Abstract: The present invention is an optical turn used to the monitor the output of a light source such as a VCSEL. Light incoming to the optical turn is reflected off of a totally internally reflecting surface towards a window-mirror, where the light is partially routed to an output lens, and partially diverted to a monitor lens where the diverted light can be focused onto a monitoring device, such as a photodiode. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the optical turn is modified to monitor an incoming light array. In another alternative embodiment, the optical turn monitors an incoming light array, and further includes a zigzag multiplexer that is used to carry out Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM). CWDM is the combination of different wavelengths of light into one beam.

Abstract: An optomechanical mounting includes an upper spring assembly and a lower spring assembly that support and secure a sphere containing an optical element. The materials in the mounting have the same or nearly the same CTEs and spring assemblies provide opposing radial forces so that thermal expansions are compensated, giving the mounting superior thermal stability. Frictional forces on the sphere from the upper and lower spring assemblies maintain the orientation of the sphere (and the optical element) during operation, but smooth surfaces of the sphere and springs still permit sensitive, precision rotation of sphere for alignment without post-alignment clamping of the sphere. The spring assemblies can be ring-shaped to permit an opening through the spring assembly to the sphere for light paths or for tools that adjust the alignment of the sphere.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for focusing a free beam of light onto a target. The target is often very small or angle restricted. The apparatus includes a lens surrounded by two parallel windows. The focusing of the free beam is achieved by tilting the first window to orient the beam of light through the lens onto the target, adjusting the lens focus to focus the beam of light into a focused spot, and tilting the second window to translate the focused spot across the target. The lens may also be tilted to provide a greater range of translation.

Abstract: An electromechanical dimensioning device measures dimensional attributes of an object and transmits the dimensional attributes from the dimensioning device to a remote receiving device. The dimensioning device converts rotational motion of a measuring wheel into a linear distance traveled by the wheel. In one embodiment, the dimensioning device incorporates a rechargeable battery power source and a radio frequency transceiver, allowing fully portable operation. The dimensioning device also optionally includes a bar code scanner for identifying the dimensioned object.

Abstract: A Dual-Finger Vital Signs Monitor is disclosed. The present invention overcomes problems suffered by previous patient monitors by providing a simultaneous and continuous measurement of three primary vital signs: ECG and heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen saturation. The invention employs a pair of finger cuffs that each include an electro-cardiographic electrode, a first LED and detector pair for blood pressure measurement, and a second LED and detector pair for blood oxygenation measurement. The electrodes are connected to a voltmeter which displays an electrocardiogram. The first LED and detector in each cuff function as a finger-photoplethysmographic pressure sensor. A pair of gas lines connect each finger cuff to a pair of pressure controllers, which each include a fluid reservoir. One of the servos is linked to a blood pressure meter. The second LED and detector pair in each cuff are each connected to a pair of oximeters. All the sensors operate independently.

Abstract: In a combustion system, the economic optimum efficiency is achieved by periodically computing a relative index of combustion efficiency using the combustion chamber as a real-time, on-line calorimeter. This is accomplished by first determining the combustion chamber inputs and outputs required to calculate a relative index of performance (including measuring the amount of heat released or work performed at the present air/fuel ratio including the stack losses, without oxygen and/or carbon monoxide sensors), sequentially comparing the latest relative index value with the previous value, then adjusting the air/fuel ratio to achieve an improved index value.

Abstract: An optically driven, electromagnetically oscillating resonant sensor subjected to a stress force wherein the optical driving energy and the optically communicated signal generated in response to the stress force are both communicated a substantial distance along a single optical fiber. A portion of the supply energy drives the oscillatory mechanism and a portion is reflected to a frequency detector by the shuttering action of the resonant element. The device may be configured so as to be electrically driven and optically sensed, optically driven and electrically sensed, or both optically driven and optically sensed for maximum retrofit versatility in past, present, and future process control systems.

Abstract: Light from a source is communicated to a measurand site. Interferometric means located at the measurand site modulates the light by means of a resonator, the frequency of which is related to the measurand value, said resonator being driven by the modulated light to provide localized oscillator loop closure at the measurand site. Embodiments are disclosed using modified Fabry-Perot and Michelson interferometer designs.

Abstract: Beamsplitter means for directing light in a Michelson interferometric drive and frequency sense scheme for use with a mechanical resonator. In a first embodiment a special prism is used. In a second embodiment a four-port coupler is used.

Abstract: A calibration apparatus and associated method for the measurement of valuable fluids in storage or at the point of transfer. More particularly, a calibration apparatus and method for use with capacitive liquid level measurement systems.

Abstract: Vibrating resonant mechanical structures are excited optically by photokinetic energy transfer and detected optically. In particular, a tuning fork sensor measuring a physical parameter is excited into oscillation by radiant energy and the frequency of vibration is detected by radiant energy which may be communicated via an optical fiber. These vibrations are communicated via a fiber optic to a detection location.

Abstract: Reading values, setting values and setting configuration options within a complex programmable apparatus is simplified, by chaining all user interaction points into a single path, cross linking portions of the main path into subpaths and providing keys that step the user according to his selection along the main path, along the subpaths, and between the subpaths. A two part display indicating the general and specific positions clarify the locations and the options available.

Abstract: A micromechanical electric shunt is fabricated by micromachining according to recent IC fabrication procedures. A plurality of such shunts is incorporated on a single substrate to form novel process station or post identification or signature encoding apparatus for use on a telecommunications bus or the equivalent. Such identification of signature encoding apparatus may be configured for conventional binary coding. Both frequency and current derivative mode apparatus are disclosed.

Abstract: The Swinging Door Method of compressing an industrial process data stream is described. Data used for generating a line graph is compressed for display or storage while preserving maximum, and minimum values, and other valuable data features. The method establishes offsets from a first point which then defines a corridor opening. Subsequent points are received to refine the defined error band or corridor direction until a point is received that cannot be included in the corridor. An end point for the corridor is then generated. The corridor end points then replace the intervening raw data as the output.

Abstract: Reading values, setting values and setting configuration options within a complex programmable controller is simplified, by chaining all user interaction points into a single path, cross linking portions of the main path into subpaths and providing keys that step the user according to his selection along the main path, along the subpaths, and between the subpaths. A two part display indicating the general and specific positions clarify the locations and the options available.

Abstract: A microminiature resonant hollow beam sensor is manufactured by micromachining and microfabrication techniques. Specifically, a sensor is formed by etching troughs in a pair of silicon substrates, joining the substrates face-to-face, and etching away unwanted material to free the resonant hollow beam sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the heating value of a fuel gas stream of variable composition utilizes a housing of high thermal conductivity defining a small volume combustion chamber, and filled with a bed of highly thermally conductive particles surrounding an electrical-resistance heater. The heater maintains the internal temperature of the chamber above the combustion point of the fuel gas, to totally combust the enclosed sample. The bed of particles transmits the heating effects of the combustion to the housing. A temperature sensor attached to the housing communicates with a feedback controller which acts to maintain the housing temperature constant, by appropriately adjusting the electrical energy supplied to the heater. Means are provided to correlate changes in the electrical energy to the heating content of the fuel sample.

Abstract: A pattern-recognizing, self-tuning controller is provided for controlling a process wherein measured characteristics including at least one peak of an error signal, derived from the differences occurring over time between the values of a process controlled variable and a desired set-point level for that variable, are used for identifying the behavior pattern of the error signal so that an operating parameter of the controller can be changed as required to minimize process recovery time whenever the process is subsequently disturbed or an abrupt change is made to the set-point level at some later time. The preferred embodiment of the device is in the form of a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller in which the PID coefficients are calculated in accordance with prescribed relationships that are based on damping, overshoot and time period characteristics of the error signal.

Abstract: A nonporous composite electrode, particularly suitable for use in electromagnetic flowmeters, includes a non-metallic, electrically conductive element consisting of a fused mass of polymeric material, such as perfluoroalkoxy (pfa) fluoropolymer, and carbon fibers. The electrode is fabricated by stacking alternating layers of polymeric film and carbon fiber paper, subjecting the assembly to sufficient heat and pressure to intermix the two components and bond them into a coherent mass, and fusing the resultant composite material onto a mounting pin. Using a polymeric material compatible with the polymeric liner of an electromagnetic flowtube allows the finished electrode to be fused into the liner, again by application of heat and pressure, so as to achieve a seamless interface. This configuration virtually eliminates process fluid leaks around the electrode, while the electrode structure itself exhibits exceptional high temperature stability and corrosion resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a liquid level measurement system of the type having capacitive sensors, by simulating the electrical effects of sensors in an empty condition and their interconnecting cables, at a time when the sensors are full or partially filled. By a sequential balancing technique, using a conventional bridge circuit, a precision, highly stable variable impedance device is adjusted to individually simulate the effects of each sensor and cable combination with the sensor in an empty condition. The settings of the variable impedance device are recorded, and at a later time when the sensors are no longer empty, these settings are reproduced, so as to recreate the electrical effects of each sensor cable combination one at a time. The individual effects are separately transferred into a network having a plurality of variable impedance channels, until each channel simulates the effects of a corresponding sensor and cable.