Abstract: A fiber optic acoustic sensor and a method of using same. The sensor includes a light emitting diode and a fiber optic probe having a transmitting multimode optical fiber and at least one receiving multimode optical fiber. The transmitting multimode optical fiber and the receiving multimode optical fiber are substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of the probe. The fiber optic probe communicates with the light emitting diode. The sensor further includes a cantilever, which includes a cantilever rod. The cantilever rod includes a proximal end with an edge reflector located thereon. The edge reflector is spaced apart from the fiber probe and oriented to face said fiber probe. The edge reflector is able to move in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fiber optic probe. The sensor further includes a light intensity detector communicating with the fiber optic probe.

Abstract: A light-receiving sensor (1) includes: a photodiode (PD) for generating a photocurrent by use of a light input; and a first current source (CS), provided in parallel to the photodiode (PD), for generating a first auxiliary current by being driven by a voltage between terminals, which are a terminal (T1) and a terminal (T2). The first current source (CS) is also driven by the voltage between the terminals which voltage is obtained when no light is inputted.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe assembly is provided. The probe comprises a first optical system and a second optical system, a delivery light guide comprising one or more than one delivery optical fiber for transmitting excitation radiation from a radiation source disposed at a proximal end of the light guide to the first optical system. The first optical system comprising one or more than one first optical element for forming a substantially collimated illumination beam from the excitation radiation. An optically opaque tubular sleeve is fitted over the first optical system to optically isolate the first optical system and the delivery light guide from the second optical system. The second optical system comprising one or more than one second optical element for gathering optical radiation scattered from a sample and forming the optical radiation into a collection beam.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein describe a divided-aperture infrared spectral imaging (DAISI) system that is adapted to acquire multiple IR images of a scene with a single-shot (also referred to as a snapshot). The plurality of acquired images having different wavelength compositions that are obtained generally simultaneously. The system includes at least two optical channels that are spatially and spectrally different from one another. Each of the at least two optical channels are configured to transfer IR radiation incident on the optical system towards an optical FPA unit comprising at least two detector arrays disposed in the focal plane of two corresponding focusing lenses. The system further comprises at least one temperature reference source or surface that is used to dynamically calibrate the two detector arrays and compensate for a temperature difference between the two detector arrays.

Abstract: A spectroscopy system includes detectors configured to obtain detection spectrums of respective detection areas that are located at different positions of an object; and an information processor configured to obtain a target spectrum of a target area by using position information of the detection areas and the detection spectrums obtained by the detectors.

Abstract: A method is described for estimating a spectral feature of a pulsed light beam produced by an optical source and directed toward a wafer of a lithography apparatus. The method includes receiving a set of N optical spectra of pulses of the light beam; saving the received N optical spectra to a saved set; transforming the optical spectra in the saved set to form a set of transformed optical spectra; averaging the transformed optical spectra to form an averaged spectrum; and estimating a spectral feature of the pulsed light beam based on the averaged spectrum.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a first coding element that includes regions arrayed two-dimensionally in an optical path of light incident from an object, and an image sensor. Each of the regions includes first and second regions. A wavelength distribution of an optical transmittance of the first region has a maximum in each of first and second wavelength bands, and a wavelength distribution of an optical transmittance of the second region has a maximum in each of third and fourth wavelength bands. At least one selected from the group of the first and second wavelength bands differs from the third and fourth wavelength bands. The image sensor acquires an image in which components of the first, second, third and fourth wavelength bands of the light that has passed through the first coding element are superimposed on one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a polyamide comprising at least one repeat unit corresponding to the general formulation: X·Y in which: X represents a cycloaliphatic diamine and Y represents an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid chosen from dodecanedioic (C12) acid, tetradecanedioic (C14) acid and hexadecanedioic (C16) acid, characterized in that said dicarboxylic acid comprises organic carbon of renewable origin, determined according to Standard ASTM D6866. The invention also relates to a composition comprising this polyamide and also to the use of this polyamide and of such a composition.

Abstract: In one aspect, a spectrometer insert is provided. The spectrometer insert includes: an enclosed housing; a first transparent window on a first side of the enclosed housing; a second transparent window on a second side of the enclosed housing, wherein the first side and the second side are opposing sides of the enclosed housing; and a sample mounting and heating assembly positioned within an interior cavity of the enclosed housing in between, and in line of sight of, the first transparent window and the second transparent window. A method for using the spectrometer insert to locally heat a sample so as to measure temperature-dependent optical properties of the sample is also provided.

Abstract: A multi-color pyrometry imaging system for a high-temperature asset includes at least one viewing port in optical communication with at least one high-temperature component of the high-temperature asset. The system also includes at least one camera device in optical communication with the at least one viewing port. The at least one camera device includes a camera enclosure and at least one camera aperture defined in the camera enclosure, The at least one camera aperture is in optical communication with the at least one viewing port. The at least one camera device also includes a multi-color filtering mechanism coupled to the enclosure. The multi-color filtering mechanism is configured to sequentially transmit photons within a first predetermined wavelength band and transmit photons within a second predetermined wavelength band that is different than the first predetermined wavelength band.

Abstract: A temperature-responsive photonic crystal device comprising having a temperature-responsive photonic crystal material, whereby exposure of the device to a temperature above a predetermined threshold temperature is indicated by a detectable change in the device.

Abstract: A semiconductor package includes a package substrate having first connecting pads and second connecting pads, and a semiconductor chip mounted on the package substrate. The semiconductor chip includes a semiconductor device comprising a semiconductor substrate and electrically connected to input/output (I/O) pads, and a measuring device formed on the semiconductor device and electrically connected to measuring pads. The I/O pads are electrically connected to the first connecting pads, and the measuring pads are electrically connected to the second connecting pads.

Abstract: A circuit includes sensing circuitry including at least one sensing element configured to output at least one temperature-dependent voltage. A compare circuit is configured to generate at least one intermediate voltage in response to comparing the at least one temperature-dependent voltage to a feedback voltage. A control circuit is configured to generate at least one control signal in response to the intermediate voltage. A switching circuit is configured to couple a capacitor coupled to a feedback node to one of a first voltage supply and a second voltage supply in response to the at least one control signal to generate an output signal having a pulse width that is based on a temperature sensed by the sensing circuitry.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, a fiber optic temperature sensing system incorporating a thermal probe which utilizes a phosphor in the form of a microsphere is provided. The microsphere is situated in air so as to produce a lensing effect in both coupling the excitation light delivered to it by the fiber and coupling the fluorescence produced by the phosphor material back into the fiber. The thermal probe can be implemented in either a flexible or a rigid form. Materials for the phosphor microspheres include—but are not limited to—rare earth(s) doped single crystals, rare earth(s) doped ceramics, and ruby. When coupled to a suitable controller, these thermal probes can provide reliable temperature measurements even in environments characterized by strong electrical noise or electromagnetic interference.

Abstract: The described embodiments include a power-management unit that receives and stores a representation of a temperature state of a battery pack from a battery-monitoring mechanism in a battery pack. For example, an interface circuit (such as a single-wire-interface or SWI circuit) may receive the information from the battery-monitoring mechanism via a signal line, and the information may be stored in a memory (such as a non-transitory computer-readable memory). This stored information is then used by a temperature-monitoring mechanism or circuit to determine the temperature state of the battery pack, which may be used to control or gate charging of a battery in the battery pack.

Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of an electronic component in an electronic device comprises supplying a current to the electronic component via a power converter device, measuring an input current supplied to the power converter device, determining a power dissipation of the electronic component based on the measured input current, a value for an efficiency of the power converter device and an output voltage of the power converter device, and determining the temperature of the electronic component based on the determined power dissipation and a thermal resistance value for the electronic component.

Abstract: An apparatus includes at least one sensor, a connector and a conversion unit. The sensor is coupled to a patient body so as to measure a physiological parameter of the body. The connector coupled to a patient monitor, which measures a value of the physiological parameter by applying a test signal via the connector and measuring a response signal on the connector in response to the test signal. The conversion unit is coupled between the at least one sensor and the connector, and is configured to determine a corrected value of the physiological parameter, to calculate an auxiliary signal that, in combination with the test signal produced by the patient monitor, causes the response signal on the connector to represent the corrected value of the physiological parameter, and to generate and output the auxiliary signal to the connector so as to cause the patient monitor to measure the corrected value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for forecasting the energy consumption of a building, taking into account the heat exchanges from received solar radiation and/or heat convection and/or conduction between the building and the outside environment based on a physical model. The method includes a learning step to deduce the value of the parameters of the physical model based on previous measurements performed on the building.

Abstract: A magnetic load sensor is provided which is high in axial rigidity. The load sensor includes a pair of parallel plate coupled together by coupling pieces. The coupling pieces are inclined relative to the axial direction such that when an axial load is applied to the parallel plates, the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction, due to deflection of the coupling pieces. A magnetic target is mounted to the parallel plate, and a magnetic sensor element is mounted to the parallel plate such that when the parallel plates are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction, the magnetic target and the magnetic sensor element are displaced relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the axial direction.

Abstract: A flexible tactile imager includes an array of sensing cells that measure shear force and normal force. The sensing cells include a first sub-cell and a second sub-cell. Each sub-cell includes multi-fingered capacitors configured to measure shear force in a first or second direction and to measure the normal force. The multi-fingered capacitors include a flexible printed circuit board, a comb-like fingered sense electrode and drive electrode patterned on a layer of the flexible printed circuit board, a deformable dielectric material positioned above the comb-like fingered sense and drive electrodes, the comb-like fingered floating electrode patterned above the deformable dielectric material, a first capacitance formed between the comb-like fingered sense electrode and the comb-like fingered floating electrode, and a second capacitance formed between the comb-like fingered drive electrode and the comb-like fingered floating electrode.

Abstract: Pre-loaded force sensitive input devices, force sensing resistors (FSR), are formed as a multiple membrane assembly that is capable of detecting low intensity pressure inputs and quantifying varying applications of pressure to the sensor surface. Pre-loading the force sensor elements results in controlled amount of force between the two substrates causing a constant state of pre-load and eliminating the low-end or minimal pressure signal noise associated with unloaded sensors. Pre-loading the force sensing resistor sensors also enables the sensor to detect removal of low intensity pressure input such as might occur during theft of light weight articles placed in contact with the pre-loaded force sensor. Using an FSR or FSR Matrix Array will enable any handling of protected retail packaging to be detected and identified. A library of “touches” can be established that will yield cutting, ripping, twisting, etc. making the detection of a theft in progress more accurate.

Abstract: A hub for measuring the driving torque of a cycle wheel, the hub including a central shaft defining an axis of rotation of the wheel, and a hub body mounted to rotate freely about the shaft, the hub body including a central portion bordered on both sides by respective flanges, the flanges fastening at least one connecting element to connect the hub body to a rim of the wheel. The hub includes a system for measuring the driving torque of the wheel including strain gauges fixed on the hub body.

Abstract: The flame status of a group of gas turbine combustors is acoustically monitored using dynamic pressure sensors within the combustor. Dynamic pressure sensor output signals are received from the sensors and processed to determine flame status. The signals are processed both by performing a correlation analysis within each combustor and by applying a wavelet-based flame detection algorithm to each output signal. A flame is determined to be present based on the correlation analysis and the wavelet-based flame detection algorithm. The wavelet-based flame detection algorithm is chosen based on whether the gas turbine combustors are in an ignition phase or a monitoring phase.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the conditions of a pipeline and for the analysis of the fluid contained therein comprising: a central body having a substantially cylindrical form perforated for the whole length and comprising at least a salinity sensor and at least a pH measurement sensor; a first crown of petals connected to the central body, wherein each petal extends from the central body until it touches the internal wall of the pipeline and wherein each petal comprises at least one deformation sensor and at least one roughness sensor; a sliding device integrally connected to the central body in a more advanced position with respect to the first crown of petals, wherein the sliding device can be a second crown of petals identical to the first crown of petals or a foam pig suitably perforated. A method is for determining the conditions of a pipeline and for the analysis of the fluid contained therein, which uses the apparatus.

Abstract: In some embodiments, vehicle-based natural gas leak detection methods are used to generate 2-D spatial distributions (heat maps) of gas emission source probabilities and surveyed area locations using measured gas concentrations and associated geospatial (e.g. GPS) locations, wind direction and wind speed, and atmospheric condition data. Bayesian updates are used to incorporate the results of one or more measurement runs into computed spatial distributions. Operating in gas-emission plume space rather than raw concentration data space allows reducing the computational complexity of updating gas emission source probability heat maps. Gas pipeline location data and other external data may be used to determine the heat map data.

Abstract: Method of testing a gas shut-down valve for a combustion engine, by which method the valve is placed in a chamber of a holder 1 and the valve in closed condition is influenced by a non-burnable test gas under pressure to check whether the valve seat and the sealing ring 6 of the valve are close. Further the opening and closing functions of the valve are to be checked.

Abstract: Technical solutions are described for determining topological connectivity between stations of a fluid-delivery pipeline network. An example method includes receiving temporal sensor measurements of the fluid-delivery pipeline network, that include a series of sensor measurements from each respective station of the fluid-delivery pipeline network. The method also includes generating a causality graph of the fluid-delivery pipeline network based on the temporal sensor measurements, where the causality graph includes a set of nodes and a set of links, where the nodes are representative of the stations, and a pair of nodes is connected by a link in response to the pair of stations being temporally dependent. The method also includes determining a topological network of the stations based on the causality graph, where the topological network identifies one or more destination stations for a supply station in the fluid-delivery pipeline network.

Abstract: Systems and related methods are provided to perform optical characterization of system under tests (SUT), including one or more optical elements (OE), for various purposes including evaluation of optical resolution needed to distinguish image elements, blur, line of sight jitter, and/or pointing stability. Various testing systems and methods are provided including an embodiment having a vibration loading system (VLS), a first acceleration sensor coupled with the VLS, and a mounting structure adapted to receive the SUT. An illumination target system (ITS) emits light that passes through the SUT OE's lens and is captured by the SUT's imaging system. A light control system controls the ITS based on a plurality of activation commands and a Test Control System (TCS). The TCS receives ITS input through the SUT that is synchronized with acceleration sensor data (e.g. phase of VLS position) and analyzed via real-time or post-processing.

Abstract: An example of an optical accessory configured to produce an optical image depicting spectral characteristics of light. The produced optical image is captured by an image capture sensor of a mobile device. The captured image is processed by the mobile device to produce a measured value corresponding to a lighting-related parameter.

Abstract: A method for determining information about an object including a curved portion and a planar portion, the curved portion having a first curved surface having an apex and defining an axis of the object, includes: directing measurement light to the object; detecting measurement light reflected from the first curved surface of the curved portion; detecting measurement light reflected from at least one other surface of the object; and determining, based on the detected light, information about the apex of the first curved surface of the curved portion.

Abstract: A test apparatus for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device includes a fixture configured to support the device in a fixed starting position. The test apparatus also includes a tie-rod operatively connected to the device. Additionally, the test apparatus includes a controller configured to command the tie-rod to apply to the device at the starting position a force event defined by a mathematical function continuous in time. The force event is configured to elicit the gear-train rattle from the gear-train. A method for eliciting a gear rattle from a gear-train employed in a device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A pumping loss calculation device for an internal combustion engine, which is capable of accurately calculating the pumping loss of the engine while reflecting thereon the pumping loss which varies with a change in opening timing of an exhaust valve. The pumping loss calculation device calculates a basic amount of a pumping loss torque based on intake and exhaust pressures, a pumping loss torque of the pumping loss torque of the engine, which varies with a change in the opening timing of the exhaust valve, as an exhaust gas sweep-out loss torque, based on the estimated in-cylinder gas amount and a detected exhaust phase, and the pumping loss torque based on the basic amount and the exhaust gas sweep-out loss torque.

Abstract: A method of generating a comprehensive image (87) of interior surfaces (78, 80) of machine components such as a gas turbine combustor basket (59) and transition duct (34) by digitally stitching together multiple photographs (82) thereof, and analyzing the comprehensive image by contouring (91, 95A-B) of colors and shadings thereon, and quantifying and tracking aspects of the contours (A, B, C) over time for indications of degradation (89) of the interior surfaces. A scope (58) may be inserted into a port (56) in the combustor with a camera (72, 74) in a rotatable end (70) of the scope for obtaining a circumferential set (84) of photos at each axial position along a length of the combustor and transition duct. A 3D surface scanning device (76) in the scope may define the geometry of the interior surface for 3D photographic modeling thereof providing a virtual walk-through inspection.

Abstract: A method for checking the correct positioning of a vehicle on a measuring station for vehicle measurement includes: a) taking images of at least two tires of the vehicle; b) identifying features, in the images taken, which describe at least one area of the respectively recorded tire; c) fitting a mathematical model to the identified features; d) determining the extent of the flattening of each tire from the fitted mathematical model; e) comparing the flattening of the at least two tires.

Abstract: An ignition operation actuator including a drive section, a flexible shaft rotationally driven by the drive section, and an operation section on a tip end portion of the flexible shaft, the operation section including a press button that presses a push-type ignition, a motion conversion mechanism, and a holder to which the press button and a motion conversion mechanism are mounted, the motion conversion mechanism including a cam that is rotated about a rotation shaft so as to press a cam engagement portion disposed on a back face side of the push-type ignition, wherein the tip end portion of the flexible shaft is detachably connected to an adapter disposed on the holder, and rotation of the flexible shaft is transmitted to the rotation shaft of the cam via a rotation transmission mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and method for measuring conicity using four force-sensors, in which a spindle attached to a tire and four sensors are used to measure lateral force generated in the tire; individual signals measured by the four sensors of the spindle are amplified; a DAQ board for calculating Fy(LFV) obtained by summing the individual signals amplified by an amplifier is calculated, obtaining five signals generated in the amplifier, and converting the analog signals into digital signals is provided; and the conicity is calculated using the digital signals, a predefined delta load and a factor.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling tires includes a support plane configured for receiving a tire with axial middle line plane parallel to the support plane, defining an abutted lateral portion and a free lateral portion arranged at a specific height with respect to the support plane. A thrust element is configured for applying, to a measurement surface of the free lateral portion, a force directed toward the support plane. A positioning actuator is operatively associated with the thrust element and configured for moving the thrust element with at least one motion component perpendicular to a rotation axis of the tire. The apparatus also includes devices for modifying the angular position of the measurement surface.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sample analyzing chip. The chip can prevent upper and lower substrates of a channel from being attached to each other due to deflection on a micro channel and can solve the problem of the sample drying up within a measuring time of a target. Also, the chip can prevent bubbles from being generated in a central portion of the micro channel.

Abstract: Solid beads each containing a selected quantity of analyte are combined and a liquid base matrix that contains attributes of a biological fluid that is to be assayed, together constitute a kit from which a laboratory technician can, at the point of use, prepare a liquid control for a particular analyte, and preferably a series of such controls at different levels of the same analyte customized for a particular assay.

Abstract: A method for preparing a bale sample, a bale sampling apparatus, and a bale sample are provided. The method includes the steps of removing a portion from a bale of fibrous material and wrapping an elongated substrate completely around the portion to form a bale sample. The elongated substrate includes identification information. The identification information includes information that associates the bale sample with the bale of fibrous material.

Abstract: A method for purifying and harvesting certain cell populations in blood or bone marrow by depleting at least one of red blood cells, granulocytes, or platelets from a sample comprising blood, bone marrow, or stromal vascular fraction cells separated from adipose tissue is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a sterile, single use rigid, self-supporting cartridge within which the automated depletion, purification and harvesting of target cell populations occurs and all components may be distributed.

Abstract: Methods for use with chemical analyzers aspirate a sample portion from one location to dispense it at a second location, aspirate another sample portion at that second location and dispense it at the first location, and measure the pressure values experienced inside a probe performing the aspirations and dispenses. By comparing the pressure values (or other values indicative of the viscosity or other relevant properties of the sample), the chemical analyzer can determine if the sample is sufficiently mixed or if the sample components remain separated and the method should be repeated.

Abstract: A chemical pre-concentrator includes a conduit defining a flow path between two ends and having a heating element disposed within the conduit, such that the heating element has at least one sorbent material deposited directly on at least a portion of a conductive surface of the heating element. Some such heating elements are in the form of electrically conductive strips defining both a plurality of apertures through the strip and a series of undulations spaced along the flow path.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid measuring device comprising a capillary device and a non-linear response device. The capillary device typically having a flow channel comprising a contraction with a sidelet upstream and sidelet downstream of the contraction, the sidelets each comprises a pressure sensor arranged to determine the pressure drop over the contraction, the geometry of the flow channel of the capillary device being adapted to provide a flow response by the linear effects in the fluid, with the least response from the non-linear effects in the fluid. The non-linear response device typically having a flow channel connected to the flow channel of the capillary device, the flow channel of the non-linear response device comprising sidelets arranged to determine a pressure drop over at least a part of the flow channel, wherein the geometry of the flow channel of the non-linear response device being adapted to provide a flow response primarily driven by the non-linear effects in the fluid.

Abstract: A system for characterizing a water retention device may include a test pipe including a mount section for holding the water retention device to be tested; an injector to inject, upstream of the mount section, an air flow loaded with at least one of dust and droplets of water; at least one sensor for determining a distribution of sizes of the at least one of the dust and water particles, and a quantity of water retained in the mount section; and a calculator receiving the measured distribution of dust and water particles delivered by the at least one sensor to determine therefrom a dust and water retention level in the water retention device.

Abstract: An aerosol generation system has a light source arrangement which provides signals at first and second wavelengths, and the detected light signals are recorded. The detected signals are processed to derive at least a measure of the aerosol particle size. This can be used in combination with the other parameters which are conventionally measured, namely the aerosol density and flow velocity. Thus, optical measurement (possibly in combination with an air flow measurement) can be used to estimate the aerosol output rate as well as the particle size.

Abstract: A method for estimating porosity of a rock sample comprises the steps of defining a total mineral content of a sample, determining relative volume fractions for each mineral and determining X-ray attenuation coefficients for the defined minerals. Then, a first X-ray attenuation coefficient for a synthetic sample combined from the same minerals with the same volume fractions but with no pores is determined. X-ray micro/nanoCT scanning of the sample is performed and a second X-ray attenuation coefficient for the rock sample is determined. Porosity can be calculated as for a sample filled with a gas, water or light hydrocarbons, so for a sample which pores are filled with heavy hydrocarbons, or other liquid/gases with X-ray attenuation coefficient comparable with X-ray attenuation coefficient for the rock sample or for the synthetic sample.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for determining concentration of at least one analyte in a body fluid sample such as blood, especially a blood glucose concentration. In the methods, a test element is provided that has at least one reagent element configured so as to carry out at least one optically detectable detection reaction in the presence of the analyte. The body fluid sample is applied to the test element and a time course of at least one optical measurement variable of the reagent element is detected. At least one first time interval of the time course of the optical measurement variable is used to determine at least one disturbance variable value in the body fluid sample, in particular a concentration of a disturbance variable such as hematocrit. At least one second time interval of the time course is used to determine analyte concentration. The at least one disturbance variable value can be used to correct/compensate the analyte concentration.

Abstract: This relates to a processor-implemented method of providing an oil-quality indication. The method includes receiving image data associated with a captured image, wherein the image includes (i) oil sample pixels associated with an oil sample and (ii) calibration color pixels associated with a calibration color. The oil sample pixels are adjusted based on the calibration color pixels. A saturation value and a hue value are determined based on the adjusted oil sample pixels. An oil quality value is determined based on the saturation value and the hue value. The oil quality value is stored in a processor-readable medium.

Abstract: Multivariate optical computing using polarizers to modulate the intensity of sample-interacted light. The polarizer(s), along with other device components, produce a spectroscopic intensity profile that mimics the regression vector that corresponds to the sample characteristic(s) of interest.