Abstract: A tool driver for use in robotic surgery includes a base configured to couple to a distal end of a robotic arm, and a tool carriage slidingly engaged with the base and configured to receive a surgical tool. In one variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of linear axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. In another variation, the tool carriage may include a plurality of rotary axis drives configured to actuate one or more articulated movements of the surgical tool. Various sensors, such as a capacitive load cell for measuring axial load, a position sensor for measuring linear position of the guide based on the rotational positions of gears in a gear transmission, and/or a capacitive torque sensor based on differential capacitance, may be included in the tool driver.

Abstract: A force sensor includes a force receiver which receives a force or a moment that acts on a detection target part, and a strain element which is provided to a sensor base and which serves as an elastic support that supports the force receiver. The force sensor includes two systems of detecting sections which each independently detect strain of four beam parts of the strain element, two systems of computing circuits which each independently compute, on the basis of a detection result that has been outputted from a corresponding one of the two systems of detecting sections, the force or the moment that acts on the detection target part, and two systems of output sections which each independently output, as an electrical signal, a computation result that has been outputted from a corresponding one of the two systems of computing circuits.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suspendable scale for weighing a bundle, comprising: a first part for suspending the scale from a structure; a second part for suspending an implement from the scale; a third part joining the first part and second part, the first part, second part, third part being at least partly radially nesting relative to one another; at least two strain gauges connected to the third part; a wireless transmitter for sending the measurement data to an operator; a self-powered power supply for feeding an electric current to the strain gauges and the wireless transmitter; a first space formed in the scale to integrate the wireless transmitter inside the scale; and a second space to integrate the power supply inside the scale. The invention also relates to an arrangement for hoisting a bundle.

Abstract: In a direct-ink-writing (DIW) method for printing a strain gauge array circuit, several insulating strips are printed on the upper layer of the first circuit layer after the first circuit layer has been printed and cured, and the second circuit layer is then printed at the insulating strips. The functional layer of a strain gauge is printed and covered thereon without contacting the insulating strips; the head and tail electrodes of the functional layer are respectively connected to two layers of circuit layers; and finally, a layer of insulating material is printed for encapsulation. DIW is used to complete the whole printing. A new insulating method is used in a cross part of two silver lines of a row-column compound circuit. The local glue dispensing is changed to printing the insulating strips in routing regions, and ensures the strain transmission efficiency from the strain gauge substrate to the functional layer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to monitor the weight of a silo or tank is disclosed. The system is adapted to be attached to a leg of the silo and comprises a load cell, a support member anchored to the ground and a lifting device attached to the load cell and to the support member. The load cell comprises two extremities that are attached to the silo leg and comprises an aperture there between. The aperture is preferably threaded to receive the lifting device, such as a bolt. The bolt is rotated using a tool as to induce a movement of the load cell along the axis of the bolt thereby lifting the load cell and the attached silo leg. Strain gauges are attached to the load cell to measure the variation in an electric or optical signal that is translated in human readable data using a monitoring device.

Abstract: A roller bearing includes an outer ring, an inner ring, at least one row of rollers arranged between the outer ring and the inner ring, and at least one optical fiber cable mounted to the outer ring or the inner ring, the optical fiber cable including at least one Bragg grating. The optical fiber cable is configured such that a signal in the optical fiber cable is usable to determine a preload or load on the roller bearing.

Abstract: A torque-sensor strain beam structure and a torque sensor are provided. The torque-sensor strain beam structure comprises an external ring, a connecting hub and at least two strain beams. The external ring has a first joint. The connecting hub is located in the external ring and arranged coaxially with the external ring. The connecting hub has a second joint. A first end of each of the at least two strain beams is fixedly connected to an inner wall of the external ring and a second end of each of the at least two strain beams is fixedly connected to the connecting hub. A strain grid is provided on each of the at least two strain beams. A load inputting point is located at the first joint or the second joint. Arrangement of the torque-sensor strain beam structure allows the torque sensor to have smaller volume while having higher measurement sensitivity.

Abstract: A torque sensor assembly is used with a driveline component. The torque sensor assembly includes a holder, a sleeve, and at least one strain sensor. The holder includes a side wall that has a holder outer surface and a holder inner surface. The holder outer surface is corresponding to and attached to an aperture of the driveline component. The sleeve is corresponding to and attached to the holder inner surface. The strain sensor is attached to a sleeve inner surface of the sleeve and used to sense a strain in the driveline component.

Abstract: A torque transducer for mounting a motor includes a mounting flange, a motor flange, a body, and a strain gauge. The mounting flange is configured to secure the torque transducer to a fixed structure. The motor flange is configured to secure to a motor. The body interconnects the mounting and motor flanges. The body defines a channel about a longitudinal axis of the body and is configured to flex in response to the mounting flange and the motor flange rotating relative to one another in response to torque of the motor. The strain gauge is positioned on the body to measure flexation of the body.

Abstract: A highly accurate torque sensor is provided by reducing the size of the shape. A torque sensor comprises a fourth structure and a fifth structure provided between a first structure and a second structure, a first strain sensor provided on the fourth structure, and a second strain sensor provided on the fifth structure. Each of the fourth structure and the fifth structure comprises a first connection section connected to one end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, a second connection section connected to the other end of the first strain sensor or the second strain sensor, and a third connection section and a fourth connection section provided between the first connection section and the second connection section and possessing stiffness lower than the first connection section and the second connection section.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a housing; and a lead frame comprising at least three elongated leads having an exterior portion extending from the housing; and a magnetic sensor circuit disposed in the housing, and connected to the lead frame. The housing comprises two recesses arranged on two opposite sides of the housing for allowing the sensor to be mounted to a support. The lead frame may further comprise a plurality of tabs disposed between the elongated leads, for use as test pins. A component assembly comprising said sensor mounted on a support between deformable protrusions. A method of making said component assembly, comprising the step of positioning said component on the support between said protrusions, and deforming said protrusions such that they are at least partially disposed within the recesses.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a base, a first arm coupled to the base and configured to turn around a first axis, a second arm coupled to the first arm and configured to turn around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a third arm coupled to the second arm and configured to turn around a third axis parallel to the first axis and move along the third axis, a motor provided in the second arm and configured to drive the third arm, and a force detecting section provided between the motor and the second arm and configured to detect reaction generated by driving the motor.

Abstract: In a particular embodiment, a force sensor apparatus is disclosed that includes a force-compliant element that deforms in response to forces applied to the force sensor apparatus. The apparatus also includes a sensing element coupled to the force-compliant element and is configured to generate a signal indicating the degree that the force-compliant element deforms in response to the applications of forces to the force sensor apparatus. In this embodiment, the apparatus also includes a printed circuit board configured to receive the signal from the sensing element and a support structure having a surface on which the printed circuit board is coupled. The support structure has an outer rim that is attached to the force-compliant element. The apparatus also includes a sensor housing that covers the printed circuit board. The sensor housing has an outer rim attached to the force-compliant element.

Abstract: A horizontal articulated robot includes a base; a first arm coupled to the base and configured to turn around a first axis, a second arm coupled to the first arm and configured to turn around a second axis parallel to the first axis, a third arm coupled to the second arm and configured to turn around a third axis parallel to the first axis and move along the third axis, a supporting section provided in the second arm and configured to support the third arm, and a force detecting section provided between the second arm and the supporting section and configured to detect force applied to the third arm.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a torque sensor and power control actuator that are reduced in size and are capable of detecting torque with high accuracy. [Solution] The torque sensor includes: a first rotating body capable of making axial rotation about an input axis; a second rotating body capable of making axial rotation about an output axis; a strain generation part provided between the first rotating body and the second rotating body, having a first surface facing one side in a first direction parallel to the input axis and a second surface facing the other side in the first direction, and configured to transfer rotation torque while generating a strain between the first rotating body and the second rotating body; and a plurality of strain detection parts provided on the first surface and the second surface, respectively, to detect a strain of the strain generation part.

Abstract: A robot system includes a robot, a sensor, and a processor. The sensor is configured to detect an external force acting on the robot. The processor is configured to move the robot in a forward direction such that a representative point of the robot moves along a motion track in the forward direction; move the robot in a reverse direction such that the representative point moves along the motion track in the reverse direction opposite to the forward direction when the external force satisfies a first condition which includes a condition that the external force is larger than a first threshold force; and move the robot to reduce the external force when the external force satisfies a second condition which includes a condition that the external force is larger than a second threshold force even after the robot has been moved in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A force/torque sensor includes a plurality of serpentine or spiral deformable beams connecting a TAP and MAP. These classes of shapes increase the overall length of the deformable beams, which reduces their stiffness. In addition to the deformable beams is a plurality of straight overload beams, each connected at a first end to one of the TAP and MAP, and separated from the other of the TAP and MAP at the second end by an overload gap of a predetermined width. Over a first range of forces and torques, strain gages on the deformable beams transduce compressive and tensile strains into electrical signals, which are processed to resolve the forces and torques. Over a second range of forces and torques greater than the first range, the overload beams close the overload gap, establishing rigid contact to both the TAP and MAP. The stiffness of the sensor in the second range of forces and torques is greater than over the first range.

Abstract: A multi-axis force sensor including a central portion, an outer ring portion, and at least one sensing portion disposed along an axial direction of an axis is provided. The sensing portion includes a first and a second elements connected with each other, and at least one first and at least one second strain gauges. A first end surface of the first element is connected to the central portion, and a second end surface of the second element is connected to the outer ring portion. A normal vector of the first end surface is parallel to the axis and the axis passes through a centroid of the first end surface. When the first end surface is subjected to an axial force, a first strain of a first sensing region of the first element in the axial direction is smaller than a second strain of a second sensing region of the second element in the axial direction.

Abstract: A load cell for installing in a weighing foot is described with a spring body, a measuring transducer for generating an output signal corresponding to a weight acting on the force introduction element, and an external interface connected to the measuring transducer. The spring body can have an outer support ring, a force introduction element, and an annular deformation section, the support ring and the force introduction element being connected with the annular deformation section. The external interface can output the output signal generated by the measuring transducer to an external device. The external interface for the external output of the output signal is provided at the force introduction element.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a force sensor apparatus that is immune to noise from arcing cautery without relying on fiber optic strain gauges, and that is autoclabable. The surgical instrument includes a housing, a shaft, the force sensor apparatus, a joint, and an end component. The force sensor apparatus includes at least one strain gauge that is enclosed in a Faraday cage. The Faraday cage includes a sensor capsule that includes one or more strain gauges, a cable shield tube connected to the sensor capsule, and an electronics enclosure connected to the cable shield tube. The sensor capsule is positioned between the joint and the shaft. The cable shield tube extends through the shaft to the electronics enclosure that is within the housing.

Abstract: A lithographic apparatus comprising a support structure constructed to support a patterning device and associated pellicle, the patterning device being capable of imparting the radiation beam with a pattern in its cross-section to form a patterned radiation beam, and a projection system configured to project the patterned radiation beam onto a target portion of a substrate, wherein the support structure is located in a housing and wherein pressure sensors are located in the housing.

Abstract: Power transmitted from a cyclist to a bicycle through crank arms is indirectly measured by performing calculations on direct physical measurements. The direct physical measurements are taken from sensors that can be non-rotationally coupled to the frame of the bicycle. The sensors can be integrated into the frame or installed as a module within a standard, unmodified bicycle bottom bracket. Measured power can be viewed by the cyclist using a wirelessly connected user interface device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a display panel, a control method and a display device, which relate to the field of force touch display technologies, and can improve sensitivity of the force sensing unit. The display panel includes: a plurality of force sensing branches connected in parallel; a plurality of force sensing unit sets corresponding to the plurality of force sensing branches; and a plurality of switch units corresponding to the plurality of force sensing branches; wherein each of the force sensing unit sets includes one or more force sensing unit, each force sensing unit includes two input ends, the input ends of the force sensing units in each of the force sensing unit sets are mutually connected in series or in parallel in a corresponding force sensing branch; and wherein the switch units are arranged in a corresponding one force sensing branches in series.

Abstract: A displacement measurement device includes a first structure, a second structure, and a coupling portion configured to couple the first structure with the second structure. The first structure includes a first sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to displacement between a first attachment portion of the first structure and a second attachment portion of the second structure in the at least one first direction. The second structure includes a second sensor configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to displacement between the first attachment portion and the second attachment portion in the at least one second direction.

Abstract: The invention concerns an operator assembly having a tubular housing extending along a central axis (X1) and a transmission mechanism arranged in an inner bore of the housing and extending along the central axis (X1). The transmission mechanism providing a screw with a threaded outer surface and a nut with a threaded inner surface. The nut is radially mounted around the screw and the inner thread is configured to cooperate with outer thread. The operator assembly further provides angular contact bearings that are radially arranged between the inner bore of the housing and an outer surface of the rotating nut to support in rotation and guide the nut within the housing. The angular contact bearings are axially adjacent and are disposed within an angular contact ball bearing and an angular contact roller bearing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a component with a material recess and a measuring element comprising at least one sensor which is inserted with a positive fit in the material recess. This sensor is arranged in such a manner in or on the measuring element such that the measuring direction of the sensor essentially corresponds to the action line of the contact angle.

Abstract: A strain gauge nozzle adapter that may be placed between a barrel end cap and a nozzle body of an injection molding system, the strain gauge nozzle adapter having a strain gauge pin that measures strain within the strain gauge nozzle adapter for use in approximating conditions within an injection molding system, such as pressure or the location of a melt flow front. The strain gauge nozzle adapter may include a plurality of strain gauge pins. An alternative material insert in the strain gauge nozzle adapter may surround a strain gauge pin to amplify meaningful measurements obtained by the strain gauge pin so that noise measurements do not compromise the accuracy of approximation of conditions within a mold.

Abstract: A force/torque sensor includes a number n of deformable beams connecting the TAP to the MAP, wherein n?4. At least four of the n deformable beams are instrumented with strain gages affixed to surfaces of the beams, such that each beam outputs two gage signals. The eight gage signals are grouped into four sets of six gage signals, such that each set includes the gage signals from three of the four instrumented beams. Each set of six gage signals is multiplied by a calibration matrix to yield a set of six force and torque values. The four sets of force and torque values are compared. If one set disagrees with the other three by greater than a predetermined tolerance, a sensor fault is signaled.

Abstract: An example device includes a flexural element, a bendable carrier element, and a plurality of strain gages. The flexural element includes a plurality of surfaces, such as a planar surface and a perimeter surface. The bendable carrier element is shaped in order to conform to the plurality of surfaces of the flexural element when the carrier element is bent around the flexural element. The plurality of strain gages are attached to the carrier element when the carrier element is flat. Furthermore, the plurality of strain gages are positioned along the plurality of surfaces of the flexural element when the carrier element is bent around the flexural element to conform to the plurality of surfaces of the flexural element and the carrier element is attached to the flexural element.

Abstract: A pressure-sensitive safety device for monitoring a technical installation, includes a sensor having first and second sensor cells, and first, second and third electrodes for making contact with the first and the second sensor cells. A pressure-sensitive material within the first and second sensor cells is configured, under local loading, to change an electrical property of the cells at the site of loading. An evaluation unit provides an output signal depending on an actuation of the first and second sensor cells. The first and second electrodes are connected to the first and second sensor cells, respectively, and the third electrode is connected to both the first and the second sensor cells. The first, second and third electrodes are connected to the evaluation unit by a first sequentialization element, and to a defined first potential by a second sequentialization element.

Abstract: A sensor system is adapted for use with an article of footwear and includes an insert member including a first layer and a second layer, a port connected to the insert and configured for communication with an electronic module, a plurality of force and/or pressure sensors on the insert member, and a plurality of leads connecting the sensors to the port.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a wheel force transducer mountable on a rotatable wheel in a machine, where the wheel force transducer includes an inner flange configured to be connected to an axle shaft of the machine, an outer flange configured to be connected to the wheel of the machine, a tube connected to the inner flange on one end and connected to the outer flange on the other end; and at least one force sensor mounted on the tube, where at least one force sensor is configured to provide data for at least one of the forces and moments subjected to the wheel.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a pressure transducer encapsulated in an elastic material that defines a contact surface and provides a transmission path that transmits contact forces or pressure distributions applied to the contact surface to the pressure transducer. The pressure transducer can be enclosed in a protective housing that defines a chamber around the transducer. The housing can include one or more openings that expose the chamber to the exterior pressure. The tactile sensor can be made by applying the elastic material in liquid form and exposing the housing to a vacuum that removes air inside the chamber allowing the liquid elastic material to flow into the chamber. Once cured, the elastic material defines a contact surface of the tactile sensor and serves to transfer contact forces applied to the contact surface to the transducer.

Abstract: The mechanical load on a rolling element bearing is determined from the deformation of the rolling element bearing. The local deformation caused by the rolling contact forces is used to determine an average contribution to the mechanical load in order to average out the effect on the deformation as a result of the spread in diameter of the rolling elements of the bearing. The global deformation of the rolling element bearing is determined to calculate a dynamic contribution to the mechanical load. The dynamic contribution takes into account the variations of the mechanical load on the relevant time-scales that have been omitted from the average contribution as a result of the averaging operation. The total mechanical load is the sum of the average contribution and the dynamic contribution.

Abstract: A device and a method are disclosed for measuring sectional forces on a single-piece structural element in respect of a sectional plane by strain gauges, wherein a first and a second strain gauge of the plurality of strain gauges are arranged on a first outer wall, and a third and a fourth strain gauge are arranged on a second outer wall, with the result that, when the structural element is loaded with a first force, the change in length of the first and third strain gauges is opposite to the change in length of the second and fourth strain gauges, wherein the first outer wall and the second outer wall have, in the region of a cavity, at least three openings, which are separated from each other by webs, and wherein the first, second, third and fourth strain gauges are arranged on the webs.

Abstract: A multi-component force and moment sensor includes a mounting assembly and a conducting assembly. The mounting assembly includes an upper cover and a lower cover coupled to the upper cover. The upper cover defines four concave portions. The lower cover defines four concave portions. The conducting assembly includes a cross beam and a plurality of sensors. The cross beam is positioned between the upper cover and the lower cover. The cross beam has four arms. Each arm is received in each concave portion of the upper cover and each concave portion of the lower cover. Each arm has four sidewalls. Each sidewall is inclined to a reference plane. Each sensor is attached to one of the sidewalls of each arm.

Abstract: A device and a method for calibrating load sensors which are provided at least one load cross-section of an aerofoil or control surface of an aircraft, the load sensors being calibrated on the basis of load coefficients (?i) of the load sensors, which load coefficients a calculation unit calculates by evaluating a linear system of equations formed by means of mechanical loading of the aerofoil or control surface.

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 readout apparatus and a driving method for sensor are provided. The readout apparatus includes an adjustable bias unit, a sensor unit, a signal converting unit, a checking unit and a control unit. The sensor unit senses physical energy and outputs a sensing result by using a bias voltage outputted from the adjustable bias unit. The control unit controls the adjustable bias unit according to the sensing result, so as to adjust the bias voltage. Therefore, the readout apparatus can reduce continuous power loss caused by long-term detection.

Abstract: A sensor element for use in a backing sensor to monitor a gas turbine shaft. The sensor includes an oscillator circuit 30 having an oscillator and a resonance circuit 42, and a frequency detector 31 for monitoring the frequency of the oscillation circuit. Abnormal movement of the shaft cuts the circuit in the sensor along a cutting line (15). The cutting of the sensor changes the capacitance and/or inductance of the resonance circuit and thereby changes the frequency of oscillation.

Abstract: A force/moment sensor for measurement of three orthogonal forces and three orthogonal moments, comprises an inner holding element which is surrounded by an outer holding element. The two holding elements are connected to each other by deformation elements. For each deformation element, at least one deformation transducer is provided. The force/moment sensor is preferably monolithic, and the deformation transducers, formed as strain gauges, are preferably arranged in one plane or in two preferably parallel planes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force torque sensor, a force torque sensor frame, and a force torque measurement method. The force torque sensor includes a central hub, a plurality of beams each having one side connected to the hub, and a rim connected to the other side of each beam to surround the hub and the plurality of beams. The force torque measurement method includes: a step of forming a gradient shape in a longitudinal direction thereof so that a section is provided in which a strain rate on each of the beams due to a force or torque is maintained within a predetermined value; and a step of measuring a strain rate in X-axis, Y-axis, or Z-axis directions after a strain gauge is attached to a corresponding section. Thus, a measurement center of the strain gauge may be positioned within a predetermined section.

Abstract: A pressing force sensor that includes an expandable and contractible film, pressing force detecting resistor membranes formed on a portion of a main surface of the film, and a support disposed along the main surface of the film. The support is provided with recesses or holes with openings located in areas where the pressing force detecting resistor membranes on the main surface of the film are located. In the pressing force sensor, when a pressing force is exerted on the main surface of the film, the film is expanded with a pressing force detecting resistor membrane. As a result, the pressing force detecting resistor membrane is deformed, and a change in resistance value of the pressing force detecting resistor membrane corresponding to the deformation is detected.

Abstract: A load transducer includes a central body portion; a plurality of beams extending outwardly from the central body portion, each of the plurality of beams including an end portion that is supported in a cantilevered manner from the central body portion; and a plurality of load cells, each of the load cells being disposed on one of the beams, the plurality of load cells configured to measure a plurality of force and/or moment components. In addition to being very accurate and reliable, the load transducer has a low profile and small size. This invention is easily manufactured using strain gage technology.

Abstract: [Object] To provide a low-cost, compact, high-precision axial force sensor. [Solution] The axial force sensor is configured including a pair of pressing plates (12) and a strain gauge (14) arranged in parallel, and sandwiching the strain gauge (14) with the pair of pressing plates (14). The strain gauge (14) includes a plurality of sensitive elements consisting of resistors, and is provided with a spacer (16) that transmits a pressing force from the pair of pressing plates (12) to at least one of the plurality of sensitive elements and blocks the pressing force with respect to the rest of the sensitive elements. The spacer (16) is formed in a ring shape, and has a plurality of opening portions formed at constant angular intervals. On the strain gauge, the sensitive elements are provided at the positions of the opening portions and positions therebetween.

Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a bending beam sensor coupled to a touch input device. The method includes providing a bending beam. The method also includes placing a first strain gauge and a second strain gauge on a surface of the beam near a first end of the beam, and aligning the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge with the beam along an axis. The first end is attached to a base. The method further includes coupling the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge to a plate of the touch input device and electrically connecting the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge such that a differential signal is obtained from the first strain gauge and the second strain gauge when a load is applied on the plate of the touch input device.

Abstract: A wheel support bearing assembly, including rolling elements interposed between raceway surfaces of an outer member and an inner member, one of the members serving as a stationary member, a plurality of sensor units, each including a strain generator member having at least two fixation contact segments and at least two sensors mounted on the strain generator member to sense strain in the strain generator member. The strain generator members are formed of a single band-shaped strain generator body continuously joining the plurality of sensor units. The at least two fixation contact segments are arranged at the same axial positions and spaced from each other along a circumferential direction of an outer diametric surface of the stationary member. Load on the wheel support bearing assembly is estimated by an estimator based on output signals of the at least two sensors.

Abstract: A tongue weight donut scale includes a tongue weight donut scale body having an upper planar surface, a lower planar surface, and a central opening having an inner diameter, a weight sensor coupled to the tongue weight donut scale body and generating a signal representative of a weight on the tongue weight donut scale, an indicator box converting the signal from the weight sensor into a weight value and providing a weight value output, and a display window displaying the weight value output. The tongue weight donut scale detects the tongue weight of a trailer attached to a trailer hitch ball, when the tongue weight donut scale is installed between the base of the trailer hitch ball and the ball support of a trailer hitch.

Abstract: A load transducer includes a central body portion; a plurality of beams extending outwardly from the central body portion, each of the plurality of beams including an end portion that is supported in a cantilevered manner from the central body portion; and a plurality of load cells, each of the load cells being disposed on one of the beams, the plurality of load cells configured to measure a plurality of force and/or moment components. In addition to being very accurate and reliable, the load transducer has a low profile and small size. This invention is easily manufactured using strain gage technology.

Abstract: A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.