Abstract: A load sensor includes: an electrically-conductive elastic body; an electrically-conductive member having a linear shape and disposed so as to cross the electrically-conductive elastic body; and a dielectric body disposed between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the electrically-conductive member. A width of the electrically-conductive elastic body in a longitudinal direction of the electrically-conductive member is changed such that a relationship between a load and a contact area between the electrically-conductive elastic body and the electrically-conductive member via the dielectric body becomes close to a linear relationship.

Abstract: A load sensor is configured to detect, as change in capacitance, change, in a contact area between an electrically-conductive elastic body and a dielectric body, that occurs due to a load applied to an upper face of the load sensor. In the load sensor, a plurality of sensor parts each configured to detect the load are disposed so as to be arranged in a plane direction, and a buffer part configured to suppress displacement of the upper face due to the load applied to a first sensor part from being propagated to a second sensor part adjacent to the first sensor part is disposed between the first sensor part and the second sensor part.

Abstract: A heald frame for looms comprises a frame structure and support members which support opposed lateral edges of the frame structure. The support members, together with vertically reciprocating drive units connected thereto, are installed in the loop. The frame structure is adapted to be removably attached to the support members, so that the frame structure can be simply attached to and detached from the loom. Intermediate stays are attached at suitable positions and extend between the upper and lower frame staves of the frame structure, while elastic members are disposed between the respective connecting portions of the frame staves and side stays of the frame structure.