Abstract: A method of testing a jaw force of an ultrasonic surgical instrument includes securing a blade of an end effector of the ultrasonic surgical instrument, clamping a jaw member of the end effector against the blade such that a sensor is received within a notch of the jaw member of the end effector, and measuring the jaw force of the end effector using the sensor.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor includes a central anchoring region that maintains the relative position of an attached proof mass relative to sense electrodes in the presence of undesired forces and stresses. The central anchoring region includes one or more first anchors that rigidly couple to a cover substrate and a base substrate. One or more second anchors are rigidly coupled to only the cover substrate and are connected to the one or more first anchors within the MEMS layer via an isolation spring. The proof mass in turn is connected to the one or more second anchors via one or more compliant springs.

Abstract: A resilient bearing pad or support includes resilient material and a sensor that is configured to measure one or more of acceleration, velocity, variations in load, etc. of a mass supported by the bearing pad. The sensor may be configured to wirelessly transmit data for storage and/or evaluation. The data may be evaluated utilizing predefined criteria to detect and/or predict failure of the pad and/or a mass supported by the pad.

Abstract: A multimodal sensing architecture utilizes an array of single sensor or multi-sensor groups (superpixels) to facilitate advanced object-manipulation and recognition tasks performed by mechanical end effectors in robotic systems. The single-sensors/superpixels are spatially arrayed over contact surfaces of the end effector fingers and include, e.g., pressure sensors and vibration sensors that facilitate the simultaneous detection of both static and dynamic events occurring on the end effector, and optionally include proximity sensors and/or temperature sensors. A readout circuit receives the sensor data from the superpixels and transmits the sensor data onto a shared sensor data bus.

Abstract: A damping element for a rail vehicle including a first section for fastening to a rail vehicle and a second section for introducing a force acting horizontally upon the rail vehicle. A monitoring system for the dampening element including a sensor attached to the dampening element for sensing a change in a distance between the first section and the second section, a data memory, a processing unit designed to determine information regarding the change in the distance and to store said information in the data memory and a local energy supply device for the autonomous supply of the processing unit.

Abstract: A force sensitive resistor includes first and second electrical contacts, and a layer of deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes. The layer of deformable material is arranged between the first and second electrical contacts. A difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts. A method of manufacturing a force sensitive resistor includes the steps of providing first and second electrical contacts, and arranging a deformable material impregnated with carbon nanotubes between the first and second electrical contacts. Again, a difference in the conductivity of the impregnated material caused by deformation of the material is detectable across the contacts.

Abstract: A pedal stepping force detector includes a rod, a case having a bottomed-cylindrical shape and extending along a longitudinal direction of the rod, a strain body housed in a bottom portion of the case, an operating body that is housed in the case so that the operating body is in contact with the strain body, and an elastic member that is compressed in association with an operation of the rod and thus causes biasing force to act on the operating body

Abstract: A trailer coupling for a motor vehicle including a coupling arm for attaching a trailer or for carrying a load carrier, and including at least one sensor for detecting a deformation, caused by a load engaged on the bearing element, of a bearing element of the trailer coupling, wherein at least one recess is provided on the bearing element for the at least one sensor, wherein the at least one sensor is provided for measuring a spacing of reference surfaces of the at least one recess. The reference surfaces move toward one another or away from one another during a deformation of the bearing element and extend in a transverse manner in relation to a support section of the bearing element which deforms during stress applied by the load and/or are free from a flow of forces through the support section of the bearing element.

Abstract: An example MEMS force sensor is described herein. The MEMS force sensor can include a cap for receiving an applied force and a sensor bonded to the cap. A trench and a cavity can be formed in the sensor. The trench can be formed along at least a portion of a peripheral edge of the sensor. The cavity can define an outer wall and a flexible sensing element, and the outer wall can be arranged between the trench and the cavity. The cavity can be sealed between the cap and the sensor. The sensor can also include a sensor element formed on the flexible sensing element. The sensor element can change an electrical characteristic in response to deflection of the flexible sensing element.

Abstract: A force sensor or sensor assembly may include a sense die, a housing, and a force transmitting member. The sense die may include a force sensing region and at least one bond pad. The housing may include a sense die receiving cavity, at least one electrical terminal configured to engage a bond pad of the sense die, a retention member configured to prevent the sense die from sliding out of the housing, and a hole in the housing that exposes the force sensing region of the sense die to the force transmitting element. The housing may include one or more component parts. In some cases, the force sensor or sensor assembly may be configured on a microscale through micro-manufacturing techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor including a tactile sensor and bending sensor and a method of making the same, of which the manufacturing cost is low, the production efficiency is high and the sensor sensitivity is improved. The present invention relates to a sensor including a tactile sensor and bending sensor composed of an elastomer containing a magnetic filler and a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic change caused by deformation of the elastomer; and a method of making the same, of which the viscosity of the mixed solution of the thermosetting elastomer precursor solution with the magnetic filler is adjusted to a specified range.

Abstract: A foreign matter detection sensor includes a sensor section, power supply members, a sealing member, and includes an elastic elongated hollow insulating body with separated electrode wires inside the insulating body. The sensor section includes a first end and a second end and detects foreign matter by receiving external force from the foreign matter and being elastically deformed. The power supply members are electrically connected to the electrode wires at the second end of the sensor section via electrode connecting portions. Each power supply member includes a direction changing section, extending from an associated electrode connecting portion in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the sensor section and further extends in a direction toward the first end of the sensor section. The sealing member on the second end of the sensor section seals the electrode connecting portions, the direction changing sections, and one end of the hollow body.

Abstract: A support structure for a load measurement sensor has sufficient durability without adding a large load to a portion transmitting a load to the load measurement sensor. In a support structure for a load measurement sensor, including a sensor body detecting a load generated from a seat having a seat frame and an extension shaft portion extending from the sensor body, by way of attachment brackets in the state where the extension shaft portion follows the horizontal direction, the support structure includes a load input portion which comes into contact with the sensor body and inputs a load to the sensor body, the sensor body includes a load receiving surface which contacts the load input portion and receives the load, and the load input portion is formed to be movable in the axial direction of the extension shaft portion with respect to the load receiving surface.

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

Abstract: A device for measuring deformations of a rotor blade of a wind turbine generator system includes an angle measuring device and an arm. The angle measuring device includes a first and a second assembly. The first assembly is pivotable relative to the second assembly about an axis. The second assembly has a fastening site that is configured to be connected to the rotor blade. The angle measuring device is configured to measure a relative angular position between the first and the second assembly. The arm has a connection site disposed at a distance to the fastening site and is configured to be connected to the rotor blade at the connection site. The arm is mechanically coupled to the first assembly at a radial distance such that, in response to a change in the distance, a relative angular displacement is generated between the first and the second assembly.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical sensor is configured to measure a force, a pressure, or the like. The sensor includes a substrate and a measuring element. The measuring element includes at least two electrically conductive regions, and at least one of the electrically conductive regions is at least partly connected to the substrate. The sensor also includes at least one changing region, and the changing region lies at least partly between the electrically conductive regions. The changing region is configured in a substantially electrically insulating manner in an unloaded state and in a substantially electrically conductive manner in a loaded state.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a housing having a cavity enclosing a sense die, an actuating element and an elastomeric seal. The sense die may have a force sensing element for sensing a force applied to a surface of the sense die, and a temperature compensation circuit. The temperature compensation circuit may be located on the surface of the sense die and may be configured to at least partially compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the force sensing element. The actuating element may extend outside the housing and be used to transfer a force applied externally from the housing to the sense die. The elastomeric seal may include one or more conductive elements separated from the edge of the elastomeric seal by an insulating elastomeric material.

Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (1802) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The cap (1702) is adhesively coupled to the housing (1706). The adhesive is flexible allowing movement of the cap (1702) when a force, pressure, or load is applied thereto.

Abstract: In order to improve a support unit for motor vehicles comprising a supporting structure mounted on a rear end portion of the motor vehicle a sensor unit is provided for detecting forces acting on the supporting structure and elastically deforming the same. The sensor unit is provided with a sensor base, comprising two fixation regions which are spaced apart and can be fixed to mounting regions of an elastically deformable supporting structure portion. A transformation region disposed between the fixation regions mechanically converts the movements of the mounting regions, and thus also of the fixation regions relative to one another. Movements are generated by the elastic deformation of the supporting structure portion, into a movement of measuring points of the transformation region relative to one another. The movement of the measuring points can be detected by the sensor unit.

Abstract: A small-sized load sensor unit including a pressure member, to which a pressing force is applied, a strain body which is fixed to the pressure member by a first fixing member, a strain measuring unit which is provided on the strain body and is configured to be deformed together with the strain body, a first restricting unit which restricts a pressing force applied to a substantially center portion of the pressure member such that the pressing force becomes a predetermined threshold value or less, and a second restricting unit which restricts the pressure member from moving by a predetermined amount or more when a pressing force of an excessive load is applied to an edge portion of the pressure member.

Abstract: A control system, in particular an aircraft flight control system, having a linkage with a force-transmission link (3), the link having a body (5) having at least one end housing (8) slidably receiving a coupling rod (9) for coupling the link to an adjacent element of the linkage, the housing being closed by an elastically-deformable test member (10) through which the rod passes and that has an inner periphery fastened to the rod and an outer periphery fastened to a wall defining the end housing, and the end housing receiving at least one sensor (11) for sensing relative movement between the rod and the body.

Abstract: In the method for measuring a micromechanical semiconductor component which comprises a reversibly deformable measuring element sensitive to mechanical stresses, which is provided with electronic circuit elements and terminal pads for tapping measurement signals, the measuring element (18) of the semiconductor component (16), for the purpose of determining the distance/force and/or distance/pressure characteristic curve thereof, is increasingly deformed by mechanical action of a plunger (32) which can in particular be advanced step by step. After a or after each step-by-step advancing movement of the plunger (32) by a predetermined distance quantity, the current measurement signals are tapped via the terminal pads (24). The semiconductor component (16) is qualified on the basis of the obtained measurement signals representing the distance/force and/or distance/pressure characteristic curve.

Abstract: The quantity of material remaining in a 3D printing system may be effectively measured through the use of a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be mounted on a support member such as a cantilevered support that holds the weight of a material dispenser. As the material is consumed, the strain gauge may measure the reduction in deformation of the cantilevered support, thereby indicating to a control system and/or a user the quantity of material used. Full and/or empty material dispenser measurements may be taken to provide reference points that indicate how close the material dispenser is to being full and/or empty. The material dispenser may be mounted in a variety of locations relative to the 3D printer, including on a side and on top. A top-mounted material dispenser may be received within a bearing that permits the material dispenser to rotate, allowing the material to unwind during consumption.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining deformations of a geometric body or for measuring forces or torques acting thereon using force measuring sensors or deformation measuring sensors. A plurality of such sensors are arranged on the geometric body in at least two groups. A first group of sensors registers forces acting on the geometric body or deformations of the geometric body in a first spatial direction with reference to a coordinate system fixed relative to the geometric body. A second group of sensors registers forces acting on the geometric body or deformations thereof in a second spatial direction with reference to the coordinate system fixed relative to the geometric body, which is independent of the first spatial direction. Signal outputs of the sensors are compared to one another for the purpose of registering and evaluating signals and for determining or assessing force components or deformation components acting in different spatial directions.

Abstract: A bending sensor includes a high resistance layer; a low resistance layer having a crack and a lower electrical resistance than the high resistance layer in a state where the crack is closed; an insulating layer between the high and low resistance layers; and a plurality of electrode portions connecting electrically in parallel the high resistance and low resistance layers. In an OFF state where a bend amount is small, the crack is unlikely to open and a combined resistance of electrical resistances of the high resistance layer and the low resistance layer is output as OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions. In an ON state where the bend amount is large, the crack is likely to open and at least the electrical resistance of the high resistance layer is output as ON resistance higher than the OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions.

Abstract: A panel includes a plurality of integrated strain gauges for measuring deformation information relating to the panel. The strain gauges are arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the panel and have at least two different lengths.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a resistance to penetration as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including temperature, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth based on the sensed resistance to penetration and identifying areas of concern which may indicate an avalanche risk. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Abstract: A sensing edge for providing a signal to a controller indicating that a forward edge of a door is obstructed during operation. The sensing edge includes an elongate sheath, a first end plug and a first end flap. The elongate sheath has a first end and a second end. A first cavity is located at the first end. The elongate sheath is mounted to the forward edge. The first end plug includes an inner end, an outer end, first engaging structures extending from the inner end and a first vertical groove in the outer end. The engaging structures are positioned within the first cavity in an assembled configuration. The first end flap includes a relatively flat first body and a first flange structure. The first flange structure is positioned in the first vertical groove in the assembled configuration to secure the first end flap to the first end plug.

Abstract: A load cell structure for receiving strain gages to monitor applied torsional forces wherein the opposing force-receiving ends have a plurality of sensing beams spaced about an axis of rotation. Limit posts located between the ends each have a discontinuity therein that includes a U-shaped gap to limit relative rotation about the axis and thereby providing overload protection.

Abstract: A case accommodates a manipulated surface portion. A distortion member has a joint portion, which is connected with a periphery of the manipulated surface portion at one end, and a fixed portion fixed to the case at the other end. The distortion member has a movement transmission surface between the joint portion and the fixed portion. The movement transmission surface is movable according to a manipulating force caused by pressure applied to the manipulated surface portion. A distortion detection unit is adhered to the movement transmission surface and configured to detect a distortion of the movement transmission surface caused by a movement of the distortion member. The manipulated surface portion and the movement transmission surface are located on the same plane.

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

Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load, and protecting against overload conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke, and an overload protection device including at least one elastic member having a nonlinear force-deflection characteristic defining a limit point and negative stiffness region, drivenly coupled to the actuator opposite the load, and operable to provide a secondary work output path when an overload condition exists.

Abstract: An operation amount detection apparatus includes a transmission member that transmits a load corresponding to an operation amount between a shaft portion and an operation target member through connecting portions that connect a first support portion supported by the operation target member and a second support portion supported by the shaft portion, and a detection device that detects an operation amount based on an amount of deformation of the connecting portions. A plurality of the connecting portions are provided in parallel between the first support portion and the second support portion, and deflect due to transmission of a load so that the first support portion and the second support are relatively displaced in a direction of a linear motion. The respective connecting portions are mutually opposed in a direction perpendicular to a lengthwise direction of the shaft portion.

Abstract: A conveyance seat includes: a seating sensor structure including a pressure-sensing portion that is used to detect a pressure, the seating sensor structure being arranged inside a seat pad of the conveyance seat through integral foam-molding. The seating sensor structure is formed by laminating the pressure-sensing portion, a second sheet-shaped member and a first sheet-shaped member in this order from a seating face side. The first sheet-shaped member has a higher stiffness than the seat pad. The second sheet-shaped member has a lower stiffness than the first sheet-shaped member.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a connection seat, a pressure transducer connected to the connection seat, and an overload protection member connected to the connection seat. The pressure transducer includes a housing and a detection sleeve received in the housing. The housing is mounted on the connection seat. The overload protection member is positioned above the detection sleeve. A buffering space is formed between the overload protection member and the detection sleeve, so that the overload protection member can bear an amount of exerted pressure when being overloaded.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to load cell assemblies configured for measuring loads or weight associated with a semi-trailer. In one embodiment, a load cell assembly includes a shear plate load cell configured to be coupled between a frame and a support member of the semi-trailer. The shear plate load cell detects or measures the trailer's weight with a sensor positioned on a strain sensing section of a plate. The strain sensing section is positioned at a location offset from the plate's centerline. The shear plate load cell is accordingly configured to provide an ideal moment balance that allows accurate load measurements independent of where the load is applied relative to the load cell or the support member.

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

Abstract: A bicycle crank arm apparatus comprises a crank arm having a crank axle mounting portion and a pedal mounting portion. A circuit-mounting structure is disposed between the crank axle mounting portion and the pedal mounting portion, wherein the circuit-mounting structure is configured to detachably mount a measurement board. When a measurement board is mounted to the circuit-mounting structure, the resulting combination forms a bicycle input force processing apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a system and method for implementing a wide-area pressure sensor with reduced power consumption. The system includes a first layer printed with conductive ink in a first pattern that includes a first portion of an AND array and a first portion of an OR array, a second layer printed with conductive ink in a second pattern that includes a second portion of the AND array and a second portion of the OR array, and a separation barrier that goes between the first layer and the second layer. These AND and OR array switches can be combined together in one or more zones to create a wide-area pressure sensor with reduced pincount and power consumption, and can be used to determine the location of pressure points in a wide-area.

Abstract: A pressure-responsive B-surface seat occupancy sensor unit for detecting an occupancy state of a seat comprises a pressure sensor arranged on a base plate. The pressure sensor includes a printed circuit board having a first surface with at least two electrodes and a second surface, with which the PCB is arranged on the base plate, and a membrane element arranged in facing relationship with and spaced from the electrodes so as to deflect under pressure and establish an electrical contact between the electrodes. The base plate includes one or more fixation elements, by means of which the base plate is fixable to the structural frame, the seat cushion and/or the cushion-supporting springs of the seat.

Abstract: A force detector includes a plate-like first member, a plate-like second member provided with a gap between the first member and itself, an elastic member provided between the first member and the second member, and a plurality of pressure-sensitive devices provided between the elastic member and the second member, wherein an area of a surface of the elastic member at the first member side is larger than an area of a surface of the elastic member at the second member side. Further, the first member and the second member respectively have plate-like shapes. Furthermore, three or more of the elastic members are provided.

Abstract: An actuation assembly adapted for driving a load, and protecting against overload conditions, includes an actuator defining a stroke, and an overload protection device including at least one elastic member having a nonlinear force-deflection characteristic defining a limit point and negative stiffness region, drivenly coupled to the actuator opposite the load, and operable to provide a secondary work output path when an overload condition exists.

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

Abstract: A detection unit includes a sensor that detects the presence of force and a force component separation mechanism that separates the magnitude and the direction of the force and a control unit that controls the detection action of the force component separation mechanism based on the detection result of the sensor.

Abstract: A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network.

Abstract: There is provided an insertion device allowing a doctor to alone perform an operation to insert a medical linear body. The insertion device, operated to insert a delivery wire (104) into a human body (131) through a blood vessel (132), includes a foot switch (41, 46) generating and outputting a signal to control starting/stopping a drive device (1) moving the delivery wire (104) in its longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the insertion device includes an insertion force sensor (60) operative to measure longitudinally compressive force exerted to the delivery wire (104), and a speaker (92) and a display (93) informing an operator of the compressive force measured by the insertion force sensor (60).

Abstract: An impact sensor system for a vehicle that includes a frame member having a cavity and a chamber arranged within the cavity. The chamber includes two ends with different cross-sectional areas. The impact sensor system further includes a sensor coupled to the chamber that generates a signal indicative of a pressure change within the chamber caused by an impact to the frame member.

Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a force receiving portion, a first movable portion that rotates in a first rotational direction around a first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in the first rotational direction around the first rotational axis according to dynamic quantity in a second direction different from the first direction that the force receiving portion receives; and a second movable portion that rotates in a second rotational direction around a second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the first direction that the force receiving portion receives, and rotates in an opposite direction to the second rotational direction around the second rotational axis according to the dynamic quantity in the second direction that the force receiving portion receives.

Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. In one example, a method may comprise receiving, by a sensor device having a contact, a pressure; measuring, by the sensor device, the pressure to generate a pressure signal; outputting, by the sensor device, to the contact, the pressure signal; and receiving, by a header pin, from the contact, the pressure signal, wherein the header pin and the contact are electrically coupled using a conductive, non-lead containing frit and are aligned using a contact cover that is coupled to the sensor device using a non-conductive, non-lead containing frit.