Abstract: A surgical device includes a handle assembly having a controller and an adapter assembly including a tubular housing having a proximal end portion configured to couple to the handle assembly and a distal end portion. The adapter assembly also includes a load sensing assembly disposed with the tubular housing. The load sensing assembly is configured to measure a load exerted on the tubular housing and includes: a sensor body having a pocket defined therein; a load sensor circuit disposed within the pocket and coupled to the sensor body; and a signal processing circuit disposed within the pocket and electrically coupled to the load sensor circuit. The load sensing assembly further includes a cover disposed over the pocket and enclosing the load sensor circuit and the signal processing circuit therein, the cover being coupled to the sensor body thereby forming a first hermetic seal therebetween.

Abstract: An automated guided vehicle includes a chassis and a load supporting apparatus positioned on the chassis, the load supporting apparatus including a platform to support a load, one or more weight sensors located in contact with the platform, the one or more weight sensors configured to provide a signal indicative of a weight of the load on the platform, and an electronic processor arranged in electronic communication with the one or more weight sensors. The electronic processor is configured to receive the signal from each of the one or more weight sensors, and the electronic processor is configured to process the signal and determine stability of the load on the platform.

Abstract: There is provided a flexure body configured to be used in detection of load applied in first direction and a load applied in second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The flexure body including: a flexure member; and a circuit pattern. The flexure member has a flexure area configured to be strained under load from detection object and an area different from the flexure area. The circuit pattern includes two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements, two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements, and at least one of a first-direction fixed resistance element and a second-direction fixed resistance element. Two pieces of first-direction strain sensitive elements and two pieces of second-direction strain sensitive elements are provided in the flexure area, and the at least one of the first-direction fixed resistance element and the second-direction fixed resistance element is provided in the area different from the flexure area.

Abstract: A method of calculating an impact resistance of a structure undergoing an impact with an impact surface is disclosed. The structure includes a first part bonded or secured to a second part, at least the first part comprising a material having a crush failure mode. The method comprises: a) determining that a finite element representing a portion of the first part is experiencing conditions which dictate that it will undergo the crush failure mode; b) determining a behaviour of the structure assuming it is subject to: i) an ongoing resistance force representing the crush failure mode of the element; and ii) a further force F acting on the first and second parts in a direction tending to separate them.

Abstract: A load monitoring device including a substrate having a first surface. The monitoring device further including a conductive portion coupled to the first surface of the substrate comprising a first portion, a second portion, and a failure region separating the first portion and the second portion. The conductive portion is pre-tensioned to induce a failure in the failure region when a predefined amount of tensional force is applied to the substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus or installation comprises a surface (2) and at least one piezoelectric sensor device (18, 27, 90) that is a piezoelectric touch switch comprising at least one piezoelectric sensor (13), located below the surface (2) so that the surface (2) functions as an overlay to the piezoelectric touch switch, the piezoelectric sensor device (18, 27, 90) configured so that the piezoelectric sensor (13) bends in response to a force or pressure exerted on the surface (2) causing the surface (2) to bend. The apparatus (1) or installation comprises continuously adjustable compression adjusting means (6) that operate on the backer piece (5) to compress the piezoelectric sensor device (18, 27, 90) and the at least one squeezer (7) between the overlay (2) and the backer piece (5), for compensating the surface or mounting tolerances.

Abstract: A system for detecting deformation of a fan for an aeroengine, the fan including a rotor including plural blades made of composite material including woven fibers. At least one of the fibers in each of the blades is an optical fiber including at least one portion defining a Bragg grating. The system further includes a transceiver connected to the optical fiber and configured to send an optical signal into the optical fiber and to receive an optical signal in response from the optical fiber, and a detector module connected to the transceiver to detect deformation of the fan when the received optical signal presents correlation with a predetermined signature of a damped impact on a blade at a determined speed of rotation. This deformation may be the result of a foreign object impacting against a blade of the fan or may follow from variation in an internal defect.

Abstract: One example of the present disclosure relates to a coupon. The coupon includes a first surface with a first circular channel and a second surface opposite and parallel to the first surface. The second surface is spaced a distance D0 from the first surface and includes a second circular channel concentric with the first circular channel. The coupon also includes a toroidal portion between the first circular channel and the second circular channel. The toroidal portion includes a rectangular sectional portion.

Abstract: A deformation sensor package includes a housing having a base and a peripheral wall extending from the base. The base and peripheral wall define two cavities each configured to receive a potentiometer, such as a string potentiometer. The peripheral wall defines two apertures formed between a respective cavity and an exterior of the housing. Each aperture is configured to allow for the passage of a moveable sensing end of an associated potentiometer therethrough.

Abstract: A wheel operating force sensor includes: an attachment fixed to a vehicle body member supported by a suspension device; a hub to which a wheel is fixed and which is rotatably supported about a wheel axis with respect to the attachment; a sensing body having a tube formed substantially concentrically with the wheel axis, one end of the tube being fixed to the attachment, and the other end being connected to the hub, with a hub bearing being interposed between the other end and the hub; and a component force sensing unit having a bridge circuit including per component force at least four strain gauges that are provided on a circumferential surface of the tube of the sensing body. The hub bearing has: a radial bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a radial direction; and a thrust bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a thrust direction, and moreover provided separately from the radial bearing.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a calibrated micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) matrix in communication with a controller. The MEMS matrix includes MEMS elements of various sizes which create a continuum of vibration-stress-resistant elements. The MEMS elements will flex in response to flexing of a printed circuit board due to mechanical vibration until failure occurs. The controller monitors the continuity of the MEMS matrix to determine which elements of the MEMS matrix have failed to accurately determine the accumulated vibration stress experienced by the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A wheel operating force sensor includes: an attachment fixed to a vehicle body member supported by a suspension device; a hub to which a wheel is fixed and which is rotatably supported about a wheel axis with respect to the attachment; a sensing body having a tube formed substantially concentrically with the wheel axis, one end of the tube being fixed to the attachment, and the other end being connected to the hub, with a hub bearing being interposed between the other end and the hub; and a component force sensing unit having a bridge circuit including per component force at least four strain gauges that are provided on a circumferential surface of the tube of the sensing body. The hub bearing has: a radial bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a radial direction; and a thrust bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a thrust direction, and moreover provided separately from the radial bearing.

Abstract: This document generally describes technology to verify the calibration of a materials testing system, such as a compact tension testing system. The calibration of a materials testing system can be verified based on the results generated from the materials testing system running one or more tests on a calibration specimen with one or more known characteristics.

Abstract: A device and a method for evaluating signals from load cells with strain gauges (SG), which require electronic signal evaluation with very low offset voltages due to the small output signal. In order to be able to use inexpensive components as well, two different operating points of the SG are set in two consecutive measurements, each being determined by a single voltage reference. The voltage in the zero branch of the bridge circuit of the SG is amplified in a differential amplifier and digitised with an ADC. In this context, the reference for the ADC is derived from the operating point of the SG that is determined by the respective voltage reference. The digitised offset and the initial value of the load cell are calculated from the two measurement values in an arithmetic logic unit.

Abstract: A diamond-shaped actuator for a flexible panel has an inter-digitated electrode (IDE) and a piezoelectric wafer portion positioned therebetween. The IDE and/or the wafer portion are diamond-shaped. Point sensors are positioned with respect to the actuator and measure vibration. The actuator generates and transmits a cancelling force to the panel in response to an output signal from a controller, which is calculated using a signal describing the vibration. A method for controlling vibration in a flexible panel includes connecting a diamond-shaped actuator to the flexible panel, and then connecting a point sensor to each actuator. Vibration is measured via the point sensor. The controller calculates a proportional output voltage signal from the measured vibration, and transmits the output signal to the actuator to substantially cancel the vibration in proximity to each actuator.

Abstract: A strain gauge assembly is disclosed, including a plurality of strain gauges arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each having a first end and a second end. The first and/or second end of one of the plurality of strain gauges is offset from a corresponding first and/or second end of another of the plurality of strain gauges.

Abstract: An integrated multi-axis mechanical device and integrated circuit system. The integrated system can include a silicon substrate layer, a CMOS device region, four or more mechanical devices, and a wafer level packaging (WLP) layer. The CMOS layer can form an interface region, on which any number of CMOS and mechanical devices can be configured. The mechanical devices can include MEMS devices configured for multiple axes or for at least a first direction. The CMOS layer can be deposited on the silicon substrate and can include any number of metal layers and can be provided on any type of design rule. The integrated MEMS devices can include, but not exclusively, any combination of the following types of sensors: magnetic, pressure, humidity, temperature, chemical, biological, or inertial. Furthermore, the overlying WLP layer can be configured to hermetically seal any number of these integrated devices.

Abstract: A bonding stress testing arrangement and a method of determining stress are provided. The bonding stress testing arrangement includes at least one bond pad; a sensor assembly comprising any one of a first sensor arrangement, a second sensor arrangement and a combination of the first sensor arrangement and the second sensor arrangement; wherein the first sensor arrangement is adapted to measure an average stress on a portion of a bonding area under the at least one bond pad, and the second sensor arrangement is adapted to determine stress distribution over a portion or an entire of the bonding area under the at least one bond pad.

Abstract: A sensor configured to detect a stress wave propagating through a vehicle frame member caused by a vehicle collision is provided. The sensor includes a sensor body configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicle frame member, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device attached to the sensor body. The sensor body is configured to exhibit stress in response to transverse and torsional stress wave propagating along the vehicle frame member. The first strain sensing device generates a first signal indicative of stress in the sensor body and the second strain sensing device generates a second signal indicative of stress in the sensor body. A first end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped and a second end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped.

Abstract: A low-cost and non-invasive method for remote monitoring deformations of a structure (2), which method envisages to couple at least two RFID tags (3) to the structure (2) in its respective points (10a, 10b, 10a-10c), to interrogate at radio frequency the RFID tags (3) so that a resultant electromagnetic field is produced at a certain distance (DINF) from the structure (2), the resultant electromagnetic field ensuing from a combination of the electromagnetic fields produced individually by each RFID tags (3) in response to the interrogation, to measure the resultant electromagnetic field at such a distance (DINF) from the structure (2) for obtaining measurements of the resultant electromagnetic field, and to determine the deformations of the structure (2) as a function of the measurements of the resultant electromagnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to large surface distributed pressure sensors comprising at least two flexible substrates, at least of one of these being entirely or partially coated by a layer of polythiophene containing repetitive structural units with formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are independently a C1-C12 alkyl group or they form a C1-C12 1,n-alkylene group, with n=1-12, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group, C2-C12 alkene, vinylene, benzyl, phenyl group, a halogen atom, or by an ester, amine, amide or ether functional group, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group; and one or more insulating spacers. Said sensors are flexible and easy to manufacture and they may present different symmetric, simple or multilayer configurations, as desired.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor comprising a piezoelectric film formed on a surface of an object to be monitored; a plurality of electrodes formed on a surface of the piezoelectric film; and wherein electrical polarization of the piezoelectric film is about coplanar with the surface of the piezoelectric film. A method of forming a piezoelectric sensor. The method comprises forming a piezoelectric film on a surface of an object to be monitored; forming electrodes on a surface of the piezoelectric film; and orientating electrical polarization in the piezoelectric film to be about coplanar with the surface of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A method of monitoring strain on a wind turbine blade that has several structural components comprises locating at least three strain sensors (2a, 2b, 2c) on one of the structural components of the turbine blade, the positions of the strain sensors defining a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the turbine blade and resolving strain signals from the three strain sensors into strain measurements in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: A spring force component tester for determining a load distribution on each end of a spring of generally cylindrical shape using three, mutually-parallel load cells. One tester includes a lower plate and an upper plate movable with respect to the lower plate. Each plate includes a plurality of recesses and a load cell positioned in each recess. Each plurality of recesses is positioned such that a center of each recess is a point on a circle coaxial to the plate. The tester also includes a data logger that obtains and stores load cell outputs from the load cells and spring tester electronics that obtain height measurements of the upper plate and send a trigger signal to a computer. The computer executes application software when the computer receives the trigger signal that reads the load cell outputs stored in the data logger, and calculates a spring force acting along the spring axis between approximately 0.5 Newton and 100 Newton.

Abstract: Structural health monitoring apparatuses and methods are disclosed. One or more structural health sensors may be used to disconnect and/or connect one or more RFID chips to an antenna such that wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips (or the absence of wireless communication) through the antenna indicates the structural health status. Example structural health sensors may be moisture detecting or fracture detecting. A remote reader may be used to establish the wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips to determine the structural health. The sensors and RFID chips may be passive and powered through the wireless communication from the remote reader. Such apparatuses and methods may be applied to any large structures requiring regular inspection, such as aircraft, ships, automobiles or buildings.

Abstract: A strain gauge assembly 2 comprising: a plurality of strain gauges 4, 6 arranged in a side-by-side relationship, each having a first end 10 and a second end 12; wherein the first and/or second end 10, 12 of one of the plurality of strain gauges 4, 6 is offset from a corresponding first and/or second end 10, 12 of another of the plurality of strain gauges 4, 6.

Abstract: A stress-wave sensor module, a stress-wave sensor, and a method for detecting a vehicle collision event utilizing the stress-wave sensor are provided. The stress-wave sensor has first and second support members and a diaphragm member coupled between the first and second support members. The stress-wave sensor further has first and second strain gauge sensors coupled to both the first support member and the diaphragm member. The first and second strain gauge sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, in response to the first and second strain gauge sensors detecting deflection of the diaphragm member due to stress waves propagating through the diaphragm member.

Abstract: An invented apparatus for nondestructively remotely measuring the health of an energetic material, includes a piezoelectric capacitance sensor having an exterior surface that is substantially inert to the energetic material. The piezoelectric capacitance sensor provides an analog signal that is commensurately responsive to the modulus of material in intimate contact with the sensor. The apparatus also includes an interrogator for interrogating the sensor as to a capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor. The interrogator converts the analog signal of the capacitance into a digital representation. The apparatus further includes a means of communicating the digital representation to a remote communication device.

Abstract: A transducer for use with a boundary-stiffened panel has an inter-digitated electrode (IDE) and a piezoelectric wafer portion positioned therebetween. The IDE and/or the wafer portion are triangular, with one edge or side aligned with a boundary edge of the panel. The transducer generates and transmits an output force to the panel in response to an input voltage signal from a sensor, which can be another transducer as described above or an accelerometer. A controller can generate an output force signal in response to the input voltage signal to help cancel the input voltage signal. A method of using the transducer minimizes vibration in the panel by connecting multiple transducers around a perimeter thereof. Motion is measured at different portions of the panel, and a voltage signal determined from the motion is transmitted to the transducers to generate an output force at least partially cancelling or damping the motion.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a calibrated micro-electro-mechanical structure (MEMS) matrix in communication with a controller. The MEMS matrix includes MEMS elements of various sizes which create a continuum of vibration-stress-resistant elements. The MEMS elements will flex in response to flexing of a printed circuit board due to mechanical vibration until failure occurs. The controller monitors the continuity of the MEMS matrix to determine which elements of the MEMS matrix have failed to accurately determine the accumulated vibration stress experienced by the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A rail stress monitoring system is disclosed. This system includes a sensor module that further includes a sensing device that is adapted to be mountable directly on a length of rail. The sensing device further includes a generally flat metal shim and at least one, and typically two or more, sensors mounted on one side of the shim. The sensors are typically strain gauges, which are mounted on the shim in a specific, predetermined configuration. At least one data acquisition module is in electrical communication with the sensing device and a data processing module receives and processes information gathered by data acquisition module.

Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of the brake torque on an aircraft landing gear, a connecting element that is transversally loaded by the brake torque is provided with measuring elements which produce a measuring signal in function of a deformation of the connecting element. In one of two preferred variants, the measuring elements are attached to the surface of a cavity in the connecting element, and in the second preferred embodiment, a corresponding sensor is introduced into the connecting element as a whole, the sensor being so designed that deformations affect its enclosure and deform the latter as well.

Abstract: A method of increasing control precision of a path of a product in a leveling machine including: a fixed support cage; two leveling assemblies with parallel rollers, which are placed above and below the strip respectively; devices necessary to adjust the interlocking of the rollers; a mechanism for measuring leveling forces at least of two sides of the machine; and a theoretical pre-setting model. The method directly measures at least one value for the spacing of the leveling rollers, which is compared to reference values, and uses the members for adjusting the position of the leveling rollers to maintain the measured values equal to the reference values. The method is particularly suitable for machines used to level flat metal products.

Abstract: A joystick apparatus employs a hermetically sealed load cell having strain gauges placed on flexible beams formed on the load cell. All of the strain gauges are on the same surface of the load cell and therefore wiring is performed on a single side of the load cell. The strain gauges are enclosed in hermetically sealed cavity. The sensing diaphragm consists of a concentric thick inner and outer section joined by thinner diametrically opposed beam elements. The thin beam elements are compliant members which can deflect. Each beam includes strain gauges or sensor elements and the load cell is coupled to a joystick which when moved causes the beams to deflect to cause the sensor elements to produce an electrical output proportional to the force and direction of the joystick. The sensor can yield an output proportional to any angle over the 360° movement of the joystick to provide outputs proportional to the X and Y positions of said joystick.

Abstract: A strain sensing device is provided, which may include a hollow, cylindrical member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have an outer diameter corresponding approximately in size to an inner diameter of an inner surface of a cylindrical bore of a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading. The hollow, cylindrical member may be configured to mate to the inner surface of the cylindrical bore of the structural component such that strain in the structural component is translated into strain in the hollow, cylindrical member. The strain sensing device may also include one or more strain sensing elements attached to the inner surface of the hollow, cylindrical member and configured to detect strain exhibited by the hollow, cylindrical member.

Abstract: A stability sensing and load monitoring system for wheeled vehicles, in particular for the construction and agricultural industries, is disclosed. The system is based on strain sensors mounted on each wheel such that the measured strain represents the load on this wheel. A power source and a local wheel controller are located near the strain sensors. The data from the strain sensors is processed by the local wheel controller and then wirelessly transmitted to a single central unit, located in the cabin. The central controller communicates with all four local wheel controllers, collects the data, and then processes it to calculate the total load on the vehicle, its center of gravity, and the stability status.

Abstract: The invention comprises devices and methods for determining residual stress in MEMS devices such as interferometric modulators. In one example, a device measuring residual stress of a deposited conduct material includes a material used to form a MEMS device, and a plurality of disconnectable electrical paths, wherein said plurality of paths are configured to disconnect as a function of residual stress of the material. In another example, a method of measuring residual stress of a conductive deposited material includes monitoring a plurality of signals, each of said plurality of signals being associated with one of a plurality of test structures, said plurality of test structures each being configured to change the associated signal upon being subject to a predetermined amount of residual stress, sensing a change in said plurality of signals, and determining a residual stress level in said material based on the sensed change in the plurality of signals.

Abstract: There is provided an activity recognition apparatus for detecting an activity of a subject. The apparatus includes: a sensor unit including a plurality of linear motion sensors configured to detect linear motions and a plurality of rotational motion sensors, the linear motions being orthogonal to each other, the rotational motions being orthogonal to each other; and a computational unit configured to receive and process signals from the sensors included in the sensor unit so as to detect an activity of the subject. The sensor unit is directly or indirectly supported by the subject with an arbitrary orientation with respect to the subject. The computational unit performs a calculation that uses the signals from both linear motion sensors and rotational motion sensors to determine the activity of the subject independent of the orientation of the sensor unit.

Abstract: A sensor/actuator network configured with a number of electrically-interconnected elements. More specifically, the sensors/actuators are each placed in electrical communication with the same transmission line. Various embodiments of such networks employ sensors/actuators connected in electrical series and in electrical parallel. Networks having these configurations, when placed upon a structure, are capable of detecting and/or transmitting stress waves within the structure so as to detect the presence of an impact, or actively query the structure. Advantageously, as these networks employ a single transmission line, they utilize fewer wires than current sensor/actuator networks, thus making them easier to install and maintain. They can also be configured as flexible layers, allowing for further ease of installation and maintenance.

Abstract: A wireless, non-powered fatigue monitoring sensor uses a piezoelectric element that is attached to the surface of or embedded within a structure to be monitored. When subjected to stress over time, the material properties of the element change reliably and permanently. These properties are used to determine the fatigue history of the structure. The monitoring device requires no power for monitoring and is nondestructively queried to determine the stress history using wireless means such as radio frequency technology.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus comprises has a force-transmitting component, that holds a strain measuring element with a carrier element and a displacement transducer. The carrier element has two fixing sections at a predefined distance from each other in a direction of the strain with which it is fixed to the component. Furthermore, the carrier element has a strain section, which is provided between the fixing sections and which has a shorter length in the direction of the strain than the distance between the fixing sections, and which has a smaller cross section than the remaining carrier element. The displacement transducer is connected to the strain section in order to register the strain of the strain section.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for detecting pressure includes: a metallic diaphragm for receiving the pressure; four strain gauges providing a Wheatstone bridge, wherein each strain gauge outputs an electric signal corresponding to deformation of the diaphragm when the diaphragm is deformed by the pressure; and four semiconductor chips corresponding to four strain gauges, wherein each strain gauge is disposed in the semiconductor chip. Each semiconductor chip is mounted on the diaphragm.

Abstract: A golf equipment fitting system that uses advanced technology to not only objectively identify the optimum equipment for the golfer, but to also identify and help correct swing flaws so that the golfer can achieve optimum performance on the golf course. Thus, in one embodiment, golf fitting includes collecting data related to the golfer's swing and determining if the golfer's swing technique should be modified based at least in part on the collected swing data. When it is determined that the golfer's swing technique should be modified, then providing swing instruction to the golfer. When, however, it is determined that the golfer's swing technique is fine, then collecting data related to how the golfer's swing launches a golf ball. Finally, golf equipment, e.g., golf clubs, can be specified based on the collected swing data and launch data.

Abstract: A measurement system uses dual axis force sensor pins to effectively assess the tipping moment of a load-bearing vehicle and anticipate imminent tipping in any direction. The pins are installed in the pivot points of the boom of a lift vehicle and its main lift cylinder, substituting the standard structural pins presently used. For non-traditional boom support arrangements, one sensor pin for each moving part attachment to non-moving turntable is required. Each of the sensors provides the actual force components acting on the sensor in two perpendicular axes. The output signals are then utilized to assess vehicle stability and detect when the machine is approaching instability in order to warn the operator and/or restrict vehicle movements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving the accuracy with which a stationary array sensor provides cross directional measurements by providing an offset compensation to the stationary array sensor using the output of a scanning sensor associated with the manufacturing process. Exemplary embodiments correlate outputs from the stationary sensor array and the scanning array using a data reconciliation process. For example, a practical, real time data reconciliation of measurements from the scanning sensor and measurements from the stationary array sensor is achieved by computing offsets using a bank of Kalman filters to correlate outputs from the two sensors for each measurement zone, wherein each filter possesses a relatively simple computational structure. The Kalman filters can fuse the outputs from the stationary array sensor and the scanning sensor to track, and compensate, drift of the stationary array sensor.

Abstract: A method for inspecting an aircraft fuselage using an inspection system including a movable detector, wherein the method includes coupling a collision avoidance system to the inspection system detector, monitoring the collision avoidance system during operation of the inspection system, and controlling operation of the inspection system with the collision avoidance system.

Abstract: An injection molding machine for plastic materials, the operation of which is governed by continuous monitoring of at least one measurement parameter, wherein there is provided a control which outputs a signal upon failure of a sensor which detects the measurement parameter, wherein at least two sensors (3, 3′) are associated with one and the same measurement parameters and the control records the failure of a sensor (3, 3′) without causing stoppage of the machine.

Abstract: A load cell for use in dynamic testing apparatus for mechanically testing samples includes an accelerometer mounted in the load cell on the same axis as the line of action of the mechanical force applied to the specimen under test. The resultant signal from the combination of the normal output from the load cell and the output from the accelerometer compensates for errors introduced by the mass of the moving grip used to grip the specimen in the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensing system employs multiple sensors utilizing mounting structure integrated into a fifth wheel hitch and which is protected from the environment, is capable of accurately measuring forces along longitudinal and vertical axes for providing information as to roll, pitch, yaw, and drawbar load and which utilizes sensors which provide output signals for display and control. In one embodiment, a fifth wheel includes mounting boxes formed on an undersurface thereof on opposite sides of the kingpin receiving slot and a force-sensing unit mounted within each of said mounting boxes. Each force-sensing unit includes a vertical sensor positioned fore and aft of the vertical hitch axis and forward and aft horizontal force sensors. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, each of the sensors are mounted to the sensing unit utilizing elastomeric springs coupling the fifth wheel plate to the force-sensing unit and a plunger for coupling forces from said elastomeric spring to a force sensor itself.

Abstract: A temperature compensation element for a high-temperature strain gage and the method of fabricating the same. Preferably, the element is a “dummy” strain gage not mechanically attached to the substrate. The element is encapsulated in an insulative material and used to compensate an active high-temperature strain gage and wired in a half-bridge configuration. The temperature compensation element and high-temperature strain gage are fabricated using the method of the present invention. This method includes temporarily adhering the element to a heat sink, encapsulated in an insulative material and then removed from the heat sink. Next, the element is either stacked or placed near the active gage. Ideally, the element and the active gage have substantially similar heat transfer and electrical properties.