Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a system inertia and a load torque in a motor controller, the method comprising the steps of providing an acceleration command signal, determining a motor position, using the motor position to generate an acceleration feedback signal, mathematically combining the acceleration feedback signal and a load torque signal to generate a system inertia estimate, mathematically combining the system inertia estimate and the acceleration command signal to generate a motor torque signal, mathematically combining the system inertia estimate and the acceleration feedback signal to generate an inertia torque and mathematically combining the inertia torque and the motor torque signal to generate the load torque estimate.

Abstract: A system for detecting the onset of structural failure in a structural element subject to a mechanical load comprises a metering array, a signal processor, and an output processor. The metering array measures physical quantities associated with the structural element. The signal processor transforms the measured physical quantities into a series of sample mode spectra, and the output processor generates output as a function of the series of sample mode spectra. Methods are also disclosed for detecting the onset of failure in a structural element subject to a mechanical load, for structural testing, and for structural health monitoring.

Abstract: A driving-torque difference value, an inertial-force difference value of the vehicle, and an inertial-force change-amount difference value of the vehicle are calculated. Subsequently, a first determination coefficient by which the inertial-force difference value is to be multiplied or a second determination coefficient by which the driving-torque difference value is to be multiplied is estimated on the basis of a state equation having the inertial-force difference value as a state variable and the driving-torque difference value as an input variable. Subsequently, a road-surface condition is determined on the basis of a comparison between a threshold value and the first determination coefficient or the second determination coefficient.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for automatically detecting leaks in a type III hydrant fuel piping system is described. In one embodiment, the method includes automatically actuating one or more valves to isolate a hydrant loop of a type III hydrant fuel piping system from the remainder of the system. The pressure in the hydrant loop is varied. The pressure in the hydrant loop is measured over time in response to the varying of the pressure.

Abstract: The output signal from a measuring transducer in a force-measuring device is processed by filtering a measuring signal (ms), representing a load that is acting on the transducer, to suppress interfering signal portions caused by extraneous influences including mechanical disturbances, or changes of the load. The measuring signal (msE) passes through a first delay element (141A) to a measurement value unit (145) which holds the value of the currently received measuring signal (msE), a mean value based on the most recent values of the measuring signal, or an expected value (msE) based on the most recent values of the measuring signal. The measuring signal (msE) is monitored for signal disturbances using a first detector module (151). After detection, a switching means (142) is actuated and the output signal (msX) of the measurement value unit is processed further, if applicable, and sent to the output end of the device, instead of the currently received measuring signal (msE).

Abstract: A joint simulator is provided having a housing with a chamber, a piston, slidable within the chamber, and a shaft rotatable within the housing, the shaft having (i) an end configured to engage a power tool to be tested, and (ii) a threaded end engaged with the piston, whereby rotating the shaft causes the piston to slide within the chamber Hydraulic fluid fills a section of the chamber formed by a side of the piston and the housing, and computer software controlled pressure and relief valves are actuated to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid in the chamber, to achieve target pressures. The pressure of the hydraulic fluid creates resistance to rotation of the shaft, thereby increasing the torque relative to the angular increase on the shaft and/or relative to time.

Abstract: A system for controlling position and orientation of an object. A first part is adapted to receive forces and torques from a user. A sensor is adapted to measure forces and torques caused by changes in position and orientation of the first part relative to a second part. A data processing unit is arranged to receive measured data from the sensor and based thereon to control the position and orientation of the object. The sensor includes a semiconductor chip with integrated sensor elements. The measuring assembly includes a spring arrangement mounted between the first and second parts and mechanically connected to the sensor for converting forces and torques from the user to changes in position and orientation of the first part relative to the second part. The sensor is adapted to measure forces and torques from the spring arrangement caused by the changes in position and orientation of the first part.

Abstract: Several methods and a system of a resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a force measuring device. The force measuring device includes a resistive sensor having a fixed surface and a movable surface. A spring assembly is positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface. The spring assembly alters in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and causes a change in a resistance of the resistive sensor. A circuit generates a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor. A universal serial bus (USB) interface of the circuit provides digital output of the measurement to a computing device.

Abstract: A device for detecting force acting on a tire includes a detector provided with respect to vehicle wheels for detecting force acting on a tire and a determining portion for determining a detection abnormality of force acting on the tire by the detector based on at least either the detected value or a temporal changing tendency of the detected value.

Abstract: The invention diagnoses an electrically operated valve, which is provided with a spring cartridge expanding and contracting in response to a reaction force acting on an axial direction of a worm in a valve element driving section, at both the opening and closing operations of the valve. A correlation between a driving force output signal from the valve element driving section and a driving force from a compression state of the spring cartridge is provided in a database. Then, a correlation between a driving force input signal to the valve element driving section and the driving force output signal is acquired in order to monitor a change in transmission efficiency of the driving force. Then, a driving force corresponding to a measured yoke stress is read out from the database for use in diagnosing the driving force of the electrically operated valve is diagnosed.

Abstract: A method of calculating forces acting on the footprint area of a tyre, the tyre being mounted on a wheel in turn mounted on a hub for engagement with a vehicle, the tyre being moved along a longitudinal direction substantially parallel to the ground, includes the following steps: detecting a first angular position of the footprint area; detecting a second angular position of a reference point substantially integral with the hub; comparing the first and second angular positions with each other to determine a phase displacement between the reference point and footprint area; determining a parameter representing an angular velocity of the wheel; calculating at least one longitudinal force in the footp function of at least the phase displacement and the parameter. Also described is an apparatus for calculating the forces.

Abstract: Several methods and a system of a resistive force sensing device and method with an advanced communication interface are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment provides a force measuring device. The force measuring device includes a resistive sensor having a fixed surface and a movable surface. A spring assembly is positioned between the fixed surface and the movable surface. The spring assembly alters in height in response to a force applied perpendicular to the movable surface and causes a change in a resistance of the resistive sensor. A circuit generates a measurement of the force based on an algorithm that considers a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor. A universal serial bus (USB) interface of the circuit provides digital output of the measurement to a computing device.

Abstract: According to an exemplary embodiment, a set of three-dimensional force sensors is used, distributed on one face of a support. Each sensor outputs signals representative of a force applied by an object on this sensor. An electronic processing unit determines components of forces applied on the sensors by the object and also output the relative tangential velocity of at least one point on the object that is in contact with one of the sensors and, advantageously the point at which the component of the force applied by the object on this sensor and normal to the face of the support, is a maximum.

Abstract: The claimed method and system identifies faults and/or deterioration of components in a process control valve. The system may use different sensor combinations to provide the necessary data to compute irregular component integrity. Alerts may be generated to indicate potential component integrity problems. In particular, the system may detect potential deterioration and/or faults in actuator springs, pneumatic tubing and piping, and bellows seals. The claimed system may be communicatively coupled to a process control network to provide a more elaborate alarm system. Moreover, additional statistical methods may be used to refine the detection accuracy of the system.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses and systems directed to calculation of a reel motor torque constant (“KT”). In one implementation, calibration logic energizes supply and take-up reel motors to wind tape from a supply reel to a take-up reel. The calibration logic, during winding, selectively disengages the supply reel motor and measures one or more attributes of the supply reel motor, such as the resulting voltage observed at the winding terminals of the supply reel motor and the angular velocity of the supply reel motor during the period of disengagement. The calibration logic then calculates KT based on the observed attributes.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating device for testing torque wrenches with a data storage. A carrier is provided for fixing a torque wrench to be tested. A transducer is arranged at the carrier and coupled to the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested. A grip holder arranged on the carrier fixes the grip of the torque wrench to be tested. A deflecting mechanism generates a torque on the head portion of the torque wrench to be tested. A communication unit is coupled to the data storage of the torque wrench for data exchange.

Abstract: A method is provided for estimating the components of the force torsor that are applied to a bearing, which method provides for the measurement of a vector (Vm) of N deformations and for the use of a physical model linking a vector (Q) of at most N representative values of the components of the torsor with a deformation measurement vector, the method comprises the following iterative steps: introduction of a vector (Q) of representative values into the model in order to calculate a deformation measurement vector (Vc); and carrying out a pertinence test (T) between the deformation measurement vector (Vc) which is calculated and the measured vector (Vm); if the test (T) is negative, establishing at least one new vector (Q) of representative values to be introduced into the model according to the result of the test; or if the test (T) is positive, storing the vector (Q) of introduced values; wherein the estimated components of the force torsor are established according to at least one stored vector (Q) of values

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods to use a measured driving-point response of a nonlinear material to determine one or more elastic properties of the material. The present invention takes advantage of the full information represented by the transient component, the steady-state component, the anharmonic components, and the nonlinear response components of a measured driving-point response of a real nonlinear material, without limitation in the use of large-amplitude forces. The elastic properties are determined by forming and solving a time-domain system of linear equations representing a differential equation model of the driving-point motions of the material. Based on a single, short duration, large-amplitude driving point measurement, both linear and nonlinear properties can be determined; both large-amplitude and near-zero amplitude properties can be determined; and elastic-wave speed and elastic moduli and their variation with depth can be determined.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fuel property detector for detecting a property of fuel injected by a fuel injector into a cylinder of an internal combustion engine. The fuel property detector includes an injection commander, a change detector, and a fuel property determiner. The injection commander commands the fuel injector to perform a fuel injection for fuel property detection into the cylinder of the engine. The change detector detects a change in the rotational speed of the engine which is caused by the fuel injection for fuel property detection. The fuel property determiner determines the property of the fuel based on the change in the rotational speed of the engine detected by the change detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an arrangement for calculation and presentation of transferred vibration dose from a handheld machine to the hand of a user, wherein a sensor unit 2 is arranged in the palm 9 of the user. The sensor unit is integrated in a thin textile 1, designed to be worn under a protective glove or similar. The sensor unit 2 may be alternated between different positions in the user's palm 9. The presentation unit 4 communicates wirelessly with an analyzing unit 8 and comprises a fastening device 5 to be fastened around the sleeve of an outdoor garment.

Abstract: An absolute position detection device, system and method using a pattern comprising two types of position data: location of the pattern relative an object and position of the pattern relative a sensing device, e.g. a camera. The device comprise the sensing device acquiring images of the pattern located on the object and a computational unit analysing the images for determining absolute position of the object relative the sensing device. The present invention is realized in a number of applications, such as forming part of a torque sensor, a theodolite, an articulating arm, or an angular detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic system for monitoring the mixing of conglomerates. The inventive system can be used to monitor and measure the volume of a conglomerate, i.e. a concrete, mortar or other similar product, and the conditions in which the conglomerate is being mixed inside a mixer. The invention is characterised in that the system is provided with a sensor which rotates integrally with the mixer and which is fitted with a blade that is sensitive to the stresses exerted by the conglomerate thereon. The invention is also characterised in that the aforementioned information is transmitted to one or more terminals, by means of radio communication or other similar wireless communication means, for use in industrial processes.

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 test stand is disclosed for estimating the dynamics of a Fluid Dynamic Bearing (FDB) coupling a spindle motor to a rotating hub. The hub includes an air target and displacement plate. At least one air jet strikes the air target, and at least one displacement sensor engages the displacement plate to create a displacement reading. The displacement reading(s) are analyzed to estimate the dynamics of the FDB. The estimates may include but is not limited to the stiffness and/or damping of the FDB.

Abstract: A method for determining a performance parameter of a brake with a first (311) and a second (313) brake element can be made to interact to generate a friction force (FR) and a friction torque (NR), a first set (204a, 204b) of friction coefficients (?) being determined between the first (311) and the second (313) brake element in the field, the first set (204a, 204b) of friction coefficients (?) being compared with a predetermined second set (204) of friction coefficients (?), and the performance parameter being determined based on a deviation of the first (204a, 204b) and second set (204), the deviation being obtained from the comparison.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a value T being representative of the mean engine torque generated on a crank-shaft of an internal combustion engine, comprising 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. The invention also relates to a device for producing a value T.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for real-time measurement of tool forces. A relationship between a sensor characteristic and tool forces is determined by directly measuring tool forces for a standard tool, work piece, and part program. The sensor characteristic for a CNC machine at the user facility is then measured for the standard tool, work piece, and part program, providing a relationship between the sensor characteristic at the user facility and tool forces. If the sensor is not conveniently attached to the work piece or the part program is not sufficiently robust in cutting conditions, the work piece and part program are replaced by a sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program. The sacrificial work piece and sacrificial part program are selected to accommodate the sensors and to provide sufficient robustness in cutting conditions to accurately determine the process model parameters for the sacrificial work piece.

Abstract: A force feedback and interactive system is provided in the present invention, wherein the force feedback and interactive system utilizes a mechanism for detecting weight or center of gravity and reacted force from an operator on a multi-axis motion platform, and a main controller which is a kernel of data processing and motion simulating of the multi-axis motion platform. Besides having complete mathematical simulation model for calculating reaction force variation according to the received operating command, force status and weight of the operator and having algorithm for simulating the motion of multi-axis motion platform so as to calculate the motion and instantaneous position of the multi-axis motion platform in space, the system can also provide function of force feedback for enhancing the virtual reality while being applied in various Human-Machine Interaction simulating field.

Abstract: A driving force calculating device (1) includes: a setting information acquiring section (23) which acquires (a) muscle specifying information that specifies a target muscle, which is a muscle whose function is assisted or resisted by a driving section and (b) a target value of muscle force to be produced by the target muscle at the time of rotational motion under assistance or resistance of the driving section; and a target muscle force evaluating section (24) which acquires an estimated muscle force table (58) and musculoskeletal model data (53) and evaluates the feasibility of the target value of the target muscle. With this arrangement, it is possible to reduce time required to calculate a driving force of the driving section of the power assisting device.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one characteristic value, especially of a suspended driven axis of a machine is provided, with the axis being driven by means of a rotating drive unit and/or by means of a linear drive unit. A torque or a force corresponding to said torque acting on the drive unit is measured along a predetermined movement path of the axis. Inventively the torque or the force is measured in the forward and reverse direction. Energy-conserving moments or energy-conserving forces on the one hand and/or friction-dependent moments or friction-dependent forces on the other hand are determined by computational overlaying of associated torque or force values as the at least one direction-independent characteristic value.

Abstract: A target pressure value is determined during the learning mode. Subsequent pressure values are then compared to the target value. For example, a first connection is tightened in a conventional manner, while its pressure is monitored during the learning mode. If the tightening process went well, then an operator pushes a button that tells the monitor to remember how much pressure was used on the tongs to tighten the first connection. The pressure value of that first joint then becomes the target pressure value for any subsequent joints. As additional joints are tightened, the pressure applied to the tongs is monitored and compared to the first one to ensure that all the joints are as good as the first one within an allowable tolerance.

Abstract: The force exerted by a reciprocating actuator is estimated as a weighted sum of three quantities: a reaction-mass acceleration, a baseplate acceleration, and a relative acceleration of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. In one embodiment, acceleration sensors measure the reaction-mass acceleration and the baseplate acceleration; and a displacement transducer measures a relative displacement of the reaction-mass relative to the baseplate. A double-differentiator generates the value of the relative acceleration from the second derivative of the relative displacement. In the sum, the relative acceleration is weighted by factor representative of the ratio of the difference between the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate to the sum of the masses of the reaction-mass and the baseplate.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and products relate to systematic calculation and execution of pin height adjustments within a bed of nails shape measurement gauge with respect to a measured subject, such as glass substrates, and in particular, to using a bed of nails gauge for measuring a gravity-free shape of a surface of an object, including glass substrates used to make liquid crystal display (LCD) glass sheets. One or more embodiments may include a plurality of pins operable to support the surface during measurement. Each pin comprises a load cell operable to transmit measurement signals, and a height adjuster operable to receive adjustment signals and execute pin height adjustments upon receiving adjustment signals. Execution of the pin height adjustments systematically positions the pins so that the surface exerts on each pin a measured force nearing a target force corresponding to the gravity-free shape.

Abstract: A method of estimating contact forces between the wheels of a railway wagon and a rail track, for use in determining information such as the likelihood of derailment. Accelerations of the body of the wagon are measured using motion sensors located at suitable points on the body. Forces on the side frames of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. Forces on the wheels of the wagon are calculated based on the accelerations of the body and predetermined parameters of the body. The contact forces between the wheels and the rails are then calculated based on the forces calculated for the side frames and the wheels. The calculations are carried out using an inverse model of the wagon system. Equipment which implements the method is also described.

Abstract: A chuck body for a clamping chuck for clamping a workpiece has a substantially rotationally symmetrically formed basic body, provided on which is a receiving opening, which is formed as a portion of a cone and is formed for receiving a clamping head in such a way as to transmit force. Attached to the basic body is a deformation sensor, for example as a strain gauge, which is intended and designed for determining a deformation of the basic body in a circumferential direction. In this way, the condition and state of wear of the clamping chuck can be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating a system inertia and a load torque in a motor controller, the method comprising the steps of providing an acceleration command signal, determining a motor position, using the motor position to generate an acceleration feedback signal, mathematically combining the acceleration feedback signal and a load torque signal to generate a system inertia estimate, mathematically combining the system inertia estimate and the acceleration command signal to generate a motor torque signal, mathematically combining the system inertia estimate and the acceleration feedback signal to generate an inertia torque and mathematically combining the inertia torque and the motor torque signal to generate the load torque estimate.

Abstract: A method of calculating a cornering force to be applied to each wheel provided to a vehicle which is cornering, comprising the steps of: obtaining a magnitude of a centrifugal force to the vehicle in a direction substantially orthogonal to a vehicle traveling direction, a contact length of each wheel during the cornering of the vehicle, and an amount of deformation in a wheel width direction at the contact portion of each wheel of the vehicle, calculating a difference between the obtained amount of the deformation and an amount of deformation in the wheel width direction under a straight forward travel condition of the vehicle for each wheel, and calculating a cornering force for each wheel based on the magnitude of the centrifugal force, the contact length, and the difference between amounts of deformation in the wheel width direction.

Abstract: A forward/reverse mechanics calculation of an accurate model of a human body having bone geometrical data and muscle/cord/band data is carried out at high speed. When a new skeleton geometrical model is given, a mapping between the new skeleton geometrical model and a pre-defined normal body model representing a normal body is defined to automatically produce a new body model.

Abstract: A jig assembly for measuring performance aspects of a door of a vehicle. A shifting member includes guide rails and motors, the motors controlled by a controller to move the guide rails. The shifting member is configured such that one of several removable jigs can be connected thereto. Each jig cooperates with the controller to measure a specific performance aspect of the door.

Abstract: A technique for predicting the wear of at least one tire whose tread has pattern elements and which is fitted to a terrestrial motor vehicle, and a system for implementing the technique that enables a user, such as the vehicle's driver, to know reliably at any given moment the level of wear on the tire or on all the tires, or how long the residual wear will last, or even the remaining available running distance. Also, the piloting of drive-aid systems such as “ABS” (anti-block braking system) or “ESP” (electric programmed stability device) systems can be adapted as a function of the wear characteristics of the vehicle.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system for determining at least one point of application of force on a surface element. The system comprises a surface element (102, 202) having an effective mass, at least one sensor (104, 204) configured to measure force applied on the surface element (102, 202) at least one acceleration sensor (106, 206) configured to measure acceleration in at least one direction, and a processing unit (108, 210) configured to receive, from the at least one sensor (104, 204), signals indicating force applied on the surface element (102, 202), to receive, from the at least one acceleration sensor (106, 206), signals indicating acceleration, to filter out a disturbing force, determined based on acceleration signals and the effective mass of the surface element (102, 202), from the signals indicating the force applied on the surface element (102, 202), and to determine, based on the filtered signals, at least one point of application of force on the surface element (102, 202).

Abstract: A method for derating a power source to limit damage to a drive train of a machine including determining a first operational parameter associated with a power conversion unit and a second operational parameter associated with the power source, selecting, based on the first operational parameter associated with the power conversion unit and the second operational parameter associated with the power source, a power source derate value, and reducing an available power output associated with the power source according to the derate value.

Abstract: A driving-torque difference value, an inertial-force difference value of the vehicle, and an inertial-force change-amount difference value of the vehicle are calculated. Subsequently, a first determination coefficient by which the inertial-force difference value is to be multiplied or a second determination coefficient by which the driving-torque difference value is to be multiplied is estimated on the basis of a state equation having the inertial-force difference value as a state variable and the driving-torque difference value as an input variable. Subsequently, a road-surface condition is determined on the basis of a comparison between a threshold value and the first determination coefficient or the second determination coefficient.

Abstract: A coordinate difference calculation apparatus of the present invention is a coordinate difference calculation apparatus for calculating a coordinate difference between an i-particle and a j-particle included in one of a plurality of minute cells obtained by dividing a basic cell, includes a first storage section that stores in advance a coordinate value of the i-particle, a second storage section that stores in advance a value obtained by adding the length of one side of the basic cell to the coordinate of the i-particle, a third storage section that stores a value obtained by subtracting the length of one side of the basic cell from the coordinate of the i-particle, a control section that outputs a selection signal to select a value in order to minimize the distance between a minute cell including the i-particle and a minute cell including the j-particle among the values stored in the first to third storage sections and that outputs a coordinate value of the j-particle, a selection section that selects any o

Abstract: The invention relates to a technique for reducing computation time for force vector calculation. A force vector reconstruction method that uses an optical tactile sensor, comprises a step for obtaining a marker image by taking an image of behavior of colored markers when an object contacts a contact surface of an elastic body, a step of obtaining information relating to the marker behavior from the marker image, the information being more than the number of force vectors to be obtained, and a step of obtaining force vectors as outputs by inputting information relating to the obtained marker behavior to a transfer function. The step of obtaining force vectors comprises calculating force vectors using only information relating to behavior of markers neighboring region A1 of a position A where it is desired to obtain force vectors.

Abstract: A method for calculation of the lateral force in a motor vehicle with an electromechanical or electrohydraulic steering system is disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: firstly a steering column force is recorded, from which a total restoring torque is calculated. The total restoring torque comprises restoring torques generated by differing forces acting on the wheels. Said restoring torques include a restoring torque generated by lateral force and other restoring torques. The other restoring torques are quantitatively determined on the basis of measured values and subtracted from the total restoring torque, in order to determine the restoring torque generated by lateral force. Finally the lateral force is determined from the restoring torque generated by the lateral force.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device able to suppress discrepancy between an estimated drive torque due to delay of a switching timing of a torque estimating means of a compressor and an actual drive torque of the compressor, provided with a flow rate detecting means for detecting a refrigerant flow rate, a check valve opening only in a refrigerant discharge direction in the compressor, a storage part storing estimated drive torque characteristics determining the correspondence between a drive torque behavior of the compressor and an elapsed time from the start of operation of the compressor, a first estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque based on estimated torque characteristic stored in the storage part, a second estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating the estimated drive torque using a flow rate detecting means, and an estimated drive torque switching means for switching from the first estimated drive torque calculating means to the second

Abstract: A method and system for evaluating and tuning damper system includes at least one test rig on which one or more physical damper system are mounted. A full vehicle model and a road description are used with the test rig to test and evaluate or tune the damper system as would be conducted on a real test track. The full vehicle model is modified to remove the characteristics of the damper system under test. The remainder of the full vehicle model produces output signals in the form of displacements or loads that are transmitted as inputs to the test rig to apply those signals. The test rig measures output signals in the form of complementary displacements or loads that will become inputs to the vehicle model in place of the removed model of the damper system under test. In this manner, the physical damper system under test is inserted into a real time model of the full vehicle, road and driver.

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 low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.