Abstract: A load measuring sensor for a rod-shaped body includes a stress transfer member including portions tightly fixed to the rod-shaped body at two longitudinal positions and a non-fixed portion not fixed to the rod-shaped body, the rod-shaped body being deformable by a load, and a plurality of strain gauges each attached to the stress transfer member at a plurality of circumferential positions of the stress transfer member and at least two longitudinal positions of the stress transfer member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stress sensor to be combined with an assembled object of an input unit of an electronic device. The stress sensor includes a circuit substrate and a pointing operation element disposed on a surface of the circuit substrate. The circuit substrate is combined with an assembled object of an input unit by a connecting mechanism such that the circuit substrate is directly attached onto a surface of the assembled object. As a result, the overall height of the stress sensor and the assembled object is reduced in comparison with the prior art.

Abstract: The measuring device is intended to measure forces on a bicycle pedal (1) mounted to rotate on a pedal spindle (2) fixed at the free end of a crankset crankarm (6). The device includes force sensors positioned on the pedal spindle and able to detect the force directed perpendicularly to the pedal spindle and to supply a signal dependent on the force detected, and electronic elements able to process the signals received from the sensors. Some of the electronic elements are incorporated in an electronic card (23) powered by a stand-alone energy source and to which is fixed a male connecting member (24) able to pass through a fixing hole (5) of the pedal spindle (2) on the crankarm (6) in order to cooperate with a female connecting member provided in the end of the pedal spindle. The electronic card forms with the male connecting member an easily detachable assembly.

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

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Various means for detecting the load on the bottom of a bed are proposed, but they have various problems, since the load sensor is provided separately from a bed or installed outside a bed. This invention solves the abovementioned problems by a load sensor-containing actuator in which one end side of a screw shaft 1 is rotatably supported by a base body 2; a female threaded member 3 is engaged with the screw shaft; and an actuation rod body 4 fixed to the female threaded member can advance and retreat in the axial direction of the screw shaft, wherein the base body is provided with a thrust bearing 6 coaxially with the screw shaft and an actuation cylinder 7 supporting the one end side of the screw shaft in the axial direction via the thrust bearing; a detection cylinder 9 is provided between the actuation cylinder and a support member 8 for the base body; and a strain gauge 10 is attached to the outside surface of the detection cylinder.

Abstract: Disclosed is an axial force transducer comprising a deformable element (1) which forms a measuring spring and is rotationally symmetrical to the force inducing axis as well as strain gauges (15, 18) that are arranged in pairs in areas extending in opposite directions and are connected so as to form an electrical resistance bridge. The deformable element (1) is provided with a central location hole (8) which extends radially under the effect of an axial force and whose edge (12) is connected to a deformable disk (13) via an annular rib (10), said deformable disk (13) being disposed at an axial distance from the location hole (8). The edge (14) of the deformable disk (13) radially protrudes from the annular rib (10). The strain gauges (15, 18) are applied to the face of the deformable disk (13) in pairs, inside and outside the diameter of the annular rib (10).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The driving force produced by the linear drive on a motor with a rotational drive and with a linear drive can be registered in a quantified fashion by virtue of the fact that deformation of a motor element (top disc 22) which connects a rotor (30) of the linear drive to an output shaft (24) is measured. A corresponding signal can then be assigned to a measured value for the axial force, either on the basis of a known linear relationship or on the basis of standardization. Strain measuring gauges (DMS1 to DMS4) are used to measure the deformation.

Abstract: A cable-type load sensor having an advantage in layout and being capable of sensing the load precisely is provided. The cable-type load sensor comprises a linear member composed of electrically conductive rubber and having a hollow part extending in the longitudinal direction at the central part of the cross section, and a cladding layer composed of the same kind of rubber material as the linear member and covering the circumference on the linear member.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a polymeric substrate including a cavity with a tilt plane, at least two metal piezoresistors on the tilt plane, and a contact pad connected to the metal piezoresistors. The tilt plane may include a measured interface of from 15° to 75°.

Abstract: A load monitoring system for a mobile work platform includes a load cell (12) having at least one strain gauge (16) and a sensing circuit (14) connected to receive a strain signal from the strain gauge. The sensing circuit (14) includes a first sensing device (24) for sensing the strain in the strain gauge (16), and a second sensing device (26) for sensing a negative shift in the strain signal.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A cable-type load sensor comprises two conductors arranged in parallel; and an elastic cladding layer with which surroundings of two conductors are covered. Each of two conductors comprises at least one of a nickel chromium system alloy, an iron nickel system alloy, a copper nickel system alloy, and a nickel titanium system alloy.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An integrity monitoring system for monitoring degradation in a composite riser string. The system includes composite riser structures incorporating strain and vibration sensors to measure changes in the stiffness strain on a first orientation and on a second orientation. The system can also include monitoring modules attached to each individual riser and devices to transfer the data from the monitoring module to the surface controller. Additionally, the monitor system can provide for an alarm when predetermined warning limits are exceeded.

Abstract: A force-sensing device has a yoke having a location of force introduction for a force to be measured acting in a predetermined direction. A measuring spring has a first end rigidly connected to the yoke and is elastically deformable by the force to be measured. The measuring spring has a second end arranged on a support rigidly connectable to a machine frame. First predetermined measuring locations are provided that detect and evaluate a deformation of the measuring spring caused by the force to be measured. Parallel and spaced apart bending springs are connected to the yoke in such a way that the yoke is always guided in parallel in a transverse direction that is transverse to the predetermined direction of the force to be measured. Second predetermined measuring locations are provided on the bending springs and detect a transverse deformation caused by a force in the transverse direction.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: The strain gauge for measuring large strains has metallic foil pattern sections including a gauge element pattern section, gauge tab pattern sections and connecting pattern sections attached to a gauge base. The gauge base having the metallic foil pattern sections attached and connected with the bases of gauge leads is almost entirely covered on the surface with a laminating film, and the tip of the laminating film is extended by a predetermined length from the tip end of the gauge base, to form a protruding portion. The protruding portion functions to prevent the separation of the gauge base from an object to be measured.

Abstract: A fixing element that can detect deformations is disclosed. It includes: a body, which has an action end, an fixing end, and an accommodating hole through the axial direction therein; a stress gauge disposed on the wall of the accommodating hole in the body for detecting the deformation on the fixing end; an computing module disposed in the accommodating hole of the body and connected with the stress gauge to compute the deformations detected by the stress gauge.

Abstract: A shoe has a sensor system operably connected to a communication port. Performance data is collected by the system and can be transferred for further use via the communication port. The shoe may contain an electronic module configured to gather data from the sensors. The module may also transmit the data to an external device for further processing. Users can use the collected data for a variety of different uses or applications.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes: a circuit board; a plurality of unit electrode pads; and a pressure sensing film, in which the circuit board can include: a first circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same column among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration; a second circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same row among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration; a third circuit pattern, implemented by electrically connecting unit electrode pads disposed in a same section among the plurality of unit electrode pads arranged in a 2-dimensional configuration, if assuming that the entire area in which the plurality of unit electrode pads are arranged is divided by sections.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force sensor (10) for measuring a bearing force (3) of a roller deviating a web of material. Said force sensor (10) comprises a base element (20) on which at least one sensor element (25) is supported. The sensor element (25) comprises at least one plate (40) which can be elastically deformed by the bearing force (3) and is provided with at least one force transducer (42). The sensor element (25) is loaded by a pressure piece (29) into which the bearing force (3) is introduced by means of a spring (32). Said spring comprises a larger range of spring—in the direction of the force—than the elastically deformable plate (4) for the same load. In order to limit the action of the force on the sensor element (25), an annular abutment (35) is provided, against which the pressure piece (29) can be pressed flat. Said abutment (35) is provided around the sensor element (25).

Abstract: A force sensor unit includes: a detection section constituted of a main unit detecting external force and changes in temperature, and a sub unit detecting the changes in temperature, detecting the external force; and an attenuator dampening the external force and imparting the dampened force to the detection section.

Abstract: The invention refers to a sensor, consisting of a substrate carrying a resistive coat, the resistive coat consisting of titanium-wolfram-nitrite (TizW1-zN).

Abstract: Disclosed is an axial force transducer comprising a deformable element (1) which forms a measuring spring and is rotationally symmetrical to the force inducing axis as well as strain gauges (15, 18) that are arranged in pairs in areas extending in opposite directions and are connected so as to form an electrical resistance bridge. The deformable element (1) is provided with a central location hole (8) which extends radially under the effect of an axial force and whose edge (12) is connected to a deformable disk (13) via an annular rib (10), said deformable disk (13) being disposed at an axial distance from the location hole (8). The edge (14) of the deformable disk (13) radially protrudes from the annular rib (10). The strain gauges (15, 18) are applied to the face of the deformable disk (13) in pairs, inside and outside the diameter of the annular rib (10).

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a polymeric substrate including a cavity with a tilt plane, at least two metal piezoresistors on the tilt plane, and a contact pad connected to the metal piezoresistors. The tilt plane may include a measured interface of from 15° to 75°.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a structure, the method comprising positioning one or more strain gauges on the structure; acquiring strain data with the gauges(s); analyzing the strain data to determine whether the structure has undergone plastic deformation; and providing an output in accordance with the analysis. By analyzing the strain data to determine whether the structure has undergone plastic deformation, a more reliable determination can be made of whether the structure has experienced an excessively high transient loading event such as a hard landing of an aircraft, or the lifting of an excessive load by a crane.

Abstract: A management system for a force sensor, such as a QTC force sensor, comprising a first part (4) and a second part (6), and at least one resiliently deformable member (12) for at least partially surrounding the QTC material provided between said first and second parts.

Abstract: A cable-type load sensor comprises two conductors arranged in parallel; and an elastic cladding layer with which surroundings of two conductors are covered. Each of two conductors comprises at least one of a nickel chromium system alloy, an iron nickel system alloy, a copper nickel system alloy, and a nickel titanium system alloy.

Abstract: A cable-type load sensor having an advantage in layout and being capable of sensing the load precisely is provided. The cable-type load sensor comprises a linear member composed of electrically conductive rubber and having a hollow part extending in the longitudinal direction at the central part of the cross section, and a cladding layer composed of the same kind of rubber material as the linear member and covering the circumference on the linear member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a load cell operable with a vehicle having a chassis and a container carried by the chassis, with the load cell supported by the chassis and supporting the container for measuring the weight of the container and any load therein, and to a system having a plurality of these load cells on a vehicle, and to a method of executing weight measurements of loads in a container of a vehicle. The load cell includes a plurality of strain gauges and coupling elements in a floating mount configuration for coupling the load cell to the container and to the chassis in a dual shear beam loading configuration, while limited translational movement is permitted of the load cell relative to the container or the chassis. The load cell also has an electrical interface for receiving analog output data from the strain gauges, adaptively filtering this data and outputting a digital signal representative of the weight of the container and any load therein.

Abstract: A wind turbine rotor blade root load sensor is provided. The sensor is configured to be internally mounted within an insert of a root portion of a wind turbine rotor blade. The sensor comprises a carrier member which is configured to be fixedly connected to the insert so that loads can be transmitted therebetween and the sensor further comprises a sensing element, supported by the carrier member.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: A sensor has a body having a tapered locking surface, and engages in a component with a mounting surface having a complementary taper to the tapered locking surface of the body. The body is positioned on the component with the tapered locking surface aligned with the mounting surface, and an axial force is applied to the body to drive the tapered locking surface into engagement with the complementary taper of the mounting surface. The body is then fixed relative to the component by swaging outwards a skirt on the body into engagement with a lower surface of the component.

Abstract: An occupant load sensor for a vehicle includes a strain member, a connecting member fixed at the strain member, a strain gauge attached to the strain member, an upper bracket having a fixed portion and an attachment portion connecting each fixed portion and extending at a side of the strain member in a lateral direction of the seat, an amplifier case attached to the attachment portion and arranged in parallel with the strain member, an amplifier substrate enclosed in the amplifier case and placed on an identical plane to the strain member, an FPC substrate connected to the strain gauge and the amplifier substrate, a coating portion for coating a connection portion between the FPC substrate and the strain gauge; and a low pressure molded portion molded with a hot melt resin by low pressure molding in the amplifier case to cover the amplifier substrate and the connection portion.

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

Abstract: The driving force produced by the linear drive on a motor with a rotational drive and with a linear drive can be registered in a quantified fashion by virtue of the fact that deformation of a motor element (top disc 22) which connects a rotor (30) of the linear drive to an output shaft (24) is measured. A corresponding signal can then be assigned to a measured value for the axial force, either on the basis of a known linear relationship or on the basis of standardization. Strain measuring gauges (DMS1 to DMS4) are used to measure the deformation.

Abstract: The present invention provides the stress detection method for force sensor device with multiple axis sensor device and force sensor device employing this method, whose installation angle is arbitrary. The stress detection method includes, first and second force sensors whose detection axes are orthogonal to each other. When the detection axis of first force sensor forms angle ? with direction of detected stress Ax, and the stress component of direction perpendicular to direction of the detected stress Ax is Az, output Apx of the axis direction of first force sensor is found as Apx=?x (Ax×cos ?+Az×sin ?), and output Apz of the axis direction of the second force sensor is found as Apz=?z (Ax×sin ?+Az×cos ?), and, when ?x and ?z are detection sensitivity coefficients of first and second force sensors respectively, the detection sensitivity coefficient ?z of second force sensor is set as ?z=?x tan ?, and the detected stress Ax is found as Ax=(Apx?Apz)/?x(cos ??tan ?×sin ?).

Abstract: A strain sensing device is provided, which may include a hollow, cylindrical member having an inner surface and an outer surface. The outer surface may have an outer diameter corresponding approximately in size to an inner diameter of an inner surface of a cylindrical bore of a structural component configured to undergo mechanical loading. The hollow, cylindrical member may be configured to mate to the inner surface of the cylindrical bore of the structural component such that strain in the structural component is translated into strain in the hollow, cylindrical member. The strain sensing device may also include one or more strain sensing elements attached to the inner surface of the hollow, cylindrical member and configured to detect strain exhibited by the hollow, cylindrical member.

Abstract: A bearing and shaft assembly comprises a shaft and at least one bearing, and is provided with at least one strain sensor. An elastic component is provided between the shaft and the at least one bearing, and the elastic component comprises the at least one strain sensor. In one disclosed embodiment, the elastic component forms an integral part with one of the bearing and the shaft.

Abstract: A sensor is disclosed for sensing an applied load. The sensor includes a rigid substrate. A strain sensitive resistor is mounted to the substrate. The resistor has a pair of ends. The resistor has a length and a width that defines an area. A pair of conductors are connected to the end of the resistor. A dielectric layer is mounted over the resistor. A load transfer device is mounted to the dielectric layer. The load transfer device transfers the applied load directly to the strain sensitive resistor such that the resistor is compressed. The resistor changes resistance in response to the applied load.

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

Abstract: An integrity monitoring system for monitoring degradation in a composite riser string. The system includes composite riser structures incorporating strain and vibration sensors to measure changes in the stiffness strain on a first orientation and on a second orientation. The system can also include monitoring modules attached to each individual riser and devices to transfer the data from the monitoring module to the surface controller. Additionally, the monitor system can provide for an alarm when predetermined warning limits are exceeded.

Abstract: A precision force transducer having a spring element (1) whose load-dependent deflection is converted into an electrical signal by means of strain gauge elements (10). The spring element (1) is made of a precipitation-hardenable nickel-based alloy with a nickel content in the range of 36 to 60 percent and a chromium content in the range of 15 to 25 percent. The strain gauge elements (10) are composed of a polymer-free layered film system. This makes it possible to produce a precision force transducer that features great accuracy, low creep and low moisture sensitivity.

Abstract: A seat-weight sensor includes a load cell having a load sensor arranged therein and a support for holding a support shaft of the load cell. The support includes a convex portion to hold the support shaft and a pair of flange portions arranged at both sides of the convex portion and fixed to a vehicle floor side. The support has a pair of slots arranged at a perimeter of the convex portion and for reducing a physical effect that the pair of flanges provides to the convex portion.

Abstract: A force sensor to measure a force from a load. The force sensor includes a plunger, a flexible disc-shaped membrane, a support plate and a silicon die. The plunger is configured to receive the force from the load, and has a ring-shaped groove at the lower surface. The membrane has a ring-shaped upper bump at the upper surface, wherein the upper bump is configured to complementarily fit into the groove at the lower surface of plunger. Furthermore, the membrane has a ring-shaped lower bump at lower upper surface. The support plate has a ring-shaped groove that is configured so that the lower bump on the lower surface of the membrane can complementarily fit into. The silicon die is centrally mounted on the membrane, where the silicon die comprises piezo-resistors that vary their resistance when deformed by the force.