Abstract: The inventive method for opto-acoustical imagery of an image object (OBJ) consists in a) generating an incident optical wave (INC) and a reference optical wave (REF) coherent therewith, b) oscillating the image object (OBJ) area at an acoustic frequency, c) sending the incident wave (INC) to said image object (OBJ), thereby generating a diffused signal wave (DIF), d) sending at least one part of said diffused signal wave (DIF) to a detection device (DET), e) sending the reference optical wave (REF) to the detection device (DET) avoiding the image object (OBJ), thereby generating an interferogram I (r, t), f) extracting digital information from said interferogram I (r, t), and in g) obtaining co-ordinates (U, V, W) from one measurement point of the image object (OBJ) associated to said digital information.

Abstract: An electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) for inspecting an object is provided. The EMAT includes a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field in an object and a radio frequency coil configured to induce eddy currents on a surface of the object. The EMAT further includes a laminated wear plate disposed over the magnet and the radio frequency coil and configured to shield the magnet and the radio frequency coil from damage.

Abstract: A blast movement monitor for measuring the movement of material within a body of material as a result of a blasting operation, the monitor including: a housing having an interior chamber defining an inner surface; and an internal communication device that is received immediately within the interior chamber of the housing, the internal communication device including: a body portion; an electric coil wound around the body portion; a circuit board electrically connected to the coil; a battery electrically connected to the circuit board; an end portion associated with one end of the body portion; and a cap associated with an opposing end of the body portion that encapsulates the body portion and sealingly houses the body portion; wherein the internal communication device is biased to facilitate self-righting of the internal communication device to a desired orientation within the interior chamber independent of the orientation of the monitor.

Abstract: An optical pressure monitoring system includes a tube from an infusion set and an optical signal sensor disposed to detect changes in the diameter of the tube and thereby determine pressure changes within the tube. By selecting the position of the tube relative to the optical signal emitter and optical signal receiver, the optical signal sensor can both detect pressure changes and provide an integrity check for both the functioning of the optical signal sensor and the placement of the tube. By modifying the tube to exaggerate changes in tube diameter responsive to pressure changes, the sensitivity of the optical signal sensor can be increased.

Abstract: A pressure sensing system and method includes a pressure sensor configured to include a pressure sensing diaphragm and a pressure port. A memory circuit incorporated can be incorporated into the pressure port. A high order polynomial component can also be provided. One or more excitation signals are then applicable to the pressure sensor such that a voltage output thereof is measured and recorded at a plurality of predefined temperatures and pressures in order to generate pressure sensor output data. Such output data is then automatically input to the high order polynomial component in order to generate a set of correction coefficients usable for improving the accuracy of the pressure sensor. The pressure sensing diaphragm is preferably based on an Advanced Thick Film (ATF) configuration.

Abstract: Implantable pressure sensors and methods for making and using the same are provided. A feature of embodiments of the subject pressure sensors is that they are low-drift sensors. The subject sensors find use in a variety of applications.

Abstract: A pressure sensor for sensing a pressure of a process fluid includes a sensor body having a cavity formed therein. A deflectable diaphragm is positioned in the cavity and deflects in response to a pressure applied to the cavity. An electrode on the diaphragm forms a variable capacitor with the pressure sensor body. The capacitance varies in response to the applied pressure.

Abstract: A fluid meter disclosed herein comprises a container that can be pressurized, means for driving the pressure within the container to a predetermined pressure, a sensor for measuring the pressure within the container and indicating when the predetermined pressure is reached, a timer for measuring the amount of time it takes for the container to reach the predetermined pressure, and means for determining the volume of fluid within the container based on the time it took to drive the pressure within the container to the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressure module is provided which comprises a capsule having a cavity formed therein, and a pressure transducer disposed within the cavity of the capsule. A feedthrough pin, fixedly coupled to the capsule, extends into the capsule and is electronically coupled to the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A pressure pickup includes a pressure measuring cell and a platform through which a pressure canal equipped with a flame penetration barrier extends. The pressure measuring cell is loadable with the process pressure through the pressure canal by means of a transmitting medium. The pressure canal includes a first section and a second section, with the flame penetration barrier being arranged in a first section, and a second section has a bore, in which a fill-body is arranged. The gap between the bore and the fill-body is manufactured with greater tolerances, so that it does not fulfill the requirements for a flame penetration barrier. The flame penetration barrier is realized in the first section, for example, by providing in the first section a bore, in which a fill-pin is arranged, with the remaining gap between the bore and the fill-pin satisfying the requirements for a flame penetration barrier.

Abstract: An electronic manometer comprises a manometer body installed with an operating unit, a tying strip, a pressure sensor, and a main control unit; wherein the operating unit sets the main control unit to adjust the pressure of the tying strip; the pressure sensor serves to measure blood pressure or to detect irregular pulses; the operating unit switches the manometer body to operated under at least two different operation modes. The operation modes are blood pressure measuring mode and irregular pulse detection mode. The manometer body has no pump for inflating air or has a pump for inflating air. The tying strip is connected to an inflation unit and air draining unit and the main control unit inflates air into the tying strip through the inflation unit and drains air in the tying strip through the air draining unit. Further, the tying strip is connected to an air releasing unit.

Abstract: A method for operating a tool shaft with the aid of a sensor element of a sensor, particularly an injection mold, in which at least one sensor, e.g. for determining an internal pressure of the mold, is assigned to the cavity. To this end, the sensor element is placed inside a sleeve with play and is subsequently calibrated, then, after determining the sensitivity, a correspondingly codeable component, e.g. a resistor, is selected, is fitted into the sensor, and the sensor, together with the sleeve, is placed inside a borehole of a mold wall.

Abstract: A safety device (10) comprises a plurality of wheel nut position indicators (30) captively but rotatably mounted in a holder (12). The position indicators are attachable to respective wheel nuts (40) by means of fastener covers (50). When attached, the fastener covers (50) act to secure the device to a wheel and to transfer any rotational movement, i.e. loosening, of a wheel nut (40) to an associated position indicator (30). The indicators (30) each have an indicator portion, e.g. a triangular pointer (34) and are so arranged that this portion emerges from the holder and hence becomes visible when any such rotation occurs. By removing a fastener cover (50) an indicator (30) is disengaged from a wheel nut (40) and the individual wheel nut can be tightened without having to remove the entire device (10).

Abstract: An apparatus structure and measurement method are provided to retain high precision and high reliability of a semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus which senses a mechanical quantity and transmits measured information wirelessly. As to a silicon substrate of the semiconductor mechanical quantity measuring apparatus, for example, a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a measurement direction is set small, and a ratio of a substrate thickness to a substrate length along a direction perpendicular to the measurement direction is set small. The apparatus upper surface is covered with a protective member. It is possible to measure a strain along a particular direction and realize mechanical quantity measurement with less error and high precision. An impact resistance and environment resistance of the apparatus itself can be improved.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed displacement sensor has strain gauges placed on thin flexible triangular shaped beams of a load beam cell. The strain gauges are enclosed in a hermetically sealed cavity which cavity is sealed by means of a cover plate placed over the load beam cell. The thin beams are connected together by a center hub and basically form two constant moment beams. There is a top isolation diaphragm member which is convoluted and to which a force is applied which applied force is transmitted to the thin flexible beams. The beams deflect and the sensors produce an output proportional to strain. The sensors on each beam are two in number wherein one sensor is placed in a longitudinal direction with respect to the beam while the other sensor is in a transverse position. The sensors may be wired to form a full Wheatstone bridge or half bridges may be employed. The electrical output from the strain gauge bridge is proportional to the deflection of the center of the sensor.

Abstract: An instant monitoring system, applied to a circuit board, for inspecting an area under stress on the circuit board, comprises a strain gage, with a thin film structure, and at least one resistance, while the strain gage, with a first resistance value before receiving a stress, is embedded on the area, which receiving a stress, of the circuit board. The strain gage and the resistances, with the same first resistance value, connect electrically to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for measuring and calculating tensile elongation of ductile metals on small diameter specimens. The method includes marking a tensile specimen with a pattern of gage markings at predetermined intervals. The tensile specimen is pulled to failure and then fitted together at the fracture. Distances between corresponding markings straddling the fracture are measured extending progressively outward from the fracture. From the measurements, elongation as a function of gage length is determined. End point elongation values (i.e., elongation at zero or near zero and infinite or very long gage lengths) are also determined. Determined elongations are scaled to reflect the values that would have been generated on a standard 0.5 inch diameter specimen. Based on the scaled elongation as a function of gage length and the end point elongation values, a value of elongation can be determined that represents a material property for FEA modeling the plastic strain behavior of a device.

Abstract: An expandable tubular member.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter includes two ultrasonic transceivers (10, 16). Each of the ultrasonic transceiver (10, 16) includes a transmitting body (1; 12) fixed to the outer peripheral surface of a measurement pipe (6) through which a fluid to be measured flows so as to surround the measurement pipe (6), and an ultrasonic transducer (2; 13) spaced from the outer peripheral surface of the measurement pipe (6). The transmitting body (1) has axial end surfaces (8a, 8b) perpendicular to the axis of the measurement pipe (6). An axial end surface (7) of the ultrasonic transducer (2) is fixedly secured to the axial end surface (8b) of the transmitting body (1), and the ultrasonic transducer (2) is extended and contracted in the axial direction by applying a voltage between the axial end surfaces (8a, 8b) of the ultrasonic transducer (2).

Abstract: In order to provide a technology in an ultrasonic flowmeter to efficiently penetrate through both of a wedge and a fluid pipe surface so as to contribute to more accurate measurement of a flow rate. An ultrasonic flowmeter includes an ultrasonic transmitter for launching ultrasonic pulses of a predetermined frequency into the fluid to be measured in fluid pipe from an ultrasonic transducer along a measurement line; a flow velocity distribution measurement means for measuring flow velocity distribution of the fluid to be measured in a measurement region by receiving ultrasonic echoes (reflection wave A) reflected from the measurement region among the ultrasonic pulses incident into the fluid to be measured; and a flow rate operation means for operating a flow rate of the fluid to be measured in the measurement region based on the flow velocity distribution of the fluid to be measured, and a clamp-on type is adopted.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for measuring the flow rate and temperature of a gas flowing through a gas passageway. An inventive ultrasound sensor assembly includes a housing having opposed first and second ultrasound transducers. The housing is attachable onto an outside surface of a gas passageway, such as a pipe, at an angle ? relative to a gas low direction within the gas passageway. Ultrasonic signals are sent from the first ultrasound transducer to the second ultrasound transducer, and vice versa, through the gas flow. Gas flow velocity and gas temperature are determined with the measured transit times of these ultrasonic signals through the gas flow. This non-invasive method eliminates sensor degradation, and eliminates the need for separate flow and temperature sensors. It also reduces power and time requirements, thus reducing cost.

Abstract: apparatus for ascertaining and/or monitoring volume- or mass-flow of a medium flowing through a pipeline in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the pipeline. The apparatus includes at least one ultrasonic sensor containing at least one sound-producing element and an interfacing shoe and emitting, respectively receiving, ultrasonic measurement signals at an incidence/emergence angle into, respectively out of, the pipeline A first adjusting mechanism is provided, which is so embodied, that the incidence/emergence angle of the ultrasonic sensor is adjustable in predetermined limits. The apparatus further includes a control/evaluation unit, which ascertains the volume- or mass-flow of the medium in the pipeline on the basis of the travel-time difference method, the cross-correlation method or the Doppler method.

Abstract: A apparatus 10, 110 is provided that measures the speed of sound and/or vortical disturbances propagating in a fluid or mixture having entrained gas/air to determine the gas volume fraction of the flow 12 propagating through a pipes and compensating or correcting the volumetric flow measurement for entrained air. The GVF meter includes and array of sensor disposed axially along the length of the pipe. The GVF measures the speed of sound propagating through the pipe and fluid to determine the gas volume fraction of the mixture using array processing. The GVF meter can be used with an electromagnetic meter and a consistency meter to compensate for volumetric flow rate and consistency measurement respective, to correct for errors due to entrained gas/air.

Abstract: A flowmeter is provided that comprises a leadframe assembly (140) and a body (144) disposed at least partially around the leadframe assembly (140). The body (144) has a flow passage therethrough that comprises a first channel (178) having a first port (166), a second channel (180) having a second port (168), and a flow altering element (182) disposed within the second channel (180). First and second pressure sensors (174 and 176) are disposed within the body (144) and coupled to the leadframe assembly (140) for measuring a first pressure within the first channel (178) and a second pressure within the second channel (180), respectively. An integrated circuit (155), which is coupled to the leadframe assembly (140), to the first pressure sensor (174), and to the second pressure sensor (176), is configured to determine the rate of flow through the flow passage from the first pressure and the second pressure.

Abstract: A gas flow sensor receives a low-volume gas flow to be measured in a selectively sealed chamber. A flow rate signal is generated using a measuring device in response to the received gas flow. The flow rate signal is converted into a desired format for purposes of storage, control, and/or display.

Abstract: A mass flow rate measurement device which works according to the coriolis principle, and has two measurement tubes (1) and a vibration converter. It is provided that a carrier (2) is mounted on each of the measurement tubes (1) as a pair of carriers, and the vibration converter is made and arranged such that it acts between the pair carriers (2). In this way, a coriolis mass flow rate measurement device which is simple to produce is attained, with measurement tubes (1) which can be located extremely close to one another.

Abstract: The measurement transducer includes at least two oscillatably held transducer tubes vibrating, at least at times, during operation, of which at least one transducer tube serving to convey at least a volume portion of a medium to be measured, communicates with a pipeline; as well as at least one transducer element for converting electrical energy into mechanical and/or vice versa. The two transducer tubes are mechanically coupled together by means of at least one, inlet-side, coupling element and by means of at least one, outlet-side, coupling element in such a manner that both the inlet-side coupling element, as well as also the outlet-side coupling element, are subjected during operation repeatedly to deformations which correspond to vibrations of at least one of the two transducer tubes for converting electrical energy into mechanical, oscillatory energy and/or vice versa.

Abstract: The measuring transducer includes a transducer housing, as well as an internal part arranged in the transducer housing. The internal part includes at least one curved measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, during operation and serving for conveying the medium, as well as a counteroscillator affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet-side, accompanied by formation of a coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on the outlet-side, accompanied by the formation of a coupling zone. The internal part is held oscillatably in the transducer housing, at least by means of two connecting tube pieces, via which the measuring tube communicates during operation with the pipeline and which are so oriented with respect to one another, as well as with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the measuring transducer, that the internal part can move during operation in the manner of a pendulum about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A measuring transducer includes a transducer housing, as well as an internal part arranged in the transducer housing. The internal part includes at least one curved measuring tube vibrating, at least at times, during operation and serving for conveying the medium, as well as a counteroscillator affixed to the measuring tube on the inlet-side, accompanied by formation of a coupling zone, and to the measuring tube on the outlet-side, accompanied by the formation of a coupling zone. The internal part is held oscillatably in the transducer housing, at least by means of two connecting tube pieces, via which the measuring tube communicates during operation with the pipeline and which are so oriented with respect to one another, as well as with respect to an imaginary longitudinal axis of the measuring transducer, that the internal part can move during operation in the manner of a pendulum about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A three-dimensional power meter for measurement and calculation of forces on bodies, accelerating and retarding forces for bodies moving with varying speeds and ascending angles both on the ground and in the air is described. The three-dimensional power meter includes a linear housing (A1) with two through-going parallel axles (B1, B2) and two traverses (C1, C2), a regulator (E1) for variation of engine power which is connected to a feather weight (F1), as well as power cells (F2, F3) for measurement of both accelerating and retarding power.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor for precisely calculating an angular velocity by taking the mass balance of the transducer into account is provided. The sensor includes a tuning fork type transducer (23) having a pair of arm portions (22) at a shaft portion (21) and formed of a piezoelectric element, and a control circuit portion (24) that drives the transducer (23) and detects the angular velocity applied to the transducer (23). The control circuit portion (24) includes a correction circuit portion (35) that generates a correction signal to remove, as a noise component, a signal component of a sense signal (29) detected erroneously as if an angular velocity occurred when no angular velocity is occurring in the transducer (23), from signal components of the sense signal (29).

Abstract: An apparatus for simulating perspiration of human body and for assessing the vapor permeability and comfort of an item of clothing, comprising: a manequin body, provided internally with a cavity, which is contoured so as to wear the item of clothing to be tested and has on its surface a plurality of through holes which open onto the cavity; an external surface covering for the body, which is vapor-permeable and has water vapor absorption and release properties: elements for generating water vapor which are adapted to supply the cavity directly with vapor.

Abstract: A hat stringer inspection device permits continuous inspection of hat stringers as one or more probes are moved along the length of the hat stringer. Probes may be magnetically coupled to opposing surfaces of the structure, including, for example, where one of the probes is positioned inside the hat stringer and the probes are magnetically coupled across the surface of the hat stringer. The device may be autonomous with a feedback-controlled motor to drive the inspection device along the hat stringer. Magnetic coupling is also used to re-orient the position and/or alignment of the probes with respect to changes in the hat stringer or shapes, sizes, and configurations of hat stingers.

Abstract: With regard to the present invention, valves are modularized so as to improve operativity, and the valves are formed by one member and changed the arrangement thereof so as to be miniaturized, thereby making the maintain work easy. Namely, a PTO rear cover 3c, in which a PTO driving mechanism having a PTO clutch 28 is housed, is attached to a rear end of a rear housing 3 of a vehicle body, PTO valve equipment 72 controlling on/off of the PTO clutch 28 is provided integrally with the PTO rear cover 3c, and an oil passage communicating the PTO valve equipment 72 with the PTO clutch 28 and a hydraulic port are formed in the inside of the PTO rear cover 3c. A plurality of valves is provided so as to control operation of a forward/rearward travel selector 210 and fixed to one of side surfaces of a front housing 201, an attachment member 281 formed by one plate-like member touches the vehicle body housing 201, and the valves are arranged on substantial same plane in parallel to the touching surface.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention there is provided a vibratory apparatus. The vibratory apparatus is comprised of a housing, an eccentric mass, a crankshaft, a first member, a second member and an operating mechanism for rotating the crankshaft. The crankshaft is rotatably mounted in the housing and the crankshaft is operatively connected to the eccentric mass. The first member is hollow and has an inner space and outer surface. The first member is received by the eccentric mass. The second member is received within the inner space of the first member. The second member is connected to the crankshaft and the first member is allowed radial movement about the second member along a first axis. A liquid forms a lubricating layer between the first member and the eccentric mass.

Abstract: A power-steering system, e.g., for a motor vehicle, having an electric motor, which transmits a steering-assist force via a belt transmission to a ball-screw transmission for displacing vehicle wheels, includes a cam, via which the ball-screw transmission and/or electric motor is supported in a steering-gear housing. The tension of a belt of the belt transmission is adjustable by rotating the cam in the steering-gear housing. The cam has at least one cutout on the circumference, and/or the steering-gear housing has at least one cutout in its inner wall. A locking element may be inserted into the cutout, in order to fix the cam in position with respect to the steering-gear housing. After being inserted, the locking element is operatively connected to the cam and the steering-gear housing.

Abstract: A backlash reducing apparatus for a gearbox, the gearbox having a hollow bore and a shaft in the hollow bore, with the hollow bore having a counter-bore at each end includes: a first pair of tapered, interlocking rings engaging the shaft within the hollow bore at one end of the hollow bore; a second pair of tapered, interlocking rings engaging the shaft within the hollow bore at the opposite end of the hollow bore; and a fastener engaging the shaft and applying axial pressure to the first and second pairs of tapered, interlocking rings to thereby force the first and second pairs of tapered, interlocking rings against the shaft and the hollow bore.

Abstract: A specimen stage comprises a support and an elongated guidance of a first length on the support. At least one displaceable plate is on the support to be guided by the guidance. There is a driving arrangement for displacing the plate. The driving arrangement comprises at least one rotatable shaft, an actuator coupled to the shaft for rotating it, a pinion associated and coupled to the shaft for transmitting rotation, and a toothed rack of a second length, the teeth of which engage the teeth of the pinion so as to convert the rotary motion of the pinion into a linear motion of the rack. The rack is flexible and is guided in at least one bent section, and suitably also a linear section. To provide some rigidity despite of the flexibility, the teeth of the rack are machined into a body of a halogenated ethylene. Suitably, the pinion engages the rack at the radial outer side with respect to the bent section. The shaft may be releasably coupled to the pinion to enable an easy exchange.

Abstract: A foldable device has a hinge to allow it to be opened or closed. The hinge has two shafts separately secured to two panels of the foldable device. Each shaft has a coupling section with a recess on the shaft surface. A substantially planar spring having two curved sections is used to join the shafts through the corresponding coupling sections. Each curved section has a protruding portion on the inner diameter of the curved section. When the foldable device is in the closed position, the protruding portion in the second curved section is engaged in the recess of the second shaft, while the first curved section is disengaged from the recess of the first shaft. The foldable device can be opened toward a locking position where both protruding portions are engaged in the respective recesses. At any position, the hinge is rotated around only one of the shafts.

Abstract: A device to prevent wobbling of cog wheels (3) arranged on a main shaft (6) in a transmission train with two countershafts (1, 2), which has at the minimum, a disk (7) for one of the cog wheels that is connected with the respective cog wheel (3) and/or is supported on the face side of a gearing (8) of the countershafts (1, 2) or on intermediate shafts (12) for the reverse gears, whereby the respective cog wheel (3) is pushed by the spring action against the disk (7).

Abstract: A straddle-type vehicle includes a rear arm connected pivotally at a front end to a vehicle body through a first connecting shaft and at a rear end to a rear wheel. A connecting member is connected pivotally at one end to the rear arm through a second connecting shaft. A link is connected pivotally to the vehicle body through a third connecting shaft and pivotally to a remaining other end of the connecting member through a fourth connecting shaft. A damper is connected pivotally at a lower end to the link through a fifth connecting shaft. A lower end of the damper is positioned below a plane A including central axes of the second connecting shaft and the fourth connecting shaft, which are positioned at both ends of the connecting member, in a fully extended state of the damper. The connecting member is curved downward to avoid interference with the damper in a fully extended state.

Abstract: A shift rail for a vehicle transmission includes multiple detent mechanisms for shifting that operate independently from each other. The shift rail includes a neutral detent mechanism that allows shifting from a neutral position into a gear engaged position at a first detent force, and an in-gear detent mechanism that allows shifting out of a gear engaged position at a second detent force that is greater than the first detent force. By setting the second detent force higher than the first detent force, un-requested shifts out of the gear engaged position, i.e. “jumpout,” can be controlled. Additionally, the neutral and in-gear detent mechanisms include separate springs where spring forces can be varied to adjust shift feel as needed.

Abstract: An axial fan comprising an impeller provided with a supporting ring on which is disposed an adapter. Spindles are rotatably mounted in the supporting ring, and adjustable blades are connected to the spindles. A support is provided for each spindle and is comprised of a roller bearing that rests against an inner side of the supporting ring, and of a bushing that rests against an inner side of the adapter. A tubular nut is threaded onto the outer end of the spindle to fix it in the supporting ring.

Abstract: A shift mechanism is disclosed for a manual gearbox of a vehicle. A transverse movement of a gear selector actuates the shift mechanism to select gear by axial translation of the gear shaft, and a longitudinal movement of the gear selector actuates the shift mechanism to shift gears by rotating the gear shaft by the action of an inertial mass. The rotation and the translation, respectively, of the gear shaft take place by way of independent parts of the shift mechanism. The mechanism for selecting gear is released from the inertial mass.

Abstract: A mounting for an optical apparatus includes a joint ball (1), a mounting device (2) for the optical apparatus and means for fixing the mounting device to the joint ball (1). The mounting device has two rings (6, 7) which are arranged displaceable to one another and are also movable on the joint ball (1) and surround the joint ball. A fixing means (3) is disposed between the rings (6, 7) and connects them, the whole such that the rings can be moved simultaneously and jointly.

Abstract: An industrial robot may include a main body part and an arm part including a first arm, a second arm and a hand arm. The main body part is provided with a first turnable shaft for performing an expansion-contraction operation of the arm part, a second turnable shaft which is disposed within the first turnable shaft for changing an expansion-contraction direction of the hand arm together with the first arm, a first sensor mechanism including a first sensor for detecting a home position of the second turnable shaft, a second sensor mechanism provided in the second turnable shaft and which includes a second sensor for detecting a relative home position between the second turnable shaft and the first turnable shaft, and a rotary joint which is connected with the second turnable shaft and is electrically connected with the second sensor.

Abstract: A medical robotic system has a robot arm holding an instrument for performing a medical procedure, and a control system for controlling movement of the arm and its instrument according to user manipulation of a master manipulator. The control system includes at least one joint controller that includes a controller having programmable parameters for setting a steady-state velocity error and a maximum acceleration error for the joint's movement relative to a set point in response to an externally applied and released force.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for improving force and torque sensing and feedback to the surgeon performing a telerobotic surgery are provided. Groups of axially oriented strain gauges are positioned on a distal end of an instrument shaft proximate a moveable wrist of a robotic surgical instrument to sense forces and torques at the distal tip of the instrument. Advantageously, errors due to changes in the configuration of the tip or steady state temperature variations are eliminated. Other advantageous configurations and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A modular force sensor apparatus, method, and system are provided to improve force and torque sensing and feedback to the surgeon performing a telerobotic surgery. In one embodiment, a modular force sensor includes a tube portion including a plurality of strain gauges, a proximal tube portion for operably coupling to a shaft of a surgical instrument that may be operably coupled to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal tube portion for proximally coupling to a wrist joint coupled to an end portion.

Abstract: An energy absorbing steering column includes a first cylindrical member for rotatably supporting a steering shaft of a vehicle, the first cylindrical member including a first press-fit portion formed on an outer surface thereof, a second cylindrical member for normally supporting the first cylindrical member at a predetermined position, the second cylindrical member including a first supporting portion formed on an inner surface thereof, and a metallic elastic bush provided between the first press-fit portion and the first supporting portion for applying elastic force in a radial direction to restrict an axial movement of the first cylindrical member relative to the second cylindrical member. The metallic elastic bush allows the axial movement of the first cylindrical member relative to the second cylindrical member when a load applied to the steering shaft is equal to or larger than a predetermined value.