Abstract: A switching device includes a first enclosure containing a switch, a rod-shaped second enclosure having a second end connected to the first enclosure, a detector unit in the second enclosure, and a float disposed around the second enclosure and capable of moving along it. As the float moves from the first end of the second enclosure toward the second end, when the float enters a first position range, a first position sensor senses the float and transmits a first sensing signal to a detection circuit; when the float enters a second position range, a second position sensor senses the float and transmits a second sensing signal to the detection circuit. The detection circuit close a switch in response to the second sensing signal to turn on an external appliance. The switching device is flexible, reliable, and inexpensive to produce.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electro-optic sensor that performs well in a wide range of temperatures. The sensors of the present disclosure can be used in high temperature applications. In some embodiments, the sensor can detect the presence or absence of fluid as well as measure temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting one or more properties of a downhole fluid includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a location-sensitive optical detector, arranged within a chamber formed by the housing. The apparatus further includes a light source, arranged within the chamber. The apparatus also includes a lens, positioned at an end of the housing, the lens preferably having a flat side and a curved side, the flat side positioned proximate the chamber to position the flat side closer to the light source than the curved side. The apparatus further includes a mirror, arranged outside the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to devices, systems and methods for measuring a volume or number of doses remaining in a drug delivery device that is used for delivering a dose to a patient. In some embodiments, a dose measurement system for measuring the liquid volume in a container includes a light guide disposed and configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation toward the container. The dose measurement system also includes a light guide disposed and configured to emit electromagnetic radiation into the light guide. A plurality of sensors are located in the apparatus that are optically coupleable to the light guide and are disposed and configured to detect the electromagnetic radiation emitted by at least a portion of the light guide. The apparatus also includes a processing unit configured to receive data representing the portion of the detected electromagnetic radiation from each of the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, software, and systems for gauging tanks. A computer-implemented method includes generating, using an interrogator, a radio frequency signal directed towards a radio frequency identification (RFID) device that is freely floating on the liquid stored within the tank, receiving a return signal from the RFID device, the return signal being associated to a location of the RFID device, processing the return signal to determine a height of the liquid stored within the tank based on a triangulation algorithm, and determining a result data based on the height of the liquid stored within the tank and one or more tank characteristics.

Abstract: Use of improved image acquisition for a medical dose preparation system. The medical dose preparation system may include a work station for capturing medical dose preparation images (e.g., to document preparation of a mediation dose). The medical dose preparation image may be captured by a video data stream processor capable of performing an auto cropping technique on a video data stream received from an image device. Accordingly, memory resources may be more efficiently employed while maintaining high quality medical dose preparation images.

Abstract: A process for sizing two-dimensional nanostructures includes providing the nanostructures to a liquid-liquid interface, providing probe particles to the liquid-liquid interface, obtaining an image of the nanostructures and the probe particles, and processing the image to ascertain a size property of the nanostructures.

Abstract: A liquid level detection device that is provided in a vessel and configured to detect a liquid level of fluid stored in the vessel includes a first plate formed in a plate shape, and a second plate formed in a plate shape and disposed to face the first plate. The first plate is disposed in such a manner that a surface opposite to a surface facing the second plate is orthogonal to a flow direction of fluid around the first plate in the vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleaning a surface includes a liquid delivery system for storing cleaning liquid and delivering the cleaning liquid to the surface to be cleaned, a fluid recovery system and a control system. The control system includes a controller that is coupled to a fluid level sensing assembly. Methods of operating the same include sensing foam or liquid with the fluid level sensing assembly.

Abstract: Provided is a structure for operating a watertight door by use of buoyancy. The structure includes: a detention tank for storing rainwater flowing from a street inlet; a buoyant member which is installed in the detention tank; and a sensor installed in the detention tank, in which if the buoyant member raised by the buoyant of the rainwater collected in the detention tank comes into contact with the sensor, the watertight door is automatically operated. The watertight door structure manually operated at localized heavy rain is improved, and the watertight door is automatically operated if the water level reaches the predetermined level.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level. An electro-optic sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of controlling a compressor, and may include: pilot driving which drives a compressor of an air conditioner by receiving a start signal; determining whether oil is short which compares the oil amount of the compressor, driven in the pilot driving, with a predetermined reference oil amount; normal driving which maintains the driving of the compressor when it is determined that the oil amount is the reference oil amount or more; and stopping which stops the driving of the compressor when it is determined that the oil amount is smaller than the reference oil amount. Accordingly, by stopping the compressor when the oil is short, it is possible to prevent damage to the compressor.

Abstract: A disclosed vehicle sensing system includes an optic fiber disposed adjacent to a vehicle panel, a transmitter/receiver disposed at an originating end of the optic fiber, the transmitter/receiver configured to emit a beam through the optic fiber at a defined originating frequency, and a reflector disposed at a terminal end of the optic fiber for reflecting the beam back through the optic fiber to the transmitter/receiver. Dimensional changes to the optic fiber change the originating frequency reflected back to the transmitter/receiver and the change in the originating frequency is indicative of a physical change in the vehicle panel.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, devices, and methods for point-of-care and/or distributed testing services. The methods and devices of the invention are directed toward automatic detection of analytes in a bodily fluid. The components of the device can be modified to allow for more flexible and robust use with the disclosed methods for a variety of medical, laboratory, and other applications. The systems, devices, and methods of the present invention can allow for effective use of samples by improved sample preparation and analysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources for emitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward the container, a plurality of sensors optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources, each sensor of the plurality of sensors for detecting the EMR emitted by at least a portion of the plurality of light sources, a temperature sensor for measuring at least one temperature associated with a liquid in the container, and at least one processor for receiving data representative of the portion of the detected EMR from each of the plurality of sensors, comparing the at least one measured temperature to a temperature guideline to identify any temperature events associated with the received data; normalizing the received data based on any temperature events associated with the received data; and converting the normalized data into a signature representative of the EMR detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An example method for installing optical sensors for a fuel level measurement system includes mounting a plurality of fittings through a wall of a fuel tank, positioning a plurality of optical sensors within the plurality of fittings and a respective optical sensor includes a first pressure sensing end inserted through the fitting and internally into the fuel tank and a second end extending externally from the fuel tank, and mounting an optical fiber bundle external to the fuel tank. The optical fiber bundle has an optical fiber connected to each of the plurality of optical sensors for guiding light to each of the plurality of optical sensors.

Abstract: A contactless autofill dispenser includes a housing and a dispense area for receiving a cup. The dispenser includes a supply of consumable product disposed within the housing. The dispenser includes an outlet connected to the supply and extending from the housing into the dispense area for dispensing the consumable product into the cup. The dispenser includes a controller disposed within the housing and connected to the supply, wherein the controller is configured to control dispensing of the consumable product from the outlet. The dispenser includes a time of flight sensor attached to or with a direct line of sight into the dispense area and connected to the controller.

Abstract: A method of managing a compressor start operation, the method includes controlling a valve disposed upstream of a compressor to lower a saturated suction temperature of a refrigerant to be below an ambient temperature while starting the compressor.

Abstract: Methods and systems for activity monitoring include capturing an infrared image of an environment that comprises at least one patient being monitored and at least one infrared-emitting tag. A relationship between the patient being monitored and the at least one infrared-emitting tag is determined. An activity conducted by the patient being monitored is determined based on the relationship between the patient being monitored and the at least one infrared-emitting tag. A course of treatment for the patient being monitored is adjusted based on the determined activity.

Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes at least one optical sensor assembly configured to sense the movement of the pump assembly, a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set.

Abstract: Use of improved image acquisition for a medical dose preparation system. The medical dose preparation system may include a work station for capturing medical dose preparation images (e.g., to document preparation of a mediation dose). The medical dose preparation image may be captured by a video data stream processor capable of performing an auto cropping technique on a video data stream received from an image device. Accordingly, memory resources may be more efficiently employed while maintaining high quality medical dose preparation images.

Abstract: A liquid-consuming apparatus includes: a tank including a liquid chamber, an upstanding wall facing a particular direction, and an inlet formed in a surface of the tank; a liquid-consuming unit consuming liquid stored in the liquid chamber; a cover rotatable between a covering position where the upstanding wall is covered with the cover and an exposure position where the upstanding wall is exposed, around a rotation axis extending in a further direction; and a casing including an engaging target part which holds the cover in the covering position, and supporting the tank, liquid-consuming unit, and cover. The cover includes: an engaging part to engage with the engaging target part in the state that the cover is in the covering position; and a tab which is subjected to an operation for releasing an engagement between the engaging part and the engaging target part.

Abstract: A liquid-consuming apparatus includes: a tank including a liquid chamber, an upstanding wall facing a particular direction, and an inlet formed in a surface of the tank; a liquid-consuming unit consuming liquid stored in the liquid chamber; a cover rotatable between a covering position where the upstanding wall is covered with the cover and an exposure position where the upstanding wall is exposed, around a rotation axis extending in a further direction; and a casing including an engaging target part which holds the cover in the covering position, and supporting the tank, liquid-consuming unit, and cover. The cover includes: an engaging part to engage with the engaging target part in the state that the cover is in the covering position; and a tab which is subjected to an operation for releasing an engagement between the engaging part and the engaging target part.

Abstract: A stop sensor for an ice machine comprising a casing made up of a base and a cover, wherein the base acts as a housing for a sensor protected by glass, and which is arranged in an electronic board which in turn houses at least electronic means which send the stop signal; a probe, a light emitting diode and a switch; and in that the cover of the casing has a hole wherein a cap is housed which protects the sensor from possible inlets of water during the operation of the machine, and wherein in turn, said hole will coincide with the area where the button of the switch is located.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a volume of a liquid provided in at least one receptacle, including the steps of: providing a receptacle having at least one cavity for holding a liquid; providing a plenoptic camera positioned so as to be able to image the surface of the liquid; positioning the receptacle such that the liquid surface faces an objective lens of the plenoptic camera; making at least one plenoptic image of the surface of the liquid by way of the plenoptic camera; determining a surface topography of the liquid on the basis of the at least one image; calculating the volume of liquid based on the measured surface topography and at least one known dimension and/or position of the cavity.

Abstract: A measurement system that measures an amount of a drug solution in each needle-shaped recess of a mold in which a plurality of needle-shaped recesses are formed, or an amount of a drug after drying the drug solution, includes: a first detection unit that detects position information regarding each needle-shaped recess in a state where the drug solution does not fill the needle-shaped recess; a first measurement unit that measures a shape of the needle-shaped recess; a second detection unit that detects position information regarding a surface of the drug solution or the drug; a second measurement unit that measures a shape of the surface of the drug solution or the drug; and a calculation unit that calculates a volume of the drug solution or the drug based on the shape of the needle-shaped recess and the shape of the surface of the drug solution or the drug.

Abstract: A potting cup is provided and is positioned on a printed circuit board. The potting cup encapsulates a portion of the printed circuit board including at least one interface subject to corrosion when exposed to moisture and is configured to receive a potting material in the encapsulated portion to cover the at least one interface subject to corrosion.

Abstract: A method of operating an electro-optic sensor includes disposing at least a portion of the electro-optic sensor in a liquid chamber, providing light from a light source of the electro-optic sensor at a first intensity, driving a light detector of the electro-optic sensor at a first sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a first amount of light from the light source; determining whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the first amount of light, providing light from the light source at a second intensity, driving the light detector at a second sensitivity level, receiving, via the light detector, a second amount of light from the light source, and/or confirming whether liquid is present in the liquid chamber according to the second amount of light. The first sensitivity level may be different from the second sensitivity level.

Abstract: A mister has an on state and an off state. A sensor detects when an air conditioner turns on. The sensor does not flex with respect to the air conditioner. A driver circuit is coupled to the sensor and the mister. The driver circuit transitions the mister from the off state to the on state when the sensor detects the air conditioner turning on.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for a nested co-blindmate high-density optical switch system. The nested co-blindmate high-density optical switch system can include a system enclosure, and an enclosure midplane that is installed the system enclosure. Further, a switch chassis can be enclosed by the system enclosure, and liquid blindmate to a liquid line on a rack; optically blindmate to at least one blade in the system enclosure; and electrically blindmate to the enclosure midplane. At least one optical switch line-card can be included in the system, which is enclosed by the switch chassis, and further enclosed by the system enclosure in a nested manner. The at least one optical switch line-cards can liquid blindmate to the switch chassis, optically blindmate to the switch chassis, and electrically blindmate to the enclosure midplane.

Abstract: Methods and systems for activity monitoring include capturing an infrared image of an environment that comprises at least one patient being monitored and at least one infrared-emitting tag. A relationship between the patient being monitored and the at least one infrared-emitting tag is determined. An activity conducted by the patient being monitored is determined based on the relationship between the patient being monitored and the at least one infrared-emitting tag. A course of treatment for the patient being monitored is adjusted based on the determined activity.

Abstract: A device comprises a fixed element, a mobile element, a physical measurement sensor secured to the mobile element and a link allowing a transmission of information between the sensor and the fixed element, the sensor generating a primary signal representative of the physical measurement. The device further comprises a converter of the primary signal into a light signal. The converter is secured to the mobile element. The link is an optical path. The light signal is propagated freely between the fixed element and the mobile element along the optical path. The sensor comprises a power supply module receiving energy from the fixed element without contact.

Abstract: A method for determining the refractive index profile of a preform is provided.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes at least one housing enclosing a reservoir configured to retain an aerosol precursor composition, and a heating element controllable to activate and vaporize components of the aerosol precursor composition. The aerosol delivery device includes a light source configured to emit light into the reservoir, and a photodetector configured to detect a reflection of the light, and that indicates an amount of aerosol precursor composition retained in the reservoir. And the aerosol delivery device includes a control component coupled to the photodetector and configured to control operation of at least one functional element of the aerosol delivery device based on the reflection, and thereby the amount of aerosol precursor composition.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates, in one embodiment, to an oil sight apparatus. The oil sight may include a sight body with a chamber defined in the sight body. The chamber may include a top, a bottom, and a sidewall spanning from the top to the bottom. A separator may be located in the chamber. The separator may be configured to sink in oil and to float in water such that the separator may rest at an oil-water separation line in the chamber.

Abstract: Complete nucleic acid library preparation devices are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a thermal chip module comprising multiple nodes; one or more plate locations; a robotically controlled liquid handler configured to transfer liquid between the one or more plate locations and the thermal chip module; and a bulk reagent dispenser configured to access each node of the thermal chip module.

Abstract: A thermal tag for activity monitoring. The thermal tag includes a base layer having a plurality of metal lines to provide a conductive path, and a pattern layer having one or more infrared emitting features positioned over portions of the conductive path, wherein at least one infrared emitting feature couples to the conductive path to emit a predetermined infrared pattern in accordance with nearby activity.

Abstract: Provided are an optical switch, an optical probe including the optical switch, and a medical imaging apparatus including the optical probe. The optical probe includes a probe body that is configured to be insertable into a body cavity, and an optical switch that is disposed in the probe body and includes a first region formed of a material having a first refractive index, and a second region that forms an interface with the first region and is configured to have a fluid is introduced into the second region, wherein the optical switch is configured to change a path of propagation of incident light according to a second refractive index of the second region.

Abstract: A medical device fluid sensing system in provided. The system includes a transmitter array positioned in association with a fluid maintaining device, such as a reservoir in a cassette. Electrical circuitry is connected to the transmitter array and configured to cause the transmitter array to transmit light energy at a predetermined wavelength and producing a desired absorption coefficient based on expected conditions within the fluid maintaining device. The system also includes a receiver array configured to receive light energy transmitted through the fluid maintaining device and originating from the transmitter array, and a controller configured to determine fluid level in the fluid maintaining device based on conditions sensed by the receiver array. In one embodiment, three transmitters and three matching sensors are provided in a surgical cassette, and when optical energy having predetermined characteristics is provided to the transmitter array, the presence or absence of fluid is determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured light emitting diodes, LEDs. The nanostructure LED device according to the invention comprises an array of a plurality of individual nanostructured LEDs. Each of the nanostructured LEDs has an active region wherein light is produced. The nanostructured device further comprise a plurality of reflectors, each associated to one individual nanostructured LED (or a group of nanostructured LEDs. The individual reflectors has a concave surface facing the active region of the respective individual nanostructured LED or active regions of group of nanostructured LEDs.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring liquid volume in a container includes a plurality of light sources for emitting electromagnetic radiation (EMR) toward the container, a plurality of sensors optically coupleable to the plurality of light sources, each sensor of the plurality of sensors for detecting the EMR emitted by at least a portion of the plurality of light sources, a temperature sensor for measuring at least one temperature associated with a liquid in the container, and at least one processor for receiving data representative of the portion of the detected EMR from each of the plurality of sensors, comparing the at least one measured temperature to a temperature guideline to identify any temperature events associated with the received data; normalizing the received data based on any temperature events associated with the received data; and converting the normalized data into a signature representative of the EMR detected by the plurality of sensors.

Abstract: An electro-optic liquid sensor may include a light source, an light detector, a prism, and a reflective optical member. The optical member may be arranged to reflect light emitted by the light source to the light detector when a liquid is disposed between the light source and the optical member. The electro-optic sensor may enable assessment of its operational state in the presence of liquid, thus improving on known electro-optic liquid sensors.

Abstract: A device and system are disclosed for sensing ambient temperature. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and an interior surface, a channel, formed through an opening in the housing from the exterior surface to the interior surface, a conductive element, thermally responsive to ambient air entering the channel, comprising an external surface and an internal surface, and a sensor situated within the housing and thermally coupled to the conductive element, wherein the sensor determines the ambient temperature of the device based at least on a detected temperature of the conductive element.

Abstract: An airplane fuel level optical sensor using one side-emitting plastic optical fiber (SPOF) and two fluorescent plastic optical fibers (FPOFs) to detect the airplane fuel level without using any electrically conductive component or element placed inside the fuel tank. This dual-FPOF sensor is capable of achieving high resolution and high accuracy with a one-time calibration in the actual airplane's fuel tank environment. One embodiment of the dual-FPOF sensor uses one SPOF and two FPOFs to detect fuel level change based on the optical signal output from the two FPOFs. The sensor design uses large-diameter (core and cladding), lightweight, low-cost and high-durability plastic optical fiber, which is very desirable for airplane installation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for dispensing a liquid, including a vertically arranged, translucent pipe for guiding the liquid, wherein the pipe has an upper section and a lower section, wherein an inner diameter of the upper section is greater than an inner diameter of the lower section, at least two light barriers for detecting a rise in the liquid over two defined levels in the pipe, wherein a first light barrier detects a rise in the liquid in the upper section of the pipe, and wherein a second light barrier detects a rise in the liquid in the lower section of the pipe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for detecting wall abrasion of a solid-filling feeding well and a detection method thereof. The device comprises a well wall abrasion detector, a horizontal displacement meter, a vertical displacement monitor, and a limit guide rod. One end of the limit guide rod is connected to the well wall abrasion detector. The signal output terminal of the well wall abrasion detector is connected to the signal input terminal of the horizontal displacement meter, and the other end of the limit guide rod passes through the vertical displacement monitor for slidable setting. This disclosure mainly utilizes a resistance strain displacement sensor to detect the abrasion and deformation degree of the well wall, determines the position of damages with the vertical displacement monitor, and draws wall abrasion curves by using the obtained data.

Abstract: Use of improved image acquisition for a medical dose preparation system. The medical dose preparation system may include a work station for capturing medical dose preparation images (e.g., to document preparation of a mediation dose). The medical dose preparation image may be captured by a video data stream processor capable of performing an auto cropping technique on a video data stream received from an image device. Accordingly, memory resources may be more efficiently employed while maintaining high quality medical dose preparation images.

Abstract: An electronic liquid level gauge assembly includes an electronic display located in a housing connected to a tank. The display has first and second display portions for indicating liquid level condition. A first electronic sensor senses a change in magnetic field of a magnet associated with a liquid level transducer, with magnet rotation being proportional liquid level change. A processor determines a temperature-compensated liquid level condition by correlating the liquid level signal with temperature measurement of the liquid. A temperature-compensated vapor space can also be calculated based on tank information and properties of the liquid. Signals related to the temperature-compensated liquid level and vapor space are sent to the display and wirelessly transmitted to a smart phone or the like for remotely viewing the tank information. The smart phone also includes a special app for sending information, firmware updates, and display configuration data to the electronic gauge assembly.

Abstract: A liquid cartridge includes a liquid supply port configured to provide communication between an interior and an exterior of the liquid cartridge, a first wall having the liquid supply port, and a second wall spaced from the first wall. A first storage chamber is between the first and second walls, and a second storage chamber is between the first and second walls communicating with both the liquid supply port and the first storage chamber. A prism is in the second storage chamber, and the prism has an inclined surface configured to change the state of received light in response to a level of liquid contained in the second storage chamber. The prism is positioned between the first and second walls and above the first storage chamber.

Abstract: A feeding device for feeding an optical fiber from a coil and for recoiling unused fiber for use in an apparatus for measuring the temperature of a melt is provided. The feeding device includes a support for a coil, a feeding mechanism for decoiling the optical fiber from the coil and recoiling the optical fiber, at least one motor for driving the feeding mechanism, and a load for the optical fiber which avoids a spring back effect of the optical fiber from the coil. Blockage is avoided when decoiling and recoiling the optical fiber from the coil.