Abstract: Provided is a device for use in locating the origin of a phenomenon of interest, including a sensor capable of detecting the presence of the phenomenon of interest and generating a detection signal in response thereto. The device also includes a phenomenon origin locator to monitor the detection signal and project light toward the origin when the detection signal satisfies a selected criteria level, thereby indicating the origin of the phenomenon of interest.

Abstract: A flow reversing device for performing blood treatment can include a flow reversing actuator. The flow reversing actuator can receive and engage a disposable tubing set with multiple branches that form forward and reverse blood flow paths respectively when blood the flow reversing actuator is selectively changed between forward and reverse configurations. The shape of the tubing can be such that during forward operation, dead regions of non-flowing blood are defined. The flow reversing actuator can have a controller configured to operate generally in forward mode. At first times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to clear the dead regions. At second times, the controller can cause the flow reversing actuator to test for leaks by reversing the flow of blood for a period of time sufficient to cause air to be drawn into the tubing set and conveyed to an air sensor.

Abstract: Cavity resonator comprising: a cavity having a fluid entrance and a fluid exit forming a fluid flow path through the cavity. A shorting plate within the cavity arranged within the fluid flow path. The cavity resonator may be used in a system for detecting properties of a fluid, where the system also comprises a fluid supply, a high frequency supply, and a detector for detecting one or more resonant frequencies of the cavity resonator.

Abstract: An exemplary sensor system for a fuel transport vehicle can comprise a fuel marker sensor positioned between a fuel storage chamber of the vehicle and an access valve for the fuel storage chamber of the vehicle. The fuel marker sensor can be configured to measure one or more characteristics of one or more fuel markers present in the fuel adjacent the sensor, such as when the marked fuel is unloaded at a retail station. The one or more characteristics can comprise concentration and/or identity of the one or more fuel markers in the fuel. Based on the measured characteristics of the one or more fuel markers, the sensor system can identify the fuel and/or can determine whether the fuel has been adulterated after the marked fuel was last measured, such as when the marked fuel was loaded into the vehicle.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and apparatus for examining eggs, in particular for determining eggshell characteristics of eggs, the method comprising,—positioning the eggs to be examined,—with a deformer, deforming a part of such an egg at least once,—at least determining deformation contact time, and—determining the shell stiffness and/or the eggshell strength of such an egg. Such a manner of detection can be suitably applied to sorting machines for eggs. With this methodology, in a short time, for a very large number of products, such as eggs in the present case, a quality parameter such as the strength and/or stiffness can be determined. With such determinations, in an advantageous manner, high requirements set in many fields of technology and industry can be met.

Abstract: A sensor device for detecting at least one flow property of a fluid medium, including at least one sensor housing, in which at least one electronic module having at least one flow sensor for detecting the flow property is accommodated. At least one pressure sensor and at least one humidity sensor are accommodated inside the sensor housing, at least the pressure sensor and optionally also the humidity sensor is situated inside the sensor housing independently of the electronic module.

Abstract: Sensing device for canister has canister sensor 40 that detects state of activated carbon 10 filling an inside of casing 11 of the canister. Peripheries of temperature sensing element 51 and current application unit of the canister sensor 40 which are arranged in the casing 11 are covered in non-conductive thick insulating material 54. Root portion 56, which is covered in the insulating material 54, of heat transfer plate 55 having high heat conductivity is arranged with the root portion 56 being adjacent to the temperature sensing element 51, in order to increase sensor sensitivity by increasing heat transfer. Top end portion 57, which protrudes from the insulating material 54, of the heat transfer plate 55 is exposed to the inside of the casing 11. Insulating layer 63 is formed at least on surface of the root portion 56 of the heat transfer plate 55 by surface treatment.

Abstract: A piston fuel injector detecting device, comprising a base (1), a perspective platform (2), an observation cover (3), a sliding groove (4), an adjusting handle (5), a conducting wire column (6), a supporting plate (7), a tact switch (8), a limit plate (9), an infrared-ray emitting tube (10), an illuminating device (11) and a positioning pin (12), wherein the base (1) is connected with the perspective platform (2) and the positioning pin (12); the perspective platform (2) is connected with the observation cover (3) which is provided with the sliding groove (4); the adjusting handle (5) is connected with the observation cover (3); the conducting wire column (6) is vertically connected with the base (1) and is connected with the supporting plate (7) which is provided with the tact switch (8); the conducting wire column (6) is connected with the limit plate (9) which is connected with the infrared-ray emitting tube (10) and the illuminating device (11).

Abstract: A vacuum system diagnostic is disclosed. In one example, vacuum system leaks are diagnosed via a pressure reading of a vacuum reservoir. The approach may reduce the number of sensors used to diagnose vacuum system degradation.

Abstract: A gearbox test rig is provided for testing first and/or second gearboxes having power ratings of 1 MW or more. The gearbox test rig comprises a first coupler for coupling a low-speed shaft of a first gearbox to a low-speed shaft of a second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the low-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. The gearbox test rig further comprises a second coupler for coupling a high-speed shaft of the first gearbox to a high-speed shaft of the second gearbox such that forces can be transmitted between the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes, wherein the second coupler comprises a hydraulic rotary actuator for regulating a torque which is applied to the high-speed shafts of the first and second gearboxes. Such a gearbox test rig is particularly useful for testing heavy duty gearboxes, such as those used in wind turbines.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dynamometer test unit for use in dynamometer testing of a vehicle, where the vehicle includes at least a first wheel shaft and at least one first vehicle power source for providing power to said first wheel shaft. Said first wheel shaft is, during testing, connected to said dynamometer test unit, said dynamometer test including: a first individually controllable dynamometer power source for applying a first power to said first wheel shaft, a second individually controllable dynamometer power source for applying a second power to said first wheel shaft, wherein—during testing, said first and said second dynamometer power source apply a controllable power to said first wheel shaft. The invention also relates to a dynamometer test system.

Abstract: An engine test stand with a single-cylinder internal combustion test engine, having a crankcase accommodating a crankshaft, on which a cylinder housing is exchangeably placed with a cylinder which receives a reciprocating piston. The engine test stand includes and comprising at least one mass-balancing device which is driven by the crankshaft. In order to simplify the reconfiguration of the engine test stand for different engine variants, it is provided that the mass-balancing device is integrated in a base frame fixed to the test stand, with the crankcase being rigidly connected to the base frame.

Abstract: A collision test apparatus includes actuators that move a vehicle structural member toward the side of a carrying unit on which a dummy is carried. The actuators can be driven independently of each other. Therefore, the actuators move the vehicle structural member at respectively different driving speeds. In other words, the collision test apparatus does not simply move the vehicle structural member such that the vehicle structural member collides with the dummy, but also causes the vehicle structural member to collide with the dummy while moving the vehicle structural member at different speeds in different positions.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for tracking the position of a freshwater-saltwater interface of underground water in the coastal area. The device includes a buoyancy adjustment unit which comprises a pipe that has an internal space and is closed on a lower end thereof, a sealing cap which is removably coupled to an upper end of the buoyancy adjustment unit, a variable metal member which is attached to the sealing cap, a cordless measurement sensor which is provided under the lower end of the buoyancy adjustment unit, and a perforated pipe which is coupled to the lower end of the buoyancy adjustment unit and covers the cordless measurement sensor. Distilled water is supplied into the buoyancy adjustment unit, and a buoyancy of the buoyancy adjustment unit is adjusted depending on the amount of distilled water.

Abstract: A thermal, flow measuring device and method for measuring the flow of a measured medium. During a heating phase of predetermined length a constant heating current of a first electrical current source flows through a first resistor. During a first measuring phase of predetermined length a constant measurement current of a second electrical current source flows through the first resistor. During the first measuring phase a first voltage falls across the first resistor, wherein during a second measuring phase of predetermined length during the first measuring cycle the constant measurement current of the second electrical current source flows through a second resistor.

Abstract: A liquid state detection sensor capable of detecting a large number of objects with a small number of terminals. The liquid state detection sensor is provided with three terminals A to C, a capacitor C1 between terminals A and B, a capacitor C2 between terminals B and C, and a capacitor C3 between terminals A and C. The capacitor C1 and the capacitor C2 are connected in series, and the capacitor C3 is connected in parallel with this series connection. The capacitor C1 is disposed outside liquid fuel in a fuel tank, the capacitor C2 is partially or wholly immersed in the fuel in the fuel tank, and the capacitor C3 is disposed close to a floor of the fuel tank.

Abstract: A fluid level sensor apparatus with zero thermal shift and auto calibration is provided, the sensor apparatus comprising a measurement probe, a base probe and a processor; wherein each probe includes a reference electrode in contact in use with the fluid, the base probe further including a dry electrode and the measurement probe further including a wet electrode and wherein the processor is adapted to measure the capacitance of the two probes and calculate the fluid level according to a pre-determined algorithm.

Abstract: An exemplary device for determining a position of a component moved by operation of a motor includes a rotating member that rotates responsive to operation of the motor. At least one accelerometer is supported on the rotating member. The accelerometer provides at least one of an indication of a tangential force that is tangential to a direction of rotation of the rotating member and a radial force that is perpendicular to the tangential force. A controller determines the position of the component based upon the force indication from the accelerometer.

Abstract: In comb drive vibratory gyroscopes, drive-induced Coriolis accelerometer offset is effectively canceled by demodulating the output during equal times of in-phase and anti-phase drive of the shuttle with respect to the velocity signal used for angular rate demodulation. This reduces or eliminates the corresponding thermal and die-stress effects otherwise needing calibration.

Abstract: A gyro sensor includes a vibrator, a spring part extending from a first fixing part to the vibrator in a direction along a first axis, a drive part that excites the vibrator, and a detection part provided on the vibrator, wherein the vibrator has, in a plan view, first and second vibrating parts arranged side by side in the direction along the first axis and drive-vibrate in anti-phase with each other, a connecting spring part that connects the first and second vibrating parts in the direction along the first axis, and a first elastic member extending from the connecting spring part in a direction along a second axis intersecting with the first axis and fixed to a second fixing part.

Abstract: A vibrating reed includes a base part. A drive vibrating arm, a detection vibrating arm, and an adjustment vibrating arm extend from the base part. A first adjustment electrode and a second adjustment electrode are connected to the adjustment vibrating arm. The first adjustment electrode generates an electrical signal in first phase. The second adjustment electrode generates an electrical signal in second phase opposite to the first phase. The electrical signals of the adjustment electrodes are superimposed on the detection signal of the detection vibrating arm, and thereby, vibration leakage components are cancelled out. The adjustment vibrating arm is partially sandwiched between a first electrode piece and a second electrode piece, and the adjustment vibrating arm is partially sandwiched between a third electrode piece and a fourth electrode piece.

Abstract: A single proof-mass, dual-axis gyroscope apparatus comprises a resonating body member and first and second electrodes each capacitively coupled to the resonating body member by a respective lateral capacitive air gap and a vertical capacitive air gap. The width of one of the lateral capacitive air gap of the first electrode is substantially smaller than the vertical capacitive air gap. The width of one of the vertical capacitive air gap of the second electrode is substantially smaller than the lateral capacitive air gap. The apparatus claimed can address the process variation such as vertical and lateral dimension variation by electrostatic tuning method.

Abstract: Apparatus and related fabrication methods are provided for a sensor device. An exemplary sensor device includes a first structure including a first sensing arrangement and a second sensing arrangement formed therein and a second structure affixed to the first structure. The second structure includes a cavity aligned with the first sensing arrangement to provide a first reference pressure on a first side of the first sensing arrangement and an opening aligned with the second sensing arrangement to expose the first side of the second sensing arrangement to an ambient pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments of compact micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) devices are provided, as are embodiments of methods for fabricating MEMS devices. In one embodiment, the MEMS device includes a substrate, a movable structure resiliently coupled to the substrate, and an anchored structure fixedly coupled to the substrate. The movable structure includes a first plurality of movable fingers, and a second plurality of movable fingers electrically isolated from and interspersed with the first plurality of movable fingers. The anchored structure includes fixed fingers interspersed with first and second pluralities of movable fingers in a capacitor-forming relationship. First and second interconnects are electrically coupled to the first and second pluralities of movable fingers, respectively.

Abstract: An acceleration sensor includes a frame having a hollow space at an inside thereof, four beams extending from the frame to the hollow space, four plummets connected to ends of the four beams, and four sensing units provided on the four beams. One ends of the beams is connected to portions of the frame opposite to each other with respect to the hollow space. The two plummets face each other across the center of the hollow space. One ends of the other two beams are connected to portions of the frame opposite to each other with respect to the hollow space. The other two plummets face each other across the center of the hollow space. This acceleration sensor reduces variations and temporal changes in its sensitivity.

Abstract: An apparatus for sonic excitation of a surface has a housing defining an open cavity facing the surface. At least one speaker is positioned to introduce sound to the cavity. The housing comprises a gasket for sealing with the surface. A valve is coupled to the cavity to allow the cavity to be maintained at a pressure below an external pressure.

Abstract: Functional characteristics of an ultrasonic element are self-tested by, in various embodiments, causing the ultrasonic element to emit an ultrasonic signal; detecting the emitted ultrasonic signal substantially simultaneously with its emission; and verifying proper operation of the ultrasonic element based on comparison between a detected ultrasonic signal parameter and a reference parameter.

Abstract: An ultrasonic position sensing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to monitor the position of a device. The system also includes ranging logic. The sensor is controlled by the logic to direct an ultrasonic pulse toward the device. The logic is configured to compute the transit time and the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse. Based on these parameters, the logic computes the path length between the sensor and the device, which corresponds to the location of the device relative to the location of the sensor. In further embodiments, the ultrasonic positioning system may include multiple sensors in communication with the ranging logic for monitoring multiple devices.

Abstract: A method of using a 1.5D array ultrasonic probe as a component of an inspection system intended for different diameter cylindrical parts without mechanical adjustments of the probe is presented. In particular, the method is presented as a way to improve the near surface resolution over an extended range of cylindrical parts diameter and inspection depths/tubes wall thickness with respect to usual 1D arrays of fixed curvature along the elevation axis. The method relies on a customizable concentric firing pattern of the acoustic pulses with respect to the cylindrical part surface, and on adjustment of the aperture size of the said array. The intended effect is to sharpen and minimize the extent of the front wall echo and to optimize the response from an eventual flaw in the inspected range.

Abstract: An ultrasonic position sensing system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an ultrasonic sensor configured to monitor the position of a device. The system also includes ranging logic. The sensor is controlled by the logic to direct an ultrasonic pulse toward the device. The logic is configured to compute the transit time and the velocity of the ultrasonic pulse. Based on these parameters, the logic computes the path length between the sensor and the device, which corresponds to the location of the device relative to the location of the sensor. In further embodiments, the ultrasonic positioning system may include multiple sensors in communication with the ranging logic for monitoring multiple devices.

Abstract: A multi-function detection liner is applied to a non-cured composite material at the point of manufacturing for building a composite part. The detection liner includes a first insulative layer and a first conductive layer. The detection liner is configured to be detectable from a plurality of non-destructive inspection tests. The first insulative layer is detectable by ultrasound and radiograph within the composite part. The first conductive layer is configured to provide an eddy current signal and to enhance ultrasound attenuation of the detection liner within the composite part. Alternatively, the detection liner may include an integrated layer that combines the functions of an insulative layer and a conductive layer. The detection liner is releasably bonded to a surface of the non-cured composite material.

Abstract: A pressure transducer mounting device may include a support member and a pressure transducer holder. In use, the support member may attach to a support surface, such as a housing of a power injection device, while the pressure transducer holder is moveably connected to the support member. The pressure transducer holder may expand open to receive one of a plurality of different sized pressure transducers and bias closed to hold a received one of the plurality of different sized pressure transducers. In addition, the pressure transducer holder may move relative to the support member to one of a plurality of different vertically elevated positions. The pressure transducer mounting device may accommodate different pressure transducers, providing a universal mounting device that can adapt to different medical provider preferences and different pressure transducer sourcing options.

Abstract: An electroactive microelectromechanical device of the Artificial Hair Cell type includes a moving cilium structure having a substrate and a cantilever, partly or entirely in piezoelectric material, subject to bending or deformation following the action of a force and/or an applied voltage. The cantilever includes a multilayer inducing a stress-driven geometry in which a portion of the cantilever lies outside of a plane defined by the substrate. According to the invention, the cantilever is associated to a piezoresistive element, in particular of piezoresistive material configured to measure the bending or deformation of the cantilever.

Abstract: The invention is an improved technique for measuring near surface attributes of the ground while conducting a seismic survey. The improved technique is enabled by an electric vibe using a number of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. By applying constant force on the rods of the linear electric motors against the ground, the penetration into the ground may be measured for both rate and overall deformation. This information provides an accurate indication of viscosity and stiffness. In addition shear velocity and compression velocity may be measured and in some conditions, even the type of prominent shear wave may be identified for the area.

Abstract: A device for measuring the deflection of pavement under an applied load includes a longitudinally extending member mounted on a mobile carriage. A load wheel is mounted near the first end of the longitudinally extending member below a load platform. A first distance sensor is mounted near the load wheel to measure the depth of a deflection basin created by the wheel at a target location disposed on the pavement. A second distance sensor mounted at a predetermined distance from the first sensor to measure distance to the target location when the second distance sensor is positioned proximate to the target location. The device further includes a target designator for designating the target location and a target detector for detecting a position of the target location.

Abstract: An integrated mobile test system and methods for characterizing in situ stress or strain/deflection—dependent stiffness and bearing capacity enables the testing of engineering properties of natural, compacted, stabilized, and reinforced soils and geo-materials. The mobile test system and associated methods (1) prepare the ground for testing and (2) apply static or cyclic loading to one or more bearing plates of various geometries positioned at the ground surface or below the ground surface to determine both stress and deflection dependent stiffness relationships and the bearing capacity of the soil or geo-material. Optionally, the mobile test system and associated methods (3) apply ground confining stress conditions independent of the bearing plate loading.

Abstract: A collaborative control method for tracking Lagrangian coherent structures (LCSs) and manifolds on flows employs at least three autonomous sensors each equipped with a local flow sensor for sensing flow in a designated fluid medium, e.g. water or air. A first flow sensor is a tracking sensor while the other sensors are herding sensors for controlling and determining the actions of the tracking sensor. The tracking sensor is positioned with respect to the herding sensors in the fluid medium such that the herding sensors maintain a straddle formation across a boundary; obtaining a local fluid flow velocity measurement from each sensor. A global fluid flow structure is predicted based on the local flow velocity measurements. In a water medium, mobile autonomous underwater flow sensors may be deployed with each tethered to a watersurface craft.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow measurement system having a first ultrasonic sensor with a first ultrasonic buffer and a second ultrasonic sensor with a second ultrasonic buffer is disclosed. The first and second ultrasonic buffers have different cross sections in order to reduce distortion of the ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: A sensor probe comprises a tube, a sensor element and an absorber mass. The tube is for placement in a process fluid flow within a fluid conduit and comprises a first end for coupling to the fluid conduit and a second end for insertion into the process fluid flow. The sensor element is in communication with the tube. The absorber mass is coupled to the tube and is configured to dampen vibration of the tube when inserted in the process fluid flow.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus is configured to perform a solution process by supplying a processing solution from a processing solution supply source to the substrate held on a substrate holder via a flow path member and a nozzle at a flow rate equal to or less than 1 mL/sec. The apparatus includes a solution transfer unit configured to transfer the processing solution to the nozzle, and mounted to the flow path member, and an ultrasonic flowmeter mounted to the flow path member at a downstream side from the solution transfer unit. In this embodiment, a lower limit of a flow rate range which is measured by the ultrasonic flowmeter is equal to or less than 1 mL/sec.

Abstract: An ultrasonic, flow measuring device, comprising an ultrasonic transducer in a bore of a measuring tube, which ultrasonic transducer has an ultrasound window, wherein a guide vane is inserted into the bore of the measuring tube in front of the ultrasound window and perpendicular to the ultrasound window of the ultrasonic transducer.

Abstract: A fluidic cartridge (110) with passively driven fluid flow is disclosed. The disclosed device and method solve problems associated with passive-flow fluidics by using a wicking pad (510) and/or a tilting means to prevent channel draining and backflow. The disclosure further provides means for adding liquid to the cartridge in multiple steps, without requiring liquid aspiration or removal.

Abstract: The invention relates to a Coriolis mass flow meter with improved zero point stability. The Coriolis mass flow meter has a pair of U-shaped measuring tubes. According to one embodiment of the invention, the Coriolis mass flow meter comprises a special housing for vibration compensation or vibration suppression in the region of the process connectors. Additionally or alternatively, a specific mass distribution of the vibration exciter and/or vibration sensor is provided, in order to neutralize unwanted vibrations by actively causing vibration.

Abstract: A pressure detection device includes a connection seat, a pressure transducer connected to the connection seat, and an overload protection member connected to the connection seat. The pressure transducer includes a housing and a detection sleeve received in the housing. The housing is mounted on the connection seat. The overload protection member is positioned above the detection sleeve. A buffering space is formed between the overload protection member and the detection sleeve, so that the overload protection member can bear an amount of exerted pressure when being overloaded.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for sensor assemblies and related medical devices. An embodiment of a sensor assembly includes a rigid structure and a beam structure having an outer portion in contact with the rigid structure and an inner portion. The beam structure includes one or more beams extending between the outer portion and the inner portion of the beam structure and a cantilevered portion extending from the inner portion to inhibit displacement of the inner portion toward the rigid structure. Each beam has a sensing element disposed thereon.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for attaching a sensing device to a target object. The apparatus includes one or more magnets that attach the apparatus to a target object. The sensing device is coupled to the target object with a coupling material and is held in place against the target object by the apparatus.

Abstract: Material test structures having cantilever portions and methods of forming the same are described herein. As an example, a method of forming a material test structure includes forming a number of electrode portions in a first dielectric material, forming a second dielectric material on the first dielectric material, wherein the second dielectric material includes a first cantilever portion and a second cantilever portion, and forming a test material on the number of electrode portions, the first dielectric material, and the second dielectric material.

Abstract: A method for grading the quality of cullet. Some embodiments include methods for generating a statistically significant sample of material from a collection of cullet contaminated with waste. Other embodiments include methods for evaluating various qualities of the sample with relatively simple techniques. Yet other embodiments include a uniform and reasonably simple method for communicating the results of the evaluation among different parties.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a starter machine that includes a motor operatively coupled to a first shaft and a pinion coupled to a second shaft. In some embodiments, a planetary gear drive system can be coupled to the first and the second shafts. The planetary gear drive system can include a planetary gear system and a first clutch being substantially adjacent to a second clutch. The planetary gear drive system can be configured and arranged so that when the first clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a first rotational speed. The planetary gear drive system is further configured so that when the second clutch is engaged, the motor can move the pinion at a second rotational speed. In some embodiments, the first rotational speed is a greater rotational speed than the second rotational speed.

Abstract: A two-speed power take-off unit adapted for installation in an all-wheel drive vehicle having a transversely mounted engine/transaxle powertrain. The two-speed power take-off unit includes a planetary gear reduction unit capable of establishing a high-range and a low-range drive connection between the powertrain and a transfer assembly. The transfer assembly provides drive torque to a front differential assembly driving the front wheels and a PTU gearset driving the rear wheels.