Abstract: A residual stress distribution measuring method of the present invention is characterized by comprising: by using an analytical model in which a cut-surface is interpolated to a cross section of a metal member, the step of calculating a residual force vector that is a sum of a load vector acting on a first metal piece at the cut-surface and a load vector acting on a second metal piece at the cut-surface; the step of calculating, as a modified displacement vector, an amount of movement at the cross section by interpolating the residual force vector as a forced load to the cross section of an analytical model of the metal member; by using an analytical model having the shape of a cut-surface of a measured first or second metal piece, the step of modifying the shape of the cut-surface of the first or the second metal piece on the basis of the calculated modified displacement vector; and by using the analytical model in which the shape of the cut-surface of the first or the second metal piece is modified, the

Abstract: A battery with a fire protection device, wherein the battery includes a plurality of battery cells and a battery housing, wherein a respective battery cell is arranged in an interior space of the battery housing. The fire protection device includes a composite layer with a thermal insulation layer and with a protective layer arranged on the insulation layer, wherein the composite layer is arranged on a battery housing interior side facing the interior space of the battery housing, and the insulation layer is arranged as an intermediate layer between a surface of the battery housing interior side and the protective layer and is protected by the protective layer against a gas and/or flame stream exiting the respective battery cell in the event of damage, whereby its thermally insulating properties are maintained.

Abstract: A bearing assembly monitoring system includes a bearing assembly supporting rotation of a rotating member. The bearing assembly includes a fixed portion and rotatable portion. A piezoelectric element is mounted to the fixed portion and generates an electric signal in response to a vibration of the fixed portion. A first transceiver is electrically coupled to the piezoelectric element to receive the electrical signal generated by the piezoelectric element and generate a signal indicative of the vibration of the fixed portion. A gas turbine engine bearing monitoring system and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A loading device, a monitoring system, and a method thereof can measure stiffness of a structural member (SM), such as a bone, and monitor progress or property over time. The loading device includes two types of displacement sensors, one type being an antenna. As the SM, which is in a magnetic or electromagnetic field and electromagnetically coupled to the antenna without contact, undergoes displacement under known loads, characteristics of the electromagnetic field coupling between the antenna and the SM change over time due to the displacement of the SM. The shift in the characteristics of the electromagnetic field coupling between the antenna and the SM can be used to determine the displacement of the SM. Based on the changes in the displacement over time, diagnosis of the SM being monitored over an evaluation period can be made.

Abstract: Detector device arranged to cover at least one portion of a mobile appliance; the device has an electromechanical transducer including a substrate, a first series of electrodes, a second series of electrodes, and a deformable layer associated with the electrodes of the two series, the substrate, the electrodes, and the deformable layer forming a single unit mounted on the portion of the mobile appliance and arranged so that a current flowing between one of the electrodes of the first series and an adjacent electrode of the second series is proportional to a thickness of the deformable layer in register with the electrodes. The substrate including a base layer to which are attached the electrodes of the first series and the electrodes of the second series, which have facing portions, and a variable conduction layer that covers the base layer and the electrodes.

Abstract: A surface shape measuring device includes a substrate, an electrode portion including at least one electrode pattern, the electrode pattern extending on the substrate, a coating layer on the substrate to cover the electrode pattern, and a detector electrically connected to the electrode pattern and detecting a change in a physical quantity of the electrode pattern generated by the deformation of the substrate or the coating layer by an external load applied thereto.

Abstract: A method for testing internal differences in reinforced flexible composites including placing a flexible composite on a rigid support structure, tapping the composite with a tapper of predetermined mass, determining a value representative of the impact duration of the tap and/or computing a value representative of the local stiffness of the composite. The composite may be a power transmission belt or portion thereof with tensile cord reinforcement. The method is useful for comparing the degree of penetration of elastomer into the tensile cord, for example in a cast polyurethane toothed belt.

Abstract: The invention relates to a monitoring system for tractive and compressive forces in a power track chain (1) for protected guidance of cables, hoses etc. The monitoring system comprises at least one force sensor (10, 90) for measuring a tractive or compressive force transmitted between a driver (4) and a moveable end (3) of the power track chain, and an evaluation unit (12) for evaluating the measurement signals detected by the force sensor. The invention is characterised by the design and arrangement of the force sensor (10, 90). This force sensor is designed as a connecting member for attaching the moveable end (3) of the power track chain (1) on the driver (4) and comprises at least one web (32, 34, 92) extended substantially transversely to the direction of the tractive/compressive force. The web has at least one elastically deformable bending region (321, 322, 341, 342) with an associated sensor (621, 622, 641, 642) for measuring deformation produced by bending.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a fluidic structure is disclosed. A cavity that defines a shape of an element of the fluidic structure within a material is formed. The cavity is filled with liquid metal. The cavity is sealed. The fluidic structure behaves as an antenna. A fluidic antenna includes a material that defines a shape of the fluidic antenna by a cavity filled with liquid metal formed within the material, where the material further defines at least one mechanical property of the fluidic antenna.

Abstract: A system and methods for actuator fatigue monitoring is disclosed. At least two measured actuator forces are received from at least two actuators respectively, and a hybrid force is calculated. The hybrid force is calculated based on a force fight of the at least two actuators calculated based on the at least two measured actuator forces, and a monitored actuator force among the at least two measured actuator forces. An air load of the at least two actuators is estimated based on the at least two measured actuator forces, and a fatigue anomaly is determined based on the hybrid force and the air load.

Abstract: A method and device for determining critical buffeting loads on a structure of an aircraft is disclosed. The device (1) comprises means (2, UC) implementing a semi-empirical method for determining the critical loads generated by some buffeting on the structure of the airplane.

Abstract: Tensiometer for measuring the force imparted by a yarn on a bending element which is secured in a fixation, having a unitary oscillation-damping element made of an intrinsically damping material like rubber or an elastomer, the unitary damping element including a base body secured to the bending element and at least one oscillation body which can oscillate, at least substantially in the direction of the deflection of the bending element, in relation to the base body and to the bending element, and further having an energy dissipation zone between the base body and the oscillation body.

Abstract: It is aimed to provide a strain detector having a fewer number of mounting parts and high operation efficiency and usability. The strain detector is provided with a cylindrical strain generator to be strained upon receiving a load, a resistor element which is arranged on the outer circumferential surface of the strain generator and whose resistance varies depending on the amount of strain, a signal processing circuit connected with the resistor element and screw portions arranged above and below the strain generator to sandwich the strain generator. The strain generator and the screw portions are integrated.

Abstract: Tensiometer for measuring the force imparted by a yarn on a bending element which is secured in a fixation, having a unitary oscillation-damping element made of an intrinsically damping material like rubber or an elastomer, the unitary damping element comprising a base body secured to the bending element and at least one oscillation body which can oscillate, at least substantially in the direction of the deflection of the bending element, in relation to the base body and to the bending element, and further having an energy dissipation zone between the base body and the oscillation body.

Abstract: The output signal from a measuring transducer in a force-measuring device is processed by filtering a measuring signal (ms), representing a load that is acting on the transducer, to suppress interfering signal portions caused by extraneous influences including mechanical disturbances, or changes of the load. The measuring signal (msE) passes through a first delay element (141A) to a measurement value unit (145) which holds the value of the currently received measuring signal (msE), a mean value based on the most recent values of the measuring signal, or an expected value (msE) based on the most recent values of the measuring signal. The measuring signal (msE) is monitored for signal disturbances using a first detector module (151). After detection, a switching means (142) is actuated and the output signal (msX) of the measurement value unit is processed further, if applicable, and sent to the output end of the device, instead of the currently received measuring signal (msE).

Abstract: An electromechanical force transducer comprises at least two adjacent resonant elements and a damping layer coupled between their adjacent faces. The damping layer is selected so that the output is increased in the region of internal cancellation in the transducer. The adjacent resonant elements are beam-like and have substantially the same length. The resonant elements may be supported on a stub of low rotational stiffness whereby the fundamental resonance of the transducer becomes less dependent on bending motion of the transducer and more rigid body-like. The transducer may also include a member for increasing the rotational impedance of the transducer.

Abstract: A new family of multifunctional smart coatings based on diamond-like atomic-scale composite materials which can provide a real-time control of the surface stress distribution and potentially dangerous stress diagnostic for the most critical parts of flying vehicles. The coating is a silica-stabilized dielectric film, particularly, a diamond-like atomic-scale composite material.

Abstract: A system for automatically adjusting a fastener screw of a pivot joint between first and second parts of a pair of scissors, each part having a blade and a respective handle. A part clamp engages and holds the handle of the first part. A torque arm engages and moves the handle of the second part relative to the first part about the pivot joint. A driver adjusts the fastener screw to provide a desired resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A position encoder is connected to the part clamp and torque arm to generate a position signal indicative of the position of the second part relative to the first part. A torque transducer is connected to the parts clamp and torque arm to generate a torque signal indicative of the resistance to relative movement between the first and second parts. A controller has inputs operatively connected to the position encoder and to the torque transducer and an output operatively connected to the driver.

Abstract: A seismometer having a hydrodynamically efficient shaped body containing a seismic sensor or source, having a propulsion unit located and a control unit for directional control of the propulsion unit for guiding the seismometer to and from an ocean floor. The seismometer can be deployed from a surface ship, helicopter or airplane. The seismometer or surface support vessel contains a navigation unit for directing the control unit to a desired location on the ocean bottom. The apparatus provides a storage device for storing seismic data sensed by the seismic sensor. The navigation system sends a responsive directional command to the apparatus based on the current location and the desired location. Upon arrival at the desired ocean bottom location, the propulsion system acts to couple the apparatus to the ocean floor. A flight control system manages a plurality of the seismometers during navigation to and from the a ocean bottom.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for non-contact measurement of torque applied to a torque-bearing member such as a shaft. The method involves the use of a piezoelectric transducer mechanically coupled to the shaft for rotation therewith, and having electrical characteristics responsive to applied torque. Electrical signal characteristics are changed by the torque-dependent transducer characteristics. The electrical signals are coupled to the outside (non-rotating) world by at least one capacitive coupler. In one embodiment, an fixed-frequency oscillator produces signal, and the transmission of the signal is affected by the torque-dependent resonant frequency of the transducer. In another embodiment, the transducer is coupled in the feedback loop of a circuit to form an oscillator, in which the frequency is responsive to the torque. A transducer may be placed and distributed in a protective holder. The holder may be pierced in particular locations in order to increase or decrease its sensitivity.

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 current-driven signal conditioning system comprising a first terminal, a second terminal, a strain gauge, and an instrumentation amplifier is disclosed. The strain gauge is adapted to measure a deformation of a structure and to generate a resistance which corresponds to the measured deformation. The instrumentation amplifier is adapted to be connected between the first terminal and the second terminal. The instrumentation amplifier is further adapted to be connected to the strain gauge and to place an output current on the second terminal. The output current is proportional to the resistance generated by the strain gauge. An output resister is coupled between the strain gauge and the second terminal, and a capacitor is coupled between the resister and the first terminal. A zenor diode is coupled between the first terminal and the strain gauge, and a diode is also coupled between the first terminal and the strain gauge.

Abstract: A capacitance to be measured is connected together with three further capacitances to form a bridge circuit, in which each two of the capacitors are connected in series, and these two series circuits are connected in parallel to one another, and which replaces a part of the input stage of a .SIGMA.-.DELTA. modulator. As inputs of this bridge circuit, terminals are provided at the ends of these series circuits, and as outputs terminals are respectively provided between the capacitors connected one after the other in series. In a sensor realized thereby, two capacitively measuring sensor elements of the same type are used. These capacitors are built into the bridge circuit together with two equally large reference capacitors in such a way that exactly one measurement capacitor and one reference capacitor is La connected is connected to each input and to each output of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is a high-sensitivity strain probe used in high-sensitivity sensor elements of force type. By the use of semiconductor process and wire bonding technology as well as integrated forming method, the fabricated elements include: a probe, a cantilever, a cantilever substrate, resistance materials, and a processing circuit that can be applied to a probe microscope to greatly reduce the number of elements of the scanning probe microscopy. The invention attains the object of lowering the cost and effectively solves the problems of an excessively large signal-to-noise ratio and avoids using the optical elements present in a conventional microscopic probe avoiding various inconveniences and shortcomings of the prior art.

Abstract: The invention consists of a system to compensate for the parasitic signal induced by a parasitic impedance in the signal path. An auxiliary signal, outside of the frequency band of the desired signal, is introduced to evaluate the effects of the parasitic impedance. A compensating signal is then generated by simulating the effects of the parasitic impedance on the desired signal. Those simulated effects are then superimposed over the normal signal path with a phase adjusted to eliminate the effects of the parasitic impedance on the total resulting signal.

Abstract: The measurement of ejection tonnage in a die in forming process uses an embedded, in-die sensor and signal filtering methods for a more refined interpretation of the weaker signals associated with die vibrations. In particular, a self-tuning (adaptive) filter, matched to the embedded sensor, is used to reconstruct the stimulus of the die vibrations to reveal otherwise non-measurable knock-out tonnage parameters from the strain signal output by the sensor. Necessary information is obtained by means of a suitable dynamics identification procedure. Information necessary for self-tuning is obtained by means of a suitable die-set dynamics identification procedure.

Abstract: A low cost, high bandwidth "smart skin" impact sensor is developed for application to vehicle side impact detection and diagnostics. The sensor is based on a piezo polymer smart skin technology and can sense impact location and impact energy in real time (i.e., fractions of a millisecond) along a vehicle side panel. The sensor is simple to manufacture, is low cost in production quantities, and can be used in concert with other devices in a sensor suite to provide, reliable, efficient, energy managed airbag development. With proper spatial shading techniques it is shown that the sensor can be designed also to report impact angle and the velocity of the impacting body.

Abstract: In a measuring arrangement comprising a strain gage section (10) constructed of at least one SG (strain gage) (15), and integrated in a measurement pickup (1), an additional circuit (20) amplifies modulated output signals of the SG section (10), and is also integrated in the measurement pickup (1). The measuring arrangement thus obtained is used for general measuring tasks, particularly for commercially available domestic or industrial scales including weighing devices operated by means of commercially available batteries. As an additional circuit, a modulation amplifier can be used which consists of a modulator constructed as squarewave generator, an alternating-voltage amplifier and a demodulator, the demodulator being a bridge rectifier composed of four electronic (on/off) switches or two electrical changeover switches.

Abstract: The invention is intended to provide a stress measuring device for a structure, wherein a plurality of stress sensors are composited or integrated to provide an integrated single-packaged stress composite sensor, the latter being used to deliver X-axis, X- and Z-axis or X-, Y- and Z-axis direction stress signals produced in the structure or deliver stress signals in selected directions, so as to make it possible to measure stresses.

Abstract: An adaptive algorithm implemented in digital or analog form is used in conjunction with a voltage controlled amplifier to compensate for the feedthrough capacitance of piezoelectric sensoriactuator. The mechanical response of the piezoelectric sensoriactuator is resolved from the electrical response by adaptively altering the gain imposed on the electrical circuit used for compensation. For wideband, stochastic input disturbances, the feedthrough capacitance of the sensoriactuator can be identified on-line, providing a means of implementing direct-rate-feedback control in analog hardware. The device is capable of on-line system health monitoring since a quasi-stable dynamic capacitance is indicative of sustained health of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: Boring bar vibration damping is improved by a novel use of the electromechanical properties of the piezoelectric actuator material. A negative capacitance shunt circuit is provided in which a voltage-controlled voltage-source continuously simulates a negative capacitance that is substantially equal in magnitude but opposite in phase to the capacitance of the piezoelectric material. The negative capacitance is shunted across the piezoelectric device, effectively compensating for the capacitance of the device across a broad frequency band. The voltages generated in the piezoelectric element in response to mechanical deformation induced by broadband vibrations of the structure during damping operations, may then be completely resistively dissipated, thereby enhancing the mechanical damping.

Abstract: A method for setting the sensing polarity of a sensor device (10) uses a switching bridge (22) having a wheatstone bridge configuration that is coupled to a sensing element (20) such that the polarity of the sensor device can be set by creating two electrical opens, for example with laser trimming along a cut line (59, 66), in parallel branches (30, 31) of the switching bridge. These opens are formed after the sensor device has been fully processed.

Abstract: A wheel-acting force measuring device permits accurate measurement of a shearing stress by removing a torsional stress component measured by a stress detector. A stress sensor includes four sensor segments which measure stress by a change in a characteristic thereof, arranged two on each of opposed surfaces of a base, preferably in cross form. The four sensor segments can be combined into various circuit configurations to produce a combined characteristic for each combination, each associated with a measurement of a particular stress acting on a wheel. In a preferred case, the four sensor segments are strain gauges, each which form part of a bridge circuit shiftably connected to allow the relative connection of each segment to be altered, thereby changing the configuration of the bridge. When in a first configuration, the output of the bridge circuit indicates primarily shearing strain mixed with a torsional strain component.

Abstract: In a veneer lathe having a knife mounted to a knife support frame with a backing plate, a roundup control system for a veneer lathe is disclosed that recognizes or detects the production of usable veneer using the body of the knife as a signal source. During initial production of veneer, the lathe produces a trash or roundup veneer that is directed to a chipper through a trashgate. When there begins production of usable veneer, the trashgate is closed and the usable veneer is directed toward production trays or stackers. A sensor or displacement detection device is mounted in the backing plate of the knife support frame lateral the unsupported portion of the knife. As the knife contacts wood, the unsupported span of the knife flexes causing the magnet to move which the sensor detects. The sensor outputs a voltage signal proportional to movement of the knife in magnitude and direction. This voltage signal is relayed to a central processing unit where it is converted into a digital signal.

Abstract: Self sensing actuator system using a piezoelectric actuator device allows the device to perform both as an actuator and sensor. The sensor functions can be either measurements of stress or measurements of strain. The actuator can be used as a force generator or positioning device, both in open and closed loop configurations, and is useful for purposes ranging from dynamic damping to shape control (i.e., shaping or controlling deformation of a body).

Abstract: A method of changing the sensitivity of a transducer includes applying to the transducer a cyclic excitation signal. The excitation signal has a number of recurring phases of different amplitudes. The transducer's output signal has a like number of recurring phases, each of which corresponds to a phase of the excitation signal. One of the phases of the output signal is selected for data acquisition. Selection of a different phase changes the effective measuring range of the transducer. Preferably, the excitation signal is an a.c. signal, and the output signal is partially demodulated as part of the selection of a phase for data acquisition.

Abstract: A force or pressure sensor has a measuring body exposed to the measuring force and a reference body, said bodies both being supported at the housing via force measuring elements. In an evaluating circuit the signals of the force measuring elements, the second time derivatives of said signals and possibly also their first time derivatives are linked in such a manner that a signal representing the measuring force is obtained which is largely independent of the dynamic inherent behavior of the pressure sensor on shocks and vibrations of the housing and on rapid changes of the measuring force.

Abstract: A device for measuring a physical quantity includes a transducer and circuitry for exciting the transducer with an a.c. square wave. The excitation circuitry includes two amplifiers, a switch and a resistor network. The excitation circuitry provides a plus one gain when the switch is in one position and a minus one gain when the switch is in a second position. A similar circuit synchronously demodulates the transducer's output signal. Another similar circuit synchronously demodulates the transducer excitation signal and provides a reference voltage to an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The ADC converts the demodulated transducer ouptut signal into a binary word. Both demodulated signals are filtered before application to the ADC. An example of the device is a force-measuring device such as a weighing scale incorporating a strain gauge load cell.

Abstract: An indicator apparatus has multiple stages to effectively handle data processing, particularly raw data from a mechanical load cell, such as those used to monitor loads in the mechanical workings of a torque arm reducer. Processing of such raw data is split into parallel operations relating to both signal level and signal polarity functions. This multi-staged approach enables increased precision as to both functions due to tailoring of the data inputs to different stages. Use of staged circuitry to effect the separated functions also readily permits the presence of an unobtrusive monitor level signal output. Combined with other features, a limit detector and alarm permits accurate provision of both a stable response to low frequency steady state mechanical data and to fast-acting high frequency transient/dynamic data contained therein. Indicated polarity changes signify alternating tension and compression in the mechanical couplings of a load cell.

Abstract: A shaft torque measuring system comprising a transducer mounted on a slowly rotating shaft that produces an output voltage signal proportional to its torque; a voltage-to-current converter circuit for converting the output voltage signal from the sensor into a current signal; a brush and slip ring assembly for providing a means to transmit the current signal to a monitor station, and a voltage-to-current converter circuit for converting the current signal to a voltage signal which is proportional to the torque of the slowly rotating shaft.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assessing the effect of at least one of a plurality of forces acting upon a structure. Structural moment detectors, combined with external signal and data-processing components or structural information detectors which are unitary devices which include the signal and data-processing functions, are employed as an integral component of these systems. These systems include basic measurement systems, structural integrity measurement systems, applied structural measurement systems, applied load measurement systems, applied communication-detection systems and additional miscellaneous systems.

Abstract: An analog compensation circuit for compensating for mechanical instrumentation resonance. The transfer function of the instrumentation resonance phenomenon is determined, and the compensation circuit is constructed to produce the inverse transfer function of the instrumentation resonance transfer function. The input of the compensation circuit is connected to the electrical instrumentation output signal. With the instrumentation resonance modeled as the equivalent of a second order filter, the compensation circuit includes sections for producing at a combined output a first intermediate signal representative of a constant term, a second intermediate signal representative of a first derivative term, and a third intermediate signal representative of a second derivative term.

Abstract: An automatic zero balance circuit for nulling the initial offset signal received from a test transducer. A quadrature oscillator powers a carrier transducer with the phase reference signal. A summing circuit receives the return signal from the transducer and sums it with two other signals. The resultant summation signal is divided into two components, the phase reference component and the quadrature reference component which are fed back into the summing circuit as the two other signals. The component values nullify the return signal thereby cancelling the initial offset signal.

Abstract: A method of detecting flaws in a printed circuit board laminate having drilled holes wherein a penetrating solution containing a UV fluorescing dye is applied to the laminate to fill the drilled holes and flaws. Excess penetrating solution is removed from the drilled holes and the surface of the laminate. The penetrating solution remaining in the flaws is cured into an insoluble solid and then the laminate is cross-sectioned to provide at least one sample carrying the cured solution. The sample is encapsulated in a clear epoxy and the encapsulated sample is ground and polished to provide a surface which is examined under UV light.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for calibrating and providing an output from a strain gauge (1) is described. In the method and apparatus there is provided a constant-current source (10). Coupled to the current source (10) is an amplifier (12,13) for providing an output corresponding to the difference between the voltage drop across the strain gauge (1) and a reference voltage from a source (14). The reference voltage is used to adjust the current in the strain gauge (1) from the current source (10). After the current is adjusted, further changes in the voltage drop in the strain gauge (1) relative to the reference voltage is used for providing an output of the voltage difference relative to the reference voltage. The adjusting of the magnitude of the current from the constant-current source (10) is provided by a calibrate-and-zero sample and hold circuit (16) having a sample and hold period sufficient to reduce to negligible levels the effects of the dielectric absorption of an associated capacitive means (20).

Abstract: A transducer bridge circuit arrangement includes at least two bridge circuits connected in parallel to each other. Any interaction affecting the sensitivity of the bridge circuits relative to each other is eliminated. For this purpose the circuit arrangement includes two power input terminals and two measured signal output terminals. In order to avoid a signal component, which represents force couple related load components between the two measured signal output terminals, these terminals are arranged on the one hand between the two strain gauges which measure tension or compression only and, on the other hand, between the two strain gauges which measure tension as well as compression. In such an arrangement the power input terminals and the measured signal output terminals are effectively rotated by 90.degree. relative to prior art transducer circuit arrangements, whereby interaction between the individual bridge circuits in a multiple transducer system is eliminated.