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.

Abstract: A pressure sensor carrier system of fasteners is provided for conveniently and removably attaching a pressure sensor carrier to the top surface of a bed mattress in a manner that minimizes stress concentrations, wrinkles and folds in the carrier. The carrier includes pliable elastic straps at each corner and articulated semi-rigid flaps at each longitudinal side. The tension in the elastic straps and the position of the articulated flaps are independently adjustable to accommodate mattresses of different dimensions.

Abstract: To provide a film laminate body for a pressure sensitive fingerprint sensor that can provide an accurate pressure distribution corresponding to the degree of ridges and valleys of a fingerprint, and thereby can clearly recognize the shape of the fingerprint. A film laminate body for a pressure sensitive fingerprint sensor containing a base film with a first surface and a second surface, and a conductive layer formed by a dry film forming process provided on the first surface, and an elastic layer provided on the second surface, which is a side opposite the first surface of the base film, wherein the base film has a thickness of 6 ?m or less, and the elastic layer has a thickness no less than the base film, and has elasticity of 108 Pa or less.

Abstract: A force sensor apparatus includes a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges comprise a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material. A proximal end of the tube portion is operably couplable to a shaft of a surgical instrument and a distal end of the tube portion is proximally couplable to a wrist joint. Optionally, a thermal shunt shell is over an outer surface of the tube portion. Adjacent fiber optic strain gauges with differing thermal responses are used to solve simultaneous equations in strain and temperature to derive strain while rejecting thermal effects.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a first surface and a second surface located opposite the first surface, the first surface translatable against a resilient force in a direction towards and/or from the second surface; a distance sensor, arranged to measure the distance between the first surface and the second surface; characterized in that the force sensor comprises a flexible coupling extending along the direction, flexibly coupling the first surface to the second surface; and in that the flexible coupling is provided with a resilient means to provide the resilient force; and a space encompassed by the flexible coupling together with the first surface and the second surface being accessible to the distance sensor, the space filled with a medium for providing the resilient force.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and a method of making the same is disclosed. The device comprises a boss structure within a diaphragm cavity, wherein the boss structure has substantially parallel sidewalls. One or more sensors are installed proximate to the diaphragm to sense flexure in the diaphragm, which is controlled by the boss structure.

Abstract: A pressing roller testing apparatus for a printer includes a base, a duplexer module positioned on the base, and a resisting module fixed on the base. A paper pressing roller is fixed on the duplexer module. The resisting module includes a rotating axis, a rotating wheel mounted on the rotating axis, a pressure detecting unit mounted on the rotating wheel, a supporting block mounted on the rotating wheel, and a resisting block connected to the pressure detecting unit and the supporting block. A top surface of the resisting block contacts the paper pressing roller. A bottom surface of the resisting block contacts the pressure detecting unit. The rotating axis is rotated and the resisting block resists against the paper pressing roller. The paper pressing roller generates an elastic counterforce on the pressure detecting unit by the resisting block. The pressure detecting unit detects and output value of the counterforce.

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: The stylus directional force sensing technique described herein employs a directional tip sensor which measures the magnitude and direction of force applied to a stylus tip. This information is then used to control the behavior of the stylus in an application. In one embodiment, this simple design only measures the stylus angle when the tip is actually pressing on the surface. This has the added benefit of reducing power requirements and computational complexity.

Abstract: A hail strike recording device is operable to provide quantifiable information about a hail storm event experienced by a roof. The recording device is operable to be installed on a roof and includes a panel component and a mounting assembly. The panel component presents a hail impact zone to sense one or more hail strikes, with the recording device operable to provide recorded data associated with the sensed one or more hail strikes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a deflection measuring device for measuring differential vertical deflection between first and second discrete points in response to the application of force to the device, the device comprising a transducer attachable to a structural member and comprising at least one strain responsive element, the transducer being operable to resolve any force applied thereto into a differential vertical deflection between a first point and a second point on the transducer when a load is applied thereto; the strain responsive element being operable to measure the differential vertical deflection in the transducer.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a bottom bracket, a first bicycle component, a second bicycle component coupled and responsive to the first bicycle component, and a sensor apparatus coupled to and sandwiched between the first component and the second component. The bicycle also includes a pedal coupled to the crankset and operable to propel the bicycle in response to a force acting on the pedal. The first bicycle component is acted upon by the pedal in response to the force. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor element positioned to sense a force transferred from the first component to the second component and indicative of the force acting on the pedal.

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: The sensing of a mechanical load on a rolling element bearing, in operational use of the bearing, is carried out by measuring the strain on a surface (212) of the bearing that faces in a direction substantially perpendicular to a direction of the mechanical load.

Abstract: A non-rigid electrical component includes a first layer of a compressible material. The first layer has at least one aperture therethrough. A second layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on one side of the first layer across the aperture and a third layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on an opposite side of the first layer across the aperture. The first layer is compressible such that the second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers upon application of a compression force. The first layer is also made of a resilient material such that when the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for characterizing mechanical properties of a material (S) with a low modulus of elasticity, comprising an application surface (3) and a mechanical stressing mechanism (5), said mechanical stressing mechanism comprising: a mobile indenter (6) that can move at least in vertical translation so as to bear substantially normally on said material and on said application surface (3), at least one means (14) for translating said indenter along a vertical axis Z-Z? from a reference position in which the indenter is not in contact with the material (S) and at least one sensor (11) for measuring the load applied by the indenter on the material (S) along a direction normal to the application surface on the material, and at least one position sensor (20) able to determine the vertical position of said indenter (6) with respect to said reference position.

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: A fiber optic force sensing assembly for detecting forces imparted at a distal end of a catheter assembly. The structural member may include segments adjacent each other in a serial arrangement, with gaps located between adjacent segments that are bridged by flexures. Fiber optics are coupled to the structural member. In one embodiment, each fiber optic has a distal end disposed adjacent one of the gaps and oriented for emission of light onto and for collection of light reflected from a segment adjacent the gap. The optical fibers cooperate with the deformable structure to provide a change in the intensity of the reflected light, or alternatively to provide a variable gap interferometer for sensing deformation of the structural member. In another embodiment, the gaps are bridged by fiber Bragg gratings that reflect light back through the fiber optic at central wavelengths that vary with the strain imposed on the grating.

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: A force-measuring ring includes an annular housing which contains at least one piezoelectric measuring element, and a pressure transmission element which is attached to the housing via inner and outer circular-annular membrane areas. The inner and outer membrane areas of the force measuring ring are situated on opposite sides of a symmetry plane defined by the at least one piezoelectric measuring element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a measurement apparatus for measuring a material property. The method includes steps of (a) providing a pressure sensing component having a first and a second surfaces; (b) disposing a first and a second electrodes on the first surface; and (c) disposing an elastic member having a first and a second portions on the first surface, wherein the first and the second portions of the elastic material have different values of an elastic coefficient, and cover the first and the second electrodes, respectively.

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: 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: A sensor (10, 80) for monitoring health of an associated article (A) (e.g., a fluid connector) including a sensing element (12, 84, 86) disposed along a length of an outer surface of the associated article, wherein the sensing element is configured to detect at least one physical property of the associated article and output an electrical signal in proportion to an amount of the physical property applied to the sensing element; and a mounting mechanism (14, 88) configured to secure the force sensing element to at least a portion of the outer surface of associated article.

Abstract: A sensor substrate includes a plurality of piezoresistance elements. The electrical resistance of each piezoresistance element changes in accordance with an amount of displacement of a displacement portion displaced by an external load applied through a pressure receiving unit. A base substrate supports the sensor substrate. The sensor substrate and the base substrate each include a support supporting the displacement portion such that the displacement portion can be displaced and a plurality of electrically connecting portions electrically connected to the plurality of piezoresistance elements. The supports of the sensor and base substrates are joined to each other and the plurality of electrically connecting portions of the sensor and base substrates are joined to each other. Furthermore, in each of the sensor and base substrates, either the support or the plurality of electrically connecting portions or both extend to the periphery of the sensor substrate or the base substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor as a built-in component of an object, especially an elastic object, the sensor comprising a polymer material containing electroconductive additives according to the invention and thereby acting as an expansion sensor (2), in that it measures the static and dynamic expansions of the object in relation to the acting forces and also monitors the changes of the polymer material generated by the static and dynamic expansions of the object over time. The invention also relates to a sensor arrangement (1) acting especially in combination with the following components: an expansion sensor (2), a fixed resistor (3), an analog/digital converter (4), a micro-controller comprising a memory (5), a radio interface (6), a controlled current/voltage source (7), an energy supply (8), a coupling coil (9), and a receiving unit (10).

Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The spider is configured to transmit force applied to the crank arms directly to the at least one chain ring. The spider may include a plurality of sensors configured to respond to the force applied by the spider to the at least one chain ring. The sensors produce an electronic signal relative to the force transmitted by the spider to the at least one chain ring and a processor configured to receive the electronic signals from each sensor of the spider.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring load acting on pipe supports, the apparatus including a load cell which includes a contact portion contacting a pipe, and a measuring portion for measuring load acting from the pipe; and a gap sensor which measures a gap between the pipe support and the pipe, which is generated by a movement of the contact portion, wherein the load acting on the pipe support is measured based on the load measured by the load cell and the gap measured by the gap sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transducer and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a transducer and to a method for manufacturing same, in which a first liquid and a second liquid are supplied such that, at the boundary therebetween, a deformation-generating part, including a perforated structure having one or more holes therein, is formed, and the effect of external pressure is negated by the action between the liquids.

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 pressure detection device includes a pressure detector, a bearing member, at least two guiding rods passing through the bearing member and connecting with the pressure detector, at least two elastic elements sleeving on the at least one guiding rod and resisting between the bearing member and the pressure detector for transferring forces from the bearing member to the pressure detector.

Abstract: A push force simulator for measuring a force applied to a first component being attached to a second component with a pressure-sensitive adhesive located therebetween. The push force simulator can include a handheld block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a palm-simulating polymer layer attached to the bottom surface. In addition, a pushable force gauge having an engagement end engaged with the top surface of the handheld block can be included. The pushable force gauge can measure an amount of force applied thereto, and thus measure the force transmitted through the block, through the palm-simulating polymer layer and applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive.

Abstract: Provided is a support structure for a load measurement sensor having 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: Provided is a support structure for a load measurement sensor having sufficient durability without adding a large load to a portion transmitting a load to the load measurement sensor. In the support structure, 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, to attachment brackets in a 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 comes into contact with 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 object to configure a system for measuring loads during the wheel/rail contact of rail vehicles in such a manner that the occurring forces and/or torques can be measured in a reliable and realistic manner is solved by the present invention. Between the rail foot and the measuring device, at least one elastic element is arranged which has an elasticity which simulates the elasticity of a ballast bed. By means of the measuring system according to the invention, on the one hand, realistic conditions of a track system can be simulated and, on the other, a high metrological reproducibility of a load situation can be achieved.

Abstract: A deformation testing device includes a base holding a workpiece and a testing machine arranged on the base. The testing machine includes a distance-measurement device and a force-applying device. The distance-measurement device includes a distance meter metering a moving distance of an elastic portion of the workpiece and includes a measurement probe. The force-applying device includes a force meter and a transmission member. The force meter slidably is mounted on the base and includes a force-applying post. The transmission member includes a first post and a second post secured to the first post. The first post is aligned with the force-applying post transmits a force from the force-applying post to the elastic portion. The measurement probe abuts against the second post. The force meter applies and measures a force acted upon the elastic portion through the force-applying post and the first post.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a measurement apparatus for measuring a material property. The method includes steps of (a) providing a pressure sensing component having a first and a second surfaces; (b) disposing a first and a second electrodes on the first surface; and (c) disposing an elastic member having a first and a second portions on the first surface, wherein the first and the second portions of the elastic material have different values of an elastic coefficient, and cover the first and the second electrodes, respectively.

Abstract: A force sensor for detecting at least a force acting in a longitudinal direction of a catheter or guide wire, the force sensor comprising a force pick-up for detecting the force, wherein the force pick-up comprises: a base body with an end face, wherein the base body includes at least one cutout, wherein the cutout causes an asymmetry of the base body relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter or guide wire upon flexing of the base body upon force Fz loading thereon from an axial direction, wherein the end face includes a surface area that is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the base body in the region of the cutout, but not substantially smaller than the cross-section of the rest of the base body. A method for using this force sensor is also disclosed.

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: In a user-interactive system, such as an interactive voice response (IVR) system, the duration and/or force of key-presses by the user and/or the speed of response to prompts by the user are used to make inferences about the user, such as whether the user is impaired or is growing frustrated. The user interface is modified based on the inferences.

Abstract: A push force simulator for measuring a force applied to a first component being attached to a second component with a pressure-sensitive adhesive located therebetween. The push force simulator can include a handheld block having a top surface and a bottom surface, and a palm-simulating polymer layer attached to the bottom surface. In addition, a pushable force gauge having an engagement end engaged with the top surface of the handheld block can be included. The pushable force gauge can measure an amount of force applied thereto, and thus measure the force transmitted through the block, through the palm-simulating polymer layer and applied to the pressure sensitive adhesive.

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 permanent deformation measurement apparatus includes a worktable and a measuring device. The worktable includes a supporting surface for supporting an elastic member to be measured. The measuring device includes a base, contact member, an operating member, and a measuring member. The base is fixed on the supporting surface, and defines a guide hole substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface of the worktable. The contact member includes a push rod slidable along the guide hole to contact the elastic member. The operating member is configured for moving the push rod. The measuring member is configured for measuring a position of the push rod when the push rod is in contact with the elastic member.

Abstract: A method and a device for contactless determination of forces and/or moments acting on a hollow cylindrical body (12), in which via a light source (20; 38; 40), light radiation is produced within the hollow cylindrical body (12); measurement signals are recorded by an optoelectronic sensor (22; 34); the measurement signals recorded by the optoelectronic sensor (22; 34) are supplied to the signal processing unit (26); the signal processing unit (26) detects and outputs changes of the measurement signals relative to an initial state determined beforehand by calibration, corresponding to the initial undeformed state of the hollow cylindrical body (12); and when a mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12) is present, according to a calibration function or a calculation rule, the signal processing unit (26) outputs an output signal that describes the forces and/or moments that are causing the mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12).

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 tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

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: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: A composite comprising a pliable base material and nanoscale anisotropic conductive particles; whereby deformation of the composite causes a change in the electrical conductivity of the composite.

Abstract: This load cell attachment structure includes a male screw which is formed on a load sensing part of the load cell, a nut which attaches the load cell to the attachment plate by engaging with the male screw, and a wave washer which is disposed between the attachment plate and the nut.