A sensor apparatus includes a mannequin to emulate a human body part. The mannequin includes a core that emulates flexibility of a substantially inflexible skeletal portion of the body part, and a pliant covering. The pliant covering includes a pliant three-dimensional surface that emulates contours of an epidermis of the body part, and at least one pliant three-dimensional interior portion to emulate resiliency of a pliant portion of the body part. At least one pressure sensor is arranged between the three-dimensional surface and the core to sense pressure applied against the pliant three-dimensional surface.

An interface pressure sensor includes a fluid pressure sensor disposed in a volume defined by a shear wall. The volume is enclosed, and the fluid pressure sensor is encapsulated by, an infill material. The infill material defines a sensing surface that, when pressed, can impart a force that is detectable by the fluid pressure sensor.

A calibration process for use in calibrating intelligent cable modules. A separate calibration load cell is provided. This device is placed in the load path for the cable on which the intelligent cable module is installed. The calibration load cell then establishes a communication link with the intelligent cable module. An iterative series of loading cycles are started. Tension data as measured by the calibration load cell is used to create a calibration curve. This calibration curve is used to correlate internal measurements made by the intelligent cable module against a desired value—such as cable tension.

A gauge wheel load sensor for an agricultural planter having a row unit that includes a pivotably mounted gauge wheel and a down pressure controller for controlling the down pressure on at least a portion of the row unit. The load sensor includes a mechanical element mounted for movement in response to the downward force applied to the row unit; a fluid-containing device containing a movable element coupled to the mechanical element for changing the fluid pressure in response to the movement of the mechanical element; and a transducer coupled to the fluid-containing device for producing an output signal in response to changes in the fluid pressure. An energy storage device, such as an accumulator, may be coupled to the fluid-containing device for receiving a limited amount of fluid in response to changes in the fluid pressure to damp pressure spikes in the output signal of the transducer.

A gauge wheel load sensor for an agricultural planter having a row unit that includes a pivotably mounted gauge wheel and a down pressure controller for controlling the down pressure on at least a portion of the row unit. The load sensor includes a mechanical element mounted for movement in response to the downward force applied to the row unit; a fluid-containing device containing a movable element coupled to the mechanical element for changing the fluid pressure in response to the movement of the mechanical element; and a transducer coupled to the fluid-containing device for producing an output signal in response to changes in the fluid pressure. An energy storage device, such as an accumulator, may be coupled to the fluid-containing device for receiving a limited amount of fluid in response to changes in the fluid pressure to damp pressure spikes in the output signal of the transducer.

An interface pressure sensor includes a fluid pressure sensor disposed in a volume defined by a shear wall. The volume is enclosed, and the fluid pressure sensor is encapsulated by, an infill material. The infill material defines a sensing surface that, when pressed, can impart a force that is detectable by the fluid pressure sensor.

A sensor including a layer having viscoelastic properties, the layer comprising a void, the void filled with a fluid; and optionally, a more rigid sensing element embedded within the layer. When a force is applied to a surface of the sensor, the shape of the void changes, causing the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. When included, the more rigid sensing element can bear upon the void to cause the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. A direction and intensity of the force can be determined by measuring the change of the electrical resistance of different voids positioned about the sensing element. The layer can be an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. The fluid can be a conductive liquid, preferably Eutectic Gallium Indium. The sensing element can be plastic and can have a “Joystick” shape. The voids can take the form of channels or microchannels having a predefined pattern and/or shape.

A sensor including a layer having viscoelastic properties, the layer comprising a void, the void filled with a fluid; and optionally, a more rigid sensing element embedded within the layer. When a force is applied to a surface of the sensor, the shape of the void changes, causing the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. When included, the more rigid sensing element can bear upon the void to cause the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. A direction and intensity of the force can be determined by measuring the change of the electrical resistance of different voids positioned about the sensing element. The layer can be an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. The fluid can be a conductive liquid, preferably Eutectic Gallium Indium. The sensing element can be plastic and can have a “Joystick” shape. The voids can take the form of channels or microchannels having a predefined pattern and/or shape.

A reversible force measuring device for ascertaining the magnitude and/or direction of an applied load and having a cavity containing an indicating material such as a fluid, with the cavity configured such that when a load is applied to the device, it causes a reversible volumetric change to the cavity. This change causes the indicating material to move in or out of the cavity in a quantity which corresponds to the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. By measuring the movement of the indicating material, a user can determine the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. The device may include a component which generates an electrical signal from the measured movement and transmits this signal to another device to control the tensioning of one or more fastener components and or make other analytical measurements by combining this measurement with other measurements like torque and or angle.

A reversible force measuring device for ascertaining the magnitude and/or direction of an applied load and having a cavity containing an indicating material such as a fluid, with the cavity configured such that when a load is applied to the device, it causes a reversible volumetric change to the cavity. This change causes the indicating material to move in or out of the cavity in a quantity which corresponds to the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. By measuring the movement of the indicating material, a user can determine the magnitude and/or direction of the applied load. The device may include a component which generates an electrical signal from the measured movement and transmits this signal to another device to control the tensioning of one or more fastener components and or make other analytical measurements by combining this measurement with other measurements like torque and or angle.