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.

Abstract: Methods, program products, and computer systems for estimating a stress of a toughened structural adhesive polymer are provided. One method comprises selecting a strain, a strain rate, a temperature, or a combination thereof at which the stress is to be estimated. A value of a strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the strain-hardening stress is dependent on the temperature and the strain. A value of a non-strain-hardening stress of the toughened structural adhesive polymer is determined, wherein the value of the non-strain-hardening stress is dependent on the strain, the strain rate, and the temperature. The value of the strain-hardening stress is added to the value of the non-strain-hardening stress to obtain an estimated total stress.

Abstract: A variety of toy polariscopes are simpler in design and less costly than precision instruments used in scientific research and stress analysis of materials and structures. The toy polariscopes are designed for a variety of objects that may exhibit photoelastic properties such as glass, plastic, Plexiglas, gel candle material and other gels, and even edible photoelastic objects. They are specially designed for objects of various sizes with a variety of purposes such as objects to enhance learning in a variety of conditions and experiences. Special objects are designed to go with the toy polariscopes such as edible and inedible photoelastic objects, photoelastic candle material, a variety of photoelastic/photoplastic stands capable of a variety of displays in interaction with other designed photoelastic objects capable of a variety of interaction and displays. Other optical phenomena may also be observed.

Abstract: A sensor is provided. The sensor includes a substrate having at least one intrinsically conductive polymer coated on at least a first surface thereof and at least a first and second conductive contact.

Abstract: To provide a piston ring tension measurement apparatus which can stably measure a piston ring for suitable tension, the piston ring tension measurement apparatus of the present invention comprises: a table 1 which supports a measured piston ring 5; a first band 3 which is to be wound around an outer circumferential part of the measured piston ring 5 and which is fastened at its two end sides by fasteners 4 and 6; a second band 8 which is to be wound around an outer circumferential part of the measured piston ring 5 where the first band 3 is not wound; a fastener 11 for fastening one end side of the second band 8; a tension imparting means 14, 15, and 16 for making the second band 8 move in a direction squeezing the measured piston ring 5; and a load cell 10 which measures a tension which is imparted to the second band 8.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inertial rotary movement microsensor for detecting a rotational movement around what is referred to as an axis of rotation (X), provided with a part that is movable relative to a fixed part, the movable part comprising an excitation mass configured to undergo an oscillating movement in an excitation direction (Z) by an exciter so as to generate a Coriolis force induced by the rotational movement, a detection mass kinematically connected to the excitation mass by a linkage configured to transmit the Coriolis force at least partly without transmitting the oscillating movement around the excitation axis at least partly, a detector configured to measure the Coriolis force transmitted to the detection mass, characterized in that the detector is provided with at least one strain gauge suspended between the detection mass and an anchoring part integral with the fixed part. Application to the technologies known as MEMS.

Abstract: Force data is monitored by a strain gauge during a preparatory setup operation of an insertion process during which a sample fastener is installed into a host material by a fastener press. Mathematical algorithms are utilized to determine an optimal insertion force, while a predetermined insertion velocity is maintained throughout the installation process regardless of the force required. With the ram velocity held constant, the insertion force is measured during the installation process and compared to the elapsed time to obtain a force slope. A data point on the force slope which corresponds to the point at which the force slope abruptly increases is captured and recorded as the optimal insertion force. This optimal force is then used by the press for all fasteners/host-material installations of the sample type.

Abstract: A contactless SAW based torque and temperature sensor comprising a first (2) and second (3) SAW resonator provided on a substrate made of Y+34° cut of quartz. The first SAW resonator (2) has its principle axis inclined at +45° to the X-axis of the substrate, which, in use is either aligned with the longitudinal axis of the device who torque is to be measured or is perpendicular thereto, and the second SAW (3) has its principle axis inclined at ?45° to the X-axis of the substrate. A third SAW (4) has its principle axis inclined at an angle of 30 degrees to the X-axis of the substrate. Each said SAW resonator (2,3,4) is formed by laying a film of aluminum on the substrate having a thickness (h) and the SAW resonators have an average operating wavelength ? where the ratio h/? is in the range 0.021 to 0.032.

Abstract: A testing apparatus is disclosed that includes a turntable, an upper scissor jack assembly and a lower scissor jack assembly positioned in parallel planes, about a longitudinal axis and affixed to a base. The apparatus is powered by at least three motors with supporting controllers. The lower assembly is affixed to the base mechanically via the turntable which allows the lower assembly to rotate with respect to the upper assembly. There are two loading plates attached to the hinges of each scissor jack. The test specimen is secured by the loading plate. Each scissor jack operates by a screw-gear powered by one of the motors. Upon energizing a stepper motor; the screw-gear positions a scissor jack to apply a tension or compression on the specimen. While subjected to tension or compression, the lower jack assembly can be rotated with respect to the upper assembly for in-plane shear loading.

Abstract: The sensor geometry for improved package stress isolation is disclosed. A counterbore on the backing plate improves stress isolation properties of the sensor. The counterbore thins the wall of the backing plate maintaining the contact area with the package. The depth and diameter of the counterbore can be adjusted to find geometry for allowing the backing plate to absorb more package stresses. Thinning the wall of the backing plate make it less rigid and allows the backing plate to absorb more of the stresses produced at the interface with the package. The counterbore also keeps a large surface area at the bottom of the backing plate creating a strong bond with the package.

Abstract: A device for detecting power for exercise equipment has a wheel driven by a person exercising, a speedometer for determining the speed of rotation of the wheel and a brake jaw supported by a mounting device and applicable against the wheel. The mounting device is connected to the frame of the exercise equipment and has a moving part which supports the brake jaw and which, under the action of the braking force, is applicable against a resilient shoulder. The shoulder has a strain gauge for measuring elastic deformations in the shoulder and thereby also indirectly the size of the braking force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing apparatus, comprising 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: Disclosed is fitting at least one equipment measurement to a performer of a pre-determined activity to improve performance. Said equipment measurement is fitted via an analysis of pre-swing or pre-action movement or position, before the swing or action of the pre-determined activity is determined to begin. Said fitted equipment measurement may be used to fit at least one further equipment measurement as applicable based on a performance analysis of said performer. The fitting of golf equipment in such manner is particularly disclosed, including fitting a golf club measurement of a pre-swing rotation point location (waggle weight point) and using said measurement to further fit a golf club measurement (waggle weight) about said rotation point location based on golfer performance. Disclosed is making golf clubs or other equipment using the at least one fitted equipment measurement.

Abstract: An image scanning device includes a main body casing, a scanning unit which is movably disposed within the main body casing, and a position indicating unit to generate position information of the scanning unit, and to wirelessly receive and display the position information.

Abstract: A probe used during a total knee arthroplasty for measuring forces and locations of their points of application and thereby moments includes two load sensitive plates t to be inserted in one joint-compartment of a knee joint each and each being provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. At least two load sensors may be situated on the top surfaces and/or the bottom surface of each load sensitive plate.

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: Method and device for determining the local mechanical resistance inside of a porous body having a variable density and/or porosity, in particular inside of a porous bone structure comprising the following steps: selecting a site of said porous body destined to receive a fixation element, in particular a screw or a bone implant; drilling a hole into said porous body; and measuring a mechanical parameter of the porous structure surrounding said drilled hole by inserting a suitable tool (1) into said drill hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for measuring the diametral change in a cylindrical component by monitoring and measuring bending (compression and tension) effected by the diametral change in a plane perpendicular to the diameter of the cylindrical component. The apparatus for effecting the method comprises at least one web, but typically two webs, defining planes perpendicular to the diameter of the cylindrical component and strain measuring elements mounted on the web planes and arranged to sense and measure the compressive and tensile (bending) action of the strain-gauge-mounted webs.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a linearly decreasing force. The apparatus includes a plurality of links, which can be referred to as swing, seat, fixed, and input/output links. A spring is coupled to each of the seat links, and a rod is positioned in proximity to each spring and through each of the seat links. A load applied to the input/output link will experience a linearly decreasing resistance.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the reliability of a rotating component compares a normalized stress curve with a normalized strength curve. The resulting overlap corresponds with the reliability of the rotating component.

Abstract: A method of considering the dynamic behavior of a movable member of a machine for performing a wheel fatigue test, the wheel including a disc and a rim, the method including mounting the wheel by fixing the wheel rim relative to a fixed structure of the machine, and securing the disc relative to the movable member which is movable to transmit a cyclical bending moment to the wheel, exerting a cyclical force on the movable member to generate the bending moment, at a distant position from the wheel, and while exerting the cyclical force, determining an indication of bending moment in the movable member at a first position between the wheel and the distant position, determining an indication of bending moment in the movable member at a second position between the first position and the distant position, and using the indications of bending moment at both of the first and second positions to determine an actual bending moment applied to the wheel.

Abstract: A conveyor belt cleaner scraper blade for cleaning the surface of a conveyor belt and a method of manufacture of the scraper blade. The scraper blade includes a body having a base member adapted to be attached to a cross shaft of a conveyor belt cleaner and a scraping member which extends outwardly from the base member to a scraping tip. The scraper blade includes one or more electrical sensors that are embedded in an insert member. The insert member and the sensors are molded and embedded within the body of the scraper blade. Each of the sensors is adapted to provide an electrical output signal representing a physical condition of the scraper blade sensed by the sensor. A variety of sensor embodiments are described, as well as two embodiments of control and monitoring systems for use in conjunction with the various blade and sensor combinations.

Abstract: A flow sensor apparatus that utilizes a pressure sensor with media isolated electrical connections. A cap can be attached to topside of the pressure sensor over a diaphragm to protect bond pads and wire bonds from a fluid media. A flow channel can be etched on the cap with an opening and exit on the sides of the cap so that liquid can flow through the flow channel. An inlet port and an outlet port can be attached to the channel's opening and exit to allow for fluid flow over the diaphragm. The flow channel creates a larger pressure over portions of the diaphragm that increases the deflection of the diaphragm, which increases an output signal of the pressure sensor. V-grooves can be created on two sides of the pressure sensor and in the cap to create the channel for the fluid in and out of the cap's cavity.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for testing shafts, such as golf club shafts. In one embodiment, the invention can be characterized as a shaft tester comprising: a frame; a first shaft support supporting a first portion of a shaft at a first fixed position; a second shaft support supporting a second portion of the shaft at a second fixed position; and a third shaft support supporting a third portion of the shaft at a third fixed position. An actuator couples to the third shaft support to displace the third portion relative to the first and second portions to deflect the shaft. A sensor couples to one of the first, second and third supports outputting a signal corresponding to a force exerted by the shaft due. A controller controls displacement of the shaft. In some embodiments, the shaft is rotated while being deflected.

Abstract: A forklift includes a chassis component having an opening in the form of one of a recess and a cutout; and a measuring element disposed in the opening and configured to record and translate changes in at least one of the geometric shape and size of the opening into electrical measurement signals dependent on a magnitude of the changes.

Abstract: An amplified indication of the elongation of a fastener is provided for determining instantaneous loading conditions of a fastener. A load indicator is couplable to a fastener for instantaneous load measurement and includes a housing defining a fastener interface configured to removably couple the housing to a fastener. A moveable datum probe extends from the housing in contact with a datum rod anchored within an internal bore of the fastener. A first lever is pivotally mounted within the housing and is moveable in response to displacement of the datum probe. A load display indicates a degree of loading of a fastener as a function of displacement of the datum probe. A second lever can be used to further amplify the reading from the displacement of the datum probe. An inclined visual scale and a multi-faceted lens allows for viewing of loading values from multiple directions or angles.

Abstract: A stress-wave sensor module, a stress-wave sensor, and a method for detecting a vehicle collision event utilizing the stress-wave sensor are provided. The stress-wave sensor has first and second support members and a diaphragm member coupled between the first and second support members. The stress-wave sensor further has first and second strain gauge sensors coupled to both the first support member and the diaphragm member. The first and second strain gauge sensors generate first and second signals, respectively, in response to the first and second strain gauge sensors detecting deflection of the diaphragm member due to stress waves propagating through the diaphragm member.

Abstract: A method for screening silicon-based wafers used in the photovoltaic industry is provided herewith.

Abstract: A system for preloading piezoelectric actuators includes a fixture, a preloading mechanism configured to apply a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element supported by the fixture, and a sensor configured to sense an electrical property induced by the mechanical force in an electrical circuit having the piezoelectric element therein. A control device is coupled with the sensor and configured to generate a signal based on the sensed electrical property. A method of setting or testing preload includes applying a mechanical force to a piezoelectric element, and correlating an electrical property induced by the mechanical force with a magnitude of the mechanical force. Closed loop control allows preload to be set highly accurately.

Abstract: Automated apparatus and method to determine physical properties of materials as they are moved relative to each other while in contact are disclosed. Physical properties between materials of interest (e.g., galling resistance, coefficient of friction, and wear rate) are derived under a variety of conditions including dry unlubricated condition, at ambient and at extreme high and low temperatures, lubricated, or when submerged.

Abstract: Shear test apparatus for gold and solder balls of a semiconductor substrate comprises a support element (21) on which is provided a piezo-electric crystal (24) in the direct shear load path. The crystal (24) may have a shield (25). The interface between shield and crystal, and crystal and support element may include an epoxy resin layer to distribute force and retain the components as a unit.

Abstract: A dual-string tension dynamometer (1) utilizes two strings (10, 11) wrapped around approximately ninety degrees of a test wheel (12). The lateral forces (E, F) are balanced such that the total lateral force net value is zero. The results reflect purely torsional loading.

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: The present device enables measurement of the susceptibility of corn plants to root lodging. The device is used to push over a corn stalk and the force used to push over the stalk, and the vibration of the stalk caused by the push are recorded. As material breaks in the stalk, an accelerometer, measures stalk vibration response to the breaking events; the data is then recorded to allow quantitative measurements of the susceptibility of corn plants to root lodging. This allows meaningful comparisons of various hybrids at early stages of hybrid evaluation and advancement.

Abstract: An ink cartridge, which is releasably installed to a cartridge-installing section, includes a contact section which is brought into contact with the cartridge-installing section when the ink cartridge is installed to the cartridge-installing section, a stress light-emitting section which is provided with the contact section and which emits light by receiving a force when the contact section is brought into contact with the cartridge-installing section, and a light-receiving sensor which receives the light emitted by the stress light-emitting section and which generates a detection signal to indicate detection that the ink cartridge is installed. Accordingly, an attaching mechanism is provided, which is capable of detecting whether or not the ink cartridge is installed appropriately.

Abstract: The invention relates to a testing device for tube bundle reactors, with a multitude of tubes (22) arranged as a bundle. At least one probe (12) is movably mounted in or on the testing device (10) and has, in particular, a drive (32) for its movement.

Abstract: A pressure device of flexible electronics capable for sensing a large area includes flexible films, electrodes, sensing blocks, and bumps. The flexible films are disposed with intervals and define two spaces. The electrodes and the sensing blocks are disposed on the flexible films and are in a space. The bumps are disposed on the flexible films and are in another space. The air in the spaces maintains a buffer distance of each two adjacent flexible films with the electrodes and the sensing blocks. When the pressure device of flexible electronics is deformed, it is capable of avoiding erroneous signals caused by contact of the sensing block and the electrode or the two sensing blocks disposed on the different flexible films respectively.

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: A servo position/stress detection control system has a servomotor, a servo driver and a controller. The servo driver has a control unit, an absolute angle reading unit and a register. The control unit selectively drives or stops the servomotor and converts torque value of the servomotor to a force value. The absolute angle reading unit reads an absolute angle value of rotation in response to a spindle of the servomotor. The controller respectively converts the absolute angle value and the force value to a linear displacement and a load stress value with a calculating program, establishes a load line in response to different force values and corresponding linear displacements wherein the load line provides corresponding correction basis for the servo driver to automatically detect height variances caused by reacting force and accordingly adjust working status of the servomotor.

Abstract: A linear position transducer reliably and wirelessly tracks rapid motion. The transducer includes a scale, a control head, and a wirelessly-powered read head disposed proximate to the scale. The read head is configured to sense movement between the scale and the read head and to wirelessly communicate position data to the control head. The control head can include a wireless data receiver to receive position data from the read head, an output data driver to communicate with an external device, and a microcontroller to coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data receiver and the output data driver. In addition, the read head can include a wireless data transmitter to transmit position data to the control head, a linear position sensor to sense position along the scale, and a microcontroller to calculate a position measurement from the scale. The microcontroller in the read head can also coordinate a data transfer between the wireless data transmitter and the control head.

Abstract: A device for axial load measurement on a mechanical control device (10) having rotating shaft (30) maybe used to derive a torque measurement. A mechanical control device (10) may comprise a valve actuator for fluid flow control devices. The load measurement device may include a beam (65a) operatively connected to a rotatable shaft and configured to deform under axial displacement of the shaft. A sensor (80) maybe coupled with the at least one beam (65a) and configured to produce an output signal related to the axial displacement of the shaft. The beam may be retained between two bearings (74) of the rotatable shaft at a first end, and fixed to the housing (120) of the mechanical control device at a second end. The first end of the beam (65a) may displace axially with the rotatable shaft. The beam (65a) may comprise a discrete segment of a uniform width and thickness.

Abstract: A force measuring device for a parking brake of a vehicle has a housing, having a Bowden cable for actuating the parking brake and having a force measuring element for determining the cable force. The Bowden cable is guided through the housing and has first and second stops which are fastened to the Bowden cable, wherein under loading of the Bowden cable, the first stop is fixedly supported on a housing inner side and the opposite, second stop is supported on the force measuring element which is provided between the housing and the second stop, wherein a movement of the second stop is generated corresponding to the loading of the Bowden cable, which movement leads, at the force measuring element, to a corresponding measurement value for the force transmitted by the Bowden cable. The force measuring device is provided for parking brakes for passenger vehicles.

Abstract: A method of detecting excessive strain in an elongated flexible member comprising: (a) applying at least one strain-detecting strip to the flexible member in an area that will be subject to bending in installation or use; (b) installing the flexible member in place; and (c) after installation, inspecting the strain-detecting strip for signs of excessive strain in the flexible member.

Abstract: A fixture for a torque meter includes a bearing having a cylindrical stator and a rotor, two or more arms, and two or more elastic members. The cylindrical stator defines a through hole therein. The rotor is rotatably received in the through hole and is configured for holding the torque meter. The at least two arms are respectively connected to two opposite sides of the cylindrical stator. Each of the elastic members elastically supporting a corresponding arm, a compression direction and a rebound direction of the elastic members are parallel to a rotation axis of the rotor.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are described to use spatially-varying curvature information of a layered structure to determine stresses at each location with non-local contributions from other locations of the structure. For example, a local contribution to stresses at a selected location on a layered structure formed on a substrate is determined from curvature changes at the selected location and a non-local contribution to the stresses at the selected location is also determined from curvature changes at all locations across the layered structure. Next, the local contribution and the non-local contribution are combined to determine the total stresses at the selected location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method, system and computer readable code for diagnosis of pitch and/or load defects of e.g. wind turbines as well as wind turbines using said diagnosis method and/or comprising said diagnosis system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining a mode of failure of a bond between an electrically conductive ball deposit and a substrate when breaking the ball deposit off of the substrate. The method and apparatus utilize tool force and displacement values to plot a force/displacement curve. The force/displacement curve is used to calculate the energy necessary to break the ball deposit off of the substrate. The energy value of a portion of a force/displacement curve is selected by reference to a peak force. In one preferred embodiment, this energy value is compared with a predetermined reference energy value to indicate a mode of failure. The peak force is preferably the maximum peak force, in the preferred embodiment, the method and apparatus distinguish between a ductile failure mode and a brittle failure mode.

Abstract: A damage sensor comprises a probe track, a sense track, and a signal generator operable to input a probe signal to the probe track. The probe track and the sense track are electromagnetically coupled by a structure on which they are provided, such that the probe signal induces, in dependence on the degree of electromagnetic coupling between the probe track and the sense track, a sensed signal in the sense track. The magnitude, phase and frequency of the sensed signal can be analysed in order to determine whether and where damage has occurred to the structure.

Abstract: An instrument housing comprising a first portion having a wedge form, a third portion having a wedge form, a second portion between the first portion and the third portion, a first hinge portion between the first portion and the second portion, the first hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, a second hinge portion between the second portion and the third portion, the second hinge portion extending normal to a major axis A-A, and the second portion having a portion for receiving an instrument.

Abstract: The present invention provides elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus etc. for measuring in the ROI in living tissues elastic constants such as shear modulus, Poisson's ratio, Lame constants, etc., visco elastic constants such as visco shear modulus, visco Poisson's ratio, visco Lame constants, etc. and density even if there exist another mechanical sources and uncontrollable mechanical sources in the object. The elastic constant and visco elastic constant measurement apparatus is equipped with means of data storing 2 (storage of deformation data measured in the ROI 7 etc.) and means of calculating elastic and visco elastic constants 1 (calculator of shear modulus etc. at arbitrary point in the ROI from measured strain tensor data etc.), the means of calculating elastic and visco elastic constants numerically determines elastic constants etc. from the first order partial differential equations relating elastic constants etc. and strain tensor etc.