Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensor having an extended sensing distance range beyond conventional proximity sensors. The sensor includes an electrical component structure having a topology in which current is concentrated close to a periphery of the electrical component to produce an extended sensing field. A frequency adjustment circuit can be used to control a frequency of the sensing field to avoid jammers or other interfering signals.

Abstract: A torque transmitter for a torque sensor for measuring a torque on a shaft includes a carrier plate that includes a plurality of sensor element carrier plate regions, on each of which at least one sensor element for recording magnetic field changes is arranged, and an enclosure region formed in a substantially annular shape to enclose the shaft around a circumference of the shaft. The plurality of sensor element carrier plate regions are perpendicularly connected to the enclosure region and arranged radially within the enclosure region by being spaced apart along a circumferential direction around the circumference of the shaft.

Abstract: A method is provided for testing a reliability of a plurality of driven component variants (22, 24, 30), such as those to be used as power train elements in one or more wind turbines. The method includes conducting physical success run testing on a test bench (42) of a first subset of test specimens (50) provided for the component variants (22, 24, 30), and conducting virtual success run testing of a second subset of the test specimens (50). The virtual success run testing does not use test bench time or physical component samples, which reduces the costs typically needed to provide reliability results for specified operating time durations or other parameters at desired confidence levels for operators of driven components such as wind turbine operators, who want to avoid unscheduled downtime based on component failures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sensor commonality platform comprising a plurality of adaptable sensors for customizable applications. Each adaptable sensor comprises a displacement structure for reacting to changes in a measurable physical property and a core sensor electronics module for measuring displacement of the displacement structure in response to the changes in the measurable physical property. At least one sensor has a displacement structure different than that of another sensor, with the core electronics being the same.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor may include a stretchable substrate, a first conductor assembly disposed on the substrate, a second conductor assembly disposed on the substrate and above the first conductor, and a redundancy member coupled to the one of the conductor assemblies. A capacitive sensor may include a first serpentine conductor assembly disposed on the substrate and having first and second terminal ends coupled to the substrate, a second serpentine conductor assembly disposed above and overlapping the first conductor assembly and having first and second terminal ends coupled to the substrate, wherein each of the terminal ends of the first conductor assembly is offset from the corresponding terminal ends of the second conductor assemblies. A sensor system may include a stretchable sensor, an electronics module coupled to the stretchable sensor, and a strain relief member extending from the stretchable sensor and coupling to the electronics module.

Abstract: A robot arm includes a plurality of links and rotary joints for connecting the links with each other. A cable (wire rod) for communicating a drive signal to a drive actuator of each rotary joint is provided along each link. A reaction force table storing a reaction force value generated by the wire rod when the joint is driven in a divided storage area divided for each dynamic drive control condition is provided in a control system. In a case where each rotary joint is driven, the control device controls each rotary joint on the basis of a reaction force value obtained by referring to the reaction force table in accordance with the drive control condition.

Abstract: An axle box-bearing unit for an axle including a housing element and a sensor unit having a sensor module, a connection piece for connecting to a processing unit and a flexible electrical cable joining the sensor module and the connection piece into a single part. The housing element is delimited by an annular lateral wall provided with a transversal through hole engaged by a plug fitted in a fluid-tight manner to the flexible electrical cable between the sensor module and the connection piece. A first plate provided with a second through hole is rigidly connected to the lateral wall of the housing element, with the second hole aligned with the first hole and crossed through by the plug, a second U-shaped plate is fitted astride of the plug to connect with one end of same that projects radially from the holes and is rigidly connected to the first plate.

Abstract: An novel sensor is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object, and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented proximate the drive lines and electrically separated from the pickup lines to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup proximal locations.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods, computer program products, and computer systems for instructing a robot to prepare a food dish by replacing the human chef's movements and actions. Monitoring a human chef is carried out in an instrumented application-specific setting, a standardized robotic kitchen in this instance, and involves using sensors and computers to watch, monitor, record and interpret the motions and actions of the human chef, in order to develop a robot-executable set of commands robust to variations and changes in the environment, capable of allowing a robotic or automated system in a robotic kitchen to prepare the same dish to the standards and quality as the dish prepared by the human chef.

Abstract: A column-assist type electric power steering device (10) is provided with: a steering shaft (22); a magnetostrictive type torque sensor (80) that detects a torque produced in the steering shaft (22); and bearings (64, 65) that rotatably support the steering shaft (22). The magnetostrictive type torque sensor (80) includes a magnetostrictive film (81) disposed on an outer peripheral surface of the steering shaft (22), and a detection unit (83) that is disposed opposite the magnetostrictive film (81) and that detects a change in permeability. The bearings (64, 65) are installed at two locations in the axial direction of the steering shaft (22) in such a manner as to sandwich the detection unit (83).

Abstract: Generally, the subject matter herein relates to detecting the presence of weak BEOL sites in a metallization system. One disclosed method includes performing a lateral force test on a pillar bump formed above a metallization system of a semiconductor chip, which includes contacting the pillar bump with a test probe while moving the test probe at a substantially constant speed that is less than approximately 1 ?m/sec along a path that is oriented at a substantially non-zero angle relative to a plane of the metallization system. Furthermore, the test probe is moving substantially away from the metallization system so that a force imposed on the pillar bump by the test probe has an upward component that induces a tensile load on the metallization system. The disclosed method also includes determining a behavioral interaction between the pillar bump and the metallization system during the lateral force test.

Abstract: A method for determining a break-away force in an actuator is provided, the actuator comprising an actuator armature including a positioning element movable in relation to the actuator housing. The positioning element is movable by means of an actuator drive such that a driving force is applied through the actuator drive to the positioning element. The actuator is in a resting state in the beginning, the driving energy required for moving the actuator drive is successively increased, wherein the driving energy is converted into a driving force by driving means, and a measurement value at the actuator drive is measured by at least one sensor, wherein as soon as a change of the measurement value is detected, a state is verified in which a holding force counteracts the movement of the position element.

Abstract: The integrated electronic device is for detecting a local parameter related to a force experienced in a predetermined direction within a solid structure. The device includes a semiconductor substrate having a substantially planar region that defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. At least one sensor detects the local parameter at least in the predetermined direction with a piezo-resistive effect. At least one substantially planar face is arranged in a portion of the integrated electronic device, the face belonging to a inclined plane by a predetermined angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, which plane is defined by the substantially planar region of the substrate. The predetermined angle is defined such as to reduce forces acting in directions other than the predetermined direction at the portion of the device around the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A jig includes a wafer including an accommodation groove configured to accommodate a capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (cMUT) when flip chip bonding is performed, and a separation groove formed in a bottom surface of the accommodation groove, the separation groove having a bottom surface that is spaced apart from thin films of the cMUT that face the bottom surface of the separation groove when the cMUT is seated on portions of the bottom surface of the accommodation groove.

Abstract: A system and method for tracked vehicle dynamometer testing. The dynamometer system may be configured as a treadmill electric chassis dynamometer having dual, parallel endless belts positioned as substantially flat surfaces with cleats, i.e., the tracks of a test vehicle and a dynamometer vehicle. The track assemblies of the test vehicle and the dynamometer vehicle are generally vertically, mechanically coupled in close contact with each other via a retention fixture. The testing may be conducted in a climatic chamber to simulate various environmental conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus for chemical separations includes a first substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a first fluidic port; a second substantially rigid microfluidic substrate defining a second fluidic port; and a coupler disposed between the first and second substrates, the coupler defining a fluidic path in fluidic alignment with the ports of the first and second substrates. The coupler includes a material that is deformable relative to a material of the first substrate and a material of the second substrate. The substrates are clamped together to compress the coupler between the substrates and form a fluid-tight seal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the pressure and/or the tension exerted at different points of a flexible, foldable and/or extensible textile material capable of being used as a garment, lapel, or the like; said device is remarkable in that it includes, on the one hand, at least one sensor obtained from a single layer (1), formed of an arrangement of at least three types of fibers, piezoresistive fibers forming piezoresistive areas (2), conductive fibers forming electrically-conductive areas (3), and insulating fibers forming electrically-insulating areas (4) and, on the other hand, an electronic circuit (5) capable of measuring the electric resistance variation of the piezoresistive areas submitted to one or several forces.

Abstract: A load cell lockout system includes a lower support, an upper support, and a load cell disposed between the lower support and the upper support. The upper support is movable relative to the lower support between a first position wherein a first load is applied by the upper support to the load cell and a second position wherein either a second load that is lighter than the first load is applied by the upper support to the load cell or no load is applied by the upper support to the load cell. A lockout includes a cam with an eccentric perimeter side edge, the cam being rotatable between a first orientation whereby the upper support is placed in the first position and a second orientation whereby the upper support is placed in the second position.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes: a torsion bar; a multi-pole magnet; a pair of yokes on an outside of the multi-pole magnet in a radial direction and providing a magnetic circuit in a magnetic field generated by the multi-pole magnet; and a pair of magnetic sensors arranged along a circumferential direction. Each magnetic sensor includes a magnetism sensing part for detecting a magnetic flux density generated in the magnetic circuit, and outputs a detection signal to an external computing device. The magnetic sensors output the detection signals to the external computing device such that the computing device calculates a sum of outputs or a difference of outputs of the magnetic sensors so as to cancel a variation of the outputs produced by a magnetic flux generated from the multi-pole magnet and directly reaching the magnetism sensing parts.

Abstract: A motion conversion system is described. The motion conversion system comprises a first torsional member operative for rotating in a first direction. A second torsional member is offset a distance from the first torsional member, wherein the second torsional member is operative for rotating in a direction opposite from the first direction. And, a lateral member has a lower surface connected to the first and second torsional members. Wherein, translational movement of the lateral member results from rotational movement of the first and second torsional members.

Abstract: A torque sensing device for measuring the torque applied to a rotatable shaft, and also measuring the magnetic field noise affecting the device. The device incorporates a switching function thereby enabling the device to operate in a common signal detection mode and a differential noise detection mode. The device is capable of determining the torque applied to the rotatable shaft based upon output signals obtained from magnetic field sensors operating in both the common signal detection mode and the differential noise detection mode. The device is capable of accurately measuring a torque induced magnetic field and is capable of canceling measurement error resulting from noise induced magnetic fields.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus including a first sensor arrangement configured in a first layer; a second sensor arrangement configured in a second layer; wherein the sensor arrangements are configured to vary an input signal in response to a sensed parameter; and the apparatus also including an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal that depends on each of the first and second sensor arrangements.

Abstract: A force-sensing device for measuring a traction- and/or pressure force load in a structure, for example, in a container-locking bolt is provided. The force-sensing device is constructed shaped like a rod and a sensor section detects expansions and/or compressions of the structure.

Abstract: A miniature universal dynamometer for use in teaching and measuring horsepower of scaled down electronic vehicles and DC generators is provided. The miniature universal dynamometer relates generally to electro-mechanical vehicles that use DC energy and DC generators that produce electrical power. This miniature universal dynamometer relates specifically to vehicles that easily and quickly demonstrate to students and auto workers the design and horsepower used by the electronic vehicles in moving vehicles on various roadways. The device also utilizes a switch which allows the device to measure horsepower required to produce electrical power from a DC generator.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm comprises a crank body, a sensor support member and a power sensing device. The crank body includes a crank axle mounting portion and a pedal mounting portion. The sensor support member is disposed in a cavity of the crank body and attached to the crank body. The power sensing device is supported on the sensor support member.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a brake rod and a flexible dielectric membrane wrapped around the brake rod. The membrane has a plurality of substrate cutouts at precise locations for strain gage substrates.

Abstract: A torque sensor has a magnetic sensor, which is composed of a first magnetic detecting element, a second magnetic detecting element and a comparator. The first magnetic detecting element outputs an output signal of a provisional detection value, while the second magnetic detecting element outputs an output signal of a reference value. The comparator compares the provisional detection value and the reference value and outputs the provisional detection value as an authorized detection value, when a difference value between the provisional detection value and the reference value is smaller than a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A measurement device for a generator and a method for measuring stator wedge preload are disclosed. The generator includes a stator and a rotor, the stator including a stator wedge. The measurement device includes a force application device, the force application device including an actuator operable to apply a force to the stator wedge. The measurement device further includes a sensor operable to measure displacement of the stator wedge. The measurement device further includes a controller in communication with the force application device and the sensor and configured to collect data associated with the force and the displacement.

Abstract: A seat belt alarm system to alert users to the presence of an infant or child, or disabled, infirm or elderly person in a vehicle. The seat belt alarm utilizes a portable bracket configured to removably attach to a female receptacle of a seat belt system. The bracket includes a tension mechanism positioned to be acted upon by a male buckle of a seat belt system when the male buckle of the seat belt mates with the female receptacle of the seat belt system. In a depressed state, the tension mechanism activates a signal transmitter configured to transmit a local signal received by a signal receiver integrated in a keychain fob. When the keychain fob moves outside of a signal range (e.g., 10 feet) while the tension mechanism remains in a depressed state, an alarm and/or red indicator light on the keychain fob is/are activated.

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm comprises a first crank arm member having a first sensor-mounting surface and a second crank arm member having a second sensor-mounting surface. A first sensor is mounted to the first sensor-mounting surface, and a second sensor mounted to the second sensor-mounting surface.

Abstract: An adjustment device for adjusting a relative rotational angle position of two shafts (particularly a cam shaft and a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine) that has an adjusting gear which is designed as triple shaft gear and has a drive part connected to a first shaft (crank shaft), a driven part connected to a second shaft (cam shaft), and an adjustment shaft connected to a servomotor shaft of an electric servomotor in a rotationally fixed manner. In order to implement a wide temperature range for the operation of the adjustment device, a temperature sensor is arranged in the servomotor. In a method for operating an adjustment device or an actuator, the current of the servomotor or the actuator is controlled depending on the temperature that was determined earlier.

Abstract: A torque sensor comprises a freewheel with a first rotating element for transferring a torque to be determined to a second rotating element which is coaxial to the first rotating element, the transfer occurring in one rotational direction, and devices for determining a rotation of the first rotating element relative to the second rotating element in said rotational direction and for determining the torque using the determined relative rotation.

Abstract: A sensing system has a sensor suitable for producing a signal relative to the sensing of a physical parameter, a power supply connected to the sensor, and a strobe interconnected to the sensor or to the power supply so as to pass power to the sensor so as to activate the sensor so as to cause the sensor to sense the physical parameter. The strobe intermitantly passes power at rapid rate to the sensor. A human interface device is cooperative with the sensor such that the sensor senses an operation of the human interface device. The sensor is a piezoresistive sensor. A processor is connected to the sensor so as to receive a signal from the sensor corresponding to the activation of the sensor by the strobe.

Abstract: A micro-force sensor comprising a one-piece plate including a first area defining a first recess, which must be held in position relative to a mounting, a second area connected to the first area defining the first recess and a second recess, a measuring beam across the first recess having a first end embedded in the first area and a second end connected to the second area, an excitation beam across the second recess having two ends embedded in the second area and being provided with at least one excitation element, a third area connected to the first area and an effector beam having one free end for receiving the force being measured and one end-embedded in the third area, and a fourth area connecting the embedded end of the effector beam to the second end of the measuring beam, which is provided with a measuring element.

Abstract: An electromechanical joining module for applying a linear force to a joining element, includes a stator, which represents the stationary part of the joining module, a tappet, which can be linearly extended out of the stator and which has an outer tappet end, and a force transducer for detecting forces that are applied to the joining element during the operation of the tappet end. The force transducer is attached in the area of the tappet end and has sensor electronics for wirelessly transmitting measurement data by means of near-field and far-field telemetry.

Abstract: To achieve high precision in a test stand environment, a method and a device for calibrating a torque measurement unit includes connecting the torque measurement unit with a dynamometer, a set point speed nsoll larger than 0 rpm is specified for a speed regulator, whereby the speed regulator generates a set point torque Tsoll, which is upwardly limited by a reference torque limit Tmax that can be specified, and the reference torque that is limited in this way is specified to the dynamometer as reference torque Tstell.

Abstract: A method of evaluating the stickiness of an outer surface of an absorbent article is disclosed. The method includes providing an absorbent article on a stationary horizontal surface, wherein the absorbent article has an outer surface facing away from the stationary horizontal surface. The method further includes affixing an adhesive substrate to the outer surface of the absorbent article, grasping an end portion of the adhesive substrate, and lifting the end portion of the adhesive substrate in a direction away from the stationary horizontal surface.

Abstract: A first operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a first sensor that a first physical variable is higher than a predetermined first threshold value. In a similar way, a second operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of a second sensor that a second physical variable is higher than a predetermined second threshold value. A third operator control function is activated if it is detected by means of the first sensor that the first physical variable is higher than a predetermined third threshold value and if at the same time it is detected by means of the second sensor that the second physical variable is higher than a predetermined fourth threshold value, the third threshold value being higher than the first threshold value.

Abstract: A method for detecting a developing torque for a hybrid drive, the hybrid drive having a first drive unit, in particular an electric motor, and a second drive unit, in particular an internal combustion engine, the drive units being coupleable with the aid of a separating clutch, wherein the separating clutch is brought into a predefined engaged position, the torque of the first drive unit is changed, and the developing torque is detected at the predefined engaged position as a function of the change in the torque of the first drive unit.

Abstract: An exemplary vehicle service pit includes a first section and a second section abutting each other. A support structure supports the service pit and a joint plate helps hold the first section and the second section in the abutting relationship. Substantially parallel runners are located in the service pit and are secured to the support structure. A glider moveably mounts on the runners. Lights may be included as part of the service pit. An exemplary method for assembling a service pit includes abutting a head section and a foot section and securing a gasket in place over the joint between the head section and the foot section using a joint plate. Optionally, lights are added to the head section, the foot section, or both. Runners of elongate metal with support feet integrally formed are attached to the service pit by bolts, or other suitable fastener.

Abstract: The electronic circuit has a capacitive sensor that includes two capacitors mounted in differential, whose common electrode can move relative to each fixed electrode of the two capacitors to alter the capacitive value of each capacitor. The electronic circuit has an interface connected to the capacitive sensor, which includes a charge transfer amplifier unit connected to the common electrode, an integrator unit, and an excitation unit arranged between the output of the first integrator unit and the sensor to polarise each fixed electrode of the sensor capacitors at a determined voltage value. A compensation capacitor is connected to the input of the integrator unit. The electronic circuit interface includes comparison means for comparing the output voltage with a comparison voltage to control disconnection of the compensation capacitor at the integrator unit input, if the deviation between the output voltage and the comparison voltage exceeds a determined voltage threshold.

Abstract: A motion conversion system is described. The motion conversion system comprises a first torsional member operative for rotating in a first direction. A second torsional member is offset a distance from the first torsional member, wherein the second torsional member is operative for rotating in a direction opposite from the first direction. And, a lateral member has a lower surface connected to the first and second torsional members. Wherein, translational movement of the lateral member results from rotational movement of the first and second torsional members.

Abstract: Provided are multiple normal stress detection sensor units capable of detecting a normal stress, and a sheet layer portion. The sheet layer portion includes an exterior sheet layer portion, a force detection sheet layer portion incorporating normal stress detection units, and an intermediary layer sandwiched between the exterior sheet layer portion and the force detection sheet layer portion. The exterior sheet layer portion and the force detection sheet layer portion include multiple protrusions protruding in directions opposed to each other, and are disposed such that the protrusions engage each other with the intermediary layer interposed therebetween. Each normal stress detection sensor unit includes a central portion detection sensor device disposed immediately below a central portion of the protrusion provided on the force detection sheet portion, and at least two edge detection sensor devices disposed immediately below edge portions of the protrusion provided on the force detection sheet portion.

Abstract: A wind turbine gearbox test cell includes a cradle and a base mounted to a first support structure. Load devices are interconnected between the cradle and base and are configured to input at least one of thrust, radial and yaw loads to the gearbox through the cradle to a wind turbine gearbox under test. A controller is in communication with the load devices and is programmed to command the load devices to input the at least one of thrust, radial and yaw loads to the gearbox corresponding to a simulated wind turbine gearbox loading event. The test cell includes dynamometers and gearboxes that can be reconfigured based upon the particular wind turbine gearbox under test.

Abstract: A binding force testing device for testing the binding force of a hinge, includes a control chassis for controlling the binding force testing device; a platform mounted on the control chassis; a support mounted on the control chassis above the platform; a first driving device mounted on the support; a main holder mounted on the first driving device facing the platform; and a second driving device mounted on the support and connected to the first driving device. The first driving device drives the main holder to move relative to the platform in a first direction; the second driving device drives the first driving device to move relative to the platform in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

Abstract: A plurality of three-dimensional structure configuring devices, each including an elastic body in which micro three-dimensional structure elements fixed to a substrate member are placed so as to be covered therewith and which is fixed to the substrate member, are placed within a film-like elastic body with the substrate members thereof spaced apart from one another so as to configure a three-dimensional structure. Thereby, the plurality of three-dimensional structure configuring devices can be placed with desired intervals of arrangement and in desired positions within the film-like elastic body and so that various specifications can be addressed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensing robotic surgical instrument includes a proximal housing linkable with a surgical robot arm, a shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the proximal portion operably coupled to the housing, and a force transducer operably coupled to the distal portion of the shaft, the force transducer having a proximal portion, a distal portion, a plurality of radial ribs, and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, the radial ribs forming a plurality of through passages. The instrument further includes a wrist mechanism coupled to the distal portion of the force transducer, an end effector coupled to the wrist mechanism, and a flush manifold that receives a liquid from the proximal portion of the shaft and directs the liquid along a first subset of through passages of the force transducer toward the distal portion of the force transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a force. The apparatus includes a nanostructure being suitable for emitting electrons and a collector. The collector is proximately positioned with respect to the nanostructure so as to receive the emitted electrons and define a gap therebetween. The gap is partially dependent upon the applied force and the emission and reception of the electrons are indicative of the applied force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting tightness of threaded joints of drill rods when unfastening at least one threaded joint of the drilling equipment (6) by impacting the drilling equipment (6) with a percussion device in the rock drilling rig (1). For detecting the tightness there is predetermined at least one fastened model for a situation where the threaded joint/joints are fastened, a vibration signal measured during impacting is compared with both the fastened model and the unfastened model and, on the basis of the comparison, it is determined to which one of the models the tightness of the threaded joints better corresponds at the moment of determination.

Abstract: This invention provides small position sensors for applications where localized sensing in a small volume of space is needed but where measurement of large relative displacement is also necessary. The invention enables a surgeon to accurately position the tip of a catheter during minimally invasive therapy. The current invention further improves the quality of tactile feedback to a physician during catheter-based surgeries with an axial force sensor at the tip of the catheter that allows for the transmission of force information to the physician. One embodiment of this invention is a position sensor for active interventional catheters, where the sensor may be laser-machined shape memory alloy (SMA), and the catheter actuators may be heated SMA or wire-pulleys. Providing position feedback from a catheter during minimally invasive therapy allows for closed-loop control of the catheter tip position under computer-aided guidance and enable force feedback to the physician.