Abstract: An electric motor-assisted bicycle includes a vehicle speed sensor to detect a vehicle speed, a torque sensor to detect a pedal force on a pedal connected to a crankshaft, a motor to generate an assist force that assists the pedal force, a motor controller to control the assist force by the motor depending on the pedal force and the vehicle speed, a threshold determiner to determine an unauthorized alteration determination threshold depending on the vehicle speed, and an unauthorized alteration detector to determine whether an unauthorized alteration has been made to the vehicle speed sensor or the torque sensor by comparing a running output and the unauthorized alteration determination threshold, wherein the running output is the sum of the assist force by the motor and the pedal force. If an unauthorized alteration has been made, a predetermined control is performed to address the unauthorized alteration.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for wireless charging are disclosed. A test apparatus has a receiving head configured to provide a measurement signal representative of electromagnetic flux received from one or more transmitting coils of a wireless charging surface, a numerically-controlled stage configured to position the receiving head at a selected point in three-dimensional space above wireless charging surface, and a processor configured to cause the numerically-controlled stage to position the receiving head at the selected point in three-dimensional space, and use the measurement signal to determine magnitude of the electromagnetic flux or power received from the wireless charging surface proximate to the selected point in three-dimensional space.

Abstract: An alignment device comprises a coil configured to generate an induced voltage from a magnetic field, or an electrode configured to generate an induced voltage from an electric field. The alignment device further comprises a comparator configured to compare the induced voltage to a threshold voltage and activate an indicator based on the comparison.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying a sticker label to a waste container during waste collection operations. The apparatus can include an xyz-positioner, and a sticker labeling dispenser, wherein the xyz-positioner is disposed on a waste collection vehicle, and wherein the sticker labeling dispenser is disposed on the xyz-positioner, and wherein the xyz-positioner is configured to move the sticker labeling dispenser along x, y, and z coordinates and into proximity with the waste container during operations of the waste collection vehicle, such that the sticker label can be applied to the waste container.

Abstract: A system of measuring a top surface of a closure to determine if the closure is properly affixed to a container. Multiple paths of measurements may be collected and analyzed. In various analysis paradigms, measurements on a given path are separated into different sets, such as a leading set that generally includes the first third of measurements, a trailing set that includes the trailing set of measurements, and a middle set that includes the middle third of measurements. Several methods of analysis may be based on a presumption that a properly affixed closure is symmetrical or near symmetrical.

Abstract: Devices and methods for molecule detection using such devices are disclosed herein. A molecule detection device comprises at least one fluidic channel configured to receive molecules to be detected, a sensor comprising a spin torque oscillator (STO) and encapsulated by a material separating the sensor from the at least one fluidic channel, and detection circuitry coupled to the sensor. At least some of the molecules to be detected are labeled by magnetic nanoparticles (HNPs). A surface of the material provides binding sites for the molecules to be detected. The detection circuitry is configured to detect a frequency or frequency noise of a radio-frequency (RF) signal generated by the STO in response to presence or absence of at least one MNP coupled to one or more binding sites associated with the sensor.

Abstract: An intelligent energy harvesting device, a voltage signal application system, and an energy management module thereof are disclosed. The intelligent energy harvesting device is used to transfer a signal to an application device. The intelligent energy harvesting device includes a power generation module, a battery and an energy management module. The power generation module generates a first voltage signal. The battery generates a second voltage signal. The energy management module is electrically connected to the power generation module and the battery for enabling the first voltage signal output from the power generation module to be used as a power signal to provide the application device, or enabling the first voltage signal output from the power generation module and the second voltage signal output from the battery collectively serves as the power signal to provide the application device.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and computer program is described comprising: varying a magnetic field strength of a magnetic field applied to a subject; determining a rate of power loss of the magnetic field, wherein the rate of power loss is a function of the varying magnetic field strength; and providing an output signal based on the determined rate of power loss, wherein the output signal comprises information relating to a conductivity distribution of the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for applying a sticker label to a waste container during waste collection operations. The apparatus can include an xyz-positioner, and a sticker labeling dispenser, wherein the xyz-positioner is disposed on a waste collection vehicle, and wherein the sticker labeling dispenser is disposed on the xyz-positioner, and wherein the xyz-positioner is configured to move the sticker labeling dispenser along x, y, and z coordinates and into proximity with the waste container during operations of the waste collection vehicle, such that the sticker label can be applied to the waste container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a system (1) for detecting a threat in a shoe (21, 22) worn by an individual (2) accessing a restricted access area (50) through a security access point (51). The method comprises obtaining a first response provided by a first metal detector (11) by sensing a pair of shoes worn by the individual. The first response is compared with a signature signal representing a shoe comprising a threat or an object representing a threat so to indicate a critical pair of shoes. In such case, the method further comprises prompting the individual to place the critical pair of shoes at a predefined position to obtain a second response provided by the first or by a second metal detector (12, 13) by sensing one shoe of said critical pair of shoes. A potential threat is detected by comparing the second response with the signature signal.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring thickness of a planar object, where the measuring device comprises a first optical sensor module and a second optical sensor module that located on opposites of the measured planar object with mutual distance the optical sensor modules having at least one light source, a reference shade with two dimensional pattern and an imaging sensor and computing equipment, where the one light source is set to an angle towards measured object and the reference shade is set between the light and the object so that a shadow forms on the surface of the object and the imaging sensor is set so it can detect the reference shade and the shadow while the computing equipment calculates the distance between the surface of the object and sensor module from the distance between the detected shade and shadow of both optical modules and calculate the thickness of the object.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of detecting and categorising an event occurring on a sports field, the method comprising: obtaining a series of ball and player position data measurements; determining a rotation rate of the ball device over the time period from data received from the ball device; determining the player is likely in possession of the ball based on a plurality of possession tests comprising: comparing a current position of the ball device and the player device to identify a relative distance between the ball device and the player device and calculating if the relative distance is lower than a reference value; comparing an obtained velocity of the ball device and the player device, respectively, to identify a relative velocity of the ball device with respect to the player device and calculating if the relative velocity is lower than a reference value; and, calculating if the rotation rate of the ball device is lower than a reference value; subsequently

Abstract: A marker coil includes a flexible substrate, a coil formed on the substrate by wiring, and a substrate holding part that is capable of being attached to a testee. A convex shape is formed in one of the substrate and the substrate holding part, and an engaging part for engaging the convex shape is formed in the other one of the substrate and the substrate holding part.

Abstract: Position sensors, including linear position sensors, that utilize magnetic field(s) are disclosed. Disclosed sensors include flux emitters and sensor assemblies. The sensor assemblies include flux collectors that interact with magnetic fields from flux emitters and with a magnetism sensing device. Flux emitters have arrangements of magnets that when combined with the sensor assembly can provide a constantly increasing or a constantly decreasing signal across a range of relative movement.

Abstract: A system includes a cable and at least one coupling device installed along the cable. The coupling element has one or more through cavities for receiving the cable, and configured to hold the cable when disposed in the cavity against a surface of the wellbore.

Abstract: A system includes a cable and a toolstring. The toolstring may couple to the cable to enable the toolstring to be placed in a wellbore. The toolstring includes a sensor that can collect measurements relating to the wellbore. An electromagnetic or anchoring device may selectively hold the toolstring or the cable against a surface of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for creping paper includes applying an adhesive composition to an outer surface of a creping cylinder (Yankee cylinder) to form an adhesive coating, contacting paper with the adhesive coating, removing the paper and adhesive coating from the creping cylinder, and determining a quality of the adhesive coating. Determining the quality of the adhesive coating may include measuring a degree of cross-linking of the adhesive polymer, a concentration of the adhesive polymer in the adhesive coating, a water content of the adhesive coating, an ash content of the adhesive coating, or combinations thereof. Determining the quality of the adhesive coating may also include determining a thickness of the adhesive coating by measuring light absorbed by the coating and calculating the thickness using Beer's Law. Systems and apparatuses for determining the quality of the adhesive coating and for creping paper are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of estimating vibration characteristics of moving rotor blades in a turbomachine comprising a housing and rotor including a shaft with the rotor blades attached thereto includes measuring, by at least one proximity sensor, a Time-of-Arrival (ToA) of a proximate tip of a moving rotor blade. The method includes manipulating, by a control module, timing data to determine a corresponding blade tip deflection at each measured ToA, expressing blade tip vibration behaviour as a Bayesian statistical model consisting of intermediate model parameters, wherein model coefficients in the statistical model are probabilistic quantities as opposed to conventional, deterministic quantities, and expressing, by the control module, the determined blade tip deflections as observed values in the statistical model.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for real-time fusion of data acquired using ultrasonic and eddy current area sensors during nondestructive examination. The ultrasonic data is acquired using an array of ultrasonic transducer elements configured to enable the production and display of a C-scan of a small area. The ultrasonic transducer array may be one- or two-dimensional. The eddy current sensor can be a single pair of induction coils, a multiplicity of coil pairs, or a coil configuration in which the numbers of drive coils and sense coils are not equal. The eddy current sensor is able to provide data about the test material, such as material thickness or conductivity, to complement the ultrasonic data or enable auto-setup of the ultrasonic inspection device.

Abstract: A method of operating and a laundry treating appliance, including a rotatable drum at least partially defining a treating chamber into which laundry may be placed for treatment according to a cycle of operation, a processor programmed to at least as the laundry is being placed in the treating chamber, at least one of measure, sense, analytically determine, estimate, or receive as an input a first load size of the laundry in the treating chamber to define a determined first load size and select at least one of a color or an intensity corresponding to the determined first load size to define a first light setting.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus connected to a sheet hole punching apparatus that applies a punch process to a sheet, and a method for controlling the same, in which from a die-set mounted to the sheet hole punching apparatus, die-set information including at least identification information for identifying the die-set is obtained, and in association with the die-set information, a number of times that the punch process has been executed using the die-set is counted. Control is performed to prompt a user to lubricate the die-set when the number of times counted by the counter unit exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A torque sensor for sensing the torque applied to a first shaft has a multipolar magnet rotated therewith and is connected to a second shaft via a torsion bar. The torque sensor includes a pair of magnetic yokes adapted to be disposed in a magnetic field of the multipolar magnet and adapted to be rotated together with the second shaft. A magnetic detection element has a detection surface and is capable of detecting a magnetic flux in a direction parallel to the detection surface.

Abstract: A distal targeting device for a surgical instrument includes a field generator having a coupling element configured to receive a shaft that is elongate along an axis and a bridge connectable to the field generator so as to be spaced from the field generator in a proximal direction with respect to the axis. The bridge includes an attachment device that is connectable to a tool that is configured to manipulate the shaft. The bridge also includes a pair of arms configured to clasp a body of the tool in a manner substantially rigidly coupling the bridge to the tool. At least one of the arms is positionable with respect to the attachment member at a distance that is adjustable so as to enable the arms to substantially rigidly clasp tool bodies having one or more of various shapes and sizes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region. The system and methods may include sensing magnetic fields upon moving a magnetic field sensing locating device over a multi-utility region comprising a plurality of buried utilities. The sensed magnetic fields may be used to identify a plurality of location data points each indicative of location information pertaining to one or more buried utilities. Based on these location data points, a plurality of clusters may be generated where each cluster may include a set of location data points sharing common characteristics. The generated clusters may exhibit one or more patterns which may be identified and subsequently utilized for classifying the clusters to uniquely identify the buried utilities.

Abstract: A system includes a cable and a toolstring. The toolstring may couple to the cable to enable the toolstring to be placed in a wellbore. The toolstring includes a sensor that can collect measurements relating to the wellbore. An electromagnetic or anchoring device may selectively hold the toolstring or the cable against a surface of the wellbore.

Abstract: A method for sorting waste, in which waste or recyclable material intended for sorting is brought in waste bags to a sorting apparatus, which includes a conveyor, from which the waste bags belonging to different waste components are separated from each other by guiding them into the containers according to the waste components or to further processing. A waste bag, an identifier arranged in connection with it and/or the content of the waste bag is identified with a sensor system, which includes a number of sensors monitoring different properties, which sensors essentially simultaneously read and/or identify a waste bag, an identifier arranged in connection with it and/or the content of the waste bag when the waste bag is transferred on the conveyor via the reading area of the sensors, and in which method on the basis of information coming from the sensors the waste bags are sorted into different waste components using one or more handling devices of the sorting apparatus.

Abstract: A measuring apparatus for electromagnetic property of material includes a chamber and a specified shielding piece. The chamber has a cavity inside and the chamber has an electromagnetic wave access terminal to connect to the cavity, used to receive an input electromagnetic wave and output a reflective electromagnetic wave. The specified shielding piece is disposed inside the cavity with respect to the electromagnetic wave access terminal, used to produce a region in side the cavity. The region is dominated by magnetic field and is used to adapt an object to be measured.

Abstract: A planar sensor for sensing lateral displacement and shear measures the displacement of a small ferromagnetic or diamagnetic target that is positioned and allowed to move laterally over a series of specially shaped and orientated planar coils. The coils are preferably multi-layer printed circuit boards (PCB) that contain the planar windings and in other embodiments can be fabricated using flexible PCBs or using micro electromechanical (MEMS) assemblies. The target displacement is constrained to a general area and in multiple lateral directions (measuring shear).

Abstract: A scanning measurement system includes independently driven, self-aligning, dual-sided heads. The system is configured to perform a method that includes receiving information associated with a discrepancy in a desired cross direction alignment of a first sensor head and a second sensor head that are disposed on opposite sides of a web of material and that are configured to move in a cross direction relative to the web. The method also includes adjusting a velocity of at least one of the sensor heads based on the received information to improve the cross direction alignment of the first sensor head and the second sensor head.

Abstract: An embodiment relates to a method comprising overmolding a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy to form a bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy overmolded preform. Another embodiment relates to an article comprising an overmolded shell comprising the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy on a preform of another material than the bulk-solidifying amorphous alloy. The preform could be made of a crystalline or amorphous metal or alloy such as aluminum, stainless steel, copper or beryllium.

Abstract: A tool for validation of a system for monitoring at least one piece of equipment in an aircraft engine, also comprising a computer configured to: collect observation data related to the equipment, calculate a current value of at least one quality indicator on a current quantity of observation data, estimate the probability that the current value of the quality indicator reaches a predetermined reliability criterion, thus forming a probabilistic reliability law, and estimate a minimum quantity of observation data from the probabilistic reliability law, starting from which the value of the quality indicator reaches a predetermined reliability criterion with a probability exceeding a predetermined value.

Abstract: An apparatus, for non-destructively inspecting a sandwich panel defining an enclosed space, has an external and internal probe. The external probe is adjacent an external face-sheet of the sandwich panel and the internal probe is adjacent an internal face-sheet of the sandwich panel. The sandwich panel has a core material that is is interposed between the external and internal face-sheets of the sandwich panel. Each of the probes includes two elements that integrally form the probe. The external probe includes and is integrally formed from one of a magnetic field emitter and a magnetic field sensor, the magnetic field emitter emitting a magnetic field, and one of an ultrasonic transmit transducer and an ultrasonic receive transducer. The internal probe includes and is integrally formed from the other of the magnetic field emitter and the magnetic field sensor and the other of the ultrasonic transmit transducer and the ultrasonic receive transducer.

Abstract: An aero engine rotor air floatation assembling method and device based on a gantry structure belong to mechanical assembling technology. The present invention can effectively solve the problem of poor coaxality after the aero engine rotor is assembled and has the characteristics of high coaxality after the rotor is assembled, reduced vibration, mounting easiness, high flexibility and improved engine performance.

Abstract: A gap and displacement magnetic sensor system for scanner heads in paper machines or other systems includes a multiple-sensor assembly. The multiple-sensor assembly includes multiple magnetic field orientation sensors configured to capture measurements of a magnetic field in order to identify (i) a displacement of first and second scanning sensor heads in a first direction, and (ii) a gap separation of the first and second scanning sensor heads in a second direction, and (iii) a displacement of the first and second scanning sensor heads in a third direction. At least one of the magnetic field orientation sensors is disposed offset from a centerline of the magnetic field such that an output from the at least one magnetic field orientation sensor indicates a combination of the gap separation and the displacement in either the first direction or the third direction.

Abstract: A transducer is provided.

Abstract: A method of magnetic crack depth prediction for a magnetisable component of a first geometry comprising determining a measure of remnant magnetic flux leakage for a section of the component and, converting the remnant magnetic flux leakage to a predicted crack depth for that section of the component using an empirically determined relationship between remnant magnetic flux leakage and crack depth for a previously tested in service component of the first geometry.

Abstract: A device for discovering, identification and monitoring, of mechanical flaws in metallic structures is disclosed, based on magneto-graphic/magnetic tomography technique to identify stress-related defects. The device can determine the position of the defect or stress including depth information. The device includes registration means that optimized for use with metallic structures of various types, shapes and sizes. Applications include a real-time quality control, monitoring and emergency alarms, as well structural repairs and maintenance work recommendations and planning. Examples of the device implementation include pipes for oil and gas industry monitoring, detection of flaws in rolled products in metallurgical industry, welding quality of heavy duty equipment such as ships, reservoirs. etc. It is especially important for loaded constructions, such as pressured pipes, infrastructure maintenance, nuclear power plant monitoring, bridges, corrosion prevention and environment protection.

Abstract: A data storage device testing system may be configured with at least a test slot, a loader assembly, and an exchange assembly. The loader assembly can be positioned to respectively engage and disengage a test deck with the test slot. The exchange assembly may be configured to open an access port portion of the test deck and subsequently replace a tested data storage component housed within the first test deck with an untested data storage component.

Abstract: A method for inserting screws in holes in intramedullary (IM) nails comprising providing a surgical drill which in turn comprises a drill bit having an axis and two or more radiopaque circles on the drill, the circles having the same diameter and having planes which are parallel to each other and have an imaginary axis through them which is parallel to the axis of the drill bit, and confirming the alignment of the drill bit with the hole in the IM nail by adjusting the location and orientation of the drill to correspond to a position wherein the two or more radiopaque circles on the drill form a perfect circle in an x-ray image taken by a C-arm which has previously been aligned with a hole in the IM nail. The circles can be part of the drill and can flip out or be retracted or they can be part of a clip on device.

Abstract: An example of an information processing apparatus calculates a first position using imaging information based on an image captured by an imaging device. The information processing apparatus calculates a second position using a detection result of a sensor. The information processing apparatus repeatedly determines whether or not a predetermined condition is satisfied, the predetermined condition including a condition regarding a relationship between the first position and the second position. A designated position on a predetermined plane is calculated using the first position and/or the second position. In a satisfaction period after the predetermined condition has been satisfied, the information processing apparatus calculates the designated position by making an influence of the second position relatively great as compared to an unsatisfaction period before the predetermined condition is satisfied.

Abstract: An inspection tool for the non-destructive testing of a test component made of an electrically conductive material is described. The inspection tool employs movably mounted permanent magnets, which provides a means for generating a variable DC magnetic field within the test component, and eddy current probes so as to provide a means for performing a partial saturation eddy current test upon the test component. The eddy current probe preferably comprises an integrated magnetic field sensor which increases the accuracy and flexibility of the modes of operation of the described apparatus and methods. The described apparatus and methods are particularly suited for the inspection of tubular components that are often remotely located within the oil and gas exploration and production industries.

Abstract: A method for identifying the location of a binding zone between a stuck tubular and a borehole includes the steps of passing a demagnetizing stress sensor through the tubular on a baseline magnetization pass to magnetize the tubular. Next, the demagnetizing stress sensor measures a baseline magnetization of the tubular. Once the baseline magnetization has been established, the method continues by applying a stress to the tubular and passing the demagnetizing stress sensor through the tubular on a scanning pass while the tubular is stressed. The demagnetizing stress sensor then measures a stress-induced magnetization of the tubular. The method concludes by comparing the baseline magnetization of the tubular against the stress-induced magnetization of the tubular. Notably, in preferred embodiments, the method includes the magnetization of the tubular in a substantially radial direction and the stresses are applied in vectors perpendicular to the radial magnetization of the tubular.

Abstract: A conveyor belt (13) includes a main body rubber (14) extending in a belt longitudinal direction, tension members (15) embedded in the main body rubber throughout a circumference of the main body rubber (14) in the belt longitudinal direction, and loop coils (16) embedded in the main body rubber (14) and having an annular shape in plan view taken in a belt thickness direction (T). The loop coils (16) are embedded at one side of the main body rubber (14) in the belt thickness direction (T), and the tension members (15) are embedded at the other side of the main body rubber (14) in the belt thickness direction (T) relative to the loop coils (16).

Abstract: The present application provides a rotary testing apparatus for use with a work piece. The rotary testing apparatus may include a rotor, a probe, and a lifting unit for maneuvering the probe about the work piece. The lifting unit may include a hydraulic lifting mechanism and a counterweight mechanism.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a custom-fit in-ear-monitor (IEM) is provided that utilizes a pre-tuned, single piece driver module to simplify fabrication and reduce cost while insuring that the performance of the IEM consistently meets the acoustic goals set for the device. During fabrication the driver module, the drivers coupled to the module's driver ports, and the crossover circuit are installed in a custom-fit IEM shell such that the module's acoustic output is aligned with the output surface of the IEM shell. After installing the device components within the IEM shell, the shell is sealed.

Abstract: A welded portion quality determining system includes a first plate and a second plate, a welded portion defined at a point where the first plate and the second plate are welded to each other. Magnetic field generators generate a magnetic field to be supplied to the welded portion, and magnetic pickup devices receive the magnetic field generated by the magnetized welded portion to sense the received magnetic field. Therefore, a magnetic field may be generated by the welded portion through the magnetic field generators, and the magnetic field generated by the magnetized welded portion is sensed by the magnetic pickup devices so that quality of the welded portion may be rapidly and correctly verified.

Abstract: A method for determining the proximity to an electrically conductive body comprises transmitting an alternating magnetic field at a selected frequency and registering an alternating magnetic field. Frequencies of the registered alternating magnetic field comprising the selected frequency and have an amplitude value above a predefined threshold value and are detected by a detection means. Utilizing a blocking circuit, frequencies of a predefined frequency band comprising the detected frequency or a plurality of predefined frequency bands comprising in each case one of the detected frequencies, are defined as blocked frequencies. A following frequency following the respective selected frequency and different from the selected frequency and the blocked frequencies is defined in a selection controller. The following frequency of a selected frequency is continuously selected as a newly selected frequency for a new time window following immediately after or chronologically spaced apart from a selected time window.

Abstract: A method of modifying a substrate using a plasma comprises providing a first electrode and a second electrode; arranging the substrate such that only a portion of the substrate is between the electrodes; and rotating either the substrate or at least one of the electrodes about an axis so as to cause different portions of the substrate to pass between the electrodes during the rotation. A voltage is supplied to at least one of the electrodes so as to create a plasma discharge between the electrodes which contacts at least the portions of the substrate that pass between the electrodes. The electrodes and the substrate are arranged such that the rotating causes the speed of transit of the substrate portion between the electrodes to vary in a radial direction away from the axis of rotation and the rate that the plasma discharge modifies the substrate varies across the substrate.

Abstract: A test method for testing elongated objects comprising moving an elongated object in a feed-through direction through a feed-through coil arrangement having at least one feed-through coil, wherein the feed-through coil arrangement is secured to be transversely movable with respect to the feed-through direction of the object and is guided on the object passing through such that the feed-through coil arrangement can follow transverse movements of the object occurring transversely with respect to the feed-through direction of the object.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of determining a status of a cover of a display terminal are provided. The apparatus includes a terminal comprising a display screen, and a Hall sensor comprising a magnetic field sensing surface and a plurality of Hall elements disposed substantially parallel with the magnetic field sensing surface, the magnetic field sensing surface being substantially perpendicular to the display screen.