Abstract: An example microelectromechanical system (MEMS) force sensor is described herein. The MEMS force sensor can include a sensor die configured to receive an applied force. The sensor die can include a first substrate and a second substrate, where a cavity is formed in the first substrate, and where at least a portion of the second substrate defines a deformable membrane. The MEMS force sensor can also include an etch stop layer arranged between the first substrate and the second substrate, and a sensing element arranged on a surface of the second substrate. The sensing element can be configured to convert a strain on the surface of the membrane substrate to an analog electrical signal that is proportional to the strain.

Abstract: A fluid metering device including a housing, an isolated fluid conduit, a metering assembly, an electronics assembly, and a power assembly. An electronic device can be wirelessly connected to the metering device so as to quantify the fluid that is passing through the isolated fluid conduit. Alternatively, this can be performed by the electronics assembly and then transmitted to the electronic device. Portable spraying apparatuses are also disclosed and can include the fluid metering device. In example embodiments, other data can be captured and/or calculated such as sprayer locations, sprayed locations, type of fluid sprayed, images of the intended-to-be-sprayed subject, and/or other information pertinent as desired. In some example embodiments, the electronic device in combination with the fluid metering device can predict the chances of volatilization of the fluid based on specific environmental conditions and the fluid temperature. Finally, the sprayer and sprayed locations can be overlayed onto a map.

Abstract: Braking device inserted in a test bench (2) for checking the correct operation of industrial screwdrivers, wherein the braking simulates a tightening operation of such screwdriver, comprising a container body (1) on the top of which a coupling (11) protrudes, suitable for coupling with the head (3) of the screwdriver to be tested, said coupling (11) being connected, by means of a shaft (12), to a braking unit (13), an electronic torque and angle detector (14) of the shaft rotation (12). Such braking unit (13) comprises a plate (14), rotated by the screwdriver, which is braked by suitable friction surfaces (15) moved towards the plate by the movement of an actuator; the movement of such actuator is performed by means of at least one electronically controlled piezoelectric element (17).

Abstract: Embodiments of present disclosure relates to method and device for controlled emission of radiation. Device comprises probe unit, sensor unit and switch unit. Probe unit is configured to emit radiation on surface of object. Probe unit is supported, via an elastic, to supporting structure of device. Sensor unit is placed at predefined distance from probe unit, along supporting structure, to establish contact with surface. Sensor unit comprises flexible material, mounted to supporting structure, with cavity and first force sensing unit placed in cavity of flexible material. First force sensing unit is configured to detect first force transferred from surface sensor unit. Switch unit is configured to control emission of radiation on surface, based on first force detected by first force sensing unit, upon contact of sensor unit with surface and identification of probe unit to be one of in contact with surface or at minimal distance from surface.

Abstract: A fluidic tactile sensor includes a core having an outer core portion, an inner core portion, and a first channel having a first opening at a first surface portion of the outer core portion. An elastic skin is disposed over the first surface portion. A cell is formed between the first surface portion and the elastic skin and fluidly is fluidly connected to the first channel. The cell contains a fluid. A contact force applied to the elastic skin produces a measurable change in fluid pressure inside the cell.

Abstract: A stretchable sensor includes a stretchable layer including an elastomer, and a conductive layer at least partially buried in the stretchable layer and including a conductive nanostructure. The stretchable layer includes a plurality of first regions including a ferromagnetic material buried in the elastomer, and a second region excluding the plurality of first regions.

Abstract: A roadway segment includes a body having a length along a direction of travel, a width along a width axis, and top and bottom halves along a depth axis. The segment also includes a strain sensor array with one or more optical fiber cables embedded in the bottom half of the body. The strain sensor array includes vehicle-strain sensors configured to detect strain on the body resulting from vehicles traveling across the top surface. The segment also includes a processor that operates the plurality of vehicle-strain sensors at a resolution of not greater than one picometer (1 pm). Any segments of the optical fiber cable(s) that intersect are separated from one another depth wise by at least two-tenths of an inch (0.2 in.). Each of the sensors is separated from each other along the width axis by at least two inches (2 in.).

Abstract: An improved sensor system is provided that monitors and controls a dendritic fluid system. A dendritic fluid system can include artificial components and/or natural components that carry fluid from a source to a destination through a series of paths. The sensor system can include magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, encapsulated sensor systems, pressure regulators, and valve controllers to monitor and control the dendritic fluid system. For example, magnetic field sensors, acoustic sensors, and/or pressure regulators can be used to measure the flow of fluid within a dendritic fluid subsystem and/or to detect potential leaks. The encapsulated sensor systems and/or valve controllers can be used to detect fluid levels in a contained system and control valves to adjust the fluid levels in the contained system to a desired level.

Abstract: A torque sensor which can improve detection accuracy is provided. The torque sensor includes a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure and at least two sensor portions provided between the first structure and the second structure, and a stiffness of one of the first structure and the second structure, closer to the sensor portions is higher than that of the other one.

Abstract: A torque sensor includes a first structure, a second structure, a third structure provided between the first structure and the second structure, and at least two sensor units provided between the first structure and the second structure. A plurality of first contact portions having a structure integrated with the first structure is provided inside an outer peripheral portion of the first structure, first distal ends are arranged near the outer peripheral portion, and the first distal ends are in contact with a first attachment portion. A plurality of second contact portions having a structure integrated with the second structure is provided at a part of an inner peripheral portion of the second structure, second distal ends are arranged near the inner peripheral portion, and the second distal ends are in contact with a second attachment portion.

Abstract: An accelerator is an automobile accelerator. The accelerator includes a sensor configured to detect a force to press the accelerator. The sensor includes a flexible substrate and a resistor formed of a film containing Cr, CrN, and Cr2N, on or above the substrate. The sensor is configured to detect the force to press the accelerator as a change in a resistance value of the resistor.

Abstract: A plantar pressure sensing system is located at a sole of shoe. The plantar pressure sensing system includes a first layer, a second layer a plurality of sensor, a plurality of convex portions, a plurality of connection portions, a processor and a storage. The processor is coupled with the storage and configured to be connected with the plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are configured to form the first layer. The plurality of convex portions and the plurality of connection portions are configured to form the second layer. Overall, the plantar pressure sensing system is able to detect pressure with the sensors by setting the alignment of the convex portions, thereby obtaining a more accurate pressure(s) reading from the sole of shoe. The data validity of the plantar pressure sensing system is improved.

Abstract: An information output device that can output the position of a load applied to the pedal is provided. A strain gauge is provided on the inner face of a crank of a bicycle and detects strain occurring in the crank. A cycle computer display unit displays an image showing the center position of the load applied to the pedal connected to the crank based on the tangential force and the torsional torque calculated based on the output values of the first strain gauge to the sixth strain gauge.

Abstract: A multi-dimensional space load and fire test system for a tunnel structure, which includes a multi-point loading self-balancing reaction force system having a rigid platform, two furnace body side-sealing apparatuses (22) and a model assembly and transport apparatus (23) for transporting and situating a tunnel model are on a track on the rigid platform (9), the two furnace body side-sealing apparatuses (22) are respectively used for sealing two end openings of the tunnel model, a tower-type combustion vehicle can be placed within an inner cavity of the tunnel model, a plurality of sets of evenly distributed self-adaptive loading apparatuses (3) used for exerting loading forces on an outer wall of the tunnel model are connected between two reaction force frames (1) of the multi-point loading self-balancing reaction force system.

Abstract: An electromechanical sensor includes: an elastic carrier arranged to extend when subjected to an external mechanical load; a sensing sheath arranged at least partially around and along the elastic carrier; wherein the sensing sheath includes an electrically resistive element having a first electrical resistance operable to change upon a change of a dimension of the elastic carrier.

Abstract: Provided are structurally-reconfigurable, optical metasurfaces constructed by, for example, integrating a plasmonic lattice array in the gap between a pair of microbodies that serve to locally amplify the strain created on an elastomeric substrate by an external mechanical stimulus. The spatial arrangement and therefore the optical response of the plasmonic lattice array is reversible.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive pad configured to be placed under a mattress and configured to identify presence and absence of a threshold weight on the mattress. The pressure sensitive pad comprises a signal generator, a sensing zone, at least one variable matching resistor, a microcontroller unit (MCU). The signal generator configured to generate an electrical signal. The sensing zone has a sensing resistor with a first resistance which varies depending on a pressure applied on sensing zone. The variable matching resistor is in series with the sensing resistor and the signal generator, the variable matching resistor having a second resistance. The MCU has an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured for receiving and measuring a portion of the signal at an electrical junction between the sensing resistor an the at least one variable matching resistor, the MCU being configured to control the second resistance of the at least one variable matching resistor.

Abstract: Disclosed are an anisotropic mechanical expansion (anisotropic Poisson's ratio) substrate and a crack-based pressure sensor using the same. The substrate having an anisotropic Poisson's ratio includes a first layer having linear concave and convex patterns arranged in parallel to each other on a surface thereof; and a second layer having linear convex and concave patterns respectively engaged with the linear concave and convex patterns of the first layer on a surface thereof, wherein the first layer and the second layer are stacked with each other so that the linear convex and concave patterns of the second layer are respectively engaged with the linear concave and convex patterns of the first layer, wherein an elastic modulus of the first layer is different from an elastic modulus of the second layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for in-situ monitoring of gearbox are provided. An example system includes a mounting plate coupled to a component within the gearbox and a transducer array having a plurality of piezoelectric transducers disposed thereon to ultrasonically obtain diagnostic information about one or more components in the gearbox. The plurality of piezoelectric transducers are in contact with a surface of one or more mechanical components within the gearbox. The system includes circuitry, at least a portion of which is mounted inside the gearbox, electrically couplable to the transducer array, the circuitry configured to direct an excitation signal to a selected piezoelectric transducer of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers, and direct a response received from one or more of the plurality of piezoelectric transducers in proximity to the selected piezoelectric transducer toward a processor programmed or configured to determine gearbox diagnostic information therefrom.

Abstract: A Fatigue Performance Test induces a traffic analogous, 60 cycle, stress-strain environment into a road pavement cross section through a rolling cyclic fatigue platform. Data from the encounter dynamic reveals where strain build-up is occurring well before external, visually detectable evidence of fatigue failure is present in the pavement sample from cracks or permanent deformation. Responsive tuning of the embedded, sensor firmware establishes a baseline status for the sample whereupon incoming data gathered during the stress-strain encounter dynamic reveals details of fatigue build-up.