Abstract: A sensor assembly that includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The SAW sensor is adapted to measure a first environmental condition in response to receiving an RF signal. The SAW sensor includes a substrate having a layer of piezoelectric material. The SAW sensor further includes a interdigitated transducer (IDT) formed on the piezoelectric material. The IDT includes two comb-shaped electrodes having interlocking conducting digits in a first arrangement. The interlocking conducting digits in the first arrangement generates a first signal modulation of an RF signal received by the first IDT. The first signal modulation identifies the first SAW sensor.

Abstract: A measuring system for acquiring measured values by scanning, including an interface for connection to a control unit of a machine. The system is arranged on a movement axis of the machine, and an object can be measured by a measuring instrument of the system. During the measurement of the object, the measuring instrument generates a measured value that is stored in a control unit, that processes and stores the measured value. The control unit has a control module that reads out a position coordinate from the machine via the interface and compares the read-out position coordinate with a specified coordinate target range, and/or compares a time of a timer with a specified point in time, and releases a trigger signal if the control module detects that the position coordinate lies in the coordinate target range and/or if the time has reached or passed the specified point in time.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor element 1 includes a light emitter 10 emitting a first linearly polarized light, a first optical element 20 emitting a first linearly polarized wave and the second linearly polarized wave in response to a first linearly polarized light incident, and emitting a second linearly polarized light in response to a third linearly polarized wave and the a linearly polarized wave incident, at least one pair of magnetic field sensor elements 50 capable of disposing in a predetermined magnetic field across the measured conductor, having a light transmissive, changing the phase of transmitted light in accordance with the magnetic field, and fixing a relative position therebetween, an optical path 30 including a first optical path propagating the first linearly polarized wave and the fourth linearly polarized wave, and a second optical path propagating the second linearly polarized wave and the third linearly polarized wave, and connected to the first optical element and the magnetic field sensor e

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes a transmitting unit including a first surface that is capable of coming into contact with a gripping target object and a second surface that is a back surface of the first surface, an imaging unit that is capable of imaging an image of an object present on a first surface side of the transmitting unit from a second surface side, and a reflecting unit arranged on the second surface side of the transmitting unit and configured to reflect light from at least a part of a region of the transmitting unit and guide the light into an imaging view angle of the imaging unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an optical fiber sensing device (9), comprising a base (1), an actuator (3) having an actuator axis (X), an elastic hinge (2) connecting the actuator to the base, allowing the actuator to move or deflect in a movement plane (D) with respect to the base, a pair of optical fiber portions (4) extending in the movement plane, contacting the actuator in a pair of contacting positions (11), wherein the actuator (3) comprises a symmetry plane (S), wherein the pair of optical fiber portions (4) are symmetrically arranged with respect to the symmetry plane, such that the movement of the actuator causes a proportional or equal change in strain in the optical fiber portions (4).

Abstract: A breathing airflow detecting device for a nebulizing device is disclosed. The breathing airflow detecting device includes a case, wherein a light switching module and a light blocking element are arranged in the case. The light blocking element is arranged between optical routes of a light emitting element and a light receiving element. When airflow from an inlet blows and swings the light blocking element, the light blocking element blocks light or passes light to the light receiving element. When the light receiving element detects the variation of light, the light receiving element emits a signal from the output port of the light switching module to drive or stop driving a nebulizing device. As a result, when a patient breathes, the nebulizing device is driven such that the volume of the nebulized medicine is accurately inhaled into the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A photonic device has a substrate with one or more optical resonators having a first resonant frequency response relative to temperature and a different second resonant frequency response relative to temperature. A first waveguide optically couples a first light beam having a first frequency to a first optical resonator and a second waveguide optically couples a second light beam having a second frequency to a second optical resonator. An optical shifter may shift an optical characteristic of the second light beam. A detector converts output light from the photonic device into an electric signal having a characteristic indicative of a physical condition, such as temperature, of the photonic device. In some cases, output light from the one or more optical resonators is combined and a temperature of the photonic device is determined from a beat frequency in the combined light. One or more multimode optical resonators may be used.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a single wavelength fiber optic sensor system are described. Sensing is based on relative shift in spectral responses of two co-located fiber gratings (FBGs) within a fiber optic cable and measured at one measurement wavelength. Under a range of conditions of interest, the shift in spectral responses maintains the measurement wavelength within respective slopes of the spectral responses. A normalized difference in reflected power is used to desensitize the measurement from any variation in power of the single laser power and/or in loss through the fiber optic cable. Several pairs of co-located FBGs may be used within the same fiber optic cable, each pair used for sensing at a corresponding location. An OTDR system couples light pulses at the measurement wavelength to the fiber optic cable, and measures amplitudes and timing of corresponding reflected light pulses to perform the normalized difference.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for homogenization of the output beam profile of a multimode optical waveguide (10). The method comprises the following method steps: splitting input radiation (2) of coherent light over two or more beam paths (I-IV), modulating the radiation in at least one of the beam paths (I-IV), combining the beam paths (I-IV) by superimposing the modulated radiation onto the input (9) of the multimode waveguide (10), where the radiation forms a temporally variable interference pattern, and propagating the radiation using the multimode waveguide (10). The invention furthermore relates to a device for carrying out the method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a power-over-fiber (PoF) system, comprising: an optical source configured to generate an optical signal, wherein the optical signal comprises an intensity modulation; an optical fiber configured to receive the optical signal from the optical source and to guide the optical signal; an optical sink, which is configured to receive the optical signal from the optical fiber and to convert the optical signal into an electrical signal; a detection unit, which is configured to detect at least one characteristic of the electrical signal, wherein the characteristic is at least partially caused by the intensity modulation of the optical signal; and a control unit, which is configured to control the optical source based on the detected characteristic.

Abstract: An example a media sensor device may comprise a light source positioned on a first side of a media pathway, a light path to receive a light from the light source and direct the light through a plurality of openings from the first side of the media pathway to a second side of the media pathway, and a light sensor on the second side of the media pathway to detect print media within the light path based on an intensity of light received from the light source, wherein a heated enclosure aligns the light sensor with the light path.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing configured to receive a container of medicament and a piston rod moveable within the housing and configured to engage a container of medicament when received within the housing. The medicament delivery device further includes a position-sensing mechanism configured to detect the position of the piston rod within the housing. The position-sensing mechanism includes a first light source configured to emit light, a first sensor disposed proximate the first light source and configured to receive light emitted by the first light source, and a blocking member moveable between the first light source and the first sensor. The first sensor is configured to detect the light pattern received to determine the position of the piston rod within the housing.

Abstract: A sensor (10) comprises a waveguide (20) having a longitudinal axis and an end face (21), the waveguide (20) comprising a Bragg grating (23). The sensor comprises at least one reflector (24) on the end face (21) of the waveguide (20). An optical resonator (25) is formed by the Bragg grating (23), the at least one reflector (24), and an inner portion of the optical resonator (25) between the Bragg grating (23) and the at least one reflector (24). The inner portion of the optical resonator (25) extends within a portion of the waveguide (20). The sensor (10) comprises a detector (32) configured to detect at least one spectral characteristic of the optical resonator (25) or a change of at least one spectral characteristic of the optical resonator (25).

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor, a manufacturing method thereof and a motion sensing device relating to the field of sensors are provided. The fiber optic sensor includes a bushing, a magnetic mass block and a sensing optical fiber. The magnetic mass block is located in the bushing, and a magnetic fluid is adsorbed onto an outer surface, opposite to an inner wall of the bushing, of the magnetic mass block, such that the magnetic mass block is capable of being suspended in the bushing and moving along an axis of the bushing. One end of the sensing optical fiber is in a first end opening of the bushing. A surface, opposite to the sensing optical fiber, of the magnetic mass block is a reflecting surface. The sensing optical fiber is configured to provide incident light for the reflecting surface and to receive measuring light from the reflecting surface.

Abstract: This disclosure is related to devices, systems, and techniques for inducing mechanical vibration in one or more mechanical structures. For example, a system includes a mechanical structure extending along a longitudinal axis. The mechanical structure includes a set of mechanical beams, where the set of mechanical beams are configured to guide a modulated optical signal, and where the set of mechanical beams includes a first mechanical beam and a second mechanical beam separated by a gap. The first mechanical beam includes at least one of a first corrugated inner edge parallel to the longitudinal axis and a first corrugated outer edge parallel to the longitudinal axis. The second mechanical beam includes at least one of a second corrugated inner edge parallel to the longitudinal axis and a second corrugated outer edge parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Optical techniques and sensor devices for sensing or measuring electric currents and/or temperature based on photonic sensing techniques in optical reflection modes by using optical dielectric materials exhibiting Faraday effects are provided in various configurations. The disclosed optical sensing technology uses light to carry and transmit the current or temperature information obtained at the sensing location to a remote base station and this optical transmission allows remote sensing in various applications and provide a built-in temperature calibration mechanism to enhance the measurement accuracy in a range of different temperature conditions.

Abstract: For caching of cognitive applications in a communication network a first input signal from a sensor device is detected by a proxy having a cache associated therewith. A representation of the first input signal is computed and sent to a server. A handle function is applied to the representation of the first input signal to compute a first handle value corresponding to the first input signal. The representation of the first input signal is transformed using a cognitive processing model of an answer function to compute a first answer value. A content of the cache is modified by the proxy by storing the first answer value in association with the first handle value in the cache.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a blockage in a vessel and, in particular, a stenosis in a blood vessel. In some particular embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess the severity of a stenosis in the coronary arteries without the administration of a hyperemic agent. In some embodiments, the devices, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are configured to assess a vessel by automatically correcting for drift in the equipment utilized to obtain measurements related to the vessel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for obtaining information from a utility meter, the method comprising steps of directing emitted radiation on to a rotating element of the utility meter, receiving incident radiation, the incident radiation comprising reflected radiation from a reflective surface of the rotating element, the reflective surface having a marker, determining an instant value of intensity of the incident radiation, determining a reference value from earlier ones of the determined values of the intensity of the incident radiation and detecting passing of the marker, as a function of the reference value and the instant value.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for detecting a rate of change of temperature in the environment around a sensing optical fibre at a position along the fibre, in which a time varying coherent Rayleigh backscatter interference signal is detected using probe light backscattered within the sensing fibre from the position. A spectral density profile is calculated which represents frequency components in time variations of the interference signal. One or more properties of a feature of the spectral density profile are then used to determine the rate of change of temperature. The feature may be, for example, a decline in the spectral density profile with increasing frequency, or a peak in the spectral density profile.

Abstract: An optical sensor system mounted in a wheel arch of a car for determining trajectory of the car includes: a first optical sensor mounted in the wheel arch above a wheel and located behind a first clear casing that does not touch the wheel; and a second optical sensor mounted in the wheel arch on one side of the wheel and located behind a second clear casing that does not touch the wheel. The first optical sensor and second optical sensor perform a plurality of counts corresponding to respectively capturing a plurality of images of the wheel. The captured images are compared with a reference image to determine a 2D displacement of the wheel from its original position. The trajectory of the car is determined by calculating a turning degree of the wheel according to a trigonometric manipulation of the measured 2D displacement.

Abstract: An optical pyrometer having a coaxial light guide delivers laser radiation through optics to heat a localized area on a sample, and simultaneously collects optical radiation from the sample to perform temperature measurement of the heated area. Inner and outer light guides can comprise the core and inner cladding, respectively, of a double-clad fiber (DCF), or can be formed using a combination of optical fibers in one or more coaxial bundles. Coaxial construction and shared optics facilitate alignment of the centers of the heated and observed areas on the sample. The heated area can be on the order of micrometers when using a single-mode optical fiber core as the inner light guide. The system can be configured to heat small samples within a vacuum system of charged-particle beam microscopes such as electron microscopes. A method for using the invention in a microscope is also provided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a pressure. A pressure gauge includes a first plate having a resonant frequency related to a pressure at the pressure gauge. The first plate is thermally-excited at a selected frequency, and a sensor measures a first power level of a first light having a first wavelength reflected from the first plate and a second power level of a second light having a second wavelength reflected from the first plate. A processor determines a thermal drift in the resonant frequency of the first plate due to the thermal excitation of the first plate from the first power level and the second power level, corrects a pressure measurement determined from the resonant frequency of the first plate for the thermal drift of the resonant frequency, and operates a device based on the pressure measurement.

Abstract: A measurement apparatus comprises optical components arranged to provide parallel measurements of a biological sample. The parallel sample measurements provide improved accuracy with lower detection limit thresholds. The parallel measurements may comprise one or more of Raman spectroscopy measurements or infrared spectroscopy measurements. The parallel measurements can be combined with a light source. In many embodiments, the light source comprises one or more wavelengths corresponding to resonance frequencies of one or more molecules of the sample, such as wavelengths of ultraviolet light. The wavelengths of light corresponding to resonance frequencies can provide an increased signal to noise ratio. The parallel array optical configuration can be combined with wavelengths of light corresponding to resonance frequencies in order to provide increased measurement accuracy and detection of metabolites.

Abstract: An environmental sensor including a plurality of sensor elements that measure a plurality of physical quantities associated with a surrounding environment detects moving of an environmental sensor based on an illuminance and a change in the illuminance among the plurality of physical quantities, and transmits an alert signal to a user when the moving of the environmental sensor is detected.

Abstract: A method, which can accurately determine in a short time a relationship between a load of a dresser and a pressure of a gas supplied to an air cylinder, is disclosed. The method includes determining a first contact point where a load measurement device is brought into contact with a polishing table, calculating a relational expression composed to a quadratic function showing a relationship between a measured load and a measured pressure, determining a second contact point where the dresser is brought into contact with a polishing surface of a polishing pad, calculating an amount of correction from the pressure of the gas at the first contact point and the pressure of the gas at the second contact point, and correcting the relational expression based on the calculated amount of correction.

Abstract: For caching of cognitive applications in a communication network a first input signal from a sensor device is detected by a proxy having a cache associated therewith. A representation of the first input signal is computed and sent to a server. A handle function is applied to the representation of the first input signal to compute a first handle value corresponding to the first input signal. The representation of the first input signal is transformed using a cognitive processing model of an answer function to compute a first answer value. A content of the cache is modified by the proxy by storing the first answer value in association with the first handle value in the cache.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to optical systems for fluorescence-based imaging. An example optical system includes an image sensor. The image sensor is sensitive to at least a first wavelength of light and a second wavelength of light. The optical system also includes a light guiding layer optically coupled to the image sensor and a light source positioned to emit light into a side surface of the light guiding layer. The emitted light includes light at the first wavelength and the emitted light is transmitted in an in-plane direction in the light guiding layer. The optical system further includes a thin film filter and an output coupler optically coupled to the light guiding layer. At least a portion of the emitted light transmitted in an in-plane direction in the light guiding layer is coupled out of the light guiding layer in an out-of-plane direction via the output coupler.

Abstract: A level and surface temperature gauge includes a housing structure, a level scanner, and a temperature scanner). The level scanner is supported by the housing structure and is configured to generate surface level measurements of a process material surface at a plurality of locations on the surface. The temperature scanner is supported by the housing structure and is configured to generate temperature measurements of the process material surface at a plurality of locations on the surface.

Abstract: This detection device is provided with: a chip including a detection region for detecting a substance to be detected; a light source which emits excitation light; a detector for detecting the fluorescence emitted from a fluorescent substance which labels the substance to be detected, and which is excited by the excitation light; and an optical fiber which includes a core, and a cladding covering the outer peripheral surface of the core, guides, to the detection region, the excitation light emitted from the light source, and guides, to the detector, the fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance. The optical fiber is fixed to the chip directly or via a connector. The excitation light emitted from the light source is guided within the core, and reaches the detection region of the chip. The fluorescence emitted from the fluorescent substance is guided within the core and the cladding, and reaches the detector.

Abstract: A mechanical state indicator system concealed within an enclosure includes a light source for providing light and multiple light paths coupled to the light source for directing the light. Each of the light paths includes a gap configured to receive a mechanical state indicator rigidly coupled to a mechanism. Movement of the mechanism between a first state and a second state moves the mechanical state indicator into and out of the gap. Readouts are coupled to each of the light paths for displaying an indication of mechanical state based on a position of a respective mechanical state indicator. The readouts are co-located for collective viewing.

Abstract: A system comprises a power generator for generating electrical power and a switched capacitor converter for down-converting the output voltage of the power generator. The switched capacitor converter comprises a bank of capacitors and a switch arrangement. A controller is used for controlling the switches, based on a feedback signal from the power generator. This provides automatic control of the switched capacitor converter, thereby simplifying the overall control circuitry and improving efficiency.

Abstract: A temperature measurement device includes: a detector to detect first Stokes and anti-Stokes components when a light is input into a first end of an optical fiber and detect second Stokes and anti-Stokes components when a light is input into a second end; and a processor to execute a process including: calculating a first section from a first correlation between the second Stokes component and at least one of the first Stokes and the first anti-Stokes components, calculating a second section from a second correlation between the second anti-Stokes component and at least one of the first Stokes and the first anti-Stokes components, smoothing the second Stokes component in the first section, smoothing the second anti-Stokes component in the second section; and measuring a temperature by using the second Stokes and the second anti-Stokes components after smoothing, the first Stokes component and the second Stokes component.

Abstract: Presented herein are methods, systems, and apparatus for single analyte detection or multiplexed analyte detection based on amplified luminescent proximity homogeneous assay (“alpha”) technology, but using hollow polymer fiber optics doped with ‘acceptor bead’ dye (e.g., thioxene, anthracene, rubrene, and/or lanthanide chelates) or ‘donor bead’ dye (e.g., phthalocyanine) that carry a signal generated by the dopant via singlet oxygen channeling.

Abstract: A neuromorphic network includes a first node configured to transmit a first optical signal and a second node configured to transmit a second optical signal. A waveguide optically connects the first node to the second node. An integrated optical synapse is located on the waveguide between the first node and the second node, the optical synapse configured to change an optical property based on the first optical signal and the second optical signal such that if a correlation between the first optical signal and the second optical signal is strong, the optical connection between the first node and the second node is increased and if the correlation between the first optical signal and the second optical signal is weak, the optical connection between the first node and the second node is decreased.

Abstract: A food or beverage preparation machine (1) comprising a control panel (5), said control panel (5) comprising an actuator (5x) for setting at least one beverage preparation parameter to a predetermined value and a controlling unit for controlling the functioning of the food or beverage preparation machine (1), the food or beverage preparation machine (1) comprising in association with said actuator (5x): a light emitting device (6x) for emitting a light beam, an element for reflecting the light beam that has been emitted by the light emitting device (6x), the position of the reflecting element being modified when a press action (F) is applied to the actuator (5x), a coupler (8x) for generating an interference signal based on the emitted light beam and the reflected light beam, a value of at least one parameter of the interference signal depending on the position of the reflecting element, and a light sensor (7x) for detecting the interference signal, said light sensor being electronically connected with the co

Abstract: A test system for examining a hollow body, in particular a cylinder bore in an engine block, comprises a measuring apparatus comprising an elongate body and a plurality of sensors which are connected to the body and are set up to carry out a distance measurement. The test system also comprises electronic control means which are set up to move the measuring apparatus into a hollow body to be examined and to determine an internal diameter of the hollow body on the basis of distance measurement data from the sensors. In order to examine hollow bodies of different diameters, at least some of the sensors are in the form of movable sensors which can be moved relative to the elongate body of the measuring apparatus. The electronic control means are also set up to select a measuring position of the movable sensors relative to the elongate body on the basis of a hollow body to be examined.

Abstract: For caching of cognitive applications in a communication network a first input signal from a sensor device is detected by a proxy having a cache associated therewith. A representation of the first input signal is computed and sent to a server. A handle function is applied to the representation of the first input signal to compute a first handle value corresponding to the first input signal. The representation of the first input signal is transformed using a cognitive processing model of an answer function to compute a first answer value. A content of the cache is modified by the proxy by storing the first answer value in association with the first handle value in the cache.

Abstract: A gas gauge proximity sensor comprising a measurement gas flow channel having an optical pressure sensor for comparing a pressure of the first gas flow and a reference pressure; the optical pressure sensor comprising a first optical cavity fluidly connected to the measurement channel and a second optical cavity fluidly connected to the reference pressure, with the optical cavities being configured to receive electromagnetic radiation and output reflected electromagnetic radiation, the optical pressure sensor further being configured to combine the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the first optical cavity with the reflected electromagnetic radiation from the second optical cavity and determine, based on the combined electromagnetic radiation, a pressure difference between the pressure of the first gas flow and the reference pressure and determine, based on the pressure difference, a distance between the measurement outlet and the measurement object.

Abstract: A temperature sensor (1) has a pressure sensor (10), the distal end of which is inserted in a sealed chamber (2) filled with a liquid. The pressure sensor has a light guide (4), a cavity (14) at a distal end of the light guide, a diaphragm (11) forming a wall of the cavity and being configured to deflect with applied pressure, and a detector to detect changes in light reflection due to deflection of the diaphragm. The liquid (3) which changes volume in response to temperature changes and this volume change is sufficient to change the pressure applied on the diaphragm (11), and the a interrogation system processes pressure data and/or light reflection data to generate an output indicating temperature of the fluid in the chamber.

Abstract: A quantum memory system includes a chalcogenide optical fiber link, a magnetic field generation unit and a pump laser. The chalcogenide optical fiber link includes a photon receiving end opposite a photon output end and is positioned within a magnetic field of the magnetic field generation unit when the magnetic field generation unit generates the magnetic field. The pump laser is optically coupled to the photon receiving end of the chalcogenide optical fiber link. The chalcogenide optical fiber link includes a core doped with a rare-earth element dopant. The rare-earth element dopant is configured to absorb a storage photon traversing the chalcogenide optical fiber link upon receipt of a first pump pulse output by the pump laser. Further, the rare-earth element dopant is configured to release the storage photon upon receipt of a second pump pulse output by the pump laser.

Abstract: An acoustic emission wave detection system and an acoustic emission wave detector are provided. The acoustic emission wave detection system includes an acoustic emission wave detector, a photoelectric converter, and a determination processor. The acoustic emission wave detector includes a housing, an optical fiber that guides light from a wideband light source into the housing, and an FBG housed in the housing and having a diffractive grating that reflects light guided into the housing. The FBG is fixed on a side of the other end in the housing such that the light guided into the housing is received by one end thereof. An acoustic emission wave from a high-voltage apparatus is received by the other end thereof. Due to the insulation resistance of the FBG, the acoustic wave detector can be installed close to or in contact with the high-voltage apparatus without introducing discharges or noise from the high-voltage apparatus.

Abstract: An optical testing device is provided. The testing device includes a position sensing detector (PSD) having an optical sensing area that is optically responsive to a first range of wavelengths. The PSD receives a plurality of optical signals having wavelengths within the first range and emitted through a respective plurality of optical fibers and detects a plurality of positions where the optical signals impinged on the optical sensing area for determining array polarity. The PSD receives a plurality of first optical signals having wavelengths within the first range and detects the polarity and a plurality of optical intensities of the first optical signals. The testing device includes a photodetector that is optically responsive to a second range of wavelengths different than the first range. The photodetector receives a plurality of second optical signals within the second range and detects a plurality of optical intensities of the second optical signals.

Abstract: An improved technique for acoustic sensing involves, in one embodiment, launching into a medium, a plurality of groups of pulse-modulated electromagnetic-waves. The frequency of electromagnetic waves in a pulse within a group differs from the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in another pulse within the group. The energy scattered by the medium is detected and, in one embodiment, may be used to determine a characteristic of the environment of the medium. For example, if the medium is a buried optical fiber into which light pulses have been launched in accordance with the invention, the presence of acoustic waves within the region of the buried fiber can be detected.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a system for interfacing with an optically-powered sensor. The system includes an optical emitter configured to emit a beam of optical energy so as to provide operating power for the optically-powered sensor. The system includes an optical detector configured to detect a time sequence of optical pulses generated by the optically-powered sensor, the time sequence of pulses modulated between first and second optical power levels. The system includes a parameter extractor configured to determine a value of a sensed parameter based on the time sequence of optical pulses detected by the optical detector. The system also includes a power controller configured to control power level of the emitted beam of optical energy based on the first and/or second optical power levels detected by the optical detector.

Abstract: A laminated elastomeric bearing has layers of elastomeric material and layers of metal. A tab is located on a periphery of one of the layers of metal and protrudes from the bearing. A thermoelectric device is coupled to the tab, and heat generated within the bearing during use is conducted to the tab and to the thermoelectric device, allowing for measurement of the heat.

Abstract: An improved technique for acoustic sensing involves, in one embodiment, launching into a medium, a plurality of groups of pulse-modulated electromagnetic-waves. The frequency of electromagnetic waves in a pulse within a group differs from the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in another pulse within the group. The energy scattered by the medium is detected and, in one embodiment, the beat signal may be used to determine a characteristic of the environment of the medium. For example, if the medium is a buried optical fiber into which light pulses have been launched in accordance with the invention, the presence of acoustic waves within the region of the buried fiber can be detected.

Abstract: An optical sensor is installed in a device, and includes a light-emitting element, and a light-receiving element for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting element and traveling through a space. The optical sensor detects an object present in the space, based on a change of the light impinging upon the object. A first optical waveguide is connected to the light-emitting element so as to be capable of light propagation. The first optical waveguide has a front end portion serving as a light exit portion for exiting light emitted from the light-emitting element. A second optical waveguide is connected to the light-receiving element so as to be capable of light propagation. The second optical waveguide has a front end portion serving as a light entrance portion for receiving light exiting from the light exit portion of the first optical waveguide and traveling through the space.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus that illuminates light from a light source unit onto an object and that receives reflected light from the object on a light receiver to detect position information of the object, includes a detector (10) and a signal processor (102), the detector includes a first grating (15) in an optical path between the light source unit and the object, a second grating (16) in an optical path between the object and the light receiver, and a third grating (17) in an optical path between the second grating and the light receiver, the signal processor acquires the position information of the object based on a phase variation of the second periodic image detected by the light receiver, and the position information of the object is information related to a distance from the detector to the object.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a distributed device for simultaneously measuring strain and temperature based on optical frequency domain reflection, comprising a tunable laser, a 1:99 beam splitter, a main interferometer system, a light source phase monitoring system based on an auxiliary interferometer, an acquisition device and a computer processing unit, wherein the main interferometer system comprises two Mach-Zehnder interferometers, and two optical fibers having different cladding diameters are arranged in parallel as sensing fibers. Due to the difference in temperature and strain coefficients of optical fibers of the same diameter, the temperature and strain values during changing the temperature and strain simultaneously can be obtained by matrix operation, thereby achieving an effect of eliminating cross sensitivity of temperature and strain sensing in optical frequency domain reflection.