Abstract: Included are embodiments for determining an inertial quantity. One embodiment of a method includes combining readings from a plurality of inertial sensors to produce an estimate of the value of an inertial quantity in a manner that is fault-tolerant, more accurate than traditional sensor arrangements, and able to handle non-linear and non-Gaussian systems. Embodiments of a method also include utilizing a Monte Carlo estimation-based inference system to adaptively combine the inertial sensor outputs into a fault-tolerant highly-accurate inertial quantity estimate, an axis-reversed-paired physical arrangement of inertial sensors to minimize effects of environmental and process noise, and cross-associating sensors to ensure good sensor associations and reduce the effects of sample impoverishment.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for determining an estimated value for at least one measured variable of a wind turbine. The measured variable represents a bending torque on a blade root of a rotor blade of the wind turbine from a rotor plane. The method includes reading in the measured variable and an angle of attack for the rotor blade. The method further includes adapting a model, which simulates an estimated value of the measured variable on the basis of a modeling instruction for a relationship between the measured variable and the angle of attack. The model is adapted using the read-in measured variable and the read-in angle of attack. The method also includes providing the estimated value for the at least one measured variable using the model.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring a force acting on a foot or a footwear. The system includes an assembly that is disposed proximate to a region of the foot or the footwear. The assembly includes a sensing device and a processor communicatively coupled to the sensing device. The sensing device is disposed on a flexible substrate or a stretchable substrate, where the sensing device conforms to the region of the foot or the footwear, and where the sensing device is used to measure data relating to the force acting on the foot or the footwear. The processor executes processor-executable instructions to analyze the data from the sensing device. The analysis can be used to provide an indication of the measured force.

Abstract: A working fluid sensor system adapted to analyze operation of a power generation system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a working fluid sensor system includes: a set of sensors adapted to be disposed within a turbine, the set of sensors including probe portions which extend into a flowpath of the turbine for exposure to a working fluid, the probe portions adapted to react to a force exerted by the working fluid on the probe portions and indicate a moisture content of the working fluid.

Abstract: A pressure testing device for calculating a pressure in a flexible line comprises a housing unit, a force sensor mounted on the housing unit and a clamp assembly having a clamp mounted on the housing unit. The clamp is operable to compress the flexible line against the force sensor by a predetermined degree of deformation of the flexible line. The device includes a displacement sensor adapted to measure a displacement of the clamp. The device also includes a controller having a processor in communication with the force sensor and the displacement sensor, and a memory unit containing stored data. At the predetermined degree of deformation of the flexible line, the processor compares a first signal from the force sensor and a second signal from the displacement senor with the stored data to estimate the pressure within the flexible line.

Abstract: A system and method for processing sensor signals is disclosed. The system comprises a sensor array, a multiplexer, a converter, a selection module and a combination module. The sensor array measures a physical parameter in a first dimension on a seat and generates a first set of sensor signals. The sensor array measures the physical parameter in a second dimension on the seat and generates a second set of sensor signals. The multiplexer multiplexes the first set of sensor signals into a first signal stream and the second set of sensor signals into a second signal stream. The converter converts the first signal stream to a first set of digital signals and the second signal stream to a second set of digital signals. The selection module determines a set of first-dimension data and a set of second-dimension data. The combination module forms a set of two-dimensional data.

Abstract: Head impact event evaluation systems and methods. A system and computer implemented method for event detection includes collecting sensor data transmitted from one or more sensor devices being attached to one or more users. The sensors transmit data when an event results in sensor data above a threshold value. At least one force is determined based on the collected sensor data. At least one force vector is determined based on a location of one or more sensors associated with the sensor devices and the determined at least one of the linear or rotational force. At least a portion of a human form is displayed with the determined force vector based on the determined at least on force vector on a display.

Abstract: In a computer-aided detection of the jamming of an object, wherein, when adjusting a component of a motor vehicle using an adjusting drive (6), measurement values related to the adjusting force (F) are compared to a prescribed threshold value (FR), initiating a slowdown, stop, or reversing of the adjusting motion when said value is reached. A spring rate correcting term characterizing the rigidity of the object is determined for correcting the relationship between the adjusting force (F) and the threshold value (FR), and is considered in the comparison.

Abstract: A method estimates parameters for a self-energized brake mechanism having a moving part, a brake pad, a brake disc, a caliper, and a wedge profile. The method includes the following acts: applying the same actuator force to the brake mechanism and simultaneously to a dynamical model of the brake mechanism; calculating deviations based on measured state variables of the brake mechanism and simulated state variables of the dynamical model; and producing the estimated parameters by online minimization. A device is provided for executing the method.

Abstract: A method of evaluating impact force input to a workpiece member with a laser irradiated in laser peening processing is provided. This evaluation method includes a signal acquiring step, an input function calculating step, and an evaluating step. In the signal acquiring step, a detected waveform is acquired. The detected waveform is output during the laser peening processing by an AE sensor that detects an elastic wave generated in the workpiece member. In the input function calculating step, an input function I(t) by laser irradiation is calculated. In the evaluating step, impact force is evaluated using the input function I(t) by the laser irradiation.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting erroneous cable stripping includes an auxiliary bracket having a stripping blade coupled thereto to cut a part of a sheath of a cable to strip the cable, a sensor attached to the auxiliary bracket to sense bending deformation of the auxiliary bracket occurring when tensile force is applied to the cable to strip the cable, and a central processing unit configured to receive a signal sent in response to bending deformation of the auxiliary bracket and determine whether the cable has been stripped erroneously or not.

Abstract: A Centrifugal Adhesion Balance apparatus for measuring retention forces between a body and a surface. This CAB apparatus decouples the normal and lateral retention forces by allowing any combination of the gravity force and a centrifugal force. This CAB apparatus includes a rotatable arm and an independently rotatable flat surface wherein the angle between the arm and the flat surface is precisely controlled.

Abstract: A directional tap detection algorithm and a single tri-axis accelerometer are employed to extend the number of unique button less input commands available for a small mobile electronic device. The algorithm analyzes acceleration data from the tri-axis accelerometer to detect the direction and number of taps imparted to any of the six sides of a housing of the device, yielding 12 unique inputs. The algorithm employs a parameter referred to as the performance index (PI) to identify tap induced movements. The PI is determined by calculating the time derivative of each acceleration signal for each axis and then calculating the sum of the absolute values of the calculated acceleration derivatives. A tap is determined to have occurred if the sum exceeds a threshold value for a predetermined amount of time. If a second tap is detected within a predetermined time after the first tap, then a double tap is determined to have occurred.

Abstract: There are provided a touchpad using resistive electro-conductive fibers and an input device having the same, which can be used for controlling a personal terminal such as a computer by receiving a user's input using a signal representing a motion of the user detected by the resistive electro-conductive fiber in contact with the user's body part such as a finger, instead of using a separate input device such as a mouse. The touchpad includes a plurality of motion detectors and a signal analyzer. The motion detectors each include a resistive electro-conductive fiber having a resistance value varied according to a change in length caused by contact with a human body part, and a signal generator outputting a signal corresponding to the varied resistance value. The signal analyzer analyzes the signal from each of the motion detectors, and generates a motion signal representing a motion of the human body part in contact with the touchpad.

Abstract: A compressor inlet pressure estimation apparatus for a refrigeration cycle system is disclosed. An electronic control unit 14 answers YES by judging that the command to start a compressor 2 is issued when an air-conditioning switch is turned on in step S100. After that, the electronic control unit 14 answers NO in the case where a timer count time Tc is shorter than a predetermined time T1 in step S120. At the same time, Tefin_C is set to 15° C. in step S130. The lower one of Tefin_C and Tefin determined in this way is determined as Tefin_d (step S150). After that, Tefin_d is input to the first-order lag function to acquire Tefin_AD(N). Then, the control proceeds to step S170, where the estimated value Ps_es(N) of the refrigerant inlet pressure of the compressor 2 is determined using Tefin_AD(N) and Gr.

Abstract: A compressor drive torque estimating device to be adapted for a system provided with a refrigeration cycle in which a refrigerant is circulated by a compressor driven by a drive source mounted in a vehicle, comprising heat load detecting means for detecting a heat load of the refrigeration cycle, a storage unit storing a plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics establishing correlation between a drive torque change characteristic of the compressor and an elapsed time from a time of start of operation of the compressor, an estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means for selecting the one of the plurality of estimated drive torque characteristics stored in the storage unit based on detected values detected by the heat load detecting means, and an estimated drive torque calculating means for calculating an estimated drive torque of the compressor based on the estimated drive torque characteristic selected by the estimated drive torque characteristic selecting means.

Abstract: An electrically driven mooring winch is provided. The mooring winch includes a winding drum, an AC motor configured to drive the winding drum, a frequency conversion unit connected to the AC motor, and a control unit configured to control the frequency conversion unit on the basis of an indicator for tension of the mooring rope. The control unit is configured to set a reference value of rotational speed of the AC motor to a predetermined value, drive the AC motor in one direction for a predetermined time interval, define a first value of a torque of the AC motor, drive the AC motor in an opposite direction for the predetermined interval, define a second value of the torque of the AC motor, and compute a torque estimate using the first and second values of the torque.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for monitoring head acceleration and/or forces acting thereon are disclosed. A device for monitoring an acceleration or a force acting on the head of a user includes a flexible article adapted to be worn on the head of the user; and a monitoring assembly coupled to the flexible article. The monitoring assembly includes a sensor for measuring a force on the head and transmitting data relating to the force, the sensor disposed proximate to the head, a processor adapted to receive the force data from the sensor, and a flexible strip operatively connecting the sensor and the processor.

Abstract: An interface device for measuring forces applied to the interface device. The interface device has a flexible contact surface suspended above a rigid substrate. The interface device has at least one sensor in communication with the contact surface. The interface device has processing circuitry for receiving signals from the sensors and substantially instantaneously producing an output signal corresponding to the location and force applied in multiple locations across the contact surface.

Abstract: The different advantageous embodiments provide a method and an apparatus for measuring forces. In one advantageous embodiment, an apparatus comprising a probe, a force sensor, an angle measurement system, and an output device is provided. The probe is configured to apply a load to a surface of an object. The force sensor is configured to measure a force along an axis through an end of the probe that contacts the surface when the load is applied to the surface by the probe. The angle measurement system is configured to identify an angle of the axis relative to the surface of the object. The output device is configured to display the force and the angle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a digital device and a method for measuring the axial load of a torque-shear-type high strength bolt. One embodiment of the digital device of the present invention includes: a main body portion which is connected to an electromotive wrench fastening a torque-shear-type high strength bolt; a measurement portion disposed at the main body portion to measure the axial load of the torque-shear-type high strength bolt using a quantity of the electricity from the electromotive wrench; a power supply portion disposed at the main body portion and including a power lead-in portion for receiving an external power supply and a power lead-out portion for supplying power to the electromotive wrench; and a display portion displaying the axial force value measured by the measurement portion.

Abstract: A moving or rotating body and a stationary body having a wireless communication link with each other. The communication link may involve RF telemetry. The stationary body may provide power in a wireless manner to the rotating body. The moving body may be a rotation sensor for determining torque, speed of rotation, angular position, power and the like. The stationary body may also interact with a processing module via a communication medium. The communication medium may be an Ethernet or an equivalent.

Abstract: A system for determining the tongue weight of a towed vehicle and other parameters includes a drawbar transducer in one embodiment and a receiver hitch transducer in another embodiment. Strain gauges are strategically located on the transducer and information regarding the towed vehicle are sent to a display. In one embodiment, a portable display unit has a radio frequency transceiver for receiving transmitted data from the transducer reflective of the towed vehicle tongue weight so that a user can view the tongue weight in practically real time. In this manner, the user can adjust the contents of the towed vehicle to achieve proper tongue weight without the necessity of going back and forth between the trailer and the transducer. A method is also disclosed for determining a safe towing condition based on the trailer tongue weight, trailer pulling force, acceleration during towing, and calculated trailer weight.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system configured with a load roller assembly to apply a generally radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly during rotation, and which is configured with sensors to obtain one or more measurements of lateral forces associated with the vehicle wheel assembly during the loaded rotation, from which a quantified representation of lateral force for the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly is determined.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a vehicle tire is provided. The system includes a testing assembly configured to support the vehicle tire. The assembly includes a force-moment transducer configured to gather force information from the vehicle tire in response to a stimulus on the vehicle tire. The system further includes an accelerometer coupled to the vehicle tire and configured to gather vibration information from the vehicle tire in response to the stimulus on the vehicle tire. The system further includes a post-processing system configured to receive the vibration information from the accelerometer and the force information from the force-moment transducer. The post-processing system is further configured to extract resonant frequencies from the vibration information and the force information.

Abstract: An acoustic emissions testing device includes a rock sample including a first surface, an acoustic sensor, an indenter coupled to the first surface, and a load. The load is exerted on the indenter, which transfers the load to the first surface. The acoustic sensor is communicably coupled to the rock sample and detects one or more acoustic events occurring within the rock sample. An acoustic emissions testing system includes a data recorder coupled to the testing device. The data recorder records the data from testing device. Based upon the data received, the toughness of the sample is objectively determined and can be ranked comparatively to the toughness of other samples. The load is ramped up to a peak load, held for a period of time, and then ramped down.

Abstract: Impact at a headpiece, for example a protective helmet, is characterized in part using an impact sensor including at least one acceleration switch positioned on the helmet. A microcontroller is configured to identify and store acceleration switch opening duration data based on the binary output values of the at least one acceleration switch. A processor at a portable electronic device receives the acceleration switch opening duration data and determines whether the experienced impact force is associated with an impact force magnitude that is within a predetermined head injury range of magnitude. An impact alert is generated when the impact force magnitude is within the predetermined head injury range of magnitude. In an embodiment, the portable electronic device displays a severity indication and an identifier of a person associated with the sensor that experienced impact.

Abstract: A method allowing the reliable and accurate calculation of the torque of a shaft using two phonic wheels and a sensor, the method including correlating the signal resulting from a rotation or one sixth of a rotation with the signal resulting from the subsequent rotation or one sixth of a rotation. The length of time between two passages of teeth is calculated by interpolating the cross-correlation function using least squares interpolation.

Abstract: A system and method of calculating under changing conditions in real-time aerodynamic drag acting on a rider on a vehicle. A computer receives a signal indicative of a force of the vehicle on the rider from at least one force sensor located at or near at least one point of contact between the rider and the vehicle. The computer determines aerodynamic drag acting on the rider on the vehicle from the received signal. These steps are repeated under changing conditions.

Abstract: A bicycle-use measuring apparatus includes a sensor, a signal amplifying section and a gain control section. The sensor is configured to be installed on a bicycle having a rotating part. The signal amplifying section amplifies an output of the sensor. The gain control section adjusts a gain of the signal amplifying section in accordance with changes in a rotational state of the rotating part.

Abstract: A digital programmable load measurement device provides a controllable and variable load unit in a system. The variable load unit is connected to a voltage follower and a current follower to measure and figure out dynamic load voltage and load current of a device under test. Selected loads can be switched in a short period to measure the voltage and current values thereof, sampled for saving, and an I-V curve of the system can be depicted.

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: A calibration apparatus includes a fixture coupled to hold a distal end of a medical probe. An actuator is configured to press against the distal tip of the probe and apply to the distal tip multiple force vectors having respective magnitudes and angles with respect to the distal end, so as to cause a deformation of the distal tip relative to the distal end. A sensing device is configured to measure the magnitudes of the force vectors applied by the actuator. A calibration processor is configured to receive from the probe first measurements indicative of the deformation of the distal tip in response to the force vectors, to receive from the sensing device second measurements indicative of the magnitudes of the force vectors, and to compute, based on the angles and the first and second measurements, calibration coefficients for assessing the force vectors as a function of the first measurements.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for estimating aircraft dynamic pressure. The load on the flight control surface actuator that is coupled to a flight control surface is measured. An estimate of the aircraft dynamic pressure is calculated from the measured load.

Abstract: A system and method for determining wedge tightness in a dynamoelectric machine is provided. The dynamoelectric machine includes a rotor, stator and a wedge assembly having at least one wedge for retaining a coil. The system includes a force application device for applying a predetermined force or a known quantity of force to a wedge, and the force is applied in a substantially radial direction. A measuring device for measuring movement of the wedge, measures a movement distance relative to a surface of an adjacent core surface. The system can be inserted between the rotor and the stator, and the movement distance is obtained by evaluating a distance to an adjacent core surface and a distance to a surface of the wedge.

Abstract: Modeling the gravitational field-induced or centrifugal field-induced separation of particles of a dispersion by use of one or more additional force fields that also influence the migration of the particles. A method includes detecting and measuring the modified separation behavior with the help of concentration-measuring sensors. The force acting upon the particles can be calculated from the change in velocity of the particles, and the corresponding particle properties can be calculated if the respective field intensities are known.

Abstract: A system and method for measurement of a polished rod movement in a reciprocating rod pumping system comprising reciprocal motive elements is provided. A proximity sensor target is mounted on the polished rod while a corresponding sensor element, is mounted in fixed relation to the pumping system, for example in fixed relation to the wellhead or ground. The sensor detects passage of the proximity sensor target, and thus the polished rod, as it moves in opposite directions during a single stroke cycle. The time of passage and the speed of the polished rod, as determined from its kinematic relationship with other pumping system components, is used to determine the position of the polished rod at any point during the cycle. The proximity sensor target may be mounted on a walking beam or other reciprocally moving element, with the sensor positioned in a corresponding fixed location.

Abstract: A steering test stand has a first steering device with a measurement unit measuring the steering device torque value and applies forces to the steering device and control unit and has a control unit connected to a computer for controlling actuators. The computer simulates static and/or dynamic properties of a motor vehicle and transmits simulated target values to the control unit. A test driver unit comprises a second steering device as a force feedback steering wheel and a connection between the test driver unit and the computer, transmits a second steering angle set on the force feedback steering wheel. A second connection between the test driver unit and computer transmits steering torque measured on the first steering device to the test unit, such that the second steering device sets a second steering torque value on the force feedback steering wheel as a function of the first value.

Abstract: A method and a device are provided for testing the design of a seat comprising a seat area, a backrest, and a headrest. The method includes positioning a body simulating element with a reference measuring point on the seat by means of a robot kinematics; passive switching of the robot kinematics; measuring a distance between the reference measuring point and the headrest; and comparing the measured distance with a reference value.

Abstract: A method for determining properties of an asphalt material include measuring respective current deformations of a plurality of samples of the asphalt material, repeating the measuring step over a plurality of temperatures that change at a predetermined rate, calculating a plurality of measured total strain values as a function of the deformations and the temperatures, calculating respective creep strains, at different ones of the plurality of temperatures, based on the total strains as a function of applied stresses, calculating respective creep stiffnesses as a function of the temperatures, determining a combined creep curve based on the respective creep stiffnesses, deriving a theoretical creep curve, and fitting the theoretical creep curve with the combined creep curve to determine a master creep curve function and a time-temperature shift function.

Abstract: A method for evaluating mechanical properties of a sample includes applying a plurality of pulses of acoustic energy to a sample to apply a mechanical force to the sample and induce a non-steady-state displacement in the sample. The method further includes monitoring a response of the sample caused by the application of the mechanical force. The method further includes determining a quantitative value for a mechanical property of the sample based on the response.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer readable media for controlling a digging operation of an industrial machine. A method includes determining a hoist bail pull associated with the industrial machine, determining a crowd torque limit value for a crowd drive based on the determined hoist bail pull of the industrial machine, and setting a crowd torque limit of the crowd drive to the crowd torque limit value to limit a torque associated with a crowd motor to the crowd torque limit value.

Abstract: A sensing circuit includes a plurality of sensors, a controller, a multiway switch, a linear optocoupler, and a logical control unit. The plurality of sensors are capable of measuring physical quantity, and each of the plurality of sensors is capable of generating a sensing signal in accordance with the physical quantity. The controller is capable of receiving and analyzing the sensing signals, and transforming the sensing signals into sensing events. The multiway switch is capable of selectively connecting one of the plurality of sensors to the controller. The linear optocoupler is connected between the plurality of sensors and the controller. The logical control unit is capable of controlling the multiway switch to selectively connect one of the plurality of sensors to the optocoupler, and generating a control signal to the controller, wherein the control signal indicating the one of the plurality of sensors connected to the controller.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method are generally directed to a system of monitoring an appliance. Various embodiments can have a number of appliance subsystems with real and imaginary current associated therewith. The operating characteristics of each appliance subsystem may be learned by monitoring the real and imaginary current associated with each appliance subsystem over time, and operating profiles can be derived therefrom.

Abstract: A method for determining output torque capabilities in a transmission having a first, second, and third node, each of which has a speed and acceleration. The method includes controlling the speed of the first node, calculating a real maximum long-term output torque capability (raw max LT) as a function of at least the acceleration and the speed of the first and second nodes, and calculating an inertialess maximum long-term output torque capability (inertialess max LT), which is identical to the raw max LT except that the inertialess max LT ignores torque capability due to acceleration of the first node. The raw max LT and the inertialess max LT are compared to determine an operating capability for the transmission. The first node may be an input node for the transmission. The method may include determining a new effective minimum long-term output torque capability (new effective min LT) by similar considerations.

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 to measure forces on a device inserted through the skin into a human or animal body to introduce or remove material.

Abstract: Apparatuses for monitoring power tong operation are disclosed. The apparatus comprising: a sealed enclosure housing a computer and a battery; a torque sensor connected to send signals to the computer; and a turns counter connected to send signals to the computer; in which the battery is connected to supply power to the computer, the torque sensor, and the turns counter. An external display may be connected to receive display signals from the computer. The computer may be a microcontroller with a central processing unit, a motherboard, and a memory unit.

Abstract: Example embodiments may relate systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer readable media configured to process input specifying a user attribute, adjust a performance zone based on the user attribute, receive data generated by at least one of an accelerometer and a force sensor, determine whether the data is within the performance zone, and output the determination.

Abstract: A fabric-based pressure sensor array includes: (1) a first layer including M elongated conductive strips coated thereon; (2) a second layer including N elongated conductive strips coated thereon, the M elongated conductive strips extending crosswise relative to the N elongated conductive strips to define M×N intersections; and (3) a unitary textile sheet extending between the first layer and the second layer so as to overlap the M×N intersections, the textile sheet having a variable resistivity in response to applied pressure so as to define M×N pressure sensors at locations corresponding to the M×N intersections.