Abstract: Systems and methods for implementation of the heterodyne effect in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are provided. A system or method can include propagating a first signal with a first frequency and a second signal with a second frequency through a subject structure, and analyzing the output response to determine if a third frequency has been created, according to the heterodyne effect.

Abstract: A method of measuring the amount of corrosion of a target material caused exposure to a fluid, over a period of time, utilizing a corrosion measuring device, including a resonator having a first surface area made of a material having a corrosion profile like that of the target material and having a second surface area made of material having a corrosion profile unlike that of the target material; and a transducer assembly, positioned to drive the resonator and sense resultant resonator motion, thereby producing a sense signal. In the method, the resonator is exposed to the target fluid over the period of time and the sense signal is analyzed over the period of time to determine changes in how the resonator responds to being driven by the transducer assembly, over time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detection assembly for detecting a characteristic in a test object having a cylindrical peripheral surface. The ultrasonic detection assembly includes a phased array probe positioned in proximity to the cylindrical peripheral surface of the test object. The phased array probe includes a plurality of adjacent transducer elements. Each transducer is operatively configured to emit a respective beam into the test object so as to provide a pattern of constructive interference. The ultrasonic detection assembly is structurally configured to provide for cylindrical contact between the phased array probe and the cylindrical peripheral surface of the test object. The ultrasonic detection assembly includes a controller operatively connected to the phased array probe for causing each transducer to emit the respective beam into the test object.

Abstract: A method and a device for defect-size evaluation of defects in a test object in ultrasonic testing is provided. In particular, the method and device also allows systematic determination of defect sizes based on the SAFT method. This is done by simulating defects in a test object on the basis of a defined test scenario, and comparing these simulations with actually recorded measured values.

Abstract: The arrangement for monitoring rubbing between a rotary part and a stationary part in a rotating turbomachine comprises at least one mechanical oscillations detector for measuring mechanical oscillations at at least one point of the turbomachine, at least one particles detector for measuring debris passing in at least one section of a flow path of the turbomachine, and an electronic monitoring unit electrically or electromagnetically connected to the oscillations detector and the particles detector, and arranged to acquire and process signals generated by the oscillations detector and the particles detector. The electronic monitoring unit uses the oscillations measurement primarily for estimating presence of rubbing and the debris measurement primarily for estimating severity of rubbing.

Abstract: A system and method for substantially coincidental sample takeoff flow rate verification which detects unstable flow conditions in a pipeline, terminates fluid sample analysis during flow instability, and resumes sample takeoff when a steady flow state is re-established.

Abstract: A micromechanical device includes four open drive frames and four detection masses for double differentially detecting angular velocity about an axis perpendicular to a plane. A coupling frame system couples the four open drive frames into a synchronized anti-phase driving motion. Phases of each of the four pairs of adjacent open drive frames are opposite, and amplitude of the linear primary motion of the four open drive frames are equal. Axes of linear driving motions of the open drive frames are aligned. Anti-phase synchronized driving motion of the open drive frames is relayed through a spring arrangement to an anti-phase synchronized driving motion of the four detection masses. An inner coupling lever system couples the four detection masses into a synchronized anti-phase detection motion. Phases of each of the four pairs of adjacent detection masses are opposite. Axes of linear detection motion of each of the detection masses are aligned.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system includes a proof mass, an anchor, an amplifier, a sense element, a reference element, and a feedback element. The proof mass is configured to move in response to a stimulus. The anchor is coupled to the proof mass via a spring. The amplifier is configured to receive a proof mass signal from the proof mass via the spring and the anchor. The amplifier may be configured to amplify the received proof mass signal to generate an output signal. The sense element may be connected between the proof mass and a first input signal. The reference element may be connected between the anchor and a second input signal. The feedback element may be connected between the proof mass and the output signal. The feedback element and the sense element may change in response to proof mass displacement.

Abstract: A micro-opto-electromechanical systems (MOEMS) device is described. The device comprises at least one anchor on a chip; at least one spring connected to the anchor; at least one proof mass connected to the spring, the at least one proof mass being movable with respect to the chip; a movable optical element connected to the at least one proof mass; a first waveguide connected to the chip, the first waveguide being adapted for receiving light from a light source and a second waveguide connected to the chip, the second waveguide being adapted for operatively coupling to a photodetector and the movable optical element being disposed between the back end of the first waveguide and the front end of the second waveguide.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a weight portion having a recess section and a solid section, beam portions, a movable electrode provided on the opposite surface of the weight portion from an open surface of the recess section to extend over the recess section and the solid section, a first fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the recess section, and a second fixed electrode arranged at the opposite side of the movable electrode from the solid section. The acceleration sensor detects acceleration using a change in capacitance between the movable electrode and the fixed electrodes caused by rotation of the weight portion. The beam portions are shifted toward the recess section such that an angle between a perpendicular line extending from a gravity center position of the weight portion to the rotation axis and a surface of the movable electrode becomes equal to 45 degrees.

Abstract: A MEMS sensor for measuring rotational motion about a first axis includes a frame, a base structure under the frame, a drive mass mounted in the frame for rotational movement about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, and a first drive paddle in the drive mass. A first link includes a first end coupled to a first spring that movably couples the first drive paddle to the drive mass and a second end coupled to a second spring that movably couples the first link to the frame. A drive system includes an electrode aligned to exert electromotive force to pivot the first drive paddle and move the drive mass about the second axis. Deflection of the drive mass is greater than deflection of the first drive paddle when the drive system is operating.

Abstract: According to one aspect, embodiments herein provide a gyroscope comprising a central anchor, a plurality of internal flexures, a plurality of masses, each mass coupled to the central anchor via at least one of the plurality of internal flexures and configured to translate in a plane of the gyroscope, and a plurality of mass-to-mass couplers, each mass-to-mass coupler coupled between two adjacent masses of the plurality of masses, and a plurality of transducers, each configured to perform at least one of driving and sensing motion of a corresponding one of the plurality of masses, wherein the plurality of transducers is configured to drive the plurality of masses in at least a first vibratory mode and a second vibratory mode.

Abstract: The motion light-up pill box is a medication container that further comprises a motion-sensing device. When the motion-sensing device detects motion near the location of the medication container the motion-sensing device illuminates an indicating light that signals the location of the medication container. The motion light-up pill box comprises a medication container and a motion-sensing device. The medication container further comprises one or more chambers and one or more lids. The motion-sensing device mounts in a lid selected from the one or more lids.

Abstract: A MEMS BAW vibratory planar gyroscope having an in-plane electrode configuration for mode-alignment by utilizing alignment electrodes that have a height less than a full height of the gyroscope resonant body. Such alignment electrodes apply a force component that affects modes with both in-plane and out-of-plane movements. The gyroscope includes a resonant body having a height and a perimeter surface and electrodes disposed adjacent the exterior perimeter surface of the resonant body. At least one of the electrodes is an alignment electrode and has a height less than the height of the resonant body.

Abstract: A teeter-totter type accelerometer includes one or more platforms configured so as to move in proportion to deformation of the substrate and/or anchor(s). The platform(s) may be in a fixed position relative to the substrate, e.g., by being fixedly attached to the anchor(s) or by being fixedly attached to the substrate, or the platform(s) may be movable relative to the substrate, e.g., by being tethered to the anchor(s) so as to allow the platform(s) to pivot relative to the anchor(s). Electrodes are placed on the substrate underlying the platform(s) for sensing position of the platform(s) relative to the underlying substrate. The teeter-totter proof mass is configured such that it can rotate relative to the platform(s), e.g., by being tethered to the platform(s) or by being tethered to one or more anchors separate from the platform(s). The output of the accelerometer is adjusted based on signals from these platform-sensing electrodes in order to reduce or eliminate offset drift.

Abstract: A physical quantity sensor has a first structure which has a movable section that includes movable electrode fingers, a second structure which includes first fixed electrode fingers that are arranged to oppose the movable electrode fingers, a third structure which includes second fixed electrode fingers that are arranged to oppose the movable electrode fingers, and a first electrostatic capacity forming section that forms an electrostatic capacity between the first structure and the second structure.

Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present invention includes plural temperature sensors; a switching circuit that switches between detection signals from the temperature sensors at a predetermined frequency; an ADC that receives the output of the switching circuit and outputs a converted signal; a correction information extracting circuit that generates a temperature mean value; and an abnormality information extracting circuit that generates a temperature difference value.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an out of balance condition of a washing machine are provided. In particular, a plurality of angular positions of a motor associated with a washing machine can be determined. The washing machine can include a wash tub, and a wash basket rotatably mounted within the wash tub. The motor is configured to rotate the wash basket within said wash tub. Data indicative of at least a single phase of motor current being applied to the motor can be obtained while the wash basket rotates. The data can be spatially sampled over at least a subset of the plurality of angular positions of the motor. An out of balance condition associated with the washing machine can be determined based at least in part on the sampled data.

Abstract: An amplifier circuit includes a converter configured to convert a predefined physical quantity to a resistance value, and the resistance value converted by the converter is converted to a voltage value and then amplified. The converter includes variable resistance sensors of piezoresistance elements. A bias unit is configured to determine a bias current of the converter, and includes bias resistances. An operation amplifier unit receives, as input signals, output signals from the bias unit and the converter, and includes feedback resistances respectively connected to input and output ends of a first operational amplifier. The first operational amplifier is a whole differential operational amplifier including a common-mode feedback circuit.

Abstract: A sensor device for monitoring a component of interest, including at least one sensor for measuring at least one parameter indicative of condition of the component of interest, signal processing device for processing the signals of the sensor, a housing for at least the signal processing device and a mounting feature for mounting the sensor device close to the component of interest. The mounting feature can include a bolt and bracket having a first portion including an opening for inserting the bolt in an insertion direction and a second portion with a surface parallel to the insertion direction configured to mount the housing.