Abstract: A method for characterizing a process fluid comprising applying electrical power to a first resistance temperature detector (RTD) in contact with a fluid to increase the temperature of the first RTD; allowing the first RTD to cool toward a fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the first RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; applying electrical power to a second RTD in contact with the fluid to increase the temperature of the second RTD; allowing the second RTD to cool toward the fluid equilibrium temperature; analyzing the temperature decay profile of the second RTD over time to determine thermal characteristics; comparing the thermal characteristics of the first and second RTD to determining one or more characteristics of the fluid based; and performing a corrective action. The first RTD has a first coating and the second RTD has a second coating different than the first coating.

Abstract: SMA actuators and related methods are described. One embodiment of an actuator includes a base; a plurality of buckle arms; and at least a first shape memory alloy wire coupled with a pair of buckle arms of the plurality of buckle arms. Another embodiment of an actuator includes a base and at least one bimorph actuator including a shape memory alloy material. The bimorph actuator attached to the base.

Abstract: A method and system may use computer vision techniques and machine learning analysis to automatically identify a user's biometric characteristics. A user's client computing device may capture a video of the user. Feature data and movement data may be extracted from the video and applied to statistical models for determining several biometric characteristics. The determined biometric characteristic values may be used to identify individual health scores and the individual health scores may be combined to generate an overall health score and longevity metric. An indication of the user's biometric characteristics which may include the overall health score and longevity metric may be displayed on the user's client computing device.

Abstract: A pressure/force sensor comprises a diaphragm structure including a sensing element and a lead structure extending from the diaphragm structure and including first and second traces electrically coupled to the sensing element. The diaphragm structure and the lead structure include a circuit assembly comprising a common insulating layer and a common conductor layer on the insulating layer. The conductor layer includes at least a portion of the sensing element and at least the first trace.

Abstract: A method of making a concrete item comprising the steps of: building a mold; preparing a concrete mixture; pouring the concrete mixture into the mold; removing the concrete item from the mold; and chiseling the concrete item with a pneumatic chisel.