Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for a drop indicator having a magnet installed therein. The drop indicator according to the invention is used to determine whether a product has ever been dropped or impacted, either in delivery or in use, by inspecting changes in the original condition of the magnet caused by the interaction between the magnetic force and the acceleration of gravity, inertia force, and colliding force, etc. generated upon collision. Take a cell phone or a PDA, for example, changes in the indicative material of the drop indicator will help decide whether the faulty product has ever been dropped or impacted in delivery or in use, so that liability can be determined.

Abstract: A system and method for concurrently measuring a force exerted upon a tooth is disclosed. In one aspect of the invention, the system includes a target tooth attached to a force gauge which is coupled to a motion module for adjusting the tooth to a reference position. The method includes utilizing a motion module of a force measurement device is utilized to adjust each target tooth of a plurality of target teeth to be located in a reference position. Next, each target tooth receives a dental appliance. Then an exerted force is measured by the dental appliance upon each target tooth utilizing a coordinate system of the force gauge.

Abstract: A method for detecting the application of an operator's body part to an operating point of a locking device for a motor vehicle is performed by first detecting the proximity of the operator's body part to the operating point via a proximity sensor. A change in the pressure exerted on the operating point by the operator's body part is detected using a mechanical sensor which is arranged on the operating point. An output signal, which indicates the application of the operator's body part, is generated by an evaluation circuit as a function of the sensor output signals from the proximity sensor and the mechanical sensor. When the evaluation circuit detects the beginning of the application of the operator's body part on the basis of the sensor output signal from the mechanical sensor, a sensor output signal value which is output at approximately the same time by the proximity sensor is detected.

Abstract: A method of adjusting the applied force for controlling the material removal rate on a work piece. A machining device having a load providing device, a force transducer and a force applying device wherein the force-applying device provides a load to the work piece to remove material. The force applied to the work piece by the load providing device and the position of the load providing device are sensed and transmitted to a master controller that adjusts the force applied to the work piece based upon these readings.

Abstract: A switch-based sensor apparatus is disposed between the bottom cushion and frame of a seat. The sensor apparatus includes upper and lower rigid and generally parallel force translation plates biased apart by a set of springs, and a switch assembly. The force translation plates are joined so as to pre-load the springs while permitting closing movement between the upper and lower force translation plates in response to occupant seat force that exceeds the pre-load force of the springs. The switch assembly includes a circuit board and elastomeric switch pad defining one or more switch elements that are actuated by a prescribed closing movement between the upper and lower force translation plates for electrically detecting the presence of a seat occupant.

Abstract: An industrial robot including a tool flange at an end of an outer arm of the robot. A tool is secured to the tool flange. A sensor is configured to sense forces and/or torques applied to a tool secured to the tool flange. The sensor is built into the structure of the robot in the region of the tool flange.

Abstract: A device for measuring a force exerted by a ferrule of a fiber optic connector includes a base including an adapter mount configured to accept one of a plurality of adapter assemblies, and a stage coupled to the base, the stage moving longitudinally with respect to the base. The device also includes a force gauge coupled to the stage, and an adapter assembly configured to be coupled to the adapter mount of the base, the adapter assembly defining an adapter configured to receive the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector is connected to the adapter assembly, and the force gauge measures the force exerted by the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Systems and methods for measuring the force exerted by the ferrule of a fiber optic connector are also included.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a parameter of an object includes a probe, a first sensing member for detecting the parameter of an object to be sensed and a second sensing member for determining an orientation of the probe relative to the object to be sensed. The second sensing member communicates the orientation of the probe to a data acquisition device to minimize data analysis errors associated with inaccurate orientation information.

Abstract: The wheel support bearing assembly is for rotatably supporting a vehicle wheel relative to an automotive vehicle body, which includes an outer member having an inner periphery formed with a plurality of rows of raceway surfaces, an inner member having raceway surfaces formed therein in face-to-face relation with the raceway surfaces in the outer member, and a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between those raceway surfaces, respectively; a sensor unit including a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor fitted to the sensor mounting member, the sensor unit being fitted to a stationary member, which is one of the outer member and the inner member; and wherein the sensor mounting member includes at least two contact fixing portion relative to the stationary member and the strain sensor is arranged at at least one location between the contact fixing portions.

Abstract: A load and load direction detecting apparatus is so constructed that a shear force acts on a cylindrical strain body when a load W is applied from a displacing member to a case member in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the strain body. Thus, the strain body deforms readily. Consequently, detecting sensitivity of the value of load W is improved, which is calculated by a first differential amplifier (load value calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a first bridge. A direction (?W) of the load W is calculated by a load direction calculator (load direction calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a second bridge, and the output voltage output from the first bridge.

Abstract: A resistive force sensor with capacitive discrimination is disclosed. According to an example of the disclosure, a sensor is directed to detect resistance and capacitance in an alternating fashion, the resistance indicating a force being applied to an input area of a device, and the capacitance indicating a proximity of a body part to the input area of the device, and the detected resistance and capacitance are utilized to determine whether the body part has pressed the input area of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for detecting a force on an injection moulding machine for processing plastic materials. According to said invention, a first element (100) interacting with a mechanical drive and movable at least indirectly thereby in a direction of movement (x) is displaced during said displacement with respect to a second element (200) positioned near the first element (100) or oppositely thereto. A force measuring device (D) is used for determining the force applied on the first (100) and/or second (200) element by the actuation of the injection moulding machine produced by the relative displacement thereof between the first (100) and second (200) elements.

Abstract: A force compliant mechanism (750) for a force control system (600) includes a housing (752). A force compliant volute spring member (754) that has an input end (790) and an output end (792) is disposed within the housing (752). A force actuator input shaft (798) operates in response to a force induced thereon. An output shaft (800) is coupled to the output end (792) and to a test object (802). A force transducer (780) is in operative coupling with the force actuator input shaft (798) and generates a force signal in response to the induced force. A method of reducing force transients and increasing stability within a force control system (660) includes applying a force on a test object (666). A force actuator (669) is decoupled from the test object (666). The overall stiffness of the force control system is reduced and dynamic energy is absorbed via a force compliant member (662) coupled to the test object (666) and the force actuator (669).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of proof testing a sheet of brittle material such as a glass or glass-ceramic based material. The method comprises bending the glass sheet over at least one arcuate member to detect sheets having a strength greater than a predetermined value. The method includes imparting a bend to the sheet and producing relative motion between the sheet and the bend such that the bend traverses the sheet, and wherein tensile stress induced in a surface of the sheet by the bend corresponds to the predetermined strength value. An apparatus for performing the proof testing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sheet material information detection device has an external force applicator that applies an external force to a sheet material, a drive unit that drives the external force applicator, and an external force detector that detects through the sheet material the external force applied by the external force applicator. The drive unit produces motion vectors in at least two directions including a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sheet material.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.

Abstract: A screwed connection has a threaded bolt; a nut; a washer arranged between the nut and a surface of a component to be clamped; a screwing device with a housing, a holding tool connected to the housing, and a tightening tool that engages positively the nut; a measuring element arranged in the washer for measuring a compressive force generated by tightening the screwed connection. The washer has an anti-rotation device oriented toward the surface of the component. The outer periphery of the washer is positive-lockingly engaged by the holding tool. The washer has no positive or frictional connection to the threaded bolt, and the holding tool has no torque supporting action on the threaded bolt or on any other part so that a reaction moment, generated when tightening the nut, is introduced from the housing of the screwing device through the washer into the component to be clamped.

Abstract: A substrate hold apparatus is provided an electrostatic chuck for electrostatically attracting and holding a substrate thereon, a push-up member contactable with a position of vicinity of an edge of the substrate on the electrostatic chuck from below for pushing up the substrate, a drive apparatus for driving at least one of the electrostatic chuck and push-up member to thereby allow the push-up member to push up the substrate, a force sensor for detecting a force applied to the push-up member in an pushing-up operation, and a control unit wherein the control unit is configured to measure the force from the force sensor as a first measurement, output a normal state signal when the measured force in the first measurement is equal to or larger than a lower limit value and is equal to or smaller than a upper limit value.

Abstract: A motor rotates a cam, thereby pulling up an external force application member while compressing an application spring. After that, the motor releases the external force application member to impact a sheet material. An impact force caused at a time when an external force receiving member receives an external force application member through the sheet material is detected by a piezoelectric element. When an electric power supply to the motor is stopped, a retraction spring allows the motor to idle through a wheel and rotates the cam to allow the external force application member to retract to a highest position.

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: Nowadays position pickup units are commonly used in order to measure the rotation position of a shaft for operating a landing flap or landing slat or a brake flap in an aircraft. In the case of failure of such a position pickup unit (PPU) the corresponding drive motor of the shaft has to be switched off because position data is no longer present. According to one embodiment of the present invention a device for determining the rotation angle of a shaft in an aircraft is stated, with said device comprising a shaft and a motor, wherein rotation of the shaft is measured by way of the motor. This measuring data can be evaluated together with the data of the PPU. In this way improved system availability is ensured.

Abstract: A hand tool with at least two alarm devices comprises a flat handle with having a rectangular shape which is formed by has two first parallel surfaces and two second parallel narrow surfaces connected between the two first surfaces; at least one end of the handle being formed with a driving head; an output device having a sensing unit; the sensing unit being electrically connected to a strain gauge installed at a predetermined position of the handle; and the output device having an alarm unit; the alarm unit of the output device being installed at the connection of the handle and the driving head. An auxiliary alarm unit is installed at one surface of the handle, or the auxiliary alarm unit is installed at an inclined recess between two adjacent surfaces of the handle or the auxiliary alarm unit is arranged across two adjacent surfaces of the handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assessing the tread on a vehicle tyre, measuring tyre pressure and calculating other parameters such as vehicle weight. The vehicle is driven in a longitudinal direction so that the tyre passes over a first lateral sensor (6) that extends across the footprint of the tyre, the first sensor comprising an array of individual force sensing elements (11), which provide outputs indicative of tyre pressure at points across the footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are sampled at intervals as the tyre moves over them, so as to build up data relating to the entire footprint of the tyre. The sensing elements are of relatively high resolution to detect areas within the tyre footprint where there is tread cut into the tyre, so that the extent of tread coverage can be assessed. Tyre pressure is also determined. The tyre then passes over a series of second lateral sensors (7) spaced at intervals to assess the tyre around its circumference.

Abstract: A test bed and method for performing aerodynamic measurements on an object, in particular, a vehicle, are provided, in which a weighing plate serves to support the weight of the object. The weighing plate is mounted on a bearing device relative to a stationary environment. The bearing device is formed with at least one magnetic bearing.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to use a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determine one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined.

Abstract: A sheet material information detection device has an external force applicator that applies an external force to a sheet material, a drive unit that drives the external force applicator, and an external force detector that detects through the sheet material the external force applied by the external force applicator. The drive unit produces motion vectors in at least two directions including a direction perpendicular to a surface of the sheet material.

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: A device for measuring a force exerted by a ferrule of a fiber optic connector includes a base including an adapter mount configured to accept one of a plurality of adapter assemblies, and a stage coupled to the base, the stage moving longitudinally with respect to the base. The device also includes a force gauge coupled to the stage, and an adapter assembly configured to be coupled to the adapter mount of the base, the adapter assembly defining an adapter configured to receive the fiber optic connector. The fiber optic connector is connected to the adapter assembly, and the force gauge measures the force exerted by the ferrule of the fiber optic connector. Systems and methods for measuring the force exerted by the ferrule of a fiber optic connector are also included.

Abstract: Multi-module weighing system with a holding structure serving to receive a plurality of weighing modules which are rigidly connected to each other in a given spatial arrangement and are operable independently of each other, wherein each weighing module comprises at least one load receiver, wherein the multi-module weighing system is connected to a temperature control device which is in thermal connection with each of the weighing modules.

Abstract: A measuring system that relate to the measurement of relatively small one degree of freedom mechanisms, such as pivoting and rotary switches, is disclosed. In particular end effectors and a kit for assembling various end effector assemblies is disclosed, that allow for accurate measurement of torque versus angular displacement curves for various types of pivoting and rotary switches.

Abstract: Measuring apparatus for monitoring the position of the centre of mass of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wafer support (14) with a ledge for supporting an edge of a wafer (2) when it is lifted at a detection point by a probe (16). The probe (16) is connected to a force sensor (18) which senses a force due to a moment of the wafer about a fulcrum (4) on the wafer support (14). Moment measurements are taken at a plurality of detection points and a processing unit calculates the position of the centre of mass from the moment measurements. Changes in wafer mass distribution (e.g. due to faulty treatment steps) which cause movement of the centre of mass can be detected.

Abstract: The present invention related to a load detecting apparatus which comprises a hollow cylindrical strain body (11) provided with, on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface thereof, at least one strain detecting element (16, 18, 19, 20); a first member (21) fixed to an one axial end of the strain body to close an opening, and a second member (24) fixed to an other axial end of the strain body. One of the second member and the first member receives a load in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the strain detecting body, so that a shearing force is applied to the strain body.

Abstract: A connection element and a method for positioning a magnetic field sensor suite into the zero line of a magnetic field is provided, the measuring of the force being achieved by a displacement between a magnet and the magnetic field sensor suite. The magnetic field sensor suite is supported on a holder in such a way that the magnetic field sensor suite is achieved into the zero line of the magnetic field of the magnet.

Abstract: A cutter head includes first and second mounts that are configured to allow coupling with various motive equipment, such as a tractor or an excavator. The first mount may be mounted on the rear of the cutter head chassis for coupling with the tractor, while the second mount may be mounted on the top of the cutter head chassis for coupling with the excavator. A pressure gauge includes an adjustment arrangement such that the position of the display of the pressure gauge can be adjusted for viewing of the operator of the tractor or excavator. The cutter head may include a cooler assembly that works off or in conjunction with a primary cooler assembly of the tractor or excavator. The cutter head may include an excavator linkage equipped with a bushing assembly.

Abstract: Measuring mechanical propulsive power includes establishing a first power and a second power. The first power is associated with a first rate of energy conversion by a device in a fluid, where the device is in the wake of a self-propelled conveyance moving with respect to the fluid. The average distance between the device and self-propelled conveyance may remain substantially unchanged. The second power is associated with a second rate of energy conversion by the device in the fluid without the self-propelled conveyance, where the other physical factors are substantially similar to that associated with the first power. The difference between the first power and the second power is calculated. The mechanical propulsive power for the self-propelled conveyance is determined using mappings, where a mapping associates the difference with the mechanical propulsive power.

Abstract: A hand tool with at least two alarm devices comprises a flat handle with having a rectangular shape which is formed by has two first parallel surfaces and two second parallel narrow surfaces connected between the two first surfaces; at least one end of the handle being formed with a driving head; an output device having a sensing unit; the sensing unit being electrically connected to a strain gauge installed at a predetermined position of the handle; and the output device having an alarm unit; the alarm unit of the output device being installed at the connection of the handle and the driving head. An auxiliary alarm unit is installed at one surface of the handle, or the auxiliary alarm unit is installed at an inclined recess between two adjacent surfaces of the handle or the auxiliary alarm unit is arranged across two adjacent surfaces of the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for a printed strain gauge affixed to a structural member of a seat for detecting and measuring the weight and position of an occupant or object on the seat. In various embodiments, a strain gauge is printed directly on a member of the seat that is subject to a bending force or other stress when an object is placed in the seat. The strain gauge includes at least one resister of thin-film conductive material printed on a stress bearing member. In one embodiment, the strain gauge is a resistor sensitive to the stress of said member. In another embodiment, the strain gauge is a group of resistors forming a Wheatstone bridge sensitive to the stress.

Abstract: A fluid pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of a fluid comprises a diaphragm portion (12) which is a strain generating body, a silicon oxide film (21) as an insulating film, and a strain gauge (20) made of crystalline silicon, and austenitic precipitation hardening type Fe—Ni heat-resisting steel excellent in mechanical strength and corrosion resistance is used for the diaphragm portion (12). The silicon oxide film (21) is formed with the internal stress thereof adjusted to the range from ?150 to 130 MPa. With this feature, the fluid pressure sensor (1) ensures high precision and reliability, and may be used even for measurement of a highly corrosive fluid.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of reliably and consistently setting the drag of a fishing reel for a specified strength of fishing line. The invention utilizes a resilient member that can be moved between a resting position and a stressed position. The fishing line is coupled to the resilient member. The resilient member is selected so that the force required to move the resilient member from the resting position to the stressed position is a predetermined fraction of the strength of the fishing line for which the drag is to be set. The invention is also a method of using the apparatus to set the drag.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor according to the invention includes a first member, a second member, a sensing member, a temperature detector, a correcting circuit, and a heat conduction path thermally connecting the sensing member and the temperature detector. The sensing member is interposed in contact between the first and the second members and configured to generate an electrical signal as a function of a physical quantity applied thereto through one of the first and the second members. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the sensing member. The correcting circuit corrects the electrical signal generated by the sensing member using the temperature detected by the temperature detector and outputs the corrected electrical signal. The heat conduction path is formed through the second member such that the second member has a thermal resistance along the path less than that of the first member in an application direction of the physical quantity.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly includes a force sensor, a first support member, a threaded portion, an opening made in the first support member, a nut, a restricting member and a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the threaded portion which is inserted through the opening. The restricting member is provided between the force sensor and the nut. The spacer, which is provided between the force sensor and the nut, is deformable in a direction of its thickness. The shape of the spacer is adapted to avoid interference with the restricting member. Before the nut is tightened onto the threaded portion, a summation of thickness for the first support member and the spacer is adapted to be not less than a height of the restricting member. The nut is tightened up with a predetermined fastening torque until the spacer deforms so that the nut strikes the restricting member.

Abstract: A thin-film resistor (5) provided on a strain-generating part (2) via an insulating film (4) and an electrode thin-film (6) including an electrode pad (10) arranged in the thin-film resistor (5) are provided. The thin-film resistor (5) includes a strain-detecting thin-film resistive part (8) and an electrode connection (9) connected to the resistive part (8). The electrode connection (9) is formed to extend to the electrode pad (10). The electrode pad (10) includes an external-connection bonding area (12) and a testing probe area (13) formed at different positions. The electrode pad (10) is disposed on a tubular rigid body (1) provided at the outer peripheral edge of a strain-generating part (2).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor (10) includes a magnetostrictive core (12) comprising a magnetostrictive material, such as a nickel-iron alloy, able to conduct a magnetic flux and whose permeability is alterable by application of a strain. A conductive coil (14) is proximate the magnetostrictive core (12) to generate the magnetic flux when electrically excited. A shell (16) surrounds the conductive coil (14) and the magnetostrictive core (12) for providing a conductive return path for the magnetic flux. An excitation source (18) is electrically connected to the conductive coil (14) for electrically exciting the conductive coil (14) with an alternating current having a constant magnitude. An in-phase voltage circuit (22) is electrically connected across the conductive coil (14). The in-phase voltage circuit (22) senses an in-phase voltage that is in-phase with the alternating current. The in-phase voltage varies correspondingly to the strain subjected to the magnetostrictive core (12).

Abstract: A device for force measurement in dynamic tensile experiments on material samples is disclosed. The device includes a force measurement cell in which at least one force measurement sensor is integrated. The force measurement cell has at least one one-piece connecting structure, whereby a material sample may be detachably fixed to the force measurement cell by the connecting structure and the at least one force measurement sensor is arranged on the force measurement cell at a distance from the connecting structure.

Abstract: A seat weighing device wherein a load transmitting member for transmitting the seat load to a load sensor is formed without extremely high precision required, thereby enabling simple manufacturing of the load transmitting member. The seat weighing device includes a base having an arm for transmitting the seat load to a load sensor. The arm does not include a V-shaped portion, but includes only a single action portion. The single action portion is mounted to a sensor plate for mounting the load sensor so as to transmit the seat weight from the single action portion to the sensor plate. The arm includes only the single action portion, thereby suppressing irregularities in transmission of the load.

Abstract: A seat weight measuring apparatus includes a base frame and a sensor portion which is mounted on the base frame and configured to detect a load applied to a vehicle seat. The sensor portion includes a sensor plate provided with a plurality of measuring gauges, and the sensor plate is supported by and fixed to a column disposed on the base frame. The seat weight measuring apparatus has a heat transmission route through which heat transmitted to the column is directly transmitted from the column to the sensor plate. Further, the seat weight measuring apparatus includes, between the sensor plate and the column, a heat transmission bypass through which heat transmitted to the column is transmitted to the sensor plate to bypass the heat transmission route.

Abstract: An improved process and apparatus for the destructive distillation or pyrolysis of rubber, such as used rubber tires, to produce liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons and a solid carbonaceous char. A heat transfer gas circulating in a circulation loop is used to cool the hot char produced in the distillation chamber of a distillation oven, the circulation loop having some means for removing the heat transferred to the heat transfer gas from the hot char. In one embodiment, two distillation ovens are operated in off-set, batchwise distillation cycles. The distillation cycles in the two ovens are coordinated so that a fresh charge of rubber feed is introduced into the distillation chamber of one of the ovens as the distillation of rubber in the other oven is concluded.

Abstract: A seat weighing device which is not readily affected by the heat, as well as maintaining stable sensitivity of a load sensor. Four deformation resistors are disposed on a sensor plate with the same distance from the center of a fastening member. Furthermore, four openings are formed at positions near the fixing positions (mounting positions) for the two deformation resistors on the sensor plate. The formation of these openings, reduces the cross-sectional area at positions where the openings have been formed on the sensor plate, and thus, the sensor plate readily flexes (deforms) at a position around the fixing positions for the deformation resistors. This enables the deformation resistors, to measure the load in a sure manner.

Abstract: An external force detecting device comprises a hollow-cylindrical support section, an action section disposed centrally inside the support section, and an optical displacement sensor which includes, at the action section on its center axis: a light source to emit a light beam in a direction along the center axis of the action section; a light branching member to branch the light beam into three light beams to progress respectively in three directions oriented at an equi-angular distance; and a light reflecting member to reflect the three light beams in a direction parallel to a plane perpendicular to the center axis, and which also includes, at the support section, three light receiving elements arranged in a rotation-symmetric manner at a 120 degree interval with their light receiving faces looking toward the center axis of the action section so as to receive respectively the three light beams reflected.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat, in particular a motor vehicle seat, a sensor device (11) is arranged between the superstructure of the vehicle seat and the seat rail (3) of the vehicle seat, in order to measure forces transmitted from the superstructure into the seat rail (3). The sensor device (11) can be positioned at least partially inside the seat rail (3).