Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor module, an optical sensing accessory, and an optical sensing device. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. An optical sensing accessory and an optical sensing device comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor module, an optical sensing accessory, and an optical sensing device. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, an electrode and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. The electrode is configured to detect an external circuit formed by the contact with an object surface. An optical sensing accessory and an optical sensing device comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.

Abstract: A circuit includes a first photo detector and a second photo detector to receive a first and second light input signal, respectfully, to generate a first current output signal and second current output signal respectively in response to the respective light input signals. A current multiplier stage receives the second current output signal from the second photo detector to generate a multiplied current output signal that is greater than the magnitude of the second current output signal. A differential multiplier having a first current path receives a portion of the multiplied current output signal and a second current path that receives another portion of the multiplied current output signal. The first current path is in series with the first current output signal to facilitate balancing of currents between the first current output signal of the first photo detector and the second current output signal of the second photo detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensor module, an optical sensing accessory, and an optical sensing device. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. An optical sensing accessory and an optical sensing device comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, and an optical sensing system. An optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, or an optical sensing system comprises a plurality of optical sensor modules and other electronic modules to achieve multi-site measurement. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. An optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, or an optical sensing system and comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.

Abstract: A component measurement apparatus includes: a sensor module that receives reflected light and outputs a signal corresponding to light intensity of the reflected light; a calibration plate that outputs first reflected light to the sensor module, the first reflected light being used for comparing the light intensity of the reflected light; and a calibration unit that switches the input reflected light to the sensor module between the second reflected light reflected at a measured portion, and the first reflected light.

Abstract: The detection device comprises a photodetector configured to transform an electromagnetic signal into a representative electric signal. The detection device also comprises an amplifier having a first input terminal connected to a first terminal of the photodetector. An integration capacitor is connected to the output terminal of the amplifier and to the first input terminal of the amplifier. A first source of a reference voltage is connected to a second input terminal of the amplifier. A second source of a detector voltage is connected to a second input terminal of the photodetector. The first and second voltage sources are correlated so as to correlate the noise components.

Abstract: Provided are a dual coupler device configured to receive lights of different polarization components, a spectrometer including the dual coupler device, and a non-invasive biometric sensor including the spectrometer. The dual coupler device may include, for example, a first coupler layer configured to receive a light of a first polarization component among incident lights. and a second coupler layer configured to receive a light of a second polarization component among the incident lights, wherein a polarization direction of the light of the first polarization component is perpendicular to a polarization direction of the light of the second polarization component. The first coupler layer and the second coupler layer may be spaced apart from each other and extended along a direction in which the light propagates in the first coupler layer and the second coupler layer.

Abstract: A handheld LIBS spectrometer includes an optics stage movably mounted to a housing and including a laser focusing lens and a detection lens. One or more motors advance and retract the optics stage, move the optics stage left and right, and/or move the optics stage up and down. A laser source in the housing is oriented to direct a laser beam to the laser focusing lens. A spectrometer subsystem in the housing is configured to receive electromagnetic radiation from the detection lens and to provide an output. A controller subsystem is responsive to the output of the spectrometer subsystem and is configured to control the laser source and motors. In this way, auto-calibration, auto-clean, and auto-focus, and/or moving spot functionality is possible.

Abstract: A spectrometer comprises a plurality of isolated optical channels comprising a plurality of isolated optical paths. The isolated optical paths decrease cross-talk among the optical paths and allow the spectrometer to have a decreased length with increased resolution. In many embodiments, the isolated optical paths comprise isolated parallel optical paths that allow the length of the device to be decreased substantially. In many embodiments, each isolated optical path extends from a filter of a filter array, through a lens of a lens array, through a channel of a support array, to a region of a sensor array. Each region of the sensor array comprises a plurality of sensor elements in which a location of the sensor element corresponds to the wavelength of light received based on an angle of light received at the location, the focal length of the lens and the central wavelength of the filter.

Abstract: The present concept is a portable colour sensor for measuring colour of a substrate that includes a single flat printed circuit board with a top and bottom side which includes at least one LED light and one colour sensor and at least one light pipe receiving light from the LED and transmitting it onto a substrate at an angle theta. It also includes a tube frame including an optical tube for receiving light reflections from the substrate and directing the reflections to the colour sensor. The light pipes and the tube frame, are mounted and compression fit between the printed circuit board and a lower housing.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for validating a leak survey result obtained from an Optical Gas Imaging (OGI) device is proposed. The validation system is coupled to a gas detection infrared thermography camera that captures the infrared image of a scene which may or may not include a gas plume. The validation system performs operations to validate the leak survey result, which includes acquiring a background temperature of each pixel of the infrared image of the scene, acquiring a temperature of the gas plume or ambient air from a temperature sensor that is coupled to the validation system, calculating a temperature difference of said each pixel between the background temperature of said each pixel and the temperature of the gas plume or ambient air, comparing the temperature difference of said each pixel to a predetermined threshold value, and determining whether the leak survey result of the infrared thermography camera is valid based on the temperature difference of said each pixel.

Abstract: A pyroelectric reference device comprising an equivalent electronic circuit that produces the similar electrical characteristics of a pyroelectric material sample device, under discrete thermal conditions in laser energy lab setup, is disclosed herein. The device presented here facilitates running experiments without the need of special equipment and/or setups using the real pyroelectric device in thermal radiation environments for harvesting micro power energy.

Abstract: An infrared sensor manufacturing method according to this invention includes a step of forming a bridge structure of an insulating material on an Si substrate, a step of forming a vanadium oxide thin film on the bridge structure by a dry film forming method, a step of irradiating laser light onto the vanadium oxide thin film to thereby change material properties thereof, a step of forming the vanadium oxide thin film with the changed material properties into a bolometer resistor having a predetermined pattern, and a step of forming a protective layer of an insulating material so as to cover the bolometer resistor having the predetermined pattern and the bridge structure.

Abstract: A system and method for calibrating an imaging system includes a shutter that is moveable in to the optical path of the imaging system to generate an image of the shutter surface, which is flat and uniform. The shutter can be moved in and out of the optical path between first and second positions. The shutter is heated whilst in the second position and then returned to the first position. Data sets generated at two different temperatures enable the image generated by the imaging system in normal use to be to be adjusted for responsivity and variation in DC offset of the specific pixel array.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to composition and methods for downconverting light. In some embodiments, the composition and methods comprise an organic material, a nanocrystal, and a ligand capable of facilitating energy transfer between the organic material and the nanocrystal. In certain embodiments, the nanocrystal has a first excited energy state with an energy less than a triplet energy state of the organic material. The organic material, in some embodiments, may be aromatic and/or include one or more pi-conjugated carbon-carbon double bonds. In some cases, incident light may be absorbed by the organic material to produce two triplet excitons. The triplet excitons may then transfer to the nanocrystal via the ligand, where they can undergo recombination, resulting in the formation low energy photons.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making an air temperature sensor comprises first generating a digital model of an air temperature sensor housing. The digital model is inputted into an additive manufacturing apparatus comprising an energy source. The additive manufacturing apparatus applies energy from the energy source to successively applied incremental quantities of a fusible material.

Abstract: A device for determining an extreme temperature location from a plurality of locations connects along a daisy chain of devices each of which mounts to a respective location from the plurality of locations. The device includes an input terminal operably connected to a remote device at a remote location from the plurality of locations via the daisy chain. The input terminal receives a remote temperature signal indicative of a remote temperature corresponding to the remote location and a remote location signal indicative of the remote location. The device also includes a local temperature determining logic that generates a local temperature signal indicative of a local temperature corresponding to the location of the device, and at least one comparator operably connected to the input terminal and to the local temperature determining logic and configured to compare the local temperature signal to the remote temperature signal.

Abstract: Arrangement of a sensor for measuring the temperature of a medium in a motor vehicle. The sensor has a sensor body and two connecting wires. The first connecting wire and the major part of the sensor body is in direct contact with the medium. The second connecting wire is completely insulated from the medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring a temperature inside a kitchen appliance (1), in particular of a temperature of an item to be cooked of an item to be cooked (21), which is to be prepared inside a kitchen appliance (1), comprising the method steps: transmitting an electromagnetic excitation signal by means of a transmission-receiving device (2), receiving the excitation signal by a temperature sensor (3), which is arranged in the kitchen appliance (1), in particular in the item to be cooked (21), transmitting a temperature-dependent response signal by the temperature sensor (3), receiving the response signal by the transmission-receiving device (2), determining the current temperature by comparing the response signal to temperature-dependent reference signals.

Abstract: A temperature measuring system includes a laser light source that emits optical pulses, an optical fiber, arranged to pass through a plurality of temperature measuring points, and input with the optical pulses, and a measuring device that detects back-scattering light output from the optical fiber and measures a temperature at the plurality of measuring points, to acquire measured temperature data. The measuring device computes corrected temperature data by varying a degree of averaging of the measured temperature data in a time direction, according to whether a time-sequential difference temperature data have a spatial correlation or a time correlation within a range that uses a target position of the optical fiber as a reference.

Abstract: A temperature measuring system includes a laser light source to emit optical pulses, an optical fiber, arranged to pass through a plurality of measuring points, and input with the optical pulses, and a measuring device to detect back-scattering light output from the optical fiber and measure a temperature at the plurality of measuring points, to acquire measured temperature data. The measuring device computes corrected temperature data by varying a degree of smoothing the measured temperature data in a distance direction of the optical fiber, according to a correlation between the measured temperature data and a transfer function peculiar to the temperature measuring system.

Abstract: In one aspect, a temperature detection circuit includes a first circuit configured to provide a first signal and a comparator circuit configured to provide a warning signal in response to the first signal if a temperature reaches a temperature value. The first signal enables determination of a parameter of a magnetic sensor.

Abstract: A zero-heat-flux, deep tissue temperature measurement system measures internal body temperature by way of a probe having a heater and thermal sensors arranged in a zero-heat-flux construction. The measurement system includes control mechanization that determines heater and skin temperatures based upon data obtained from the probe and uses those temperatures to calculate a deep tissue temperature. The measurement system includes a signal interface cable having a connector where a probe can be releasably connected to the system. The cable and attached connector are a removable and replaceable part of the system, separate from the probe. The measurement system provides an output signal imitating a standard input signal configuration used by other equipment.

Abstract: Described is a current-mode thermal sensor with calibration apparatus which comprises: a first transistor with a gate terminal coupled to a first node; a second transistor with a gate terminal coupled to a second node; a first resistor coupled to the first and second nodes; a second resistor coupled to the first node and a supply node; a diode coupled to the second node and the supply node; a third resistor coupled to the second node; and a switch coupled to the third resistor and a reference supply.

Abstract: A stage-type fast scanning calorimetry which can be integrated with other structure characterization approaches is provided. It relates to the field of phase and microstructure analysis. The stage-type fast scanning calorimetry comprises a sample chamber with reflection window and transmission window, a thermal stage with heating elements and coolant channels inside for temperature controlling and a transmission hole, a temperature control system for sample chamber, a fast calorimetric system. It provides the following advantages. Firstly, the fast calorimetric system is miniaturized in a thermal stage chamber, it allows the integration of fast calorimetry and structure characterization through the reflection, transmission windows and hole. Secondly, the temperature of sample can be compensated in real time by program controlling, in order to stable the sample temperature and study some metastable state conveniently.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing device including a pressed component that has a contact surface to which pressure is applied by contact from a presser; a polymeric piezoelectric element that is disposed at an opposite side from the contact surface of the pressed component and that has a piezoelectric constant d14 of 1 pC/N or more as measured at 25° C. using a stress-charge method; a curable resin layer that includes at least one selected from the group consisting of cold-setting resins, thermosetting resins, and actinic radiation-curable resins and that is in contact with at least part of a surface of the polymeric piezoelectric element; and an electrode that is in contact with at least part of a surface of the polymeric piezoelectric element or of a surface of the curable resin layer.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a pressure sensor is disclosed. Initially, a first metal is deposited on top of a substrate, and the first metal is patterned accordingly. A PVDF-TrFE nano fiber is then deposited on top of the first metal layer, and the PVDF-TrFE nano fiber is etched. A second metal layer is subsequently deposited on top of the PVDF-TrFE nano fiber, and the second metal layer is etched to form a pressure sensor.

Abstract: A stitched sensor including a plurality of threads stitched to a textile in a stitch geometry is described. The plurality of threads includes a conductive thread, and the stitch geometry is configured such that an electrical property of the stitched sensor changes based on at least one of stretching, relaxation, or bending of the textile. Methods for forming a stitched sensor are also described.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve actuator configured to determine, during operation of a valve by an alternating current (AC) motor of the valve actuator, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor. A process for measuring the amount of torque produced by the AC motor includes actuating a valve using the AC motor of the valve actuator, measuring, by a microcontroller of the valve actuator and during the actuating of the valve, a time interval between: (i) a first zero crossing of a waveform of AC voltage applied to the AC motor, and (ii) a second zero crossing of a waveform of AC current drawn by the AC motor, and determining, based on the time interval, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor during the actuating.

Abstract: The invention relates to a torque sensor assembly with an upper rotor mounted on an upper shaft axially disposed about a rotational axis, an outer lower rotor axially disposed about the rotational axis, an inner lower rotor axially disposed about the rotational axis between the upper rotor and the outer lower rotor, and at least one probe positioned between the outer lower rotor and the inner lower rotor, the at least one probe measures flux generated by the upper rotor and directed by the outer lower rotor and the inner lower rotor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a torque sensor comprising: a first casing comprising a first opening; a second casing comprising a second opening; a stator comprising a stator holder that is placed in the interior of the first casing and the second casing and at least one stator tooth that is secured to the stator holder; and a rotor that is rotatably disposed in the stator, wherein the stator comprises a protrusion facing the inner peripheral surface of the first opening.

Abstract: A device for determining an external magnetic influence has a component comprising ferromagnetic material and a magnetizable region comprising at least three opposing magnetic tracks. The at least three magnetic opposing magnetic tracks are magnetizable in opposite directions, form at least two groups, and are arranged axially relative to the component. A first magnetic field sensor for emitting a signal is arranged radially to the component and assigned to the first group. A second magnetic field sensor for emitting a signal is arranged radially to the component and assigned to the second group. Redundant magnetic field sensors, each configured for emitting a signal, may be arranged radially in relation to the component for each of the first and second groups. The signals of the first and the second sensors can be set in relation to each other and in relation to the signals of the redundant first and second sensors.

Abstract: A coil spring modeling apparatus includes an actuator unit formed of a Stewart-platform-type parallel mechanism, a first inner load cell accommodated in a first attachment member, a second inner load cell accommodated in a second attachment member, and a rotation support mechanism. The actuator unit is rotatably supported by the rotation support mechanism about an axis. The first inner load cell is arranged on the first seat adapter coaxially with the rotation support mechanism, and detects an axial force acting on the lower spring seat and a moment. The second inner load cell is arranged under the second seat adapter coaxially with the rotation support mechanism, and detects an axial force acting on the upper spring seat and a moment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of pressure sensor technologies, and discloses a discrete pressure sensor and an electronic device. The pressure sensor includes a pressure sensing chip and a force centralization sensing board component that is bonded onto the pressure sensing chip. The force centralization sensing board component has a hollowed area, the hollowed area has a force centralization position for centralizing force applied on the force centralization sensing board component, and the force centralization position is disposed against the pressure sensing chip. After pressure is applied in the hollowed area of the force centralization sensing board component, force is centralized to the force centralization position, conveyed to the pressure sensing chip in a centralized manner, and converted into control information to control an external electronic device through a circuit or the like of the electronic device.

Abstract: A method of measurement of stress and strain whole process material parameter by using method for hydrostatic pressure unloading is disclosed, which is directed to the cyclic test of loading and unloading. With the assumption that only the deviator stress generates damage to the sample, a test method of the hydrostatic pressure unloading is invented in order to calculate mechanical parameters in different stages of stress and strain. Nine mechanical parameters can be calculated in connection with hexahedral pores connecting samples in the true triaxial test. Six mechanical parameters can be calculated for non-pores connecting samples. Nine mechanical parameters can be calculated in connection with hexahedral pores connecting samples in the traditional triaxial test. Six mechanical parameters can be calculated for non-pores connecting samples. The specific expressions and test methods are provided.

Abstract: An eccentric guide surface portion (48), which has a shape of a partially cylindrical surface, is formed at a front end portion of a second cylindrical surface portion (32a), into which a torque detecting coil unit (31a) is fitted and fixed, of an inner peripheral surface of a housing body (16a) that is joined and fixed to a front end portion of a steering column. The center of curvature of the eccentric guide surface portion (48) is offset to a side opposite to a connection hole (39a), which is formed at the housing body (16a), in a radial direction so that a connection terminal (36a) of the torque detecting coil unit (31a) is connected to a circuit board (40a). Accordingly, a torque measuring unit for an electric power steering device, of which the size and weight are reduced while good assembly workability is ensured, is obtained.

Abstract: A pressure sensor to measure the pressure of a fluid comprises: a metallic membrane to be in contact with the fluid and on which are stacked an electrical insulator and at least one gauge for measuring the deformation of the membrane, the whole forming a sensitive measuring element a cap comprising: a cover comprising a cavity and holes; conductors located in the holes, the sensitive element exhibiting a face opposite the cap and located in a plane P; wherein the sensor comprises: at least one metallic zone, located in a plane parallel to said plane P, for hermetic sealing of the cap on the sensitive measuring element; continuous metallic tracks comprising parts for picking up contact with the conductors and parts for picking up contact with at least the gauge. A method for manufacturing the pressure sensor is also provided.

Abstract: A method of deriving reciprocating device component health includes receiving a signal from a knock sensor coupled to a reciprocating device, deriving total harmonic distortion (THD) at one or more frequencies, and determining whether the derived THD exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations of the described invention, a testing device is provided which includes a safety shield having one or more motion control cam tracks, wherein the cam tracks are configured to receive a cam follower that is connected to a mounting member onto which is mounted one or more testing modules. The testing modules perform specific functions for testing a sample product. The mounting member is moved within the safety shield as the cam follower tracks within the motion control cam tracks. In such implementations, the mounting member is further connected to two or more hydraulic cylinders or other actuators which are configured to move the mounting member to various positions within an x-axis and a y-axis. The integrated safety and motion control features of the safety shield provide precise, repeatable movement of the mounting member while preventing injuring to a user. Other implementations are also described.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to installing a test assembly on an aircraft engine, connecting a vacuum source to at least one port of the test assembly, engaging the vacuum source, and based on determining that a vacuum is maintained in an amount greater than a threshold, determining that a plurality of seals are present in the engine.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for development of a nonlinear global aerodynamic model using fuzzy logic modeling as well as multivariate orthogonal function modeling with splines. The systems and methods described herein may be utilized to more quickly develop a global aerodynamic model of an aircraft, allowing for development of a global aerodynamic model of an aircraft in real-time, during a test flight, and reducing time and cost associated with the model development.

Abstract: A rotary stage is controlled to two measurement positions along a rotational direction in which an object surface is moved when detecting a wavefront of reflected light from partial regions by a detecting unit, to move the object surface. Respective placement errors in a trajectory of the object surface at the two measurement positions are measured based on wavefronts detected by the detecting unit in states in which the rotary stage is controlled to each of the two measurement positions. For the remaining measurement positions among the measurement positions, respective placement errors with respect to the trajectory of the object surface are estimated based on the placement errors measured. Before measurement of each item of partial shape data, the rotary stage is controlled to a measurement position and stages are controlled to a position that cancels a placement error at the measurement position to align the object surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is an optical fiber cable monitoring apparatus using a dual light source. The optical fiber cable monitoring apparatus includes: an optical transmitter configured to comprise a first light source and a second light source, which output light of different wavelengths, and to operate the first light source and the second light source to propagate first probe light and second probe light to an optical fiber cable; and an optical receiver configured to comprise a first light receiving module and a second light receiving module, each receiving first reflected light and second reflected light which are reflected from the optical fiber cable.

Abstract: A method for detecting a failure in a fuel return valve of an aircraft engine fuel circuit, the fuel circuit including a fuel tank, an engine fuel system connected to the fuel tank capable of delivering a flow of fuel to the engine depending on a speed of the engine, a fuel return pipe connected between the engine fuel system and the fuel tank, a fuel return valve arranged to switch between an open and closed position, the valve being capable of blocking the fuel return pipe in the closed position, and of bringing the fuel return pipe into communication with the fuel tank in the open position, the method including measuring a pressure of the flow of fuel from the fuel tank, and if the measured pressure is lower than a predefined threshold, measuring the engine speed.

Abstract: A pressure sensor includes a diaphragm, a coupling portion coupled to the diaphragm, and two pressure receiving elements. Each pressure receiving element outputs an output signal that changes according to the temperature and the pressure applied to a pressure receiving surface and has an output characteristic that represents the relationship of the output signal to the pressure and the temperature. The two pressure receiving elements have the same output characteristics. The pressure receiving surface of one of the two pressure receiving elements is connected to the diaphragm through the coupling portion, and the pressure receiving surface of the other pressure receiving element is disconnected from the diaphragm. The pressure sensor outputs a signal that is in accordance with the difference between voltages of the two pressure receiving elements.

Abstract: A method for the acoustic analysis of a machine (M) including the acquisition of at least one acoustic signal supplied by at least one microphone (7) positioned in the machine, characterized in that it comprises the following steps: separation of at least one acoustic signal into a plurality of sound sources, the signal being modelled as a mixture of components, each one corresponding to a sound source; for at least one separated sound source, determination of a characteristic acoustic signature; comparison of at least one characteristic acoustic signature with at least one reference acoustic signature recorded in a reference database (5).

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving tire uniformity through identification of uniformity attributes, such as process harmonics are provided. More particularly, uniformity measurements acquired according to a non-uniform sampling pattern can be obtained and analyzed to estimate one or more process harmonics (e.g. the magnitude of the process harmonic). The non-uniform sampling pattern can specify the acquisition of uniformity measurements in a varying or irregular manner about one or more revolutions of the tire. For instance, the non-uniform sampling pattern can specify a random spacing between data points. The uniformity attributes estimated from the uniformity measurements can be used to modify the manufacture of tires to improve tire uniformity.

Abstract: An apparatus for acquiring images of an interior surface of a tire includes at least one image acquisition module. Each image acquisition module is provided with a lighting source, an image acquisition device, and a reflector. The lighting source is arranged to project a beam of light onto a predetermined zone of the interior surface of the tire. The image acquisition device is arranged to acquire a reflected beam of light, which corresponds to light from the beam of light from the lighting source that is reflected off the predetermined zone of the tire. The reflector is positioned optically between the lighting source and the predetermined zone of the tire. Each image acquisition module may be provided with a plurality of lighting sources, image acquisition devices, and reflectors.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a hydraulic circuit and a sensor for sensing a characteristic of hydraulic fluid of the hydraulic circuit. An energy harvester is configured to harvest energy from the hydraulic circuit. A controller interfaces with the sensor and is powered at least in part by the energy harvester. Various types of sensors are employed, including pressure and temperature sensors. A battery may further be included for powering the controller in addition to the energy harvester.