Abstract: A bedding system uses a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based machine vision to makes adjustments for comfort and/or support. The machine vision process identities a body position by using a trained CNN that receives a pressure image and identifies a body position. The body position may be determined by classifying the pressure image into a predetermined body position classification. The machine vision process includes at least one trained CNN that determines joint locations. The machine vision tracks pressure accumulated at joints over time.

Abstract: A method estimates a system value which indicates a state of an electrical distribution system. The method includes the steps of measuring one or more electrical quantities at a plurality of system nodes and providing measurement values, and generating the system value based on the measurement values as well as on weighting coefficients that define or reflect the timely change rate of the measurement values and/or the transmission rate of the measurement values.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a capacitive probe, a resistive element, an electronic circuit and an optical interface. A capacitance of the capacitive probe and a resistance of the resistive element are indicative of characteristics of an environment. The electronic circuit is configured to convert the capacitance and the resistance into optical data. The optical interface is configured to provide the optical data to an optical link.

Abstract: A capacitive fluid level sensor is provided for receiving data indicative of the level of fluid remaining in a fluid container. In various embodiments, the capacitive fluid level sensor may be spaced below and a distance away from the fluid container to be measured, and may comprise a fluid level sensor and an ambient sensor, wherein the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor are coplanar. In various embodiments, the ambient sensor may be spaced a distance away from the fluid level sensor, such that electric fields generated by the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor, respectively, do not overlap. Based at least in part on capacitance levels determined by the fluid level sensor and the ambient sensor, the fluid level sensor may generate data indicative of the fluid level in at least a portion of the fluid container located above the fluid level sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to be mounted in a tank for at least partial immersion in a liquid. The probe has a body disposed inside the fuel tank. A capacitance-to-digital (CDC) circuit is disposed on the probe in the tank, such that the CDC is disposed inside the fuel tank and is operably connected to the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an interior of a fuel tank. Information about a fuel level and moisture in the interior of the fuel tank of a platform is generated using a fuel sensor unit in the interior of the fuel tank. The fuel sensor unit comprises a sensor configured to be located in the interior of the fuel tank and generate information about the fuel level in the fuel tank and the moisture in the fuel tank and a wireless unit electrically connected to the sensor. The wireless unit is configured to receive the information from the sensor and transmit the information using wireless signals. A number of actions is identified based on the information about the interior of the fuel tank.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to computational solution algorithms (and associated systems and methods) applied to a stochastic unit commitment problem. In one example, the computational solution algorithms (and associated systems and methods) may be applied to the energy industry.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of assessing a narrowing in a fluid filled tube having a fluid flow pressure wave having a backward-originating pressure component and a forward-originating pressure component without taking a flow velocity measurement, comprising: taking pressure measurements in the tube; separating the pressure components into the backward-originating pressure component and the forward-originating pressure component; identifying a time window when the differential of flow velocity (dU) is minimal or absent; and deriving the backward and forward pressure components for pressure measurements taken in at least the time window.

Abstract: In order to mitigate the negative effects of a change in atmospheric pressure, an improved capacitance diaphragm gauge (CDG) sensor incorporates an independent ambient atmospheric pressure sensor near the CDG sensor body. The ambient atmospheric sensor is located outside the CDG sensor body to sense the ambient atmospheric pressure surrounding the CDG sensor body. The ambient atmospheric sensor provides an output that represents the ambient atmospheric pressure. A sensor output processing circuit receives the output of the ambient atmospheric sensor as well as the output of the CDG sensor. The processing circuit utilizes the output from the ambient atmospheric pressure sensor to fine tune the CDG measurement of pressure by executing an in situ, real time, automatic calibration adjustment of the CDG.

Abstract: Meter electronics (20) for quantifying a fluid being transferred is provided. The meter electronics (20) includes an interface (201) configured to communicate with a flowmeter assembly of a vibratory flowmeter and receive a vibrational response and a processing system (203) coupled to the interface (201). The processing system (203) is configured to measure a mass flow and a density for a predetermined time portion of the fluid transfer, determine if the fluid transfer is non-aerated during the predetermined time portion, if the predetermined time portion is non-aerated then add a mass-density product to an accumulated mass-density product and add the mass flow to an accumulated mass flow, and determine a non-aerated mass-weighted density for the fluid transfer by dividing the accumulated mass-density product by the accumulated mass flow.

Abstract: Temperature compensation is performed using a computation program for temperature compensation, a computation processing, and a sensor. Deformation in a diaphragm caused by a pressure change due to the temperature of the gas in a cavity is cancelled out, and deformation of the diaphragm is minimized within the target temperature range, thereby allowing an optimum temperature compensation to be performed. The temperature compensation in a capacitance-type sensor executes calculation steps which include including a calculation step (S17) of acquiring the amount of change ?C? in capacitance. A parameter ?C? is obtained, through which it is possible to determine the degree of compensation for the deformation in the diaphragm section caused by a pressure change due to the temperature changes of the gas in the hermetically sealed space.

Abstract: A tank to contain a fluid includes a tank wall having an inner surface. A vane is disposed within the tank. The vane is configured to facilitate extraction of fluid from the tank. The vane may include an electrically conductive material. The tank also includes a first connector to electrically couple at least one portion of the tank wall to a capacitance sensing device and a second connector to electrically couple at least one portion of the vane to the capacitance sensing device.

Abstract: This patents refers to a system developed for detecting leaks in single-phase and multiphase fluid transport pipelines characterized by use measurements cells (3), sensors (4), locals processors (5) and neural models, where the measuring sensors (4) and the measurement cells (3) are installed at a number of locations along the pipeline with the purpose of monitoring the characteristic leak and normal operational pipeline transient waveforms. The local processors (5) are responsible for obtaining and sampling the signals supplied by the sensors (4), as well as their pre-processing, to make them compatible with the inputs to the neural model, this are associated to dynamic memory banks for analyzing the signals supplied by the sensors with the aim of emitting an alarm in the event that waveforms with the characteristics of a leak are detected.

Abstract: A system for detecting fluid on a substrate is provided. The system includes, but is not limited to, a sensor board, a first capacitive sensor, and a platform upon which the substrate is to be placed. The first capacitive sensor is mounted on the sensor board. The first capacitive sensor has a transmit sensor pad for transmitting a signal, a receive sensor pad for receiving the signal, and an analog-to-digital convertor connected with the receive sensor pad for analyzing the received signal. The platform is a first distance from the transmit and receive sensor pads.

Abstract: A system and method of monitoring oil consumption in a gas turbine engine system are provided. When the gas turbine engine is not running the reservoir oil level, reservoir oil temperature, and reservoir attitude are sensed. The current gas turbine engine system oil quantity is determined based on at least the sensed reservoir oil level, the sensed reservoir oil temperature, and the sensed reservoir attitude. When a predetermined event has occurred, an average gas turbine engine system oil quantity is automatically calculated. The gas turbine engine system oil consumption rate is determined from a plurality of the average oil quantities.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a probe configured to be mounted in a tank for at least partial immersion in a liquid. The probe has a body disposed inside the fuel tank. A capacitance-to-digital (CDC) circuit is disposed on the probe in the tank, such that the CDC is disposed inside the fuel tank and is operably connected to the body.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor in its simplest form has three identical plated spatial electrodes, which are positioned equally spaced apart, in order, alignment and parallel with each other. The first and third electrodes are the outer electrodes and connected in parallel by a first lead wire serving as a first electrical pole to be a group of the integrated electrodes. The second electrode is the middle electrode and connected by a second lead wire serving as a second electrical pole. The sensor is applied with an alternating current (AC) excitation signal from an AC device. The present invention method includes application of referencing and sensing capacitive sensors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil to thereby obtain a measured remaining usage so as to a predicted remaining usage of the oil.

Abstract: A digital multi range liquid level detector to verify and maintain a predetermined level in a container. The level is measured by a capacitive sensor located above or in the liquid to be maintained. The capacitive sensor is composed of a pair of probe connected to a signal converter chip to obtain a digital data. The digital data is then compared to a reference value obtain during the initial calibration. The present invention is composed of two paired components, a capacitive digital sensor and a fluid control valve that can be installed at different locations. The sensor determines the liquid level and then transmits the acquired data to the fluid valve control receiver via wire or radio frequency (RF). The sensor and valve are programmable in order to evaluate different possibilities such as water level, water activities and recurring low level demands. They can also be reprogrammed.

Abstract: A melt pressure sensor comprises a housing, a stem, a pressure sensing element, a time-to-digital converter, a processor, a digital-to-analog converter, and a first input. The stem comprises a pressure sensing surface fluidly coupled to a molten material. The pressure sensing surface is mechanically or fluidly coupled to the pressure sensing element, and the pressure sensing element is electrically coupled to the time-to-digital converter, which determines the melt pressure by measuring an electrical characteristic of the pressure sensing element. The processor reads the pressure from the time-to-digital converter and outputs an analog output value from the digital-to-analog converter representative of the melt pressure. When the first input is activated, the processor causes the analog output signal to have a predetermined value.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor includes a sensor mat having a base member and a main electrode arranged on the base member. The main electrode has a first electrode, and a second electrode to cover the first electrode. The second electrode is cheaper than the first electrode. The base member is constructed by U-parts, and an opening of the U-part is defined to be surrounded by two extending portions and a bent portion connecting the extending portions. The first electrode is located adjacent to the opening, when the first electrode is patterned on the bent portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a capacitance diaphragm gauge that includes a self-heated micro-electro-mechanical-system sensor for measuring pressure. The self-heated micro-electro-mechanical-system has at least one integrated heater component and at least one membrane on the self-heated micro-electro-mechanical-system.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided. The apparatus comprises a digital signal generator, an analog filter, an amplitude modulator, and an analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The digital signal generator has a demodulator and provides a digital excitation signal. The analog filter is coupled to the digital signal generator. The amplitude modulator has a variable capacitor and is coupled to the analog filter. The amplitude modulator also generates an amplitude modulated signal with an amplitude that is a function of the capacitance of the variable capacitor. The ADC is coupled to the amplitude modulator and the demodulator, and the digital signal generator and the demodulator operate synchronously.

Abstract: A capacitive occupant sensor includes a sensor mat having U-parts arranged in a first direction and, a second direction perpendicular to each other. The U-parts located adjacent to each other are connected in the second direction so as to define S-parts, in a manner that openings of the U-parts alternately open toward a first side of the first direction or a second side of the first direction. The S-parts located adjacent to each other are combined in the first direction, in a manner that the opening open toward the first side and the opening open toward the second side oppose to each other in the first direction. The mat has a meandering structure defined by the S-parts.

Abstract: Transmission of probe configuration data is initiated upon recognition by the probe of a prescribed condition. Probe configuration data protocol includes a data frame, subdivided into a desired number of time slots. Unlike measurement data protocol, where inter-pulse pair timing within a slot varies based on a magnet position or temperature sensor resistance, configuration data protocol in accordance with the invention uses fixed inter-pulse timing to represent the various states of digital data. In such manner, at least a portion of the time slots making up the particular data frame can be used for containing data sent from the probe, and which can then be interpreted by the receiving processing device as at least one bit of binary code allocated to each individual slot of the portion of time slots.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the distribution of pressure forces over a selected area includes a sensor having an array of pressure sensing capacitance nodes formed by intersecting rows and columns, where measured capacitance of a node is compared to a fixed value of reference capacitance placed on each row that can be measured as if it was another node.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device has a flow rate measurement unit, an appliance registering unit, a calculating unit, a determining unit, a first appliance identifying unit, and a second appliance identifying unit. The appliance registering unit stores at least first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation of respective gas appliances coupled to a flow channel, and second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances. The first appliance identifying unit identifies which gas appliance is activated based on the first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation. When a determining unit detects a stop of any of gas appliances, the second appliance identifying unit identifies a gas appliance in continuous use by using the second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring device has a flow rate measurement unit, an appliance registering unit, a calculating unit, a determining unit, a first appliance identifying unit, and a second appliance identifying unit. The appliance registering unit stores at least first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation of respective gas appliances coupled to a flow channel, and second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances. The first appliance identifying unit identifies which gas appliance is activated based on the first gas flow rate variation profiles on activation. When a determining unit detects a stop of any of gas appliances, the second appliance identifying unit identifies a gas appliance in continuous use by using the second gas flow rate variation profiles based on the control specific to the respective gas appliances.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.

Abstract: A simple, passive and rugged device for measuring the flow rate of liquid. A variable area obstruction valve, a differential pressure sensor and a densitometer are combined in a single housing to provide for a highly accurate and precise measure of mass flow.

Abstract: A device to measure pressure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device includes at least one element with two layers separated by a space which changes over a variable time period in response to a voltage applied across the two layers. The time period may be measured and is indicative of the ambient pressure about the device.

Abstract: Methods for detecting oil conditions including a top level of an oil in an oil system which is reduced to a top level of a predetermined threshold amount of the oil, a normal oil deterioration which occurs in the absence of water having a confirmed actual remaining usage of the oil, and an abnormal oil deterioration which occurs in the presence of water. The methods include a first preferred embodiment which applies reference and sensing capacitors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil. From which a quantitatively measured remaining usage is obtained so as to a predicted one for the oil. Therefore, the respective top oil level, or the normal or the abnormal oil deterioration can be concluded according to the measured remaining usage which is respectively larger than, or similar to, or less than the predicted one for the oil. A second preferred embodiment only includes the sensing capacitor for obtaining the measured temperature compensated electrical property of the oil.

Abstract: Electronic steam trap monitoring is disclosed. An electronic steam trap monitor is operably coupled to an outlet of a steam trap and is configured to measure at least one process variable of fluid (liquid or gas) flowing through the trap, when the trap is known to be working normally. The steam trap monitor stores the process variable information obtained during the known operating condition for later comparison. The steam trap monitor obtains a later process variable measurement and compares it to the stored measurement to selectively generate a leakage indication. The steam trap monitor preferably uses a local power source and communicates wirelessly.

Abstract: A system and method of characterizing or controlling a flow of a fluid is provided that involves a sensor conduit and a bypass. A plurality of fluids may be utilized in the flow control device based on characteristic information of the device generated during calibration thereof. The characteristic information, in turn is based on a dimensionless parameters, such as adjusted dynamic pressure and adjusted Reynolds number.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the distribution of pressure forces over a selected area includes a sensor having an array of pressure sensing capacitance nodes formed by intersecting rows and columns, where measured capacitance of a node is compared to a fixed value of reference capacitance placed on each row that can be measured as if it was another node.

Abstract: A system for sensing environmental conditions on a window assembly. The system includes a transparent panel and a sensor integrated onto the panel. The sensor being configured to sense environmental changes on the panel. The sensor may comprise conductive inks that are printed onto the window assembly. The window assembly may comprise a plastic panel, such as a multilayer polycarbonate panel such that a portion of the sensor may be located on the one layer of the panel while another portion of the sensor overlaps the first portion on a second layer of the window. The sensor may be a resistive or capacitive sensor and may be configured to detect changes in one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture. Further, the sensor may be in electrical communication with a controller configured for control various vehicle subsystems based on the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for determining a liquid level inside a container by using an effective capacitance associated with one or more sense electrodes that are located inside the container. Embodiments may support different types of liquids, including water, and support different electrical appliances, including electric kettles, coffee makers, and water treatment appliances having a non-transparency housing such as stainless steel and black color Lucite or glass that cannot directly indicate the water level. A value of capacitance characteristic associated with a sensing electrode is determined. The water level may be displayed to the user on any kind of electronic panel, e.g., liquid crystal display (LCD), light emitting diode (LED) display, or vacuum fluorescent display (VFD). Also, a correction factor may be applied to a determined capacitance associated with a sensing electrode to compensate for the operating temperature of the sensor electrode and the liquid.

Abstract: A capacitance detection circuit containing an input protection circuit and having high sensitivity is provided. A capacitance detection circuit for detecting the capacitance of a capacitive sensor, comprising a buffer amplifier connected to the capacitive sensor via a signal wire and having a voltage gain of 1; diodes connected in series between the signal wire and a positive power supply; diodes connected in series between the signal wire and a negative power supply, wherein an output terminal of the buffer amplifier is connected to a junction point of the diodes and to a junction point of the diodes.

Abstract: A method and device detect a position of a pulsed mechanical effect on a plant component. An operating noise in the plant component is continuously recorded by sensors which are arranged on the plant component and converted by the above into a measured signal. The measured signals of the sensors undergo a transformation in a first time window. A first evaluation function is derived from a plurality of first transformations determined in this manner, the evaluation functions display an appearance of the pulsed mechanical effect. Accordingly, when detecting an effect following the second shorter time window having the same algorithms, second transformed and respectively, second evaluation functions are derived, from which, respectively, one time point is determined. Wherein the sound signal produced by the effect impacts upon the sensor. From there, running time differences produced between the sensors can be exactly reconstructed on the position of the effect.

Abstract: The aim of the invention is to provide a simple and reliable method of measuring the quality of a fluid (2), in particular an oil or fat. This is achieved by a dielectric measurement in conjunction with a temperature measurement, which are carried out in situ by means of a measuring assembly and a sensor assembly (1) used with the latter, whereby the sensor assembly is submerged in the fluid. This permits information concerning the condition of the fluid, in particular concerning the age of the frying oil or fat, to be obtained in a rapid, low-cost manner.

Abstract: Methods for detecting oil conditions including a top oil level in an oil system which is reduced to a top level of a threshold amount of the oil, a normal oil deterioration which occurs in the absence of water having a confirmed remaining oil usage, and an abnormal oil deterioration which occurs in the presence of water. The methods comprise a first preferred embodiment which applies a reference and sensing capacitors to obtain a measured temperature compensated electrical property of an oil in use. From which a quantitatively measured remaining usage is obtained so as to a predicted one for the oil. Therefore, the respective top oil level, or the normal or the abnormal oil deterioration can be concluded according to the measured remaining usage which is respectively larger than, or similar to, or less than the predicted one for the oil. A second preferred embodiment only includes the sensing capacitor for obtaining the measured property of the oil.

Abstract: To enable a trouble diagnosis of braking-input-side pressure sensors even in a state where a braking input side and a braking output side are interrupted from each other. In a brake device of a vehicle in which a braking input side which generates a liquid pressure by manipulating a brake manipulation portion and a braking output side which supplies the liquid pressure to a brake caliper are made to be communicated with each other or being interrupted from each other by way of a first electromagnetic open/close valve, and the brake device includes a hydraulic modulator which adjusts the liquid pressure of the braking output side by operating an electrically-operated motor, the brake device includes a first pressure sensor and a second pressure sensor for detecting the liquid pressure of the braking input side, and a trouble diagnosis of the pressure sensors is performed in response to detection values of the pressure sensors.

Abstract: Properties of asphalt are determined by determining an expansion of a plurality of samples of the asphalt as a function of current dimensions of the respective samples, determining a creep of the samples as a function of the current dimensions of the respective samples, repeating the determining steps over a plurality of temperatures, and determining a master creep modulus and a temperature coefficient of the asphalt as a function of the plurality of expansions and the plurality of creeps.

Abstract: A field device electronics with a sensor unit for capacitive fill level measurements in a container, wherein the field device electronics is connected over appropriate signal paths with the sensor unit, wherein the field device electronics produces a voltage signal for driving the sensor unit and receives and evaluates a measurement current from the sensor unit. According to the invention, an analog/digital converter digitizing the analog measurement current, a microprocessor and a memory unit are present, wherein the microprocessor utilizes predetermined program routines to perform the production of the voltage signal and the evaluation of the measurement current and a compensation of interference parameters and a determination of the parameters of the sensor-container arrangement which are to be determined, with the associated programs being stored in the memory unit.

Abstract: The process measuring device comprises a flow sensor having a measuring tube, a sensor arrangement for producing a measurement signal, and an evaluation and operating circuit. The method serves to compensate for the effects of interfering potentials which are caused especially by foreign particles or air bubbles in the liquid to be measured. For this purpose, an anomaly in the waveform of the measurement signal caused at least in part by an electrical, especially pulse-shaped, interfering potential is detected by determining within a stored first data set a data group which digitally represents the anomaly. To generate an interference-free data set, the data belonging to the data group are removed from the stored first data set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid metering apparatus, which includes a fluid container and a metering device. The container has a hollow part for storing fluid and the metering device includes electrical metering means and data processing means. The electrical metering means detects change of a physical quantity of the fluid in the container, and the characteristic is expressed with an electrical mode. The data processing means treats the electrical information obtained by the electrical metering means, and converts the electrical information into a physical characteristic of the fluid. The electrical metering means includes a metering component, which provides a strip line component. Moreover, the electrical information is an electrical signal selected from a capacitance value, an inductance value or an impedance value of the strip line component or a combination of the preceding values.

Abstract: A process for curing a moldable compound under a plurality of curing conditions by: (1) obtaining time dependent data streams of dielectric or impedance values from a plurality of sensors distributed within a curing mold, wherein the moldable compound is a dialectric for each of the sensors; (2) determining impedance related measurements from the data streams for the plurality of sensors; (3) determining predictive and/or corrective curing actions for enhancing the curing process using the impedance related measurements for the plurality of sensors; and (4) controlling the mass production curing of parts to obtain cured parts having one or more desired properties.

Abstract: The process measuring device includes a flow sensor having a measuring tube, a sensor arrangement for producing a measurement signal, and an evaluation and operating circuit. The method serves to compensate for the effects of interfering potentials which are caused especially by foreign particles or air bubbles in the liquid to be measured. For this purpose, an anomaly in the waveform of the measurement signal caused at least in part by an electrical, especially pulse-shaped, interfering potential is detected by determining within a stored first data set a data group which digitally represents the anomaly. To generate an interference-free data set, the data belonging to the data group are removed from the stored first data set.

Abstract: Apparatus, and an associated method, for facilitating distribution of revenue generated pursuant to distribution of content, such as recorded music files or other entertainment files, to content consumers. Identification is made by an identifier of includable distribution entities that are includable in distributions of revenue derived as a result of downloading content to content consumers. A revenue allocator allocates revenues to the includable distribution entities according to a selected formula. The selected formula is dynamically alterable, depending upon demand indications, as well as other criteria.

Abstract: To provide a logical volume administration method capable of reducing a cost of using a storage, a logical volume is constructed by a steady area corresponding to a task of steadily allocating a disk area and a temporary area corresponding to a task of allocating no disk area until allocation of a disk area is requested. The disk area to be allocated to the temporary area is commonly used by a plurality of logical volumes in a time sharing manner. The disk areas are administered in a lump as a disk pool. The cost to each of customers sharing the temporary area is calculated by total use time×use size and is charged.