Abstract: Assemblies and methods for monitoring turbine component deformation are provided. An assembly includes a first strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the first strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension. The assembly further includes a second strain sensor configurable on the turbine component, the second strain sensor including at least two reference points and having a first dimension which corresponds to the first dimension of the first strain sensor. An initial value of the first dimension of the second strain sensor is different from an initial value of the first dimension of the first strain sensor. In accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for monitoring turbine component deformation is provided.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. The sensor system also includes a port that is configured to receive a module to place the module in communication with the sensors. The port includes a housing with a chamber configured to receive the module and an interface engaged with the housing and having at least one electrical contact exposed to the chamber. Additional retaining structure and interface structure may be included.

Abstract: A hydraulic fracturing system with pump failure detection includes an engine, transmission, hydraulic fracturing pump and a driveshaft coupled between the transmission and the hydraulic fracturing pump to transfer torque from the engine to the hydraulic fracturing pump. A torque sensor is positioned and configured to measure torque acting on the driveshaft, with the torque sensor generating torque measurement data. A controller is programmed to analyze the torque measurement data and identify a pump failure mode based on the torque measurement data.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a unique new approach to generating operating condition information used for assessing flow assurance and structural integrity. More specifically, apparatuses, systems and sensor housing assemblies configured in accordance with embodiments of the present invention utilize fiber optic sensors for enabling monitoring of operating condition information within one or more elongated tubular members. To this end, such fiber optic sensors are strategically placed at a plurality of locations along a length of each elongated tubular member thereby allowing critical operating conditions such as strain, temperature and pressure of the elongated tubular member and/or a fluid therein to be monitored.

Abstract: A test stand, for testing several parameters of power tongs used to make and break drill and casing pipe segments, includes a base having a vertical, rotating shaft bearing along its length one or more disk brakes for stopping rotation of the shaft induced by tongs. In a particular embodiment, a vertical mast on the base supports a rotatable gantry which can lift and move power tongs into place above the test stand. Sensors detect several parameters which determine tong performance. Measurements of torque, RPM, temperature, pressure and speed are contrasted to standards for power tongs of like size and capacity and feedback as to the tongs' ability to make and break drill and pipe joints is provided. In another embodiment, a derrick sits atop the base and supports a second, inverted test stand for testing integrated power tongs.

Abstract: Tamper-proof electronic packages and fabrication methods are provided which include a glass enclosure enclosing, at least in part, at least one electronic component within a secure volume, and a tamper-respondent detector. The glass enclosure includes stressed glass with a compressively-stressed surface layer, and the tamper-respondent detector monitors, at least in part, the stressed glass to facilitate defining the secure volume. The stressed glass fragments with an attempted intrusion event through the stressed glass, and the tamper-respondent detector detects the fragmenting of the stressed glass. In certain embodiments, the stressed glass may be a machined glass enclosure that has undergone ion-exchange processing, and the compressively-stressed surface layer of the stressed glass may be compressively-stressed to ensure that the stressed glass fragments into glass particles of fragmentation size less than 1000 ?m with the intrusion event.

Abstract: An accelerometer 100 which includes a bracket 110, a pair of electrodes 210/220/230/240/250, a first electrically conductive foam 120, a second electrically conductive foam 130, wherein the first electrically conductive foam and the second electrically conductive foam are inserted between the pair of electrodes and the bracket.

Abstract: Embodiments of a force sensing resistor (FSR) are disclosed. The FSR has one or more external conductive layers, applied to at least part of the contact surface of the FSR, so that when a conductive probe presses the FSR, initial zero-force contact with the FSR can be detected immediately. The external conductive layer or layers may be rigid sheet metal, flexible sheet metal, metallic-coated polymer, conductive polymer, conductive elastomer, or other conductive material. A lead or trace may be electrically coupled to the external conductive layer or layers to allow for ease of coupling to a circuit or circuit board.

Abstract: In a system for detecting merchandise theft, pre-loaded force sensitive input devices, force sensing resistors (FSR), are formed as a multiple membrane assembly that is capable of detecting low intensity pressure inputs and quantifying varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. Pre-loading the force sensor elements results in controlled amount of force between the two substrates causing a constant state of pre-load and eliminating the low-end or minimal pressure signal noise associated with unloaded sensors. Pre-loading the force sensing resistor sensors also enables the sensor to detect removal of low intensity pressure input such as might occur during theft of light weight articles placed in contact with the pre-loaded force sensor. Using an FSR or FSR Matrix Array will enable any handling of protected retail packaging to be detected and identified. A library of “touches” can be established that will yield cutting, ripping, twisting, etc.

Abstract: Methods of characterizing ion-exchanged chemically strengthened glass containing lithium are disclosed. The methods allow for performing quality control of the stress profile in chemically strengthened Li-containing glasses having a surface stress spike produced in a potassium-containing salt, especially in a salt having both potassium and sodium. The method allows the measurement of the surface compression and the depth of the spike, and its contribution to the center tension, as well as the compression at the bottom of the spike, and the total center tension and calculation of the stress at the knee where the spike and the deep region of the stress profile intersect. The measurements are for a commercially important profile that is near-parabolic in shape in most of the interior of the substrate apart from the spike.

Abstract: A planet gear train based torque detector is provided with idler gears between an input shaft and an output shaft wherein a rotation of the input shaft rotates the idler gears which rotate the output shaft, and a force is applied to a tangent line between each idler gear and the input shaft; peripheral resilient members, each having a fixed first end and a second end for receiving force applied thereon by the revolution of idler gears; and at least one strain gauge, each attached on one resilient member for measuring a deformation at the resilient member due to the revolution of the idler gears. A torque between the input shaft and the output shaft is obtained by calculating the deformation. The resilient members parallel the input shaft.

Abstract: A concrete temperature stress testing machine system including: a concrete temperature stress testing machine and a walk-in environment simulation laboratory system; and the walk-in environment simulation laboratory system includes a walk-in environment simulation laboratory, a host control cabinet, a compressor set room, an environment room control cabinet and a computer. The concrete temperature stress testing machine achieves the temperature deformation self-compensation by using the combination of different proportions of invar and No. 45 steel, an embedded type directly measuring deformation technology of the concrete temperature stress testing is achieved by the fit between the upper and side embedded parts, the embedded rod and the extending rod.

Abstract: The object of the invention is a method and an apparatus for measuring the load of an elevator car, which elevator comprises at least a hoisting machine plus shaft, said hoisting machine being provided with a motor, and a traction sheave fitted onto the shaft, and also a brake, and in which solution the load of an elevator car is measured by the aid of a measuring means. The load of the elevator car is measured with the measuring means from the shaft of the traction sheave of the hoisting machine.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first structure that is attachable to a measurement specimen, a second structure that is made of material which is smaller in thermal expansion coefficient than the first structure, a bottom surface of the second structure being connected to the first structure, and a detector that is connected to an upper surface of the second structure, the detector being configured to detect a deformation of the second structure.

Abstract: A rotating force sensing kickboxing apparatus is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a support member including a first connector located at a bottom portion of the support member and a body. The apparatus also includes a sensor attached to the body, the sensor configured to detect an object striking a portion of an exterior side of the body. The apparatus further includes a stand including a circular recessed channel and a second connector secured within the circular recessed channel and configured to connect to the first connector. The second connector is configured to rotate within the circular recessed channel. The connection of the first connector to the second connector enables the body and the support member to be rotatable with respect to the stand.

Abstract: An electronic device is disclosed. The electronic device may include a sealing element between a protective cover and a housing of the electronic device. The sealing element may provide a seal between the protective cover and the enclosure, as well as monitor or detect a force to the protective cover. Also, one or more support members may surround the sealing element to provide protection against a material (such as liquid) entering an opening between the protective cover and the enclosure. Alternatively, or in combination, the sealing element may include several openings, each of which may include a restraining element to limit movement of the sealing element. Also, a blocking element may be placed at or near an edge of the enclosure to provide additional reinforcement if the sealing element is laterally displaced. The blocking element may include an operational component of the electronic device, such as an antenna.

Abstract: A memory module includes a module board extending in one direction, a plurality of electronic elements mounted on the module board, and at least one stress detection pattern in a position between the electronic elements or adjacent to one or more of the electronic elements on the module board and including a plurality of strips configured to indicate a stress level generated in the position by an external force applied to the module board.

Abstract: A system and related methods for evaluating a component using a reference feature and a replicate of the reference feature. The component has an exterior surface with a reference feature thereon. The method includes determining an initial condition of the reference feature, subjecting the component to at least one duty cycle after determining the initial condition, determining a subsequent condition of the reference feature after the at least one duty cycle while the component is in a service position, and forming a replicate of the reference feature while the reference feature is in one of the initial condition or the subsequent condition. One of the initial condition or the subsequent condition may be determined based on the replicate of the reference feature.

Abstract: A deployable gage restraint measurement system includes a measurement axle assembly, a cross member, first and second support frames, first and second load cylinders, first and second swing arms, and an anti-rotation arm. The first and the second support frames are each pivotally coupled to the cross member. The first load cylinder is pivotally coupled to the first support frame and the second load cylinder is pivotally coupled to the second support frame. The first swing arm is pivotally coupled to (i) the first load cylinder about a first axis of the first swing arm, (ii) the first support frame about a second axis of the first swing arm, and (iii) the measurement axle assembly about a third axis of the first swing arm. The anti-rotational arm is pivotally coupled to (i) the first support frame and (ii) the measurement axle assembly.

Abstract: At least one tactile sensor includes an insulating layer and a conductive layer formed on the surface of the insulating layer. The conductive layer defines at least one group of flexible projections extending orthogonally from the surface of the insulating layer. The flexible projections include a major projection extending a distance orthogonally from the surface and at least one minor projection that is adjacent to and separate from the major projection wherein the major projection extends a distance orthogonally that is greater than the distance that the minor projection extends orthogonally. Upon a compressive force normal to, or a shear force parallel to, the surface, the major projection and the minor projection flex such that an electrical contact resistance is formed between the major projection and the minor projection. A capacitive tactile sensor is also disclosed that responds to the normal and shear forces.