Abstract: A degradation estimation device includes a storage device and an execution device. The storage device is configured to store mapping data that defines a map that outputs an output variable indicating a degree of degradation of a seal member when an input variable is input. The map includes a thermal history variable and a load history variable as the input variable. The thermal history variable is a variable indicating a period during which the seal member has been exposed to a temperature within a predetermined temperature range. The load history variable is a variable indicating the number of times a load has acted on the seal member. The execution device is configured to perform an acquisition process of acquiring the input variable and a calculation process of outputting a value of the output variable by inputting the input variable acquired in the acquisition process to the map.

Abstract: An electrical current sensing arrangement includes a busbar, a dielectric material containing therein a magnetic field sensor, and a ferromagnetic over-mold encapsulating a portion of the busbar and the dielectric material. The dielectric material is disposed against the busbar such that the magnetic field sensor is spaced away from the busbar and the ferromagnetic over-mold is not between the busbar and the magnetic field sensor.

Abstract: A device for attachment to a linear force transmission medium such as a wire or rod includes a flexure body having axially aligned tubular extensions on opposite ends that can receive and be crimped to the medium to create a continuous path for tensile force transmission. The flexure carries strain gages on top and bottom planar surface portions that are connected into a bridge circuit that responds to stress in the flexure body. Leads are protected against disconnection from solder pads by wrapping the leads and a carrier for them around the exterior circumferential surface of a jacket that fits on and around the flexure body. An FPC plug embodiment is disclosed.

Abstract: A split-type device for measuring rock mass deformation under high hydraulic pressure and a construction method and use thereof. Main components of the device include a metal measuring rod, a magnetic iron core, a shell, a waterproof coil framework, a coil, a tail accessory, a cable clamp, a cable, a signal processing bin, etc. Main electronic components are treated by adopting the all-metal shell and a vacuum particle sealing double-layer sealing process, and have hydraulic pressure resistance of 5 MPa or above. Measurement signals feature centralized processing, digitization and dual utilization of signals, i.e., after data of a plurality of sensors is processed in an electronic bin and then digitized signals are connected to an independent reader outside the bin or a centralized acquisition device for in-situ tests.

Abstract: A system and method for providing earthquake damage and collapse warning by a warning device is disclosed. The warning device is communicatively connected to a one or more client devices using a communications network. The warning device includes an input sensor for generating signals of crack formation within a structure, a message generator and transmitter for sending an warning message, a memory having instructions stored thereon; and a processor configured to execute the instructions on the memory to cause the waring device to receive an input signal from the input sensor, characterize the input signal using its amplitude, duration, location and direction, and frequency, identify the input signal as being a result of an earthquake, generate a warning message identifying detection of an event, and transmit the warning message to the one or more client devices over the communications network.

Abstract: A hollow profile for a WIM sensor elongates along a longitudinal direction and includes a plate-shaped force introduction element, an anchoring element and a tubular element disposed between the force introduction element and the anchoring element. The tubular element is integrally connected to the force introduction element and to the anchoring element and encloses a first cavity. The anchoring element encloses at least one second cavity. The anchoring element, tubular element and force introduction element are formed integrally with each other.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a human knee joint which includes a femur bone, a tibia bone, a patella bone, a patellar tendon, and ligaments, wherein the ligaments and patellar tendon are under anatomical tension to connect the femur and tibia together, creating a load-bearing articulating joint, the method including: inserting into the knee joint a gap balancer that includes a tibial interface surface, an opposed femoral interface surface, and at least one force sensor, the method including: providing an electronic receiving device; moving the knee joint through at least a portion of its range of motion; while moving the knee joint, using the electronic receiving device to collect data from the at least one force sensor; processing the collected data to produce a digital geometric model of at least a portion of the knee joint; and storing the digital geometric model for further use.

Abstract: Method and investigation device associated therewith, for measuring stresses in an agglomerate structure including a binder and a bonded substance, comprising the steps of providing, at one or more points on said structure, at least one investigation device able to measure at least three deformations of said investigation device that are oriented relative to one another on three axes, detecting the corresponding at least three deformation measurements, and calculating a stress that is proportional to a combination of said at least three deformation measurements at the corresponding point.

Abstract: A child car seat is disclosed. The car seat has a seat form for accommodating a child. A belt for retaining a child is disposed within the child car seat. A first buckle is operable between a first open position and a second other fastened position, for when fastened fastening the belt to retain a child and for when open facilitating installation and removal of a child from the child car seat. The child car seat also has an integrated interface port for removably retaining a first electronic circuit having communication circuitry for communicating with an automobile. The interface port has electrical conductors for electrically coupling with the electrical circuitry within the first electronic circuit.

Abstract: A ball screw with force sensor in radial direction including a screw rod, a screw nut, a plurality of balls, and a force sensor is provided. The screw nut has a cavity. The cavity is extended along a radial direction from an outer surface of the screw nut. The force sensor is disposed in the cavity of the screw nut, and the force sensor includes a stationary base and an elastic component. The stationary base includes a displacement restraint, and the elastic component includes a contact end and a fixed end. The displacement restraint is coupled to the cavity to prevent the stationary base from being displaced in the radial direction for fixing stationary base firmly in the cavity. The fixed end is connected to the stationary base, and the contact end contacts a bottom surface of the cavity in order to sense a force along the radial direction.

Abstract: An arbitrary-shaped fabricated test block for a high-steep slope rolling stone test includes a connecting square barrel and test block bodies. The connecting square barrel is formed by enclosing steel plates, the steel plates are provided with connecting grooves on a periphery of the steel plates, and the connecting grooves are provided with connecting groove bolt holes. The test block bodies are printed on printing bases by 3D printing technology, connecting plates are fixedly arranged on the printing bases, connecting plate bolt holes are formed in the connecting plates, and high-strength bolts penetrate through the connecting groove bolt holes and the connecting plate bolt holes to connect the test block bodies to the connecting square barrel. A sensor box is fixedly arranged on an inner side of the connecting square barrel, and a sensor is arranged in the sensor box.

Abstract: A WIM sensor for measuring wheel forces of vehicles on a road that pass over the sensor includes an elongated hollow profile along a longitudinal axis thereof. First and second inner pressing surfaces inside the profile are arranged connected in opposition on both sides by curved, pre-tensioned profile edges. Each of a plurality of piezoelectric measuring elements inside the profile has first and second force absorbing surfaces that face the first and said second pressing surface, respectively. Each of the measuring elements is disposed between two absorbing elements that exert a pretension thereon via the pressing surfaces. A long strip of insulating film provided with an electrically conductive layer on one of its sides electrically connects the first force absorbing surfaces of the measuring elements that are electrically insulated from the first pressing surface.

Abstract: A system may measure displacement in an architectural brace that absorbs deformation inducing energy. The architectural brace may have a core member with first and second ends attachable to architectural features, and an intermediate portion between the first and second ends. The architectural brace may also have a buckling restraining assembly that encases the intermediate portion to resist buckling of the intermediate portion. The system may have a first coupling with a first attachment feature securable to the first end of the core member, and a second coupling with a second attachment feature securable to the second end of the core member. The second coupling may be displaced from the first coupling by a displacement. Further, the system may have a sensor that measures a plurality of changes in the displacement occurring over a period of time. The sensor may provide measurement data indicative of the changes.

Abstract: A component of a machine. The component has a measuring fixture for measuring forces and at least one metallic, magnetic portion. The measuring fixture includes at least one field-generating member for producing an electromagnetic alternating field and at least one detection member for detecting changes of the magnetic field produced. The field-generating member and the detection members are arranged on the metallic, magnetic portion and are designed to interact with the metallic, magnetic portion in such manner that by way of the measuring fixture, as a function of measurement signals from the detection member, forces acting on and/or deformations of the component can be detected.

Abstract: The invention provides a sectional blade for a wind turbine. The blade comprises at least a first blade portion and a second blade portion extending in opposite directions from a joint. Further each blade portion comprises a spar section forming a structural member of the blade and running lengthways. The first blade portion and the second blade portion are structurally connected by at least one spar bridge extending into both blade portions to facilitate joining of said blade portions and the spar bridge joins the spar sections.

Abstract: An electric cylinder system includes: an electric cylinder; and a control section that controls the electric cylinder. The electric cylinder includes: an outer cylinder; a rod configured to be capable of extending and retracting in an axis direction from an opening on one end side of the outer cylinder; a bearing provided on the inside of the outer cylinder; a rotating shaft rotatably supported by the bearing and driven to rotate with driving force of a motor; a screw mechanism that converts a rotary motion of the rotating shaft into a linear motion of the rod and transmits the linear motion; and a load detecting section that detects a load in an axis direction applied to the rod in a position where the load is transmitted from the rod through the screw mechanism. The control section controls the electric cylinder on the basis of a signal from an encoder of the motor and a signal from the load detecting section.

Abstract: A WIM (weigh-in-motion) sensor has an oblong hollow profile and includes two force-transmission plates arranged parallel to each other. A tube is arranged between the plates and is integrally formed with the plates and defines a hollow space. Two supports that are arranged opposite one another are formed inside the hollow space, each support extending away from a respective plate and between which a measuring element is received centrally in the tube under preload. The tube includes two tube segments designed to be mirror-symmetrical with respect to each other, which join the plates together and on the inside adjoin the hollow space. The wall thickness of each tube segment has a relatively thick region between at least two relatively thin regions.

Abstract: A force assessment device and a method for lead extraction are provided. A force gauge is configured to measure a traction force, and a strain gauge that is configured to measure a countertraction force. An interface is communicatively coupled to the force gauge and the strain gauge, and the interface is configured to present data regarding at least one of the traction force and the countertraction force.

Abstract: Embodiments are generally directed to methods and apparatuses having electronic device cover glass that includes embedded sensors. In particular, one embodiment may take the form of a device having a device housing and a cover glass coupled to the device housing. The device includes a plurality of sensors coupled to the cover glass and configured to acquire data related to stress and strain experienced by the cover glass. The plurality of sensors is embedded within the cover glass.

Abstract: A device, inserted in a running shoe is used to track the accumulation of destructive compression cycles within the shoe and to indicate this information to the user through a series of integrated indicators. The device has an advantage of being able to be placed in any shoe without compromising the construction or performance of the shoe. An additional advantage of the invention is the improved accuracy of the information by improving both the stability and longevity of the sensor system and the ability to distinguish destructive, partially destructive and nondestructive compressions. Another advantage of the invention is the reduction of the cost of construction while achieving a lifetime in excess of the shoe. Yet another advantage of the invention is the user interface, which is contained completely within the device allowing the user to view the information within the shoe.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel contact sensors. The contact sensors disclosed herein include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular aspect, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: An internal structural monitoring system for a structure that includes a sensor mounted within the structure to measure at least one of strain experienced by the structure and vibration experience by the structure. It includes a first system support mounted and second system support mounted in the structure, where the first system and the second system support are mounted in the structure such that the sensor is between the first system support and the second system support to hold the sensor in position so that the sensor senses at least one of strain and vibration. It includes a wireless communication unit mounted within the structure, the wireless communication unit connected to the sensor to receive data from the sensor and transmit the data to a receiver outside the structure. It includes a power supply mounted within the structure to supply necessary electrical power to the sensor and the communication unit.

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

Abstract: A measurement bearing includes a rotational axis and at least one first bearing ring. The first bearing ring defines a main supporting direction and a circumferential direction extending transversally with respect to the main supporting direction. The first bearing ring also has at least one first recess in which a sensor device is arranged. The sensor device is adapted to sense a sensing variable which represents the bearing forces which are applied to the first bearing ring. The first bearing ring further has at least one second recess, in which a further sensor device is arranged. The first recess and the second recess are arranged a distance apart in the circumferential direction and transversally to the circumferential direction.

Abstract: An embodiment of the subject invention is directed to a jack incorporating one or more strain gauges. The one or more strain gauges can be positioned on, within, or integral to the jack. When a load or force is applied by the jack, one or more materials within the jack are deformed or displaced as a result of the applied load. The one or more strain gauges are used to measure the deformation or displacement and thus measure the strain. The measured strain can be used to determine the magnitude of the load applied by the jack. In an embodiment, a plurality of strain gauges are used and the resulting strain measurements can be combined to determine the applied load.

Abstract: A device, inserted in a running shoe is used to track the accumulation of destructive compression cycles within the shoe and to indicate this information to the user through a series of integrated indicators. The device has an advantage of being able to be placed in any shoe without compromising the construction or performance of the shoe. An additional advantage of the invention is the improved accuracy of the information by improving both the stability and longevity of the sensor system and the ability to distinguish destructive, partially destructive and nondestructive compressions. Another advantage of the invention is the reduction of the cost of construction while achieving a lifetime in excess of the shoe. Yet another advantage of the invention is the user interface, which is contained completely within the device allowing the user to view the information within the shoe.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus may include an attachment member operatively attached to a closure member of an associated vehicle, a sensor housing substantially enclosing an associated pinching sensor, a neck portion connecting the sensor housing to the attachment member, and a seal extending from the neck portion and contacting a body portion of the associated vehicle when the closure member is in a closed position.

Abstract: A test structure for measuring strain in the channel of transistors. A method of correlating transistor performance with channel strain.

Abstract: An annular assembly, or ring cell, is provided for testing the load bearing capacity of piles. The ring cell walls of the annular assembly can be made of stamped material. The ring cell walls can be an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall. Alternately, the ring cell walls can have a “U”-type shape cross-section including an outer ring wall, an inner ring wall, and a top wall. Fluid can be provided to the annular assembly through fluid supply lines into an expansion zone. The expansion zone can be a space having a bladder for filling with fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion zone can be a space between a filler material capable of withstanding high pressure separated with a membrane. The pressure of the fluid in the expansion zone can be monitored during testing.

Abstract: An impact detection apparatus (10), comprising: first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b); and a detector (22) configured to detect bridging of the first and second contacts. The first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b) are separated by a distance that is bridgeable by a predefined electrically conducting implement (16a; 16b), and the detector (22) is configured to detect the closing of a circuit upon any impact of the implement (16a; 16b) sufficient to bridge the first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b) and to respond by outputting a signal indicative of the impact.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings.

Abstract: An industrial roll includes: a substantially cylindrical core having an outer surface and an internal lumen; a polymeric cover circumferentially overlying the core outer surface; and a sensing system. The sensing system includes: a plurality of sensors at least partially embedded in the cover, the sensors configured to sense an operating parameter of the roll and provide signals related to the operating parameter; and a processor operatively associated with the sensors that processes signals provided by the sensors.

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: 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: Structural health monitoring apparatuses and methods are disclosed. One or more structural health sensors may be used to disconnect and/or connect one or more RFID chips to an antenna such that wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips (or the absence of wireless communication) through the antenna indicates the structural health status. Example structural health sensors may be moisture detecting or fracture detecting. A remote reader may be used to establish the wireless communication with the one or more RFID chips to determine the structural health. The sensors and RFID chips may be passive and powered through the wireless communication from the remote reader. Such apparatuses and methods may be applied to any large structures requiring regular inspection, such as aircraft, ships, automobiles or buildings.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus may include an attachment member operatively attached to a closure member of an associated vehicle, a sensor housing substantially enclosing an associated pinching sensor, a neck portion connecting the sensor housing to the attachment member, and a seal extending from the neck portion and contacting a body portion of the associated vehicle when the closure member is in a closed position.

Abstract: An impact detection device, as well as a system that includes such a device for simulation of a combat sport, or more generally for use in a sport in which the user creates an impact by striking an adversary or an object. This device includes a sensor that detects an impact and its intensity, which is mounted on a printed circuit, together with an indicator that activates when the detector detects an impact and/or in order to indicate to a user that the user must generate an impact. The indicator is imbedded in a protective covering so that it is located near the surface of its embedding material. The indicating means are mounted directly on the printed circuit, so that the embedding material also covers the printed circuit and the sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measurement bearing, in particular for a wheel set of a rail vehicle, having a rotational axle and at least one first bearing ring (103), wherein the first bearing ring (103) defines a main supporting direction and a circumferential direction extending transversely with respect to the main supporting direction, and the first bearing ring (103; 203) is designed to take up bearing forces which have at least one force component in the main supporting direction, and during operation said bearing forces are applied to the first bearing ring (103) via a plurality of rolling bodies (104). The first bearing ring (103) has at least one first recess (105) in which a sensor device (110) is arranged, wherein the sensor device (110) is designed to sense a sensing variable which represents the bearing forces which are applied to the first bearing ring (103).

Abstract: An invented apparatus for nondestructively remotely measuring the health of an energetic material, includes a piezoelectric capacitance sensor having an exterior surface that is substantially inert to the energetic material. The piezoelectric capacitance sensor provides an analog signal that is commensurately responsive to the modulus of material in intimate contact with the sensor. The apparatus also includes an interrogator for interrogating the sensor as to a capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor. The interrogator converts the analog signal of the capacitance into a digital representation. The apparatus further includes a means of communicating the digital representation to a remote communication device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings.

Abstract: An annular assembly, or ring cell, is provided for testing the load bearing capacity of piles. The ring cell walls of the annular assembly can be made of stamped material. The ring cell walls can be an outer ring wall and an inner ring wall. Alternately, the ring cell walls can have a “U”-type shape cross-section including an outer ring wall, an inner ring wall, and a top wall. Fluid can be provided to the annular assembly through fluid supply lines into an expansion zone. The expansion zone can be a space having a bladder for filling with fluid. In another embodiment, the expansion zone can be a space between a filler material capable of withstanding high pressure separated with a membrane. The pressure of the fluid in the expansion zone can be monitored during testing.

Abstract: A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting mass based on a frequency differential of a resonating micromachined structure, such as a cantilever beam. A high aspect ratio cantilever beam is coated with an immobilized binding partner that couples to a predetermined cell or molecule. A first resonant frequency is determined for the cantilever having the immobilized binding partner. Upon exposure of the cantilever to a solution that binds with the binding partner, the mass of the cantilever beam increases. A second resonant frequency is determined and the differential resonant frequency provides the basis for detecting the target cell or molecule. The cantilever may be driven externally or by ambient noise. The frequency response of the beam can be determined optically using reflected light and two photodetectors or by interference using a single photodetector.

Abstract: The invented method for measuring the health of a solid rocket propellant includes embedding at least one piezoelectric capacitance sensor in the propellant, where the capacitance of the sensor is a function of a modulus of the propellant, and where the position is selected to measure manifestations of stress failure as a consequence of changes in the shear modulus. The capacitance of the sensor is measured at a predetermined frequency. The capacitance of the piezoelectric capacitance sensor is converted into a digital representation which is then converted into the digital representation of a modulus (or gradient modulus). In subsequent analysis, the modulus (or gradient of the modulus) is correlated to the health of the solid rocket propellant.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system is incorporated into a vehicle seat supported on inboard and outboard track assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies are mounted to a vehicle structure such that a center track portion remains unsupported. A first sensor assembly is mounted to the inboard track assembly and a second sensor assembly is mounted to the outboard track assembly. The first sensor assembly generates a first signal in response to measuring deflection of the inboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. The second sensor assembly generates a second signal in response to measuring deflection of the outboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the first and second signals. The central processor communicates with the airbag system to control the deployment of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring material properties such as the relaxation modulus of a material in situ and a method of measuring material properties of a material are disclosed. The sensor may be substantially embedded in the material, and includes a deformable driver. When actuated, the deformable driver may create a stress in the adjacent material. The movement or deformation of the driver may be measured with a sensing device, for example a strain gage mounted on a surface thereof. The stress in the adjacent material may be measured with a second sensing device, for example a pressure sensor. The measured movement and stress over a predetermined period of time may he used to determine the relaxation modulus of the material.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system is incorporated into a vehicle seat supported on inboard and outboard track assemblies. The inboard and outboard track assemblies are mounted to a vehicle structure such that a center track portion remains unsupported. A first sensor assembly is mounted to the inboard track assembly and a second sensor assembly is mounted to the outboard track assembly. The first sensor assembly generates a first signal in response to measuring deflection of the inboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. The second sensor assembly generates a second signal in response to measuring deflection of the outboard track assembly due to seat occupant weight. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the first and second signals. The central processor communicates with the airbag system to control the deployment of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: In an apparatus for determining loads on fiber composite components (1), especially of vehicle and aircraft parts, strain gages (3) are integrated in the components (1) for determining strains. The strain gages (3) are connected with an evaluating apparatus (4), for monitoring and determining loads that tend to cause damage. The strain gages (3) are preferably integrated into the fiber composite component (1) such that the measuring grids (5) thereof are laid between individual fiber layers (2) and are guided out of the component (1) ready for connection via special connecting pins (8) to the associated evaluating apparatus (4) via loose cable connections (12).