Abstract: A torque sensor includes: a strain body; and an optical sensor configured to detect a deformation of the strain body. The strain body includes an outer peripheral portion having a ring shape, and an inner peripheral portion of which at least a part is disposed inside the outer peripheral portion in a radial direction. The optical sensor includes a scale fixed to one of the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and disposed between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and a detector fixed to a remaining one of the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion, and disposed to face the scale between the outer peripheral portion and the inner peripheral portion.

Abstract: A brake wear sensor is disclosed. In various embodiments, the brake wear sensor includes a bias member configured for connection between a stationary portion of a brake mechanism and a heat sink; and a load cell configured to measure a load in the bias member representative of a length of the heat sink.

Abstract: A shear loader subjects a shear load on a sample and includes: a first shearer including: a first shearing face that provides a shearing plane; a first mating face; and a first knife edge; a second shearer including: a second shearing face; a second mating face; and a second knife edge, the first shearer and the second shearer having relative motion to provide the shear load to the sample; a first load cell; and a second load cell, the first load cell and the second load cell having relative motion in a load direction that is orthogonal to the shearing plane and orthogonal to the shear direction, such that relative motion of the first load cell and the second load cell along the load direction subjects the sample to a side load along the load direction; and a sample region that receives sample bounded by the mating faces and load faces.

Abstract: An impact sensor body for sensing Charpy impact force is disclosed. The sensor body includes a body of material with a plurality of apertures. The apertures are configured within the body of material to form a flexure member orthogonal to a direction of motion to strike an object.

Abstract: A multipoint-measurement strain sensor which is free of a conduction failure originated from slippage at the time of lamination and which can reduce the material cost, and a method for producing the multipoint-measurement strain sensor are provided. A multipoint-measurement strain sensor 31 of the present invention includes a substrate film 34, a plurality of strain-sensing parts 33 formed on a first main surface 34a of the substrate film 34, routing circuits 37, 38 formed, in correspondence with the respective strain-sensing parts 33, on a second main surface 34b of the substrate film 34, and having outer connection terminals 37b, 38b near an outer edge of the substrate film 34, and a conductive paste 41, 42 to fill via holes 39, 40 such that each of the strain-sensing parts 33 is connected to the corresponding routing circuit 37, 38.

Abstract: In order to improve a carrier device for motor vehicles which is designed to support loads such that the loads acting on it can be detected, it is suggested that the carrier device be provided at the least with a first sensor at a first installation point and with a second sensor at a second installation point, that a section of the carrier device be located between the installation points, its deformations caused by a load being detected by the sensors at least in part and that an evaluation unit be provided which records measurement values of the sensors and determines a borne load from them.

Abstract: Circuits, methods, and apparatus that provide pressure sensing devices having a pressure sensor including a diaphragm supported by a frame. The pressure sensor may be mounted on an application-specific integrated circuit. A passage may extend through the application-specific integrated circuit from its underside to its topside where it may terminate in a cavity formed under the diaphragm. Circuit components may be formed in the second wafer portion and located in areas that are not under the first wafer portion. Circuit components may be formed in the second wafer in areas under the first wafer portion, such as under the frame or under the diaphragm. Circuit components may be formed in the second wafer such that they are partially under the first wafer portion, or partially under the frame or partially under the diaphragm.

Abstract: A suspension mat (14) for a vehicle seat comprises one or more suspension springs (16) for supporting a cushion (28), a support plate (18) attached to the one or more suspension springs, a mobile plate (34) coupled with the support plate, a flat spring (26) arranged between the support plate and the mobile plate and a switch element. The mobile plate is arranged movable between a first and a second position relative to the support plate. The flat spring biases the mobile plate toward the first position. The switch element is located between the support plate and the flat spring, in such a way that when the mobile plate moves against a bias of the flat spring toward the second position, the flat spring presses and actuates the switch element. The flat spring may e.g. comprise a washer spring, a plate spring, a dome-shaped flat spring and/or a cantilever flat spring.

Abstract: A flexible responsive surface of a tool is used on a tool (robotic or manual) that has a major surface and a sensor attached to and aligned with the major surface of the responsive tool. The sensor may have piezoelectric body, such as an elastic body containing conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein to form a conductive path and at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the conductive path. Tools used in any surgical or medical treatment that are the subject of medical procedures are particularly useful in methods used in training personnel and evaluating medical techniques and medical personnel.

Abstract: A strain sensor provided with a substrate that has flexibility; a carbon nanotube (CNT) film that is provided on the surface of the substrate and that has a plurality of CNT fibers oriented in one direction; and a pair of electrodes that are arranged at both ends in the orientation direction of the CNT fibers in the CNT film; in which the CNT film has a plurality of CNT fiber bundles that consist of the plurality of CNT fibers, and a resin layer that covers the peripheral surface of the plurality of the CNT fiber bundles and joins with the surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A flexible substrate has a major surface and a sensor attached to and aligned with the major surface of the substrate. The sensor may have an elastic body containing conductive nanotubes homogeneously distributed therein to form a conductive path and at least two electrodes in electrical connection with the conductive path. Balloons and flexible elements used in medical procedures are particularly useful.

Abstract: Control panel including a cover mounted on a support that is provided with a tactile pressing detection zone in which a force sensor that includes a pressure-sensitive zone is arranged behind a detection zone between the cover and the support so as to produce an electrical control signal when a user applies a determined tactile pressing force to the detection zone. The tactile pressing force is transmitted axially (X1) towards the sensitive zone via a spacer made of elastically compressible material interposed between the sensor and the cover. The spacer includes at least one compressible portion that defines a transversal top surface that bears against the cover and a transversal bottom surface that bears against the sensitive zone of the sensor. The top surface has an area smaller than the area of the bottom surface.

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: 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: A sensor for measuring pressure and/or force comprises at least one measuring assembly having at least one piezoelectric measuring element (2) subjected to compressive stress for dynamic pressure and/or force measurement, and a diaphragm (3) for introducing the pressure and/or the force onto at least the piezoelectric measuring element. So as to provide a further embodiment of a sensor for pressure or force measurement as indicated, which allows improved detection of static and dynamic effects, a further measuring assembly (4, 7) that is based on a different physical measuring principle for static pressure and/or force measurement is proposed for this sensor.

Abstract: A load cell assembly is used with a scale having a weighing platform, in order to provide a very low clearance above a surface on which the scale is positioned. The load cell assembly has a load cell with first and second arms. A bridge portion of the load cell connects the arms, maintaining them in a substantially parallel relationship, with at least a portion of the second arm having a height that is larger than a height of the first arm and the bridge portion. A fastener attaches the load cell to the weighing platform, on the second arm portion with a larger height. A foot device, attached to the first arm, spaces the load cell above the surface on which the scale is positioned.

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: Control panel including a cover mounted on a support that is provided with a tactile pressing detection zone in which a force sensor that includes a pressure-sensitive zone is arranged behind a detection zone between the cover and the support so as to produce an electrical control signal when a user applies a determined tactile pressing force to the detection zone. The tactile pressing force is transmitted axially (X1) towards the sensitive zone via a spacer made of elastically compressible material interposed between the sensor and the cover. The spacer includes at least one compressible portion that defines a transversal top surface that bears against the cover and a transversal bottom surface that bears against the sensitive zone of the sensor. The top surface has an area smaller than the area of the bottom surface.

Abstract: Pressure sensing systems comprising bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys and pressure-sensitive switches containing bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys. The bulk-solidifying amorphous alloys are capable of repeated deformation upon application of pressure, and change their electrical resistivity upon deformation, thereby enabling measurement of the change in resistivity and consequently, measuring the deformation and amount of pressure applied.

Abstract: A load cell in accordance with the present invention comprises an insert defining a hub having a central opening dimensioned to receive a shaft. The insert is removably fixed to the shaft, and a cylindrical sleeve is configured and dimensioned to surround the insert. The sleeve is machined with interior notches. The insert is suspended and rotatably fixed within the sleeve by flanges which are integral with and project from the insert's hub into the sleeve's interior notches. The flanges are configured to respond with deformation to forces applied to the shaft, and strain gauges bonded to the flanges exhibit changes in resistance according to the degree of flange deformation.

Abstract: A force sensor for detecting at least a force acting in a longitudinal direction of a catheter or guide wire, the force sensor comprising a force pick-up for detecting the force, wherein the force pick-up comprises: a base body with an end face, wherein the base body includes at least one cutout, wherein the cutout causes an asymmetry of the base body relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter or guide wire upon flexing of the base body upon force Fz loading thereon from an axial direction, wherein the end face includes a surface area that is substantially greater than the cross-sectional area of the base body in the region of the cutout, but not substantially smaller than the cross-section of the rest of the base body. A method for using this force sensor is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The force sensing device includes a deformable member having portions arranged to make a pair with respect to the Z-axis. Three sets of strain detecting elements are formed on the deformable member for detecting deformations of the deformable member caused by a linear force in the X-axis, a linear force in the Y-axis and a rotational force about the Z-axis. The force sensing device includes a connecting member which connects between the pair of portions of the deformable member, and between the deformable member and a shaft of a manipulatable member. The force sensing device can be manufactured with easy wiring work and can detect the applied force in three degrees of freedom, including the linear force in the X-axis, the linear force in the Y-axis and the rotational force about the Z-axis.

Abstract: A displacement, strain, and/or force sensor assembly (10, 110) has a mounting structure (12) with an anisotropic stiffness to facilitate the measurement of displacements, strains, and/or forces along the X-axis, while minimizing errors due to undesired displacements, strains, and/or forces along the Y- and Z-axes, and rotations about the X-, Y-, and Z-axes. A pedestal (30, 130) configured to respond to axial displacements along the X-axis is centrally disposed on the X-axis of the mounting structure (12), and a displacement or strain sensor (38) is coupled to the pedestal (30) to provide a measure of the displacements, strains, and/or forces. Contact pads (14, 114) are formed on opposite ends of the X-axis of the mounting structure, to enable the displacement and/or strain sensor assembly to be secured to an application structure.

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.

Abstract: Provision of a pressure measuring device having a flexible membrane that receives the pressure; a pedestal, provided with a raised portion having a bottom face that is circular that supports the flexible membrane; and a supporting member that is bonded to the circular bottom face of the raised portion. The flexible membrane is made out of, for example, silicon, and has the (100) face as the primary face. Moreover, the flexible membrane is provided held between a silicon substrate, which is provided with a recessed portion, and a silicon substrate, which is provided with a recessed portion. Because of this, the flexible membrane is held on the pedestal with the silicon substrate interposed therebetween.

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 chain ring is attached to the spider by a fastener extending through a bushing within an opening of the spider. Sensors may be attached to the spider or the crank arms and may be directly connected to a flexible circuit board. The sensors, the flexible circuit boards and other components of the input torque measuring device may be encapsulated in a protective material.

Abstract: Nanoscale measurement of force, torque, and acceleration are provided. In one embodiment, a measurement apparatus includes a first plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a first substrate separated from a second plurality of nanoparticles coupled to a second substrate by a pillar disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate.

Abstract: In a force sensor chip, a base member, to which an external force is applied, includes: an operating part provided in a central portion of the base member and having an external-force acting area section; a supporting part provided, in an outer peripheral portion of the base member, for supporting the operating part; an intermediate part provided between the operating part and the supporting part; a first connecting arm section connecting the operating part and the intermediate section; a second connecting arm section connecting the intermediate part and the supporting part; and at least one strain resistance element provided on each of respective deformation-generating portions of the first and the second connecting arm sections.

Abstract: A force measurement element measures an introduced force by means of a double flexural beam and a displacement sensor. The double flexural beam makes possible a double spring shape that makes possible an optimization with regard to elongation distribution.

Abstract: A force sensor to measure a force from a load. The force sensor includes a plunger, a flexible disc-shaped membrane, a support plate and a silicon die. The plunger is configured to receive the force from the load, and has a ring-shaped groove at the lower surface. The membrane has a ring-shaped upper bump at the upper surface, wherein the upper bump is configured to complementarily fit into the groove at the lower surface of plunger. Furthermore, the membrane has a ring-shaped lower bump at lower upper surface. The support plate has a ring-shaped groove that is configured so that the lower bump on the lower surface of the membrane can complementarily fit into. The silicon die is centrally mounted on the membrane, where the silicon die comprises piezo-resistors that vary their resistance when deformed by the force.

Abstract: In a force sensor chip, a base member, to which an external force is applied, includes: an operating part provided in a central portion of the base member and having an external-force acting area section; a supporting part provided, in an outer peripheral portion of the base member, for supporting the operating part; an intermediate part provided between the operating part and the supporting part; a first connecting arm section connecting the operating part and the intermediate section; a second connecting arm section connecting the intermediate part and the supporting part; and at least one strain resistance element provided on each of respective deformation-generating portions of the first and the second connecting arm sections.

Abstract: A method of compensating for hysteresis in a load cell, by: (a) pre-calibrating a load cell by: measuring load cell deflection under progressively increasing loads; determining a first set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively increasing loads; measuring load cell deflection under progressively decreasing loads; determining a second set of coefficients correlating the deflection of the load cell to the measured load under the progressively decreasing loads; and then (b) compensating for hysteresis in the load cell, by: selecting the first set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively increasing, or selecting the second set of coefficients if the load on the load cell has been progressively decreasing; and applying a formula using the selected first or second set of coefficients to the measured load cell deflection at the particular load, thereby determining an accurate load cell deflection, and thus compensating for h

Abstract: A load sensor plate (100) is adapted for manufacture by stamping spaced apart openings (110) through a thin blank to define flexure beams (112) beside the openings (110); and forming the blank with spaced apart columnar walls (102), (106) joined by a web (104) having the openings (110) and the flexure beams (112) whereby, an applied load (116) exerted on one of the columnar walls (102) is distributed among the flexure beams (12), and another of the columnar walls (106) bears an opposing force (118) that resists the applied load (118).

Abstract: A load cell type weight measuring device includes a load cell formed of a strain member provided with a plurality of strain gauges and deforming according to a load applied to a load receptacle. The load cell type weight measuring device converts an output of a Wheatstone bridge circuit formed of the respective strain gauges into a weight value to display. Two weight receptacles are attached to the strain member. It is arranged such that when a load is applied to one of the load receptacles, a strain at a portion of the strain member provided with the strain gauges becomes smaller than that when the load is applied to the other of the load receptacles.

Abstract: A stress sensor enduring against long-term use is provided. Accordingly, a substrate (4), which is used as both a sensor part (1) and a supporting part (2), functions as a stress sensor, in which the sensor part (1) has means for deforming a part thereof in response to a given stress and strain gauges (5) having a function for varying electric properties in response to the deformation, and in which the deforming part has a stress dispersing means (10).

Abstract: A sensor device (15) for a prosthesis, in particular for a leg prosthesis, is provided for measuring forces acting on the prosthesis, having a ring-shaped outer member (16) of closed construction and an inner member (21, 22) connecting two opposite inner sides (17a, 17b) of the outer member having a sensor element (31) for measuring the force acting in the direction of the connecting axis. The outer member deforms under the action of a bending moment while the inner member (21) feels only the axial force acting in the direction of its connecting axis. By this means measurement of the axial force unaffected by bending moments is possible. Furthermore, the sensor device is able to transmit loads.

Abstract: Automotive load cells having centralized, multi-axis, loose tolerance overload/limit stops provide improved strain gauge response. The modular, integrated stop assemblies magnify sensor substrate deflection by use of opposed concave (Belleville) springs are used in direct contact with the substrate to accommodate ±Z axis deflection and Mx/My moment angular rotation. A flanged guide member on the load stud permits a wide range of geometries. The substrate is thickened around the load stud hole and the outboard support bolt holes. Hollow rivets assist in design modularity. Strain gauges are placed at the yield zones symmetrically with respect to the X axis. The substrate hole Mx/My gap is larger than the stop bracket hole to insure a positive stop for Mx/My moments prior to yield. The inventive multi-axis stop assembly is used in any type load cell, including rectangular, thinned, notched, necked/dogbone, or cantilever substrates with any strain gauge layout configuration.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring at least one of a force component and a torque component. The device includes a deformation member, for measuring at least one of a force component and torque component, a separate measuring element, configured to measure at least one force component, and an electronics unit, connected to the measuring element configured to evaluate a measuring signal of the measuring element. The deformation member includes a base part and at least one tongue movable with respect to the base part. The base part is arranged so that a gap between the measuring element and the tongue has a gap width variable in response to the force component introduced onto the deformation member. The measuring element is configured to convert a change in the gap width into a measuring signal. The method includes the step of changing the gap width between the tongue and the measuring element by introducing the force component into the deformation member.

Abstract: A device for detecting the pressure exerted at different points of a flexible and/or pliable object that may assume different shapes, includes a plurality of capacitive pressure sensors and at least a system for biasing and reading the capacitance of the sensors. The requirements of flexibility or pliability are satisfied by capacitive pressure sensors formed by two orthogonal sets of parallel or substantially parallel electrodes spaced, at least at each crossing between an electrode of one set and an electrode of the other set, by an elastically compressible dielectric, forming an array of pressure sensing pixel capacitors. The system for biasing and reading the capacitance includes column plate electrode selection circuits and row plate electrode selection circuits and a logic circuit for sequentially scanning the pixel capacitors and outputting pixel values of the pressure for reconstructing a distribution map of the pressure over the area of the array.

Abstract: A weight measurement method and apparatus for measuring and monitoring the weight load on a vehicle such as a tractor trailer rig. A load pin and bearing assembly mechanically couples the weight of a trailer and its payload to the leaf springs of a tractor trailer truck. The shackle pin is intersected by a longitudinal bore in which multiple strain gage sensors are mounted. A miniature signal processing unit is totally enclosed and shielded within the longitudinal bore and is electrically connected to the strain gage sensors. The signal processing unit develops weight signals that are communicated by conventional low voltage signal cabling to a load display unit in the tractor cab. An offset lubricant passage provides a means for lubricating the load pin bearings while preventing contact of the lubricant with the strain gages, internal wiring and signal conditioner components housed within the main longitudinal bore.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: A pressure sensitive sensor is provided that includes a net braid member formed by knitting a plurality of insulating yarn strands, such as an aramid fiber, interposed between an elastic electroconductive tube and a central electrode member. The elastic electroconductive tube and the central electrode member are brought into electrical contact with each other through the gap portion of the mesh of the net braid member at a pressure point, and pressure is detected. The central electrode member is formed by winding an electroconductive metal wire in a coil on the outer peripheral surface of a central member formed by coating an elastic insulating material on a central reinforcing member formed of an aramid fiber. Thus, a pressure sensitive sensor which has a simple construction, can be produced easily and at low cost, is suitable for making a small sensor, and can appropriately function even if the sensor is warped or kinked at a sharp curvature.

Abstract: In a small-sized, high precision load cell, an annular fixed section is arranged around a load application section, and the load application section and the fixed section are connected by a plurality of arms. The arms connected to the fixed section are not radial or straight, but are bent. Thus, a direction of extension n of a distortion vulnerable section at which a hole is formed is approximately perpendicular to a straight line m which connects the load application section and the distortion vulnerable section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent tension, which arises when a load is applied to the load application section, from being conveyed to the distortion vulnerable section and to detect only the distortion with a gauge.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for measuring loading, stresses and/or material fatigue in a structure. The invention also relates to a measuring sensor unit (50) and a measuring sensor (302) suitable for use in connection with said method. The invention is applicable especially to the measurement of stresses and loading on a ship hull. One inventive idea is that the measuring sensor unit (50) of the measuring system comprises means (310) for processing a signal from the sensor so as to allow complete mathematical measuring results to be transmitted (316, 21) from the measuring sensor unit to the central processing unit. Another inventive idea is to form a measuring sensor from the sensor assembly and the strain gauge so that deformations are transmitted to the strain gauge attached to an elastic area of the sensor assembly. By means of the invention, the measuring units can be calibrated apart from the structure material and additional measuring units can be provided in the system whenever necessary.

Abstract: A force transducer comprises a housing having a front and rear portions joined together by a platform, which platform is thinner than the housing portions. The platform contains at least one sensor which is operative to provide an output according to the extent of compression or expansion of the platform when a force is applied to the transducer housing. A compliant tubular member is secured at one end to the front portion of the housing and at the other end to the rear portion of the housing. The compliant tubular member surrounds the sensor to protect the sensor from the surrounding environment. The tubular member expands and contracts compliantly with the applied force so that the sensor which is mounted on the platform is substantially unimpeded by the tubular member and provides an output directly proportional to the force applied to the housing.

Abstract: A thin pressure sensor includes: a pair of external electrodes, which are respectively made of conductive thin films that are respectively provided with piezoelectric layers on inner sides; and a single internal electrode, made of a conductive thin film, which is sealed between the pair of external electrodes, one of the pair of external electrodes having a conducting window that conducts to said internal electrode. The thin pressure sensor has a simple and thin structure with sufficient durability and mechanical strength.

Abstract: A system for measuring the weight of a seat occupant is used to control airbag deployment. The system includes a plurality of weight sensors that have a first end mounted to a seat riser and a second end mounted to a seat frame or track member. The weight sensors have a central bendable portion that extends between the first and second ends. A groove is formed in one of the external surfaces of the central bendable portion to localize strain. A full bridge strain gage assembly is mounted on a surface of each of the weight sensors, opposite from the groove, for generating a weight signal in response to measuring deflection of the central bendable portion. A central processor determines seat occupant weight based on the weight signals and an airbag control module communicates with the processor. The control module controls deployment force of the airbag based on seat occupant weight.

Abstract: In a small-sized, high precision load cell, an annular fixed section is arranged around a load application section, and the load application section and the fixed section are connected by a plurality of arms. The arms connected to the fixed section are not radial or straight, but are bent. Thus, a direction of extension n of a distortion vulnerable section at which a hole is formed is approximately perpendicular to a straight line m which connects the load application section and the distortion vulnerable section. Therefore, it is possible to prevent tension, which arises when a load is applied to the load application section, from being conveyed to the distortion vulnerable section and to detect only the distortion with a gauge.

Abstract: A sensor plate for use in a load cell for use in an electronic scale comprising a planar first surface; a planar second surface opposite the first surface having a depression formed therein defining a flexure area; a load cavity formed in the second surface having a conical receptacle end for receiving a strut; and sensors disposed over the flexure area for generating a signal in response to a load applied to the loading cavity wherein the strut has a first conical projection end coupled to the conical receptacle end of the loading cavity and a second end coupled to a footer member such that the strut mechanically floats therebetween for providing the applied load at a substantially central position at the load cavity.