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:
A high-temperature pressure sensor that includes a dielectric layer. The pressure sensor also includes a substrate capable of withstanding temperatures greater than 450° C. without entering a phase change, at least one semiconducting material deposited on the sapphire substrate, and a silicon dioxide layer deposited over the semiconducting material. One aspect of the pressure sensor includes a second semiconducting material.
Abstract:
A load cell for measuring extremely low level, anisotropic biaxial loads is disclosed. The system includes at least one load cell of a specific geometry and dimension which, when mounted, provides a rotationless system accurately transmitting both normal and shearing strains to strain gauges mounted thereon. More specifically, by shaping the load cell so as to concentrate the strains imposed thereon, detection of extremely minute loads, such as coefficients of friction, can be measured.
Abstract:
A load detecting vehicle seat assembly includes a discrete strain gage mounting plate having a specified flatness to produce desired strain gage performance. The strain gage mounting plate is disposed between a strain gage and a vehicle seat component, such as a cushion frame, so that vehicle seat loading is transferred to the strain gage through the mounting plate. The strain gage may be mounted with a central portion secured to a lower vehicle seat component and outward portions secured to an upper vehicle seat component such that only the outward portions of the strain gage contact the strain gage mounting plate, which has a controlled flatness tolerance to produce desired strain gage performance.
Abstract:
A piezoelectric flexural sensing structure having increased sensitivity and decreased noise, without sacrifice of the sensor bandwidth. The structure is made up of a proof mass, a beam with a base and optionally having castellated bonding surfaces and two poled bonding mode PMN-PT crystal plates mounted on the beam.
Abstract:
A pair of flanged telescoping covers houses a main spring comprising two osed Belleville discs, which provide the elastically deformable metal that is squeezed when the gage is placed between the track and an idler wheel. Cam mechanism occupies a central cavity provided by both covers, wherein a pin held against rotation by one cover engages slots in a cup movable in the other cover against a helical spring. The cup carries a pointer which moves across a scale.
Abstract:
Indicator means for indicating the magnitude of force applied to a load cell in accordance with the deflection of the free end of a cantilever member of the load cell having the force applied thereto, comprising a scale, a pivoted indicator arm, the pivoting of which is produced by gravity and is limited by a pin movable in accordance with the deflection of the free end of the cantilever member, which pin is movable longitudinally of the cantilever member to adjust the calibration of the indicator.The cantilever member is constructed of a plurality of spaced apart elongated members, the spacing between which and the number of which may be varied to adjust the sensitivity of the load cell. Stop means are provided for the cantilever member within the elastic limit thereof.
Abstract:
The force transducer includes a composite spring structure having first and second folded cantilever leaf spring portions coupled to the region to receive the force to be measured. The first and second leaf spring portions extend outwardly from, and are angularly displaced with respect to each other, around an axis of sensitivity. Each folded cantilever leaf spring portion includes first and second generally parallel elongated leg portions extending outwardly from the axis of sensitivity with each of said leg portions being coupled together at the outer end by a coupling structure which is free to move both parallel to and perpendicular to the axis of sensitivity in response to displacement of the inner end of one of said leg portions relative to the other along the axis of sensitivity in response to application of the force to be measured to the inner ends of the leg portions. The leg portions are dimensioned to have a higher compliance along the axis of sensitivity than the compliance thereof perpendicular to the axis of sensitivity. Differential capacitance or piezoresistance strain gauges are the preferred method for deriving an output which is proportional to the component of applied force tending to displace one of the leg portions relative to the other along the axis of sensitivity. Squeeze film damping is the preferred method of damping the composite spring structure.
Abstract:
A control valve is disclosed which includes first and second valves. An inverted pendulum is operative with the valves such that when the pendulum rotates in one direction the first valve is opened and the second valve is closed, and when the pendulum rotates in the opposite direction the valve operation is exactly opposite. An electromagnetic device may also be operative with the inverted pendulum which device when energized causes the inverted pendulum to rotate in one direction or the other. The inverted pendulum may also be rotatably biased for holding one valve opened and the other valve closed. The control valve may be used in any number of control systems and is especially suited for use as a master control valve in a vehicle braking system.