Abstract: A system and method for detecting buckled rail and for predicting a risk for rail buckling is disclosed. The method may comprise receiving data from a camera mounted on locomotive traveling on the railroad track. The data may include images of the buckled rail and dimensions of the buckled rail when the camera detects the buckled rail. The data may further include images of the ballast and condition of the ballast. The method may further comprise receiving data from a thermal camera mounted to the locomotive indicating the temperature of the rails. The method may further comprise transmitting an alarm signal to a display interface of a remote unit if the dimensions of the buckled rail meet a predetermined threshold, and predicting a risk for rail buckling based at least on the temperature of the rails and the condition of the ballast.

Abstract: A construction site management device receives operation information indicating an operation content of a loading machine, and positional information sent from a haulage vehicle; stores a positional history, and stores an operation history. The operation history includes a content of work of the loading machine performed in a work area and information of time when the work has been performed. Haulage history indicates when the haulage vehicle has entered the work area, and loading history indicates the time when the loading machine has performed loading work for the haulage vehicle and a work area in which the loading machine has performed the loading work for the haulage vehicle. The loading history is created on the basis of the haulage history and the operation history; and work result data indicating from which work area to which work area a load has been hauled is output.

Abstract: A wearable article comprising a knitted fabric formed in the shape of a glove. A force sensing element coupled to the fabric, the force sensing element comprising a resistive sensing system and a fluidic sensing system comprising one or more soft tubes coupled to a surface of the wearable glove wherein the resistive and fluid sensing systems correspond to first and second different sensor modalities which are physically decoupled. Control circuitry is coupled to receive signals from both the resistive sensing system and the fluidic sensing system and to combine resistive and fluidic sensing system signals provided thereto to perform at least one of: pose estimation, environment sensing, human state sensing, and static and dynamic task identification.

Abstract: A low-cost sensor and apparatus comprising same, and a system for measuring force, comprising an end-effector having a first end and a second end on opposing sides of the end-effector; a first sensor located at the first end of the end-effector; and a second sensor located at the second end of the end-effector.

Abstract: A control device that controls an electronic device including a top panel having an operation surface, a position detector that detects a position of operational input performed on the operation surface, and a first vibrating element that generates vibration in the top panel, the control device includes a first processor that outputs a first drive signal to the first vibrating element to drive the first vibrating element; a first capacitor inserted in series between the first vibrating element and the first processor; and a first differential amplifier that detects a first voltage of the first capacitor or the first vibrating element, wherein the first processor is configured to determine whether pressing operation to the top panel has been performed based on the first voltage detected by the first differential amplifier.

Abstract: A new and improved microfabrication device, microfabrication method, transfer mold, and transfer object that can suppress a defect are provided. A microfabrication device comprises a tool mounting portion, a predetermined cutting tool, an oscillator, and a controller, wherein the controller performs a cutting process to satisfy at least one of: a cutting condition (1) that oscillations at a start point and an end point of each set are in phase with each other; and a cutting condition (2) that oscillations of the sets are in phase with each other.

Abstract: Examples described herein relate to apparatuses and methods for predicting strength of a coupon of composite material. A first critical damage event and strain and stress distributions of the coupon is determined by performing a finite element analysis (FEA) of a finite element model of the coupon. The first critical damage event is associated with the strain and stress distributions. The strain and stress distributions are received as inputs to at least one surrogate model. A final load corresponding to a final failure of the coupon is determined using the at least one surrogate model.

Abstract: A sensor includes a plurality of piezoresistive elements and a plurality of electrical connection terminals. The plurality of piezoresistive elements are fabricated on a first side of a substrate. A second side of the substrate is configured to be coupled to an object where a physical disturbance is to be detected. A plurality of electrical connection terminals are coupled to the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A washing machine includes a first tub storing water; a first drum provided to be rotatable in the first tub; a first driving motor for rotating the first drum; a second tub storing water; a second drum provided to be rotatable in the second tub; a second driving motor for rotating the second drum; at least one heater for heating water stored in at least one of the first tub and the second tub; and a controller configured to determine whether the at least one heater and the second driving motor are operating at a time to operate the first driving motor, and control operation of the second driving motor to be stopped and control the first driving motor to be operated when the at least one heater and the second driving motor are operating.

Abstract: A sensor includes a plurality of piezoresistive elements and a plurality of electrical connection terminals. The plurality of piezoresistive elements are fabricated on a first side of a substrate. A second side of the substrate is configured to be coupled to an object where a physical disturbance is to be detected. A plurality of electrical connection terminals are coupled to the first side of the substrate.

Abstract: A sealing pressing head for a conventional triaxial test of cuboid rocks with pre-existing fissures, and a test method, the sealing pressing head comprising an upper pressing head (14) and a lower pressing head (15); the upper pressing head (14) and the lower pressing head (15) are respectively used for being provided at upper and lower ends of a test sample (10); the upper pressing head (14) comprises a circular portion (2) and a square portion (1) which are provided in sequence from top to bottom; and the lower pressing head (15) comprises a square portion (1), a circular portion (2) and a threaded portion (3) which are provided in sequence from top to bottom.

Abstract: A spindle nose for a machine tool spindle. The spindle nose has a longitudinal axis and a receiving end at which a conical receiving area opens. The receiving area tapers conically away from the receiving end in the direction of the longitudinal axis for receiving a tool shaft cone. A circumferential wall surrounds the receiving area and forms a circumferential contact edge. The contact edge has flat contact surfaces on which contact surfaces of the tool shaft cone rest when the tool is clamped in the tool spindle. The spindle nose defines blind receiving bores leading perpendicularly to the flat contact surfaces and which end below the flat contact surfaces. The contact edge is divided into at least four segments with the same angle. At least one receiving bore is formed in each of the segments. A sensor is arranged in each receiving bore.

Abstract: Methods of making a component with an integral strain indicator and methods of monitoring such components are provided. A method for making a component includes forming the component, the component including an internal volume and an outer surface. The method further includes forming a plurality of fiducial markers on the component, wherein each of the plurality of fiducial markers is a depression defined in the component. The plurality of fiducial markers are positioned in an analysis region of the component.

Abstract: A method for adjusting inclination between wafers may include providing a first infrared light onto a first grid pattern in a first region in a first wafer and a second grid pattern in a second wafer, the first and second grid patterns overlapping, calculating a first distance in the first region between the first and second wafers based on a first Moiré pattern from the overlapping first and second grid patterns, providing a second infrared light onto a third grid pattern in a second region in the first wafer and a fourth grid pattern in the second wafer, the third and fourth grid patterns overlapping, calculating a second distance in the second region between the first and second wafers based on a second Moiré pattern from the overlapping third and fourth grid patterns, and adjusting relative inclination between the first and second wafers based on the first and second distances.

Abstract: A test fixture for measuring the skin friction of anisotropic surface finish on a material is described. The test fixture can be utilized in a wind tunnel. The test fixture can include a plate having a cavity configured to receive a circular specimen disk. A motor can be coupled to the plate to rotate the circular specimen disk. During a test, a fluid can flow over the plate in a particular direction and the motor can rotate the circular specimen disk to determine the effect of the flow angle on the average skin friction coefficient of a surface finish of a material. The circular specimen disk can easily be attached and detached from the test fixture to allow circular specimen disks with different surface finishes to be tested.

Abstract: A method of determining the endurance limit of an implantable medical device is disclosed. The method utilizes a mock vessel that has a compliance that is higher or lower than the normal compliance of a human vessel for which the device is to be used. The device is deployed into the mock vessel and a curable liquid is used to form a layer over the device on the surface of the lumen of the mock vessel. High pressure pulsatile pressurization is applied to the lumen of the mock vessel to cause a failure of the implantable medical device. The amount and cycles of pressure necessary to cause a failure may be used to determine the endurance limit of the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A pedal exercise signal detection device includes a sleeve having an outer circumference having a pressure signal connection device and a pressure detection unit mounted thereon; a first bearing disposed in the sleeve; a stator having a positioning axle having an end formed with a fastening hole; a fastener element fastening the stator and the sleeve together; a pedal having an axle hole into which the sleeve is inserted to be positioned therein and a receiving trough including a through opening corresponding to the pressure signal connection device; and a control circuit board disposed in the receiving trough and including signal reader units that extend through the through opening and corresponding to the pressure signal connection device.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a component includes providing the component which includes a body having an exterior surface and a plurality of passive strain indicators configured on the exterior surface. The method includes directly measuring the component with at least one three-dimensional data acquisition device. The direct measurement generates a first point cloud and a plurality of second point clouds. The first point cloud corresponds to the exterior surface and includes a plurality of first data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. Each second point cloud corresponds to one of the plurality of passive strain indicators and includes a plurality of second data points, each data point having an X-axis coordinate, a Y-axis coordinate, and a Z-axis coordinate. A second data point density of each second point cloud is greater than a first data point density of each first point cloud.

Abstract: A resistive microfluidic pressure sensor is provided which comprises a first layer comprising a microfluidic channel with a carbon-based conductive liquid and a second layer comprising at least two electrodes, the at least two electrodes being adapted to measure resistance of the carbon-based conductive liquid upon deformation of the microfluidic channel as a result of a change in force applied on a surface of the sensor.

Abstract: A manually operated portable device for comparing tire to pavement skid resistance under different tire to road contact conditions, wherein such device can be used at any location on any pavement type without the need for initial settings. The device can test various parameters, including the effect of tire material on skid resistance, the effect of pavement material, the effect of pavement surface roughness, and the effect of pavement surface conditions, as well as the coefficient of friction. The device may include a plurality of rotating arms, a plurality of shoe assemblies, a central shaft, a stabilizing weight, a square-sectioned shaft, a spring, a handle, and an angular scale.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a dynamic tensile stress and/or tensile strain response of a material such as an elastic material and/or a ductile material. The apparatus may include a striker bar, a stretcher bar, and a drive assembly configured to propel the striker bar toward the stretcher bar. The apparatus may further include a stationary specimen mount and a movable specimen mount that receive a test sample. The striker bar and the stretcher bar of the apparatus may provide a continuous stress on the test sample and an accurate tensile stress/strain measurement.

Abstract: A method of predicting the strength characteristics of a composite laminate may include loading a structural model of a composite laminate formed of a material system. The method may additionally include comparing strain invariants from loading the composite laminate to critical strain invariant values of the material system. The method may also include identifying as a first significant event (FSE) a strain invariant of the matrix and/or the fibers reaching a critical strain invariant value.

Abstract: A wafer cassette includes a case, a plurality of wafer trays, and a plurality of transmission mechanisms. The wafer trays are disposed in the case. Each of the wafer trays includes a central opening, a first groove, and a second groove. The diameter of the second groove is greater than that of the first groove. A bottom surface of the second groove is higher than that of the first groove. The first and second grooves surround the central opening. Each of the transmission mechanisms is connected to the corresponding wafer tray to move the wafer tray between a pick-up position and a received position. Since the wafer tray has grooves with different diameters, the wafer tray is capable of receiving wafers with different sizes.

Abstract: Disclosed here is a three-dimensional electronic scaffold, comprising a porous scaffold and a plurality of micro-strain gauges distributed spatially inside the porous scaffold, wherein the micro-strain gauges are adapted to detect contraction force. Also disclosed is a method comprising detecting and mapping intra-tissue cardiac contraction force of one or more cardiac cells or tissues disposed in a three-dimensional electronic scaffold, wherein the three-dimensional electronic scaffold comprises a porous scaffold and a plurality of micro-strain gauges distributed spatially inside the porous scaffold and in contact with the cardiac cells or tissues, and wherein the micro-strain gauges are adapted to detect contraction force of the cardiac cells or tissues.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a force sensor having flip-chip mounted force-sensing die having a force-sensing element fabricated on an unflipped top surface and an unflipped back surface being thinned so as to create a flexible diaphragm responsive to an externally applied force, wherein, when the force-sensing die is flipped and mounted, a predetermined space remains between the top surface of the force-sensing die and the mounting substrate it faces, the substrate presenting a deflection limitation for the deformation of the flexible membrane during a force event. In an illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may have a mechanical stop to precisely establish a predetermined deflection limitation. In some embodiments, the predetermined deflection limitation may advantageously limit the deflection of the flexible membrane so as not to deflect beyond a breaking point.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a sensing membrane including a plurality of conductive fillers included in a matrix. The apparatus can include a plurality of electrical leads coupled to an outer portion of the sensing membrane where the conductive fillers have a volumetric percentage of less than 25% of the volume of the sensing membrane.

Abstract: An overvoltage arrester for high voltages having a high-voltage terminal that is connected to an arrester block forming a nonlinear resistor, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the arrester block. In order to enable a simple and reliable detection of the temperature of the arrester block continually during the operation thereof, the temperature sensor detects a change of the longitudinal extent of the arrester block.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle in order to detect an overload on a roll stabilizer which is supported so that it can rotate on a vehicle body and includes two stabilizer parts that can be rotated relative to each other by a torsional angle (?) via a rotary drive arranged between these parts. In order to detect an impairment to the driving safety of the vehicle in a timely manner, a ratio of the torsional angle (?) to a variable which is equivalent to an applied torque (M) of the rotary drive is ascertained, and an overload is determined if the ratio lies outside of a specified tolerance range.

Abstract: A method for determining residual stresses of a component (14), in particular a component of an aircraft engine, while it is being manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. The method includes the following steps: creating at least one local melt pool (26) in a surface (24) of the component (14) to be manufactured after a predetermined portion of the component is completed; optically detecting surface distortions and/or elongations occurring at least in a region around the created melt pool (26); and determining the residual stresses of the component (14) which are present at least in the region around the created melt pool (26) based on the optically detected surface distortions and/or elongations. Further an apparatus for determining residual stresses of a component (14) while it is being manufactured by an additive manufacturing process is provided.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a test apparatus and method for assessing thermo-mechanical fatigue related phenomena within a test material wherein a heat source, such as a laser beam is applied to a specimen consisting of a body of the test material, thereby introducing heat to a primary heat introduction zone on the surface of the body to cause local cyclic heating. As part of the cycle, heat is removed through a portion of the specimen surface sufficiently remote from the heat introduction zone to create a substantially spherical temperature gradient within the specimen resembling that of a point source on a semi-infinite body. A stress gradient results from local thermal expansion, thus thermo-mechanically cycling the material. As a result of the thermo-mechanical cycling, phenomena including thermo-mechanically induced creep, residual stress, changes in physical properties, crack initiation and crack growth may be observed within the material, and evaluated for scientific or engineering purposes.

Abstract: A crop yields sensing system comprises a first sensor of a first type associated with a portion of a harvester to output first signals facilitating determination of crop yield and a second sensor of a second type different than the first type to output second signals facilitating determination of crop yield for the portion of the harvester. The system further comprises a processing unit to receive the first signals and the second signals and determine crop yield for the portion of the harvester based on a combination of the first signals and the second signals.

Abstract: A method for producing a piezoelectric sensor, includes the following steps: producing, on a rigid support (10), a stack of sensor layers (2, 4, 5, 12), the sensor layers including a layer of piezoelectric material (5) included between a first electrode (6, 7) and a second electrode (8, 9), the first electrode not being in contact with the second electrode, then, while the sensor layers (2, 4, 5, 12) are still held by the rigid support (10), covering the sensor layers with a polymer layer (11), then removing the stack of sensor layers from the rigid support (10), such that the sensor layers covered by the polymer layer (11) are no longer carried by the rigid support (10).

Abstract: A device (1) for determining the torque applied to a crankset shaft (10) moveable in rotation about an axis of rotation, includes a supporting element (50). The crankset shaft (10) has two separate parts that are moveable in rotation, the supporting element being designed to keep the two parts substantially coaxial with the axis of rotation. Furthermore, the two parts have respective contact elements designed to transform the rotational movement of one of the two parts into a simultaneously translational and rotational movement of the other of the two parts, as well as stop element designed to cooperate with the supporting element. The device also has at least one sensing element (80) designed to provide a signal representing a mechanical stress applied to the at least one sensing element, and a processing module configured to determine the torque as a function of the signal.

Abstract: A device for measuring mechanical quantity is provided which reduces the influence of a difference in thermal expansion coefficient between an object to be measured and a base plate metal body, and precisely measures a mechanical quantity such as deformation quantity or strain quantity caused in the object to be measured. The device includes a semiconductor strain sensor module for measuring deformation quantity of the object to be measured, and the module includes a metal body, and a semiconductor strain sensor mounted on the metal body to detect strain of the metal body. The object to be measured is made of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient larger than that of the metal body. Further, the metal body mounted with the semiconductor strain sensor has a structure configured to be fixed to the object to be measured.

Abstract: A single sensing unit having two electrodes with a common thermal reference is positioned near the centroid of the inertial mass of a differential inductive accelerometer. As the mass is displaced a first sensor detects an increase in inductance while a second sensor detects a decrease in inductance. Significantly, the first and second sensors share a common thermal reference eliminating any thermal differential. As the sensor system is closely aligned with the centroid of the inertial mass the sensor system of the present invention reduces or eliminates any systemic error.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement multi-directional environmental sensors. In one embodiment, a multi-directional environmental sensor includes: an inner conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; an outer conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; and a device that measures the electrical characteristics of the multi-directional environmental sensor, the device having a first terminal and a second terminal; where the inner conductive element is substantially enclosed within the outer conductive element; where the inner conductive element is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the device; and where the outer conductive element is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for vehicle damage detection, identification and communication are disclosed. Specifically, a method to detect damage to a vehicle, identify the extent and location of the damage, and communicate the damage event is provided. In the event of damage to a vehicle, the system may take a number of actions. In one embodiment, the actions comprise notifying authorized users of the vehicle, a maintenance provider, an insurance provider and/or an emergency agency, disabling the vehicle, and emitting a visual or audio alarm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of assembling a member, made of a first material, in the aperture of a part made of a second material having no plastic domain, using an intermediate portion made of a third material, mounted between said member and said part, According to the invention, the intermediate portion is accommodated against a shoulder of the part and is laterally locked in a resilient manner by at least one resilient locking device of the part to secure together the unit comprising the member-intermediate portion-part. The invention concerns the field of timepieces.

Abstract: Systems, methods, devices, and computer programming products useful for the gathering and use of data relating to structural loading and other operational use of transit and other vehicles, and their systems. Systems according to the invention can, for example, comprise one or more data acquisition devices such as strain gauges, accelerometers, or other sensors; data processors; memories; and communications systems. Such systems, methods, and programming are useful in a wide variety of ways, including, for example, monitoring the structural status and use of vehicles and their systems, including fatigue other operational analyses; gathering and applying data useful in the maintenance of such vehicles and the routes they travel; monitoring the use/abuse of such vehicles by operators and other individuals; reporting traffic events or anomalies; and routing transit and other vehicles around such events or anomalies.

Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.

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 mount assembly for compression testing of an article of apparel on a compression testing machine. The machine has a head and a sensor. The mount assembly includes a substantially rigid core member and a resilient member that is supported on and that at least partially covers the cover member. The resilient member is configured to support the article of apparel thereon. The resilient member is configured to resiliently deform in response to a compression applied to the article of apparel from the head of the impact testing machine. As such, the sensor detects an effect of the compression on at least one of the resilient member and the core member.

Abstract: A process for measuring the through stress distribution (12) in a workpiece (10) by taking progressive cuts (14, 16) and measuring the deflection of the workpiece at the cut point.

Abstract: A gobo wheel with automatic detection system that automatically detects a rotational position of the gobo. The rotational position can be detected by a magnetic marking system. Each of the gobos can be randomly placed within the holder. The position of the gobos can be automatically determined during a start up routine for example, and then those positions can be stored and used for later determination of a position.

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages (1802), electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages (1802) are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The bottom plate (1504) is supported by a ledge (1708) on an interior surface of a sidewall (1716) of a housing (1706). A cap (1702) couples to top plate (1502). The cap (1702) is adhesively coupled to the housing (1706). The adhesive is flexible allowing movement of the cap (1702) when a force, pressure, or load is applied thereto.

Abstract: Methods of validating edge strength of a glass sheet are provided. The glass sheet includes a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, a thickness defined between the first surface and the second surface, and at least one edge including an edge surface. The first surface and the second surface intersect the edge surface of the at least one edge. The methods include a step (I) of noncontactually thermally loading the glass sheet to subject at least a portion of the at least one edge to a tensile stress. The methods also include a step (II) of determining whether the at least one edge has an edge strength below a predetermined level by detecting whether a resulting strength imperfection has originated in the glass sheet due to the noncontactual thermal loading of step (I).

Abstract: A wheel operating force sensor includes: an attachment fixed to a vehicle body member supported by a suspension device; a hub to which a wheel is fixed and which is rotatably supported about a wheel axis with respect to the attachment; a sensing body having a tube formed substantially concentrically with the wheel axis, one end of the tube being fixed to the attachment, and the other end being connected to the hub, with a hub bearing being interposed between the other end and the hub; and a component force sensing unit having a bridge circuit including per component force at least four strain gauges that are provided on a circumferential surface of the tube of the sensing body. The hub bearing has: a radial bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a radial direction; and a thrust bearing provided between the sensing body and the hub and receiving a load in a thrust direction, and moreover provided separately from the radial bearing.

Abstract: A system and method for performing stress measurement on rotating parts is disclosed. The system may include a laser assembly configured to emit a laser beam, and a probe assembly mounted proximal to a rotatable part in a device. The probe assembly may be configured to output a reflected laser beam onto a first target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may further be configured to move the reflected laser beam from the first target to a second target on the rotatable part. The probe assembly may include a redirector moveable from a first position to a second position, and a lens mounted proximal to the redirector and configured to focus the laser beam. The redirector may be configured to change the laser beam direction from a first direction to a second direction when moved from the first position to the second position.