Apparatus and methods for determining belt speed and pitch using correlation techniques. The apparatus includes a pair of rangefinders separated by a predetermined distance. The rangefinders each measure the distance to the belt at two positions separated from each other in the direction of belt travel. The apparatus creates at least one time-series profile record corresponding to the profile of a belt. The time delays between occurrences of a regularly spaced topographical feature in the belt's profile are used by a processor to compute belt pitch and speed. Correlation techniques are used for robust results.

The present invention provides a device for detecting the position of a piston, which includes a magnetic substance and is arranged so as to be movable inside a cylinder, the piston position detection device comprising: a first sensor for detecting the position of the piston by sensing a magnetic field generated by the magnetic substance; a second sensor for preventing false detection of the first sensor by sensing, before the first sensor, an external magnetic field; and a housing, which is mounted on the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder and accommodates the first sensor and the second sensor therein.

A smart belt and a control method thereof are provided, in which a belt device is provided, including a strap portion comprising a plurality of magnet patterns, a first sensor portion configured to sense one of the plurality of magnet patterns while the strap portion is being fastened to a buckle portion, and a controller configured to obtain a length of a waist circumference of a user that corresponds to the magnet pattern sensed by the first sensor portion. The belt apparatus may additionally include a clip portion connecting the strap portion with the buckle portion, and a second sensor portion configured to measure a tension exerted on the clip portion while the strap portion is being fastened to the buckle portion. The controller may correct the length of the waist circumference using a waist circumference correction value corresponding to the measured tension.

An operator controlled wire rope maintenance apparatus for remotely discerning and locating wire rope wear problems.

A method and system to measure a parameter associated with a component, device, or system with a specified accuracy, including: providing one or more sensors operably disposed to detect the parameter; obtaining a coarse measurement of the parameter within a first range using the one or more sensors, wherein the first range includes minimum and maximum values for the parameter; obtaining a fine measurement of the parameter within a second range using the one or more sensors, wherein the second range is smaller than the first range and has a specified ratio to the first range that provides the specified accuracy; determining a current value of the parameter by combining the coarse and fine measurements; and providing the current value of the parameter to a communications interface, a storage device, a display, a control panel, a processor, a programmable logic controller, or an external device.

The present disclosure relates to chain monitoring systems and methods. In particular, the chain monitoring system is configured to mount onto a portion of a chain and measure one or more parameters associated with one or more characteristics of the chain. The measured parameters are processed by the chain monitoring system and/or transmitted to a remote system for analysis. The analysis may be used to determine a characteristic and/or change in the characteristic of the chain. In some examples, the characteristic is an elongation value associated with the chain, which can be transmitted to a networked system for analysis, display, and/or control. In some examples, a sensor can be employed to measure one or more characteristics of the chain. The sensor may include, but is not limited to, a strain gauge, an accelerometer, an optical, a sonic, and/or a magnetic sensor.

An electromagnetic actuator (1) includes sensor magnets (21a, 21b) disposed correspondingly to plungers (11a, 11b), respectively. The electromagnetic actuator (1) further includes a sensor core (22) made of a magnetic material and disposed in a position through which magnetic fluxes from the plurality of sensor magnets (21a, 21b) can flow, and a magnetic sensor (23) that is disposed in a part of the sensor core (22) through which the magnetic fluxes of the plurality of sensor magnets (21a, 21b) can flow in common, and that detects the magnetic flux, which varies in accordance with respective positions of the plurality of plungers (11a, 11b).

An electromagnetic actuator (1) includes sensor magnets (21a, 21b) disposed correspondingly to plungers (11a, 11b), respectively. The electromagnetic actuator (1) further includes a sensor core (22) made of a magnetic material and disposed in a position through which magnetic fluxes from the plurality of sensor magnets (21a, 21b) can flow, and a magnetic sensor (23) that is disposed in a part of the sensor core (22) through which the magnetic fluxes of the plurality of sensor magnets (21a, 21b) can flow in common, and that detects the magnetic flux, which varies in accordance with respective positions of the plurality of plungers (11a, 11b).

Disclosed are methods and apparatuses for analysis of synthetic ropes, cords, slings, cables and belts (collectively termed ropes) including but not limited to ropes for bearing loads as well as fiber optic cables. The ropes are provided with one or more elements for magnetic detection, wherein the magnetic detection elements each comprise a metal fiber or an appropriately treated synthetic fiber. The methods and apparatuses encompass detection of induced or residual magnetism or magnetic flux in the magnetic detection element(s), to sense for example lay length and/or damage, breakage or wear of the magnetic detection element(s), indicative of the condition of the rope.

A detachable speed determining device includes an optical detecting module, an energy generating module and an energy storage module. The optical detecting module is adapted to determine axial rotational displacement of a bike component by detecting a movement of a pattern on the bike component. The energy generating module is adapted to generate energy. The energy storage module is sealed inside a housing of the detachable speed determining device in a water-resistance manner and electrically connected with the optical detecting module and the energy generating module. The optical detecting module is powered by the energy storage module, and the energy storage module is charged by the energy generating module. The detachable speed determining device further includes a bolted joint and a quick releasing handle, the bolted joint passes through an axle of the bike component, and the quick releasing handle is foldably disposed on the bolted joint.