Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a support device capable of supporting an object with a more appropriate supporting force. A support device includes an elastic body that comes into contact with a supported object on at least a part of a surface of the elastic body, the surface having a plurality of curvatures different from each other, and a detection unit that detects information regarding a shear force of a portion of the surface of the elastic body, the portion being in contact with the object. The present disclosure can be applied to, for example, a support device, a gripping device, an electronic device, a robot, a support system, a gripping system, and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filament for material extrusion 3D printer molding, which affords a molded article having soft texture and excellent heat resistance and among others, exhibits good moldability in molding by a material extrusion 3D printer. The present invention relates to a filament for material extrusion 3D printer molding, including a thermoplastic elastomer which contains at least a specific block copolymer and in which the ratio between storage modulus and loss modulus measured at 200° C. and 100 Hz by dynamic viscoelasticity measurement is in a specific range.

Abstract: A rolling element for use in a rolling-element bearing is proposed, including an outer casing and a bore hole. The bore hole is provided along a center line of the rolling element. The rolling element has at least one sensor arranged in the bore hole for load measurement and a radio module for transmitting the data measured by the sensor, wherein the rolling element has a micro-generator to provide the energy required for operation of the sensor and/or of the radio module.

Abstract: A display device includes: a display panel including a display area in which an image is displayed and a non-display area surrounding the display area; an input sensor disposed on the display panel; and a pressure sensor sensing a pressure, wherein the input sensor includes a sensing base substrate extending in a first extending direction, the sensing base substrate including a first bending area bent along an outer edge of the sensing base substrate, wherein the pressure sensor is disposed on the first bending area of the sensing base substrate, and overlaps with the display area.

Abstract: Embodiments for a packaged semiconductor device and methods of making are provided herein, where a packaged semiconductor device includes a package body having a recess in which a pressure sensor is located; a polymeric gel within the recess that vertically and laterally surrounds the pressure sensor; and a media shield including at least one metal layer on a top surface of the polymeric gel, wherein the media shield and the polymeric gel are sufficiently flexible to transmit pressure to the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a MEMS pressure sensor die and its fabrication process. The pressure sensor comprises a chamber inside which a MEMS pressure sensor die is provided. The pressure sensor die comprises a handle, a device layer and a cap all connected together. A silicon oxide layer is formed between the handle and the device layer. Another silicon oxide layer is formed between the device layer and the cap. Recesses are respectively formed on the handle and the cap and face each other. The handle recess and the cap recess are connected to form a cavity. The device layer, which spans the cavity, further comprises a bridge on which a plurality of piezoresistive sensing elements are formed. The present pressure sensor is more immune to temperature effects. It is especially suitable for operating in a high temperature, high pressure environment and is capable of delivering accurate and reliable pressure measurements at low cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to force sensors and force sensor substrates for use with surgical devices.

Abstract: A passenger's weight measurement device for a vehicle seat includes an upper rail provided on a lower rail that is fixable to a vehicle floor, the upper rail being movable in at least one of rear and front directions; a load sensor fixed onto the upper rail; and a frame provided on the load sensor and below the vehicle seat. In plan view, the load sensor protrudes from the frame in at least one of left and right directions.

Abstract: A battery apparatus comprises a bicycle crank axle having a first end, a second end, and a hollow portion. The first end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a first bicycle crank arm, the second end of the bicycle crank axle is configured to attach to a second bicycle crank arm, and a power source is disposed within the hollow portion. The power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the first bicycle crank arm, and the power source is configured to provide operating power to an electrical component disposed in the second bicycle crank arm. The hollow portion opens through the first end of the bicycle crank axle so that the power source is detachable through the first end of the crank axle.

Abstract: This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a flexible interconnect structure for a sensor assembly. In one configuration, a flexible interconnect structure may couple a first portion of a differential sensor structure to a second portion of the differential sensor structure. Further, the flexible interconnect structure may couple the differential sensor structure to an external component such as a circuit board, used to receive measurement information from the differential sensor.

Abstract: A load cell has a longitudinal body including a bending beam axially between a force input element and a force output element, strain gages applied on strainable measuring parts of the bending beam, a hermetically sealed enclosure outside around the strain gages and the strainable measuring parts, an O-ring and centering pins. An end face of the force input or output element is to be connected to a weighing scale part in an aligned, force-transmitting, hermetically-sealed manner, for which the end face has centering holes receiving the centering pins, a circular groove receiving the O-ring, and a threaded hole receiving a connecting bolt. Further embodiments involve an overload protection integrated in the bending beam, or the enclosure including a stiff pipe sleeve and ring elements with flexible membranes connecting the sleeve to the longitudinal body.

Abstract: A instrumented housing for an electric motor actuator is provided. The instrumented housing may have a ribbon gage coupled to a housing of an electrical motor actuator. The ribbon gage may have one or more strain gages. The strain gages may measure the tension on the housing when the electric motor actuator exerts a load. A cover may extend over at least a portion of the housing and ribbon gage.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a beam and a sensing element disposed on the beam. The sensor assembly also includes a structure to prevent deflection of the beam when a force applied to the sensor assembly is greater than a threshold value.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and a method of making the same. The device has a boss structure within a diaphragm cavity, wherein the boss structure has substantially parallel sidewalls. One or more sensors are installed proximate to the diaphragm to sense flexure in the diaphragm, which is controlled by the boss structure.

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: A force sensor may include a sensing die with a sense diaphragm. An actuation assembly may include a button member and a pin and/or other features, where a first end of the pin may engage the sense diaphragm and a second end of the pin may engage the button to facilitate transferring a force applied to the button to the sense diaphragm. In some cases, the interface between the button member and the pin may allow the button member to swivel or pivot, at least to some degree, relative to the pin, which may facilitate transferring a force from the button member to the diaphragm with minimal mechanical loss. In some cases, the second end of the pin may be at least partially tapered, with the taper engaging the edge of an indentation in the button.

Abstract: A force sensor may include a housing having a cavity enclosing a sense die, an actuating element and an elastomeric seal. The sense die may have a force sensing element for sensing a force applied to a surface of the sense die, and a temperature compensation circuit. The temperature compensation circuit may be located on the surface of the sense die and may be configured to at least partially compensate for the temperature sensitivity of the force sensing element. The actuating element may extend outside the housing and be used to transfer a force applied externally from the housing to the sense die. The elastomeric seal may include one or more conductive elements separated from the edge of the elastomeric seal by an insulating elastomeric material.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor body which has a first surface and a cavity with an opening in the first surface, a cantilever which has a base end portion supported on the first surface and a distal end portion provided to form a gap from a peripheral edge of the opening inside the opening, is flexurally deformed according to a pressure difference between an inside and an outside of the cavity, and is formed of a semiconductor material, and a displacement measurement unit which measures a displacement of the cantilever vibrating according to the pressure difference at a frequency larger than a lower limit frequency fLOW (Hz) defined by Expression (1), where a width (?m) of the gap is represented by G, a volume (ml) of the cavity is represented by V, and a proportional constant is represented by k.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a flexible membrane deformable in response to pressure. The flexible membrane covers a cavity and includes a strain gauge that produces signals corresponding to deformation of the flexible membrane. The flexible membrane is a flexible monolithic integrated circuit foil.

Abstract: An axle load monitoring system configured for use on an axle housing is provided. The axle load monitoring system can include a mounting structure and a strain gauge. The mounting structure can have a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion. The first end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The second end portion can be fixedly coupled to the axle housing. The intermediate portion can be offset away from the axle housing. The strain gauge can be fixedly coupled to the mounting structure at the intermediate portion. The strain gauge can be configured to measure strain of the mounting structure.

Abstract: A wind turbine blade tester includes a pair of linearly reciprocable actuators, such as hydraulic actuators. Each of the actuators is arranged to deliver a stroke to a wind turbine blade being tested. The stroke delivered by each of the actuators provides a controlled force in both the edgewise and flapwise directions. A method for testing a wind turbine blade is also disclosed.

Abstract: The quantity of material remaining in a 3D printing system may be effectively measured through the use of a strain gauge. The strain gauge may be mounted on a support member such as a cantilevered support that holds the weight of a material dispenser. As the material is consumed, the strain gauge may measure the reduction in deformation of the cantilevered support, thereby indicating to a control system and/or a user the quantity of material used. Full and/or empty material dispenser measurements may be taken to provide reference points that indicate how close the material dispenser is to being full and/or empty. The material dispenser may be mounted in a variety of locations relative to the 3D printer, including on a side and on top. A top-mounted material dispenser may be received within a bearing that permits the material dispenser to rotate, allowing the material to unwind during consumption.

Abstract: A load cell for a downhole load measuring tool is provided. The load cell comprises a plurality of strain gauges arranged in a balanced array, wherein the array of strain gauges is provided in fluid which, in use, is at substantially the same pressure as the surrounding downhole fluid.

Abstract: A panel includes a plurality of integrated strain gauges for measuring deformation information relating to the panel. The strain gauges are arranged parallel to one another in the longitudinal direction of the panel and have at least two different lengths.

Abstract: The invention relates to a support assembly (1) for an ink-jet printing device, comprising a support (3) with a guide track (2), which runs in the longitudinal direction of said support, for a moveable unit that travels along said guide track (2). A supporting element (4), which like-wise extends in the longitudinal direction, is associated with the support (3) of the support assembly (1) and the ends (10, 11) of said support element (4) are supported on the support (3) against the effective gravitational direction. In addition, the support (3) and the supporting element (4) are tensioned with respect to one another along their longitudinal extension by means of at least one adjusting element (13).

Abstract: A sheet pressure sensor includes a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer, and a third fiber layer provided between the first and second fiber layers. The third fiber layer has connecting yarns that electrically connect first conductive portions of the first fiber layer and the second conductive portion in the second fiber layer with a predetermined electric resistivity. The sheet pressure sensor further includes a measuring instrument for measuring electric resistance between at least one of the first conductive portions and the second conductive portion. The connecting yarns unstrain due to deformation of the first or second conductive portion which is generated by applied pressure, and then are short-circuited with one of them. The sheet pressure sensor can detect the pressure while keeping air ventilation characteristic by giving a pressure detection function to the fiber layers.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes pressure sensitive keys with a single-sided direct conduction sensor that includes a sensor substrate, a conductive layer formed on an underside of a contact layer, and a force sensing layer formed on the underside of the contact layer substantially surrounding the conductive layer. The contact layer, the conductive layer, and the force sensing layer are configured to cooperatively flex in response to an application of pressure to contact the sensor substrate.

Abstract: Provided are a bending sensor that is less dependent on an input speed of a strain and in which a response delay is unlikely to occur, and a deformed shape measurement method using the bending sensor. The bending sensor is configured to include a base material; a sensor body arranged on a surface of the base material and containing a matrix resin and conductive filler particles filled in the matrix resin at a filling rate of 30% by volume or more, and in which three-dimensional conductive paths are formed by contact among the conductive filler particles, and electrical resistance increases as an deformation amount increases; an elastically deformable cover film arranged so as to cover the sensor body; and a plurality of electrodes connected to the sensor body and capable of outputting electrical resistances. In the sensor body, cracks are formed in advance in such a direction that the conductive paths are cut off during a bending deformation.

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: An apparatus, system, device, and method provide the ability to measure forces a cell exerts on its surroundings. A platform is suspended across an opening using support legs. The platform is able to move horizontally in a plane of the opening. A piezoresistive strain sensor is integrated into the platform and measures strain induced in the support legs when the platform moves horizontally thereby measuring displacement of the platform.

Abstract: A load detecting device for attachment to a structure under load comprises a carrier unit and a plurality of strain gages. The carrier unit comprises a first and a second mounting section arranged along a longitudinal axis and connected by a sensing section, wherein the plurality of strain gages are arranged at the sensing section of the carrier unit. The sensing section includes two connecting elements extending along the longitudinal axis between the first mounting section and the second mounting section, each of the connecting elements being curved and having a convex side, the convex sides of the two connecting elements facing each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of a resistive microcracked pressure sensor having a metal stack with a metallic conductor encapsulated within an elastomer substrate and related method of manufacture are disclosed. During manufacture, the metallic conductor forms a plurality of microcracks that increase the overall resistance of the metallic conductor. The microcracks in the metallic conductor allow greater magnitudes of normal and shear forces to be applied to the pressure sensor without fracturing metallic conductor.

Abstract: The present invention aims at providing a pressure-sensitive sensor capable of layering a pressure-sensitive layer and electrodes with high productivity, facilitating control of contact between the pressure-sensitive layer and the electrodes by loading, achieving good reproducibility of a resistance value generated by loading between the pressure-sensitive ink layer and the electrodes, and measuring pressure with high accuracy. The pressure-sensitive sensor comprises a pair of electrodes 16a and 16b formed on a substrate film 31, and a pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 juxtaposed to the electrodes on the substrate, the pressure-sensitive ink layer being variable in electrical properties in response to an applied pressing force, wherein a portion of the substrate film 31 having the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 formed thereon is bent inward to allow the pressure-sensitive ink layer 30 to come into contact with the pair of electrodes 16a and 16b.

Abstract: System is provided for aiding a horseback rider in maintaining balance while riding, includes sensor pad positioned between rider and saddle, pad/blanket worn by the horse during riding. Sensor pad includes sensors for measuring force exerted by the rider on the horse at individual measuring points. Controller configured for receiving force data from the sensor pad, includes a microprocessor continuously polling each sensor in the sensor pad for force data, calibrating each measurement based on an initial value, aggregating measurements from sensors on a left side and a right side of the sensor pad over a predetermined time interval, and calculating the differences between measurements on the right side and left side of the sensor pad. Power supply, electronic circuitry and alert mechanism receive signal from controller and notify rider when rider is off-balance based on calculated differences between measurements on right side and left side of sensor pad.

Abstract: Force plate (1) having a plate-shaped carrier (2) which, when arranged vertically, has an upper carrier section (3) at the top in the vertical direction and a lower carrier section (4) at the bottom in the vertical direction. A first end carrier section (5) is connected, on the one hand, to the upper carrier section (3) via a vertical rod (7) and, on the other hand, to the lower carrier section (4) via a horizontally oriented spring element (6). That end of the lower carrier section (4) which faces away from the first end carrier section (5) is connected to the upper carrier section (3) via a horizontal rod (8). A second end carrier section (15) connects the horizontal rod (8) to the lower carrier section (4) via a vertically arranged spring element (16).

Abstract: An elastic strain sensor can be incorporated into an artificial skin that can sense flexing by the underlying support structure of the skin to detect and track motion of the support structure. The unidirectional elastic strain sensor can be formed by filling two or more channels in an elastic substrate material with a conductive liquid. At the ends of the channels, a loop port connects the channels to form a serpentine channel. The channels extend along the direction of strain and the loop portions have sufficiently large cross-sectional area in the direction transverse to the direction of strain that the sensor is unidirectional. The resistance is measured at the ends of the serpentine channel and can be used to determine the strain on the sensor. Additional channels can be added to increase the sensitivity of the sensor. The sensors can be stacked on top of each other to increase the sensitivity of the sensor.

Abstract: Pressure sensitive transducer assembly that includes a force sensing resistor. The force sensing resistor includes: first and second substrates; at least a first and a second electrically conductive traces on the inner surface of the first substrate including interdigitated fingers defining a sensitive area; and a resistive layer facing the sensitive area. The force sensing resistor includes an auxiliary trace on the inner surface of the first substrate connecting the first trace to the second trace through a constant resistance that is not dependent on the force applied to the substrates. The constant resistance being of a value largely greater than the value of the variable resistance which can be measured indirectly between the fingers when an external force is applied to the substrates. A system and a control method are also proposed.

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 force sensor may include a sense die mounted to a substrate and an actuating assembly for transmitting an external force to the sense die. The sense die may include a diaphragm, a boss extending from the diaphragm, and one or more sensing elements (e.g., piezoresistive elements positioned on the diaphragm). The actuation assembly may include a force receiving feature configured to receive an external force at a first end and transfer at least a portion of the received external force through a second end to the diaphragm via intimate contact with a bottom side of the boss. In some cases, the force sensor may also include signal conditioning circuitry.

Abstract: A personal items network, comprising a plurality of items, each item having a wireless communications port for coupling in network with every other item, each item having a processor for determining if any other item in the network is no longer linked to the item, each item having an indicator for informing a user that an item has left the network, wherein a user may locate lost items. A method for locating lost personal items, comprising: linking at least two personal items together on a network; and depositing one or both of time and location information in an unlost item when one of the items is lost out of network.

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: The integrated electronic device is for detecting a local parameter related to a force experienced in a predetermined direction within a solid structure. The device includes a semiconductor substrate having a substantially planar region that defines a plane substantially perpendicular to the predetermined direction. At least one sensor detects the local parameter at least in the predetermined direction with a piezo-resistive effect. At least one substantially planar face is arranged in a portion of the integrated electronic device, the face belonging to a inclined plane by a predetermined angle relative to the plane perpendicular to the predetermined direction, which plane is defined by the substantially planar region of the substrate. The predetermined angle is defined such as to reduce forces acting in directions other than the predetermined direction at the portion of the device around the at least one sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for operating a food slicing device in which a sensor device with a sensor is provided, where a food product resting on a cutting bed is sliced with a cutting blade. The method is used for optimizing and monitoring the operation of the cutting blade. This is achieved in that a cutting force being applied by the cutting blade via the food product onto the cutting bed is determined using the sensor device.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the pressure exerted at different points of a flexible, pliable and/or extensible fabric capable of being worn as a garment, lapel, or the like, which provides three stacked layers including a first insulating layer comprising an arrangement of insulating fibers and at least one row of at least one conductive yarn in contact with a first surface of a piezoresistive layer of fibers of a piezoresistive material, and a second insulating layer comprising an arrangement of insulating fibers, including at least one row of at least one conductive yarn, in contact with a second surface of the piezoresistive layer, and an electronic circuit capable of measuring the electric resistance variation when a pressure is exerted on the fabric, the pressure being a function of the resistance variation.

Abstract: A torque measuring device for top drives, which includes plates mounted to a top drive. A torque measuring pin and a hinge pin can be engaged with the plates and a torque slide assembly. Bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the torque measuring pin engaged therethrough to restrain vertical and axial movement between the plates. A boss can be connected to the top drive and engaged with the torque measuring pin to bend the torque measuring pin when torque is applied to the top drive. One or more bosses can be connected to the top drive, and can have the hinge pin engaged therethrough to hinge the plates to the top drive. A strain gauge sensor can be engaged with the torque measuring pin. A controller can be in communication with the strain gauge sensor to receive signals therefrom.

Abstract: The present inventions relate generally to methods, apparatus and systems for measuring snow stability and structure which may be used to assess avalanche risk. The disclosed apparatus includes a sensing unit configured to sense a resistance to penetration as the sensing unit is being driven into a layer of snow. The disclosed apparatus may also be configured to take other environmental measurements, including temperature, humidity, grain size, slope aspect and inclination. Methods and apparatus are also disclosed for generating a profile of snow layer hardness according to depth based on the sensed resistance to penetration and identifying areas of concern which may indicate an avalanche risk. Systems and apparatus are also disclosed for sharing the generated profiles among a plurality of users via a central server, and for evaluating an avalanche risk at a geographic location.

Abstract: An electrically responsive composite material (1110) specially adapted for touch screen, comprising a carrier layer (1301) having a length and a width and a thickness (1303) that is relatively small compared to said length and said width. The composite material also comprises a plurality of electrically conductive or semi-conductive particles (201). The particles (201) are agglomerated to form a plurality of agglomerates (104, 1403) dispersed within the carrier layer such that each said agglomerate comprises a plurality of the particles (201). The agglomerates are arranged to provide electrical conduction across the thickness of the carrier layer in response to applied pressure such that the electrically responsive composite material has a resistance that reduces in response to applied pressure.

Abstract: A first pedaling force measurement device measures a plurality of pedaling force parameters acting on a first crank arm to one end of which a first pedal can be attached and to another end of which a crank shaft can be attached. The first pedaling force measurement device is provided with a strain-flexing part, a first parameter detection part and a first interference suppression part. Strain acting on the first crank arm is conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The parameter detection part is disposed on the strain-flexing part, and detects a plurality of parameters based on the strain being conveyed to the strain-flexing part. The interference suppression part suppresses interference in one parameter detected by the parameter detection part from the other parameters.

Abstract: A device for measuring forces and a method of making the same is disclosed. The device comprises a boss structure within a diaphragm cavity, wherein the boss structure has substantially parallel sidewalls. One or more sensors are installed proximate to the diaphragm to sense flexure in the diaphragm, which is controlled by the boss structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for measuring the pressure and/or the tension exerted at different points of a flexible, foldable and/or extensible textile material capable of being used as a garment, lapel, or the like; said device is remarkable in that it includes, on the one hand, at least one sensor obtained from a single layer (1), formed of an arrangement of at least three types of fibers, piezoresistive fibers forming piezoresistive areas (2), conductive fibers forming electrically-conductive areas (3), and insulating fibers forming electrically-insulating areas (4) and, on the other hand, an electronic circuit (5) capable of measuring the electric resistance variation of the piezoresistive areas submitted to one or several forces.