Abstract: The invention relates to a load gauge, comprising at least two coils, which are fixed in relation to each other, for detecting the movement and/or the position of an electrically conductive and/or magnetic element that is movable relative to the coils and against the force of a spring device. Each coil is placed in a dedicated electrical measuring circuit.

Abstract: At least one shear force sensor is used to measure the shear force on a member, when the member is in contact with and pressed against a polishing or planarization surface and a lateral force is applied between the two surfaces. Preferably the structure and the surface of the structure have properties (such as one or more of the following: dimensions and coefficient of friction) that are substantially the same as those of a real substrate, such as a semiconductor wafer or flat panel display panel.

Abstract: A piezoelectric element includes a piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance, a first electrode, a second electrode and a covering layer. The piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance includes a piezoelectric ceramic powder and a flexible organic polymer. The first and second electrodes are connected to the piezoelectric composition pressure sensitive substance and electrically insulated from each other. The covering layer is provided outside of the piezoelectric ceramic powder and suppresses absorption of the water by the piezoelectric ceramic powder.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure sensor which can be incorporated into textile products. The pressure sensor includes a multilayer thread having a pressure sensitive layer exhibiting a pressure-dependent electrical resistance, and a conductive layer in contact with the pressure sensitive layer. Further, the sensor includes conductive threads in contact with the multilayer thread.

Abstract: In recent years there has been a growing market for more universal analysis instruments. Analysis tools such as AFM1, TEM2 and nanoindentation work in similar environments. It is therefore possible, within limits, to use the same equipment to do all of these analyses. Conducting nanoindentation experiments in a TEM has also the advantage of increased accuracy compared to the tests done today. 1 Atomic Force Microscopy 2 Transmission Electron Microscope This project is focused on design and fabrication of a capacitive force sensor for AFM and/or nanoindentation measurements in a TEM. Nanofactory Instruments, the initiator of this, project, has developed a specimen holder for TEM that can be used for nanoindentation experiments. The measurement system used today has its limitations of being to large to be mounted in a TEM and thus an improved model was desired.

Abstract: An impact sensor system for pedestrian protection comprises at least one foil-type switching element having a plurality of active areas. The foil-type switching element comprises at least a first carrier foil and a second carrier foil arranged at a certain distance by means of at least one first spacer, wherein said at least one first spacer comprises a plurality of recesses defining at least a first part of said active areas. In each active area, at least two electrode structures are arranged between said first and second carrier foils in such way that in re-sponse to a force acting on the active area of the switching element, the first and second carrier foils are pressed together against the reaction force of the elastic carrier foils and that, above a predetermined activation threshold force, an electrical contact is established between the at least two electrode struc-tures.

Abstract: A force measuring apparatus includes first fixed electrodes disposed in one direction in one plane so as to be distant from each other; second fixed electrodes disposed in the one direction in a plane opposed to the one plane, so as to be distant from each other and opposed to the respective first fixed electrodes; and movable electrodes movable in the one direction. The apparatus further includes a force receiving portion to receive an external force and thereby move the movable electrodes in the one direction so as to change the overlapped area between each first fixed electrode and the corresponding movable electrode and the overlapped area between each second fixed electrode and the corresponding movable electrode. The apparatus measures the magnitude of the force applied to the force receiving portion based on the changes in the capacitance values of the capacitance elements.

Abstract: A measuring device comprising: a sensor (1) with at least one electromechanical transducer (10); at least one electrical generator connected to said transducer; and means for measuring the electrical input impedance of the transducer. Said sensor (1) has an empty space (12) passing therethrough within which a substance (14) can flow, and said transducer (10) is situated at the periphery of said empty space (12) in such a manner as to be subjected to a mechanical load characteristic of the substance (14) flowing in said space (12), the measured electrical impedance being a function of said load. The device is suitable for use in a measuring apparatus seeking to determine the density of the substance (14) flowing inside said tubular space (12).

Abstract: The resolution and the signal-to-noise ration of known force sensors as e.g. capacitive force sensors decrease when scaling them down. To solve this problem there is a solution presented by the usage of a nanostructure as e.g. a carbon nanotube, which is mechanically deformed by a force to be measured. The proposed force sensors comprises a support with two arms carrying the carbon nanotube. The main advantage of this nanoscale force sensor is a very high sensitivity as the conductance of carbon nanotubes changes several orders of magnitude when a mechanical deformation arises.

Abstract: An electromagnetic force-compensation direct-measuring system is disclosed. Referred to as direct-measuring system, it comprises a parallel-guiding mechanism; and a load receiver connected with the parallel-guiding mechanism and connected to a force-compensation device by a force-transmitting rod. The force-compensation device can include at least one permanent magnet and a coil that is electrically connected to a control circuit. At least one component of the parallel-guiding mechanism is configured to transmit electric signals.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a plurality of sensor parts arranged in matrix. A first electrode being connected with first wiring and a second electrode being connected with second wiring are disposed oppositely through a cavity part in the sensor part. The second electrode bends to the first electrode side in response to a pressure from a specimen and touches the first electrode upon application of a pressure of a specified level or above. When the specimen is pressed against a pressure detecting region, both electrodes touch each other at a sensor part corresponding to a protrusion of the specimen and are separated at a sensor part corresponding to a recess. When a scanning signal is fed from a scanning circuit to one wiring and presence of a signal flowing through the second wiring is detected by a sensing circuit, a pressure being applied to each sensor part can be detected.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor apparatus is disposed between the bottom cushion and frame of a seat. The sensor apparatus includes first and second mutually parallel rigid force translation plates biased apart by a set of springs, first and second conductor plates centrally affixed to inboard faces of the first and second force translation plates, and a control circuit responsive to the gap capacitance between the first and second conductor plates. The force translation plates are joined in a manner to maintain the conductor plates parallel to each other while permitting movement of either force translation plate relative to the other in a mutually perpendicular direction.

Abstract: Capacitance-sensitive touchpad circuitry used for detecting and tracking an object on the surface of a touchpad now receives as inputs to the circuitry the voltage divider signals from each axis of a strain gauge used as a touch stick input device, wherein the touchpad circuitry is far less sensitive to noise, and wherein touch stick control circuitry can be eliminated through the use of existing touchpad circuitry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller bearing comprising curved running paths, in addition to roller bodies and strain gauge sensors which are arranged between said running paths, said sensors being located in a groove on the outer diameter of the outer ring and/or on the inner diameter of the inner ring. The length of two adjacent strip conductor sections of the strain gauge sensor varies in such a way as to measure the angular position of the roller bodies between the strip conductors.

Abstract: A measuring arrangement in a roller bearing, which determines the direction of displacement of a displaceable bearing component in relation to a stationary bearing component. Four pressure-dependent resistors (R1, R2, R3, R4) of a bridge circuit are arranged successively in a line, in a measuring area on a bearing component and in a parallel manner in relation to the direction of displacement of the rolling body or the displaceable rolling component. The distance (R1-R2) is exactly the same as the distance (R3-R4) and the distance (R2-R3) is greater than the other distances. The positions of the resistors and the bridge circuit are selected in such a manner that a single output signal with an asymmetrical form is created. The rotational direction is, for example, determined by the evaluation of the deviation of a maximum of the mean position between two adjacent minima.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor according to the invention includes a first member, a second member, a sensing member, a temperature detector, a correcting circuit, and a heat conduction path thermally connecting the sensing member and the temperature detector. The sensing member is interposed in contact between the first and the second members and configured to generate an electrical signal as a function of a physical quantity applied thereto through one of the first and the second members. The temperature detector detects a temperature of the sensing member. The correcting circuit corrects the electrical signal generated by the sensing member using the temperature detected by the temperature detector and outputs the corrected electrical signal. The heat conduction path is formed through the second member such that the second member has a thermal resistance along the path less than that of the first member in an application direction of the physical quantity.

Abstract: In order to provide a triggering signal for a cable stripping device that is also capable of dealing with very thin wires, it is suggested to use a piezoelectric sensor, the output signal from which is forwarded to an electronic evaluation unit. The electronic evaluation unit then outputs a digital signal that enables the stripping process to be started safely. Various mechanical mechanisms are suggested to ensure that the digital signal is not triggered when not being touched. This problem is proposed to be solved by a low pass filter discriminating between sensor inputs by touching and vibration shock events, etc.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting or measuring defects in an elevator rope having electrically conductive tension members, whereby measured electrical resistance in the tension members is indicative of defects.

Abstract: Various sensors use an electro-active device (11) electrically connected to a detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) comprises an electro-active structure in the form of a continuous electro-active member (12) curving in a helix around a minor axis (13) which is in itself curved for example in a helix around a major axis (14). On activation by relative displacement of the ends (16) of the device (11), the electro-active structure twists around the minor axis due to the fact that the minor axis (13) is curved. The continuous member (12) has a bender construction of a plurality of layers (21) and (22) including at least one layer of electro-active material so that concomitantly with the twisting the continuous member (12) bends generating an electrical signal detected by the detector circuit. The electro-active device (11) is advantageous as a sensing element in a sensor because it has a large displacement, high sensitivity and low compliance.

Abstract: A shock detecting apparatus has a sensor which detects a shock received by an apparatus that is provided with the shock detecting apparatus, a first memory which stores a first threshold value for detecting reception of a shock that cannot guarantee the function quality of the apparatus, but can enable operation of the apparatus, a second memory which stores a second threshold value larger than the first threshold value for detecting reception of a shock that disables operation of the apparatus, a third memory which stores information concerning a shock, a control unit which compares the magnitude of a shock with the first and second threshold values when the sensor detects the shock, and controls to store the information in the third memory according to the comparison result, and a battery which supplies power to the sensor and control unit even if power is not supplied from the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensing system includes a ring oscillator that emits electromagnetic radiation at a characteristic frequency. The ring oscillator comprises an odd number plurality of inverters that are electrically connected in series. The sensing system also comprises a temperature stabilized voltage source that is used to supply voltage to the inverters of the ring oscillator. A sensing load for sensing a change in a preselected environmental condition is operably connected to the ring oscillator. When the load senses the preselected environmental condition, the sensing load alters the characteristic frequency of the ring oscillator and hence the electromagnetic radiation as emitted by the ring oscillator. A pick-up antenna receives the electromagnetic radiation as emitted by the ring oscillator and detection electronics, operably coupled to the pick-up antenna, measure the frequency of the electromagnetic radiation as received by the pick-up antenna.

Abstract: A technique for calibrating a current control circuit includes a number of steps. One step includes setting a conduction time of a low-side switch, which is coupled between a low-side of the load and ground, to provide a desired load current to a load. Another step includes determining a high-side load current on a high-side of the load, which is coupled to a power source, when a low-side load current on the low-side of the load transitions through a first predetermined reference level. Yet another step includes establishing a first correction factor based upon the high-side load current and the low-side load current. Still another step includes adjusting the conduction time of the low-side switch based on the first correction factor to provide the desired load current to the load.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A modified atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to perform contact resistance and/or current-dependent stiction measurements for conductive thin films at controlled values of applied force. The measurements are preferably performed under conditions approximating the operation of the thin films as electrodes in microswitch array fingerprint sensors. A first, planar thin film is contacted with a second, curved thin film deposited over a round ball having a diameter of a few microns to a few tens of microns. The second film is preferably a coating deposited over the ball and over the arm controlling the ball motion. The coating deposited over the arm provides an electrically conductive path to the contact surface of the ball.

Abstract: A force-measuring element for a scale is provided which includes a first end region via which the force-measuring element is adapted to be supported, a second end region which is adapted to have a load to be measured applied thereto, and a central region provided between the first and second end regions to form a measuring point. A cross-sectional weakening is formed in the central region. The central region has a greater height than at least one of the first and second end regions. And a top side and an underside of the force-measuring element approach one another in both a first transition region and a second transition region which respectively begin at the central region and extend toward the first and second end regions, respectively.

Abstract: In a pressure sensor made by bonding a sensor chip and a metal stem together with a resin adhesive, fluctuation of the sensor output caused by temperature changes are maximally reduced. The resin adhesive for bonding together the sensor element and the metal stem has a creep characteristic defined as CR=A×&sgr;B between its creep rate CR and stress &sgr; upon it with A and B being constants. The resin adhesive is selected to satisfy that the constant B is not greater than 3.5.

Abstract: A sensor cable (10) for detecting and/or locating a deformation of the cable includes a conductive core (20), a dielectric layer (40), a controlled resistive layer (50), a piezoresistive layer (60), and an outer shield (70). Deformation of the cable (10) creates a change in resistance between the shield (70) and the controlled resistive layer (50), and also creates a piezoelectric-induced voltage between the conductive core (20) and the controlled resistive layer (50). The incidence and/or location of a deformation of the cable is deducible from electrical parameters, indicative of the change in resistance and the induced voltage, measured at one or both ends of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring torque and position of a shaft having an internal torsion bar. The sensor has a torque sensor, located in the housing and connected to the shaft. The torque sensor has a rotor in electrical contact with a first and second resistive track disposed on an opposed disc. A position sensor is located in the housing and is connected to the shaft. The position sensor has a third contactor mounted to the housing in electrical contact with a third resistive track located on the disc. Several electrical terminals are located in the housing and are electrically communicated with the contactors to provide an electrical signal indicative of the torque and position of the shaft to an external electrical circuit. A slip ring is attached between the rotor and the housing. The slip ring has a fourth and fifth contactor in contact with the torque sensor. The slip ring is adapted to electrically connect the torque sensor to the electrical terminals.

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 load cell comprises a member for receiving forces applied by the load, and a plurality of force sensing elements supported by the member and arranged with respect, to each other to independently sense differently directed components of the applied forces. The member is disposed, e.g., in a horizontal plane for receiving the load forces, and the force sensing elements are strain gages. One of the strain gages is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a vertical direction relative to the plane, and a second strain gage is arranged to sense a component of the forces applied in a horizontal direction relative to the plane. Among other advantages, the load cell is highly versatile can be used to measure loading forces applied in virtually any direction.

Abstract: This load sensor 10 comprises an elastic conductive tube 11, a center electrode member 13 in which at least the outer circumferential portion has conductivity, the center electrode member being provided within the elastic conductive tube 11, and an insulating linear member 15 in which at least the outer circumferential portion is an elongated shape having insulation properties, the insulating linear member being wound spirally on the center electrode member 13 at a predetermined winding distance. The insulating linear member 15 is constructed of an enamel wire in which a metal wire is coated with enamel or a coat electric wire in which a metal wire is coated with resin. The center electrode member 13 is formed by transversely winding a conductive metal wire 23 spirally on the outer circumference of a center member 21 constructed by coating elastic insulating material on a center reinforcing member made of aramid fibers.

Abstract: A pressure sensor having a first pole element and a second pole element spaced apart from each other and forming a capacitor. The first pole element includes a substantially flat portion around which the second pole element is bent forming a bent edge portion of the second pole element. The bent edge portion is located at a distance from the substantially flat portion. The length of the distance and, thereby, the capacitance of the sensor, varies as a function of a loading state of the sensor. The sensor is well suited for use as an occupant detector in automotive seating applications.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a shock measurement apparatus which allows shock received by a hard disk drive of a notebook PC to be precisely measured without altering the physical characteristics of the PC.

Abstract: A mechanical testing device has a rigid frame and a piezo translator connected to the frame. A Wheatstone bridge is connected to the translator to produce an electrical signal related to the compression of the translator, wherein a sample positioned between the piezo translator and the frame is subjected to loads by the movement of the translator. A sensor detects the force applied to the sample by the piezo translator, and produces a signal indicative of the force. A computer receives the Wheatstone bridge electrical signal and the signal indicative of the force applied to the sample. The computer controls the advancement of the translator to allow the application of precise amounts of compression to the sample.

Abstract: A force sensor circuit has an operating member, a supporting base arranged in the vicinity of and surrounding the operating member, a flexible plate from which the operating member is suspended into a hollow space of the supporting base, a force sensor element having at least one piezoelectric element, a resistor having a resistance value not smaller than 10 M&OHgr;, and an operation amplifier. This force sensor element can be produced with reduced fluctuation of the frequency characteristics, thus achieving high degree of uniformity of the force sensor circuit products.

Abstract: A high-resolution pressure-sensing device is disclosed. The device includes an insulating flexible matrix having a plurality of filler particles. Application of a force to the matrix causes compression of the matrix. This results in the filler particles occupying a greater amount of space within the matrix relative to when no force is applied. A detector attached to the matrix detects or measures the volume of the filler particles relative to the volume of the matrix, and therefore determines the force applied to the matrix. Preferably, the resistivity of the matrix is inversely proportional to the volume percent of the filler particles, in which case the detector is a resistance-measuring circuit.

Abstract: An enhanced fingerprint sensing circuit in which a voltage change is applied to the body during sensing. When the person's fingerprint is being sensed, the person's body is in contact with an electrical terminal. When the sensing occurs, the voltage on the electrical terminal changes, which changes the voltage on the person's body. The pattern of the fingerprint performs two functions in the sensing circuit. In addition to being a plate of a capacitor whose distance is being sensed, it is now a source of input charge as well. The electrical effect on the cell of a voltage change on a person's finger is different at a ridge than at a valley in the fingerprint sensing circuit. Thus, the input capacitance to the sensing circuit is variable, depending upon whether a ridge or a valley is present. The sensing circuit also detects a change in its own capacitance based on the presence of a ridge or a valley.

Abstract: A semiconductor mechanical sensor having a new structure in which a S/N ratio is improved. In the central portion of a silicon substrate 1, a recess portion 2 is formed which includes a beam structure. A weight is formed at the tip of the beam, and in the bottom surface of the weight in the bottom surface of the recess portion 2 facing the same, an electrode 5 is formed. An alternating current electric power is applied between the weight portion 4 and the electrode 5 so that static electricity is created and the weight is excited by the static electricity. In an axial direction which is perpendicular to the direction of the excitation of the weight, an electrode 6 is disposed to face one surface of the weight and a wall surface of the substrate which faces the same. A change in a capacitance between the facing electrodes is electrically detected, and therefore, a change in a physical force acting in the same direction is detected.

Abstract: A load measuring method and a load measuring apparatus employ two piezoelectric elements having the same characteristic. When a load is applied to a first piezoelectric element, a voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element is feedback-controlled so as to cause the output from a first strain gauge affixed to the first piezoelectric element to be reduced to zero, whereby deformation of the first piezoelectric element applied with the load is suppressed to zero. The load applied to the first piezoelectric element is measured from a deformation amount of a second strain gauge affixed to the second piezoelectric element to which is applied the same voltage as the voltage applied to the first piezoelectric element and which is deformed in amount accurately corresponding to that of deformation to be naturally generated in the first piezoelectric element.

Abstract: This invention relates to apparatus for detecting the contact or nip width between two contacting surfaces. The apparatus includes first and second insulating substrates each of which has a pattern of conductive material formed on a facing inner surface thereof, which substrates are adapted to be fitted between the contacting surfaces. For a first embodiment, the pattern of conductive material on one substrate includes a pair of conductive terminals spaced by a distance greater than the contact width to be measured and the conductive pattern on the other substrate includes a conductor which extends over at least a distance greater than the maximum width W to be measured.

Abstract: A main-shaft malfunction-state detector in an air bearing type machine tool, in which an abnormal contact of a main shaft with a housing is reliably and automatically detected. The contacting state of the main shaft 11 and the housing 13 is detected through the presence of electric conductivity by a contact detection device 31. A contact decision device 32 determines the contact of the main shaft 11 with the housing 13 based on the detected conductivity, thus automatic and certain preventative measures, such as the main shaft of the machine tool stops and so on, are based on the above decision.

Abstract: A sensor comprises a semiconductor pellet (10) including a working portion (11) adapted to undergo action of a force, a fixed portion (13) fixed on the sensor body, and a flexible portion (13) having flexibility formed therebetween, a working body (20) for transmitting an exterted force to the working portion, and detector means (60-63) for transforming a mechanical deformation produced in the semiconductor pellet to an electric signal to thereby detect a force exerted on the working body as an electric signal. A signal processing circuit is applied to the sensor. This circuit uses analog multipliers (101-109) and analog adders/subtracters (111-113), and has a function to cancel interference produced in different directions. Within the sensor, two portions (E3, E4-E8) located at positions opposite to each other and producing a displacement therebetween by action of a force are determined. By exerting a coulomb force between both the portions, the test of the sensor is carried out.