Abstract: A temperature probe having a terminal attachment arrangement for securing and selectively releasing an electrical connection is disclosed. The temperature probe further includes a housing for sealing the temperature probe to a structure, such as a HVAC duct.

Abstract: A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone. Alternative method for barcode determination is based on barcode pattern image processes. Microbeads can also be settled down to the bottom of the well in a microplate, so the barcode can be decoded by image processed directly.

Abstract: A user input method and apparatus may comprise a two line object imaging sensor having a primary line scan-sensor providing a primary line scan-sensor output and a secondary line scan-sensor providing a secondary line scan-sensor output, representing pixels in a current primary scan row and a current secondary scan row, and adapted to scan an object; storing for each scan time each current primary line scan-sensor output and each current secondary line scan-sensor output and a correlation unit correlating at least one of the current representations of pixels in a primary line sensor output with stored representations and the current representations of pixels in a secondary line sensor output with stored representations and, the correlation unit providing as an output a motion indicator.

Abstract: A fingerprint scanning and image reconstruction system and method including a fingerprint scanner providing a first scan line and a second scan line separated by a line separation distance in a scanning direction. The system includes an image reconstruction module accumulating scan lines including at least the first scan line and the second scan line over a time period t. The image reconstruction module a value for decimation (t) necessary to produce a selected y axis resolution in the scanning direction based at least in part on (line count(t)/line separation distance)*a selected y resolution, where line count(t) is the number of lines accumulated in time t, and decimation(t) indicates of whether the line count(t) is greater than or less than the number of lines accumulated as a function of the time period t that will result in a selected reconstructed image y resolution in the scanning direction.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. The finger motion sensors may also be used (either with or without a partial fingerprint imager) to produce highly accurate fingerprint images as well as to control electronic devices. Here improved signal analysis algorithms and methods are disclosed that enable finger position to be determined with higher levels of accuracy as the finger is swiped over finger position sensing arrays. These algorithms are particularly useful for deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based sensing arrays.

Abstract: A fingerprint sensing module includes a sensor substrate having a sensing side and a circuit side, an image sensor including conductive traces on the circuit side of the sensor substrate, and a sensor circuit including at least one integrated circuit mounted on the circuit side of the sensor substrate and electrically connected to the image sensor. The sensor substrate may be a flexible substrate. The module may include a velocity sensor on the sensor substrate or on a separate substrate. The module may further include a rigid substrate, and the sensor substrate may be affixed to the rigid substrate.

Abstract: An apparatus for the nondestructive measurement of materials that includes at least two layers of electrical conductors. Within each layer, a meandering primary winding is used to create a magnetic field for interrogating a test material while sense elements or conducting loops within each meander provide a directional measurement of the test material condition in different orientations without requiring movement of the test circuit or apparatus. In a bidirectional implementation the meanders are oriented 90° apart while in a quadridirectional implementation the meanders are orientated at ?45, 0, 45, and 90°. Multidirectional permeability measurements are used to assess the stress or torque on a component. These measurements are combined in a manner that removes temperature effects and hysteresis on the property measurements. This can be accomplished through a correction factor that accounts for the temperature dependence.

Abstract: A method and device for removing common artifacts, such as stiction, from fingerprint scans created by partial fingerprint scanners. The partial fingerprint scanner data is assessed to determine if successive partial fingerprint images are overly similar to each other, which can occur during stiction. If this similarity exceeds a preset threshold, then at least some of the overly similar partial images will be removed (redacted) from the overall image dataset. The complete overall image is generated from the redacted data set. This method is particularly useful for creating “intelligent” low-cost, low power partial fingerprint scanners and scanner driver chips that can pre-process the partial fingerprint data that is generated during the course of a finger swipe, and remove stiction artifacts on a real-time or near-real time basis using relatively simple and low power on-chip processing circuits, and then send the corrected data to more sophisticated processors for subsequent fingerprint analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for conducting analyses, particularly microfluidic devices for the detection of target analytes.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of particles comprising binding ligands and electron transfer moieties (ETMs). Upon binding of a target analyte, a particle and a reporter composition are associated and transported to an electrode surface. The ETMs are then detected, allowing the presence or absence of the target analyte to be determined.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for characterizing composite materials for manufacturing quality assurance (QA), periodic inspection during the useful life, or for forensic analysis/material testing. System are provided that relate eddy-current sensor responses to the fiber layup of a composite structure, the presence of impact damage on a composite structure with or without a metal liner, volumetric stress within the composite, fiber tow density, and other NDE inspection requirements. Also provided are systems that determine electromagnetic material properties and material dimensions of composite materials from capacitive sensor inspection measurements. These properties are related to the presence of buried defects in non-conductive composite materials, moisture ingress, aging of the material due to service or environmental/thermal exposure, or changes in manufacturing quality.

Abstract: A sensor which uses a plurality of partial fingerprint readers (imagers), and various computational algorithms, to detect changes in fingerprint images as a function of finger movement. The sensor can provide both finger motion information and fingerprint images. The sensor uses multiple partial fingerprint readers, arranged in different directions on a surface, to detect finger motion in two dimensions. The sensor can also detect the relative speed and direction of finger movement. Some sensor embodiments use deep finger penetrating radio frequency (RF) based circuits, which can be inexpensively printed or formed on the surface of robust and flexible dielectric materials such as Kapton tape. The sensor also has textured surfaces to help guide the user. The sensor both small and robust, and is well suited for control applications for low-cost mass market microprocessor controlled devices such as cell phones, MP3 players, laptop computers, and other devices.

Abstract: A wafer-scale linear image sensor chip (WLISC) is proposed with gapless pixel line and signal readout circuit segments. The WLISC converts pixel line image (PLI) of length LPL into line image signal (LIS). The WLISC includes a linear array of sensor segments. Each sensor segment includes a gapless local pixel line segment (LPLSj) of sensing elements. The LPLSj converts portion of the PLI into a raw image segment signal set (RISSj). The LPLSj set forms a gapless global pixel line (GPL) corresponding to PLI. The sensor segment also includes readout circuit segment (RCSj) coupled to LPLSj for processing RISSj into a readout image segment signal set (ROSSj). The RCSj has a set of contact pads (CTPj) for off-chip interconnection. Upon off-chip interconnection of the CTPj set thus composing the ROSSj set into LIS, the WLISC functions as a key part of a linear image sensor system of image length LPL.

Abstract: The invention provides an independent relative motion sensor for use in navigation operations using a fingerprint that do not require the power demanded by conventional devices. The independent relative motion sensor includes a linear array of sensing elements that captures a narrow string of data that is indicative of fingerprint features along a relatively narrow sample. This string of data is used to determine the velocity of travel for use in navigation operations. Using multiple sensors, motion and direction data can be computed and used to provide two-dimensional direction for navigating an object, such as a cursor on a monitor. The invention can be incorporated in an electronic device to provide improved navigation operations that demand less power.

Abstract: Partitioning electronic sensor packages is provided. The electronic sensor package includes an electronic component, a sensor device, and electrical connections between the electronic component and the sensor device. A dam is written in the electronic sensor package to partition the package into two or more sections, where the sensor device is situated at least partially in one section and the electronic component is situated at least partially in another section. The partitioning of the dam allows the two sections to be filled with different fill materials. For example, the section with the sensor device can be filled with a soft gel-like material to provide some moisture protection to the sensor device without causing detrimental stresses to the sensor device, while the section with the electronic component can be filled with a highly moisture protective epoxy.

Abstract: A micro bead having a digitally coded structure that is partially transmissive and opaque to light. The pattern of transmitted light is determined by to decode the bead. The coded bead may be structured a series of alternating light transmissive and opaque sections, with relative positions, widths and spacing resembling a 1D or 2D bar code image. To decode the image, the alternating transmissive and opaque sections of the body are scanned in analogous fashion to bar code scanning. The coded bead may be coated or immobilized with a capture or probe to effect a desired bioassay. The coded bead may include a paramagnetic material. A bioanalysis system conducts high throughput bioanalysis using the coded bead, including a reaction detection zone and a decoding zone.

Abstract: A probe adaptor assembly includes a probe opening into which a probe can be inserted. The probe is held in place by a compression fitting such that the probe depth, with respect to a longitudinal axis of the assembly, can be adjusted prior to the compression fitting being tightened to secure the probe. A conduit adaptor port is provided. A lubrication fitting provides an opening for a lubricant to be injected into the assembly. The lubrication fitting is coupled to the probe opening so that the lubricant injected into the fitting can exit the probe opening in order to lubricate the system into which the probe is inserted. In one embodiment, the probe adaptor assembly is configured to replace a lubrication fitting for a bearing so that a temperature of the bearing can be monitored while also providing lubrication.

Abstract: Enhanced accuracy finger position and motion sensors devices, algorithms, and methods are disclosed that can be used in a variety of different applications. The sensors can be used in conjunction with partial fingerprint imagers to produce improved fingerprint scanners. Such improved scanners can use image analysis techniques, such as interpolation between partial fingerprint images to correct for missing data, or discarding redundant partial fingerprint image data, to produce adequate fingerprint images even when the finger has not been applied to the sensor using an optimum technique.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for a fingerprint acquisition device that can be integrated into an expansion card capable of being inserted into a PC card slot of a portable computer such that the apparatus is substantially flush with the computer. The apparatus can contain a drawer that rotates or slides out of the apparatus to expose a fingerprint module where a user's fingerprint data can be collected. A latching mechanism is provided so that the drawer can be locked in a retracted position in the apparatus when the drawer is pushed into the apparatus and so that the drawer can extract out of the apparatus if the user pushes on the drawer again when the drawer is in the retracted position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to novel front side illuminated, back side contact photodiodes and arrays thereof. In one embodiment, the photodiode has a substrate with at least a first and a second side and a plurality of electrical contacts physically confined to the second side. The electrical contacts are in electrical communication with the first side through a doped region of a first type and a doped region of a second type, each of the regions substantially extending from the first side through to the second side. In another embodiment, the photodiode comprises a wafer with at least a first and a second side; and a plurality of electrical contacts physically confined to the second side, where the electrical contacts are in electrical communication with the first side through a diffusion of a p+ region through the wafer and a diffusion of an n+ region through the wafer.