Abstract: An apparatus (10) is set forth for measuring a return signal of a magnetostrictive sensor (20) that detects a force, torque, or pressure. The return signal includes noise, a DC resistance (44), an AC resistance and an inductance and the inductance is shifted ninety degrees from the AC resistance. The apparatus (10) includes a sensor filter (22) to remove the noise from the return signal. A sensor filter (22) shifts the return signal and more specifically, the inductance by an additional angle and the sum of the additional angle and the ninety degrees phase shift is defined as the final detection angle. To detect the inductance at the final detection angle, a wave filter (16) and a reference filter (28) shifts a reference signal by the final detection angle to trigger a first demodulator (26) to detect the inductance at the final detection angle. The inductance detected by the first demodulator (26) varies due to temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus, sensor, and a method for measuring an applied strain are provided. The apparatus includes a strain sensor comprising an electrically conductive member composed of a magnetostrictive material. The apparatus further includes a signal generator electrically coupled to the electrically conductive member. The signal generator is configured to generate an electrical current that propagates through the electrically conductive member. The apparatus further includes a measuring circuit electrically coupled to the electrically conductive member. The measuring circuit is configured to measure at least one of an amount of inductance, resistance, and impedance of the electrically conductive member. The apparatus further includes a processor electrically coupled to the measuring circuit. The processor is configured to calculate the amount of force applied to the strain sensor based on at least one of the amount of inductance, resistance, and impedance of the electrically conductive member.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for measuring force along an axis (F) comprises an inductance coil extending around the axis (F) for establishing a loop of magnetic flux looping axially through the coil and extending around the axis (F) to define a donut shaped ring of magnetic flux surrounding the axis (F). A core of magnetostrictive material provides a primary path for the magnetic flux in a first portion of the loop of magnetic flux and a magnetic carrier provides a return path for magnetic flux in a second portion of the loop of magnetic flux as the magnetic flux circles the coil through the core and the carrier. A first interface extends radially between the core and the carrier whereby the core and the carrier are urged together at the interface in response to a force applied parallel to the axis (F). Various embodiments or combinations of the core and carrier are illustrated in FIGS. 3-7.

Abstract: A photocatalyst for the decomposition of water is provided that includes a tetrahedrally-bonded oxide semiconductor having an energy band gap in the range of about 1.5 eV to 3.2 eV. A photoelectrochemical cell for hydrogen production and a method of producing a photocatalyst for the decomposition of water is also provided.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive strain sensor (10) includes a magnetostrictive core (12) comprising a magnetostrictive material, such as a nickel-iron alloy, able to conduct a magnetic flux and whose permeability is alterable by application of a strain. A conductive coil (14) is proximate the magnetostrictive core (12) to generate the magnetic flux when electrically excited. A shell (16) surrounds the conductive coil (14) and the magnetostrictive core (12) for providing a conductive return path for the magnetic flux. An excitation source (18) is electrically connected to the conductive coil (14) for electrically exciting the conductive coil (14) with an alternating current having a constant magnitude. An in-phase voltage circuit (22) is electrically connected across the conductive coil (14). The in-phase voltage circuit (22) senses an in-phase voltage that is in-phase with the alternating current. The in-phase voltage varies correspondingly to the strain subjected to the magnetostrictive core (12).

Abstract: A magnetostrictive sensor to sense force or torque applied to a structural element to which the magnetostrictive sensor is non-invasively attached by a fixed, intimate contact therewith. The sensor consists of single continuous magnetostrictive layer in operable contact with a coil excited source of magnetic flux. A force or torque applied to the structural element produces a stress transferred to the single continuous magnetostrictive layer, thereby varying the magnetic permeability of the single continuous magnetostrictive layer. The change in the magnetic flux produces a change in the inductance and impedance of the coil, and thereby a detectable change in the voltage across the coil.

Abstract: A thermoelectric material having enhanced Seebeck coefficient is characterized by a microstructure comprising nanoscale Pb inclusions dispersed in matrix substantially composed of PbTe. The excess Pb is obtained either by adding Pb in an amount greater than the stoichiometric amount needed to form PbTe, or by adding an additive effective to getter Te so as to produce the desired excess. The method is generally applicable to enhance thermoelectric properties of compounds of Pb, Sn or Ge, and Te, Se, or S.

Abstract: A thermoelectric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly.

Abstract: A thermo-electric device has a seat side and a cabin side for delivering heating and cooling air from a HVAC module to seat passages of a vehicle seat assembly. A selector is included for setting a desired or control temperature Tcontrol of the seat assembly. A comparator is included for determining the temperature difference ?T between the actual temperature of the seat assembly Tseat and the desired or selected temperature Tcontrol. A controller simultaneously adjusts a proportioning valve and adjusts the electrical current to the thermoelectric device in relationship to one another in response to the temperature difference ?T.

Abstract: A thermo-electric device is disposed in series with the HVAC module for heating and cooling air Ta from the HVAC module for delivery to seat passages of a seat assembly and/or to a thermal container. The thermoelectric device includes a thermoelectric module, a heat exchanger having cold and hot sides, ductwork, a divider that sends variable air flow to the cold or hot sides of the thermoelectric module, and thermal insulation between the cold and hot sides downstream of the heat exchanger. The fan of the HVAC module is the sole motivation for moving the conditioned air Ta originating from the central HVAC module through the thermoelectric device and to the seat assembly and/or to a thermal container.

Abstract: A magnetostrictive fluid-pressure sensor includes annular inner and outer cylinders, a first connector, annular second and third connectors, and first and second coils. The inner cylinder surrounds a fluid-receiving bore. At least one of the cylinders is a magnetostrictive cylinder. The first connector connects the first ends of the cylinders and has a first portion extending radially inward of the inner cylinder. The second connector connects the second ends of the cylinders and defines a fluid inlet. The third connector connects the cylinders and is positioned longitudinally between the first and second connectors. The first coil is positioned radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the first and third connectors. The second coil is positioned radially between the inner and outer cylinders and longitudinally between the second and third connectors.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an assembly for measuring movement of and a torque applied to a shaft extending between first and second ends and being hollow, specifically for measuring rotation and twisting of the shaft. A permanent magnet is disposed within the shaft for producing a parallel magnetic field emanating radially from the shaft. A sensor mechanism is positioned adjacent the shaft to detect the magnetic flux produced in response to the shaft being moved. The sensor mechanism includes a magnetostrictive (MR) material disposed annularly about the shaft and extends between first and second edges. A flux collector extends beyond the first and second edges of the magnetostrictive material to direct the magnetic flux through a Hall sensor to detect an axial component of the magnetic flux in response to twisting.

Abstract: A resistor (having a resistance of Rs) is connected in series with an inductor whose inductance and/or resistance is desired to be determined. An alternating voltage (such as a sinusoidal voltage) is applied across the series-connected resistor and inductor, wherein the alternating voltage has a frequency ?, a unique maximum or minimum value Vm, an average value and a unique crossover of the average value. The voltage Vr is measured across the resistor when the alternating voltage is at its maximum or minimum value. The voltage Vl is measured across the resistor when the alternating voltage is at its average value. The resistance RL of the inductor is calculated from an equation in which RL is a function of Vm, Vr , Rs and Vl. The inductance L of the inductor is calculated from an equation in which L is a function of Vl, Rl, Rs, Vr and ?.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forming a heat sink laminate and a heat sink laminate formed by the method. In the method a particle mixture is formed from a metal, an alloy or mixtures thereof with a ceramic or mixture of ceramics. The mixture is kinetically sprayed onto a first side of a dielectric material to form a metal matrix composite layer. The second side of the dielectric material is thermally coupled to a heat sink baseplate, thereby forming the heat sink laminate.