Abstract: A method for adjusting the pitch and roll static torques (PST and RST) on a slider in a disk drive head-suspension assembly (HSA) during manufacturing assures that each HSA is manufactured with acceptable PST and RST values. The method includes measuring each slider's pitch and roll static attitudes (PSA and RSA) and determining each HSA's pitch and roll torsional stiffnesses. These values are then used to calculate the required amount of adjustment to PSA and RSA to achieve the desired values of PST and RST for each HSA. The suspension is then adjusted, such as by heating the flexure with a laser.

Abstract: The method and apparatus for detecting maximum and minimum values, and the torque detecting apparatus and steering apparatus comprising the maximum and minimum values detecting apparatus can detect maximum and minimum values of detection signals without setting a particular value such as a threshold. A signal processing unit provided at the maximum and minimum values detecting apparatus detects a crossing of two detection signals outputted from two MR sensors, and detects maximum and minimum values of the signals based on maximum and minimum values of the signals detected within a time interval defined by the time when a crossing is detected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hand-held working tool, such as a setting device used for driving fastening elements such as nails, bolts, pins and the like into a surface, or an at least partially percussive hand-held tool having a housing part (11) and a working mechanism such as a setting or striking mechanism arranged inside the housing of the device and having at least one sensing device (17) for sensing acceleration forces occurring during a setting or striking pulse as well as a handle. For improving this type of hand-held working tool (10) an interface (30) for data communication and data output is arranged on the hand-held working tool.

Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A seat weighing device which is not readily affected by the heat, as well as maintaining stable sensitivity of a load sensor. Four deformation resistors are disposed on a sensor plate with the same distance from the center of a fastening member. Furthermore, four openings are formed at positions near the fixing positions (mounting positions) for the two deformation resistors on the sensor plate. The formation of these openings, reduces the cross-sectional area at positions where the openings have been formed on the sensor plate, and thus, the sensor plate readily flexes (deforms) at a position around the fixing positions for the deformation resistors. This enables the deformation resistors, to measure the load in a sure manner.

Abstract: A method for determining the state of tension of a material at a given time, including the step of calculating the value of at least one parameter extracted from the ultrasonic signal received after propagation of an ultrasonic wave emitted in the material between an ultrasound source and at least an ultrasound emitter located at a fixed distance from the source, the value of the at least one parameter varying with the state of tension of the material, the variation of the at least one parameter being proportional or inversely proportional to the variation of the state of tension of the material.

Abstract: For the automatic determination of the diameter of a tool, particularly a saw blade for an automatic wall saw, which is driven by a motor via a gear unit, the moment of inertia of the tool is used as an indicator for its diameter. Three basic solution variants are introduced. In particular, the system including a motor, gear unit and tool is treated as a dual-mass oscillator such that the elasticity of the shafts and gears is arranged as a torsion spring between the inertial masses in two discrete points while taking into account two coefficients of friction including coefficients of the known inertia of the motor rotor (?R) and of the tool (?S). This system can be described by equations which are then simplified by reasonable assumptions or premises. The selected formulations are solved for the moment of inertia of the tool to determine the diameter therefrom and to make an optimal adjustment for the drive possible which is adapted to the respective tool.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring a pulling force acting on a belt webbing of a seat belt of a motor vehicle is located between an anchoring point of the seat belt on the vehicle and a connection device which is to be connected to the seat belt. The connection device, in relation to the anchoring point, can be moved against a spring bias. The measuring device is a magnetic field sensor that is arranged between two analogous poles of two permanent magnets.

Abstract: A system for real-time signal processing for vehicle monitoring, including a first device disposed in a tire of a vehicle and producing a signal that is a function of a tire contact time period, during which a point at the tire circumference stays in contact with the ground, and a second device operative to repetitively perform a first task of processing the signal to calculate the tire contact time period at a first predetermined rate, and to repetitively perform a second task of calculating a tire load based at least in part upon the calculated tire contact time period at a second predetermined rate, wherein said second predetermined rate is less than said first predetermined rate.

Abstract: A device used for measuring the angle of torque beyond a specific reference point. The device is comprised of a tool that applies torque to a fastener, an adapter that is attached to the fastener to transfer the torque from the tool, and an apparatus that connects a first end to the tool and a second end to the adapter. The apparatus comprises an angle selector that is adjustable to the desired torque angle, an angle rate sensor that measures the speed and direction of the torque applied, a processor which calculates the current angle from the rate sensor measurements, a zero point indicator that serves as the basis point for the processor to calculate the selected angle, and an angle indicator that indicates the current angle of rotation.

Abstract: A method whereby the strands (13,13A) are fixed one after another between two cable anchors (A,B) integral with the structure. The method consists: in pulling on one of the ends of a strand (13A) from one (A) of the cable anchors, while the other end is fixed on the other cable anchor (B); continuously testing the tensioning condition of the strand (13A), the condition involving in particular the measured values of the strand tension and of a predetermined parameter. The invention is characterized in that the predetermined parameter is the variation of the distance separating the cable anchors (A,B).

Abstract: Methods are provided for monitoring and controlling a chemical mechanical planarization (CMP) process. Relationships between motor torques and CMP process parameters are determined and utilized to provide a basis for monitoring and controlling the CMP process. Motor current measurements obtained during the CMP process are converted to motor torques to provide for use of the relationships in monitoring and controlling the CMP process. The motor current measurements and relationships are also used to determine and monitor a coefficient of friction present during the CMP process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and recording the torque applied to a bolt. The present invention utilizes a piezoelectric compound disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the bolt is tightened, the piezoelectric compound is physically distorted and a net electrical potential is created across the piezoelectric compound. A processor in the bolt measures the electrical potential and calculates the torque based on the potential. The bolt then transmits a data packet comprising the torque value and bolt information to a wrench, which later transmits the data packet to a computer and a database. Alternatively, the bolt can be configured with a transmitter so that the data packet can be transmitted directly from the bolt to the computer and database. The bolt can also be configured with energizing circuitry that acts as a power source for the bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method wherein a state description of the technical system for an error occurrence and a state description of the technical system for error-free operation is determined in order to detect sensor and/or actor errors. The attainable states for both descriptions are preferably determined by model checking. A varying number of states of both descriptions is formed, said states being checked as to whether they comply with predeterminable conditions (e.g. safety requirements).

Abstract: A closure measuring system for measuring operable specifications of a door panel of an automotive vehicle. The closure measuring system includes a data sensing device adapted to be removably attached to the door panel on the vehicle for sensing and measuring a plurality of operable specifications of the door panel; such as the velocity, energy to move the door and closed door flushness. A control panel is provided for calculating and displaying the sensed and measured operable specifications from the data sensing device and comparing the sensed and measured operable specifications to predetermined design specifications of the door panel. A data acquisition chassis is electrically coupled between the data sensing device and the control panel for storing and transmitting the operable specifications between the data sensing device and the control panel.

Abstract: System and method for measuring force-dependent gyroscopic sensitivity. A force-effect model of the effects of acceleration on the output of a gyro triad is determined. Rotation sequences are then devised to permit excitation and observation of force-effect model parameters in order to provide calibration information for these parameters. A state diagram containing the gyro triad force-effect model parameters is derived from the force-effect model, where moving from one position in the state diagram to another position indicates the gyro triad error which would occur in rotating the gyro triad according to a corresponding motion. Searching for all possible closed loop paths achievable through the state diagram, by a multiple-axes rate table with a specified number of rotations, to separate gyro triad error calibration from the accelerometer calibration.

Abstract: This dynamic calibration qualifier relates to a tool monitor and assembly qualifier that verifies that the correct number of fasteners have been properly installed into an assembly. The device monitors an analog signature created by the tool and has the ability to dynamically calibrate itself while the tool is running. In the preferred embodiment, the stored variable is a clutch offset identified during a calibration phase. In a pulse tool, the programmed microprocessor is configured to identify and store the peak pressure of the first three pulses which are averaged together. The clutch offset is added to the average pulse value from which the clutch threshold is generated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the force severity of a mechanical press able to do so without utilizing a contact force sensor. The method continually computes values of dynamic deflection for the press being monitored and utilizes these values to compute load on the press at any point in time. Also provided is a method and apparatus for generating a theoretical slide displacement curve and an actual displacement curve as well as a system for comparing such curves.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a load-bearing platform (e.g., a seat) and measuring the weight of a load (e.g., an occupant) on the platform. The apparatus can include a base or support, a lever coupled to the support, and a sensor. The lever can be pivotally coupled to the support to allow pivotal movement of the lever with respect to the support in response to weight applied to the platform. The sensor can detect the force transmitted by the lever to determine the weight of the load on the platform. Furthermore, the lever can isolate the vertical load on the platform due to the weight of the load from other extraneous, non-vertical forces on the platform.

Abstract: The invention is a composite of interdependent engineering methods for earthen fill engineering and construction. The invention includes the development, utilization, and correlation of actual, cumulative field compaction energies, unique to and based on field combination-specific variables of any combination but including all of the following: soil type, compactor type, lift thickness, moisture content, and soil amendment type and mix.

Abstract: A method of measuring planarity of strip in a strip-rolling line or a strip-processing line in which a measuring beam, a plurality of measuring beams or discrete measuring pins in an inclined pattern across a measuring roller, measures the tension forces acting upon the strip to form a force summation foundation across the strip width. A tension distribution function is derived from the force summation function by taking derivatives of the force-summation function with respect to the width dimension of the strip and, if desired, dividing that derivative by the thickness of the strip.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the relative difficulty in donning of a glove. The apparatus contains a glove mount for holding a glove to be tested in an open donnable position and a device for measuring the effort associated with donning the glove. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the effort associated with donning a glove by providing a testing apparatus having a glove mount and a device for measuring effort associated with donning of a glove, mounting a glove for testing on the glove mount so the glove is open and donnable, initializing the testing apparatus, and acquiring data from the device relating to the effort associated with donning of the glove.

Abstract: To determine adjusting force comparison values for limiting the actuating force of a power-activated adjusting device by means of control technology, an initialization routine is predefined in a control unit, which allows the adjusting device to run through a specific number of complete adjusting cycles, before the recorded actuating force values are stored in the control unit as adjusting force comparison values.

Abstract: A transducer calibration apparatus and method for transforming both previously established transducer parameters for a transducer calibrated to a first target object material and measured transducer parameters for the transducer monitoring a second different target object material into a calibration parameter and transforming the output of the transducer and thus, the use of the transducer, from the first target object material used to calibrate the transducer to the second different target object material being subsequently monitored by the transducer by linearizing the output of the transducer into gap values as a function of the calculated calibration parameter and then, generating alarms based on the linearized output of the transducer exceeding established limits and using the alarms to automatically shut down a machine being monitored by the transducer and/or automatically annunciate machine problems to personnel.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for operating a test bench, e.g. a roller test bench, for carrying out simulation drives of a vehicle placed on the test bench. At least one vehicle wheel contacts at least one roller of the roller test bench. To determine the roller setpoint speed, a reaction torque of the roller in relation to the vehicle wheel is measured on the roller of the roller test bench.

Abstract: This qualifier uses multiple thresholds and multiple timers to perform its operations. This assembly qualifier is a counting apparatus that monitors either the pressure of a pulsing air tool. The qualifier includes a microprocessor that is configured to indicate a pulsing region when the measured air pressure is between the third stored air pressure and the fourth stored air pressure.

Abstract: A method of controlling the braking force in a vehicle has the following steps: determining actual values of controlled variables; determining setpoint values of controlled variables; comparing the actual values with the setpoint values, thereby obtaining comparison results; and influencing wheel forces on the basis of the comparison results, wheel forces being used as controlled variables, the actual values of the wheel forces being determined by a sensor system which measures the wheel force, torques having a modulation frequency being generated at the wheels, whereby the slip of the wheels and the wheel force of the wheels are modifiable, the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels are analyzed, and the setpoint values of the wheel forces are determined from the analysis of the slip of the wheels and the wheel forces of the wheels. A system for controlling the braking force in a vehicle is also described.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and first and second targets coupled to the rotatable shaft so as to rotate therewith, a first probe for transmitting a first transmission signal to the first target and receiving a first response signal from the first target, and a second probe for transmitting a second transmission signal to the second target and receiving a second response signal from the second target. The apparatus further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the first and second probes for determining a torsional displacement of the shaft based on the first and second response signals received by the first and second probes, respectively. The processor then determines a torque imposed on the rotatable shaft based on its torsional displacement.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program product measure and analyze forces incident on a target. A support coupled to the target may move the target into a number of different initial positions. A force sensor embedded within the target may relay measured data to a controller that processes it to arrive at statistics and other displayable parameters.

Abstract: A method of determining at least one characteristic of a tire selected from the three components of a resultant of forces which are exerted by the road on the contact area of a tire and the self-alignment torque generated by the tire, includes the steps of making at least two measurements of circumferential extension or contraction in at least one sidewall of the tire at two fixed points in space, which are situated at different azimuths along the circumference, and based on the measurements deriving a value for the selected characteristic.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of determining forces and torques acting on a riding vehicle. The invention is characterized in that measuring signals from acceleration sensors are evaluated which are fitted, preferably in longitudinal, transverse and vertical alignment, to one or more selected points on the vehicle, and that other signals are evaluated which represent the spatial angular velocity of the vehicle and its time derivative (rolling, pitching and/or yaw velocity and rolling, pitching and/or yaw acceleration) or at least some of these variables, and that a mathematic model of the vehicle is provided in which forces and torques acting on the vehicle or at least selected components of these forces and torques are determined from the sensor signals.

Abstract: A multiple fan monitoring circuit for use with a plurality of fans, wherein each of the fans operates at a different frequency and generates a tach signal indicative of the fan operation, including a number of waveform shaping networks coupled to a corresponding one of the fans and utilized to waveshape a tach signal generated by its corresponding fan. The multiple fan monitoring circuit also includes a frequency processing circuit, coupled to the waveform shaping networks, that receives the waveshaped tach signals at a single sense node. The frequency processing circuit includes a summing circuit, coupled to the single sense node, that combines the waveshaped tach signals into a single combined signal, and a frequency discriminator, coupled to the summing circuit, that separates the single combined signal into multiple components, wherein each of the multiple components corresponds to a particular fan.

Abstract: A method for simulating the formation of an adhesive joint and/or for determining the attributes of the adhesive joint is disclosed. The method allows an individual or business enterprise to consistently and reliably determine a proper amount and placement of adhesive used to form the joint.

Abstract: A friction force measurement apparatus which measure friction force between a fixed member fixed on a main body of a magnetic tape drive and a magnetic tape abrading the fixed member is characterized by being equipped with a vibration detector which is joined with the fixed member and a vicinity of the fixed member and detects vibration in abrasion of the magnetic tape with the fixed member, and a calculation device which calculates the friction force between the fixed member and the magnetic tape based on a signal from the vibration detector.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for measuring torque and flux current in an AC synchronous drive motor (108), having a shaft (110) magnetically coupled to an a-phase stator, a b-phase stator and a c-phase stator, includes a shaft position indicator (112) that is coupled to the shaft (110) and that generates a position signal indicative of a position of the shaft (110). A current sensing circuit (114) generates a current signal indicative of instantaneous direct link current of the motor (108). A sample and hold amplifier (116) samples the current signal when a trigger input is asserted. A processor (120) asserts the trigger input from trigger generation (124). The processor (120) calculates torque generated by the motor (108) and flux current in the motor (108) based on the current signal value and decoding algorithm (122).

Abstract: In the disclosure, MR sensors 6a and 6b for detecting the periodical angle position of rotating members rotating in conjunction with a steering wheel shaft are disposed in the vicinity of rotating members. These MR sensors are connected with a CPU 12, which makes the operation/processing of data from the MR sensors to calculate an absolute steering angle, including the indication of how many times the wheel has turned (periodicity). When the ignition key is turned off, the CPU 12 changes its operation mode into a stop mode of suspending said operation/processing, after storing the periodicity and the angle position &ggr; of the rotating members in a flash memory.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and program product measure and analyze forces incident on a target. A support coupled to the target may move the target into a number of different initial positions. A force sensor embedded within the target may relay measured data to a controller that processes it to arrive at statistics and other displayable parameters.

Abstract: A simulating method for vehicle/tire performances which includes: a tire model preparing step (s1) of preparing a tire model of a tire including a ply made out of a finite number of elements; a vehicle body model preparing step (s2) of preparing a vehicle body model of a vehicle body including suspension members made out of a finite number of elements; a vehicle model preparing step (s3) of preparing a vehicle model by attaching the tire model to a suspension model of the suspension members in the vehicle body model; and a simulation step (s4, s5) of virtually running the vehicle model by giving a boundary condition, and estimating vehicle's traveling properties and/or a tire property.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and recording the torque applied to a bolt. The present invention utilizes a piezoelectric compound disposed between an upper member and a lower member. When the bolt is tightened, the piezoelectric compound is physically distorted and a net electrical potential is created across the piezoelectric compound. A processor in the bolt measures the electrical potential and calculates the torque based on the potential. The bolt then transmits a data packet comprising the torque value and bolt information to a wrench, which later transmits the data packet to a computer and a database. Alternatively, the bolt can be configured with a transmitter so that the data packet can be transmitted directly from the bolt to the computer and database. The bolt can also be configured with energizing circuitry that acts as a power source for the bolt.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for measuring mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen. The system includes a first gripping device for removably securing a first end of the specimen, a second gripping device for removably securing a second end of the specimen and an image acquisition device for producing image data reflective of a specified area of the specimen. Either the first gripping device or the second gripping device is movable in a first direction and in communication with the displacement measurement mechanism, which produces displacement data. The first gripping device or the second gripping device is also in communication with the load measurement mechanism for producing load data. Also disclosed is a method for measuring the mechanical properties of a deformable material specimen.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a contact pressure exerted by a winding compression element on a winding in a power device such as a power transformer includes a sensor having a sensor element which reacts to pressure or strain. The sensor is disposed in the winding compression element. The sensor is configured to communicate, via a radio link, with an electronic checking device.

Abstract: A security mat alarm system having a pressure sensor sheet that is capable of detecting pressure and outputting a pressure sensed signal. A wireless transmitter is electrically connected to the pressure sensor sheet. The wireless transmitter is capable of transmitting an alarm signal upon detection of the pressure sensed signal. A wireless alarm receiver is capable of receiving the alarm signal and alarming.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a rotatable shaft and first and second targets coupled to the rotatable shaft so as to rotate therewith, a first probe for transmitting a first transmission signal to the first target and receiving a first response signal from the first target, and a second probe for transmitting a second transmission signal to the second target and receiving a second response signal from the second target. The apparatus further comprises a processor operatively coupled to the first and second probes for determining a torsional displacement of the shaft based on the first and second response signals received by the first and second probes, respectively. The processor then determines a torque imposed on the rotatable shaft based on its torsional displacement.

Abstract: In an abnormality detecting device of a torque sensor including a pair of coils in which inductance is changed in opposite directions corresponding to torque and a torque detecting means for outputting a torque detection voltage from both voltages based on a change in inductance of each of the pair of the coils, the abnormality detecting having: a pair of filter circuits for extracting the DC component of each voltage based on the pair of the coils and change in each inductance, a differential means for outputting a difference in voltage of the DC voltage outputted from each of the filter circuits as the abnormality detection voltage a memory means for memorizing a normal tolerance range preliminarily set up about the abnormality detection voltage of the differential means and a determining means for determining whether or not the abnormality detecting voltage outputted by the differential means is in the normal tolerance range memorized by the memory means.

Abstract: A method and device for operating a clutch between an internal combustion engine and at least one driven wheel of a vehicle, a torque being transmitted between the engine and the driven wheel by pressing the clutch together with a clamping force or a clamping load (p), and the clamping force or the clamping load (p) being adjusted as a function of an engine torque generated by the engine, and as a function of the inaccuracy of the information about the engine torque generated by the engine.

Abstract: The relationship between the stress &sgr; and the strain &egr; is firstly established in step 100 with short-term tests as a function of the temperature T. In steps 101 to 104, a Findley model is extended in such a way as to obtain a relationship between the strain &egr; and the stress &sgr; as a function of the time t and the temperature T. The two models are combined in steps 105 and 106, so as to obtain overall a relationship between the stress &sgr; and the strain &egr; as a function of the time t and the temperature T.

Abstract: A keyboard integrated with a computer with a mechanism for determining a pressure sensitivity needed to register a desired keystroke is disclosed. A keystroke is registered for a given key if a force on the given key exceeds the determined pressure sensitivity. A user configuration profile can be utilized to specify a needed pressure sensitivity. Pressure sensitivity can also be determined dynamically. A threshold amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke can be compared to a measured amount of pressure applied during the keystroke and if the measured pressure meets the threshold pressure, the keystroke is registered. A control module, which can include an alphanumeric scale, can be utilized to set a threshold amount of pressure needed to register a keystroke. Some embodiments can also include a threshold amount of pressure set for each individual key.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a force applied to an object by a person includes a support upon which the person stands, and one or more force sensors for detecting the reaction force applied through the person to the support resulting from the application of force to the object. A computing accessory may be included for computing the magnitude of the force, and a display for the result or other output devices may also be provided. A method of monitoring force is also disclosed. The apparatus and method may be used to determine the amount of force applied to an infant during delivery. The apparatus and method may also be used for a broad range of applications requiring measurement of applied force.

Abstract: A control system (18) and method for an automotive vehicle (10) used for detecting lift of a wheel includes a speed sensor (20) coupled to the wheel producing a wheel speed signal and a torque control system (57) coupled to the wheel for generating an operating input torque to the wheel. A controller (26) is coupled to the torque control system (57) and the wheel speed sensor (20). The controller (26) determines a wheel response to the operating input torque and generates a wheel lift signal as a function of the operating input torque, the wheel speed signal and the wheel response.

Abstract: A method of measuring planarity of strip in a strip-rolling line or a strip-processing line in which a measuring beam, a plurality of measuring beams or discrete measuring pins in an inclined pattern across a measuring roller, measures the tension forces acting upon the strip to form a force summation foundation across the strip width. A tension distribution function is derived from the force summation function by taking derivatives of the force-summation function with respect to the width dimension of the strip and, if desired, dividing that derivative by the thickness of the strip.