Abstract: A planar insertion device and supporting structure for a planar insertion device for treating a synchrotron radiation beam includes a primary frame on which at least two secondary C-frames are mounted. An upper and a lower girders are mounted on the secondary C-frames forming a gap between girders and arranged substantially horizontally and parallel to each other and to the synchrotron radiation beam. Magnetic arrays rigidly mounted on the girders are facing each other and facing the gap between girders, with the synchrotron radiation beam passing between the magnetic arrays through the gap. The planar insertion device supporting structure prevents detrimental deformation reactions to variations of magnetic loadings with changes in the gap and subsequent geometrical misalignments.

Abstract: The invention provides a sensor for monitoring an environmental parameter in concrete comprising an enclosure for embedding in concrete; a detecting means connected to the enclosure for detecting at least one environmental parameter in concrete, the detecting means comprising at least one capacitive element for measuring capacitive change; an active material connected to the enclosure, the active material being liable to respond to the environmental parameter and the active material being operably connected to the capacitive element; a RFID chip mounted within the enclosure, the RFID chip being operably connected to the detecting means; and an antenna operably connected to the RFID chip, the antenna being operably connected to the detecting means, and the antenna being part of an L-R-C circuit whose resonance frequency shifts within an assigned frequency band. The invention also provides a MEMS-based capacitor that responds to an environmental parameter in concrete.

Abstract: An undersea logging device has a pressure sensor and at least one environmental parameter sensor. The data measured by the sensors is logged and is wirelessly transmitted when a preset value of pressure is detected by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a humidity control system (HCS) to control indoor humidity within a specified range so as to reduce indoor house-dust mite allergen levels. The invention also provides a hydrogel absorber/desorber for reversibly absorbing water vapor from air releasing water vapor to air. The invention employs a reversible hydrogel desiccant as the active element for absorption and desorption of water, thus rendering the HCS more effective and energy-efficient than traditional humidification/dehumidification systems. The HCS of the invention treats indoor air by drawing fresh air in from outside and adjusting the humidity of the air-stream. In certain embodiments, fresh air is drawn in from the outside and mixed with recirculated air. The HCS uses a controller to introduce fresh air into the interior space and to control air circulation within it. Relative humidity is monitored remotely throughout the interior space using wired or wireless sensors.

Abstract: A system and method for collecting data on small-arms usage in the form of a device which is mounted to the firearm so as to be able to sense at least an impulse in the firearm due to firing. The device is mounted to the gun so as to detect impulses due to firing. A processor accepts impulse signals from the sensor, and uses either a hold-off delay or a windowing time to determine and store information related to the firing of the firearm. This information may be any combination of temperature, firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis, and, optionally, information identifying the weapon to which the device is attached. The device preferably has an interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.

Abstract: A winch assembly is disclosed that eliminates rope crushing, even when synthetic ropes are used. Tension is applied to the rope by at least one traction sheave so that the tension at the drum is reduced. By using multiple sheaves with large wrap angles traction can be applied to the rope over a much larger area, reducing shear stress and minimizing internal wear due to relative motion of rope components. The winch drum and at least one traction sheave are driven independently, preferably by AC induction motors using frequency control. The winch assembly may operate in conjunction with a hydraulic tensioner so that lower horsepower motors can be used to maintain constant tension in moving systems.

Abstract: A device for collecting data on small-arms usage that senses when a shot has been fired from a gun using its acceleration, acoustic noise or RF emissions; measures the interval between shots so that the firing rate may be determined; measures the time at which each shot has been fired; measures the temperature of the barrel when each shot is fired; stores any combination of temperature, firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis and has an electrical interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.

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 system and method for collecting data on small-arms usage in the form of a device which is mounted to the firearm so as to be able to sense at least an impulse in the firearm due to firing. The device is mounted to the gun so as to detect impulses due to firing. A processor accepts impulse signals from the sensor, and uses either a hold-off delay or a windowing time to determine and store information related to the firing of the firearm. This information may be any combination of temperature, firing rate, firing intervals and time data for subsequent analysis, and, optionally, information identifying the weapon to which the device is attached. The device preferably has an interface to transfer data from the device to a computer or other data collection device.

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.