Resistance Strain Gage Patents (Class 73/862.474)
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Patent number: 7490523Abstract: An occupant load detecting device of a seat for a vehicle includes a strain member arranged between a floor-side fixing member and a seat-side fixing member and having a strain gauge, a connecting member fixed to the strain member and securely connected to one of the floor-side fixing member and the seat-side fixing member, a first supporting member relatively immovably fitted into a fixing hole and fixed to an attachment surface formed at the other one of the floor-side fixing member and the seat-side fixing member to support the strain member, a second supporting member fitted into an attachment hole and fixed to the attachment surface, and a bracket including first and second fixing portions and an amplifier case fixing portion continuous with the first and second fixing portions and extending at a side of the strain member in a lateral direction of the seat.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 17, 2009Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Kazunori Sakamoto, Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Satohiko Nakano, Mutsuro Aoyama
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Patent number: 7487687Abstract: An occupant load sensor of a seat for a vehicle includes a metal-made bracket fixed to a strain member and having an attachment portion extending in a lateral direction from the strain member, an amplifier substrate for amplifying a signal transmitted by the strain gauge. One surface of the amplifier substrate is covered by the attachment portion of the metal-made bracket and the other surface thereof is covered by a metal-foil ground pattern. The occupant load sensor further includes a resin-made amplifier case fixed to the attachment portion of the metal-made bracket and arranged in parallel to the strain member. The resin-made amplifier case houses therein the amplifier substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 10, 2009Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Chiaki Sumi, Satohiko Nakano, Mutsuro Aoyama, Kazunori Sakamoto, Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Hajime Shiohara
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Publication number: 20090013804Abstract: A force sensing system comprising a force sensor cell with the necessary electronics to acquire and process various signals. The signals may provide force measurement data for activities performed, for instance, on a weight stack exercise machine.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2008Publication date: January 15, 2009Applicant: MYTRAK HEALTH SYSTEM INC.Inventor: Reed Hanoun
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Patent number: 7454987Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for determining a position of a patient during medical examinations. The apparatus comprises a tabletop operable to support the patient, at least one elongatable strain gauge which is integrated into the tabletop, and tabletop sensors operable to detect a sagging of the tabletop as a function of a change in length of the at least one elongatable strain gauge due to the sagging.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2005Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: Siemens AktiengesellschaftInventor: Johannes Reger
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Patent number: 7441467Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 12, 2006Date of Patent: October 28, 2008Assignee: CTS CorporationInventor: Terry R. Bloom
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Publication number: 20080156112Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2007Publication date: July 3, 2008Inventors: Nobuhiro Sakurai, Takeshi Ohsato
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Patent number: 7360438Abstract: A load cell apparatus and method for forming the same. A load cell apparatus is configured to include a load cell housing and a modular strain gage element that is modularly assembled into the load cell housing. The load cell housing and the modular strain gage element together form a load cell apparatus for use in electronic force sensor applications. The modular strain gage element can be configured from an Advanced Thick Film (ATF) compatible material and can be formed to include one or more contact ledges that allows for a low hysteresis and a proper boundary condition for loading either a tension state or a compression state.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: April 22, 2008Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Ronald J. Gaines
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Patent number: 7353720Abstract: A bridge patch for use with a tire is provided. The bridge patch modifies the magnitude, orientation, or both of the mechanical forces, and particularly the stress-strain relationship, imparted by the inner liner of a tire in order to obtain the desired stress-strain relationship for operating an electromechanical transducer element attached to the bridge patch. The bridge patch includes at least one pad configured for attachment to the inner liner of the tire, and a bridge member attached to the pad and separated from contact with the tire. In certain embodiments, bridge patch includes a bridge member that is arch-shaped and is connected to two pads, one each located on the ends of the bridge member.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2004Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Michelin Recherche et Technique, S.A.Inventor: Jay C. Sinnett
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Patent number: 7347109Abstract: A foil strain gage is attached to a strained section for outputting a resistance change proportional to a strain generated at the strained section. The foil strain gage includes two grid-shaped resistors disposed in parallel on an insulating base material as detecting sections. The two detecting sections generate identical detection outputs when the foil strain gage is bonded on the strained section.Type: GrantFiled: March 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 25, 2008Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Nobuyuki Yoshikuwa
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Patent number: 7322253Abstract: An attachment for a fishing rod to respond to tension on the fishing line. In one mode it responds to a lateral pull on the rod tip. In another mode it responds to an axial pull on the line. It enables accurate adjustment of the drag, and can indicate when the tension on the line is in a safe or risky range relative to the rated stress of the line.Type: GrantFiled: July 7, 2005Date of Patent: January 29, 2008Inventor: Henry Steven Owens
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Patent number: 7312615Abstract: A Force/Torque (FT) sensor includes memory for storing calibration data associated with the FT sensor. Force and torque analog signals are output to a data acquisition (DAQ) system. The digital calibration data is output to the DAQ system as a digital bitstream comprising a series of predetermined voltage levels driven for predetermined durations. The DAQ system interprets the series of voltage levels on the calibration input as a digital bitstream, receives and quantizes the force/torque signals, and calibrates the force/torque signals using the calibration data. Alternatively, the calibration signals may be routed to a standard serial port on the DAQ system. For small form factor FT sensors, the calibration data may be stored in an associated power supply unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: December 25, 2007Assignee: ATI Industrial Automation, Inc.Inventor: Dwayne Perry
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Publication number: 20070215392Abstract: A seat weight sensor having a support frame, a fixed rail at least partially disposed above the support frame, an elastic deformation unit connected between the support frame and the fixed rail for supporting the fixed rail, and a strain gauge associated with the elastic deformation unit is disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventors: Cheol-Sub Lee, Seok-IL Kim, Jang-Won Lee, You-Sik Choi, Seong-Jin Park
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Patent number: 7263895Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Nagano Keiki Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroshi Nagasaka, Takeshi Abe, Yoshikazu Kaneko
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Patent number: 7255015Abstract: An occupant weight sensor (1) for placement between a frame (7) fixed to the chassis of a vehicle and a second frame (8) supporting a vehicle seat has a sense element having a first body (12, 22, 28, 34, 50, 62, 64, 68) formed with a planar sense surface on which are mounted piezoresistors electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A post (12a, 22c, 28c, 34e, 50b, 62a, 64a, 68b) extends outwardly from the first body for attachment to the first frame. A second body is formed with a force transfer portion (14a, 24g, 30d, 36b, 52a, 70a) permanently attached to the first body along an outer periphery circumscribing the sense surface. The piezoresistors are electrically connected to conditioning electronics received in a chamber formed between the two bodies. The effects of parasitic loads on the sense element are minimized by selected placement of the piezoresistors on the sense surface.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 14, 2007Assignee: Sensata Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Timothy M. McBride, Edward F. O'Brien, David P. Hatch
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Patent number: 7233239Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime.Type: GrantFiled: November 4, 2003Date of Patent: June 19, 2007Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLCInventors: Janak Chitalia, Joseph Brown, Chris Bujak
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Patent number: 7219565Abstract: A specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body, and a restraining element movable along the main body in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the main body from a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface to a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface. An alternate specimen holding apparatus includes a main body, a specimen supporting surface provided on the main body in a first horizontal plane, and a restraining element attached to the main body that is rotatable in a second horizontal plane substantially parallel to the first horizontal plane between a first position in which the restraining element is removed from the specimen supporting surface and a second position in which the restraining element encroaches over the specimen supporting surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: E.A. Fischione Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Paul E. Fischione, Jeff Gronsky
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Patent number: 7185549Abstract: A pressure point detector has a simple structure and is capable of detecting which location of a two-dimensional surface such as a circle a pressure is applied can be detected. The pressure point detector includes a flexible insulation member in a predetermined shape, a resistance film formed on one side of the flexible insulation member, a conductive member made of conductive material and established to face the insulation member with a with a predetermined gap therebetween, and a pair of electrodes established on the resistance film in a parallel fashion to produce voltage distribution. The pressure point detector produces an output voltage from the conductive member indicative of a location of the pressure applied to the insulation member.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2003Date of Patent: March 6, 2007Assignee: Korg, Inc.Inventors: Fumio Mieda, Haruhiko Motohashi
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Patent number: 7182338Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the kind of a sheet material, comprising: a substrate having a recessed portion; a press member situated so that a sheet material can be deflected using the recessed portion; a support member that is deformed as the sheet material situated to cover the recessed portion is pressed by the press member and thereby deflected; and a sensor for detecting the deformation amount of the support member, wherein the kind of the sheet material is discriminated on the basis of detecting the deformation amount of the support member by the sensor.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2003Date of Patent: February 27, 2007Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Masatake Akaike
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Patent number: 7117756Abstract: A load detecting vehicle seat assembly includes a discrete strain gage mounting plate having a specified flatness to produce desired strain gage performance. The strain gage mounting plate is disposed between a strain gage and a vehicle seat component, such as a cushion frame, so that vehicle seat loading is transferred to the strain gage through the mounting plate. The strain gage may be mounted with a central portion secured to a lower vehicle seat component and outward portions secured to an upper vehicle seat component such that only the outward portions of the strain gage contact the strain gage mounting plate, which has a controlled flatness tolerance to produce desired strain gage performance.Type: GrantFiled: October 27, 2004Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Lear CorporationInventors: Stephen R Rybak, David P Pawlitz, Paul Glinka, Michael P Modreski
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Patent number: 7100457Abstract: Using a strain gauge attached at an interior side of a cylinder bore at a siamese region, a plurality of output values of the strain gauge can be detected during partially cutting the cylinder bore and residual stress of the siamese region can be calculated based on the plurality of the output values.Type: GrantFiled: December 28, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Hyundai Motor CompanyInventors: Kyung Woo Lee, Chi Un Kim
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Patent number: 7096748Abstract: An apparatus generally having a circuit board and a first strain gauge is disclosed. The circuit board may have a plurality of insulating layers. The first strain gauge may be disposed between two of the insulating layers.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2004Date of Patent: August 29, 2006Assignee: LSI Logic CorporationInventor: Zafer S. Kutlu
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Patent number: 7086297Abstract: A seat belt tension sensor is attached to a seat belt assembly in a vehicle. The seat belt tensor sensor is secured to the vehicle by a bolt. The sensor includes a housing that is secured by the bolt. An anchor plate is mounted to the housing. The anchor plate has a hole for the bolt and an opening. A strain gage is secured to the housing and extends into the opening. The strain gage has an aperture. A spring is located between the anchor plate and the strain gage. An actuator support is located between the spring and the strain gage to actuate the strain gage. The actuator has a projection extending through the aperture that contacts the anchor plate. The projection prevents a shift in the output of the strain gage when the sensor is subjected to mechanical shock.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2003Date of Patent: August 8, 2006Assignee: CTS CorporationInventors: Patrick B. Blakesley, Robert R. Rainey, Murray Kaijala
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Patent number: 7044006Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2004Date of Patent: May 16, 2006Assignee: Takata CorporationInventors: Seiichi Kouyama, Tomotoshi Senoh
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Publication number: 20060021453Abstract: An apparatus generally having a circuit board and a first strain gauge is disclosed. The circuit board may have a plurality of insulating layers. The first strain gauge may be disposed between two of the insulating layers.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 28, 2004Publication date: February 2, 2006Inventor: Zafer S. Kutlu
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Patent number: 6983665Abstract: A fixing structure for a sensing element, wherein a load sensor is located at the central part of a plate member as a support member of a sensing element in the longitudinal direction. The plate member is attached to a load measuring location so that a length of the plate member when viewed in the longitudinal direction expands and contracts in accordance with a tension force or a compression force applied to the load measuring location, and both ends of the plate member when viewed in the longitudinal direction are welded to the load measuring location.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2001Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Yazaki CorporationInventors: Haruyuki Miyazaki, Toshio Homma
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Publication number: 20050284668Abstract: An occupant load sensor (10) is fixed to a bracket (48) via a sleeve (60a) of a collar (60) arranged in an outer periphery of a thread (32) of a bolt portion (30), and a bush (62) interposed between the sleeve (60a) and a through hole (48a) of the bracket (48). Accordingly, a slight movement is allowed between the bolt portion (30) and the bracket (48) on the basis of gaps formed between the thread (32) and the sleeve (60a) and between the sleeve (60a) and the bush (62), and it is possible to cancel a force applied from the other directions than a vertical direction. Therefore, a load from the seat side is applied in the vertical direction and it is possible to accurately detect.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 12, 2003Publication date: December 29, 2005Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA IMASEN DENKI SEISAKUSHOInventors: Toshihiko Hida, Takanori Okabe
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Publication number: 20050211003Abstract: A foil strain gage is attached to a strained section for outputting a resistance change proportional to a strain generated at the strained section. The foil strain gage includes two grid-shaped resistors disposed in parallel on an insulating base material as detecting sections. The two detecting sections generate identical detection outputs when the foil strain gage is bonded on the strained section.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2005Publication date: September 29, 2005Applicant: SHIMADZU CORPORATIONInventor: Nobuyuki Yoshikuwa
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Publication number: 20050188772Abstract: Using a strain gauge attached at an interior side of a cylinder bore at a siamese region, a plurality of output values of the strain gauge can be detected during partially cutting the cylinder bore and residual stress of the siamese region can be calculated based on the plurality of the output values.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2004Publication date: September 1, 2005Inventors: Kyung Lee, Chi Kim
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Publication number: 20050150313Abstract: Weight sensor assemblies for measuring weight on a vehicle seat are mounted at the connecting points between a seat bottom frame and a seat mounting member. The weight sensor assemblies each include a beam member having a bendable center body portion for supporting a strain gage. The strain gage and associated traces are screen printed on the surface of the beam. The beam acts similar to a dual constrained cantilever beam, concentrating the bending at a reduced neck section that narrows in the middle of the center body portion. The strain gage measures strain resulting from bending in the center body portion caused by a weight force being applied against the seat.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 31, 2005Publication date: July 14, 2005Applicant: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Brian Curtis, Michael Baker
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Publication number: 20050109127Abstract: A beam member 20 is formed from two channel members 10 and a series of spaced diaphragm members 22. Alternative arrangements include diaphragm members external of the channel members, and the use of continuous diaphragm members. Spaces 33 between diaphragm members 22 may be filled with material such as a foam, an insulator or the like. Services such as pipes or wiring may be provided through apertures 47 formed in the diaphragm members 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2004Publication date: May 26, 2005Inventor: Roger Bullivant
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Publication number: 20050081649Abstract: To measure a load accurately by reducing effects of change of tire grounding points, a vehicle weight meter includes first and second strain detecting sensors for detecting strains of an axle shaft, a summing circuit for summing outputs of the first and second strain detecting sensors, and a computing circuit for calculating a load with a summed output of the summing circuit. The first strain detecting sensor is mounted on a side surface of the axle shaft between a load point and one end of the axle shaft. The second strain detecting sensor is mounted on the side surface of the axle shaft between the load point and the other end of the axle shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2004Publication date: April 21, 2005Applicant: YAZAKI CORPORATIONInventor: Naoya Takahashi
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Patent number: 6817254Abstract: To provide a diagnostic method of a seat load measuring apparatus for detecting an abnormality of the seat load measuring apparatus, outputs of load sensors 1R, 1L are inputted into a differential amplifier 4 through a multiplexer 3, converted into digital signals by a A/D converter 5, and then inputted into the MPU 6. An offset correction amount is added into the input of the differential amplifier 3 from the MPU 6 through a D/A converter 10. First, the output of the differential amplifier 4 is measured in a state in which no load is applied to a seat and a value thus measured is assumed as X1. After a predetermined load is applied to the seat, the output of the differential amplifier 4 is measured and a value thus measured is assumed as Y1. It is judged that a difference between X1 and Y1 is in a predetermined range between A1 and B1. When the difference between X1 and Y1 is not in the range between A1 and B1, an alarm indicating abnormality is emitted.Type: GrantFiled: August 16, 2002Date of Patent: November 16, 2004Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Aoki
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Publication number: 20040187609Abstract: A seat occupant sensor for use in automotive occupant restraint systems. The sensor has a sensing plate cantilevered by a stationary part installed on a vehicle body to be bent upon application of a weight load of an occupant on a seat. The sensor is equipped with a stopper mechanism which works to stop the sensing plate from bending out of a predetermined range in which the sensing plate is allowed to undergo a maximum bending stress within a bending stress limit of the sensing plate, thereby avoiding undesirable deflection or fracture of the sensing plate.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Eiichi Nishio, Akinori Jitsui, Hajime Nakagawa
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Publication number: 20040083825Abstract: Disclosed is a diaphragm type load detection sensor, comprising: a mounting portion attached to a installation plate; a strain generation portion provided on the mounting portion and having a load applied portion formed at the center thereof to which a load to be detected is applied; and a strain gauge provided on the strain generation portion. According to the present invention said strain gauge has sensing elements evenly provided on substantially whole periphery thereof and positioned at the predetermined distances from the center axis of the load applied portion of the strain generation portion.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2003Publication date: May 6, 2004Applicant: TANITA CORPORATIONInventor: Takao Tsutaya
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Patent number: 6729193Abstract: A load detection structure for a vehicle seat provided with a pair of spaced-apart slide rail devices, wherein a strain block element with a strain gauge is provided on a lateral wall of an upper rail of each of the two slide rail devices. A vertically elongated hole is formed in that lateral wall. The strain block element has a movable end portion and a securing portion fixedly secured to the upper rail lateral wall. A pair of spaced-apart pendent link pieces are provided between the seat and the strain block element, such that the movable end portion of strain block element is connected with the seat via those two spaced-apart pendent link pieces and a connecting pin that passes slidably through the vertically elongated hole, so that the strain block element is delectable in substantially a vertical direction within the vertical limit range defined by the vertically elongated hole.Type: GrantFiled: November 8, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2004Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Toshiaki Ishida
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Publication number: 20040035224Abstract: A seat load measuring apparatus which can be effectively adopted to various kinds of motor vehicles without requiring various load sensors having cables of different lengths according to the kinds of motor vehicles, thereby providing improved installation, maintenance and manufacturing benefits. A seat load measuring apparatus may include a connector of a load sensor is a male connector having terminals projecting downwardly. The entry of the male connector faces the open bottom of a protector. On the other hand, a cable to be connected to an ECU is provided with a cable-side connector. The cable-side connector is composed of a female connector which is detachable relative to the male connector. Therefore, the load sensor and the cable are detachable from each other, thereby achieving the adaptability of the load sensor and the connector casing a relative to various kinds of motor vehicles.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 20, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Applicant: TAKATA CORPORATIONInventors: Hiroshi Kajiyama, Toshihiko Kobata
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Publication number: 20040035223Abstract: An electronic fish culling system that retains multiple fish weighings corresponding to different fish catches and determines which catches to retain and release. The fish culling system includes an apparatus having a fish container attached to a housing. The housing contains a weight transducer coupled to the fish container that transmits a signal corresponding the weight of the fish in the fish container, a microprocessor assembly coupled to the weight transducer for converting the signal to a corresponding fish weight and storing the fish weight, a display electronically connected to the microprocessor assembly that indicates fish weight and instructions for culling fish, selectors electromechanically connected to the microprocessor assembly for choosing analysis functions of the microprocessor assembly, a power source connected to the microprocessor assembly, and an assortment of clips having different colored tags connected thereto and attachable to the caught fish.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2003Publication date: February 26, 2004Inventors: Fred A. Darnell, Fred A. Darnell
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Patent number: 6688185Abstract: A microstrain sensor is provided for measuring deformation, and indirectly, other parameters such as acceleration, temperature, pressure, and force. Rather than providing several discreet resistance paths, the microstrain sensor utilizes input and output conductors connected to a single piece of film through which current travels to indicate resistance. The film provides superior resistance to external effects, such as temperature gradients, that decrease the accuracy of the sensor's readings. Such sensors may be easily adapted for use in situations in which opposing stresses are present, such as dually constrained members, by disposing separate or unitary film sections on opposite sides of a zero stress point, such as a central plane of a fixed-guided beam. Such sensors may be utilized in many different applications, including automotive safety systems.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2001Date of Patent: February 10, 2004Assignee: Autoliv ASP, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. Knox, Joshua Forwerck
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Patent number: 6684718Abstract: A load detection structure in a vehicle seat having a slide rail device provided therewith, which basically comprises a generally oblong block member having a rigid yet resiliently deformable property and a strain gauge attached tight thereon. The block member extends along a part of the slide rail device, such that the deflectable portion thereof is operatively connected with the vehicle seat, while the base portion thereof is fixedly connected with that part of the slide rail device. Hence, a load applied to the seat causes deflection of the deflectable portion of block member, in response to which, the strain gauge detects an amount of such deflection and determines a weight of occupant on the seat.Type: GrantFiled: November 7, 2001Date of Patent: February 3, 2004Assignee: Tachi-S Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shouzou Muraishi
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Patent number: 6677539Abstract: A load sensor is assembled by screwing a nut on a bolt, sequentially fitting a washer and a tube spacer on the bolt, fitting a bore of a strain-generating member on the tube spacer, fitting another washer on the bolt, tightening another nut, and clamping a bobbin-shaped unit composed of the washers and the tube spacer between the nuts in the axial direction of the bolt. Since the strain-generating member having a thickness less than the height of a strain-generating member holding space formed between the washers is placed in the space with some clearance, even when the washers are fixed to the bolt by a strong pressing force, the pressing force will not directly act on the strain-generating member.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2001Date of Patent: January 13, 2004Assignee: Alps Electric Co., LtdInventors: Akito Miura, Koichi Takahashi, Kunio Shimbo, Hiroshi Aoki
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Publication number: 20040003668Abstract: A load detection structure provided between a vehicle seat and a support leg element to be fixed on a floor. The load detection structure includes a strain plate member pivotally provided within the support leg element and connected at the one end portion thereof with the vehicle seat. Such one end portion is sandwiched between two reinforcement plates, whereas another portion of the strain plate member is formed with an half hinge portion extending transversely thereof. A hinge plate having a half hinge portion is attached to that another end portion, thus defining a through-bore therein, and a hinge pin is inserted in the through-bore, so that the hinge or pivot point of the strain plate member is made small in heightwise thickness. Upper and lower stopper pieces for limiting vertical deflection of the strain plate member are formed in each of two vertical walls of the support leg element.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2003Publication date: January 8, 2004Applicant: TACHI-S CO., LTD.Inventor: Toshiaki Ishida
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Patent number: 6658947Abstract: A shapemeter for measuring the flatness of a tensioned metal strip has a plurality of coaxially aligned measuring rings, with each measuring ring being rotatably supported on the outer circumference by an associated force sensor.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2000Date of Patent: December 9, 2003Assignee: T. Sendzimir, Inc.Inventors: Michael G. Sendzimir, John W. Turley
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Patent number: 6623032Abstract: An occupant restraint assembly and for a motor vehicle operates to sense the tension forces on a seat belt to detect the presence of a human occupant or a child restraint seat. A sensor attached to the seat belt measures tension forces. The sensor is mounted in line with the seat belt. A strain gauge senses tension on the seat belt. An additional embodiment of the sensor includes three prongs attached to a common beam that allow the sensor to be slipped onto the seat belt without modification to the seat belt. A middle prong includes the strain gauge to sense movement relative to outside prongs. The seat belt threads over the outside prongs and under the middle prong such that tension on the seat belt forces the middle prong transversely to tension exerted on the seat belt.Type: GrantFiled: January 23, 2001Date of Patent: September 23, 2003Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Brian Michael Curtis, Jeffrey A. Clark, Maria T. Kremer, Harald Lichtinger, Michael Allan Dingman, Ronald Cook
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Publication number: 20030101828Abstract: Force detection devices may have high detection precision and may prevent current leakage through a strain gage 126 to the outside. For example, a force detection block 120 may include a semiconductor substrate 122, a first insulating layer 124 and a semiconductor layer 126 (strain gage). The strain gage 126 preferably includes a site where resistance changes in accordance with the stress acting thereon. The strain gage 126 preferably constitutes at least a portion of a ridge 130 projects from the surface of the force detection block 120. A force transmission block 138 may be attached to a top surface of the ridge 130. The width of the first insulating layer 124 is preferably greater than the width of the semiconductor layer 126.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 21, 2002Publication date: June 5, 2003Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOYOTA CHUO KENKYUSHOInventors: Yoshiteru Omura, Kentaro Mizuno, Kouji Tsukada, Jiro Sakata, Norio Fujitsuka
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Patent number: 6571662Abstract: A control pedal unit for a vehicle having a support structure, a pedal connected to the support structure and a detection mechanism responsive to movement of the pedal for generating a signal corresponding to the position or change of position of the pedal. The pedal is formed as a resilient body that is supported by the support structure and the detection mechanism is adapted to generate a signal corresponding to a degree of flexure or change of degree of flexure of the pedal for controlling an operation of the vehicle.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 1999Date of Patent: June 3, 2003Assignee: Volvo Car CorporationInventor: Kolita Mendis
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Patent number: 6546817Abstract: To provide a diagnostic method of a seat load measuring apparatus for detecting an abnormality of the seat load measuring apparatus, outputs of load sensors 1R, 1L are inputted into a differential amplifier 4 through a multiplexer 3, converted into digital signals by a A/D converter 5, and then inputted into the MPU 6. An offset correction amount is added into the input of the differential amplifier 3 from the MPU 6 through a D/A converter 10. First, the output of the differential amplifier 4 is measured in a state in which no load is applied to a seat and a value thus measured is assumed as X1. After a predetermined load is applied to the seat, the output of the differential amplifier 4 is measured and a value thus measured is assumed as Y1. It is judged that a difference between X1 and Y1 is in a predetermined range between A1 and B1. When the difference between X1 and Y1 is not in the range between A1 and B1, an alarm indicating abnormality is emitted.Type: GrantFiled: February 8, 2000Date of Patent: April 15, 2003Assignee: Takata CorporationInventor: Hiroshi Aoki
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Publication number: 20030066363Abstract: An attachment structure installs a load sensor between a seating portion of a vehicle seat and a vehicle body through an attachment structure unit. The attachment structure unit is comprised of a first attachment bracket for holding one end of the strain unit, and a second attachment bracket for holding the other end of the strain unit. At least a pair of attachment structure units are arranged at right and left portions of a front side, right and left portions of a back side, or right and left portions of the front and back sides of the seating portion relative to the vehicle seat and the first attachment brackets of the attachment structure units of the right and left are connected to each other through a connecting rod.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2002Publication date: April 10, 2003Inventors: Kazunori Sakamoto, Morio Sakai, Tsutomu Takeuchi, Yasunori Hasegawa, Kentaro Morishita, Osamu Fujimoto
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Publication number: 20030029252Abstract: A blockage in a pipeline is detected by selecting a position on the pipeline between a supply position and a downstream receiving position where the blockage may be located, attaching a strain gauge to the pipeline at the selected position, applying pressure changes to product in the pipeline on one side of the blockage sufficient to cause strain changes in the pipeline, detecting by the strain gauge the presence of any strain changes in the pipeline at the selected position caused by the pressure changes and determining therefrom whether the blockage is upstream or downstream of the selected position.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2002Publication date: February 13, 2003Inventor: Leslie Dale Hiebert
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Patent number: 6481292Abstract: A remote pressure sensor includes a probe having a chamber for holding a liquid. A flexible membrane is mounted in the probe. A conduit joins a reference cell to the chamber for holding the liquid. And, a reference pressure gauge is operatively joined to the conduit for measuring pressure of the liquid therein for use in referencing a primary pressure sensor through which fluid flows.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 1999Date of Patent: November 19, 2002Assignee: Apex Medical, Inc.Inventor: Sanford Reich
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Patent number: 6447010Abstract: A system for measuring seatbelt forces is used to control deployment of vehicle airbags. The system includes a seatbelt anchor assembly having a bracket mounted to a vehicle structure adjacent to a vehicle seat. A seatbelt mechanism has a belt portion that is looped through the bracket. The seatbelt is used to secure passengers or an infant car seat to the vehicle seat. A sensor is engaged with the anchor assembly and is used to measure the magnitude of forces exerted on the seatbelt by the passenger or car seat. The sensor generates a signal representative of the seatbelt forces, which is used to control deployment of the airbag.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2000Date of Patent: September 10, 2002Assignee: Siemens VDO Automotive CorporationInventors: Brian M. Curtis, Scott M. Morell, Daniel A. Reich, Michael Baker