Abstract: Techniques of designing a sensing system for pseudo 3D mapping in robotic applications are described. According to one aspect of the present invention, an image system is designed to include at least two linear sensors, where these two linear sensors are positioned or disposed orthogonally. In one embodiment, the two linear sensors are a horizontal sensor and a vertical sensor. The horizontal sensor is used for the lidar application while the vertical sensor is provided to take videos, namely scanning the environment wherever the horizontal sensor misses. As a result, the videos can be analyzed to detect anything below or above a blind height in conjunction with the detected distance by the lidar.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications.

Abstract: System and method for characterizing material condition. The system includes a sensor, impedance instrument and processing unit to collect measurements and assess material properties. A model of the system may be used to enable accurate measurements of multiple material properties. A cylindrical model for an electromagnetic field sensor is disclosed for modeling substantially cylindrically symmetric material systems. Sensor designs and data processing approaches are provided to focus the sensitivity of the sensor to localize material conditions. Improved calibration methods are shown. Sizing algorithms are provided to estimate the size of defects such as cracks and corrosion. Corrective measures are provided where the actual material configuration differs from the data processing assumptions. Methods are provided for use of the system to characterize material condition, and detailed illustration is given for corrosion, stress, weld, heat treat, and mechanical damage assessment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is provided for coating a surface of a material with a film of porous coordination polymer. A first substrate having a first surface to be coated is positioned in a processing chamber such that the first surface is placed in a substantially opposing relationship to a second surface. In some embodiments, the second surface is provided by a wall of the processing chamber, and in other embodiments the second surface is provided by a second substrate to be coated. The first substrate is held such that a gap exists between the first and second surfaces, and the gap is filled with at least one reaction mixture comprising reagents sufficient to form the crystalline film on at least the first surface. A thin gap (e.g., having a thickness less than 2 mm) between the first and second surfaces is effective for producing a high quality film having a thickness less than 100 ?m.

Abstract: A clamping force monitoring device is provided having a step washer, a contact plate, a compression washer separating the step washer and the contact plate, a threaded fastener extending through the step washer and the compression washer, a nut and an electric circuit, wherein when a sufficient axial force is exerted in the threaded fastener by engagement of the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer is in contact with the contact plate, thereby closing the electric circuit. A method for monitoring a threaded fastener is provided including extending a threaded fastener through a step washer and a compression washer and engaging the threaded fastener with a nut, wherein when a sufficient axial force is applied to the threaded fastener by the nut, the compression washer is compressed and the step washer contacts a contact plate, thereby closing an electric circuit.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft design which incorporates a modular design including the use of one or more multi-motor assemblies where the motors are in series within the multi-motor assembly. Still further, the multi-motor assemblies may be configured to include modular motor assemblies or modular sections. Ultimately, the present invention provides an aircraft with the ability to easily assemble or expand the multi-motor assemblies and, in doing so, modify the characteristics of the aircraft. The modularity also enhances the ability to maintain the aircraft by enabling motors or the units housing each motor to easily be replaced.

Abstract: A lighting device comprises an emission layer, and first and second electrodes between which a voltage can be applied to generate an electric field in at least part of the emission layer. The emission layer comprises a luminescent film composed of at least one crystal comprising repeating structural units of a crystalline framework material. The crystal has at least one crystallographic axis that is aligned substantially parallel to a planar surface of the luminescent film with a maximum deviation of up to +/?35° from this parallel orientation. Luminescent emitters are arranged in at least 30% of the repeating structural units of the crystalline framework material such that the transition dipole moments of the luminescent emitters are configured in a substantially parallel orientation relative to the crystallographic axis with a maximum deviation of up to +/?350 from this parallel orientation.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a gas permeable electrode and method for making the electrode to create diffusion pathways (or pores) in the metal electrode in a manner that is not destructive to delicate or soft sensing material. A first polymer, which is gas-permeable, is applied as a continuous coating over a surface of the sensing material. A second polymer that is immiscible with the first polymer is applied over a surface of the first polymer (e.g., spray-dry deposition of the second polymer) to form a micro-pattern or a polymeric template. The incompatibility/immiscibility between the first polymer and the second polymer leads to segregation of the second polymer into a pattern of discontinuous bumps, dots, islands or blobs on top of the first polymer. The porous electrode comprises at least one layer of an electrically conductive metal that is deposited over the first and second polymers.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors are disclosed that have both the capability to sense the location of obscured structural features and the ability to warn a user of obscured live electrical wires in the vicinity. Apparatus, devices, and methods to detect a presence of hidden or obscured objects or features behind opaque, solid surfaces are disclosed. Beams, studs and columns behind walls and joists beneath floors can be located. Also, a presence of an electrical field strength associated with live wires behind walls and beneath floors can be detected. The location of obscured features and the electric field strength can be displayed simultaneously.

Abstract: Data converter circuits and methods of operating the data converter circuits are disclosed. In some embodiments, a data converter circuit includes a charge measurement circuit. In some embodiments, the charge measurement circuit is a capacitive transimpedance amplifier (CTIA). In some embodiments, the data converter circuit includes the CTIA, a quantizer, a digital-to-analog converter, a summer, and a digital filter. In some embodiments, the data converter circuit includes an analog-to-digital converter electrically coupled to the CTIA and the digital filter. In some embodiment, a method includes integrating an input signal with a CTIA, determining whether a CTIA output signal is greater than a threshold, and reducing the CTIA output signal or forgoing the reducing based on the determination of whether the CTIA output signal is greater than the threshold.

Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of manufacturing a plurality of MEMS devices, each device including a first material and a second material with different CTE. The method includes providing a carrier with substantially equal CTE as the first material, the carrier comprising a plurality of cavities. The method also includes positioning a plurality of components in respective cavities of the carrier, the components comprising the second material. In some embodiments, the method includes positioning a layer of the first material on the second material components. In some embodiments, the method includes bonding the first material layer and the second material components. The method also includes removing the carrier and singulating the first material layer to produce the plurality of MEMS devices.

Abstract: There is provided a device for measuring a person's ventilation or metabolism metrics. The device includes a conduit shaped to receive an exhalation of air therethrough. The device includes at least one gas sensor passively sampling said exhalation of air by means of a positive or negative pressure differential. The device includes a pump configured to assist in said passive sampling. The pump is configured to adjust the flow rate of a sample portion of said exhalation of air passing through to the at least one gas sensor, so as to be proportional or linear within a predetermined threshold, to the flow rate of the exhalation of air passing through the conduit. The device is configured to operate via both breath-mixing and breath-by-breath modes using a single flow path. The device is configured to change between the breath-mixing and breath-by-breath modes as a function of operation of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides an aircraft design which incorporates a modular design including the use of one or more multi-motor assemblies where the motors are in series within the multi-motor assembly. Still further, the multi-motor assemblies may be configured to include modular motor assemblies or modular sections. Ultimately, the present invention provides an aircraft with the ability to easily assemble or expand the multi-motor assemblies and, in doing so, modify the characteristics of the aircraft. The modularity also enhances the ability to maintain the aircraft by enabling motors or the units housing each motor to easily be replaced.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a computer-implemented method for measuring motion values associated with movements of an object as the objects drives along a track comprises: receiving, using a wireless network transceiver, experiment instructions for performing an experiment; generating, based on the experiment instructions, driving instructions for causing the object to drive along the track; executing the driving instructions to cause the object to drive along the track; as the object is driving along the track: receiving, from one or more sensors, motion values associated with the movements of the object as the object drives along the track; transmitting, using the wireless network transceiver, the motion values associated with the movements of the object to one or more user devices to cause a user device, from the one or more user devices, to generate and display a graphical representation of the motion values on a display device of the user device.

Abstract: Disclose is a system and method for real-time measurement and feedback of metrology and metallurgical data during additive manufacturing (AM) part fabrication. This solution promises to provide higher performance, lower cost AM parts. A sensor is placed either in the rake/roller or following the rake/roller so that it has no impact on the process efficiency and can be used to provide real-time feedback and an archived digital map of the entire part volume. The solution provides non-contact sensing of AM layer's electrical conductivity in a high-temperature environment, metallurgical property verification, porosity imaging, local defect detection and sizing, local material temperature monitoring, and grain anisotropy imaging. Part geometry, the AM powder, and the laser/material interface are monitored in real-time. Dual mode sensing using magnetoquasistatic and optical sensors enhance results. Real-time nonlinear control of the AM fabrication process is performed based on the sensor data.

Abstract: A measurement system, its assembly and use are disclose. The system may include an instrument for making sensor measurements. The instrument has a substantially cylindrical housing. The shape and size allow the instrument to easily fit in an average hand enabling handheld operation. The housing houses a board stack of electronic boards. These electronics drive an electrical signal in at least one drive channel and measure responses from at least two sensing channels. These responses are provided to a processor for analysis. The instrument has a sensor connector that enables simultaneous electrical and mechanical attachment of an end effector.

Abstract: There is provided a glucose sensor system comprising: a transmitter (2) for containing a battery (212), the transmitter being for placement on top of patient skin; a transcutaneous connector (3) comprising at least one conductive path; and an implantable monolithic integrated circuit (I) for placement beneath the patient skin, wherein the implantable monolithic integrated circuit comprises a potentiostat and an electrochemical sensing element; wherein the potentiostat is electrically coupled to the transmitter (2) via the transcutaneous connector (3), and the electrochemical sensing element is configured to sense glucose concentration and generate an electrical signal representative of the glucose concentration, and wherein the potentiostat is electrically connected to the electrochemical sensing element.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for measuring material properties. Segmented field sensors have multiple sensing elements at different spatial geometries to capture field components having substantially different depths of penetration. These sensors are excited and measured on these different sensing elements to facilitate characterization of unknown material properties. This is illustrated in some embodiments using eddy current sensors to characterize materials that are frequency dispersive and/or do not produce a measurable phase shifts. Only a single scalar quantity may provide independent information from one or more of the sensing elements. Property estimation techniques, such as those using precomputed databases of sensor responses are used to estimate the unknown material properties.

Abstract: Methods and systems for sensing a user interaction (e.g., a fingerprint) with a display of an electronic device are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method includes illuminating, with a light source, a position of a user interaction on the display. In some embodiments, the method includes detecting, with a detector, a backscattered light from the position. In some embodiments, the light source and the detector are located on a same layer of the display.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are MEMS devices and systems and methods of manufacturing or operating the MEMS devices and systems. In some embodiments, the MEMS devices and systems are used in imaging applications.