Breed Automotive Technology, Inc.

Force Imaging Technologies, Inc.

Harry C Kropp

Robert B Goldman

Yei F Moy

James E Doyle

A thin, tactile sensor for measuring the width of a contact region between two loaded rollers. The sensor comprises an array of sensing elements disposed between two thin substrates, and including conductive traces to provide electrical connection to external measurement electronics. Relatively thin conductive electrode patterns are disposed transversely with respect to the direction of travel of the sensor through the rollers, and are positioned at predetermined lateral spacings such that activation of selected sensors provides indicia of nip width.

Thin tactile sensors for nip width measurement

A force sensor and method for making same. A pair of backing sheets having confronting surfaces are substantially covered with conductive ink to form a pair of conductive layers. At least one of the conductive layers is coated with a semiconductive ink. The backing sheets are secured to each other with an interposed layer of non-conductive or insulative material, such as adhesive. The layer of non-conductive material is deposited in a pattern and defines at least one sensing area. Only when orthogonal force is exerted against the backing sheets at a location corresponding to the sensing area will current flow between the conductive layers.

Force sensor and method of making same

A thin film sensing cell having an internal electrical lead crossover to provide electrical connections to the sensing cell at the same surface. In one form, the sensing cell comprises a bottom backing sheet having upper and lower surfaces, a first conductive pattern having a first portion deposited on the upper surface of the bottom backing sheet, with a first opening extending through the sheet and through the first portion of the conductive pattern, and a second opening extending through the sheet at a location displaced outwardly of the first conductive pattern. A second conductive pattern having first and second spaced portions is deposited on a lower surface of a top backing sheet. The top and bottom backing sheets are aligned such that the first portions are in confronting relationship, and the first and second conductive portions are electrically accessible, respectively, through the first and second openings.

Electrical lead crossover, sensing cell with electrical lead crossover,

A thin film force sensor designed to sense application of a force over a wide area. In one embodiment, a large area sensing cell is provided that comprises a first planar electrode configured as a perimetric conductive portion circumscribing at least one additional perimetric conductive portion, with the conductive portions electrically connected together through at least one conductive path and a second planar electrode configured as a perimetric conductive portion circumscribing at least one additional perimetric conductive portion, with the conductive portions electrically connected together through at least one conductive path. The second planar electrode confronts the first planar electrode, with a pressure sensitive resistive material interposed between the first planar electrode and the second planar electrode. The conductive portions of the first planar electrode are substantially coextensive with the conductive portions of the second planar electrode, such that application of a broad force applying means anywhere within the perimeter of the perimetric conductive portion is electrically discernible, and a conductive lead extends from each electrode for providing an electrical termination for the electrode.

Large area sensing cell

A steering wheel having a pressure-sensitive horn activator integrated with an airbag assembly. The horn activator is configured for quick activation, while avoiding accidental activation due to changes in ambient temperatures and pressures.

Growing community of inventors

Barrington, IL, United States of America

Harry C Kropp