Abstract: A pressure sensor (20) includes a test cell (32) and sense cell (34). The sense cell (34) includes an electrode (42) formed on a substrate (30) and a sense diaphragm (68) spaced apart from the electrode (42) to produce a sense cavity (64). The test cell (32) includes an electrode (40) formed on the substrate (30) and a test diaphragm (70) spaced apart from the electrode (40) to produce a test cavity (66). Both of the cells (32, 34) are sensitive to pressure (36). However, a critical dimension (76) of the sense diaphragm (68) is less than a critical dimension (80) of the test diaphragm (70) so that the test cell (32) has greater sensitivity (142) to pressure (36) than the sense cell (34). Parameters (100) measured at the test cell (32) are utilized to estimate a sensitivity (138) of the sense cell (34).

Abstract: Most mechanical tests (compression testing, tensile testing, flexure testing, shear testing) of samples in the sub-mm size scale are performed under the observation with an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope. However, the following problems exist with prior art force sensors as e.g they cannot be used for in-plane mechanical testing (a- and b-direction) of a sample; they cannot be used for vertical testing (c-direction) of a sample. In order to overcome the before mentioned drawbacks the invention comprises the following basic working principle: A force is applied to the probe (2) at the probe tip (1) of the sensor. The force is transmitted by the sensor probe (2) to the movable body (3) of the sensor. The movable body is elastically suspended by four folded flexures (4), which transduce the force into a deflection dx. This deflection is measured by an array of capacitor electrodes, called capacitive comb drive (6).

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for a capacitive force sensor utilizing a magnetic spring. The force is applied across a body and a moveable element that are coupled by the magnetic spring. The moveable element is configured to vary the capacitance of a variable capacitor. A sensing circuit, electrically coupled to the variable capacitor, provides a force signal characteristic of the applied force. In application to a stylus pointing device, the moveable element is coupled to a moveable tip of the stylus. The force signal, which is characteristic of the force applied to the tip of the stylus, may be used to control an application executed on a host electronic device.

Abstract: A dual capacitor load cell is presented that includes two coupled capacitors with a common plate between them where the common plate is responsive to a force applied to the load cell. The capacitance of the two capacitors varies inversely and changes in response to the applied force. The combined capacitance of each capacitor is used to determine the magnitude of the force being applied to the load cell.

Abstract: A force-sensitive capacitive sensor that includes a first conductive plate, a second conductive plate that is spaced apart from the first conductive plate, and a compressible dielectric insulator positioned between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor also includes a first protective insulator, a second protective insulator sealed to the first protective insulator to encase the first conductive plate, the second conductive plate, and the compressible dielectric insulator, and a circuit attached via wires to the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate. The sensor may also include electromagnetic shielding. The circuit is configured to sense a change in capacitance between the first conductive plate and the second conductive plate caused by compression of the compressible dielectric insulator resulting from a person occupying the sensor or a support surface positioned above the sensor, and transmit output based on the sensed change in capacitance.

Abstract: A capacitive measurement device for control interfaces, includes: (i) a support plate (2) having elements for attachment (4) to a control interface (3), (ii) first electrodes (5) arranged on a first surface of the support plate (2) opposite the control interface (3) and including first active electrodes (5), (iii) electronic capacitive measurement elements capable of enabling the obtainment of proximity and/or contact information of objects of interest (1), and (iv) second electrodes (6, 7) arranged on a second surface of the support plate (2) facing the control interface (3) and including second active electrodes (6) connected to the electronic capacitive measurement elements such as to enable the obtainment of measurements of movement and/or deformation of the support plate (2). A method and apparatus implemented in the device are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a detection device for detecting a strength and a direction of an external force applied to a reference point, the detection device including: a first substrate having a plurality of first capacitor electrodes arranged around the reference point; a second substrate arranged to face the first substrate by interposing the first capacitor electrodes; a dielectric body arranged between the first and second substrates and made of an elastic body or fluid; a second capacitor electrode arranged to face the first capacitor electrodes by interposing the dielectric body between the first and second substrates; and a third substrate having an elastic projection which has a gravity center in a location overlapping with the reference point and is elastically deformed by the external force while a tip thereof abuts on the second substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus including a first sensor arrangement configured in a first layer; a second sensor arrangement configured in a second layer; wherein the sensor arrangements are configured to vary an input signal in response to a sensed parameter; and the apparatus also including an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal that depends on each of the first and second sensor arrangements.

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.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a magnitude of a compressive load applied to a piston including a compliant film disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the magnitude of the compressive load is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to a deformation of the compliant film as the compressive load is applied.

Abstract: A capacitance type sensor includes: a dielectric layer made of a polymer; an elongated front-side electrode placed on a front side of the dielectric layer; an elongated back-side electrode placed on a back side of the dielectric layer; a front-side wiring connected to the front-side electrode; a back-side wiring connected to the back-side electrode; and a plurality of detection portions formed between the front-side electrode and the back-side electrode. Each of the front-side electrode and the back-side electrode has an elongated electrode body containing a binder and a conductive material, and an extended wiring portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the electrode body and having lower volume resistivity than the electrode body, and the front-side wiring and the back-side wiring have lower volume resistivity than the electrode body.

Abstract: A force sensor having a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer and an electrically active layer is disclosed. The electrically active layer comprises a transmitter electrode configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrically grounded layer to move closer to the electrically active layer, so as to reduce the level of capacitive coupling between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode in dependence upon the magnitude of an applied force.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a force effect comprises two electrical conductors which run at a distance from one another, a deformable spacer which is arranged between the two electrical conductors, a first measuring device which is electrically connected to one end of the two electrical conductors in each case and an electrical component which is electrically connected to the respective other end of the two electrical conductors. The first measuring device is designed to detect a change in a variable which can be measured by the measuring device, which change is caused by a change in the distance between the two electrical conductors which is caused by a force effect at at least one place along the two electrical conductors, in order to detect the force effect.

Abstract: System, apparatus and method for capacitive sensing, where a sensor includes an upper and lower housing, each respectively equipped with upper and lower pressure ports. The lower housing is electrically coupled to an active shield. An insulating material is provided on or near a conductive diaphragm for insulating the conductive diaphragm from the lower housing. The insulating material may be an insulator or a dielectric material, where a sensing electrode is positioned such that the sensing electrode extends laterally across at least a portion of the insulating material, and is separated from the insulating material by a predetermined distance to form an air gap.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy electrostatic capacitance type physical quantity sensor and angular velocity sensor configured so as to be capable of suppressing noise derived from internal noise while maintaining resistance to externally-incoming noise. A detection element 10 has a movable mass 18 supported displaceably by a physical quantity given from the outside, and a detection electrode Ef. A shield wire 16 is disposed around wirings connected to the input of a capacitance detection circuit 30 and is connected to a dc potential of low impedance. A value Cin of an input capacitance relative to a fixed potential of low impedance at a portion at which the detection element 10 is connected with the capacitance detection circuit 30 is set to fall within a range of 1.5 pF<Cin<20 pF.

Abstract: A device and method for operating a capacitive input device configured to sense input objects and their applied force in a sensing region, the device including a pliable component having an input surface and characterized by a bending stiffness, and first and second arrays of sensor electrodes. The input device further includes a third array of sensor electrodes and a spacing layer disposed between the third array. The pliable component is characterized by a compressive stiffness and configured to deform in response to a force applied to the input surface and to deflect the second array of sensor electrodes towards the third array of sensor electrodes, wherein the deformation of the input surface and the deflection of the second array of sensor electrodes is a function of the ratio of the bending stiffness of the pliable component and the compressive stiffness of the spacing layer.

Abstract: Most mechanical tests (compression testing, tensile testing, flexure testing, shear testing) of samples in the sub-mm size scale are performed under the observation with an optical microscope or a scanning electron microscope. However, the following problems exist with prior art force sensors as e.g they cannot be used for in-plane mechanical testing (a- and b-direction) of a sample; they cannot be used for vertical testing (c-direction) of a sample. In order to overcome the before mentioned drawbacks the invention comprises the following basic working principle: A force is applied to the probe (2) at the probe tip (1) of the sensor. The force is transmitted by the sensor probe (2) to the movable body (3) of the sensor. The movable body is elastically suspended by four folded flexures (4), which transduce the force into a deflection dx. This deflection is measured by an array of capacitor electrodes, called capacitive comb drive (6).

Abstract: Systems and methods of creating a touch sensitive surface structure comprising a piezo structure in communication with a deformable surface such that the piezo structure, or any suitable pressure sensing device, is capable of sensing pressure from a touch upon the deformable surface and communicating that pressure signal to an actuating circuit. The actuating circuit, upon receiving a suitable pressure signal, sends a piezo actuating signal to the piezo structure. The piezo structure, upon receiving the piezo actuating signal, is capable of communicating a mechanical signal to the deformable surface, sufficient for a person's finger to feel a “click” and/or haptic sensation. In one embodiment, the piezo actuating signal comprises a first slow charging portion and a second fast discharging portion, sufficient for the piezo structure to communicate the click and/or haptic sensation.

Abstract: A touch sensing element is provided comprising an insulating substrate and a conductive layer located on a surface of the insulating substrate. The conductive layer comprises: a plurality of first conductive traces arranged at intervals along a first direction, each first conductive trace extending along a second direction; and a plurality of second conductive traces arranged to form second conductive trace columns, each second conductive trace column comprises a plurality of second conductive traces arranged at intervals along the second direction, each second conductive trace column is correspondingly located corresponding to a lateral direction of the first conductive trace. Each second conductive trace of each conductive trace column is spaced from and forms a mutual inductance with a corresponding first conductive trace. The conductive layer is formed on a surface of the insulating substrate; the structure and process are much simpler. A touch panel having the touch sensing element is also provided.

Abstract: A purpose is to provide a sensor assembly and a sensor module having a flexible sensor element that uses polymer material and having a component such as the sensor element and the like that hardly deteriorates and is superior in durability. A sensor assembly includes a sensor element and an exterior packaging bag enclosing the sensor element. The sensor element includes a sensor thin film made of resin or elastomer, and at least one pair of electrodes connected to the sensor thin film. The exterior packaging bag is made from laminate films having a metal foil and two resin layers arranged sandwiching the metal foil.

Abstract: A capacitive shear force sensor and a method for fabricating thereof are provided. The capacitive shear force sensor includes a first electric field shielding layer, a second electric field shielding layer, a driving electrode, a first sensing electrode, a second sensing electrode and a dielectric layer. The second electric field shielding layer is disposed under the first electric field shielding layer. The driving electrode is disposed between the first electric field shielding layer and the second electric field shielding layer. The first and the second sensing electrodes are disposed between the driving electrode and the second electric field shielding layer. The dielectric layer is disposed between the driving electrode and the first sensing electrode, and between the driving electrode and the second sensing electrode. The first sensing electrode and the driving electrode form a first capacitor. The second sensing electrode and the driving electrode form a second capacitor.

Abstract: An insole can include: an upper conductive ground plane layer; an upper compressible insulating layer physically coupled to the upper conductive ground plane layer; a conductive sensor layer physically coupled to the upper compressible insulating layer, the conductive sensor layer comprising one or more sensors are configured to a force applied to the insole by the foot; a lower compressible insulating layer physically coupled to conductive sensor layer; a lower conductive ground plane layer physically coupled to the lower compressible insulating layer and electrically coupled to the upper conductive ground plane layer; and at least one computational unit communicatively coupled to the one or more sensors. The upper conductive ground plane layer and the lower conductive ground plane layer are configured to substantially electrically shield the upper compressible insulating layer, the conductive sensor layer, and the lower compressible insulating layer from the shoe and the foot.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a first substrate including a plurality of first electrodes, a second substrate including a plurality of second electrodes corresponding to the plurality of first electrodes, and a dielectric substance disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, wherein a second electrode corresponding to any one of the first electrodes is offset in one direction with respect to the any one of the first electrodes while a second electrode corresponding to another first electrode neighboring the any one of the first electrodes is offset in another direction.

Abstract: Sensing device and sensing method are disclosed. The multi-dimensional force sensing device includes a soft laminose dielectric structure, a conductive sheet, at least one first electrode sheet, at least one second electrode sheet, a measuring unit and an analysis unit. The soft laminose dielectric structure has a first surface and a second surface opposite to each other. The conductive sheet is disposed on the first surface and has a vertical projection area. The first electrode sheet is disposed on the second surface and totally in the range of the vertical projection area. The second electrode sheet is disposed on the second surface and partially in the range of the vertical projection area. The analysis unit analyzes the magnitude and direction of a force applied on the conductive sheet according to the capacitance between the at least one first electrode sheet and between the first and the second electrode sheets.

Abstract: Three or more electrodes are arranged on either a window frame or window glass of an automobile. An electric field measurement unit measures the capacitance between various combinations of the electrodes to detect whether an object is located between the window frame and window glass. A control circuit varies the sensitivity of the electric field measurement unit by switching amongst the electrodes used for capacitance measurement based on the movement and position of the window glass.

Abstract: A force transducer, in particular a load cell, includes a spring body that deforms when loaded with a force or load to be measured. Two support parts, which are separated by a gap, are moved out of a position of rest. A capacitive displacement detector is used to detect the relative movement of the support parts, where the capacitor includes two electrode combs that are each held on one of the support parts and includes a multiplicity of electrode fingers. The electrode combs are configured designed and mounted on the two support parts such that the electrode fingers of the one electrode comb pass into the finger interspaces of the other electrode comb when the spring body is loaded so that the force transducer is resistant to overloading.

Abstract: A flexible force or pressure sensing mat includes a first sheet of electrically conductive first paths, a second sheet of electrically conductive second paths, and a sensing layer positioned between the first and second sheets. The first and second conductive paths are oriented transversely to each other, and the locations of their intersections define individual sensing areas or sensors. The sensing layer is made from materials that have first and second electrical characteristics—such as capacitance and resistance—that vary in response to physical forces exerted thereon. A controller repetitively measures the multiple electrical characteristics of each sensor in order to produce a near real time pressure distribution map of the forces sensed by the mat. The mat can be used on a patient support surface—such as a bed, cot, stretcher, recliner, operating table, etc.—to monitor and help reduce the likelihood of a patient developing pressure ulcers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to an apparatus including a first sensor arrangement configured in a first layer; a second sensor arrangement configured in a second layer; wherein the sensor arrangements are configured to vary an input signal in response to a sensed parameter; and the apparatus also including an input configured to receive an input signal and an output configured to provide an output signal that depends on each of the first and second sensor arrangements.

Abstract: A system for monitoring strain as an indicator of biological conditions, such as spinal fusion, glucose levels, spinal loading, and heart rate. The system includes an inter-digitated capacitor sensor, and RF transmitter, and an associated antenna, all of which are microminiature or microscopic in size and can be implanted in a biological host such as a human or animal. An inductively coupled power supply is also employed to avoid the need for implantation of chemical batteries. Power is provided to the sensor and transmitter, and data is transmitted from the sensor, when an external receiving device, such as a handheld RF ID type receiver, is placed proximate the location of the implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply. The implanted sensor, transmitter and inductively coupled power supply can be left in place permanently or removed when desired.

Abstract: A sensor includes a first electrode and a second, compressible electrode. A dielectric layer separates the first electrode from the second electrode. At least one of the first and second electrodes compress responsive to force, increasing capacitance between the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A bicycle including a frame that has a bottom bracket, a first bicycle component, a second bicycle component coupled and responsive to the first bicycle component, and a sensor apparatus coupled to and sandwiched between the first component and the second component. The bicycle also includes a pedal coupled to the crankset and operable to propel the bicycle in response to a force acting on the pedal. The first bicycle component is acted upon by the pedal in response to the force. The sensor apparatus includes a sensor element positioned to sense a force transferred from the first component to the second component and indicative of the force acting on the pedal.

Abstract: A capacitor for use in sensors includes opposed first and second capacitor plates, wherein the second capacitor plate is mounted to the first capacitor plate by a flexible attachment. The flexible attachment is configured and adapted so that flexure of the attachment causes a change in the spacing between the first and second capacitor plates to cause a change in the capacitance thereacross.

Abstract: An electrostatic force generator is disclosed. The electrostatic force generator includes an RF AC voltage source, a capacitive module, a resonant capacitive-inductive bridge (CIB) module, a lock-in amplifier module, and a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller. The resonant capacitive-inductive bridge module converts the differential capacitance to a differential signal. The differential signal from the resonant capacitive-inductive bridge module is demodulated at the RF excitation frequency by the lock-in amplifier module. The PID controller receives the output signal from the lock-in amplifier module and generates two audio frequency AC signals to generate a compensation electrostatic force and maintain the capacitance balance inside the capacitive module.

Abstract: A position indicator includes a capacitor having a capacitance that changes in correspondence to a force applied to one end part of a housing. The capacitor is configured by a pressure detecting chip that includes a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite to the first electrode with a predetermined distance defined therebetween to have capacitance Cv formed between the first electrode and the second electrode. The capacitance Cv changes when the force applied to the one end part of the housing is transmitted to the first electrode to thereby change a relationship (e.g., the distance) between the two electrodes. A pressure transmitting member having predetermined elasticity is disposed on the first electrode such that the force applied to the one end part of the housing is transmitted to the first electrode of the semiconductor element via the pressure transmitting member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transducer and a method for manufacturing same, and more particularly, to a transducer and to a method for manufacturing same, in which a first liquid and a second liquid are supplied such that, at the boundary therebetween, a deformation-generating part, including a perforated structure having one or more holes therein, is formed, and the effect of external pressure is negated by the action between the liquids.

Abstract: Provided herein is a multi-axis sensor including: a pair of electrodes positioned such that at least partial areas thereof face each other; an elasticity member having one of the pair of electrodes installed in its upper portion and another of the pair of electrodes installed in a lower portion; and a sensor unit electrically connected with the pair of electrodes, and configured to detect a change of capacitance value between the pair of electrodes and a change of resistance value of the elasticity member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to high sensitivity elastic deflection sensors, more particularly related to capacitively coupled FET based elastic deflection sensors. A sub-threshold elastic deflection FET sensor for sensing pressure/force comprises an elastic member forming a moving gate of the sensor, fixed dielectric on substrate of the FET, and a fluid dielectric between the elastic member and the fixed dielectric, wherein alteration in the height of the fluid dielectric (TSENS) due to pressure/force on the elastic member varies the sensor gate capacitance.

Abstract: An anti-entrapment system for preventing an object from being entrapped by a translating device such as a vehicle window includes a capacitance sensor and a controller. The sensor has a jacket with a cavity, a dielectric element within the cavity, and first and second electrical conductors. The conductors are within the cavity on opposite sides of the dielectric element such that the conductors are separated from one another by a separation distance. The capacitance of the sensor changes in response to an electrically conductive object moving in proximity to at least one of the conductors. The controller is configured to control a translating device as a function of the capacitance of the sensor. The jacket is attachable to a seal configured to receive the translating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Sub-threshold Field Effect Transistor (SF-FET). The invention integrates a MEMS mechanical transducer along with the sensing mechanism in a single device. Forced mass is capacitively coupled onto the FET structure. Dielectric SiO2 forms good interface with underlying silicon substrate. Air dielectric forms second dielectric wherein effective gate capacitance is the series combination of the second dielectric capacitance and fixed dielectric. Inertial displacements are sensed by observing change in drain current (ID) of the sensor due to change in gap height (TGap) of the second dielectric of the sensor caused by forced mass.

Abstract: Provided are a biocompatible pressure sensor which can be implanted into a body to wirelessly measure an internal pressure of the body outside the body, and a method of manufacturing the biocompatible pressure sensor. The biocompatible pressure sensor includes a coil inductor, a capacitor electrically connected with the coil inductor to constitute an LC resonant circuit together with the coil inductor, a flexible membrane disposed while being spaced apart from the coil inductor with an internal space interposed therebetween and surrounded by a housing, and a pressure displacement member fixed to one surface of the flexible membrane facing the coil inductor. The flexible membrane is transformed by external pressure to change a distance between the coil inductor and the pressure displacement member.

Abstract: A system and method of measuring an interaction force is disclosed. One embodiment includes providing a method of measuring an interaction force including providing a microelectromechanical transducer. The transducer includes a body, a probe moveable relative to the body, and a micromachined comb drive. The micromachined comb drive includes a differential capacitive displacement sensor to provide a sensor output signal representative of an interaction force on the probe. The probe is moved relative to a sample surface. An interaction force is determined between the probe and the sample surface using the sensor output, as the probe is moved relative to the sample surface.

Abstract: An anti-pinching device (18) for a pivotable actuating element (6) of a motor vehicle (2) is specified. Said device comprises a capacitive sensor (8) which is intended to contactlessly detect an obstacle in the path of the actuating element (6) and has an electrode (14) for generating an external electric field opposite a counterelectrode (16), wherein the electrode (14) extends in a radial direction (R) of the pivoting movement of the actuating element (6), and a control unit (10) which is set up to interpret a change in a measurement capacitance (CM), which is formed between the electrode (14) and the counterelectrode (16), as pinching when the changed measurement capacitance (CM) exceeds a triggering threshold (A) which is predefined on the basis of an opening angle (?) of the pivotable actuating element (6) and to track the triggering threshold (A).

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. The devices and methods utilize a first electrode and a second electrode disposed on a first substrate and a deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure overlaps the first electrode and the second electrode to define a variable capacitance between the first electrode and the second electrode that changes with the deformation of the deformable electrode structure. The deformable electrode structure comprises a spacing component configured to provide spacing between the deformable electrode structure and the first electrode and the second electrode. Finally, a transmission component is configured such that biasing the transmission component causes the deformable electrode structure to deform and change the variable capacitance. A measurement of the variable capacitance can be used to determine force information regarding the force biasing the transmission component.

Abstract: A sanitary dispenser, particularly a paper or towel dispenser, contains a housing, in which a sanitary product to be dispensed and a discharge unit for the sanitary product to be dispensed can be arranged. An electric motor is provided for the discharge unit, the electric motor being activatable in a non-contact manner by a capacitive sensor from outside of the housing. The sensor capacitance of the capacitive sensor is formed by a planar electrode disposed inside the housing and by a surface of a body part and/or an object arranged outside of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a force-measuring transducer which measures forces applied to or generated by a surface of a resiliently deformable structure. Forces applied to or generated by a surface of a structure may be surface forces generated by molecules at the surface of the structure, mechanical forces/pressure generated by placing the structure between objects, forces generated by materials which constitute the structure and which have different coefficients of thermal expansion, attractive/repulsive forces among atoms, or forces generated on a treated surface by ultraviolet (infrared) rays or the like. The transducer is characterized in that it measures forces applied to or generated by the surface of the structure using electrical signals generated in accordance with variations in electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device for electromechanical testing a specimen having a nano-scale dimension is formed on a multi-layered semiconductor substrate (chip) and includes an electrothermal or electrostatic actuator for applying a displacement load (force) to the specimen, a load sensor for sensing the load (force) experienced by the specimen. The specimen is disposed between first and second movable shuttles of the actuator and load sensor, which shuttles comprise electrically insulating layers so as to electrically isolate the shuttles and specimen from the actuator and the load sensor on the substrate. A four-terminal Kelvin array is provided to provide specimen electrical characterization measurements and includes first and second outer terminals connected to a current source and to opposite end locations of the specimen and first and second inner terminals connected to a high input impedance voltage meter and to the specimen at other locations between the first and second outer terminals.

Abstract: A rodent enclosure dimensioned in length, width and height so as to allow a rodent to run freely along the length of the enclosure, but not turn around without standing on its hind legs. The enclosure has a floor with bars extending transversely to allow access for a force sensor's probe from below. A force measurement device for use with the rodent enclosure to measure the tactile response of a rodent comprising a measurement probe connected to a device body. The probe has a tip which can be engaged with a rodent's paw through the floor of the enclosure. The device body has a fixed body part and a rotatable body part arranged to allow relative rotation between them. A rotation sensor detects the relative rotation and outputs a measurement parameter having values that are calibrated against force values associated with forces applied to the probe's tip.

Abstract: In order to move an object, a handle is attached to the object. The handle includes at least one sensor configured to detect a force being applied to the handle and to generate at least one sensor output signal in accordance therewith. A motorized object driving apparatus is in electrical communication with the at least sensor and is configured to move the object based on the at least one sensor output signal in the direction of the force being applied to the handle.

Abstract: A force sensor having a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer and an electrically active layer is disclosed. The electrically active layer comprises a transmitter electrode configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode. The compressible layer is compressible to allow the electrically grounded layer to move closer to the electrically active layer, so as to reduce the level of capacitive coupling between the receiver electrode and the transmitter electrode in dependence upon the magnitude of an applied force.

Abstract: A scale includes a stationary bracket, a movable bracket, a linear displacement sensor and a plurality of the resilient mechanisms. The movable bracket is disposed opposite to the stationary bracket. The linear displacement sensor is disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. The resilient mechanisms are disposed between the stationary bracket and the movable bracket. Each resilient mechanism includes a limiting shaft, a sleeve movably sleeved on the limiting shaft and a resilient member received in the sleeve. The limiting shaft is fixed to one of the stationary bracket or the movable bracket, and the sleeve is fixed to the other. The resilient member is elastically deformed by resisting a free end of the limiting shaft. The linear displacement sensor registers a displacement of the movable bracket.