Apparatus for detecting torque, axial position and axial alignment of a rotating shaft

Abstract

The present invention is an apparatus for obtaining an indication of torque, axial alignment and axial location for a shaft rotating about an axis of rotation. A first set of detectable elements are operably connected to the shaft and positioned parallel to the axis of rotation. A second set of detectable elements parallel to the axis of rotation are interlaced in a sensing plane with said first set of detectable elements. The second set of detectable elements have a variable relative position with respect to the first set of detectable elements. A third set of detectable elements are positioned laterally to the first set of detectable elements and the second set of detectable elements in an alignment plane parallel to the sensing plane. The third set of detectable elements are positioned at an offset angle to the axis of rotation. A plurality of sensors are positioned to detect passage of the first set of detectable elements, the second set of detectable elements and the third set of detectable elements, with each of the sensors producing a signal in response to detection of detectable elements. Relationships for signals produced from detection of the first, second and third sets of detectable elements with respect to a reference signal produced by detection of detectable elements in a plane separate from the alignment plane provides an indication of torque, axial alignment and axial location.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.