Abstract: In one aspect, an optical sensor is used to detect defects, which can appear on smooth surfaces, is provided. The sensor includes a telecentric laser scanner and a detection unit. The scanner includes a laser for the approximately perpendicular illumination of a smooth surface, a scanning mirror, and a telecentric optical system for guiding illumination and detection beams the detection unit includes an optical detector system, a central diaphragm, which is concentrically positioned in the vicinity of the optical detector system in the direction toward the telecentric laser scanner, a highly sensitive photomultiplier for detecting scattered light, which emanates from defects on smooth surfaces, and a slit diaphragm arranged upstream of the photomultiplier.

Abstract: In one aspect, an optical sensor is used to detect defects, which can appear on smooth surfaces, is provided. The sensor includes a telecentric laser scanner and a detection unit. The scanner includes a laser for the approximately perpendicular illumination of a smooth surface, a scanning mirror, and a telecentric optical system for guiding illumination and detection beams the detection unit includes an optical detector system, a central diaphragm, which is concentrically positioned in the vicinity of the optical detector system in the direction toward the telecentric laser scanner, a highly sensitive photomultiplier for detecting scattered light, which emanates from defects on smooth surfaces, and a slit diaphragm arranged upstream of the photomultiplier.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive microsystem, which can be used to replace conventional strain gauges used currently. The microsystem has substantial advantages with regard to handling, overload stability and endurance. Capacitive microsystems of this type can be used to record deformations and to calculate forces, torque etc. They can be used in particular to determine the weight of vehicle seats, to provide for example deployment data for an airbag.

Abstract: The present invention is based on an use of the already existing actuator bottom as a deformation element for a direct measurement of braking force, and on its geometric configuration in order to measure a force in a way which is largely independent of temperature and free of hysteresis. Accordingly, a force sensor is integrated into an actuator for generally or transmitting a force in the force flux. The actuator bottom is transverse to the force flux.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive microsystem, which can be used to replace conventional strain gauges used currently. The microsystem has substantial advantages with regard to handling, overload stability and endurance. Capacitive microsystems of this type can be used to record deformations and to calculate forces, torque etc. They can be used in particular to determine the weight of vehicle seats, to provide for example deployment data for an airbag.

Abstract: In order to precisely and unambiguously measure braking forces, measurements must be carried out as close as possible to the location where the force is directly introduced onto the brake lining (18). To this end, the invention provides that the deflection &Dgr;Z of the actuator bottom (2) is used as a measured variable for the braking force and that the actuator bottom is correspondingly designed for this purpose. The supporting ring (3) of the actuator (1) rests in an annular manner on the brake lining (18). The braking force (F) is centrically applied to the actuator bottom (2). Various measures are taken in order to eliminate, to the greatest possible extent, the influences of temperature and hysteresis effects as the braking force (F) is converted into a proportional deformation &Dgr;Z.

Abstract: Strand-shaped winding material is continuously supplied to a coil, whereby the position of the winding material is observed with at least one video camera, whereby the data about the wrapping obtained in this way are conducted to a computer unit that initiates a corresponding readjustment. With reference to the coil axis and as seen in radial direction, the position of the apexes of the turns is identified for at least respectively two turns of the new winding ply, and, given a deviation of these apexes from a rated value, a readjustment is implemented in the delivery of the winding material.