WO2000075605A1 - System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor - Google Patents

System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2000075605A1
WO2000075605A1 PCT/FI2000/000492 FI0000492W WO0075605A1 WO 2000075605 A1 WO2000075605 A1 WO 2000075605A1 FI 0000492 W FI0000492 W FI 0000492W WO 0075605 A1 WO0075605 A1 WO 0075605A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
measuring
sensor
unit
central processing
strain gauge
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2000/000492
Other languages
French (fr)
Other versions
WO2000075605B1 (en
Inventor
Risto Sakari Rouvari
Original Assignee
R. Rouvari Oy
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by R. Rouvari Oy filed Critical R. Rouvari Oy
Priority to EP00929602A priority Critical patent/EP1194730A1/en
Priority to US10/009,377 priority patent/US6701260B1/en
Priority to AU47625/00A priority patent/AU4762500A/en
Priority to EEP200100654A priority patent/EE200100654A/en
Priority to JP2001501837A priority patent/JP4156833B2/en
Priority to KR1020017015477A priority patent/KR20020014807A/en
Publication of WO2000075605A1 publication Critical patent/WO2000075605A1/en
Publication of WO2000075605B1 publication Critical patent/WO2000075605B1/en
Priority to NO20015895A priority patent/NO20015895D0/en

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01G—WEIGHING
    • G01G7/00—Weighing apparatus wherein the balancing is effected by magnetic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic action, or by means not provided for in the preceding groups
    • G01G7/02—Weighing apparatus wherein the balancing is effected by magnetic, electromagnetic, or electrostatic action, or by means not provided for in the preceding groups by electromagnetic action
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01L—MEASURING FORCE, STRESS, TORQUE, WORK, MECHANICAL POWER, MECHANICAL EFFICIENCY, OR FLUID PRESSURE
    • G01L1/00—Measuring force or stress, in general
    • G01L1/20—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress
    • G01L1/205—Measuring force or stress, in general by measuring variations in ohmic resistance of solid materials or of electrically-conductive fluids; by making use of electrokinetic cells, i.e. liquid-containing cells wherein an electrical potential is produced or varied upon the application of stress using distributed sensing elements
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01B—MEASURING LENGTH, THICKNESS OR SIMILAR LINEAR DIMENSIONS; MEASURING ANGLES; MEASURING AREAS; MEASURING IRREGULARITIES OF SURFACES OR CONTOURS
    • G01B7/00—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques
    • G01B7/16—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge
    • G01B7/18—Measuring arrangements characterised by the use of electric or magnetic techniques for measuring the deformation in a solid, e.g. by resistance strain gauge using change in resistance

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a system for measuring loading, stresses and/or material fatigues occurring in a structure.
  • the invention also relates to a measuring unit and a measuring sensor suitable for use in connection with said system.
  • the invention is applicable especially to the measurement of stresses and loading in a ship hull.
  • Load exerted on a ship hull must be continuously measured for any changes taking place in the structure, such as material fatigue, to be detected before the structures break. Similar measurements are performed regarding other structures, such as other vehicles, bridges and buildings.
  • FIG. 1 shows a top view of the main deck 10 of a ship hull and the typical positioning of measuring sensors 11, 12, 13 and 14 on the main deck of the ship hull.
  • measuring sensors are steel bars with an approximate length of 1-2 metres, which are solidly attached e.g. by welding to the main deck of the ship hull, with one end of the bar stationary and the other end axially movable.
  • a movement sensor is disposed to measure the mutual movement.
  • the bar of the measuring sensors shall have a length at least equal to the length mentioned above for the relative movements of the bars to be sufficiently large (typically a maximum of +/- 5 mm) and the deformation measurement to be sufficiently accurate.
  • the weak signal obtained from the measuring sensors is conducted to the central unit of the measuring system, where the signals received from the sensors are amplified and converted into digital form, and mathematical signal processing is performed.
  • standard signal processing models to allow optimally reliable detection of critical deformations by means of measurement results.
  • Such models are i.a. the frequency range analysis and the so- called Rainflow classification.
  • the Rainflow classification is defined i.a. in ASTM Standard E1049-85 (Reapproved 1990).
  • prior art systems involve the problem of interference connected to the long measuring lines between the measuring sensors and the central processing unit. This is difficult to avoid by protecting the measuring cables, because the signals to be transmitted from the measuring sensors are low-frequency analogue signals.
  • prior art measuring sensors also involve the problem of onerous calibration. On reason for this is the cumbersome detachment of large measuring sensors from the ship hull, and another reason is that a large-sized measuring sensor may behave differently when attached to a ship hull than under calibration conditions. Consequently, accurate and reliable calibration will be difficult to achieve. The replacement of a defective measuring sensor is also awkward.
  • the object of the present invention is to avoid the prior art problems mentioned above with the aid of a new measuring solution.
  • the measuring sensor unit i.e. measuring unit of a measuring system
  • the measuring sensor unit comprises means for processing a signal obtained from the sensor so that complete mathematical measurement results can be transmitted from the measuring unit to the central processing unit.
  • the central processing unit comprises means for processing a signal obtained from the sensor so that complete mathematical measurement results can be transmitted from the measuring unit to the central processing unit.
  • no large computing power will be required in the central processing unit, nor does this capacity requirement depend substantially on the number of measuring sensors used.
  • the number of measuring sensors can be readily increased.
  • the negative impact of interference connected to the cable between the measuring unit and the central processing unit will be small, because the signals to be transmitted are digital and the transmission can be repeated if necessary.
  • a second inventive idea is that the measuring sensor has mechanical features allowing it to be readily attached to and detached from the structure to be measured.
  • the structure to be measured preferably includes a base for attachment of the measuring sensor.
  • the measuring sensor can then be calibrated apart from the structure to be measured and the behaviour of the measuring sensor will be exactly the same in the structure to be measured as under calibrating conditions.
  • a further inventive idea is to form a measuring sensor from a sensor assembly and a strain gauge so that deformations are transmitted to the strain gauge, which is attached to an elastic area in the sensor assembly.
  • the elastic area is preferably formed with a double H opening in the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor preferably comprises a second strain gauge for temperature calibration, which is attached to a part of the sensor assembly where no deformation occurs. In this manner, a small-sized but high-precision measuring sensor will be provided, which is easy to handle e.g. during calibration.
  • the system of the invention for measuring loading on a structure which comprises a central processing unit and at least one measuring unit, is characterised by the measuring unit comprising
  • the central processing unit comprising means for receiving and collecting processing results transmitted from at least one measuring unit.
  • the measuring sensor of the invention for measuring loading on a structure is characterised by the fact that the measuring sensor comprises a sensor assembly, which is attached to the structure to be measured and includes two rigid members for attachment to the structure to be measured and an elastic member between these, a first strain gauge having been fastened to said elastic member for transmitting deformations of the structure and the sensor assembly to the strain gauge with a view to generate a signal proportional to the deformations of the strain gauge.
  • a measuring sensor for converting deformations of a structure into an electric signal
  • figure 1 shows conventional positioning of measuring sensors on the deck of a ship hull
  • figure 2 is a block diagram of a measuring system of the invention
  • figure 3 is a block diagram of a measuring unit of the invention
  • figure 4 is a flow diagram of a procedure of the invention for transmitting measuring data
  • figure 5 a is a top view of a measuring sensor of the invention
  • figure 5b is a lateral view of a measuring sensor of the invention.
  • FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a measuring system of the invention. It comprises a central processing unit 20, which is connected to a digital data communication bus 21. Connected to the data communication bus 21, there is a plurality of measuring units 30, 32 and 34, which are placed at suitable measuring locations in the structure to be measured.
  • the central processing unit may comprise e.g. a PC-based computer with e.g. an NT operating system.
  • a divided memory may act as an open user interface, over which the user has access to the measuring results in the system and can control the system.
  • the data communication bus may preferably be an ARCNET-data network (Attached Resource Computer Network).
  • An ARCNET computer network has the feature of automatic reconfiguration. This feature is preferably utilised by performing an addition and a removal of a measuring sensor/unit without any program modifications or other modifications of the system.
  • Each measuring sensor/unit is identified in the system on the basis of its own individual identifier (e.g.
  • the ARCNET computer network automatically handles the data communication node identifiers in connection with each configuration activation. Hence cross-connection incorporated in the message interpretation of the central processing unit can be automatically organised and connect the data communication node identifier to the individual identifier of the measuring unit. Configuration is consequently not needed as a user operation.
  • Figure 3 shows a measuring unit 30 of the invention. It comprises a Wheatstone bridge 302, in which a first strain gauge for measuring deformation and a second strain gauge for temperature compensation are serially connected. Stationary resistors form the second part of the bridge.
  • a measuring signal obtained from the Wheatstone bridge is amplified with the instrumentation amplifier 304, whose output signal is further filtered with a low pass filter 306.
  • the measuring frequency band is e.g. 0-150 Hz, and the frequency band can preferably be selected by progratnming.
  • the amplified and filtered analogue signal is converted into a digital signal with an analogue-digital (A/D) converter 308, from where the digital samples obtained are directed to the microprocessor 310.
  • the A/D converter 308 may also be included in the processor 310.
  • the processor 310 stores the measuring results in the storage 314 over the internal bus 312 in the measuring unit. This repeatedly programmable storage 314 has a capacity of e.g. 4 kB + 32 kB.
  • a real-time measuring signal covering the last 10 seconds can be stored in the memory.
  • Computing parameters can also be stored in the memory.
  • the data communication interface 316 connected to the bus 312 further communicates with the system bus 21, which transmits data between the central processing unit and the measuring units.
  • the transmission of measuring data from the measuring unit memory 314 to the central processing unit takes place on the basis of commands from the central processing unit and a program stored in the measuring unit.
  • the measuring unit can e.g. transmit a 10 second sample history to the central processing unit.
  • the measuring unit transmits a measurement sample signal to the central processing unit at a sample frequency, which is preferably lower than the sampling frequency of the D/A-converter.
  • the measuring unit can also be configured over the data communication bus. Thus, for instance, it is possible to choose the analysing methods programmed in the measuring unit to be implemented.
  • the measuring unit may also transmit its configuration setting at determined intervals to be checked by the central processing unit. Also, the measurement offset can be calibrated and the data sampling frequency can be set under the control of the central processing unit.
  • the measuring unit also preferably supervises its own operation. Thus, for instance the cycle of signal analysing programs can be supervised in order to prevent overload on the computing capacity of the processor.
  • the processor 310 comprises preferably an internal permanent ROM memory, which may have a capacity of e.g. 128 kB.
  • the programs relating both to the measuring unit functions and those relating to data communication between the central processing unit and the measuring unit are stored in this ROM.
  • the required signal analysing algorithms are also stored in the ROM, the algorithms being e.g.:
  • the measuring unit may comprise circuits for generating operating voltages from the supply voltage obtained from the bus (not represented in figure 3).
  • Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of a procedure 400 in accordance with the invention for transmitting data between a measuring unit and the central processing unit.
  • the measuring unit checks whether a message has been received from the central processing unit, step 402. If a message has been received, it is interpreted, 404. Then follows a check whether the measuring unit has received new configuration data, step 406. If new configuration data have been received, the configuration of the measuring unit is reset according to these new data, 408.
  • the command may be e.g. a bit/bit string to this effect in a message addressed by the central processing unit to the measuring unit.
  • the command may also derive from a sensor timer.
  • the configuration data are sent to the central processing unit, 412. Then it is checked whether the measuring unit has received a command to send mathematically calculated measuring data to the central processing unit, step 414. If such a command has been received, the measuring data are transmitted to the central processing unit, 416. After this follows a check whether the measuring unit has received a command to send signal history to the central processing unit, 418. If such a command has been received, the signal history is sent to the central processing unit, 420. Then it is checked whether the measuring unit has received a command to send a Rainflow classification to the central processing unit, 422. If such a command has been received, the Rainflow classification is sent to the central processing unit, 424.
  • step 430 If the buffer contains data, the data are sent to the central processing unit, 432. In that case, the transmission preferably takes place at a sample frequency lower than the sampling frequency.
  • step 402 is resumed, and the steps mentioned above are repeated, so that the measuring data needed for the central processing unit in each case are actually sent to the central processing unit in conformity with the commands of the central processing unit. It should be noted that apart from the central processing unit, the commands mentioned above may consequently derive from the measuring unit timer.
  • Figures 5 a and 5b show a measuring sensor 50 of the invention, which is suitable for use i.a. in the measuring unit of the invention.
  • Figure 5a shows a top view of the measuring sensor and figure 5b a side view of the measuring sensor.
  • the measuring sensor comprises a sensor assembly 502 having rigid members 504 and 508 at its ends and an elastic member 506 at its centre. The rigid and elastic members are separated with a broken line in the figure.
  • the rigid member of the sensor assembly has holes 520 and 522 for attachment of the sensor to the structure material to be measured or to mounting members provided in the structure material.
  • the elastic member 506 of the sensor assembly has two openings 510 and 512 in the shape of an H, i.e. forming a so-called double H opening. With the aid of this opening, the elastic member has been imparted higher elasticity than the rigid member. Between the two H-shaped openings, a first strain gauge sensor 530 has been attached, which, connected e.g. to a Wheatstone bridge, provides a signal proportional to the deformation of the elastic member. In addition, within the second H opening, a second strain gauge sensor has been attached, in whose mounting base no deformation occurs. The purpose of this second strain gauge sensor is to act as a reference resistor of the Wheatstone bridge and to compensate for the resistance changes caused by temperature variations of the sensor in the first strain gauge sensor.
  • the elastic area of the sensor assembly material (i.e. a limit of elasticity of ⁇ ) is preferably selected so as to be larger than that of the structure material, for the structure material deformations to be measured not to cause permanent changes in the elastic area of the sensor assembly.
  • the sensor assembly material has been selected so as to resist varying loads without fatigue, in the way the structure material does.
  • the legs in the double H-shape of the sensor assembly are rectangular cross-sectional surfaces, whose length does not exceed the buckling length under compression load when the compression load corresponds to the deformation of the structure material over its entire elastic area (G E ).
  • the sensor is preferably fastened by bolts to mounting members welded to the structure material, so that the measuring sensor can be replaced and calibrated.
  • the measuring sensor can be mounted as normal precision work.
  • the power transmission from the structure material takes place by means of a frictional joint, the adhesive surfaces of the sensor assembly having been roughened with cobalt carbide coatings 544 and 548.
  • the carbide crystals of the coating penetrate into mating surfaces of the fastening elements welded to the structure material, thus preventing sliding.
  • the unit can be encapsulated preferably with the casing bottom comprising the measuring sensor and the cover part of the casing comprising the signal processing electronics.
  • the bottom part and the cover part are preferably joined in a way which ensures a water-proof unit.
  • a fixed cable extendable in an appropriate junction box is preferably used in the measuring unit.
  • a second option is encapsulating the measuring sensor and the signal processing electronics in discrete casings. Such a solution may be advantageous when it is necessary to carry out mounting of the sensor part under explosive circumstances. Such locations are e.g. the inner surfaces of various containers. The measuring electronics is then preferably placed outside the container, for instance.
  • the invention can be applied to most varied structures. It should also be noted that the measuring sensor, measuring unit and measuring method and/or system of the invention can also be implemented independently of each other.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Testing Or Calibration Of Command Recording Devices (AREA)
  • Testing Of Devices, Machine Parts, Or Other Structures Thereof (AREA)
  • Arrangements For Transmission Of Measured Signals (AREA)
  • Measurement Of Force In General (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for measuring loading, stresses and/or material fatigue in a structure. The invention also relates to a measuring sensor unit (50) and a measuring sensor (302) suitable for use in connection with said method. The invention is applicable especially to the measurement of stresses and loading on a ship hull. One inventive idea is that the measuring sensor unit (50) of the measuring system comprises means (310) for processing a signal from the sensor so as to allow complete mathematical measuring results to be transmitted (316, 21) from the measuring sensor unit to the central processing unit. Another inventive idea is to form a measuring sensor from the sensor assembly and the strain gauge so that deformations are transmitted to the strain gauge attached to an elastic area of the sensor assembly. By means of the invention, the measuring units can be calibrated apart from the structure material and additional measuring units can be provided in the system whenever necessary.

Description

System for measuring loadings in a structure , measuring unit and measuring sensor
The invention relates to a system for measuring loading, stresses and/or material fatigues occurring in a structure. The invention also relates to a measuring unit and a measuring sensor suitable for use in connection with said system. The invention is applicable especially to the measurement of stresses and loading in a ship hull.
Load exerted on a ship hull must be continuously measured for any changes taking place in the structure, such as material fatigue, to be detected before the structures break. Similar measurements are performed regarding other structures, such as other vehicles, bridges and buildings.
There are conventional methods comprising the fastening of measuring sensors to a ship hull to measure local deformations of the structure. Figure 1 shows a top view of the main deck 10 of a ship hull and the typical positioning of measuring sensors 11, 12, 13 and 14 on the main deck of the ship hull. Typically used measuring sensors are steel bars with an approximate length of 1-2 metres, which are solidly attached e.g. by welding to the main deck of the ship hull, with one end of the bar stationary and the other end axially movable. At the junction, e.g. a movement sensor is disposed to measure the mutual movement. The bar of the measuring sensors shall have a length at least equal to the length mentioned above for the relative movements of the bars to be sufficiently large (typically a maximum of +/- 5 mm) and the deformation measurement to be sufficiently accurate.
In conventional methods, the weak signal obtained from the measuring sensors is conducted to the central unit of the measuring system, where the signals received from the sensors are amplified and converted into digital form, and mathematical signal processing is performed. There are different standard signal processing models to allow optimally reliable detection of critical deformations by means of measurement results. Such models are i.a. the frequency range analysis and the so- called Rainflow classification. The Rainflow classification is defined i.a. in ASTM Standard E1049-85 (Reapproved 1990).
The prior art systems mentioned above involve some drawbacks. Firstly, the systems have been devised for a given number of standard measuring sensors, so that additional measuring sensors cannot be provided if necessary. This is due to the fact that the computing capacity of the central processing unit of the system and the interfaces have been dimensioned for a predetermined number of measuring sensors. There are situations where the usual number of measuring sensors will not be sufficient, such as for instance in a catamaran ship, where a considerable greater number of measuring sensors, e.g. 60 units, might be necessary, compared with a "conventional" ship hull, where there are usually e.g. 4 measuring sensors.
Secondly, prior art systems involve the problem of interference connected to the long measuring lines between the measuring sensors and the central processing unit. This is difficult to avoid by protecting the measuring cables, because the signals to be transmitted from the measuring sensors are low-frequency analogue signals.
In addition, prior art measuring sensors also involve the problem of onerous calibration. On reason for this is the cumbersome detachment of large measuring sensors from the ship hull, and another reason is that a large-sized measuring sensor may behave differently when attached to a ship hull than under calibration conditions. Consequently, accurate and reliable calibration will be difficult to achieve. The replacement of a defective measuring sensor is also awkward.
The object of the present invention is to avoid the prior art problems mentioned above with the aid of a new measuring solution.
One inventive idea is that the measuring sensor unit, i.e. measuring unit of a measuring system, comprises means for processing a signal obtained from the sensor so that complete mathematical measurement results can be transmitted from the measuring unit to the central processing unit. In this manner, no large computing power will be required in the central processing unit, nor does this capacity requirement depend substantially on the number of measuring sensors used. Thus the number of measuring sensors can be readily increased. In addition, the negative impact of interference connected to the cable between the measuring unit and the central processing unit will be small, because the signals to be transmitted are digital and the transmission can be repeated if necessary.
A second inventive idea is that the measuring sensor has mechanical features allowing it to be readily attached to and detached from the structure to be measured.
In this case, the structure to be measured preferably includes a base for attachment of the measuring sensor. The measuring sensor can then be calibrated apart from the structure to be measured and the behaviour of the measuring sensor will be exactly the same in the structure to be measured as under calibrating conditions.
A further inventive idea is to form a measuring sensor from a sensor assembly and a strain gauge so that deformations are transmitted to the strain gauge, which is attached to an elastic area in the sensor assembly. The elastic area is preferably formed with a double H opening in the sensor assembly. In addition, the sensor preferably comprises a second strain gauge for temperature calibration, which is attached to a part of the sensor assembly where no deformation occurs. In this manner, a small-sized but high-precision measuring sensor will be provided, which is easy to handle e.g. during calibration.
The system of the invention for measuring loading on a structure, which comprises a central processing unit and at least one measuring unit, is characterised by the measuring unit comprising
- a measuring sensor for converting structure deformations into an electric signal,
- means for converting said signal into a digital signal,
- means for mathematical processing of the digital signal, and
- means for ti-msntitting the processing results to the central processing unit, the central processing unit comprising means for receiving and collecting processing results transmitted from at least one measuring unit.
The measuring sensor of the invention for measuring loading on a structure is characterised by the fact that the measuring sensor comprises a sensor assembly, which is attached to the structure to be measured and includes two rigid members for attachment to the structure to be measured and an elastic member between these, a first strain gauge having been fastened to said elastic member for transmitting deformations of the structure and the sensor assembly to the strain gauge with a view to generate a signal proportional to the deformations of the strain gauge.
The measuring unit of the invention for measuring loading on a structure is characterised by the fact that the measuring unit comprises
- a measuring sensor for converting deformations of a structure into an electric signal, - means for converting said signal into a digital signal,
- means for mathematical processing of the digital signal, and
- means for tiansmitting the processing results to the central processing unit. Preferred embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.
The invention is explained in greater detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which
figure 1 shows conventional positioning of measuring sensors on the deck of a ship hull, figure 2 is a block diagram of a measuring system of the invention, figure 3 is a block diagram of a measuring unit of the invention, figure 4 is a flow diagram of a procedure of the invention for transmitting measuring data, figure 5 a is a top view of a measuring sensor of the invention and figure 5b is a lateral view of a measuring sensor of the invention.
Figure 1 has been explained above in connection with the description of prior art.
Figure 2 is a block diagram of a measuring system of the invention. It comprises a central processing unit 20, which is connected to a digital data communication bus 21. Connected to the data communication bus 21, there is a plurality of measuring units 30, 32 and 34, which are placed at suitable measuring locations in the structure to be measured.
The central processing unit may comprise e.g. a PC-based computer with e.g. an NT operating system. In that case, in a windows NT operating system, a divided memory may act as an open user interface, over which the user has access to the measuring results in the system and can control the system. The data communication bus may preferably be an ARCNET-data network (Attached Resource Computer Network). An ARCNET computer network has the feature of automatic reconfiguration. This feature is preferably utilised by performing an addition and a removal of a measuring sensor/unit without any program modifications or other modifications of the system. Each measuring sensor/unit is identified in the system on the basis of its own individual identifier (e.g. serial number), so that the data are organised to the user interface (data structure) in the divided memory of the Windows NT by the individual identifier. The ARCNET computer network automatically handles the data communication node identifiers in connection with each configuration activation. Hence cross-connection incorporated in the message interpretation of the central processing unit can be automatically organised and connect the data communication node identifier to the individual identifier of the measuring unit. Configuration is consequently not needed as a user operation.
Figure 3 shows a measuring unit 30 of the invention. It comprises a Wheatstone bridge 302, in which a first strain gauge for measuring deformation and a second strain gauge for temperature compensation are serially connected. Stationary resistors form the second part of the bridge.
A measuring signal obtained from the Wheatstone bridge is amplified with the instrumentation amplifier 304, whose output signal is further filtered with a low pass filter 306. The measuring frequency band is e.g. 0-150 Hz, and the frequency band can preferably be selected by progratnming. The amplified and filtered analogue signal is converted into a digital signal with an analogue-digital (A/D) converter 308, from where the digital samples obtained are directed to the microprocessor 310. The A/D converter 308 may also be included in the processor 310. The processor 310 stores the measuring results in the storage 314 over the internal bus 312 in the measuring unit. This repeatedly programmable storage 314 has a capacity of e.g. 4 kB + 32 kB. For instance, a real-time measuring signal covering the last 10 seconds can be stored in the memory. Computing parameters can also be stored in the memory. The data communication interface 316 connected to the bus 312 further communicates with the system bus 21, which transmits data between the central processing unit and the measuring units. The transmission of measuring data from the measuring unit memory 314 to the central processing unit takes place on the basis of commands from the central processing unit and a program stored in the measuring unit. At the request of the central processing unit, the measuring unit can e.g. transmit a 10 second sample history to the central processing unit.
The measuring unit transmits a measurement sample signal to the central processing unit at a sample frequency, which is preferably lower than the sampling frequency of the D/A-converter. The measuring unit can also be configured over the data communication bus. Thus, for instance, it is possible to choose the analysing methods programmed in the measuring unit to be implemented. The measuring unit may also transmit its configuration setting at determined intervals to be checked by the central processing unit. Also, the measurement offset can be calibrated and the data sampling frequency can be set under the control of the central processing unit. The measuring unit also preferably supervises its own operation. Thus, for instance the cycle of signal analysing programs can be supervised in order to prevent overload on the computing capacity of the processor.
The processor 310 comprises preferably an internal permanent ROM memory, which may have a capacity of e.g. 128 kB. The programs relating both to the measuring unit functions and those relating to data communication between the central processing unit and the measuring unit are stored in this ROM. The required signal analysing algorithms are also stored in the ROM, the algorithms being e.g.:
- calculation of the signal average, - calculation of the effective signal value,
- expressions of peak values: a positive peak value, a negative peak value and the maximum peak-to-peak value,
- calculation of zero overflows and average zero overflow frequency,
- Rainflow classification and - calculation of the frequency range spectrum of the signal by the Fast Fournier (FFT) process.
These analysing methods programmed in the processor of the measuring unit are preferably implemented by the measuring unit in real time.
In addition to the blocks mentioned above, the measuring unit may comprise circuits for generating operating voltages from the supply voltage obtained from the bus (not represented in figure 3).
Figure 4 shows a flow diagram of a procedure 400 in accordance with the invention for transmitting data between a measuring unit and the central processing unit. First, the measuring unit checks whether a message has been received from the central processing unit, step 402. If a message has been received, it is interpreted, 404. Then follows a check whether the measuring unit has received new configuration data, step 406. If new configuration data have been received, the configuration of the measuring unit is reset according to these new data, 408. Next follows a check whether the measuring unit has received a command to transmit the valid configuration data to the central processing unit, 410. The command may be e.g. a bit/bit string to this effect in a message addressed by the central processing unit to the measuring unit. The command may also derive from a sensor timer. If such a command has been received, the configuration data are sent to the central processing unit, 412. Then it is checked whether the measuring unit has received a command to send mathematically calculated measuring data to the central processing unit, step 414. If such a command has been received, the measuring data are transmitted to the central processing unit, 416. After this follows a check whether the measuring unit has received a command to send signal history to the central processing unit, 418. If such a command has been received, the signal history is sent to the central processing unit, 420. Then it is checked whether the measuring unit has received a command to send a Rainflow classification to the central processing unit, 422. If such a command has been received, the Rainflow classification is sent to the central processing unit, 424. Then it is checked whether the measuring unit has received a command to send FFT results to the central processing unit, 426. If such a command has been received, the FFT results are sent to the central processing unit, 428. Finally follows a check whether the signal sample buffer of the measuring unit contains data, step 430. If the buffer contains data, the data are sent to the central processing unit, 432. In that case, the transmission preferably takes place at a sample frequency lower than the sampling frequency. At the end of these steps, step 402 is resumed, and the steps mentioned above are repeated, so that the measuring data needed for the central processing unit in each case are actually sent to the central processing unit in conformity with the commands of the central processing unit. It should be noted that apart from the central processing unit, the commands mentioned above may consequently derive from the measuring unit timer.
Figures 5 a and 5b show a measuring sensor 50 of the invention, which is suitable for use i.a. in the measuring unit of the invention. Figure 5a shows a top view of the measuring sensor and figure 5b a side view of the measuring sensor. The measuring sensor comprises a sensor assembly 502 having rigid members 504 and 508 at its ends and an elastic member 506 at its centre. The rigid and elastic members are separated with a broken line in the figure. The rigid member of the sensor assembly has holes 520 and 522 for attachment of the sensor to the structure material to be measured or to mounting members provided in the structure material.
The elastic member 506 of the sensor assembly has two openings 510 and 512 in the shape of an H, i.e. forming a so-called double H opening. With the aid of this opening, the elastic member has been imparted higher elasticity than the rigid member. Between the two H-shaped openings, a first strain gauge sensor 530 has been attached, which, connected e.g. to a Wheatstone bridge, provides a signal proportional to the deformation of the elastic member. In addition, within the second H opening, a second strain gauge sensor has been attached, in whose mounting base no deformation occurs. The purpose of this second strain gauge sensor is to act as a reference resistor of the Wheatstone bridge and to compensate for the resistance changes caused by temperature variations of the sensor in the first strain gauge sensor.
The elastic area of the sensor assembly material (i.e. a limit of elasticity of σ^) is preferably selected so as to be larger than that of the structure material, for the structure material deformations to be measured not to cause permanent changes in the elastic area of the sensor assembly. Moreover, the sensor assembly material has been selected so as to resist varying loads without fatigue, in the way the structure material does. The legs in the double H-shape of the sensor assembly are rectangular cross-sectional surfaces, whose length does not exceed the buckling length under compression load when the compression load corresponds to the deformation of the structure material over its entire elastic area (GE).
The sensor is preferably fastened by bolts to mounting members welded to the structure material, so that the measuring sensor can be replaced and calibrated. In fact, the measuring sensor can be mounted as normal precision work. The power transmission from the structure material takes place by means of a frictional joint, the adhesive surfaces of the sensor assembly having been roughened with cobalt carbide coatings 544 and 548. The carbide crystals of the coating penetrate into mating surfaces of the fastening elements welded to the structure material, thus preventing sliding.
When the measuring unit comprises the sensor of the invention and the signal processing electronics of the invention, the unit can be encapsulated preferably with the casing bottom comprising the measuring sensor and the cover part of the casing comprising the signal processing electronics. In addition, the bottom part and the cover part are preferably joined in a way which ensures a water-proof unit. A fixed cable extendable in an appropriate junction box is preferably used in the measuring unit.
A second option is encapsulating the measuring sensor and the signal processing electronics in discrete casings. Such a solution may be advantageous when it is necessary to carry out mounting of the sensor part under explosive circumstances. Such locations are e.g. the inner surfaces of various containers. The measuring electronics is then preferably placed outside the container, for instance. A number of preferred embodiments of the invention has been described above. The principle of the invention can naturally be varied within the scope of protection defined by the claims with regard to details and fields of application.
It should be especially noted that, besides in the measurement of the loading on a ship hull, the invention can be applied to most varied structures. It should also be noted that the measuring sensor, measuring unit and measuring method and/or system of the invention can also be implemented independently of each other.

Claims

Claims
1. A system for measuring loading on a structure, comprising a central processing unit (20) and at least one measuring unit (30, 32, 34), characterised in that the measuring unit comprises
- a measuring sensor (302, 50) for converting deformations of the structure into an electric signal,
- means (308) for converting said signal into a digital signal,
- means (310) for mathematical processing of said signal, and - means (316, 21) for transmitting the processing results to the central processing unit, the central processing unit comprising means for receiving and collecting the processing results transmitted from at least one measuring unit.
2. A system as defined in claim 1, characterised in that the system comprises means for controlling the functions of at least one measuring unit from the central processing unit.
3. A system as defined in claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the data communication between the central processing unit (20) and the measuring units
(30, 32, 34) takes place over a bus (21), to which at least two measuring units have been connected, the measuring units have an identifier logically identifying the measuring units, the identifier being transferred between the measuring unit and the central processing unit in order to identify data addressed to a given measuring unit and data sent from a given measuring unit.
4. A system as defined in any of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that said at least one measuring unit is removably attached to the structure material to be measured.
5. A measuring sensor (50) for measuring loading on a structure, characterised in comprising a sensor assembly (502) which is attached to the structure to be measured and comprises two rigid parts (504, 508) for attachment to the structure to be measured and an elastic part (506) between these, a first strain gauge (530) having been attached to the elastic part for transmitting deformations of the structure and the sensor assembly to the strain gauge with a view to generate a signal proportional to the deformations.
6. A measuring sensor as defined in claim 5, characterised in comprising a second strain gauge (532) for temperature compensation which is attached to a portion of the base where no substantial deformations occur.
7. A measuring sensor as defined in claim 6, characterised in that said first strain gauge and second strain gauge are integrated in a Wheatstone bridge (302).
8. A measuring sensor as defined in any of claims 5-7, characterised in that said sensor assembly comprises a double-H opening (510, 512) for forming an elastic area and providing a measuring point for said first strain gauge (530).
9. A measuring sensor as defined in claim 8, characterised in said first strain gauge is attached between two H openings.
10. A measuring sensor as defined in claim 6 and 8 or 9, characterised in that the second strain gauge (532) is attached to the central member of the H opening.
11. A measuring sensor as defined in any of claims 5-10, characterised in that the elastic area/limit of elasticity (σE) of the sensor assembly material is selected so as to be higher than that of the structure material.
12. A measuring sensor as defined in any of claims 5-11, characterised in that the surfaces (544, 548) on the rigid parts (504, 508) bearing against the structure material to be measured or against the fastening members provided in the structure material have been roughened to enhance the friction of the joint.
13. A measuring unit (30) for measuring loading on a structure, characterised in that the measuring unit comprises
- a measuring sensor (302) for converting deformations of the structure into an electric signal,
- means (308) for converting said signal into a digital signal,
- means (310) for mathematical processing of the digital signal, and
- means (316) for transntitting the processing results to the central processing unit.
14. A measuring unit as defined in claim 13, characterised in comprising means (520, 522) for removable attachment to the structure material.
PCT/FI2000/000492 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor WO2000075605A1 (en)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP00929602A EP1194730A1 (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor
US10/009,377 US6701260B1 (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor
AU47625/00A AU4762500A (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor
EEP200100654A EE200100654A (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring structural loads, measuring unit and measuring sensor
JP2001501837A JP4156833B2 (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring load in structure, measurement unit and measurement sensor
KR1020017015477A KR20020014807A (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for Measuring Loading on a Structure, Measuring Unit and Measuring Sensor
NO20015895A NO20015895D0 (en) 1999-06-03 2001-12-03 System for measuring loads in a structure, as well as measuring unit and measuring sensor

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI991270 1999-06-03
FI991270A FI107193B (en) 1999-06-03 1999-06-03 Measuring probe

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2000075605A1 true WO2000075605A1 (en) 2000-12-14
WO2000075605B1 WO2000075605B1 (en) 2001-03-08

Family

ID=8554800

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/FI2000/000492 WO2000075605A1 (en) 1999-06-03 2000-06-02 System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor

Country Status (10)

Country Link
US (1) US6701260B1 (en)
EP (1) EP1194730A1 (en)
JP (1) JP4156833B2 (en)
KR (1) KR20020014807A (en)
CN (1) CN1190652C (en)
AU (1) AU4762500A (en)
EE (1) EE200100654A (en)
FI (1) FI107193B (en)
NO (1) NO20015895D0 (en)
WO (1) WO2000075605A1 (en)

Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2283159A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2007-10-16 Miguel Luis Cabral Martin Method for measurement of resistance and fatigue of structures dynamics submitted to distortion, involves measuring angles of distortion inside resistance field of materials of structures
CN102636306A (en) * 2012-03-30 2012-08-15 中国船舶重工集团公司第七○二研究所 Distributed strain collector for long-term safety monitoring of ship structure
CN104748664A (en) * 2015-03-13 2015-07-01 南华大学 Rock-soil mass interior displacement measuring system
CN105865781A (en) * 2016-06-14 2016-08-17 广东精铟海洋工程股份有限公司 Strip load measuring device based on double-Wheatstone-bridge connection
CN106248045A (en) * 2016-09-06 2016-12-21 西安交通大学 A kind of strain measurement system of anti-strong electromagnetic
US10675358B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2020-06-09 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Antibody adjuvant conjugates
US11400164B2 (en) 2019-03-15 2022-08-02 Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. Immunoconjugates targeting HER2

Families Citing this family (20)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
KR20040079222A (en) * 2003-03-07 2004-09-14 한근조 Wireless stress measurement system for rotating body
KR100933236B1 (en) * 2003-08-22 2009-12-24 한국항공우주산업 주식회사 Aircraft Load Measurement Signal Analysis System
CN1295480C (en) * 2005-01-31 2007-01-17 中南大学 Non-contact stress measuring device for large structure frame
ATE446495T1 (en) * 2006-05-30 2009-11-15 Timken Co SENSOR FOR DISPLACEMENT, STRETCH AND FORCE
KR100836419B1 (en) * 2006-06-07 2008-06-09 울산과학대학 산학협력단 Load/pressure/length simultaneously measurement the peculation data logger which is possible
DE102006044692B4 (en) * 2006-09-22 2017-02-02 Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. Angle-measuring arrangement
US7878069B2 (en) 2009-05-04 2011-02-01 Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. Torque insensitive header assembly
US7559248B2 (en) * 2007-07-03 2009-07-14 Kulite Semiconductor Products, Inc. High pressure transducer having an H shaped cross-section
US8296053B1 (en) 2007-10-09 2012-10-23 Lockheed Martin Corporation System and method for determining relative motion between ship combat system elements
US8432537B2 (en) * 2008-06-16 2013-04-30 Duhane Lam Photoelastic coating for structural monitoring
WO2012031961A1 (en) * 2010-09-09 2012-03-15 Inventio Ag Load measuring device for an elevator installation
CN102175472A (en) * 2010-12-31 2011-09-07 大连理工大学 Wireless intelligent fatigue monitoring system based on life annual ring bionic mechanism
CN104849030B (en) * 2014-12-19 2018-08-24 北京宝沃汽车有限公司 Connecting rod dynamic load test device for reciprocating-piston engine
WO2017074165A1 (en) * 2015-10-30 2017-05-04 주식회사 임프레시보코리아 Apparatus, method and non-transitory computer-readable recording medium for detecting transformation of flexible structure
CN106840151B (en) * 2017-01-23 2019-05-17 厦门大学 Model-free deformation of hull measurement method based on delay compensation
CN109029236A (en) * 2018-07-25 2018-12-18 中铁第四勘察设计院集团有限公司 It is a kind of to eliminate the engineering structure mechanical strain test method and device that temperature influences
CN110864798A (en) * 2019-11-18 2020-03-06 中国矿业大学(北京) Temperature correction device and micro-vibration measurement system
CN112880799A (en) * 2021-03-25 2021-06-01 梅特勒-托利多(常州)精密仪器有限公司 Safety redundant sensor
CN113252277B (en) * 2021-05-24 2024-06-25 中国能源建设集团山西省电力勘测设计院有限公司 Mechanical response test device and test method for substation downlead simulating wind load
US20230127077A1 (en) * 2021-10-08 2023-04-27 Qorvo Us, Inc. Input structures for strain detection

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3853000A (en) * 1971-02-23 1974-12-10 Peak Components Ltd Strain measuring transducer
GB1456403A (en) * 1974-01-04 1976-11-24 Welwyn Electric Ltd Transducers
US4064744A (en) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-27 Kistler-Morse Corporation Strain sensorextensiometer
US4522072A (en) * 1983-04-22 1985-06-11 Insouth Microsystems, Inc. Electromechanical transducer strain sensor arrangement and construction
US5327791A (en) * 1992-01-16 1994-07-12 Walker Robert R Vehicle beam load measuring system
WO1997010486A1 (en) * 1995-09-15 1997-03-20 Koivisto, Marja-Liisa Sensing element for measuring loads
EP0845657A2 (en) * 1996-11-29 1998-06-03 FINMECCANICA S.p.A. Device for measuring deformation of a structure, in particular a marine stucture

Family Cites Families (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4336595A (en) * 1977-08-22 1982-06-22 Lockheed Corporation Structural life computer
DE3314181A1 (en) * 1983-04-19 1984-10-25 Kraftwerk Union AG, 4330 Mülheim METHOD FOR MONITORING THE FATIGUE OF COMPONENTS, e.g. IN NUCLEAR POWER PLANTS
US4831558A (en) * 1986-08-26 1989-05-16 The Slope Indicator Company Digitally based system for monitoring physical phenomena
US5512713A (en) * 1991-12-27 1996-04-30 Ishida Co., Ltd. Load cell having a hollow and a strain gauge formed on a substrate attached inside the hollow
EP0548927B1 (en) * 1991-12-27 1998-04-15 ISHIDA CO., Ltd. Load cell and weighing apparatus using the same
US5606515A (en) * 1993-02-03 1997-02-25 Instron Corporation Sensor conditioning circuitry for use with electrically excited transducers
FR2701317B1 (en) 1993-02-09 1995-03-31 Thomson Csf Device for measuring the forces exerted on a mechanical part and fixing method.
US5754122A (en) * 1993-07-19 1998-05-19 Competitive Technologies, Inc. System and method for monitoring structures
US6420819B1 (en) * 1994-01-27 2002-07-16 Active Control Experts, Inc. Packaged strain actuator
JP3188838B2 (en) * 1996-03-28 2001-07-16 株式会社福岡機器製作所 Data collection device for fatigue analysis by rainflow method
US5734110A (en) 1996-10-11 1998-03-31 Kistler-Morse Corporation Temperature compensated, easily installed bolt-on strain sensor
US5962792A (en) * 1997-06-02 1999-10-05 The Penn State Research Foundation Beam strain gauge

Patent Citations (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3853000A (en) * 1971-02-23 1974-12-10 Peak Components Ltd Strain measuring transducer
GB1456403A (en) * 1974-01-04 1976-11-24 Welwyn Electric Ltd Transducers
US4064744A (en) * 1976-06-04 1977-12-27 Kistler-Morse Corporation Strain sensorextensiometer
US4064744B1 (en) * 1976-06-04 1985-12-17
US4522072A (en) * 1983-04-22 1985-06-11 Insouth Microsystems, Inc. Electromechanical transducer strain sensor arrangement and construction
US5327791A (en) * 1992-01-16 1994-07-12 Walker Robert R Vehicle beam load measuring system
WO1997010486A1 (en) * 1995-09-15 1997-03-20 Koivisto, Marja-Liisa Sensing element for measuring loads
EP0845657A2 (en) * 1996-11-29 1998-06-03 FINMECCANICA S.p.A. Device for measuring deformation of a structure, in particular a marine stucture

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
ES2283159A1 (en) * 2004-01-13 2007-10-16 Miguel Luis Cabral Martin Method for measurement of resistance and fatigue of structures dynamics submitted to distortion, involves measuring angles of distortion inside resistance field of materials of structures
CN102636306A (en) * 2012-03-30 2012-08-15 中国船舶重工集团公司第七○二研究所 Distributed strain collector for long-term safety monitoring of ship structure
CN104748664A (en) * 2015-03-13 2015-07-01 南华大学 Rock-soil mass interior displacement measuring system
CN105865781A (en) * 2016-06-14 2016-08-17 广东精铟海洋工程股份有限公司 Strip load measuring device based on double-Wheatstone-bridge connection
US10675358B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2020-06-09 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Antibody adjuvant conjugates
US11110178B2 (en) 2016-07-07 2021-09-07 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Standford Junior University Antibody adjuvant conjugates
US11547761B1 (en) 2016-07-07 2023-01-10 The Board Of Trustees Of The Leland Stanford Junior University Antibody adjuvant conjugates
CN106248045A (en) * 2016-09-06 2016-12-21 西安交通大学 A kind of strain measurement system of anti-strong electromagnetic
US11400164B2 (en) 2019-03-15 2022-08-02 Bolt Biotherapeutics, Inc. Immunoconjugates targeting HER2

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
JP4156833B2 (en) 2008-09-24
EE200100654A (en) 2003-02-17
US6701260B1 (en) 2004-03-02
WO2000075605B1 (en) 2001-03-08
CN1190652C (en) 2005-02-23
FI991270A0 (en) 1999-06-03
FI107193B (en) 2001-06-15
CN1353808A (en) 2002-06-12
AU4762500A (en) 2000-12-28
NO20015895L (en) 2001-12-03
NO20015895D0 (en) 2001-12-03
KR20020014807A (en) 2002-02-25
JP2003501641A (en) 2003-01-14
EP1194730A1 (en) 2002-04-10
FI991270A (en) 2000-12-04

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6701260B1 (en) System for measuring loadings in a structure, measuring unit and measuring sensor
EP1785703B1 (en) Method for monitoring and/or determining the condition of a force measuring device and force measuring device
US5421204A (en) Structural monitoring system
CN107014486B (en) Checking unit and method of power transmission line breeze vibration monitoring device
EP1299700A1 (en) Method and apparatus for monitoring structural fatigue and use
CN106679859A (en) bolt stress monitoring system and monitoring method
US20220018729A1 (en) Method for monitoring axial loads in structures by identifying natural frequencies
CN114593845B (en) Load sensor safety monitoring system based on internet
ITTO971102A1 (en) METHOD FOR CHECKING THE SEVERITY OF A VIBRATION OF A PRESS AND PORTABLE DEVICE FOR THIS CHECK.
CN108825447A (en) A kind of wind energy conversion system monitoring method and system
US9664649B2 (en) Structural health monitoring system employing electromechanical impedance technology
WO2004056271A3 (en) Method for determining normal measurements for a patient
CN113405590A (en) Device, system and method for testing states of key components of railway vehicle
KR100373517B1 (en) An Apparatus for Measuring the Cable Tension Using the Dynamic Characteristics of Cable
CN105865606A (en) Truck scale fault diagnosis apparatus and diagnosis method
FI114040B (en) Load measuring system for ship hull, converts structural deformation into electric signal, which is converted into digital signal and processed and processed result is transmitted to central processing unit by bus
CN107388956A (en) Realize the method and device of container monitoring
US6748809B2 (en) Load monitoring systems and methods
KR100343279B1 (en) A Measuring Method of Cable Tension Using the Dynamic Characteristics of Cable
WO2001061301A1 (en) Method for determining the strain of construction
KR20050092967A (en) Method and system for safely managing structure
KR0158158B1 (en) Apparatus for measuring the wearness of road surface
KR200243440Y1 (en) A device of measuring variety environment status for the engineering and construction site
Dalrymple Bolt Insights
CN115790949A (en) Bolt connection state monitoring method based on wearable intelligent gasket

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 00808382.7

Country of ref document: CN

AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AE AG AL AM AT AU AZ BA BB BG BR BY CA CH CN CR CU CZ DE DK DM DZ EE ES FI GB GD GE GH GM HR HU ID IL IN IS JP KE KG KP KR KZ LC LK LR LS LT LU LV MA MD MG MK MN MW MX MZ NO NZ PL PT RO RU SD SE SG SI SK SL TJ TM TR TT TZ UA UG US UZ VN YU ZA ZW

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): GH GM KE LS MW MZ SD SL SZ TZ UG ZW AM AZ BY KG KZ MD RU TJ TM AT BE CH CY DE DK ES FI FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE BF BJ CF CG CI CM GA GN GW ML MR NE SN TD TG

B Later publication of amended claims
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
ENP Entry into the national phase

Ref document number: 2001 501837

Country of ref document: JP

Kind code of ref document: A

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1020017015477

Country of ref document: KR

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 10009377

Country of ref document: US

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2000929602

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1020017015477

Country of ref document: KR

REG Reference to national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: 8642

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 2000929602

Country of ref document: EP

DPE2 Request for preliminary examination filed before expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed from 20040101)