the velocity of axial movement of the valve stem through the coils and for indicating the received voltages as an indication of the velocity of the axial motion of the valve stem.

4. The device as recited in claim 3 wherein the display means further include means for indicating the polarity of the received voltages to indicate the direction of axial movement of the valve stem.