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Optical torque sensor utilizing change in reflectance grating line spacing

  • US 5,490,430 A
  • Filed: 08/27/1993
  • Issued: 02/13/1996
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/14/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for measuring torque on a rotating or stationary shaft under torsion, comprising:

  • (a) a light source for emitting a light along a light path;

    (b) a light detector having a plurality of light detecting elements; and

    (c) a reflection grating provided with grating lines and grating spacing, said reflection grating being fixed to said shaft along said light path and said grating lines being fixed at an angle of 45°

    to the length of said shaft, for diffracting said light onto said light detecting elements in an alternating pattern of minima and maxima,whereby said torque causes a change in said grating spacing, said change causes different light detecting elements of said light detector to receive said alternating pattern.

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