Abstract: A closed-loop microelectromechanical accelerometer includes a substrate of semiconductor material, an out-of-plane sensing mass and feedback electrodes. The out-of-plane sensing mass, of semiconductor material, has a first side facing the supporting body and a second side opposite to the first side. The out-of-plane sensing mass is also connected to the supporting body to oscillate around a non-barycentric fulcrum axis parallel to the first side and to the second side and perpendicular to an out-of-plane sensing axis. The feedback electrodes are capacitively coupled to the sensing mass and are configured to apply opposite electrostatic forces to the sensing mass.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a system and method for differentiating one or more objects detected behind an opaque surface, comprising, collecting, by one or more sensors, sensor data of the one or more objects behind the opaque surface along a scan path of a scanner; identifying, by one or more processors, signal strengths detected by the one or more sensors using the sensor data; analyzing, by the one or more processors, the signal strengths detected by the one or more sensors to differentiate one or more estimated regions of the one or more objects behind the opaque surface; and informing a user, by the one or more processors via a user interface, of the one or more estimated regions of the one or more objects behind the opaque surface.

Abstract: In a pressure-sensitive touch sensor of a capacitance type, a first electrode and a second electrode are provided on a first surface of a base material sheet. The base material sheet is folded between the first electrode and the second electrode so that a surface of the first electrode and a surface of the second electrode face each other. The base material sheet is folded at a fold line portion in which a slit is formed. An elastic layer is provided between folded parts of the base material sheet. The pressure-sensitive touch sensor is configured to detect pressing on the operation surface based on a change in capacitance, which is caused when the elastic layer is compressed and deformed in a thickness direction by a pressing force to reduce a distance between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: A high-resolution index (HRI) detector module for use with a meter including an HRI wheel therein having a modulator thereon is provided. The HRI detector module includes a plurality of capacitive sensors positioned on a printed circuit board (PCB). The plurality of capacitive sensors is configured to detect a change in capacitance caused by the modulator of the HRI wheel when the modulator enters into an electric field generated by the plurality of capacitive sensors. Related systems are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to determine a position of a rotatable shaft of a motor are disclosed. An example apparatus to determine a position of a rotatable shaft of a motor includes a sensor printed circuit board (PCB) structured to be mounted to a motor, the sensor PCB including a plurality of capacitive sensors, the plurality of capacitive sensors having respective ones of a plurality of capacitances that independently change as a conductor moves relative to the sensor PCB in conjunction with a rotatable shaft of the motor during an operation of the motor, and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor PCB, the controller configured to determine a position of the rotatable shaft based on the plurality of capacitances.

Abstract: A fixed element is provided to be used in a position detection device for detecting a position of a movable element that moves on the fixed element. The fixed element includes a substrate, a plurality of first electrodes and a second electrode. The substrate has as first surface, a second surface and a low-dielectric constant area. The second surface faces in an opposite direction to the first surface. The low-dielectric constant area has a lower-dielectric constant than other portions of the substrate. The first electrodes are disposed on the first surface of the substrate. The first electrodes include three or more phases arranged one-dimensionally in a repeating pattern in a movement direction of the movable element. The second electrode is disposed on the first surface of the substrate and is arranged in the movement direction of the movable element adjacent the first electrodes.

Abstract: A magnet arrangement including at least one magnetic element providing a modulated magnetization in a first direction and an essentially constant magnetization in a second direction different from the first direction.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a strand of compliant material with a center axis. The apparatus further includes a multi-region angular displacement sensor connected to the strand. The multi-region angular displacement sensor includes a first angular displacement unit in a first sense region of the stand. The first angular displacement unit is used to determine a first angular displacement in response to deformation of the first angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a second angular displacement unit disposed in a second sense region of the strand. The second angular displacement unit is used to determine a second angular displacement in response to deformation of the second angular displacement unit. The multi-region angular displacement sensor also includes a reinforcement structure that restricts movement of the first and second angular displacement unit with respect to the center axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe including a housing; a plurality of axially stacked caps disposed within the housing, the plurality of stacked caps including an inner cap and an outer cap, a probe sensor fixedly disposed between the inner cap and an axial bottom of the housing, and an electronic lead connected to the probe sensor and axially extending through the plurality of caps to an exterior of the probe.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor circuit and a controller. The force sensor circuit includes first, second, third, and fourth electrodes disposed on a substrate. The first and second electrodes extend through first and second cells of a row of cells. The third and fourth electrodes extend through third and fourth cells of a column of cells. The first electrode occupies more area in the first cell than in the second cell. The second electrode occupies more area in the second cell than in the first cell. The third electrode occupies more area in the third cell than in the fourth cell. The fourth electrode occupies more area in the fourth cell than in the third cell. The controller detects a force and a position of the force based on signals communicated by the force sensor circuit.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting at a surface that an object is approaching which is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid. The capacitive sensor includes a circuit carrier and/or a spacer element and/or a carrier. In this case, the circuit carrier is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid and/or the spacer element is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid and/or the carrier is designed to be flexurally rigid and/or torsionally rigid. The circuit carrier is in the form of a circuit board and is used for making electrical contact with the electrically conductive surfaces of the capacitive sensor. The spacer element is situated between the electrically conductive surfaces and the circuit carrier. The carrier is designed for connecting the capacitive sensor to a machine part, in particular to a machine part of an industrial robot.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector can include a plurality of sensor plates and a common plate. The sensor plates may be arranged linearly to form a sensor array. The common plate may extend along the sensor array and have a length that is shortened. An end sensor plate at an end of the sensor array has a smaller area than a non-end sensor plate that is not at the end of the sensor array. A controller coupled to the sensing circuit can analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or more indicators are coupled to the controller, and each can be selectively set to identify a location of an obscured feature behind a surface, or otherwise indicate variances of capacitance measurements along the sensor array. Other disclosed obscured feature detectors include a plurality of sensor plates arranged radially around a center point.

Abstract: The displacement detector is configured to receive a transmission signal output from a transmission signal output unit by a reception electrode disposed in a detection head to detect a displacement between the detection head and a scale based on the received signal. The transmission signal is transmitted from a transmission electrode disposed in the detection head to the reception electrode through a coupling electrode disposed in the scale. Phase adjustment units generates a signal whose phase is adjusted from the transmission signal output from the transmission signal output unit. An amplitude adjustment unit adjusts an amplitude of the signal whose phase is adjusted by the phase adjustment unit to generate a crosstalk correction signal. A demodulation unit samples a signal generated by synthesizing the crosstalk correction signal and the received signal and to demodulate the sampled signal.

Abstract: A two-shaft gas turbine control system and method are provided that can enhance the efficiency and reliability thereof by controlling the amount of intake air spray and the rotational speed of a high-pressure turbine in accordance with the aperture of an inlet guide vane in a state where a two-shaft gas turbine is being operated with the efficiency of its compressor reduced. The control system includes a droplet spray device for spraying droplets to intake air for the compressor and a controller.

Abstract: An electronic position encoder comprises a scale including a periodic scale pattern along a measuring axis direction having a scale period Ps, and a detector portion comprising a first group of sensing elements, a second group of sensing elements, and a signal processing configuration. The second group of sensing elements is located at a group position which is equal to K2*Ps+PS/M relative to the first group of sensing elements along the measuring axis direction, where K2 and M are integers. The signal processing configuration independently acquires a first set of detector signals from the first group of sensing elements, and a second set of detector signals from the second group of sensing elements, and determines a relative position between the detector portion and the scale pattern based on the first set of detector signals and the second set of detector signals.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor circuit and a controller. The force sensor circuit includes first, second, third, and fourth electrodes disposed on a substrate. The first and second electrodes extend through first and second cells of a row of cells. The third and fourth electrodes extend through third and fourth cells of a column of cells. The first electrode occupies more area in the first cell than in the second cell. The second electrode occupies more area in the second cell than in the first cell. The third electrode occupies more area in the third cell than in the fourth cell. The fourth electrode occupies more area in the fourth cell than in the third cell. The controller detects a force and a position of the force based on signals communicated by the force sensor circuit.

Abstract: A brake pad wear measuring system for measuring brake pad wear for a vehicle disc brake system includes a first coil excitable to create a first magnetic field, and a first target associated with the first coil. The first coil and the first target are configured for movement relative to each other in response to application of the disc brake system. The relative movement causes the first target to move within the first magnetic field and affect the inductance of the first coil. The brake pad wear measuring system also includes a second coil excitable to create a second magnetic field, and a second target associated with the second coil. The second coil and the second target are configured for movement relative to each other in response to application of the disc brake system. The relative movement causes the second target to move within the second magnetic field and affect the inductance of the second coil.

Abstract: A lamination type stretch sensor includes a first elastic insulating layer, a first elastic conductive layer, an elastic dielectric layer, a second elastic conductive layer and a second elastic insulating layer sequentially piled together thereon. The first elastic conductive layer includes a plurality of first coupling sections and a plurality of first connecting sections. The second elastic conductive layer includes a plurality of second coupling sections and a plurality of second connecting sections disposed between the second coupling sections. The elastic dielectric layer is deposited between the first elastic conductive layer and the second elastic conductive layer.

Abstract: An excitation signal is produced on a plate of an unknown capacitor and on a plate of a known capacitor. The excitation signal is amplified over time to produce a first output signal, with gain that is proportional to capacitance of the unknown capacitor. The excitation signal is also amplified over time to produce a second output signal, with gain that is proportional to capacitance of the known capacitor. Capacitance of the unknown capacitor is computed using a mathematical function of the first and second output signals and the capacitance of the known capacitor, while being insensitive to amplitude of the excitation signal. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.

Abstract: A position sensing system and method for detecting the displacement of a door from a reference position, such as, for example, from a closed position. The system includes a magnetometer that may be operably connected to the door, and which measures positional location relative to a reference magnetic field, such as, for example, a magnetic field provided by a magnet of a lock device. The system may also include an accelerometer that detects acceleration of the door, and thereby provides an indication of when location is to be measured by the magnetometer. Measurement information from the magnetometer is used to derive a position indicator that is compared to a reference indicator, the reference indicator being associated with the reference position. Differences between the position and reference indicators may provide an indication that the door has been moved from the reference position.

Abstract: A stacked monitor structure and method of measuring thicknesses of embedded layers in a build-up substrate is provided. The stacked monitor structure includes a multi-layer substrate having a first shape formed in a first conductive layer of the multi-layer substrate and a second shape formed in a second conductive layer of the multi-layer substrate, a region of the second shape overlapping the first shape. A first dielectric layer is disposed between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. A measuring device is configured to measure a thickness of the first conductive layer at a first location on the stacked monitor structure, a thickness of the second conductive layer at a second location on the stacked monitor structure, and a combined thickness of the first conductive layer, the second conductive layer, and the first dielectric layer at a third location on the stacked monitor structure.

Abstract: This disclosure generally provides an input device, electronic systems and processing system for touch sensing. In one example, an input device for touch sensing includes receiver electrodes and transmitter electrodes arranged in transmitter and receiver electrode columns. Each transmitter electrode within each transmitter electrode column is paired with two adjacent receiver electrodes of a first column of the receiver electrode columns. A first plurality of traces couple a first group of receiver electrodes in the first receiver electrode column, the first plurality of traces not passing between the transmitter and receiver electrodes of the first transmitter and receiver electrode columns. A second plurality of traces coupled a second group of receiver electrodes in the first receiver electrode column, the second plurality of traces passing between one of the transmitter electrodes of the first transmitter electrode column and one of the receiver electrodes of the second group of receiver electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus including in a first laterally extending layer, a flexible substrate; in a second laterally extending layer, a plurality of distinct sensors configured to sense over a sensing area; in a third laterally extending layer, a modifier including a perimeter, wherein the apparatus is configured to enable, responsive to flexing of the flexible substrate, lateral movement of the perimeter of the modifier relative to the plurality of distinct sensors to modify sensing by one or more of the distinct sensors.

Abstract: A method for measuring an angular position of a rotatable signal-inducing unit uses a sensor unit electrically isolated from the signal-inducing unit. The signal-inducing unit has a center electrode disposed in a signal-inducing unit plane and a rotary electrode disposed in the signal-inducing unit plane, the rotary electrode being conductively connected to the center electrode and laterally offset therefrom. The sensor unit has a first sensor electrode disposed in a sensor plane and at least one second sensor electrode disposed in the sensor plane, the sensor electrodes being arranged in a circle around a ground electrode disposed in the sensor plane, the signal-inducing unit plane and the sensor plane being oriented substantially parallel to one another. The signal-inducing unit is supported so as to be rotatable about the center electrode and the rotary electrode is movable along a circular path in the region of the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor to determine instantaneous angular position of a rotatable element in a timepiece, such as a setting stem of a wristwatch. Static electrodes are configured to form, in conjunction with rotor electrodes of the rotatable element, a first differential capacitance pair and a second differential capacitance pair. A sensor calculation unit is configured to sense difference values from the differential capacitances pairs and to evaluate the angular position of the rotatable element from the difference values using predetermined information relating the differential capacitance values to angular position values.

Abstract: An electronic absolute position encoder is provided including a scale, a detector portion and a signal processing configuration. The scale includes a first scale pattern of signal modulating elements, wherein the first scale pattern includes a spatial characteristic of the signal modulating elements which progressively changes as a function of position along a measuring axis direction and defines an absolute measuring range. The spatial characteristic includes at least one of a spatial wavelength or a spatial frequency of the signal modulating elements and is unique at each unique position in the absolute measuring range. The detector portion includes a group of sensing elements, and the signal processing configuration determines an absolute position of the sensing elements relative to the scale within the absolute measuring range. In various implementations, the signal processing configuration may utilize Fourier transform processing and/or other processing for determining the absolute position.

Abstract: Provided is a method for detecting a position of an object relative to an electrode configuration with at least three electrodes, wherein a first electrode substantially is arranged parallel or concentrically to a second electrode, a third electrode is arranged in an acute angle or excentric relative to the first electrode, the first electrode is loaded with a first generator signal, and wherein the second electrode may be loaded with a second generator signal. The second generator signal preferably is inverse with respect to the first generator signal. In addition, provided for the method is a suitable electrode configuration with at least three electrodes.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor according to the embodiment includes: a substrate; a movable body including a movable electrode portion; and a support which supports the movable body around a first shaft to be displaced, in which, when the movable body is divided into a first portion and a second portion with the first shaft as a boundary, the physical quantity sensor includes a first fixed electrode portion which is disposed on the substrate to oppose the first portion, and a second fixed electrode portion which is disposed on the substrate to oppose the second portion, and a guard portion which suppresses an electrostatic force generated between the movable body and the substrate is provided in an inter-electrode area between the first fixed electrode portion and the second fixed electrode portion, on the substrate.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a chamber on a semiconductor substrate, utilizing wet etching or dry etching, back-filling the chamber with a polymeric compound, and sealing the chamber.

Abstract: A displacement sensor for a power tool includes: a stator element, having a first conductive pattern, and a rotor element, having a second conductive pattern, for relative movement along a measurement path, wherein the first and second conductive patterns are mutually inductively coupled so that the first conductive pattern receives an excitation signal and the second conductive pattern generates an intermediate signal. The intermediate signal indicates relative displacement between the stator and rotor elements, wherein the excitation signal is a constant amplitude high-frequency signal. A signal processor circuit receives and processes a single phase receive signal corresponding to the intermediate signal to provide an output signal indicating relative displacement between the rotor and stator elements.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a force sensor circuit and a controller. The force sensor circuit includes first, second, third, and fourth electrodes disposed on a substrate. The first and second electrodes extend through first and second cells of a row of cells. The third and fourth electrodes extend through third and fourth cells of a column of cells. The first electrode occupies more area in the first cell than in the second cell. The second electrode occupies more area in the second cell than in the first cell. The third electrode occupies more area in the third cell than in the fourth cell. The fourth electrode occupies more area in the fourth cell than in the third cell. The controller detects a force and a position of the force based on signals communicated by the force sensor circuit.

Abstract: A step motor includes a plurality of stator cores. Each of the stator cores have a coil unit coiled therearound. The step motor includes a rotor that includes a rotation shaft and a plurality of permanent magnets and is configured to rotate by magnetic interaction between the stator cores and the permanent magnets. The step motor also includes a plurality of conducting parts on one cross-sectional surface of the rotor. The step motor further includes a printed circuit board (PCB) including electric elements that are arranged at certain positions and are disposed to face the conducting parts. The conducting parts and the electric elements are configured to electrically or magnetically interact as the rotor rotates to change electrical signals generated by the electric elements.

Abstract: A phase detector includes a sampling signal generator configured to generate a sampling signal at an edge of a scale signal, a counter configured to count up a count value according to a clock pulse every certain time and to output the count value at a timing instructed by the sampling signal, an edge polarity determinator configured to determine whether an edge polarity of the scale signal is a rising edge or a falling edge and to generate an adjustment signal when the polarity of the edge where the sampling signal is generated is a falling edge and an adjuster configured to add a predetermined adjustment amount to the count value output from the counter when receiving the adjustment signal.

Abstract: A capacitance sensation unit of plane position measurement device for performing measurement with submicron definition is able to measure both two-dimensional position and rotational angle relative to a plane object. The main application of the capacitance sensation unit is exemplified with the position measurement of the mover of a flat motor. The capacitance sensation unit is able to measure the position and rotational angle of the mover relative to the surface of a stator in the form of a flat plate.

Abstract: A position sensing system and method for detecting the displacement of a door from a reference position, such as, for example, from a closed position. The system includes a magnetometer that may be operably connected to the door, and which measures positional location relative to a reference magnetic field, such as, for example, a magnetic field provided by a magnet of a lock device. The system may also include an accelerometer that detects acceleration of the door, and thereby provides an indication of when location is to be measured by the magnetometer. Measurement information from the magnetometer is used to derive a position indicator that is compared to a reference indicator, the reference indicator being associated with the reference position. Differences between the position and reference indicators may provide an indication that the door has been moved from the reference position.

Abstract: A method for measuring a separation (a) between blade tips of rotor blades (40) on a rotor and a casing (41) annularly surrounding the rotor blade tips, when the rotor is rotating: measuring separation using at least one separation measurement device (1) which measures in contactless fashion. A separation measurement device for carrying this method includes a tubular housing (2), a separation sensor which measures in contactless fashion and which is accommodated in the housing (2) such that the sensor moves axially between an operating position, wherein a tip of the sensor projects outward from the separation measurement device (1), and a withdrawn position, wherein the tip of the separation sensor (7) is arranged within the separation measurement device (1); and an arresting device (8) which arrests the separation sensor (7) at least in its operating position.

Abstract: A touch detection device includes: a first sensor having a first capacitance; a monitoring unit configured to monitor the first capacitance of the first sensor at a first period; a determining unit configured to determine whether the first capacitance monitored by the monitoring unit exceeds a first threshold; and a period changing unit configured to change the first period into a second period that is shorter than the first period when the determining unit determines that the first capacitance exceeds the first threshold.

Abstract: A method for measuring transmission characteristics of a transmission path between a transmitter and a receiver. A first transmitter sends a first signal into a first transmission path. The first signal is detected by the receiver. A second transmitter sends a second signal into a second transmission path having known characteristics or characteristics that can be predetermined. The second signal is superimposed with the first signal. A transmission signal is intermittently distributed between the first and second transmitters in a controlled manner. The signal received by the receiver comprises first and second signal components to be assigned to the first and second transmitters, respectively. The first signal component averaged over a predefined time period essentially is exactly as large as the averaged second signal component and the deviation between the averaged signal components is at least intermittently used as control signal for the switching between the first and second transmitters.

Abstract: A silicon substrate has a chamber that penetrates vertically. A diaphragm is formed on the upper surface of the silicon substrate so as to cover the upper portion of the chamber. Also, a back plate is provided above the silicon substrate so as to cover the diaphragm, and a fixed electrode plate is provided on the lower surface of the back plate in opposition to the diaphragm. Multiple acoustic holes, which penetrate vertically and are for allowing the passage of acoustic vibration, are formed in the back plate (28) and the fixed electrode plate. Multiple through-holes that have a smaller opening area than the acoustic holes are formed in a large displacement region of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An electronic device may be provided with slot antennas. A slot antenna may be formed from metal structures that have a dielectric gap defining an antenna slot. The metal structures may include multiple metal layers that overlap a plastic antenna window and that serve as capacitive electrodes in a capacitive proximity sensor. The metal structures may also include a metal electronic device housing. The metal electronic device housing and the metal layers may be formed on opposing sides of the antenna slot. The metal layers may have a notch that locally widens the antenna slot at an open end of the antenna slot. One of the metal layers may be shorted to the metal electronic device housing at an opposing closed end of the antenna slot. The antenna slot may be indirectly fed using a near-field-coupled antenna feed structure such as a metal patch that overlaps the antenna slot.

Abstract: Implementations herein relate to a bistable piezoelectric cantilever vibration energy generator based on spherical composite structure with partial separation of different layers that includes a beam bracket and a shell. The shell is spherical, the bottom of the shell has a circular opening. The beam bracket and the shell are fixed to the base respectively. Vibration of the beam bracket can cause deformation of the piezoelectric cantilever beam, the piezoelectric cantilever beam generates electrical energy using the piezoelectric effect during deformation. The bistable piezoelectric cantilever vibration energy generator further includes twenty-five piezoelectric oscillator structures, and the lengths of the cantilever beam in the same layer are different such as to form a wide resonance frequency domain and to substantially increase power generation.

Abstract: A capacitive type sensor includes a circuit board, electrodes formed on a first surface of the circuit board, and an electrode plate disposed above the circuit board, wherein the electrodes comprise pairs of electrodes disposed from a distance from a center of the circuit board, and the pairs of electrodes being spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A locator for capacitively sensing an object includes a transmission electrode to which an excitation signal can be applied, a reception electrode, a sensing region in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode, and a measuring device for sensing a capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The locator further includes a processing device for determining the presence of the object in the sensing region if the sensed capacitance differs from a reference capacitance, and a screening electrode that is arranged in the region of the transmission electrode and the reception electrode. The screening electrode is connected to a potential so as to reduce the base capacitance between the transmission electrode and the reception electrode.

Abstract: Techniques for designs of single-layer touch sensors are described herein. In an example embodiment, a device comprises a sensor array. The sensor array comprises first plurality of electrodes and second plurality of electrodes that are interleaved without intersecting each other within a touch-sensing area in a single layer on a substrate of the sensor array. A first electrode (of the first or second plurality) comprises at least two shaped portions. The two shaped portions may be disposed across at least a portion of a given second electrode from each other, or may be disposed between two or more portions of the given second electrode. The two shaped portions of the first electrode are routed in different directions on the substrate and are coupled to each other outside of the touch-sensing area of the sensor array.

Abstract: The present invention provides capacitive touch panel, and display device. The capacitive touch panel of the present invention comprises at least one column of electrode set, the electrode set comprising a plurality of electrode units sequentially arranged, and adjacent electrode units complementarily matching each other, wherein each electrode unit comprises first touch electrode, second touch electrode and third touch electrode, the first, second and third touch electrodes complementarily match each other, and the first touch electrode is used for keeping patterns of the second touch electrode and the third touch electrode included in the same electrode unit from contacting with each other, the second touch electrode is used for keeping pattern of the electrode unit from contacting with pattern of immediately previous electrode unit, and the third touch electrode is used for keeping the pattern of the electrode unit from contacting with pattern of immediately next electrode unit.

Abstract: Electrostatic stabilizers are provided for passive bearing systems composed of annular magnets having a net positive stiffness against radial displacements and that have a negative stiffness for vertical displacements, resulting in a vertical instability. Further embodiments are shown of a radial electrostatic stabilizer geometry (using circuitry similar to that employed in the vertical stabilizer). This version is suitable for stabilizing radial (lateral) displacements of a rotor that is levitated by annular permanent magnets that are stable against vertical displacements but are unstable against radial displacements.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes a first mesh of conductive material. The first mesh includes a plurality of conductive lines. A first one of the conductive lines has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is wider than the second portion. The first portion defines a first portion of a first outer edge of an electrode.

Abstract: There is provided a capacitor sensor capable of controlling sensitivity, wherein the capacitor sensor measures the magnitude and direction of a shear force applied to the sensor, as well as the magnitude of a normal force applied on the surface of the sensor, and consists of a single cell including a pattern electrode capable of varying its shape to control the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device for expelling set doses of medicament, the medication delivery device comprising a position determining arrangement for detecting absolute positions of a movably mounted member, such as a dose indicator barrel, relative to a housing of the medication delivery device. The position determining arrangement comprises a plurality of electrically conducting electrodes arranged on an outer surface of the movably mounted member, and a plurality of contacts members fixedly arranged relative to the housing of the medication delivery device. A first and a second contact member are arranged to follow a first path across the electrically conducting electrodes upon movement of the movably mounted member relative to the housing, whereas a third and a fourth contact member are arranged to follow a second path across the electrically conducting electrodes upon movement of the movably mounted member relative to the housing.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The capacitive sensor assembly includes a capacitive sensor element which has at least one first electrical conductor element, and a reference conductor element defining an electrical reference potential and being interspaced from the first electrical conductor element. The first electrical conductor element is designed as an outer conductor surrounding the reference conductor element which represents the inner conductor.