Abstract: An inertial sensor having a body with an excitation coil and a first sensing coil extending along a first axis. A suspended mass includes a magnetic-field concentrator, in a position corresponding to the excitation coil, and configured for displacing by inertia in a plane along the first axis. A supply and sensing circuit is electrically coupled to the excitation coil and to the first sensing coil, and is configured for generating a time-variable flow of electric current that flows in the excitation coil so as to generate a magnetic field that interacts with the magnetic-field concentrator to induce a voltage/current in the sensing coil. The integrated circuit is configured for measuring a value of the voltage/current induced in the first sensing coil so as to detect a quantity associated to the displacement of the suspended mass along the first axis.

Abstract: A torsional gyroscope is provided that includes: a pickup tine and a drive tine of piezoelectric material, pickup electrodes disposed along the pickup tine, drive electrodes disposed along the drive tine, and a drive mass. The drive tine has a first end attached to the pickup tine and is transverse to the drive tine. The drive mass is attached to a second end of the drive tine opposite the first end of the drive tine. An electric field applied to the drive electrodes induces a rotational oscillation of the drive tine causing the drive tine to rotate about the first axis, inducing the drive mass to rotate about the first axis. Angular rotation of the drive mass along a third axis induces a torque in the pickup tine that induces an electric field in the pickup tine that induces an electrical charge to build up in the pickup electrodes.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a user's strides has a first sensor assembly (EC1) furnished within a housing, with a triaxial magnetometer (3M) fixed to the housing (BT), which is associated with a moving frame (LF). First fixing means (MF1) fixes the first sensor assembly (EC1) to a leg segment of the user. Processing means (MT) calculates the angle of yaw (YawGF) and/or of pitch (PitchGF) and/or of roll (RollGF) of the first sensor assembly (EC1), and calculates the corresponding angular temporal variation or variations ( ? Yaw GF ? t , ? Pitch GF ? t , ? Roll GF ? t ) , in a fixed global frame (GF) relative to the terrestrial frame, on the basis of the measurements of the triaxial magnetometer (3M) delivered in the moving frame (LF).

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device includes: a body accommodating a microelectromechanical structure; and a cap bonded to the body and electrically coupled to the microelectromechanical structure through conductive bonding regions. The cap including a selection module, which has first selection terminals coupled to the microelectromechanical structure, second selection terminals, and at least one control terminal, and which can be controlled through the control terminal to couple the second selection terminals to respective first selection terminals according, selectively, to one of a plurality of coupling configurations corresponding to respective operating conditions.

Abstract: Methods and systems are used for monitoring a global position or location of a prosthetic or orthotic device and to provide feedback control of the device. Certain methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to recognize when a prosthetic or orthotic device user is in a moving vehicle and, therefore, initiate automatic shut-off, driving mode, or relaxed mode. Other methods may employ remote transmitting devices and receivers to identify the global position of the prosthetic or orthotic device, compare the global position to a stored terrain mapped database and output feedback control instructions and/or alerts to the prosthetic or orthotic device based at least in part on the stored terrain mapping information.

Abstract: A sonic percussion therapy system includes a patient support apparatus and a control module. The sonic percussion structure is attached to the inflatable cell so that the sonic percussion structure moves in response to movement of the inflatable cell. The control module includes a sonic percussion control module and a position control module. The sonic percussion control module independently controls frequency and/or intensity of at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures. The position control module selectively raises and lowers at least one of the plurality of sonic percussion structures with respect to a patient surface.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a MEMS chip which includes a device wafer and a cap wafer. The device wafer includes a first substrate and a MEMS device. The MEMS device includes a movable structure. The cap wafer includes a second substrate, an elastic structure and a stopper. The stopper is connected to the second substrate by the elastic structure. The stopper constrains a movement of the movable structure, and when the movable structure contacts the stopper, the elastic structure provides a resilience force to the stopper.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor and an angular velocity sensor are sealed in respective pressure atmospheres suitable therefor in the process of a series of bonding steps, thereby improving the detection sensibilities of the sensors. A movable member 111 of an acceleration sensor 11 and a vibrator 121 of an angular velocity sensor 12 are fabricated on the same sensor wafer 10 with a wall 16 interposed therebetween. A cap wafer 20 is formed in which gaps 21, 22 corresponding to the movable member 111 of the acceleration sensor 11 and the vibrator 121 of the angular velocity sensor 12 are provided. Bumps 23 are disposed near the gap 22 of the angular velocity sensor 12. The acceleration sensor 11 is sealed at atmospheric pressure. Then, the angular velocity sensor 12 is subjected to high temperature and a high-load and is vacuum-sealed. Thereafter, cutting with a diamond grindstone and mounting of circuit substrates and a wiring substrate are performed to form a combined sensor.

Abstract: The terminal holding device includes an attaching unit to be attached to a vehicle, a holding unit which removably holds a terminal device in such a manner that a display unit of the terminal device is exposed and which includes a contact surface to be contact with the terminal device, an acceleration sensor which detects acceleration in a direction from a side of the contact surface to a side opposite to the contact surface, and a supplying unit which supplies a detection signal of the acceleration sensor to the terminal device.

Abstract: A multiple axis sensor assembly includes an enclosure and encapsulated microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. The encapsulated sensors are disposed inside the enclosure and are mounted in different orientations, which correspond to different axes of the sensor assembly. A controller of the sensor assembly is disposed in the enclosure and electrically coupled to the MEMS sensors.

Abstract: A sports electronic training system with sport ball, and applications thereof, are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises at least one monitor and an electronic processing device for receiving data from the at least one monitor and providing feedback to an individual based on the received data. The monitor can be a motion monitor that measures an individual's performance such as, for example, speed, pace and distance for a runner. Other monitors might include a heart rate monitor, a temperature monitor, an altimeter, et cetera. In an embodiment, a sport ball that includes a motion monitor for monitoring motion of the sport ball stores an identification value received when a shoe that includes a motion monitor contacts the sport ball. The stored identification value serves as a record of the contact.

Abstract: Biometric monitoring devices, including various technologies that may be implemented in such devices, are discussed herein. Additionally, techniques for utilizing gyroscopes in biometric monitoring devices are provided. Such techniques may, in some implementations, involve obtaining swimming metrics regarding stroke cycle count, lap count, and stroke type. Such techniques may also, in some implementations, involve obtaining performance metrics for bicycling activities.

Abstract: A seatbelt retractor includes a rotation transfer mechanism configured to transfer rotation of an adjustment gear to a sensor housing to swing the sensor housing in the front-back direction of a vehicle. The turning axis of the adjustment gear and the swing axis of the sensor housing intersect each other at a predetermined angle with the swing axis of the sensor housing arranged in a horizontal direction with respect to the left-right direction of the vehicle. An inertial element support surface of the sensor housing is kept horizontal by swing motion of the sensor housing in the front-back direction of the vehicle, even if a seat back is tilted in the front-back direction of the vehicle.

Abstract: Systems and methods for potted shock isolation are provided. In once embodiment a shock isolation system comprises an isolator comprising an outer ring for mounting to an external housing, and an inner ring connected to the outer ring via an isolating element; and an inertial sensing assembly comprising: at least one circuit board secured to the inner ring of the isolator, the at least one circuit board further comprising a triad of gyroscopes and a triad of accelerometers; and a low durometer highly dampened supporting material encapsulating a first surface of the at least one circuit board.

Abstract: A video device for realtime pedaling frequency estimation is mounted on a bike and comprises an image capture unit capturing continuous dynamic images of an upper body of a biker; an image recognition unit recognizing images of symmetric regions of the biker and images of swings of the symmetric regions from the continuous dynamic images; a microprocessor calculating a frequency of periodical swings of the biker from the images of the symmetric regions and the images of the swings of the symmetric regions, and then obtaining a pedaling frequency; and a display device presenting the pedaling frequency, wherein a widely-used intelligent handheld device replaces the sensors, display device, and complicated circuits of the conventional cyclometer, and wherein a novel image recognition technology is used to measure the pedaling frequency with a considerable accuracy in a lower cost and a convenient way.

Abstract: A headlamp device includes a mounting stay extending from a vehicle body, a headlamp case mounted to the mounting stay in such a manner as to enclose the mounting stay, and a lamp unit mounted to the headlamp case.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%.

Abstract: A measurement system having a miniature, wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed within or on a moving object, such as a ball or other member, to calculate the kinematics of the moving object.

Abstract: A piezoelectric acceleration sensor comprises a piezoelectric element, a metallic sheet and a circuit board. The piezoelectric element is polarized in a predetermined direction. The circuit board includes a circuit portion and a roughly flat shaped base portion. The base portion protrudes from an end portion of the circuit portion. One of surfaces of the metallic sheet is fixed to and supported by a surface of the base portion. The piezoelectric element is fixed to and supported by a remaining one of the surfaces of the metallic sheet in a manner that the piezoelectric element and the base portion do not overlap each other in the predetermined direction.

Abstract: A sensor unit includes a sensor and a mount board on which the sensor is mounted. The mount board includes a mount terminal connected to a terminal provided in the sensor and a wiring extending from the mount terminal. The wiring is not provided in a region where the sensor and the mount board overlap each other when viewed in plan.

Abstract: A module operable to be mounted onto a surface of a board. The module includes a linear accelerometer to provide a first measurement output corresponding to a measurement of linear acceleration in at least one axis, and a first rotation sensor operable to provide a second measurement output corresponding to a measurement of rotation about at least one axis. The accelerometer and the first rotation sensor are formed on a first substrate. The module further includes an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) to receive both the first measurement output from the linear accelerometer and the second measurement output from the first rotation sensor. The ASIC includes an analog-to-digital converter and is implemented on a second substrate. The first substrate is vertically bonded to the second substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an inertial sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The inertial sensor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to include a plate-shaped membrane 110, a mass body 120 disposed under a central portion 113 of the membrane 110, a post 130 disposed under an edge 115 of the membrane 110 so as to support the membrane 110, and a bottom cap 150 of which the edge 153 is provided with the first cavity 155 into which an adhesive 140 is introduced, wherein the adhesive 140 bonds an edge 153 to a bottom surface of the post, whereby the edge 153 of the bottom cap 150 is provided with the first cavity 155 to introduce the adhesive 140 into the first cavity 155, thereby preventing the adhesive 140 from being permeated into the post 130.

Abstract: A crash sensor assembly including a printed circuit board and a crash sensor mounted on the printed circuit board, At least one connector pin is mounted to the printed circuit board so as to permit external electrical communication with the crash sensor. A first insert molded soft inner layer of material partially covers the printed circuit board and covers the crash sensor, and a second overmolded hard outer layer of material covers the first soft inner layer of material and bonded thereto and rigidly contacts the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting member having fixation surfaces inside, and at least one electronic component directly or indirectly fixed to the fixation surfaces of the mounting member, and the mounting member constitutes a part of a casing for housing the electronic component. Further, the fixation surfaces are perpendicular to each other.

Abstract: A method or apparatus for monitoring human activity using an inertial sensor is described. The method includes monitoring accelerations, and identifying a current user activity from a plurality of user activities based on the accelerations. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of user activities is associated with one of a plurality of types of periodic human motions that are detectable by the portable electronic device, and wherein the identification of the current user activity is made based on detecting two or more instances of the periodic human motion associated with the user activity. The method further includes counting periodic human motions appropriate to the current user activity.

Abstract: A rotation detector component detects a rotational state of a rotor and sends a rotational detection signal. A signal transmission component is electrically connected with a lead frame of the rotation detector component to transmit the rotational detection signal to an external device. A body portion holds the rotation detector component and a part of the signal transmission component. The body portion is integrally molded of a first resin to cover a joint portion between the lead frame and the signal transmission component, the rotation detector component, and a part of the signal transmission component. A part of the rotation detector component forms an exposed portion exposed from the body portion.

Abstract: A bank angle detecting device includes an angular velocity sensor for detecting a roll rate and a yaw rate of the vehicle, a roll rate estimating circuit for calculating an estimated roll rate, which is an angular velocity about a forward and rearward axis, on the basis of the roll rate, the yaw rate and a travelling speed, a bank angle estimator for calculating an estimated bank angle from the estimated roll rate, a straightforward travel determiner for determining a straightforward travelling condition on the basis of the estimated roll rate and an estimated yaw rate, a time-of-straight-forward-travel drift amount estimator for estimating a time-of-straight-forward drift amount from an output of the angular sensor in the event that the straightforward travel determiner determines a straightforward travel, and an angular velocity corrector for correcting the output of the angular velocity sensor with the time-of-straight-forward drift amount.

Abstract: A sensor system is described as including at least two micromechanical inertial sensors, which are movably connected to a substrate, each inertial sensor including a functional layer, the functional layers of the two inertial sensors varying in thickness, and the two inertial sensors being situated next to one another on the substrate.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: AN electronic component includes at least one microcomponent which is contacted with, and fastened to, a support element. The support element includes a spring element which is configured for fastening the microcomponent, and the spring element is engaged in the support element with the aid of a detent in order to fasten the microcomponent to the support element.

Abstract: A pedestal projection having reduced cross-sectional area secures a MEMs device to a housing surface in a manner which reduces strain on the MEMS die due to differences in coefficients of thermal expansion while more evenly distributing to the MEMS sensor any external forces mechanically coupled through the housing structure. The pedestal projection may be integrally formed with a surface on either MEMS die or housing member and is axially aligned with the structure which anchors the MEMS sensor to the MEMS die.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus for the detection of the feed movement of a workpiece to be processed, which has a belt or chain, which is guided on a carrier via deflection disks, a pressure device, which is moved along in its movement direction with the belt or the chain for the pressing of the belt or the chain against the workpiece, and a sensor for the detection of the movement of the belt or the chain. An accurate measurement can be attained in that the carrier on a holder can be rotated around a swivel axis, which is at a right angle to the direction of movement of the belt or the chain.

Abstract: The device includes a signaling means and a motion sensor, and logic for activating or controlling the signaling means in response to a sensed motion according to an embedded logic. The device may be used as a toy, and may be shaped like a play ball or as a handheld unit. It may be powered from a battery, either chargeable from an AC power source directly or contactless by using induction or by converting electrical energy from harvested kinetic energy. The embedded logic may activate or control the signaling means, predictably or randomly, in response to sensed acceleration magnitude or direction, such as sensing the crossing of a preset threshold or sensing the peak value. The visual means may be a numeric display for displaying a value associated with the count of the number of times the threshold has been exceeded or the peak magnitude of the acceleration sensed.

Abstract: An inertial sensor includes oscillating-type angular velocity sensing element (32), IC (34) for processing signals supplied from angular velocity sensing element (32), capacitor (36) for processing signals, and package (38) for accommodating angular velocity sensing element (32), IC (34), capacitor (36). Element (32) and IC (34) are housed in package (38) via a vibration isolator, which is formed of TAB tape (46), plate (40) on which IC (34) is placed, where angular velocity sensing element (32) is layered on IC (34), and outer frame (44) placed outside and separately from plate (40) and yet coupled to plate (40) via wiring pattern (42).

Abstract: A pneumatic vibration isolating suspension is disclosed for supporting a payload on a moving carrier while suppressing the transmission of vibrations in the 1 to 50 Hz band between the carrier and the payload. The disclosed invention can be deployed in the air in a towed carrier or sonde, and operated from aircraft power, making it a suitable platform for airborne geophysical instrumentation. It also has particular application to airborne electromagnetic surveying operating in the same frequency band because the sensor vibrations that result in noise created by the modulation of the sensor coupling with the earth's magnetic field are suppressed. Furthermore, the invention can be constructed from resistive composite materials and non-magnetic metals, so it can be operated without producing significant modification to the ambient electromagnetic field being measured.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a vibration sensor to a storage device having a recording or reproducing head that records on or reproduces from a recording medium, includes: a first vibration sensor which is provided on a first outer surface of a base of the storage device, and detects vibration in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the recording medium; a second vibration sensor which is provided on a second outer surface of the base, the second surface orthogonal to the first outer surface, and detects vibration in an in-plane direction of the recording medium; an urging section which has a first end portion in contact with an upper surface of the first vibration sensor and a second end portion in contact with an upper surface of the second vibration sensor, and has a substantially L-shape; and a damping member affixed to the urging section.

Abstract: An apparatus for inertial sensing. The apparatus includes a substrate member comprising a thickness of silicon. The apparatus also has a first surface region configured from a first crystallographic plane of the substrate and a second plane region configured from a second crystallographic plane of the substrate. The apparatus has a quartz inertial sensing device coupled to the first surface region, and one or more MEMS inertial sensing devices coupled to the second plane region.

Abstract: An insert cover for a speed sensor module includes an elongated body having a length aligned along a longitudinal axis, the elongated body including a convex top surface and a uniform width along the length; a first portion emanating from the top surface at a first end of the elongated body; a second portion emanating from the top surface at a diametrically opposed second end of the elongated body; and a third portion emanating from the top surface between the first portion and the second portion; where each of the first, second, and third portions are orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An inertial navigation device for fitting to an article that bears intermittently against a surface. The device comprises an inertial unit having at least one inertial sensor, and a mechanical connector structure for connecting the inertial unit to the article. In the device, the connector structure is arranged (1) to provide mechanical coupling between the inertial unit and the article when the article is not bearing against the surface and (2) to provide mechanical decoupling therebetween when the article is bearing against the surface, in such a manner that the inertial unit is substantially stationary relative to the surface when the article is bearing against the surface. A shoe and equipment is provided with such a device.

Abstract: A composite sensor includes: a package including a container and a lid; a plurality of spaces that is partitioned by at least the container and the lid, and has different pressures, the plurality of the spaces including a first space sealed at around an atmospheric pressure and a second space sealed at a depressurized state; an acceleration sensor element disposed in the first space; and a vibration type angular velocity sensor element disposed in the second space. In the sensor, the first space has a volume smaller than a volume of the second space.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inertial measurement device secured to a structure of a vehicle for which it is desired to measure speeds and/or accelerations, the device comprising at least one piece of moving equipment in rotation about a stationary axis of rotation Y relative to the structure, said moving equipment including at least two measurement device having respective sensitivity axes X? and Z? that are mutually orthogonal and that lie in a plane perpendicular to the stationary axis of rotation Y, a motor for driving the moving equipment in rotation, device for determining the angular position of the moving equipment, device for responding to the angular position of the moving equipment to determine the projection of the measurements taken in the rotary frame of reference axes X? and Z? by the said at least two measurement device onto a vehicle frame of reference X and Z.

Abstract: An electronic control device is mounted in a vehicle and controls a control target provided in the vehicle. An acceleration sensor detects an acceleration of the vehicle. An angular velocity sensor detects an angular velocity of the vehicle. The acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are mounted on an electronic substrate. A housing accommodates the electronic substrate and is fixed to a body of the vehicle. The electronic substrate is fixed to the housing at least four fixing points, and the acceleration sensor and the angular velocity sensor are arranged in the smallest target area from among a plurality of areas having multiple points selected from the at least four fixing points as vertexes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an inertial sensor. An inertial sensor 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes a plate-shaped membrane 110, a mass body 130 that is provided under a central portion 111 of the membrane 110 and includes an integrated circuit, and a post 140 that are provided under an edge 112 of the membrane 110 to surround the mass body 130, whereby the overall thickness and area of the inertial sensor can be reduced by including the integrated circuit in the mass body 130 to implement a thin and small inertial sensor 100.

Abstract: A sensor device includes: a sensor component including a package, connection terminals including first connection terminals on a terminal forming surface of the package and a sensor element housed in the package; a resin part covering the sensor component; and mounting leads including a one-end part coupled to one first connection terminal in the resin part so that a main surface thereof faces a main surface of the one first connection terminal face; an intermediate part extending toward a mounting surface of the sensor device from the one-end part; and another-end part externally exposed from the resin part. The sensor component is tilted or orthogonal relative to the mounting surface. The connection terminals are provided along one of the sides forming an outline of the terminal forming surface, the one side being tilted or orthogonal with respect to the mounting surface. The intermediate part includes an angled part.

Abstract: The invention relates to a motion detector comprising at least of one accelerometer and corresponding control electronics encapsulated in an enclosure with means for attaching the enclosure to a moving body. In accordance with the invention the motion detector includes means for turning, aligning and locking the detector in any desired direction relative to the moving body with the help of the enclosure.

Abstract: A door assembly includes a first door skin and a second door skin spaced apart from the first door skin. The assembly also includes an energy sensor generating an energy signature signal and a memory storing a door component operating signature. A controller is coupled to the accelerometer and forms a comparison of the energy signature signal to the door component operating signature and generates a door component operation status signal in response to the comparison.

Abstract: A sensor device includes an outer casing, a first sensor module and a second sensor module. The outer casing encloses the first sensor module and the second sensor module at least partially. The first sensor module is enclosed at least partially by a first medium, and the second sensor module is enclosed at least partially by a second medium.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include various mounting systems (referred to herein as “carriers”) on which multiple matched inertial sensors (e.g., gyroscopes or accelerometers) can be mounted in a fixed, optimized arrangement that allows for multiple-axis sensing, while maintaining the position of the inertial sensors over the life of the product.

Abstract: An example sensor band configured for attachment to a calf of a mammal and used in measuring track and balance motion of the mammal includes one or more first sensors for sensing muscle circumferential pressure at multiple positions; one or more second sensors for sensing Earth's magnetic field; and one or more third sensors for sensing Earth's gravitational field.

Abstract: A wearable motion sensing device is disclosed. One embodiment of the wearable motion sensing device includes a motion sensor, and a pendant that is attached to the wearable motion sensing device, wherein the pendant is attached to the wearable motion sensing device at a location of the wearable motion sensor relative to the motion sensor that when worn by a human being, a mass of the pendant urges the motion sensor towards the human being.