An in-vehicle system as a road curvature detection device calculates a curvature of a road in front of a vehicle based on an acquired front scene image. The in-vehicle system receives gradient information from the data map. The gradient information corresponds to a current road section on the road on which the vehicle drives. The in-vehicle system detects a gradient accuracy of the received gradient information. When the current road section has a gradient, i.e. the road is an uphill or downhill road, the in-vehicle system selects an appropriate special detection methods based on the gradient accuracy of the received gradient information, and calculates a road curvature by using the selected special detection method. Each of the special detection methods calculates a road curvature while effectively suppressing influence of a road gradient indicated by the received gradient information.

A travel distance estimation device is provided. The travel distance estimation device includes an estimated velocity determination unit that successively estimates an estimated velocity of a movable object based on an acceleration integrated value and a velocity initial value a travel distance calculation unit that successively calculates an estimated travel distance of the movable object based on the estimated velocity, and a past velocity correction unit that determines corrected past velocities by correcting pre-correction past estimated velocities so that the corrected past velocities are continuous with the velocity initial value determined this time. The pre-corrected past estimated velocities are the estimated velocities that were successively determined. The travel distance estimation device further includes a travel distance correction unit that recalculates based on the corrected past velocities an estimated travel distance.

A navigation system includes at least one inertial sensor configured to detect motion of the system and generate inertial data; at least one aiding device configured to generate aiding device measurement data; at least one processing unit configured to generate an un-smoothed navigation solution inclusive of navigation state variable error resets based on the inertial data and the aiding device measurement data; wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to sum the state variable error resets into a cumulative sum of the state variable error resets; wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to high pass filter the cumulative sum of the state variable error resets; and wherein the at least one processing unit is further configured to subtract the high pass filtered cumulative sum of the state variable error resets from the un-smoothed navigation solution to generate a smoothed navigation solution.

A position information correcting device includes a reception processing unit receiving position information transmitted from a nearby mobile object, a position correcting unit performing a position correcting process for correcting, based on map data, the position information of the nearby mobile object such that a corrected position of the nearby mobile object is on a running area of a road, a nearby mobile object type acquiring unit acquiring a mobile object type of the nearby mobile object, and a correction performance determining unit determining, based on the mobile object type acquired by the nearby mobile object type acquiring unit, whether the position correcting process needs to be performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object. The position correcting process is performed to the position information of the nearby mobile object only when the correction performance determining unit determines that the position correcting process needs to be performed.

A method and an electronic device for personalized navigation. The electronic device for personalized navigation acquire history data of a user, the history data comprising location information associated with active time of the user; plan a routine active path of the user according to the acquired history data; acquire navigation paths of the user; and classify the navigation paths into the routine active path and a non-routine active path according to the planned routine active path of the user, and provide navigation information to the user according to the classification result.

A destination information provider server is disclosed. The destination information provider server is configured to obtain position information of an information providing target vehicle, recognize a target link, which corresponds to a link of a road on which the information providing target vehicle is traveling, based on the position information, and transmit destination information to the information providing target vehicle, the destination information being indicative of destinations of other vehicles which travel on the target link.

A remotely controlled motile device system comprises a remotely controlled motile device, and a mobile smart device that comprises a data processor operatively connected to a display screen, a memory, a user input interface, a camera, and a wireless transceiver. The memory stores computer-readable instructions that, when executed by the data processor, cause the mobile smart device to capture images of an optical reference background and the remotely controlled motile device, present the images on the display screen, register a target position relative to the optical reference background and entered via the user input interface, determine a pose of the remotely controlled motile device relative to the optical reference background, and transmit commands to the remotely controlled motile device to move to the target position.

Techniques for navigating semi-autonomous mobile robots are described. A semi-autonomous mobile robot moves within an environment to complete a task. A navigation server communicates with the robot and provides the robot information. The robot includes a navigation map of the environment, interaction information, and a security level. To complete the task, the robot transmits a route reservation request to the navigation server, the route reservation request including a priority for the task, a timeslot, and a route. The navigation server grants the route reservation if the task priority is higher than the task priorities of conflicting route reservation requests from other robots. As the robot moves within the environment, the robot detects an object and attempts to classify the detected object as belonging to an object category. The robot retrieves an interaction profile for the object, and interacts with the object according to the retrieved interaction profile.

Arrangements related to operating an autonomous vehicle in view-obstructed environments are described. At least a portion of an external environment of the autonomous vehicle can be sensed to detect one or more objects located therein. An occupant viewable area of the external environment can be determined. It can be determined whether one or more of the detected one or more objects is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area. Responsive to determining that a detected object is located outside of the determined occupant viewable area, one or more actions can be taken. For instance, the action can include presenting an alert within the autonomous vehicle. Alternatively or in addition, the action can include causing a current driving action of the autonomous vehicle to be modified.

In one embodiment information regarding device activity of first subscriber to a transportation service is received. A backend server determines independent of a pending transportation request from the first passenger and based at least on the information regarding the device activity of the first subscriber, to send a driver towards a location based on the location of the first subscriber.

A collision risk calculation device includes: a movement information obtaining unit that obtains a speed and a movement direction of an obstacle; and a risk map generator that generates a risk map indicating a range within which the obstacle can exist after one unit of time and degree of risk of collision of an own vehicle with the obstacle within the range, on a basis of the speed and the movement direction of the obstacle obtained by the movement information obtaining unit, wherein the risk map generator changes the range in left and right directions with respect to a traveling direction of the obstacle, on a basis of the speed of the obstacle in the traveling direction.

The present invention provides a flight control method for an aerial vehicle and a related device. The method may comprises receiving flight indication data under a current environment, the flight indication data including flight indication data detected by another aerial vehicle or provided by an external storage device; generating a flight control instruction according to the received flight indication data to control a flight of the aerial vehicle. An embodiment of the present invention may store and manage the flight indication data acquired by various aerial vehicles, so as to provide the support of related flight indication data to some requesting aerial vehicles, to enable the requesting aerial vehicles to perform operations such as obstacle avoidance, safe path planning and finding landing places based on the flight indication data.

A positive electrode active material includes: secondary particles obtained by aggregation of a plurality of primary particles. The primary particles include, core particles including a lithium composite oxide, and a layer that is provided on surfaces of the core particles and includes a lithium composite oxide. The lithium composite oxide included in the core particles and the lithium composite oxide included in the layer have the same composition or almost the same composition, and crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the layer is lower than crystallinity of the lithium composite oxide included in the core particles.

A driving apparatus for driving a functional body mounted on a vehicle comprises a power supply, an electric motor, and a driving means. The electric motor is connected to the power supply and is started by a power feed from the power supply. The driving means has a spring motor and is connected to the electric motor and the functional body. The driving means accumulates an urging force by winding up the spring motor by the electric motor and driving the functional body by the urging force. This driving apparatus can automatically drive the functional body, can be manufactured inexpensively, and accumulates a driving force to the functional body without giving burdens to an occupant.

Luggage or carrying container (1) having an interface (10) for cooperating with one or more electronic and/or wireless devices (20, 22, 24, 26, 28), a rechargeable power source (30), an integrated antenna (40), and a wireless communication system (50). The luggage (1) allows a user to better manage various electronic devices/accessories in terms of space, efficiency and operation during travel.

A spring-based mechanism for saving labor of a bicycle rider is disclosed and in one embodiment includes an axle operatively connected to a chain wheel and a first set of bearings via a gear assembly; a housing for mounting a shaft therein wherein the first set of bearings is provided at one end of the shaft; a second set of bearings provided at the other end of the shaft; a spring in the housing and having one end attached to one end of the shaft and the other end attached to the other end of the housing; and a clutch provided externally of the other end of the housing, the clutch being operatively connected to the second set of bearings and including a lock lever. The mechanism can store elastic force by counterclockwise pedaling and release the stored energy by disengaging a clutch from the mechanism when riding uphill.

A rigid arm pendulum is combined with a helical device attached to the pendulum horizontal axle to provide a double reciprocating action. While the pendulum reciprocates in rotary fashion about the axle, describing successive arcs of less than 360 degrees, the axle simultaneously produces a reciprocating action about its longitudinal centerline. A pumping action is thereby developed in line with the longitudinal centerline of the axle. This pumping (linear reciprocating) action can be utilized for a variety of requirements, including a hydraulic pump and a system to drive an electric generator.

A motor mounted on a structural support with a pivot at its center line which comprises a cylindrical vessel for holding a fluid in a closed system and in which a buoyant cylinder containing a lighter fluid is allowed to free float so that a cable attached to either end of the buoyant cylinder may be used to transfer energy to a energy storage unit, a crank or a generator. Two moment arms having a weight attached at the exterior end and inside attachably connected to the surface of two drive pistons that operate in pressure tanks which force a compressed gas against the pistons through pre-sequenced automatic activated valves to extend or retract the moment arms at the end of a cycle. The motor then becomes top heavy and rotates 180 degrees by gravity and relocks in place to repeat the cycle.

A gravity actuated torque generator for generating torque to run a generator by continually adding weights to the apparatus. The gravity actuated torque generator includes a support assembly, a drive assembly being supported by the support assembly, and a weight assembly being engagable to the drive assembly while moving downwardly due to gravitational forces for generating torque.

A control device for blinds includes a transmission unit, a scrolling unit and a tilting unit, the transmission unit includes a case in which a coil spring and a gear unit are received. The coil spring is connected between the gear unit and the case. The scrolling unit includes two scrolling rods which are rotated with a transmission rod. Each scrolling rod has a lift cord wrapped thereon and extending through slats of the blinds. The tilting unit includes two tilt members connected to two respective end sections of the two scrolling rods. Two tilt cords have two respective positioning members which are clamped in two clamp grooves of the two tilt members and the tilt cords extend through the slats. The gears in the gear unit can be adjusted so as to cooperate with slats of different weights.

There is provided a power source device capable of obtaining power not only when springs or the like return but also when a handle for winding up the springs or the like are operated. The power source device comprises a main shaft connected to both the handle and a main power generation device, an auxiliary shaft connected to an auxiliary power generation device arranged side by side in parallel with the main shaft, the main spring and the auxiliary spring requiring less load to wind up than the main spring being installed between the main shaft and the auxiliary shaft via drums such that accumulation and release of elastic force of the springs are alternated on both shafts, wherein when the main shaft is normally rotated by the handle, elastic force accumulated in the auxiliary spring is applied in the direction of rotation of the main shaft as releasing force.

A drive mechanism for a device with two operating parts, which are connected so as to be pivotally displaceable relative to each other between a first position and a second position about a common axis of rotation. The drive mechanism has a driving mechanism such that a movement from the first position to the second position can be initiated initially by a slight movement and the additional movement is then effected automatically through spring force (F) until the second position has been reached. The movement out of the first position into the second position is possible in either a clockwise and counterclockwise movement. The driving mechanism comprises a driven part, one operating part and two drives that are in the form of a force storing device The force storing devices interact with the driven part in opposing directions in such a manner that only the one for storing device is in driving connection with the driven part while the other force storing device is retained in its starting position.

In an electricity generating device by applying vehicle weight, a rolling vehicle wheel is weighting down on a pressure receiver to actuate a driving mechanism having a restoring function. It is then able to provide a unidirectional rotating torque to drive a generating device to produce electrical power. The mechanical power transmission is performed by a transmission gear unit composed of a driving wheel and a follower wheel interconnected each other with a transmission means therebetween. When the vehicle weight is applied to the driving mechanism by pressing the vehicle wheel on the pressure receiver, the driving mechanism is forced to downwardly urge a ratchet wheel and a driving wheel to rotate that in turn causes the rotation of the follower wheel through the transmission means thereby driving the generating device to operate to produce electricity. The driving mechanism can recover its initial state with the aid of a balancing weight as soon as it has been liberate from the exerted pressure of the vehicle wheel. The device is to be installed flush with the road surface to work.

A device for generating rotational movement which includes an output shaft supported for rotational movement and at least two one-way clutch mechanisms attached to the output shaft. An inflatable piston (“infton”) assembly is associated with each one-way clutch mechanism and includes a weighted member, an inflatable bladder associated with the weighted member, at least one inlet valve associated with an interior of the inflatable bladder, at least one outlet valve associated with the interior of the inflatable bladder, and a chain associated with the weighted member and extending over and drivingly engaging the respective one-way clutch mechanism. A source of filling fluid supplies each inlet valve. The filling fluid has a density less than that of a buoyancy fluid surrounding the infton assembly. A control system is configured to control the inlet and outlet valves to facilitate filling and discharging of the inflatable bladders.

A method for ascertaining a rotational speed parameter for determining a setpoint torque for driving a drivetrain. The drivetrain comprises a first and at least one second drive assembly for driving a hybrid vehicle. The first drive assembly can be coupled to the drivetrain by means of a clutch. The second drive assembly is mechanically coupled to the drivetrain. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven by means of at least the first drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a shaft rotational speed. When the hybrid vehicle is being driven only by means of the second drive assembly, the rotational speed parameter corresponds to the value of a determined rotational speed.

An energy storing device is disclosed. In the energy storing device of the present invention, energy from an energy generating unit is stored in the form of spring torsion and then is output steadily. The energy storing device of the present invention includes a plurality of cog-wheels, a plurality of torsion magnitude limiting units, a plurality of single-directional input bearings, a plurality of energy storing units and a plurality of speed enhancing cog-wheels. Each of the energy storing units includes at least two end rotational disc portions, which are connected with each other co-axially. A leaf spring unit is provided between each pair of rotational disc portions and one end of the leaf spring unit is bent in an opposite direction. In addition, the energy storing units may be connected in series or in parallel to increase the efficiencies in energy storage and energy output.

Gravity powered electrical energy generators, particularly for producing lighting is disclosed. The apparatus has a support frame (1, 30) in which a series of gears and a gear-driven generator (20) are mounted. The power to drive the most upstream gear (2) is provided by a weight suspended from a point to one side of the axis of rotation of gear (2). The drive gear of the furthest downstream gear has no teeth so that the final contact between the drive gear and the shaft of the generator (20) is frictional. The gear ratio of the final downstream gear is at least 25. When used for lighting, the apparatus may include one or more high brightness LEDs (40) mounted on the housing (30). By suitable choice of gear ratios, the device may produce thirty minutes of illumination while allowing a 10 kilogram weight to fall through a distance of 1.8 meters.

A printing device includes: a main body having an attachment surface; first and second mounting sections formed in the attachment surface respectively for detachably receiving first and second cassettes; first and second print parts; a body cover having an opposing surface; first and second pressing parts protruding from the opposing surface respectively toward the first and second mounting sections; first and second engaging parts provided at the main body; and third and fourth engaging parts provided at the body cover and engageable with the first and second engaging parts. A first center of gravity of load that the mounted first cassette applies to the first pressing part and a second center of gravity of load that the mounted second cassette applies to the second pressing part are located within a specific area on the opposing surface defined by virtual lines passing through locations on the third and fourth engaging parts.

A controller in a one-side printing mode moves movable rollers to form a one-side printing route and moves a second head unit so that the second head unit faces a front side of a web. The controller then controls a first head unit and a second head unit to print images of respective pages on the front side of the web while transferring the web at a transfer speed twice as fast as that in a both-side printing mode.

A method for controlling a print device by generating a firing encoder signal from varying one or more characteristics of a reference signal where, the one or more characteristics are varied based on at least the position of a print medium at a reference time. The firing encoder signal is used to synchronize firing of at least one print head of the print device after the reference time.

A recording paper cutting device enables cutting of a boundary between a first area of a recording paper and a second area of the recording paper placed at an upstream side of the first area, so that the first area is separately discharged from the second area after the first area is printed. The recording paper cutting device includes first and second cutting parts. The first cutting part of the second cutting parts moves in an approaching or departing direction so that the boundary is cut. The first cutting part includes a first cutting surface inclined by a first angle in the departing direction from the second cutting part and a second cutting surface that extends from the first cutting surface and is inclined by a second angle, which is smaller than the first angle, in the departing direction from the second cutting part.

A printing device includes a roller; a stepper motor; a head; and a controller, The roller is for conveying a printing medium in a conveying direction. The stepper motor is configured to rotate in synchronization with a pulse signal and rotate the roller. The head is configured to perform printing on the printing medium conveyed by the roller. The controller is configured to perform: decelerating the stepper motor from a first speed to a second speed; identifying a rotational speed of the stepper motor during deceleration of the stepper motor; performing synchronous printing in which the head is driven at timing in synchronization with the pulse signal when the rotational speed is greater than or equal to a prescribed speed; and performing timer printing in which the head is driven at a prescribed period when the rotational speed is less than the prescribed speed.

Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink.

Apparatuses, methods, and computer program products are described herein. An example disclosed printing device includes a printer body; a cradle engagement surface configured to interface with a cradle, the cradle engagement surface defining a first recess and a second recess disposed proximate a first side of a battery compartment; and a bumper attachment extending from the printer body and disposed proximate a front side of the printer body, the bumper attachment defining at least two capture cavities structured to slideably receive reciprocally structured first and second printer capture flanges extending from the cradle.

Examples of a printing device, a method for use in a printing device, and a machine readable non-transitory storage medium including instructions relating to a printing device that are executable by a processor are disclosed herein. An example of the machine readable non-transitory storage medium includes instructions relating to a printing device that, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to: segment data for an image into a plurality of positions, analyze performance data regarding an actual portion of the image formed by each of a plurality of print heads, arrange the segmented image data for each portion of the image based on the performance data for each of the print heads, and transmit the arranged image data to each of the print heads so that each print head forms a correct portion of the image.

A RIP device which receives image data and print media designation from a PC performs a data generating process by adopting a process parameter corresponding to the designated print media among process parameters stored in a loop-up table (LUT). A printer performs a printing process by adopting a printing parameter corresponding to the designated print media among the printing parameters stored in the LUT. The process parameter and the printing parameter are associated by a media number which is applied by a management server.

The print management device includes a print management information acquisition unit that acquires print management information including first information indicating quality of a printed material printed in a print job during execution and second information indicating an evaluation index of the printed material, different from the first information, in the print job during execution, a print management request acquisition unit that acquires request information indicating a request relating to print management of the printed material in the print job, a request evaluation unit that evaluates the degree of satisfaction of the printed material printed in the print job for the request relating to the print management indicated by the request information, based on the print management information, using one or more evaluation references, and a printing condition change determination unit that determines whether change in printing conditions in the print job during execution is necessary, based on an evaluation result.

Disclosed is a device for encoding information written on a readable surface, the device including a device housing containing at least one ink reservoir, an ink dispensing tip in communication with said at least one ink reservoir; and ink stored in the at least one ink reservoir and configured to flow from the ink dispensing tip, the ink being encodable to include supplemental encoded information, the supplemental encoded information being detectable by at least one detecting sensor when dispensed on the readable surface, wherein the readable surface is any surface that will accept the ink.

A judgment device includes a residual capacity acquisition section adapted to obtain a remaining battery power of a battery as a power source of a printer, an arithmetic section adapted to calculate a predicted consuming capacity of the battery consumed by execution of a print job, and a judgment section adapted to judge whether or not the battery has the remaining battery power, with which the printer can complete the print job, based on the remaining battery power and the predicted consuming capacity.

An exposure device includes: a board on which light emitting elements are arranged; an optical system disposed opposite to the board; a support member which supports the board and the optical system; and a cured body disposed on the support member and including a board contact surface to come into contact with the board, wherein the cured body is formed by curing a deformable material.

The invention provides a new method for the safe storage and drying of a helmet and related accessories (spare helmet face shield, sunglasses, goggles, primary gloves, secondary gloves, chin curtain, breath deflector/guard, helmet screws, neck brace, knee pads, elbow pads, chest protector, keys, and remote control gate/garage openers) employed in activities in which a helmet is utilized. The device is suspended utilizing various length interchangeable hanging straps possessing varied attachment methods to accommodate various hanging locations. The side connected hanging straps attach at an angle to the front opening so that the front opening is directed at an upward facing angle off of the vertical plane and a center angle adjustment and interlocking strap is utilized to set a preferred angle and interlink multiple devices hung vertically one under another. The angled orientation enables the device to be bumped or swung without concern that the helmet or other items stored therein will fall out. The shape and flexible nature of the device allows the sides to close in toward the helmet under the weight of a resting helmet. The device employs multiple attachment points and pockets to accommodate the related accessories and their related locations are such that they provide for the easy access to storage and removal based on frequency of use and order in which stored and removed.

A fast detachable side wheel device, comprising: a first wheel cover, a second wheel cover, a wheel body, and a movable component. Firstly, wheel body is fixed in first receiving groove of second wheel cover as a replaceable component. Through positioning of a dovetail groove of first wheel cover and a dovetail tenon of second wheel cover, thus vibration, collision, or detachment of wheel body due to outside force can be avoided. Then, the movable component is used to control the positioning or detaching states between first wheel cover and second wheel cover, thus achieving fast and labor saving assembly and detachment of side wheels.

The sports bag with chair device provides a rigid front connected to a pliable rear, a top spaced apart from a bottom, and a pair of spaced apart sides, a top handle disposed within the top pliable rear, a pair of spaced apart wheels disposed on the rigid front bottom, the wheels extended forwardly from the front, an upper compartment disposed within the pliable rear top, a lower compartment disposed rearwardly and downwardly within the pliable rear, a closure selectively closing each compartment, a recess disposed about midway within the rigid front, a pivoted chair disposed within the recess, the pivoted chair selectively positioned within and without the recess, and a pair of spaced apart telescopic legs pivotally affixed forwardly and downwardly on the pivoted chair.

A case for a portable electronic device such as cell phones, cameras, MP3 players and PDAs wherein said case includes material at the corners to provide protection to the electronic device. To reduce bulk at the corners and allow the material forming the case to conform with the contours of the device, the protection at the corners includes strips of material defining apertures there between. The apertures provide reduction in bulk and allow the case to conform to the corners of the device therein. Alternately, the protection at the corners can be provided by other structures co-molded into the corners of the cases. Such structures include material that is of a reduced thickness than other material used in the case, or structures that are formed to conform to the corners of the case. Such structures can be joined to the material forming the panels of the case by co-molding.

The present invention provides a new and useful apparatus for charging battery powered electronic devices using a rolling means. The rolling means transfers mechanical energy from a plurality of wheels to a generator by way of a gear ratio. The generator in turn yields electrical energy that is later transformed via integrated circuitry into viable power for the purposes of charging an optional internal batter or that of an attached device. This apparatus does not limit the user's mobility and can be used in everyday settings. The apparatus can be an integral part of a piece of luggage or added to an existing hand cart. Additionally, the apparatus can have a connection for a DC input to charge the internal battery when the apparatus is not in motion.

An expandable item carrying device facilitates carrying items such as groceries and the like. The device includes a container having a bottom wall and a perimeter wall coupled to and extending upwardly from a perimeter edge of the bottom wall defining an interior space. A top edge of the perimeter wall defines an opening into the interior space. The perimeter wall has a pair of opposed ends sides and a pair of longitudinal sides extending between the opposed end sides. The longitudinal sides and the bottom wall are compactable along a longitudinal axis of the bottom wall. A primary handle comprises opposed ends coupled to a first one of the longitudinal sides of the perimeter wall.

A gyro sensor according to the invention includes a first mass portion including a first detection portion, a second mass portion including a second detection portion, first drive portions vibrating the first mass portion in a direction of a first axis, and a force conversion portion fixed to an anchor portion. The first mass portion and the second mass portion are connected with the force conversion portion. The force conversion portion is displaced with the anchor portion as an axis, and vibrates the second mass portion in a direction of a second axis crossing the first axis in a plane view.

An electronic device includes a base body, a functional element that is placed on the base body, and a lid body, formed from silicon, that is placed over the base body so as to cover the functional element. A hole portion and a sealing member that closes the hole portion are disposed in the lid body, in the hole portion, the area of a second opening disposed on a side opposite to a first opening is larger than the area of the first opening disposed on the base body side, and the ratio of the volume of the sealing member to the volume of the hole portion is equal to or higher than 35% and is equal to or lower than 87%.

One embodiment of the invention provides a system for identifying an anomalous movement of a reciprocating element in a reciprocating device, the system comprising: at least one sensing device for sensing a vibration signal of the reciprocating element; a processing apparatus for separating the vibration signal into a first component having a first frequency range and a second component having a second frequency range different than the first frequency range; and a device for at least one of analyzing or displaying at least one of the first or the second components of the vibration signal, wherein the vibration signal includes positional data of the reciprocating element along at least one axis of the reciprocating element.

A device and method for measuring the clamping force a machine tool exerts on a tool holder that includes a piston or cylinder body defining a bore that slidably receives a piston. A fluid filled pressure chamber is defined between the piston and the body and a pressure gauge carried by the piston communicates with the pressure chamber such that movement in the piston in at least one direction exerts compressive forces on the fluid in the pressure chamber which is communicated to the pressure gauge. A retention knob is coupled to the piston and is engageable by the machine tool such that the clamping force exerted by the machine tool is transmitted to the piston. Hex-shaped structure on the piston that is received by a complementally formed recess in the cylinder body inhibits relative rotation between the piston and the body and facilitates installation and removal of the retention knob. A pin forming part of the piston is engageable by a pin receiving recess in the piston body and ensures a predetermined orientation between a shank portion and the piston body, during assembly.