Abstract: The invention is a universal receiver that addresses the problem of collecting consumption data from multiple types of utility metering wireless devices that use different and often proprietary protocols where such parameters are unknown to the system owner. The universal receiver automatically detects unknown AMR/AMI broadcasts utilizing know parameters for typical AMR/AMI signals and executing a decoding algorithm that includes series of RF parameter detection, signal characterization, signal decoding, and data qualifying techniques with minimal or no involvement needed by a user.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a contact probe having a contact element includes measuring with the contact probe a first geometric property of a calibrated artifact and a second geometric property of the or a further calibrated artifact. The first and second geometric properties are such that a deviation between a measured value and the expected value, resulting from a difference between an effective diameter of the contact element and an assumed diameter used for determining the measured value, has the opposite sign for each of the first and second geometric properties. The method further includes identifying a difference in the effective diameter of the contact element from the assumed diameter including comparing deviations of the measured value to the expected value for each of the first and second geometric properties to determine whether there is a difference in the deviations.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for laser bond inspection of an angled or compact bonded article.

Abstract: In a mounting apparatus, a first spring member has an arc shape, and a second spring member is provided integrally with the first spring member or provided separately from the first spring member to be coupled to the second spring member. The second spring member is disposed inside the first spring member at a predetermined angle from the first spring member. A holding member holds the second spring member to be fitted into the holding member such that the holding member is in contact with a wearer. The configuration is able to reduce a load applied onto a head of the wearer while providing an improved fitting on the wearer.

Abstract: A control and evaluation unit for the operation and evaluation of at least one sensor, in particular for the operation and evaluation of at least one lambda probe of an internal combustion engine, signal inputs being disposed for the reception of analog measured signals of the at least one sensor, received analog measured signals being digitized by way of an analog/digital converter, a signal transfer unit, by way of which digitized signals are transferred to a calculation unit, being disposed, and provision being made in particular that the signal inputs are switchable by way of a multiplexer.

Abstract: A multi-functional accessory includes an adjustable holder having an anterior side configured to receive and maintain the existing portable electronic device at a substantially stable position, a telescopic support pole detachably mated to the adjustable holder wherein the telescopic support pole has a centrally registered longitudinal y-axis, a base stand detachably coupled to the telescopic support pole and selectively oriented parallel to an x-axis registered orthogonal to the y-axis. Advantageously, the adjustable holder is selectively articulated about the x-axis and the y-axis. Notably, a user interface is configured to be in operable communication with the existing portable electronic device. Such a user interface includes an actuation button configured to execute at least one operational function selected from a group including taking a picture and recording a video at the existing portable electronic device.

Abstract: The present invention provides an image forming apparatus including: a first moving member pressed and moved by an openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and switching a cartridge from a state where the cartridge is positioned in an image forming position to a state where the positioning is released; and a second moving member pressed and moved by the openable/closable member when the openable/closable member is opened, and moving the exposure member from an exposure position to a retracted position, wherein when the positioning of the cartridge is released, a reaction force applied from the first moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a first peak, when the exposure member is moved to the retracted position, a reaction force applied from the second moving member to the openable/closable member reaches a second peak, and timing of the first peak is different from timing of the second peak.

Abstract: A sensor element for detecting a physical property of a gas includes: a solid electrolyte film; a first end area and a second end area situated diametrically opposite in the longitudinal direction; a functional element in the first end area in the interior which is electrically conductively connected to a contact surface situated in the second end area on the outer surface, the electrically conductive connection having a strip conductor running essentially in the longitudinal direction in the interior of the sensor element; and a reference gas channel running essentially in the longitudinal direction of the sensor element communicating with a reference gas outside of the sensor element via a reference gas opening, the strip conductor and the reference gas channel being situated in such a way that at least a partial overlap occurs between them.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus has an operating state and a non-operating state with power consumption smaller than in the operating state. The image forming apparatus includes a fixing device for fixing a toner image on a print material by heat, a fan for discharging heat from the image forming apparatus, and a control unit for controlling operation of the fan. When a non-operating time from shifting to the non-operating state to shifting to the operating state is shorter than a predetermined time, the control unit allows the fan to operate with predetermined power in the operating state. When the non-operating time is equal to or longer than the predetermined time, the control unit stops the fan or allows the fan to operate with power smaller than the predetermined power in the operating state.

Abstract: A cartridge includes a rotating body, a blade that extends in an axial direction of the rotating body and is disposed on the rotating body, a supporting member that is fixed to the blade and configured to support the blade in such a manner that the blade protrudes toward the rotating body in a shorter direction crossing the axial direction, a frame body including a placing surface that supports the supporting member, and a fixed portion that is disposed on the placing surface via the supporting member and fixed to the frame body. The supporting member includes a cut portion extending in the axial direction. The fixed portion includes a deformed portion deformed by given energy, and the deformed portion engages with the cut portion so that movement of the supporting member with respect to the frame body is restricted.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus can create various output products using a transparent sheet as intended by a user.

Abstract: A flow rate measuring apparatus includes: a flow rate detecting device placed in an intake passage; a detection circuit for outputting an analog signal varying depending on the flow rate; a conversion circuit for converting the analog signal to a digital signal; a temperature detecting device for detecting an ambient temperature; and a correction circuit for primarily correcting the digital signal using a gain and/or an offset (correction coefficient) that can set the temperature coefficient in any appropriate way. The gain and/or the offset vary depending on the temperature coefficient set in any appropriate way and the ambient temperature detected by the temperature detecting device. Also, a plurality of the gains and/or the offsets are set depending on the flow rate, allowing the temperature characteristic error in flow rate measurement to be reduced.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes embodiments of a patient monitoring system and methods that include the measure and display of hemoglobin statistics. In an embodiment, total hemoglobin trending is displayed over a period of time. Statistics can include frequency domain analysis, which may be unique for each patient monitored. The total hemoglobin trending and/or statistics can further be used to help control the treatment of a patient, such as being used to control IV administration.

Abstract: A device for detecting a concentration of tiny particulates in an air sample is provided. The device comprises: a container that contains the air sample and has an opening; a sealing mechanism that opens or seals the opening; a sensor provided in the container and operative to sense a total concentration of particulates in the air sample within the container; and a controller connected to the sensor and operative to control the sealing mechanism.

Abstract: An image forming apparatus includes a first image forming section, a second image forming section, and a transfer section. The first image forming section forms an image layer by a first developer. The second image forming section forms an auxiliary layer by a second developer. The transfer section transfers the image layer formed by the first image forming section and the auxiliary layer formed by the second image forming section sequentially to an object, as a transfer object, on which transfer is to be performed. The following expression is satisfied: 0.30?(E2/E1)?1.00, where E1 is a charge amount of the first developer, and E2 is a charge amount of the second developer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and systems for creating a gas curtain inlet for a detector of a substance of interest. The methods and systems include introducing a carrier gas into an inlet to block out atmospheric air without having to make the inlet a sealed system.

Abstract: A probe device includes an electrode plate arranged above a mounting table for mounting thereon a semiconductor wafer and electrically connected to a tester, a contact probe arranged at a side of the mounting table and electrically connected to a mounting table electrode of the mounting table. The contact probe includes a contact portion, having a top surface formed uneven, to be in contact with the electrode plate, and a cable connection portion formed as one unit with the contact portion. The contact portion and the cable connection portion are vertically movable by a biasing member provided below the cable connection portion. When the probes are made contact with electrodes of a semiconductor device of the semiconductor wafer by moving up the mounting table, the contact portion and the electrode plate are made contact with each other and the backside electrode and the tester are electrically connected to each other.

Abstract: An inertial force sensor has a first sensor element, a second sensor element, a first signal processor, a second signal processor, and a power controller. The first sensor element converts a first inertial force to an electric signal, and the second sensor element converts a second inertial force to an electric signal. The first signal processor is connected to the first sensor element, and outputs a first inertial force value. The second signal processor is connected to the second sensor element, and outputs a second inertial force value. The power controller is connected to the first signal processor and the second signal processor, and changes power supplied to the second signal processor based on the first inertial force value.

Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a sensor for determining a flow parameter of a fluid is provided. The sensor includes a polymer membrane, an elongate microstructure extending from the polymer membrane, and a hydrogel coupled to at least a portion of the elongate microstructure, wherein the hydrogel and the elongate microstructure are arranged to cooperate to cause a displacement of the polymer membrane in response to a fluid flowing and interacting with the sensor, and wherein the sensor is configured to provide a measurement indicative of a flow parameter of the fluid based on the displacement of the polymer membrane. According to further embodiments of the present invention, a method for forming a sensor and a method of controlling a sensor are also provided.

Abstract: A diagnostic system and method for diagnosing the performance of a particulate matter (PM) filter of an exhaust system each involve receiving, by a controller from at least one sensor, a gas component measurement of exhaust gas flowing through the exhaust system and the PM filter. The controller calculates a conversion efficiency of the gas component by the PM filter and compares the calculated conversion efficiency to a predetermined conversion efficiency threshold indicative of an expected conversion efficiency of a flow-through catalyst. The controller then determines whether the PM filter is cracked or damaged based on the comparison between the calculated conversion efficiency and the predetermined conversion efficiency threshold.