Abstract: A fluorescence sensor for use in phosphor thermometry is provided, the sensor comprising: an optical light guide which includes a distal end; and a sensing element, the sensing element attached to the distal end or located proximate to the distal end and in alignment with the distal end, the sensing element including a polycrystalline nanocomposite which includes at least one host, at least one dopant and at least one filler.

Abstract: Ingredients of a fluorescent material are selected and apportioned to yield a fluorescence lifetime that varies monotonically within a specified range of temperatures of the fluorescent material. The fluorescent material includes both inert ingredients and active tuning ingredients that monotonically influence the dependency of fluorescence lifetime on temperature. The invention provides a method of adjusting a selected fluorescence material to result in variation of fluorescence lifetime with temperature that closely adhere to a monotonic reference function, of fluorescence lifetime versus temperature, that is specific for a temperature-range of interest. The reference function may be monotone-decreasing or monotone-increasing. On a manufacturing scale, fluorescent materials, thus adjusted, can be used to produce temperature sensors that are backward compatible.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensor for use in phosphor thermometry is provided, the sensor comprising: an optical light guide which includes a distal end; and a sensing element, the sensing element attached to the distal end or located proximate to the distal end and in alignment with the distal end, the sensing element including a polycrystalline nanocomposite which includes at least one host, at least one dopant and at least one filler.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensor for use in phosphor thermometry is provided, the sensor comprising: an optical light guide which includes a distal end; and a sensing element, the sensing element attached to the distal end or located proximate to the distal end and in alignment with the distal end, the sensing element including a polycrystalline nanocomposite which includes at least one host, at least one dopant and at least one filler.

Abstract: A fluorescence sensor for use in phosphor thermometry is provided, the sensor comprising: an optical light guide which includes a distal end; and a sensing element, the sensing element attached to the distal end or located proximate to the distal end and in alignment with the distal end, the sensing element including a polycrystalline nanocomposite which includes at least one host, at least one dopant and at least one filler.

Abstract: A system comprising at least one dock and at least one insole is provided for assessing a user's gait or movement during physical activity. The dock is for use with a computer and the insole is for use with an energy storage device, the insole including: circuitry, which includes a memory, a processor, the processor under control of the memory, and a switch, the switch under control of the processor; at least sensor which is at least one of a motion sensor and a pressure sensor, the sensor in electronic communication with the processor; a charger for electrical communication with an energy storage device; and a substrate, which retains the circuitry, the sensor and the charger, wherein when the insole is located on the dock, there is a magnetic field between the insole and the dock and a communication interface between the insole and the dock and when the insole is removed from the dock, the magnetic field is broken.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process controller and more specifically to a process controller with integrated optical sensing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a process controller and more specifically to a process controller with integrated optical sensing.

Abstract: A traditional passive thermal management system can only be used effectively in a single orientation because it relies on the buoyancy of the heated air to create natural convection. A passive thermal management system is provided which includes means for transferring heat away from a heat source (10) in any orientation. The system comprises a heat pipe (14) which is thermally coupled to the heat source (10). The heat pipe (14) is capable of transferring heat away from the heat source (10), wherein this heat is transferred along the length of the heat pipe (14). Thermally coupled to the heat pipe (14) is a fin system (12), which provides a means for extraction of the heat from the heat pipe (14) and transfer of this heat to the environment thereby dissipating the heat generated at the heat source (10). The fin system (12) is configured to provide a desired level of heat transfer to the environment independent of the orientation of the thermal management system.

Abstract: An optical system design for measuring the velocity of fluids flowing through pipes or other conduits is disclosed. The optical system is comprised of a means for delivering two beams through a window in the wall of the pipe, focused to two points aligned along an axis of the pipe and separated by a known distance, and means for detecting light that is scattered by particles carried in the fluid stream through a second window, that is disposed on the opposite side of the pipe. By measuring the time delay between detected signals, the velocity of the fluid can be determined. The delivered light beams are focused in a shallow cone of light and are blocked by an obstruction disposed behind the second window. The scattered light passes through an aperture behind the second window that surrounds the obscuration, and is focused on to a detector surface.

Abstract: An optical system design for measuring the velocity of fluids flowing through pipes or other conduits is disclosed. The optical system is comprised of a means for delivering two beams through a window in the wall of the pipe, focused to two points aligned along an axis of the pipe and separated by a known distance, and means for detecting light that is scattered by particles carried in the fluid stream through a second window, that is disposed on the opposite side of the pipe. By measuring the time delay between detected signals, the velocity of the fluid can be determined. The delivered light beams are focused in a shallow cone of light and are blocked by an obstruction disposed behind the second window. The scattered light passes through an aperture behind the second window that surrounds the obscuration, and is focused on to a detector surface.