Abstract: A method and system for sensing angular displacement is provided. More specifically, the system includes a brushless DC motor, three Hall effect sensors, an angular displacement signal processor, and an output state observer. The Hall effect sensors provide three electrical angles of the motor rotor which are used in an angular displacement signal processor that is implemented in hardware and software. The angular displacement signal processor provides an improved resolution angular displacement output. Based on the angular displacement output from angular displacement signal processor and the motor control command signal from the motor drive, an output state observer is applied to generate a high resolution angular displacement signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment such as for detecting and providing visual confirmation of pressure thereon, e.g. from an impact, which comprises an article having a sandwich construction with a pressure-disclosing layer (3) comprising a liquid crystal, thermochromic material, and a temperature differential layer (5), separated by a layer (4) providing a compressible mechanical shield between the pressure-disclosing layer and the temperature-differential layer. Material according to the invention can be employed to indicate the boundaries of a tennis court, or sports playing areas, or as a golf training aid, among other uses.

Abstract: A method to compensate for stress deflection in a compound microprobe that includes a substrate, a microcantilever extending outwardly from the substrate, and a film formed on the microcantilever. The method preferably comprises the steps of determining an amount of stress-induced deflection of the microcantilever, and then mounting the microprobe so as to compensate for the stress-induced deflection. The mounting step preferably includes selecting a compensation piece based upon the amount of stress-induced deflection, where the compensation piece is a wedge generally aligning the microcantilever with a deflection detection apparatus. In general, the step of selecting the compensation piece includes correcting an angle between a longitudinal axis of the microcantilever and the substrate so as to insure that light reflected from the microcantilever during operation contacts a detector of a deflection detection apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining dynamic mechanical properties of a cement sample. The apparatus includes an isolator located within a cavity defined by a body. The isolator has an attached end that engages the body proximate a narrow end of the cavity. A space between the body and isolator facilitates lateral movement the isolator. A transducer is located in an interior space defined by the isolator. The transducer has an attached end engaging a distal end of the isolator. A space between the isolator and transducer facilitates lateral movement of the transducer distal end. The transducer generates compressional waves and shear waves that travel into the sample. An ultrasonic receiver receives the waves. The waves are separated with filtering. Sample setting time may be determined from propagation time of shear waves through the sample. Compressive strength of the sample is determined by velocity of compressional waves as the sample sets.

Abstract: A Rotary Air-data System (RADS) periodically samples pressure data from a main rotor blade mounted pitot-scoop integrated with a high accuracy pressure sensor to compute a velocity vector that is resolvable into the aircraft's coordinate system. Mathematical techniques are employed which provide accurate computations of static pressure without a static pressure sensor. The RADS also computes the direction of the relative wind which is particularly useful when the pilot executes hover or low speed, low altitude maneuvers in restricted visibility. The availability of relative wind velocity information coupled with navigation data enhances the ability of rotary aircraft to perform accurate low altitude hover, fire control and other autopilot maneuvers.

Abstract: A heat loss gauge for measuring gas pressure in an environment includes a resistive sensing element and a resistive compensating element. The resistive compensating element is in circuit with the sensing element and is exposed to a substantially matching environment. An electrical source is connected to the sensing element and the compensating element for applying current through the elements. The current through the sensing element is substantially greater than the current through the compensating element. Measuring circuitry is connected to the sensing element and the compensating element for determining gas pressure in the environment to which the sensing element and compensating element are exposed based on electrical response of the sensing element and the compensating element.

Abstract: A control system is operable to selectably activate shock damping devices associated with a bicycle so as to eliminate bobbing encountered under extreme pedaling conditions. The system includes a crank axle torque detector which operates to detect a level of torque applied to a crank axle and provide a control signal corresponding to the level of torque. A shock damping device is coupled to the frame of the cycle, and functions to absorb and dampen mechanical shocks communicated to the frame. The shock damping device includes an activator for controlling its damping function. The activator is operable to receive the control signal from the crank axle torque detector and control the shock damping device in response thereto. The control signal may be an electrical or a mechanical signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure measuring arrangement comprising a pressure measuring cell which is fed by a pressure corresponding to the pressure which is to be measured by a pressure tube filled by a pressurised liquid; at least one pressure recording unit is arranged separately from said cell, said unit being impinged upon by a pressure which is to be measured during operation, producing a pressure corresponding to the pressure which is to be measured via a pressure line filled by a liquid; a connection between the pressure tube and the pressure line. A modular design and a large amount of flexibility is obtained in respect of the spatial arrangement of the pressure measuring cell and the pressure recording unit. The connection consists of a base body wherein at least one end section of the pressure line is arranged, in addition to a pressure screw through which the pressure tube passes and is secured by a fixing element arranged on a side which is oriented towards the base body of the pressure screw.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes: a casing; a sensor chip with a gauge resistor; a boss disposed on the gauge resistor; a metallic diaphragm capable of distorting in accordance with a pressure; and a load transmission member disposed between the metallic diaphragm and the boss. The casing accommodates the sensor chip, the boss and the load transmission member. The casing is covered with the metallic diaphragm. The pressure applied to the diaphragm is detected such that the load corresponding to the pressure is applied to the gauge resistor through the metallic diaphragm, the load transmission member and the boss so that the pressure is measured on the basis of a resistance change of the gauge resistor. The gauge resistor is larger than the boss.

Abstract: A torque-indicating wrench comprises a wrench body including a head to engage and turn a workpiece, and a stem having two outer longitudinal wall segments. A strainable body made of a material with an elasticity modulus smaller than that of the stem has a gage carrying major wall which is disposed on the outer longitudinal wall segment such that the strainable body is stretchable relative thereto. A restraining member is disposed to restrain the strainable body from moving away from the outer longitudinal wall segment while permitting a stretching movement of the strainable body. A strain gage unit is attached to the gage carrying major wall to detect change in resistance values corresponding to stretching deformation of the strainable body for processing by a processing circuit so as to obtain a value of torque applied to the workpiece.

Abstract: Anchor chain load measurement arrangement for measuring the reactive load in structures which support an anchor chain. In one arrangement, standard resistance compression load cells are mounted directly in the load path between a chain retainer and a trunnion block. In another arrangement a non-contact sensor is positioned to measure the deflection of an inner portion of the trunnion block with respect to a supported outer portion of the trunnion block. The non-contact sensor can be based on capacitive, eddy current or optical measurement principles.

Abstract: An optical torque sensor comprises a radiation source emitting radiation of at least one wavelength. At least one sensor senses the emitted radiation and generates at least one intensity signal indicative of the intensity of the emitted radiation. At least one signal conditioner is receptive of the emitted radiation and is positioned on a shaft between the radiation source and the at least one sensor thereby conditioning the emitted radiation. A circuit is receptive of the at least one intensity signal and determines the torque acting upon the shaft and compensates for the attenuation of the emitted radiation.

Abstract: Forces and moments are detected in a distinguishing manner by a simple structure. A supporting member (20) is positioned below a force receiving member (10), which receives forces to be detected, and between these components, at least two columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) are connected. Connecting members having flexibility are interposed at the upper and lower ends of each of columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) so that columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) can become inclined when force receiving member (10) becomes displaced upon receiving a force. Sensors (21, 22) are positioned at the respective connection parts of columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) and supporting member (20) to detect forces that are transmitted from the respective columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) to supporting member (20).

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes an optical waveguide having an optical fiber with a refractive index n1, located in a fiber guide with a refractive index n3, forming an intermediate region. A medium with a refractive index n2 is located in the intermediate region. The refractive indices correspond to the relation n3>n1>n2. When subjected to a pressure, the fiber guide is pressed against the optical fiber such that the condition for the total reflection required for the normal optical waveguidance in the optical waveguide is no longer fulfilled, and attenuation takes place. The attenuation is evaluated in a corresponding control unit. The pressure sensor is especially provided for an anti-pinch device in the motor vehicle industry.

Abstract: A torque detecting device includes an elastic member disposed between an input shaft and an output shaft of a torque transmitting apparatus, first and second resolvers detecting rotational angles of the elastic member at sides of the input shaft and the output shaft. The first resolver includes a first excitation winding coil and a first output winding coil, and the second resolver includes a second excitation winding coil and a second output winding coil. The first and second excitation winding coils are connected to a ground, and the first and second output winding coils are connected to the other ground.

Abstract: A bending beam load cell can be compensated for side-to-side off center load sensitivity by simple electrical adjustments if a pair of shear sensing strain gages are bonded to each bending beam midway between axial strain gages used to measure bending strains. The shear sensing strain gages measure torque on the load cell, and are incorporated in bridge circuits that make it possible to vary the amount of torque sensitivity correction by changing the value of a trimming resistor. The bridge circuits also include circuit components for compensation of front-to-back off center load error and for zero adjustment. Four strain gages on each bending beam can be part of a single composite strain gage element, so the shear sensing strain gages do not add any cost to the load cell. Such a load cell can also be hermetically sealed before any compensation of offset load errors is done.

Abstract: A torque measuring apparatus includes a rotor having a hollow body portion formed between a drive-side flange portion and a load-side flange portion. Light emitting elements are disposed on a periphery of the rotor, for emitting optical signals based on an output from a torque detection unit attached to a hollow portion of the hollow body portion. A transparent plate attached to a chassis is disposed outside the rotor, for allowing the optical signals to pass therethrough, and a signal receiving unit is arranged on the chassis, for receiving the optical signals via the transparent plate, wherein the transparent plate is detachable from the chassis.

Abstract: An integrated loadcell system, having a loadcell body having a leg connected to a spanning member, the leg having a transducer mounted thereto and a housing coupled to the loadcell body forming a wheatstone bridge circuit with the transducer; where an output of the wheatstone bridge circuit is indicative of a load experienced by the loadcell body.

Abstract: A novel method for interconnecting leads in a high pressure transducer without the use of solder employs a ceramic disc containing a number of through holes. Each hole has a tube inserted therein, which tubes are connected to the disc by brazing or a high temperature attachment. Each tube protrudes from both sides of the ceramic. The ceramic is coated in appropriate areas with molymanganese film, which is over plated with gold. This overcoat forms a brazed compound surface attached to the tubes of the ceramic. A semiconductor pressure transducer has output leads which are inserted through the ceramic into each tube. The other side end of the tube receives high temperature wires from a suitable connecting device. Each tube is then crimped and spot-welded to hold both the lead from the transducer and the high temperature leads to produce a strong bond without the use of solder. The header itself it typically welded to a pressure point.

Abstract: A variably amplified load indicating fastener includes a fastener (100) detachably secured to a load indicator via a base member. The fastener (100) has an abutment which is moved by a change in length under an applied load. The load indicator includes a dial plate (16), a needle (24) pivotally supported by the plate (16), a compensating slot (36), a driving slot, an elongated U-shaped element (50) disposed in the direction in which the load is applied when the fastener (100) is in use, and a first reference mark (40a). One side of the U is rigidly attached to the fastener. The closed end of the U is proximate to and movable by the abutment. The other side of the U extends through the compensating slot (36) and the driving slot (26). The needle (24) is operatively coupled to the outer end of said second side. A sleeve with a second reference mark fits over the outer circumference of both the load indicator and the base member.