Abstract: An apparatus includes a lever arm that couples to a pivot point on one end and a display on the other end. The lever arm rotates around the pivot point through a lever arm range of motion, and the weight of the display produces a display torque around the pivot point that varies as the lever arm rotates through the lever arm range of motion. The apparatus also includes a spring that couples to the lever arm using a cable. The spring produces, through the lever arm, a spring torque around the pivot point that is equally opposite of the display torque throughout the lever arm range of motion.

Abstract: A dummy junction which will break earlier than a target junction is arranged on a board. A history of load applied to the dummy junction until the dummy junction actually breaks is recorded, and an estimated lifetime of the target junction is calibrated when a lifetime of the dummy junction estimated by the history of the load is largely different from an actual lifetime of the dummy junction. The calibration is performed by subtracting a value of an unmeasurable load from the estimated lifetime of the target junction based on load ever applied to the target junction, and the unmeasurable load is calculated based on the difference of the actual lifetime and estimated lifetime of the dummy junction.

Abstract: Methods and systems for tracking users and providing services are provided. The system comprises a plurality of pressure sensors, a storage unit, at least one service providing unit having a service, and a signal processing unit. The pressure sensors detect pressure applied thereon at a specific time point, and correspondingly generate sensed signals. The signal processing unit receives the sensed signals from the pressure sensors, and stores the sensed signals to the storage unit. The signal processing unit calculates a current state of an object according to the sensed signals and historical sensed signals and historical states of the object in the storage unit, and determines one of the at least one service providing unit according to the current state to activate service thereof.

Abstract: A front wheel is placed on a lifting table, which is rotated by an actuator together with the front wheel. By rotating the lifting table by the actuator, the front wheel is rotated under constraint of a steering mechanism of an automobile. The rotation angle of an arm with respect to a base is detected by an encoder provided at an end of an extendable rod which pivotally supports the arm in a rotatable manner. The rotation angle of the base is detected by a second encoder to determine the rotation angle ?2??1 and rotation radius Lt of the front wheel under constraint of the steering mechanism. Based on reaction force F detected by a load cell, rotation radius Lt, and rotation angle ?2??1, friction torque Tt is determined.

Abstract: A method for estimating the performance, during a braking situation, of a tire to be provided to a vehicle, this method comprising an experimental phase (EXPERIM) including a step (EVAL_MU) of assessing the grip coefficient (?) of the tire on the ground. This assessment step is performed for different values (Vi) of the relative displacement speed of the tire axis with regard to the ground and for different values (gi%) of the tire slip rate on the ground. The experimental phase (EXPERIM) further comprises a modelization step (MODEL) of representing the grip coefficient of this tire, as resulting from the assessment step (EVAL_MU), by a function (MU3D) of the relative displacement speed of the tire axis with regard to the ground and of the slip rate of this tire on the ground.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring a force acting between a machining tool (4) and a work piece in a processing machine is disclosed. It comprises an arrangement of at least two hydrostatic pads (7), wherein the at least two hydrostatic pads are designed to receive and support a mounting part (10) of the machining tool (4), and each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7) presenting a pressure sensor (13), a calculation unit (16) for—reading hydrostatic pad pressure related to the pressure sensors (13) and a constant based on characteristics of each one of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7),—calculating the force by calculating a difference between the products of, for each hydrostatic pad of the at least two hydrostatic pads (7), the hydrostatic pad pressure and the constant, and—indicating the force. Also, a device for monitoring a machining tool and a device for compensating for a deflection of a machining tool when machining a work piece comprising the device are disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method of conducting a continuous performance analysis for a system includes collecting transient performance data for a first parameter of the system and a second parameter of the system. Transfer functions are applied to the transient performance data for at least one of the first and second parameters to thereby generate phase compensated performance data representative of a steady state relationship between the first and second parameter. For each phase compensated performance datum, an estimate of the first parameter is calculated at a predetermined value of the second parameter using the phase compensated performance datum and a previously stored performance characteristic curve representative of the steady state relationship between the first and second parameters in a deterioration model extrapolation method.

Abstract: In an embodiment of a method, the method includes measuring currents and voltages that are coupled to a motor that includes an internal permanent magnet and determining a reactive power in response to the measured currents and voltages. The method further includes estimating a first flux orthogonal to an axis of the internal permanent motor and estimating a second flux aligned with the axis of the internal permanent motor. Additionally, the method includes estimating a torque in response to the measured currents and the first and second fluxes.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the appropriate downforce on an agricultural planter row unit that minimizes soil compaction while maintaining desired furrow depth. A load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to loading on a depth regulation member of the row unit. In one method a load margin is calculated based on a minimum detected load value. In another method, a load margin is derived through a statistical analysis of the detected load values. The load margin calculated or derived by any of the methods is indicative of the amount of supplemental down force that should be increased or decreased to bring the load margin toward zero. A ground contact parameter may also be used in connection with the load margin to provide further confidence on the proper amount of downforce required to ensure furrow depth while minimizing soil compaction.

Abstract: An impact location and amplitude sensory system is provided. Such an impact sensory system may be useful in conjunction with gaming, education, as a control and feedback mechanism for virtually any surface. One embodiment of the impact sensory system may include at least one sensor and a signal processor. The sensor(s) may couple to the object. Sensors may include any of microphones and accelerometers. The sensor(s) receive an impact wave from an impact to the object, either as a propagating acoustic wave or as a traverse phase shift in natural oscillation. The sensor(s) may generate an impact signal in response to the sensed impact wave. The signal processor may couple to the sensor(s). The signal processor may include a preamplifier, an impact triangulator, and an outputter. The impact triangulater may identify a location of the impact from the impact signals. The outputter may then output data regarding the location of the impact.

Abstract: A measurement system is provided for measuring parameters of a motion system. The measurement system includes a sensor for sensing the passing of a magnetic field as the source of the magnetic field passes the sensor; a processor for processing a signal generated by the sensor; a calculator for calculating various performance parameters of the motion system; and an output portion for sending the various parameters to a down stream system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, comprising: providing an aerial platform having an outer shell; disposing a gas containment system within the outer shell; attaching the aerial platform to an object using a tether system; and inflating the aerial platform and lifting a payload; wherein the aerial platform is configured such that it may be completely collapsed when deployed.

Abstract: The direction of a component vector on a plane perpendicular to a predetermined axis of a floor reaction force acting on landing legs of a two-legged walking mobile body is determined such that the direction of a moment generated around a center-of-gravity of the body by a total sum of the component vectors on the plane is coincident with the direction of the component around the predetermined axis of a total rate of change of angular momentum by calculating the total rate of change of angular momentum, and the total floor reaction force acting on the body by sensing joint displacement, acceleration, angular velocity, and using a rigid link model. An estimated value of the component vector is found based on the determined direction and the obtained total floor reaction force. This enables finding an estimated value of the floor reaction force showing a smooth and continuous change.

Abstract: Methods of and a system for providing force information for a robotic surgical system. The method includes storing first kinematic position information and first actual position information for a first position of an end effector; moving the end effector via the robotic surgical system from the first position to a second position; storing second kinematic position information and second actual position information for the second position; and providing force information regarding force applied to the end effector at the second position utilizing the first actual position information, the second actual position information, the first kinematic position information, and the second kinematic position information. Visual force feedback is also provided via superimposing an estimated position of an end effector without force over an image of the actual position of the end effector. Similarly, tissue elasticity visual displays may be shown.

Abstract: An operations support system for an engine includes a model-based torque estimation unit configured to receive engine data associated with the engine and to generate torque estimation signals based on the engine data using a thermodynamic engine model. The thermodynamic model is based on component maps associated with the engine.

Abstract: A method for producing a value T being representative of the mean engine torque generated on a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes the steps of producing a speed vector including values being representative of instantaneous speeds of the engine during a sampling period, determining a mean engine speed n during said sampling period from the speed vector, determining a value Px, being representative of the frequency contribution of the speed vector at the frequency x*n, where x is a pre-selected order, and producing a value T being representative of the mean engine torque on the crankshaft during said sampling period, wherein T is derived from a mathematical expression including a polynomial having at least a term k*n*Px, where k is a polynomial constant. A device for producing a value T is also disclosed.

Abstract: A detection section that detects a key-tapping speed and key-tapping intensity is provided to detect a user's impatience level. An input device detects the key-tapping intensity and key-tapping speed. The input device compares the detection value of the key-tapping speed and an average key-tapping speed. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping speed, the input device then compares the detection value of the key-tapping intensity and a reference pressure value. When the detection value exceeds a stored normal key-tapping intensity, information to be output for a user is changed over. In this case, displayed characters are enlarged and emphasized to a maximum extent. On the other hand, in the case where a detection value does not exceed the normal key-tapping speed and the detection value exceeds the normal key-tapping intensity, displayed characters are only slightly enlarged.

Abstract: A system and method of estimating the torque value of an engine are provided. The method includes generating corrected variable values from engine measured parameters and using a plurality of steady state tables that output corrected engine torque estimates based on various corrected variable values as inputs. In a preferred embodiment, the method also includes a phase compensation technique that converts each steady state table torque estimate into a dynamic torque estimate that closely matches the torque sensor measurements during both transient and steady state engine operations. In addition, also in a preferred embodiment, the method further includes a weighted averaging scheme that combines multiple torque estimates with weighting factors that are optimized based on the accuracy attributes of each torque estimate.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer readable media for monitored application of mechanical force to samples using acoustic energy and mechanical parameter value extraction using mechanical response models. One aspect of the subject matter described herein includes a method for determining mechanical property parameters of a sample. The method includes applying acoustic energy to a sample to apply a mechanical force to the sample. The method further includes measuring a response by the sample during the application of the acoustic energy to determine a value for a first mechanical property parameter of the sample. The method further includes measuring a recovery response of the sample following cessation of the application of the acoustic energy to determine a value for at least one second mechanical property parameter of the sample.

Abstract: A method for estimating the normal force at a wheel of a vehicle and the vertical acceleration of the vehicle that has particular application for ride and stability control of the vehicle. The method includes obtaining a suspension displacement value from at least one of a plurality of suspension displacement sensors mounted on the vehicle and estimating a spring force acting on a spring of a suspension element of the vehicle, a damper force acting on a damper of the suspension element of the vehicle, and a force acting at a center of a wheel. The method further includes determining a normal force at the wheel of the vehicle and a vertical acceleration of the vehicle based on the spring force, the damper force and the force at the center of the wheel of the vehicle.

Abstract: A control device includes a force detector configured to detect a force in a normal direction and a force in a shearing direction of fingertips of a robot hand device respectively as a normal force and a shearing force, and an object detector configured to calculate a friction coefficient using the normal force and the shearing force detected by the force detector and to detect whether or not a thin-film object having a maximum friction coefficient different from a maximum stationary friction coefficient between the fingertips is grasped between the fingertips on the basis of the calculation result.

Abstract: A method for estimating pump torque of a computer-controlled fuel injection heat engine for a motor vehicle. The method determines the pumping torque in a for of a relative pumping torque representative for total pumping torque contribution of an intake and exhaust valve system, wherein the relative pumping torque is determined by a relation factoring in engine cubic capacity, a pressure difference, an exhaust pressure differential estimation due to the presence of the exhaust valves, and an intake pressure differential estimation due to the presence of the intake valves.

Abstract: A method and a device for contactless determination of forces and/or moments acting on a hollow cylindrical body (12), in which via a light source (20; 38; 40), light radiation is produced within the hollow cylindrical body (12); measurement signals are recorded by an optoelectronic sensor (22; 34); the measurement signals recorded by the optoelectronic sensor (22; 34) are supplied to the signal processing unit (26); the signal processing unit (26) detects and outputs changes of the measurement signals relative to an initial state determined beforehand by calibration, corresponding to the initial undeformed state of the hollow cylindrical body (12); and when a mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12) is present, according to a calibration function or a calculation rule, the signal processing unit (26) outputs an output signal that describes the forces and/or moments that are causing the mechanical deformation of the hollow cylindrical body (12).

Abstract: An optical tactile sensor has a touch pad and a CCD camera for imaging behavior of the touch pad. A CPU processes image information from the CCD camera, extracts information on the size, shape, and center of gravity of a contact region, and extracts information on the size of a fixation region. The CPU obtains a normal force from the size of the contact region, obtains a tangential force from the shape of the contact region and the center of gravity of the contact region, and obtains a friction coefficient from the ratio of the size of the fixation region to the size of the contact region.

Abstract: A rolling bearing device with a sensor includes a rotational component estimator that extracts a rotational synchronization component included in the rotation of an inner shaft relative to an outer ring from each of a signal output by a first displacement detector and a signal output by a second displacement detector. The rotational component estimator performs rotational operation and integration operation.

Abstract: A drive unit includes an engine and a transmission having a variable transmission ratio. An instantaneous setpoint power output quantity of the drive unit is determined from an intended power output. The setpoint power output quantity is a function of the instantaneous transmission ratio of the transmission at least for a given intended power output.

Abstract: A computer-controlled system automatically measures and records various physical characteristics of an elongated shaft or tube, such as a golf club shaft or other structural member. The characteristics measured include the principal planar oscillation plane, oscillation frequency, stiffness asymmetry, relative stiffness, torsional stiffness, shaft length, shaft straightness and tip angle.

Abstract: The disclosure addresses a force sensor that is scalable in size and adaptable to a variety of form factors, including those suitable for use in an input device for a computer or other processing system, and in some cases including those of the configuration normally referred to as a computer mouse. The force sensor will include at least two structural members that are cooperatively attached one another as to be displaced from one another in response to a force acting upon one of the structural members. In some examples, the engagement between the two structural members will be specifically configured to allow such displacement in response to forces acting laterally on the force sensor. The force sensor will also include one or more sensing mechanisms to provide a measurement of the sensed deflection.

Abstract: In a method to test a brake of a robot that has a number of axes, an actuator associated with one of the axes, a brake associated with this axis that is set up to at least reduce a movement of this axis, and a torque sensor associated with this axis, which determines the torque acting on this axis. The brake is activated, the torque acting on the axis is determined by the torque sensor given an activated brake, and the functional capability of the brake is assessed in a processor based on an evaluation of the torque determined by the torque sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a building structure, having construction and reinforcement elements with pre-calculated threshold stretching and compression loads, comprises—determining actual stretching and compression loads developed therein based on data measured for the loads, —comparing the determined loads with the corresponding pre-calculated loads, and —displaying the determined loads and the compared results on a monitoring terminal, wherein the measured data are generated in real time or in a predetermined time mode, and obtained by measuring deviations of electric or magnetic parameters at the reinforcement elements, and by compression-measuring sensors installed between the construction elements. A system for determination of failure conditions of the building structure includes a monitoring device capable of connecting to stretching and compression loads measuring means.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises sampling a sensor during rotation, determining a percentage of samples within a target range, and calculating a circumferential portion of the rotation associated with the percentage of samples. In other embodiments, additional systems and methods and disclosed.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device suppresses a discrepancy between an estimated drive torque, which is based on a torque estimating device of a compressor, and an actual drive torque of the compressor. The discrepancy is due to delay in switching between employment of the torque estimating device and the actual drive torque of the compressor in judging the compressor torque. Thus, even in a transitional state immediately after the start of compression, the idling speed of an engine driving the compressor is controlled based on an accurate estimate of the compressor torque, to improve the stability of the engine idle speed.

Abstract: Nanoscale measurement of force, torque, and acceleration are provided. In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes a first plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a first substrate separated from a second plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a second substrate by a pillar disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a measurement system that measures physical quantity distribution over the entire region using a sensor for physical quantity distribution (PQD sensor) that realizes high stretchability, flexibility, etc., in at least a partial region, in order to measure the physical quantity distribution that is regionally distributed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional manner, as well as a method for measuring physical quantity distribution.

Abstract: A method for estimating the magnitude of a back-and-forth-direction force exerted on a tire comprises: using a plurality of strain sensors fixed to a tire sidewall capable of outputting data on the magnitude of a strain occurred at the position of the strain sensor; reading the output data from the strain sensors when come to fixed measuring positions predetermined around the tire rotational axis; in relation to each of the strain sensors at the respective measuring positions, calculating the back-and-forth-direction force as an intermediate result by the use of the data read from the strain sensor and a relational expression, whereby the intermediate results are obtained from the respective strain sensors; and computing a mean value of only the valid intermediate result(s) so as to output it as the estimated magnitude of the force.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring torque on a rotating component, comprising of signal-producing components which are applied to the rotating component, and a means for obtaining the signals produced by said signal producing components, in which at least two signal producing components are applied to the rotating component with some linear separation between the two signal producing components and their corresponding devices for obtaining signals produced, such that torque applied to the rotating component will cause a change in phase between the signals received from each of the signal-producing components and thus permit the measurement of torque based on this change in phase; one embodiment of this invention comprising two magnetic rings, one at either end of a driveshaft, with sensor coils placed near to each magnetic ring such that an alternating electrical current is produced, the comparative phase between these currents permitting measurement of torque on the driveshaft.

Abstract: A portable electronic apparatus for collecting impact information includes a body, a piezoelectric element, a processing element, and a storage element. The piezoelectric element covers the body and generates an electrical signal when experiencing a force from an impact. The processing element, connected to the piezoelectric element, converts the electrical signal from the piezoelectric element into impact information. The storage element stores the impact information.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a sensor device for determining forces exerted by a cyclist on a pedal of a bicycle is provided. The sensor device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to a substrate, and wiring coupled to the sensors and the substrate, wherein the sensors, the substrate, and the wiring are housed inside a pedal spindle coupled to the pedal. The sensor device may also be used in a system for improving a pedaling technique of a cyclist.

Abstract: A Hall effect helicopter mast torque meter includes a stand pipe, a first magnet, a second magnet, and a sensor. The stand pipe is connected to the top of the mast such that the stand pipe rotates at the same velocity as the mast. The first magnet is operably associated with the stand pipe which is operably associated with the top of the mast. The second magnet is operably associated with the bottom of the mast. The sensor detects the magnetic field of the first magnet and the second magnet.

Abstract: An address generator holds a cell list of cell data of a central cell containing a central particle and a predetermined number of surrounding cells located around the central cell in a system. The address generator designates particle data of a central particle and particles that are present around the central particle, from the cell data of the cell list, and successively updates the cell list according to predetermined rules until all the cells in the system will serve as a central cell. A memory controller reads particle data of particles that are used to calculate short-range forces that have been designated by the address generator, from a storage unit, and transfers the read particle data to a force calculator for calculating short-range forces between particles.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing combinations of force and velocity data generated over a given period of time. In one embodiment, an input device comprising one or more force sensors and one or more motion sensors is manipulated relative to a surface. A receiving system is adapted to receive input sequences or “gestures” which are triggered upon the occurrence of one or more conditions detected by the input device. An application executing in the receiving system may be implemented such that the system responds differently to each specific gesture provided by the user.

Abstract: An interior space of the at least one housing of a force-measuring device is filled with a gas composition that is distinguishable in at least one parameter from the ambient atmosphere. A sensor that is arranged in the interior space, or on the housing, measures this distinguishable parameter. A processing unit of the force-measuring device compares signals obtained from the sensor to monitor and determine the condition of the force-measuring device.

Abstract: A method determines the wear of axles of a robot arm of an industrial robot. A torque profile of at least one axle taken during at least one working cycle of the industrial robot is used as a basis for an analysis. The torque profile is analyzed for portions of the torque profile that exceed a previously fixed torque band, and current axial wear is determined by assessing the frequency and/or the curve profile of the portions of the torque profile. A system is provided for determining the wear.

Abstract: An impact test system for collecting hail storm data comprises a vehicle, a video recorder, a container, a plurality of dynamic force sensors, an atmospheric instrument system, a mounting fixture, and a data processing system. The plurality of dynamic force sensors is capable of detecting force generated by an impact of an object. The plurality of markers is capable of being used to determine an orientation of an incoming object. The mounting fixture is capable of holding a test specimen. The data processing system is capable of collecting data from the plurality of dynamic force sensors, the atmospheric instrument system, and the video recorder.

Abstract: In a method for monitoring the load on rotor blades of wind energy installations by measuring acceleration on at least one rotor blade of a wind energy installation and determining load on the rotor blade from the picked-up acceleration signals, dynamic, even uncritical load states can be detected, in differentiated fashion, and combined in a suitable form for evaluation in order to influence, if possible prior to the onset of damage to the rotor blade, the mode of operation of the wind energy installation, in particular the design of the pitch control or angle setting of stall-regulated rotor blades, on the basis both of all of the rotor blades together and of a single rotor blade. Frequency of occurrence of the load values over a certain period of time is determined from amplitudes of the acceleration signal or amplitudes of selected natural oscillations of the frequency spectra are obtained by Fourier transformation.

Abstract: In a running test, wheels 2 of a vehicle 1 are mounted on rollers 3. Each roller 3 receives torque corresponding to the running resistance N, which is a value corresponding to the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 on the actual ground. Further, in the test, the actual friction coefficient ?ch between the wheels 2 and the rollers 3 is calculated. The running resistance N is then corrected in such a manner that the actual friction coefficient ?ch becomes equal to the friction coefficient ?j on the actual ground that is calculated based on the slip ratio of the wheels 2 with respect to the rollers 3. This approximates the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 by the rollers 3 to the running resistance applied to the vehicle 1 on the actual ground as the torque is applied to the rollers 3 in correspondence with the corrected running resistance N.

Abstract: A method, an arrangement and a program process a measurement signal generated in a measurement transducer of an electronic force-measuring device, particularly a balance. The generated measurement signal corresponds to the force acting on the transducer. The measurement signal is entered directly or by way of a pre-processing stage into a display function which assigns corresponding output values to the values of the measurement signal. The output values are subsequently presented in a display or passed on for further processing. The input range of the display function contains a capture range, so that the values of the measurement signal that lie within the capture range are assigned a common output value by the display function, and the position of the capture range within the input range is controlled dependent on the generated measurement signal.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring torque transmitted in a rotating shaft using two target devices located at separate locations on the shaft is disclosed. Each target device includes one or more reference edges, with two sensors each disposed adjacent to corresponding target device. A processor calculates, with reference to a counter, the difference between the clock times of successive reference edges to produce an actual time elapsed between the passages of the referenced edges by their respective sensors. The processor converts the change in time difference into a value that represents a change in the angular orientation of the two target devices with respect to their angular orientation at zero torque, which is substantially equivalent to an angle of twist in the rotating shaft between the target devices, and the processor calculates the torque transmitted in the rotating shaft based on the change in angle of twist.

Abstract: An impact force measuring means (4) comprising several measuring chambers (24) which are provided in an elastic material and are disposed and designed such that a blow to be measured and hitting at least one of the measuring chambers (24) changes the volume thereof, a discharge line (8) connected to the measuring chambers (24), and a sensor (12) disposed in said discharge line (8), characterized in that there are provided additional chambers (30) that are not connected to said discharge line (8) containing said sensor (12).

Abstract: In this tyre managing apparatus, with regard to respective tyres, the back-and-forth force and the lateral force which are added to each of tyres are calculated based on the distances which are distance between each tyre and the center of gravity in the back-and-forth direction, the inertia moment of the vehicle, the vehicle weight of the vehicle, and the loads added to each of the tyres, which are as specification data of the vehicle, and based on the longitudinal acceleration, the lateral acceleration, and the yew angle acceleration, which are as state quantities of the vehicle. Also, the calculated results are memorized in the transponders of corresponding tyres.