Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
073862680 | By measuring electrical properties | 62 |
20080210020 | Impact Sensor System For Pedestrian Protection - 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. According to the invention said foil-type switching element is configured such that the activation threshold force of a first group of said plurality of active areas is different from an activation threshold force of a second group of said plurality of active areas. | 09-04-2008 |
20080276727 | Mems Nanoindenter - In recent years there has been a growing market for more universal analysis instruments. Analysis tools such as AFM | 11-13-2008 |
20080307899 | Pressure Sensor - 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. | 12-18-2008 |
20090095090 | LOAD GAUGE - 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. | 04-16-2009 |
20090235762 | TRANSVERSE FORCE MEASUREMENT - A piezoelectric sensor for bending moment measurements has measuring elements separating at their axes and electrically connecting both halves with their opposing directions of polarization. Such a sensor, mounted with its axis on the neutral bending axis of a machine structure, thus measures concurrently both tension and compression of the machine on both sides of the axis thereof. | 09-24-2009 |
20100095786 | Passive Hit Locator System And Method - A system for locating impacts comprises at least one array of a plurality of carbon nanotubes, each carbon nanotube operable to emit electrical activity when compressed. The system also comprises at least one sensor coupled to the at least one array configured to detect emitted electrical activity from the plurality of carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, a computer is configured to determine the location of an impact on the at least one array in response to the detected emitted electrical activity from the plurality of carbon nanotubes. | 04-22-2010 |
20100307265 | Force Sensor for the Detection of a Force Vector - The invention makes it possible to determine a force vector that is applied to a tip of a minimally invasive surgical instrument. The force acts upon the housing, is directed to the base, and causes a deformation there in special beam structures. Said deformation is detected by means of tension-sensitive/extension-sensitive resistors whose changes are a measure for the applied force vector. The inventive measuring element comprises special mounting elements so as to be integrated into tube-type instruments such as guiding wires, fastening zones for additional components, an overload protection, and a head shape that is adapted to the treatment process. | 12-09-2010 |
20100313680 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device that is capable of sensing how hard a user is pressing when contacted is disclosed. The input device includes a pressure sensing unit generating an electrical signal in accordance with pressure applied on one surface of the pressure sensing unit and a fixed resistance making a parallel electrical connection with the pressure sensing unit. Thus, not only can the input device receive a form of information that is changed proportionally in accordance with the pressure applied by the user, but the deviation in electrical characteristics that may occur during the manufacturing of different products can also be reduced. Also, by adjusting the resistance value of the fixed resistance, the sum of the resistance values by the parallel connection between the fixed resistance and the pressure sensitive resistance can be adjusted so that the electrical signal generated by the input device through pressing can be adjusted. | 12-16-2010 |
20110000318 | FORCE SENSOR APPARATUS - A force sensor apparatus and method of forming the same. The apparatus includes a force sense element that can be attached to a substrate. An actuator disposed in a hole formed within the cap is operably coupled to the force sense element for transferring force to the sense element in response to receiving a force from an external source. The force sense element is configured to sense the external force and generate an output signal representing the force. Preferably, one or more bond pads, associated with the force sense element and the substrate, can be electrically connected via wire bonding. A cover associated with an integrated flexible membrane can be mounted on the substrate in order to protect internal components associated with the force sensor apparatus from an external environment. | 01-06-2011 |
20110094315 | Method and apparatus for sensing applied forces - An apparatus for sensing a force. The apparatus includes a nanostructure being suitable for emitting electrons and a collector. The collector is proximately positioned with respect to the nanostructure so as to receive the emitted electrons and define a gap therebetween. The gap is partially dependent upon the applied force and the emission and reception of the electrons are indicative of the applied force. | 04-28-2011 |
20110138932 | CONTACT SENSORS AND METHODS FOR MAKING SAME - The present invention is directed to novel contact sensors. The contact sensors of the invention include a conductive composite material formed of a polymer and a conductive filler. In one particular embodiment, the composite materials can include less than about 10 wt % conductive filler. Thus, the composite material of the contact sensors can have physical characteristics essentially identical to the polymer, while being electrically conductive with the electrical resistance proportional to the load on the sensor. If desired, the sensors can be formed of the same polymeric material as the bearing that is being examined. The sensors can provide real time dynamic contact information for joint members under conditions expected during use. In one particular embodiment, the sensors can be used to examine dynamic wear characteristics of artificial joint bearings such as artificial knee, hip, or shoulder bearings. | 06-16-2011 |
20110192236 | Micromechanical sensor element for capacitive differential pressure detection - A sensor concept for capacitive pressure measurement yields reliable measurement results and is for aggressive particle-bearing measuring environments. This sensor element is a micromechanical sensor element, whose structural elements are implemented in a layered structure. The sensor element includes two pressure connections separated from each other, a deflectable carrier element for at least one deflectable measuring electrode, and at least one stationary counter electrode for the measuring electrode. The carrier element spans a closed cavity in the layered structure. The carrier element is spanned by a cap structure, and is suspended on the cap structure via a suspension web functioning as a rocker bearing. The two pressure connections are connected to the carrier element's top side which is divided by the suspension web into two separated pressure connection zones. The measuring electrode is on the carrier element's underside and the counter electrode is on the cavity's opposite wall. | 08-11-2011 |
20120090408 | METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING PIEZORESISTIVE MATERIAL, PIEZORESISTIVE COMPOSITION AND PRESSURE SENSOR DEVICE - A method for manufacturing a piezoresistive material, a piezoresistive composition and a pressure sensor device are provided. The piezoresistive composition includes a conductive carbon material, a solvent, a dispersive agent, an unsaturated polyester and a crosslinking agent. The conductive carbon material is selected from a group consisting of multi-wall nanotube, single-wall carbon nanotube, carbon nanocapsule, graphene, graphite nanoflake, carbon black, and a combination thereof. The solvent is selected from a group consisting of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, hexane, propylene glycol mono-methyl ether acetate and a combination thereof. The dispersive agent includes block polymer solution with functional groups providing the affinity. The unsaturated polyester is selected from a group consisting of an ortho-phthalic type unsaturated polyester, an iso-phthalic type unsaturated polyester, and a combination thereof. The crosslinking agent is selected from a group consisting of ethyl methyl ketone peroxide, cyclohexanone diperoxide, dibenzoyl peroxide, tert-butyl peroxybenzoate and a combination thereof. | 04-19-2012 |
20120111125 | PRESSURE-SENSITIVE SENSOR PRODUCTION METHOD AND PRESSURE-SENSITIVE SENSOR - Two electrode wires longitudinally provided along the inner surface of an elastic insulating member having a hollow portion are exposed from said elastic insulating member, the resistive element comprising a resistor body and the resistive element's lead wires is formed into a U-letter shape, said two electrode wires exposed from said elastic insulating member and said resistive element's lead wires are electrically connected via one metal plate, and a portion wherein one of said two electrode wires and one of the lead wires extending from both ends of said resistor body are electrically connected and a portion wherein the other one of said two electrode wires and the other one of the lead wires extending from both ends of said resistor body are electrically connected are separated by cutting said one metal plate. | 05-10-2012 |
20120180573 | PIEZOELECTRIC SENSORS FOR AUTOMATIC MEASUREMENT OF NIP WIDTH FOR FUSER MEMBER CONTROL - According to aspects of the embodiments, an apparatus and method is proposed to detect nip width by use of at least one piezoelectric (PZT) crystal embedded into a roll at both the inboard and outboard ends. A piezoelectric (PZT) crystal generates a charge when subjected to a load and when the load is released. The PZT generate signal is channeled to the ends of the roller such as with a brush contact to be processed and used within machine control. The duration measure from application and released of the load is indicative of the dwell time and the amplitude PZT generate signal is a function of the pressure. The time and amplitude of the PZT signal can be calibrated to correlate directly to nip width or pressure and tracked in machine control. | 07-19-2012 |
20120198946 | PRESSURE-SENSITIVE AMPLIFIER STAGE - Pressure-sensitive amplifier stage comprising four unipolar pressure-sensor transistors each including a piezoresistive current path. The pressure-sensor transistors are connected as a pressure-measuring bridge having two bridge legs each comprising first and second pressure-sensor transistors which are connected in series. Two unipolar control transistors each has a control terminal and a current path arranged between a further first and a further second terminal. The respective first and second terminals of the two control transistors are connected in pairs, and the control terminals each is connected to a node between the pressure-sensor transistors. The interconnected second terminals are connected to the control terminals of the second pressure-sensor transistors of the two bridge legs. The control terminals of the first pressure-sensor transistors are adapted for connection thereto of a respective operating input voltage, and a measurement output voltage is detectable between the pressure-sensor transistors. | 08-09-2012 |
20120204657 | Pressure Detection Unit - A pressure detection unit includes a first substrate and a second substrate which are disposed in opposition to each other and subject to load from the outside, a pressure detection portion having a pair of electrodes provided between the first substrate and the second substrate and in the first substrate and the second substrate, and electrically conductive pressure-sensitive ink disposed between the pair of electrodes and having electrical characteristics which varies according to the load, and a load transmission member disposed between the first substrate and the pressure detection portion and/or between the second substrate and the pressure detection portion, the load transmission member transmitting the load to the pressure detection portion in a concentrated manner. | 08-16-2012 |
20120222496 | Sensor Array - A sensor array for sensing the magnitude and position of a force in a first direction is provided. The sensor array includes a compressible layer, an electrically grounded layer, and an electrically active layer comprising a plurality of transmitter electrodes and a plurality of receiver electrodes. Each of the transmitter electrodes is configured to capacitively couple to a receiver electrode, and the compressible layer is positioned between the electrically grounded layer the electrically active layer. | 09-06-2012 |
20120318070 | PRESSURE SENSOR LINEARIZATION - One or more techniques and/or systems are disclosed for generating a linearized pressure sensor pattern for a pressure sensor. Force may be applied to a pressure sensor sample, comprising the pressure sensor without conductors. A patch, comprising an area of contact between a top and bottom surface of the sensor sample, can be measured, which corresponds to the applied force. Patch measurements can be made for respective applied force intervals, resulting in one or more indications of applied force, respectively corresponding to an indication of a patch measurement. The linearized pressure sensor pattern can be generated using the one or more force indications and corresponding patch measurement indications. | 12-20-2012 |
20120318071 | Bearing device having a sensor for measuring the vertical bearing force of a rotating shaft - 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. | 12-20-2012 |
20130112011 | SENSOR ELEMENT, FORCE DETECTING DEVICE, ROBOT AND SENSOR DEVICE - A sensor element includes a piezoelectric substrate made of a trigonal single crystal and an electrode arranged on the piezoelectric substrate. The substrate surface of the piezoelectric substrate includes an electrical axis of crystal axes. An angle θ formed by the substrate surface and a plane including the electrical axis and an optical axis of the crystal axes is 0°<θ<20°. | 05-09-2013 |
20130160567 | FORCE SENSOR - A force sensor includes: a planar piezoelectric member whose impedance varies according to an impressing force exerted from an outside; a pair of electrode patterns film-formed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric member; a wiring pattern that is film-formed integrally with the pair of electrode patterns, and connected to the pair of electrode patterns; a power feeding side coil that is provided without contact with the pair of electrode patterns, and connected to an alternating-current source; and a detector that detects variation in impedance of the piezoelectric member, as the impressing force, wherein at least a part or the entirety of one electrode pattern between the pair of electrode patterns is formed volutely extending from the wiring pattern, and is a coil pattern electromagnetically coupled with the power feeding side coil. | 06-27-2013 |
20130180343 | Force-sensing device for measuring a traction-and/or pressure force load in structure - A force-sensing device for measuring a traction- and/or pressure force load in a structure, for example, in a container-locking bolt is provided. The force-sensing device is constructed shaped like a rod and a sensor section detects expansions and/or compressions of the structure. | 07-18-2013 |
20130228022 | APPARATUS AND PROCESSES FOR SILICON ON INSULATOR MEMS PRESSURE SENSORS - System and methods for silicon on insulator MEMS pressure sensors are provided. In one embodiment, a method comprises: applying a doping source to a silicon-on-insulator (SOI) silicon wafer having a sensor layer and an insulating layer comprising SiO | 09-05-2013 |
20130233089 | SENSOR MODULE, FORCE DETECTING DEVICE, AND ROBOT - A sensor module includes a first member including a first recess in which a piezoelectric element including an electrode is arranged, a second member joined to the first member, a first plate in contact with the second member, a second plate in contact with the first member, and a fastening section configured to fasten the first plate and the second plate. A first projection projecting toward the second member is provided on the first plate. The internal height of the first recess of the first member is larger than the height of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is in contact with the second member. | 09-12-2013 |
20130239702 | Double Die Sensor - One embodiment of the present invention relates to a device, such as a sensor device. The device includes a sensor die and a circuit die. The sensor die includes a sensor and a feedback component. The circuit die includes circuitry. The circuit die is varied from the sensor die, such as comprising a varied substrate material. The circuitry is coupled to the sensor and the feedback component. The circuitry and the feedback component can communicate correlation information. | 09-19-2013 |
20130276550 | INPUT DETECTING APPARATUS, AND ASSOCIATED METHOD, FOR ELECTRONIC DEVICE - An apparatus, and an associated method, forms a user interface permitting input of input instructions to an electronic device. Input commands are evidence by tactile input forces applied to a force receiving surface. Force sensing elements are positioned to sense indications of the tactile input force. The force sensing element is caused to exhibit a selected input parameter value through application of a selected force thereto by application of a tightening torque to a fastener positioned in proximity to the force sensing element. | 10-24-2013 |
20140007700 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MEASURING TACTILE SENSATION - An apparatus and method for measuring a tactile sensation is provided. The tactile sensation measuring apparatus may include a plurality of pressure measuring units, each to measure a magnitude of an external pressure applied, using a variable resistance material of which a resistance changes when an external pressure is applied, and a tactile sensation measuring unit to measure a three-dimensional (3D) tactile sensation corresponding to the external pressure, based on a position of each of the plurality of pressure measuring units, and the magnitude of the external pressure measured by each of the plurality of pressure measuring units. | 01-09-2014 |
20140053660 | SENSOR DEVICE, SENSOR MODULE, FORCE DETECTION DEVICE, AND ROBOT - A package having a recessed section, a sensor element arranged in the recessed section and having a piezoelectric material, a lid joined to the package and sealing the recessed section of the package are provided. The package has a first hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with, on an inner bottom surface of the recessed section. The lid has a second hollow portion which a part of the sensor element fits with. | 02-27-2014 |
20140060209 | FORCE SENSOR AND METHOD FOR TESTING ITS RELIABILITY - A force sensor includes a transducer with a measuring element operatively connected to a measuring object for generating measuring signals of a force acting on the measuring object, and two in parallel transmission channels transmit mutually corresponding signals of the measuring signals independently from one another and connected in parallel to the same transducer. A test signal is evaluated in a transmission channel in which the test signal has been injected and in another transmission channel in which the test signal has not been injected. In another testing method, the transmitted signals are compared. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060210 | PRESSURE SENSOR AND PRESSURE SENSING METHOD - A pressure sensor and a pressure sensing method are provided. The pressure sensor includes a substrate; a sensor thin film transistor (TFT) disposed on the substrate and including a gate insulating layer, wherein the gate insulating layer includes an organic matrix in which piezoelectric inorganic nano-particles are dispersed; a power unit configured to apply an alternating current (AC) signal to a gate of the sensor TFT; and a pressure sensing unit configured to obtain a remnant polarization value based on a drain current which is generated in response to the AC signal and detected by the sensor TFT, and to sense a pressure based on the remnant polarization value. | 03-06-2014 |
20140060211 | DEVICE FOR MEASURING PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS AND/OR CHANGES IN PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS IN A SHEET | 03-06-2014 |
20140076063 | SINGLE LAYER FORCE SENSOR - A sensor for sensing an application of pressure is disclosed. The sensor includes a substrate, conductive elements and an electroactive layer. First and second conductive elements are supported on the substrate and have elongate edges spaced apart from each other. The electroactive layer has a common surface adhered against the conductive elements. The electroactive layer defines at least one electrical property in a portion of the layer between the conductive elements. The electrical property is configured to vary in relation to a magnitude of the pressure. | 03-20-2014 |
20140083206 | PLANAR ELECTRIC BOARD WITH PLIABLE WINGS AND SYSTEM FOR SENSING COMPONENTS ALONG THREE COORDINATE AXIS OF INNER FORCES IN A BLOCK MADE OF A BUILDING MATERIAL - A planar electric circuit board may include a planar support of a foldable material defining a base surface and wings coupled to the base surface along respective folding lines so that the wings, when folded along the folding lines, are erected with respect to the base surface and remain in that position. An auxiliary circuit is on the planar support and may include pairs of capacitive coupling plates defined on the wings and on the base surface, and electric communication lines coupled to corresponding ones of the pairs of capacitive coupling plates. | 03-27-2014 |
20140083207 | Pre-Loaded Force Sensors - Pre-loaded force sensitive input devices, force sensing resistors (FSR), are formed as a multiple membrane assembly that is capable of detecting low intensity pressure inputs and quantifying varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. Pre-loading the force sensor elements results in controlled amount of force between the two substrates causing a constant state of pre-load and eliminating the low-end or minimal pressure signal noise associated with unloaded sensors. Pre-loading the force sensing resistor sensors also enables the sensor to detect removal of low intensity pressure input such as might occur during theft of light weight articles placed in contact with the pre-loaded force sensor. Using an FSR or FSR Matrix Array will enable any handling of protected retail packaging to be detected and identified. A library of “touches” can be established that will yield cutting, ripping, twisting, etc. making the detection of a theft in progress more accurate. | 03-27-2014 |
20140090485 | MEMS Pressure Sensor Assembly - A pressure sensor assembly includes a first die assembly, a second die assembly, and a conducting member. The first die assembly includes a MEMS pressure sensor. The second die assembly includes an ASIC configured to generate an electrical output corresponding to a pressure sensed by the MEMS pressure sensor. The conducting member is positioned between the first die assembly and the second die assembly and is configured and to electrically connect the MEMS pressure sensor to the ASIC. | 04-03-2014 |
20140130610 | CONDUCTIVE CLOTH SENSOR - A force sensor is disclosed herein. The force sensor includes first and second layers formed from electrically conductive material. The force sensor also includes a third layer formed from an electrically insulative material disposed between the first and second layers. The third layer is a mesh defining a distribution of plurality of spaced openings. It is also disclosed herein that the force sensor can be incorporated in an auscultation training system. The auscultation training system can also include an auscultation device operable to be pressed against the force sensor whereby the force sensor emits a signal in response to being pressed. The auscultation training system can also include a controller communicating with the force sensor and operable to receive the signal. The auscultation training system can also include a database of sound files wherein the controller is operable to select one of the sound files in response to the signal. | 05-15-2014 |
20140130611 | PRESSURE TRANSDUCER STRUCTURES SUITABLE FOR CURVED SURFACES - A flexible transducer structure suitable for attaching to a curved surface such as the leading edge of an aircraft wing is provided. In one example embodiment, a method may include receiving, at a sensor disposed on a flexible sheet, a pressure, wherein the sensor is electrically coupled to a conductive trace disposed on the flexible sheet; measuring, by the sensor, the pressure to generate a pressure signal; outputting, by the sensor, to the conductive trace, the pressure signal, wherein the conductive trace extends away from the sensor on the flexible sheet; and wherein the flexible sheet is adaptable to conform to a contour of a curved surface. | 05-15-2014 |
20140144251 | FILM-TYPE PRESSURE SENSOR E.G. FOR ARTICLE OF FOOTWEAR - A film-type pressure sensor includes a carrier structure including a first carrier film, a second carrier film and a spacer film arranged between the first and second carrier films, where one or more pressure-sensing cells are disposed in the carrier structure, each of which includes an electrode arrangement for producing an impedance change in response to a compressive force, an electrical interface is provided for mechanically and electrically connecting the pressure sensor to an evaluation circuit, where some terminals of the interface are connected with the electrode arrangements of the cells so as to allow them to be read out, such that one or more electrical components interconnect at least two of the terminals in pairs so as to form a combination of terminal pair impedances that represents coded information relating to the pressure sensor. | 05-29-2014 |
20140165742 | CAPACITIVE FORCE SENSOR WITH MAGNETIC SPRING - The present disclosure provides a method and apparatus for a capacitive force sensor utilizing a magnetic spring. The force is applied across a body and a moveable element that are coupled by the magnetic spring. The moveable element is configured to vary the capacitance of a variable capacitor. A sensing circuit, electrically coupled to the variable capacitor, provides a force signal characteristic of the applied force. In application to a stylus pointing device, the moveable element is coupled to a moveable tip of the stylus. The force signal, which is characteristic of the force applied to the tip of the stylus, may be used to control an application executed on a host electronic device. | 06-19-2014 |
20140174200 | TOUCH SENSOR - The touch sensor according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: a transparent substrate; and an electrode formed on the transparent substrate in a mesh pattern, wherein the electrode has a line width of one side smaller than that of the other side in a thickness direction. | 06-26-2014 |
20140245841 | SENSOR DEVICE AND DEPOSITION DEVICE HAVING A SENSOR DEVICE - A deposition device includes a deposition container with an intermediate plate, a sensor mat positioned on the deposition container, where the sensor mat includes at least two locating recesses for positioning the sensor mat within an area of a maximum permissible movement, and at least one detection sublayer. The intermediate plate includes at least one passthrough opening to allow an electrical connection device connected to the sensor mat to pass through, so that the sensor mat can be connected to a circuit board disposed in an electronics container space. The intermediate plate further includes locating pins arranged on the intermediate plate and protruding into a locating recess. The cross section of the locating pins is such that over the entire length thereof the locating recess permits local movability of the sensor mat in all directions in the planar extension thereof, within the maximum permissible range of movement. | 09-04-2014 |
20140260679 | Systems and Methods for Common Mode Signal Cancellation in Press Detectors - Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for common mode signal cancellation in force change detectors. An example embodiment of the disclosed technology includes a press sensor element configured to reduce or eliminate thermally induced signals. The sensor element includes a piezoelectric layer that includes a first surface in communication with a first layer. The first layer includes a first conductive region. The piezoelectric layer includes a second surface in communication with a second layer. The second layer includes a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. The second and third conductive regions are configured to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260680 | Methods And Apparatus For Monitoring Microrolling Processes Using Embedded Sensing - A method of determining a spatial and temporal pressure distribution profile on an outer surface of a rotating apparatus includes producing one or more pressure indications in response to pressure applied to the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The producing is carried out by a transducer assembly embedded within the rotating apparatus at a distance d from the outer surface of the rotating apparatus. The method further includes sampling, by an acquisition assembly, the one or more pressure indications from the transducer assembly and storing the sampled one or more pressure indications. The method also includes processing the one or more pressure indications to produce the pressure distribution profile describing the pressure applied to the outer surface. | 09-18-2014 |
20140290385 | ELECTRONIC APPARATUS AND SHOCK DETECTION METHOD - In an electronic apparatus equipped with a mechanism for generating a sound and an oscillation, it is possible to detect an imparted shock with high sensitivity. The electronic apparatus includes: an oscillation unit; a piezoelectric element configured to impart an oscillation due to deformation in correspondence with an applied voltage to the oscillation unit, generating a voltage corresponding to deformation due to a shock imparted to the oscillation unit; an induction element for applying an increased voltage to the piezoelectric element; a first switch performing control as to whether or not to supply an electric current from a power source to the induction element; a second switch for effecting connection or disconnection between the induction element and the piezoelectric element; and a shock detection unit configured to detect a shock imparted to the oscillation unit based on the voltage generated in the piezoelectric element. | 10-02-2014 |
20140366646 | FORCE DETECTOR, ROBOT, ELECTRONIC COMPONENT CARRYING APPARATUS, ELECTRONIC COMPONENT TESTING APPARATUS, PART PROCESSING APPARATUS, AND MOVING OBJECT - A force detector includes a first substrate, a second substrate, a circuit board provided between the first substrate and the second substrate, and an element mounted on the circuit board and outputting a signal in response to an external force, wherein a hole is formed in the circuit board at a location where the element is placed, and a first convex part inserted into the hole and protruding toward the element is provided on the first substrate. Further, the element is placed within a periphery of the first convex part as seen from a direction perpendicular to the first substrate. | 12-18-2014 |
20140373640 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING A THREE-DIMENSIONAL STRESS FIELD OF AN OBJECT, AN INTEGRATED STRUCTURE IN PARTICULAR, AND CORRESPONDING SYSTEM - A method and corresponding system are provided for determining a three-dimensional stress field of an object having a flat surface. At least four flat resistors are placed on the flat surface of the object, with at least one of the resistors having a geometry different from that of the others. A variation of resistance of the resistors is measured. The three-dimensional stress field is determined from a system of equations involving the stress field, values of variations of the measured resistive values and sensitivity parameters of the resistors. | 12-25-2014 |
20150020610 | TWO DIMENSIONAL MATERIAL-BASED PRESSURE SENSOR - This disclosure provides example methods, devices, and systems for a two dimensional material-based pressure sensor. A sensor device is provided that includes a substrate having a back electrode, a conductive layer in communication with the back electrode, and an insulating layer coupled to the conductive layer. The insulating layer includes one or more cavity regions. A sensor membrane comprising a two-dimensional material is disposed adjacent to the insulating layer and covering at least one of the one or more cavity regions. A first sensing electrode is in electrical communication with a first region of the sensor membrane, and a second sensing electrode is in communication with a second region of the sensor membrane. The sensor membrane is configured to respond to pressure changes exerted on the sensor device. | 01-22-2015 |
20150027237 | NON-VOLATILE MEMORY WITH LINEAR HOT-ELECTRON INJECTION TECHNIQUE AND STRAIN GAUGE USING THE SAME - A linear hot-electron injection technique is provided for a non-volatile memory arrangement. The non-volatile memory is comprised of: a floating gate transistor; a capacitor with a first terminal electrically coupled to the gate node of the floating gate transistor; a current reference circuit electrically coupled to the source node of the floating gate transistor; and a feedback circuit electrically coupled between the source node of the floating gate transistor and a second terminal of the capacitor. The feedback circuit operates to adjust a voltage at the gate node of the floating gate transistor in accordance with a source-to-drain voltage across the floating gate transistor. | 01-29-2015 |
20150053023 | VIBRATION AND DYNAMIC ACCELERATION SENSING USING CAPACITORS - The present disclosure relates to an apparatus comprising at least one sensing capacitor and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to receive a signal from the at least one sensing capacitor indicative of a change of charge of the sensing capacitor, and wherein the controller is configured to determine an amount of force applied to the sensing capacitor, an acceleration of the sensing capacitor, a torsion of the sensing capacitor, a vibration of the sensing capacitor or a pulling force applied to the sensing capacitor based on the change of charge of the at least one sensing capacitor. | 02-26-2015 |
20150135858 | COLLISION POSITION DETECTION DEVICE, WIND POWER GENERATION DEVICE AND WIND POWER GENERATION SYSTEM - A collision position detection device comprises: a piezoelectric element that generates a voltage by collision; signal detector that detects a signal generated by the collision with the piezoelectric element; and processor that identifies the position of the collision with the piezoelectric element based on the signal detected by the signal detector. The piezoelectric element is a long piezoelectric element comprising a long piezoelectric body, conductors layered on both surfaces of the piezoelectric body, and a covering body that covers the peripheries of the conductors, wherein both of a leading end signal generated from a leading end of the long piezoelectric element and a back end signal generated from a back end of the long piezoelectric element can be detected to identify a collision position. The disposition of the collision position detection device in a windmill blade enables information about a bird colliding with the blade to be detected. | 05-21-2015 |
20160061676 | Load Sensor for Tensioning Assembly - A load sensor assembly integrally formed with a tensioning assembly or alternatively an inline load sensor assembly that is removably attachable to a line of a tensioning assembly to thereby provide for a relatively more reliable, efficient, and precise determination of a load, is disclosed herein. | 03-03-2016 |
20160109306 | PIEZOELECTRIC FORCE MEASURING DEVICE HAVING INTEGRATED WEAR-PROTECTION AND ANTI-FRICTIONAL PROPERTIES - A force measuring device including a crystalline layer with piezoelectric properties. The layer is arranged on at least part of a surface of a solid state actuator (or carrier). The device also includes at least one wear-protection layer with anti-frictional properties. The piezoelectric layer includes crystalline aluminium nitride having a hexagonal crystal structure with a pronounced crystal orientation (002), at least one electrically conductive layer being applied between the surface of the solid-state actuator and the crystalline aluminium nitride layer. The conductive layer is preferably a metal layer consisting of at least one metal, which when oxidized, forms an electrically insulating oxide that is mechanically and thermally more stable than molybdenum(VI) oxide (Mo03). | 04-21-2016 |
20160109307 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SPIRAL CONTACT FORCE SENSORS - A system and method for spiral contact force sensors includes a force sensor including a substrate, a first contact having a first spiral pattern formed on the substrate, a second contact having a second spiral pattern formed on the substrate, the first and second spiral patterns being interleaved, and a force sensitive material disposed so as to provide a variable resistance between the first contact and the second contact based on a force applied to the force sensor, wherein a force-resistance relationship of the force sensor is continuous as a radius of a circular region where the force is applied to the force sensor varies. | 04-21-2016 |
20160116352 | TRANSDUCER ARRANGEMENT FOR MEASURING LOAD VARIATIONS - The invention relates to a transducer arrangement for converting a load variation into one or more electrical output signals. The transducer arrangement comprises at least one transducer element and an evaluation unit operatively connected to the transducer element. The transducer arrangement can be used amongst others, for healthcare applications, sport leisure activities, impact detection for safety applications in the automotive industry as well as for safety surveillance systems in the industry. | 04-28-2016 |
20160123766 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ELECTRICALLY IDENTIFYING AND COMPENSATING INDIVIDUAL PRESSURE TRANSDUCERS - Certain implementations of the disclosed technology may include systems, methods, and apparatus for assigning a distinct identifier (ID) to a pressure transducer based on resistor values. Embodiments include electrically identifying the distinct ID, and compensating the pressure transducer based on the distinct ID. According to an example implementation, a method is provided that can include coupling a transducer ID measurement assembly with a transducer assembly; measuring, by the transducer ID measurement assembly, a plurality of divided voltages between a plurality of configurable ID switches and a reference resistor; determining, with a processor, a distinct ID associated with the transducer assembly based on the plurality of measured divided voltages; retrieving one or more compensation parameters based on the distinct ID; and compensating, with the one or more compensation parameters, a measurement signal of the transducer assembly. | 05-05-2016 |
20160131542 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PRESS FORCE DETECTORS - Certain example embodiments include a press sensor element that includes a piezoelectric layer having a first surface in communication with a first layer, the first layer including a first conductive region, where the first conductive region covers at least a central portion the first surface. The sensor element includes a second surface in communication with a second layer, the second layer including a second conductive region, a third conductive region, and a first non-conductive void region separating the second conductive region and the third conductive region. An area of the first conductive region is configured in size relative to an area of the third conductive region to substantially reduce a thermally-induced voltage change between two or more of the first, second, and third conductive regions responsive to a corresponding temperature change of at least a portion of the piezoelectric layer. | 05-12-2016 |
20160136822 | ROBOTIC FINGER STRUCTURE - A robotic finger structure is a section of a robotically controlled extension including a fingertip and a tactile sensor, the fingertip has a finger pulp, and the tactile sensor is integrated with the surface of the finger pulp. The tactile sensor configured to form a detecting area to accept and indicate any pressure on a plane perpendicular between the tactile sensor and an object; therefore the tactile sensor can feed back the force of pressure accurately, and control overall gripping force of the robotic finger. | 05-19-2016 |
20160153844 | VIBRATION AND DYNAMIC ACCELERATION SENSING USING CAPACITORS | 06-02-2016 |
20160161351 | OPEN LOOP LOAD FORCE ESTIMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - What is described is a system for determining a force applied to an outer disc of an aircraft brake by an actuator motor. The system includes a current sensor coupled to the actuator motor and configured to detect an amount of current applied to the actuator motor. The system also includes a controller coupled to the current sensor. The controller is configured to determine an estimate of the force applied to the outer disc based on the detected amount of current and predetermined input parameters. | 06-09-2016 |
20160161352 | CLOSED LOOP LOAD FORCE ESTIMATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - What is described is a system for determining a force applied to an outer disc of an aircraft brake by an actuator motor. The system includes a current sensor coupled to the actuator motor and configured to detect a detected amount of current applied to the actuator motor. The system also includes a controller coupled to the current sensor. The controller is configured to determine an estimated current. The controller is also configured to receive the detected amount of current. The controller is also configured to determine an adjusted current based on the detected amount of current and the estimated current. The controller is also configured to determine an estimate of the force applied to the outer disc based on the adjusted current. | 06-09-2016 |
20160252411 | SENSOR CAPABLE OF SENSING PRESSURE BY MEANS OF THE DEFORMATION OF A WRINKLED PIEZOELECTRIC LAYER | 09-01-2016 |