Abstract: An apparatus provides an electronic signal in response to at least one of an applied force and an applied torque. The apparatus includes a detection device that detects movement of a movable member relative to a base, and provides the electronic signal, by driving a plurality of first sensor components.

Abstract: A force and torque converter provides an electronic signal in response to at least one of an applied force and an applied torque. The converter includes a base, a movable member that provides movement relative to the base in response to the at least one of the applied force and the applied torque, a controlling mechanism, and a detection circuit. The controlling mechanism has a plurality of resilient mechanisms, connected to the base and co-acting with the movable member, that provide at least one of a restoring force and a restoring torque to the movable member in response to the at least one of the applied force and the applied torque. The controlling mechanism further includes a restraining member, disposed within the movable member, that restrains the movable member when the movable member is in contact with the restraining member. The detection circuit co-acts with the controlling mechanism, to detect the movement of the movable member relative to the base, and provide the electronic signal.

Abstract: A force and torque converter is provided which provides an electronic representation of a planarly applied force and a torque applied about an axis that is orthogonal to the plane. The converter includes a base, an actuating member which is relatively displaced in response to the applied torque and force, resilient mechanisms to provide a restoring force and torque to the actuating member, and sensing mechanisms to sense the applied torque and force and generate an electronic representation thereof. The electronic representation is characterized by a sensitivity curve in which relatively small applied forces and torques result in a relatively low scale factor and where for a range of small applied forces and torques the relation of scale factor with respect to applied torque and force has a relatively low derivative. Further, for a range of larger applied forces and torques, the sensitivity curve has a relatively large scale factor and a relatively large derivative.

Abstract: A force and torque converter is provided that senses force and torque applied to the device. The converter includes a base, a grip, resilient connection members that extend radially and coplanarly from a central hub, located within the grip, and that connect to the grip, and sensing mechanisms to sense the displacement of the connection members. The displacements are resolved to determine the force and torque that is applied to the device, with respect to a Cartesian coordinate system.