Abstract: A torque sensor packaging system and method includes a torque member that includes one or more holes formed therein for receiving one or more respective fasteners associated with a sensing element. The sensing element can be connected to the torque member to the sensing element in order to transfer torque associated with the torque member to the sensing element for torque sensing operations thereof.

Abstract: Printing occurs when a marking engine deposits ink on a substrate to produce a pattern. The printed pattern can differ from the desired pattern when the marking engine is out of adjustment, the substrate and ink do not interact optimally, or for other reasons. A tone reproduction curve can be used to adjust the pattern or the marking engine so the printed pattern and desired pattern are similar. Another effect of printing is that contours can appear. Contouring can be reduced if a smooth tone reproduction curve is used. Aspects of the embodiments address limitations and flaws in the prior art by using a smoothing parameter and a smoothing matrix to produce TRCs that minimize contours.

Abstract: Many sensors could be used in a passive wireless mode. These include RLC, acoustic wave and magneto-elastic sensors. These types of sensors are designed to exhibit a change in fundamental frequency when exposed to environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, or chemicals. An interrogation circuit can inductively couple to the sensor and measure the change in fundamental frequency. The change can be used to measure the environmental factor. Sensor sensitivity and inductive coupling efficiency can be competing design constraints. A driver, electrically connected to the sensor and inductively coupled to the interrogation circuit, can relax the constraints. The driver, however, can introduce noise into the sensor. The sensor can be shielded using physical and geometric techniques to reduce the noise.

Abstract: A pressure sensor port apparatus and method comprising a pressure port that includes a hexagonal area preferably comprising a plastic material (e.g., thermoplastic). Additionally, one or more electronic interconnections can be associated with the pressure sensor port, such that the electronic interconnections are isolated from sensed media while providing a pressure sensor port apparatus based on a cost effective injection molding process rather than a machining processes required for a metal.

Abstract: A power sensor module suitable for automotive and other high volume applications is disclosed. The power sensor module combines a speed sensing and torque sensing operation into a single unit. A power measurement can be derived from torque and speed. Combining torque sensing and power sensing within a single module instead of using separate modules for each allows for reducing redundancies and lowering cost.

Abstract: A safety interlock circuit wherein the safety interlock switches can report their status. Signal generators associated with the safety interlock switches produce status signals that are transmitted on the wiring of the safety interlock circuit. The present invention is ideal for retrofitting current installations because no additional wiring is required for carrying the status signals.

Abstract: A multifunction sensor based on a bulk acoustic wave (BAW) device can be used to obtain measurements of a liquid's corrosivity, viscosity, and conductance. A front electrode and a back electrode can be used to excite vibrations in a piezoelectric substrate. Vibrations in the piezoelectric substrate cause an electrical signal that can be measured as a voltage differential between the front and back electrodes. The signal amplitude is an indication of the liquid's viscosity. The signal frequency is an indication of corrosivity because corrosion can change the sensor's fundamental frequency over time. A third electrode, a runner, can be placed near the front electrode. A voltage difference between the runner and the front electrode can cause a current to flow between them and through the liquid. The voltage difference and the current indicate the liquid's conductivity.

Abstract: A control handle for electro-mechanical devices, such as the brakes of a train or other vehicle, is disclosed. The control handle incorporates elements for electrical switching as well as elements for measuring the angle of rotation between the control handle's rotating portion and its stationary portion. Some of the switching elements and measuring elements are combined onto a single printed circuit board in order to reduce size, complexity, and cost.