Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for monitoring an environmental parameter in concrete including an enclosure; a detecting device connected to the enclosure for a detecting at least one environmental parameter in concrete, wherein the detecting device includes at least one capacitive element; an active material connected to the enclosure, wherein the active material is liable to respond to the environmental parameter and is operably connected to the capacitive element; a RFID chip mounted within the enclosure and operably connected to the detecting device; and an antenna operably connected to the RFID chip and the detecting device, wherein the antenna is part of an L-R-C circuit whose resonance frequency shifts within an assigned frequency band. The invention also provides a MEMS-based capacitive element that responds to an environmental parameter in concrete. The invention further provides a method of forming a MEMS-based capacitive element.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for measuring the magnetic field strength between the magnet arrays of an insertion device in an X-ray generating system comprising a magnetic field strength sensor that produces an output signal, three stages for positioning the sensor along the X, Y and Z axes of the insertion device, means for controlling positions of the stages and information storage means for reading the output signal operably connected to the sensor. The apparatus eliminates the need for a dedicated measurement facility by mounting guide means for the long (Z-)axis directly to the insertion device. This long-axis guide means can be permanently or temporarily mounted to the insertion device. The remainder of the measurement apparatus may then be transferred onto the long-axis guide means while measurements and, if necessary, adjustments are made. The apparatus is compact, allowing greater access to magnet arrays for adjustment than existing systems.

Abstract: A low-cost, high precision goniometric stage, for use in x-ray diffractography or in optical systems, with a spherical sector supported on at least one bearing, a top surface of the spherical sector that is used for mounting an object, a center of rotation located within the object, a rod or other member that is disposed below the spherical bearing surface, preferably orthogonal to the rotational axes, stepper motors or other actuators to move the device and a mechanical linkage between the rod and the motors.

Abstract: A process for equipment transfer between two moving transfer stations, such as ships, effected by moving a shuttle to a point adjacent to one transfer station, transferring a load onto the shuttle, moving the shuttle to a point adjacent to the other transfer station and transferring the load to the second transfer station. A machine for accomplishing this process having at least two beams disposed between two moveable stations, connections between the beams that provides constant spacing without substantially increasing the structure's torsional stiffness, a transfer shuttle that can transverse the length of the beams thereby allowing equipment transfer without the need for a continuous deck, and a motor and transmission for moving the transfer shuttle.