Abstract: A medical bed includes a bed frame and a powered wheel mounted to the bed frame via a suspended wheel mechanism including an actuator for displacing the powered wheel between a deployed position and a retracted position where a clearance gap is defined between the powered wheel and the floor surface. An end board mounted to the bed frame includes a load cell integrated therein, the load cell detecting a magnitude of a force applied on the end board by a user and providing input signals to a control system. The input signals indicative of the magnitude of the force applied on the end board by the user. The control system is in communication with the powered wheel to drive the powered wheel with a level of power assistance proportional to the magnitude of the force applied on the end board when the powered wheel is in the deployed position.

Abstract: Track system to be mounted on a vehicle in place of a rotatable OEM tire/wheel assembly, including: A frame. A drive wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame, operatively connectable to the drive shaft of the vehicle, and has a diameter of between 65% and 100% of the OEM tire diameter. Leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies are mounted on the frame. An endless track having an inner surface is disposed around the drive wheel, the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The endless track has an unsupported portion between the drive wheel and one of the leading and trailing idler wheel assemblies. The unsupported portion has a length and a center. The unsupported portion deflects a distance of between 8% and 12% of its length on application of a 25-lb. force at its center.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a belt tension measuring device utilizing a first end roller, the first end roller supporting the belt; a second end roller having an axis of rotation parallel to the first end roller; a support arm pivotably mounted to pivot about an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first end roller; a deflection roller rotatably mounted to the support arm at a distance from the pivot of the support arm; the deflection roller having a rotational axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the first end roller, the roller resting upon the belt, configured to bias the belt against the first roller and second roller; and a position indicator measuring the distance between the axis of the deflection roller and a line drawn between the axis of rotation of the first end roller and the axis of rotation of the second end roller.

Abstract: An elastic member of a torque sensor includes spring portions, a first fastening portion, and a second fastening portion. The spring portions are disposed in a radial pattern between the first and second fastening portions to connect the first and second fastening portions together. The spring portions have a dimension smaller in a direction tangential to a circle centered on an rotation axis than in a direction of the radial pattern. The distance between the first fastening portion and the second fastening portion is smaller than the dimension in the direction of the radial pattern. The optical encoders are opposed on, for example, the same diameter on a circumference of a concentric circle centered on a rotation axis of the rotational displacement of the elastic member. For example, averaging output signals from a plurality of optical encoders reduces influence of disturbance, such as cross-axis force.

Abstract: A device and methods for measuring the tension applied to a suture are disclosed. In one embodiment, the device comprises a housing comprising at least one attachment point for attachment of the suture, for the device to hang from the suture when a tension is applied to the suture. The device may also comprise a force sensing unit, contained in the housing and configured to measure the amount of tension applied to the suture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to load cell assemblies configured for measuring loads or weight associated with a semi-trailer. In one embodiment, a load cell assembly includes a shear plate load cell configured to be coupled between a frame and a support member of the semi-trailer. The shear plate load cell detects or measures the trailer's weight with a sensor positioned on a strain sensing section of a plate. The strain sensing section is positioned at a location offset from the plate's centerline. The shear plate load cell is accordingly configured to provide an ideal moment balance that allows accurate load measurements independent of where the load is applied relative to the load cell or the support member.

Abstract: A stress-detecting element includes a support body, a support film, a first piezoelectric element, first and second elastic parts. The support body has an opening part with first and second rectilinear sections extending parallel to each other. The support film blocks off the opening part. The first piezoelectric element straddles the first rectilinear section from an interior area to an exterior area of the opening part as seen in plan view. The first elastic part straddles the first rectilinear section from the interior area to the exterior area of the opening part. The second elastic part straddles the second rectilinear section from the interior area to the exterior area of the opening part. The first and second elastic parts respectively have first and second elastic end sections disposed in the interior area of the opening part and spaced apart from each other.

Abstract: A stress sensing device senses a shear force and a pressing force. The stress sensing device includes a support body, a support film, first and second piezoelectric parts and an elastic layer. The support body has an opening defined by a pair of straight parts perpendicular to a sensing direction of the shear force and parallel to each other. The support film having flexibility closes off the opening. The first piezoelectric part is disposed over the support film and straddling an inside portion and an outside portion of the opening along at least one of the straight parts of the opening as seen in plan view. The second piezoelectric part is disposed to the inside portion of the opening and set apart from the first piezoelectric part as seen in the plan view. The elastic layer covers the first piezoelectric part, the second piezoelectric part, and the support film.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributed pressure sensing. The apparatus comprises a series of Bragg gratings, a light guide incorporating the series of Bragg gratings and a plurality of moveable wall portions. The moveable wall portions are coupled to respective Bragg gratings so that the movement of one of the moveable wall portion causes a force on the respective Bragg grating resulting in a change in strain of the respective Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises at least one rigid member that is attached at attachment regions between which a sensing region of at least one Bragg grating is defined. The rigid member is arranged so that a strain in the sensing region is not directly influenced by a change in strain of the light guide outside the sensing region.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of force measurement systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, the force measurement system is implemented in a fishing rod system, to measure tension applied to the fishing line. Other exemplary embodiments include a fishing gaff used to gaff fish, and with a measurement system for providing an indication of the weight of a gaffed fish. Yet another embodiment is implemented in a fishing net, with a measurement system for providing an indicated of the weight of a netted fish or other netted object. A still further application for the force measurement system is in a shaft tension coupler.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a weight sensor device. The weight sensor device comprises a housing, which includes a receptacle for a load pin and an insert. A cable nest is secured to each end of the housing. In exemplary embodiments, a load pin is engaged in the housing and secures an insert. A cable clamping mechanism may be attached to the insert. In accordance with various exemplary embodiments, the housing itself is non-load sensing.

Abstract: A load indicator for use with a railway car hand brake that is connected to a railway car brake rigging comprising a housing, a plurality of levers pivotally mounted in the housing, each of the plurality of levers having a first end and an opposite second end, a plate coupled to each of the plurality of lever second ends, wherein the plate is moveable with respect to the housing, and a plurality of springs each operatively coupled between a respective one of the plurality of lever first ends and the housing. At least one of the plurality of lever first ends is moveable between a first position in which tension exerted on the plate from the railway car hand brake is within a predetermined range, and a second position in which tension exerted on the load indicator from the railway car brake rigging is outside the predetermined range.

Abstract: An apparatus can measure a tensile force in a continuously running material, such as a material web or strand. The apparatus can facilitating an improved absorption of force and a more precise measurement while at the same time enabling simpler manufacture and easier installation.

Abstract: The invention discloses a weighing sensor and an electronic scale provided with the same. The weighing sensor comprises a flat plate formed into helical shape, including successively a load-supporting portion, a strain portion and a bearing portion from the center to the outer of this plate, with the load-supporting portion situated between and surrounded by the bearing portion and the strain portion; wherein the load-supporting portion and the bearing portion are respectively used to bear the acting force and the reaction force in opposite directions, and a strain gauge is mounted on the strain portion. The electronic scale comprises at least three weighing sensors, wherein the bearing portion of the sensor is mounted on the scale body, the load-supporting portion directly contacts the supporting leg of the scale, which contacts the plane on which the scale is positioned. The present invention has small thickness, simple structure and low manufacturing cost.

Abstract: A load detecting device for a vehicle seat includes a supporting base adapted to be mounted on a floor of the vehicle, a plurality of load sensors arranged along a forward and backward direction of a seat for the vehicle on the supporting base, the load sensors including a load input portion, a deflection portion deflecting by a load and a deflection gauge measuring an amount of deflection, the load sensors detecting the load based on the amount of deflection measured by the deflection gauge, a connecting member connecting the load input portions, a seat supporting member connected to the connecting member and adapted to support the seat for the vehicle, the seat supporting member transmitting load to the connecting member, and a stopper preventing deformation of the connecting member in a vertical direction of the seat when load which exceeding a predetermined value is applied to the connecting member.

Abstract: Apparatus for use in controlling snoring, including: a sensor system for sensing snoring by a person while sleeping, and a stimulus device effective, when actuated by the sensor system, to apply a stimulus to the person for producing a response tending to interrupt the person's snoring. The stimulus device includes a vibrator and a band for enclosing a body part of the person and for applying a vibration to the body part. Also described is a force or displacement sensor, which includes a housing filled with a liquid having high transmissivity and low attenuation properties with respect to acoustical waves, and an acoustical transmitter and an acoustical receiver carried by opposed walls of the housing spaced from each other to define between them an acoustical transmission channel of the liquid. The housing is deformable by a force such as to change the length of the acoustical transmission channel in accordance with the applied force.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring containment force on a load is provided. The apparatus may include a first longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a first side of packaging material wrapped around the load. The apparatus may also include a second longitudinally extending arm configured to engage a second side of the packaging material, the second side being opposite the first side. The apparatus may further include an indicator positioned substantially perpendicularly to the first and second arms, a third longitudinally extending arm, and a force gauge configured to measure a force exerted on the third longitudinally extending arm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a non-destructive method for measuring the elasticity of templates of materials for lining automotive vehicle components, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: applying a tensile pre-load with a predetermined value P1 in a longitudinal direction to a template section (41); applying a tensile load with a predetermined value P2 in a longitudinal direction to said section (41) and measuring the longitudinal deformation produced; removing the load applied to said section (41) and measuring the residual longitudinal deformation produced. The invention also comprises an apparatus (11) for carrying out the method which comprises two fixing elements (15, 17) for fixing the section (41), one of which elements is a fixed element (15) and the other is a moving element (17), a device for applying a tensile load to the moving element (17) connected to a dynamometer (29), and a rule (31) for measuring the longitudinal deformation of said section (41).

Abstract: The Invention relates to a load cell which is designed to be coupled a flat belt-or similar-type elements for lifting elevators or similar. The inventive cell comprises a cell body (1) and a casing (2) which can be coupled to one another. According to the Invention the solid, metallic cell body support the corresponding strain gage. In addition, three cylindrical pivots (5) project out from the body, said pivots comprising a smooth outer surface and having a length that is adapted to the width of the lifting belt (9). One of the smaller lateral faces (6a) of the essentially prism shaped casing is open such that it can be coupled to the cell body. Furthermore, the upper and lower faces of the casing are provided with opposing openings for the passage of the lifting belt during the operational mounting of the cell.

Abstract: A load cell with an elastically deformable membrane force transducer for receiving forces to be determined, with a sensor arrangement for detecting the deformation of the force transducer and its conversion into an electric weight signal, which is robust and can also be installed in narrow spaces and can receive and determine tensile forces as well as pressure forces, is disclosed, comprising a housing surrounding the force transducer essentially on all sides and having an opening, through which the membrane force transducer can be acted upon with the force to be determined, wherein the membrane force transducer comprises a force introduction member arranged centrally and at the edge area an edge part projecting beyond at least one of the membrane surfaces.

Abstract: A load sensor includes a housing and a magnet carrier axially movable within the housing. A first and a second magnet are coupled to the magnet carrier in an axially spaced apart arrangement and oriented to provide repelling magnetic fields. The magnet carrier and the first and second magnets are axially movable relative to the magnetic field sensor, and the magnetic field sensor is configured to provide an output that is indicative of the position of the magnetic filed sensor relative to the first and second magnets.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for distributed pressure sensing. The apparatus comprises a series of Bragg gratings, a light guide incorporating the series of Bragg gratings and a plurality of a moveable wall portion. The moveable wall portions have opposite first and second sides and each moveable wall portion is positioned so that a change in pressure at one of the sides relative to a pressure at the other side will move the moveable wall portion. The moveable wall portions are coupled to respective Bragg gratings so that the movement of one of the moveable wall portion causes a force on the respective Bragg grating resulting in a change in strain of the respective Bragg grating. The apparatus also comprises at least one rigid member that is attached at attachment regions between which a sensing region of at least one Bragg grating is defined.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing deflection/curvature of underwater riser pipes comprises a metal tube which is strapped to the pipe, with the tube being parallel to the length of the pipe. The tube is fitted internally with strain gauges which measure the deflection of the tube and thus of the pipe on which it is mounted. The tube is filled with oil and is connected to a plastics tube which can deform to recta to hydrostatic pressure at different water depths.

Abstract: A fluid pressure sensor (1) for measuring the pressure of a fluid comprises a diaphragm portion (12) which is a strain generating body, a silicon oxide film (21) as an insulating film, and a strain gauge (20) made of crystalline silicon, and austenitic precipitation hardening type Fe—Ni heat-resisting steel excellent in mechanical strength and corrosion resistance is used for the diaphragm portion (12). The silicon oxide film (21) is formed with the internal stress thereof adjusted to the range from ?150 to 130 MPa. With this feature, the fluid pressure sensor (1) ensures high precision and reliability, and may be used even for measurement of a highly corrosive fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting an improperly installed auxiliary child seat of the type that is secured in a motor vehicle by the seatbelt, and providing an alert to a vehicle operator in the case of improper installation. A seat occupancy sensor, a seatbelt buckle condition sensor, and a seatbelt tension sensor provides electrical signals to a child seat detection module, which determines that an improper installation condition exists if the auxiliary child seat is present and the seatbelt buckle is unfastened. The child seat detection module further determines an improper installation condition if the auxiliary child seat is present, the seatbelt buckle is fastened, and the seatbelt tautness is not within an acceptable range. If an improper installation condition is detected, the child seat detection module triggers an alerting device, such as a warning light on the instrument panel or audible chime.

Abstract: A force sensor assembly includes a force sensor, a first support member, a threaded portion, an opening made in the first support member, a nut, a restricting member and a spacer. The nut is screwed onto the threaded portion which is inserted through the opening. The restricting member is provided between the force sensor and the nut. The spacer, which is provided between the force sensor and the nut, is deformable in a direction of its thickness. The shape of the spacer is adapted to avoid interference with the restricting member. Before the nut is tightened onto the threaded portion, a summation of thickness for the first support member and the spacer is adapted to be not less than a height of the restricting member. The nut is tightened up with a predetermined fastening torque until the spacer deforms so that the nut strikes the restricting member.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for analyzing a structure subjected to a catastrophic event. Based on linear elastic input data, the system automatically determines non-linear hysteretic behaviors. The nonlinear models are then analyzed through any one of a number of nonlinear analysis techniques. Processing load of a computer is substantially reduced through various mathematical functions.

Abstract: A mechanical deformation amount sensor includes a sensor structure which is formed by a semiconductor substrate or an insulating substrate and integrally includes a deformation portion deformable, when a physical quantity to be detected is applied to the sensor structure, due to the physical quantity and a support portion for supporting the deformation portion, a carbon nanotube resistance element which is provided on the deformation portion so as to be mechanically deformed in response to deformation of the deformation portion and a wiring pattern which is formed in a pattern on the sensor structure so as to be connected to the carbon nanotube resistance element. By applying a voltage to the carbon nanotube resistance element via the wiring pattern, a change of electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotube resistance element upon mechanical deformation of the carbon nanotube resistance element is fetched as an electrical signal.

Abstract: The present invention is based on an use of the already existing actuator bottom as a deformation element for a direct measurement of braking force, and on its geometric configuration in order to measure a force in a way which is largely independent of temperature and free of hysteresis. Accordingly, a force sensor is integrated into an actuator for generally or transmitting a force in the force flux. The actuator bottom is transverse to the force flux.

Abstract: A belt force measuring device has a measuring spring, the expansion of which is a measure of the belt force. It further has a detector which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a first bearing of the measuring spring. Furthermore, a sensor element is provided which is arranged on the measuring spring rigidly to a second bearing of the measuring spring. The measuring spring is arranged and formed such that it expands between the first and second bearing as a function of the belt force.

Abstract: A microstrain sensor is provided for measuring deformation, and indirectly, other parameters such as acceleration, temperature, pressure, and force. Rather than providing several discreet resistance paths, the microstrain sensor utilizes input and output conductors connected to a single piece of film through which current travels to indicate resistance. The film provides superior resistance to external effects, such as temperature gradients, that decrease the accuracy of the sensor's readings. Such sensors may be easily adapted for use in situations in which opposing stresses are present, such as dually constrained members, by disposing separate or unitary film sections on opposite sides of a zero stress point, such as a central plane of a fixed-guided beam. Such sensors may be utilized in many different applications, including automotive safety systems.

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

Abstract: An instrument is provided with several sensing elements to enable several parameters of a processed yarn to be measured or determined. In order to minimize the total sensing element/guide contact with the yarn within the complete process threadline, the yarn is guided through the instrument by contact only with the inlet and outlet guiding elements of the instrument and contact operative sensing elements. One particular instrument consists, in succession, of an interlace sensing device, a tension sensing device and an oil content sensing device. The electrical resistance of the yarn is measured between two pins of the oil content sensing device and in this case, the first pin is also a tension sensing pin of the instrument, and the second pin of the oil content sensing device is also the outlet guide of the instrument.