Abstract: A method of sampling a multi-layered material and a micro-sampling tool are described. The sampling method includes penetrating a top surface of a material in a component of interest with a micro-cutting tool to a predetermined depth sufficient to include each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base, without cutting through the full depth of the base, under-cutting from the depth of penetration through the base to define a micro-sample of the multi-layered material, and removing the micro-sample with each layer of the multi-layered material intact. The micro-sampler includes a cutting tool calibrated to cut to a depth no greater than 2 mm, and in some aspects, no greater than 200 microns into a multi-layered material, the material having a top surface and a metallic or ceramic base and a container for removing and storing a micro-sample cut from the material with each layer of the multi-layered material and a portion of the base intact.

Abstract: Provided are a surface stress sensor that enables deterioration in measurement precision to be suppressed and a method for manufacturing the same. A surface stress sensor includes: a membrane configured to be bent by applied surface stress; a frame member configured to surround the membrane with gaps interposed therebetween when viewed from the thickness direction of the membrane; at least a pair of coupling portions configured to couple the membrane and the frame member; a flexible resistor configured to be disposed on at least one of the coupling portions and have a resistance value that changes according to bending induced in the coupling portion; and a support base member configured to be connected to the frame member and overlap the frame member when viewed from the thickness direction of the membrane, in which a cavity portion is disposed between the membrane and the support base member.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing a force using a sense die are provided. The sense die may include a slab die; an actuation element configured to contact the slab die and apply a force to the slab die; and one or more sense elements supported by the slab die.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a tensile force detecting device including a piezoelectric element to generate an electrical signal by a load, the elastic thread connected to the piezoelectric element to support the load applied to the piezoelectric element, and a sewing thread connected to the piezoelectric element to transmit the load to the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a pressure sensor system includes a pressure sensor element with a flexible plate, wherein the pressure sensor element is a piezoresistive sensor element and a support element on which the pressure sensor element is arranged, wherein a flow channel configured to supply a medium to the flexible plate runs in the support element, wherein the flow channel has at least one sub-section, a longitudinal direction of which running perpendicularly below the flexible plate, and wherein a channel cross section of the at least one sub-section of the flow channel is at no point within the sub-section of the flow channel smaller than an area of the flexible plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calculating line sag in a span of a conductor is provided. The method includes using a portable smart device having one or more accelerometers and running a line sag application on the processing device. The line sag application enables acceleration data of return waves generated on the conductor to be collected using the smart device and to be plotted as a function of time for display on the smart device. The method further includes placement of time markers on the plotted data displayed on the smart device to determine elapsed time and calculating line sag using the elapsed time.

Abstract: A prosthetic limb test fixture is configured to mimic a human stride. An electronic management system can control the test fixture to follow the position and pattern of a particular selected gait cycle during testing. A proposed prosthesis can be attached to the test fixture. Sensor data collected during testing can be evaluated to determine whether the proposed prosthesis is likely to appropriately fit an amputee patient. Iterative adjustments may be made to the prosthesis based on test data in order to maximize the likelihood of a good fit.

Abstract: A device for detecting wear of a wear member composed of electrically resistive material. The wear member comprises at least two electrodes separated from each other, where each electrode overlies, or is embedded in, an outer surface of the electrically resistive material. One of the electrodes is connected to a resistor at a measurement node to form a resistive voltage divider. A voltage measurement device measures a change in voltage at the measurement node, where the change is voltage is indicative of the degree of removal of resistive material from a face of the wear member and where the change in voltage is continuously variable and not limited to discrete wear levels.

Abstract: A tension measuring system is configured to determine tension on a fishing line. The tension measuring system includes a scale, joined between a rod and a reel. The reel is joined to the fishing line. The scale further includes a scale housing is rigidly attached to the rod. An internal housing is rigidly attached to the scale housing and connected to the reel with lubricant and ball bearings. A planar beam load cell is joined to the scale housing and the reel; wherein the tension on the fishing line causes deformation of the planar beam load cell. A microcontroller is electrically coupled to the planar beam load cell, a power management controller, and a display. The microcontroller uses planar beam load cell deformation to determine tension on the fishing line.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: A highly accurate torque sensor is provided by reducing the size of the shape. A torque sensor comprises a fourth structure and a fifth structure provided between a first structure and a second structure, a first strain sensor provided on the fourth structure, and a second strain sensor provided on the fifth structure. Each of the fourth structure and the fifth structure comprises a first connection section connected to one end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, a second connection section connected to the other end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, and a third connection section and a fourth connection section provided between the first connection section and the second connection section and possessing stiffness lower than the first connection section and the second connection section.

Abstract: An integrated force sensing element includes a piezoelectric sensor formed in an integrated circuit (IC) chip and a strain gauge at least partially overlying the piezoelectric sensor, where the piezoelectric sensor is able to flex. A human-machine interface using the integrated force sensing element is also disclosed and may include a conditioning circuit, temperature gauge, FRAM and a processor core.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for determining soil properties comprising a probe including at least a liquid injection port and a pressure transducer. The probe is pushed into a soil and one or more pumping tests are carried out, wherein during a pumping test infiltration liquid is pumped through the liquid injection port of the probe. The pressure response in the soil resulting from the injection of liquid through the liquid injection port is measured for each of the one or more pumping tests.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that improve the reliability and configurability of sensor systems.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheave for use in a tension measurement system to measure a tension force in a cable. The sheave includes a first diameter and a second diameter. The sheave is configured to rotate about an axis to orient the first diameter or the second diameter toward the cable, such that a contact force between the sheave and the cable is measured by a tension sensor to determine the tension force in the cable.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a load cell for a linear actuator. The load cell configured to measure a force exerted thereon by a rotary motor, and includes a spring element, a hollow portion and at least one strain gauge. The spring element includes a first side and a second side. The first side and the second side are opposite to each other. The hollow portion passes through the spring element. The at least one strain gauge is secured on the spring element and located between the first side and the second side, wherein when the force is exerted on the spring element when the rotary motor is driven to move along the first direction, the second side is moved relative to the first side, the spring element is deformed, and the at least one strain gauge changes shape, so that the force is measured and standardized under a specific range.

Abstract: Semiconductor MEMS pressure sensors that can produce a linear and large output signal when subject to a small pressure, without an increase to the front to back span error. One example can experience large deflections without causing catastrophic damage to the membrane. The pressure sensor can include a silicon layer having opposing surfaces, an etched pattern in of the surfaces of the silicon layer, and an etched cavity on the opposite surface of the silicon layer to form a membrane. The etched patterned can include a series of concentric stiffening ribs, an inverted boss, large depression areas next to the membrane edge and/or the boss, and piezoresistive strain concentrators. The ribs and depressions can be formed onto the silicon membrane by anisotropic or isotropic etch techniques. Piezoresistive devices can be diffused into the membrane in the regions near the strain concentrators to form a Wheatstone bridge or other measurement structure.

Abstract: A method for determining the preload value of the screw based on thermal error and temperature rise weighting. Firstly, thermal behavior test of the feed shaft under typical working conditions is carried out to obtain the maximum thermal error and the temperature rise at the key measuring points in each preloaded state. Then, a mathematical model of the preload value of the screw and the maximum thermal error is established; meanwhile, another mathematical model of the preload value of the screw and the temperature rise at the key measuring points is also established. Finally, the optimal preload value of the screw is obtained. The thermal error of the feed shaft and the temperature rise of the moving components are comprehensively considered, improving the processing accuracy and accuracy stability of the machine tool, and ensuring the service life of the moving components such as bearings.