Patent ID: 6619056
Filing Date: 2003-09-16
Classification: A23G

Abstract:
A system for sensing the torque exerted upon a motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of a mixture, the system comprising:a moving member for moving the mixture; the motor shaft assembly including a drive device coupled to the moving member for imparting movement to the moving member and a drive shaft connecting the drive device and the moving member; the drive shaft defining an axis of rotation; the drive shaft being adapted for rotation to effect movement of the moving member; the drive shaft including at least one axially aligned resilient coupling extending generally coaxial with and radially spaced from the axis of rotation; the resilient coupling being adapted for rotation relative to the drive shaft so that when the drive shaft is rotated the relative position of the drive shaft and the resilient coupling varies in relation to the torque exerted upon the motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of the mixture; and a sensor positioned proximate the drive shaft for detecting the relative position of the drive shaft and the resilient coupling as it varies in relation to the torque exerted upon the motor shaft assembly relative to the consistency of the mixture.