Abstract: Device (100) for touch-sensitive characterisation of surface texture comprising at least one three-axis force sensor (104) at least partially covered by a coating structure (108) comprising at least one first part (110) placed against the sensor and at least a second part (112) placed against the first part such that the first part is arranged between the sensor and the second part, the second part comprising at least one protrusion arranged on a side opposite the first part and a shoulder arranged against a first face of the first part of the coating structure, located on the side opposite a second face of the first part placed against the sensor, the hardness of the material of the first part being lower than the hardness of the material of the second part.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a vision based robotic system. The method includes engaging a calibration pin with a robotic tool and moving the calibration pin to a calibration block that includes at least one set of optical sensors having an optical transmitter to transmit an optical beam and an optical receiver to receive the optical beam. Further, the transmitted optical beam includes a center point. The method further includes: moving the calibration pin to the center point of the transmitted optical beam; determining a calibration pin center position relative to the robotic tool; and commanding a machine vision assembly having a camera to capture an image of a plurality of camera reading points of the calibration block and to determine a camera center position.

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 6-axis force sensor includes bumper 10 with bumper axis 12 and press member 11 which has four horizontal beams 11a, 11b, 11c and 11d in a cross shape with end, side and bottom faces. Sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 on end faces sense force in one direction and sense a moment acting on opposite end faces. Sensors 41, 42, 43, and 44 on side faces sense force in a second direction transverse to the first direction and sense a moment acting on opposite side faces. A film 20 on the bottom faces has four sensors 21, 22, 23, and 24, one on each bottom face, for sensing force in a direction transverse to the first and the second directions and sensing a moment acting on opposite sensors on the film.

Abstract: A test fixture is provided for automotive wiper systems. The wiper system includes a plurality of connection points and one or more wiper arm connectors. The test fixture measures forces caused by the wiper system's operation at the plurality of connection points while a resistive torque is applied to each of the wiper arm connectors. The test fixture allows for multiple attachment configurations to accommodate the many wiper system configurations that exist.

Abstract: A system monitors dynamic forces between bearing surfaces. Based on sensed data, the system may model the forces on the bearing surfaces, analyze these forces, store data relating to these forces, and/or transmit data to an external data gathering device. The system includes a first body piece and a second body piece which mate together. The first and second body pieces comprise bearing surfaces that contact a material that may exert a force. A protrusion, such as a pole, post, or beam, extends from first body piece's bearing surface. At least one sensor is disposed on a pole. The at least one sensor detects a mechanical motion of the pole resulting from a force imposed on the body pieces, and generates data indicative of this force. A computer communicates with the at least one sensor and processes the sensed and/or modeled data.

Abstract: A force sensor 1 includes: a force sensor chip 2 including an action portion 21, a connecting portion 23 on which strain resistive elements are disposed, and a support portion 22 for supporting the action portion 21 and the connecting portion 23; an attenuator 3 including an input portion 30 to which an external force is input, a fixing portion 32 for fixing the force sensor chip 2, and a transmission portion 31 for attenuating the external force and transmitting the attenuated external force to the action portion 21; a first glass member 11 disposed between the action portion 21 and the transmission portion 31 and a second glass member 12 disposed between the support portion 22 and the fixing portion 32, through which glass members 11, 12 the force sensor chip 2 and the attenuator 3 are joined. A single or more glass beams 13 joins the first glass member 11 and the second glass member 12 together as a single member.

Abstract: A load cell includes a cylindrical ring with one end closed by a membrane configured to receive a load or force to be measured. A sensor carrier plate is arranged in a cavity formed by the ring and the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is coupled to the membrane to undergo a displacement upon deflection of the membrane. The sensor carrier plate has an inner and an outer portion and carries in the outer portion at least one sensor adapted for sensing the displacement and generating a signal based on the load or force applied to the membrane. The sensor carrier plate is movably coupled to the membrane at a location between the inner portion and the outer portion. At least one further sensor is arranged in the inner portion generating a signal changing with opposite sign with respect to the signal of the sensor.

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 are a motor vehicle drive control system, which easily detects accelerations, generated in the up and down, front and rear, and left and right of a motor vehicle body, in high degree of accuracy, and performs the stability control of a motor vehicle, and its sensor unit. Sensor units provided in four corners of the front and rear, and left and right of the motor vehicle body detect accelerations generated in X-, Y-, and Z-axis directions, and digital values of detection result are transmitted to a monitoring device as digital information via an electromagnetic wave. The monitoring device outputs this digital information to a stability control unit. The stability control unit performs the correction control of drive of a subthrottle actuator or a brake drive actuator on the basis of the acceleration values obtained.

Abstract: A force or pressure sensor and appertaining method for manufacturing are provided in which the sensor comprises a repeating conductive trace pattern that can be replicated to produce a consistent conductive trace across more than one adjacent pattern section forming an electrical bus, wherein more than one section of a series of conductive traces are printed on a thin and flexible dielectric backing using the pattern. The thin and flexible dielectric backing has a repeated pattern of conductive traces printed above the dielectric backing and one or more dielectric layers provided above the conductive traces, the dielectric layers having access regions permitting contact of conductors above the one or more dielectric layers, and a sensor conductor layer printed above the one or more dielectric layers that contacts the conductive traces via at least one of the access regions or regions not covered by the one or more dielectric layers.

Abstract: A fork lift truck has a rear-end axle provided with a measuring device to determine the axle load. To enable the axle load to be determined using simple means which are reliable in operation, at least one shearing force detector (2 or 3) or normal force detector (6) in the form of a structural component and arranged in the force flux is integrated into the axle.

Abstract: A computerized prosthesis alignment system includes a transducer that can measure socket reactions in the anterior/posterior plane and the right/left planes, while canceling or reducing the transverse forces on the measurements of these socket reactions. In addition, the transducer is also capable of determining the axial load or weight experienced by the prosthesis. The computerized prosthesis alignment system is in communication with a host computer. The moment data from the transducer is interpreted by the user via a computer interface. The host computer includes memory for storing one or more applications. These applications receive data from the transducer, interpret the data with discrete algebraic or fuzzy logic algorithms, and display the output numerically and graphically. Applications may also interpret the data to provide analyses to the user for aligning the prosthesis.

Abstract: Between an upper substrate 10 and a lower substrate 20 parallel to the XY plane, a first columnar member P1 and a second columnar member P2 are disposed. The upper end of each columnar member P1 or P2 is connected to the upper substrate 10 via an upper film portion 11 or 12, and the lower end is connected to the lower substrate 20 via a conductive lower film portion 21 or 22. The columnar members P1 and P2 are inclined mutually opposite with respect to vertical reference axes R1 and R2. When a rightward force +Fx is applied to the upper substrate 10 and the upper substrate 10 slides rightward, the columnar member P1 incline in a laying-down direction and the lower film portion 21 is deformed upward, and the columnar member P2 inclines in a rising direction and the lower film portion 22 is deformed downward.

Abstract: A force sensor with a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device includes an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system that continuously monitors pressure and force on the foot, analyzes and visualizes the pressure and force exerted on said foot in real-time. The invention measures pressure and force applied to a plurality of sensors placed in various points of an orthotic, shoe, shoe lining, insert, sock or sock type device. If the sensors detect pressure or force, the sensors send a signal to a microcomputer processor located in the shoe that subsequently analyzes and sends the data wireless to either a handheld electronic device, a personal computer, an electronic data capture system or a software program. The handheld electronic device or the personal computer then displays the data to an operator of the device or computer instantaneously; while the data capture system or program forwards the information to a handheld device and/or personal computer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for sensing a force, comprising an actuator having a conductive deformable surface, a substrate having a first conductive trace and a second conductive trace, a housing coupled to the actuator and to the substrate, holding the actuator in proximity to the substrate, and a circuit for measuring a capacitance value.

Abstract: A capacitance type sensor good in operability and less in erroneous operation is provided. Switches SW1-SW4 are formed between a displacement electrode 40 and switch electrodes E11-E14 kept at a predetermined potential and grounded switch electrodes E15-E18. Switches SW11-SW14 and SW51-SW55 are connected to respective capacitance electrodes E1-E4 that cooperate with the displacement electrode 40 to form capacitance elements. A decision circuit judges states of the switches SW1-SW4. When at least one of the switches SW1-SW4 is off, an X-axial output is calculated based on the capacitance values of the capacitance elements C1 and C2, and a Y-axial output is calculated based on the capacitance values of the capacitance elements C3 and C4. When any of the switches SW1-SW4 is on, a Z-axial output is calculated based on the sum of the capacitance values of the capacitance elements C1 to C4.

Abstract: A force sensor 1 includes: a force sensor chip 2 including an action portion 21, a connecting portion 23 on which strain resistive elements are disposed, and a support portion 22 for supporting the action portion 21 and the connecting portion 23; an attenuator 3 including an input portion 30 to which an external force is input, a fixing portion 32 for fixing the force sensor chip 2, and a transmission portion 31 for attenuating the external force and transmitting the attenuated external force to the action portion 21; a first glass member 11 disposed between the action portion 21 and the transmission portion 31 and a second glass member 12 disposed between the support portion 22 and the fixing portion 32, through which glass members 11, 12 the force sensor chip 2 and the attenuator 3 are joined. A single or more glass beams 13 joins the first glass member 11 and the second glass member 12 together as a single member.

Abstract: A sensor (100) for detecting input force and/or torque with six degrees of freedom for use as a computer input device is provided. The sensor has a technically simple detection mechanism which obviates the need for complex and fragile securing components. A user-manipulable core (106) is enclosed in a casing (109). Electrodes (114) in the casing (109) are separated from the core (106) by a layer of elastically deformable conductive polymer (108). Electric current flows between the core (106) and the electrodes (114). The polymer (108) has variable resistivity depending on the stress it experiences. Manipulation of the core (106) causes deformation of the polymer (108); the type of deformation, and hence the type of force/torque applied to core (106), is determinable from the currents flowing through the electrodes (114).

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: In a force/moment sensor for measuring at least three orthogonal loads, there are provided rod-shaped elements formed as glass fibers which have no support structure and are fixed in platforms. In one embodiment, the rod-shaped portions can form one continuous glass fiber or a small number of glass fibers, with the one or plurality of fibers being wound in an undulating configuration around a virtual cylinder. The glass fibers can be provided with a coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides the stress detection method for force sensor device with multiple axis sensor device and force sensor device employing this method, whose installation angle is arbitrary. The stress detection method includes, first and second force sensors whose detection axes are orthogonal to each other. When the detection axis of first force sensor forms angle ? with direction of detected stress Ax, and the stress component of direction perpendicular to direction of the detected stress Ax is Az, output Apx of the axis direction of first force sensor is found as Apx=?x (Ax×cos ?+Az×sin ?), and output Apz of the axis direction of the second force sensor is found as Apz=?z (Ax×sin ?+Az×cos ?), and, when ?x and ?z are detection sensitivity coefficients of first and second force sensors respectively, the detection sensitivity coefficient ?z of second force sensor is set as ?z=?x tan ?, and the detected stress Ax is found as Ax=(Apx?Apz)/?x(cos ??tan ?×sin ?).

Abstract: A low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base, an upper slide member, and at least one intermediate guide member. Also disclosed is a low profile sensor assembly for use in a vehicle occupant sensing system that comprises a base with an outer step and a receptacle, and the low profile sensor assembly also comprises an upper slide member with a lower flange and a retainer. The outer step is adapted to accept the lower flange, and the receptacle is adapted to accept the retainer. The intermediate guide member, the outer step, and the receptacle each allow the respective upper slide member to move further toward the base. Thus, when the low profile sensor assembly is incorporated into a vehicle seat assembly, the low profile sensor assembly is less likely to detrimentally affect the comfort level of the vehicle seat assembly.

Abstract: A sensor (100) for detecting input force and/or torque with six degrees of freedom for use as a computer input device is provided. The sensor has a technically simple detection mechanism which obviates the need for complex and fragile securing components. A user-manipulable core (106) is enclosed in a casing (109). Electrodes (114) in the casing (109) are separated from the core (106) by a layer of elastically deformable conductive polymer (108). Electric current flows between the core (106) and the electrodes (114). The polymer (108) has variable resistivity depending on the stress it experiences. Manipulation of the core (106) causes deformation of the polymer (108); the type of deformation, and hence the type of force/torque applied to core (106), is determinable from the currents flowing through the electrodes (114).

Abstract: A six-axis force sensor includes a pair of members, and at least three legs scatteringly disposed between the pair of members on the periphery of the members. Each leg includes a T-shaped leg consisting of a cross beam supported at both ends thereof by one of the pair of members and extending on the periphery of the member in a circumferential direction, and a vertical beam extending from the center of the cross beam to a direction perpendicular to the cross beam and connected to the other of the pair of members. The strains on the legs are detected by first single-axis-type strain gauges and second single-axis-type strain gauges.

Abstract: A sensor for a textured surface (e.g., a fingerprint) is provided. The sensor includes a flexible substrate and a flexible membrane supported above the substrate by one or more spacers. The sensor also includes multiple pressure sensor elements responsive to a separation between parts of the membrane and corresponding parts of the substrate. The membrane is conformable to the textured surface being sensed, so the variation in separation between substrate and membrane is representative of the textured surface being sensed. Such pressure sensors can be included in fingerprint authentication subsystems including associated integrated electronic circuitry (e.g., encryption, image processing, fingerprint matching, communication and/or location determination circuitry). Such subsystems can be included in various access control systems (e.g., smart cards and mobile electronics).

Abstract: A force sensor chip including a semiconductor substrate having a plurality of strain resistance elements and temperature-compensating resistance elements corresponding to the resistance elements is disclosed. The structure in the periphery of parts where the strain resistance elements, which are provided to deforming parts in the action part formed on the semiconductor substrate, are disposed is the same as the structure in the periphery of parts where the temperature-compensating resistance elements in the action part are disposed.

Abstract: A sensor for a textured surface (e.g., a fingerprint) is provided. The sensor includes a flexible substrate and a flexible membrane supported above the substrate by one or more spacers. The sensor also includes multiple pressure sensor elements responsive to a separation between parts of the membrane and corresponding parts of the substrate. The membrane is conformable to the textured surface being sensed, so the variation in separation between substrate and membrane is representative of the textured surface being sensed. A preferred sensor array arrangement has a set of parallel substrate electrodes on the substrate facing the membrane and a set of parallel membrane electrodes on the membrane facing the substrate, where the substrate and membrane electrodes are perpendicular. The sensor array is preferably an entirely passive structure including no active electrical devices, to reduce cost. Row and column addressing circuitry can be provided as separate units (e.g.

Abstract: A displacement electrode cooperates with four switch electrodes on a substrate to form respective switches SW1 to SW4. When all of the switches SW1 to SW4 are on, no X- and Y-axial outputs are activated and only a Z-axial output is activated. On the other hand, when at least one of the switches SW1 to SW4 is off, no Z-axial output is activated and only X- and Y-axial outputs are activated.

Abstract: A toothbrush includes: a handle shaped and dimensioned to be grasped by a human hand; necks coupled to the handle; bristle supports coupled to the necks; and bristles coupled to the bristle supports. The toothbrush, through the bristles coupled to the bristle supports and the necks, is configured to adapt to a dento-gingival junction and all other changing surfaces encountered during brushing to disrupt plaque. The necks provide (i) resistance above 0.35 kilograms of brushing pressure force and (ii) resiliency below 3.77 kilograms of brushing pressure force. The bristles, the necks, and the bristle supports, in combination, provide (i) resistance above 0.55 kilograms of brushing pressure force and (ii) resiliency below 3.89 kilograms of brushing pressure force.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A low-cost breakable inertial threshold sensor using mainly micro-machining silicon technology constructed on a silicon-wafer or on some other brittle material according to the MEMS process. The sensor comprises a first body portion, a second body portion, and detecting means for giving an indication if the second body portion has damaged the detecting means. The status of the sensor can be read in various ways. In one embodiment the status is remotely readable.

Abstract: A force measurement system includes an effector device with a hollow interior, an inner support secured within the hollow interior of the effector device, and at least one sensor secured at a selected location to the inner support and configured to measure a force applied to the inner support. At least one outer surface portion of the inner support is coupled with at least one interior surface portion of the effector device such that forces applied to the effector device are at least partially transferred to the inner support for measurement by the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides the stress detection method for force sensor device with multiple axis sensor device and force sensor device employing this method, whose installation angle is arbitrary. The stress detection method includes, first and second force sensors whose detection axes are orthogonal to each other. When the detection axis of first force sensor forms angle ? with direction of detected stress Ax, and the stress component of direction perpendicular to direction of the detected stress Ax is Az, output Apx of the axis direction of first force sensor is found as Apx=?x (Ax×cos ?+Az×sin ?), and output Apz of the axis direction of the second force sensor is found as Apz=?z (Ax×sin ?+Az×cos ?), and, when ?x and ?z are detection sensitivity coefficients of first and second force sensors respectively, the detection sensitivity coefficient ?z of second force sensor is set as ?z=?x tan ?, and the detected stress Ax is found as Ax=(Apx?Apz)/?x(cos ??tan ?×sin ?).

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a parameter applied to a surface is provided. The sensor includes at least one substrate layer, a plurality of individual sensor elements operatively arranged with respect to the substrate layer, and a conductive trace disposed on the substrate layer. The conductive trace is electrically coupled to an individual sensor element and wraps around at least a portion of the sensor element in a spiral-like manner. Further, by employing slits or cut-outs of material between sensor elements, a sensor element may move independent of an adjacent sensor element, thereby allowing the sensor to conform to an irregularly shaped surface or otherwise when subject to relatively large deflections. The sensor may be employed to detect force distribution of a seating surface, such as a seat cushion of a wheelchair.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, comprising a housing having two opposing measuring surfaces, to each of which there are assigned a phototransmitter and photoreceiver disposed in the interior of said housing, each measuring surface having an opening which is transparent to light of at least one wavelength and at least one of the two measuring surfaces is in the form of a dynamometer.

Abstract: Forces and moments are detected in a distinguishing manner by a simple structure. A supporting member (20) is positioned below a force receiving member (10), which receives forces to be detected, and between these components, four columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) are connected. Connecting members, having flexibility, are interposed at the upper and lower ends of each of the columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) so that the columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) can become inclined when the force receiving member (10) becomes displaced upon receiving a force. Sensors (21 to 24), each equipped with capacitance elements, are positioned at the connections parts of the respective columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) and the supporting member (20) to detect forces that are transmitted from the respective columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) to the supporting member (20).

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and moments acting on a body comprises a measuring structure (12) made up of one or more elements and provided with a plurality of connection elements or bindings (17, 18, 37) for connecting the elements of the structure (12) and/or a body (11) the stress of which one wishes to measure, such a structure (12) being statically determined or else statically non determined, such a structure (12) also being equipped with means for measuring (14), in one or more locations, the six stress magnitudes from which the force vector and moment vector acting on the body (11) can be worked out mathematically.

Abstract: Forces and moments are detected in a distinguishing manner by a simple structure. A supporting member (20) is positioned below a force receiving member (10), which receives forces to be detected, and between these components, four columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) are connected. Connecting members, having flexibility, are interposed at the upper and lower ends of each of the columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) so that the columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) can become inclined when the force receiving member (10) becomes displaced upon receiving a force. Sensors (21 to 24), each equipped with capacitance elements, are positioned at the connections parts of the respective columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) and the supporting member (20) to detect forces that are transmitted from the respective columnar force transmitting members (11 to 14) to the supporting member (20).

Abstract: A multi-axis force analyzer and data acquisition system is disclosed. Using non-invasive structure, parts to be tested are analyzed without obstructing user access or defacing the object in any way. Accordingly, the forces required to open and close a container can be accurately and easily measured.

Abstract: A vehicle testing apparatus for subjecting a vehicle to a compound force includes a support disposed in a plane for supporting the vehicle, and a mechanism coupled to the support for moving the support along at least one of three perpendicular axes. The mechanism subjects the vehicle to the compound force resulting from simultaneous movements along any combination of the axes. The mechanism includes a first platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a first axis, and a second platform constrained for rectilinear movement along a second axis, with the support preferably also being movable along a third axis. The support preferably also includes actively or passively controlled contact surfaces in all three axes with an optional trip mechanism. In addition, a first actuating device is preferably coupled to the first platform and a second actuating device is preferably coupled to the second platform.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for identifying and categorizing the weight and characteristics of the occupant currently occupying a vehicle seat. The method for identifying and categorizing the occupant or object involves measuring the deflection of the upper surface of the seat cushion at one or more points due to compression of the cushion produced by the weight distribution of the occupant. The system contains multiple sensor/emitter pairs for detecting the deflection. The system also includes a sensor to measure ambient temperature, preferably for temperature compensation due to the effects extreme temperatures may have on the compression properties of the seat cushion material and sensor/emitter pairs. A system processor interprets the data acquired by the sensors, and utilizes an algorithm and training tables to output a control signal indicative of the categorization of the occupant or object.

Abstract: In a capacitance type sensor of the present invention, a capacitance element is constituted between a displacement electrode and a capacitance element electrode. A return-switch movable electrode is arranged above and spaced from the displacement electrode, to be placed in contact with the displaying electrode due to a displacement of a direction button. When the direction button is operated, the return-switch movable electrode is first displaced into contact with the displacement electrode. Then, the both make a displacement while keeping a contact state. When the displacement electrode is displaced to change the spacing to the capacitance element electrode, changed is the capacitance value of the capacitance element. Based on this change, a force is recognized. Herein, in the course of a transit from a state the displacement electrode and the return-switch electrode are not in contact to a state of their contact, the output signal varies necessarily beyond a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A movable switch electrode (E21) which is contactable with a capacitance element electrode (E1) formed on a substrate (20) and is spaced apart from a fixed switch electrode (E11) formed in an interior of the capacitance element electrode (E1) and having a domed form to cover the fixed switch electrode (E11) is set in place. When a detective member (30) is operated and a force applied from a displacement electrode (40) to the movable switch electrode (E21) reaches a specified value, the movable switch electrode (E21) is elastically deformed and depressed drastically with buckling at the nearly top portion thereof and is brought into contact with the fixed switch electrode (E11). This brings the switch into the ON-state. At this time, an operator is given a pronounced click feeling.

Abstract: Forces and moments are detected in a distinguishing manner by a simple structure. A supporting member (20) is positioned below a force receiving member (10), which receives forces to be detected, and between these components, at least two columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) are connected. Connecting members having flexibility are interposed at the upper and lower ends of each of columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) so that columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) can become inclined when force receiving member (10) becomes displaced upon receiving a force. Sensors (21, 22) are positioned at the respective connection parts of columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) and supporting member (20) to detect forces that are transmitted from the respective columnar force transmitting members (11, 12) to supporting member (20).

Abstract: A capacitance element electrode (E1) and a reference electrode (E31) are formed on a substrate (20) so as to be opposite to a displacement electrode (40). A dome-shaped movable switch electrode (E21) is disposed so as to be in contact with the reference electrode (E31) and at a distance from a fixed switch electrode (E11) formed inside the reference electrode (E31), and to cover the fixed switch electrode (E11). When an operation is applied to a detective member (30) and a portion of the movable switch electrode (E21) in the vicinity of its top is displaced to be brought into contact with fixed switch electrode (E11), a switch is turned ON. On the other hand, from a change in capacitance value of a capacitance element (C1) formed between the displacement electrode (40) and the capacitance element electrode (E1), the intensity of the force to the detective member (30) can be recognized.

Abstract: An electrode layer is formed on the upper surface of a first substrate, and a processing for partially removing the substrate is carried out in order to allow the substrate to have flexibility. To the lower surface of the first substrate, a second substrate is connected. Then, by cutting the second substrate, a working body and a pedestal are formed. On the other hand, a groove is formed on a third substrate. An electrode layer is formed on the bottom surface of the groove. The third substrate is connected to the first substrate so that both the electrodes face to each other with a predetermined spacing therebetween. Finally, the first, second and third substrates are cut off every respective unit regions to form independent sensors, respectively. When an acceleration is exerted on the working body, the first substrate bends. As a result, the distance between both the electrodes changes. Thus, an acceleration exerted is detected by changes in an electrostatic capacitance between both the electrodes.

Abstract: High precision apparatus is described which can be arranged and used in the form of manipulators, actuators, position transducers or force transducers, having four to six degrees of freedom. A movable platform (2), to which the object (3) subjected to movements or forces is fixed, is connected to a base (1) of the apparatus by six links in parallel. These links comprise articulated kinematic units (11-16) each comprising a deformable parallelogram and an articulated transmission device connecting the parallelogram to the platform (2). The parallelogram is associated with a position sensor and an electromagnetic transducer, such as a linear motor.

Abstract: The invention provides a force detector in which power consumption is suppressed. Four electrodes (E11-E14) are formed on a substrate, and an elastic deformable body formed of a ruber film is disposed thereon. A conductive coating is applied on the lower surface of the elastic deformable body to provide a displacing conductive layer (26). Four capacitance elements (C11-C14) are comprised by the electrodes (E11-E14) and the displacing conductive layer (26) opposed to the electrodes. The capacitance values thereof are converted into voltage values (V11-V14) by C/V converter circuit (50), and based on operation by signal processing circuit (60), an external force applied to the elastic deformable body is detected. A pair of contacting electrodes (E15) and (E16) are formed on the substrate, and when an external force with a predetermined strength or more is applied, the elastic deformable body deforms, and the displacing conductive layer (26) comes into contact with both electrodes (E15) and (E16).