An optical fiber pay-off system includes a draw spool around which an optical fiber is wound and defining a longitudinal axis; a pay-off arm movable parallel to the longitudinal axis and engaged with a pay-off portion of the optical fiber; a controller configured to receive first and second position signals and instructs the pay-off arm to selectively move in a first direction and in an opposite second direction; first and second proximity sensors mounted on the pay-off arm; a tilting support rotatably mounted on the pay-off arm. The system further includes an activation body fixed to the tilting support and extending between the first and second proximity sensors to be selectively detected by the sensors according to positions assumed by the tilting support. The system further includes first and second contacts fixed to the tilting support and defining an intermediate space in which the pay-off portion can move.

A method of checking belt tension of a belt extending between pulleys includes providing a reference indicator defining a reference position relative to the upper surface of the belt in an undeflected state. A force/probe assembly is provided and is operable to measure a force applied to the distal end. The distal end is positioned on the upper surface of the belt and a force is applied generally perpendicular thereto. The belt may be deflected a predetermined distance, as determined by a change in position of the assembly relative to the reference indicator, and the force is measured, or a force is applied until the force is equal to a predetermined force, and the deflection of the belt is determined by a change in position of the force/probe assembly. The belt tension is determined based on the force and distance during the deflecting step.

A pair of insertion portions each having a through hole through which a lashing belt is inserted and extends are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other, and coupled to each other with coupling portions. A tension detecting portion is provided at the coupling portions. The tension detecting portion extends, at a predetermined vertical distance from a line connecting the through holes of the pair of insertion portions to each other, in a width direction of the lashing belt. In a state where the lashing belt is inserted to extend through the pair of insertion portions, a surface of the lashing belt is brought into contact with the tension detecting portion, and the tension detecting portion is configured to be broken when a predetermined or greater tension is applied to the lashing belt.

A load change detection apparatus is provided with a base member, an elastic member, a first plate, a fixing member and heat flow sensors. The elastic member deforms according to a changed load applied to the elastic member, received by the receiving member. The first plate supports a surface of the elastic member on a side of the base member. The fixing member fixes the lower plate and the elastic member to the base member. The heat flow sensors, provided between the base member and the lower plate, output signals according to heat flowing between the lower plate and the base member. The heat flows due to heat generated or heat absorbed when the elastic member changes the elasticity shape thereof. Stress occurring when the elastic member deforms, is shut off by the first plate, thus direct transmission of the stress to the heat flow sensors is avoided.

A load change detection apparatus is provided with a base member, an elastic member, a first plate, a fixing member and heat flow sensors. The elastic member deforms according to a changed load applied to the elastic member, received by the receiving member. The first plate supports a surface of the elastic member on a side of the base member. The fixing member fixes the lower plate and the elastic member to the base member. The heat flow sensors, provided between the base member and the lower plate, output signals according to heat flowing between the lower plate and the base member. The heat flows due to heat generated or heat absorbed when the elastic member changes the elasticity shape thereof. Stress occurring when the elastic member deforms, is shut off by the first plate, thus direct transmission of the stress to the heat flow sensors is avoided.

A combination includes a cable puller having a capstan around which a pulling rope is wrapped, and a sensor configured to measure the distance the pulling rope travels during a pulling operation. The sensor may be a Hall effect sensor and/or an optical sensor.

A conveyor system that includes a sprocket, a conveyor element, a sensor, a tensioning system, and an electronic processor. The conveyor element is coupled to the sprocket to move around the sprocket. The sensor is positioned adjacent to the sprocket and configured to generate an output signal indicative of a detection of the conveyor element. The electronic processor is coupled to the sensor and to the tensioning system. The electronic processor is configured to receive the output signal from the sensor, estimate a trajectory of the conveyor element based on the output signal, determine a value for slack distance based on the estimated trajectory of the conveyor element, and control the tensioning system based on the value for slack distance.

Conductive thread stitched stretch sensors are described. The conductive thread stitched stretch sensors include a textile configured to stretch in at least one dimension and a conductive thread having a resistance between a first point and a second point stitched to the textile in a stitch geometry, the stitch geometry configured to stretch the conductive thread as the textile is stretched in the at least one dimension such that the resistance of the conductive thread increases between the first point and the second point due to elongation of the conductive thread as the textile is stretched. Also described are garments including conductive thread stitched stretch sensors and methods for making such sensors.

Method and apparatus for detecting overload distortion A method and apparatus for detecting overload distortion in lifting and the like gear is disclosed. The apparatus includes a hook with two reference points thereon defining, in the undistorted state of the hook, a reference dimension. The hook also has a standard dimension provided on the hook and conveniently accessible for reference purposes. The standard dimension is also a pair of points and one of this pair is coincident with one of the reference points thereby forming a triangle of points on the hook.

A system for determining tension in a suspended rope includes an acceleration measuring device for measuring the acceleration of rope movement and an adapter for attaching the acceleration measuring device to the suspended rope. The system optionally includes a user device communicatively coupled to the acceleration measuring device. The user device computes rope tension based on the measured acceleration. The acceleration measuring device and user device can be combined into a single smart device. Examples of the system can accurately determine the tension in ropes used to suspend an elevator cabin, allowing a field technician to tighten the ropes to equal tension and to determine the weight of the cabin. In turn, a smoother and more secure operation of the elevator can be achieved.