Abstract: A measuring system monitors a spindle. The measuring system includes a cylindrical housing which can be arranged in and mechanically firmly connected to a spindle housing. A carrier ring is arranged inside the cylindrical housing. Three sensors for measuring a radial displacement and three sensors for measuring an axial displacement of the spindle are distributed over a circumference of the carrier ring. The sensors are cast with the carrier ring.

Abstract: A micromachined tunable capacitor. A pair of first and second MEMS fabricated flexures are flexibly coupled to a piezo actuator drive element configured wherein a stress or strain induced by the piezo actuator drive element urges a first movable capacitor plate element a predetermined distance toward or away from a second capacitor plate element proportional to a predetermined voltage signal.

Abstract: The present application relates to the technical field of sensors, and particularly relates to a lightning-proof piezoelectric acceleration sensor which comprises a housing, a core assembly, an insulation sheet, a shielding cover, a lightning-proof circuit board and a heat-shrinkable sleeve, the core assembly is provided inside the housing, the insulation sheet has one end fixedly connected to the core assembly and the other end fixedly connected to an inner wall of the housing, the shielding cover is sleeved outside the core assembly and has an open end oriented towards the insulation sheet, the lightning-proof circuit board is fixedly provided on an upper end of the shielding cover and is electrically connected to an external connector and the core assembly respectively, the heat-shrinkable sleeve is sleeved outside the shielding cover and has a lower end connected to the housing and an upper end situated higher than the shielding cover.

Abstract: A quartz pressure sensor that resonates in the thickness-shear mode can include a center resonator structure and first and second caps joined to the center resonator structure by bond joints. Each bond joint is comprised of a sealing glass having thickness less than 0.0012 inches (˜30 ?m) and a melting point less than 573° C. The quartz pressure sensor can additionally include an inner diameter edge feature formed between the interior sidewall in the joint sidewall of the caps that reduces stresses at the bond joints and/or a high stress point in the cap bore.

Abstract: A method for detecting an open circuit state failure in a piezoelectric element connection includes exciting a piezoelectric element with an excitation signal and monitoring and evaluating an electrical output signal generated by the piezoelectric element in response to the excitation signal. The excitation signal is a pulse train. A frequency of the pulse train is chosen such that the piezoelectric element acts as a low pass filter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control device (10) for a medical aerosol delivery device (2), a medical aerosol delivery system (1), a method for controlling a medical aerosol delivery device (2), a computer program element for controlling such device or system, and a computer readable medium having stored such computer program element. The control device (10) for a medical aerosol delivery device (2) comprises a provision unit (11), a processing unit (12), and a control unit (13). The provision unit (11) is configured to provide inhalation length data per breath. The processing unit (12) is configured to compare the provided inhalation length data with a predetermined inhalation length threshold, and to filter provided inhalation length data below the predetermined inhalation length threshold. The control unit (13) is configured to control the medical aerosol delivery device (2) based on the filtered inhalation length data.

Abstract: A piezoelectric power apparatus wherein piezoelectric material forms one wall of a liquid-filled container. Water pressure within the container is made to rapidly vary either by a cam operated piston or a motor operated ball valve acting on a pressurized liquid flow. The piston reciprocates through a wall of the container to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. The ball valve periodically interrupts the pressurized liquid flow to alternately increase and decrease the pressure in the liquid. In either case, the alternate increase and decrease in the pressure in the liquid creates pressure variations in the piezoelectric material.

Abstract: A temperature correction device includes a data acquisition portion that acquires physical quantity data based on an output signal from a physical quantity sensor and temperature data based on an output signal from a temperature sensor, a physical quantity measurement portion that measures a physical quantity detected by the physical quantity sensor based on the physical quantity data, a correction value calculation portion that calculates a correction value based on a product of a temperature gradient value for a first period from a first time to a second time obtained based on the temperature data and a correction coefficient value, and a correction portion that corrects a measurement value of the physical quantity measured by the physical quantity measurement portion based on the correction value.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor window, a sensor having a field of view through the sensor window, a piezoelectric vibrator positioned to impart vibrations to the sensor window, and a computer communicatively coupled to the sensor and the piezoelectric vibrator. The computer is programmed to identify a type for an obstruction of the sensor window based on data from the sensor, and instruct the piezoelectric vibrator to vibrate the sensor window with vibrations having a vibration profile. The vibration profile has at least one of frequency or phase velocity chosen according to the identified type of obstruction.

Abstract: A pressure cell system includes a pressure cell configured to house a sample within inner walls of the pressure cell. An injection system is configured to inject an injectable medium into the pressure cell in a gap between the sample and the inner walls. A heating element is configured to provide heat to the injectable medium in the pressure cell. A pressure gauge is configured to measure pressure inside the pressure cell. A temperature gauge is configured to measure temperature in the pressure cell. A top is configured to provide a pressure resistant lid on the pressure cell. A coaxial resonator system is configured to capture microwave measurements of the sample at different temperatures and pressures after the sample is placed inside of the pressure cell, a top of the pressure cell is closed, and after the injectable medium is injected into the pressure cell in the gap.

Abstract: Described are gas flow disruption alarms. The alarms can include a gas inlet; a gas outlet configured to couple to a gas delivery device; and a vibration member between the gas inlet and the gas outlet configured to produce an audible sound when a gas delivery device is removed from the gas outlet.

Abstract: Actuator bracket having a sensor is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bracket to couple a controller to an actuator. The bracket has a first end, a second end opposite the first end, and a first side extending from the first end to the second end. The first end is to couple to an actuator and the second end is to couple to a controller. The apparatus also includes a first sensor coupled to the first side at the first end of the bracket. The first sensor is to measure a characteristic of the first end when the bracket is coupled to the actuator.

Abstract: Provided is: an elongated plate-form piezoelectric body, which contains an optically active helical chiral polymer (A) having a weight-average molecular weight of from 50,000 to 1,000,000 and has an elongated plate shape having a thickness of from 0.001 mm to 0.2 mm, a width of from 0.1 mm to 30 mm and a width-to-thickness ratio of 2 or higher, and in which the lengthwise direction and the main orientation direction of the helical chiral polymer (A) are substantially parallel to each other; the crystallinity measured by a DSC method is from 20% to 80%; and the birefringence is from 0.01 to 0.03.

Abstract: A method in which at least one piezoceramic sensor and an electric circuit to collect an electric signal emitted by the piezoceramic sensor when subjected to a mechanical stress and possibly processing it are made as an electrically insulated unit. The unit is equipped with at least a branching ending with respective electric contacts and having the connected at least one piezoelectric sensor. The electric circuit and the at least one sensor are mechanically fixed integral with a first surface of a supporting metal element of a brake pad. Branching is formed so as to position the at least one piezoelectric sensor at a predetermined point of the first surface.

Abstract: A pre-loaded piezoelectric stack actuator comprising a stack of piezoelectric material. Caps are coupled at opposed ends of the stack. Each of the caps includes projecting fingers. Insulating plates are stacked between the ends of the stack and the caps. A pair of pre-loaded spring plates are coupled to the stack. The spring plates define slots. The fingers on the caps extend through respective ones of the slots at respective ends of the spring plates for coupling the spring plates to the stack. A method of pre-loading the piezoelectric stack actuator includes the step of mounting the stack, the caps, the insulating plates, and the spring plates in a pre-load tool that applies a pre-load tensile stretching force to the spring plates. The pre-load tensile force is subsequently released and the actuator is removed from the tool.

Abstract: An electronics package includes a platform and a board mounted to the platform, the board having electronics mounted thereon. A feedthrough pin passes through and is hermetically sealed to a feedthrough body and is wire bonded to the board. A cover is bonded to and surrounds the exterior surface of the feedthrough body to produce a hermetically sealed chamber that houses the platform and the board.

Abstract: A charge-generating thread for bacterium-countermeasure that includes a charge-generating fiber. The charge-generating fiber generates a charge by energy imparted from the outside of the fiber so as to restrain the proliferation of bacteria by the generated charge.

Abstract: An artificial fingertip sliding tactile sensor includes a PVDF film, a rubber fingertip, a filling liquid, a sealing plug, a hydraulic sensor, a housing, an inner framework, and strain gauges. The rubber fingertip is a hemispherical cavity. The PVDF film is attached to the outside of the rubber fingertip. The sealing plug seals the rubber fingertip, and the hydraulic sensor is installed at the bottom of the sealing plug. The main body of the housing is a rigid cylindrical structure. The top of the housing is provided with a circular opening, and the bottom of the housing is a flange-like structure. Four circular through holes are uniformly distributed on the flange-like structure. The inner framework includes a cylindrical head, a vertical strain rod and a base. The strain gauges are respectively attached on four sides of the vertical strain rod and adjacent to the base.

Abstract: Various braking devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the braking device includes a support element, a block of friction material supported by the support element, at least one piezoceramic sensor supported by the support element and interposed between the block of friction material (and the support element, and a protective element located at the piezoceramic sensor and embedding the latter. The protective element can have one or more layers of resin-based material applied to protect the piezoceramic sensor and direct a predetermined part of the external compression force onto an area of the support element surrounding the piezoceramic sensor. In some embodiments, a signal transduction device is provided and includes at least one piezoceramic sensor supported on a support element and has an integral protective coating having properties of mechanical and temperature resistance.

Abstract: A test coupon having node bonds is disclosed. In some aspects, the method includes a first foil and a second foil, stripes of adhesive serially disposed across a width of the first foil or the second foil and coupling the first foil and second foil to one another to form node bonds, and a first adherend coupled to the first foil and a second adherend coupled to the second foil such that the first foil and the second foil are provided between the first adherend and the second adherend, the first adherend and the second adherend being connectable to load blocks of a test apparatus capable of loading the test coupon to determine characteristics of each of the node bonds formed from the stripes of adhesive. A method for testing node bonds and a related apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: A force detecting device includes a first member configuring a part of a driving device that performs at least one of generation and transmission of a driving force, a second member, and a piezoelectric element disposed between the first member and the second member and configured to output a signal according to an external force.

Abstract: Downhole distributed pressure sensor arrays include sensor housings each comprising at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing. Downhole pressure sensors include a housing, at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing portion of the housing, and at least one isolation element positioned at an outer wall of the housing.

Abstract: A method for promoting an electric output of a piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer is provided. The method includes forming a piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer by mixing poly(vinylidene fluoride-trifluoroethylene) (PVDF-TrFE) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) so as to increase an output current and an output power of the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer; and changing a surface structure of the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer by a nano-imprint process for promoting a piezoelectricity of the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer. As a result, an output voltage, the output current and the output power of the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer are increased.

Abstract: A force detection apparatus includes a first member, a second member, a piezoelectric sensor device sandwiched by the first member and the second member and outputting electric charge according to an external force, and a conversion and output circuit converting an electric charge output from the piezoelectric sensor device into a voltage and outputting the voltage. When a detectable range of a component of the external force in a predetermined axis direction is a first range, the external force is detected within the first range. When the detectable range is a second range different from the first range, the external force is detected within the second range.

Abstract: A robot includes a movable part having a first internal space, a shock-absorbing section disposed outside the movable part, and having a second internal space, and a state switching section capable of switching between a first state of supplying a fluid from a fluid supply source to the first internal space and a second state of supplying the fluid from the fluid supply source to the second internal space. Further, the state switching section includes a first flow channel adapted to supply the fluid from the fluid supply source to the first internal space, a second flow channel adapted to supply the fluid from the fluid supply source to the second internal space, and a valve capable of adjusting opening/closing degrees of each of the first flow channel and the second flow channel.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a transistor array including a substrate and a plurality of transistor elements sharing the substrate. Each of the transistor elements includes: a bottom electrode disposed on the substrate and a connection wire for the bottom electrode; a piezoelectric body disposed on the bottom electrode, wherein the piezoelectric body is made of piezoelectric material; and a top electrode disposed on the piezoelectric body. The disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a transistor array. The transistor array contains transistor elements which are two-terminal devices. Piezoelectric bodies with piezoelectric properties are provided between the top electrodes and bottom electrodes of the transistor array. The carrier transport progress of the transistor elements in the transistor array device can be effectively regulated or triggered by strains or stresses applied on the transistor elements.

Abstract: A control device for an automotive vehicle has a touch surface with a plate bearing a contact sensor that detects contact of a finger of a user, a haptic feedback module that vibrates the touch surface, which includes actuators positioned below the touch surface and linked to the plate of the touch surface, and a driver unit configured to drive the haptic feedback module to generate haptic feedback in response to a press on the touch surface. The haptic feedback is composed of a vibratory signal produced by control signals including one or more succession of pulses sent to the actuators, wherein each of the plurality of control signals generates one individual haptic pattern, a repetition of at least two identical individual haptic patterns, generated successively, and a period with no haptic feedback between two successive individual haptic patterns. A method of control of such a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprises a housing including a body section and at least one end cap at one end of the body section, which are made of piezoelectric crystal, and a piezoelectric resonator in the housing. The body section and the end cap are bonded by an atomic diffusion bonding method.

Abstract: To obtain a force detection device and a robot light in weight and having excellent detection accuracy, a force detection device includes a first member, a second member joined to the first member, and a piezoelectric element joined to the second member. A material forming the first member is different from a material forming the second member. The first member is formed in a plate shape. The piezoelectric element and the second member are disposed at an end portion of the first member. A through-hole is formed in the center portion of the first member.

Abstract: A force sensor may comprise a sense die comprising a top part and a bottom part. Generally, the top part may comprise a first surface and a second surface, and the bottom part may comprise a first surface for direct contact with a substrate. Typically, the bottom part may be formed by removing a portion of the material of the sense die around the edges of a first face of the sense die. Typically, adhesive may replace the portion of the sense die material removed from the edges of the first face of the sense die. Thus, the adhesive may secure the first surface of the bottom part of the sense die directly to the substrate without serving as an interface between the bottom part of the sense die and the substrate.

Abstract: MEMS ultrasound fingerprint ID systems are provided. Aspects of the systems include the capability of detecting both epidermis and dermis fingerprint patterns in three dimensions. Also provided are methods of making and using the systems, as well as devices that include the systems.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate having a generally planar structure and an anchor location fixing the piezoelectric substrate at the periphery of the planar structure of the piezoelectric substrate. The planar structure of the piezoelectric substrate has a first region having a first characteristic thickness adjacent to the anchor location, and a second region have a second characteristic thickness at a middle region of the substrate. The second characteristic thickness is less than the first characteristic thickness such that the planar structure in the second region is displaced relative to the neutral axis of the planar structure such that while undergoing bending the second region has either mostly compressive or mostly tensile stress.

Abstract: In some embodiments, systems and methods are configured to track palletized products. Some embodiments comprise: a first array of sensors positioned relative to multiple products collectively arranged on a first transport pallet configured to support the multiple products while being transported; a wirelessly transceiver; and a pallet control circuit communicatively coupled with the wireless transceiver and the first array of sensors, wherein the pallet control circuit is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sensors of the first array of sensors, determine a condition of one or more products of the multiple products at least as the multiple products are transported based on the sensor data, and cause condition information to be wirelessly transmitted to a separate notification system configured to provide notification to a worker regarding the condition of the one or more products.

Abstract: A crystal oscillator device is disclosed. The crystal oscillator device includes: a crystal oscillator including a casing, a crystal piece, a pair of excitation electrodes configured to excite a main vibration, and a pair of sub vibration electrodes configured to excite a sub-vibration; and an alarm generator configured to generate an alarm based on a signal whose amplitude is equal to or less than a reference value, the signal being generated in the sub vibration electrodes.

Abstract: Actuator bracket having a sensor is disclosed. An example apparatus includes a bracket to couple to a controller at a first location and to couple to an actuator at a second location different than the first location. The bracket includes cavities defined by ribs of a first side. The apparatus also includes a first sensor coupled to the bracket adjacent the first location. The first sensor is to measure a characteristic of a portion of the bracket adjacent the first location.

Abstract: A pressure sensor and a manufacturing method thereof are provided. The pressure sensor includes a thin-film transistor (TFT) array and a pressure-sensitive layer covering the TFT array. The pressure-sensitive layer includes a plurality of insulating layers and one of one-directional materials arranged on the same plane and two-directional materials. The insulating layers and the one- or two-directional materials are alternately stacked so as to effectively enhance pressure resolution.

Abstract: An array sensor is provided. The array sensor includes a sensing array, a memory array, and an access module. The sensing array includes a plurality of sensing units, wherein each of the sensing units includes a sensing electrode. The memory array includes a plurality of memory units, wherein each of the memory units is disposed below the corresponding sensing unit or between the two adjacent sensing units. The access module selectively reads a sensing value of the sensing electrode of the sensing unit to provide a sensing output, or accesses the memory unit.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an injector for an internal combustion engine which includes an injector housing, a piezo-actuator control unit having a first set of terminals, a connecting plug on a head of the injector housing, the connecting plug having a second set of terminals, and an electrical connection between the control unit and the connecting plug within the injector housing. The electrical connection comprises a contact element with conductor tracks integrated into an insulating body. The conductor tracks are connected to the terminals of the control unit and of the connecting plug. A first end of the insulating body abuts the control unit or the connecting plug and a second end is spaced from the connecting plug or the control unit. The contact element includes an elastic device by means of which the insulating body is braced against the component it abuts.

Abstract: A force sensor unit includes a force sensor, a casing housing the force sensor within a space surrounded by one end portion, another end portion, and a side portion, an attachment member having a first attachment portion that can be attached to a robot arm of a robot and a second attachment portion detachably attached to the one end portion of the casing in a position different from that of the first attachment portion, and a wiring cable connected to the force sensor and routed from inside the casing to outside of the casing, wherein a positioning portion for positioning with respect to the robot arm is provided in the first attachment portion, and a part of the wiring cable is provided along a circumferential direction of the side portion.

Abstract: An object can depress an input device, such as, for example, a function button in an electronic device. A resistive element having a mechanically resistive force can be disposed to resist the depression or movement of the input device. One or more electrodes can be disposed to provide a measure of capacitance based on the depression of the input device. A shield can be disposed to reduce the parasitic capacitance between the one or more electrodes and the object. The electronic device can include a fingerprint sensor operably connected to at least one of the one or more electrodes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer thin film is provided, which is promoting an electric output of a piezoelectric polymer and includes: a mixing step including: forming a piezoelectric solution by dissolving a PVDF-TrFE in an active solvent; forming a conductive solution by dissolving a PEDOT:PSS in a water; and forming a piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer solution by mixing the piezoelectric solution and the conductive solution; a filming step, wherein the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer solution is heated, thus the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer thin film is formed; and an anneal step, wherein the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer thin film is recrystallized and a nano-sized protruding structure is formed on a surface of the piezoelectric/conductive hybrid polymer thin film.

Abstract: A glow plug adaptor for pressure measurement in a combustion chamber of an internal combustion engine includes an adaptor sleeve attached to an adaptor head that contains a pressure sensor with a diaphragm. A sealing shoulder can be screwed into an opening in a combustion chamber to provide a pressure-tight seal and permit passage of signal conductors from the pressure sensor through the adaptor sleeve. The adaptor head is tapered at the proximal combustion chamber end, and in the adaptor head a cavity is formed in such a way that the cavity is bounded by the diaphragm of the pressure sensor mounted therein and by a closed end wall of the adaptor head.

Abstract: A piezoelectric pressure sensor includes a sensor housing that accommodates a membrane, a piezoelectric sensor, a charge pick-off and a pre-stressing assembly. The membrane captures a pressure profile, and polarization charges are generated accordingly on the piezoelectric sensor by the captured pressure profile. The pre-stressing assembly includes a pre-stressing body and a pre-stressing sleeve and mechanically pre-stresses the piezoelectric sensor. The charge pick-off receives the polarization charges and is electrically insulated from the pre-stressing sleeve by a second gap. The charge pick-off is mechanically connected to the pre-stressing body via a first electric insulation body on a side of the pre-stressing body that faces away from the membrane and seals the second gap in a pressure-tight manner from an environment of the second gap.

Abstract: Various braking devices, systems, and methods are disclosed. In some embodiments, the braking device includes a support element, a block of friction material supported by the support element, at least one piezoceramic sensor supported by the support element and interposed between the block of friction material (and the support element, and a protective element located at the piezoceramic sensor and embedding the latter. The protective element can have one or more layers of resin-based material applied to protect the piezoceramic sensor and direct a predetermined part of the external compression force onto an area of the support element surrounding the piezoceramic sensor. In some embodiments, a signal transduction device is provided and includes at least one piezoceramic sensor supported on a support element and has an integral protective coating having properties of mechanical and temperature resistance.

Abstract: Downhole distributed pressure sensor arrays include sensor housings each comprising at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing. Downhole pressure sensors include a housing, at least one pressure sensor in a pressure housing portion of the housing, and at least one isolation element positioned at an outer wall of the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein provide for an improved system and method of identifying objects using capacitive sensing technology. Embodiments provide for a sensing array including a plurality of capacitive sensor pads, as well as a microcontroller configured to detect and identify the plurality of objects. Embodiments further provide for encoding each of the plurality of objects with a unique ternary code.

Abstract: A pressure transducer comprising a flexible member made of amorphous quartz and a crystalline quartz sensor are coupled together without an adhesive material. Instead, the amorphous quartz and the crystalline quartz sensor are coupled together at the molecular level. In some embodiments, the crystalline quartz sensor remains in compression or tension during the entire operating range of the pressure transducer. In one embodiment, the crystalline quartz sensor is pre-stressed in either compression or tension when the pressure transducer is exposed to atmospheric pressure. In one embodiment, pressure transducer is located in pressure stabilizing system.

Abstract: Method wherein at least one piezoceramic sensor (15) and an electric circuit (18) to collect an electric signal emitted by the piezoceramic sensor (15) when subjected to a mechanical stress and possibly processing it are made as a unit electrically insulated (118) equipped with at least a branching (119) ending with respective electric contacts (20,21) having connected the at least one piezoelectric sensor (15), where the electric circuit (18) and the at least one sensor (15) are mechanically fixed integral with a first surface (13) of a supporting metal element (11) of a brake pad (1) and branching (119) is formed so as to position the at least one piezoelectric sensor (15) at a predetermined point of the first surface (13).

Abstract: A piezoelectric pressure sensor includes a sensor housing enclosing a membrane, a piezoelectric sensor, an electrode arrangement and a pre-stressing body. The membrane captures a pressure profile causing polarization charges generated on the piezoelectric sensor. The electrode arrangement receives the polarization charges generated and includes a charge-pick-off and a charge output. The charge pick-off is electrically and mechanically connected to the charge output, which is electrically is mechanically connected to the pre-stressing body via an electrical feedthrough arrangement on a side of the pre-stressing body that faces away from the membrane and seals the third gap in a pressure-tight manner from an environment of the third gap.

Abstract: Some disclosed devices may include a thin-film transistor (TFT) substrate, an electret film and an array of addressable pixels electrically connected to the TFT substrate. The array of addressable pixels may be an array of electrodes proximate a first side of the electret film. The electrodes maybe capable of coupling charge from the electret film to the TFT substrate in response to an acoustic wave.