By Measuring Elastic Deformation Patents (Class 73/862.621)
  • Publication number: 20120072131
    Abstract: A detection device includes: a detecting unit having a first substrate on which a plurality of pressure sensors are disposed around a reference point and a second substrate on which is formed an elastic projection whose center of gravity is positioned in a position overlapping with the reference point and that elastically deforms due to an external force in a state in which the tip of the elastic projection makes contact with the first substrate; and a controller that carries out detection operations for detecting the presence/absence of the external force based on pressure values detected by at least one of the plurality of pressure sensors, and controls the next detection operations of the detection unit based on the result of the previous detection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tomo IKEBE
  • Publication number: 20120055268
    Abstract: A case accommodates a manipulated surface portion. A distortion member has a joint portion, which is connected with a periphery of the manipulated surface portion at one end, and a fixed portion fixed to the case at the other end. The distortion member has a movement transmission surface between the joint portion and the fixed portion. The movement transmission surface is movable according to a manipulating force caused by pressure applied to the manipulated surface portion. A distortion detection unit is adhered to the movement transmission surface and configured to detect a distortion of the movement transmission surface caused by a movement of the distortion member. The manipulated surface portion and the movement transmission surface are located on the same plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicants: DENSO CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shinji Hatanaka, Kunihiro Nakagawa
  • Publication number: 20120020595
    Abstract: A first embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and a bearing surface. The main body and the bearing surface may be engaged with one another via one or more bearing surface springs configured such that the bearing surface is compliant with respect to the main body. A second embodiment of a compliant bearing includes a main body and at least one bearing pad. The main body and the bearing pad may be engaged with one another via one or more pad radial and/or pad axial springs configured such that the bearing pad is compliant with respect to the main body. A sensor web may be integrated into the compliant bearing. In one embodiment the sensor web comprises at least one sensor configured as a strain gauge and affixed to a bearing surface spring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Jongsoo Kim
  • Publication number: 20110296929
    Abstract: A high-accuracy load measuring apparatus capable of enlarging a measurement range includes a loading section provided at one end of a long and narrow beam. A support supports the beam at a side closer to the other end of the beam than the loading section. A displacement sensor includes a capacitive sensor and is provided to measure a displacement of the loading section. The beam includes a pair of long and narrow plate-like legs arranged in parallel while being spaced apart in a thickness direction and a connecting portion connecting ends of the plate-like legs at a side of the loading section. The beam is supported on the support to have a changeable length between a supported position by the support and the loading section. Each plate-like leg includes a slot, which is a long and narrow hole formed along a length direction in a widthwise central part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Hironori Tohmyoh, Md. Abdus Salam Akanda
  • Patent number: 8065926
    Abstract: The present application relates to an input torque measuring device for a drive train of a bicycle. The drive train includes a first crank arm and a second crank arm. An inboard end of each crank arm is rotatably mounted to the bicycle at a bottom bracket of the bicycle. At least one chain ring is configured to rotate a driven wheel of the bicycle. A spider is connected to the first crank arm adjacent the bottom bracket and extends out to the at least one chain ring. The spider is configured to transmit force applied to the crank arms directly to the at least one chain ring. The spider may include a plurality of sensors configured to respond to the force applied by the spider to the at least one chain ring. The sensors produce an electronic signal relative to the force transmitted by the spider to the at least one chain ring and a processor configured to receive the electronic signals from each sensor of the spider.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventor: James Isaac Meyer
  • Patent number: 8048063
    Abstract: A catheter for diagnosis or treatment of a vessel or organ is provided in which a flexible elongated body includes a tri-axial force sensor formed of a housing and a plurality of optical fibers associated with the housing that measure changes in the intensity of light reflected from the lateral surfaces of the housing resulting from deformation caused by forces applied to a distal extremity of the housing. A controller receives an output of the optical fibers and computes a multi-dimensional force vector corresponding to the contact force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Endosense SA
    Inventors: Nicolas Aeby, Giovanni Leo
  • Publication number: 20110252896
    Abstract: A detecting device including a pressure sensor that is deformed by a load from an outside and causes stress dispersion includes a slip detecting unit that calculates a pressure center position using a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, calculates a movement value of the calculated pressure center position using a temporal change of the pressure center position, and detects a slip on the basis of the calculated movement value of the pressure center position. The pressure sensor has a multilayer structure in which two detecting units that detect pressure are arranged to hold a viscoelastic body made of a viscoelastic material that is deformed by a load from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: October 20, 2011
    Inventors: Takeo KISHIDA, Toshimitsu Tsuboi, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Shizuka Yata
  • Patent number: 8020456
    Abstract: A sensor is provided, which includes a plurality of conducting elements spaced apart from each other and at least one deformable electrolyte bridge contacting each of the conducting elements at one or more contact points having an aggregate contact area. Upon formation of an ionic circuit between two of the conducting elements, a first resistivity between the two conducting element exists. Upon application of a compressive force on the at least one deformable electrolyte bridge directed toward at least one of the conducting elements, the aggregate contact area increases such that a second resistivity between the two conducting elements exists.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Florida State University Research Foundation
    Inventors: Tao Liu, Chun Zhang, Ben Wang, Zhiyong Liang
  • Publication number: 20110185458
    Abstract: Force, pressure, or stiffness measurement or calibration can be provided, such as by using a graphene or other sheet membrane, which can provide a specified number of monolayers suspended over a substantially circular well. In an example, the apparatus can include a substrate, including a substantially circular well. A deformable sheet membrane can be suspended over the well. The membrane can be configured to include a specified integer number of one or more monolayers. A storage medium can comprise accompanying information about the suspended membrane or the substrate that, with a deflection displacement response of the suspended membrane to an applied force or pressure, provides a measurement of the applied force or pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: THE TRUSTEES OF COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY IN THE CITY OF NEW YORK
    Inventors: Jeffrey William Kysar, James C. Hone, Changgu Lee, Xiaoding Wei
  • Patent number: 7984544
    Abstract: A force or pressure sensor and appertaining method for manufacturing are provided in which the sensor comprises a repeating conductive trace pattern that can be replicated to produce a consistent conductive trace across more than one adjacent pattern section forming an electrical bus, wherein more than one section of a series of conductive traces are printed on a thin and flexible dielectric backing using the pattern. The thin and flexible dielectric backing has a repeated pattern of conductive traces printed above the dielectric backing and one or more dielectric layers provided above the conductive traces, the dielectric layers having access regions permitting contact of conductors above the one or more dielectric layers, and a sensor conductor layer printed above the one or more dielectric layers that contacts the conductive traces via at least one of the access regions or regions not covered by the one or more dielectric layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2011
    Inventor: Ilya D. Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20110174085
    Abstract: An apparatus for measuring load acting on pipe supports, the apparatus including a load cell which includes a contact portion contacting a pipe, and a measuring portion for measuring load acting from the pipe; and a gap sensor which measures a gap between the pipe support and the pipe, which is generated by a movement of the contact portion, wherein the load acting on the pipe support is measured based on the load measured by the load cell and the gap measured by the gap sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2010
    Publication date: July 21, 2011
    Applicant: KEPCO ENGINEERING & CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
    Inventors: Youn Ho Won, Chang Been Jeon
  • Patent number: 7971496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the elastic deformation of components, especially parallel kinematic devices, under a load. Said method is characterised in that the geometry of the articulation points on the fixed platform (9) and the mobile platform (10) is determined; the replacement spring constants of the actuators (K1, K2, K3) and the replacement spring constants of the bearings are determined; the theoretical length of the actuators is determined; the theoretical position of all of the articulation points in the area is determined therefrom; the forces acting on the individual actuators are determined from said geometry and the load (F); and the real geometrical image and thus the real position of the mobile platform are determined from said forces. The real position is compared with the calculated theoretical position and is brought into line by the actuation of corresponding actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2011
    Inventor: Franz Ehrenleitner
  • Patent number: 7958790
    Abstract: A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Cornell Research Foundation, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Gleghorn, Lawrence Bonassar
  • Publication number: 20110126642
    Abstract: An actuator apparatus (10) for operation of at least one foot pedal (8) of a motor vehicle (4) has at least one operating element (12) that is drivable for pressure application to the foot pedal (8) by means of an actuator (14), and a force sensor (16), by means of which a pressure-application force that can be generated at a contact surface (20) of the operating element (12) can be detected. Provision is made in this arrangement that the contact surface (20) is formed by a pressure-application plate (18) and that the force sensor (16) is disposed on a side (22) of the pressure-application plate (18) facing away from the contact surface (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: Kurt STÄHLE
  • Publication number: 20110117810
    Abstract: A non-rigid electrical component includes a first layer of a compressible material. The first layer has at least one aperture therethrough. A second layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on one side of the first layer across the aperture and a third layer of an electrically conductive material is positioned on an opposite side of the first layer across the aperture. The first layer is compressible such that the second and third layers of material may be brought into contact with each other in the aperture of the first layer to complete an electrical connection between the second and third layers upon application of a compression force. The first layer is also made of a resilient material such that when the compression force is removed, the first material expands to separate the second and third layers, thereby breaking the electrical connection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Robert E. Morley, Jennifer R. Garbos
  • Patent number: 7938028
    Abstract: A force sensor comprises a force sensor chip, and a buffering device for dampening and applying incoming external force to the force sensor chip. The buffering device comprises an input portion to which external force is input, a sensor mount for fixing the force sensor chip to the exterior, a dampening mechanism for dampening external force, and a transmission portion for transmitting the dampened external force to the active sensing portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Hirabayashi, Takeshi Ohsato, Nobuhiro Sakurai, Shigenori Yasuie, Hiroshi Yokobayashi
  • Patent number: 7935072
    Abstract: A description is given of a method of monitoring the operationality of a flow cut-off member for an extracorporeal fluid circuit. Also described is a system for arresting the flow of blood that implements this monitoring method. The system has a flow cut-off member active on a radially deformable length of tube forming part of the circuit, and a unit capable of causing a movement of a movable portion of the cut-off member towards a closed condition. The system detects when the movable portion passes through a first predetermined position and determines the value assumed by a dynamic parameter associated with the motion of the movable portion at the first predetermined position. The system further checks that this value is within a predetermined criterion of acceptability. Lastly, a blood treatment appliance is described that implements the described method and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Claudio Tonelli, Marco Paraluppi
  • Publication number: 20110088487
    Abstract: The object to configure a system for measuring loads during the wheel/rail contact of rail vehicles in such a manner that the occurring forces and/or torques can be measured in a reliable and realistic manner is solved by the present invention. Between the rail foot and the measuring device, at least one elastic element is arranged which has an elasticity which simulates the elasticity of a ballast bed. By means of the measuring system according to the invention, on the one hand, realistic conditions of a track system can be simulated and, on the other, a high metrological reproducibility of a load situation can be achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SCHENCK PROCESS GMBH
    Inventors: Fritz Ehmke, Peter Groll, Ralph Mueller
  • Publication number: 20110036184
    Abstract: A permanent deformation measurement apparatus includes a worktable and a measuring device. The worktable includes a supporting surface for supporting an elastic member to be measured. The measuring device includes a base, contact member, an operating member, and a measuring member. The base is fixed on the supporting surface, and defines a guide hole substantially perpendicular to the supporting surface of the worktable. The contact member includes a push rod slidable along the guide hole to contact the elastic member. The operating member is configured for moving the push rod. The measuring member is configured for measuring a position of the push rod when the push rod is in contact with the elastic member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicants: HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD., HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: BING-JUN ZHANG
  • Publication number: 20110036183
    Abstract: Testing system for measuring closure pressure between jaw members of electrosurgical forceps. The testing system includes a testing platform, a pair of selectively adjustable instrument supports, a testing stand. The platform has an elongated bed that supports an instrument rest, which supports the electrosurgical forceps. The pair of instrument supports are associated with the elongated bed and secure the forceps atop the elongated bed. The testing stand is disposed at a distal end of the elongated bed and supports a piece of testing material. The testing stand includes a layer of visco-elastic material and a pressure sensitive film. The layer of visco-elastic material forms a pocket. The pressure sensitive film is disposed within the pocket of the visco-elastic layer. The pressure sensitive film is adapted to electromechanically communicate with a diagnostic system to measure the closure pressure between jaw members when they are in a clamped configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: Tyco Healthcare Group, LP
    Inventors: Ryan Artale, Bruce J. Dunne, Blake Randolph, Risk Brandon, Colin p. Carr, Leif Cook, David M. Garrison, Jeffrey D. Ipsen
  • Publication number: 20100194563
    Abstract: A system and method for providing warnings of a suicide attempt provides monitoring of specific hardware, fixtures, or objects, or structure supporting or associated with same, within an isolation room by way of sensors to provide notice exterior the room that a monitored condition has changed. The sensor can be a load sensor, proximity sensor, contact sensor, or the like. More particularly, an object in an isolation room that provides an attachment potential for hanging is monitored such as by monitoring the load of said object, detecting changes in the load, and providing an alarm of the change in condition. Doors and associated hardware are particularly suitable for such monitoring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventors: John M. Berner, Stephen Young
  • Publication number: 20100170348
    Abstract: One aspect of the inventive technology may be generally described as a method for determining test object deformation response that comprises the steps of moving a deformation force deliverer 1 to deliver deformation force 24 to a test object 3; adjusting a deformation force deliverer affecting input so as to meet at least one constraint while performing the step of moving the deformation force deliverer 1; deforming the test object 3 with the deformation force 24; and determining test object response to the deformation force. Corollary apparatus, in addition to other inventive apparatus and method aspects relating variously to test object deformation response determination are part of the inventive technology. Such aspects may relate to the use of a linear actuator 15 in a test object deformation and to identity of motion of a deformation force deliverer 3 and a force deliverer drive component 75, as herein described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: SNAPTRON, INC.
    Inventors: Troy Diaz, Kevin N. Albertsen, Josh Landrum, Jean-Jacques Brun, Brett A. Tatman
  • Patent number: 7716999
    Abstract: Test method for determining (e.g. prism) microstructure deformation of a microstructured (e.g. brightness enhancing) film are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Adam H. Hesselroth, Stephen J Dreyer, Mark R. Dupre
  • Patent number: 7716998
    Abstract: A device (1) for measuring reaction moments and forces on a lever (2) with at least one receptacle (9) for the lever (2) and with at least one carrier (42), wherein the receptacle (9) is fixed on the carrier (42) in opposite measurement directions deflectable relative to the carrier (42), and the device (1) is further provided with at least one fixed, supported sensor (50) for measuring deflections of the lever (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Nikolaj Bechtold, Christian Schaufler, Horst Strobel
  • Patent number: 7698962
    Abstract: A sensor interface is disclosed including a flexible substrate in which are embedded sensors for measuring physical parameters such as temperature, displacement, velocity, acceleration, stress, strain, pressure and force present between objects such as a railcar bearing and a truck side frame. The substrate is positioned between the objects of interest Electronic components such as a data processing unit, a data storage device, a communication device and a power source may also be embedded within the substrate. The electronic devices communicate with one another and the sensors to process signals generated by the sensors indicative of the parameters being measured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Amsted Rail Company, Inc.
    Inventors: William LeFebvre, Michael J. McCann, Frank Backo, III, Andrew H. Martin
  • Patent number: 7698961
    Abstract: The ability of a person to grasp an object and at the same time to feel, as well as to determine mechanical and geometric parameters of the comprehended object, makes him or her irreplaceable for many tasks, i.e. in production or in surgery. The translation of this ability into a technological system has often failed up to now due to lack of special adjusted sensors. The object of this invention is a sensory device, which fulfills the requirements for a tactile sensor system and at the same time affords a cost-effective and simple manufacturing alternative to other sensor principles. The layer structure of the sensor element is so constructed that by effect of an external force of the current by a resistive layer a path is disposed to narrowing or enlargement. The voltage drop over this resistive layer is dependent upon the acting external force and serves as signal sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Novineon Healthcare Technology Partners GmbH
    Inventors: Sebastian Schostek, Chi-Nghia Ho, Marc Oliver Schurr, Daniel Kalanovic
  • Patent number: 7690272
    Abstract: A micro-sensor is provided with a fixed reference frame and an elastic pivot. The elastic pivot has at least two co-axial segments of pivot and is coupled to the fixed reference frame. The elastic pivot has a neutral axis that is a central line of the pivot. A moveable body is coupled to the elastic pivot and the reference frame. The moveable body and the reference frame share a reference surface. The moveable body extends between the two co-axial segments to provide that for a rotation of the moveable body about the pivot the moveable body approaches the reference surface at a first side, and recedes from the reference surface from an opposite side to provide an opening gap and a closing gap. The neutral axis is below the reference surface. At least a first gauge is configured to detect tilt about the elastic pivot and measure separation of the moveable body and the reference frame at the reference surface. The gauge provides a measurement of the opening and closing of the opening and closing gaps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Endevco Corporation
    Inventor: Leslie Bruce Wilner
  • Publication number: 20100071453
    Abstract: An apparatus to accurately detect a force acting on a tire, based on a stress acting on a connection mechanism that connects a wheel and a wheel support member. A tire-acting-force detection apparatus is applied to a vehicle including a wheel unit composed of a wheel and a tire held at an outer circumferential portion of the wheel; a wheel support member which supports the wheel by a wheel support portion perpendicular to a rotation axis such that the wheel can rotate about the rotation axis; and a connection mechanism which connects a circular plate portion of the wheel and a wheel support portion of the wheel support member at a plurality of positions separated from one another about the rotation axis. The tire-acting-force detection apparatus includes a plurality of detection elements detecting stresses acting on each bolt, and an electronic circuit apparatus calculating a tire acting force, which acts at the ground contact point of the tire, based on the detected stresses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Hiroshi Isono
  • Patent number: 7677117
    Abstract: In a measuring device for the measurement of forces in a vehicle undercarriage, more particularly of the brake torque on a vehicle undercarriage, e.g. an aircraft landing gear, a sensor is introduced into a hollow connecting element that is transversally loaded by said forces, which sensor produces a measuring signal in function of a deformation of said connecting element. Distance measuring elements which detect the distance of the inner wall of said connecting element from said sensor are used as measuring elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Vibro-Meter SA
    Inventors: Jacques Perriard, Felix Schmid
  • Publication number: 20100063751
    Abstract: A method for monitoring a building structure, having construction and reinforcement elements with pre-calculated threshold stretching and compression loads, comprises—determining actual stretching and compression loads developed therein based on data measured for the loads, —comparing the determined loads with the corresponding pre-calculated loads, and —displaying the determined loads and the compared results on a monitoring terminal, wherein the measured data are generated in real time or in a predetermined time mode, and obtained by measuring deviations of electric or magnetic parameters at the reinforcement elements, and by compression-measuring sensors installed between the construction elements. A system for determination of failure conditions of the building structure includes a monitoring device capable of connecting to stretching and compression loads measuring means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2007
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Igor Gennadevich Korolev
  • Patent number: 7644636
    Abstract: A load pin brake cell apparatus includes a load pin element that can be machined with a pair of external grooves in order to create independent load locations. A sleeve can be installed over the load pin element and can be welded at each edge of the grooves to relocate the pair of grooves to interior of the load pin element. The sleeve and the load pin act as one homogenous component to ensure a predictable and total transfer of stress and strain to a strain gauge located within the load pin. The ratio of a cross-sectional area between the sleeve and the load pin can be kept to a minimum in order to minimize the non-linearity due to bending stresses. The sleeve wall preferably possesses a sufficient thickness to prevent yielding at the grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Sean D. Gregory, Brian D. Richards
  • Publication number: 20090241694
    Abstract: An external force detection device includes a weight portion, a supporting portion, and a beam portion provided in an SOI substrate which includes an upper layer and a lower layer that are capable of being etched with a first etching gas and sandwich an intermediate layer that is capable of being etched with a second etching gas. The weight portion is displaced in accordance with an external force to cause the beam portion to deform. The upper layer in a gap portion between the weight portion and the supporting portion is etched. The lower layer in the gap portion and the lower layer below the beam portion are etched. The intermediate layer in the gap portion is then etched. The groove formed by etching the upper layer has a multidirectional two-dimensional shape.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: MURATA MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Koichi YOSHIDA
  • Publication number: 20090151477
    Abstract: A passenger discriminating apparatus according to the present invention includes a plurality of load sensors for measuring a load of a passenger, which is applied to a passenger seat disposed within a vehicle, and a pair of dummy sensors configured to support the load of the passenger seat and not having a load sensing function. The type of the passenger is discriminated by comparing a sum of values in which the load values measured by the plurality of load sensors, respectively, are multiplied by a load weight of the load sensors and a reference value. Accordingly, the passenger discriminating apparatus can save the prime cost, reduce its weight, and secure an equivalent or more performance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: HYUNDAI MOBIS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jae Ho HWANG, Byeong Yeol KIM
  • Publication number: 20090107261
    Abstract: Test method for determining (e.g. prism) microstructure deformation of a microstructured (e.g. brightness enhancing) film are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Adam H. Hesselroth, Stephen J. Dreyer, Mark R. Dupre
  • Publication number: 20090084196
    Abstract: A micro-sensor is provided with a fixed reference frame and an elastic pivot. The elastic pivot has at least two co-axial segments of pivot and is coupled to the fixed reference frame. The elastic pivot has a neutral axis that is a central line of the pivot. A moveable body is coupled to the elastic pivot and the reference frame. The moveable body and the reference frame share a reference surface. The moveable body extends between the two co-axial segments to provide that for a rotation of the moveable body about the pivot the moveable body approaches the reference surface at a first side, and recedes from the reference surface from an opposite side to provide an opening gap and a closing gap. The neutral axis is below the reference surface. At least a first gauge is configured to detect tilt about the elastic pivot and measure separation of the moveable body and the reference frame at the reference surface. The gauge provides a measurement of the opening and closing of the opening and closing gaps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Inventor: Leslie Bruce Wilner
  • Publication number: 20090031825
    Abstract: A detecting device including a pressure sensor that is deformed by a load from an outside and causes stress dispersion includes a slip detecting unit that calculates a pressure center position using a pressure value detected by the pressure sensor, calculates a movement value of the calculated pressure center position using a temporal change of the pressure center position, and detects a slip on the basis of the calculated movement value of the pressure center position. The pressure sensor has a multilayer structure in which two detecting units that detect pressure are arranged to hold a viscoelastic body made of a viscoelastic material that is deformed by a load from the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventors: Takeo KISHIDA, Toshimitsu Tsuboi, Tetsuharu Fukushima, Shizuka Yata
  • Patent number: 7481123
    Abstract: A load and load direction detecting apparatus is so constructed that a shear force acts on a cylindrical strain body when a load W is applied from a displacing member to a case member in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the strain body. Thus, the strain body deforms readily. Consequently, detecting sensitivity of the value of load W is improved, which is calculated by a first differential amplifier (load value calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a first bridge. A direction (?W) of the load W is calculated by a load direction calculator (load direction calculating unit) based on an output voltage output from a second bridge, and the output voltage output from the first bridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignees: Toyoda Iron Works Co., Ltd., Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Noboru Fujiwara, Akira Matsuura
  • Patent number: 7475606
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Peter Selig, Klaus Wurster
  • Publication number: 20080314165
    Abstract: A force or pressure sensor and appertaining method for manufacturing are provided in which the sensor comprises a repeating conductive trace pattern that can be replicated to produce a consistent conductive trace across more than one adjacent pattern section forming an electrical bus, wherein more than one section of a series of conductive traces are printed on a thin and flexible dielectric backing using the pattern. The thin and flexible dielectric backing has a repeated pattern of conductive traces printed above the dielectric backing and one or more dielectric layers provided above the conductive traces, the dielectric layers having access regions permitting contact of conductors above the one or more dielectric layers, and a sensor conductor layer printed above the one or more dielectric layers that contacts the conductive traces via at least one of the access regions or regions not covered by the one or more dielectric layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventor: Ilya D. Rosenberg
  • Publication number: 20080276728
    Abstract: A device (1) for measuring reaction moments and forces on a lever (2) with at least one receptacle (9) for the lever (2) and with at least one carrier (42), wherein the receptacle (9) is fixed on the carrier (42) in opposite measurement directions deflectable relative to the carrier (42), and the device (1) is further provided with at least one fixed, supported sensor (50) for measuring deflections of the lever (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: Schaeffler KG
    Inventors: Nikolaj Bechtold, Christian Schaufler, Horst Strobel
  • Patent number: 7427720
    Abstract: A seat-weight sensor includes a load cell having a load sensor arranged therein and a support for holding a support shaft of the load cell. The support includes a convex portion to hold the support shaft and a pair of flange portions arranged at both sides of the convex portion and fixed to a vehicle floor side. The support has a pair of slots arranged at a perimeter of the convex portion and for reducing a physical effect that the pair of flanges provides to the convex portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Furukawa, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Harutomi Nishide, Yoshitaka Suzuki, Nobuhiro Koyota, Seiji Takaya, Naotaka Kumakiri, Mikihito Kojima, Masashi Yoshifuku
  • Publication number: 20080210022
    Abstract: A force measuring device has a rigid stem joined to an essentially flat deformable membrane. The membrane includes detectors for detecting a deformation of the membrane. A portion of the stem comes in contact with an element capable of being subjected to the action of a force. The stem has slots forming anchoring means for interacting with the element. The force measuring device is for use, in particular, in improving the transmission of loads to the deformable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2006
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE
    Inventors: Patrice Rey, Philippe Robert
  • Patent number: 7393337
    Abstract: A description is given of a method of monitoring the operationality of a flow cut-off member for an extracorporeal fluid circuit. Also described is a system for arresting the flow of blood that implements this monitoring method. The system has a flow cut-off member active on a radially deformable length of tube forming part of the circuit, and a unit capable of causing a movement of a movable portion of the cut-off member towards a closed condition. The system detects when the movable portion passes through a first predetermined position and determines the value assumed by a dynamic parameter associated with the motion of the movable portion at the first predetermined position. The system further checks that this value is within a predetermined criterion of acceptability. Lastly, a blood treatment appliance is described that implements the described method and system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Claudio Tonelli, Marco Paraluppi
  • Patent number: 7380475
    Abstract: A dynamometric cell having an elastically deformable force transducer for receiving a weight force and a sensor arrangement for detecting the deformation of the force transducer and its conversion into an electric weight signal is disclosed, wherein the force transducer is connected to a mounting member at its first end and supports a force introduction member at its second end, such that it allows a more exact determination of weight force even when it is incorporated into narrow spaces and wherein the force transducer is designed as a hollow bar with two attenuation zones spaced in longitudinal direction of the bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2008
    Assignee: Bizerba GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Peter Selig, Klaus Wurster
  • Publication number: 20080115593
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a method for detecting conformational change of calmodulin easily and simply in a short period, quantitatively and in real-time manner, and to provide a method for screening a substance having an activity that affects to conformational change of calmodulin efficiently among numerous substances. To solve the object, a method is provided and the method comprising; subjecting a test sample to be tested for its activity to a sample film comprising calmodulin, detecting change(s) in tension and/or elasticity of the sample film in comparison with prior to subjecting said test sample using a mechanochemical sensor, thereby it enables real-time and short time measurement of the activity of said test sample to induce or to inhibit conformational change of calmodulin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2005
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Applicant: FUENCE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kaname Mogami, Hiroshi Kase
  • Patent number: 7373846
    Abstract: This load cell attachment structure includes a male screw which is formed on a load sensing part of the load cell, a nut which attaches the load cell to the attachment plate by engaging with the male screw, and a wave washer which is disposed between the attachment plate and the nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignees: Honda Motor Co., Ltd., TS Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Furukawa, Naotaka Kumakiri, Mikihito Kojima, Masashi Yoshifuku, Tatsuya Yamazaki, Toyohiko Shindo, Harutomi Nishide, Shigeru Endo, Kenji Sato
  • Publication number: 20080022784
    Abstract: To provide a load cell, having a force transducer for recording tensile and compressive forces that are to be determined, which can be produced more economically and, in particular, can also be handled more easily during the adjustment of the sensor arrangement than hitherto, the force transducer comprising a flectionally elastic element and a force introduction part acting on the flectionally elastic element, having a sensor arrangement for detecting a deformation of the flectionally elastic element and the transformation thereof into an electric weighing signal, and having a housing receiving the force transducer and the sensor arrangement, with a flectionally rigid wall part, on which the flectionally elastic element of the force transducer is held, it is proposed that the sensor arrangement be arranged on a separate carrier, which is held on the flectionally rigid wall part and/or a flectionally rigid base part region of the housing
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 31, 2008
    Applicant: BAG BIZERBA AUTOMOTIVE GMBH
    Inventors: Rolf-Dieter Wehinger, Frank Metzger, Joerg Baltinger, Thomas Plocher
  • Patent number: 7319198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a housingless load cell whose resistance and measuring accuracy can be improved with respect to environmental influences such that at least the predominant part of the surface (12) and/or the surface (14) has a transversal path, such that water hitting the body of the load cell (1) can flow off when the load cell is in a built-in state. The angle ?1 between the transversally extending part of the surface (12) and the perpendicular peripheral surface of the body (3) and/or the angle ?2 between the transversally extending part of the surface (14) and the peripheral surface of the leg (4) is respectively greater than 90° and is, more particularly between 93°- 120°. A housingless load cell comprising a compensation electronics system is provided in one of the transversal holes (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2008
    Assignee: Sartorius Hamburg GmbH
    Inventors: Andreas Kuchel, Jörg Herrnring
  • Publication number: 20070245836
    Abstract: The present invention is a three-dimensional force input control device for sensing vector forces and converting them into electronic signals for processing in a electronic signal processing system with all components within die fabricated from the single semiconductor substrate. The die has an elastic element, a frame formed around said elastic element, at least three mechanical stress sensitive IC components located in the elastic element, at rigid island element which transfers an external vector force to the elastic element and through the IC components provides electrical output signal, this rigid island has a height bigger than the thickness of the frame element, an external force-transferring element coupling the rigid island element with an external force and electronic circuit for processing output signals from the mechanical stress sensitive IC components.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Inventor: Vladimir Vaganov
  • Publication number: 20070125185
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a weight sensor comprising force-translating elements cooperating in a levered manner that are arranged at least in part asymmetrical to an imaginary center plane of the weight sensor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2004
    Publication date: June 7, 2007
    Inventor: Timo Hauck