Abstract: A stress gauge force sensing device is provided comprising a circular ring connected to a hub by a sector. The hub bears on a shaft integral with a supporting structure. The end of the tie to which the load is applied passes round the ring then is connected to the supporting strand of this tie by a fastener. The sector, which supports the stress gauge system, is placed, in the axis of the force, along the radius of the ring situated on the same side as the load with respect to the axis of the ring. The stress sensor forms at the same time a coupling member for the tie supporting the load and thus reduces the length which interpositioning of the sensing device occupies in the load line.

Abstract: A capacitive measuring pad is constructed of transverse conductive strips separated by a compressible insulator to form a matrix of pressure sensitive capacitive nodes. The nodes are repetitively scanned in sequence by a microcomputer to measure their respective capacitances, from which measurements a pressure map is then derived. The resulting pressure map may be displayed on a color graphics monitor with different colors representing diffrent pressures. Node capacitance is found by measuring the response of the mode to a driving signal of a known voltage. This measurement is accomplished by connecting one of the node's transverse conductive strips to the driving source and the node's other conductive strips to a sense amplifier. In order to isolate the node of interest from the influence of surrounding nodes, all of the conductive strips except the two intersecting the selected node are connected to ground.

Abstract: A distribution type tactile sensor, which comprises a plurality of electrodes provided in pairs at respective pressure sensing points on a pressure sensitive conductive rubber sheet capable of changing the electrical resistance responsive to compressive forces, and a rectifier element provided to respective electrodes for rectifying the current flowing across each pair of electrodes through the rubber sheet, the electrodes being divided into groups each comprising electrodes arranged in a line for respective polarities of the electrodes, electrodes in respective electrode groups being parallel connected to one another through electrode leads, and directions of the division of electrode groups divided for respective polarities being crossed with one another at respective pressure sensing points.

Abstract: A sensor tip (10) for use in a robotic hand has a three-dimensional compliant elastomeric body (12) with an outer boundary (22) having a circular base (24) and a convex surface (26) extending therefrom. Four strain transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20) produce electrical signals indicative of the strain at various positions near the boundary of the elastomeric body (12) resulting from forces exerted upon the sensor tip (10) by an object which the robotic hand is manipulating. The transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20) are positioned about the convex surface (26) so as to produce signals that may be decoupled to determine the normal and tangential forces and the applied torque. A buffer amplifier circuit (34), one for each of the transducers (14, 16, 18, and 20), receives the signals and provides quasi-steady state force information. The circuit (34) connects the respective transducer (40) in a feedback loop around an amplifier (36) and has desirable attributes for static charge buffering.

Abstract: A force measurement apparatus that provides means to compensate for thermal or other disturbances. The apparatus utilizes non-contact electron transfer mechanisms to provide indications of force sensed on a test mass. A plurality of electrodes are used in a differential measurement mode to provide self-zeroing and distortion compensation.

Abstract: A low-cost floating drifter adapted to accurately follow near-surface ocean currents and transmit periodically to monitoring satellites data and position-determining information. Global tracking of ocean currents is made economically and scientifically feasible by the use of large numbers of such drifters. The drifter includes a floating surface buoy in the approximate shape of an oblate spheroid and containing an electronic system, a slotted plane antenna, transmitter, sunrise and sunset detector, environmental sensors, buoy hull strain sensor and battery power supply. The surface buoy is stabilized and induced to follow ocean currents by a drogue suspended from the bottom center surface. The drogue includes a wire-cored buoyant rope of up to hundreds of meters in length and weighted to a slight negative buoyancy. The drogue may also include an elongated cylindrical sock of substantially greater diameter than the rope.

Abstract: A magnetoelastic force transducer according to the invention comprises two closed magnetic circuits. The transducer is constructed in such a way that the reluctance in one of the magnetic circuits will be changed when the transducer is subjected to a force as a result of changes in the magnetic permeability caused by magnetostriction. The second magnetic circuit is formed so as to have an essentially unchanged reluctance when the transducer is loaded and is used to compensate for those changes in the permeability of the material arising for reasons other than magnetostriction.

Abstract: A method and device for measuring the string tension of a strung racket such as a tennis racket wherein a mechanical/electrical transmitter is attached to the membrane made from the racket strings mounted crosswise onto a frame and measures the frequency of the membrane. The membrane is induced to freely oscillate in an aperiodically (non-periodically) manner by a light stroke onto the frame or by dropping a ball onto the membrane. The measured frequency is proportional to the string tension which is indicated by a display.

Abstract: A new strain gage transducer comprises a support bar for measuring a load force. A base supports one end of the support bar in cantilever fashion in an orientation generally orthogonal to the direction in which the load force is to be applied. A load portion receives the load force and transmits it to the support bar, forcing it to flex. The amount of flexure is measured thereby allowing the amount of the load force to be determined. The base support includes a receiving portion mount on the base.

Abstract: In a dynamometer, an internally cooled disc is utilized in a braking system which can apply a large amount of torque for an extended period of time. A hollowed braking disc comprising individual cooling cells is employed. Cooling liquid is injected into the center of the braking disc and, by centrifugal force, is forced into the cooling cells via a flow tube ring. The cooling liquid vaporizes in the cooling cells thus absorbing the heat generated. The vapor escapes the disc via vent holes. A unique torque measurement system is also utilized with its braking system. A resultant force, formed by the sum of individual forces upon braking pistons within the braking system, is measured utilizing a strain gauged load cell. The strain gauged load cell is strategically positioned to measure a resultant displacement of the braking caliper due to the applied torque.

Abstract: A shock testing apparatus for simulating pyrotechnic shocks comprises an elongate bar suspended for movement in a longitudinal direction, and a pendulum hammer suspended for impact with one end of the bar to excite it into longitudinal resonance. A mounting assembly at the opposite end of the bar allows test components to be mounted in three perpendicular x, y and z orientations relative to the bar. A reversible drive motor raises the hammer to a predetermined height under the control of a control assembly which switches off the motor to allow release of the hammer when the predetermined height is reached. Damping masses are clamped at pre-selected positions along the bar to produce a predetermined shock response spectrum on impact with the hammer.

Abstract: A device for measuring the pressure difference between the two ends of at least one flexible tube connecting together the positions occupied by two elements. In a preferred embodiment, to a summing circuit are applied the signals delivered by two differential pressure sensors disposed respectively at the two positions and to which are applied the pressures prevailing in two flexible tubes, one containing a fluid of a density greater than that of air and the other containing air, these two tubes joining together the respective inputs of the two sensors. An accumulator maintains the static pressures prevailing in both tubes equal. The device is accurate and practically insensitive to temperature variations and accelerations.

Abstract: The transducers in a transit time clamp-on flowmeter are positioned relative to one another by abutting against pin stops located in selected openings of one or more rows of openings extending longitudinally along the pipe axis. A block of sound-absorbing material is fixed to the conduit surface between the spaced transducers and tends to absorb sound energy flowing in the pipe wall between the transducers and substantially improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the system.

Abstract: This invention concerns devices for optical measurement of torsion of a rotating shaft. The measurement system can readily be installed to monitor existing equipment because it requires only that a band consisting of alternating high and low reflectivity regions be placed on the shaft at the locations to be measured. The band may be applied as an adhesive tape, among other possibilities. One sensor head is located to correspond to each band. Each sensor head projects light onto the corresponding band, then collects the light reflected by the high reflectivity region(s) of the band. The phase displacement between the intensities of the reflected light at two or more sensor heads may be used to determine torsion on the rotating shaft.

Abstract: An electromagnetic flowmeter includes a measuring pipe and a cylindrical case. The measuring pipe has a pair of pipe connecting flanges at both ends of its outer surface. The cylindrical case surrounds the outer surface of the measuring pipe so as to cover a pair of excitation coils arranged on the outer surface of the measuring pipe, and is welded and fixed to ring-like collar portions extending from inner surfaces of the flanges. The thickness of the ring-like collar portions to which the case is welded and fixed is set to be larger than that of the case.

Abstract: A torque sensor according to this invention is so constructed that a plurality of magnetic cylinders mounted respectively to two shafts coupled via a torsion bar are able to be electromagnetically coupled variably to each other in accordance with the relative rotation of the two shafts, and the electromagnetic coupling state of a plurality of cylinders mounted to these two shafts is detected by the electromagnetic coupling detection coils. Components with elastic properties are used in the construction of the sensor so as to absorb the rattlings and thereby reduce the noise previously associated with these devices.

Abstract: An voltage monitoring system including means for providing a voltage from a current and for reducing the voltage. The system also includes means for integrating the current. The integrating means provides an output which increases from an initial condition at a rate proportional to the voltage. The system further includes means for sensing when the output of the integrating means is above a predetermined level and for resetting the integrating means to the initial condition. Additionally, the system includes means for indicating when the output of the integrating means exceeds the predetermined level.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a golf club swinging apparatus for testing performance of golf clubs, for example. The golf club swinging apparatus is capable of swinging a golf club from an addressing position through take-back, back swing top, down swing, impact and follow-through positions to a follow-through end position, which results in substantially the same club swinging locus as by a golfer. The club swinging apparatus therefore enables flight distance and various other tests to be conducted reliably.

Abstract: A calibration device measures the maximum pull force developed by a banding tool while tightening a metal band around a tubular sleeve, such as a termination sleeve on an electrical connector housing. The calibration device includes a strain gauge assembly carried by a frame. One portion of the frame includes a releasable jaw assembly for securely capturing the band to allow the pull force of the tool to be measured. Disposed adjacent the releasable jaw assembly is a foot portion of the frame having a slot for receiving a removable nosepiece. The removable nosepiece is formed to the contour of the nosepiece of a particular banding tool. Since the nosepiece is removable, various nosepieces having contours for various banding tools can be utilized. The calibration device also includes a force release assembly for gradually releasing the force on the force sensing element to avoid damage thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting fluid flow by obtaining a differential pressure across an obstruction in a fluid conveying channel. The obstruction is hingably connected to the housing of the channel. The connection is of a width substantially less than the periphery of the channel so as to reduce the collection of contaminants which decrease the accuracy of the apparatus. Because the orifice defined by the area between the obstruction and the periphery of the channel is variable according to the fluid flow, the pressure differential versus flowrate relationship is different from the square-law relationship of a fixed orifice, and provides a relatively high pressure differential at low flowrates and a relatively low pressure differential at high flowrates.