Abstract: The present invention relates to a metal foil fatigue test apparatus and a metal foil fatigue test method using the same. The metal foil fatigue test apparatus includes: a metal foil moving unit including an unwinding roll, from which a metal foil is unwound, a plurality of guide rolls configured to support and transfer the metal foil supplied from the unwinding roll, and a rewinding roll where the metal foil transferred from the guide rolls is wound; and a tensile strength measuring unit configured to measure tensile strength of the metal foil.

Abstract: Techniques for determining conditions of power lines in a power distribution system based on data collected by a plurality of sensor units deployed in the power distribution system. The techniques include obtaining data associated with measurements collected by at least two sensor units in the plurality of sensor units, and determining, by using at least one processor, at least one condition of at least one power line in the power distribution system by using the data obtained by the at least two sensor units.

Abstract: A haptic detection apparatus includes: a capacitance detection unit that detects capacitance of each of capacitors which changes according to an external force applied to a second electrode plate of a capacitance-type load sensor; a distributed load measurement unit that measures a distributed load indicating a distribution of load applied to each of the cylinders on the basis of a change amount of the capacitance of each capacitor which is detected by the capacitance detection unit; and a load information calculation unit that calculates a total load and a load center position of the external force applied to the second electrode plate of the load sensor on the basis of a relation between an expansion/contraction amount of each cylinder relative to the distributed load measured by the distributed load measurement unit and a pattern of the distributed load.

Abstract: The disclosed method measures a line angle of a mooring line connected to a floating object floating in a body of water, the mooring line being connected between the floating object and an anchoring body disposed in a bed of the body of water, in which the floating object is coupled to the mooring line by a line connector. The method includes: defining at least three data points each associated with a respective location on the mooring line; on the data points obtaining a value associated with the location on the mooring line; determining parameters of an equation describing an anchor line curve from the values associated with the location on the mooring line for the data points; calculating at a predetermined position on the mooring line a line angle of the mooring line from a derivative of the equation at the predetermined position based on the parameters.

Abstract: A bicycle shoe cleat positioning device for use in determining the position of a bicycle shoe cleat is provided. The bicycle shoe cleat positioning device comprises a base portion, a holding portion connected to the base portion, a coupler configured to connect to the holding portion, a cleat connector, a connecting member, and a cleat positioning assembly. The cleat positioning assembly comprises a first positioner configured to determine a first position of the cleat connector about a first axis, a second positioner configured to determine a second position of the cleat connector along a second axis, and a third positioner configured to determine a third position of the cleat connector along a third axis.

Abstract: The present invention belongs to the technical field of disaster prevention and reduction of transmission lines, and provides a quasi-static calculation method for lateral unbalanced force of transmission lines. The present invention can quantify significant unbalanced force caused by a failed tower to an adjacent tower, thus to quantitatively evaluate cascading failure risk of transmission lines. The present invention does not need a lot of iteration, and can parametrically reveal influence of various factors on unbalanced force. The present invention quantifies influence of large deformation effect of a conducting wire on wind load, and at the same time, wind load of the conducting wire is corrected by the trapezoidal equivalent wind pressure proposed, which avoids wind load calculation error of the conducting wire caused by a relatively large vertical height difference, better reflects actual mechanical state of the lines, and optimizes existing wind load calculation method of transmission lines.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for wildfire detection using power infrastructure are described. One or more aspects of the techniques described include determining (e.g., quantifying) the impact of wildfires on power structures and transmission line sensors. Determination of measurable changes in transmission line temperature and transmission line sag, that result from early onset fires, are used to detect heat events. Therefore, real-time monitoring of transmission line temperature and transmission line sag (e.g., using sensors that are already deployed in some power grid infrastructures) may efficiently detect the early onset of wildfires according to techniques described herein.

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: A torque sensing assembly of a differential of an axle assembly is described in the present disclosure. The differential may include a differential housing portion, a drive pinion positioned within the differential housing portion, a ring gear, a carrier, a differential pinion, a first side gear, a second side gear, a first bearing, a first bearing support, and the torque sensing assembly. The first bearing is coupled to the differential housing portion and rotatable with the carrier. The first bearing support is coupled to the differential housing portion and used to support the first bearing. The torque sensing assembly is coupled to the first bearing support and operable to measure a characteristic resulted from a separation force created between the drive pinion and ring gear.

Abstract: A stretchable sensor skin is provided, which is a soft tactile sensor sleeve that can cover large areas of a robot, and is both low-cost and robust. It is made of elastomer molded pouches (referred to as sensor taxels) that when contacted transmit pneumatic pressure to off-board barometric sensors, via stretchable channels. The entirely soft makeup of the sleeve makes it highly conformable to 3D curved geometries of a robot. The stretchable channels mean that it can cover joints without wiring getting caught. The stretchable rubber channels are also inherently more robust than stretchable conductor approaches, and the skin lacks fragile soft-rigid interfaces that has plagued many other sensor skins. The fact that there are no conductive components also makes the skin easy to sanitize and waterproof.

Abstract: A high-resistance sensor. The sensor includes a first low-resistance material and a second low-resistance material, each connected with a base material. The first low-resistance material and the second low-resistance material are separated by a gap. A stimulus causes the first low-resistance material and the second low-resistance to move toward each other. A high-resistance material is positioned within the gap intermediate the first low-resistance material and the second low-resistance material. The high-resistance material increases the resistance of a circuit formed by contact between the first low-resistance material and the second low-resistance material when the sensor is subject to the stimulus.

Abstract: In a vehicle seat system, lowering of a seat cushion further toward a vehicle lower side than a lowerable limit value corresponding to a recline angle of a seatback is restricted by a control device in cases in which the physical build of an occupant is smaller than a predetermined value. This enables a reduction in the ability to restrain the body of the occupant using a webbing to be suppressed.

Abstract: A server and a method for real-time targeting of advertisements across multiple platforms is provided. The server receives first information that indicates a presence of a first person in a first vehicle at a first time period. The server determines content metadata associated with media content rendered via an infotainment device of the first vehicle. The server transmits first advertisement content to the infotainment device. The server receives second information that indicates an absence of the first person from the first vehicle at a second time period. The server further determines a first application used by the first person on an electronic device within a time threshold from the second time period. The server further transmits second advertisement content, to be rendered on the determined first application, to the first electronic device. The second advertisement content may be associated with the first advertisement content.

Abstract: A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described that improve the reliability and configurability of sensor systems.

Abstract: A medical manipulator includes: an insertion portion, an end effector, a bend restraining unit, a position detector, an operation unit, a first drive unit, and a control unit. The control unit is configured to generate the first drive signal based on an output and the position of the bend restraining unit which is detected by the position detector. The output is output from the operation unit that operates the bending portion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a method, apparatus, device, and storage medium for controlling a guide robot, and relate to the field of artificial intelligence, robots, and multi-sensor fusion technologies. A specific embodiment of the method includes: acquiring a state of the guide robot, a state of a user, and a position of an obstacle; generating a state update equation for a combined system of the guide robot and the user based on the state of the guide robot and the state of the user; generating a collision-free global path based on the position of the obstacle; generating a control command based on the state update equation for the combined system and the collision-free global path; and driving the guide robot to move based on the control command.

Abstract: An illustrative example embodiment of a method provides control over a temperature of a jacket on an elevator tension member that includes at least one electrically conductive cord that is at least partially covered by the jacket. The method includes determining an amount of electrical energy needed to achieve a desired temperature of the jacket and supplying the determined amount of electrical energy to the electrically conductive cord.

Abstract: The disclosure realizes a touch sensor unit including a mold part that can restrict the movement of a sensor body embedded in a sensor holder. A touch sensor unit includes a sensor body, a sensor holder in which the sensor body is embedded, and a resistor disposed outside the sensor holder and electrically connected to the sensor body. The sensor body includes a tubular insulator that is elastically deformed when an external force is applied, and a plurality of linear electrodes that are provided inside the tubular insulator and come into contact with each other as the tubular insulator is elastically deformed. At least an end of the sensor holder, an end of the tubular insulator protruding from an end surface of the sensor holder, and the resistor are molded together with a mold part which is a resin molded body.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat cushion provided with a seat cushion frame, a front link configured to adjust a height of the seat cushion with respect to a base that is a slide rail or a vehicle body floor, and a front load detection sensor attached to an upper rail and configured to detect a load applied to the vehicle seat. The seat cushion frame includes a pair of side frames separated from each other in a seat width direction, the front link includes a first rotation shaft configured to be rotatable with respect to the seat cushion frame and a second rotation shaft configured to be rotatable with respect to the base, and the front load detection sensor is arranged at a position different from the second rotation shaft in a front to back direction of the seat.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting seatbelt routing in a motor vehicle safety restraint system. The system includes a seatbelt buckle sensor, an occupant sensor, a seatbelt payout sensor, and a control module. The method includes sensing a presence of a seatbelt latchplate in the seatbelt buckle. Further, the method determines whether the seatbelt is buckled. Additionally, the method includes sensing a presence of occupant in a vehicle seat. Moreover, the method further includes determining whether the occupant is detected in the vehicle seat. The method senses a seatbelt payout length and compares the seatbelt payout length to a first seatbelt payout length threshold. Thereafter, the method determines seatbelt routing based on whether the seatbelt is buckled, an occupant is present, and a seatbelt payout length has exceeded the first seatbelt payout length threshold.

Abstract: An electric-motor control apparatus includes: a command generation unit; a drive detector; a drive-current detection unit; a current-control computation unit; a steady-state-load calculation unit; a first steady-state-load reference-value storage unit; and a tension-variation analysis unit. The command generation unit outputs a drive command signal of an electric motor; the drive detector outputs a drive detection signal of the electric motor; the control computation unit receives the drive detection signal and the drive command signal and outputs a current command value; the drive-current detection unit outputs a drive-current detection value; the current-control computation unit outputs the drive current to the electric motor; and the steady-state-load calculation unit outputs a steady-state-load calculation value. The first steady-state-load reference-value storage unit stores a first steady-state-load reference value; and the tension-variation analysis unit outputs a tension-variation analysis value.

Abstract: A transmission line monitoring system and central processing facility are used to determine the geometry, such as a height, of one or more conductors of a power transmission line and real-time monitoring of other properties of the conductors.

Abstract: A monitoring system includes a shoe and a sole integrated into the shoe. The monitoring system also includes a connection mechanism attached to an underside of the sole and is shaped to connect the sole to a pedal. A pressure sensor is incorporated into the shoe that senses a force exerted on the pedal when the shoe is connected to the pedal through the connection mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sensor for detecting the angle of a bicycle shoe or bicycle pedal in respect to a predetermined level and to a method of using a sensor to detect this angle. The sensor can be connected to a signaling device to notify the cyclist when the angle is less than 20 degrees such that the cyclist can lift one or both of his heels to exert more optimal power to the bicycle pedal.

Abstract: A slim electronic apparatus that can give a user a sufficient sense of clicking in response to a user's touch input operation is disclosed. The electronic apparatus includes a touch-operation unit for receiving a user's touch-input operation; a main body chassis having a support plate with a mounting face to movably mount the touch-operation unit; a vibrator for generating vibrations to the touch-operation unit; and a connector having a fixing part fixed to one of the touch-operation unit and the support plate, and a retained part retained to be movable relative to the other of the touch-operation unit and the support plate at least along one direction parallel to the mounting face.

Abstract: An information processing system includes: a sheet that is usable in a use mode which is any one of an underlay mode and a cover mode; an accumulation unit that accumulates relevant information related to when the sheet is used in association with the use mode of the sheet when being used; and a presentation unit that presents a result of analysis of the information accumulated in the accumulation unit, in consideration of the use mode.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving the safety-relevant wear-comfort of a seatbelt worn by an occupant of a vehicle seat uses at least one sensor to detect the contour and/or position of the seatbelt, at least one actuator system for moving the seatbelt in order to change the contour and/or position, and at least one control module for controlling the actuator system. The control module is operative to control the actuator system automatically as a function of a deviation of the seatbelt contour/position, as detected by the sensor, from a predefined contour/position which reflects correct wear of the seatbelt.

Abstract: A sensor system for performing gait analysis of a person includes a sensor system that includes a pair of sensor insoles that include a plurality of force sensors, an accelerometer, and a transmitter for transmitting data to a portable electronic device. A monitoring program operably installed on the portable electronic device performs the following steps: receiving a desired cadence; receiving the data from the sensor insoles; determining an actual cadence of the person's footsteps based upon the data received; and comparing the actual cadence with the desired cadence.

Abstract: Provided herein are approaches for detecting movement of a seatbelt sensor. In some approaches, a detector includes a sensor housing coupled to a plate of a vehicle restraint system, and a sensor disposed within the sensor housing, wherein the sensor is operable to sense a position of a magnet in proximity to the sensor. The detector further includes a magnetic field accumulator (e.g., a pole-piece) coupled to the sensor, wherein the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another, and wherein the sensor receives an indication of a magnetic field accumulated by the magnetic field accumulator as the magnet and the magnetic field accumulator move relative to one another. A change in the magnetic field distribution correlates to a change in position of the plate, to which the magnet is coupled.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method in rope condition monitoring of an elevator, in which method at least the following steps are performed: elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes are reeled and packed on a rope storage unit, and thereafter electrical resistance between a first point and a second point of elevator suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured first time, and thereafter a threshold value is determined based on the measurement, and thereafter rope is delivered into an installation site, and thereafter electrical resistance between the first point and the second point of said suspension and/or transmission ropes is measured second time, and thereafter results of said second time measurement are compared with said threshold value, and if said second time measurement meets said threshold value, predetermined actions are carried out. The invention also relates to an arrangement in rope condition monitoring of an elevator.

Abstract: A load measuring apparatus includes a waterproof load cell having a load measuring surface, of which the length is substantially equal to a diameter of the substrate, and a base plate that supports the waterproof load cell. The load measuring apparatus is set in a substrate cleaning apparatus like a substrate, and measures a load applied from the roll cleaning tool of the substrate cleaning apparatus using the waterproof load cell.

Abstract: Techniques for determining conditions of power lines in a power distribution system based on measurements collected by a plurality of sensor units deployed in the power distribution system. Techniques include obtaining first transformed data associated with a first set of one or more measurements collected by a first sensor unit in the plurality of sensor units and second transformed data associated with a second set of one or more measurements collected by a second sensor unit in the plurality of sensor units, and determining, by using at least one processor and based at least in part on one or more features calculated from the first transformed data and the second transformed data, at least one condition of at least one power line in the power distribution system.

Abstract: A system for monitoring motion of an overhead line includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an accelerometer and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to accept data from the accelerometer corresponding to line movement, analyze the data to determine displacement data corresponding to a displacement of the overhead line, accept data corresponding to a location of at least one external object proximate to the overhead line, and analyze the displacement data to determine a clearance from the at least one external object.

Abstract: A system for determining power expended by a bicyclist while riding a bicycle based on speed measurements or sensed-speed values. The system includes a sensing device arranged for detecting a speed-related value of the bicycle and a processor that communicates with the sensing device. The processor is configured to determine a change in the speed-related value and to determine a power value based on the change in the speed-related value.

Abstract: A support structure stabilizes a position of a load measurement sensor by ensuring the rigidity of a support bracket supporting the sensor. The support structure supports the sensor, including an extension shaft portion extending from a sensor body, by each of attachment bracket and while the extension shaft portion is located at the lateral side of the sensor body, wherein each of the attachment brackets and includes an upright wall that is provided with an insertion hole into which the extension shaft portion is inserted when the sensor is supported, a bottom wall that intersects the upright wall and contacts the upright wall at one end in the seat width direction, and an upward protruding wall provided at a position contacting the bottom wall at the other end opposite the upright wall in the seat width direction of the bottom wall, intersecting the bottom wall, and facing the upright wall.

Abstract: A seat occupancy determination apparatus includes first and second load detection portions arranged at one end of a seat in a width direction, a peak value detection portion detecting whether a peak value of a partial load value exists within a first predetermined time period in a case where the partial load value decreases to or below a first threshold value, and a first seat occupancy determination portion shifting a determination to a no occupant state in a case where the peak value is detected and a disengagement of a tongue plate from a buckle is detected within a predetermined time while an occupant seated state is determined. The first seat occupancy determination portion is inhibited from shifting the determination to the no occupant state in a case where the peak value is detected and the disengagement of the tongue plate is inhibited from being detected within the predetermined time.

Abstract: A seat occupancy determination apparatus includes first and second load sensors arranged at one end of a lower side of a seat in a width direction, and a load decrease determination process portion determining a load decrease caused by a turning of a vehicle in a case where an inclination of a decrease of a load detected by the load sensors is gentle in a state where a seat belt detection portion detects a disengagement state of a seat belt while an occupant seated state is determined by a determination portion, the load decrease determination process portion determining the load decrease caused by an occupant moving away from the seat and that the occupant is not seated on the seat in a case where the inclination of the decrease of the load detected by the load sensors is steep.

Abstract: A seat occupancy determination apparatus includes first and second load sensors arranged at one end of a lower side of a seat in a width direction, and a first determination process portion monitoring a fluctuation of a load detected by the load sensors for a predetermined time in a state where a seat belt detection portion detects a disengagement state of a seat belt while an occupant seated state is determined by a determination portion, the first determination process portion determining a load decrease caused by a turning of the vehicle in a case where the fluctuation of the load exceeds a predetermined threshold value, the first determination process portion determining the load decrease caused by the occupant moving away from the seat and that the occupant is not seated on the seat in a case where the fluctuation is equal to or smaller than the predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A safety monitoring system for a catenary system that includes an overhead wire, a support pole and a counterweight attached to the end of the overhead wire and suspended by the support pole. The catenary safety monitoring system includes a temperature sensor for detecting an ambient temperature, a position sensor for detecting a position of the counterweight and an electronic controller. The electronic controller compares a detected position of the counterweight with a predicted position determined by the electronic controller using an ambient temperature from the temperature sensor. A message transmitter provides a warning to a user if the detected position of counterweight is not within a predetermined percentage of the predicted position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an active skin including: a tactile sensor substrate which includes a first film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of sensing points, and a pair of first electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the sensing point; a tactile actuator substrate which includes a second film including a dielectric elastic material and formed with a plurality of actuating points, and a pair of second electrodes respectively formed on upper and lower sides of the actuating point; and an insulating layer which is interposed between the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate and couples the tactile sensor substrate and the tactile actuator substrate. With this, a tactile sensor and a tactile actuator are integrated, so that there is provided an interactive tactile interface to not only feel like a human's skin but also actively move like a muscle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cushion mat 1 for integration into an automotive seat, comprising a set of metal wire springs 10, plastic connectors 20, connecting the wire springs 10 with each other to form a cushion mat 1, and at least one pressure sensor 30 directly connected to one of the plastic connectors 20 for providing a seat occupation signal. Further a method for the production of cushion mats 1 for integration into an automotive seat is disclosed, comprising the following steps (a) injection molding of plastic material around a set of metal wire springs 10 to form a cushion mat 1 with plastic connectors 20, wherein the plastic connectors 20 having at least one assembly area 24 for a pressure sensor 30, (b) arranging at least one pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24, and (c) connecting the pressure sensor 30 at the assembly area 24.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor for measuring mechanical stress which can be adapted to cables with different gauges, made up of a body with a machined area for a strain gauge and three pivots—an upper, a lower and a central pivot—which are distributed on the front surface, the upper pivot being stationary and the lower pivot being retractable, which has a central pivot attached to the body via a movable attachment which, in a mechanical manner, enables horizontal movement thereof towards either side of the body, adapting to the gauge of the cable. The movable attachment is an attachment plate to which the central pivot is connected by a thread inserted on a screw, provided at the centre of the body, in a recess having front and rear openings. The screw passes through the body from side to side in the recess and is attached by a nut.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring a stable-state tension of a power transmission belt in which a temperature of an endless power transmission belt B including a belt body made of rubber in which a cord made of an organic fiber is embedded, is made higher than a glass transition temperature of the organic fiber forming the cord, with the endless power transmission belt B wound around a plurality of pulleys, and thereafter, a belt tension of the power transmission belt wound around the plurality of pulleys is measured as a stable-state tension.

Abstract: Two electrode wires longitudinally provided along the inner surface of an elastic insulating member having a hollow portion are exposed from said elastic insulating member, the resistive element comprising a resistor body and the resistive element's lead wires is formed into a U-letter shape, said two electrode wires exposed from said elastic insulating member and said resistive element's lead wires are electrically connected via one metal plate, and a portion wherein one of said two electrode wires and one of the lead wires extending from both ends of said resistor body are electrically connected and a portion wherein the other one of said two electrode wires and the other one of the lead wires extending from both ends of said resistor body are electrically connected are separated by cutting said one metal plate.

Abstract: A measurement device for measuring mechanical tensions in wires consisting of a metallic parallelepiped-shaped body (1), with a mechanical construction (4) for extensometric gauges from which supporting and fixing elements (2, 2?) stem from either one or both its faces, and which are provided with perimetric indentations. The supporting elements are three rods or rigid pivots arranged on the nodes of a tetractys pattern with respect to the longitudinal axis of the body, one of them (2?) being in an extremal position, mobile, retractile by shift both forwards and backwards in order to allow for it to be brought back to its forward operating position.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the tensile stress in tension elements of a tension element cord utilizes a measuring gage which is clamped between two tension elements of the tension element cord. The gage establishes a reference point relative to a fixed point stationary with respect to the tension element cord. The gage extends horizontally between two vertically extending length portions of the two tension elements. Then it is determined whether the reference point of the measuring gage is shifted with respect to the fixed point in the horizontal direction, wherein such a shift is dependent on a difference in the tension stresses in the two tension elements.

Abstract: A tension detector may detect and help correct tension in a lift cable. The cable may include a lift cable within a telescopic structure, such as a telescopic tower. The tension sensor may detect when the cable tension is outside a high tension threshold and a low tension threshold and trigger an alert when outside the thresholds. The alert may be an audible alert or a visual alert. A controller may prevent a user from making the tension worse and encourage an operator to correct the tension problem by preventing a winch from expanding or retracting the telescopic structure. The tension sensor may use springs to calibrate the thresholds for the high tension and low tension and a series of pulleys to manipulate an arm to engage a tension sensor.

Abstract: An extensible frame adapted to receive and maintain a rectilinear container applied upon an interior ledge extensible frame. Two or more orthogonally aligned sensor assemblies are provided to measure deflection of panels forming the container when a static or dynamic load is applied upon an uppermost panel. Each sensor assembly outputs a signal corresponding to a deflection of a panel induced by the load applied upon the uppermost panel. Signals output from the sensor assemblies are received and processed by an output processing unit in either a human cognizable or machine readable format. The amount deflection measured by the sensor assemblies corresponds to an amount of bulge of a panel when a defined load is applied.

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.