Abstract: Systems and methods for testing a surface are described. An apparatus can be configured to consistently strike a ball to maintain consistent testing conditions. One or more parameters may be determined based on a path of travel of the ball.

Abstract: A base for supporting a piezoelectric sensor which includes a generally planar support frame having an opening and a housing mounted in the opening. The housing has an upper portion including a sensor and a lower portion including a biasing member in contact with the sensor. The sensor is biased by the biasing force of the biasing member against the upper portion of the housing, whereby the upper portion is in turn biased by the biasing force against a floor of a cage positioned on the upper side of the support frame.

Abstract: A brake for use with a shock testing machine, the brake including: a brake material for generating a frictional force to stop a test platform when the brake material is urged against an opposed braking surface; links for rotatably connecting the brake material to the test platform; a biasing spring to bias the brake material towards the braking surface; a restraint mechanism for restraining the braking material, against a biasing force of the biasing spring, in a retracted position where the braking material is separated from the braking surface; and a release mechanism for releasing the restraint of the release mechanism to bias the brake material against the braking surface; wherein the links are configured such that relative movement between the brake material and braking surface while the brake material and braking surface are engaged causes a frictional force between the brake material and braking material to increase.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods to quantitatively measure a physical perturbation to a human head model by a mechanical impact of a blunt trauma. The apparatus is configured to obtain a set of non-contact measurement data from the human head model upon the mechanical impact. A source of the mechanical impact is configured to vary in kinetic energy by varying weight of the source and speed of the mechanical impact.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a helmet testing system includes a sled adapted to support a bullet dummy, a track along which the sled can travel, a target dummy support apparatus adapted to support a target dummy at a point near an end of the track, and an impact cushion positioned at the end of the track that is adapted to halt forward motion of the sled along the track to enable the bullet dummy to be launched from the sled and into the target dummy.

Abstract: A system for testing an impact of a vehicle includes a rail, a cable moveable along the rail, a shuttle fixed to the cable and slideably coupled to the rail, and a cart. The cart includes a connector horizontally spaced from the rail and a centerline parallel to and horizontally spaced from the rail. An arm is fixed to the shuttle and extends from the shuttle to the connector. The arm is releasably connectable to the connector.

Abstract: A shock testing machine including: a test platform upon which one or more objects to be tested are mounted; one or more rails upon which the test platform is movable in a longitudinal direction; and a braking station for retarding a relative motion between the test platform and the braking station, wherein the test platform and the braking station include at least one portion interfering with the relative motion of the test platform and the braking station such that relative movement of the test platform and the braking station past the at least one portion produces a shock lateral to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes structural inspection devices, methods, and systems. One inspection device includes a pole, a sensor coupled to an end of the pole and configured to capture a multispectral image of a roof, and a number of attachments coupled to the pole and configured to stabilize the pole on or within the structure.

Abstract: A test apparatus includes a linear motion generator, an airbag, a plate, a platform, an anthropomorphic test device, and a crushable member. The airbag is spaced from the linear motion generator. The plate is moveable by the linear motion generator toward the airbag, and the platform is fixed relative to the plate. The anthropomorphic test device is adjacent the airbag and includes an end coupled to the platform. The crushable member is disposed between the plate and the platform, and the crushable member is deformable by the plate. During operation of the test apparatus, the linear motion generator moves the plate into the crushable member to slow movement of the anthropomorphic device toward the airbag. The crushable member crushes to simulate the forces on the anthropomorphic test device from a vehicle side impact.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments for a berry impact recording device. The berry impact recording device comprises a shell. Within the shell are at least a sensor and an integrated circuit. The sensor may be configured to detect an acceleration of the berry impact recording device. The integrated circuit may be configured to record the acceleration of the berry impact recording device and a timestamp corresponding to the acceleration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for testing a helmet that uses a risk function that incorporates both linear and rotational acceleration to predict the helmet's ability to prevent a concussion. In certain embodiments, the testing matrix includes 3 impact energy levels and 4 impact locations, for a total of 12 testing conditions per helmet.

Abstract: Provide in one embodiment is an apparatus, comprising an indentor wherein a tip thereof is configured to engage a sample surface, a surface-referencing device configured to establish the position of the indentor relative to the sample surface, a drive mechanism configured to move the indentor along the sample surface to form a scratch, and a measurement device configured to measure at least one of (i) a pile-up height of sample material removed from the scratch and (ii) a width of the scratch.

Abstract: Provided is a weight balancing type dynamic yawing simulator, and more particularly, a weight balancing type dynamic yawing simulator capable of reproducing real crash situations and preventing a weight from leaning to one side by providing a simulator capable of reproducing crash results of a side direction and yawing to the existing simulator capable of reproducing crash results of a front direction, pitching, and a vertical direction of a vehicle, by providing a dynamic yawing simulator of a pitching and yawing composite safety apparatus type capable of reproducing crash results due to a side direction and yawing in a crash simulator for a vehicle, thereby preventing the simulator apparatus from being separated and broken.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes: a recording unit configured to access a recording medium using a head; an acceleration sensor that detects acceleration generated in the electronic apparatus; and a control unit configured to write, in the recording medium or a predetermined memory, detection data indicating a result of the detection by the acceleration sensor or a state of the electronic apparatus detected on the basis of the detection result and retracting, when the detection result satisfies a drop condition for the electronic apparatus defined in advance, the head of the recording unit to a predetermined retraction position.

Abstract: A training mannequin has a multiplicity of sensors mounted in a removable covering to measure the efficacy of a specific attack in a localized region, and informs the user of the effects of that attack in terms of the physiological damage it would cause if the attack were inflicted on a typical human.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) is provided for controlling an actuatable restraint (14, 16) in a vehicle (12). An sensor (24) is mounted in the vehicle (12) and outputs an electrical signal having a characteristic indicative of a vehicle event. A discrimination circuit (42) is coupled to the sensor (24) and determines if a predetermined event occurred. A safing circuit (50) is copied to the sensor (24) signal and sequestered from the discrimination circuit (42) for determining if the predetermined event occurred. An actuation device is actuates the restraint when both the discrimination circuit (42) and the safing circuit (50) determine the predetermined event occurred.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting impact is generally provided. The sensor may include a deformable beam. The deformable beam may include a first end, a second end, and an elongated body extending therebetween. At least the second end is coupled to a support structure. Further, the deformable beam may be configured to bend from a first configuration to a deformed configuration when the sensor experiences an acceleration above a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes an accelerometer, a processing circuit, and a source of power. The accelerometer is configured to detect impact force on a utility meter housing. The processing circuit is operably coupled to receive information representative of detected shock events from the accelerometer, and is configured to store information regarding detected shock events in a non-volatile memory. The source of power is independent of a main meter power supply, and is operably connected to the processing circuit.

Abstract: A system for measuring golf swing parameter data on impact of a club face of a user's golf club with a target surface includes an absorber bag having a front facing surface with target image thereon for receiving an impact of the user's club face therewith, an anchor frame to which the bag is attached thereto, and an electronics module removably attachable to the anchor frame. The system further includes a plurality of shock mounts positioned between the absorber bag and anchor frame, and at least one accelerometer in electrical communication with the electronics module and arranged on a rear surface of the bag that measures acceleration upon impact of the club face with the absorber bag, providing a signal that is converted by the electronics module into golf swing parameter data for display to the user.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test device for simulating motor vehicle crashes, with a slide arrangement which is arranged displaceably along a rail arrangement, a test rig which is arranged on the slide arrangement and on which at least one motor vehicle component to be tested is arranged or is mountable, and with an acceleration unit via which a force is transmittable to the slide arrangement in order to accelerate the latter. With the aim of providing a test device with which the test reproducibility and the test simulation accuracy can be improved and the number of required iteration steps reduced, the test device has at least one sensor element for continuously detecting motion measured values of the slide arrangement.

Abstract: A crash sled system for simulating the deceleration and pitching motion associated with vehicle crashes. A main sled is accelerated in accordance with vehicle deceleration that occurred during a crash event. A pitching platform is located above and moves with the main sled. Forward and rear guide assemblies are provided which are located along the sides of the pitching platform when the main sled and pitching platform are in the pre-launch position. When the main sled is launched, the front and rear ends of the pitching platform travel along paths established by the guide assemblies. Prior to launch, the guide assemblies are set to angles of inclination that provide linear approximations to paths for the forward and aft ends of the pitching platform that will result in pitching motion experienced by vehicles during the crash events being simulated. Variously configured guide assemblies are disclosed that provide design trade-off between simulation accuracy and system complexity.

Abstract: An impact sensor for characterizing impact at a headpiece comprises: a flexible base; an acceleration sensor provided on the flexible base and configured to generate impact data; a control unit provided on the flexible base and configured to receive the impact data from the acceleration sensor; a power source provided on the flexible base and in communication with the acceleration sensor and the microcontroller; a communication module provided on the flexible base and configured to send impact data for processing; and a housing enclosing the flexible base, the acceleration sensor, the microcontroller and the power source, the housing shaped and constructed for mounting an interior surface of the headpiece such that it is flush with internal geometry of the headpiece.

Abstract: A hand-held power tool device comprises an impact tool unit, an impact detection unit, and a blocking detection unit. The impact tool unit is configured to drive an insertion tool at least partially in at least one of a rotational fashion and a translatory fashion. The impact detection unit is configured to detect at least one impact parameter, such as linear acceleration running at least substantially parallel to a processing axis of the insertion tool. The blocking detection unit is configured to detect at least one blocking parameter, such as at least one an angular acceleration about the processing axis of the insertion tool. The impact detection unit and the blocking detection unit are formed at least partially as one-piece.

Abstract: A wireless device includes a sensor module that generates sensor data in response to an impact to the protective headgear. A device processing module generates event data in response to the sensor data, wherein the device processing module includes an event detection module that analyzes the sensor data and triggers the generating of the event data in response to detection of an event in the sensor data. A short-range wireless transmitter transmits a wireless signal that includes the event data.

Abstract: This invention is for a simple, dynamic test device and its use to assess a wheeled vehicle's dynamic performance leading to a rollover including such conditions as a curb tripped rollover, a vehicle's occupant restraint performance before and during the first roll, the motion of the vehicle's occupants before and during a rollover, and the vehicle's occupant protection performance in a rollover including its roof crush resistance. It does so by carrying a vehicle over a horizontal circular path at a speed sufficient that the centrifugal force on the vehicle will cause it to roll. The device provides unique, repeatable test conditions leading to a rollover as well as during the rollover. The device can also be used to test an object by subjecting it a high level of acceleration, force, and yawing motion about orthogonal vectors.

Abstract: A self-contained removable electronic module which mounts onto an ordinary football helmet's face mask bars and visually annunciates to the wearing player and game referees the occurrence of a blow to the player's helmet of an impact exceeding a preselected threshold level.

Abstract: A method for detecting the fall of an object includes: acquiring a plurality of time-varying accelerations associated with a movement of said object; computing a plurality of respective velocities and displacements in the direction of gravity, based on the plurality of time-varying accelerations; determining lead time and return time of the movement, based on the plurality of accelerations, velocities and displacements, wherein the lead time equals a time interval from an original point of the movement to an extreme point of the movement, and the return time equals a time interval from the extreme point of the movement to a final point of the movement; and determining whether the fall of said object occurs, based on whether a peak value of the velocities is larger than a predefined threshold value and whether the lead time is longer than the return time.

Abstract: A mouth guard comprises a base member configured to fit inside the mouth of a user, and at least one shock-sensing and indicating device coupled to the base member. In one exemplary embodiment, the shock-sensing and indicating device is a passive shock-sensing and indicating device that detects a shock substantially along a selected axis with respect to the base member. In another exemplary embodiment, the at least one shock-sensing and indicating device detects a shock substantially along a plurality of selected axes with respect to the base member, each selected axis being substantially orthogonal from another selected axis. The shock-sensing and indicating devices can be configured to detect different levels of shock. In one exemplary embodiment, the shock-sensing and indicating device comprises a multi-component chemical-reaction system, such as a chemi-luminescent reaction system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating sound bullets are described. Such sound bullets are created by controlling and/or redirecting highly nonlinear acoustic waves or pulses propagating through an array of actuators. The controlling and/or redirecting of the acoustic waves or pulses is achieved though methods such as applying pre-compressive forces to the array of actuators or by selection of size, shape and/or material of the actuators.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for a motor vehicle adapted for sensing impacts including pedestrian impacts. The sensor assembly integrates functions of pressure based sensors used in one embodiment with a compressible tube extending laterally across the front surface of the vehicle and the outboard front boundary areas of the front end of the vehicle. Both acceleration and pressure based sensors are mounted into an integrated sensor housing which is mounted in a desired position at the vehicle front fascia front boundary areas. The system optimizes pressure based sensing while providing acceleration based sensing at the lateral boundary areas where supporting structure does not enable pressure based sensing. The invention further including sensor arrangements including discrete pressure and acceleration sensors deployed for detecting pedestrian impacts at the center and front boundary areas of the vehicle front end.

Abstract: System force-deformation measuring apparatuses (e.g., an apparatus that applies a quasi-static force), such as those, for example, configured to generate data (e.g., non-generic or accident-specific data) that assists in the reconstruction of vehicle collisions.

Abstract: An impact assembly including an impact platform and at least two impact generating devices is provided. The at least two impact generating devices are disposed adjacent to each other in pair and detachably mounted to the impact platform. Each of the at least two impact generating devices has a housing and an impact generating unit. The housing is adapted to form a compartment where the impact generating unit is disposed. The impact generating units of the at least two impact generating devices provide at least two impact forces to the impact platform according to the at least two corresponding timings.

Abstract: An impact test fixture includes an arm, a testing actuator connected to the arm, and an impactor supported by the testing actuator. The testing actuator is actuatable to propel the impactor at a predetermined speed with respect to the arm. A mass dampener is associated with the arm for reducing deflection of the arm as a result of actuation of the testing actuator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for head impact injury prediction. A computer implemented method is provided for event based injury predictions. The computer implemented method receives an indication of sensor data related to an impact of a user. The received sensor data is compared to previously stored sensor data in a data store. Each instance of the previously stored sensor data is associated with a medical diagnosis. If the received sensor data matches any of the previously stored sensor data based on the comparison, then an injury risk indicator is generated based on at least one of the medical diagnosis associated with the matching previously stored sensor data or an impact history of the user. The generated indicator is presented.

Abstract: A device for investigating a collision between a test body and a physical structure, wherein the device comprises a mounting unit for mounting the test body, an electric drive unit adapted for mechanically driving the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon, and a control unit adapted for controlling the electric drive unit to accelerate the test body mounted on the mounting unit and for controlling release of the test body from the mounting unit to direct the accelerated test body towards the physical structure for collision, wherein the device is adapted so that the mounting unit and the test body mounted thereon are mechanically driven exclusively by the electric drive unit.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for recording information about an event resulting in application of a force to a body. The apparatus comprises data recording means for recording the information, sensor means for sensing a parameter which enables a predetermined source of force to be distinguished from another, predetermined source of force, and control means responsive to the sensed parameter for controlling the data recording means. The sensor means may comprise a pressure sensor for sensing shockwaves resulting from an explosive force and the resulting signal used to distinguish from other events, such as blunt impacts. The pressure signal may be used to control the storage of acceleration data for injury analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for conducting crash tests in which an object, in particular a motor vehicle or part of a motor vehicle, is typically mounted on a test slide which is accelerated, the acceleration force being generated by means of a pressurized-gas reservoir and specifically applied to the acceleration object via a piston and a push rod, while for reducing the cycle times, the desired gas pressure in the pressurized-gas reservoir is generated by moving a piston, itself exposed to a hydraulic fluid, so as to apply pressure on the gas. The invention also relates to a correspondingly implemented system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fall detection system, for detecting human fall incidents. The detection system comprises a sensor module to be worn by a user, for collecting motion data of his body, for instance acceleration data; first evaluation logic for identifying a potential fall incident on the basis of an impact observed in the acceleration data; and second evaluation logic for verifying that the sensor module is actually worn by the user, at least around the time of said impact, to prevent the system from raising an alarm if only the sensor module has fallen. The second evaluation logic may comprise free fall detection means for evaluating the acceleration data on characteristics which are typical for a free falling object, such as one or more full rotation and/or a free falling phase, during which the magnitude of the acceleration data is relatively stable and small.

Abstract: A crash sled system for simulating the deceleration and pitching motion associated with vehicle crashes. A main sled is accelerated in accordance with vehicle deceleration that occurred during a crash event. A pitching platform is located above and moves with the main sled. Forward and rear guide assemblies are provided which are located along the sides of the pitching platform when the main sled and pitching platform are in the pre-launch position. During launch, the front and rear ends of the pitching platform travel along paths established by the guide assemblies. Prior to launch, the guide assemblies are set to angles of inclination that provide linear approximations to paths for the forward and all ends of the pitching platform that will result in pitching motion experienced by vehicles during the crash events being simulated. Variously configured guide assemblies are disclosed that provide design trade-off between simulation accuracy and system complexity.

Abstract: A crash sled system for simulating the deceleration and pitching motion associated with vehicle crashes. A main sled is accelerated in accordance with vehicle deceleration that occurred during a crash event. A pitching platform is located above and moves with the main sled. Forward and rear guide assemblies are provided which are located along the sides of the pitching platform when the main sled and pitching platform are in the pre-launch position. When the main sled is launched, the front and rear ends of the pitching platform travel along paths established by the guide assemblies. Prior to launch, the guide assemblies are set to angles of inclination that provide linear approximations to paths for the forward and aft ends of the pitching platform that will result in pitching motion experienced by vehicles during the crash events being simulated. Variously configured guide assemblies are disclosed that provide design trade-off between simulation accuracy and system complexity.

Abstract: An impact test fixture includes an arm, a testing actuator connected to the arm, and an impactor supported by the testing actuator. The testing actuator is actuatable to propel the impactor at a predetermined speed with respect to the arm. A mass dampener is associated with the arm for reducing deflection of the arm as a result of actuation of the testing actuator.

Abstract: A method for guiding a driverless, multi-track vehicle along a predetermined path (12), which vehicle rolls on wheels (4, 6) separated from each other in the vehicle width direction, wherein the vehicle is steered by changing the torque applied to at least one of its wheels, such that it follows the predetermined path.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting and evaluating an impact, jolt or the like is formed with an impact face, against which the impact, jolt or pulse which is to be evaluated strikes. A sensor, for example a force sensor, detects values of the force which act on the impact face as a result. A sensor, for example an acceleration sensor, detects values of the acceleration which act on the impact face as a result. An evaluation unit processes the determined force and acceleration values.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device and technique for impact detection is disclosed. The impact indicator includes a tube having a first fluid and a second fluid disposed therein, wherein a viscosity of the second fluid is greater than a viscosity of the first fluid, and wherein, responsive to a predetermined level of impact received by the impact indicator, at least a portion of the first fluid mixes into the second fluid to create a change in color of the second fluid to provide a visual indication of the received impact.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted for mounting on a head protector including sensor means for sensing the presence of a head in the head protector. The sensor means includes first and second spaced apart electrode elements adapted to sense the dielectric of a head and the one or more electrode elements include a fastener for fastening an object to the head protector.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting to a head protector including a housing having a plurality of parts each defining a portion of the housing, one or more components to be accommodated in the housing, and one or more apertures in the housing for introducing a compound for securing the one or more components in the housing, a protrusion on the exterior surface of the housing for abutting against the exterior surface of the head protector, and a sensor and a coupling for mechanically coupling the sensor to the protrusion to minimize relative movement between the head protector and the sensor.

Abstract: An impact testing device for a test subject includes a supporting member, a suspending arm with an end fixed on the supporting member, and the other end of the suspending arm being a free end, and a fixing mechanism fixed on the suspending arm adjacent to the free end of the suspending arm to fix the test subject.

Abstract: An evaluation method for hit feeling of a sport implement according to the present invention includes an acceleration measurement step for measuring acceleration of a sport hitting tool 4 and a data analysis step for analyzing data obtained in the measurement. In the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in a first cycle of vibration after hitting is calculated. The evaluation method evaluates hit feeling to be felt by a person, using the amount of change in the acceleration. Preferably, in the data analysis step, an amount of change in acceleration in the first cycle of predetermined time is calculated. The predetermined time is within 1.5 msec from the time of hitting. Preferably, the sport hitting tool 4 has the hitting section detachably attached to a shaft section.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that includes a frame, an impact delivery unit for delivering an impact force and at least one head form. The head form is adapted to be mounted to the frame such that the impact delivery unit can deliver an impact force to a designated location on the head form. The head form is configured to have a helmet installed thereon. The head form is selectively rotatable about each of a plurality of different axes of rotation, wherein movement of the head form is constrained to be able to move only in rotation and in rotation about only one axis of rotation of the plurality of axes at any time. A measuring system provides an indicator of the rotational acceleration of the head form when rotated about each of the plurality of axes. Also disclosed are methods for comparing the degree of protection afforded by first and second helmets.