Abstract: A two-dimensional array ultrasonic probe comprises printed circuit boards, each carrying piezoelectric vibrators arranged in the form of a matrix and adapted to draw signal leads and grounding wires from the vibrators through the gaps separating the columns of the matrix. A row of vibrators are arranged in an array on each of the printed circuit boards and then the printed circuit boards carrying vibrators are arranged in the column to produce a two-dimensional array transducer.

Abstract: A uniform pressure type three-dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure includes a housing, multiple measuring rods, multiple height sensors, multiple connection support cylinders, and multiple connection pipes. The connection support cylinders are connected with the connection pipes which are connected with each other, so that the connection support cylinders and the connection pipes may form a pressure connection system. Thus, the three-dimensional pressure bearing surface measuring instrument structure may be used to the pressure distribution of the user's hip by measuring the height variation of the measuring rods, thereby forming a three-dimensional spatial curve of a constant pressure so as to make a seat cushion of a constant pressure according to the three-dimensional spatial curve, so that the seat cushion may satisfy the ergonomic design.

Abstract: There are provided a stable and highly sensitive nanometric mechanical oscillator having a considerably high detection resolution that enables detection of variation in force or mass on the nanometer order, as well as a method of fabricating the same, and a measurement apparatus using the same. A nanometric mechanical oscillator (10) includes a base (11), a tetrahedral oscillator mass (13); and an elastic neck portion (12) for connecting the base (11) and the tetrahedral oscillator mass (13). The oscillator (10) assumes a mushroom-like shape and has a nanometric size. The oscillator mass (13) assumes a tetrahedral shape and is suitable to be used as a probe of a scanning forth microscope in which the oscillator mass (13) serving as a probe is caused to approach to an arbitrary sample surface in order to observe the surface state.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure based fingerprint image capture device that includes an array of cantilevers or simply suspended bridges, with each pressure based sensor having a cantilever or a simply suspended bridge in contact with a conducting electrode that deforms under the load applied by the localized ridge on the fingerprint, and which provides contact to another conducting electrode thereby closing the electrical circuit, a switch in the simplest form, and providing a “pulse” response from the sensor. In the quiescent state, each cantilever or simply suspended bridge structure contains an upper electrode which forms one part of the switch, while another conducting layer, the lower electrode at the bottom of the well of the individual sensor, forms the other part of the switch.

Abstract: A stress composite sensor has a plurality of sensor elements each including a base plate and a stress sensor disposed thereon for delivering stress signals indicating stress in one direction alone. The sensor elements have the base plates fixed together in a common plane to form a sensor segment wherein the stress sensors are provided at intervals to provide signals indicating stress in the one direction. The stress sensors optionally each include strain gauges and in an embodiment include four strain gauges. The sensor elements are arranged in rows in an embodiment and are optionally integrally fixed together.

Abstract: A transducer sensor array for measuring forces or pressures exerted on a surface includes a lattice of individual force or pressure sensor transducer elements comprising intersecting regions of pairs of elongated, flexible threads, each consisting of a central electrically conductive wire core covered by a layer of piezoresistive material having an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure exerted on the material. The threads are arranged into two parallel planar sets, one set forming parallel spaced apart rows and the other set forming parallel spaced apart columns angled with respect to the rows. Row and column piezoresistive threads are retained in physical contact with one another at cross-over intersection points forming a lattice of piezoresistive junctions comprising individual force sensing elements, either by being bonded between a pair of thin, flexible, upper and lower laminating sheets, or by being interwoven to form a fabric mesh.

Abstract: A flexible tactile sensor, comprising a flexible distributed array of force sensors that generate electric signals in response to an applied load, a flexible, electrically-insulating matrix having outer faces, one face against the array of force sensors, and a plurality of spaced electrically conductive pathways through the matrix between its faces, with insulating matrix material between the pathways, to carry the electric signals generated by the force sensors to the other face of the matrix.

Abstract: A library of materials is screened for mechanical properties such as strength, tack or other properties. A library of materials is provided. A stimulus such as a stress or force is provided to each member of the library. A response (e.g., a strain) of each of the materials due to the stimulus is measured and the response, the stimulus or both are recorded and related to provide data. Thereafter, the data is analyzed to reach conclusions regarding properties of the material samples.

Abstract: By measuring the pressure distribution between fabricating equipment and a product formed in that equipment, and optionally the sequence in which the pressure is applied, the quality of product formation may be optimized. In an illustrated embodiment, pressure sensors are placed between a turn-up bladder and a tire apex in tire building equipment, and the pressure applied by the equipment, and the sequence of pressure application are observed and are correlated with product quality.

Abstract: A dynamically configurable ultrasound transducer element and related circuits and methods. The transducer may comprise an array of capacitive transducer elements, a row decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a column decoder coupled to said array of capacitive transducer elements, a bias voltage source coupled to said row decoder, and a driving signal source coupled to said column decoder. Preferably, a master clock also is provided to allow for a synchronization of signals between the row decoder and column decoder.

Abstract: A transducer sensor array for measuring forces or pressures exerted on a surface includes a lattice of individual force or pressure sensor transducer elements comprising intersecting regions of pairs of elongated, flexible threads, each consisting of a central electrically conductive wire core covered by a layer of piezoresistive material having an electrical resistivity which varies inversely with pressure exerted on the material. The threads are arranged into two parallel planar sets, one set forming parallel spaced apart rows and the other set forming parallel spaced apart columns angled with respect to the rows. Row and column piezoresistive threads are retained in physical contact with one another at cross-over intersection points forming a lattice of piezoresistive junctions comprising individual force sensing elements, either by being bonded between a pair of thin, flexible, upper and lower laminating sheets, or by being interwoven to form a fabric mesh.

Abstract: A load detecting device includes a plurality of load sensors which are disposed in a matrix shape and correcting means for setting at least one of the plural load sensors as a standard load sensor and for correcting level of output values of each load sensors to level of output value of the standard load sensor on the basis of the output values of each load sensors.

Abstract: This invention relates to a force measuring system capable of measuring forces associated with vehicle braking and of evaluating braking performance. The disclosure concerns an invention which comprises a first row of linearly aligned plates, a force bearing surface extending beneath and beside the plates, vertically oriented links and horizontally oriented links connecting each plate to a force bearing surface, a force measuring device in each link, a transducer coupled to each force measuring device, and a computing device coupled to receive an output signal from the transducer indicative of measured force in each force measuring device. The present invention may be used for testing vehicle brake systems.

Abstract: A base layer, which is preferably flexible, has first conductor tracks, a first insulation layer, fine structures with first electrodes, second conductor tracks and second electrodes, and finally a second insulation layer applied to it in succession. The first electrodes are connected, via plated-through holes, to associated first conductor tracks. Changes, caused by lines in the skin of a finger pad, in the stray capacitance between adjacent first and second electrodes are evaluated for recording fingerprints.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure based fingerprint image capture device that includes an array of cantilevers or simply suspended bridges, with each pressure based sensor having a cantilever or a simply suspended bridge in contact with a conducting electrode that deforms under the load applied by the localized ridge on the fingerprint, and which provides contact to another conducting electrode thereby closing the electrical circuit, a switch in the simplest form, and providing a “pulse” response from the sensor. In the quiescent state, each cantilever or simply suspended bridge structure contains an upper electrode which forms one part of the switch, while another conducting layer, the lower electrode at the bottom of the well of the individual sensor, forms the other part of the switch.

Abstract: A sensor for identifying fingerprints or other skin textures includes an array of cells each including a membrane switch. Each switch includes a fixed lower electrode disposed on a chip substrate, and a flexible membrane disposed over the lower electrode and capable of flexing downward to establish electrical contact between the lower electrode and an upper electrode. The upper electrode can form the membrane itself or a layer of the membrane, or can be attached to other membrane layers. Switches situated underneath skin ridges change state (e.g. are closed) by the applied pressure, while switches underneath skin valleys remain in their quiescent state (e.g. open). Adjacent switch chambers are connected by fluid tunnels which allow the passage of air between the chambers. Each chamber is substantially closed to the exterior of the sensor, such that particles from the environment cannot contaminate the switch contact surface defined between the switch electrodes.

Abstract: A multidirectional fatigue damage indicator is disclosed. The fatigue damage indicator is composed of a series of fatigue fuse elements welded to a semicircular assembly frames. The fuse elements have the same fatigue lifetime in each row but have different lifetime from row to row so that it may enable one to monitor the progress of fatigue damage of the structure. A series of fatigue fuse elements are welded to a semicircular assembly frame in circumferential direction and additionally in radial direction. The arrangement in circumferential direction is to cover the changing characteristics of the principal stress directions while that in radial direction is to monitor the actual progress of fatigue damage under combined cyclic loads by watching the sequential fracture of the fuse elements.

Abstract: The present invention provides contact sensors capable of determining the pressure distribution over the whole surface of each of joint units having a cylindrical shape, both end portions of which are cut at an offset angle, and constituting robot arms. In order to provide a technology enabling real-time drive control of the robot arms by using detected values from these sensors, the points of intersection of the electrodes are distributed across the whole surface of each joint by forming a pressure-sensitive sheet sensor in which column electrodes arranged in parallel, and row electrodes arranged in a wound-string shape, are combined, these joints having a cylindrical shape, both end portions of which are cut at an offset angle. In addition, by making an electrode structure that covers a prescribed width in both rows and columns, the number of signal output terminals is reduced and the operation processing load is lightened.

Abstract: The three point force sensing system includes three spaced sensor members which change in resistance linearly or monotonically over a selected range of force applied thereto. The sensor members are arranged in a triangle configuration in a flex circuit which is positioned between a brushhead and a brushhead body. The brushhead has three raised portions on a lower surface thereof which bear against the sensor members in a spring-like relationship. Electrically conductive trace lines extend from the sensor members along the length of the toothbrush to a connector at the rear end thereof. A microprocessor is used to evaluate the change of resistance as force is applied against the brushhead to determine force in the z direction against the teeth, as well as motion in the x and y direction in a plane parallel with a base portion of the brushhead.

Abstract: A load cell is provided that includes first and second sensor support assemblies. Each sensor support assembly has a rigid central hub having an end plate and a support element extending transversely from the end plate and also includes a rigid annular ring concentric with the central hub. A first mount is joined to the end plate of the first sensor support assembly, the mount being spaced apart from and extending in the same direction as the support element of the first sensor support assembly. A first plurality of sensing devices are operably coupled between the support element of the first and second sensing support assemblies and the corresponding annular rings, respectively. The end plates of the first and second sensor support assemblies are joined together.

Abstract: For sensing the relative movements of an object a force sensing unit (15) comprises a stationary supporting means (6) and a cap (150) located movable relative to said supporting means as well as a force/moment sensor (1) for sensing the three possible translational and three possible rotational movements of the cap relative to said supporting means.

Abstract: A load detection sensor unit for a bedding comprises a plurality of load detection devices and a signal processing circuit which is connectable to an external electrical unit. The signal processing circuit includes a plurality of analog switches connected to the load detection devices, a single output line connected to the analog switches, and a load resistor connected to the single output lines. The analog switches are turned on sequentially so that output signals of the load detection devices are serialized and transmitted to the external electrical unit through the single output line. The load detection devices and the signal processing circuit are formed integrally on an elastic film and connected through elastic conductors.

Abstract: A scanning system is described for a two-dimensional sensor array which uses one or more continuous layers of active sensing material. The sensing material can be selected for optimal measurement accuracy, avoiding the constraint of production requirements, for example the selection of manufacturing steps such as screen printing or individual mounting of sensors. Preferably, the sensitive areas can cover the area to be monitored in a substantially complete manner. Preferably, the scanning device for the sensor array produces an electronic rather then a physical isolation between the different sensors to be measured. Furthermore, in order to increase the scanning speed, multiple sensors may be scanned simultaneously until an active area is detected. Once detected the scan can concentrate on this area. In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, the scanning pattern of the sensor array may be changed dynamically to match the application.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing array device, particularly a fingerprint sensing array device, includes an array of sense electrodes covered by a layer of dielectric material defining a sensing surface over which, for example, a person's finger is placed in use. Grounding conductors are provided adjacent the sensing surface and extending alongside one or more edges of the sense electrodes. The material of the dielectric layer in the region of the grounding conductors at least has a non-linear I-V characteristic whereby electrostatic charges occurring in the device structure are conducted through this material to the grounding conductors. The grounding conductors may be buried in the dielectric layer and second electrodes provided on the sensing surface overlying respective sense electrodes and overlapping the grounding conductors.

Abstract: A diagnostic layer having a network of actuators and sensors may be incorporated into or on the surface of composite, metallic, and laminated materials for monitoring the structural health of the material. The diagnostic layer is adapted for detecting and measuring changes in the condition of the material, e.g., the site and extent of damage in the material. In a preferred embodiment, piezoelectric devices are embedded in the diagnostic layer in a network, and serve as actuators and sensors. Signals emitted from the sensors in response to physical deformation, either by an impact or as a result of stress waves generated by the actuators, are diagnostic of the current condition of the diagnostic layer. The diagnostic layer is also adapted to monitor the curing process of a composite material and accurately determine when curing is complete. Methods for monitoring changes in conditions of a material are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and a method of objectively assessing the functional status of a subject utilize a functional status scale to extract objective measures that are indicative of the subject's functional status. The objective measures are extracted from center-of-weight (C.O.W.) data gathered from the functional status scale when the subject is standing on the scale. These objective measures can then be used to assess the current functional status of the subject by a health care provider. The functional status scale can be remotely stationed at the subject's home, which eliminates the need for office visits, expensive home nurse visits, telephone interviews or video visits to assess the current functional status of the subject. The functional status scale includes weight sensors that are connected to a C.O.W. computer. The C.O.W. computer is configured to compute x and y coordinates of the C.O.W. from weight signals generated by the weight sensors.

Abstract: A high-resolution pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating flexible matrix having a plurality of filler particles. Application of a force to the matrix causes compression of the matrix. This results in the filler particles occupying a greater amount of space within the matrix relative to when no force is applied. A detector attached to the matrix detects or measures the volume of the filler particles relative to the volume of the matrix, and therefore determines the force applied to the matrix. Preferably, the resistivity of the matrix is inversely proportional to the volume percent of the filler particles, in which case the detector is a resistance-measuring circuit.

Abstract: For more accurate analysis of the motions of human beings and animals, two commercial measuring systems, namely a force measuring platform fitted with piezoelectric crystal sensors and a high-resolution surface pressure distribution measuring system equipped with a large number of vertical force sensors, are combined and preferentially joined by gluing to form a single measuring unit.

Abstract: A weight and form sensing apparatus according to the present invention provides weight sensors on a base, in matrix pattern for instance. Each weight sensor has a load receiving portion on a top. Weight and form can be sensed by single weight and form sensing apparatus according to the present invention. That is, output values of the weight sensors are summed, so that an article put on the weight sensors can be detected. Also, the existence of the load on each weight sensor is determined based on output signal of each weight sensor, so that the bottom form and size of the article can be identified. The weight and form sensing apparatus according to the present invention can be preferably arranged into a feeding stream of the article because an arrangement of the sensors for identifying the form and size of the article does not interfere an arrangement of the feeding mechanism for the article.

Abstract: The device comprises a rigid former reproducing the volume of a portion of the body and suitable for receiving the compressive orthosis. The former (10) incorporates a plurality of sensors (22) distributed over various points of the former and configured in such a manner as to avoid significantly modifying the surface profile of the former, the sensors essentially measuring the pressure applied locally on the former by the orthosis at the location of the sensor and perpendicularly to the surface of the former. Advantageously, at the location of the measurement point, each sensor comprises a thin wall capable of being subjected to microdeformation under the effect of the pressure applied by the orthosis, and means such as a strain gauge bridge, for example. The thin wall can constitute a portion of a support pellet which is fitted to the former in such a manner that its outside surface, which includes the thin wall, is flush with the outside surface of the former.

Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein relate to sensor/actuator devices capable of detecting and generating forces, for example, substantially simultaneously. The disclosed piezoelectric devices are capable of operating in multiple dimensions. In certain embodiments, the devices are incorporated into systems for monitoring the motion of an apparatus, such as a stylus, or for monitoring forces acting on an apparatus, such as an airplane. The detected forces may be used to reconstruct the motion of the apparatus, for recognizing handwriting, or for a variety of other purposes. The systems may further be used as actuators, for example, for controlling an apparatus or deforming a surface.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting loads applied to a surface, including a platen providing a continuous surface which is stiff relative to the loads being detected, a load receiving sheet extending over the platen surface and having an outer surface exposed to the loads, and, preferably, a layer of deformable material underlying the sheet and which is deformed when loads are applied to the sheet. A separator having regularly spaced apertures or gaps lies between the deformable layer and the platen surface, this being thin enough that loads to be measured applied to the outer surface of the sheet cause parts of the deformable layer to be pushed through the apertures or gaps into contact with the platen surface. The platen is preferably transparent, and a video camera is provided for viewing the platen surface and detecting areas where the deformable layer contacts the platen surface.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fingerprint sensor chip formed on a dielectric layer of a semiconductor wafer. The fingerprint sensor chip comprises a plurality of rectangular sensor areas arranged in a matrix format which are surrounded by conductors, a second dielectric layer covering the sensor areas and the conductors wherein the surface of the second dielectric layer positioned above each of the sensor areas is formed as a protruding rectangular platform with a shallow trench around the platform, a rectangular metal plate positioned on top of each of the rectangular platforms which is used as a sensor plate of the fingerprint sensor chip, and a protective layer positioned on the surface of the semiconductor wafer to cover and protect the underlying circuitry.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive area sensor having a two-dimensional support structure which is made up essentially of flexible strips and of several pressure-sensitive switching elements which are distributed over the area of the supporting structure, with the switching elements being connected to each other by connecting means. The pressure-sensitive switching elements are supported, at least where the supporting structure is subjected to large three-dimensional deformations, by free-standing projections of the connecting strips.

Abstract: Apparatus for sensing and/or measuring load distribution applied to a surface, having a platen providing a continuous, stiff, unapertured surface, a flexible load receiving sheet extending over the platen surface, and a layer of deformable material separating and capable of contacting both the platen surface and the load receiving sheet and which is compressed in thickness when loads are applied to the sheet. The deformable layer is provided with regularly spaced voids, for example holes or gaps, such that the deformable material bulges into these voids when compressed across its thickness. Either the platen or the load receiving sheet is transparent, and the deformable layer is viewed through a surface of the transparent member to detect reductions in the areas of the voids caused by loading of the load receiving sheet. The viewing may be done by a video camera.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring pressures exerted on human feet or horses' hooves comprises a rectangular array of piezoresistive force sensors encapsulated in a thin polymer package that is inserted into a shoe, or incorporated into a sock that may be pulled over a foot or hoof. The preferred embodiment employs novel piezoresistive normal force or pressure sensing elements which include a polymer fabric mesh impregnated with conductive particles suspended in an elastomeric vehicle, preferably silicone rubber. The piezoresistive mesh layer is sandwiched between an array of row and column conductor strip laminations, preferably made of a nylon mesh impregnated with printed metallic paths. In a variation of the basic embodiment, each normal force sensor element is bordered by laterally and longitudinally disposed pairs of shear force sensor elements, each of the latter comprising a pair of adjacent resilient piezoresistive pads that have longitudinally contacting lateral surfaces.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for spatially or temporally varying measurements of force or pressure includes a support fabric in which conductive column fibers and a line fibers are integrated and the material of the conductive fibers is chosen so that a contact resistance at a contact point between a column fiber and a line fiber is dependent on the force or pressure applied to the contact point. An electronics evaluation unit receives signals from the conductive fibers to measure the applied force or pressure.

Abstract: A triaxial force sensor using a hemispherical target supported by a compliant element such as a spring or an elastomer supported by a rigid support member. The sensor includes a plurality of ultrasonic transducers disposed in a plane at equal intervals about the target and vertically and laterally offset from the target. The transducers are oriented at an oblique angle to the plane, and aimed at the target in its rest position. The target is displaced by sufficient force applied to elastically deform the compliant element, which displacement alters the transit times of ultrasonic signals from the transducers which are reflected from the target. If at least three sensor units are employed non-colinearly, the six force-torque components, Fx, Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz, can be determined from the pulse transit times, the speed-of-sound in the medium or media between the transducers and the target, the deformation response of the compliant element, and the known geometry and spacing of the transducers.