Parametric model based computer implemented methods for determining the stiffness of a bone and systems for estimating the stiffness of a bone in vivo. The computer implemented methods include determining a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f) and independently fitting a parametric mathematical model to Y(f) and to H(f). The systems include a device for measuring the stiffness of the bone in vivo and a data analyzer to determine a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f).

Parametric model based computer implemented methods for determining the stiffness of a bone and systems for estimating the stiffness of a bone in vivo. The computer implemented methods include determining a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f) and independently fitting a parametric mathematical model to Y(f) and to H(f). The systems include a device for measuring the stiffness of the bone in vivo and a data analyzer to determine a complex compliance frequency response function Y(f) and an associated complex stiffness frequency response function H(f).

Disclosed is a device for mechanically characterizing an element of interest, for example an oocyte. The mechanical characterization device includes: a support receiving a container suitable for containing a liquid medium; a holder for holding the element of interest; an indenting member; a magnet for generating a magnetic field in which the indenting member is intended to move and which participates in suspending the indenting member with an unstable horizontal direction oriented coaxially to the longitudinal axis; a controller to control the magnet to maneuver the indenting member in translation along the unstable horizontal direction; and a component for determining the mechanical characteristics of the element of interest.

Disclosed is a device for mechanically characterizing an element of interest, for example an oocyte. The mechanical characterization device includes: a support receiving a container suitable for containing a liquid medium; a holder for holding the element of interest; an indenting member; a magnet for generating a magnetic field in which the indenting member is intended to move and which participates in suspending the indenting member with an unstable horizontal direction oriented coaxially to the longitudinal axis; a controller to control the magnet to maneuver the indenting member in translation along the unstable horizontal direction; and a component for determining the mechanical characteristics of the element of interest.

A method and an assembly for testing a shipping package are described. The assembly includes a scuff test sub-assembly, a belt burn test sub-assembly, and multiple conveyors positioned between to the sub-assemblies to convey a shipping package through the assembly. The scuff test sub-assembly includes an inclined plane and multiple objects which extend outward from the inclined plane. The belt burn test sub-assembly includes a plate that moves over a portion of one of the conveyors. The plate moves between a first position which obstructs movement of the shipping package but permits movement of the one of the conveyors relative to the shipping package and a second position where movement of the shipping package along the conveyor is not obstructed. At least two of the conveyors meet at a junction to change an orientation of the shipping package as the shipping package is conveyed across the junction.

A crushing system for large-size natural gas hydrate rock samples, which mainly includes a crushing and stirring control subsystem, crushing and stirring execution subsystem and hydrate preparation subsystem. Full automatic control to parameter acquisition and experimental process is achieved by utilizing modern automation technology, including the function of automatically crushing the large-size natural gas hydrate rock samples and also monitoring, collecting and storing the drilling pressure, the torque and the internal furnace pressure and temperature parameters during the crushing process in real time, to provide reliable guarantee for the follow-up researches on crushing mechanism, crushing efficiency, drilling parameter optimization, rock crushing ability evaluation of a crushing tool and the like of the large-size natural gas hydrate rock samples and necessary experimental verification means for optimization of on-site exploiting construction conditions of natural gas hydrate.

Disclosed aspects pertain to surface analysis based on wearable sensor data. Sensor data can be acquired from pressure-sensitive wearable sensors, such as shoe insole sensors, based on interaction with a surface. A location can also be determined for the sensor data with respect to a surface utilizing a positioning system. The sensor data can be utilized to determine surface properties at a particular location. Further, a graphical representation of the surface properties and location can be generated and conveyed for display on a display. Furthermore, movement instructions can be provided to aid in analysis of an entire surface, and recommendations can be made regarding surface maintenance based on collected sensor data.

Disclosed aspects pertain to surface analysis based on wearable sensor data. Sensor data can be acquired from pressure-sensitive wearable sensors, such as shoe insole sensors, based on interaction with a surface. A location can also be determined for the sensor data with respect to a surface utilizing a positioning system. The sensor data can be utilized to determine surface properties at a particular location. Further, a graphical representation of the surface properties and location can be generated and conveyed for display on a display. Furthermore, movement instructions can be provided to aid in analysis of an entire surface, and recommendations can be made regarding surface maintenance based on collected sensor data.

An object of the present invention is to provide a durometer enabling a contact portion in contact with an object to perform smooth piston motion. The durometer includes a main body unit including a movable unit pressed continuously against an object to be measured, a first sensor outputting acceleration information corresponding to an acceleration of movement of a contact part of the object to be measured in contact with the movable unit in a pressing direction, a second sensor outputting reactive force information corresponding to a reactive force at the contact part of the object to be measured in contact with the movable unit, a motor, a crank mechanism driven by the motor and causing the main body unit and the movable unit to perform piston motion, and at least one buffering member disposed on a periphery of the main body unit.

An object of the present invention is to provide a durometer enabling a contact portion in contact with an object to perform smooth piston motion. The durometer includes a main body unit including a movable unit pressed continuously against an object to be measured, a first sensor outputting acceleration information corresponding to an acceleration of movement of a contact part of the object to be measured in contact with the movable unit in a pressing direction, a second sensor outputting reactive force information corresponding to a reactive force at the contact part of the object to be measured in contact with the movable unit, a motor, a crank mechanism driven by the motor and causing the main body unit and the movable unit to perform piston motion, and at least one buffering member disposed on a periphery of the main body unit.