Abstract: A method for determining a scan pattern according to which a sensor equipped with a scanner scans a field of regard (FOR) is presented. The method comprises obtaining, by processing hardware, a plurality of objective functions, each of the objective functions specifying a cost for a respective property of the scan pattern, expressed in terms of one or more operational parameters of the scanner. The method further includes applying, by the processing hardware, an optimization scheme to the plurality of objective functions to generate the scan pattern. The method further includes scanning the FOR according to the generated scan pattern.

Abstract: An aircraft apparatus is disclosed that has a fuselage boom having proximal and distal ends, a wing coupled to a proximal end of the fuselage boom and at least one transparent stabilizer coupled to a distal end of the fuselage boom.

Abstract: An aircraft apparatus is disclosed that has a fuselage boom having proximal and distal ends, a wing coupled to a proximal end of the fuselage boom and at least one transparent stabilizer coupled to a distal end of the fuselage boom.

Abstract: A sensing platform for continuous water resource monitoring by electrochemical detection and solution parameter correction is provided. The sensing platform employs a solid-state electrolyte three-electrode cell, creating a high ionic strength environment within the solid-state electrolyte membrane, which is in ion exchange equilibria with the sampled solution. This device may be used as a standalone sensor in environments where the water parameters (pH temperature, and ionic strength) are controlled, or in concert with compensation sensors where water parameters are not controlled.

Abstract: A carbon nanotube (CNT) ion-selective field effect transistor (IS-FET) integrated device is used to detect nitrate ion in water. The device is operated as an IS-FET sensor, holding the measured potential between the drain electrode and an external reference electrode constant with a potentiometric circuit. Transduction occurs by changes in the effective CNT film gate potential with changes in the phase boundary potential of an ion-selective membrane (ISM) film. Moreover, the nitrate ISM film makes the device highly selective towards nitrate sensing. This printable IS-FET nitrate sensor enables real-time and high-resolution measurements and recording of nitrate ion in water at low cost.

Abstract: Devices are provided for indicating a moisture content of a substance such as soil. In an example, a device for indicating a moisture content of soil includes a stem configured to be inserted into the soil and an indicator coupled to the stem and configured to visually indicate the moisture content of the soil, the stem and the indicator each comprised of an absorbent material and at least the indicator including hydrochromic ink on the absorbent material.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to eating utensils, such as eating utensils for use by infants, toddlers, and others in early childhood development. In one embodiment, an eating utensil is provided. The eating utensil can include a handle; a utensil head comprising a top side, a bottom side, and a plurality of apertures extending through the utensil head from the top side to the bottom side; and a choke guard disposed between the handle and the utensil head. In another embodiment, an eating utensil can include a handle; a utensil head comprising: a top side comprising a first set of fork tines; and a bottom side comprising a second set of fork tines.

Abstract: A miniature camera (1) comprising at least one SMA actuator wire (11) arranged to effect focus, zoom or optical image stabilization. The SMA actuator wire (11) is coated with an electrically insulating layer (40) of thickness in the range from 0.3 ?m to 10 ?m. The layer (40) provides electrical insulation whilst permitting cooling that provides a rapid response time of the SMA actuator wire (11).

Abstract: Insulation of components of an SMA actuation arrangement in a miniature camera A miniature camera comprises an SMA actuator arrangement including at least one SMA actuator wire arranged to effect focus, zoom or optical image stabilization. At least one component of the SMA actuator arrangement that is not the SMA actuator wire is coated with an electrically insulating layer, thereby reducing the risk of short circuiting of the drive current of the SMA actuator wire. The SMA actuator wire may not be coated at all.

Abstract: A miniature camera (1) comprising at least one SMA actuator wire (11) arranged to effect focus, zoom or optical image stabilization. The SMA actuator wire (11) is coated with an electrically insulating layer (40) of thickness in the range from 0.3 ?m to 10 ?m. The layer (40) provides electrical insulation whilst permitting cooling that provides a rapid response time of the SMA atuator wire (11).