Abstract: A method of sensing ground contact with a lower limb prosthetic or orthotic device is provided. A first translational displacement between a frame and a connector can be sensed and then processed to identify an axial load caused by heel-ground contact. Additionally, a second translational displacement between the frame and the connector can be sensed and then processed to identify a torsional load caused by toe-ground contact.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is provided that includes a carrying construction for supporting a road section, and a frame for positioning a test wheel on the surface of the road section. During operation of the apparatus the test wheel, by a tread thereof, describes a circular path over the road surface. The frame is provided with a sensor for measuring a force exerted on the measuring wheel by the road surface.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a surgical intervention device, including a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue and a system comprising so-called “passive” components capable of measuring deformation or a local strain of the instrument and/or so-called “active” components capable of imposing a local strain on the instrument, the system comprising at least two series of passive components arranged at the surface of the instrument so as to establish a biunivocal relation between the position of the instrument or the position of the distal end of the instrument and all the data originating from the series, and, where required, at least two series of active components arranged at the surface of the instrument. The disclosure also relates to a process for determining the position of the distal end of a surgical instrument capable of passing through human or animal tissue.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring arrangement includes a component formed of fiber reinforced composite material with a plurality of electrical conducting fibers intrinsic to the composite defining electrical paths that run through the composite. The paths act as sensing paths running through the material and a detector watches for changes in electrical property indicative of a structural event. The paths may be configured as an open or a closed node grid whose electrical continuity is monitored directly or indirectly. Alternatively they may be fibers having a piezoresistive property and the changes in resistance may be monitored.

Abstract: A system for determining load capacity for a photovoltaic module includes a clip to position a photovoltaic module surface at a load test position and a load test device proximate to the clip, including a pressure applicator and an actuator, wherein the actuator is capable of moving the pressure applicator toward the load test position.

Abstract: An optical metrology device determines the local stress in a film on a substrate. The metrology device maps the thickness of the substrate prior to processing. After processing, the metrology device determines the surface curvature of the substrate caused by the processing and maps the thickness of a film on the top surface after of the substrate after processing. The surface curvature of the substrate may be determined as basis functions. The local stress in the film is then determined using the mapped thickness of the substrate, the determined surface curvature, and the mapped thickness of the film. The local stress may be determined using Stoney's equation that is corrected for non-uniform substrate curvature, non-uniform film thickness, and non-uniform substrate thickness.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for selectively driving a piezo transducer to operate as a pressure pattern detector or an alarm generator. In one embodiment, there is provided a device that includes: a piezo transducer; a comparator coupled to the transducer and a reference voltage; and a pressure pattern recognition circuit coupled to a comparator output of the comparator. The pressure pattern recognition circuit may be configured to: (i) determine whether the pressure pattern satisfies a predetermined condition; and (ii) in response to the pressure pattern satisfying the predetermined condition, generate an output signal.

Abstract: A fixture for testing a tubular member simultaneously in bending and torsion is disclosed. The fixture includes first and second attachment elements that are configured to couple to the tubular member, and a load shoe that is configured to fit within the tubular member. The load shoe includes a body having a contact surface configured to contact a portion of an internal surface of the tubular member and at least one load reaction strut coupled to the body. The load reaction strut is configured to pass through a hole in the tubular member and accept a first force applied in a first direction that is perpendicular to an axis of symmetry of the tubular member.

Abstract: Provided is a displacement amplifying device which uses Pascal's principle and is insusceptible to temperature change. A main body (1) is provided with an accommodation space (11) for accommodating a medium (2) therein. The medium (2) is provided with a fluid (21) with a positive thermal expansion coefficient and a movable body (22) with a negative thermal expansion coefficient. The movable body (22) is displaced according to the movement of the fluid (21). The medium (2) is provided with a small-area first movable surface (23) and a large-area second movable surface (24). The displacement of one of the first movable surface (23) and the second movable surface (24) is transmitted to the other via the medium (2). In the displacement amplifying device, even if the volume of the fluid (21) is changed by the temperature change of the medium (2), the amount of change of the volume of the medium (2) as a whole can be kept low by the volume change of the movable body (22).

Abstract: A stretch-bend-draw simulator (SBDS) apparatus for approximating die stamping of a metal is disclosed. The simulator includes a tool having a surface for contacting a sheet metal strip clamped in a jaw grip adapted to pull the sheet metal strip to provide a force measurement. A tool holding and moving device can be included for mounting, translating, and positioning the tool with respect to the sheet metal strip. The tool can be mounted on the tool holding device at a distal end or on a mounting plate of the apparatus. The tool holding device is coupled to a contact force measuring load cell for measuring the contact force. A draw bead block holder is provided that is adapted to mount a corresponding male and female draw bead blocks. The holder includes a compressing means for compressing the draw bead blocks together to clamp the strip. A clamping force measuring load cell is provided for measuring a clamping force resulting from the draw bead blocks clamping on the sheet metal strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying at least one cyclical load to an elongate specimen, comprising at least two reciprocating mass means 1 each comprising a mass (6) and an actuator (16), wherein the actuator (16) is (5) operatively associated with the mass (6) to move the mass (6) along a linear displacement path, mounting means (2) for mounting each actuator (16) to a specimen, and a control system operatively associated with each actuator (16), the control system operating each actuator (16) to reciprocate its corresponding mass (6) along its respective linear displacement path, wherein the reciprocating mass means (1) are spaced apart such that the actuators (16) move their corresponding masses (6) on separate, and substantially parallel, linear displacement paths is disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor configured to detect a stress wave propagating through a vehicle frame member caused by a vehicle collision is provided. The sensor includes a sensor body configured to be rigidly coupled to the vehicle frame member, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device attached to the sensor body. The sensor body is configured to exhibit stress in response to transverse and torsional stress wave propagating along the vehicle frame member. The first strain sensing device generates a first signal indicative of stress in the sensor body and the second strain sensing device generates a second signal indicative of stress in the sensor body. A first end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped and a second end portion of the sensor body is characterized as trapezoidal prism shaped.

Abstract: Prostheses are fatigue tested using an apparatus under simulated physiological loading conditions. A fluid housing defines an entrance chamber having fluid outflow ports and an exit chamber having opposing fluid inflow ports and a central flow conduit in communication with the entrance chamber and the exit chamber. A plurality of housing tubes into which prosthesis are deployed may extend between the fluid outflow and inflow ports. Alternatively, tubular prostheses may be connected directly between the inflow and outflow ports. A reciprocating linear drive pump having a flexible diaphragm is provided to cyclically pressurize fluid through a common closed loop within the fluid housing and drive the pressurized fluid through the prosthesis being tested. The test system is capable of rotation independent of the motor drive for accurate diameter measurements of all test samples at elevated frequencies.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for compensation of mechanical stresses in an aircraft structure. The method comprises the steps of producing signals that represent mechanical stresses occurring in the aircraft structure, and operating actuators, which absorb at least some of the mechanical stresses and are arranged in the aircraft structure, such that the mechanical stresses are compensated.

Abstract: A gas sensor element, wherein an amount of flexure in a first section extending in a longitudinal direction of the sensor element from the position 8/27 of a size of the element apart from one end of the element to the other end, is set to be greater than or equal to 1/1360 and less than or equal to 1/670 with respect to the size in the longitudinal direction of the element. The amount of flexure is a sum of a distance from a regression line to an upper side maximum displacement point and a distance from the regression line to a lower side maximum displacement point when calculating the regression line representing the relation of the position X in the longitudinal direction of the element and the displacement Y in a thickness direction from a plurality of data sets showing the relation of position X and displacement Y.

Abstract: A quasi-static bend sensor is taught that comprises a layering of a plurality of ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) sections with intervening dielectric sections in a vertical stack configuration. The IPMC sections are electrically connected in parallel. The surface of the stack is coated with high-purity synthetic isoparaffins for polymer hydration to increase step response consistency. Finally, the vertical stack configuration is electrically connected to an electric field measurement device and a linear quadratic regulator based controller for reducing settling time.

Abstract: A method of predicting sheet formability at a microscale level includes the steps of providing a grid pattern on a test sheet, bulging the test sheet to a hemispherical shape until a crack is initiated on the surface of the test sheet, detecting the initiation of the crack, acquiring two images of the surface adjacent to the crack and calculating surface strains on the test sheet.

Abstract: A method for indicating fatigue damage rate of a hardened metal object in relation to load cycles, N, exerted on the hardened metal object, wherein the hardened metal object presents a temperature essentially corresponding to the operating conditions of the hardened metal object is disclosed. It comprises calculating the fatigue rate based on an effective activation energy parameter for the dislocation climb process, Q, shear stress amplitude, T, the absolute local temperature of the hardened metal object, T, and load frequency, f. Methods for indicating fatigue and predicting life of a metal object are disclosed.

Abstract: There are provided a temperature compensation method for a force sensor and the force sensor which can perform temperature compensation in not only the steady range where the output by the force sensor is stable but also the transient range where the output is unstable.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for positioning a specimen to be tested relative to an external force applicator. The external force applicator is adapted for engaging the specimen for test purposes. A defined path extends between a first position away from the external load applicator and a second position underneath the external load applicator. A carriage positioned on the defined path moves relative to the external force applicator between the first position which is a loading position away from the external force applicator and the second position which is an engagement position. When the specimen is in the second engagement position, the external force applicator can engage the specimen to conduct the test.

Abstract: A load pin includes a main body, a plurality of recesses, and a plurality of sensor pockets. The main body has a plurality of loading surfaces and a plurality of relief surfaces formed therein. Each loading surface is disposed between two of the relief surfaces. The recesses are formed in and extend at least partially around the outer surface of the main body. Each recess has a substantially round inner surface, is formed in a different one of the relief surfaces, and is disposed between a different pair of loading surface. The sensor pockets are formed in the outer surface, extend partially into the main body, are disposed between a pair of loading surfaces, and extend through the recess that is disposed between the same pair of loading surfaces.

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: The disclosure provides methods for the detection of a possible joint defect, in particular a root fusion defect, in a friction stir weld seam, wherein two members are joined together and the methods include generating of a tensile stress in the region of the friction stir weld seam in the elastic range, and testing in at least some regions of a lower face of the friction stir weld seam, in order to detect any joint defect.

Abstract: Provided is a method for testing adhesion. The method includes forming thin films on a substrate; attaching an elastic plate to the substrate, wherein the elastic plate has a larger elastic coefficient than the substrate; and performing an adhesion test on the thin films using an adhesion test apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a smart label to be affixed on or integrated in an object and able to provide an electrical signal indicative of the applied pressure or force and/or the position of the applied pressure or force at a touch point on the object to which the label is affixed. The smart label comprises a layer structure and a detector system, the layer structure comprising of at least a stack of a first, a second and a third layer. The first and third layers comprise a flexible, electrically conductive or semiconductive material and at least two electrodes for connecting the layers to the detector system. The second layer comprises a flexible, deformable and compressible material. The second layer is electrically nonconductive or electrically conductive but less conductive than the first and third layers, wherein the second layer separates the first and third layers.

Abstract: A bending test fixture for test coupons includes a test region for receiving a test coupon and first and second supports on opposed sides of the test region. One of the first or second supports includes a first pair of spaced-apart support points and the other of the first or second supports includes a second pair of spaced-apart support points that are narrowly spaced relative to the first pair of spaced-apart support points. There is a load shaft for applying a load to the second support and an articulated joint between the load shaft and the second support for uniformly distributing the load to the first support.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an instrument for measuring torsion moment per a single-pole cylindrical foundation, including: a force-applying means that applies horizontal force to structures protruding from the ground; a tension means that is connected with the force-applying means to apply tensile force to the structures; a measuring unit that is disposed inside the structures to measure strain per depth and portion due to force applied from the force-applying means and the tension means; and a controller that analyzes moment per depth of the structures from horizontal force measured by the measuring unit.

Abstract: A device is provided for monitoring strain and acoustic emission in an object. The device includes: a strain measurement portion operable to measure strain; an adhesive layer disposed on the strain measurement portion; and a peel-off mask disposed on the adhesive layer. In an example embodiment, the strain measurement portion includes a body, a transparent window portion, a strain measurement device and a signal processing portion. The body includes an attachment surface, wherein the adhesive layer is disposed on the attachment surface for attachment of the body to the object. The transparent window portion is arranged to enable viewing of a portion of the object through the body. The strain measurement device is disposed within the transparent window portion and is operable to generate a strain signal based on strain in the object. The signal processing portion is operable to generate a processed signal based on the strain signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a structure and a process for measuring an energy of adhesion between two substrates bonded in a transverse direction. The method involves providing for at least one of the two substrates to have a plurality of elementary test cells within a test layer each being capable of locally applying, in the transverse direction, a preset mechanical stress (?), dependent on the temperature (T), to a bond interface between the substrates in a direction tending to separate them, applying a test temperature to the substrates and identifying debonded regions of the bond interface so that the local adhesion energy at the test temperature in the regions may be deduced therefrom, the local adhesion energy in a region of the bond interface being deduced from the stress applied by the test cells that caused debonding in the region.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: A retainer for use in measuring a force generated between a photocurable resin and a pressing member by a detector includes: a pressing member that has light transmission characteristics and is pressed to the photocurable resin; and a light irradiation block that is provided between the detector and the pressing member and irradiates light emitted from an external light source onto the pressing member in a state of being not contacting a light source and an optical transmission line including an optical fiber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for differentiating foods with respect to mouthfeel, a method for identifying a composition having the ability to improve the mouthfeel of a food, and a method for predicting mouthfeel attributes of a food using a novel tribology device.

Abstract: A system for determining the tongue weight of a towed vehicle and other parameters includes a drawbar transducer in one embodiment and a receiver hitch transducer in another embodiment. Strain gauges are strategically located on the transducer and information regarding the towed vehicle are sent to a display. In one embodiment, a portable display unit has a radio frequency transceiver for receiving transmitted data from the transducer reflective of the towed vehicle tongue weight so that a user can view the tongue weight in practically real time. In this manner, the user can adjust the contents of the towed vehicle to achieve proper tongue weight without the necessity of going back and forth between the trailer and the transducer. A method is also disclosed for determining a safe towing condition based on the trailer tongue weight, trailer pulling force, acceleration during towing, and calculated trailer weight.

Abstract: A method for testing a multiple layer structure is described. The method includes monitoring strains experienced by strain sensitive, magnetic particles disbursed within an adhesive between a first layer and a second layer, and analyzing any changes in the strains experienced by the particles to determine an amount of damage or degradation to the structure.

Abstract: A method for testing a coating for blade roots, includes: providing a disk test piece including at least one bearing surface and a blade test piece including at least one bearing surface coated with the coating to be tested, the blade test piece including two test piece halves adapted to be engaged on either side of the disk test piece, and subjecting the blade test piece engaged with the disk test piece to tensile cycles during which the test pieces undergo tensile stress with respect to each other in a tensile direction, the tensile strain being transmitted via the bearing surfaces contacting the blade test piece and the disk test piece. The method allows for very faithful reproduction of the behavior and ageing of the coating and thus allows for accurate evaluation of the quality of the coatings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tension monitoring system comprising: —at least one camera for acquiring at least one image of at least one pattern located on an object of interest, wherein the pattern comprises a plurality of points and where each point is arranged on the object in such as way as to follow the movement of the object; —a computational device; wherein the computational device is arranged to analyze the acquired image for detecting the position of each pattern point using an image analysis algorithm arranged to determine the geometrical center of a point using a contrast detection method, determining the distance between at least two pattern portions, and calculating the tension induced in the object using a reference value of distance between the two pattern portions when the object is mechanically relaxed.

Abstract: A device, system and method for analyzing a user's motion using a piezoelectric film to generate a plurality of deformation signals based upon an associated plurality of deformations, an EEPROM to record data associated with the plurality of deformation signals, and a transceiver to receive at least a portion of the recorded data from the EEPROM and to transmit data, wherein the analysis may determine an abnormality in the user's gait.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for direct acting dynamic mechanical analysis capable of accurate data at high frequencies where during temperature ramping, the sample is not in contact with both of 1) the strain excitation means and 2) the stress sensing means, thus providing numerous advantages and allowing additional analysis of sample dimension data and zero strain state.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting tightness of threaded joints of drill rods when unfastening at least one threaded joint of the drilling equipment (6) by impacting the drilling equipment (6) with a percussion device in the rock drilling rig (1). For detecting the tightness there is predetermined at least one fastened model for a situation where the threaded joint/joints are fastened, a vibration signal measured during impacting is compared with both the fastened model and the unfastened model and, on the basis of the comparison, it is determined to which one of the models the tightness of the threaded joints better corresponds at the moment of determination.

Abstract: A tendon tension sensor that has particular application for measuring tension on a tendon employed in a robotic arm. The tension sensor includes an elastic element having a curved channel through which the tendon is threaded. The elastic element also includes a center portion on which strain gauges are mounted that measure the strain on the elastic element. Tension on the tendon causes the center portion of the elastic element to flex or bend, which is measured by the strain gauges providing an indication of the tension in the tendon.

Abstract: A tension detection mechanism includes a linear member which extends in a longitudinal direction, and which is configured to transmits power, a restraining member including a restraining portion through which the linear member extends and which is configured to restrain movement of the linear member in the longitudinal direction partially, and a detection member which is provided to the restraining member and which is configured to detect tension of the linear member. A length of a portion of the linear member restrained by the restraining portion is larger than a distance between two ends of the restraining member in the longitudinal direction of the linear member.

Abstract: Pin bearing arrangement (10) for measuring loads in an aircraft landing gear (1), comprising a trailing arm (2), connected to at least one of the aircraft wheels (3), and a shock absorber (4), connected to the aircraft, whereby load (11) is transferred from the trailing arm (2) to the shock absorber (4), the trailing arm (2) being rotatable with respect to the shock absorber (4), the pin bearing arrangement (10) comprising at least one strain measuring element (12) attached to the pin bearing arrangement (10) in predetermined positions, these positions being selected such that the strain measuring element (12) gives at least a minimum detectable signal when the load (11) transferred is over a first threshold value, for any value of the angle (5) adopted by the trailing arm (2) with respect to the shock absorber (4).

Abstract: In an embodiment, a self-defense system is disclosed. The self-defense system may include or comprise a material sized to conform to an appendage, and a defense unit coupled with the material and positioned to initiate a defense event in response to an input.

Abstract: This machine comprises a central body (1), un piston (3) compressing the liquid contained in a liner (2), and a peripheral bladder (18) capable of uniformly applying pressure to a tube (21) immediately surrounding this bladder. Pressure can be applied in a simple manner through a tensile and compression testing machine (22, 23). No end effect that could disturb the test is produced on the tube.

Abstract: A binary code symbol for non-linear strain measurement that can be constructed in any geometric shape having a solid, continuous perimeter containing straight line segments. The symbol includes finder cells to “orient” the symbol in order to associate strain measurements with physical dimensions; and contains encoded data in “data regions” and/or “utility regions.” The data and utility regions can be distinct and separate, combined, exclusive (i.e. data regions and no utility regions, or utility regions and no data regions), or omitted. The data “density” can be varied depending upon the application, by varying the number of distinct data or utility cells present in the data regions or utility regions.

Abstract: An integrated circuit 2 is formed of multiple wafer layers 4, 6, 8, 10 arranged in a stack and connected with through silicon vias 12. Mechanical strain sensors 26, 28, 30, 32 in the form of ring oscillators are provided proximal to the through silicon vias 12 and detect mechanical strain associated with the through silicon via 12. The measured mechanical strain may be used to dynamically adjust operating parameters of the integrated circuit either as a whole or in regions where the mechanical strain is detected. The operating parameters adjusted can include clock frequency, operating voltage and heat generation.

Abstract: A device for measuring a pattern of the forces and moments (2) generated by an aircraft propulsion system (1), includes a hooking structure (5) that can support at least one propulsion system (3). This hooking structure (5) passes through the fuselage transversely relative to the main axis of the fuselage of the aircraft via an opening, whereby the structure has at least a first part (AC) that is found on the outside of the aircraft connected to a propulsion system, and a second part (CB) that is found on the inside of the aircraft that is connected to structural elements of the aircraft via an isostatic system of connecting elements (9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 22) so as to take up the six degrees of freedom, measuring elements being integrated in the connecting elements to reconstitute the pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tribology device for assessing mouthfeel-related tribological properties of a food sample, comprising a measuring surface composed of a thermoplastic polymer as an integral part.

Abstract: A method for exercise, physical therapy and rehabilitation includes providing an elastic member having a tension indicator, securing one end of the elastic member, and stretching the elastic member using a part of the body until the tension indicator indicates that a predetermined tension level has been attained. Upon reaching the predetermined tension level, the elastic member is returned to its relaxed state. The tension indicator on the elastic member may be a printed image of recognizable image that distorts to another recognizable image at the predetermined tension level, a printed non-recognizable image that distorts to a recognizable pattern or image at the predetermined tension level, or an electronic indicator that provides audio and/or visual cues at the predetermined tension level.

Abstract: An optical fiber strain sensor array comprises several sensor support panels spaced in its longitudinal direction and at least one connecting member extending in the longitudinal direction, which mechanically interconnects the sensor support panels. An optical fiber is supported by the sensor support panels and the connecting member. The optical fiber extends with the connecting member between the sensor support panels and forms a curve on the sensor support panel, the curve including at least one portion of the optical fiber that extends in the transverse direction. The width of the connecting member is substantially less than the width of the sensor support panels, such that the connecting member is capable of flexure in the transverse direction. This has the advantage that the connecting member can be flexed to take up any slack during installation of the optical fiber strain sensor array in a wind turbine blade and can be fitted to the turbine blade even if the blade has a conical shape.