Abstract: A composite fabric which is elastic and conductive and thus able to detect a user's limb and body movements includes a fabric layer and an elastic conductive layer of elastomer and conductive filler formed on the fabric layer. A resistance value and a strain increments of the fabric satisfy a relationship of RT=R+n? or RT=R+m en?, wherein ? denotes the strain increment, R denotes the resistance value when the strain increment is 0, and RT denotes the resistance value when deformed through the increments. The m and n are coefficients, being a whole number or a fraction. A user can immediately detect and know the movements of his limbs according to the resistance value of the elastic conductive composite fabric.

Abstract: A load cell for use with a tong assembly includes a body; a chamber formed in the body; and a strain gauge disposed in the chamber. The load cell also includes a first eye for pivotal coupling to the tong assembly, and a second eye for pivotal coupling to the tong assembly. An optional biasing member is disposed around the second eye for biasing the body relative to the tong assembly.

Abstract: The structure of a semiconductor device with an array of bioFET sensors, a biometric fingerprint sensor, and a temperature sensor and a method of fabricating the semiconductor device are disclosed. A method for fabricating the semiconductor device includes forming a gate electrode on a first side of a semiconductor substrate, forming a channel region between source and drain regions within the semiconductor substrate, and forming a piezoelectric sensor region on a second side of the semiconductor substrate. The second side is substantially parallel and opposite to the first side. The method further includes forming a temperature sensing electrode on the second side during the forming of the piezoelectric sensor region, forming a sensing well on the channel region, and binding capture reagents on the sensing well.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing module includes a fingerprint sensing pixel array, a plurality of column circuitries and a constant current circuit. The fingerprint sensing pixel array includes a plurality of sensing pixels in an array arrangement. Each column circuitry is electrically coupled to a row of the sensing pixels via a corresponding row signal line. The constant current circuit generates a bias voltage to the column circuitries according to a reference current. In response to the bias voltage level, a row output current provided by each column circuitry and flowing through each row of the sensing pixels is equal to or close to the reference current. Since the row output current coincides with the reference current, the row output current is not adversely affected by the external factors.

Abstract: A sensor chip includes first support parts arranged at four corners and a second support part arranged at a center of a substrate, first detecting beams connecting adjacent first support parts to each other, second detecting beams provided in parallel to the first detecting beams between the first and second support parts, third detecting beams connecting the first and second connecting beams, in sets of the first and second detecting beams provided in parallel, force application points, arranged at intersections of the first and third detecting beams, and applied with the forces, and a plurality of distortion detection devices arranged at predetermined positions on the first, the second and the third detecting beams.

Abstract: A sensor includes a bridge circuit including one or more strain gauges mounted on a nail plate, the bridge circuit outputting a voltage signal, an amplifier circuit amplifying the voltage signal output by the bridge circuit to generate an amplified signal, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter converting the amplified signal into a digital signal, a controller receiving the digital signal and facilitating communication with a receiver, and an antenna configured to transmit the digital signal.

Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism is provided. The sensing device is attachable to a covering positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends between first and second segments of the body. Movement of at least one of the first and second segments activates the triggering mechanism to provide an 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. A system and method of measuring the movement is also provided.

Abstract: Integrated multilayer structure suitable for use in sensing applications is disclosed including at least one plastic layer, at least one film layer provided on both sides of the plastic layer. A film layer on a first side of the plastic layer includes electronics incorporating reactance sensing electronics for sensing of selected target quantities, and conversion thereof into representative electrical signals. The sensing electronics include an electrode and a connection element for connecting the electrode to control circuitry. A film layer on a second side of the plastic layer includes features including one conductive feature that is configured to shape an electromagnetic field to adapt a sensitivity or directionality the sensing response of the sensing electronics on the first side of the plastic layer.

Abstract: A roller of a roller bearing providing a hollow bore in which a load cell is arranged, for measuring a radial load acting on the roller. The load cell is mounted to the roller bore in a non-fixed manner and includes one or more cantilever beams that extend in an axial direction of the roller. A contact element is provided on each cantilever beam. Each element further bears against a surface of the roller bore. At least one sensor is provided on each cantilever beam for measuring bending thereof, due to deflection of the beam in a radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A deformation sensing fabric comprises a fabric substrate comprising a first fabric layer and a first conductive element woven into the first fabric layer. The first conductive element outputs a first instrumented signal, responsive to an applied stimulus signal, indicative of a measure of change in an electrical property of the first conductive element in response to a strain applied to the fabric substrate along a long-axis of the first conductive element. The first conductive element is instrumented by a measurement system which stimulates the first conductive element and measures an electrical property of the first conductive element.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for web tension control are provided. In an example, an apparatus can include a tension beam configured to deflect in a predictive manner when under a force load, a first shaft directly coupled to the tension beam and configured to mechanically interface with a torque device, a second shaft directly coupled to the tension beam opposite the first shaft and configured to interface with a structural member of a web machine, and a strain gauge coupled to the tension beam and configured to provide an electrical representation of the force load.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an enclosed body defining a chamber therein. The body includes a rearward portion, a forward portion opposite the rearward portion and a first portion extending between the rearward and forward portions. The first portion has a stiffness less than at least one remaining portion of the body. The apparatus further includes at least one pressure sensor coupled to the body and the chamber to detect deformation of the first portion of the body.

Abstract: A bending sensor includes a high resistance layer; a low resistance layer having a crack and a lower electrical resistance than the high resistance layer in a state where the crack is closed; an insulating layer between the high and low resistance layers; and a plurality of electrode portions connecting electrically in parallel the high resistance and low resistance layers. In an OFF state where a bend amount is small, the crack is unlikely to open and a combined resistance of electrical resistances of the high resistance layer and the low resistance layer is output as OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions. In an ON state where the bend amount is large, the crack is likely to open and at least the electrical resistance of the high resistance layer is output as ON resistance higher than the OFF resistance from the plurality of electrode portions.

Abstract: A bearing device for bearing a shaft having a bearing, a supporting structure for supporting the bearing and at least on piezoresistive sensor incorporated in the supporting structure in an integrated manner which is arranged in the flux region of the bearing apparatus is provided. The electrical resistance of the sensor is influenced by the vertical force of the bearing having effect on the sensor such that the vertical force of the bearing may be electrically tapped on the sensor. A corresponding method for determining the static and/or dynamic vertical bearing forces of the shaft bearing of a shaft and a rotor system for determining the vertical bearing force of a shaft bearing are provided.

Abstract: A stitched sensor including a plurality of threads stitched to a textile in a stitch geometry is described. The plurality of threads includes a conductive thread, and the stitch geometry is configured such that an electrical property of the stitched sensor changes based on at least one of stretching, relaxation, or bending of the textile. Methods for forming a stitched sensor are also described.

Abstract: A simply-structured initial slippage detection mechanism. When a contact member comes in contact with a contact receiving member via a pressure-sensitive conductive sheet, it is confirmed, on the basis of a change in resistivity of the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet and in response to a detection signal transmitted from the pressure-sensitive conductive sheet, that initial slippage has occurred right before the occurrence of slippage displacement, at a time when a high-frequency waveform component generated right before the occurrence of the slippage displacement of the contact member exceeds a predetermined threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to realize a slippage detection device whose slippage detection section is smaller, more lightweight and thinner.

Abstract: A weight measurement device has a housing that includes a base, a platform located above the base and on which a subject is placed or stands, and a chamber defined by the base and the platform. At least one load cell is contained in the chamber and is supported by the base. A load transmission member is located between the platform and the load cell. A bracket is fixed to the base. An elastic deformation part is located around the load transmission member and connected to the bracket and to the load transmission member. The elastic deformation part has an elasticity that is greater than that of the load transmission member, and allows the load transmission member to change in position with respect to the bracket when force is transmitted from the platform via the load transmission member to the load cell.

Abstract: A feedback system for identifying an external force, includes an operation plate and a pressure-sensing unit. The pressure-sensing unit includes an elastic member supporting the operation plate and a pressure sensor inside the elastic member. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensitive film. An inner side of the elastic member is filled with fluid material which acts on the pressure sensitive film. The operation plate is driven by the external force to be slant which extrudes the elastic member to deform so as to change fluid pressure of the fluid material limited in the elastic member, and such change of the fluid pressure can be sensed by the pressure sensitive film of the pressure sensor so as to identify the movement and the intensity of the external force.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle includes a slide rail arranged slidably relative to a vehicle floor in a longitudinal direction, a bracket including a first end portion fixed to the slide rail, a second end portion, and a connecting portion connecting the first end portion to the second end portion, a vehicle seat supported by the bracket, and a load detection device arranged between the slide rail and the second end portion of the bracket and detecting a load applied to the vehicle seat, wherein rigidity of the connecting portion of the bracket in a vertical direction of the vehicle is set to be lower than rigidities of the first end portion and the second end portion of the bracket in the vertical direction.

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: 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?).

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 provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.

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 detection device for a vehicle seat mounted between a floor side mounting mechanism and a seat side mounting mechanism and measuring a load applied by an occupant seated on the vehicle seat, includes a shaft member adapted to be fixed to one of the floor side mounting mechanism and the seat side mounting mechanism, a strain generating member fixed to the shaft member and including a hole into which the shaft member is press-fitted, a strain gauge attached to the strain generating member, the shaft member of which surface hardness is specified to be lower than a surface hardness of the hole and including a scraping projecting portion scraped off by means of the hole in a case where the shaft member is press-fitted to the hole, and an inter space formed between the strain generating member and the shaft member and positioned next to the scraping projecting portion.

Abstract: A high-capacity low-profile load cell for measuring compression force. The load cell comprises a support ring, a diaphragm supported by the support ring, and first and second pluralities of strain gages arranged under the diaphragm for detecting strain produced by application of a load from above. The diaphragm comprises a slug portion and a plate portion that surrounds and supports the slug portion. The slug portion has a height greater than a thickness of the plate portion. The first plurality of strain gages is disposed on a bottom surface of the slug portion, while the second plurality of strain gages is disposed on a bottom surface of the plate portion. These strain gages are electrically connected to form a Wheatstone bridge.

Abstract: A load cell unit which can satisfactorily measure the weight of a measured object if ambient temperature changes, and a weight checker and an electric balance using the load cell unit, are provided. A strain generating element includes plural strain generating portions. Each of strain gauges is a gauge of a temperature/sensitivity compensated type and is placed in a position on a corresponding strain generating portion. A bridge circuit includes the strain gauges. A zero compensation element compensates the zero of the bridge circuit in accordance with the temperature of the strain generating element, to roughly correct an output of the bridge circuit. A thermal sensitive resistor is a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the strain generating element. The zero compensation element and the thermal sensitive resistor are provided on a thick portion interposed between adjacent strain generating portions. A signal processor minutely corrects a roughly-corrected output of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A fabric strain sensor (10) for measuring in-plane unidirectional strain, the sensor (10) comprising a mixture (20) of electrically conductive particles or fibers and an elastomer matrix, applied onto an elastic fabric substrate (30).

Abstract: A temperature compensated force detection element is provided with a substrate, an insulation layer disposed above the substrate, and a p-type semiconductor layer disposed above the insulation layer, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed apart from each other above the p-type semiconductor layer. A gauge portion being electrically connected to the positive electrode and having a higher impurity concentration than the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type region electrically connected to the negative electrode are formed in the p-type semiconductor layer.

Abstract: A force sensing system comprising a force sensor cell with the necessary electronics to acquire and process various signals. The signals may provide force measurement data for activities performed, for instance, on a weight stack exercise machine.

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: 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: A fork lift truck has a rear-end axle provided with a measuring device to determine the axle load. To enable the axle load to be determined using simple means which are reliable in operation, at least one shearing force detector (2 or 3) or normal force detector (6) in the form of a structural component and arranged in the force flux is integrated into the axle.

Abstract: The load cell includes a strain generating body having a strain generated portion, and a strain detection element provided on a surface of the strain generating body in a portion corresponding to the strain generated portion and having an inversion portion and a straight portion. A creep characteristic is adjusted by a thickness of the strain generated portion in a portion corresponding to the inversion portion.

Abstract: An apparatus for regulating the functioning of a patient's organ or duct includes an elongated member having a first end and a second end. A fastener is disposed on the first end of the elongated member. The fastener is configured to engage the second end of the elongated member so that the elongated member forms a loop around the organ or duct. A tension element is disposed for movement within the elongated member. A drive element is associated with and engages the tension element for causing the tension element to control the tension applied by the elongated member against a patient's body organ or duct. A load monitor ensures that excessive pressure is not applied to a patient's body organ or duct.

Abstract: The present invention provides a force measuring ratchet tie down in the field of goods holding. The force measuring ratchet tie down of the invention addresses the technical problems such has insufficiently tight binding, severe difficulty in control and trouble in adjustment. The force measuring ratchet tie down includes a body assembly, a handle, a teeth stop board, a catch and a scroll. The handle is connected with the body assembly through the scroll. A binding belt having a fixable outer end is connected to the body assembly. Another binding belt having a fixable outer end is rolled on the scroll. A ratchet is fixed on the scroll. The body assembly is movably connected with a teeth stop board the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet. The handle is movably connected with a catch the end of which could be embedded among the teeth of the ratchet.

Abstract: A bend sensor according to one aspect of the present invention is a bend sensor for sensing a bend of a base member in a longitudinal direction comprising: the base member; and a plurality of strain sensitive elements which are disposed at different positions in a width direction on an one side surface of the base member and are disposed at two or more different positions in a thickness direction of the base member.

Abstract: The present invention provides a specimen holder for use with an electron microscope. The specimen holder has a retainer mounted at the front end of the body of the specimen holder. The retainer has a plate member provided with a hole around its front end. The hole provides a reference in securing the whole specimen for a desired field of view. A circular groove is formed in the plate member and used to place the specimen in position. Any members lying perpendicularly to the tilted axis at the position of the specimen are cut out.

Abstract: A temperature compensated force detection element is provided with a substrate, an insulation layer disposed above the substrate, and a p-type semiconductor layer disposed above the insulation layer, and a positive electrode and a negative electrode disposed apart from each other above the p-type semiconductor layer. A gauge portion being electrically connected to the positive electrode and having a higher impurity concentration than the p-type semiconductor layer, and an n-type region electrically connected to the negative electrode are formed in the p-type semiconductor layer.

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: A method and device for analyzing a formed weld of a wind turbine system is disclosed. The device includes a gage for measuring a distance, a first member configured for receiving the gage, a second member attached to the first member, the second member being configured to releasably attach to a first surface on a first side of the formed weld, a third member attached to the first member, the third member being configured to releasably attach to a second surface on a second side of the formed weld, and the gage being positionable at a plurality of locations on the first member, the plurality of locations including a first location being proximal to the second member and distal from the third member and a second location being proximal to the third member and distal from the second member.

Abstract: A machine for raising and lowering a load, the machine including a platform, a boom attached at one end to the platform, a rod mounted transverse to the longitudinal axis of the boom on the other end of a boom, the rod having a central bore there through, with at least two strain gauges mounted therein and angled relative to each other, a hoist rope extending over the rod and having an end adapted to be attached to the load, and a mechanism connected to the at least two strain gauges for determining the angle of departure of the hoist rope from the rod and the amount of pull of the load on the hoist rope.

Abstract: A collision detection system for a vehicle includes a bumper reinforcement fixed to a side member of the vehicle, a pressure sensor placed in front of the bumper reinforcement and having at least one pressure-sensitive member, and a load plate placed in front of the pressure sensor. The load plate has a base member and at least one leg member extending from the base member toward the bumper reinforcement. The base member has a first portion facing the pressure sensitive member of the pressure sensor and a second portion fixed to the leg member. The pressure sensor can have a small pressure-sensitive range, because the leg member reduces pressure applied through the load plate to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A technique of monitoring strain on a printed circuit board assembly involves the use of a strain detector mounted on a printed circuit board. The strain detector is formed of a non-ductile material. The strain detector has a narrowed portion forming a weak link that has a characteristic of breaking when a critical strain limit is exceeded. The method of monitoring can include visual or electrical inspection. The electrical inspection can include having a strain monitoring device. The strain monitoring device has a timer connected to at least one strain detector and a memory for storing results connected to the timer. The capacitance of at least one of the strain detectors is sampled and any change in capacitance is recorded to the memory. In one embodiment, a time stamp occurs in the memory based on when an electrical property changes across at least one of the strain detectors.

Abstract: A seat apparatus for a vehicle has a load detecting device arranged between a floor-side fixing member adapted to be fixed to a floor of the vehicle and a seat-side fixing member adapted to be fixed to a seat for the vehicle and for measuring a load of an occupant seated on the seat. The load detecting device includes: a strain member; a connecting member vertically fixed to an intermediate portion of the strain member; strain gauges attached to a surface of the strain member; an upper bracket having a first and second fixed portions both fixed to the other surface of the strain member. The upper bracket further has an attachment portion connecting the first and second fixed portions and extending in a lateral direction of the seat; and an amplifier unit attached to a surface of the attachment portion of the upper bracket corresponding to the strain member so as to be coplanar with the strain member.

Abstract: An occupant load sensor of a seat for a vehicle includes a strain member, a connecting member, first and second strain gauge plates, an upper bracket, an amplifier substrate, and an FPC substrate. The strain gauge plates are attached to a surface of the strain member and respectively arranged between a central portion and both end portions of the strain member. Each strain gauge plate includes two strain detecting elements forming a half bridge circuit of a Wheatstone bridge circuit. The FPC substrate is connected to the amplifier substrate and to the strain gauge plates between the both end portions and the central portion of the strain member. Further, the FPC substrate includes a plurality of wiring patterns. The Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed with the plurality of wiring patterns and the half bridge circuit formed at each strain gauge plates.

Abstract: A method is described for measuring the chain force (FK) in a drive chain (26) engaging on a body (20) that is rotatable around an axle (21) which is fixed in a frame (10) at least two connecting points (22, 23). The method comprises the steps of: measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a first connecting point (22); measuring the reaction force (FL) between axle (21) and frame (10) at a second connecting point (23); and adding the two measured reaction forces (FL; FR).

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for discriminating the kind of a sheet material, comprising: a substrate having a recessed portion; a press member situated so that a sheet material can be deflected using the recessed portion; a support member that is deformed as the sheet material situated to cover the recessed portion is pressed by the press member and thereby deflected; and a sensor for detecting the deformation amount of the support member, wherein the kind of the sheet material is discriminated on the basis of detecting the deformation amount of the support member by the sensor.

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 sensor element capable of appropriately detecting an external force operating three-dimensionally is provided. The sensor element includes an elastic member which can be compressed or expanded by an external force received from an object, a resistance element whose electric resistance value rises or falls when deformed by the external force, and a support member arranged inside or on the surface of the elastic member and capable of supporting the resistance element disposed at a predetermined position. The sensor element is applied to an object movement control device and an object judgment device.