A tensioning device includes a housing, a drive member, an inner sleeve and a driven member. The housing includes a first attachment feature. The driven member includes a second attachment feature. The inner sleeve is disposed at least partially in the housing and is rotatably coupled with the housing. The drive member is rotatably coupled with the housing and is operably coupled with the inner sleeve such that rotation of the drive member facilitates rotation of the inner sleeve. The driven member is movable with respect to the guide member between a retracted position and an extended position along a centerline.

A tension sensor for an electrified fence which includes two contacts and a spring arrangement which, in response to a tension level in a taut wire in the electrified fence keeps the contacts electrically connected to each other when the tension level is below a predetermined value and which breaks such electrical connectivity when the tension level exceeds the predetermined value.

A tension sensor for an electrified fence which includes two contacts and a spring arrangement which, in response to a tension level in a taut wire in the electrified fence keeps the contacts electrically connected to each other when the tension level is below a predetermined value and which breaks such electrical connectivity when the tension level exceeds the predetermined value.

In the case of a method for detecting a tensile stress of a circumferential belt (5), this is deflected around a tension roller (4). In this way, the running length of the circumferential belt (5) is changed by adjusting the tension roller (4). A force measuring device (10) is provided, wherein the force measurement changes along with the adjustment path (6) of the tension roller (4). In order to make a reliable tensile stress detection possible, the sensitivities of the force measuring device (10) are determined with respect to the tensile stress for different points of the adjustment path. These sensitivities or calculated values are stored in a memory (32), which a controller (15) accesses. This calculates the tensile stress from the current adjustment path (6), the current bearing force and the stored sensitivities or values by means of interpolation.

A cargo restraint system includes a body, a first connecting end and a second connecting end on opposing sides of the body, wherein the first and second connecting ends are coupled to a securing member which is used to restrain the cargo. One or more load sensors are coupled to the first connecting end and/or the second connecting end. A controller is coupled to the one or more load sensors. The controller is configured to receive tension information from the one or more load sensors. The controller includes a transmitter capable of transmitting the tension information to a remote device. The controller may include a database to store the information.

A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.

A cable including an integrated intelligent cable module. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the module includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the module based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. The module also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. These features act as a “black box” for the cable, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity.

A cable including an integrated intelligent cable module. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. In a preferred embodiment, the module includes a position-determining system and an on-board processor. The processor determines a current location in space for the module based on the information it is receiving. This positional information may then be transmitted to an external receiver. The module also preferably includes load-monitoring and recording features. These features act as a “black box” for the cable, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity.

An integrated intelligent cable module for use in a tensile fiber strength member. The module preferably includes an integral instrument package. The instrument package may assume many forms and may serve many purposes. The module preferably includes load-monitoring, recording features, and display features. These features act as a “black box” for the tensile fiber strength member, monitoring its performance and reporting (in real-time or at a later time) any exceedances or any deterioration in performance or structural integrity. These features allow an operator to easily monitor the condition of a tensile fiber strength member—preferably while the tensile fiber strength member remains in service.

A shape memory actuator including: a monolithic shape memory alloy; a shape memory effect (SME) section of the alloy, configured for actuation; a pseudo-elastic (PE) section of the alloy, configured as a sensor for enabling position sensing; and a control system configured to control the actuator by controlling a current through at least the SME section based on the sensor results of the PE section. A method of controlling a shape memory actuator, the method including: applying a predetermined current through the actuator; measuring a first resistance of the SME section; measuring a second resistance of the PE section; calculating an estimated position of the actuator based on the first and second resistances; and adapting the current applied to the actuator based on the estimated position. A method of manufacturing a shape memory actuator, the method including: laser processing; thermomechanically treating; and training the shape memory alloy.