Abstract: A piezoelectric triggering mechanism (10) includes a piezoelectric element (12), such as the transducer of a SAW device, that is configured to crack or break upon being subjected to excessive levels of mechanical force or other triggering mechanisms, thus generating a burst of electromagnetic energy. The large impulse of energy can then be conditioned (14) through resonant circuits or antennas and modulated (16) with an identification pattern through appropriate structures (such as SAW electrodes) to send a breakage indication signal to a remote receiver (18). Piezoelectric elements (12) may be integrated with a pneumatic tire structure to provide indication upon pressure loss or tire failure. Piezoelectric elements (12) may also be integrated with safety support features of some tire structures to provide indication of tire operation in a run-flat mode of operation.

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 structural displacement sensor that includes an arched member having two ends, where each end is attached to a fastening member. In an embodiment of the invention, the fastening members are configured to be attached to a structure. Further, a strain gauge is attached to the arched member, and the strain gauge is operatively connected to a signal processing device. In an embodiment, the arched member and strain gauge are configured to measure a displacement of the structure based on the amount of strain detected on the strain gauge.

Abstract: A robot according to an embodiment includes arm and a strain sensor. The strain sensor includes a piezoelectric body that has a natural frequency higher than a natural frequency of a structural material forming the arm.

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: Mechanical stresses of a mobile control gear are managed using piezoelectric probes adjacent the mobile control gear. The piezoelectric probes are hypersensitive to electromagnetic fields and are configured to identify electronic information corresponding to mechanical stresses in the mobile control gear based on receiving a flow of electrons in an ambient space, and to transmit the electronic information in reverse phase to the mobile control gear to reduce vibrations of the mobile control gear.

Abstract: A device for measuring deformation including: a) at least one strain gauge (3), producing a signal following a deformation, where the said strain gauge is positioned on a face of a flexible support (32) favouring elongation of the strain gauge (3), and where the face opposite the strain gauge of the flexible support, which is intended to be brought into contact with, or glued to, a test body the deformation of which it is desired to measure, b) at least one first substrate, including at least signal processing means and/or signal transmission means, c) securing means (4, 5, 6) to assemble the strain gauge and the first substrate mechanically, where these means include a layer of material having elastic properties, called the elastic layer, positioned between the gauge and the first substrate, and where this elastic layer prevents the deformation of the gauge from being transmitted, or allows it to be transmitted as little as possible, to the first substrate (2, 20).

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

Abstract: 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: Techniques and devices for measuring the distribution of polarization crosstalk in birefringence optical media including polarization maintaining fiber based on suppressing the number and magnitude of ghost interference peaks.

Abstract: A device includes a removable load element. The removable load element includes a pin portion and a housing portion. The pin portion extends from the housing portion. The pin portion includes a sensor. The housing portion includes an electronic circuit connected to the sensor.

Abstract: There is provided an ultrasound system for forming strain images by decreasing decorrelation of receive signals, which vary with time or space. More specifically, the decorrelation between the receive signals obtained without and with applying stress to a target object is reduced to decrease an error, which occurs during the calculation of a delay. Also, a center frequency, which varies with depth of a target object, is compensated to form the strain image.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a semiconductor die, and a stress sensing element. The stress sensing element comprises a first lateral resistor and a first vertical resistor. The stress sensing element is formed in the semiconductor die and is configured to indicate a level of at least one stress component within the semiconductor die.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly configured for use with a catheter. In one illustrative embodiment, the pressure sensor assembly may include a multi-layer co-fired ceramic (MLCC) package. The MLCC package may include two or more ceramic layers that are co-fired together, with a cavity defined by at least some of the ceramic layers. At least one internal bond pad is provided within the cavity, and at least one external connection point is provided on the MLCC package exterior. A sensor, such as a pressure sensor, may be positioned and attached within the cavity. The sensor may be electrically connected to at least one of the internal bond pads. In some cases, a sealant may be used to encapsulate the sensor within the cavity. Once fabricated, the MLCC sensor assembly may be provided in a sensor lumen of a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention related to a load detecting apparatus which comprises a hollow cylindrical strain body (11) provided with, on an outer peripheral surface or an inner peripheral surface thereof, at least one strain detecting element (16, 18, 19, 20); a first member (21) fixed to an one axial end of the strain body to close an opening, and a second member (24) fixed to an other axial end of the strain body. One of the second member and the first member receives a load in a direction orthogonal to an axis of the strain body, so that a shearing force is applied to the strain body.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a property of an object and/or an area using a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based monitoring device is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the MEMS-based monitoring device includes a MEMS-based sensing device for obtaining data based on a property of the object and/or area and a power generation device that generates power from an ambient condition of the monitoring device. In this manner, the monitoring device can operate independent of any outside power sources or other devices. Further, the monitoring device can include a transmitter that transmits a signal based on the property. The monitoring device can be used to monitor a moving component of a machine, and can be integrated with a health monitoring system of the machine using one or more relay devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic patient bed monitor comprises a hermetically sealed flexible outer shell that contains a porous foam core having a certain volume of air. A flexible tube places the foam core in communication with a pneumatic pressure switch. The tube is hermetically sealed to both the outer shell and the switch. The pressure switch is in a normally open position. When a weight of a patient compresses the foam core, air contained in the foam core flows in a controlled manner into the tube, thereby causing a rise in pressure within the tube and actuating the pressure switch. When the weight of the patient is removed, air flows out of the tube in a controlled manner and back into the foam core, causing a drop in pressure within the tube and de-actuating the pressure switch. The foam core returns to its decompressed state.

Abstract: A structure subjected to stresses that can lead to structural failure. The structure includes first and second conductive layers and an intermediate layer therebetween formed of a dielectric, semiconductive, or resistive material, such that the first, second, and intermediate layers form in combination an electrical element, namely, a capacitive or resistive element. The electrical element is located within the structure so as to be physically responsive to transitory and permanent distortions of the structure resulting from extrinsic and intrinsic sources.

Abstract: An electronic module for level measurements, pressure measurements or density measurements is disclosed. In the module, a safety-relevant function is transferred into an area that is categorized as safety-uncritical. In order to prevent malfunctions, a diagnostic function is performed in the safety-critical area of the electronic module in order to check the transferred function. This diagnostic function is also checked with respect to its effectiveness during the safety-oriented operation. Suitable measures can be initiated in case an error is detected.

Abstract: A potential measurement apparatus is provided which can suitably maintain the oscillation state of an oscillator including a detection electrode and stably measure the potential of a measurement object. The potential measurement apparatus includes a bearing part, an elastic supporting part supported by the bearing part, an oscillator movably supported by the elastic supporting part, detection electrodes installed in the oscillator, a drive mechanism driving the oscillator and a signal detection unit. The signal detection unit is connected to the detection electrodes to detect electrical signals appearing in the detected electrodes. A stress detecting element for generating an electric signal according to the stress of the elastic suspension part 142 is provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for testing electronic components (3) with at least two mechanical transfer elements (5a, 5b), of which each can be loaded in each case at a dedicated loading position with an electronic component (3) and with a common test position (7), into which the two transfer elements (5a, 5b) can be brought. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for testing electronic components with at least two mechanical transfer elements (80a, 80b), of which each can be loaded in each case at a common loading position (88) with an electronic component (3) and with a common test position (89), into which the two transfer elements (80a, 80b) can be brought. The invention also relates to the associated method.

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 method for influencing and monitoring the oxide layer on metallic components of hot CO2/H2O cycle systems, in particular of CO2/H2O gas turbine installations, in which a hydrocarbon-containing fuel is burnt with oxygen, and the excess CO2 and H2O formed is removed from the cycle system at a suitable location. To protect the oxide layer of the components which are under thermal load, an excess of oxygen is used, the level of which is dependent on the current state of the oxide layer, the state of the oxide layer being determined by periodic and/or continuous measurements.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. The car is provided with a car speed sensor for directly detecting the speed of the car. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second car speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the car speed sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment, a sensor includes a fibrous region contacting at least two electrodes. The fibrous region has an electrically conductive coating. The fibrous region has a resistance and when the fibrous region is compressed, the resistance changes. In another embodiment, a method of making a pressure responsive sensor includes providing a compressible material, applying a conductive coating to the compressible material to provide a coated compressible material having a resistance, and placing the coated compressible material in contact with at least two electrodes, wherein when the compressible material is compressed, the resistance changes.

Abstract: In an elevator apparatus, a pulley is provided in a hoistway. A rope that moves together with the movement of a car is wound around the pulley. Further, the pulley is provided with a pulley sensor for generating a signal according to the rotation of the pulley. A rope sensor for measuring the movement speed of the rope is provided in the hoistway. A control panel is provided with: a first speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the pulley sensor; a second speed detecting portion for obtaining the speed of the car based on information from the rope sensor; and a determination portion for determining the presence/absence of slippage between the rope and the pulley by comparing the speeds of the car as respectively obtained by the first and second speed detecting portions.

Abstract: By resistor attached by a piezoelectric element, measurement with high accuracy is possible by strain of the piezoelectric element and there is not a trouble by a short, a piezoelectric actuator, the piezoelectric element and a positioning device therewith. The piezoelectric actuator includes; a piezoelectric element which is formed into an arbitrary shape, polarized in an arbitrary direction, and includes electrodes provided on at least two surfaces opposed in a thickness direction thereof; a driver power supply for applying a voltage between the electrodes to generate strain in the piezoelectric element; a driver power supply for applying a voltage to generate strain in the piezoelectric element; resistors provided on the electrodes through intermediation of insulators; and a displacement detection device connected with the resistors; The electrodes of the piezoelectric element on which the resistors are provided are set at a ground potential.

Abstract: A riveting system is operable to join two or more workplaces with a rivet. In another aspect of the present invention, a self-piercing rivet is employed. Still another aspect of the present invention employs an electronic control unit and one or more sensors to determine a riveting characteristic and/or an actuator characteristic.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting structural failure of a wall of a fluid containment vessel, such as a hydraulic hose or other type of pressurized conduit of types used in mobile machinery, automotive, aerospace, manufacturing, and process equipment. The wall of the vessel has an innermost layer for contact with the fluid contained by the vessel, and an outermost layer parallel with the innermost layer. The system includes strain-sensing means between the innermost and outermost layers and comprising at least one conductor parallel to the innermost layer of the wall. The system and method entail sensing changes in an electrical property associated with the at least one conductor resulting from distortion of the wall of the vessel causing distortion of the at least one conductor.

Abstract: Generally provided is a system and method that determines a force-travel profile of a shifter in a vehicle having a shifter having an associated shifter shaft for a transmission. The feel of the shifter to a user of the shifter may be improved by using present system. Additionally, accurate measurements for determining shifter forces applied to a shifter and corresponding position of the shifter are performed. In operation, the system correlates the forces applied to the shifter and associated movement of the shifter to determine an associated feel of the shifter. The system operates to equate the forces correlating to the shifter and movement of the shifter to calibrate a feel of the shifter for a user applying the force to the shifter to actuate the shifter.

Abstract: A method of error compensation for measurements taken using a co-ordinate positioning apparatus comprising an articulating probe head having a surface detecting device. The surface detecting device is rotated about at least one axis of the articulating probe head during measurement. The method comprises the steps of: determining the stiffness of the whole or part of the apparatus; determining one or more factors which relate to the load applied by the articulating probe head at any particular instant, and determining the measurement error at the surface sensing device caused by the load.

Abstract: A mechanical-quantity measuring device capable of measuring a strain component of structure deformation for an object to be measured in a particular desired direction with long life, high reliability and high precision. A strain sensor is formed on a semiconductor substrate. Impurity-diffused layers considering the crystal orientation of the semiconductor single crystalline substrate are used to form a Wheatstone bridge circuit on the substrate. The Wheatstone bridge circuit can operate on one substrate since the semiconductor single crystal has the anisotropy of piezoresistance effect.

Abstract: A load and load direction detecting apparatus is so constructed that a shear force acts on a cylindrical strain body when a load W is applied from a displacing member to a case member in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the strain body. Thus, the strain body deforms readily. Consequently, detecting sensitivity of the value of load W is improved, which is calculated by a first differential amplifier (load value calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a first bridge. A direction (?W) of the load W is calculated by a load direction calculator (load direction calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a second bridge, and the output voltage output from the first bridge.

Abstract: An electromechanical force transducer comprises at least two adjacent resonant elements and a damping layer coupled between their adjacent faces. The damping layer is selected so that the output is increased in the region of internal cancellation in the transducer. The adjacent resonant elements are beam-like and have substantially the same length. The resonant elements may be supported on a stub of low rotational stiffness whereby the fundamental resonance of the transducer becomes less dependent on bending motion of the transducer and more rigid body-like. The transducer may also include a member for increasing the rotational impedance of the transducer.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a property of an object and/or an area using a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based monitoring device is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the MEMS-based monitoring device includes a MEMS-based sensing device for obtaining data based on a property of the object and/or area and a power generation device that generates power from an ambient condition of the monitoring device. In this manner, the monitoring device can operate independent of any outside power sources or other devices. Further, the monitoring device can include a transmitter that transmits a signal based on the property. The monitoring device can be used to monitor a moving component of a machine, and can be integrated with a health monitoring system of the machine using one or more relay devices.

Abstract: Force measuring systems for electronic pens, styli, or other products may include structure for changing a direction or location of application of a force (e.g., a force transmitted via pen or stylus contact with a writing surface) from a first direction or location to a second direction or location. In this manner, a sensor portion of the force measuring system may be reoriented in a direction such that it is not normal to the direction of the force. This feature may help make electronic pens or styli (or other products) thinner and dimensioned more consistent with their non-electronic counterparts. Various structures for changing the direction or location of application of the force are described.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for obtaining force-displacement responses for a specimen or sample of material. The sample is supported with a spanning portion spanning in an environment between at least three points not in a line, wherein the points are fixed relative to each other, and wherein the spanning portion is capable of displacement relative to the points. An oscillating mechanical excitation at at least one frequency and at at least one known amplitude is applied to the spanning portion. In addition, at least one other mechanical excitation is also applied to the spanning portion independently of the oscillating mechanical excitation.

Abstract: A strain detector includes a bridge circuit having at least two strain resistance elements, a substrate, a first fixed member, and a second fixed member. The substrate has a circuit portion electrically connected to the strain resistance elements. The strain resistance elements are arranged on the substrate. The first fixed member is fixed to a center of an area, where an outer periphery of the area is set at a position at which the strain resistance elements are arranged. The second fixed member is fixed outside the position, where the strain resistance elements are arranged at the substrate. A center of an axis of the first fixed member, a center of an axis of the second fixed member, and the center of the area are positioned on a straight line, and the first fixed member and the second fixed member are arranged on two mutually opposed surfaces of the substrate.

Abstract: There is provided an activity recognition apparatus for detecting an activity of a subject. The apparatus includes: a sensor unit including a plurality of linear motion sensors configured to detect linear motions and a plurality of rotational motion sensors, the linear motions being orthogonal to each other, the rotational motions being orthogonal to each other; and a computational unit configured to receive and process signals from the sensors included in the sensor unit so as to detect an activity of the subject. The sensor unit is directly or indirectly supported by the subject with an arbitrary orientation with respect to the subject. The computational unit performs a calculation that uses the signals from both linear motion sensors and rotational motion sensors to determine the activity of the subject independent of the orientation of the sensor unit.

Abstract: A solution for monitoring a property of an object and/or an area using a Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS)-based monitoring device is provided. In an embodiment of the invention, the MEMS-based monitoring device includes a MEMS-based sensing device for obtaining data based on a property of the object and/or area and a power generation device that generates power from an ambient condition of the monitoring device. In this manner, the monitoring device can operate independent of any outside power sources or other devices. Further, the monitoring device can include a transmitter that transmits a signal based on the property. The monitoring device can be used to monitor a moving component of a machine, and can be integrated with a health monitoring system of the machine using one or more relay devices.

Abstract: A device for measuring at least one property of a material sample is disclosed. The device includes at least one sensor element which is formed by a direct-write technique. The device can be an instrument for measuring strain in the sample, or for measuring other properties or attributes of a sample, such as temperature. A turbine engine disk on which components of property-measuring devices have been direct-written is also described. Methods of forming sensor elements for property-measuring devices are disclosed.

Abstract: An implantable pedometer for measuring the amount of joint use is disclosed. The implantable pedometer includes a sensor adapted for detecting indicators of joint usage. A counter is configured for storing count data corresponding to the number of indicators detected by the sensor and a telemetry circuit is configured for transmitting the count data outside of the body.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical systems stress sensor comprising a microelectromechanical systems silicon body. A recess is formed in the silicon body. A silicon element extends into the recess. The silicon element has limited freedom of movement within the recess. An electrical circuit in the silicon element includes a piezoresistor material that allows for sensing changes in resistance that is proportional to bending of the silicon element.

Abstract: A novel displacement instrument that can be used to measure the density or modulus of an aggregate pier upon which a multistory building or parking garage can be built. The aggregate piers are often 35 feet or deeper. These aggravate piers are constructed by adding lifts of approximately 12 to 18 inches of aggregate at a time and tamping it into the pier forming hole. Each lift of aggregate is being tamped or struck by a force of approximately 15,000 psi or greater. The displacement instrument allows aggregate piers to be constructed having a density or modulus that is consistent from the bottom of the hole to the top of the hole. The displacement instrument would be mounted on the side plate of a hydraulic breaker that is mounted on the end of a boom of a crane. The displacement instrument need not be permanently installed on the side of the hydraulic breaker and it is freely removed and installed on another crane.

Abstract: A bolt with a function of measuring strain, comprising a Wheatstone bridge circuit comprising a strain sensor and a dummy resistor, a translate circuit that amplifies a signal from the Wheatstone bridge circuit to convert the same into a digital signal, a transmitting circuit that transmits the digital signal outside the bolt, and a power circuit, by which electromagnetic wave energy received from outside the bolt is supplied as a power source for at least any one of the circuits.

Abstract: A system for providing reliable, unalterable mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger, a second memory device and an outbound data transfer device. The logger is provided with one or more sensors, a microprocessor and a first memory device. The one or more sensors measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate data associated with the physical properties. The microprocessor receives the data from the sensor and calculates maturity data and mechanical strength data. The first memory device stores the mechanical strength data within the concrete mass in an unalterable form. The second memory device is located outside the concrete mass. The outbound data transfer device transfers the mechanical strength data from the first memory device to the second memory device.

Abstract: A sensor has a plurality of carbon nanotube (CNT)-based conductors operatively positioned on a substrate. The conductors are arranged side-by-side, such as in a substantially parallel relationship to one another. At least one pair of spaced-apart electrodes is coupled to opposing ends of the conductors. A portion of each of the conductors spanning between each pair of electrodes comprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes arranged end-to-end and substantially aligned along an axis. Because a direct correlation exists between the resistance of a carbon nanotube and its strain, changes experienced by the portion of the structure to which the sensor is coupled induce a corresponding change in the electrical properties of the conductors, thereby enabling detection of crack growth in the structure.

Abstract: Simultaneous pressure and position information is accurately measured in a sensor realized by utilizing first and second sensor elements that each exhibit a decreasing width over the length of the sensor element and that are arranged overlapping each other and in a substantially complementary orientation to one another with respect to the width so that the point of narrowest width of the first sensor element overlaps the point of the widest width of the second sensor element. Pressure applied to the sensor causes each sensor element to generate an electrical signal that is proportional to both the applied pressure and the surface area at the location of the applied pressure. As a result of the complementary orientation and overlapping for these sensor elements, the first and second sensor elements generate an asymmetric pair of signals that uniquely define the applied pressure by position and magnitude.

Abstract: A device designed to apply uniaxial pressure to the surface of an electro-active material while simultaneously applying a current to the material under controlled temperature conditions and then measuring the displacement of the material by means of a laser interferometer. The device involves a housing with a chamber in which a sample of material is secured. The chamber has an aperture with a quartz window that allows the laser beam from the interferometer to pass. The sample is connected to electrodes and the chamber is filled with dielectric oil that applies the uniaxial pressure to one side of the sample. The device is placed onto a thermal control system. When the appropriate thermal and pressure conditions are established, current is applied to the sample and the interferometer measures the displacement.

Abstract: A specialized containment cell with optically transparent apertures, in conjunction with a laser interferometer system provides the means for non-contact displacement measurements of electro-active (piezoelectric and electrostrictive) materials to be performed under controlled conditions of pressure, temperature and applied voltage. A sample of electro-active material is placed inside the cell. Electrical connections are made from a high voltage power source to the sample through the cell. Thermoelectric heaters/coolers and a cooling water heat sink built into the cell control the temperature of the sample. The cell is flooded with a dielectric oil pressurizing the interior of the cell to a desired pressure. The cell is optically aligned to the interferometer, and with the cell heated to the proper temperature, a voltage is applied to the sample as the interferometer measures the displacement of the sample.