Abstract: A sensor device includes a substrate having a substrate surface, a first IDT electrode positioned on the substrate surface, a second IDT electrode positioned on the substrate surface, a waveguide, and a protective film. The waveguide is positioned on the substrate surface and between the first IDT electrode and the second IDT electrode. The waveguide includes a first immobilized layer positioned on the substrate surface and a second immobilized layer positioned on the first immobilized layer. The second immobilized layer is positioned inside an outer edge of the first immobilized layer as seen in a plan view.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration sensor comprising a pressure generating element for generating pressure differences between a first and a second volume in response to vibrations of the vibration sensor, the first and second volumes being acoustically sealed from each other, and a pressure transducer for measuring pressure differences between the first and second volumes. The present invention also relates to an associated method for detecting vibrations.

Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) micro-scale shells are presented with openings of various sizes and geometries on the surface. The shell consist of a suspended ring-shaped resonator, multiple support beams, a support post, and a cap region that connects the support beams to the support post. Shells with openings of various sizes and geometries allow the creation of micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) sensors and actuators with a wide range of engineered mechanical and electrical properties. The openings on the shell surface can, for example, control the mechanical quality factor (Q) and resonance frequencies of the shell when the shell is used as a suspended proof mass of a mechanical resonator of a vibratory gyroscope. The shells can also serve as mechanical supporting layers and/or an electrode connection layer for MEMS actuators and sensors that use 3D shells as proof masses.

Abstract: A manhole position identification method of the present invention includes: measuring, from an end of an optical fiber, a temporal variation in scattering light from the optical fiber when an impact blow is applied to a cover of a manhole located on a path of the optical fiber, so as to obtain temporal variations in a scattering light intensity distribution in a longitudinal direction of the optical fiber; determining an occurrence of vibration due to the impact blow based on the temporal variations at positions in the scattering light intensity distribution, so as to identify an impact blow position on the optical fiber; and associating the impact blow position on the optical fiber with a map position of the manhole whose cover has received the impact blow, so as to identify a position of the manhole expressed in terms of optical fiber length from the end.

Abstract: A condition monitoring device configured to be mounted on a machine for sensing, for example, vibrations produced by the machine during operation, includes a base, a printed circuit board assembly lying in a first plane, and first and second fasteners, each having a longitudinal axis, lying in a second plane perpendicular to the first plane, the first and second fasteners extending through the printed circuit board assembly and into the base. A third plane is perpendicular to the first and second planes and is located halfway between the longitudinal axes of the first and second fasteners. An integrated power supply is connected to the printed circuit board assembly, and at least two active sensing cells, such as vibration sensors, are arranged symmetrically relative to the second plane and/or symmetrically relative to the third plane.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensing device includes a housing, a piezoelectric assembly, a board and a plurality of fixing members. The housing includes a bottom wall, a top wall and a surrounding side wall connected between the top wall and the bottom wall. The piezoelectric assembly includes an encapsulating body and a piezoelectric sheet, wherein at least a portion of the piezoelectric sheet is enclosed by the encapsulating body and has a sensing surface exposed to the encapsulating body and facing the bottom wall. The board is disposed on the top wall of the housing and has a pressing surface facing the encapsulating body and the top wall. The plurality of fixing members is configured to fix the board to the top wall of the housing to press the board to the encapsulating body of the piezoelectric assembly, thereby pressing the sensing surface of the piezoelectric sheet to the bottom wall.

Abstract: A piezoelectric thin-film suspended above a carrier substrate. An input interdigital transducer (IDT) having first interdigitated electrodes is disposed at different locations along the horizontal axis and on the first side of the piezoelectric thin-film. Each opposing pair of the first interdigitated electrodes is to selectively transduce a particular frequency range of an input electrical signal that varies in frequency over time into an acoustic wave of a laterally vibrating mode based on a pitch between electrodes of the opposing pair. An output IDT that includes second interdigitated electrodes is disposed at different locations along the horizontal axis and on the second side of the piezoelectric thin-film. Each opposing pair of the second interdigitated electrodes is to convert the acoustic wave transduced by the respective opposing pair of the first interdigitated electrodes into a compressed pulse.

Abstract: A tempo-spatial evolution test system for rock breaking in deep and complex environment includes an acoustic emission sensor assembly and an acoustic emission amplifier assembly that are arranged on a rock mechanics test system. A triaxial cavity coupling bracket is arranged on an outer wall of the triaxial cavity and between two sets of acoustic emission sensor assemblies. The triaxial cavity coupling bracket includes a plate-shaped bracket, two sickle-shaped brackets, and at least three bracket bolts, which can be tightly wrapped on the outer wall of the triaxial cavity. A lateral side of the plate-shaped bracket vertically fixes two guide columns. The acoustic emission amplifier assembly is arranged between the two guide columns and is located above the plate-shaped bracket, and the acoustic emission amplifier assembly is connected to the acoustic emission sensor assembly through a signal line.

Abstract: A GIL fault on-line monitoring system based on vibration signals and support vector machine, via a monitoring device mounting on the outer surface of the CIL channel, monitors the vibration signals generated on the tube wall during the power transmission process, and perform fault diagnosis through comparison. For example, when the abnormal vibration signals appear near a certain post insulators, then it can be determined that the corresponding location is experiencing a fault. The system is capable of operating without powering off the GIL or disassembling the GIL, thus it is an economic, convenient and effective troubleshooting method with high implementation feasibility. The system can monitor the operation state of the GIL in real time and send information to a monitoring station through a wireless device, and thus guarantees the stable operation of the GIL.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vibration sensor comprising a pressure generating element for generating pressure differences between a first and a second volume in response to vibrations of the vibration sensor, the first and second volumes being acoustically sealed from each other, and a pressure transducer for measuring pressure differences between the first and second volumes. The present invention also relates to an associated method for detecting vibrations.

Abstract: A position sensor for sensing position or motion, includes: a ferrite core, and a sensor coil configured to provide a sensor signal. The sensor coil is implemented on a printed circuit board, and the ferrite core is configured to be fitted into the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A MEMS device includes a first electrode structure and a second electrode structure forming a capacitive sensing arrangement. The MEMS device includes a plurality of anti-stiction bumps arranged between the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure at a corresponding plurality of locations. The plurality of locations being projected into a main surface of the second electrode structure is distributed so as to comprise a first distribution density in a first main surface region of the main surface and so as to comprise second, different distribution density in a second main surface region of the main surface, the second main surface region being delimited from the first main surface region.

Abstract: A multi-feed detection device includes a transmission circuit substrate to which an ultrasonic transmitter transmitting an ultrasonic wave is installed, and an ultrasonic receiver receiving the ultrasonic wave. The ultrasonic transmitter has arrayed ultrasonic transmission elements and transmits ultrasonic waves with different phases from the ultrasonic transmission elements to transmit the ultrasonic waves in a direction diagonally intersecting a thickness direction of the transmission circuit substrate.

Abstract: A method of sensing vibrations or displacements remotely is provided. Magnets are attached to vibrating objects or the vibrating objects themselves are magnetic. A number of magnetic sensors are placed a specified distance from the magnets. Vibrational displacement of the vibrating objects is determined according to a model that maps changes in magnetic field to vibrations or spatial displacements.

Abstract: A system and method for inspecting a railway track using sensors oriented at an oblique angle relative to a rail vehicle on which the system is traveling. The orientation of the sensors allows for different data to be gathered regarding a particular rail including rail design specifications (gathered based on manufacturer markings detected and analyzed by the system), rail seat abrasion values based on direct measurement of rails from the oblique angle, and other analysis of rail features including joint bars, rail welds, bond wires, rail holes, and broken rails. The use of an air blower, ducts, and one or more air distribution lids over the sensors helps remove debris from blocking the sensors and structured light generators.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for generating an ultrasonic vibration of a tool used for the ultrasonic machining of a workpiece and for measuring ultrasonic vibration parameters of the ultrasonic vibration of the tool having a tool holder for receiving the tool, an ultrasonic transducer in the tool holder for generating the ultrasonic vibration of the tool, a sensor mechanism in the tool holder for producing a sensor signal on the basis of the ultrasonic vibration of the tool, and a sensor signal evaluation device for evaluating the sensor signal.

Abstract: A method for analyzing the condition of a machine having a rotating shaft, including: generating an analogue electric measurement signal (SEA) dependent on mechanical vibrations emanating from rotation of the shaft; sampling the analogue measurement signal at a sampling frequency (fS) so as to generate a digital measurement data signal (SMD) in response to the received analogue measurement data; performing a decimation of the digital measurement data signal (SMD) so as to achieve a digital signal (SRED) having a reduced sampling frequency (fSR1, fSR2); wherein the decimation includes the step of controlling the reduced sampling frequency (fSR1, fSR2) such that the number of sample values per revolution of the shaft (8) is kept at a substantially constant value; and performing a condition analysis function (F1, F2, Fn) for analyzing the condition of the machine dependent on the digital signal (SRED) having a reduced sampling frequency (fSR1, fSR2).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining an operational state of a motor are described. The apparatus includes a sensor or detecting vibration and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor converts sensed vibration signals into the frequency domain to produce a vibration characteristic, and determines a current operational state of the motor based on the vibration characteristic, wherein the current operation state is determined from at least two different operational states including at least one idle state and at least one working state.

Abstract: A capacitive micromachined ultrasonic transducer (CMUT) and methods of forming the same are disclosed herein. In one implementation, the CMUT comprises a glass substrate having a cavity; a patterned metal bottom electrode situated within the cavity of the glass substrate; and a vibrating plate comprising at least a conducting layer, wherein the vibrating plate is anodically bonded to the glass substrate to form an air-tight seal between the vibrating plate and the substrate and wherein a pressure inside the cavity is less than atmospheric pressure (i.e., a vacuum). In another implementation, the CMUT comprises a glass substrate with Through-Glass-Via (TGV) interconnects, wherein a metal electrode is electrically connected to a TGV and wherein said metal electrode can be in the bottom of a cavity of the glass substrate or on the vibrating plate.

Abstract: The system generally includes a crosspoint switch in the local data collection system having multiple inputs and multiple outputs including a first input connected to the first sensor and a second input connected to the second sensor. The multiple outputs include a first and second output configured to be switchable between a condition in which the first output is configured to switch between delivery of the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and a condition in which there is simultaneous delivery of the first sensor signal from the first output and the second sensor signal from the second output. Each of multiple inputs is configured to be individually assigned to any of the multiple outputs. Unassigned outputs are configured to be switched off producing a high-impedance state. The local data collection system is configured to manage data collection bands. The local data collection system includes a neural net expert system using intelligent management of the data collection bands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manipulating polarizable dielectric particles. The method includes positioning a liquid containing the particles above a surface of a piezoelectric material (2). The method also includes inducing a shear-horizontal surface acoustic wave in the piezoelectric material (2), thereby to form a time-varying non-uniform evanescent electric field extending into the liquid. The method further includes using the time-varying non-uniform evanescent electric field to apply a force to at least some of the particles (50, 52) by dielectrophoresis.

Abstract: A Multiple Aperture Ultrasound Imaging system and methods of use are provided with any number of features. In some embodiments, a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit and receive ultrasound energy to and from separate physical ultrasound apertures. In some embodiments, a transmit aperture of a multi-aperture ultrasound imaging system is configured to transmit an omni-directional unfocused ultrasound waveform approximating a first point source through a target region. In some embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with a single receiving aperture. In other embodiments, the ultrasound energy is received with multiple receiving apertures. Algorithms are described that can combine echoes received by one or more receiving apertures to form high resolution ultrasound images. Additional algorithms can solve for variations in tissue speed of sound, thus allowing the ultrasound system to be used virtually anywhere in or on the body.

Abstract: A method for detecting physiological information, adapted to a wearable multi-axis accelerometer for detecting the physiological information, the method comprises obtaining a detecting signal in a sampling time via the multi-axis accelerometer; detecting peaks of the detecting signal in a first searching time interval to obtain a plurality of first peaks; calculating first time intervals between every two adjacent first peaks, and taking maximum of the first time intervals as a second searching time interval; detecting peaks of the detecting signal in the second searching time intervals to obtain a plurality of the second peaks; and obtaining the physiological information from the detecting signal based on the second peaks.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement for use in process automation, including a sensor with at least one sensor element for detecting a measurand of process automation, a first interface for transmitting a value that is a function of the measurand to a second interface, and a first coupling body having the first interface, the sensor further including a connection element for transmitting the value to a higher-level unit, the connection element including a first housing section with a second interface complementary to the first interface, wherein the first and second interfaces are designed for bi-directional communication between the sensor and the higher-level unit and to ensure the power supply to the sensor, a second housing section with a second coupling body complementary to the first coupling body and having an open and a locked condition, wherein the first housing section can be rotated in relation to the second housing section.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, by a first wireless device integrated into a management facility from a second wireless device integrated into a detection device, environmental conditions produced by a structure and detected by the detection device attached to the structure; and processing, by the management facility, the environmental conditions to detect a deviation from an expected operation of the structure.

Abstract: An inspection system includes a first ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along a surface of a component. The first ultrasonic probe transmits ultrasonic energy. The inspection system also includes a second ultrasonic probe positioned on and configured to move along the surface of the component opposite the first probe. The second ultrasonic probe receives the ultrasonic energy transmitted by the first ultrasonic probe. Additionally, the inspection system includes a probe alignment system in communication with the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe. The probe alignment system is configured to analyze an energy characteristic for the ultrasonic energy received by the second ultrasonic probe to determine if a displacement characteristic for at least one of the first ultrasonic probe and the second ultrasonic probe requires adjustment.

Abstract: An acoustic line tracing system for tracing a fluid transfer system tubing line includes an acoustic receiver operably connectable to the tubing line and configured to receive the vibratory signal. The acoustic receiver includes a vibration sensor disposed to contact the tubing line and configured for detecting vibration of the surface of the tubing line caused by the vibratory signal, and an indicator producing at least one of an audio and a visual cue when the vibration sensor detects the vibratory signal.

Abstract: This application discusses simplified interface circuits for a gyroscope. In an example, an interface can include an automatic gain control (AGC) circuit configured to couple to driver for a proof mass of a gyroscope sensor and to drive the proof-mass to oscillate at a predefined oscillation amplitude, and a phase-locked loop (PLL) configured to receive sensed oscillation information from the proof-mass and to provide at least a first phase signal synchronized with a sinusoidal waveform of the sensed oscillation information.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for operating a mill at continuous input and output mass flows, and to the mill, wherein a process model based on power balance equations and mass balance equations is used. Characteristic process variables can be measured in a simple manner outside the mill. Characteristic process variables which are still not known can be ascertained by means of inserting the measured values into a respective power balance equation, assuming that the other process variables are in each case known or are insignificant. On this basis, the mill can be actuated in an optimum manner in order to provide a high output power.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-invasively determining the level of a constituent of a patient's blood drawn though an elastomeric tubing to a dialysis machine deforms the tubing in the slot of a measuring head having two points of different transverse length with a transmit/receive sensor at each point that transmits a signal through the tubing and the blood and is reflected back to it from the tubing internal wall. The round trip transit time of the signal at each sensor is measured and the blood sound velocity is calculated from the two round trip transit times and the differential of the transverse lengths at the two points. Blood hematocrit level, which is related to blood volume, is calculated from the calculated sound velocity and an empirical relationship.

Abstract: A bending vibration piece has a pair of drive vibration arms and a pair of detection vibration arms in an opposite direction thereto which are connected to a supporting part. The supporting part has recessed portions formed on both lateral parts in a direction of width, and a through-hole formed substantially at the center in a plane part of the supporting part and more toward the drive vibration arms than the recessed portions are. On a surface of the supporting part, drive electrode pads are arranged toward the drive vibration arms and detection electrode pads are arranged toward the detection vibration arms, with these electrode pads being separated from each other in a longitudinal direction by the recessed portions on both lateral part of the supporting part and the through-hole in the plane part.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data when an individual wearing a dosimeter is active. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether an individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether a dosimeter was in a particular location when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data where on the body of an individual the individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data the probability that an individual is wearing a dosimeter that is assigned to the individual.

Abstract: Described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data when an individual wearing a dosimeter is active. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether an individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data whether a dosimeter was in a particular location when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data where on the body of an individual the individual was wearing a dosimeter when the dosimeter was exposed to radiation. Also described are a method and apparatus for determining based on motion data the probability that an individual is wearing a dosimeter that is assigned to the individual.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for detecting hidden or modified objects in a vehicle are disclosed. Embodiments include detection of vehicle irregularities, such as irregularities in the acoustical response of a vehicle tire as the tire rolls over a surface, irregularities in the orientation of the vehicle body, the response of a vehicle component (such as an axle, wheel, tire, etc.) to the vehicle moving over a surface, and the response of a vehicle component to vehicle generated vibrations. In alternate embodiments subsystems detecting different irregularities communicate with one another.

Abstract: A detection device includes a driving circuit which drives a physical quantity transducer, a detection circuit which detects a desired signal, a power-supply terminal into which a power-supply voltage is input, a regulator circuit which performs a voltage adjustment of stepping down the power-supply voltage from the power-supply terminal, and supplies a regulated power-supply voltage obtained by the voltage adjustment to the driving circuit and the detection circuit as an operating power-supply voltage, and a buffer circuit which is supplied with the power-supply voltage, receives a drive signal from the driving circuit, and outputs an amplified drive signal in which an amplitude of the drive signal increases to the physical quantity transducer.

Abstract: A detection device includes a driving circuit which drives a vibrator, and a detection circuit which detects a desired signal. The driving circuit includes a current-voltage conversion circuit which receives a feedback signal, and performs a current-voltage conversion, a drive signal output circuit which amplifies an input voltage signal after being subjected to the current-voltage conversion, and outputs a drive signal of a sine wave, and a gain control circuit which controls a gain of amplification of the drive signal in the drive signal output circuit. When a resistance for a current-voltage conversion is set to RI, the gain of the amplification of the drive signal in the drive signal output circuit is set to K, and an equivalent series resistance in a fundamental wave mode of the vibrator is set to R, the gain control circuit performs a gain control such that K×RI=R is satisfied.

Abstract: At least two sound pressure sensors in parallel with each other are inserted into a liquid to which waves are applied. The sound pressure sensors have a bar-like shape and the same sensitivity. In a first synchronized state waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are synchronized with each other. The sound pressure sensors are moved relative to each other in a longitudinal direction, to break the first synchronized state and then establish a second synchronized state in which the waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are again synchronized with each other. A wavelength of the detected waves is determined according to a quantity of the relative movement of the sound pressure sensors between the first and second synchronized states. The detection of a wavelength of waves applied to the liquid is usable to evaluate and control a total amount of dissolved gases in the liquid.

Abstract: A piezoelectric vibration sensor includes a piezoelectric element which is in a form of flat plate, an element holding plate which is in a form of flat plate, and first and second support members. An electrode is arranged on at least one plane of the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element is joined to one plane of the piezoelectric element. The first support member and the second support member support the piezoelectric element and the element holding plate. A vibration film activates vibration of the element holding plate between the first support member and the second support member. Moreover, the element holding plate is joined to each of the first support member and the second support member through the vibration film. As a result, it is possible to obtain high sensitivity in a wide frequency range and to withstand an impact which is added from the outside.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound therapy system using high-intensity focused ultrasound. The ultrasound therapy improves ultrasound and heat release characteristics and provides an ultrasound probe which easily performs manufacturing and maintenance processes. According to the present invention, a housing is recessed on the inward side around the upper-part edge. A plurality of mounting holes is uniformly formed from the outside at a constant radius to the edge in the center of the upper part. A plurality of probe units is respectively installed in the plurality of mounting holes to form a sphere on the upper part of the housing. And a grounding film covers the sphere which the plurality of probe units forms.

Abstract: A system (100) for determining a property of an object (106) comprises an inducing arrangement (102), a detector (104) and a processor. The inducing arrangement (102) is configured to generate an impulse of fluid and for directing the impulse of fluid towards the object to induce a physical vibration of the object (106). The inducing arrangement (102) does not contact the object 106 when inducing the physical vibration of the object (106). The detector (104) is configured to detect the physical vibration of the object (106). The detector (104) does not contact the object 106 when detecting the physical vibration of the object (106). The processor is coupled to the detector (104) for determining the property of the object (106) based on at least the detected physical vibration.

Abstract: A method for validating a workpiece measurement in a hand-held spatial dimension measurement metrology tool comprises vibrating a portion of the metrology hand tool using the vibration excitation element; sensing a vibration signature using the vibration sensor configuration; identifying a valid contact state between the metrology hand tool and the workpiece based on a vibration signature criterion; identifying a valid seating state based on a measurement stability criterion applied to a set of dimensional measurements of the metrology hand tool; and indicating that a dimensional measurement is valid for a dimensional measurement that is obtained when the valid contact state and the valid seating state occur simultaneously.

Abstract: A resonator has a body of silicon-based material with at least one resonant part having at least one portion covered in an electrical conduction layer and at least one portion not covered in a conduction layer. The portion of the resonator not covered in a conduction layer is covered in a passivation layer in such a manner that, in the resonant part, the silicon-based material is completely covered by the conduction layer and by the passivation layer in combination. A vibrating sensor is also provided which includes such a resonator and a method of fabricating the resonator.

Abstract: A timepiece having at least one quartz oscillator and/or at least one transducer. A method for authenticating a timepiece includes measuring acoustic vibrations emitted by the timepiece to obtain an electrical signal, performing a transform of said electrical signal into at least one domain, extracting identification information from the transformed electrical signal, comparing the extracted information with at least one reference information, and determining an authenticity of said timepiece based on the comparing.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect vibration is provided. The apparatus comprises an optical transmitter and an optical receiver. The optical transmitter is configured to send an optical signal that is modified by a vibration sensor. The optical receiver configured to receive the optical signal from the vibration sensor, the optical signal comprising fluctuations responsive to vibration of the vibration sensor. The optical signal includes a radio frequency (RF) signal. The vibration sensor is comprised by an optical assembly configured to detect underground vibrations.

Abstract: A seismic sensor detects a characteristic of a medium during a seismic survey. The seismic sensor includes a casing; a magnet located inside the casing; a coil assembly located inside the casing, wherein the coil assembly moves relative to the magnet; and a temperature-sensitive device connected to terminals of the coil assembly and configured to improve the damping. The magnet and the coil assembly produce some intrinsic damping and the additional damping introduced by the temperature-sensitive device is selected to counterbalance the temperature-dependent intrinsic damping so that a phase of a recorded seismic signal is compensated for temperature induced magnetic field changes.

Abstract: A photoacoustic detector wherein control circuits compensate for long term variations of components therein including a light source and sensing microphones. The control circuits intermittently energize the source to evaluate changes in at least source resistance. The control circuits intermittently energize an acoustic generator to evaluate changes in one or more generator responsive microphones.

Abstract: This application describes method and apparatus for detecting train separation, where one or more railway cars/carriages (401) accidentally decouple from the rest of the train. The method involves performing distributed acoustic sensing on at least one optical fibre (104a, 104b) to provide a plurality of longitudinal acoustic sensor portions along the railway (201). The acoustic response is analysed to detect a signature indicative of a train separation. This may involve detecting acoustic events (302, 303) associated with different parts of the train and detecting when the separation between the two events exceeds a threshold amount. The method may identify the front of the train and the rear of the train and detect when the distance between the front and rear changes by more than a threshold amount and/or sounds associated with wheelsets passing track features (402) may be used to determine the intervals (T3, T4) between wheelsets of adjacent cars and determine when the interval exceeds a threshold amount.

Abstract: An outer part for a device which is attachable thereto as a housing and/or an attachment part, a first reflective surface and a second reflective surface being formed on the outer part so that at least one signal emitted by an optical and/or acoustic source is directly or indirectly deflectable onto at least one detector surface of an optical and/or acoustic detector, an optical path being configured as a cavern or continuous recess in the outer part or as a depression of a boundary surface of the outer part, the optical path having at least one opening via which at least one substance is transferable into the optical path, and the at least one signal being deflectable into the optical path to the second reflective surface which is formed at a second end of the optical path with the first reflective surface at a first end of the optical path.

Abstract: An object characteristics measurement apparatus of the invention includes a surface acoustic wave device. The surface acoustic wave device includes: an interdigitated electrode that is formed on a first surface on a piezoelectric substrate, excites an elastic wave, and receives reflection based on the elastic wave; a reflector that has a third surface and a fourth surface between the interdigitated electrode and a second surface orthogonal to the first surface in a propagation direction of the elastic wave; a reaction field that is formed between the interdigitated electrode and the reflector, in which the measured object is to be loaded; and a propagator that is formed between the reflector and the second surface.

Abstract: A system including a plurality of sensing devices configured to generate acoustic emission (AE) signals that are representative of acoustic emission waves propagating through a plurality of stator vanes is presented. The system further includes a processing subsystem that is in an operational communication with the plurality of sensing devices, and the processing subsystem is configured to generate a dynamic threshold based upon an initial threshold and the AE signals, determine whether a plurality of signals of interest exist in the AE signals based upon the dynamic threshold, extract the plurality of signals of interest from the AE signals based upon the dynamic threshold, determine one or more features corresponding to the plurality of signals of interest, and analyze the one or more features to monitor and validate the health of the plurality of stator vanes.