Abstract: The present invention provides a metal forming system, comprising a platform and a gantry means, in which the platform is provided with a plurality of lower mold bases bearing sheet metals, while the gantry means is provided with at least one upper mold base and a toggle unit. The gantry means is performing lateral displacement on the platform, so as to be displaced to a location above the lower mold base which is predetermined to operate. The toggle unit is for adjusting the longitudinal position of the upper mold base so as to change the distance between the upper mold base and the lower mold base, resulting in determining whether a mold-closing state or a mold-opening state. A metal forming operation is performed on the sheet metal between the upper mold base and the lower mold base so as to manufacture a metal formed part when the mold-closing state.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a damping shaft sleeve that includes: forging a base material into a billet that includes a cylindrical body having two opposite ends and an annular flange formed on one of the opposite ends; forging a shaft hole in the cylindrical body; inverting the base material and forming two annular grooves that are respectively indented from two opposite surfaces of the annular flange; forging the billet to form the annular flange into a bottom wall and a side wall, the bottom wall cooperating with the side wall to form an asymmetrical and helical groove; and forging the shaft hole to pass through the cylindrical body of the billet.

Abstract: A die cushion drive includes a first pump, operated by a first electrical machine and at least one hydraulic cylinder having first and second chambers, with the first chamber in fluid communication with the first pump. A die cushion mechanically connected to the hydraulic cylinder. During a controlled movement of the die cushion, a pressure regulation and a preliminary control are active, with a second pump being coupled to a second electrical machine. During preliminary control, the second electrical machine is operated as a generator, with a first valve being used as an adjustment element of the pressure regulation.

Abstract: A panel bending machine (1) is described comprising a counter-blade (3) and a blank holder (5) shaped so as to clamp a sheet metal panel (4) to be bent. The panel bending machine (1) further comprises a “C” type blade holder (7), the terminals of which can be coupled to at least a first (9) and a second (11) bending blade. The machine (1) further comprises actuating means (100) of the blade holder structured to swivel said second blade (11) in two different working positions (P2, P3).

Abstract: A machine tool for processing workpieces comprises a stroke drive device with a pressing tool, with a motorized drive including two motorized drive units which are controlled independently and wedge gear elements between the motorized drive and the pressing tool. The wedge gear elements comprise two drive-side wedge gear elements, each one being associated with a motorized drive unit, and two output-side wedge gear elements attached to the pressing tool, with each output-side wedge gear element opposite to an associated respective drive-side wedge gear element and forming a gear element pair. The wedge gear elements of each gear element pair are opposite each other inclined at a wedge angle with respect to a positioning axis and inclined in opposing directions with respect to the positioning axis. The motorized drive is configured to move the pressing tool along a stroke axis and position the stroke drive device along the positioning axis.

Abstract: This measurement apparatus having a weight measurement function outputs a weight measurement result before calibration after measuring the weight of a user before calibration, measures reference weight for calibration in a state where the user does not get on a measurement apparatus body, and outputs a weight measurement result of the user after calibration.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the anti-wear nature of a surface of given article to test the article or coating thereon for wear and abrasion resistance. A selected abrasive paper strip or tape is pulled under controlled tension from a first feed reel which can control tension on the strip onto another second reel controlled at a selected speed and torque. The test part apparatus is capable of repetitive cycles. For example, a test cycle process may include the steps of pushing a finger probe against the moving selected abrasive paper in contact with a the test sample surface having a selected surface area, holding the finger probe against the paper which between the finger probe and surface of the article for a selected time and distance, and removing the finger probe pressure from the paper and the test article surface. The number of cycles required to wear through the coating on the sample is recorded and compared to other test samples.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for testing a tire on a tire testing surface, the method comprising the steps of: providing a tire testing surface arranged along a tire testing device; providing a tire having a radially outer annular side comprising a road-engaging surface; engaging forcefully the tire against the tire testing surface, whereby the forceful engagement generates a tire footprint comprising an area of contact between the road-engaging surface of the tire and the tire testing surface; rotating the tire and along the tire testing surface while engaged according to the prior step; and, applying a particulate material along the footprint, the particulate material comprising kaolinite. In other embodiments, particulate material similar to kaolin or kaolinite is employed by such methods in lieu of kaolin or kaolinite.

Abstract: Test method for structures, e.g., such as carriers and/or catalysts. The methods may be used to select the carriers and/or catalysts for future use. Carriers and catalysts so selected, and processes making use of these, are also provided.

Abstract: A detection apparatus for detecting leaks in items using tracer gas. The apparatus comprises a plurality of cells which are provided so as to receive an item to be subjected to separate phases of a detection process in order to detect the leaks, and a detection system using tracer gas provided to be connected via suitable connection devices to each cell of the plurality of cells in order to carry out the various phases of the detection process, wherein the cells are positioned on a moving device in order to be successively moved towards separate work stations of the apparatus in order to be subjected to the separate phases of the detection process.

Abstract: A pressure probe for detecting clathrates includes a probe wall defining an inside area. A window is arranged in the probe wall. A device including a circuit board having a surface is arranged below the window. A permittivity sensor and temperature sensor are arranged on the surface of the circuit board and in thermal contact with each other and with a temperature control device. An insulating layer is disposed on the surface of the circuit board over the permittivity sensor and the temperature sensor. The window includes a part of the insulating layer.

Abstract: An experimental test rig for simulating and analyzing the fouling behavior of petrochemicals when heated within a pipe or other such conduit, the rig comprising: a supply of petrochemical product; an annulus test section arranged to receive petrochemical product from the said supply, the annulus test section comprising an inner tube and an outer tube with the petrochemical product passing therebetween; a tubular test section arranged to receive petrochemical product from the said supply; a pipe circuit connecting the supply of petrochemical product to the test sections; means for heating a region of the annulus test section; means for heating a region of the tubular test section; and means for controlling and measuring the flow of the petrochemical product from the supply to the test sections; wherein the pipe circuit is configured such that the petrochemical product can be simultaneously supplied to the annulus and tubular test sections while they are heated.

Abstract: A system includes a vessel system for a fluid, a sampling assembly and a resonant sensor system coupled to the sampling assembly. The resonant sensor system may include a subsystem that detects a set of signals from a resonant sensor system at a plurality of locations in the vessel. The resonant sensor system may also include a subsystem that converts the set of signals to values of a complex impedance spectrum for the plurality of locations and stores the values of the complex impedance spectrum and frequency values. A subsystem determines a fluid phase inversion point from the values of the complex impedance spectrum.

Abstract: A high performance liquid chromatography method to routinely and reproducibly detect and quantitate metal complexes is provided. The metal complexes used in the method of the invention can be different metal complexes, or they can be stereoisomers of the same metal complexes. The high performance liquid chromatography method of the present invention is suitable for the separation of diastereomers of the same metal complexes. Also provided is a chiral high performance liquid chromatography method to separate enantiomers of metal complexes. Superoxide dismutase mimetic compounds are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for polymer chromatography, comprising at least one column that comprises a first stationary phase comprising one of the following: A) a material comprising at least one non-carbon atom, excluding glass or a metal, selected from molybdenum sulfide MoS2, tungsten sulfide WS2, silicon carbide SiC, boron nitride BN, or combinations thereof, or B) glass, or a metal, or combinations thereof, and a material comprising at least one non-carbon atom selected from molybdenum sulfide MoS2, tungsten sulfide WS2, silicon carbide SiC, boron nitride BN, or combinations thereof. The invention also provides a method for polymer chromatography, comprising introducing a solution, comprising a polymer, into a liquid flowing through a first stationary phase, and wherein the first stationary phase comprises one of foregoing materials (A) or (B).

Abstract: A sensor includes a resonant transducer, the resonant transducer being configured to determine the composition of an emulsion. The composition of the emulsion is determined by measuring the complex impedance spectrum values of the mixture of the emulsion and applying multivariate data analysis to the values.

Abstract: A method and system is provided to detect deformations on a sheet metal panel. The method includes swiping the sheet metal panel's surface through a screening material to screen the deformations present on the sheet metal panel's surface, thereby establishing screened deformations. Further, rubbing an area around the screened deformations through a stone material determines the size of the screened deformations. Finally, measuring the size of screened deformations according to a measuring rule establishes a nature of the screened deformation.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine inlet sensor fault detection and accommodation system comprises an engine model, an engine parameter comparison block, an inlet condition estimator, control laws, and a fault detection and accommodation system. The engine model is configured to produce a real-time model-based estimate of engine parameters. The engine parameter comparison block is configured to produce residuals indicating the difference between the real-time model-based estimate of engine parameters and sensed values of the engine parameters. The inlet condition estimator is configured to iteratively adjust an estimate of inlet conditions based on the residuals. The control laws are configured to produce engine control parameters for control of gas turbine engine actuators based on the inlet conditions.

Abstract: A pressure probe includes an elongated cable provided with a sensing tip, a portion of the elongated cable and sensing tip enclosed within a ceramic shroud, the ceramic shroud at least partially formed of a metalized ceramic material.

Abstract: The device comprises first means for determining a pressure value relative to the pressure at the outlet of a precooler of an air bleed system and second means for calculating the air bleed level using this pressure value, said first means comprising means for calculating a first pressure value at the outlet of the precooler, using the pressure measured by a sensor, means for receiving a pressure measured by a second sensor, which represents a second pressure value at the outlet of the precooler and means for selecting one of said first and second pressure values, which is then transmitted to said second means for calculating said air bleed level.

Abstract: There is provided an engine stroke determination apparatus. The engine stroke determination apparatus is for determining stroke of a single-cylinder four-stroke engine and includes a transistor igniter. The apparatus is configured to determine a compression stroke and an exhaust stroke by comparing voltages of ignition signals that are output in the compression stroke and the exhaust stroke by the transistor igniter.

Abstract: A particulate collection filter state detection device according to the present invention includes first pressure detection means for detecting a first pressure produced at an upstream side of the filter on an exhaust gas flow path, second pressure detection means for detecting a second pressure produced at a downstream side of the filter on the exhaust gas flow path, first Fourier transformation means for applying Fourier transformation to a value of the first pressure detected by the first pressure detection means, second Fourier transformation means for applying Fourier transformation to a value of the second pressure detected by the second pressure detection means, comparison means for comparing a spectral intensity and/or a phase at a zero frequency and a spectral intensity and/or a phase at a predetermined frequency obtained by the first Fourier transformation means and a spectral intensity and/or a phase at a zero frequency and a spectral intensity and/or a phase at a predetermined frequency obtained b

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for moving and displacing a tire undergoing tire testing, including: a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a local vertical z-axis; a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a local lateral y-axis that is substantially perpendicular to the local vertical z-axis; a rotary actuator for cambering the tire within a local coordinate system partially defined by the local vertical z-axis and the local lateral y-axis; and a linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along a global lateral y-axis that is substantially perpendicular to the local vertical z-axis such that the local coordinate system is moved and displaced along the global lateral y-axis. Specifically, the linear actuator for moving and displacing the tire along the global lateral y-axis moves and displaces an origin of the local coordinate system along the global lateral y-axis.

Abstract: A method for circuit separation testing in a double gearwheel pump having two gearwheel pumps includes charging one of the two gearwheel pumps with pressure and measuring the pressure build-up in the charged gearwheel pump and/or the pressure-build up in the other gearwheel pump. The pressure build-up is preferably realized by the gearwheel pump itself. The gearwheel pumps have a common pump shaft and are preferably configured as hydraulic pumps of a hydraulic vehicle brake system with slip control. The method detects any leak at the leadthrough of the pump shaft through a partition wall between the two gearwheel pumps.

Abstract: A tire pressure monitoring unit includes a measurement and transmission electronics unit for measuring and wirelessly transmitting pressure information. A power source supplies power to the measurement and transmission electronics unit. A plastic body embeds the measurement and transmission electronics unit and also the power source. A metal carrier sheet, which carries the measurement and transmission electronics unit and also the power source, protrudes out from the plastic body with a fastening portion, which has a fastening hole. A method for producing a tire pressure monitoring unit is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to modular flow sensor assemblies and methods. The modular flow sensor assembly may include a main sensor body, a first end adapter having a first connection port configuration, and a second end adapter having a second connection port configuration. The main sensor body may include a main housing and a sensor, where the first end adapter is configured to engage the main housing and the second end adapter is configured to engage the main housing. The first end adapter and the second end adapter may be selected from a group of end adapters, wherein at least two of the end adapters has a different connection port configuration. The selected first end adapter and the selected second end adapters may have the same or different connection port configurations. The first end adapter and the second end adapter are configured to be interchangeable end adapters.

Abstract: A cuvette module comprises a cuvette carrier and a cuvette held by the cuvette carrier. An intermediate chamber is formed in the cuvette carrier. The cuvette carrier comprises an electrically conductive plastic material. The cuvette has a different material than the cuvette carrier and the wettability of the cuvette carrier is greater than the wettability of the cuvette. A method transfers a predetermined amount of liquid from a transport container to a cuvette, employs a cuvette module. The method makes it easier to check whether the intermediate chamber still contains a sufficient amount of liquid.

Abstract: A fuel sensing system and method of measuring and monitoring an amount of fuel in a storage tank for power operated equipment. The method comprises the steps of positioning a fuel sensor assembly within a storage tank that supports fuel provided to the power operated equipment during operation and generating a pulse width modulated output signal with a pulse width modulation generating circuit. The pulse width modulated output signal provides a signal width proportional to the fuel level in the storage tank. The method also comprises processing the pulse with modulated output signal with non-transient computer readable medium by one or more processors internal to a microcontroller to form an output value indicating the amount of fuel in the storage tank and displaying the output value on an indicator display mounted on the power equipment.

Abstract: A detecting probe mounting device for fixation in the proximity to a rotating member of a machine is provided. The detecting probe mounting device includes at least two detecting probes with a connecting part and a detecting part for detecting parameters of the machine and/or the rotating member, a probe support structure with one through hole for each detecting probe and with mounting means for mounting each detecting probe at the probe support structure, wherein in a mounted state the connecting part and the detecting part are located on different sides of each through hole, and fixing means for fixing the probe support structure at a predefined position in proximity to the rotating member of the machine, wherein in the fixed state the detecting part of each detecting probe is facing the rotating member.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) inertial sensor includes first, second, and third fixed electrodes, a first translational element to translate along a first direction, first mobile electrodes extending from the first translation element and being interdigitated with the first fixed electrodes to form first sensor assemblies, a second translation element to translate along a second direction, second mobile electrodes extending from the second translation element and being interdigitated with the second fixed electrodes to form second sensor assemblies, and a rotation element to rotate about the second direction, the rotation element having a surface opposite the third fixed electrodes to form third sensor assemblies, wherein the third fixed electrode being displaced from the surface of the rotation element along a third direction.

Abstract: An integrated detection structure has a first inertial mass and a second inertial mass, each of which is elastically anchored to a substrate and has a linear movement along a first horizontal axis, a first detection movement of rotation about a first axis of rotation parallel to a second horizontal axis and a second detection movement of translation along the second horizontal axis; driving electrodes cause linear movement of the inertial masses, in opposite directions of the first horizontal axis; a pair of flexural resonator elements and a pair of torsional resonator elements are elastically coupled to the inertial masses, the torsional resonator elements having a resonant movement of rotation about a second axis of rotation and a third axis of rotation, parallel to one another and to the first axis of rotation.

Abstract: A vibrator in a vibrating gyroscope includes a circular annular portion, a rectangular annular portion, and joining portions. The rectangular annular portion is disposed adjacent to an outer side of the circular annular portion. The joining portions join the circular annular portion and the rectangular annular portion. The rectangular annular portion includes linear beam portions. The joining portions join the circular annular portion and the center portions of the beam portions to each other.

Abstract: An inertial measurement device and method for measuring acceleration in three axes. Three orthogonally disposed accelerometers are defined on a common planar substrate. At least one of the accelerometers is provided with a proof mass coupled to a nano-resonator element. The nano-resonator element is oscillated at a first predetermined frequency, which may be a first resonant frequency, and is altered to oscillate at a second frequency, which may be a second resonant frequency, in response to a resultant force produced by the acceleration of the proof mass. The degree of change in nano-resonator element output frequency is sensed and processed using suitable processing circuitry as a change in acceleration on the active axis.

Abstract: A device for the evaluation of vibrations (10) comprises an evaluating device (12), which comprises an input for introducing a vibration signal (SG) and is designed to determine a characteristic signal (BK) with the dimension of length/time? and/or the square (SE) of the characteristic signal (BK) from the vibration signal (SG) by means of a frequency-dependent evaluation of the vibration signal (SG). For a predefined value of a dimensional exponent ?, 1.3<?<1.7, a vibration sensor (11) of the device (10) outputs the vibration signal (SG). An RMS value (BEF) of the characteristic signal (BK) or the square (SE) of the characteristic signal (BK) essentially corresponds to the damaging effect of the vibrations on a structure or a machine. The square (SE) can be converted into a service life (T) according to the equation T=KB/SE and displayed.

Abstract: The invention may be embodied as a fingerprint scanner having an ultrasonic wave detector, a platen, an ultrasonic wave generator located between the detector and the platen. The invention may be embodied as a method of scanning a finger. One such method includes providing a platen, a detector and a generator, the generator being placed between the platen and the detector. A finger may be provided on the platen, and an ultrasound wave pulse may be sent from the generator toward the finger. The wave pulse may be reflected from the finger, and received at the detector. The received wave pulse may be used to produce an image of the finger.

Abstract: A long-distance fiber optic monitoring system having a sensing unit and an analyzer that is remotely located from the sensing unit is provided. The sensing unit comprises a source of optical energy for injecting optical energy into the fiber optical cable and an optical detector configured to detect an optical return signal from the optical fiber. The detected optical return signal is associated with an acoustic signal impinging on the optical fiber. The analyzer receives a signal from the remote sensing unit via the optical fiber that is representative of the optical return signal, and determines a location of a disturbance based at least on the received signal. The representative signal can be transmitted from the remote sensing unit to the analyzer as an optical signal or via a metallic wired included with the optical fiber.

Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting an oscillatory event are provided. According to one embodiment, a system may include a controller configured to provide a command signal to a positioning device and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The command signal may include a reference position. The processor may be configured to monitor a feedback signal responsive to the command signal. The feedback signal may include an actual position of the positioning device. The processor may be further configured to determine that within a predetermined period of time the actual position is both above a predetermined upper threshold and below a predetermined lower threshold. Based on the determination, the processor may declare the oscillatory event.

Abstract: A process pressure measuring system includes a transmitter having a first sealed system in which a first outlet couples to a pressure sensor, a first isolator diaphragm assembly, a first capillary passage, and a first isolation fluid. The first isolation fluid couples a first pressure from the first isolator diaphragm to the first outlet and the pressure sensor. A second sealed system includes a second pressure outlet that is coupled to the first isolator diaphragm assembly, a second isolator diaphragm assembly, a second capillary passage and a second isolation fluid. The second isolation fluid is adapted for use in a first temperature range and couples a pressure from the second isolator diaphragm assembly to the second pressure outlet. A third sealed system includes a third pressure outlet that is coupled to the second isolator diaphragm assembly, a third isolator diaphragm assembly, a third capillary passage and a third isolation fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods for an internally switched multiple range transducer are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a first sensor, a pressure, wherein the first sensor is associated with a first pressure range; measuring, at the first sensor, the pressure to generate a first pressure signal; in response to determining that the first pressure signal is not associated with the first pressure range, activating a second sensor, wherein the second sensor is associated with a second pressure range that is different from the first pressure range; and measuring, at the second sensor, the pressure to generate a second pressure signal.

Abstract: A process fluid pressure sensing system includes a process fluid pressure transmitter and a process manifold. The process fluid pressure transmitter has first and second pressure inlets and is configured to obtain a measurement relative to pressures applied at the first and second pressure inlets and provide a process variable output based on the measurement. The process manifold is operably coupled to a process fluid and has first and second pressure outlets. A first high-pressure coupling joins the first pressure outlet of the process manifold to the first pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter. A second high-pressure coupling joins the second pressure outlet of the process manifold to the second pressure inlet of the process fluid pressure transmitter. The first and second high-pressure fluid couplings are configured to accommodate misalignment between the respective pressure outlets and inlets.

Abstract: A method for load relieving a test object, wherein a load is applied by a multiplicity of hydraulic devices positioned side by side each introducing a partial load into the test object such that the test object has a minimum deflection in an area close to its fixation and a maximum deflection in an area far away from the fixation, wherein the load is reduced sequentially from the maximum deflection to the minimum deflection. A test rig is provided that enables an autonomous and non-synchronical load relief of a test object based on pressure difference. A test rig is provided that enables an autonomous and non-synchronical load relief of a test object based on a delay time and a control system for such test rigs.

Abstract: The embodiments are directed to high precision Micro-Penetration Strength Testers, high pressure Micro-Compression Testers, and/or the like adapted for testing non-conductive thin films or membranes and coated films or coated membranes.

Abstract: A gas flow test apparatus and method include a flow monitor that is selectively connectable to a gas pipeline. An air motor driven regenerative blower is used to increase the flow of gas through the around a blockage in the pipeline to simulate an increased gas loading condition on the intake side of the apparatus. The gas drawn from the intake side is not vented to the atmosphere, but rather, is discharged to the exhaust side of the apparatus back into the pipeline. Pipeline pressure is measured on the intake side of the apparatus to ensure that gas supply is adequate for blocking off the pipeline for maintenance.

Abstract: Remote marker systems are disclosed for marking a target using optical markers. Such systems may allow a target to be marked using a remote optical marking device. Also disclosed are photochromic solutions and methods of their preparation.

Abstract: A magnetic flowmeter for sensing process fluid flow is provided. The flowmeter includes a tube configured to receive the process fluid flow therethrough. A plurality of electrodes is disposed to contact process fluid. At least one electromagnetic coil is disposed proximate the tube. Flowmeter electronics are configured to drive a current through at least one electromagnetic coil and to sense a signal developed across a plurality of electrodes disposed to contact process fluid. A flexible circuit module is disposed proximate the tube, and has at least one flexible circuit containing a plurality of electrical traces electrically coupled to the flowmeter electronics. The at least one electromagnetic coil includes a first coil in the flexible circuit module that is coupled to the electrical traces.

Abstract: A flowmeter is disclosed. The flowmeter includes a vibratable conduit, and a driver connected to the conduit that is operable to impart motion to the conduit. A sensor is connected to the conduit and is operable to sense the motion of the conduit and generate a sensor signal. A controller is connected to receive the sensor signal. The controller is operable to detect a single-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a first process during the single-phase flow condition to generate a validated mass-flow measurement. The controller is also operable to detect a two-phase flow condition and process the sensor signal using a second process during the two-phase flow condition to generate the validated mass-flow measurement.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes a first die assembly, a second die assembly, and a conducting member. The first die assembly includes a MEMS pressure sensor. The second die assembly includes an ASIC configured to generate an electrical output corresponding to a pressure sensed by the MEMS pressure sensor. The conducting member is positioned between the first die assembly and the second die assembly and is configured and to electrically connect the MEMS pressure sensor to the ASIC.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode, a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic, a spacer layer, a third magnetic layer. The substrate includes a first region and a second region. The first electrode is provided on the first region. The second electrode is provided on the first electrode. The first magnetic layer is provided between the first electrode and the second electrode. The second magnetic layer is provided between the first electrode and the first magnetic layer or between the first magnetic layer and the second electrode. The spacer layer is provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer in a stacking direction of layers from the first electrode to the second electrode. The third magnetic layer is provided continuously with the second magnetic layer on the second region.

Abstract: Shown are a device (26) and a method for detecting the deflection of a plurality of elastic elements (22), wherein the elastic elements (22) can be deflected out of a rest position against a restoring force and are suitable as resonators and/or for measuring a force acting on a respective elastic element (22). The elastic elements (22) are arranged periodically, The arrangement of the elastic elements (22) is illuminated using light, the coherence length of which is larger than the average spacing of adjacent elastic elements (22). A diffraction image is hereby created of the illuminating light scattered on the arrangement of elastic elements (22), and at least a portion of the diffraction image is detected by an optical sensor (32) directly or after interaction with further optical components. The detected image or image signal is subsequently analysed in order to determine information relating to the deflection state of the elastic elements (22) therefrom.

Abstract: Flexible force/pressure sensors for producing electrical output signals proportional to forces or pressures exerted on the sensor include a thin, elastically deformable foam pad laminated between a pair of electrically conducive fabric sheets. A piezocapacitive embodiment of the sensor utilizes an elastically deformable perforated open-cell polyurethane foam pad preferably saturated with glycerin to increase the capacitance of the sensor. The piezocapacitive sensor section is preferably stacked onto a piezoresistive section having a second open-cell foam pad containing piezoresistive carbon particles to form a hybrid piezocapacitive/piezoresistive sensor. A third, “leaky dielectric” embodiment of a sensor includes a single open-cell foam pad which contains both a dielectric liquid and conductive particles. A low frequency such as d.c.