Abstract: A force sensor is disclosed. In one illustrative embodiment, the force sensor may include a sensing die mounted to a substrate and an actuation assembly for transmitting an external force to the sensing die. The sensing die may include a diaphragm and one or more sensing elements (e.g. piezoresistive elements) positioned on the diaphragm. The actuation assembly may include a spherical member or object (e.g. ball bearing) in contact with the diaphragm, a pin member having a first end coupled to the spherical object and a second end coupled to a button member. The actuator assembly may transmit a force applied to the button member to the diaphragm via the pin member and spherical member. In some cases, the front side of the sensing die may be mounted to the substrate with an adhesive, such as a pattern of conductive adhesive and nonconductive adhesive to electrically connect one or more bond pads of the sensing die to one or more bond pads of the substrate without the need for wire bonds.

Abstract: A resilience and displacement measuring device is configured with a shaft having a displacement detection module and a force detection module disposed respectively at the two ends thereof. When the shaft is moved for driving a probe of the force detection module to press on a tested press-key, a reflective panel in the displacement detection module will be caused to displace along with the moving of the shaft for allowing a light sensor to measure the displacement of the shaft, and at the same time the pressing of the probe on the press-key will force a detection film to deform for allowing a strain gauge to measure a resilience. The device is capable of dividing a measurement range into a plurality of sub-ranges while designing calculation models specifically for the sub-ranges, by that a precise distance can be obtained from the measured distance information of the calculation models.

Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.

Abstract: A digital strain encoder includes a gage-emitter, a sensor-receiver, a transmitter, and an energy source. The gage-emitter is affixable to a surface to be measured and deformable on a one-to-one basis with the surface, and emits a reference strain signal in the absence of strain and an altered strain signal when the surface is subjected to strain and the gage-emitter is deformed. The gage-emitter also emits a unique reference identification signal. The sensor-receiver floats over the gage-emitter so as not to deform with the surface, and detects the reference and altered strain signals and the identification signal emitted by the gage-emitter. The transmitter is coupled to the sensor-receiver for transmitting the detected reference and altered strain signals to a remote receiver.

Abstract: A method for use in repairing gas turbine engine components includes applying a stress to a first gas turbine engine component to cause surface cracking on the first gas turbine engine component and establishing a location of an elevated stress region of a second gas turbine engine component based upon the location of the surface cracking on the first gas turbine engine component.

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 shear stress sensor for measuring the shear force of a fluid flowing along a wall. A floating member, flush with the wall, senses a shear force of the flowing fluid. The floating member is mounted by support means to a base element that is placed in the wall, so that the floating member is flush with the wall and a shear force, sensed by the floating member, is translated via the support means to a Fiber Bragg Grating. The force acting on the Fiber Bragg Grating changes the shape and the refractive index of the Fiber Bragg Grating, thereby changing the resonant frequency of the Fiber Bragg Grating and causing a shift in the spectrum of wavelengths of light that is introduced to the Fiber Bragg Grating. This shift in the spectrum of wavelengths is representative of the shear force of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A strain measurement device includes a strain gauge, a holding device, a transverse strain recorder, and a data processing device. The strain gauge includes at least one first and at least one second layers of carbon nanotube films, each layer of carbon nanotube films having a plurality of carbon nanotubes. The carbon nanotubes in at least one first layer of carbon nanotube film align along a first direction. The carbon nanotubes in at least one second layer of carbon nanotube film align along a second direction. The holding device is used to fasten a specimen and the strain gauge. The transverse strain recorder is used to record a transverse strain of the strain gauge. The data processing device is used to calculate an axial strain of the strain gauge.

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 crimping system, a control circuit for a crimping machine, and a method to be applied in them, in which: a work piece (15) is subjected to a first force effect by an actuator (5) that is controlled by the pressure of pressurized medium, wherein said force effect is proportional to said pressure and causes a desired deformation in the work piece (15); a follow-up measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional either to the dimension of the work piece (15) or said pressure; the work piece (15) is subjected to a second force effect but by applying a reduced pressure which is lower than the pressure that contributes to said deformation; and a verifying measurement is taken, whose measurement result is proportional to the dimension of the work piece (15), when said reduced pressure controls said actuator (5) and the work piece (15) is still in the crimping machine (1).

Abstract: A very versatile testing module includes a main body, a drive module, a sliding module, a transmission module, and a frictional member. The drive module is positioned in the main body. The transmission module includes a rotational plate and a connecting plate. The drive module drives the rotational plate to rotate. One end of the connecting plate attached to the sliding module, and the other end thereof adjustably attached to the rotational plate. The frictional member is mounted to the sliding module.

Abstract: A method and a device measure for a deformation of a fuel element of a pressurized water reactor having a plurality of control rod guide tubes. A probe displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the control rod guide tube is inserted in the interior of at least one control rod guide tube having at least one reference axis, and supported in at least one section of the control rod guide tube on the interior wall thereof, such that the orientation of the at least one reference axis is unambiguously a function of the orientation of the longitudinal axis of the control rod guide tube in the section. The orientation of the at least one reference axis in the section of the control rod guide tube is determined relative to the orientation of the or a further reference axis of the probe in a different section.

Abstract: A platform includes main transverse beams (“MTBs”), each supported by at least one hoist. It is determined whether a load on any MTB is different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount. An MTB which has a load different from the load on any other MTB by more than a predetermined amount is selected and then vertically moved with respect to the other MTBs within a predetermined safety limit to transfer load between the selected MTB and the other MTBs while monitoring the loads on each MTB and the position of the selected MTB as vertical movement of the selected MTB proceeds. The monitored loads and position are compared with the safety limit; and the movement of the selected MTB stopped when either the desired load transfer is completed or the safety limit has been met.

Abstract: A ball movement path measuring method includes the steps of: preparing an operating unit and a measurement unit, mounting the triaxial accelerometer in the object to be measured for enabling the triaxial accelerometer to define XYZ triaxial space coordinates, obtaining the data of a initial position of the XYZ axes at a first measuring time and the data of a reference position of the XYZ axes at a second measuring time and transmitting the obtained data to the operating unit, and comparing the reference position to the initial position and calculating the XYZ acceleration data, XYZ vector components of force and torsion force relative to each of XYZ axes after receipt of force subject to the contained angle between the coordinates data of the reference position and the coordinate data of the initial position and then using the XYZ acceleration data and the data of the weight and size of the object to calculate the force experienced by the object, initial velocity, flight duration, flight height, flight distan

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: The bands and corners of rectangular or other geometric shapes for binary code symbols are used to measure non-linear and non-uniform strain in a material with an anomaly such as a crack in the area of strain measurement. In particular, they can be used to evaluate differential strains in the regions of the bands and corners; and the external and internal boundaries can be used to measure differentials in strain between the external boundaries and internal boundaries.

Abstract: On the basis of a surface shape appearing at a predetermined point moment by moment during rotation of a golf ball having numerous dimples on its surface, a data constellation regarding a parameter dependent on a surface shape of the golf ball is calculated. A preferable parameter is a distance between an axis of the rotation and the surface of the golf ball. Another preferable parameter is a volume of space between a surface of a phantom sphere and the surface of the golf ball. Fourier transformation is performed on the data constellation to obtain a transformed data constellation. On the basis of a peak value and an order of a maximum peak of the transformed data constellation, an aerodynamic characteristic of the golf ball is determined. The peak value and the order of the maximum peak are calculated for each of PH rotation and POP rotation.

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: A tensile testing device includes a supporting unit, a cantilever unit and a connecting unit. The supporting unit defines a plurality of mating elements secured thereon for mating with a detected element. The cantilever unit is connected with the detected element by a lead for reading the tension. The connecting unit includes a penal attached on a lateral surface of the supporting unit, a turning plate pivotally installed on a front surface of the panel and rotated around a first axis which is perpendicular to the lateral surface, a first connecting block fastened to a front surface of the turning plate, and a second connecting block of which rear end pivotally connects the first connecting block and turns around a second axis perpendicular to the first axis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to self-retaining (“barbed”) systems for surgical procedures, methods of manufacturing self-retaining systems for surgical procedures, included their uses and testing. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method for barbing sutures uses a laser to cut the suture under appropriate temperature and tensile strength conditions. In various embodiments of the invention, a device and method tests the tensile strength and elasticity of a barbed monofilament or multifilament suture. In various embodiments of the invention, a potting material can be used to retain one end of the suture for manufacture or testing.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing strength of a corner portion of an object includes a support platform, an installing mechanism on the platform, a force gauge, a driving mechanism connected to the slidable plate to move the slidable plate, a clamp mechanism for clamping the object in a fixed position, and a push-pull mechanism. The installing mechanism includes two opposite rail plates mounted to the platform, and a slidable plate slidably mounted between the rail plates. The force gauge is fixed to the slidable plate. The push-pull mechanism is connected to the force gauge to be pushed or pulled by the force gauge. The push-pull mechanism comprises two forcing posts to respectively abut against two sides of the object at the corner portion, thereby exerting push or pull force on the two sides of the corner portion to test strength of the corner portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring stalk strength of a plant is disclosed. A force sensor is mounted to a harvester in a position to measure the resistance to crushing of the plant stalk by a stalk roll of the harvester. The apparatus may include a pair of counter rotating stalk rolls that pull and crush the plant stalk between them and a pair of stain gauges attached on either side of a mounting apparatus of the stalk rolls to sense both the tension and compression forces induced in the mounting apparatus by each of the rolls in response to the resistance to crushing of the plant stalk. Data collected by the invention can be advantageously used in a breeding program wherein breeding decisions are made based at least in part on stalk strength.

Abstract: An integrated device for monitoring an electrically insulating part, the device having an optic fiber that includes at least one Bragg grating, the electrically insulating part being a composite material with a thermosetting matrix, and the optic fiber including a polyimide mechanical protection sleeve made. The device is integrated into an electrically insulating part or an electrically insulating enclosure. The invention also includes a method for manufacturing the device including positioning in a mold part of an optic fiber that includes at least one Bragg grating, and molding of the electrically insulating part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a test specimen configured for mechanical load life characterization testing of a dual wall bonded airfoil for use in a turbomachinery device. The dual wall bonded airfoil has a spar and a skin bonded to the spar. The test specimen includes a main stress body, which includes a test spar component configured to represent the spar of the dual wall bonded airfoil; a test skin component configured to represent the skin of the dual wall bonded airfoil; and a test bond joint bonding the skin component to the spar component. The test bond joint is configured to represent the actual bond joint between the spar and the skin of the dual wall bonded airfoil. The test specimen is structured to simulate the dual wall bonded airfoil for testing in a mechanical testing machine.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for applying stress-induced offset compensation and/or scale factor correction in sensor devices are provided. One sensor device (100, 300, 500, 700) includes an integrated circuit device (110, 310, 510, 710), a transducer (120, 320, 520, 720) coupled to the ASIC device, and a stress sensor (130, 330, 530, 730) coupled to the transducer or the integrated circuit device and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. Another sensor device (900) includes a transducer, a sensor package (940) enclosing the transducer, and a stress sensor (930) coupled to the sensor device package and configured to measure stress on the sensor device independent of the transducer. A method includes detecting, via a stress sensor, an amount of stress being applied to the sensor device and adjusting, via the stress sensor and independent of the transducer, an output of the sensor device by the detected amount of stress.

Abstract: A method to compensate geometrical errors in processing machines, in which a workpiece holder (8) is arranged such that it can be adjusted on the basis of measurement signals that have been received by being able to be rotated relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder is attached. A method for the alignment of a workpiece in processing machines, and an arrangement for the realization of the method are disclosed. The arrangement includes a workpiece holder (8), the angle of which relative to a fixture (9) in the processing machine to which the workpiece holder (8) is connected can be adjusted.

Abstract: In order to make error recognition, for example, in cabling, in the stored data or in the data allocation, in the allocation of a sensor unit to sensor-relevant data for calibration of an analysis unit that is connected with a sensor unit possible, a sensor identification (6) is located in or on the sensor unit that can be polled by the analysis unit (4) and to which sensor-specific data are allocated in a storage unit (5), and a data carrier (7) is located in or on the sensor unit in which a second set of sensor-specific data are stored that can be read by the analysis unit (4) and can be compared with the first set of sensor-specific data of storage unit (5). Upon agreement of the first and second set of sensor-specific data, the measuring signals are transformed into measurement data by considering the sensor-specific data.

Abstract: A pressure sensor measuring element for a pressure sensor operates to detect pressure in a combustion space of an internal combustion engine. The pressure sensor measuring element includes a separating diaphragm, a plunger for the transmission of deflections of the separating diaphragm to a force measuring element, and a sleeve which receives the plunger. The sleeve is closed by the separating diaphragm at a first end intended to face the combustion space and is designed to hold the force measuring element at the opposite second end. Accordingly, the pressure sensor measuring element can be produced more cost-effectively. Furthermore, the plunger can be produced in one piece with the separating diaphragm as a diaphragm/plunger unit, and the sleeve and the diaphragm/plunger unit can be formed from the same metal material.

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: 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: Systems (20) and methods for monitoring a well (10) are configured to identify or analyze various issues affecting the well (10) including corrosion, cement quality, inflow, and fluid migration.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of laundry in a laundry treating appliance comprises determining a first load amount based on a characteristic of the oscillating of a drum and determining if the first load amount satisfies a load amount threshold. When the first load amount satisfies the load threshold, the drum may be rotated in accordance with a laundry inertia algorithm to determine inertia of the load. The second load amount may then be determined based on the inertia of the laundry.

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 method to diagnose a failed weld in a welding process includes monitoring a location of a weld created on a plurality of work pieces, diagnosing the weld as a failed weld based on said location with respect to a closest edge of one of the work pieces, and identifying said failed weld based on the diagnosing.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a measurement system that measures physical quantity distribution over the entire region using a sensor for physical quantity distribution (PQD sensor) that realizes high stretchability, flexibility, etc., in at least a partial region, in order to measure the physical quantity distribution that is regionally distributed in a two-dimensional or three-dimensional manner, as well as a method for measuring physical quantity distribution.

Abstract: A method of monitoring strain on a wind turbine blade that has several structural components comprises locating at least three strain sensors (2a, 2b, 2c) on one of the structural components of the turbine blade, the positions of the strain sensors defining a plane transverse to the longitudinal direction of the turbine blade and resolving strain signals from the three strain sensors into strain measurements in two orthogonal directions.

Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.

Abstract: A method is provided for checking a knocking device which is intended for cleaning a surface of a heat exchanger element arranged on an inside of a boiler housing of a garbage incineration plant. The knocking device has a knocking ram guided through a wall of the boiler housing and movable in a direction toward the inside of the boiler. The heat exchanger element is deflected out of its position of rest into a deflection position by the knocking ram, and the force required for deflecting the heat exchanger element and/or the attenuation behavior of the heat exchanger element released after deflection are/is determined.

Abstract: A stiffness detector transmits acoustic waves to a paper sheet at a predetermined angle to excite Lamb waves. The stiffness detector receives leaky waves of the Lamb waves propagated through the paper sheet at different angles with respect to the paper sheet by a plurality of reception sensors. The stiffness detector is configured to specify a maximum leak angle at which a leak amount of the acoustic waves from the paper sheet becomes maximum based on outputs from the plurality of reception sensors in the reception module and to judge a degree of fatigue of the paper sheet based on the specified maximum leak angle.

Abstract: A stress sensor includes a circuit board having a stress sensitive structure, a pointing stick and a metallic back plate. The stress sensitive structure includes a stress deformation region and multiple resistors located on the stress deformation region. The pointing stick is disposed on a top of the circuit board and connected to the stress sensitive structure. The metallic back plate includes at least one fixing material coating region, and thus the fixing edges of the circuit board are fixed on the corresponding fixing material coating region. An assembly method for the stress sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A procedure for registering damage to a material including a metallic matrix and ceramic particles embedded in it. A volume-increasing phase change of the particles is suppressed by the pressure exerted on them by the metallic matrix. However, if a crack appears in the material, there is a phase change of the particles to a volume-increased phase which is detected by determining a measurement representing the proportion of the volume-increased phase.

Abstract: A traction force control method for a traction apparatus according to the present invention that impresses a desired traction force on an object to be hauled via a traction mechanism is provided. The method includes measuring, in a zero traction state in which an impressed traction force that is impressed on the object to be hauled is zero, the impressed traction force with a traction force sensor and outputting a zero traction value.

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: Sensor components having sides facing the sheet material have one or a plurality of front elements which are detachable and replaceable with low effort. So in the case of wear of the sensor fronts, entire sensor components no longer have to be replaced but only individual front elements of the sensor component are replaced. The front elements do not contact the inner area of the housing and the sensitive measuring elements arranged therein. When the front elements are detached from the housing for maintenance, the measuring elements remain dustproof encapsulated in the housing of the sensor component. The front elements preferably have a comb structure which improves the transport of the bank notes at the transition between the sensor components.

Abstract: Methods and systems are described for the identification and determination of loads by inverse analysis. A new combination of instrumentation and measurements is provided which allows accurate identification/measurement of static and/or dynamic forces, or loads, working on arbitrary test-objects or systems (i.e. test objects), through measurements of the results of the loads on the test object, signals like pressures, electrical potential, magnet flux displacement, strain, etc. This procedure allows the measurement/identification of arbitrary single or multiple loads, in arbitrary combinations, and multiple directions. The procedure also allows the measurement/identification of loads with arbitrary evolution in time, including static and dynamic loads.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to systems and methods for measuring power output, as in an athletic activity such as cycling. One embodiment relates to a force sensing device configured to be mounted on the bottom surface of a shoe as part of a mechanical linkage through which force is exerted. For cycling, the force sensor is mounted on the bottom surface of a cycling shoe and fitted with a cleat that interlockingly engages a bicycle pedal. To measure both positive and negative pressures on the pedal, the force sensor is pre-stressed with a compressive load to an intermediate point in its dynamic range. Strains that further compress or decompress the force sensor can thus be measured. The computing module mathematically converts the measured pressures, positive and negative, to a measurement of total power exerted by the rider. In addition, the computing module may utilize cyclical regularities in the signal to compute the rider's cadence (pedal revolutions per unit of time).

Abstract: Systems and method for monitoring gait dynamics are disclosed. The performance of an orthotic or prosthetic device or other device associated with a limb may be measured based on the resistance of a bending sensor. Data from the sensors is gathered or processed, particularly for purposes of alignment, safety, failure, usage, selection, and artificial proprioception. Information relating to the device may be outputted visually or auditorily to an individual.

Abstract: Described herein is a mounting system with measurement of the weight of the occupant for a seat of a motor vehicle; the mounting system has a bottom frame rigidly connected to the bodywork of the motor vehicle, a top frame, which supports the seat and is mounted in a floating way on the bottom frame, and a plurality of weight sensors, each of which is set between the bottom frame and the top frame and is connected to the bottom frame or to the top frame by means of a single bolt integrated in the weight sensor itself and locked by a nut; a surface of the nut facing the weight sensor has a spherical shape, and set between the nut and the frame is a washer having a spherical central surface, which reproduces in negative form the shape of the corresponding spherical surface of the nut.

Abstract: An input apparatus capable of receiving inputs of a plurality of levels in accordance with pressure loads varied in each operation by an operator and an input method using such an input apparatus are provided. An input apparatus 10 for receiving inputs of a plurality of levels in accordance with pressure loads has a load detection unit 40 configured to detect a pressure load of a pressing input and a control unit 20 configured to control such that a second load standard for receiving a second level input is set whenever the load detection unit 40 detects a pressure load satisfying a first load standard for receiving a first level input.

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.