Abstract: A sensor including a buffer material layer configured to at least partially deflect when a force or pressure is imparted on the buffer material layer; and an electroactive polymer (EAP) cartridge in operative contact with the buffer material layer, wherein the EAP cartridge is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the EAP cartridge. The EAP cartridge may be used in a variety of sensing applications including as a pressure sensor integrated into a fluid connector. One aspect of the invention provides for selection of a buffer material layer based upon a desired pressure range.

Abstract: A sensor including a buffer material layer configured to at least partially deflect when a force or pressure is imparted on the buffer material layer; and an electroactive polymer (EAP) cartridge in operative contact with the buffer material layer, wherein the EAP cartridge is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the EAP cartridge. The EAP cartridge may be used in a variety of sensing applications including as a pressure sensor integrated into a fluid connector. One aspect of the invention provides for selection of a buffer material layer based upon a desired pressure range.

Abstract: A sensor including a buffer material layer configured to at least partially deflect when a force or pressure is imparted on the buffer material layer; and an electroactive polymer (EAP) cartridge in operative contact with the buffer material layer, wherein the EAP cartridge is configured to generate an output signal that corresponds to an amount of strain imparted on the EAP cartridge. The EAP cartridge may be used in a variety of sensing applications including as a pressure sensor integrated into a fluid connector. One aspect of the invention provides for selection of a buffer material layer based upon a desired pressure range.

Abstract: A method and a system for using a modular signal device for a room occupancy management system are disclosed here. The method includes the steps of determining the occupancy status of a room associated with the device and generating a signal in the device in response to the determination of the status of the room. The device may be a light bar displaying different color patterns in response to the occupancy status of the room. A room occupancy management system is also disclosed. The system includes a signal device for generating a signal displaying the occupancy status of an associated room and a control unit for controlling the device.

Abstract: Various apparatus and related methods are disclosed that are capable of detecting surface defects on an optical storage media. One example of an apparatus is configured to direct at least one light signal, which may be from one or more lasers, on an outer surface of an optical storage medium, such as a CD, DVD or the like, which includes encoded data. The light encounters both the optical storage media surface as well as any smudges, scratches, dents, or other defects thereon. Some or all of the light reflected from the defects and the surface are detected by one or more detectors, which may be a photodiode. The detector(s) produce an output signal commensurate with the detected reflected light, which output is processed to determine whether the encoded data may be accurately read from the optical storage media.

Abstract: A reverse osmosis water filtration system for use with a water supply dispenser. The system can include an output assembly, a manifold, and a control unit. The output assembly can include at least one status indicator and a power supply and can be adapted to be mounted on the water supply dispenser. The manifold can include a manifold housing defining various input and output channels and flow paths, a filtration media, and various sensor elements. The manifold can be mounted remote from the outlet assembly. For example, the manifold can be mounted under a sink or counter while the outlet assembly is mounted on a faucet in one embodiment of a residential water filtration system. The control unit can include a microprocessor having an internal ratiometric comparator such that the system can determine an effectiveness of the filtration media based upon a relative conductivity between inlet and product water flows.