Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention provide for aligning a removable device relative to a vehicle using an angle sensor device and a computer system operatively connected to the angle sensor device. The angle sensor device has a first local axis and a second local axis orthogonal to the first local axis and a plurality of accelerometers. The first pair of the accelerometers is mounted along the first local axis, spaced apart a first predetermined distance, and oriented such that each of the first pair of accelerometers is operatively configured to sense a respective acceleration when the angle sensor device is rotated about the second local axis. The computer system is operatively configured to derive a first angular displacement based on the respective acceleration sensed by each of the first pair of accelerometers when the angle sensor device is rotated about the second local axis.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring components of a point force includes a first rigid member having an outer surface to receive the point force to be measured, and three spherical force transmitting elements, each of spherical or partial-spherical configuration, projecting from its inner surface, and a second rigid member having an inner surface facing the inner surface of the first member and formed with three sockets for receiving the three spherical force transmitting elements, each of the sockets includes two planar walls diverging in the direction towards the inner surface of the second member so as to be engaged by the respective spherical force transmitting element of the first member at two contact points, and to space apart the inner surfaces of the first and second members.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor assembly has a housing in which force sensing circuitry is mounted. The force sensing circuitry is configured for receiving an input force to be sensed and converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the force sensing circuitry. The coupling has an inner section that applies the input force to the load bearing member, an outer section that receives the contact force on the nib and a collapsible section that allows the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. The relative movement of the outer section is limited by an abutment on the housing so that the input force on the force sensing circuitry never exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: A force sensor with a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device includes an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.

Abstract: A modular force sensor apparatus, method, and system are provided to improve force and torque sensing and feedback to the surgeon performing a telerobotic surgery. In one embodiment, a modular force sensor includes a tube portion including a plurality of strain gauges, a proximal tube portion for operably coupling to a shaft of a surgical instrument that may be operably coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal tube portion for proximally coupling to a wrist joint coupled to an end portion.

Abstract: There is disclosed a multiple axis load cell or controller in which axial and torsion measurements are decoupled while maximizing the outputs of both measurements. The active member of the load cell is a wheel with dual beams as the spokes. The wheel thus has four spokes or four beam members, each spoke is a pair of rectangular cross-section beams, orthogonal to each other. The beams have strain gages on the wide surfaces which measure the bending strain which is proportional to torsion or the axial input. There is an inner beam section and an outer beam section associated with each spoke and orthogonal to each other. The outer beams have the wide surface normal to the axis of the load cell. This beam section is more sensitive to the axial tension/compression input. The inner beam sections have their wide surface parallel to the axis of the load cell and are much less sensitive to bending but are sensitive to torsion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that continuously monitors pressure and force on the foot, analyzes and visualizes the pressure and force exerted on said foot in real-time. The invention measures pressure and force applied to a plurality of sensors placed in various points of an orthotic, shoe, shoe lining, insert, sock or sock type device. If the sensors detect pressure or force, the sensors send a signal to a microcomputer processor located in the shoe that subsequently analyzes and sends the data wireless to either a handheld electronic device, a personal computer, an electronic data capture system or a software program. The handheld electronic device or the personal computer then displays the data to an operator of the device or computer instantaneously; while the data capture system or program forwards the information to a handheld device and/or personal computer.

Abstract: A load cell assembly for sensing force and/or moment components on a rotating body supported by a frame includes an axle having opposite ends joined to the frame. A hub is supported by the axle and rotatable about a longitudinal axis thereof. A load cell body joined to the hub and the rotating body is used to sense force and/or moment components between the hub and the rotating body.

Abstract: A generally flexible pressure sensing mat for a vehicle seat includes a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance from each other by means of a spacer. The mat includes a plurality of cells, each cell being defined by a respective opening of the spacer. In each cell, at least two electrodes are arranged between the first and second carrier foils and, in response to pressure acting on the pressure sensing mat at a cell, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the carrier foils thereby causing variation of an electrical resistance between the at least two electrodes of the cell. The pressure sensing mat includes at least one rigidifying element, the least one rigidifying element being associated to an individual cell for locally reducing flexibility of the pressure sensing mat at the individual cell.

Abstract: A uniaxially-driven controlled biaxial testing fixture includes a base, a first coupler mounted to the base, and a load input drive rack mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. A second coupler and a first specimen grip are both mounted to the load input drive rack. Second, third and fourth specimen grips are also mounted for linear movement with respect to the base. First, second and third drive mechanisms connect the load input drive rack to the second, third and fourth specimen grips. Together the four specimen grips are oriented to provide biaxial application of force to a test specimen.

Abstract: A force sensor chip including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of strain resistance elements and temperature-compensating resistance elements corresponding to the resistance elements is disclosed. The structure in the periphery of parts where the strain resistance elements, which are provided to deforming parts in the action part formed on the semiconductor substrate, are disposed is the same as the structure in the periphery of parts where the temperature-compensating resistance elements in the action part are disposed.

Abstract: A force sensor chip which comprises: a base member, which includes an action portion to which an external force is applied through an attenuator, a support portion supporting the action portion, and a connection portion which connects the action portion and the support portion and deflects according to the applied external force; and a plurality of strain resistance elements which are arranged in the connection portion and detect the applied external force based on a deflection of the connection portion, wherein longitudinal directions of the plurality of the strain resistance elements are oriented in an identical direction.

Abstract: A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.

Abstract: A method of force estimation for a minimally invasive medical system comprising a robot manipulator (10). The manipulator has an effector unit (12) equipped with a 6-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) force/torque sensor and is configured to hold a minimally invasive instrument (14) having a first end (16) mounted to the effector unit and a second end (20) located beyond an external fulcrum (23) that limits the instrument in motion, usually to 4 DOF. The method comprising the steps: —determining a position of the instrument relative to the fulcrum; —measuring by means of the 6-DOF force/torque sensor a force and a torque exerted onto the effector unit by the first end of the instrument; and —calculating by means of the principle of superposition an estimate of a force exerted onto the second end of the instrument based on the determined position, the measured force and the measured torque.

Abstract: A tactile load cell that has particular application for measuring the load on a phalange in a dexterous robot system. The load cell includes a flexible strain element having first and second end portions that can be used to mount the load cell to the phalange and a center portion that can be used to mount a suitable contact surface to the load cell. The strain element also includes a first S-shaped member including at least three sections connected to the first end portion and the center portion and a second S-shaped member including at least three sections coupled to the second end portion and the center portion. The load cell also includes eight strain gauge pairs where each strain gauge pair is mounted to opposing surfaces of one of the sections of the S-shaped members where the strain gauge pairs provide strain measurements in six-degrees of freedom.

Abstract: Sensor systems, methods of making sensor modules and circuit modules, and methods of making expanded sensor systems including the sensor modules and circuit modules. A sensor module can include a flexible substrate, internal conductor lines, edge conductor lines for module interconnection, and sensors integrated thereon. One sensor module includes an array of interconnected capacitive pressure tactile sensors (taxels), being row addressable from address lines and readable through data lines. The sensor modules can be bonded to each other to form a larger array of sensors. One bonding method utilizes anisotropic conductive paste (ACP). The sensor system provided can be flexible and easy to expand to cover large areas. By using various sensor modules, the sensor system can be used for various applications. Readout modules can be coupled to the exterior edges to read all the individual sensors. Applications include robotic skin and wearable sensor fabrics.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and moments acting on a body comprises a measuring structure (12) made up of one or more elements and provided with a plurality of connection elements or bindings (17, 18, 37) for connecting the elements of the structure (12) and/or a body (11) the stress of which one wishes to measure, such a structure (12) being statically determined or else statically non determined, such a structure (12) also being equipped with means for measuring (14), in one or more locations, the six stress magnitudes from which the force vector and moment vector acting on the body (11) can be worked out mathematically.

Abstract: The present invention provides a load detecting apparatus capable of detecting load and vibration applied to a support supporting a body of a human or an animal by a load sensor provided in the support, in particular such a load detecting apparatus capable of detecting micro vibration applied to the support, with a high noise immunity. The load detecting apparatus includes a plurality of load sensors 1 disposed in distribution within a detection target area of a support 7, a selecting means 6 for selecting one or some of the plurality of load sensor(s) 1, a detecting means 5 capable of detecting load and vibration applied to the support 7, based on the output from the selected load sensor(s) 1. The selecting means 6 effects the selection, based on either the outputs S from the respective load sensors or the outputs S from the respective load sensors, plus disposing positions of the respective load sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure sensor for electronic skin. The pressure sensor measures pressure levels, and includes conductive rubber, electrodes, and elastic rubber. The conductive rubber has conductivity that increases when a pressure exceeding a predetermined pressure is applied thereto. The electrodes are formed on either side surface of the conductive rubber to measure current flowing through the conductive rubber. The elastic rubber is formed on a top surface of one of the electrodes to disperse pressure applied to the conductive rubber.

Abstract: A seat belt warning system comprises a sensing system associated to a vehicle seat for sensing a seat belt related status with respect to said vehicle seat and a control unit communicating with said sensing system for generating a warning signal depending on the seat belt related status determined by said sensing system. The sensing system comprises a seat occupancy detector (16) for determining a seat occupancy status of a vehicle seat and a seat belt fastening detector (18) for determining a seat belt usage condition. According to the invention said sensing system further comprises a first surface acoustic wave device (26) including at least one surface acoustic wave resonator (26?) and an antenna (26?) and in that said control unit (20) comprises an RF antenna (22) for remotely communicating with said surface acoustic wave device (26).

Abstract: A force sensor including a force sensor chip and a shock absorbing device that has a damping mechanism is disclosed. The damping mechanism is disc-shaped and has an annular groove formed in at least a front surface so as to dampen external force. The damping force is adjusted by varying the depth of the groove.

Abstract: A collision detection system for a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement fixed to a side member of the vehicle, a pressure sensor placed in front of the bumper reinforcement and having at least one pressure-sensitive member, and a load plate placed in front of the pressure sensor. The load plate has a base member and at least one leg member extending from the base member toward the bumper reinforcement. The base member has a first portion facing the pressure sensitive member of the pressure sensor and a second portion fixed to the leg member. The pressure sensor can have a small pressure-sensitive range, because the leg member reduces pressure applied through the load plate to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a system or determining a plurality of load components (Fi) on a wheel, comprising the steps of providing on the wheel a plurality of sensors (gj) with which it is possible to detect strains or stresses, and measuring essentially simultaneously sensor values (?j) of at least some of the sensors (gj). The invention is characterised in that the number of sensors (gj), sensor values (?j) of which are measured essentially simultaneously, is at least three, and in that the method comprises the step of determining a plurality of load components (Fi) at least partly based on the measured sensor values (?j).

Abstract: Tactile sensors are disclosed that mimic the human fingertip and its touch receptors. The mechanical components are similar to a fingertip, with a rigid core surrounded by a weakly conductive fluid contained within an elastomeric skin. The deformable properties of the finger pad can be used as part of a transduction process. Multiple electrodes can be mounted on the surface of the rigid core and connected to impedance measuring circuitry within the core. External forces deform the fluid path around the electrodes, resulting in a distributed pattern of impedance changes containing information about those forces and the objects that applied them. Strategies are described for extracting features related to the mechanical inputs and using this information for reflexive grip control. Controlling grip force in a prosthetic having sensory feedback information is described. Techniques are described for enhancing the useful force range for impedance sensors by internally texturing the elastomeric skin.

Abstract: A load cell detects wheel forces and/or moments at tire test stands in the laboratory and on mobile test vehicles based on the piezoelectric measurement principle. The load cell comprises a base plate and a cover plate facing the base plate as well as a plate-shaped quartz sensor, arranged between the plates in a laminar manner. The base plate and cover plate are designed in an elongated shape and include two or more of the plate-shaped quartz sensors there between. The plate-shaped quartz sensors are arranged in an array with respect to the longitudinal orientation of the plates and are preloaded by the plates.

Abstract: A force sensor comprises a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device comprises an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.

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 force sensor assembly particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor assembly has a housing in which force sensing circuitry is mounted. The force sensing circuitry is configured for receiving an input force to be sensed and converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the force sensing circuitry. The coupling has an inner section that applies the input force to the load bearing member, an outer section that receives the contact force on the nib and a collapsible section that allows the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. The relative movement of the outer section is limited by an abutment on the housing so that the input force on the force sensing circuitry never exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for measuring loads on a rotating friction stir welding tool of a friction stir welding machine. The apparatus includes a frame that can be connected to the friction stir welding machine, and rollers rotatably connected to the frame are structured to contact and rotate with the friction stir welding tool. Each roller is adapted to adjust in a respective direction and communicate with a respective load cell so that the load cells detect a positional characteristic of the rollers and measure loads applied to the rotating friction stir welding tool during operation. The rollers can contact the rotating tool directly during operation of the machine, such as while the rotating tools is being moved through a workpiece to form a friction stir weld joint, to measure the loads on the tool in the direction of movement of the tool and a direction normal to the movement, i.e., the path and path normal directions.

Abstract: For manufacturing a sensor covering a free-form surface, detection elements in which the electric resistance between a first electrode and a second electrode varies when a load is acted on, and cables 12 connecting the adjoining detection elements are provided. Each cable 12 connects a first electrode 21 of a first detection element 11-(i, j) to a first electrode 21 of a second detection element 11-(i+1, j) via first resistances 32-1 to 32-4, and connects a second electrode 22 of the first detection element 11-(i, j) to a second electrode of the second detection element 11-(i+1, j) via second resistances 32-5 to 32-8. The cables 12 can be deformed. The two dimensional load distribution center position detection sensor 2 can cover a free-formed surface. This sensor is easy to manufacture because an elaborate sheet-shaped resistor is not needed.

Abstract: An electroactive polymer is used to produce a tactile sensor. The electroactive polymer (EAP) includes a sheet of an ion-exchange membrane having opposite surfaces on which are plated gold electrodes. The EAP is formed to have a dome-shape with a plurality of sensing electrodes circumferentially disposed around an outer surface of the dome. A flexible polymer underlying the EAP supports it and prevents a force applied to the tactile sensor from inverting the dome. The sensor electrodes produce separate output signals indicative of different vector components of an applied force acting on the tactile sensor, so that a direction of the force can be determined. Vias provided in the electrodes are electrically coupled to a flexible circuit that conveys the output signals externally from the sensing electrodes for use and further processing. A plurality of the tactile sensors can be formed as an array on an ion-exchange membrane.

Abstract: The invention provides a tactile sensor module that enables adjustment of the density of sensing elements and adjustment of mounting regions to be carried out in a straightforward manner with one type of module that is highly adaptive to complex curved surfaces. A tactile sensor module comprises a flexible substrate having one or a plurality of strips, a plurality of sensing elements arranged at the one or plurality of strips of the flexible substrate, one or more communication terminals provided at the flexible substrate; and at least one electronic circuit section provided at the flexible substrate having communication functions. At least one of the strips comprises a foldable region and/or a cuttable region.

Abstract: In a force sensor chip, a semiconductor substrate includes: a plurality of operating parts each including an external-force acting area section and a non-deforming section; a supporting part for supporting the operating parts, and a plurality of connecting parts for connecting the operating parts and the supporting part. Strain resistance elements are provided on deformation-generating sections of the connecting parts. The plurality of operating parts are provided, in corresponding relation to the plurality of connecting parts, between the connecting parts and the supporting part.

Abstract: A force sensor chip having a multiaxial force sensing function is disclosed. The force sensor chip comprises a base member having an operating part provided with an external force application area, a supporting part for supporting the operating part, connecting parts for connecting the operating part and the supporting part, and strain resistance elements disposed in the connecting parts or within boundaries between the connecting parts and the operating part. The base member has a thin area formed with a small thickness, and the boundaries of the thin area are disposed in the supporting part and operating part.

Abstract: A force sensor particularly suited for use in an electronic stylus that senses the contact force on its nib for recording pen strokes and handwriting recognition. The sensor has a housing for a load beating member for receiving an input force to be sensed and associated circuitry for converting the input force into an output signal indicative of the input force. A coupling transmits the input force to the load bearing member. The coupling has an inner section for transmitting the input force to the load beating member, an outer section for receiving an applied contact force and a collapsible section for allowing the outer section to move relative to the inner section when the contact force exceeds a threshold. This protects the force sensor from damage by sharp impact loads such as dropping the stylus on its nib.

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: An interdigital electronic device comprises a conductor, an interdigital electrode, and a composite material disposed between the conductor and the interdigital electrode for electrically connecting the conductor and the interdigital electrode under application of sufficient pressure therebetween. The composite material comprises conductive particles at least partially embedded in an electrically insulating layer. The conductive particles have no relative orientation and are disposed so that substantially all electrical connections made between the conductor and the interdigital electrode are in the z direction. At least one of the conductor and the interdigital electrode is movable toward the other.

Abstract: Cost is reduced by simplifying the wiring while reducing power consumption. A multi-axis sensor unit (10) for measuring any one or more of multi-axis force, moment, acceleration and angular acceleration applied externally, comprising eight strain gauges (R11-R24) arranged on one plane, and one bridge circuit (11) formed by interlinking the strain gauges (R11-R24). As compared with a conventional multi-axis sensor unit, power consumption is reduced by decreasing the number of bridge circuits (11) and the strain gauges (R11-R24), and production cost is lowered by simplifying the wiring.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of distance sensors is provided adjacent to a corresponding one of a plurality of displaceable portions that are displaced upon application of at least one of a brake force and a drive force to a tire. Each distance sensor measures an amount of displacement of the corresponding displaceable portion upon the application of the at least one of the brake force and the drive force to the tire. An ECU computes a target tire receiving force component based on the amounts of displacement, which are measured with the plurality of displacement measurement sensors, respectively, while eliminating an unnecessary tire receiving force component.

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 tire characteristic judging device judges a tire characteristic in the following way. At first, a load applied to a tire and a cornering force generated in the tire in time series while the tire is rolling are acquired. Then, an applied load variation amount is calculated from the acquired time-series applied load information and a cornering force variation amount calculated from the acquired time-series cornering force information. Next, an evaluation value is calculated based on the applied load variation amount and the cornering force variation amount. The calculated evaluation value and a preset reference value are compared with each other and whether or not the tire satisfies a desired characteristic is judged according to a result of comparison.

Abstract: A multi-axis sensor chip provided by the invention includes a semiconductor substrate having an action part having an external force action area part and non-deforming area parts, a support part supporting the action part, and connecting parts connecting the action part to the support part. The sensor chip also has strain resistance devices provided on deforming parts of the connecting parts and has temperature-compensating resistance devices provided on the non-deforming area parts. Temperature compensation is carried out exactly by means of the temperature-compensating resistance devices when an external force or a load acts on the action part, and highly accurate stress detection can be carried out.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object fixed relative to a frame of the device; a second object mounted in spaced relation to the first object and adapted for movement relative thereto; and at least one measuring cell for determining movement or displacement of the second object relative to the first object. The present invention provides a resilient member arranged between the first object and the second object for dampening relative movements, wherein the resilient member substantially surrounds the at least one measuring cell.

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for measuring forces and/or torques which are transmitted by means of a rigid transmitter having a first part and a second part. The sensor assembly includes a first connection, a second connection, electromechanical sensor elements, a first flange, a second flange and a plurality of struts. The first and second connections are connectable to the first and second parts of the transmitter, respectively. The electromechanical sensor elements convert mechanical parameters into electrical parameters. The first flange surrounds the first connection and originates at the first connection. The second flange is aligned substantially parallel to the first flange. The second connection is arranged on the second flange and has a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of struts are substantially perpendicular to the first flange and connect the first flange to the second flange.

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: In a touch sensor, one ends of optical fibers are disposed at positions corresponding to respective pressure sensing points on a sensor sheet. The optical fibers in a bundled form are connected in a detection unit. The detection unit includes therein a camera that takes an image showing a change in luminance at the other ends of the optical fibers. A transmissive body is disposed to contain the other ends of the optical fibers and light sources. Upper and side faces of the transmissive body are covered with antireflection members. The transmissive body has substantially the same refractive index as the core of each optical fiber. A force applied to the sensor sheet is detected based on the change in luminance at the other ends of the optical fibers shown in the image taken by the camera.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for sensing an applied load. The sensor includes a rigid substrate. A strain sensitive resistor is mounted to the substrate. The resistor has a pair of ends. The resistor has a length and a width that defines an area. A pair of conductors are connected to the end of the resistor. A dielectric layer is mounted over the resistor. A load transfer device is mounted to the dielectric layer. The load transfer device transfers the applied load directly to the strain sensitive resistor such that the resistor is compressed. The resistor changes resistance in response to the applied load.

Abstract: A system for structural assessment is described that comprises a plurality of sensors and a surface covering for at least a portion of a structure. The sensors are arranged in a pattern and attached to the surface covering. The surface covering is attached to a surface of a structure, and the sensors are configured to provide signals relating to the integrity of the structure to an external device.

Abstract: A system for structural assessment is described that comprises a plurality of sensors and a surface covering for at least a portion of a structure. The sensors are arranged in a pattern and attached to the surface covering. The surface covering is attached to a surface of a structure, and the sensors are configured to provide signals relating to the integrity of the structure to an external device.

Abstract: A wheel end (A) has a housing (2, 70, 80, 90) and a hub (4) provided with a spindle (32) that projects into the housing, and the hub rotates relative to the housing on an antifriction bearing (6) located between the housing and hub spindle. The housing has a tubular core (12, 72, 82, 92) that encloses the bearing and ring mounts (14, 74, 84, 94) spaced outwardly from the core and also webs (16,76,86,96) that connect the ring mounts to the core. A road wheel (B) is attached to the hub and rotates with the hub relative to the housing. The housing is secured to a suspension upright (C) at its ring mounts. The core deflects relative to the ring mounts, owning to forces and moments transferred through the bearing from the suspension upright to the road wheel and vice versa, and the magnitude of those forces and moments are reflected in signals derived from strain sensor modules (SM) attached to the webs of the housing.