Abstract: A gyroscope is disclosed. The gyroscope comprises a substrate; and a guided mass system. The guided mass system comprises proof-mass and guiding arm. The proof-mass and the guiding arm are disposed in a plane parallel to the substrate. The proof-mass is coupled to the guiding arm. The guiding arm is also coupled to the substrate through a spring. The guiding arm allows motion of the proof-mass to a first direction in the plane. The guiding arm and the proof-mass rotate about a first sense axis. The first sense axis is in the plane and parallel to the first direction. The gyroscope includes an actuator for vibrating the proof-mass in the first direction. The gyroscope also includes a transducer for sensing motion of the proof-mass-normal to the plane in response to angular velocity about a first input axis that is in the plane and orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: Based on a peak level of a waveform in a predetermined period after the input of the waveform started and a value indicative of the degree of change in the waveform in the predetermined period, a judging device determines whether the waveform is caused by a strike. Thus, the peak level and a value indicative of the degree of change in the waveform are considered to determine whether the waveform is caused by a strike. A waveform with a small peak level caused by a weak strike is not erroneously detected as noise, while accurate detection of strikes can be obtained.

Abstract: A device for measuring, documenting, and issuing citations for noise violations comprises a mobile device for measuring the decibel sound level from a sound source, for measuring the distance from the device to the source, for capturing an image or video of the sound source, and determining whether the sound source exceeds a user-predetermined level. The device may be in the form of a hand-held gun-shaped device wherein the user actuates the trigger to record an image or video of the sound source, the decibel sound level, and the distance between the device and the source. After the data is collected, the sound-measuring device is attached to a download component. The download component accepts data from the sound-measuring component and allows the user to input additional data regarding the noise violation. The user may then use the download component to print a citation, which may include an image of the sound source.

Abstract: A high-performance angular rate detecting device is provided. A driving part including a drive frame and a Coriolis frame is leviated by at least two fixing beams which share a fixed end and are extending in a direction orthogonal to a driving direction, thereby vibrating the driving part. Even when a substrate is deformed by mounting or heat fluctuation, internal stress generated to the fixed beam and a supporting beam is small, thereby maintaining a vibrating state such as resonance frequency and vibration amplitude constant. Therefore, a high-performance angular rate detecting device which is robust to changes in mounting environment can be obtained.

Abstract: A vibrating element includes a vibrating arm for detection. An electrode is provided on the vibrating arm for detection. A wiring line is connected to the electrode. The wiring line is arranged on a piezoelectric body of a base portion. At least a part of the wiring line is an electrode for adjustment. The electrode for adjustment generates an electrical signal with an opposite phase to an output signal of leak vibration of the vibrating arm for detection.

Abstract: An inertial sensor (110) includes a drive system (118) configured to oscillate a drive mass (114) within a plane (24) that is substantially parallel to a surface (50) of a substrate (28). The drive system (118) includes first and second drive units (120, 122) having fixed fingers (134, 136) interleaved with movable fingers (130, 132) of the drive mass (114). At least one of the drive units (120) is located on each side (126, 128) of the drive mass (114). Likewise, at least one of the drive units (122) is located on each side (126, 128) of the drive mass (114). The drive units (122) are driven in phase opposition to the drive units (120) so that a levitation force (104) generated by the drive units (122) compensates for, or at least partially suppresses, a levitation force (100) generated by the drive units (120).

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention are directed to near infrared (IR) laser-induced vibrational absorption systems and methods for material detection. According to one embodiment, a system for detecting materials may include: at least one laser configured to output light in the near IR spectrum so as to excite at least one vibrational overtone frequency, at least one combination band frequency, or a combination thereof, of a sample comprised of one or more of materials; a detector configured to detect a physical phenomenon of the sample in response to laser excitation; and an analyzer configured to the analyze the detected physical phenomenon and to identify the one or more materials based comparison of the detected signatures with known signatures of one more materials.

Abstract: An angular velocity sensor includes a vibrator located along x-y plane specified by x direction and y direction that are orthogonal to each other; a substrate that is separated away from the vibrator along z direction perpendicular to the x-y plane; an anchor device extended from the substrate to the x-y plane in which the vibrator is located; a linkage beam device that links the anchor device to the vibrator, the linkage beam being able to twist about the y direction; an excitation portion that vibrates the vibrator along the z direction; and a detection portion that detects an angular velocity based on a displacement along the x direction of the vibrator. The vibrator includes a linkage region to link with the linkage beam device, and the linkage region becomes a wave node when the vibrator vibrates along the z direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of non-destructive inspection of mechanical structures (2) by using vibratory waves in order to detect local defects and/or changes of state. According to the invention, the method comprises: a first training stage in which a transient vibratory excitation is injected into an inspection zone (Z) and the received signals are picked up and time reversed in order to constitute reference excitation signals; a second training stage in which the reference excitation signals are emitted simultaneously and the resulting diverging signals are picked up in order to constitute reference response signals; and a stage of inspecting the mechanical structure (2), in which the reference excitation signals are emitted, the resulting diverging signals are picked up, and the diverging signals are compared with the reference response signals.

Abstract: An angular rate sensor (20) includes a drive mass (36) flexibly coupled to a substrate (22). A sense mass (42) is suspended above the substrate (22) is and flexibly connected to the drive mass (36) via flexible support elements (44). A quadrature compensation electrode (24) is associated with the drive mass (36) and a sense electrode (28) is associated with the sense mass (42). The drive mass (36) and the sense mass (42) oscillate together relative to a sense axis (50) in response to quadrature error. The quadrature error produces a signal error component (78) between the quadrature compensation electrode (24) and the drive mass (36) and a signal error component (76) between the sense electrode (28) and the sense mass (42). The compensation and sense electrodes (24, 28) are coupled in reverse polarity so that the signal error component (78) substantially cancels the signal error component (76).

Abstract: The electronic device (1) is provided with an automatic leak detection means, notably for a gas leak, in the case (2) of the device. The automatic leak detection means includes an internal pressure sensor (3), an external pressure sensor (4) and a calculation unit (5) connected to the internal pressure sensor and to the external pressure sensor. The calculation unit, which is a microcontroller, and the internal pressure sensor are arranged inside the case, whereas the external pressure sensor is arranged on an external surface of the case. The microcontroller (5) checks, based on measurements performed by the pressure sensors over time, whether the pressure variation inside the case is different from the pressure variation outside the case to determine whether or not the case has a sufficient degree of sealing.

Abstract: A gyroscope is disclosed. The gyroscope comprises a substrate; and a guided mass system. The guided mass system comprises proof-mass and guiding arm. The proof-mass and the guiding arm are disposed in a plane parallel to the substrate. The proof-mass is coupled to the guiding arm. The guiding arm is also coupled to the substrate through a spring. The guiding arm allows motion of the proof-mass to a first direction in the plane. The guiding arm and the proof-mass rotate about a first sense axis. The first sense axis is in the plane and parallel to the first direction. The gyroscope includes an actuator for vibrating the proof-mass in the first direction. The gyroscope also includes a transducer for sensing motion of the proof-mass-normal to the plane in response to angular velocity about a first input axis that is in the plane and orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting analytes, a method of making the sensor, and a method of using the sensor. In one embodiment, the present invention comprises at least one array comprising a plurality of resonators. The resonators can be arranged in a plurality of rows and a plurality of columns, and can be connected in a combined series-parallel configuration. The resonators can be adapted to vibrate independently at about the same resonance frequency and about the same phase. The sensor can also comprise an actuator and a signal detector electrically coupled to the array. The sensor can also further comprise an analyte delivery system and can be functionalized for detection of at least one analyte.

Abstract: The invention relates to a machine that simulates movement during transport, for the testing of packaging elements. The machine comprises: a load platform (1), the lower part of said platform having attached thereto a plurality of upper ball joints (3, 61,71) with a ±30° rotation angle, coplanar with the axis of rotation of a rotating support (5, 5?, 5?); and a lower platform (6) which is located opposite the load platform (1) and which is provided with anchors for attaching same to a vertical vibration table (25,26). Additionally, a central support (7) is located between the load platform (1) and the lower platform (6). Furthermore, a plurality of mutually independent hydraulic servo-actuators (8,8?,8?) are attached between the upper spherical ball joints (3) and the lower ball joints (4), said servo-actuators (8,8?,8?) being placed along two perpendicular planes that pass through the center of the rotating support (5, 5?, 5?), forming a 90° angle.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting at least one flow property of a fluid medium, including at least one sensor housing, in which at least one electronic module having at least one flow sensor for detecting the flow property is accommodated. At least one pressure sensor and at least one humidity sensor are accommodated inside the sensor housing, at least the pressure sensor and optionally also the humidity sensor is situated inside the sensor housing independently of the electronic module.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a flexible lid seal detector is disclosed. The flexible lid seal detector comprises a compression body. A compression rim extends from a distal end of the compression body. The compression rim comprises an outer perimeter and inner perimeter. The inner perimeter defines a recessed lid deflection area. The compression rim is configured to apply a force to a flexible lid coupled to a container. A sensor is coupled to the compression body and positioned to detect the deflection of the flexible lid in response to the force applied to the flexible lid. The sensor is configured to detect an amount of deflection of the flexible lid within the recessed lid deflection area.

Abstract: A tool for manipulating a transducer assembly. The tool had a shaft to space the transducer assembly from a handle end. The tool rotatably mounts the transducer assembly so that the transducer assembly can transmissively coupled to and follow an arcuate scanning path. The tool includes a guide member for following an edge of a component to be tested.

Abstract: A system is provided in one embodiment for real-time detection of an object in a fluid without interfering with fluid flow. The system may include a sensor element coupled to a fluid passage, which can transmit energy substantially parallel to the flow direction of a fluid in the fluid passage and receive energy reflected from an incident object in the fluid. Reflected energy can also be analyzed as a function of object size and material such that an object can be classified or characterized through appropriate signal analysis. A method is provided in another embodiment for detecting an object in a fluid passage. The method may include transmitting ultrasonic energy through an interface membrane into the fluid and receiving ultrasonic energy reflected from the object. A pressure change in the reflected ultrasonic energy may be measured and converted to a signal for an output device.

Abstract: Machine for balancing vehicle wheels includes: a base frame supporting elements for gripping and rotating a wheel around a balancing axis; first sensor elements associated with the gripping and rotation elements for detecting the unbalance of the wheel; an electronic processing and control unit associated with the first sensor elements for calculating a balancing weight to apply onto the wheel; and an auxiliary detection appliance associated with the base frame and having: a rolling device for pressing onto the wheel, and in turn including: a support structure for two rollers revolving around axes parallel to each other; and a flexible member closed on itself in a loop, wrapped around the rollers and having a substantially flat active section, and a return section substantially opposite the active section; and second sensor elements associated with the rolling device for detecting the behaviour of the wheel when pressed by the rolling device.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a mounting board having a first rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted and a third rigid board on which an angular velocity sensor is mounted, and a pedestal for fixing the mounting board. Further, the pedestal includes a base section having a first fixation surface along an x axis and a y axis, and projecting sections disposed on the base section, and having a second fixation surface along the x axis and a z axis, and a third fixation surface along the y axis and the z axis, each of the rigid boards is supported by at least two of the first fixation surface, the second fixation surface, and the third fixation surface, and the angular velocity sensors have respective detection axes intersecting with each other.