Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems to identify a physical event using a vibration signature. One aspect of the method comprises forming one or more identified vibration signatures that are each associated with a respective known physical event. The method further comprises receiving a vibration signature associated with an actual physical event, and identifying the actual physical event by comparing the vibration signature with the one or more identified vibration signatures that are each associated with a respective known physical event.

Abstract: Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems to detect actuation of a switch using vibrations and vibration signatures. One aspect of the method comprises sending an actuation signal to a switch, receiving a vibration signal associated with the switch, and determining from the vibration signal whether the actuation occurred.

Abstract: System and method for geo-location of a device (such as a tag) using barometric pressure readings taken in the vicinity of the device and correlated to datasets of barometric pressure that have pressure gradients over time and space. The readings taken in the vicinity of the device may be correlated to the datasets using an iterative Bayesian approach to determine a geo-location of the device with a high degree of confidence.

Abstract: A liquid delivery apparatus is provided for depositing liquid materials onto prescribed areas. The apparatus includes a sensing and delivery pin and a photo sensor. The apparatus is sized to deliver a droplet of liquid material to the surface of a target area without coming into contact with the target surface. The apparatus is also capable of drawing geometric features, such as lines and grids of liquid material. The photo sensor measures the intensity of light during a processing cycle. Measured reflected-light intensity can be compared in real-time to a reference curve which is based on test process cycles representing the light intensity expected when the process proceeds in the preferred fashion to produce a normal spot having an expected droplet size. The light intensity measurements can also be fitted with a mathematical function such as an asymmetric double sigmoidal curve.

Abstract: A device of testing a vibrating device includes a housing, a connector, an indicator, and a vibrating sensing apparatus. The connector, the indicator, and the vibrating sensing apparatus are mounted with the housing, and electronically connected in series. When the test device is vibrated by a portable electronic device received in the housing, the vibrating sensing apparatus forms a closed circuit with the connector and the indicator to activate the indicator to indicate whether the vibrating performance of the portable electronic device is normal or not.

Abstract: Two layers of a plurality of rod-like permanent magnets each having a width Wm, a thickness Tm and a predetermined length are aligned on a plane in such a way that they have opposite magnetic pole orientations alternately and are aligned at a fixed pole pitch ?p are arranged to be opposed to each other with the magnetic pole orientation of each magnet in one of the layers being identical to that of the opposing magnet in the other layer. The opposing surfaces of the magnets are spaced a distance 2×lg from each other, and a vibrating membrane on which coils each having a conductive pattern are arranged is placed in a gap between any two adjacent rod-like permanent magnets in each of the two layers, where lg is a distance from the vibrating membrane to the surface of a magnet. The arrangement of the rod-like permanent magnets is optimized by using Wm, Tm, ?p, and lg.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of resonating or vibrating devices. One of the tricky points with this type of device is that of correctly measuring the vibration frequency in a disturbed environment. The analysis system according to the invention is based on the use of the Hilbert transform of a function U representative of the position A of the vibrations of the device.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the disclosed method includes receiving a user selection of a machine system type from a plurality of machine system types, where the system types corresponding to specific machine component combination. The method also includes configuring alarms based on the machine system type, configuring calculations of vibration parameters based on the machine system type, wherein the calculations are adjusted for the machine system type, and configuring diagnostic information based on the machine system type.

Abstract: A movable plate is provided to a pendulum displaceable by external vibration. A fixed plate is provided to a position opposite to the movable plate. A displacement detector detects an electrostatic capacitance between the plates. A servo amplifier supplies to a force coil, a current in an amount associated with the detection result. A current circuit and a load resistor of the force coil convert the current into a detection signal and output the signal. When the movable plate and the fixed plates, which are conducted to each other, are contacted, the electrostatic capacitance between the plates is removed. A processor detects a change in the detection signal due to the removal of the electrostatic capacitance, and then determines that the plates are contacted.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed that may be configured to respond to vibrations in a pavement induced by the travel of a vehicle on the pavement. The apparatus may include vibration sensor nodes embedded in the pavement and systems using the response of the sensor nodes to generate vehicle parameters, weight estimates, pavement deflection estimates and vehicle classifications. From these and other data, traffic ticket, tariff and insurance messages about the vehicle may be generated. Processors and processor-units are disclosed. Delivery mechanisms to configure the processor units and entities controlling and/or benefiting from the deliveries are disclosed.

Abstract: A system in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a plurality of electrodes communicatively coupled to an electromagnetically sensitive bio-organism isolated from electrostatic energy and control logic configured to detect at least one signal from the electrodes and determine, based upon the at least one signal, whether seismic activity is present, the at least one signal indicative of an action potential in the bio-organism.

Abstract: Vibration test arrangements incorporate an isolation device. In order to allow the isolation device to operate on one side only of a component subject to vibration testing a clamp association is provided between isolation elements. An abutment pressure to retain and present the component is generated between the isolation elements utilising the clamp association and an appropriate displacement mechanism. The displacement mechanism is controlled by a controller in a control loop incorporating a sensor to determine operational characteristics of the arrangement and appropriate drivers for the displacement mechanism.

Abstract: A structure for attaching a vibration sensor to a storage device having a recording or reproducing head that records on or reproduces from a recording medium, includes: a first vibration sensor which is provided on a first outer surface of a base of the storage device, and detects vibration in a direction perpendicular to a surface of the recording medium; a second vibration sensor which is provided on a second outer surface of the base, the second surface orthogonal to the first outer surface, and detects vibration in an in-plane direction of the recording medium; an urging section which has a first end portion in contact with an upper surface of the first vibration sensor and a second end portion in contact with an upper surface of the second vibration sensor, and has a substantially L-shape; and a damping member affixed to the urging section.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor with a transducer unit, which is located at a measurement end in a housing sleeve, with connection means at a connection end of the housing sleeve opposite to the measurement end, with a module carrier received in the housing sleeve and on which is placed a sensor electronics and which extends along an axis of the housing sleeve, with illuminants for the optical signaling to the outside of operating and/or switching states of the sensor. The sensor is characterized in that there is a separate, plate-like illuminant carrier, that a plurality of illuminants are placed on the illuminant carrier and that the illuminant carrier is positioned transversely to the module carrier in the vicinity of the transducer unit. The invention also relates to a method for the manufacture of a sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for noise reduction in ultrasound detection with the steps of: an optical interferometer having a reference arm and a signal arm that includes a polarization-maintaining probing fiber having a reflective coating at a distal end, a way to couple the probing fiber to ultrasound, a way to generate two output beams from the interferometer, a device to modulate the polarization state of the light in the probing fiber, and a detection mechanism responsive to the ultrasonic signals at the distal tip of the probing fiber.

Abstract: A protected resonating sensor may include at least one resonating sensor unit. Each sensor unit has one or more vibratable members. The protected sensor includes a compliant member that forms part of one or more chambers. A first side of the compliant member may be exposed to a medium in a measurement environment. The sensor unit may be any resonating sensor unit having a resonance frequency that depends on the value of a physical variable in a measurement environment. The protected sensor includes a substantially non-compressible medium disposed within the chamber(s). The substantially non-compressible medium may be a liquid or a gel. When the medium is a liquid, the chamber is sealed. When the medium is a gel, the chamber may be sealed or non-sealed. The medium is in contact the vibratable member(s) and with a second side of the compliant member. The medium may have a low vapor pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for measuring the vibration of a mirror in a vehicle. The method includes attaching a source of electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle, attaching a detector of electromagnetic radiation to the vehicle, positioning the source so that radiation emitted thereby strikes the mirror and reflects therefrom to strike the detector, driving the vehicle while emitting radiation from the source, recording the positions on the detector where the radiation strikes, and determining a vibration index based on the spatial distribution of the positions on the detector where the radiation strikes.

Abstract: A tilt and vibration sensor incorporating a plurality of electrodes and a conductive spherical. body which is turned on and off by the moving displacement of the spherical body, and which may be remarkably reduced in size and may have high performance and high operating sensitivity, high durability, and high reliability; and a method of manufacturing the sensor. The case (1) of the sensor comprises a case body (5) formed of a non-conductive material having such excellent gas-barrier property and heat resistance that can stop the transmission of gases which affects the on/off operation of the sensor due to the moving displacement of the conductive spherical body (4) and a cover body (7) sealing airtight the opening part (6) of the case body.

Abstract: An image sensing device according to the present invention includes: an optical portion that is driven to form an optical image in any state; a sensor portion that acquires, as an image signal, the optical image formed by the optical portion; a sound collection portion that acquires an acoustic signal by collecting sound; an image sensing environment determination portion that determines an image sensing environment which is an environment under which the sensor portion acquires the image signal; and an operation determination portion that determines, based on the image sensing environment determined by the image sensing environment determination portion, at least one of a drive speed of the optical portion and a method of processing the acoustic signal acquired by the sound collection portion when the optical portion is driven.

Abstract: A method of detecting a wavelength includes inserting at least two sound pressure sensors in parallel with each other into a liquid to which waves are applied, the sound pressure sensors formed into a bar-like shape and having the same sensitivity, establishing a first synchronized state in which waves detected by the sound pressure sensors are synchronized with each other, moving the sound pressure sensors 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, and detecting a wavelength of the detected waves according to a quantity of the relative movement of the sound pressure sensors between the first and second synchronized states. The method easily detects a wavelength of waves applied to the liquid and the detected wavelength is usable to evaluate and control a total amount of dissolved gases in the liquid.

Abstract: In order for keeping the amplitude of the excitation current of a vibrator constant irrespective not only of the temperature variation but also of the manufacturing variation and the variation in frequency, a comparison control circuit for controlling the amplitude of the drive signal for exciting the vibrator includes a comparative voltage supply circuit for supplying the comparative voltage, and the comparative voltage supply circuit generates the comparative voltage with a constant current source and a second resistor made of a material the same as a material of a first resistor included in a current-voltage conversion circuit.

Abstract: A vibration applying structure detecting device for a wheeled vehicle traveling on a roadway having a vibration applying structure on a road surface in or adjacent to the roadway includes a lane departure judgment device that determines whether there is a lane departure tendency, a vibration detecting device that determines the frequency and the amplitude of input vibration from a road surface to the vehicle, and a contact judgment device that determines that at least one of the wheels of the vehicle is contacting the vibration applying structure when the input vibration with an amplitude equal to or greater than a prescribed amplitude threshold value has a frequency that is equal to or greater than a prescribed frequency threshold value. The device may also include a threshold value setting device that sets one or both of the amplitude threshold value and the frequency threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultrasonic sensor (2) in particular a motor vehicle ultrasonic sensor, comprising a housing (4), and a diaphragm (6) which is supported in or on a section (12) of the housing (4) and which has a diaphragm base (8) and a substantially cylindrical wall section (18) adjoining the diaphragm base (8), at least one stabilizing and/or attenuating auxiliary element (22, 30, 32) being arranged on or in the wall section (18) of the diaphragm (6).

Abstract: A system determines a vehicle vibration dosage. The system includes a movably mounted vehicle component, a sensor for sensing movement magnitude of the vehicle component and an evaluation unit. The evaluation unit calculates the dosage magnitude reflecting the vibration dosage, on the basis of the sensed movement magnitude. The evaluation unit stores the calculated dosage magnitude in a storage unit in the form of an appropriate dosage entry.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe has a plurality of modules joined at least along the elevation direction. The module has a plurality of first piezoelectric transducers having a first width with respect to the elevation direction. The module has at least one second piezoelectric transducer having a second width narrower than the first width with respect to the elevation direction. The second piezoelectric transducer is arranged at the module ends with respect to the elevation direction. The module is arranged in such a manner that the second piezoelectric transducer faces the second piezoelectric transducer of the adjacent module.

Abstract: A device includes a substrate 5, an emission source 1 emitting an acoustic beam from the first surface 7 of the substrate 5 towards the second surface 6 of the substrate 5, first reflection element 11 arranged so that, after reflection, the beam has a propagation direction substantially parallel to the second surface 6 and through a study area 3, and second reflection element 12 for reflecting the beam after crossing the study area 3 in the direction of the first surface, towards a receiver 10. The device is useful in the field of bioMEMS and labs-on-a-chip, and in particular makes it possible to leave one of the surfaces of the substrate free, for example for observation of the study area in parallel by element of an optical microscope. Moreover, the device facilitates the production of elements for the focussing or divergence (lenses) or reflection (mirror) of the acoustic beam.

Abstract: An insolation sensor is disclosed and is used to determine a solar light intensity as a basis for evaluating electric power generated by solar modules exposed to the solar light intensity. The insolation sensor includes an outer surface including a light entrance window, and at least one photo sensor configured to measure the solar light intensity. The at least one photo sensor is arranged behind the light entrance window. The insolation sensor further includes a detector device configured to detect precipitation and/or a resulting deposit on the surface which both affects the insolation sensor and the solar modules.

Abstract: A method of detecting and monitoring torsional oscillation in a mechanical coupling between a prime mover and a multiphase alternating current (AC) electrical generator, comprises the steps of: detecting in at least one received signal variations that are indicative of changes in the rotational speed of the electrical generator; extracting information from the detected variations that are indicative of torsional oscillation to produce a torsional oscillation signal that has information relating to at least the amplitude of the torsional oscillation; and monitoring the torsional oscillation signal to determine the presence and severity of the torsional oscillation in the mechanical coupling.

Abstract: A driver circuit comprises: a voltage controller (UCD), which delivers a direct voltage (UPD) to a controller output; a direct voltage converter (DC/DC), to which is applied on the primary side the direct voltage (UPD) delivered from the voltage controller, and which converts such into a direct voltage (U?PD) available on the secondary side; and an end stage operated by means of said direct voltage (U?PD), which converts a control signal (sinexc—A) lying on a signal input into a driver signal (iexc) for the measuring transducer. The direct voltage (U?PD) available on the secondary side of the direct voltage converter (DC/DC) has, in such case, a magnitude which is always smaller than a magnitude of the direct voltage (UPD) delivered by the voltage controller, and the driver signal (iexc) has an electrical power (Pexc), which is higher than an electrical power (Psin) of the control signal (sinexc—A).

Abstract: The present invention relates to transmit apodization using a sinc function in an ultrasound system. The ultrasound system includes: a transmission unit operable to generate transmit pulse signals with transmit apodization applied by using a sinc function; a probe operable to generate ultrasound signals based on the transmit pulse signals to thereby form a transmit beam and transmit the transmit beam along a predetermined scan line among a plurality of scan lines in a target object, the probe being further operable to receive ultrasound echoes reflected from the target object; and a reception unit operable to form receive signals corresponding to a plurality of scan lines based on the ultrasound echoes.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for detection of surface properties or conditions, in particular detection of water, snow and ice and in particular to road surfaces by means of detector means mounted on individual vehicles, and transmitting the data from the vehicle, preferably together with position data of the vehicle, to be used by drivers of other vehicles for warning of slippery road conditions ahead of the vehicle. According to a particular aspect, it has been realised that the fact that polarized light which is mirror reflected by e.g. ice or water on a surface, preserves its polarization, whereas polarized light which is diffuse reflected largely becomes depolarized, may be utilised to separate the two types of reflection and thus provide a much more compact sensor device for surface properties, in which the light may be emitted close to or parallel to the road surface normal.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods, which relate to the arrangement of a sensor on the shaft of a rail vehicle.

Abstract: A system for detecting precursor seismic electromagnetic waveforms includes a transducer connected to the emitter of a transistor and arranged to conduct in response to an electromagnetic seismic precursor. Conduction by the transducer initiates a current in the transistor's base-emitter junction, reversing the bias of the function and enabling a resonating current in the junction.

Abstract: There is provided a print state detection device for a printed sheet surface including a sheet conveying path on which a sheet printed with an image is conveyed, a contact member that contacts with the surface of the sheet moving on the sheet conveying path, a contact state detecting part that detects a physical phenomenon occurring when the contact member contacts with the sheet, a separating part that separates the difference in the physical phenomenon occurring when the contact member comes into contact with the ground of the sheet surface and when the contact member comes into contact with an image, based on detection information obtained by the detection of the contact state detecting part, and a print state determining part that determines the print state of an image on one sheet based on separation information obtained by the separation by the separating part.

Abstract: An electro-magnetic transducer includes a housing. At least one coil is associated with the housing. A spherical magnet within the housing is capable of turning in any direction and of moving along an axis. A first keeper and a second keeper are positioned on opposite sides of the magnet, both the first keeper and the second keeper including magnetically soft material and free to move along the axis. A first biasing member holds the first keeper along the axis, and a second biasing element that holds the second keeper along the axis. The first keeper and the second keeper are attracted by magnetic poles of the magnet in the absence of an external magnetic field, such that opposing magnetic poles of the magnet are aligned parallel to the axis. Alternating current flowing through the at least one coil causes a vibration of the magnet, the vibration transferred to the housing.

Abstract: A method for non-contact measurement of multiple shaft parameters is provided. The method includes magnetically encoding multiple sections of the shaft using pulsed currents. The method also includes sensing a magnetic field of the encoded sections of the shaft using multiple sensors arranged circumferentially about the shaft. Further, the method includes generating a spectrum of periodical variations based on sensed magnetic field of the encoded sections of the shaft during rotation and determining multiple parameters based on recurrences of patterns of the spectra.

Abstract: Two or more sound sensors are placed in a space of interest. Each sensor has a light-emitting output. Each sensor can be positioned at a specific location, such as at an ear location for a seated listener. An excitation source can provide a specified acoustical energy stimulus to the space. A user can obtain a visual impression of acoustical response of the space corresponding to the sound sensors' positions. An image acquisition system can acquire an image of the sound sensors responding to a stimulus. Acquired images can be analyzed to determine response characteristics. A presentation system can provide a display of response characteristics.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a technique that can realize improvement of sensitivity of a vibrator. A platform 50 to which a substance adheres or sticks is provided to be mechanically coupled to a vibrator 20 of a sensor via bridges 51. Sensitivity of the sensor is improved by causing the mass of a substance adhering or sticking onto the platform 50 as if the substance concentratedly adheres or sticks to places where the platform 50 is connected to the vibrator 20. It is preferable to connect, via the bridges 51, the platform 50 to places where the platform 50 vibrates integrally with the vibrator 20. For this purpose, it is preferable to mechanically couple, via the bridges 51, the platform 50 to regions where vibration occurs only in one of an r direction or a ? direction in the vibrator 20.

Abstract: An absolute displacement sensor 1 includes a sensor housing 2 serving as a detection object; a mass body 3 having a mass m which is movably supported by the sensor housing 2 with a spring coefficient k and a damping coefficient c; a detecting means 4 which electrically detects a relative velocity of the sensor housing 2 with respect to the mass body 3; a feedback control means 5 which controls the absolute displacement of the mass body 3 attributable to the absolute displacement of the sensor housing 2 by positively feeding back the relative displacement and by negatively feeding back a relative acceleration obtained by primarily differentiating the relative velocity, respectively; and a phase lag compensation means 6 which performs phase lag compensation with respect to the relative displacement.

Abstract: A method 2 of determining the location of deposits in a flowline comprises providing 4 a distributed vibration sensor along the flowline, measuring 6 vibrations along the flowline with the sensor and analysing 8 the measured vibrations to determine the location of any deposits. The vibration measurements are made using a distributed fibre optic sensor provided on the flowline. The measurements are analysed in real time to identify deposit formation and location within the flowline.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor for detecting the presence of air or liquid uses flex circuits for connecting the ceramic element to the driver circuitry. The sensor provides improved transmission of ultrasonic signals between the ceramic element and the adjacent material, providing greater flexibility in using the sensor.

Abstract: A capacitance type vibration sensor has a substrate including a hollow portion, a vibration electrode plate, which is arranged facing the hollow portion at an upper surface side of the substrate and which performs film vibration upon receiving vibration, and a fixed electrode plate which is arranged facing the vibration electrode plate and which is opened with a plurality of acoustic perforations passing therethrough in a thickness direction. The capacitance type vibration sensor has an air path, which communicates a space between the vibration electrode plate and the fixed electrode plate to the hollow portion, between an upper surface of the substrate and a lower surface of the vibration electrode plate in at least one part of a periphery of the hollow portion.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, system, and device for conducting ultrasound interrogation of a medium. The novel method includes transmitting a non-beamformed or beamformed ultrasound wave into the medium, receiving more than one echoed ultrasound wave from the medium, and converting the received echoed ultrasound wave into digital data. The novel method may further transmit the digital data. In some embodiments, the transmitting may be wireless. The novel device may include transducer elements, an analog-to-digital converter in communication with the transducer elements, and a transmitter in communication with the analog-to-digital converter. The transducers may operate to convert a first electrical energy into an ultrasound wave. The first electrical energy may or may not be beamformed. The transducers also may convert an echoed ultrasound wave into a second electrical energy.

Abstract: A monitoring system for an assembly that is subject to vibrations. The system has a first unit for monitoring vibrations. The monitoring system permits the connection of a sensor unit that detects one or more measured values. A measured value converter with inputs for one or more measured values is provided to convert the values into a temporally variable analogue signal, in which at least one frequency portion represents one measured value. Other detected measured values and status parameters can thus be processed in one vibration monitoring unit.

Abstract: There is provided a micromachined sensor for measuring a vibration, based on silicone micromachining technology, in which a conductor having elasticity is connected to masses moving due to a force generated by the vibration and the vibration is measured by using induced electromotive force generated due to the conductor moving in a magnetic field.

Abstract: The system is intended to block the tool operation for an operator holding a badge the authorized working time of which is over. The system comprises: the operator badge, comprising a storage memory for the working time carried out by the operator and a communication unit; the tool, comprising an accelerometric sensor and a housing for control and vibratory traceability comprising a communication module, arranged to exchange data with the operator badge and means for blocking the tool operation. For the vibratory charge traceability of the tool, in the tool, the accelerations experienced by the tool while operating and its corresponding working times, forming traceability data, are measured; the traceability data in the tool are saved; the traceability data are transmitted to an operator personal badge.

Abstract: The patron restraint system for amusement rides includes a locking receiver with a locking assembly for engaging a restraining strap. The engagement of the restraining strap in the locking receiver can be verified by a ride operator by visual or physical inspection, or by a sensor system indicating the locked or unlocked state of the locking receiver. A latching ratchet mechanism may be provided in the receiver to restrict movement of the restraining strap until it is released by the ride operator. The sensor system includes an acoustic sensor that detects alignment of an aperture with a piezoelectric acoustic emitter and an acoustic detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the cure of a bone cement material which is provided in a container. The apparatus includes a radiation source from which radiation is directed towards cement in the container and a sensor for detecting radiation from the radiation source which has passed through cement in the container, and for generating a signal according to the intensity of the detected radiation. A data processor is used in monitoring changes in the intensity of radiation that is detected by the sensor due to changes in the opacity of cement in the container to radiation from the source as the cement cures.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for non-contact ultrasonic detection of features on or within the walls of hollow pipes are described. An air-coupled, high-power ultrasonic transducer for generating guided waves in the pipe wall, and a high-sensitivity, air-coupled transducer for detecting these waves, are disposed at a distance apart and at chosen angle with respect to the surface of the pipe, either inside of or outside of the pipe. Measurements may be made in reflection or transmission modes depending on the relative position of the transducers and the pipe. Data are taken by sweeping the frequency of the incident ultrasonic waves, using a tracking narrow-band filter to reduce detected noise, and transforming the frequency domain data into the time domain using fast Fourier transformation, if required.

Abstract: An electronic scale having a measuring sensor (1 . . . 16), a digital signal processing unit (18), a digital display (19), a bubble level (20), which includes a container (21) that is partially filled with a liquid (22) while forming a gas bubble (23), and circuit component or program routine in the digital signal processing unit (18) for detecting a displacement of the gas bubble (23). An additional circuit component or program routine detects the diameter of the gas bubble (23). The diameter of the gas bubble changes due to vertical vibrations of the scale. The signal from the measuring sensor (1 . . . 16) falsified by vibrations can thus be corrected by the digital signal processing unit (18) by calculation, making use of the diameter signal.