Abstract: A force sensor and a robot that can suppress a load applied to load sensor elements are provided. A force sensor includes: a first base member one surface of which is fixed on a fixed member; a plurality of load sensor elements that is provided on another surface of the first base member to detect a load; a second base member that is disposed facing the other surface of the first base member to generate a preload to be applied to each of the load sensor elements toward the first base member; a preload adjusting unit that adjusts the magnitude of the preload generated by the second base member; and buffer bodies that receive a part of an external load to be applied to each of the load sensor elements from the outside.

Abstract: A system includes a device and a contactless inductive force sensing system. The device includes a first band having a first magnetically encoded region with a first magnetic polarity spaced apart from a second magnetically encoded region having a second magnetic polarity. The device further includes a second band having a third magnetically encoded region with the second magnetic polarity spaced apart from a fourth magnetically encoded region having the first magnetic polarity. The contactless inductive force sensing system is used for measuring one or more mechanical force components of the device and generating a mechanical force component signal.

Abstract: A system includes a pressure sensitive material that provides an indication of applied pressure for multiple locations on the material, and an analysis device in communication with the pressure sensitive material. The analysis device receives the indication of applied pressure, determines, for each of multiple measurement periods, a pressure image from the indication of applied pressure such that a sequence of pressure images is determined, and constructs a manifold representing the sequence of pressure images.

Abstract: The multi-axis dynamometer provides detailed information regarding the forces developed between the machine tool or bit and the workpiece during machining operations. Force sensing is provided along three mutually orthogonal axes, sensing being provided in opposite directions along two of the axes. A housing is split along its diagonal to form two portions that connect together at one corner, a clamp bolt adjustably securing the two opposite corners together. A workpiece holder receptacle is provided between the two portions, and a workpiece fits closely within the receptacle. Four sensors are installed on the four walls of the receptacle, and a fifth sensor is installed on the floor of the receptacle. Preload is applied to the sensors by adjusting the clamping force of the clamp bolt. Motion of the workpiece during machining operations produces forces upon the sensors, the sensor output being received by a microcontroller and transmitted for further use.

Abstract: A multiaxial force/torque sensor assembly and method for assembling such a sensor assembly are disclosed. The sensor assembly includes a set of at least two sensors each being made of strain gauges, which are each arranged at a definite angle and distance relative to each other and which are each fixed to a transducer body, which is mechanical contact with a printed circuit board. The printed circuit board includes clearances for each strain gauge as well as associated electronic components and wiring located on the remaining area of the printed circuit board which will monitor compressive and tensile stresses in the measurement directions of the sensors. The method includes positioning the strain gauges on the plane measurement surface of a transducer body in a definite arrangement; fixing the strain gauges to the transducer body by means of adhesives, and connecting the strain gauges to respective conductors by means of electrically bonding.

Abstract: A universal force measurement apparatus has a top plate onto which a first test object is mounted. The top plate is connected to a middle plate via a sliding member, for example a linear ball slide having a one dimensional degree of freedom. A first load cell is connected to the top plate and the middle plate, hereby preventing them from moving relative to one another in the direction of the degree of freedom of the sliding member. The mid plate is then connected to a second load cell which registers forces in the vertical direction. The second load cell is also connected to a base plate which is placed on a rigid surface. Forces from another object or media acting on the first test object will now be registered by the first and second load cells in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A transfer apparatus for mounting and transferring a transferred component on a driven means, the transfer apparatus includes: a driving means for rotating a driving side pulley by a rotational driving force of a motor to move a belt wound around the driving side pulley, thereby moving the driven means coupled to the belt in a predetermined direction; and a transfer monitoring means for monitoring a transfer state of the driven means, wherein the transfer monitoring means detects a torque value of the motor required to move the driven means, calculates a torque differential value of the torque value with respect to time based on the detected torque value, and detects the transfer state using the calculated torque differential value.

Abstract: A dual mode capacitive touch panel includes a sensor substrate, an electrode layer comprising an array of sensor electrodes arranged over the sensor substrate, the array of sensor electrodes including a plurality of drive electrodes and a plurality of sense electrodes, each sensor electrode corresponding to a location on the sensor substrate, and a shield layer arranged over and spaced apart from the electrode layer. The shield layer includes a predetermined resistance that permits transmission of an electric field at a first frequency and prevents transmission of an electric field at a second frequency, wherein a spacing between the shield layer and the electrode layer is deformable as a result of a force applied to the shield layer due to a user touch, wherein the deformation alters a capacitance between the shield layer and a sensor electrode of the array.

Abstract: A biaxial tensile testing machine performing a tensile test of a test piece by stretching the test piece in four directions along two axes perpendicular to each other includes: first and second turntables which are disposed so as to be parallel to each other and relatively rotatable about a rotary axis along the planer direction thereof; first to fourth link mechanisms which are provided at 90° intervals in the circumferential direction about the rotary axis so that one ends of respective members of a pair of members are rotatably connected to each other, and the other ends of respective members of the pair of members are attached across the first and second turntables; and first to fourth test piece holding units which are respectively attached to the first to fourth link mechanisms and hold the test piece.

Abstract: Disclosed is a strain gauge type force-torque sensor and a method for manufacturing the same. More specifically, a first sensor structure having a convex part on a bonding surface thereof and a second sensor structure having a concave part bonded to the convex part of the first sensor structure are formed. The gauge film is formed by installing a strain gauge on a flexible film. The gauge film is compressively interposed between the bonding surface of the first sensor structure having the convex part and a bonding surface of the second sensor structure having the concave part to initially deform the gauge film. The first sensor structure and the second sensor structure are fixed to each other in a state where the gauge film is initially deformed.

Abstract: A force measuring device. The device comprises an x-axis sensor beam for measuring x-direction forces, a y-axis sensor beam for measuring y-direction forces, a z-axis sensor beam for measuring z-direction forces, and wherein the x-axis, y-axis and z-axis sensor beams are decoupled such that forces exerted by a specimen in one direction do not exert substantial forces on the other two sensor beams.

Abstract: A force sensing apparatus and an operating method of the force sensing apparatus may obtain and provide information about a force applied to an object, thereby enabling control of a force to be applied to manipulate the object.

Abstract: Force or pressure transducer arrays have elastically stretchable electrically conductive polymer threads disposed in parallel rows and columns that contact at intersections thereof a piezoresistive material which has an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure or force exerted thereon to form a matrix array of force or pressure sensor elements. The threads are fixed to a single one or pair of flexible elastically stretchable substrate sheets made of thin sheets of an insulating polymer such as PVC, or for greater elasticity and conformability to irregularly-shaped objects such as human body parts, an elastically stretchable fabric such as LYCRA or SPANDEX. Elastic stretchability of the sensor arrays is optionally enhanced by disposing either or both row and column conductive threads in sinuously curved, serpentine paths rather than straight lines.

Abstract: A spacer block for gathering data to be used in the balancing of the joint arthroplasty or repair and in the selection of a trial insert which includes a first body piece and a second body piece. A plurality of sensors and a processor are positioned between the first body piece and the second body piece when the pieces are assembled together to form the spacer block. A chim is removably mounted to a top surface of the second body piece, the chim is associated with the plurality of sensors and positioned in relation to the plurality of sensors such that a force exerted on the chim by a weight bearing surface is detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: A load testing device is provided, comprising a main beam and a pair of load testing assemblies operatively connected to the main beam. Each of the load testing assemblies includes a load applying member having a first ball at its terminal end; a spreader plate pivotally attached to the first ball to establish a first ball and socket joint enabling three rotational degrees of freedom about the first ball; a bracket pivotally connected to the spreader plate, wherein the bracket further includes a second ball extending toward the main beam; an adjustment beam pivotally attached to the second ball to establish a second ball and socket joint, and wherein the adjustment beam is slidably disposed relative to the main beam and lockable in one or more predetermined positions.

Abstract: A kiosk apparatus that may select for a person a recommended footcare product based on pressure measurements collected from pressures sensors or calculated biomechanical data estimates. Pressure measurements and calculated biomechanical data estimates may be used to determine if a foot is unshod on the pressure sensor and also group a person into a classified subgroup. The pressure measurement and calculated biomechanical data estimates may also be used to select a recommended footcare product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the pressure and/or the tension exerted at different points of a flexible, foldable and/or extensible textile material capable of being used as a garment, lapel, or the like; said device is remarkable in that it includes, on the one hand, at least one sensor obtained from a single layer (1), formed of an arrangement of at least three types of fibers, piezoresistive fibers forming piezoresistive areas (2), conductive fibers forming electrically-conductive areas (3), and insulating fibers forming electrically-insulating areas (4) and, on the other hand, an electronic circuit (5) capable of measuring the electric resistance variation of the piezoresistive areas submitted to one or several forces.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: Hybrid force sensitive input devices are formed as a membrane assembly that is capable of detecting capacitive presence near the sensor surface as well as pressure inputs and varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. As a capacitive sensor, the electrical charge of a user's hand, finger or other extremity is sensed by the conductive layers of the sensor as a function of the input extremity's location and proximity to the sensor surface. As a force sensor, a user's input contact with the sensor surface is detectable when conductive elements on apposing substrates are forced into contact when input force is applied. Increasing the applied force increases the number of conductive particles making contact allowing the electrons to travel from one conductive trace on a first substrate through the contacting conductive patches to a perpendicular conductive trace on a second substrate.

Abstract: A triaxial force sensor including: a deformable membrane; a detector detecting a deformation of the membrane configured to carry out a triaxial detection of the force to be detected; and an adhesion mechanism disposed at least at one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane, configured to secure the one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane to at least one elastomer material to be acted upon by the force to be detected, and distributed uniformly at a whole of the surface of the one of the principal faces of the deformable membrane, the deformable membrane being disposed between a cavity and the elastomer material.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for measuring a shearing force upon sitting in a seat in a vehicle. The apparatus includes a shearing force sensor, a signal processor, and a monitoring device. The shearing force sensor is disposed in a compartment in a seat and senses the shearing force generated upon sitting on the seat. The signal processor filters and amplifies a signal from the shearing force sensor 10, and converts an amplified analog signal into a digital signal. The monitoring device analyzes the signal converted by the signal processor and displays the signal. As a result, the apparatus measures all directions of shearing forces generated upon sitting.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for design of a foot orthotic, and a foot orthotic device designed in accord therewith. More specifically described is an individualized foot orthotic device to correct and/or restore the ideal alignment and/or positioning of foot structures. In the method, sequential pressure is applied to regions on a plantar foot surface, and positional information is obtained about each region. Based on the positional information, an orthotic profile is determined, for design of one or more custom, individualized foot orthotic devices for a subject.

Abstract: A universal force measurement apparatus has a top plate onto which a first test object is mounted. The top plate is connected to a middle plate via a sliding member, for example a linear ball slide having a one dimensional degree of freedom. A first load cell is connected to the top plate and the middle plate, hereby preventing them from moving relative to one another in the direction of the degree of freedom of the sliding member. The mid plate is then connected to a second load cell which registers forces in the vertical direction. The second load cell is also connected to a base plate which is placed on a rigid surface. Forces from another object or media acting on the first test object will now be registered by the first and second load cells in the horizontal and vertical directions.

Abstract: A sensor equipped wheel support bearing assembly includes rolling elements interposed between double row rolling surfaces defined respectively in outer and inner members in face-to-face relation with each other. One of the inner and outer members, which serves as a stationary member, has an outer diametric surface provided with three or more sensor units. Each of the sensor units includes a strain generating member having two or more contact fixing segments, fixed to the outer diametric surface of the stationary member in contact with therewith, and one or more strain sensors fitted to the strain generating member for detecting a strain occurring in the strain generating member. A load estimating section is provided for estimating a radial load and an axial load in the wheel support bearing assembly, from respective output signals of the sensors.

Abstract: A force measurement assembly includes a first component supported by a first load measuring device and having a first measurement surface; a second component supported by a second load measuring device, spaced apart from the first component by a gap, and having a second measurement surface; and a third load measuring device operatively coupled to both the first component and the second component; wherein the first load measurement device is configured to output at least one first quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the first measurement surface, the second load measurement device is configured to output at least one second quantity that is representative of the load being applied to the second measurement surface, and the third load measuring device is configured to output at least one third quantity that is representative of a load being transferred between the first component and the second component.

Abstract: In accordance with present invention, a load flexure assembly is provided. The load cell assembly includes a plurality of load cells (i.e., two or more) connected between a top plate and a bottom plate. The top plate and bottom plate can be arranged substantially in parallel, one above the other, with the plurality of load cells coupled in between the two.

Abstract: A mobile platform with six degrees of freedom includes a static base plate, six branched chain, a dynamic moving plate and twelve fixing assembly. Each of the static base plate and the dynamic moving plate defines six spherical ball sockets. The dynamic moving plate is adjustably and movably mounted upon the static base plate. The six branched chains is adjustably assembled between the static base plate and the dynamic moving plate, enabling the dynamic moving plate to move relative to the static base plate along six degrees of freedom. Each branched chain comprises two ball heads rotatably engaged with one corresponding ball socket of the static base plate and one corresponding ball socket of the dynamic moving plate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is provided including a tube portion having a plurality of radial ribs and a strain gauge positioned over each of the plurality of radial ribs, a proximal end of the tube portion that operably couples to a shaft of a surgical instrument that operably couples to a manipulator arm of a robotic surgical system, and a distal end of the tube portion that proximally couples to a wrist joint coupled to an end effector.

Abstract: A tension measurement assembly, for measuring and monitoring a tension force in a cable being deployed from a spooling device on which the cable is spooled, comprises at least one force sensor disposed adjacent the spooling device for sensing a force applied to the spooling device and generating a force signal representing the sensed force, and a processor responsive to the force signal for calculating and monitoring a tension force present in the cable. A cable sensor engages the deployed cable for sensing a spooling/unspooling rate and a length of the cable moving past the cable sensor in a pre-determined time period and generating a spooling signal representing the sensed rate and length to the processor for use in the calculating and monitoring of the tension force.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor device (1) for measuring an axial force in the longitudinal pipe direction of a pipe (4) and/or at least one torque, having a measuring element (2) comprising an adapter connection (3) connected to the pipe by means of a flanged socket part, by means of which the pipe can be fixedly coupled to an adjustment adapter (5), wherein the axial force and the torque can be fed into the adjustment adapter and can be measured by means of strain gauges (11, 12) disposed in a sensor area (9) between the adapter connection and an end of the flanged socket part (6) opposite the adapter connection at strain gauge locations, wherein the flanged socket part having the sensor area is designed in a pipe shape, wherein the sensor area extends from the adapter connection to the end of the flanged socket part and has a smaller outer diameter than the end of the flanged socket part, wherein the end of the pipe facing the adapter connection and extending past the end of the flanged socket part towar

Abstract: A sensor assembly is provided for measuring forces and/or torques which are transmitted by means of a rigid transmitter having a first part and a second part. The sensor assembly includes a first connection, a second connection, electromechanical sensor elements, a first flange, a second flange and a plurality of struts. The first and second connections are connectable to the first and second parts of the transmitter, respectively. The electromechanical sensor elements convert mechanical parameters into electrical parameters. The first flange surrounds the first connection and originates at the first connection. The second flange is aligned substantially parallel to the first flange. The second connection is arranged on the second flange and has a first surface and a second surface. The plurality of struts are substantially perpendicular to the first flange and connect the first flange to the second flange.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for input of movements and/or registration of forces, comprising at least one light source, at least one position sensitive device (PSD) and at least one diaphragm, wherein at least one of these three elements is moveable with respect to the two other elements. The light source is arranged at a mounting so that light from the light source is emitted through an opening in the mounting and through the at least one diaphragm onto the at least one PSD.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention include systems and methods for assessing the performance of an actuator of an attitude control system (ACS), such as a control moment gyroscope (CMG). In one embodiment, a system includes a support bracket assembly coupled to an actuator, wherein the actuator is configured to generate an output torque. The system also includes at least one sensor assembly that includes a sensor configured to measure the output torque about at least one axis of the support bracket assembly while the support bracket assembly remains substantially motionless.

Abstract: A transmission for electric bicycles to detect a torque applied to a pedal crank shaft, includes a pedal crank shaft upon which the torque acts, a hollow shaft configured to connect to an output, through which the pedal crank shaft extends coaxially, and which is supported rotatably with respect to the pedal crank shaft, a sensor shaft offset in parallel with respect to the pedal crank shaft and a force sensor connected to the sensor shaft. The transmission includes a drive-side sensor transmission and an output side sensor transmission. The drive-side sensor transmission connects the pedal crank shaft to the sensor shaft and the output-side sensor transmission connects the sensor shaft to the hollow shaft, which is configured to be connected to an output, and the drive-side sensor transmission has a gear ratio which differs from the gear ratio of the output-side sensor transmission. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: An operation body is oscillatably supported by a fulcrum member. One side of the operation body is in contact with a projection of an actuator of a pressing force sensor, and a preload is applied to another side of the operation body by a compression coil spring as a preloading elastic member. By the preload, a detection output of the pressing force sensor is set at a neutral point. An operating force by which the one side of the operation body is pressed and an operating force by which the other side of the operation body is pressed can be distinctly detected with the single pressing force sensor.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel service system configured with a load roller assembly to apply a generally radial load to a vehicle wheel assembly during rotation, and which is configured with sensors to obtain one or more measurements of lateral forces associated with the vehicle wheel assembly during the loaded rotation, from which a quantified representation of lateral force for the tire of the vehicle wheel assembly is determined.

Abstract: A measuring element for measuring forces that includes a first measuring element part by which at least one force to be measured is received, a second measuring element part by which at least one force to be measured is received, the second measuring element part being spaced from the first measuring element part, and a plurality of sensors extending between the first measuring element part and the second measuring element part and configured to measure the at least one force received by the first and second measuring element parts.

Abstract: A transducer system includes a plurality of transducer elements formed on a flexible substrate with localized circuit elements and interconnects associated with each transducer element.

Abstract: A mounting system for samples and instruments for use with a measuring device such as a surface forces apparatus has a housing and a sample mount assembly positioned within the housing. The sample mount assembly has a pivot arm having a first edge and a flexing section. A spring has a first end coupled to the pivot arm. A first sample holder is coupled to the second end of the spring. A second sample holder is positioned in proximity to the first sample holder.

Abstract: The object to configure a system for measuring loads during the wheel/rail contact of rail vehicles in such a manner that the occurring forces and/or torques can be measured in a reliable and realistic manner is solved by the present invention. Between the rail foot and the measuring device, at least one elastic element is arranged which has an elasticity which simulates the elasticity of a ballast bed. By means of the measuring system according to the invention, on the one hand, realistic conditions of a track system can be simulated and, on the other, a high metrological reproducibility of a load situation can be achieved.

Abstract: The force sensor assembly has axis of measurement along an axial direction of the force sensor assembly and comprises a force ring provided with at least two sensing elements, a printed circuit board having electronic components thereon, a covering plate for holding the printed circuit board onto the force ring, and a sensor cap covering the printed circuit board and covering plate and attached to the force ring. Manufacturing is easily accomplished using stacking, fixing and welding.

Abstract: A testing apparatus and related methods are disclosed. In one embodiment, the testing apparatus may include a platform, a first plurality of cables, a second plurality of cables and a third plurality of cables, with each of the cables coupled to a respective load cell. The first plurality of cables may suspend the platform and be substantially parallel to each other. The second plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the second plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables. The third plurality of cables may be coupled to the platform, and each cable of the third plurality of cables may be substantially parallel to each other cable of the third plurality of cables, and substantially perpendicular to each cable of the first plurality of cables and the second plurality of cables.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system using ASICs for signal transmission, reception, and analysis. Incorporating structural health monitoring functionality into one or more ASICs provides a durable yet small, lightweight, low cost, and portable system that can be deployed and operated in field conditions. Such systems provide significant advantages, especially in applications such as armor structures.

Abstract: Disclosed are polymer nanocomposites that can serve as piezoresistive compositions. Also disclosed are sensors comprising the disclosed piezoresistive compositions and methods for using the disclosed sensors.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. The electrodes and the force sensitive resistive material may have multi-lobed shapes. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may have slits therethrough, and may have a defined peripheral shape.

Abstract: An article of footwear includes an upper member and a sole structure, with a sensor system connected to the sole structure. The sensor system includes a plurality of sensors that are configured for detecting forces exerted by a user's foot on the sensor. Each sensor includes two electrodes that are in communication with a force sensitive resistive material. Additionally, the sensor system may be provided on an insert that may form a sole member of the article of footwear. The insert may include an airflow system that includes one or more air chambers in communication with one or more air reservoirs through air passages extending therebetween. The insert may also have a multi-layered structure, with the airflow system provided between the layers.

Abstract: A device having a winch spool, a torque sensor that measures torque of the winch spool, a first angle sensor that detects a first angle of a winch line relative to a central axis of the winch spool, and a second angle sensor that detects a second angle of the winch line coming from a coil of line on the spool relative to a surface of the coil of line is disclosed.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a force measurement system includes a force measurement assembly, a motion base configured to displace the force measurement assembly, and an inertial compensation system configured to determine the inertial forces and/or moments resulting from the displacement of the force measurement assembly by the motion base. According to another aspect of the invention, a method for accurately determining the forces and/or moments applied to a surface of a force measurement device by a subject disposed thereon is disclosed, which includes the step of determining, by using an inertial compensation system, the inertial forces and/or moments resulting from the displacement of a force measurement assembly by a motion base. According to still another aspect of the invention, a force and/or motion measurement system having inertial compensation includes a motion acquisition system having a plurality of motion sensing devices configured to capture a subject's movement.

Abstract: A force measurement system having inertial compensation includes a force measurement assembly with at least one accelerometer configured to measure the acceleration thereof. According to one aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes at least one angular velocity sensor configured to measure the angular velocity of the force measurement assembly. According to another aspect of the invention, the force measurement system additionally includes a data processing device with a computer-readable medium loaded thereon that is configured to execute a calibration procedure for determining the inertial parameters of the force measurement assembly by utilizing the measured acceleration of the force measurement assembly while the force measurement assembly is subjected to a plurality of applied linear and/or rotational motion profiles. According to still another aspect of the invention, the at least one accelerometer is disposed on the force transducer.

Abstract: Provided is a torque sensor including a first rotating body, a second rotating body, a strain body, and a detection element. The first rotating body is rotatable around an input shaft. The second rotating body is rotatable around an output shaft. The strain body includes a first engaging portion. The first engaging portion is separated from at least one of the rotating bodies in a first direction parallel to the input shaft, a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, and a third direction around the input shaft and is capable of engaging to the at least one of the rotating bodies in the third direction. The strain body transmits a rotational torque to the third direction between the first rotating body and the second rotating body. The detection element is provided to the strain body to measure a strain of the strain body due to the rotational torque.