Abstract: A flow sensor sub-assembly includes a flow tube having a lumen, an outside diameter, a first end, and a second end. An inlet fitting includes a conical orifice sized for insertion in either end of the flow tube, such that an internal passage of the inlet fitting is coaxial and concentric with the lumen and the end of the flow tube abuts a shoulder. An outlet fitting includes a conical orifice sized for insertion in either end of the flow tube, such that an internal passage of the inlet fitting is coaxial and concentric with the lumen and the end of the flow tube abuts a shoulder. A first piezo element integrated with the inlet fitting is arranged at an upstream position of the flow tube assembly and a second piezo element integrated with the outlet fitting is arranged at a downstream position of the flow tube assembly.

Abstract: An electromechanical transformation device for an ultrasonic flow meter comprises an alkaline niobate piezoelectric ceramic composition and a rigid body adhered onto the major surface of the ceramic composition. The ceramic composition is made of crystal structures such as orthorhombic crystals formed at the side where the temperature is lower than the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature, tetragonal crystals formed at the side where temperature is higher that the orthorhombic-to-tetragonal phase transition temperature as well as at the side where the temperature is lower than the tetragonal-to-cubic phase transition temperature, and the cubic crystals formed at the side where the temperature is higher than the tetragonal-to-cubic phase temperature. Young's modulus of the rigid is 60 GPa or more. THe volume percent of the ceramic composition existing within a range where the distance from the adhesion point of the piezoelectric ceramic composition and the rigid body is 40% or more.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flowmeter capable of increasing the amplitude of, and the receiving sensitivity for, an excited signal is provided. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to the present invention includes two or more ultrasonic transducers on a transmission side and two or more ultrasonic transducers on a receiving side, located as being away from each other on an outer surface of a tube having a fluid flowing therein. The two or more ultrasonic transducers located on the transmission side are driven so as to press the tube at substantially the same pressure to increase an amplitude of an ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to the present invention includes adjustment members converting an ultrasonic signal into an ultrasonic signal suitable to measurement between the tube and the ultrasonic transducers. The adjustment members each have a curved surface or a groove at a surface thereof contacting the tube.

Abstract: An ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving circuit assembly includes first and second transmitter circuits, first and second receiver circuits, and first and second poles each for coupling with an ultrasonic transducer. The ultrasonic signal transmitting and receiving circuit assembly further includes a switching circuit having a first switch for selectively connecting the first transmitter and receiver circuits to the first or second pole, and a second switch for selectively connecting the second transmitter and receiver circuits to the first or second pole.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an air flow rate measuring device disposed in an intake air passage. The air flow rate measuring device measures a flow rate of the intake air flowing through the intake air passage. The air flow rate measuring device includes a casing, a flow rate sensor, and a sensor module. The casing defines a bypass passage to take in a portion of the intake air. The flow rate sensor is disposed in the bypass passage. The flow rate sensor generates an output signal according to a flow rate of the intake air. The sensor module protrudes from an outer wall of the casing. The sensor module includes a multi-sensor unit that has a relative humidity sensor and a temperature sensor. The relative humidity sensor is exposed to an inside of the intake air passage to detect a relative humidity of the intake air flowing through the intake air passage. The temperature sensor detects a temperature of the intake air flowing through the intake air passage.

Abstract: Provided are non-exposure supplied fuel quantity testing device and method of a vehicle-mounted type, and more particularly, a device formed in a trunk of a vehicle without being exposed to test whether or not the ordered fuel quantity is supplied at the time of supplying fuel. Since the device is formed so as not to be exposed, it is disable to perform an artificial tampering of a lubricator, and since the device is mounted in the trunk, it is enable to measure whether or not the ordered fuel is supplied accurately at the same time as supplying fuel. The present invention relates to a testing method using the testing device.

Abstract: A dual chambered dispensing bottle that utilizes gravity and bottle geometry to precisely dose a desired amount of a liquid.

Abstract: Method and device for monitoring the flow of a liquid, in which method and device an electronic device (25) carried by an apparatus equipped with a turbine (17) that can be rotated by a stream of fluid comprises a means of detecting at least one determined angular position of said turbine that delivers an electric pulse each time the turbine passes through this angular position. A pulse counter may count the pulses delivered. An electric current generator connected to the turbine may power the electronic device. An electrical energy accumulator may be charged by the current generator and power the electronic device.

Abstract: A liquid level measurement device and method for a wastewater tank or tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented by attaching a visual liquid level measuring module (such as a liquid level sight or a mechanical pressure gage) to the inlet of a gate valve that is configured for attachment to the outlet of a recreational vehicle wastewater dump system. The visual liquid level measuring module is configured to entirely fit inboard of the sidewalls of the recreational vehicle and underneath the floor of the recreational vehicle. The liquid level of the wastewater tank may be measured by (a) closing the gate valve, (b) opening a shutoff valve upstream of the gate valve but downstream of the wastewater tank, and (c) reading the level of the liquid indicated by the visual liquid level indicating device.

Abstract: A measuring device that measures the level of fluid in a tank, for example a level of an aqueous urea solution in a tank for catalytic converters of combustion engines. The measuring means include: at least one sensor including a capacitive element electrically coupled to an oscillator configured to deliver a signal Si whose frequency FiPAD is a function of the capacitance of the capacitive element; at least one sensor being intended to be disposed outside of the tank, so that the capacitance of the capacitive element varies based on the level n of the fluid, when the level is comprised between a first threshold hi-min and a second threshold hi-max; a processing module, coupled to at least one sensor, and configured to determine the level n of fluid in the tank based on the frequency of the signal Si.

Abstract: The topology of a filling material surface is first determined by sampling the surface of the filling material in order to determine the fill level. When calculating the surface topology of the filling material, the measurement signal, which has been reflected at the filling material surface and has been picked up by the antenna unit of the fill level measurement device, is evaluated, taking into account the distance between the source of the measurement signal and a center of rotation of the main emission axis of the antenna. This makes it possible to accurately determine the fill level of bulk materials, even if the source of the measurement signal and the center of rotation of the main emission axis do not coincide.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the depth to the top surface of a fluid contained in a hydrocarbon well generates a pressure pulse which travels down the casing to the fluid and receives a returning pressure pulse. The system and method may measure the decay rate or pulse width of the returning pressure pulse and not necessarily require the measurement of the time between the emission of the pressure pulse and the detection of the return pulse to ascertain the depth to the fluid.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for measuring liquid height in a tank can include a housing, a transducer, and a couplant. The housing can have an interior and an aperture, the aperture placing the interior of the housing in communication with the environment external to the housing. The transducer can be seated within the aperture. The couplant can be mechanically connected to the transducer and can have a compressible couplant body. The couplant body can extend between the transducer and the external environment for transmitting an acoustic pulse from the transducer to a tank bottom for measuring height of a liquid overlaying the transducer.

Abstract: A method for testing a measuring device using a reference measuring device, which is connected to a fieldbus system in a plant, to which fieldbus system, and a fieldbus access unit is connected. While testing the measuring device the measuring device remains connected to the fieldbus system and the measured values transmitted from the measuring device via the fieldbus system during the testing are transmitted by means of the fieldbus access unit to an evaluation unit, which evaluation unit is connected with the reference device, in order to compare the measured values of the measuring device with reference measured values of the reference measuring device.

Abstract: An inspection system configured to inspect a plurality of capsule objects is provided. The system includes an imaging device for capturing an image of the capsule object's exterior and a weighing device for measuring the capsule object's weight. The system also includes an analysis unit configured to analyze the captured images and the measured weights of the capsule objects. The analysis unit is configured to execute an edge detection tool that determines the capsule object's dimensions and whether the capsule object is defective based at least in part on the measured dimensions. The analysis unit is also configured to execute a weight analysis tool configured to determine whether the capsule object is defective based on the capsule object's weight. An associated method and a non-transitory, computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code portions stored therein that are executable by a processor are also provided.

Abstract: A laser Doppler vibrometer architecture and detection technique that can remotely identify targets based on their natural vibration frequencies using a scanning Fabry-Pérot interferometer. The proposed systems and methods can have stand-off distances longer than the coherence length of the laser by using spectroscopic detection methods instead of coherent heterodyne detection using a local oscillator. Pulsed lasers can be used which have high power output. In addition, by not using an acousto-optic modulator, the speed of the detectable target is not limited. Also the mixing efficiency of the return signal can be improved.

Abstract: A gyro vibrating element includes a drive signal pattern including a drive signal electrode to which a drive signal is applied and a drive signal wire connected to the drive signal electrode, a first detection signal pattern including a first detection electrode that outputs a first detection signal and a first detection signal wire connected to the first detection electrode, the first detection signal pattern being capacitively coupled to the drive signal pattern, and a second detection signal pattern including a second detection electrode that outputs a second detection signal opposite in phase to the first detection signal and a second detection signal wire connected to the second detection electrode, the second detection signal pattern being capacitively coupled to the drive signal pattern. Any one of the first detection signal pattern, the second detection signal pattern, and the drive signal pattern includes an adjustment pattern for adjusting an area of the signal pattern.

Abstract: A multi-channel receiver optical subassembly (ROSA) including at least one sidewall receptacle configured to receive and electrically isolate an adjacent multi-channel transmitter optical subassembly (TOSA) is disclosed. The multi-channel ROSA includes a housing with at least first and second sidewalls, with the first sidewall being opposite the second sidewall and including at least one sidewall opening configured to fixedly attach to photodiode assemblies. The second sidewall includes at least one sidewall receptacle configured to receive at least a portion of an optical component package, such as a transistor outline (TO) can laser package, of an adjacent multi-channel TOSA, and provide electrical isolation between the ROSA housing and the TOSA within an optical transceiver. The sidewall receptacle can include non-conductive material in regions that directly or otherwise come into close proximity with the optical component package of the adjacent TOSA.

Abstract: A sensor package and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. A sensor package includes a substrate on which an image sensor is mounted, an electronic component mounted on the substrate, and a transparent member coupled to the electronic component and covering the image sensor.

Abstract: A passive infrared motion detection sensor that includes a Fresnel focusing arrangement that creates at least a first infrared sensing region, a second infrared sensing region, and a third infrared sensing region, in which target detection in one or more infrared sensing regions is weighted to be distinguishable from target detection in remaining infrared sensing regions. The Fresnel focusing arrangement creates the weighted infrared sensing regions using a lenslet region, an optically opaque region and a plurality of extruded cylindrical lenslets that extend across a portion of both the lenslet region and the optically opaque region. The signal detection in at least the second weighted infrared sensing region, for example, an infrared sensing range between 6 and 10 feet, is weighted to easily distinguish between a pet within the second infrared sensing range and a person at any infrared sensing range.

Abstract: An optical detecting module includes a housing, a light emitting component, an optical detecting component and an optical signal collecting component. The light emitting component is disposed inside the housing. The optical detecting component is disposed inside the housing to receive an optical detecting signal generated by the light emitting component. The optical signal collecting component is utilized to hold the light emitting component for signal collection. The optical signal collecting component includes an output portion, a bottom portion and at least one lateral portion. The light emitting component is disposed on the bottom portion, and an optical positive signal of the optical detecting signal is projected out of the housing through the output portion. The lateral portion is bent from the bottom portion to reflect an optical lateral signal of the optical detecting signal, and the optical lateral signal is projected out of the housing through the output portion.

Abstract: An infrared detector system is provided for detecting infrared radiation from an infrared radiation source or a scene. The system includes a first area that is semiconductor-based and biased to produce negative luminescence, the first area including at least one semiconductor-based detector. The detector system further includes at least one additional area being semiconductor-based and biased to produce negative luminescence. A low-emissivity specular retro-reflector shield is configured to reflect infrared radiation and covers the first area and the at least one additional area. The shield defines an aperture to allow the at least one semiconductor-based detector to receive incident rays of the infrared radiation from the infrared radiation source or the scene via a low-scatter, low-emission optical system such that the radiation incident from the infrared radiation source or scene substantially fills the solid angle defined by the aperture at any point in the first area.

Abstract: An event-based sensor and a pixel of the event-based sensor are provided. The event-based sensor includes a pixel array including pixels, a selection circuit configured to select a part of the pixels, an event circuit configured to generate an event signal indicating an active pixel sensing an event among the selected part of the pixels, based on output signals of the selected part of the pixels, and an output circuit configured to output information indicating the active pixel based on the event signal.

Abstract: A novel LED lamp comprising: a lamp body; an LED mounted to the lamp body; an outer (exit) window; and a hinged clamp for releasably mounting the outer (exit) window to the lamp body such that light emitted from the LED passes through the outer (exit) window.

Abstract: A method of auto-calibrating light sensor data of a mobile device includes, obtaining, by the mobile device, one or more reference parameters representative of light sensor data collected by a reference device. The method also includes collecting, by the mobile device, light sensor data from a light sensor included in the mobile device, itself. One or more sample parameters of the light sensor data obtained from the light sensor included in the mobile device are then calculated. A calibration model is then determined for auto-calibrating the light sensor data of the light sensor included in the mobile device based on the one or more reference parameters and the one or more sample parameters.

Abstract: Provided is a device, which is configured to emit or receive an electromagnetic wave, including: a substrate; and an element provided on the substrate, the element including: an antenna; and an electronic element electrically connected to the antenna, and the substrate including: a recessed portion; a reflecting portion formed on a surface of the recessed portion; and a holding portion configured to hold the electronic element, the antenna including two portions opposed to each other, each of the two portions extending toward the electronic element and being electrically connected to the electronic element.

Abstract: An operating value of a first laser parameter of a laser device in a laser absorption spectrometer is optimized. The wavelength of laser device emitted light is adjusted by the first or a second laser parameter. The laser absorption spectrometer comprises a light intensity detector measuring the laser light intensity from the laser device. For each of multiple values of the first laser parameter: the light intensity detector measures light intensity obtained across a range of second laser parameter values, and an extremum in the light intensity measure and a peak position for the extremum are identified. A range of first laser parameter values is identified within the values of the first laser parameter for which there is a continuous trend in changes to the identified peak position with changes to the first laser parameter. The first laser parameter operating value is set to be within the identified range.

Abstract: A spectrograph as disclosed includes a housing, wherein a wall of the housing includes first, second and third openings, an entrance slit located at the first opening and configured to direct light along a first light path portion in the interior of the housing, a dispersive element located at the second opening and configured to receive light from the entrance slit along the first light path portion and direct light along a second light path portion in the interior of the housing, a detector located at the third opening and configured to receive light from the dispersive element along the second light path portion. The detector can include first and second groups of light-sensitive regions. A cover can be positioned to separate the first group of light-sensitive regions from the light path, the second group of light-sensitive regions being exposed to the light path.

Abstract: A dispersive element is incorporated with an optical sensor as a spectrometer. The dispersive element includes a guided-mode resonance filter having a plurality of resonance regions. The resonance regions respectively have different filter characteristics, each reflecting a first light beam of a tested light source or transmitting a second light beam of the tested light source light source to the optical sensor, wherein the wavelength of the first light beam is different from that of the second light beam. In one embodiment, the dispersive element is incorporated with an optical sensor to form a miniature, high-resolution and low-cost spectrometer. The spectrometer makes use of the transmission efficiencies of the resonance regions of the guided-mode resonance filter and the light intensity distribution detected by the photosensitive regions of the optical sensor to acquire the spectral data of the tested light source.

Abstract: Systems, tools, and methods are presented for processing a plurality of spectral ranges from an electromagnetic radiation that has been interacted with a fluid. Each spectral range within the plurality corresponds to a property of the fluid or a constituent therein. In one instance, a series of spectral analyzers, each including an integrated computational element coupled to an optical transducer, forms a monolithic structure to receive interacted electromagnetic radiation from the fluid. Each spectral analyzer is configured to process one of the plurality of spectral ranges. The series is ordered so spectral ranges are processed progressively from shortest wavelengths to longest wavelengths as interacted electromagnetic radiation propagates therethrough. Other systems, tools, and methods are presented.

Abstract: A microspectroscope includes: a light source; a plurality of light projecting optical fibers that receive light from the light source; a spectroscope; a plurality of light receiving optical fibers for guiding received light to the spectroscope; and a confocal optical system for causing each of a plurality of beams from the plurality of light projecting optical fibers to be condensed and irradiated onto a sample, and forming images of a plurality of beams from a plurality of condensing points on the sample, respectively on the plurality of light receiving optical fibers.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and to devices for generating multispectral illuminating light having an addressable spectrum, for adaptive multispectral imaging and for capturing structural and/or topographical information of an object or of the distance to an object. The illuminating device comprises a multispectral light source and a modulator for temporal modulation of the individual spectral components of the multispectral light source having modulation frequencies. The multispectral light source comprises at least one light source having a continuous, quasi-continuous, or frequency comb spectrum and wavelength-dispersive means, or an assembly or array of monochromatic or quasi-monochromatic light sources having emission wavelengths or emission wavelength bands which are different from one another in each case.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a reference spectrum includes a parameter adjuster configured to adjust a parameter of a spectroscope so that an intensity of a reflection spectrum of a sample has a value in a range, a reference material spectrum measurer configured to adjust reflectance of a reference material so an intensity of a reflection spectrum of the reference material is not saturated, and measure the reflection spectrum of the reference material, using the spectroscope having the adjusted parameter, a first reference spectrum calculator configured to, in response to the adjusted reflectance of the reference material not being one hundred percent, calculate a first reference spectrum based on the measured reflection spectrum of the reference material, and a second reference spectrum measurer configured to measure a second reference spectrum of the reference material, using the spectroscope having the adjusted parameter, when a light source of the spectroscope is turned off.

Abstract: According to one implementation, an explosive spark estimation system includes an explosive spark estimation system includes a measuring system and a processing system. The measuring system is adapted to measure intensity of light, included in a spark occurred from an object to be tested. The light is within at least one specific wavelength band. The processing system is adapted to determine whether the spark is explosiveness based on the intensity of the light. Further, according to one implementation, an explosive spark estimation method includes: measuring intensity of light, included in a spark occurred from an object to be tested, within at least one specific wavelength band; and determining whether the spark is explosive, based on the intensity of the light.

Abstract: The present application is directed to a system and method for analysis of a predefined component (e.g., moisture, acid, or carbonate base content) of matter using a reagent that reacts with the predefined component to produce carbon dioxide gas. FTIR analyses are performed on contents of sealed vessels that hold a number of standard mixtures which include the reagent and a component part similar to the predefined component at different concentrations of the component part in order to derive a calibration equation that relates concentration of the predefined component to absorbance in a predefined spectral band characteristic of carbon dioxide gas concentration. FTIR analysis is performed on the contents of a sealed vessel that holds a mixture derived from a sample and the reagent. Data that characterizes concentration of the predefined component in the sample is calculated based on the absorbance in the predefined spectral band and the calibration equation.

Abstract: A non-paraxial Talbot spectrometer includes a transmission grating to receive incident light. The grating period of the transmission grating is comparable to the wavelength of interest so as to allow the Talbot spectrometer to operate outside the paraxial limit. Light transmitted through the transmission grating forms periodic Talbot images. A tilted detector is employed to simultaneously sample the Talbot images at various distances along a direction perpendicular to the grating. Spectral information of the incident light can be calculated by taking Fourier transform of the measured Talbot images or by comparing the measured Talbot images with a library of intensity patterns acquired with light sources having known wavelengths.

Abstract: Various arrangements for detecting an object using a passive infrared (PIR) sensor module of a sensor device. A PIR data stream may be received from the PIR sensor module indicative of measurements performed by the PIR sensor module. An indication may be received from a transceiver that identifies a beginning of the data transmission. A portion of the PIR data stream may be blanked in response to receiving the indication of the beginning of the data transmission, the portion of the PIR data stream corresponding to a defined time duration. A presence of an object may be determined using the PIR data stream, excluding the blanked portion.

Abstract: An infrared detector includes thermocouples configured to generate electromotive force upon receiving thermal energy and an absorber configured to absorb infrared light and disposed on a surface of each of the thermocouples. The thermocouples are arranged radially and the absorber is provided at first ends of respective thermocouples, the first end configured to be a hot junction.

Abstract: A sensor sheet has a planer shape to be disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat. The sensor sheet includes: a pliable planar main body capable of being disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat; a plurality of detecting portions provided in the main body; and a wiring line that is configured to supply power to each of the detecting portions, wherein each of the plurality of detecting portions is configured to transmit information detected from the surface of the vehicle seat to a controller through a wired or wireless communication, wherein the main body has an air permeability to enable circulation of air in a thickness direction, and wherein the plurality of detecting portions are arranged at a suitable interval in a surface direction of the main body.

Abstract: In order to provide a semiconductor integrated circuit capable of predicting its own lifetime (wear out failure) due to the aged deterioration and notifying a warning, it includes a processor, a temperature sensor, a non-volatile memory, and a comparator formed on the same semiconductor substrate. The comparator compares a temperature measured by the temperature sensor with a predetermined temperature threshold, and the non-volatile memory accumulatively holds the information (cumulative time) about a period having the temperature exceeding the temperature threshold. The semiconductor integrated circuit notifies the outward of a warning when the cumulative time having the temperature exceeding the temperature threshold exceeds a predetermined high temperature time threshold.

Abstract: A capacitor type tactile sensor and a method of manufacturing the capacitor type tactile sensor are provided. To elaborate, the device includes a first electrode, an active layer formed on a top surface of the first electrode, and a second electrode formed on a top surface of the active layer. The active layer is made of ionic elastomer, and a concentration of effective ions within the active layer is adjusted by an external pressure.

Abstract: A deformation sensing apparatus comprises an elastic substrate, a first strain-gauge element formed on a first surface of the elastic substrate, and configured to output a first signal in response to a strain applied in a first direction, and a second strain-gauge element formed on a second surface of the elastic substrate opposite to the first surface, and configured to output a second signal in response to a strain applied in the same first direction.

Abstract: According to the present disclosure, there is provided a piezocapacitive type pressure sensor including a first electrode layer, a second electrode layer spaced apart from the first electrode layer, and a dielectric layer formed between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, wherein the dielectric layer is made of a porous elastomer.

Abstract: Piezoresistive detection resonant device comprising a substrate, a mobile par configured to move with respect the substrate, suspension elements suspending the mobile part to the substrate, a piezoresistive detection device to detect the motions of the mobile part, said piezoresistive detection device comprising at least one strain gauge, wherein the piezoresistive detection resonant device also comprises a folded spring with at least two spring arms, connected to the mobile part and configured to be deformed by the motion of the mobile part, the at least one gauge being suspended between the substrate and the folded spring in such manner that the deformation of the gauge is reduced compared to the motion of the mobile part.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a low cost, low noise strain sensor based on a web of continuous core-shell nanofibers with conductive shell and mechanically robust core that can be attached or embedded on a variety objects for directional monitoring of static or dynamic changes in mechanical deformation and pressure. This is a low cost, highly sensitive strain sensor, with low noise and ease of integration for different applications from synthetic tactile skins, to vibrational and health monitoring.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor device including a receiving body including an inserting space, an inserting body disposed in the inserting space, a first sensor assembly including at least one sensor provided between an inner surface of the receiving body and an outer surface of the inserting body, and a second sensor assembly including at least one sensor provided between another inner surface of the receiving body and another outer surface of the inserting body.

Abstract: A sensor information collecting apparatus includes: a sensor module; a sensor amplifier that is configured to be in an operation stop mode in a static state; an acceleration sensor that outputs a first start signal; a controller that is configured to be in a sleep mode in the static state, and operates, when the first start signal is received from the acceleration sensor or when an interrupt signal is received from a realtime clock, to output a second start signal to allow the sensor amplifier to start to operate, control reading of the detection data of the sensor module, and store the read detection data in a memory; a power supply unit that is configured to be in the operation stop mode in the static state, and starts to operate by receiving the second start signal from the controller to supply the power supply voltage to the sensor amplifier; and a battery that supplies a battery voltage to the acceleration sensor, the controller, and the power supply unit.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensor includes a first sensor unit, a first stacked body, and a film unit. The first sensor unit includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer, the first intermediate layer being provided between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. The first stacked body includes a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer, the second intermediate layer being provided between the third magnetic layer and the fourth magnetic layer. The film unit is deformable. A portion of the film unit is disposed between the first sensor unit and the first stacked body.

Abstract: A balance device comprises first, second and third components. The first, second and third components include substantially cylindrical first, second and third central portions, respectively, and which are coaxial with one another. The balance device further comprises a first set of connectors for coupling the first component to the third component and a second set of connectors for coupling the second component to the third component. The connectors accommodate axial movement in response to relative axial forces between the first and second components and minimise rotational movement about the axial direction in response to relative axial torque between the first and second components.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a first insulating layer having a first array of electrically conductive strips embedded therein and extending in a first direction. An intermediate layer of conductive soft polymer material is positioned above the first insulating layer and the first array of said electrically conductive strips. A second insulating layer having a second array of electrically conductive strips embedded therein, which extend in a second direction which is different than the first direction, is positioned above the intermediate layer. The first array of electrically conductive strips are connected to the second array of electrically conductive strips, and both the first and second array of electrically conductive strips are also connected to an impedance measuring device.