Abstract: Yield stress is an important indicator of the strength of a component such as a pipe section. A method and apparatus for measuring yield stress of components made from magnetic materials is provided. The magnetic permeability of the material is recorded at multiple stress levels below yield establishing a permeability-stress relationship. The yield stress is then estimated as a function of the recorded permeability-stress relationship. The permeability stress relationship may be non-linear for a range of stress levels, achieving a peak permeability response for a stress below yield. The yield stress may be estimated as a multiple of the stress at which the peak permeability response is recorded.

Abstract: Implementations and techniques for manufacturing strain sensitive sensors and/or strain resistant conduits from a metal and carbon matrix are generally disclosed.

Abstract: A diamond-shaped actuator for a flexible panel has an inter-digitated electrode (IDE) and a piezoelectric wafer portion positioned therebetween. The IDE and/or the wafer portion are diamond-shaped. Point sensors are positioned with respect to the actuator and measure vibration. The actuator generates and transmits a cancelling force to the panel in response to an output signal from a controller, which is calculated using a signal describing the vibration. A method for controlling vibration in a flexible panel includes connecting a diamond-shaped actuator to the flexible panel, and then connecting a point sensor to each actuator. Vibration is measured via the point sensor. The controller calculates a proportional output voltage signal from the measured vibration, and transmits the output signal to the actuator to substantially cancel the vibration in proximity to each actuator.

Abstract: A force sensor system includes a substrate, a cover, a sensor, and a spherical force transfer element. The cover is coupled to the substrate, and has an inner surface, an outer surface, an opening extending between the inner and outer surfaces, and a wall structure extending from the inner surface that defines a sensor cavity between the inner surface and the substrate. The sensor is mounted on the substrate, is disposed within the sensor cavity, and is configured to generate a sensor signal representative of a force supplied to the sensor. The spherical force transfer element is disposed partially within the sensor cavity, is movable relative to the cover, extends from the opening in the cover, and engages the sensor. The spherical force transfer element is adapted to receive an input force and is configured, upon receipt of the input force, to transfer the input force to the sensor.

Abstract: A load cell extending in an axial direction having an outer surface includes a groove in the outer surface having a first flat wall, and a second flat wall; and a principal strain sensor positioned on the first flat wall to measure tension and compression in the axial direction.

Abstract: A curved surface shaped membrane pressure sensor for a moving member and the method for manufacturing the same, the sensor comprising an elastic curved plate and a subtype grid membrane switch formed on the curved plate, wherein the membrane switch is coupled to a cutting board shell of the moving member on one side opposed to the curved plate, and the subtype grid membrane switch is used for sensing the presence of pressure on the curved plate. The curved surface shaped membrane pressure sensor according to the present invention can not only meet the requirements on appearance of the moving member, but also effectively sense the touching to prevent injury on the object being detected, and additionally can effectively achieving the effects of fireproofing and waterproofing.

Abstract: A tactile sensor unit is provided, which includes a substrate; a coat formed on the substrate; and a cantilever beam structure having one end fixed to the substrate and curved to rise in such a direction that the other end of the cantilever beam structure is farther from the substrate than the one end. The tactile sensor unit detects a load applied to the coat. The cantilever beam structure is capable of resonating at a first resonant frequency and a second resonant frequency which is different from the first resonant frequency. The tactile sensor unit further includes a computation section for calculating a directional component of the load based on a change ratio of the first resonant frequency obtained in accordance with a change in the load and a change ratio of the second resonant frequency obtained in accordance with the change in the load.

Abstract: A method for measuring fatigue on a metal or metal alloy structural part, which includes mounting a fatigue gage on a surface of the part, the fatigue gage being the same material as the part, applying electrical power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage, inspecting the fatigue gage at various time intervals by applying electric power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage; and analyzing the change of resistance of the fatigue gage at the various time intervals to determine fatigue on the part.

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: A displacement sensor for sensing the displacement of a movable component of a device is provided. A flexible element of the displacement sensor includes a mounting portion mounted to the device and a coupling portion spaced apart from the mounting portion. A displacement conversion mechanism is coupled to the movable component and is further coupled to the coupling portion of the flexible element. The displacement conversion mechanism is configured to convert a larger displacement of the movable component into a smaller displacement of the coupling portion of the flexible element. The flexible element is arranged such that a displacement at the coupling portion causes the flexible element to bend.

Abstract: A strain gage includes a strain sensitive element; and a temperature compensation element, wherein the strain sensitive element and temperature compensation element are monolithically formed. A method of manufacturing the strain gage includes: exposing and developing a strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern; and etching the strain sensitive element pattern and the temperature compensation element pattern.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an integrated circuit includes forming in a substrate a measuring circuit sensitive to mechanical stresses and configured to supply a measurement signal representative of mechanical stresses exerted on the measuring circuit. The measuring circuit is positioned such that the measurement signal is also representative of mechanical stresses exerted on a functional circuit of the integrated circuit. A method of using the integrated circuit includes determining from the measurement signal the value of a parameter of the functional circuit predicted to mitigate an impact of the variation in mechanical stresses on the operation of the functional circuit, and supplying the functional circuit with the determined value of the parameter.

Abstract: According to example embodiments of the invention, a microscale testing stage comprises a frame having first and second opposing ends and first and second side beams, at least one deformable force sensor beam, a first longitudinal beam having a free end, a second longitudinal beam having a facing free end, a support structure, and a pair of slots disposed at each of the free ends. In certain embodiments, a layer of a conductive material defines first and second conductive paths and an open circuit that can be closed by the specimen across the gap. In other embodiments, the stage is formed of a high melting temperature material.

Abstract: A device for detecting the thinning down of the substrate of an integrated circuit chip, including, in the active area of the substrate, bar-shaped diffused resistors connected as a Wheatstone bridge, wherein: first opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a first direction; the second opposite resistors of the bridge are oriented along a second direction; and the first and second directions are such that a thinning down of the substrate causes a variation of the imbalance value of the bridge.

Abstract: A sensing element for sensing the softness of an object by abutting the sensing element against the object and biasing the sensing element toward the object with a biasing force. The sensing element includes a deformable section, the deformable section being deformable between an undeformed configuration and a deformed configuration, the deformed configuration being achievable when the deformable section is abutted against and biased toward the object; a deformation sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing a deformation of the deformable section between the deformed and undeformed configurations; and a force sensor operatively coupled to the deformable section for sensing the biasing force exerted onto the deformable section by the object when the deformable section is biased toward the object with the biasing force.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of a testing device for testing a pulling force includes a shell having a test platform, a load sensor mechanism, a control system, a drive and transmission mechanism and a material clamping mechanism. Two portions of a test object are clasped by the load sensor mechanism and the clamp. When the load sensor mechanism is driven to move further away from the clamp via the drive and transmission mechanism, a pulling force perpendicular to the test platform is generated between the two portions of the test object. The load sensor mechanism detects the pulling force and feeds back the detection to the control system.

Abstract: A method for measuring fatigue on a metal or metal alloy structural part, which includes mounting a fatigue gage on a surface of the part, the fatigue gage being the same material as the part, applying electrical power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage, inspecting the fatigue gage at various time intervals by applying electric power on the gage and measuring the resistance of the fatigue gage; and analyzing the change of resistance of the fatigue gage at the various time intervals to determine fatigue on the part.

Abstract: A method for testing the mechanical properties of a specimen. The specimen is generally characterized by a first contact surface and a second contact surface spaced apart from and opposing the first contact surface. The method involves applying forces to the contact surfaces of the specimen to deform the specimen over a period of time. The response of the specimen to the forces is then measured over time. A spatial distance between the contact surfaces is defined such that the equivalent gauge length of the specimen is greater than the distance between the contact surfaces.

Abstract: An electroactive microelectromechanical device of the Artificial Hair Cell type includes a moving cilium structure having a substrate and a cantilever, partly or entirely in piezoelectric material, subject to bending or deformation following the action of a force and/or an applied voltage. The cantilever includes a multilayer inducing a stress-driven geometry in which a portion of the cantilever lies outside of a plane defined by the substrate. According to the invention, the cantilever is associated to a piezoresistive element, in particular of piezoresistive material configured to measure the bending or deformation of the cantilever.

Abstract: The invention is a trigger pull training device for improving trigger pull technique. The device has a frame with a trigger track opening and a trigger which goes through that opening. A proximity sensor or a plurality of proximity sensors are placed proximate the trigger track opening. The sensors are connected to an indicator whereby pulling the trigger such that the trigger is within the sensing zone causes the proximity sensor to emit a signal. A plurality of sensors can be lined along the trigger track opening to indicate the accuracy of any pull.

Abstract: Methods for gas sensing with single-walled carbon nanotubes are described. The methods comprise biasing at least one carbon nanotube and exposing to a gas environment to detect variation in temperature as an electrical response.

Abstract: A flexible substrate has a major surface and a sensor attached to and aligned with the major surface of the substrate. The sensor may have an elastic body containing conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein to form a conductive path and at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the conductive path. Balloons and flexible elements used in medical procedures are particularly useful.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor as a built-in component of an object, especially an elastic object, the sensor comprising a polymer material containing electroconductive additives according to the invention and thereby acting as an expansion sensor (2), in that it measures the static and dynamic expansions of the object in relation to the acting forces and also monitors the changes of the polymer material generated by the static and dynamic expansions of the object over time. The invention also relates to a sensor arrangement (1) acting especially in combination with the following components: an expansion sensor (2), a fixed resistor (3), an analog/digital converter (4), a micro-controller comprising a memory (5), a radio interface (6), a controlled current/voltage source (7), an energy supply (8), a coupling coil (9), and a receiving unit (10).

Abstract: A pin and circuit board assembly includes at least three pins (24?, 24?). Each pin includes a first end (35) and a second end (37). All of the first ends of the pins are arranged on a common plane. The second ends of at least two of the pins are disposed on the common plane and a second end of at least one of the pins, other than the two pins, are disposed on a second plane that is offset from the common plane. The second end of each pin is spaced apart from a second end of another pin substantially at an angle of 360/N, where N is the total number of pins. A printed circuit board (22?) includes at least three pin holes (28?, 28?), each arranged to receive a second end of an associated pin in a press-fit arrangement. The assembly avoids tilting of the PCB upon inserting the pins.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a first piezoelectric (PZT) element poled in the same direction as a second PZT element. The first and second PZT elements are configured to be driven while simultaneously sensing motion. The apparatus further includes a circuit configured to add outputs of the first and second PZT elements, extract the sensed motion, and detect off-track motion from the extracted sensed motion.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference is provided inside a housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon. A pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection is also provided inside the housing in such a state that preload is imposed thereon and an external load acts thereon. A load detecting circuit applies voltage to the pressure-sensitive conductive rubbers to determine the external load based on a difference between a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for reference and a detected value corresponding to electric current flowing through the pressure-sensitive conductive rubber for detection.

Abstract: Deflection of a free end of one plate-like member, that is caused by uniform stress, is transmitted to the other plate-like member by moving a free end of the other plate-like member. According to this configuration, the uniform stress applied to the one plate-like member is converted into stress induced by a point force in the other plate-like member, and then, the induced stress is concentrated on a fixed end side narrow portion in which a piezoresistor is provided. Thus, a novel structure for a piezoresistive surface stress sensor having high sensitivity to uniform stress applied to the surface of the sensor is provided.

Abstract: A strain sensor includes a flexible substrate, a CNT film made of a plurality of CNT fibers aligned in an orientation direction, a pair of electrodes, and a protective coat. The electrodes are formed at the opposite ends of the CNT film in a perpendicular direction to the orientation direction of the CNT fibers. The protective coat protecting the CNT film is made of a resin, a water-based emulsion, or an oil-based emulsion. The protective coat is placed in contact with at least part of the CTN fibers on the surface of the CNT film. The strain sensor including the protective coat is able to prevent damage/breakage of the CNT film and to prevent foreign matters from entering into gaps between CNT fibers, thus improving durability in maintaining adequate sensing functionality.

Abstract: A semiconductor strain sensor having a strain sensor chip composed of a semiconductor substrate having a piezoresistive element as a strain detection section. The semiconductor strain sensor has a stable characteristic for a long period of time and a stable conversion factor of a strain generated in the strain sensor chip corresponding to a strain of an object to be measured, within a strain range of a size to be measured. The strain sensor chip is bonded to a metal base plate with a metal bonding material. The metal base plate has two or four extending members, which protrude from a side of the strain sensor chip for attaching the strain senor chip to the object to be measured. Preferably, a groove is arranged between a metal base plate undersurface area, which corresponds to the bonding area where the strain sensor chip is bonded to the metal base plate, and the undersurfaces of the extending members, and a protruding section sandwiched by the grooves is arranged on the undersurface of the metal base plate.

Abstract: A micromachined or microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based push-to-pull mechanical transformer for tensile testing of micro-to-nanometer scale material samples including a first structure and a second structure. The second structure is coupled to the first structure by at least one flexible element that enables the second structure to be moveable relative to the first structure, wherein the second structure is disposed relative to the first structure so as to form a pulling gap between the first and second structures such that when an external pushing force is applied to and pushes the second structure in a tensile extension direction a width of the pulling gap increases so as to apply a tensile force to a test sample mounted across the pulling gap between a first sample mounting area on the first structure and a second sample mounting area on the second structure.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to a layered structure usable in a strain sensor. In one embodiment, the layered structure has a substrate with a first surface and an opposite, second surface defining a body portion therebetween; and a film of carbon nanotubes deposited on the first surface of the substrate, wherein the film of carbon nanotubes is conductive and characterized with an electrical resistance. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are aligned in a preferential direction. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are formed in a yarn such that any mechanical stress increases their electrical response. In one embodiment, the carbon nanotubes are incorporated into a polymeric scaffold that is attached to the surface of the substrate. In one embodiment, the surfaces of the carbon nanotubes are functionalized such that its electrical conductivity is increased.

Abstract: A pressure measuring transducer comprising: a pressure measuring cell; a measuring cell housing, wherein the measuring cell housing has an annular axial abutment surface, which surrounds an opening; a sealing ring; and a ring of angular cross section for positioning the pressure measuring cell and the sealing ring in the measuring cell chamber. The sealing ring lies on the axial abutment surface, the pressure measuring cell lies with its frontal end face on the sealing ring, the pressure measuring cell is clamped axially against the sealing ring, the ring of angular cross section is arranged in an annular gap between the pressure measuring cell and a measuring cell chamber wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an entrance barrier comprising a barrier element movable between an open and a closed position, driving means, by which the barrier element can driven from one position to the other position respectively, a control unit, by which the driving means are controllable, and a sensor unit connected to the control unit. The invention also relates to a barrier element for the entrance barrier and to method for operating the entrance barrier. To provide a possibility of further improving the safety of persons in the area of entrance barriers beyond the mere passive safety of the entrance barrier, the invention proposes for the sensor unit to include a capacitive sensor.

Abstract: After an amorphous semiconductor thin film is crystallized by utilizing a catalyst element, the catalyst element is removed by performing a heat treatment in an atmosphere containing a halogen element. A resulting crystalline semiconductor thin film exhibits {110} orientation. Since individual crystal grains have approximately equal orientation, the crystalline semiconductor thin film has substantially no grain boundaries and has such crystallinity as to be considered a single crystal or considered so substantially.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an element for sensing strain, stress or force. The sensing element comprises a substrate, a pair of electrodes on the substrate, and a network of carbon nanotubes for sensing the strain, stress or force within a structure. The network of carbon nanotubes defines at least in part an electrical path between the electrodes of the pair, and the electrical path has a resistance which is altered by the sensed strain, stress or force. Combining a plurality of sensing elements coupled to a common substrate forms a sensing system.

Abstract: Provided is a fingerprint sensor including one or more mechanical devices for capturing the fingerprint. The resonators are configured to be mechanically damped based upon an applied load.

Abstract: A force sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus includes a force sense element that can be attached to a substrate. An actuator disposed in a hole formed within the cap is operably coupled to the force sense element for transferring force to the sense element in response to receiving a force from an external source. The force sense element is configured to sense the external force and generate an output signal representing the force. Preferably, one or more bond pads, associated with the force sense element and the substrate, can be electrically connected via wire bonding. A cover associated with an integrated flexible membrane can be mounted on the substrate in order to protect internal components associated with the force sensor apparatus from an external environment.

Abstract: Wireless strain and displacement sensors wirelessly monitor structural health and integrity, and are made by printing inductor-interdigital capacitor sensing circuits on a variety of substrates, including ceramic substrates, with thermally processable conductive inks. Sensors of the invention can be employed to detect strain and displacement of civil structures, such as bridges and buildings. The sensors include sensing elements that are mounted or printed on stiff, inflexible substrates, which prevent the sensing elements from bending, stretching, or otherwise warping when the sensor is strained. An interlayer between the sensing elements allows the sensing elements to move with respect to each other during application of strain. Thus, strain causes the sensing elements to move but not to deform, causing changes in sensor resonance that can be detected through wireless radio-frequency interrogation.

Abstract: A coaxial cable sensor device with periodic impedance discontinuities along the length of its cable. The cable comprises an inner conductor, insulating material disposed around the length of the inner conductor, and an outer conductor disposed around the insulating material. The periodic impedance discontinuities are created by physical deformations or material alterations to at least one of the inner conductor, the outer conductor, and the insulating material. The sensor device may be used to measure temperature, pressure, strain, and acoustic waves in building structures, and is well suited for down-hole or underwater applications.

Abstract: A sensing material for use in a sensor is disclosed. Such a sensing material includes a polymer base and a piezoresistive nanocomposite embedded into the polymer base in a continuous pattern. The nanocomposite comprises a polymer matrix and a plurality of conductive nanofillers suspended in the matrix. The conductive nanofillers may be one or a combination of nanotubes, nanowires, particles and flakes. The density of the plurality of nanofillers is such that the nanocomposite exhibits conductivity suitable for electronic and sensor applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to large surface distributed pressure sensors comprising at least two flexible substrates, at least of one of these being entirely or partially coated by a layer of polythiophene containing repetitive structural units with formula (I), wherein R1 and R2 are independently a C1-C12 alkyl group or they form a C1-C12 1,n-alkylene group, with n=1-12, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group, C2-C12 alkene, vinylene, benzyl, phenyl group, a halogen atom, or by an ester, amine, amide or ether functional group, optionally substituted by a C1-C12 alkyl group; and one or more insulating spacers. Said sensors are flexible and easy to manufacture and they may present different symmetric, simple or multilayer configurations, as desired.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing strain are disclosed. A thin film sensor includes a thin film polymer matrix that has two electrical terminals, conductive nanoparticles dispersed within the polymer matrix, and carbon nanotubes dispersed within the polymer matrix. The thin film sensor has a resistivity across the two electrical terminals that varies with a magnitude of strain applied to the thin film sensor. Strain may be sensed by applying a voltage to the thin film sensor, and an electrical response of the thin film sensor may be detected due to a strain present across the sensor. A magnitude of the strain can be determined based on the electrical response. Methods and systems for a memristor are also disclosed. The memristor has a resistivity that varies with a time-varying voltage input and with a time-varying strain input.

Abstract: A stress sensor is disclosed herein. The stress sensor includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes in a substrate, and first and second contacts electrically connectable with the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Methods of making and using the stress sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fabric strain sensor (10) for measuring in-plane unidirectional strain, the sensor (10) comprising a mixture (20) of electrically conductive particles or fibers and an elastomer matrix, applied onto an elastic fabric substrate (30).

Abstract: A displacement, strain, and/or force sensor assembly (10, 110) has a mounting structure (12) with an anisotropic stiffness to facilitate the measurement of displacements, strains, and/or forces along the X-axis, while minimizing errors due to undesired displacements, strains, and/or forces along the Y- and Z-axes, and rotations about the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. A pedestal (30, 130) configured to respond to axial displacements along the X-axis is centrally disposed on the X-axis of the mounting structure (12), and a displacement or strain sensor (38) is coupled to the pedestal (30) to provide a measure of the displacements, strains, and/or forces. Contact pads (14, 114) are formed on opposite ends of the X-axis of the mounting structure, to enable the displacement and/or strain sensor assembly to be secured to an application structure.

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 parylene C polymer that is electrically poled such that it is piezoelectric is presented. Methods for manufacturing the piezoelectric parylene C polymer with an optimal piezoelectric coefficient d33 are also disclosed. Actuators formed with piezoelectric parylene C are disclosed as well as sensor devices that incorporate piezoelectric parylene C using charge integrator circuits in which the integration time is longer than likely adiabatic temperature transients.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor device (10) having a structure in which a stress-sensitive body (1) of which the electric characteristics vary depending upon the application of stress and an insulator (2) having electric insulation are formed being closely adhered together, wherein the stress-sensitive body (1) comprises a thin glass film containing an electrically conductive element that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, a method of manufacturing the physical quantity sensor device, a piezo-resistive film comprising a thin glass film containing ruthenium that is solidly dissolved therein as atoms, and a method of manufacturing the piezo-resistive film.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a load sensor including a load detection element and a support element is provided. The support element includes a base and a spring. The spring includes a support portion, a connection portion bonding to the base, and a connecting member coupling the support portion and the connection portion. The support element transmits a detection load to the load detection element via the base and the spring. The method includes: sandwiching the load detection element between the base and the support portion; bonding the connection portion on the base so that the connecting member is deformed beyond the elastic deformation region to reach the plastic deformation region; pressing the support portion so that a contact surface of the support portion is plastically deformed; and returning deformation of the connecting member to be in the elastic deformation region.

Abstract: A structure and method for instrumenting a component for monitoring wear in a coating. The method includes depositing a first thin layer of electrically insulating material, depositing a thin electrically conductive layer over the first electrically insulating layer, depositing a second thin layer of electrically insulating material over the electrically conductive layer. An overlying thickness of the coating material is deposited over the second thin layer of electrically insulating material. The thicknesses of the insulating and conducting layers is controlled to be small enough such that the overlying coating surface exposed to mechanical wear retains a desired degree of smoothness without the necessity for a separate planarization step.