Tension transducer

An apparatus for measuring the tension in an elongate flexible member, comprising a body member provided with first and second engagement means thereon, said first and second engagement means being arranged in opposed relationship and defining a non-linear path therebetween for receiving a tensioned elongate flexible member along said path and in engagement with said first and second engagement means to apply a lateral force between said first and second engagement means, wherein said first and second engagement means allows longitudinal movement of said tensioned member through said apparatus and further comprising means for measuring the speed of said movement, which speed-measuring means comprises means for measuring the frequency of cyclical variations in said lateral force.

A chain tension measuring device for a bicycle, comprising a transducer for engagement with a bicycle chain and mounting apparatus for mounting the transducer on a bicycle, wherein the transducer comprises

• a body member provided with first and second engagement means thereon and having a central part and a pair of arms extending from the central part, said second engagement means being provided on the arms, said first and second engagement means being arranged in opposed relationship and defining a non-linear path therebetween for receiving the bicycle chain along said path and in engagement with said first and second engagement means to apply a lateral force between said first and second engagement means,
• wherein said body is capable of being deformed by said lateral force, the amount of deformation being in proportion to the lateral force, and further comprising means for measuring said deformation, and
• wherein a lever is provided on each arm, the levers being arranged in spaced relationship and arranged for the spacing between the arms to increase in proportion to said deformation of the body member and wherein said deformation measuring means is responsive to the distance between said levers.

A chain tension measuring device for a bicycle, comprising a transducer for engagement with a bicycle chain and mounting apparatus for mounting the transducer on a bicycle, wherein the transducer comprises a body member provided with first and second engagement means thereon, said first and second engagement means being arranged in opposed relationship and defining a non-linear path therebetween for receiving the bicycle chain along said path and in engagement with said first and second engagement means to apply a lateral force between said first and second engagement means, wherein said first and second engagement means allows longitudinal movement of said bicycle chain through said transducer and further comprising means for measuring the speed of said movement, which speed-measuring means comprises means for measuring the frequency of cyclical variations in said lateral force.