Abstract: The invention relates to vibrating micro-systems, and notably but not exclusively to pressure, acceleration, or angular speed micro-sensors with a resonator in an evacuated cavity. The resonator (10) with a vibrating element is placed in an oscillating circuit controlled by a closed-loop control, the oscillating circuit supplying an oscillating signal y(t) at a resonance frequency Fp representing the measurement of a physical quantity. The resonance frequency is calculated by counting pulses over a time window. The sensor furthermore comprises means for calculating a continuity parameter Pc representing the variations in the result of the calculation of the resonance frequency over the course of the successive time windows, and means for comparing the parameter Pc with a threshold in order to deduce from this information on the degradation of the precision of the sensor.

Abstract: A method is provided for detecting a perturbation with respect to an initial state, of a device comprising at least one resonant mechanical element exhibiting a physical parameter sensitive to a perturbation such that the said perturbation modifies the resonance frequency of the said resonant mechanical element. A device is provided for detecting a perturbation by hysteretic cycle comprising at least one electromechanical resonator with nonlinear behaviour and means for actuation and for detection of the reception signal via a transducer so as to analyse the response signal implementing the method. A mass sensor and a mass spectrometer using the device are also provided.

Abstract: An optical coupling assembly includes a circuit board, at least one light emitter, at least one light receiver, and an optical coupling module. The circuit board includes a mounting surface and an alignment groove formed on the mounting surface. The at least one light emitter and at least one light receiver are mounted on the mounting surface. The optical coupling module includes at least two lenses and a positioning member. The positioning member is engaged with the alignment groove, with each of the at least one light emitter and the at least one light receiver being optically aligned with a respective one of the at least two first lenses.

Abstract: A light signal detecting circuit, a light amount detecting device, and a charged-particle-beam device capable of discriminating the signal component of a small amount of light from the signal component of noise due to dark current. A data-processing-unit detects pulses from digital voltage signal corresponding to an amount of light obtained by an amplifier and an A-D converter, calculates a crest value as the maximum voltage value of each pulse, and stores the occurrence frequency of each calculated crest value in a frequency occurrence storage area. A data analysis unit compares a previously-determined frequency lower limit with the occurrence frequency of each crest value in ascending order of the crest values and sets a pulse determination threshold to the first crest value whose occurrence frequency is equal to or smaller than the frequency lower limit. The threshold processing unit thus outputs the digital signal higher than the pulse determination threshold.

Abstract: A spectroscopic sensor 1A comprises an interference filter unit 20A, a light detection substrate 30A, and a separator 15. The interference filter unit 20A has a cavity layer 21 and first and second mirror layers 22, 23 opposing each other through the cavity layer 21 and selectively transmits therethrough a predetermined wavelength range of light according to its incident position from the first mirror layer 22 side to the second mirror layer 23 side. The light detection substrate 30A has a light-receiving surface 32a for receiving light transmitted through the interference filter unit 20A and detects the light incident on the light-receiving surface 32a. The separator 15 extends from the cavity layer 21 to at least one of the first and second mirror layers 22, 23 and optically separates the interference filter unit 20A as seen in a predetermined direction intersecting the light-receiving surface 32a .

Abstract: The current invention considers the spectrum as a multimodal distribution over a list of structures containing the wavelength as the main entry and the other information mentioned above in the list as additional entries. Each line is then given a probability of contributing to the spectral line. In the case of multiple spectral lines, inference between spectral lines and their respective levels of confidence will provide a complete picture of the list of probable emitters with a probability factor for each line in order to provide a quantitative assignment of the spectral lines and profiling for a given spectrum.

Abstract: A hyperspectral imaging system and a method are described herein for providing a hyperspectral image of an area of a remote object. In one aspect, the hyperspectral imaging system includes a fore optic with optics for acquiring and projecting an image from a remote object, a scannable slit mechanism with a plurality of slits for receiving the projected image, where the projected image simultaneously illuminates two or more of the plurality of slits, a spectrometer for receiving and dispersing images passing through the two or more simultaneously-illuminated slits, and a two-dimensional image sensor for recording images received from the spectrometer, where the images received from different slits are recorded on different sets of detection elements of the two-dimensional image sensor.

Abstract: A compressive sensing-based multispectral video imager comprises a beamsplitter, a first light channel, a second light channel, and an image reconstruction processor; the beamsplitter is configured to divide the beam of an underlying image into a first light beam and a second light beam; the first light beam enters the first light channel, processed and sampled in the first light channel, to obtain a first mixing spectral image which is transferred to the image reconstruction processor; the second light beam enters the second light channel, processed and sampled in the second light channel, to obtain a second mixing spectral image which is transferred to the image reconstruction processor; the image reconstruction processor is configured to reconstruct the underlying spectral image based on the first mixing spectral image and the second mixing spectral image by using non-linear optimization method.

Abstract: Various embodiments of apparatuses, systems and methods are described herein for a spectrometer comprising at least two dispersive elements configured to receive at least one input optical signal and generate two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, at least a portion of the at least two dispersive elements being implemented on a first substrate; and a single detector array coupled to the at least two dispersive elements and configured to receive and measure two or more pluralities of narrowband optical signals derived from the two or more pluralities of spatially separated spectral components, respectively.

Abstract: A color matching device includes a planar member comprised of a material chosen from a group of polymers and composites. The planar member has a specified thickness, first length and second length. In implementations the planar member includes an opening through which a painted surface may be viewed.

Abstract: A dual scanning and FTIR system for application in the Terahertz and broadband blackbody frequency range including sources for providing Thz and broadband blackbody range and electromagnetic radiation, at least one detector of electromagnetic radiation in the THZ and broadband blackbody ranges, and at least one rotating element between the source and detector.

Abstract: A dual-switching sensing device includes two sensor modules and a dual-function switching circuit with an operational amplifier and two integrator modules. Each of the integrator modules includes a transistor, an integrator capacitor and a switching unit. Through control of the switching unit, each of the integrator modules may operate in different modes, so that the dual-switching sensing device may be used to sense different targets.

Abstract: A microscope includes a detector device having an enclosure and an infrared sensitive detector array disposed within the enclosure. The enclosure may be cryogenically cooled and have an aperture which defines an aperture stop for an optical path extending to the detector array. The microscope may have a microscope objective with an objective exit pupil, and the microscope may include one or more intermediate optical elements which are configured to image at least a portion of the objective exit pupil at the aperture stop while simultaneously focusing light from an object transmitted through the objective at the detector array.

Abstract: According to the disclosed embodiments, an illustrative apparatus that is configured to attach to a viewport of a container comprises a first plate having a first aperture and an attached second plate having a second aperture substantially aligned to the first aperture. The first and second plates, when attached, define a cavity from an outer edge of the first and second plates to the substantially aligned apertures. A window containment arm is pivotally affixed to at least the first plate and configured to substantially fit and pivot into and out of the cavity, and a window contained within the window containment arm is positioned such that the window substantially aligns with the first and second apertures when the window containment arm is fully pivoted into the cavity, and such that the window is accessibly located outside of the cavity when the window containment arm is pivoted out of the cavity.

Abstract: A terahertz image beam is upconverted by a nonlinear optical process (e.g., sum- or difference-frequency generation with a near IR upconverting beam). The upconverted image is acquired by a near IR image detector. The terahertz image beam and upconverting beam comprise trains of picosecond pulses. The bandwidths and center wavelengths of the terahertz image beam and the upconverting beam are such that wavelength filtering can be employed to permit an upconverted image beam to reach the detector while blocking or substantially attenuating the upconverting beam.

Abstract: A mask used in a dual pyroelectric sensor and configured to allow the pyroelectric sensor to accurately detect a movement of a moving object in each of the disposition direction of two pyroelectric elements and a direction perpendicular to the disposition direction. The mask is applied to the sensing surface of the dual pyroelectric sensor to increase the sensitivity with which the pyroelectric sensor detects a moving object. The mask includes a sheet configured to block infrared rays and an aperture pattern including through holes formed in the sheet. The aperture pattern is formed in such a manner that the percentages of the respective infrared-irradiated ranges of the two pyroelectric elements of the pyroelectric sensor vary with a movement of a moving object in each of x- and y-directions.

Abstract: An infrared detector includes a source region and a drain region which are formed on a semiconductor substrate, an infrared ray absorbing film as a gate insulating film formed on the semiconductor substrate, and a gate electrode which is formed of a transparent electrode for infrared rays on the gate insulating film, in which, when a predetermined voltage is applied to the gate electrode, a predetermined current flows between the source region and the drain region.

Abstract: A power generation device includes a thermoelectric conversion part; a cooling member configured to be disposed on one principal surface of the thermoelectric conversion part; and a heat generation part configured to be disposed on another principal surface of the thermoelectric conversion part, to be formed of a viscoelastic body having a plurality of cavities formed in the viscoelastic body, and to generate heat by violation.

Abstract: A thermocouple fixing device and a temperature measuring apparatus including a fixing joint, a sealing sleeve, a clamping piece and a locking nut sequentially sleeved outside the outer cover of the thermocouple is disclosed. The inside end of the fixing joint is fixed on the side wall of the vacuum generation chamber, the outside end of the fixing joint abuts on one end of the sealing sleeve; the two sides of the clamping piece abut on the other end of the sealing sleeve and the inside end of the locking nut, respectively; the internal threads of the locking nut are meshed with the external threads of the fixing joint; the clamping piece has a clamping element and a through hole for clamping the outer over of the thermocouple.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to a temperature dependent device. Embodiments of the invention provide information regarding the useful life of perishable goods.

Abstract: A harmonic drive includes: an input shaft connected to a first element that is one of a wave generator, a flex spline, or a circular spline; a drive housing connected to the input shaft via a bearing; a load cell that is installed in any one of the drive housing, the input shaft, or the wave generator and measures an axial load that occurs and is translated from the wave generator to the input shaft or the drive housing via the input shaft; and a processor that reversely calculates output torque, which is output from a second element that is one of the two elements other than the first element, from the axial load measured by the load cell.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a sensor housing mounted on a vehicle, a first detector located in the housing and having a first diaphragm facing a sealed space of the vehicle, a second detector located in the housing and having a second diaphragm facing the sealed space, and a protector located in the housing and covering the first and second detectors. A first chamber is formed between the first diaphragm and the housing and isolated from the sealed space so that the first diaphragm can be deformed by a pressure in the sealed space. A second chamber is formed between the second diaphragm and the sensor housing and communicates with the sealed space. The first and second diaphragms produce the same signal when being deformed by the same amount in the same direction.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a pressure sensor of a fuel metering system of an internal combustion engine, the metering system having a metering unit controlling the inflow of fuel into a rail; fuel being metered from the rail into combustion chambers of the engine; a pressure regulating valve being connected to the rail, using which the outflow of fuel from the rail into a low-pressure accumulator being regulated; and using the pressure sensor, the pressure is measured in the rail; and for a closed pressure regulating valve, the supplying of current to the pressure regulating valve is lowered until the regulating valve opens and effects a pressure drop in the rail and at least one pressure value recorded by the pressure sensor is compared to the pressure drop in the rail, and from the comparison result, a conclusion is drawn on the functional capability of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An intelligent utility monitoring method and system for monitoring a network of utility lines can include a data collector configured to receive acoustic data based on real-time measurements of the utility line, an events historian configured store the acoustic data, an alarm and events (A&E) manager, a server, and an interface. The A&E manager can be configured to store alarm and even data. The A&E data can be based on analysis of the acoustic data. The interface can be configured to provide output based on the acoustic data and on the A&E data. The server can be configured to store the acoustic data and the A&E data. The server can further be configured to provide a computer network for at least the events historian, the A&E manager, and the interface.

Abstract: A method for checking the leak-tightness of hydraulic components in an exhaust gas aftertreament unit of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The exhaust gas aftertreament unit uses an electric motor to pump a liquid reductant from a reductant reservoir to a reductant injector that is kept closed. The reductant pump is switched on for a first predetermined period, and the electric current consumed by the electric motor is detected during this period. After a predetermined standstill time has passed, the reductant pump is switched on again for a second period identical to the first period, and the electric current consumed by the electric motor is again detected during this period. The electric currents detected during the two time periods are compared with each other, and the leak-tightness of the hydraulic components downstream of the reductant pump is evaluated based on the result of the comparison.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for the integrity testing of objects. One apparatus comprises a container forming a test chamber for receiving the vessel and a spacer for separating the vessel from a surface of the test chamber while constraining the ability of the vessel to inflate. Another apparatus comprises a connector including a film for connecting to a port. The use of a base level of a detectable gas in a test chamber is also proposed. Related methods are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a land based horizontal shock wave tester that simulates double shock waves generated in an underwater explosion. The horizontal shock wave tester includes a first shock wave generating unit, a second shock wave generating unit and a shock wave control unit. The first shock wave generating unit is installed at a predetermined position on a stationary mass on which a specimen is mounted. The second shock wave generating unit is provided to generate a secondary shock wave derived from a primary shock wave input from the first shock wave generating unit by collision of an impacting mass with the stationary mass. The shock wave control unit controls the second shock wave generating unit by using MR damper units so that a period and a magnitude of the stationary shock wave that vary depending on a period and a magnitude of the primary shock wave can be adjusted.

Abstract: An optical sensor interrogation system can have a light source arranged for emitting light; a first optical arrangement arranged for intercepting the light and to forward the light to an optical sensor and to receive light therefrom. The wavelength reference is adapted to provide a reference wavelength. The system can further have a second optical arrangement adapted to receive reflected light from the optical sensor, a lens system for transferring the light into a beam and a scanning assembly including a scanning unit and/or a diffractive optical element. The system can still further have a detector for receiving optical response from the scanning assembly and a data processing system. A method is used to manufacture an optical sensor interrogation system.

Abstract: An improved technique for acoustic sensing involves, in one embodiment, launching into a medium, a plurality of groups of pulse-modulated electromagnetic-waves. The frequency of electromagnetic waves in a pulse within a group differs from the frequency of the electromagnetic waves in another pulse within the group. The energy scattered by the medium is detected and, in one embodiment, may be used to determine a characteristic of the environment of the medium. For example, if the medium is a buried optical fiber into which light pulses have been launched in accordance with the invention, the presence of acoustic waves within the region of the buried fiber can be detected.

Abstract: A particulate sensing system configured to detect particulates in exhaust gas from a combustion process. Particulates are detected based on electrical conductivity between a first electrode and a second electrode. A heater element is provided to heat the first electrode and the second electrode. The first electrode, the second electrode, and the heater element cooperate to form a sensor. The heater element is operated to establish a sensor temperature greater than a dew-point temperature of the exhaust gas and less than a burn-off temperature of the sensor to reduce thermophoretic accumulation of particulates on the sensor. When the exhaust temperature and the sensor temperature are suitable for thermophoretic accumulation and electrophoretic accumulation of particulates, a voltage is applied across the electrodes to facilitate electrophoretic accumulation of particulates, and the heater element is turned off so thermophoretic accumulation occurs.

Abstract: An intelligent tire system may include a bearing assembly enclosing a wheel rim and a sensor module installed to be relatively rotated with respect to the wheel rim by the bearing assembly and continuously sensing an inner surface of a tire contacting a road.

Abstract: Implementations relate to systems and methods for an integrated workflow display and action panel for plant assets. According to implementations, a monitoring network connected to the various physical assets of a plant, such as fans, turbines, power supplies, and other equipment or infrastructure, can monitor those assets for purposes of trapping fault or maintenance events, recording those events, and organizing and scheduling repair or other work based on that status information. The information for all connected assets can be aggregated in one central status panel which allows a plant manager or other user to access all maintenance activity and operations in a single view. The status panel view can include activatable links to expand displays, drill into data, initiate other applications, services, or activities, and perform other tasks. The view provided can be filtered based on the user credentials for that user, such as privilege level or job function.

Abstract: A fire safety protection evaluation system includes at least one horizontal collection device and at least one vertical collection device. The at least one horizontal collection device includes a liquid collection pan with a substantially horizontal opening, a first storage container in communication with the liquid collection pan, and a first measuring device to measure an amount of liquid in the first storage container and/or a rate of liquid entering the first storage container. The at least one vertical collection device includes a substantially vertical liquid collection surface extending between a top edge and a bottom edge, a trough located along the bottom edge to collect liquid from the substantially vertical collection surface, and a second measuring device to measure an amount of liquid and/or a rate of liquid collected by the trough.

Abstract: A system and method for performing soil analysis is disclosed. The method comprises generating a plurality of soil sample containers each having a unique identifier associated therewith. Pulling at least one soil sample from a field and placing the at least one soil sample in a respective one of the plurality of soil sample containers. Scanning the unique identifier associated with the soil sample container containing the at least one soil sample with a remote terminal. Obtaining a geographic coordinate reading associated with a location in the field from where the soil sample is obtained and associating the soil sample with the unique identifier and the geographic coordinate reading.

Abstract: An exhaust sampling system for an engine is provided. The exhaust sampling system may include a source of exhaust gas, an exhaust collection unit including at least one collection bag that selectively receives the exhaust gas, and a first sample probe in fluid communication with the source of exhaust gas that selectively supplies the at least one collection bag with the exhaust gas. The exhaust sampling system may also include a controller that permits flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a first state and prevents flow of the exhaust gas from the first sample probe to the at least one collection bag in a second state. The controller may determine an extraction rate of the first sample probe based on an ON time of the engine during a sampling period.

Abstract: The present invention is intended that diluted exhaust gas is supplied to a plurality of measurement instruments by a single exhaust gas dilution device to thereby reduce in size an exhaust gas measurement system incorporated with the exhaust gas dilution device and dilute exhaust gas with the same exhaust gas under the same dilution condition in the plurality of measurement instruments.

Abstract: An apparatus for irradiating a liquid sample with acoustic energy to generate cavitation in the liquid sample. The apparatus includes a source for emitting high intensity ultrasound waves and is adapted to receive a cartridge having a chamber containing the liquid sample, wherein the high intensity ultrasound waves are focused on a focus position at or near a nucleation element extending at least partially into the chamber.

Abstract: A sample preparation device, preferably for sterility testing, comprising a manifold including one or more receptacles for filtration units and at least one inlet and/or outlet port. The receptacle(s) is/are respectively provided with one or more connectors for establishing a fluid connection with mating ports of the filtration units and media containers/vials upon insertion of the same into the respective receptacles. The connectors are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet port(s) via channels defined in the manifold to allow a desired fluid transfer through the manifold.

Abstract: A separation device for separating a filtrate from a sample fluid, especially for extracting plasma from whole blood, comprising a sample container for receiving the sample fluid and a filter plunger to be introduced under seal into the sample container, which filter plunger has a filter element at its front end and a grip element on the opposite end and will receive in its interior the filtrate obtained. After insertion of the filter plunger into the sample container an annular chamber is formed between the inner wall of the sample container and the outer wall of the filter plunger, which is sealed against the exterior by a sealing lip and in which an air cushion is formed upon introduction of the filter plunger into the sample container, which acts on the sample fluid. A flow connection is provided between the annular chamber and the front side of the filter element after insertion of the filter plunger is terminated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high gradient magnetic separation apparatus for recovering magnetic ally labeled target entities from viscous and/or complex test media. The target entities are captured on a ferromagnetic element in which a magnetic field gradient is induced by a magnetic field source. The apparatus is designed to perform various operations on captured target entities. Methods of using the apparatus are also disclosed, e.g., for isolation of circulating tumor cells.

Abstract: Provided are a device and method for using bilirubin photoisomerization to reduce bilirubin interference with laboratory blood tests for other chemical analytes.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for identifying a wire-pull test location on a wire of a microelectronic package. A first distance between a first terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package and a second terminating location of the wire on the microelectronic package is determined. Based on the first distance, a second distance from either the first terminating location or the second terminating location is determined as the wire-pull test location for testing a strength of a connection of the wire to at least one of the first terminating location or the second terminating location. An adjustment is performed such that a visual guide is oriented on the wire at the wire-pull test location.

Abstract: The application provides a device for measuring at least one parameter value of a suspended sediment of a fluid. The device includes a backscattering transducer module, a storage unit, and a calculation unit. The backscattering transducer module comprises a source module and a receiver module. The source module transmits at least three acoustic signals with different fixed characterising measurement frequencies while the receiver module measures at least three echo level values of echo signals, which correspond with the at least three acoustic signals. The storage unit stores a data set of pre-determined echo level values with a data set of pre-determined suspended sediment parameter values. The calculation unit derives at least one suspended sediment parameter value from the data sets and the at least three echo level values.

Abstract: A flow cytometer and a fluid system are provided. The fluid system comprises a flow cell, a sample providing unit, a waste container, a sheath container, a negative pressure source, a quantitative unit and a sample flow monitoring unit, the negative pressure source, the waste container and the flow cell are connected, a negative pressure source, which provides a negative pressure relative to the sample providing unit for the flow cell so that the sample providing unit causes the sample to flow into the flow cell under the negative pressure, a sample flow monitoring unit monitors a flow of the sample fluid transported from the sample providing unit to the flow cell and outputs a feedback signal reflecting flow changes of the sample fluid in real-time; wherein the controller receives the feedback signal and controls the quantitative unit to adjust a flow of the sheath fluid according to the feedback signal.

Abstract: The corrosion-resistant test device installed in a flow path of a system which needs a corrosion-resistant test, the corrosion-resistant test device including: a chamber to which a test liquid is supplied; a test piece mounting member for mounting a test piece rotatably and immovably in the chamber; a nozzle body having a reference surface opposed to a test surface of the test piece mounted on the test piece mounting member and connecting the chamber to the flow path; and means for moving the nozzle body with respect to the test surface, wherein the means for moving the nozzle body is configured to move the nozzle body toward the test surface of the test piece so as to allow the reference surface to come into contact with the test surface of the piece and to coordinate the test surface with the reference surface.

Abstract: System for performing online electrochemical measurements with solid conductors such as metals and minerals immersed in a specific electrolyte comprising an annular flow cell (1), a dosing pump (2) preferably a centrifuge pump driven by a frequency variator, a potentiostat (3), valves (V1 and V2), a rotameter or flowmeter (4), a solution, liquid, fluid, electrolyte fluid, or solution (5) supply which can come from a pope or process tank, and an electrolyte flow or circulation fluid (6), which is applied among other for measuring the steel corrosion and measuring equilibrium potentials in flotation processes, with clear advantages over known systems due to the flow cell design presents great versatility in terms of size, flow, fast replacement of working and reference electrodes, stability of measurements and with the alternative to be used for powdered electro active solids, such as in the case of mineral concentrates.

Abstract: A method for determining a risk of aquaplaning for a motor vehicle comprises steps of determining water on a road on which the motor vehicle is traveling, determining a coefficient of friction between a tire of the motor vehicle and the road being traveled on, determining tire properties, determining precipitation, determining cartographic information items of the road being traveled on, and determining, on the basis of the determined information, whether there is a risk of aquaplaning.

Abstract: A method for analyzing interaction force between molecules, comprising: it's based on Equilibrium Condition Objects, through the one ideal experiment now regarded as no air pressure between the contact surfaces and making experimental analysis on the change of stress on the object of study in a vacuumizing process, obtaining the macro demonstrated size of the molecular force as well display effect of elasticity and friction, verifying the qualitative relationship between the micro demonstrated molecular force and distance, and finally deducing the relationship between existing molecular force and distance.

Abstract: Multi-layered targets, design files and design and production methods thereof are provided. The multi-layered targets comprise process layers arranged to have parallel segmentation features at specified regions, and target layer comprising target elements which are perpendicular to the parallel segmentation features of the process layers at the specified regions.

Abstract: A photoacoustic imaging apparatus includes a light source portion and a signal processing portion. The signal processing portion is configured to perform imaging processing on the basis of either a first acoustic wave signal or a second acoustic wave signal by performing processing for disabling either the first acoustic wave signal corresponding to a rising edge of a pulse signal of pulsed light or the second acoustic wave signal corresponding to a falling edge of the pulse signal of the pulsed light.