Resistance Strain Gage Patents (Class 73/862.627)
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Patent number: 8631882Abstract: A drilling rig with a top drive having a torque measuring load cell made from a strain gauged bending pin. When the unit torques up, the bending pin can be arranged to bend slightly in proportion to torque, and a strain gauge on the bending pin provides measurement that can be calibrated electronically in foot-lbs of torque.Type: GrantFiled: July 13, 2012Date of Patent: January 21, 2014Inventor: Larry G. Keast
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Publication number: 20140013865Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus including a first sensor arrangement configured in a first layer; a second sensor arrangement configured in a second layer; wherein the sensor arrangements are configured to vary an input signal in response to a sensed parameter; and the apparatus also including an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal that depends on each of the first and second sensor arrangements.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 13, 2012Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: Richard WHITE, Jani KIVIOJA
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Publication number: 20140007704Abstract: The invention relates to a large-area extensible pressure sensor for textile surfaces, of the type comprising a support on which a conductive ink is printed which can transmit a printed electrical signal by any known printing technique. More specifically, the pressure sensor is characterised in that said support is flexible, extensible and elastic, and a plurality of main tracks of extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste are printed on said support; on said plurality of main tracks a plurality of piezoresistive paste or ink depositions acting as pressure sensing points are printed, and each of these depositions are linked to a secondary extensible and elastic conductive ink or paste track, which is also printed on said support, resulting in all tracks, primary or secondary, being connected to a control system without crossing each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 3, 2013Publication date: January 9, 2014Inventors: Miguel Ridao GRANADO, Luis Miguel GOMEZ ANTA
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Patent number: 8621941Abstract: A feedback system for identifying an external force, includes an operation plate and a pressure-sensing unit. The pressure-sensing unit includes an elastic member supporting the operation plate and a pressure sensor inside the elastic member. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive film. An inner side of the elastic member is filled with fluid material which acts on the pressure sensitive film. The operation plate is driven by the external force to be slant which extrudes the elastic member to deform so as to change fluid pressure of the fluid material limited in the elastic member, and such change of the fluid pressure can be sensed by the pressure sensitive film of the pressure sensor so as to identify the movement and the intensity of the external force.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2010Date of Patent: January 7, 2014Assignee: Memsensing Microsystems Technology Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jia-Xin Mei, Gang Li, Hong-Yuan Yang
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Publication number: 20130340537Abstract: A force sensor for measuring forces comprises a sensor plate where at least one measuring resistor is arranged whereby deformations of the sensor plate can be detected as a result of forces to be measured. The sensor plate includes at least one local weakened area whereby deformation behavior of the sensor plate is influenced. The weakened area results in bypassing the flux of force in the sensor plate and in concentrating the forces at non-weakened portions of the sensor plate. The at least one measuring resistor is preferably arranged at such non-weakened deforming portion of the sensor plate. The at least one weakened area defines sensor plate portions separated from at least in sections, the sensor plate portions being exposed to opposite forces. The sensor plate can be mounted in a housing with an evaluation circuit, for example, and constitute a force sensor having compact dimensions and high measuring sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 13, 2013Publication date: December 26, 2013Inventors: Florian Freiwald, Oliver Jost, Markus Muller
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Patent number: 8607651Abstract: Hybrid force sensitive input devices are formed as a membrane assembly that is capable of detecting capacitive presence near the sensor surface as well as pressure inputs and varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. As a capacitive sensor, the electrical charge of a user's hand, finger or other extremity is sensed by the conductive layers of the sensor as a function of the input extremity's location and proximity to the sensor surface. As a force sensor, a user's input contact with the sensor surface is detectable when conductive elements on apposing substrates are forced into contact when input force is applied. Increasing the applied force increases the number of conductive particles making contact allowing the electrons to travel from one conductive trace on a first substrate through the contacting conductive patches to a perpendicular conductive trace on a second substrate.Type: GrantFiled: October 1, 2012Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Sensitronics, LLCInventor: Franklin N. Eventoff
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Publication number: 20130298700Abstract: A piezoresistive sensor device and a method for making a piezoresistive device are disclosed. The sensor device comprises a silicon wafer having piezoresistive elements and contacts in electrical communication with the elements. The sensor device further comprises a contact glass coupled to the silicon wafer and having apertures aligned with the contacts. The sensor device also comprises a non-conductive frit for mounting the contact glass to a header glass, and a conductive non-lead glass frit disposed in the apertures and in electrical communication with the contacts. The method for making a piezoresistive sensor device, comprises bonding a contact glass to a silicon wafer such that apertures in the glass line up with contacts on the wafer, and filling the apertures with a non-lead glass frit such that the frit is in electrical communication with the contacts.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 8, 2013Publication date: November 14, 2013Inventor: Nora Kurtz
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Patent number: 8561482Abstract: A sealed sensor includes a test body configured as a deformable simple parallelogram, including a one-piece test body having a generally H- or X-shaped central opening extending therethrough, whose shape determines four hinge positions of the parallelogram, between the end of each arm of the opening and one face of the test body, and the thickness thereof. At least one hinge is a measuring hinge on one side of the test body. The outer face of the body has a recess and housing for strain gauges and circuits. At least one pair of side cavities define therebetween the width of the measuring hinge(s) and the thickness of the sheets of material connecting side edges of this measuring hinge to side edges of the test body corresponding to the hinge, preventing strains generated in the measuring hinges from being affected by strains from the side edges of the test body.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: S.C.A.I.M.E. S.A.Inventors: Jean-Pierre Aumard, Vincent Bourdarel
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Publication number: 20130275058Abstract: A pressure sensitive device interface including a display screen, a framing structure that receives a force applied to the portable electronic device and exhibits strain within the framing structure, a strain gauge that identifies the strain within the framing structure, and a processor coupled to the display screen and the strain gauge and configured to measure the strain identified by the strain gauge and control the user interface according to the measurement of the strain. Among aspects, the framing structure may include a first pair of parallel elements that form opposing elongated outer edges of the portable electronic device, and a second pair of parallel elements that extend perpendicularly between the first pair of parallel elements. Among additional aspects, the processor may be further configured to identify a plurality of gestures with reference to strain metrics.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2012Publication date: October 17, 2013Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventor: Ihab A.B. Awad
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Publication number: 20130247689Abstract: A force sensor may include a sense die mounted to a substrate and an actuating assembly for transmitting an external force to the sense die. The sense die may include a diaphragm, a boss extending from the diaphragm, and one or more sensing elements (e.g., piezoresistive elements positioned on the diaphragm). The actuation assembly may include a force receiving feature configured to receive an external force at a first end and transfer at least a portion of the received external force through a second end to the diaphragm via intimate contact with a bottom side of the boss. In some cases, the force sensor may also include signal conditioning circuitry.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2012Publication date: September 26, 2013Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventors: Palani Thanigachalam, Todd Eckhardt, Richard Wade
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Patent number: 8516906Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2012Date of Patent: August 27, 2013Assignee: Alps Electric Co., Ltd.Inventors: Eiji Umetsu, Masahiko Ishizone, Motoki Hirayama, Hideki Gochou
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Publication number: 20130209281Abstract: A disc pump system includes a pump body having a substantially cylindrical shape defining a cavity for containing a fluid, the cavity being formed by a side wall closed at both ends by substantially circular end walls, at least one of the end walls being a driven end wall. The system includes an actuator operatively associated with the driven end wall to cause an oscillatory motion of the driven end wall and an isolator is operatively associated with the peripheral portion of the driven end wall to reduce damping of the displacement oscillations. The isolator comprises a flexible printed circuit material that includes a strain gauge. The strain gauge measures data that may be used to determine the amount of pressure provided by the pump.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2013Publication date: August 15, 2013Inventors: Christopher Brian LOCKE, Aidan Marcus TOUT
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Patent number: 8505393Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2011Date of Patent: August 13, 2013Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: James Isaac Meyer
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Patent number: 8479595Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a loading member to deflect the beam in response to a force applied to the sensor assembly. The loading member has a feature that prevents deflection of the beam when the force applied is greater than a threshold value.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2010Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Medtronic Minimed, Inc.Inventors: Pablo Vazquez, Hsiao-Yu S. Kow, Afshin Bazargan
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Publication number: 20130167663Abstract: Hybrid force sensitive input devices are formed as a membrane assembly that is capable of detecting capacitive presence near the sensor surface as well as pressure inputs and varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. As a capacitive sensor, the electrical charge of a user's hand, finger or other extremity is sensed by the conductive layers of the sensor as a function of the input extremity's location and proximity to the sensor surface. As a force sensor, a user's input contact with the sensor surface is detectable when conductive elements on apposing substrates are forced into contact when input force is applied. Increasing the applied force increases the number of conductive particles making contact allowing the electrons to travel from one conductive trace on a first substrate through the contacting conductive patches to a perpendicular conductive trace on a second substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2012Publication date: July 4, 2013Applicant: SENSITRONICS, LLCInventor: Sensitronics, LLC
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Publication number: 20130133439Abstract: An apparatus, system, device, and method provide the ability to measure forces a cell exerts on its surroundings. A platform is suspended across an opening using support legs. The platform is able to move horizontally in a plane of the opening. A piezoresistive strain sensor is integrated into the platform and measures strain induced in the support legs when the platform moves horizontally thereby measuring displacement of the platform.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2012Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: CALIFORNIA INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGYInventors: Blake Waters Axelrod, Paula Popescu, Michael L. Roukes
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Publication number: 20130074610Abstract: The invention relates to a load cell, preferably for an aseptic platform scale, which is embodied rod-shaped and includes a force introduction element (1) and a force output element (2) and a force measuring element arranged axially therebetween. In that regard, the force measuring element comprises a bending beam (3), of which the internally located measuring spring parts (12) with the strain gages applied thereon are hermetically tightly enclosed by welded metal parts (4, 5, 6). In that regard, the force introduction element (1), the force measuring element (3) and the force output element (2) are embodied substantially rotationally symmetrically and rounded-off along a longitudinal axis (9), whereby the force measuring element comprises a flexurally stiff pipe sleeve (4) with the bending beam (3) arranged therein.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 6, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Applicant: Hottinger Baldwin Messtechnik GmbHInventors: Arno Schmittner, Ralf Scherer
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Patent number: 8387470Abstract: Apparatus and method for pedalling measurement are presented. The apparatus comprises: a portion to form a hole for accommodating a spindle of a pedal; a strain member to undergo deformation by a force applied on the pedal and transmitted by means of the spindle through the portion to the strain member; and a strain gauge, coupled with the strain member, to measure an elastic strain representing the deformation.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Polar Electro OyInventors: Esa Tuulari, Risto Nousiainen, Klaus Känsälä
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Publication number: 20120330571Abstract: A system to measure forces on a device inserted through the skin into a human or animal body to introduce or remove material.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2011Publication date: December 27, 2012Inventors: John R. LaCourse, Paula McWilliam
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Publication number: 20120323501Abstract: A fabric-based pressure sensor array includes: (1) a first layer including M elongated conductive strips coated thereon; (2) a second layer including N elongated conductive strips coated thereon, the M elongated conductive strips extending crosswise relative to the N elongated conductive strips to define M×N intersections; and (3) a unitary textile sheet extending between the first layer and the second layer so as to overlap the M×N intersections, the textile sheet having a variable resistivity in response to applied pressure so as to define M×N pressure sensors at locations corresponding to the M×N intersections.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2012Publication date: December 20, 2012Inventors: Majid Sarrafzadeh, Wenyao Xu, Ming-Chun Huang, Nitin Raut, Behrooz Yadegar
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Patent number: 8316725Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2010Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.Inventor: Richard Wade
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Publication number: 20120279322Abstract: A load cell for a downhole load measuring tool is provided. The load cell comprises a plurality of strain gauges arranged in a balanced array, wherein the array of strain gauges is provided in fluid which, in use, is at substantially the same pressure as the surrounding downhole fluid.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 3, 2011Publication date: November 8, 2012Inventors: James David Ratcliffe, Timothy Gill
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Patent number: 8286509Abstract: The present invention provides a tactile sensor which can reproduce a sensor surface in contact with a sensing object and contribute to a reduction in cost of an automation system which utilizes an industrial robot, the tactile sensor including: a contact-portion unit 12 composed of a flexible material; a contact-portion housing unit 11 which surrounds and houses the contact-portion unit in a removable state while forming a posture so that a top portion of the contact-portion unit may project; and a strain sensing element 15 or a pressure sensing element embedded into the contact-portion housing unit.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Tokyo Denki UniversityInventors: Hiroshi Igarashi, Ryoji Matsuda
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Publication number: 20120227516Abstract: The invention relates to a support assembly (1) for an ink-jet printing device, comprising a support (3) with a guide track (2), which runs in the longitudinal direction of said support, for a moveable unit that travels along said guide track (2). A supporting element (4), which likewise extends in the longitudinal direction, is associated with the support (3) of the support assembly (1) and the ends (10, 11) of said support element (4) are supported on the support (3) against the effective gravitational direction. In addition, the support (3) and the supporting element (4) are tensioned with respect to one another along their longitudinal extension by means of at least one adjusting element (13).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2010Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: DURST PHOTOTECHNIK DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY GMBHInventor: Peter Weingartner
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Publication number: 20120227515Abstract: A wind turbine blade tester includes a pair of linearly reciprocable actuators, such as hydraulic actuators. Each of the actuators is arranged to deliver a stroke to a wind turbine blade being tested. The stroke delivered by each of the actuators provides a controlled force in both the edgewise and flapwise directions. A method for testing a wind turbine blade is also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 28, 2011Publication date: September 13, 2012Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/SInventors: Stuart Guy, Tim Erskine
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Publication number: 20120222499Abstract: A pressure detection unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed in opposition to each other and subject to load from the outside, a pair of electrodes provided in distribution in the first substrate and the second substrate, the electrodes being disposed linearly in opposition to each other, electrically conductive pressure-sensitive ink disposed between the pair of electrodes to cover at least one of these electrodes and having electrical characteristics which varies according to the load, and an adhesion member for adhering the first substrate and the second substrate to each other with the pair of electrodes and the pressure-sensitive ink being placed in contact with each other.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Takahiro Suzuki, Yoshihiro Kai, Jun Shimizu, Yohko Imai, Seiko Hirai
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Publication number: 20120226448Abstract: In order to move an object, a handle is attached to the object. The handle includes at least one sensor configured to detect a force being applied to the handle and to generate at least one sensor output signal in accordance therewith. A motorized object driving apparatus is in electrical communication with the at least sensor and is configured to move the object based on the at least one sensor output signal in the direction of the force being applied to the handle.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 29, 2012Publication date: September 6, 2012Applicant: AKTIEBOLAGET SKFInventors: Joseph Thomas Marie Mutsaerts, Johannes Blom, Martin Scholer
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Patent number: 8220343Abstract: The force sensing device includes a deformable member having portions arranged to make a pair with respect to the Z-axis. Three sets of strain detecting elements are formed on the deformable member for detecting deformations of the deformable member caused by a linear force in the X-axis, a linear force in the Y-axis and a rotational force about the Z-axis. The force sensing device includes a connecting member which connects between the pair of portions of the deformable member, and between the deformable member and a shaft of a manipulatable member. The force sensing device can be manufactured with easy wiring work and can detect the applied force in three degrees of freedom, including the linear force in the X-axis, the linear force in the Y-axis and the rotational force about the Z-axis.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2010Date of Patent: July 17, 2012Assignees: Nippon Soken, Inc., DENSO CORPORATIONInventors: Shinji Hatanaka, Shigeaki Nishihashi, Nozomi Kitagawa
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Patent number: 8215191Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength of a plant is disclosed. A force sensor is mounted to a harvester in a position to measure the resistance to crushing of the plant stalk by a stalk roll of the harvester. The apparatus may include a pair of counter rotating stalk rolls that pull and crush the plant stalk between them and a pair of stain gauges attached on either side of a mounting apparatus of the stalk rolls to sense both the tension and compression forces induced in the mounting apparatus by each of the rolls in response to the resistance to crushing of the plant stalk. Data collected by the invention can be advantageously used in a breeding program wherein breeding decisions are made based at least in part on stalk strength.Type: GrantFiled: August 14, 2009Date of Patent: July 10, 2012Assignee: Syngenta Participations AGInventors: Scott Tragesser, Rich Ketcham
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Publication number: 20120152037Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2010Publication date: June 21, 2012Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.Inventor: Richard Wade
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Publication number: 20120128287Abstract: A bearing unit (20) for measuring forces exerted on the bearing unit, comprising an inner member (3) concentrically arranged around an outer member (2), at least one rolling element bearing (4, 5) and at least one load measuring device (8, 9) with a cylindrical bore. The load measuring device (8, 9) is mounted to one of the members (3) and supports the rolling element bearing (4, 5) relatively to this member (3). The rolling element bearing (4, 5) is mounted to the other of the members (2) and supports this member (2) relatively to the load measuring device (8, 9). Thus, a force acting on the bearing unit is transferred from one of the inner and outer members (2, 3) to the other of the inner and outer members (2, 3) via the at least one load measuring device (8, 9). According to the invention, the at least one load measuring device (8, 9) and the at least one rolling element bearing (4, 5) are arranged laterally to each other in a radial gap between the inner and outer members (2, 3).Type: ApplicationFiled: June 2, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventors: Erik Zaaijer, Cornelius Petrus Antonius Vissers
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Publication number: 20120098767Abstract: An information input apparatus includes a panel member having a touch type information input function, a package having a support portion for supporting the panel member, a pressure detection portion provided between/across the panel member and the support portion for detecting a pressure operation force to the panel member, and an initial load applying portion provided between/across/across the panel member and the support portion and configured to draw the panel member and the support portion toward each other, thereby to apply an initial load to the pressure detection portion, so that an information input operation corresponding to a pressing force to the panel member can be performed speedily.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: April 26, 2012Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Yuichiro Takai, Jun Shimizu, Seiko Hirai, Ryomei Omote, Yoshihiro Kai, Takahiro Suzuki, Yuko Endo
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Patent number: 8161829Abstract: A methodology for selecting and properly placing foil strain gages on a transducer in a Wheatstone bridge, which provides a more consistent creep response, especially when the transducer temperature is changed. A transducer includes a counterforce subjected to a predetermined physical load that provides tension and compression strains (positive and negative, respectively). The transducer also includes a plurality of strain gage grids that are operatively attached to the counterforce in the tension and compression strain areas of the counterforce and generate electrical signals. The plurality of strain gages are electrically connected in a Wheatstone bridge circuit where their electrical signals due to creep are cancelled.Type: GrantFiled: July 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: Vishay Precision Group, Inc.Inventors: Felix Zandman, Robert B. Watson, Thomas P. Kieffer
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Publication number: 20120090409Abstract: The present invention relates to a force measuring device comprising an amorphous carbon layer which is disposed on a solid actuator and has piezoresistive properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2007Publication date: April 19, 2012Inventors: Holger Luthje, Saskia Biehl, Dirk Mayer, Tobias Melz, Sven Herold
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Publication number: 20120073388Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2010Publication date: March 29, 2012Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICKInventor: Luis Paulo Felipe Chibante
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Publication number: 20120011942Abstract: A displacement sensor having a sensing body, a strain gauge, and a signal processing unit. The sensing body having a diaphragm positioned at a lower surface of the sensing body and an input bar orthogonally fixed at a center of an upper surface of the sensing body. The strain gauge attaches to the diaphragm. The signal processing unit generates an electrical signal based on an output value of the strain gauge corresponding to strain of the diaphragm caused by moment of the input bar.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Inventors: Chul-Sub Lee, Eul-Chul Byeon, Boem-Kyu Kim, Young-Deok Kim
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Publication number: 20120011941Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, devices, and systems for determining occupancy of a user. One method to determine occupancy of a user includes sensing a change in resistance of a sensor element of an occupancy sensor, correlating the change in resistance to a force transmitted to the occupancy sensor, and determining an occupancy status of a user based on the force transmitted.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 19, 2012Applicant: HEALTHSENSE, INC.Inventors: David T. Anderson, Brian J. Bischoff, John L. Ryan
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Publication number: 20110307097Abstract: Detector device arranged to cover at least one portion of a mobile appliance; the device has an electromechanical transducer including a substrate, a first series of electrodes, a second series of electrodes, and a deformable layer associated with the electrodes of the two series, the substrate, the electrodes, and the deformable layer forming a single unit mounted on the portion of the mobile appliance and arranged so that a current flowing between one of the electrodes of the first series and an adjacent electrode of the second series is proportional to a thickness of the deformable layer in register with the electrodes. The substrate including a base layer to which are attached the electrodes of the first series and the electrodes of the second series, which have facing portions, and a variable conduction layer that covers the base layer and the electrodes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2010Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVESInventors: Frédéric Colledani, Xavier Lamy
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Publication number: 20110290038Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a pressure-sensitive sensor capable of layering a pressure-sensitive layer and electrodes with high productivity, facilitating control of contact between the pressure-sensitive layer and the electrodes by loading, achieving good reproducibility of a resistance value generated by loading between the pressure-sensitive ink layer and the electrodes, and measuring pressure with high accuracy. The pressure-sensitive sensor comprises a pair of electrodes 16a and 16b formed on a substrate film 31, and a pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 juxtaposed to the electrodes on the substrate, the pressure-sensitive ink layer being variable in electrical properties in response to an applied pressing force, wherein a portion of the substrate film 31 having the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 formed thereon is bent inward to allow the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 to come into contact with the pair of electrodes 16a and 16b.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2009Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: NISSHA PRINTING CO., LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Hoshino, Yuichiro Takai, Yoshihiro Kai
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Patent number: 8065926Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: James Isaac Meyer
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Patent number: 8065927Abstract: A probe used during a total knee arthroplasty for measuring forces and locations of their points of application and thereby moments includes two load sensitive plates t to be inserted in one joint-compartment of a knee joint each and each being provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. At least two load sensors may be situated on the top surfaces and/or the bottom surface of each load sensitive plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2009Date of Patent: November 29, 2011Assignee: Synthes USA, LLCInventors: Denis Crottet, Ion Petros Pappas, Thomas Maeder, Caroline Jacq, Hannes Bleuler
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Publication number: 20110283816Abstract: An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2011Publication date: November 24, 2011Applicant: LOADTEST, INC.Inventor: JOHN A. HAYES
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Patent number: 8033009Abstract: There is provided a method for producing a force sensor including: a force sensor chip; and an attenuator, in which the force sensor chip and the attenuator are joined at joint portions with a glass layer sandwiched therebetween. The method includes: a film forming step in which a glass film as the glass layer is formed on regions of the attenuator containing the joint portions or on regions of the force sensor chip containing the joint portions; and an anodic bonding step in which the force sensor chip and the attenuator are stacked as a stacked body in close contact with each other at the joint portions, and the glass film and the force sensor chip, or the glass film and the attenuator, are joined.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2007Date of Patent: October 11, 2011Assignee: Honda Motor Co., LtdInventors: Nariaki Kuriyama, Jun Sasahara, Tadahiro Kubota, Daisuke Okamura, Takeshi Ohsato
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Patent number: 8006574Abstract: 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 chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2008Date of Patent: August 30, 2011Assignee: SRAM, LLCInventor: James Meyer
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Patent number: 7997155Abstract: A load sensor includes a base substrate having two holes as two fixing portions to a frame member as a detection object, a pair of strain detecting elements provided on a surface of the base substrate, and input-output terminals provided on the surface of the base substrate. The strain detecting elements are arranged in a region that is between the holes and is opposite the input-output terminals with respect to at least one of the holes.Type: GrantFiled: June 18, 2010Date of Patent: August 16, 2011Assignees: ALPS Electric Co., Ltd., NTN CorporationInventors: Ryoichi Maeda, Yoshiharu Terauchi, Tekayuki Norimatsu, Kentaro Nishikawa
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Patent number: 7983854Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a method of monitoring a structure by a monitoring system including at least one strain gauge positioned on the structure and a computer processor coupled to the at least one strain gauge. According to at least one embodiment, strain data are acquired using the at least one strain gauge, and it is determined, by the computer processor, whether the structure has undergone plastic deformation according to the strain data. Further, a result is outputted according to the determination of plastic deformation.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2009Date of Patent: July 19, 2011Assignee: Airbus Operations LimitedInventor: Edwin William O'Brien
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Patent number: 7966898Abstract: A microfluidic embedded nanoelectromechanical system (NEMs) force sensor provides an electrical readout. The force sensor contains a deformable member that is integrated with a strain sensor. The strain sensor converts a deformation of the deformable member into an electrical signal. A microfluidic channel encapsulates the force sensor, controls a fluidic environment around the force sensor, and improves the read out. In addition, a microfluidic embedded vacuum insulated biocalorimeter is provided. A calorimeter chamber contains a parylene membrane. Both sides of the chamber are under vacuum during measurement of a sample. A microfluidic cannel (built from parylene) is used to deliver a sample to the chamber. A thermopile, used as a thermometer is located between two layers of parylene.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2007Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Michael L. Roukes, Chung-Wah Fon, Wonhee Lee, Hongxing Tang, Blake Waters Axelrod, John Liang Tan
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Patent number: 7958790Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2006Date of Patent: June 14, 2011Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.Inventors: Jason Gleghorn, Lawrence Bonassar
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Patent number: 7947773Abstract: An electrically conductive composite material includes metallic nanostrands distributed throughout a matrix constructed of a polymer, ceramic, or elastomer. The nanostrands may have an average diameter under four microns and an average aspect ratio over ten-to-one. Larger fibers may also be included to enhance electrical conductivity or other properties. The nanostrands and/or fibers may be magnetically oriented to enhance electrical conductivity along one direction. A pressure sensor may be formed by utilizing an elastomer for the matrix. Electrical conductivity through the composite material varies in proportion to deflection of the elastomer. A composite material may be applied to a surface as an electrically conductive paint. Composite materials may be made by cutting a blank of the nanostrands to the desired shape, inserting the matrix, and curing the matrix. Alternatively, a suspension agent may first be used to dispose powdered nanostrands in the desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Conductive Composites Company, L.L.C.Inventors: George Clayton Hansen, Lauren Hansen, William C. Jenkin
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Patent number: 7947912Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2007Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Zhongshan TRANSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventor: Pan Weichao