Abstract: A device for influencing the flow in the area of a pipe manifold plate of a tube bundle heat exchanger with an outer channel encased by an outer sheath for a heat carrier medium, with a number of inner tubes extending axially parallel to the outer sheath through the outer channel, together forming an inner channel, each supported on the end side in the pipe manifold plate, with an inlet or outlet common for all inner tubes designed in a exchanger flange and a common outlet or respectively inlet designed in a connection piece for a product with at least one displacement body. A guide ring forms radially inside with its inner contour the required and proven flow environment for the displacement body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a dual-loop circulation cooling system for an oven of a liquid crystal manufacture process, including a water pump, a water tank, a water drawing pipe, a water returning pipe, and a first cooling pipe and a second cooling pipe. The water pump, the water tank, the water drawing pipe, and the water returning pipe are arranged outside the oven. The first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe are two juxtaposed cooling pipes that are arranged substantially parallel inside the oven. The water pump drives coolant contained in the water tank through the water drawing pipe into the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe inside the oven, whereby the coolant removes heat from the oven and then returns through the water returning pipe back into the water tank. The coolant flows in the first cooling pipe and the second cooling pipe in opposite directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conveying heat away from an electronic component. The apparatus may include, a conformable thermal interface sleeve adapted to embrace the electronic component. The apparatus may further include, a heat conducting wedge adapted to contact the conformable thermal interface sleeve and a thermal channel adapted to contact the heat conducting wedge. The apparatus may also include a manifold adapted to contact the thermal channel.

Abstract: A control system comprising a temperature sensor, an enthalpy sensor and a processor capable of receiving said temperature and enthalpy signals and further capable of controlling the operation of an energy recovery ventilation wheel based at least in part on said temperature and enthalpy signals.

Abstract: Heat exchanger having a housing, having a first fluid connection and a second fluid connection, the housing being in fluid communication with a fluid circuit, and a fluid flowing through said housing, by means of said fluid connections, wherein the housing a housing upper part and a housing lower part, wherein the housing lower part can be connected to the housing upper part by a connecting element by means of an interlocking and/or cohesive connection, wherein the connecting element has a large number of stud-like elements which are connected to one another by means of connecting crosspieces, wherein the connecting element has an at least partially circumferential edge, and at least the stud-like elements and/or the edge are/is in contact with the housing upper part and/or the housing lower part.

Abstract: A packaging system for a temperature sensitive payload is provided. The system includes insulative panels, including side panels and end panels, forming a product compartment. Cooling layers within the product compartment are located below and above the payload. Vertical posts disposed between the side panels and the payload and between the end panels and the payload create spaces and channels for convective air movement.

Abstract: A solid/heat-transport and reactive gas reactor, including: a helical duct including an inlet and an outlet, the helical duct defining a helical bottom track on which a solid reagent can slide from the inlet to the outlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for bringing the solid reagent to the inlet of the helical duct; a mechanism for causing a heat-transport gas to flow in the helical duct, from the outlet to the inlet of the helical duct; a reservoir of solid reagent under the outlet of the helical duct; and a conveyor for conveying the reagent from a low point of the reservoir to the bringing mechanism.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide an excellent total heat exchanging element paper and a total heat exchanging element which are excellent in heat transferability, water vapor permeability and gas barrier properties and cause no mixing of supplied air and discharged air. The present invention provides a total heat exchanging element paper using a paper made using mainly a natural pulp beaten to a Canadian modification freeness of not more than 150 ml, a substantially non-porous total heat exchanging element paper comprising a substantially non-porous cellulosic base which contains a moisture absorbing agent, a non-porous total heat exchanging element paper having a high gas barrier property which has a thickness of not more than 100 ?m and a carbon dioxide permeation constant specified in JIS K7126 of not more than 5.

Abstract: A radiation member includes a base material; and a composite plating layer, formed on the base material, that includes a metal layer and two or more kinds of carbon materials, having different diameters from each other, dispersed in the metal layer such that to be provided with a plurality of protruding portions, each of the protruding portions being composed by a part of each of the carbon materials that are protruded from a surface of the metal layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron-based brazing material comprising a brazing alloy, which alloy comprises: from about 9 wt % to about 30 wt % Cr, from about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % Ni, from about 0 wt % to about 9 wt % Mo, from about 0 wt % to about 5 wt % Mn, from about 0 wt % to about 1 wt % N, from about 6 wt % to about 20 wt % Si. Within the alloy is at least one of the B and the P are present as a melting point lowering supplement to Si, and wherein B is from about 0.1 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, or wherein P is from about 0.1 to about 15 wt % P. The brazing alloy may comprise contaminating elements as at least one of C, O, and S, and optionally the brazing alloy also comprises at least one micro-alloying element as V, Ti, W, Nb, or Ta, and the micro-alloying element is less than 1.5 wt % in the brazing alloy. All values are stated in weight percent, and wherein Si, B and P lower the liquidus temperature, that is the temperature when the brazing material is completely melted.

Abstract: The invention relates to an iron-based brazing material comprising a brazing alloy, which alloy comprises: from about 9 wt % to about 30 wt % Cr, from about 5 wt % to about 25 wt % Ni, from about 0 wt % to about 9 wt % Mo, from about 0 wt % to about 5 wt % Mn, from about 0 wt % to about 1 wt % N, from about 6 wt % to about 20 wt % Si. Within the alloy is at least one of the B and the P are present as a melting point lowering supplement to Si, and wherein B is from about 0.1 wt % to about 1.5 wt %, or wherein P is from about 0.1 to about 15 wt % P. The brazing alloy may comprise contaminating elements as at least one of C, O, and S, and optionally the brazing alloy also comprises at least one micro-alloying element as V, Ti, W, Nb, or Ta, and the micro-alloying element is less than 1.5 wt % in the brazing alloy. All values are stated in weight percent, and wherein Si, B and P lower the liquidus temperature, that is the temperature when the brazing material is completely melted.

Abstract: A hybrid firearm receiver includes a receiver body having a first end, a second end opposite the first end, a substantially planar bottom surface extending from the first end to the second end and transitioning to two upwardly extending opposing sidewalls, and a top end, the receiver body extending along a longitudinal axis from the first end to the second end. The first end is integrally formed with the receiver body and includes a circular first cavity and a smaller circular second cavity below the circular first cavity. The second end includes an aperture. The axis extends through a center of the circular first cavity and through the aperture and is below the top end. The circular first cavity may be configured to receive a portion of an AR-15 rifle stock assembly. The aperture may be configured to receive an AK pattern rifle barrel.

Abstract: A modernized firearm including interchangeable features.

Abstract: Several embodiments of toy dart launch apparatus are disclosed including two crossbows with stretchable cords, a spring driven apparatus and an apparatus with battery operated rotatable wheels. Each apparatus includes an open top drum for receiving and storing darts. The darts are tubular and formed of soft foam. The drum includes an open outer surface with spaced recesses so that loaded darts are exposed, the darts being received by a spike in each recess. The recesses also include protrusions for restraining the stored darts on the spike, and a platform is mounted in the crossbows to support each dart when the released stretched cord impacts the dart. In the case of a rotating wheel arrangement, there is no need for spikes on drum or a platform.

Abstract: A semiautomatic firearm with a reciprocating bolt assembly has delayed blowback and a firing pin block. The firearm is particularly suitable for firing necked rimfire cartridges with a high level of reliability. Features prevent out-of-battery firing, when the bolt assembly is not fully engaged to the firing chamber or barrel face, a movable member within a bolt body functions as a blocking member that blocks the firing pin and prevents the firing pin from striking a cartridge. In embodiments, the firing pin has two stop portions that the movable member can engage depending on the cycle status of the firearm. A reverse cam mechanism associated with the firing pin blocking provides a resistance to and delays blowback. The bolt may interface with the necked rimfire cartridge using a undercut engagement on the forward end of the bolt. The semiautomatic firearm also may incorporate one or both of a dual trigger arrangement as part of a trigger and firing mechanism.

Abstract: A magazine attachment/detachment mechanism (10) is equipped with; protrusions (11a, 11b) extending downward from a receiver (2); and an attachment/detachment unit (12) that is movably attached to the protrusions (11a, 11b) and that attaches a magazine (3) to the receiver (2) in a detachable manner. The attachment/detachment unit (12) attaches/detaches the magazine (3) to/from the receiver (2) by moving between a securing position that secures the magazine (3) and a release position that releases the magazine (3). Thus, the magazine (3) is attached directly to the receiver (2), so deviation from the design value for the attachment height of the magazine (3) with respect to the receiver (2) can be reduced. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent defects in the chambering of cartridges without reducing the strength of the receiver (2).

Abstract: A firearm barrel accessory that quick connects and disconnects to a firearm barrel by rotating is described. The accessory may be a firearm suppressor with a silencer barrel, a mount retention ring located inside the silencer barrel that includes longitudinal grooves that lead to circumferential grooves that have a first radial side and a second radial side. The firearm barrel is attached to a muzzle break that may include a plurality of lugs that fit into longitudinal grooves. After placement in the longitudinal grooves, the silencer barrel and mount retention ring are rotated/twisted about the silencer barrel longitudinal axis so that the circumferential grooves move relative to the lugs until the lugs contact the second radial side, at which point the mount retention ring ceases to rotate while the silencer barrel continues to rotate. A ratchet retention ring may exert tension on the mount retention ring in the rearward direction.

Abstract: The device of the present invention employs a riser, bow limbs, and bowstring to shoot an arrow. The employed features are positioned horizontally relative to the ground and generally perpendicular to the device handle when in use. The device handle may be hinged, and is hinged in the same plane as the riser, bow limbs, and bowstring. The device handle is ambidextrous and may include an arm brace. The device handle may be adjusted to alter draw length, and the device limb pockets may be adjusted to alter draw weight. The device is completely user-adjustable, compact, and lightweight.

Abstract: A reverse style crossbow preferably includes a bow riser, a barrel, a latch, a first limb, a second limb, a first cam, a second cam, a first string pulley, a second string pulley and a bowstring. The riser is attached to the barrel at substantially a middle thereof. The first limb extends from a first end of the riser and the second limb extends from a second end of the riser. The first cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of the first limb and the second cam is pivotally retained on a distal end of the second limb. The latch is attached to a top of the barrel. The riser may be located in front of the latch, behind the latch or under the latch. The first string pulley extends from one side of the barrel and the second string pulley extends from an opposing side thereof.

Abstract: A paintball ejecting apparatus includes a current control mechanism to control current flow to a motor, the current control mechanism including a switch activator having at least a first state and a second state. The switch activator in the first state is physically forced by a paintball to occupy a first position to cause the switch to not permit a current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the first state. The switch activator in the second state is not physically forced by any paintball, thereby occupying a second position that results in the switch permitting current to flow to the motor when the switch activator is in the second state.

Abstract: A paintball transfer apparatus and method for operating the apparatus to move a paintball enable a user to load a paintball into a paintball marker. The apparatus has an housing forming a cavity for storing paintballs, a path around the wall of the cavity that is shaped to guide paintballs, and a driver that rotates a roller within the cavity. Rotation of the roller moves paintballs along the path. The path may have one of a variety of shapes, such as circular or helical. The surface speed of the roller may be greater than the speed of the paintballs along the path. The roller may be made of a high friction material, and also may be a brush. The apparatus may be used to move paintballs within and about a marker, such as vertically upwards or downwards, or horizontally left or right.

Abstract: A handguard attachment systems having a handguard with at least one registration/compression slot formed in the handguard; at least one compression adjustment aperture formed through the handguard, spanning at least a portion of the compression/registration slot; a barrel nut having a registration groove around at least a portion of the barrel nut, wherein at least a portion of the barrel nut can be slidably inserted within the handguard; and a registration tab, wherein a portion of the registration tab is sized so as to be at least partially received within at least a portion of the registration/compression slot, wherein the registration tab includes at least one tab alignment aperture formed therethrough, and wherein at least a portion of the registration tab is sized so as to be at least partially received within at least a portion of the registration groove of the barrel nut.

Abstract: The undergarment includes a holster for holding a firearm therein. The holster includes a pouch defined by a space between an inner layer and an outer layer of fabric. The inner and outer layers are joined, such as by stitching at forward and rearward edges, but kept open at an open top and an open bottom. The open bottom is smaller than the open top to allow a barrel of a pistol to pass therethrough but to hold the remainder of the pistol within the pouch. A semi-rigid trigger guard plate can also be provided adjacent the outer layer. A magazine carrier is optionally also provided as a pouch between an outer panel and an inner panel coupled to the undergarment at a waistband thereof. Both the holster and the optional magazine carrier include padding on inner sides thereof, which padding extends up above the waistband of the underwear.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present disclosure deal with an archery sight mounted or mountable on an archery bow. The sight incorporates an indicator or adjustment assembly to indicate or control the desired position of a sight pins based on a previous sighted in position of the sight pin.

Abstract: A system includes a boresight insert configured to be partially inserted into a barrel of a weapon. The boresight insert includes an optics section configured to generate light that identifies an impact point for a projectile from the weapon. The boresight insert includes a mechanical section coupled to the optics section. The mechanical section is configured to engage an inner surface of the barrel to secure the boresight insert in place and to disengage the inner surface of the barrel to allow insertion and removal of the boresight insert.

Abstract: A firearms attachment system for installation on a firearm with an integral rail system is provided with a riser assembly that secures to the weapon and a mounting base assembly. The riser assembly has a riser and two retaining bolts that secure it to the rail system by passing through the slots between the ribs of the rail system. The riser assembly has a central groove that receives the rail and shoulders that fully hold the rail when slidably engaged. The retaining bolts maintain the desired orientation. The mounting base assembly is comprised of the base and the locking assembly. The base has a groove to receive the riser. When the riser assembly is affixed to the rail assembly, the weapons system can be slidably engaged with the mounting base assembly. The lock assembly impels a retaining bolt into the bottom of the riser, to prevent removal of the weapon.

Abstract: An insert for a protective garment, the insert having a fabric having at least 45 percent by weight of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene fibers, the fabric having a 2-Grain V-50 Fragmentation Resistance of at least 700 feet per second and a FAST-2 Bending Rigidity of less than 40 microNewtonmeters.

Abstract: A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women.

Abstract: A bullet resistant garment is provided for in the current invention having a pliable protective insert contained within a concealed carrier shell that is integrated into an outer-garment. In certain embodiments, interconnecting seams and or darts may be incorporated into the pliable protective insert and/or carrier shell to provide a comfortable and protective three-dimensional shape to bullet resistant garment, especially for women.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a rolling target device. In particular, the present invention relates to a target comprising two L-shaped halves that are selectively joined together via complimentary slots, wherein the complementary slots comprise reinforcing buttresses that provide stability and increased rigidity to the arms of each L-shaped half. The buttresses of each L-shaped half further comprise one or more channels which are configured to receive a securement strap, such as a zip tie. When the complementary slots of the L-shaped halves are fully joined together, the one or more channels on each respective half are aligned, thereby providing a single, annular channel through which the securement strap may be inserted and secured. The present invention further includes a rolling target device comprising a lightweight polymer material that is self-healing.

Abstract: A bullet or a cartridge containing a bullet having an elongated body with a forward end and an opposed rear end. The body has an intermediate cylindrical portion between the rear and forward ends, and the front end of the body defines a cavity. A resilient nose element is received in the cavity. The nose element may be an elastomer, and may be a cylindrical body. The cavity may be a cylindrical bore, and the nose element may be closely encompassed within the bore. The forward end of the nose element may be flat, and may be flush with the forward end of the body.

Abstract: An animal tracking device comprising a housing, a controller, a battery, an antenna, a sleeve, an elastic ring, and a prong. The housing encloses the controller and the battery and includes a flexible clip having a flexible neck, a latch on an inner side of the flexible clip, an elastic ring groove on an outer side of the flexible clip for receiving the elastic ring, and a latch release member extending from the outer side between the flexible neck and the elastic ring groove. The elastic ring retains the housing over the sleeve to retain the animal tracking device on an arrow shaft. The latch release member catches on an animal's hide and flexes the flexible clip out of engagement with the sleeve to release the animal tracking device from the arrow shaft. The prong embeds in the animal's hide and retains the animal tracking device on the animal.

Abstract: An ammunition is proposed with an explosive-free missile that releases, upon dismantling at the target a fuel or fuel mixture as flammable air-fuel mixture, being caused to spontaneously react by at least one, by impact dismantling triggered, explosive-free, spark-generating ignition mechanism. The thus produced optical and thermal target signature can be detected with the naked eye, as well as with rifle scopes or other optical target detection systems, as well as with night-vision and thermal imaging devices.

Abstract: A system and method for providing information regarding the trajectory of a projectile is disclosed. The system comprises two subsystems: a non-magnetic sleeve designed to fit over the barrel of a gun, with a series of rings of magnetic material disposed thereupon, and an onboard measurement and control system comprising at least one magnetic sensor and control electronics, located within a projectile. As the projectile passes through the sleeve, the magnetic sensors within the projectile produce signals as the projectile passes through the magnetic rings. From the time profile of the signals thus produced, the projectile's linear and angular muzzle velocities are determined.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides methods of making a polymeric ammunition cartridge. The cartridge includes a substantially cylindrical insert connected to a substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body. The substantially cylindrical insert includes a top surface opposite a bottom surface and a substantially cylindrical coupling element that extends from the bottom surface, a primer recess in the top surface that extends toward the bottom surface, a primer flash hole positioned in the primer recess to extend through the bottom surface, and a flange that extends circumferentially about an outer edge of the top surface. The substantially cylindrical polymeric middle body includes a substantially cylindrical polymeric bullet-end and a substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end connected by a powder chamber, wherein the substantially cylindrical polymeric coupling end extends over the substantially cylindrical coupling element and covers a circumferential surface of the primer flash hole.

Abstract: A gauge for cartridges is disclosed. The gauge includes a gauge body defining an opening, a window, and receiving space. The opening and the receiving space share an axis and are in direct communication with each other. The window is in direct communication with the receiving space. The opening and the window are separated by a body portion of the gauge. Each gauge has a receiving space that is sized and shaped to correspond to a predetermined cartridge.

Abstract: The present disclosure is an explosive matrix assembly that has a single detonating cord formed into a grid. The grid has a first plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a first plane and a second plurality of detonating cord portions lying in a second plane, and the first plurality of detonating cord portions perpendicularly overlay the second plurality of detonating portions. Additionally, the explosive matrix comprises a sheet of adhesive material coupled to the grid to retain a grid shape of the detonating cord.

Abstract: A device and method of checking wear on roller chains enables a quantitative statement to be made about the state of wear of a fitted roller chain. A device for tensioning a portion of the roller chain with a defined measuring load and a device for measuring the spacing between a given number of chain links are provided, the device for measuring the spacing having two contact pins, each of which is configured for positioning between two rivet heads or on a rivet head of a link plate, and a device for measuring and displaying the distance between the two contact pins. An accurate, quantitative measurement of the wear on a roller chain in the fitted state is obtained quickly and easily.

Abstract: A portable articulated arm coordinate measurement machine, comprising: a manually positionable articulated arm having opposed first and second ends, the articulated arm including a plurality of connected arm segments, each arm segment including at least one position transducer for producing a position signal; a base section connected to the second end; and a probe assembly including a probe end and a handle; wherein the probe assembly is connected to the first end; wherein the handle contains electronics that include a processor; wherein the handle is configured to be gripped by a hand; and wherein the articulated arm coordinate measurement machine is configured to measure a three-dimensional coordinate of a point in space associated with the probe end.

Abstract: A distance measurement device includes a transceiving unit that, in a distance measurement process between the distance measurement device and nodes, transmits a command to the nodes, and receives a response as a response to the command; and a distance measurement control unit that instructs the transceiving unit to transmit the command when the distance measurement process starts, measures a period of time until the response is received after the command is transmitted, and calculates a distances between the distance measurement device and the nodes on the basis of the measured period of time. The distance measurement control unit determines the number of repetitions for the distance measurement process until the distance is calculated after the command is transmitted on the basis of the calculated distance.

Abstract: An angle sensor for determining a rotation angle of a rotatable body, such as a steering column in a motor vehicle, includes a gear wheel. The orientation of a magnetic field generated by the gearwheel is configured to be detected by a magnetic field sensor. The gear wheel is comprised of a magnetisable material, such as hard ferrite, into which a magnetization is introduced. The gear wheel is stronger in a central region than in an edge region in which the teeth are arranged. In order to weakly magnetize the edge region, which minimizes a negative influence of the teeth on the homogeneity of the generated magnetic field, the front face of the gear wheel is configured to be magnetized. The magnetization process advantageously takes place at the same time as an injection moulding process to form the gearwheel. A method is implemented to produce the gear wheel.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a hitch angle sensor assembly includes a spacer fixed between a hitch ball and a mounting surface on a vehicle. An element is rotatably coupled with the spacer about a vertical axis defined by the hitch ball, and connecting member secures the element to a trailer. A hall sensor is coupled with the spacer and senses a magnetic portion of the element to determine a hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer. This and other embodiments of the hitch angle sensor assembly may be used independently or in combination with other hitch angle sensors or systems to estimate the hitch angle between the vehicle and trailer, which may be advantageously used for operation of the vehicle with a trailer backup assist system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for alignment and detection of a consumable component are disclosed herein. For example, a method for determining if a consumable component is coupled to a durable component to enable dispersion of a medicine is provided. The method includes determining if a signal from an electrical contact coupled to a durable component has changed an electrical state, and comparing the signal to a reference signal from a second electrical component coupled to the durable component. The method includes sampling a sensor coupled to the durable component to acquire sensor data indicative of a magnetic field observed by the sensor, and outputting data that a consumable component is coupled to the durable component if the signal is different than the reference signal, and the sensor data is within an acceptable range.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein for a self-referencing interferometer. The interferometer can comprise an improved spatial phase shifter that reduces the number of components, size and complexity of the spatial phase shifter and maintains a common path for a combined reference beam and signal beam. The self-referencing interferometer further comprises a single mode fiber shunt for filtering the reference beam and further reducing the size of the interferometer. The angle of the reference beam can be tilted before being recombined with the single beam which further simplifies the spatial phase shifting component of the interferometer.

Abstract: To provide a wavelength tunable light source which can both ensure operation speed and reduce a drive voltage. A wavelength tunable light source according to the present invention includes a pair of reflectors at least one of which is a movable reflector, an active layer provided between the pair of reflectors, and a beam on part of which the movable reflector is formed and which is supported by a support member. The beam includes a blade part projecting between the support member and the movable reflector in a direction intersecting a stretching direction of the beam, and a center of gravity of the beam in the stretching direction is located at a distance less than half a length of the beam in the stretching direction.

Abstract: A method for measuring and registering three-dimensional (3D) by measuring 3D coordinates with a 3D scanner in a first registration position, measuring two-dimensional (2D) coordinates with the 3D scanner by projecting a beam of light in plane onto the object while the 3D scanner moves from the first registration position to a second registration position, measuring 3D coordinates with the 3D scanner at the second registration position, and determining a correspondence among targets in the first and second registration positions while the 3D scanner moves between the second and third registration positions.

Abstract: A distance measurement method determines the distance of a sensor system to a physical object. The method includes obtaining at least a pair of stereoscopic images including the physical object, and applying to each element of at least a portion of a first image of the pair of stereoscopic images and to each element of at least a portion of a second image of the pair of stereoscopic images at least two differently shaped or sized filters, respectively. Correlation values for each filter applied to the first and second image are determined, and, combined correlation values are determined for the applied filters by combining the determined correlation values for each applied filter. The combined correlation values are evaluated for different disparities for an extremum value of the combined correlation values. A distance value to the physical object is calculated and output based on a disparity value at which the extremum occurs.

Abstract: A lithographic mask has a substrate substantially transmissive for radiation of a certain wavelength, the substrate having a radiation absorbing material in an arrangement, the arrangement configured to apply a pattern to a cross-section of a radiation beam of the certain wavelength, wherein the absorbing material has a thickness which is substantially equal to the certain wavelength divided by a refractive index of the absorbing material.

Abstract: Mechanical quantities associated with a deformation force impacting a structure may be determined using one or more integrated computational elements. Methods for determining a mechanical quantity may comprise: optically interacting electromagnetic radiation with one or more integrated computational elements and a target area of a structure, the structure comprising a deformable material in an initial amount and a reference material in an initial amount within the target area; exposing the structure to a deformation force; determining a change in amount of the deformable material or the reference material within the target area, using the one or more integrated computational elements; and correlating the change in amount of the deformable material or the reference material within the target area to a mechanical quantity associated with the deformation force.

Abstract: An optical fiber sensing spring of the present invention includes a longer cylindrical tension coil spring, a shorter cylindrical compression coil spring and a longer cylindrical tension coil spring that are connected in series to form a spring having the same inner and outer diameters. A single-mode optical fiber manufactured with a long section of fiber grating is placed in the manufactured spring. This section of the fiber grating is tensed to two ends of the cylindrical compression coil spring having a predetermined gauge length, and the force applied is released. A pre-tensing method for providing a maximum tolerable compression strain and manufacturing technology for this sensing element are then achieved. Thus, the self-tensed optical fiber sensing spring structure satisfies a standard 0.9 mm outer diameter, is fully spring jacketed by the full spring jacketing and protection layer, and forms a linear stress-strain relationship in an elasticity stretched elastic region.