Abstract: Techniques and apparatuses are described that implement localization and health monitoring. With the use of multiple backscatter tags, a reader can be implemented with a single antenna and have a relatively small footprint compared to other systems that utilize antenna arrays or multiple readers. Also, the backscatter tags can be implemented as passive devices and located at fixed positions. In this way, a single power source can be provided at the reader, and target angular resolutions can be realized without the additional mechanical complexities associated with other moving systems. Additionally, the backscatter tags can be implemented using relatively low-cost commercial off-the-shelf hardware. As such, performance of the reader can be readily customized with the purchase of additional backscatter tags.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes device, systems, techniques, and methods for mm-wave backscattering and energy harvesting systems utilizing a Rotman-Lens-based rectenna system. An mm-wave backscattering and energy harvesting system can include one or more antenna, a Rotman Lens having a beam port side and an antenna side in electrical communication with the one or more antenna, and a switching network in electrical communication with the beam port side of the Rotman Lens. The switching network can be configured to cause the system to operate in either a backscattering mode or an energy harvesting mode.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a backscattering RFID system comprising: a combined oscillator and reflection amplifier circuit comprising a first tunnel diode having an anode and a cathode; and a biasing circuit in communication with the anode and configured to bias the first tunnel diode in a negative differential resistance region; wherein the combined oscillator and reflection amplifier circuit is configured to modulate a RF interrogation signal to produce a backscatter signal.

Abstract: A system for using thin and energy-autonomous backscatter tags and corresponding sensing nodes may operate with 24 GHz backscatter reflectarray tags having low power consumption. A digital beam steering, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar may be used for detection, localization, identification and communications. The tags may include environmental sensors that are used to modulate backscatter waves for data communications directed to a reader or may digitally modulate the backscatter transmissions without sensor data for independent localization of each tag in a network.

Abstract: A system for using thin and energy-autonomous backscatter tags and corresponding sensing nodes may operate with 24 GHz backscatter reflectarray tags having low power consumption. A digital beam steering, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar may be used for detection, localization, identification and communications. The tags may include environmental sensors that are used to modulate backscatter waves for data communications directed to a reader or may digitally modulate the backscatter transmissions without sensor data for independent localization of each tag in a network.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes device, systems, techniques, and methods for mm-wave energy harvesting utilizing a Rotman-Lens-based rectenna system. An energy harvester system can include one or more antenna, a Rotman Lens having a beam port side and an antenna side in electrical communication with the one or more antenna, and a rectifier network in electrical communication with the beam port side of the Rotman Lens. The energy harvester system can also include a power combining network in electrical communication with the rectifier network and having an output. The rectifier network can include a plurality of rectifiers connected to the beam port side of the Rotman Lens. Further, each of the plurality of rectifiers can include a rectifying diode. The power combining network can include a plurality of bypass diodes.

Abstract: A system for using thin and energy-autonomous backscatter tags and corresponding sensing nodes may operate with 24 GHz backscatter reflectarray tags having low power consumption. A digital beam steering, frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar may be used for detection, localization, identification and communications. The tags may include environmental sensors that are used to modulate backscatter waves for data communications directed to a reader or may digitally modulate the backscatter transmissions without sensor data for independent localization of each tag in a network.

Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.

Abstract: An axle spindle nut assembly secures a wheel end assembly on an axle spindle. The wheel end assembly includes outboard and inboard outboard bearings that are immovably mounted on the axle spindle, and a wheel hub which is rotatably mounting on the bearings. The spindle nut assembly includes a nut that threads onto an outboard end of the axle spindle, and is tightened against the outboard bearing to a selected torque level. The nut includes an outboard surface that is formed with a plurality of features. A washer is formed with a tab that engages a keyway of the axle spindle outboardly of the nut, and with a plurality of mating features that mechanically engage the features formed in the outboard surface of the nut to prevent substantial rotation of the nut after the nut has been tightened to the selected torque level.

Abstract: A hubcap for a wheel end assembly of a heavy-duty vehicle seals an outboard end of the wheel end assembly. The wheel end assembly includes a wheel hub formed with a cavity that contains lubricant, and the hubcap positively engages and mounts on the outboard end of the wheel hub to prevent the escape of lubricant and the ingress of contaminants. The integrally-formed hubcap includes a generally cylindrical sidewall and an outboard wall that extends generally perpendicular to the sidewall. A lip extends inboardly from and a shoulder extends radially outwardly from an inboard end of the sidewall, and the lip and shoulder cooperate to positively mechanically engage the outboard end of the wheel hub. An O-ring is disposed between the lip and the wheel hub to provide a seal. The hubcap also is adapted to accommodate components of a tire inflation system and other auxiliary components.