Abstract: A capacitor comprising at least two electrodes separated from one another by an elastic dielectric for measuring forces acting upon one of the electrodes--the so-called measuring electrode--by detecting the resultant change in capacitance. The dielectric comprises a web having at least at one face thereof protruding nap-shaped protuberances defining a hollow space which is at a reduced pressure in relation to the external pressure.

Abstract: A capacitor comprising at least two electrodes separated from one another by an elastic dielectric formed of rubber and/or plastic for measuring forces acting upon one of the electrodes--the so-called measuring electrodes--by detecting the resultant change in capacitance. The dielectric in its unloaded state is pre-compressed and preferably possesses a number of hollow spaces.

Abstract: An optical system focuses a laser beam emanating from a laser onto a surface of an object, such as a circumferential surface of the object to be measured. The light beam is reflected from the object, so as to form a generally focused light spot; the intensity of the light spot, which depends on the distance of the surface from the optical system, is measured, and the measurement results are displayed and/or utilized for controlling the dimensions of the object, if the object is an elongated article, and is continuously produced, generally in a direction transverse to its cross-section.