Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting a difference in width of a strip of material from a desired width of material. The apparatus may comprise a light source, a light detector, an alarm, a first fiber optic cable coupled with the light source, a second fiber optic cable coupled with the light detector, and a housing. The housing may comprise a material slot for passing the strip of material therethrough such that edges of the strip of material may at least partially intersect a plurality of light fields directed from the first fiber optic cable to the second fiber optic cable. The amount of light detected by the light detector is dependant on the amount of light blocked by the strip of material. If the amount of light received is outside of a range of tolerance from the desired width of material, the alarm may be actuated.

Abstract: A printer is disclosed which determines whether or not an opening of the printer is open or closed. The printer includes an opening/closing mechanism for opening and closing the opening of the printer housing. The printer includes a controller configured to determine whether the opening is open or closed based on a light receiving state of a light receiving portion. The light receiving portion receives light from a light sending portion. A first movable body with a plurality of openings is moveable between the light sending and receiving portions. A movement transmission mechanism moves the first moveable body according to movement of a second moveable body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for processing light from a light source. The method includes the steps of measuring a predetermined set of characteristics of the light source and detecting flicker when the predetermined set of characteristics exceed a corresponding flicker fusion threshold value.

Abstract: An testing device for lens module includes an image sensor, a light source assembly, a testing tray, a detecting device, and a processor. The light source assembly is aligned with the image sensor. The testing tray is disposed between the light source assembly and the image sensor, and defines a plurality of through holes for receiving lens modules. The detecting device is configured for detecting whether the lens module to be tested is tilted. The processor controls the moving of the image sensor and the testing tray. The processor is capable of stopping the moving of the image sensor and the testing tray when the detecting device detected the lens module to be tested is tilted.

Abstract: A radiation detection unit includes a housing and isolators unitarily constructed from mechanical energy absorbent material. The housing is attached rigidly to a structure and its major dimensions are selected to exceed corresponding major dimensions of a radiation sensor. The isolators have a body portion and projections extending outwardly therefrom. The body portion engages the radiation detection sensor proximal a respective one of its radiation collection end and its interface end. The projections are disposed intermediate the body portion and an interior surface of the housing and have a distal end contacting the interior surface to carry the radiation sensor in a three dimensional spaced apart relationship to the interior surface. The length of the projections is selected to attenuate substantially mechanical energy that is induced at the distal end and propagates along the length of each projection prior to the propagated energy being incident upon the body portion.

Abstract: A method and system for nuclear substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. In some aspects, naturally occurred muons are selected from the flow of charged particles. Muon coordinate and incidence angle measured above and below the interrogated volume can be used for the decision making on the presence of nuclear substance inside the volume. The system is adapted for performing measurements on moving objects such as moving trucks. A combination of the nuclear substance detection system with an explosive sensing system is presented.

Abstract: A sensor module is provided for use in a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle that includes, but is not limited to a circuit board, at least one passenger compartment temperature sensor, and at least one solar irradiation detection sensor. The sensor module further includes, but is not limited to at least one ambient light detection sensor and at least one content theft deterrent device. A motor vehicle is also provided with such a sensor module.

Abstract: A communication terminal apparatus includes a situation change detecting unit that detects a change in external situation and transmits an external situation change detection signal, and a control unit that receives the external situation change detection signal, thereby reads out a predetermined function and/or setting stored in a storing unit, and changes the functions and/or setting.

Abstract: A communication apparatus includes: an antenna; a first communication means that performs near field communication with a non-contact card via the antenna; a photodetecting means that is provided near the antenna and detects an amount of incoming light; and a near field communication control means that activates the first communication means when the amount of incoming light becomes less than a predetermined threshold value, the communication apparatus being driven by a battery.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting position and/or movement in space and/or for detecting fluid-properties comprising at least one transmitter and at least one receiver which are enclosed by a fluid, characterized in that the at least one transmitter generates cyclic fluid density fluctuations and the at least one receiver detects the change in transit time and/or the phase shift and/or the frequency change and/or the amplitude change.

Abstract: A wireless transceiver includes a microprocessor for processing signals and communication circuitry coupled to the microprocessor. The communication circuitry includes input/output circuitry for receiving signals from a plurality of wireless devices over a wireless communication path, for providing the signals to the microprocessor, and for transmitting processed signals from the microprocessor to the plurality of wireless devices. The input/output circuitry of the transceiver includes a non-wireless connection coupling the wireless transceiver to a test and measurement device. The test and measurement device receives the processed signals from the microprocessor, processes the received signal and data and/or information encoded therein, and performs a predetermined response thereto.

Abstract: It is an object of the invention to provide a communication apparatus, a communication system and a communication method enabling efficient transmission in accordance with a situation of a wired transmission line and capable of reducing an influence by a radiation power of the transmission line. The communication apparatus of the invention executes wired transmission using a plurality of sub carriers and includes a transmission signal generator for generating a transmission signal, and a transmission signal controller for controlling a transmission power of the transmission signal generated by the transmission signal generator based on a radiation power in a transmission line in correspondence with a frequency of the sub carrier, and a transmitter for transmitting the transmission signal the transmission power of which is controlled by the transmission signal controller via the transmission line.

Abstract: A method and system for nuclear substance revealing using muon detection technique is presented. In some aspects, naturally occurred muons are selected from the flow of charged particles. Muon coordinate and incidence angle measured above and below the interrogated volume can be used for the decision making on the presence of nuclear substance inside the volume. The system is adapted for performing measurements on moving objects such as moving trucks. A combination of the nuclear substance detection system with an explosive sensing system is presented.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a container or the contents in a volume (39, 47), including allowing at least one of a beta, gamma, neutron, and proton radiation emerging from said container or volume (39, 47), and/or secondary particles or radiation brought forth by said radiation, to pass through a measuring volume (12, 12?) of at least one radiation detector (10, 10?, 10?), said measuring volume (12, 12?) containing a noble gas and/or a noble gas isotope, or a mixture of noble gases and/or noble gas isotopes and detecting the photons generated within said measuring volume (12, 12?) by an interaction (18, W1, . . . , W4) of the radiation with the noble gas or noble gases and/or their isotopes of the measuring volume (12, 12?). The output of said photon detecting means (15, 16, 53) is then used to derive information about the container or the contents in said volume (39, 47), whereby this information is used to discriminate protons, neutrons, beta and gamma rays respectively.

Abstract: A thermal signature device according to this invention enables a firefighter to be located with a thermal imaging camera. The device includes an infrared emitting element having a predetermined frequency. The emitting element is situated in a housing that may be temporarily fastened to a firefighter's clothing and manually actuated by the firefighter with a pushbutton to emit infrared signals that may be identified by an infrared camera. The thermal signature device may include a receiver in data communication with the emitting-element such that the emitter may be actuated by a remote transmitter. The housing may include a permanent fastener such as adhesive such that the firefighter may selectively attach the housing to a stationary object, such as a wall, where it may be more visible or to another person in distress. A location determining system utilizing the thermal signature device provides an infrared camera for detecting the emitter-element.

Abstract: A detector made of lanthanum-doped lead zirconate titanate detects intensity of ultraviolet light radiated inside of a vehicle. The detector sends ultrasonic wave to an incidence direction of ultraviolet light, and detects ultrasonic wave reflected by an object. An electrical unit determines the object to be an occupant of the vehicle or not based on the reflected ultrasonic wave. The electrical unit outputs a signal representing that a predetermined or more amount of ultraviolet light is radiated to the occupant, when the detector detects the predetermined or more amount of ultraviolet light and when the electrical unit determines the object to be the occupant.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation emission unit includes a housing and an aperture located on the housing. A radiation source includes a light emitting diode configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 240 nm and about 280 nm. A radiation reflector is disposed proximate to the radiation source and configured to direct the radiation emitted from the radiation source through the aperture in the housing.

Abstract: In a real time container monitoring system, a data collection computer is in communication with the control computer of a container crane. The electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units carried by the spreader of the container crane is applied to the data collection computer to store as digital data information commensurate with the electrical signal from each of the radiation detection units in response to the control signal being indicative that the container has been engaged by the twist locks. A data analysis computer is in network communication with the data collection computer to download the digital data from the data collection computer and analyze the digital data to determine whether the threat material is present in the container.

Abstract: An optical signal quality monitoring apparatus includes a trajectory length acquirer measuring a Stokes vector of an optical transmission signal over an optical signal modulation frequency band and acquiring the length of a trajectory in the optical signal modulation frequency band traced out on a Poincare sphere by the measured Stokes vector as the measurement value; a DGD acquirer acquiring a DGD value of the optical transmission signal the Stokes vector of which is measured by the trajectory length acquirer; and a quality value estimator estimating a quality value by using the length of the trajectory acquired by the trajectory length acquirer and the DGD value acquired by the DGD acquirer.

Abstract: In a conventional art, ONUs in services are significantly affected even when just one ONU is activated, and thus a communication bandwidth fails to be effectively utilized. To address this, an OLT includes a first distance information storing unit that stores information on the distance to an ONU in association with identification information which identifies the ONU (ONUi), and by using the distance information stored in the first distance information storing unit, an activation control unit controls activation of the ONUi.

Abstract: A device for supplying and controlling a light source in a half-dipped signaling lamp includes at least one light source (3), housed in a base support, and a cap (4), removably fastened to the support base. At least one window seat (5a, 5b) is made in the cap and an optical prism (6a, 6b) is associated to the window seat. Reflecting means (7) direct a light beam emitted by the light source (3) toward the optical prism (6a, 6b) while sensor means (21) detect the intensity of the light radiation emitted by the light source (3) or of a representative quantity of the light radiation. A supply and control central unit (CC) receives the signals (S1, S2), coming from the sensor means (21) and supplies the light source (3).

Abstract: A cradle device includes: a magnetic sensor that outputs a detection signal that indicates an intensity of a magnetic field of a magnet provided in an electronic apparatus for detecting that the magnet is within a threshold distance; a power connection terminal that is connectable to a power source; a switching unit that switches to turn on and off the power supplied through the power connection terminal in accordance with the detection signal; and an apparatus connection terminal that is connectable to the electronic apparatus and supplies power supplied through the power connection terminal and the switching unit to the electronic apparatus.

Abstract: A motion detector for detecting a tampering within a detection zone. A vibration-sensing unit sensitive to vibrations applied to the detector is provided to produce a vibration output signal representative of a detected parameter of the vibrations. A light-sensing unit sensitive to light in a predetermined spectrum is provided to produce a light output signal representative of a detected parameter of the light in the predetermined spectrum. A processing unit is further provided to determine if the vibration output signal is consistent with a predetermined model indicative of a tampering and producing an activating signal accordingly.

Abstract: A method is provided of controlling an illumination source for a display device which comprises a display modulator for modulating the light provided by the illumination source. The method comprises using a light sensor arrangement to generate a first signal based on an ambient light level with first illumination source drive condition, and using the light sensor arrangement to generate a second signal based on the same ambient light level but with second illumination source drive condition different to the first drive condition. The first and second signals are processed to compensate for differences in the light sensor arrangement response characteristics when operating with the first and second illumination source drive conditions thereby to derive a compensated light sensor arrangement characteristic covering both the first and second illumination source drive conditions. Ambient light levels detected using this model of the characteristic are used to control the display device.

Abstract: A technique is provided for monitoring and tracking inventories within one or more assets. The technique includes sensing a plurality of parameters associated with each of the one or more assets. The plurality of parameters includes a positional information of the asset. The technique further includes activating RFID tags attached to the inventories and generating a response based upon the responses received from the RFID tags, and monitoring and tracking inventories based on the sensed parameters and the generated response to ensure integrity and validate a chain of custody of the asset or the inventories during a supply chain process.

Abstract: Eyewear having radiation monitoring capability is disclosed. Radiation, such as ultraviolet (UV) radiation, infrared (IR) radiation or light, can be measured by a detector. The measured radiation can then be used in providing radiation-related information to a user of the eyewear. Advantageously, the user of the eyewear is able to easily monitor their exposure to radiation.

Abstract: A long range optical sensor and system for detecting the flame of forest fires or other fires while rejecting false alarms due to solar radiation is described. The sensor utilizes a collector optic that collects energy from a wide field of view and concentrates the energy onto a detector. The collector may be a non-imaging collector and may match to a non-planar sensor. In one embodiment the sensor may be arrayed to achieve larger area coverage. In another, the sensor system may be scanned to increase the encompassed viewing area. Larger areas may be covered by RF radio links or networks interconnecting multiple arrayed sensor modules. UVC reflective coatings may include enhanced aluminum with silicon dioxide, silicon monoxide, or magnesium fluoride, or high phosphorous nickel phosphorous. In one embodiment a UVC sensitive Geiger Mueller tube may be coupled to a non-imaging spherical reflective collector. A catadioptric UVC/infra-red flame sensor is disclosed. Refractive or reflective designs are considered.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for monitoring one or more of integral value of time and temperature, UV light exposure and a pre-determined temperature of an item. The device is useful for monitoring items or materials which are sensitive to time-temperature, UV light and/or a pre-determined temperature. Radiation sensitive devices such as self-indicating instant radiation alert dosimeters (SIRAD) can be accidentally, inadvertently or intentionally over exposed to time-temperature, UV light and a pre-determined higher temperature. Such over exposure can provide a false positive or false negative signal. A device based on polymerization of diacetylenes and melting of partially polymerized diacetylenes, both of which are associated with color changes, are proposed as false positive, false negative, and tamper indicator.

Abstract: A card and detection system comprises a group of light sensors located under and covered over by a table felt. The light sensors are directed vertically upward to detect changes in light intensity on the top surfaces of the sensors through the felt. This allows flexibility of placement of the sensors and avoids daily maintenance issues. The sensors read through fabric to detect when objects such as chips or cards are placed on top of the felt. With this system, the procedure of detecting chips or cards is imperceptible to the customers or dealers.

Abstract: A radioactive source information tracking and reporting system and method is disclosed. The system and method include a device operable to detect a presence of a radioactive source contained within a shielded container. The device is further operable to detect a location of the shielded container. A message is generated and transmitted to a central facility. The message includes a shielded container identifier, a location of the shielded container, and an indication of the presence of the radioactive source.

Abstract: The present invention can include a solution for toggling an enablement state of a surface based computing device using a physical object. In the solution, a physical object external to a surface based computing device can be identified, which is able to be placed on a surface of the surface based computing device. The surface based computing device can detect a change in a positioning of the physical object relative to the surface. Responsive to the change of positioning, an enablement state of the surface based computing device can be changed.

Abstract: A flux detection apparatus can include a radioactive sample having a decay rate capable of changing in response to interaction with a first particle or a field, and a detector associated with the radioactive sample. The detector is responsive to a second particle or radiation formed by decay of the radioactive sample. The rate of decay of the radioactive sample can be correlated to flux of the first particle or the field. Detection of the first particle or the field can provide an early warning for an impending solar event.

Abstract: A monitoring system watches out at radiation dosage in areas of a radwaste warehouse remotely. The system uses a monitoring device to coordinate with the system. By using the system, the monitoring is safe and more than one area can be monitored at the same time.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that detects an optical alarm signal, such as a strobe light signal generated by a building alarm system. Upon detecting such a signal, the system generates a supplemental alert signal capable of alerting an individual who might not otherwise respond to the alarm condition, such as an individual who is asleep, hearing impaired, and/or sight impaired. The system may, for example, be implemented as a patient-worn device, a bedside unit, or a personal computer coupled to a light-sensing peripheral device.

Abstract: A photosensitive device for warning an individual that the interior light level on one side of the window is greater than the light level on the outside of the window includes first and second photo sensors, a comparator circuit and/or a logic circuit and an alarm. The device may also include a timer, an amplifier and rheostat as well as a visual indicator that remains in a on condition after an audible sound is turned off. A reset circuit is used to turn off the visual indicator. A method for accomplishing the same is also described.

Abstract: A monitoring system watches out at radiation dosage in areas of a radwaste warehouse remotely. The system uses a monitoring device to coordinate with the system. By using the system, the monitoring is safe and more than one area can be monitored at the same time.

Abstract: In accordance with the principles of the present invention utilizing a first radiation monitoring module, radiation information associated with the first radiation monitoring module within a tunnel is wirelessly transmitted to a second radiation monitoring module. The second radiation monitoring module is able to receive radiation information from the first radiation monitoring module for relay of the received radiation information to a central monitoring system. The radiation monitoring modules of the present invention allow long term monitoring of a tunnel's radiation levels with maintenance simply requiring replacement of a non-operational tunnel monitoring module by a robot.

Abstract: Alarm apparatus for detecting radiation and/or pollutants such as smoke, carbon monoxide or the like comprising a housing means housing an alarm circuit. The alarm circuit includes detection means for detecting the radiation and/or pollutants, alert means for alerting a user of the presence of the pollutant, and control means for controlling the alarm circuit. The alarm apparatus also includes an adaptor comprising first connection means configured for electrically connecting the adaptor to a source of mains electricity, second connection means configured for onward electrical connection to the alarm. The adaptor is configured for fixedly supporting the alarm relative to the source of mains electricity.

Abstract: A system for alerting a driver of the presence of wildlife on the road ahead. The system logically deciphers between animal heat and the heat of an oncoming vehicle by way of a combination of infrared (IR) and photo sensors and an AND/NOT logic. At night—when wildlife is not easily visible—the infrared sensor can detect the presence of wildlife and alert the driver both visually and audibly, and if an oncoming vehicle is present with its lights turned on, the alarm is ignored. If wildlife is present and no lighted vehicle is present, then the visual and audible alarm sounds.

Abstract: A system for detecting and suppressing a fire condition in a storage unit. The system comprises a transmitter associated with the storage unit and configured to transmit a first signal upon detection of the fire condition, at least one receiver configured to detect the first signal and configured to provide a second signal indicating detection of the fire condition, and a fire suppression device configured to discharge a fire suppressant material into the storage unit upon detection of the fire condition. There may also be a plurality of storage units, a plurality of transmitters, and a plurality of receivers. An individual transmitter and an individual receiver may be associated with each of the plurality of storage units. Each of the storage units may be located at a predetermined position relative to the individual receiver associated with the storage unit.

Abstract: A portable UV detection apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device integrated with a skin type measuring device. A controller can be included in the apparatus that is in communication with the skin type measuring device and the UV detection device. The controller can provide information to the user regarding the amount of ultraviolet radiation present in the environment. In an alternative embodiment, the UV detection apparatus includes a UV detection device in conjunction with a light sensor. The light sensor can be configured to activate the UV detection device should light at a particular intensity be present in the environment. The UV detection device as described above can be configured to measure UVA radiation, UVB radiation, and/or UVC radiation.

Abstract: A marine port monitoring system including an inspection apparatus, either fixed or mobile, for intercepting cargo vessels entering the port. The system includes sensors placed in a shipping channel for examination of a hull of a passing vessel to detect externally mounted weapons or explosives. The inspection apparatus includes devices for removing cargo containers from vessels, non-intrusively inspecting the containers and isolating containers having suspect cargo. The apparatus includes explosive containment including a separable containment system for protecting the apparatus.

Abstract: An ultraviolet radiation emission unit includes a housing and an aperture located on the housing. A radiation source includes a light emitting diode configured to emit radiation having a wavelength within a range of about 240 nm and about 280 nm. A radiation reflector is disposed proximate to the radiation source and configured to direct the radiation emitted from the radiation source through the aperture in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method for laser source detection. An exemplary embodiment of the system includes a first array of lenses, a second array of opto devices (including light sources and light detectors), and at least one processor. By positioning the array of lenses to determine the lens position at which energy from an incoming laser is greatest on the light detectors, the approximate location of the laser source may be determined. Upon determining the source, responsive action may be taken. If the incoming laser is from a friendly party, a friendly-party notification may be provided. If the incoming laser is from an enemy, reciprocal targeting or false reflections may be employed.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed metal detector is provided. The metal detector allows for operation of the metal detector between two modes of operation while maintaining an operator's hand position relative to the surface.

Abstract: In embodiments of the present invention, systems and methods for navigating in low light may comprise providing a light integrated in an object, associating the light with a power source, associating the light with a motion- and light-sensitive trigger, and powering the light when the motion-trigger senses motion and the light-trigger senses low light.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for detection of forest fires, based on the chemical analysis of the atmosphere through optic spectroscopy. The smoke originated from a fire has a chemical composition different from that of a normal atmosphere. This chemical composition is determined by the analysis of light absorption, which passes through the smoke, in its different wavelengths, carried out by a spectrometer. In this case, the spectrometer is associated to a telescope and solar light is used as the light source allowing the detection of smoke originated from a fire in a specific area of the horizon. The maximum distance from which the smoke can be detected depends only on the potency of the telescope and may be of many kilometers. The installation of the system on a rotating support and the use of computational logarithms makes the detection in any point of the horizon possible, a completely autonomous way.

Abstract: A detection system operating on a scalable Radiation Sensor Unit (RSU) data stream employs a detection module triggering an alarm based on fee dynamic temporal features of gross count. Two spectroscopic buffers, one holding a long-term background and one holding the integrated detection event data are passed on for identification. The detector data incorporates sets of counts measured at channelized gamma energies. Each multi-channel data set is reduced to highly accurate peak locations. The absolute energy of the peaks is determined using innovative techniques and the background peaks and other secondary peaks are eliminated to provide a concise list of corrected source peak locations and intensities. This, together with spectral region analysis results is used with pattern recognition algorithms to identify fee source isotope or combination of isotopes from a standard library.

Abstract: A device for detecting a weather condition, particularly a tornado. The device includes a receiver module configured to receive electromagnetic signal from an atmosphere, particularly electromagnetic signal in the range of 1 MHz to 100 MHz. The device also includes a processing module coupled to the receiver module and configured to generate frequency spectrum data corresponding to the received electromagnetic signal, such as by performing a Fast Fourier Transform operation. Frequency spectrum data corresponding to the weather condition desired to be detected is stored in a stored data module. The device also includes a comparison module for comparing, such as by performing a cross-correlation operation, the generated frequency spectrum data and the stored frequency spectrum data in order to determine whether the weather condition is present in the atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fail safe method and apparatus for automatically securing an area during a medical radiation procedure. Upon initiation of the procedure, an electrical signal is sent from the medical device to the locking device, which automatically secures all passages to and from the radiation room. Upon completion of the procedure, a second signal automatically is sent from the medical device thereby opening the locking device and allowing free passage to and from the room.