摘要 |
A device for sensing contact between a mechanism or device and an object, in which an accelerometer (1) is attached to a support (2) for the object, such as a sheep (3), the output signal from the accelerometer being connected to a vibration pre-amplifier (5) and then to a power amplifier (6) following which the signal is displayed on a cathode ray oscilloscope (7) or otherwise utilised to sense contact between the mechanism such as wool shearing cutters (4), and the object (3). In one form, the support may be in the form of a cradle (12) which enhances the area of contact between the sheep (3) and the support, the cradle (12) being isolated from extraneaous vibrations by means of insulating foam (13). In this embodiment, the signal transmitted through the body and sensed by the accelerometer (1) is generated by the cutter (4) although a separate sonic vibration source attached to the mechanism may be used. Where a separate source having a predetermined output frequency is utilised, a tuned beam (14) to which the accelerometer (1) is attached may be attached to the cradle (12) or to the support (2). |