Abstract: A detection circuit includes a synchronous detection circuit (synchronous detection section) that synchronously detects a signal that includes a detection signal of a vibrator (an output signal of an amplifier), a switched capacitor filter (SCF) circuit that filters a signal that has been synchronously detected by the synchronous detection circuit (an output signal of a programmable gain amplifier), and an output buffer that buffers and outputs a signal that has been filtered by the SCF circuit, the gain of the SCF circuit being larger than 1.

Abstract: A tamper detector is provided for safeguarding a radiological source that is moved into and out of a storage location through an access porthole for storage and use. The radiological source is presumed to have an associated shipping container approved by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission for transporting the radiological source. The tamper detector typically includes a network of sealed tubing that spans at least a portion of the access porthole. There is an opening in the network of sealed tubing that is large enough for passage therethrough of the radiological source and small enough to prevent passage therethrough of the associated shipping cask. Generally a gas source connector is provided for establishing a gas pressure in the network of sealed tubing, and a pressure drop sensor is provided for detecting a drop in the gas pressure below a preset value.

Abstract: Fluid leaks are identified and located by successively monitoring changes in fluid flow and sound velocities of fluid at a plurality of locations in the pipe with flow meters, such as with ultrasonic flow meters. Preferably the successive monitoring sampling rates are sufficiently high to measure instantaneous velocity changes. A controller coupled to the meters associates changes in monitored fluid flow and sound velocities in two locations along the pipe with a leak event occurring between those locations. The controller identifies the association event at each location and correlates pipe leak location based at least in part on difference in time between the respective location events. The system and method may be used in liquid and gas pipeline transmission systems.

Abstract: A sensor device described having a sensor, in particular an ultrasound sensor, having a generating and detecting arrangement to generate and detect waves, in particular sound waves, the detection arrangement converting received waves into electric signals, and the electric signals being evaluable by an evaluation unit. A function-monitoring device is configured to determine an impedance characteristic curve of the sensor as a function of an excitation frequency is provided. Also described is a method for operating the sensor device.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a distance includes a converter element that generates n acoustic surface wave, a surface that feeds over at least part of the acoustic surface wave to a surface having a reflection point, and a processor that determines a distance between the apparatus and the reflection point from the propagation time of the acoustic surface wave. The converter element registers the acoustic surface wave reflected at the reflection point.

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes at least a first sensing element comprising a first conductive element having, for example, an average diameter less than 20 ?m in electrical connection with electronic circuitry. The combustible gas sensor further includes a first support element having a first anchored end, a second anchored end and an extending intermediate section between the first anchored end and the second anchored end, the extending intermediate section providing support for the first conductive element. Another combustible gas sensor includes a first sensing element and a second sensing element. The first sensing element includes a first catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m. The second sensing element includes a second catalyst support member having a volume less than a sphere having a diameter of 500 ?m.

Abstract: A new analytical technique, instrument and method of testing a material utilizing same is provided. The method of analyzing a test material comprises the steps of (vii) inducing an acoustic emission from a vessel containing a solvent and measuring said emissions; (viii) dissolving a known amount of the test material in the solvent; measuring changes in resonance and absorbance frequencies before and after dissolution to produce a broadband acoustic resonant dissolution emission profile.

Abstract: An inspection scanner [1000] is described that has a low profile construction designed to fit into tight spaces and inspect structures [10] such as weld joints [13]. Wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] carry a probe holder assembly [1110] with an ultrasonic (US) array [1400] that emits US beams through the structure [10] and receives reflected sound waves. The probe holder assembly [1110] extends and US beam is angled away to inspect in tight locations. The wheel frame assemblies [1100, 1200] roll on wheels [1140, 1240] that drive an encoder [1250]. Encoder [1250] provides the specific locations for the received sound waves with respect to the weld. The locations and received sound waves are used to reconstruct a signal showing imperfections inside of structure [10]. The wheels [1140, 1240] may be magnetic to hold it to the structure [10] being inspected. A brake system [1600] may be employed to hold the inspection scanner [1000] at a given location.

Abstract: An operation-position detector having a tube that allows an ultrasonic signal to propagate therethrough. The tube has a plurality of holes capable of being selectively closed or opened by an operation and is provided with an ultrasonic transmitter-receiver arranged at a first end thereof. A signal processor drives the ultrasonic transmitter-receiver and causes an ultrasonic signal to propagate through the inside of the tube, receives a reflection signal corresponding to a closed or open state of each of the holes, and detects the state of each hole on the basis of the reflection signal, thereby detecting the operation position of an operation conducted by an operator.

Abstract: A speed measure system of a vehicle may include a drive shaft that rotates according to movement of a vehicle and a drive gear is formed along the outside thereof; a driven shaft to which a driven gear is formed, wherein the driven gear is engaged with the drive gear; a speed sensor that is disposed on the driven shaft and outputs a rotation signal according to the rotation of the driven shaft; and a jumper connector that is disposed on the speed sensor and transforms the frequency of the rotation signal output from the speed sensor with a predetermined ratio.

Abstract: A particle sensor including a diaphragm, a diaphragm heater, and at least two measuring electrodes situated on the diaphragm, for electrical conductivity measurement, the diaphragm having a thickness of less than or equal to 50 ?m, in order to allow a calorimetric particle quantity determination.

Abstract: A z-axis gyroscope design is presented with a 2-degree of freedom (DOF) sense mode allowing interchangeable operation in either precision (mode-matched) or robust (wide-bandwidth) modes. This is accomplished using a complete 2-DOF coupled system which allows for the specification of the sense mode resonant frequencies and coupling independent of frequency. By decoupling the frame connecting the sense system to a central anchor, x-y symmetry is preserved while enabling a fully coupled 2-DOF sense mode providing control over both the bandwidth and the amount of coupling independent of operational frequency. The robust mode corresponds to operation between the 2-DOF sense mode resonant frequencies providing a response gain and bandwidth controlled by frequency spacing. Precision mode of operation, however, relies on mode-matching the drive to the second, anti-phase sense mode resonant frequency which can be designed to provide a gain advantage over a similar 1-DOF system.

Abstract: A micro gyroscope determine three-dimensional rotational movements is mounted on a substrate on which a plurality of masses tangentially oscillate about the z axis perpendicular to the substrate. The oscillating masses are fastened to the substrate by springs and bolts. Driving elements maintain oscillating tangential vibrations of the masses about the z axis. Upon rotation of the substrate about any spatial axis, the masses are subjected to deflections caused by Corolis forces that are detected by sensor elements. Certain masses oscillating about the z axis are tiltable about the x axis, while some others are tiltable about the y axis. At least one other mass is configured to deflect radially to the z axis in a x-y plane parallel to the plane of the substrate. This mass is assigned a sensor element that can deflect radially with respect to the axis but cannot oscillate about the z axis.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a generated gas collecting method collects a generated gas after exposing the interior of a chamber to an organic gas having a boiling point higher than that of the generated gas.

Abstract: This invention is a novel methodology for precision metrology, sensing, and actuation at the micro- and nano-scale. It is well-suited for micro- and nano-scale because it leverages off the electromechanical benefits of the scale. The invention makes use of electrical measurands of micro- or nano-scale devices to measure and characterize themselves, other devices, and whatever the devices subsequently interact with. By electronically measuring the change in capacitance, change in voltage, and/or resonance frequency of one or more test structures, a multitude of geometric, dynamic, and material properties may be extracted with a much higher accuracy and precision than conventional methods.

Abstract: A method of measuring properties of a fluid that uses a conductor electrically connected to a current source. A magnetic field is created about the conductor and the conductor is introduced into the fluid medium. A current waveform, having a frequency, is periodically passed through the conductor, so as to cause the conductor to move, due to force exerted on the conductor from interaction of the current and the magnetic field. The conductor movement is sensed, producing a sense signal that is amplified into an amplified sense signal. The phase relationship between the current waveform and the amplified sense signal is measured and the current waveform frequency is adjusted to create a phase lock loop. The frequency when the phase lock loop is in lock state is measured as the phase between the excitation and the measured sense signal is varied, and fluid properties are calculated from the measured frequencies.

Abstract: A rotational rate sensor includes: a substrate having a main plane of extension; a first Coriolis element; and a second Coriolis element. The first Coriolis element and the second Coriolis element have a first and a second center of gravity, respectively, and the elements are drivable along a drive direction. In the idle state of the rotational rate sensor, (i) the distance between the first center of gravity and the second center of gravity along the detection direction is less than a first value, and (ii) the distance between the first center of gravity and the second center of gravity along the third direction is less than a second value.

Abstract: A vibrating sensor having a base and an axisymmetrical resonator secured to the base. The base and the resonator are associated with electrodes connected to a control circuit via at least a first connection channel and a second connection channel with the electrodes being connected to one or other of the channels. The control circuit has excitation electronics and detection electronics and is arranged to control an excitation stage and a detection stage on each of the connection channels. The excitation stages and the detection stages have substantially identical respective durations, wherein the control circuit is arranged to perform the following sequence: excitation stage on the second connection channel; detection stage on the first connection channel; excitation stage on the first connection channel; detection stage on the second connection channel.

Abstract: A micromechanical structure including a substrate having a main plane of extension, and including a first seismic mass, the first seismic mass including a grid structure made of intersecting first mass lines and the first seismic mass being flexibly secured with the aid of first bending-spring elements, and moreover, a first line width of the first mass lines parallel to the main plane of extension being between 20 and 50 percent of a further first line width of the first bending-spring elements parallel to the main plane of extension.

Abstract: Calibration and accuracy check systems for a chemical sniffer, such as a breath alcohol tester, which utilize the dispensing of droplets with determinable concentration of alcohol and/or other liquids in a determinable number either directly to a reaction chamber, or into a carrier gas which can be sampled. The systems generally provide for accurate sample concentration being provided to the breath tester while also providing for a simplified system which can be easier to move, and require less operational complexity, than prior wet or dry calibrating systems.