Patent ID: 9339116
Filing Date: 2016-05-17
CPC Classification: A47C,A63B,G01L

Claim Text:
1. An apparatus, comprising: a structural body having a defined axis that extends between a first point and a second point, wherein the distance between the first point and the second point changes in reaction to a radial stress applied along a plane; a conductive elastomer that is distinct from said structural body, wherein said conductive elastomer is positioned relative to said structural body to span an interior thereof, wherein said conductive elastomer is affixed in a stretched state along the defined axis between the first point and the second point, wherein the conductive elastomer has an electrical resistance that varies as a function of distance between the first point and the second point, where the conductive elastomer becomes further tensioned and the length of the conductive elastomer increases when the plane is perpendicular relative to the defined axis, and where the conductive elastomer becomes relaxed when the plane is parallel relative to the defined axis; a mechanism for measuring the electrical resistance of the conductive elastomer; and a mechanism for taking at least one action in response to a change in the measured electrical resistance based on the radial stress.