Abstract: An apparatus for sensing forces applied to a structure includes a generally cylindrical body having a pair of end portions and a smaller diameter intermediate portion with a central aperture extending longitudinally through the body. The end portions are slotted to form radially outwardly translatable legs for engaging a wall of a cavity formed in the structure. Strain gauges are attached to the intermediate portion for sensing forces applied to the structure when the body is positioned in the cavity and the legs are engaging the wall of the cavity. The wall of the central aperture has a pair of threaded sections for threadably receiving bushing and bearing assemblies inserted from opposite ends of the central aperture. Each of the assemblies has a tapered surface for radially outwardly translating the legs.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring force applied to a blank resting on a tool supported by a tool holder includes a tubular piezoelectric body having a central aperture extending between a first end and a second end of the body, a plurality of legs attached to an outer surface of the body and each having a free end extending beyond the first end of the body, and an elongated tube extending through the central aperture of the body, a first end of the tube terminating between the first end of the body and the free ends of the legs. Indica are provided on an outer surface of the tube for indicating the position of the body in a cavity formed in a tool holder. An electrical cable has a pair of conductors electrically connected to the body for generating a sensor output signal. Potting compound is forced through an interior of the tube to encapsulate the legs, the body, the first end of the tube and the cable to retain the apparatus in the cavity.

Abstract: A golf swing evaluation system includes a golf club containing a sensor and an associated display for indicating the force and location of the impact of the club head against a golf ball. The sensor generates a sensor signal to a force circuit which generates an indication signal having characteristics of the impact. The indication signal is sent to a graphic display and/or a computer for evaluation. The sensor can also be an accelerometer for generating the acceleration characteristics of the club head throughout the swing. Several sensors can be utilized to provide information as to the location of the impact. The display can be located in the club grip or worn by the golfer.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the forces applied to dies in an underdrive press includes the step of determining the position of a frame in an upper slide of the press in relation to a surface of the slide. One or more force sensing transducers are then mounted on the surface of the upper slide each in a predetermined position with respect to the frame of the slide. The transducers are connected to a load monitoring device which is then calibrated to indicate the forces being applied to dies in the press during the operation of the press. The same steps are performed for each slide of an underdrive press having an inner upper slide and an outer upper slide.

Abstract: A tie rod load sensor for a die-casting or other machine includes an axially-extending bore formed in the tie rod to receive a strain gauged sensing member. One end of the sensing member is countersunk to receive a ball which concentrates the load when it is forced against the bottom of the bore by a bolt threaded into the opening of the bore. The sensing member includes a narrow central shaft portion upon which a plurality of strain gauges are mounted. The bolt is utilized to pre-load the sensing member such that the strain gauges mounted thereon will measure changes in the tension on the tie rod.

Abstract: An apparatus for indicating a quantity of electrical information in decimal notation. An input signal having a voltage level proportional to the quantity to be indicated is compared with a plurality of decimally related reference voltage levels to generate a separate decade enable signal for each reference voltage level which is equal to or less than the input signal voltage level. The input signal and the decade enable signals are utilized to generate a units signal having a voltage level proportional to the difference between the input signal voltage level and the voltage level of the largest reference voltage for which a decade enable signal has been generated. The units signal voltage level is compared with the reference voltage levels to generate a separate units enable signal for each of the reference voltage levels which are equal to or less than the units signal voltage level.