Abstract: A method for calibrating an output of a torsional vibration transducer can include: providing a torsional vibration transducer proximate to a body of a shaft configured to rotate along an axis of rotation, the torsional vibration transducer configured to measure a torsional vibration of the shaft; actuating the shaft to cause rotation of the shaft; while the shaft rotates, acquiring, using the torsional vibration transducer, a plurality of zero-stress measurements of the shaft across a plurality of gaps between the torsional vibration transducer and the shaft; calculating at least one calibration coefficient using the plurality of zero-stress measurements; and calibrating the output of the torsional vibration transducer according to the at least one calibration coefficient to reduce a sensitivity of the torsional vibration transducer to changes in gap between the torsional vibration transducer and the shaft when the torsional vibration of the shaft is measured.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a strain gauge including a substrate, with a first Wheatstone bridge arrangement of resistors disposed on a first surface of the substrate, and a second Wheatstone bridge arrangement of resistors disposed remotely from the first Wheatstone bridge arrangement of resistors. The resistors of the first Wheatstone bridge arrangement are equal in resistance to one another, while the resistors of the second Wheatstone bridge arrangement are unequal in resistance to one another and unequal to those of the first Wheatstone bridge arrangement. The first Wheatstone bridge arrangement of resistors are electrically connected in parallel with the second Wheatstone bridge arrangement of resistors such that each resistor of the first Wheatstone bridge arrangement is electrically connected in parallel with a different resistor of the second Wheatstone bridge arrangement.

Abstract: Force sensors capable of measuring only forces in xyz coordinate axis directions are installed in fingertips, respectively, and forces and moment forces acting on a robot hand are calculated based on positional information about each fingertip. This structure eliminates the need for using large force sensors to thereby enable downsizing of each fingertip, and enables detection of loads and moment forces acting on the robot hand.

Abstract: A head assembly for a crash test dummy includes a skull, a head skin disposed over the skull, and a facial insert disposed between the skull and the head skin and having a plurality of defined cell structures to achieve a biomechanical response that provides for evaluation of potential head injuries during vehicle crash testing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of and a system for optically connecting an optical fiber sensor (12) to an optical shape sensing console (21). The optical shape sensing console (21) has a number of single optical channels (C1, C2, C3). The optical fiber sensor (12) has a number of single fiber cores (A1, A2, A3) angularly spaced with respect to one another around a longitudinal center axis of the fiber sensor (12) and a fiber sensor connection end (30) for connection to an optical coupler (32; 38) connected to the shape sensing console (21). The optical coupler (32; 38) has the optical channels (C1, C2, C3) arranged for optical connection with the fiber cores (A1, A2, A3). A number of single calibration data sets indicative of individual optical properties of the single fiber cores (A1, A2, A3) is assigned to the single optical channels (C1, C2, C3).

Abstract: A cooking apparatus is provided. The cooking apparatus includes an input panel comprising a plurality of touch buttons, and a processor configured to enter a calibration mode according to a predetermined event, receive a signal corresponding to a test input for a first touch button among the plurality of touch buttons from the input panel in the calibration mode, and adjust a threshold value for identifying whether the first touch button was touched based on the strength of the received signal.

Abstract: A WIM sensor for determining wheel loads of a vehicle on a roadway segment during the passage of a wheel of the vehicle includes an elongated hollow profile that defines an enclosed first space. A plurality of piezoelectric measuring elements are disposed within the first space. A support element is arranged in the first space and secures therein the plurality of piezoelectric measuring elements. An electronic element is arranged in the first space and secured by the support element. An electric charge conductor is disposed in the first space and electrically connects a force-receiving surface of a piezoelectric measuring element to the electronic element.

Abstract: This invention discloses optical strain, stretch, and/or bend sensors which can provide precise and consistent measurement of human motion, posture, and gestures without the locational limitations of camera-based motion capture, the point-estimate limitations of inertial-based motion capture, or the variability of electrically-conductive strain, stretch, and/or bend sensors.

Abstract: An electronic device is provided that uniformalizes (makes uniform) pressing sensitivities of operation switches such as a plurality of immediate output switches. A system includes a PC which is connected to a communication line, and an audio interface device which is connected to the PC and which has an immediate output switch which outputs to the PC a reproduction start command signal of an audio file which is assigned in advance, according to a user operation. A processor of the audio interface device converts an output value of the immediate output switch using a conversion table to a level value among a plurality of levels, and outputs the converted value. The conversion table is a table which converts different output values of the immediate output switch for the same pressing force into the same level value.

Abstract: A rotatable training mannequin used for training fighters or contact sports athletes is constructed of materials that mimic or simulate the upper human body. A sensor embedded in the training mannequin's head senses, detects, and transmits signals containing data for computer analysis. The data is related to motion parameters, which include linear and angular accelerations and velocities, of the training mannequin as a result of impacts and power strikes made by trainee to the training mannequin. Analysis provides feedback to the trainee related to the motion parameters to help the trainee learn proper footwork and where and how to make effective strikes. The parameter values obtained from the training mannequin can be calibrated and/or correlated against current or future real human parameter values due to strikes or other forces that produce damaging effects, such as concussions, and the training mannequin can be used to avoid or learn about concussions.

Abstract: A method of controlling a valve plunger of a valve makes provision that, prior to the operation, the valve individually runs through a set-up procedure on the basis of a detected closed position, in which set-up procedure the valve plunger exerts an additional force in the direction of the valve seat beyond a detected closed position. The corresponding valve is equipped with an integrated valve controller which performs a corresponding set-up procedure automatically prior to the operation.

Abstract: A system and method for shape sensing with optical fiber include collecting (610) shape data from a shape sensing optical fiber device. The shape data are tested (620) to determine data positions that exceed an acceptable threshold based on geometrical expectations of the shape data. The shape data corresponding to the data positions that exceed an acceptable threshold are rejected (640). Acceptable shape data are rendered (650) to provide a stable shape sensing data set.

Abstract: A test device of universal nail/screw holding power is provided. The device is capable of penetrating a nail/screw into a test piece at any angle and positioning the test piece on which a nail/screw is penetrated at any angle to test the nail/screw holding power. The device includes a base, two opposite supporting plates, two coaxial disks, an upper bearing plate, a lower bearing plate, a side bearing plate, a through groove, a trapezoid slot, and a plurality of trapezoid bolts on the same circumference. When the disk is turned, at least one trapezoid bolt is inserted into the trapezoid slot; when the at least one trapezoid bolt engages with the trapezoid slot and then is tightened up, the at least one trapezoid bolt and the trapezoid slot cooperatively limit the turn of the disk.

Abstract: A microphone device comprises a microphone die including a first microphone motor and a second microphone motor, an acoustic integrated circuit structured to process signals produced by the first microphone motor and the second microphone motor, and a sensor die stacked on top of the acoustic integrated circuit, wherein the sensor die comprises a pressure sensor. Another microphone comprises a microphone die including a first microphone motor and a second microphone motor and an integrated circuit die. The integrated circuit die comprises an acoustic integrated circuit structured to process signals produced by the first microphone motor and the second microphone motor, a pressure sensor, and a pressure integrated circuit structured to press signals produced by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An input device 1 comprises a sensor circuit 91 which includes a pressure-sensitive sensor 50 and a first fixed resistor 914 which is electrically connected in series to the pressure-sensitive sensor 50. A resistance value Rf of the first fixed resistor 914 satisfies the following expression (1). In the expression (1), RsHL is a resistance value of the pressure-sensitive sensor 50 when ½ of the maximum working load of the pressure-sensitive sensor 50 is applied, and Co is a resistance correction coefficient within the range of 1/16 to 1/1.

Abstract: For bridges over waterways which are susceptible to scour, the load carrying capacity of the substructure may be reduced by scour. These bridges must be evaluated for reduced load rating and/or posting limits. Here, the substructure load rating is used in connection with calculating the bridge load rating. This is often limited by the substructure load carrying capacity and the tolerable deformation. Thus, bridges impacted by scour need to be judged based on both the superstructure and substructure components. The system/process to assess the substructure load rating uses an analytical method which combines numerical methods and empirical calculations to predict the behavior of a bridge's superstructure and substructure. Limited instrumentation is installed at critical locations on the bridge. The measurements are then used to verify and refine predictions to arrive at a substructure load rating which is usable with the superstructure load rating to define a safe load carrying capacity.

Abstract: A pressing force sensor that includes a flat membrane piezoelectric element and a support. The flat membrane piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric sheet having a piezoelectric constant. A first electrode is formed on a first main surface of the piezoelectric sheet and a second electrode is formed on a second main surface thereof. Long directions of the first electrode and the second electrode and a uniaxial stretching direction of the piezoelectric sheet form an angle of 45°. An opening portion having an elliptical section is formed on the support. The flat membrane piezoelectric element abuts the opening portion of the support. The support and the flat membrane piezoelectric element are disposed such that the opening portion is included within an area of the second electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention recite a system for extending the lifespan of a touch screen assembly. In one embodiment, a signal is received indicating an input pressure is being applied to a touch screen assembly. It is then determined that the input pressure comprises a valid input event and the coordinates of the valid input event are received from the touch screen assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force sensor correcting method which is simple and capable of performing correction, with the force sensor remaining mounted at the end of an arm without an exchange of an end effector. In the present invention, a force sensor 1 of one robot 101 has already been corrected, and a force sensor 2 of the other robot 102 is an object to be corrected. First, hands 3a, 3b of a pair of robots 101, 102 are made to abut on each other (abutting step). A detected signal of the corrected force sensor 1 of the one robot 101, generated by execution of the abutting step, is converted into a measured value indicating a force or a moment (measurement step). Based on the measured value obtained in the measurement step, a value indicating a force or a moment acting on the hand 3b of the other robot 102 due to a reaction generated by the abutting step is obtained (calculation step).

Abstract: A head impact test apparatus is configured to enable viewing a head model including a brain component that may be at least partially surrounded by a fluid component and within a skull component. A head model may be a cross-sectional model of a person's head and have a translucent cover extending over the cross-sectional plane to enable viewing and image capture of the components of the head model. A camera may be configured to take a plurality of images during an impact test. These images may be analyzed to determine the acceleration and deformation of the brain component. An impact element is configured to impact the head model and the head model may have any type of helmet thereon. A helmet component may comprise a helmet cover. The test may be used to determine the effectiveness of helmets and helmet covers in reducing brain trauma.

Abstract: The stimulation of waves in bars, in particular at high amplitudes, is used for the calibration of acceleration and force sensors. A method and a device for calibrating acceleration and force sensors employing a Hopkinson bar for controlled influencing of the signal form, the signal amplitude and the pulse duration of the signals over a large amplitude range, is provided. A reference sensor and the sensor for calibration are arranged on the Hopkinson bar. At the end of the Hopkinson bar opposite the sensors, the stimulation is carried out by an electromechanical actuator for converting an electrical signal into a mechanical force. The electromechanical actuator may be controlled by a control and regulation electronic circuit. A targeted influence and change in the acceleration and force pulse form can be achieved.

Abstract: The calibration method for a multi-component force detector is a calibration method for a multi-component force detector provided in a rolling resistance testing machine comprising a spindle to which a tire is mounted, and a traveling drum having a simulated traveling road surface against which the tire is pressed, wherein when processing for calculating force acting on the tire from the measurement value of the multi-component force detector using a crosstalk correction factor for correcting the influence of crosstalk occurring in the multi-component force detector is performed, a test is conducted using at least one or more reference tire the rolling resistance value of which is already known, and the crosstalk correction factor is calibrated using “rolling test data” composed of force measured by the multi-component force detector during the test using the reference tire, and the rolling resistance value of the reference tire used for the measurement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to shear sensor arrays. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a floating element shear stress sensor array on a chip that is calibrated to high shear levels and is calibrated to determine the sensitivity to streamwise pressure gradients.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for monitoring the load on at least one part of an aircraft landing gear during landing of the aircraft. The apparatus comprises a housing containing a sensor which senses a parameter indicative of the load in the part of the landing gear, a processor which receives signals from the sensor and processes the signals to produce data representative of the parameter measured by the sensor, a battery which provides electrical power to the processor, a memory for storing measurement data from the processor, and a wireless transmitter which is controlled by the processor. The wireless transmitter is arranged to transmit at least some of the measurement data from the processor to a remote device located outside of the housing.

Abstract: A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly having good assemblability with a compact structure and capable of accurately detecting load acting on a bearing of a vehicle wheel is provided. One of an outer member and an inner member that serves as a stationary member has a vehicle body fitting flange to be fitted to a knuckle. One or more load detecting sensor unit is provided on the stationary member and includes a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments fixed to the stationary member, and one or more sensors fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain occurring in the strain generating member. A circuit fixing stay is provided on a side face of the vehicle body fitting flange and a calculation processing circuit is fitted to this stay for calculating and processing an output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: A control system for calibrating a wind turbine sensor placed on a component of a wind turbine and related methods are disclosed. The wind turbine includes a rotor having at least one wind turbine blade. The method comprises pitching one or more of the at least one of the wind turbine blades according to a predetermined pitch movement which induces a vibratory motion in the at least one turbine blade. A wind turbine sensor measures a vibratory response signal at least partly caused by the vibratory motion. A characteristic sensor response value is determined from the vibratory response signal. The characteristic sensor response value may be compared to a predetermined sensor calibration parameter to determine whether a difference is greater than a predefined tolerance parameter. In this manner, the wind turbine sensor may be calibrated.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a flexible membrane deformable in response to pressure. The flexible membrane covers a cavity and includes a strain gauge that produces signals corresponding to deformation of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is a flexible monolithic integrated circuit foil.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing in situ testing of a load cell disposed within a disk burnishing machine are provided. One such system includes a load cell bracket attached to a component of the disk burnishing machine, where the load cell is mounted within the load cell bracket and has a force measuring surface. The load cell bracket can be oriented such that the force measuring surface faces a direction that is about opposite to a direction of gravity. The system can further include a preselected weight and a weight holder configured to receive the preselected weight, to be mounted to the load cell bracket, and to be aligned with the load cell. The preselected weight can be positioned within the weight holder and on the force measuring surface of the load cell. The load cell can then be tested, calibrated, and/or replaced if necessary.

Abstract: A force sensor device has at least three arcs distributed around a central axis. The arcs have integrated sensing elements that measure strain applied on the arc resulting from a force applied on the central axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring a palmar gripping force, comprising a device (1) for measuring said palmar gripping force, which device comprises: a handle configured to receive a palmar gripping force; a force sensor (3); and an electronic module (6) integrated into the device and comprising at least one microcontroller (61) connected to the sensor (3) and able to process data originating from said sensor (3), characterised in that the force sensor comprises a stress gauge with a minimum precision of 50 g; a controlling system is also provided and comprises means able to do the following: calibrate the sensor using a linear calibration curve; and transmit the sensor measurements to a display unit (8) and/or a storage unit and/or a processing unit, preferably via wired or wireless means.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating a base load in a combined cycle power plant with a steam turbine clutch are provided. According to one embodiment of the disclosure, a system may include a controller and a processor communicatively coupled to the controller. The processor may be configured to receive operating parameters associated with a combined cycle power plant. The combined cycle power plant may comprise a gas turbine permanently coupled to a generator and a steam turbine selectively coupled to the generator via a clutch. The processor may be further configured to receive an engagement status associated with the clutch and receive first data and second data. Based on the engagement status, the processor may select the first data or the second data and use that to estimate a base load. The base load estimation may be calibrated based on the operating parameters.

Abstract: A land mine simulator includes a housing having an opening formed in one end thereof. A plate movably supported in the housing's opening has a first face exposed to a surrounding environment and a second face exposed to an interior region of the housing. A non-compressible fluid-filled reservoir in the housing includes a flexible diaphragm opposing and spaced apart from the second face of the plate. Plungers are between each of the second face of the plate and the diaphragm. Each of one or more air spring in the housing includes a cylinder having a movable piston sealed therein with a first side of the piston in fluid communication with the reservoir's fluid and a second side of the piston in fluid communication with a pressurized volume of gas within the cylinder. A pressure sensor is provided in communication with the fluid in the reservoir.

Abstract: A method for calibrating strain transducers mounted to a power shovel may include the steps of: Calculating at least one member joint load for a known loading condition when at least one member of the power shovel is in a statically determinate configuration; determining a calculated shear force and a calculated normal force in the member of the power shovel based on the calculated member joint load; measuring a strain in the member; determining a measured shear force and a measured normal force for the member based on the measured strain; and determining a calibration constant from the calculated shear and normal forces and the measured shear and normal forces.

Abstract: A test stand encompasses a dynamometer, which is supported to oscillate about a main axis, from which a lever arm extends perpendicularly. For calibrating a force-measuring device, which is coupled to the lever arm, provision is made for a pneumatic cylinder as reference force-generating device. The reference force can be measured by a load cell and can be applied to the lever arm via a yoke. The force-measuring device, which is to be calibrated, the pneumatic cylinder, the load cell, and the yoke are disposed on the same side of the dynamometer and act on the same lever arm.

Abstract: Provided are a wind tunnel balance calibrator capable of improving accuracy of attitude control of a wind tunnel balance, and a wind tunnel balance calibrator which can ensure a wide work space around the wind tunnel balance. A wind tunnel balance calibrator includes a load application mechanism for applying a load to a wind tunnel balance and an attitude restoration mechanism for restoring an attitude of the wind tunnel balance. The attitude restoration mechanism is constituted by a parallel-link mechanism including a support plate for supporting the wind tunnel balance, and actuators capable of displacing the attitude of the support plate with six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A system and a method detect contamination of a diaphragm in a capacitance diaphragm gauge wherein a contaminated diaphragm deflects less in the presence of pressure than an uncontaminated diaphragm. The system and method measure a base pressure. A DC voltage is applied between the diaphragm and a fixed electrode to cause the diaphragm to deflect to simulate an effective pressure. The system and method measure a combined pressure caused by the base pressure and the effective pressure. The system and method subtract the base pressure to determine the effective pressure caused by the static diaphragm deflection. If the measured effective pressure is less than an acceptable effective pressure, the system and method determine that the diaphragm is contaminated.

Abstract: A method for re-calibrating installed downhole sensors used in hydrocarbon wells by the application of a calibration string inserted in the wells and deployed in close proximity to the installed downhole sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating a pressure sensor, which includes a measuring membrane, at least one platform and a capacitive transducer having two pressure dependent capacitances between electrodes on the measuring membrane The measuring membrane divides a volume pressure-tightly into two volume portions, wherein the second volume portion is enclosed in a measuring chamber between the measuring membrane and the platform. A deflection of the measuring membrane depends on a pressure measurement variable p, which is a difference between a first pressure p1 and second pressure p2 in the volume portions. The pressure measurement variable p follows from both capacitances, wherein, for an intact pressure sensor, the second capacitance is a predetermined function of the first capacitance and, in given cases, the temperature.

Abstract: A device for classifying strain gauges includes a holder capable of receiving strain gauges and capable of being rotated by a rotating device, the holder being connected to the rotating device by a linking device; and a heater capable of heating the holder and arranged about the mounting, the linking device including a cooling device capable of limiting the heating of the rotating device.

Abstract: In one aspect, a force platform includes indicators at known locations with respect to applied forces used during the calibration of the force platform, the indicators being usable by a spatial measurement system to determine the location of the indicators in a coordinate system external to the force platform.

Abstract: Measures are described which simplify the functional testing of a component having an MEMS element provided with a pressure-sensitive sensor diaphragm, and which allow a self-calibration of the component even after it is already in place, i.e., following the end of the production process. The component has a housing, in which are situated at least one MEMS element having a pressure-sensitive sensor diaphragm and a switching arrangement for detecting the diaphragm deflections as measuring signals; an arrangement for analyzing the measuring signals; and an arrangement for the defined excitation of the sensor diaphragm. The housing has at least one pressure connection port. The arrangement for exciting the sensor diaphragm includes at least one selectively actuable actuator component for generating defined pressure pulses that act on the sensor diaphragm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for calibrating a sensor system of at least one measuring bearing for a bearing installation, said method being used to adjust individual measured values of an individual bearing installation using representative reference values of a reference installation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a shearing force upon sitting in a seat in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a shearing force sensor, a signal processor, and a monitoring device. The shearing force sensor is disposed in a compartment in a seat and senses the shearing force generated upon sitting on the seat. The signal processor filters and amplifies a signal from the shearing force sensor 10, and converts an amplified analog signal into a digital signal. The monitoring device analyzes the signal converted by the signal processor and displays the signal. As a result, the apparatus measures all directions of shearing forces generated upon sitting.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a force platform includes, providing a force platform and applying an nXm grid on a top surface of the force platform via a computing device. Next, applying p known loads on each of the nXm grid points of the top surface along a Z-axis being perpendicular to the X and Y axes and along the X and Y axes. Next, taking multipoint measurements at each grid point and for each applied known load along the X,Y and Z axes and generating six measured output signals, exact position coordinates and applied known load magnitude for each grid point. Next, assembling an array of nXmXp of six equations with six unknown for each grid point and applied known load and then solving the assembled equations and deriving a position and load specific calibration matrix for each grid point.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of operating a wind power installation, wherein the wind power installation has an aerodynamic rotor in the form of a horizontal-axis rotor having a hub with at least one rotor blade, and provided on the rotor is at least one load measuring means for detecting a wind loading on the rotor, the method includes the steps: rotating the rotor of the wind power installation without or with a slight wind loading for calibration of the load measuring means and in that case recording a load measurement with the load measuring means, and calibrating the load measuring means based on the load measurement and previously known weight forces occurring at the rotor.

Abstract: Self calibrating micro-fabricated load cells are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a self calibrating load cell comprises a resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor and a phase locked loop circuit for detection of frequency changes upon external load application to the resonant double ended tuning fork force sensor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the operation of a pressure measuring cell (10) of a capacitive pressure sensor (1), wherein the pressure measuring cell (10) has a measuring capacitor (CM) and a reference capacitor (CR) and the pressure measuring value (p) is obtained from the capacity values of the measuring capacitor (CM) and the reference capacitor (CR), characterized in that a control pressure measuring value (p?) is obtained with an auxiliary capacitor (CZ) arranged outside the pressure measuring cell (10) and the operability of the pressure measuring cell (10) is inferred by comparing the pressure measuring value (p) to the control pressure measuring value (p?) is provided.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a tension meter arranged to measure the tension in a mooring line of a marine asset is described. The method comprises the step of determining at least one characteristic of the catenary trajectory formed by the mooring line, and determining the tension in the mooring line based on the at least one characteristic. The characteristic may be, for example, shape of the catenary trajectory or elastic response of the mooring line. The determined tension is compared with a corresponding tension measurement from the tension meter to allow the tension meter to be calibrated. The method may be carried out during normal operations of the marine asset, such as drilling or hydrocarbon production. Computer implemented methods are described, as are methods of deriving a position map of the mooring lines. The invention may be implemented in a real-time monitoring system which forms a long-term or permanent feature of the marine asset.

Abstract: A general-purpose force sensor, which can be used with an orthotic device, is provided utilizing both resistive and capacitive techniques for improved accuracy and reliability compared to either type of sensor alone. The system can detect internal fault conditions and continues to operate correctly despite the failure of one of the sensors. The sensor can be self-calibrating to give accurate readings despite changes in the physical properties of the sensing elements over time.

Abstract: A system and method for indicating the load condition of a vehicle having suspension components comprising: at least one of an inclinometer or an accelerometer mounted on at least one suspension component to measure the deflection angle of the suspension component; and a controller configured to use deflection angle and generate an output representative of the load condition of the vehicle.