Responsive To Force Patents (Class 73/862.381)
  • Publication number: 20110301875
    Abstract: A bushing press-fitting inspection device that can perform an inspection in any state between the beginning of press-fitting and the end of press-fitting as to whether or not the press-fitting has been satisfactorily performed is provided. The bushing press-fitting inspection device is used in a bushing press-fitting apparatus that, using a press-fitting mechanism, supports a bushing at an end of the bushing press-fitting apparatus and that press-fits, over a certain stroke at a certain load, the bushing into a bushing press-fitting portion formed in part of a structure in a cylindrical shape that is included in a workpiece. The bushing press-fitting inspection device includes setting means, storage means, input means, judgment means, and output means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Kobe Seiko Sho (Kobe Steel, Ltd.)
    Inventors: Masami Ito, Yoshirou Kitano
  • Publication number: 20110283805
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a hydraulic jack is provided having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion attached to a first section of a structure and the second portion attached to a second section of the structure. When a pressurized fluid is forced between the first portion and the second portion, a load is transferred to the first section and the second section by the pressure of the fluid on the first portion and the second portion. The first section and the second section are forced apart by the load, thus creating or enlarging at least one void in the structure. The pressurized fluid fills or partially fills one or more of the at least one void, thereby increasing the surface area effectively normal to the direction of the load in contact with the pressurized fluid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: LOADTEST, INC.
    Inventors: JOHN A. HAYES, William G. Ryan, Nicholas K. Yankopolus
  • Publication number: 20110259126
    Abstract: An arrangement is provided for determining the oil consumption of an oil-lubricated machine. The arrangement includes an oil circuit, which leads from an oil tank via a start line to the oil-lubricated machine and back, via a return line to the oil tank, and a balance for determining the weight of oil in the oil tank. A device for heating oil is assigned to the start line in such a way that the oil is heated to a predeterminable operating temperature for the oil-lubricated machine before reaching the oil-lubricated machine. A method for determining oil consumption is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2008
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventors: Dietmar Ueberschär, Dieter Schulmeyer
  • Publication number: 20110257928
    Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism and a covering is provided. The covering is positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends from a moving segment to a reference segment and across a joint center located therebetween. Movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement of the moving segment and joint center. A system and method of measuring the movement of a moving segment is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventor: Thomas J. Cunningham
  • Publication number: 20110203391
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) for testing an aircraft pedal system (12) comprises a pedal actuation device (14) for actuating an aircraft pedal (12?, 12?), a force sensor (26) for sensing an actuation force applied to the aircraft pedal (12?, 12?) upon actuation of the aircraft pedal (12?, 12?) and for providing a signal indicative of the actuation force, a deflection sensing device (28, 30) for sensing an angular deflection of a device (12?, 12?; 13) deflected in response to the actuation of the aircraft pedal (12?, 12?), and a control unit (32) adapted to process the signals of the force sensor (26) and the deflection sensing device (28, 30) so as to generate an output indicating the angular deflection of the device (12?, 12?; 13) deflected in response to the actuation of the aircraft pedal (12?, 12?) in dependence on the actuation force applied to the aircraft pedal (12?, 12?).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH
    Inventors: Sven Knoop, Mike Galinski
  • Publication number: 20110179884
    Abstract: The invention provides a test rig for testing blades for a wind turbine, the test rig comprising a fixing structure where a root end of a wind turbine blade can be fixed, a loading mass structure extending from the fixing structure, and an actuation structure which can apply a sinusoidal force to the loading mass structure so that a counterbalanced resonance is established between the loading mass structure and a blade which is fixed in the fixing structure. Due to the counterbalanced resonance, the force from the test rig onto the floor or other building components can be reduced relative to that known from the traditional rigs for blade testing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: VESTAS WIND SYSTEMS A/S
    Inventor: Stuart Guy
  • Publication number: 20110174084
    Abstract: Charge information associated with an energy storage device may be determined from one or more kinetic responses of the energy storage device. Kinetic responses may include displacements, forces, pressures, or other kinetic properties, and changes in properties thereof. An indication device, such as a sensor, transducer, or other device, may be used to indicate kinetic responses. Charge information, measurements, or both, may be derived from indications of kinetic responses. Charging or discharging of an energy storage device may be controlled based on charge information.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2011
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: G4 SYNERGETICS, INC.
    Inventors: Jon K. West, Daniel J. West, Julius Regalado, Nelson Citta
  • Publication number: 20110175744
    Abstract: Shoe having at least one pressure sensor provided in the shoe cushioning element, as well as system components for emitting, receiving and evaluating the signals of the sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2009
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Inventors: Walter Englert, Oliver Braun, Thorsten Habel, Martin Gierich, Florian Hoeflinger, Mirko Janetzke, Christian Holzer
  • Patent number: 7975562
    Abstract: A belt force measuring device with a measuring spring, the displacement thereof being a measurement for the belt force, and with a transmitter, being assigned to the measuring spring, and with a sensor element, being also assigned to the measuring spring, wherein the displacement of measuring spring, effects a change of position of the sensor element in relation to the transmitter. The change of position is detected by the sensor element as measurement for the belt force and the belt force measuring device further has a first connecting element, connecting the measuring spring with a belt lock or a first belt section and a second connecting element, connecting the measuring spring, with a motor vehicle body or with a component of the motor vehicle body or a second belt section. To provide a belt force measuring device, being produced simply and cost effectively, the measuring spring, the first connecting element and the second connecting element are designated as a single-piece component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2011
    Assignee: Continental Automotive GmbH
    Inventor: Harry Skarpil
  • Patent number: 7971331
    Abstract: A force measuring apparatus and method for testing a spring for a surgical cartridge. The apparatus and method permit an operator to measure the force applied by the spring when it is in the state it will be in when mounted in a cartridge. Therefore, a spring that exerts an insufficient force is rejected, and a spring that exerts a sufficient force is accepted and then mounted in a cartridge. A rejected spring is ejected from a pocket in the apparatus, and an accepted spring is mounted in the cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Assignee: The Schnipke Family LLC
    Inventors: Scott J. Winkle, David B. Erhart
  • Publication number: 20110154917
    Abstract: A testing system is used to testing a flip type electronic device having a main body, and a cover. The testing system includes a fixing structure, a flipping structure, a sensing device, a rotating mechanism, and a control device. The fixing structure positions the main body. The fixing structure flips the cover until a rotation degree of the cover and the main body reaches a threshold degree. The sensing device senses is pressed by the cover when the cover automatically rotates relative to the main body and generates electrical pressure signals according to the mount of pressure. The control device controls the rotating mechanism to drive the flipping structure to rotate and judges whether the flipping performance of the electronic device is normal according to the electrical pressure signals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2010
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicants: SHENZHEN FUTAIHONG PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., FIH (HONG KONG) LIMITED
    Inventors: YING YANG, LING-YU HUANG, YAN-FENG YANG, ZHAN-WEI HUANG
  • Publication number: 20110132106
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device for testing means of detecting the loading of the secondary path of a flight control actuator of the type including a primary path and a secondary path able to take up the effort of the primary path in the event of a breakdown of the latter, wherein a tool is able to press against at least one zone of at least one element of the secondary path, as well as a lever arm which by tilting allows the tool to press against the zone so that it exerts a traction and/or compression force on the secondary path, the lever arm being mounted pivotingly on a support able to be fastened on a structure that is mechanically independent of the secondary path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 9, 2011
    Applicant: Goodrich Actuation System SAS
    Inventors: Thomas Moulon, Pierre Turpin
  • Publication number: 20110130862
    Abstract: The cable lift system provides assistance to movement of a flexibly suspended payload actuated by operator input into one or more sensing devices attached to the payload. The sensing device is configured to collect information about the typical push-pull and lift-lower motions of an operator moving the payload horizontally and/or vertically, such that the operator's input to the sensor is intuitive and is provided in a manner which is substantially transparent to the operator. The assist mechanisms included in the system are actuated by a controller processing signals received from the one or more sensing devices on the payload. Movement assistance is provided such that the manual effort required by the operator to overcome the inertia of the payload in a starting or stopping event is substantially relieved, thus minimizing the ergonomic impact of the starting and stopping events on the operator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicants: GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS, INC., Universite Laval
    Inventors: Dalong Gao, Diana Marie Wegner, Roland J. Menassa, Alexandre Lecours, Clement Gosselin, Thierry Laliberte, Simon Foucault, Vincent Duchaine
  • Publication number: 20110126641
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring the load state of a grinding system having rotating grinding elements, the dynamic forces exerted by the grinding stock on the grinding elements being detected in a first frequency range which contains the fundamental oscillation of the grinding elements, and in a second frequency range in which the first harmonic of the fundamental oscillation occurs, and measures for reducing the load state being introduced when the first harmonic exceeds a predetermined threshold value in relation to the magnitude of the fundamental oscillation. Such a method permits very reliable and accurate monitoring of the load state of the grinding system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventors: Christian Speith, Markus Berger, Franz-Josef Zurhove, Rüdiger Ostkamp, Ludger Kimmeyer, Matthias Wuwer, Pedro Guerrero Palma
  • Patent number: 7949492
    Abstract: Measuring mechanical propulsive power includes establishing a first power and a second power. The first power is associated with a first rate of energy conversion by a device in a fluid, where the device is in the wake of a self-propelled conveyance moving with respect to the fluid. The average distance between the device and self-propelled conveyance may remain substantially unchanged. The second power is associated with a second rate of energy conversion by the device in the fluid without the self-propelled conveyance, where the other physical factors are substantially similar to that associated with the first power. The difference between the first power and the second power is calculated. The mechanical propulsive power for the self-propelled conveyance is determined using mappings, where a mapping associates the difference with the mechanical propulsive power.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Southern Methodist University
    Inventors: Paul S. Krueger, Christian Naaktgeboren
  • Publication number: 20110107853
    Abstract: Included are systems and methods for determining a fill level of an inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir as a source for medicine, where the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir has a monotonically decreasing fill level. Some embodiments of a device include a stop surface designed and arranged such that the stop surface contacts the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir while the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir is filled above a predetermined level. Similarly, some embodiments of the device additionally include a release detector that generates an output signal indicative of contact between the stop surface and the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir being released and a processing unit for determining the fill level of the inflow-less flexible medicine reservoir from an output signal of the release detector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: ROCHE DIAGNOSTICS INTERNATIONAL LTD
    Inventor: Gerald Studer
  • Publication number: 20110094317
    Abstract: An apparatus for determining a seat occupancy includes a load detecting portion provided between one of a front portion and a rear portion of a seating portion of a seat for a vehicle that includes a lifting function for changing a height position of the seating portion relative to a floor for the vehicle, the seat including a seat back at the rear portion of the seating portion of the seat, the load detecting portion detecting a seating load applied to the seating portion, and a seat occupancy determining portion comparing the seating load detected by the load detecting portion with a predetermined threshold value and determining a seat occupancy state of the seat, the seat occupancy determining portion changing the threshold value based on the height position of the seating portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2010
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: AISIN SEIKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mutsuro AOYAMA, Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Kan Ichihara, Kazumasa Seo, Isao Honda, Takeshi Kuwabara, Hiroyuki Fujii
  • Patent number: 7913578
    Abstract: The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat includes a pair of fixed lower rails fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails that are engaged with the fixed lower rails so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails, a sub frame which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails, load sensors and that lie between the sub frame and the movable upper rails, brackets and which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets. The submarine pipe is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato, Harutomi Nishide, Tatsuya Yamazaki
  • Publication number: 20110067503
    Abstract: The measuring device is intended to measure forces on a bicycle pedal (1) mounted to rotate on a pedal spindle (2) fixed at the free end of a crankset crankarm (6). The device includes force sensors positioned on the pedal spindle and able to detect the force directed perpendicularly to the pedal spindle and to supply a signal dependent on the force detected, and electronic elements able to process the signals received from the sensors. Some of the electronic elements are incorporated in an electronic card (23) powered by a stand-alone energy source and to which is fixed a male connecting member (24) able to pass through a fixing hole (5) of the pedal spindle (2) on the crankarm (6) in order to cooperate with a female connecting member provided in the end of the pedal spindle. The electronic card forms with the male connecting member an easily detachable assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: LOOK CYCLE INTERNATIONAL
    Inventors: Frederic ROUDERGUES, Julien BOUCHEZ
  • Publication number: 20110067504
    Abstract: A complex sensor comprises a touch sensor and a proximity sensor. The touch sensor comprises a flexible pressure-sensitive sheet covering a fingertip portion. The pressure-sensitive sheet comprises a front surface film and a rear surface film composed of a flexible conductive material, an intermediate film which is sandwiched between the films in a state in which the intermediate film is electrically connected and which is composed of pressure-sensitive conductive rubber, and first to fourth electrode terminals formed on the front surface and rear surface films. The size of a load acting on the pressure-sensitive sheet and the center position of the load can be detected based on the terminal voltage. A through-hole is formed in the pressure-sensitive sheet such that the sensing surface of the proximity sensor is exposed, thus the approach of a holding object can be detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Harmonic Drive Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Junji Koyama, Makoto Shimojo, Yoshitomo Mizoguchi
  • Publication number: 20110056310
    Abstract: A retainer for use in measuring a force generated between a photocurable resin and a pressing member by a detector includes: a pressing member that has light transmission characteristics and is pressed to the photocurable resin; and a light irradiation block that is provided between the detector and the pressing member and irradiates light emitted from an external light source onto the pressing member in a state of being not contacting a light source and an optical transmission line including an optical fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Applicants: SHIMADZU CORPORATION, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Masaki Kaneda, Masaru Nakagawa, Akihiro Kohno
  • Publication number: 20110049264
    Abstract: A method of determining a pressure parameter of a plant sample (1) comprises the steps of subjecting the plant sample (1) to a clamp pressure (pclamp) created with a clamp device (10), measuring at least one pressure response value (pp) of the plant sample (1), which depends on the clamp pressure (Pclamp)/and determining the pressure parameter on the basis of the at least one pressure response value (pp), wherein the clamp pressure (pclamp) is adjusted, such that the plant sample (1) has a viscoelastic pressure response to the clamp pressure (pclamp). Furthermore, an apparatus (100) for determining a pressure parameter of a plant sample (1) is described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2008
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicants: Max-Planck-Gesellschaft zur Foerderung der Wissenschaften e.V., Julius-Maximilians-Universitaet Wuerzburg
    Inventors: Dirk Zimmermann, Ernst Bamberg, Ulrich Zimmermann, Markus Westhoff, Randolph Reuss, Albert Gessner, Willibald Bauer
  • Publication number: 20110049886
    Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the loading on rotor blades, especially of wind power plants with swiveling rotor blades, the loading of the rotor blades being determined by way of deformation of a bearing ring of the swiveling rotor blade takes place economically with proximity sensors, but can also take place advantageously with fiber optic sensors. With an electronic evaluation device, the deformation of the bearing ring is referenced to the loading of the rotor blade. In one advantageous embodiment, an inclinometer is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: PRUEFTECHNIK DIETER BUSCH AG
    Inventors: Edwin BECKER, Johann LOESL
  • Patent number: 7892863
    Abstract: Measuring apparatus for monitoring the position of the center of mass of a semiconductor wafer is disclosed. The apparatus includes a wafer support (14) with a ledge for supporting an edge of a wafer (2) when it is lifted at a detection point by a probe (16). The probe (16) is connected to a force sensor (18) which senses a force due to a moment of the wafer about a fulcrum (4) on the wafer support (14). Moment measurements are taken at a plurality of detection points and a processing unit calculates the position of the center of mass from the moment measurements. Changes in wafer mass distribution (e.g. due to faulty treatment steps) which cause movement of the center of mass can be detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Metryx Limited
    Inventors: Robert John Wilby, Adrian Kiermasz
  • Patent number: 7886621
    Abstract: A displacement sensor element and a haptic sensor arrangement using two or more displacement sensor elements are provided. The arrangements can be used for real-time capture of the shape of haptic deformation of the sensor arrangement. Although examples described in detail herein are primarily directed to tactile applications, the sensor can be used in the machine, robotic and medical fields where a sensor of this type can usefully be applied where only machine or computer controlled robotic elements are interacting, particularly if the machines or robotic elements are being used in human like applications but other force measurement applications are possible.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2011
    Assignee: University of South Australia
    Inventors: Ross Travers Smith, Bruce Hunter Thomas, Wayne Piekarski
  • Publication number: 20110023628
    Abstract: A side impact detection system includes a two-stage load transmitting structure that transmits to a floor tunnel, in which a side impact-detecting G sensor is provided, load caused by a side impact at a predetermined impact speed Vp in two stages having a predetermined time lag in such a manner that the load transmitted or the rate of change in the load differs between the first-stage load transmission and the second-stage load transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 25, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Tsutomu Hamabe, Koju Kurihara
  • Patent number: 7823459
    Abstract: A load detection device includes a strain generating body having first and second holes at first and second ends of the strain generating body, a strain gauge attached on the strain generating body, first and second fixing members having first and second middle shaft portion press-fitted into the first and second holes, respectively, and having first and second end shaft portions protruding from the first and second middle shaft portions, respectively, a bracket member having first fixing portion including a first fixing hole into which the first end shaft portion is press-fitted, and a second fixing portion, integrally connected to the first fixing portion and including a second fixing hole into which the second end shaft portion is inserted with a clearance therebetween, a press-fit fixing member press-fitted onto the second end shaft portion, and a connecting shaft integrally connected to the strain generating body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Aisin Seiki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Koji Ito, Hideki Kawabata, Muneto Inayoshi, Kan Ichihara, Hiroyuki Fujii, Yoshimasa Asano, Naoka Kawajiri
  • Publication number: 20100264222
    Abstract: Superstructure for a railway, wherein at least one component of the superstructure (8) has a data carrier (7) for digitally stored data readable with a reading device (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: RAIL.ONE GMBH
    Inventors: Hans Bachmann, Richard Ziegler
  • Patent number: 7806007
    Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for determining seat belt tension in a seat belt system. The apparatus includes webbing and a motor coupled to the webbing for retracting the webbing and generating a seat belt tension. When the seat belt apparatus is deployed to restrain an occupant, the tension on the seatbelt is monitored by applying a voltage to the motor to retract the webbing, measuring an electrical current during the application of the voltage, determining a maximum value of the electrical current and determining the seat belt tension based upon the maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan D. Murphy, Kevin J. Hawes
  • Publication number: 20100229655
    Abstract: A load detecting device includes a substrate, a load receiver arranged on a first face of the substrate, a load detecting element arranged between the substrate and the load receiver, and a supporting portion to support the substrate. The supporting portion is made of metal. The supporting portion is located to overlap with the load receiver in a direction approximately perpendicular to the substrate. The supporting portion has a plurality of projections contacting with a second face of the substrate opposite from the first face. The projections located adjacent to each other are distanced from each other through a trench.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Applicant: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hideyuki Hayakawa, Toshio Hosokawa, Kenji Morikawa
  • Patent number: 7793557
    Abstract: The submarine phenomenon can be prevented and the accuracy of a passenger's weight measurement is improved. A vehicle seat 1 comprises a pair of fixed lower rails 3 fixed on the floor of a passenger compartment, a pair of movable upper rails 4 which are engaged with the fixed lower rails 3 so as to be slidable in a front-and-rear direction with respect to each of the fixed lower rails 3, a sub frame 110 which is disposed at an upper side of the movable upper rails 4, load sensors 50, 60, 70, and 80 which lie between the sub frame 110 and the movable upper rails 4, brackets 8 and 9 which are disposed so as to erect them on each of the movable upper rails 4, and a submarine pipe 11 which is crossed between the brackets 8 and 9. The submarine pipe 11 is disposed to be slidable in a left-and-right direction with respect to the right bracket 9.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignees: TS Tech Co., Ltd., Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato, Harutomi Nishide, Tatsuya Yamazaki
  • Patent number: 7779705
    Abstract: An elastic joint with a translating spherical hinge, i.e. a spherical hinge with a sliding joint, comprising an elastic articulated plane (13), a support (16) to which the elastic articulated plane (13) is rigidly constrained, and an axial element (14), positioned according to an axis (11) orthogonal to the plane (13), wherein the elastic articulated plane (13) comprises a series of elastic elements (12) arranged with a first end facing and rigidly connected to the axial element (14), and wherein the elastic elements (12) are flexible in any vertical plane comprising the axis (11) and in the horizontal plane (13) to allow four degrees of freedom or, respectively, the translation of the axial element (14) in the direction of the orthogonal axis (11) and the spatial rotation as well as the torsion around the axis (11). The joint according to the invention is particularly suitable for perfecting a force and moment sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Politecnico Di Milano
    Inventors: Giampiero Mastinu, Massimiliano Gobbi
  • Patent number: 7752925
    Abstract: A seat belt assembly includes a webbing, a resistive film attached to the webbing, and a connector. The connector further includes a first contact connected to first contact point on the resistive film and a second contact connected to a second contact point on the resistive film. The electrical resistance of the film between the first contact point and the second contact point is proportional to tension applied axially to the webbing. The first contact and the second contact are electrically connected to an electrical resistance measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark A. Koors, James F. Patterson
  • Publication number: 20100171704
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object fixed relative to a frame of the device; a second object mounted in spaced relation to the first object and adapted for movement relative thereto; and a plurality of measuring cells for determining movement or displacement of the second object relative to the first object. Each measuring cell comprises a light-emitting element and a detector for detecting light from the light-emitting element. The invention provides a light shield for the optoelectronic device, the light shield comprising a plurality of channels which together define a non-planar or three-dimensional array of light beam paths between the first and second objects of the optoelectronic device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: Volker Senft, Antonio Pascucci
  • Publication number: 20100162831
    Abstract: The sensor holder has an annular portion that holds the sensors. A holding ring that is securely fitted in an inner peripheral surface of a cylinder portion constituting a cover made of metal in terms of a large tight fit is embedded in an intermediate portion of this annular portion in the axial direction. A portion of a folded portion of the holding ring in the axial direction is set in a just center position between axial positions of sensing portions of both sensors. According to this configuration, the above problem is solved by preventing such a situation that the thermal expansion or the thermal contraction yields a phase difference between the output signals of both sensors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2008
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Minoru Kubokawa, Masayuki Maruyama
  • Publication number: 20100164873
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an optoelectronic device (100) for determining relative movements or relative positions of two objects, comprising a first object (10) fixed relative to a frame (1) of the device; a second object (20) mounted in spaced relation to the first object (10) and adapted for movement relative thereto; and at least one measuring cell for determining movement or displacement of the second object (20) relative to the first object (10). In one aspect, the invention provides a stop arrangement (40) for limiting the movement or displacement of the second object relative (20) to the first object (10), wherein the stop arrangement (40) comprises a mounting part (44) to be fixed relative to the frame (1) of the optoelectronic device (100), and at least one generally elongate stop member (41) arranged laterally of and substantially rigidly connected with the mounting part (44).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventors: Volker Senft, Antonio Pascucci
  • Patent number: 7726209
    Abstract: The invention relates to a force or pressure sensor and a method for applying the same. The pressure sensor comprises a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant frame (1), a flexible diaphragm (2) secured over its peripheral rim to the frame (1), and a piezoelectric sensor diaphragm (3) applied to the surface of the flexible diaphragm (2). The sensor diaphragm (3) loading element comprises a substantially rigid, mechanical-load resistant cover (4), having its protrusion or shoulder (4a) bearing against a middle section of the flexible diaphragm (2) and thereby prestressing the flexible diaphragm (2) and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm (3) attached thereto. The frame (1) and the cover (4) define therebetween a closed, hermetically sealed housing chamber, the flexible diaphragm (2) and the piezoelectric sensor diaphragm (3) being located thereinside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Finsor Oy
    Inventor: Heikki Ruotoistenmäki
  • Patent number: 7716997
    Abstract: A sensing device is used to consolidate and time-synchronize Intensive Care Unit (ICU) or other clinical data from patient monitoring devices provided by a plurality of different vendors having proprietary event data formats. The automation of logging of events due to external forces applied to patient monitoring devices detected by the sensing device improves the timing in and completeness of nurses' notes. Furthermore, the sensing device provides an easy way to synchronize or consolidate data from multiple vendors' patient monitoring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Jennifer Healey
  • Publication number: 20100107780
    Abstract: A sensor element material web for selectively cutting an operable sensor from the web includes a sensor film. A first electrode film is disposed on a first side and includes metallic electrodes in a first repeating pattern. A second electrode film is disposed on a second side and includes a plurality of second metallic electrodes in a second repeating pattern. A dielectric film is disposed on the first or the second electrode films. The first and the second repeating patterns permit the sensor to be cut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2009
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventor: Heikki RÄISÄNEN
  • Publication number: 20100089704
    Abstract: Hydraulic valve circuitry adapted for automatic weight-responsive control of load-clamping members of a load-lifting system having a free lift mast. The load-lifting system generally includes one or more fluid power actuator for applying a gripping force to a load, at least one elongate, longitudinally-extensible fluid power lifting device having a free lift range of motion and at least one main lift range of motion, and manually operated load-clamping and load-lifting selector valves. The hydraulic valve circuitry provides, independently, weight-responsive control of the load-clamping members when lifting a load, full-time automatic weight-responsive force control of the load-clamping members without concurrent manual actuation of load-clamping or load-lifting selector valves, and equalization of sensed load weight so that the sensed load weight is substantially independent of the longitudinally-extensible position of the lifting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Applicant: Cascade Corporation
    Inventor: David W. Petronek
  • Publication number: 20100077871
    Abstract: One embodiment of a testing device is disclosed having an expansible element that expands radially outwardly upon the application of an axial force. In one form the testing device includes two bellows forming a deflection surface that expands radially outward upon the application of axial force to the testing device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventor: Jeffrey D. Stillinger
  • Publication number: 20100071482
    Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein provide novel approaches for rapidly sensing sense line cross-point interaction in a textile such as a carpet or rug.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventors: David Graumann, Mark Yarvis
  • Patent number: 7677116
    Abstract: A force sensor apparatus in a two-wheeled vehicle in which a main frame that connects a front wheel to a rear wheel is attached to at least one additional frame component for accommodating persons and belongings, has a bearing body with an integrated force sensor attachable at least in a region of a connecting point between the main frame and the at least one additional frame component and sensing forces that occur between the main frame and the at least one additional frame component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Harry Kaiser, Matthias Moerbe
  • Publication number: 20100050787
    Abstract: An anti-pinch sensor (10,13,40,45) with an associated evaluation circuit (33,48) is disclosed, which is suitable in particular for recognizing an obstacle in the way of an actuating element (e.g., 9) of a motor vehicle (1). The anti-pinch sensor (10,13,40,45) comprises a sensor body, which contains a sensing electrode (17), for generating an external electric field with respect to a counter-electrode (25), and a pressure sensor (34,34?) decoupled from the sensing electrode (17), for detecting a mechanical pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: Brose Fahrzeugteile GmbH & Co.
    Inventors: Carsten Abert, Thomas Weingaertner, Wolf-Christian Mueller, Holger Wuerstlein
  • Publication number: 20100019424
    Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate measurement of forces acting on locations connecting a subframe portion and a body portion of a vehicle, such devices and methods include mount devices having an inner member, an outer member, at least one sensor, a sleeve and an annular member. The sensor is disposed within an annular chamber formed between the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is attached to at least one of the inner member and the outer member. The sensor is configured to measure force exerted on the mount device during use of a vehicle. Vehicles including these mount devices are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Charles J. Gagliano
  • Publication number: 20090288502
    Abstract: A probe used during a total knee arthroplasty for measuring forces and locations of their points of application and thereby moments includes two load sensitive plates t to be inserted in one joint-compartment of a knee joint each and each being provided with a top surface and a bottom surface. At least two load sensors may be situated on the top surfaces and/or the bottom surface of each load sensitive plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Inventors: Denis Crottet, Ion Petros Pappas, Thomas Maeder, Caroline Jacq, Hannes Bleuler
  • Publication number: 20090271065
    Abstract: In device for side impact recognition in a vehicle, at least one pressure sensor system that produces a signal is provided in a side part of the vehicle, and an evaluation circuit is provided that recognizes a side impact as a function of the signal. In addition, a test device is provided for the at least one pressure sensor system, the at least one test device being configured such that the at least one test device oversamples the signal and then filters it in order to produce a test signal, the test device comparing the signal with a reference value and, as a function of this comparison, recognizing the operability of the at least one pressure sensor system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2007
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Matthias Wellhoefer, Boris Adam, Volker Frese
  • Publication number: 20090266180
    Abstract: A wireless microelectromechanical system (MEMS) pressure sensor with built in calibration. An actuator is coupled with a pressure sensing device to enable the pressure to be calibrated against the known pressure exerted by the actuator. The sensing component is configured to flex under the application of force to a pure bending condition, i.e., the sensing component flexes with no or insignificant shear forces in the sensing component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Applicant: Regents of the University of California
    Inventors: Qing JIANG, Harold Glick
  • Publication number: 20090199660
    Abstract: To provide a sensor incorporated wheel support bearing assembly, in which a load sensor can be compactly installed in an automotive vehicle, the load acting on the vehicle wheel can be detected with high sensitivity and the manufacturing cost can be reduced, the bearing assembly having a plurality of rows of rolling elements interposed between an outer member and an inner member includes a sensor unit fitted to one of the outer member and the inner member, which serves as a stationary member. The sensor unit includes a sensor mounting member and a strain sensor fitted thereto. The sensor mounting member has two contact fixing portions fixed to the outer member and a first contact fixing portion is fixed to a flange surface of the outer member and a second contact fixing portion is fixed to a peripheral surface of the outer member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 13, 2009
    Inventors: Takayoshi Ozaki, Tomomi Ishikawa, Kentarou Nishikawa, Toru Takahashi, Yujiro Ono, Takayuki Norimatsu
  • Publication number: 20090173170
    Abstract: An elastic joint with a translating spherical hinge, i.e. a spherical hinge with a sliding joint, comprising an elastic articulated plane (13), a support (16) to which the elastic articulated plane (13) is rigidly constrained, and an axial element (14), positioned according to an axis (11) orthogonal to the plane (13), wherein the elastic articulated plane (13) comprises a series of elastic elements (12) arranged with a first end facing and rigidly connected to the axial element (14), and wherein the elastic elements (12) are flexible in any vertical plane comprising the axis (11) and in the horizontal plane (13) to allow four degrees of freedom or, respectively, the translation of the axial element (14) in the direction of the orthogonal axis (11) and the spatial rotation as well as the torsion around the axis (11). The joint according to the invention is particularly suitable for perfecting a force and moment sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: POLITECNICO DI MILANO
    Inventors: Giampiero Mastinu, Massimiliano Gobbi