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.

Abstract: A method of controlling a vehicle includes detecting vibration in a drivetrain of the vehicle with a fore/aft accelerometer during a launch event. An operating regime of the vehicle is identified concurrently with the detected vibration when the detected vibration is outside a predefined allowable range. A control strategy of the drivetrain is adjusted to define a revised control strategy to avoid the identified operating regime. The revised control strategy is applied to control the drivetrain to mitigate vibration in the drivetrain.

Abstract: The scientific characterization of cellular contractility and cell movement, such as muscle function in particular is, to a large extent, carried out on intact tissue preparations for example using whole intact muscles from animals. Typical indices of muscle function may include isometric force, contractility under external force (load) and spatio-temporal determination of internal calcium concentration under strictly controlled conditions of length and applied force. The major advance of the described apparatus is that the common characterization of cellular contractility can be performed on a single cell rather than an entire tissue or whole animal. As such the apparatus described improves on and eliminates known limitations of currently considered state-of-the-art approaches.

Abstract: A collision sensor assembly is attachable to a stationary structure such as a pallet rack, a door frame, the corner of a wall, or the like. The collision sensor is configured to sense when a collision occurs with the stationary structure such as when a piece of movable machinery contacts the stationary structure. The collision sensor assembly includes a sensor operatively connected to a processor which determines when a collision occurs, and produces a signal to an output signal generator to provide an external indication of the collision.

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 tension measurement apparatus that can carry out tension measurement of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity even for a target object of a stranded wire structure is provided. A cylindrical magnetizer arranged to surround a portion of a long magnetic element that becomes the target object of measurement direct-current magnetizes the magnetic element in the longitudinal direction up to the range of approach to saturation magnetization. Using a Hall element (magnetic sensor) arranged in proximity to the magnetic element at the central region in the longitudinal direction of the magnetic domain, the spatial magnetic field intensity in the neighborhood of the surface of the magnetic element, greatly differing corresponding to stress variation, is detected. Based on the detection value, the tension acting on the magnetic element is measured. Accordingly, a measurement result of superior reproducibility with high sensitivity is obtained.

Abstract: A method for evaluating local buckling performance of a steel pipe includes obtaining a stress-strain relationship of a material having a yield plateau in the stress-strain relationship; determining the comparison of a starting strain of strain-hardening in the stress-strain relationship obtained and a critical strain of the steel pipe; and evaluating that the steel pipe has a possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be larger than the starting strain and evaluating that the steel pipe has no possibility of being applied to a structure that requires plastic design when the critical strain is determined to be not larger than the starting strain.

Abstract: The present invention defines a strain sensor for measuring strains induced on a component surface (34). The strain sensor comprises a strain gauge (31) and a support member (32), whereby the support member is attached to the component surface only at first and second attachment places. The support member comprises a beam portion (39) that is adapted to bend in response to a relative displacement of the first and second attachment places, and the strain gauge is integrated on a surface (33) of this beam portion. To ensure a strong and stable bending response of the beam portion, the attached support member comprises at least one flexure hinge (45).

Abstract: A device for a touch-sensitive characterization of surface texture is disclosed. According to one aspect, the device includes at least one three-axis force sensor at least partially covered by a coating structure including at least one first part placed against the sensor and at least a second part placed against the first part such that the first part is arranged between the sensor and the second part. The second part may include at least one protrusion arranged on a side opposite the first part and a shoulder arranged against a first face of the first part of the coating structure, located on the side opposite a second face of the first part placed against the sensor. The hardness of the material of the first part is lower than the hardness of the material of the second part.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for determining one or more performance related characteristics (such as state of charge and/or health) of one or more electrochemical cells that store and release electrical energy are disclosed. Embodiments include pressure and/or temperature sensors that sense a change in pressure resulting from the tendency of the electrochemical cell to change volume and/or the temperature of the one or more electrochemical cells as the electrochemical cell(s) are charged or discharged. Alternate embodiments include one or more calculating members that receive pressure and/or temperature information from the pressure and/or temperature sensing members and calculate a performance related characteristic of the electrochemical cell.

Abstract: An apparatus 1 for evaluating the performance of a threaded joint for oil country tubular goods using a first steel pipe P1 and a second steel pipe P2 has a base 2 which holds a first steel pipe P1 in an upright position with an upper end of the first steel pipe P1 extending above the base and the remainder partly disposed under ground. A support member 3 mounted on the base 2 extends alongside the first steel pipe P1. A second steel pipe P2 is suspended above the first steel pipe P1 by a suspending mechanism 4. A threaded joint can be connected and disconnected by first and second tongs 5 and 6 which rotate the second steel pipe P2 with respect to the first steel pipe P1. A stabilizer 7 mounted on the support member 3 can limit the radius of gyration of the second steel pipe P2.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a magnitude of a compressive load applied to a piston including a compliant film disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the magnitude of the compressive load is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to a deformation of the compliant film as the compressive load is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of monitoring the condition of structural components, in which an optical sensor in conjunction with a computing unit ascertains image deviations from successive images of the structural components to be monitored, and therefrom ascertains changes in shape of the structure. Robust three-dimensional scanning of the structural components is possible when using two or more sensors. The invention further relates to an apparatus for monitoring the condition of structural components having an optical sensor and an apparatus having two or more sensors. Finally the invention relates to an aircraft in which the methods or apparatuses according to the invention are used.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a well are configured to identify or analyze various issues affecting the well including corrosion, cement quality, inflow, and fluid migration.

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.

Abstract: A sensing cable, including an outer cladding; and at least one sensing bundle contained within the cladding, each sensing bundle having a sensing fiber wrapped strain-transmissively by at least one strand. A method of sensing strain is also included.

Abstract: A flexible conduit may include a first layer defining an inner surface, a second layer defining an outer surface, and a metal reinforcement element disposed between the first and second layers, the metal reinforcement element having associated therewith a first physical property. One or more sensors is coupled to the metal reinforcement element and configured to detect the first physical property and generate a signal indicative of the first physical property. A controller is operably coupled to the sensor and configured to receive the signal and display physical property data, thereby to determine potential degradation of the conduit.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system for multiple layer structures includes a plurality of strain-sensitive magnetic particles dispersed within a bonding area between at least two individual layers, at least one multiferroic sensor dispersed on a surface of the multiple layer structure, proximate to an area of the structure to be monitored, the at least one multiferroic sensor capable of monitoring strains experienced by the strain-sensitive magnetic particles, and analyzing changes in the strains experienced by said strain-sensitive magnetic particles that may indicate damage or degradation in the structure, and a controller configured for periodic interrogation of the at least one multiferroic sensor.

Abstract: Artificial or synthetic synovial fluids and methods for making such fluids are disclosed. The fluid includes selected proteins, phospholipids and hyaluronic acid and mimics the properties of human synovial fluid.

Abstract: To detect an entrapment situation when a driven component is adjusted using a mechanical adjustment system which has an electric motor (2), a value (Fakt) relating to the force acting upon the driven component is compared with a threshold value (FTh) relating to a reference value (FRef). The reference value (FRef), and thus the threshold value (FTh), are continuously matched, for the purpose of force tracking, with the force value which changes during the movement of adjustment depending on the mechanical system.

Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.

Abstract: A method and a device for simulating a body that is moved in a translational or rotational manner. The method includes detecting a force that acts on the body or a torque (MW), and assigning a reference mass or a reference moment of inertia (Jsoll) to the body. The force or the torque (Mw) and the reference mass or the reference moment of inertia (Jsoll) are used to determine a reference speed (?soll) for a speed control which controls an actual speed (?ist) using a control transmission function (G(s)), and the reference speed (?soll) is determined by means of a transmission element using a transmission function (P(s)) that is reciprocally proportional to the control transmission function (G(s)).

Abstract: A load sensor assembly for measuring an amount of torque transmitted through a torque establishing element includes a core mounted on a transmission housing and a load sensor mounted on the core. The load sensor is positioned against a portion of the torque establishing element whereby a portion of the amount of torque transmitted through the torque establishing element travels through the load sensor and is measured. A cable is connected to the load sensor for transmitting a signal representative of the amount of torque to a transmission controller.

Abstract: The health of a structural joint clamped by fasteners is monitored by directly measuring the preload of the fasteners. The preload is measured by a transducer on the fastener and electronically transmitted to a monitoring station where the preload values may be analyzed to assess the health of the joint.

Abstract: A remaining lifetime of a pressure vessel mounted on a fuel cell vehicle or the like and comprises a liner at its inner side and a reinforcing layer at its outer side can be predicted with high precision and in short time. An artificial imperfect structure is formed at an outer surface of the liner in a size capable of being maintained by a weakest part of a hydrogen gas tank throughout the total period of use of the hydrogen gas tank. A detector is, for example, comprised of a crack gauge intervening between the liner and the reinforcing layer, and is fixed to the outer surface of the liner close to the artificial imperfect structure. A crack length increases accompanying the increase of a pressure cycle of an internal pressure caused by usage of the hydrogen gas tank. The detector increases a resistance value accompanying a crack growth.

Abstract: A device for measuring strain on a surface of an object (3) includes a carrier (5) which is provided with a central section (6) and two end sections (8) which are arranged on either side of the central section (6). A strain element (10) is connected to the carrier (5) and is provided with a strain sensor. The device (1) for measuring strain includes two supporting feet (9) which can be directly attached to the surface of the object (3) at a distance apart. The end sections (8) of the carrier (5) are detachably connected to in each case one supporting foot (9).

Abstract: Method for determining the intrinsic gel strength of a water-absorbing hydrogel-forming polymeric material, comprising the step of: obtaining a hydrogel of said water-absorbing polymeric material, submitting said hydrogel to a controlled strain application step and measuring the stress; or submitting said hydrogel to a controlled stress application step and measuring the strain, and determining from said measured stress or strain of step c) the modulus of said hydrogel.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a retaining panel, a screw pole, two securing panels moveably attached to the screw pole, and two mounting members. Each of the two securing panels is slidably attached to the retaining panel. Each of the two mounting member is engaged with each of the two securing panels. The two securing panels are moveable relative to the screw pole for sandwiching an electronic device, and each of the two mounting member is engaged with the screw pole, for prevent the two securing panels from disengaged from the electronic device.

Abstract: An overload detecting assembly comprises a first load bearing member (10) adapted to flex laterally in response to a load to be monitored, a second load bearing member (11) spaced from the first under normal load conditions and which is contacted and loaded by the first load bearing member (10) when it is loaded beyond a load limit. Preferably, the first load bearing member (10) has a yield point below the load limit and takes a permanent set once the yield point has been exceeded. A lateral probe (18) cooperates with the first load bearing member as it moves towards the second load bearing member and in turn deflects an indicator member (20) which takes a permanent set when a yield point is exceeded. Ready inspection of the indicator member then reveals whether or not it has been bent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus, a device and a method for determining local alignment errors which have occurred due to strain and/or distortion of a first substrate relative to a second substrate when the first substrate is joined to the second substrate and for alignment of two wafers by means of position maps, strain maps and/or stress maps of wafers which are recorded during and/or after alignment of the wafers, especially through at least one transparent region of at least one of the wafers, optionally the relative position of the two wafers to one another being corrected especially in-situ.

Abstract: A MEMS composite transducer includes a substrate, a MEMS transducer, and a compliant membrane. Portions of the substrate define an outer boundary of a cavity. A first portion of the MEMS transducing member is anchored to the substrate. A second portion of the MEMS transducing member extends over at least a portion of the cavity and is free to move relative to the cavity. The compliant membrane is positioned in contact with the MEMS transducing member. A first portion of the compliant membrane covers the MEMS transducing member and a second portion of the compliant membrane is anchored to the substrate.

Abstract: A testing apparatus includes a securing member, a first clipping panel, a second clipping panel, two mounting members, and a sliding member. The securing member includes a screw pole. The first clipping panel is secured to the screw pole. The second clipping panel is moveably attached to the screw pole, and the first clipping panel and the second clipping panel are attached to opposite side plates of an electronic device. The two mounting members are attached to the screw pole and located on opposite sides of the second clipping panel, for preventing the second clipping panel from disengaging from the electronic device. The sliding member is slidably attached to the screw pole and located between the first clipping panel and the second clipping panel, for moving the electronic device.

Abstract: A gasification reactor comprising a pressure vessel encasing a gasifier. Strain gauges are provided in the space between the gasifier and the pressure vessel on one or more parts loaded by weight of slag within the gasifier, e.g., at the exterior surface of the gasifier wall and/or coolant supply lines. Formation of slag deposits and/or pressure within the gasifier is monitored by measuring strain development in parts exposed to stress induced by weight of the slag deposits or induced by internal pressure, respectively.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to stress compensation in differential sensors. In an embodiment, instead of compensating for stress on each sensor element independently, stress compensation circuitry aims to remove stress-related mismatch between two sensor elements using the sensor elements themselves to detect the mismatch. A circuit can be implemented in embodiments to detect mechanical stress-related mismatch between sensor elements using the sensor elements, and tune the output signal by a compensation factor to eliminate the mismatch. Embodiments are therefore less complicated and less expensive than conventional approaches. While embodiments have applicability to virtually any differential sensor, including magnetic field, pressure, temperature, current and speed, an example embodiment discussed herein relates to magnetic field.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method and a device for determining mechanical stress load, and optionally interface effects, on particles dispersed in a fluid. According to the invention, fluid comprising dispersed particles such as biomolecules is fed into a sample space of a device comprising a jacket which encloses a sample chamber and at least two rolls arranged within said jacket such that said sample space is defined between said rolls, said rolls being independently rotatable with respect to each other, wherein said jacket has an inner surface which is essentially adapted to the outer surface of the rolls, rotational movement is imparted to at least one of the rolls of said device, and changes in the state of said particles are determined from which mechanical stress load acting on the particles can be determined.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement including a torque sensor for measuring the torque acting on a first shaft, the sensor arrangement having a rotational angle index unit which is designed in such a manner that it can detect and/or identify the angular position of the first shaft with respect to a defined rotational angle and/or defined rotational angle range.

Abstract: Described is a material sample for testing material properties under biaxial load as well as a method therefor. The material sample has a circular disk shape and, for rotation about the center line thereof, is provided with an integrally formed hub. The edge of the material sample and the hub are thicker than the ring section of the material sample located in between. In one embodiment, the ring section is designed with an annular concave fillet concentric to the hub and the concave fillet may extend from the edge to the hub and have a continuous curvature over its width. In the method, it is rotated about its center line at least at 100,000 rpm, preferably at 150,000 rpm±10,000 rpm.

Abstract: A sensing cable, including an outer cladding; and at least one sensing bundle contained within the cladding, each sensing bundle having a sensing fiber wrapped strain-transmissively by at least one strand. A method of sensing strain is also included.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for measuring full field deformation characteristics of a deformable body. The method includes determining optical setup design parameters for measuring displacement and strain fields, and generating and applying a dot pattern on a planar side of a deformable body. A sequence of images of the dot pattern is acquired before and after deformation of the body. Irregular objects are eliminated from the images based on dot light intensity threshold and the object area or another geometrical cutoff criterion. The characteristic points of the dots are determined, and the characteristic points are matched between two or more of the sequential images. The displacement vector of the characteristic points is found, and mesh free or other techniques are used to estimate the full field displacement based on the displacement vector of the characteristic points. Strain tensor or other displacement-derived quantities can also be estimated using mesh-free or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: The bolt tension monitoring system provides remote monitoring of the tension of a bolt, thus allowing for remote monitoring of general structural health and integrity of the fastener. The bolt tension monitoring system includes a housing adapted for being retained on a head of a bolt to be monitored. The system further includes a force transducer positioned between the head of the bolt and a surface in which the bolt is fastened and measures tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface. A controller circuit within the housing calculates the difference between currently measured tension between the head of the bolt and the workpiece surface and an initially measured tension. A wireless transponder mounted in the housing transmits an alert signal if the calculated difference exceeds a pre-defined threshold value.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method monitoring the health of structural joints by monitoring the strain developed near the joint due to perturbation applied away from that joint and comparing the monitored ratio between near field and far field strain to strain ratio which develops in a healthy joint due to comparable perturbation. The system for monitoring joints comprises: at least one near field strain measuring device installed near a monitored joint for monitoring the induced strain; at least one far field strain measuring device installed away from monitored joint indicating, measuring or producing the perturbation; and a data processor connected to said near field strain measuring device and to said near field strain measuring device for analyzing the response of the structure to the perturbation and determining the integrity of said joint.

Abstract: A strain sensing apparatus including a deformable substrate is presented. The deformable substrate is configured to detect a strain of the body that can be coupled to the deformable substrate. Sometimes, the deformable substrate is a flexible substrate having an upper surface and an opposite lower surface. The lower can be coupled to the body. There are sensing elements fabricated within the flexible substrate and proximate to the upper surface to detect properties of the body. The strain sensing apparatus is able to detect different strain modes, such as whether the strain is the result of bending of a body or a uniaxial elongation. Furthermore, the apparatus is small and less fragile than most conventional sensors, making it easy to use.

Abstract: A crank arm (200) includes a mechanical ring amplifier (232), having a cavity and a connecting bridge (140), to amplify the radial strain exerted on the crank arm by a rider. Strain sensors (234, 235) are positioned to detect the amplified radial strain. The crank arm (200) may include further strain sensors (228, 229) adapted to detect tangential strain on the crank arm, allowing both the tangential and radial forces exerted by a bicycle rider to be measured. The crank arm (200) may also comprise means for adjusting the position of a pedal axle relative to the crank arm, via the loosening, rotation and retightening of a carrier disc held by the crank arm, where the carrier disc has an eccentrically mounted aperture for holding the pedal axle.

Abstract: A method for the determination of the diffusion tensor anisotropy or the surface energy anisotropy that does not require the formation of particular structures, and that is capable of being performed in cases of moderate-amplitude perturbations. The invention relates to measuring the temporal evolution of natural or artificial roughnesses, and analyzing the results in the firm of the 2D power spectral density for moderate-amplitude perturbations typically characterized by amplitude/wavelength ratios of the perturbation for a spatially defined perturbation having two wavelengths along two orthogonal directions, the ratios typically being less than 0.3.

Abstract: The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat includes a pair of fixed lower rails fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails that are engaged with the fixed lower rails so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails, a sub frame which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails, load sensors and that lie between the sub frame and the movable upper rails, brackets and which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets. The submarine pipe is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket.

Abstract: The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat includes a pair of fixed lower rails fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails that are engaged with the fixed lower rails so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails, a sub frame which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails, load sensors and that lie between the sub frame and the movable upper rails, brackets and which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets. The submarine pipe is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and at least one fiber optic strain gauge positioned over each rib of the plurality of radial ribs. The strain gauges are comprised of a negative thermo-optic coefficient optical fiber material in one embodiment. A proximal end of the tube portion is operably couplable to a shaft of a surgical instrument that is operably couplable to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion is proximally couplable to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector. In another embodiment, adjacent fiber optic strain gauges with differing thermal responses are used to solve simultaneous equations in strain and temperature to derive strain while rejecting thermal effects. In yet another embodiment, a thermal shunt shell is over an outer surface of the tube portion. An advantageous surgical instrument having improved temperature compensation is also provided.

Abstract: A load sensing pin disposed to receive a load applied in a direction substantially transverse to a longitudinal axis of the pin. A load sensor is substantially fixedly oriented with respect to the applied load or alternatively with respect to the pin which is rotationally restrained with respect to a support structure. The load sensor is disposed to generate a load signal corresponding to strain of the pin resulting from the applied load.

Abstract: A device for determining material properties includes a bottom panel extending from a first end to a second end of the device, for supporting a material to be tested. A closed loop flexible wall extends upwardly from the panel and is in operational engagement with a flexible wall idle means towards the first end of the device and a flexible wall driving means in spaced relation with the flexible wall idle means. The flexible wall driving means causes movement of the closed loop flexible wall along a predetermined closed loop path. The flexible wall driving means and the means of driving it are arranged at a position outside of a material containment area of the device.

Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.