Abstract: A system and a method to warn a ship crew of potential violent motions in the immediate near future for the oceangoing vessel when operating in seas. Violent ship motions not only discomfort ship crews, damage cargos and ship structures, but also pose potential capsizing risk to ships. The system includes motion sensors; computer hardware and software; and warning devices. The sensors measure the ship roll, pitch, yaw, and rudder motions. The time histories of these motions are stored in the hardware and constantly analyzed using Finite Fourier Transform by Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) to detect the nonlinear inertial coupling effect which is newly discovered by the inventor and believed to be the root cause leading to violent motions and capsizing.

Abstract: A method using a gas reservoir and a critical nozzle for determining physical properties and/or quantities relevant to combustion of gas or gas mixtures, the method includes: flowing a gas or gas mixture under pressure from the gas reservoir through the critical nozzle; measuring pressure drop in the gas reservoir as a function of time; determining a gas property factor (?*), dependent on physical properties of the gas or gas mixture, based on the measured values of the pressure drop; and determining a desired physical property or quantity relevant to combustion based on the gas property factor (?*) through correlation.

Abstract: A method for providing additional tractionability to a vehicle tire (20) for mitigating slippery road conditions such as ice and snow. The main embodiment for the main embodiment uses three cleats (26) per tire (20) and a cleat hub (28). Chain welts (32) and adjustable bungee cords (30) complete the install to form a contiguous unit gripping around the perimeter of the tire (20). All of the individual parts are lightweight for easy distribution to the tires (20) needing traction. They are easy to install. They are quick to install at roughly five minutes per tire (20). They are also both easy and quick to dismantle. Being solid bodied members, they are easy to keep clean by quickly hosing them down and they stack up for easy storage.

Abstract: A printer including a printing part which prints on a recording paper; a cutter part which cuts the recording paper; and a conveying part which includes a conveying route having a curving shape and through which the recording paper conveyed through the cutter part is conveyed; a conveying route cover which is attached to the conveying part and covers a portion of the conveying route; and a flapper which is provided at a curved portion of the conveying route, has a curved shape, and is rotatably attached to the conveying route cover so as to rotatably open or close relative to a main body of the printer, wherein the conveying route cover and the flapper are movable together so as to separate from or contact the main body.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to predicting a presence of occluded objects from a robotic device. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to acquiring sensor data about a surrounding environment, analyzing the sensor data to identify a perceived object in the surrounding environment by determining at least a class of the perceived object. The method includes determining a presence factor associated with the perceived object according to an observation model. The presence factor indicates a likelihood of an occluded object existing in an occluded region associated with the perceived object. The method includes controlling one or more systems of the robotic device according to the presence factor.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system to quantify tension forces of the anchor bolts for, e.g., SLTS support structures. A sensing assembly comprising one or more washers is installed along an anchor bolt. The sensing assembly comprises two spaced-apart surfaces between which a capacitance can be measured if electrical potential is created between the surfaces. The capacitance between the surfaces can be calibrated to bolt tension based on the relative distance between the surfaces. An RFRD circuit is connected to the two surfaces. An RF interrogation signal can supply the electrical potential and allow a reading of the responsive capacitance between surfaces to convert the capacitance reading into a bolt tension. Additionally, the introduction of the battery-free RFRD allows data to be acquired wirelessly from a distance, enabling an entirely new method of inspection. With minimum additional hardware cost, it provides a cost-effective way to replace traditional bolt installation and inspection methods.

Abstract: A gas sensor 10 includes a tubular protective cover 30 having an element chamber 37 therein and configured to allow a measured gas to flow from the outside into the element chamber 37. The gas sensor 10 also includes a long sensor element 20, including a detecting portion 23 located in the element chamber 37 and configured to detect a specified gas concentration in the measured gas, and an insulator 45 having an inclined through-hole into which the sensor element 20 is inserted. An inclination angle ?t of an axial direction of the sensor element 20 (i.e., a direction parallel to an element axis A1) in the element chamber 37 with respect to an axial direction of the protective cover 30 (i.e., a direction parallel to a cover axis A2) is 1° or greater.

Abstract: A heating apparatus for a gas chromatography column is described. The GC column heating apparatus includes a conical heater assembly comprising a heating element between an inner layer and an outer layer. The apparatus can also include optionally an outer cowl and/or an inner cowl surrounding the conical heater assembly. The conical heater assembly rapidly increases the temperature of the column by conductive heating. The selection of shape (in particular, the cone angle of a conical heater) and materials allows the GC column to adapt to expansion that occurs upon heating. A gas chromatography (GC) column heating and cooling apparatus is also described, in which the heater and outer cowl define a flowpath through which a cooling fluid can pass and cool the GC column.

Abstract: A sensor includes a stretchable substrate having a stretching property, and a plurality of wires provided to the stretchable substrate, and the plurality of wires includes a first wire, and a second wire larger in resistance value variation due to extension of the stretchable substrate than the first wire. Further, the sensor includes a detection section adapted to correct a resistance value of the second wire in accordance with a resistance value of the first wire, and detect the extension of the stretchable substrate based on the resistance value of the second wire which has been corrected. Further, the detection section detects deterioration of the plurality of wires in accordance with the resistance value of the first wire.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor control apparatus comprises a voltage control part configured to control a voltage Vo1 applied to a cell of an air-fuel ratio sensor in accordance with a sensor current flowing in the cell and a current detection part configured to detect the sensor current as a physical value, which indicates the air-fuel ratio. In the air-fuel ratio sensor control apparatus, a voltage varying time point, at which the voltage control part varies the voltage Vo1, and a current detecting time point, at which the current detection part detects the current, are shifted from each other. A time period Ta from the current detecting time point, which is immediately before the voltage varying time point, to the voltage varying time point and a time period Tb from the voltage varying time point to the current detecting time period, which is immediately after the voltage varying time point, are set to satisfy Ta<Tb.

Abstract: A watch having a double watch-surface and a method for disassembling the double watch-surface are provided. The watch includes a casing, in which an abutting ring portion is convexly provided; a first watch-surface which is placed on the top of the abutting ring portion; a second watch-surface which is placed at the bottom of the abutting ring portion; an snapping ring, the inner ring of which is annularly provided with a pressing portion and a groove; and a transparent cover engaged onto the groove. The two snapping rings are respectively engaged with the top surface and the bottom surface of the casing. The snapping ring is disposed on the abutting ring portion through the plural engaging protrusions. The pressing portion is pressed against the first and second watch-surfaces. Through the adjusting and snapping assembly, effect of engaging and fixing the two snapping rings to the casing can be achieved.

Abstract: There have been many types of sports shoes varying in design and material. The market-leading sports shoes are Nike and Asics. Nike is famous for its patented Air Max technology and Asics for its unique liquid cushioning element technology. These are excellent shoes in its own category. Yet, sports players are also looking for a shoe that can switch between the hi-rebound high performance sports mode and soft-cushioned regular mode conveniently. Our new design of the shoe sole tackles this task with a unique approach. We design the shoe sole into three zones according to its dynamic feature and fill the corresponding zones with different foaming material and an interchangeable compact MagLev module. This new design meets the challenge and opens up a new way for shoe manufacturing.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and other embodiments associated with gas detecting sensors. According to one embodiment, a gas sensor includes a metal layer, a barrier interlayer, a substrate layer, a first insulating layer, a conduction path, a contact pad, and a second insulating layer. The conduction path connects the metal layer to the contact pad. The second insulating layer prevents diffusion through the contact pad, the conduction path, or the metal layer. The sensor includes a wire bonded electrical connection to the contact pad such that voltage can be determined and/or applied.

Abstract: New techniques for stowing and rapidly shipping valuables in a retail setting are provided. In some aspects of the invention, a new form of coded shopping bag, configured to covert to a box (a.k.a. a “BagBox”) for on-location holding and/or shipping is provided. Systems and methods for BagBox conversion, stowing and/or shipping via specialized kiosks are provided. Billing methods based on the coding and recorded user preferences are also provided.

Abstract: Devices for detection of analytes in samples of various complexities are provided. The devices allow reflux of liquid into a sample-receiving member, providing for suitable analyte dilution and preventing leakage of cells or particulate material into the signal generation member. In one aspect, the devices are used to test analytes in biological samples such as blood, serum, plasma or other body fluids. In another aspect, the devices are used to test samples from tissues, such as organ tissues, tumor samples, or other body parts. In a further aspect, the devices are used to test microbial samples, food samples, or any other sample from which the analyte of interest can be captured into the reflux device.

Abstract: A strain sensing device and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in the invention. The strain sensing device includes a substrate and at least one sensing electrode. The substrate has a plurality of pores. A material of the substrate includes nanocellulose, and the substrates is strained in response to changes in external conditions. The at least one sensing electrode is disposed on the substrate, wherein the sensing electrode contacting the substrate extends into the pores of the substrate. The at least one sensing electrode has a major axis parallel to a surface of the substrate. A resistance value of the at least one sensing electrode changes in response to a strain of the substrate.

Abstract: Certain configurations are provided herein of a trap that can be used with chromatography systems. In certain instances, the trap may be designed to remove substantially all oil in a sample comprising the oil and an analyte of interest. Methods using the gravity trap are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to attachable personal cooling fans specifically designed to provide several hours of cooling for the user. These units were originally designed for baseball/softball plate and base umpires for hot weather conditions, however, they could be adapted for other uses. The units are portable and lightweight and can be attached to any facemask or cap.

Abstract: An outdoor portable collapsible outdoor convection oven including a first side plate; a second side plate opposite the first side plate; a bottom plate releasably attached to the first side plate and the second side plate without requiring the use of a separate fastener; a food shelf disposed between the top plate and the bottom plate and releasably attached to the first side plate and the second side plate without requiring the use of a separate fastener; a top plate opposite the bottom plate, wherein the top plate is rotatably and releasably attached to the first side plate and the second side plate; and a back plate rotatably and releasably attached to the first side plate and the second side plate without the use of a separate hinge device and a separate fastener.

Abstract: An improved astronomical calendar clock mechanism, integrating a sun-centered planetary dial with an earth-centered celestial ring with a fixed orientation number dial located in the earth's equatorial plane, with the sun on a meridian track fixed at 12 on the number dial, and the meridian track indicates the date on a calendar band which is applied to the outside edge of the celestial ring in a plane parallel to the celestial equator, and an hour hand emerging from the earth globe at the center of the celestial ring indicates the time relative to the fixed orientation number dial framing the earth.