Abstract: A cylinder lock includes a sleeve, and a key plug housed in the sleeve and having an output portion to output an interrupted motion of a clutch device by moving in an insertion and extraction direction by an insertion and extraction of a matching key. The key plug is formed by a pivoting spindle in which the output portion pivotally supports an input clutch element and an output clutch element of the clutch device in the output state by an insertion of the matching key.

Abstract: A card type mechanical key including a card member having a card surface and an edge portion. The card member includes a mechanical code pattern formed by partially eliminating the card surface or the edge portion and functioning as a verification code mechanically verifiable by a lock device. A fitting member is fitted to the mechanical code pattern. A concealment sticker is adhered removably to the card member in a state in which the fitting member is fitted to the mechanical code pattern of the card member so as to conceal the mechanical code pattern and the fitting member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lock and key combination including a cylinder lock with a rotatable key plug having a key slot for receiving a flat key blade (100) on a key, and at least two side locking tumblers (201a, 201b; 301, 302; 401, 402) which are guided in associated chambers in the key plug and have transverse fingers (211a, 211b: 311, 312; 411, 412a, 412b) projecting into the key slot. There is a code pattern (110) in a side recess (115, 118) of the key blade comprising at least two separate code surfaces formed on at least one side surface (101) of the key, including a primary code surface (131-135; 141?; 151) located in an external portion of the side recess and adjoining said one side surface (101), and a secondary code surface (141-145; 142?152) being defined in a groove forming a deeper portion of the side recess. The primary and secondary code surfaces engage with first and second fingers (211b, 311, 411 and 211a, 312, 412a) on associated side locking tumblers.

Abstract: The framer, also referred to as the scrambler/Reed-Solomon encoder (SRS), is a part of the transmitter and accepts user and control data in the form of one or more logical channels, partitions this data into frames, adds error correction codes, randomizes the data through a scrambler, and multiplexes logical channels into a single data stream. The multiplexed data is then passed to the constellation encoder as the next step in the formation of the VDSL symbol. The deframer, also referred as the descrambler/Reed-Solomon decoder (DRS), is part of the receiver and performs the inverse function of the framer.

Abstract: In an apparatus for producing a spark plug, approach driving conditions are calculated on the basis of a specified thrust feeding amount so that, while a temporal overlap occurs between a time period of feed-driving toward a rolling position P2 of a workpiece supporting portion (11) and an approach driving time period, in a circumferential direction of a workpiece W, a positional relationship between the starting position of the threaded portion which is rolling-formed, and the joining position of the ground electrode to the tip end face of the workpiece W is constant. The operation of an approach driving portion is controlled on the basis of the calculated approach driving conditions.

Abstract: In a method of cutting high-tensile workpieces, in particular sheet metals of martensite steel, the workpiece is subjected to a bending stress prior and during a shearing process. The bending stress causes a substantial component of a tensile force transverse to a desired cutting contour. Tensile stresses are superimposed to the shearing stresses, which favor the beginning of the workpiece separation. The bending stress is preferably selected so that the resulting tensile stress exists at a side facing the cutting tool.

Abstract: When a punch is downwardly pressed, an inner circumferential surface of a first rack blank bites into a top surface of a second rack blank. A blank material upwardly flows due to a reaction force and is used to form rack teeth. Thus, a filling degree of the teeth with the material is enhanced. At the time when the forming of the rack teeth is finished, a gap is left between the inner circumferential surface of the first rack blank and the outer circumferential surface of the second rack blank. Thus, a die is not put into a sealed condition. Consequently, a forming load is small so that the lifetime of the die is lengthened. Also, the top surface of the second rack blank bites into a bore hole portion of the first rack blank so that the first rack blank and the second rack blank are joined together. Accordingly, the rigidity of the entire rack teeth is increased.

Abstract: A test adapter for the saturated vapor calibration of gas-measuring devices. The test adapter (2) has, in an adapter housing (15), a peripheral edge (7) for receiving a gas-measuring device and has a depression (10) for receiving the sample liquid in the area of the gas-sensitive surface of the gas-measuring device.

Abstract: An error-correction method for an acceleration sensor having a plurality of electrodes and a seismic mass. The error-correction method which makes it possible to correct systematic errors at low expense includes the following steps: applying a voltage in order to deflect the seismic mass; measuring a first current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; measuring a second current caused by the deflection of the seismic mass; and determining a correction variable on the basis of the first current and the second current.

Abstract: A system and method for carrying out non-destructive testing and inspection of test objects to assess their structural integrity uses a calibration module configured to provide V-Path time of flight (TOF) correction data over a plurality of object thickness points, obtained from an object or objects having known thicknesses using the same physical probe as is used for the inspection measurements. When a probe launches acoustical waves into a test object and an instrument and a control system compute a time of flight value of the acoustical waves launched by the probe, the pre-obtained V-Path TOF correction data is used to correct the measured time of flight computed by the instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a value that correlates to available traction that is a lightweight, hand-held, portable apparatus that may include a pad of material, a translating assembly, a load assembly, a first device to move the pad and a second device that measures a peak amount of break-away torque. The load assembly facilitates application of a calibrated load to the pad as a result of but regardless of a force applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: The inventive method is designed to test contaminants in soil that is contaminated with petroleum related products. The method involves the use of a container that will separate soil into a head space for analysis. The container consists of two halves and the container is partially filled with a soiled dirt specimen. The container is then hermetically sealed against the environment by way of a cover snapped over the container rim. The container with the contaminated specimen therein is allowed to accumulate a vapor head space within a certain time period. An instrument will puncture a sealed orifice in the top cover and a sample of the vapor is withdrawn for further analysis.

Abstract: A metal compound (50) able to trap a sulfur component in exhaust gas is arranged in a flow path of the exhaust gas, a property of the metal compound (50) changing along with an increase of the amount of sulfur component trapped at the metal compound (50) is measured, and the cumulative value of the amount of SOX actually contained in the exhaust gas is calculated from the measured property. On the other hand, the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX, assumed to be contained in the exhaust gas when assuming that fuel or oil of a sulfur concentration assumed in advance is used, is calculated. It is judged if fuel or oil with a high sulfur concentration is being used from the actual cumulative value of the amount of SOX and the assumed cumulative value of the amount of SOX.

Abstract: A method for the superficial-phase chromatography of a product comprises the steps which are performed continuously in the following order, namely: an operation consisting in pumping a supercritical fluid; and operation consisting of injecting at least one sample of product into at least one chromatography column, a detection operation, and a fraction collection operation. The method comprises at least a first diversion along between an analytical channel and a preparatory channel, which diversion is performed prior to the supercritical fluid pumping operation and the analytical and preparatory channels each including respective supercritical fluid pumping operations. The method is also characterized in that the collection operation is common to both the analytical and preparatory channels. An installation used to implement one such method is described.

Abstract: To provide a gas sensor chip, and a gas sensor provided therewith, capable of producing stable output characteristics over an extended period of time even when installed in a harsh environment such as a boiler smokestack carrying exhaust gasses. There is a backside structure wherein a catalyst carrier that contacts a gas to be measured is disposed on one side of a thermal conductor, a temperature sensing portion is disposed in a location that does not contact the gas to be measured, on the other side of the thermal conductor, and the temperature sensing portion measures the temperature corresponding to the temperature of the catalyst carrier through the thermal conductor, to enable the sensing of the amount of flow over an extended period of time without the temperature sensing portion being negatively affected by the gas to be measured.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor capable of maintaining an electrical connection between the lead frame and an electrode terminal section of the detection element even when an inadequate external force is applied to a lead frame and a sensor production method capable of preventing the lead frame from buckling and being deformed into an inadequate shape. The lead frame (second lead frame) can inhibit movement of a second frame main body section axially toward a rear end side through engagement of a third locking surface of a second locking section with a second locking groove and can inhibit the second frame main body section from going apart from an inner surface of an insertion hole through engagement of a fourth locking surface of the second frame locking section, which faces an element engagement section side.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing fluids to be used when drilling in unconsolidated sand formations includes a container having a first port and a second port and a plurality of perforations through which fluid can be communicated, a bore holder slidingly retained through a portion of the container between the first port and the second port, wherein the bore holder has a feed end and a discharge end, a bed of unconsolidated sand contained in the container in a compacted state surrounding the bore holder, a fluid distribution nozzle at the discharge end of the bore holder, a fluid source in fluid communication with the discharge end of the bore holder, wherein the fluid source provides a test fluid to the fluid distribution nozzle through the bore holder, wherein the bore holder is withdrawn from the container at a predetermined speed as the test fluid is communicated through the fluid distribution nozzle, thereby leaving a simulated well bore in the unconsolidated sand.

Abstract: A method for ascertaining and/or monitoring a process variable, wherein a time-limited, exciting signal, which is described by at least one desired quantity, or by a desired signal form, is applied to a first piezoelectric element, or to a first polarized zone of a piezoelectric element. The response signal, which is described by at least one actual quantity, or actual signal form, corresponding, respectively, to the desired quantity, or desired signal form, is registered by a second piezoelectric element, or by a second polarized zone of the piezoelectric element, wherein the actual quantity, or the actual signal form, of the response signal and the desired quantity, or the designed signal form, of the response signal are compared with one another. On the basis of the ultrasonic measuring signal, which is describable by the defined desired quantity, or the defined, desired signal form, the process variable is ascertained via a sound-entrainment method or via an echo method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the kinematic characteristics of a golf club head are disclosed. The apparatus includes at least one piezoelectric component selectively positioned within or upon a club head. The piezoelectric component is preferably positioned to the rear of the center of gravity, and near the midpoint of the face of the club head. During a golf club swing, the piezoelectric component determines the acceleration and deceleration of the golf club head. When the club head impacts an object such as a golf ball, the piezoelectric component is also operable to determine the velocity of the club head. It may also be desirable for the piezoelectric component to determine the magnitude of vibration during impact. In this manner, the piezoelectric component may function determine the efficiency of a golf club swing.

Abstract: An indenter is pressed onto a test piece; a displacement of the indenter is detected; and a testing force applied to the test piece through the indenter is detected. FFT analysis is performed on a displacement detection signal detected in a non-load state to detect a frequency band of noise. Filter characteristics are calculated based on the detected frequency band, and filtering is performed on the displacement detection signal based on the filter characteristics. Physical properties of the test piece are evaluated based upon the displacement detection signal after the filtering and the testing force.

Abstract: An apparatus (402) and method for measuring a surface energy of a test surface (12), which includes a viscoelastic polymer layer (20), disposed on a moveable component (34), that is compressed against the test surface (12) with a compressive force. The moveable component (34) is then moved relative to the test surface (12) at a predetermined velocity, and a drive force applied to the moveable component (34) is measured. The surface energy of the test surface (12) is then determined based at least in part on the compressive force, the predetermined velocity, and the measured drive force.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement (1) for a clutch device (22) comprising a housing (2) and a sensor part (5, 5?) with at least one sensor (17) for detecting the position of a movable part (3) of the clutch device (22). The housing (2) has a recess (6) for the sensor part (5, 5?) and the sensor part (5, 5?) is fastened to a stationary part (2, 20). The sensor part (5, 5?) may be positioned on the clutch device (22) from the outside through the recess (6) of the housing and detachably fastened to the stationary part (2, 20).

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring apparatus includes a valve assembly mountable in a vehicle wheel and a housing securable to the end of the valve assembly. A pressure sensor assembly is securable in the housing for monitoring tire pressure and providing an electrical signal indicative thereof. The pressure sensor assembly includes a flexible circuit board, and a battery held within a fold of the flexible circuit board, wherein the flexible circuit board is overmolded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring liquid volume change consists of a cylindrical cell assembly (80) capable of withstanding high pressure and high temperature with a sealed movable piston (24) separating a pressurization fluid (11) from a sample (25). A top magnet (72) moves with piston (24) and its movement is measured by a magnetometer (10). Heat is provided via a heater (52) and pressure is controlled via pressurization fluid (11).

Abstract: Fluid flow measurement device and method. In one embodiment, a tool comprises a rotating arm with a sensor pad to measure fluid flow into or out of the casing wall. The arm maintains the sensor pad in close proximity to the casing inner wall. The tool diameter is variable to allow the tool to traverse variable diameter casings and pass obstacles. The sensor pad comprises flow channels to direct the flow of fluid by electromagnetic sensors configured to detect conductive fluid flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to evaluate subterranean formations are described. An example method of evaluating a subterranean formation includes, obtaining a first sample from a first wellbore location. Additionally, the example method includes obtaining a second sample from a second wellbore location different than the first wellbore location. Further, the example method includes mixing the first sample with the second sample in a flowline to obtain a substantially homogenous mixture. Further still, the example method includes measuring a parameter of the mixture to evaluate the subterranean formation.

Abstract: A fluid flow metering device comprises a ball valve locatable in a fluid flow, having at least two transverse bores through the ball valve, a first transverse bore and a second transverse bore. The first transverse bore includes a fluid flow metering apparatus for measuring the rate of fluid flow through the first transverse bore. The ball valve is preferably rotatable between a first metering position where fluid is flowable through the first transverse bore and a second open position where fluid is flowable through the second transverse bore. In addition, the second transverse bore is dimensioned so that a tool is movable through the second transverse bore when the ball valve is in the second open position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a force sensor for measuring a bearing force of a roller deviating a web of material. The force sensor includes a base element on which at least one sensor element is supported. The sensor element has at least one plate which can be elastically deformed by the bearing force and is provided with at least one force transducer. The sensor element is loaded by a pressure piece into which the bearing force is introduced by means of a spring. The spring has a larger range of spring—in the direction of the force—than the elastically deformable plate for the same load. In order to limit the action of the force on the sensor element, an annular abutment is provided, against which the pressure piece can be pressed flat. The abutment is provided around the sensor element.

Abstract: A float-type oil-level detection apparatus is provided for detecting the surface of engine oil. A housing (81) for housing a float (82) has a through-hole (136) in the sidewall of the side opposite from the sidewall that faces the movement of the oil dipper (69).

Abstract: A capacitive semiconductor sensor includes a sensor chip, a circuit chip, a plurality of bumps, and a plurality of dummy bumps. The sensor chip includes a dynamic quantity detector, which has a detection axis in one direction. The circuit chip includes a signal processing circuit. The sensor chip and the circuit chip are coupled by flip-chip bonding through the plurality of bumps. Furthermore, the sensor chip and the circuit chip are mechanically coupled through the plurality of dummy bumps.

Abstract: An inertial sensor has a transducer with a sense resonator. The sense resonator is oscillated. A signal responsive to the oscillation is provided. A first baseband signal and a second baseband signal are provided responsive to the signal responsive to the oscillation of the sense resonator. A signal for controlling a resonance frequency of the sense resonator is provided responsive to performing a Goertzel algorithm on the first baseband signal and the second baseband signal. One use of controlling the resonance frequency is to control an offset between the resonance frequency of the sense resonator and the frequency of the oscillation of drive masses in the sense resonator. Using the Goertzel algorithm is particularly efficient in controlling the resonance frequency.

Abstract: An inertial measurement unit (IMU) for a spinning aerial vehicle that spins about a spin axis having a substrate defining a plane, the substrate fixed to the vehicle with the plane essentially orthogonal to the spin axis so that the substrate spins about the spin axis as the vehicle does, at least one generally planar gyroscope coupled to the substrate, the gyroscope defining a gyro input axis that is essentially parallel to the plane and generating a gyro output signal, at least one generally planar accelerometer coupled to the substrate, the accelerometer defining an accelerometer input axis that is essentially parallel to the plane and generating an accelerometer output signal, and a system for demodulating the gyro output signal with a phase-sensitive demodulation referenced to the accelerometer output signal. Also featured is a method of providing guidance information for a spinning aerial vehicle that spins about a spin axis using the described system.

Abstract: This invention relates to a resonant device with detection in the piezo-resistive plane made using surface technologies on a bulk, which comprises a resonator connected to this bulk by at least one embedded portion, means of exciting this resonator and detection means comprising at least one suspended beam type strain gauge made from piezo-resistive material, in which each strain gauge has a common plane with the resonator, and is connected to this resonator at a point situated outside of this at least one embedded portion to increase the stress observed by this strain gauge.

Abstract: A stiffness detector transmits acoustic waves to a paper sheet at a predetermined angle to excite Lamb waves. The stiffness detector receives leaky waves of the Lamb waves propagated through the paper sheet at different angles with respect to the paper sheet by a plurality of reception sensors. The stiffness detector is configured to specify a maximum leak angle at which a leak amount of the acoustic waves from the paper sheet becomes maximum based on outputs from the plurality of reception sensors in the reception module and to judge a degree of fatigue of the paper sheet based on the specified maximum leak angle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for resonance detection are disclosed. For example, one method for resonance detection includes the step of transmitting an actuator signal to an actuator coupled to a surface of a device. The actuator signal is configured to cause the actuator to output a force to the surface. The method further includes the steps of receiving a response of the surface to the force; determining a resonant frequency of the surface based at least in part on the response; and outputting a signal indicative of the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for characterizing a defect of a defective heat fusion joint connecting two pipe segments in which the time of flight of an ultrasonic waveform reflected off an exterior surface of a heat fusion joint fitting connecting the two pipe segments or reflected off an interior wall of one of the pipe segments at a plurality of locations around the circumference of the heat fusion joint fitting is measured to determine the minimum and maximum times of flight, which correspond to the maximum and minimum combined wall thicknesses of the heat fusion joint fitting connecting the pipe segments and the pipe segment wall. If the difference between the minimum and maximum combined wall thicknesses as determined from the measured times of flight is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, then the heat fusion joint is defective and possibly unacceptable for use, requiring a second set of time-of-flight measurements to characterize the nature of the defect.

Abstract: A diagnostic means to enable real-time inspection of bonded structures. The disclosed apparatus detects bond failure stress waves on-axis from the front side (beam application side). Pi-box and pi-rail EMAT gauges can be used with the disclosed apparatus. An inductively coupled EMAT may also be employed. An improved means to remotely deliver an interrogating laser beam to a surface is provided. The process head may utilize a water column or a water film. The water film process head may include the use of either a single water film or two spaced apart water films. The disclosed apparatus can be used with bonded composite structures, bonded structures using various materials, and to determine the dynamic strength of unbonded solid materials. The apparatus may also be used in other applications that require remote flexible delivery of a localized stress wave to a material and/or diagnosis of the resultant stress waves.

Abstract: Method for non-destructive inspection of defects in a surface of a pipeline or storage tank. The method includes carrying out a first way of non-destructive inspection for determining a first defect pattern and carrying out a second way of non-destructive inspection for determining a second defect pattern. The method includes identifying at least one defect of the first defect pattern and at least one defect of the second defect pattern which represent one and the same defect, and comparing the dimensions and optionally also the positions of the identified defects so as to obtain a difference in dimensions and optionally also in the positions. The method also includes obtaining a plurality of such differences and obtaining at least one parameter representing said differences, and correcting the dimensions and optionally also the positions of defects of the first defect pattern by using the at least one parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing ultrasonic inspection of an object, during one measurement on the object, triggers a sequence of excitations of the probe system and receives a sequence of substantially identical echo signals reflected from the object, and further scales each echo signal to different degrees to increase and extend the dynamic range of the echo signals. An A/D converter is then used to digitize the scaled signal sequentially in a manner which dispenses the need for using numerous A/D converters and the associated filters. The digitized signal samples are then combined to produce a single digital output in a manner that is not over-flowed and with desirable resolution. A sequence of successive acquisitions of the scaled signal with the highest sensitivity are averaged to reduce system noise.

Abstract: A surface acoustic wave sensor detects a mass load on a resonator-type surface acoustic wave filter on the basis of a change in frequency and includes an IDT electrode arranged on a piezoelectric substrate to excite surface waves, an insulating film arranged so as to cover the IDT electrode, and a reaction film which is disposed on the insulating film and which reacts with a target substance to be detected or a binding substance that binds to a target substance to be detected. The reaction film is composed of a metal or a metal oxide.

Abstract: The flow sensor or other type of sensor comprises a package having a cylindrical section arranged between an anchor section and a head section. The diameter of the anchor section is typically larger than the diameter of the cylindrical section, which in turn is typically larger than the diameter of the head section. A sensor chip is embedded partially into the package, with a sensitive area being exposed to the surroundings. The sensor can e.g. be inserted into a bore having a diameter matching the one of the cylindrical section.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sense element port, a support ring and a plurality of interference fit slits to provide a flexible interference fit between the sense element port and the support ring to form a substantially flush lap joint. The sensor also includes an electronics board inside the support ring and attached to planar mounting tabs which provide a stable mounting. Gel flow barriers protect electronics board features from unwanted non-conductive gel. Double-ended symmetrical, tapered contact springs provide manufacturing cost savings and contribute to improved alignment of an interface connector of the sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure detection device capable of easy installation and removal of a sensor in/from a diaphragm, measurement of a pressure in a wide rage, and manufacture at a low cost while reducing a size. A sensor part (A) has: a magnet (12) being applied with a load produced by pressing of a diaphragm (8); and a magnet cap (11) covering the magnet (12). The diaphragm (8) has an intra-diaphragm magnetic body (9) buried therein. The intra-diaphragm magnetic body (9) has a protrusion part protruding from the diaphragm (8) so as to be in contact with the magnet (12). The magnet cap (11) has an opening part enabling the protrusion part of the intra-diaphragm magnetic body (9) and the magnet (12) to be joined together.

Abstract: A bourdon tube pressure gauge includes a joint which is made of resin and attached to a pressure container, and a bourdon tube which is made of metal and provided with a base end part fixed to the joint. The joint is formed with a fixing hole to which the base end part of the bourdon tube is inserted and adhesively fixed, and a side face of the fixing hole is formed with a recessed part which is recessed in a flattened direction of the base end part of the bourdon tube that is inserted into the fixing hole. Further, the recessed part is formed toward a depth side of the fixing hole and at least a part of the recessed part which is formed on an inner side of the fixing hole is formed wider in the flattened direction than an opening part of the fixing hole which is an insertion port of the bourdon tube.

Abstract: A method is provided for checking a knocking device which is intended for cleaning a surface of a heat exchanger element arranged on an inside of a boiler housing of a garbage incineration plant. The knocking device has a knocking ram guided through a wall of the boiler housing and movable in a direction toward the inside of the boiler. The heat exchanger element is deflected out of its position of rest into a deflection position by the knocking ram, and the force required for deflecting the heat exchanger element and/or the attenuation behavior of the heat exchanger element released after deflection are/is determined.

Abstract: Device (10, 20, 30) and method for tightening a bolt (2) or a nut (12) threaded on its end, which end extends through at least a first body (3) and screws into a hole (5) in a second body (4) or extends through the second body into another nut (13). The device has gripping means (7, 17) co-acting with the bolt-head or the nuts. Means (8) process a signal generated by sensor means (18) subject to the axial force exerted on the surface of the first body by the bolt-head or the first nut, or on the surface of the second body by the second nut, and control the device such that the bolt-head or a nut is tightened subject to the axial force exerted on the surface of one of the bodies, which sensor means are in an annular body (16) around the threaded hole between the bolt-head or first nut and the first body or between the second nut and second body.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing the break-through strength of a tissue product is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a dose addition assembly having an opening and a sample holder. The sample holder comprises a lower platen and an upper platen disposed in a fact to face relationship and each having coextensive openings disposed therein. The opening of the dose addition assembly is disposed proximate to one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens. A substance is disposed within the dose addition assembly and is capable of being expectorated from the opening of the dose addition assembly through one of the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens onto a tissue product disposed between the upper and lower platens and within the openings disposed within the upper and lower platens.

Abstract: Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include stroking a valve member and measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke. Methods of evaluating a fluid condition may include measuring a force acting on a valve member in the presence of fluid flow over a period of time and evaluating at least one of the frequency of changes in the measured force over the period of time and the magnitude of the changes in the measured force over the period of time to identify the presence of an anomaly in a fluid flow and, optionally, its estimated location. Methods of evaluating a valve condition may include directing a fluid flow through a valve while stroking a valve member, measuring a force acting on the valve member during the stroke, and comparing the measured force to a reference force. Valve assemblies and related systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A 6-axis force sensor includes bumper 10 with bumper axis 12 and press member 11 which has four horizontal beams 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d in a cross shape with end, side and bottom faces. Sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 on end faces sense force in one direction and sense a moment acting on opposite end faces. Sensors 41, 42, 43, and 44 on side faces sense force in a second direction transverse to the first direction and sense a moment acting on opposite side faces. A film 20 on the bottom faces has four sensors 21, 22, 23, and 24, one on each bottom face, for sensing force in a direction transverse to the first and the second directions and sensing a moment acting on opposite sensors on the film.

Abstract: An orthopedic simulator is provided with a mechanism with a plurality of sub-mechanisms that generate relative motions between the portions of orthopedic devices, such as spinal disc implants. The sub-mechanisms are configured to be nested so as to place the sub-mechanism with the highest required performance closest to the specimen.