Abstract: A calibration system is provided including an aperture layer, a lens layer, an optical filter, a pixel layer and a regulator. The aperture layer defines a calibration aperture. The lens layer includes a calibration lens substantially axially aligned with the calibration aperture. The optical filter is adjacent the lens layer opposite the aperture layer. The pixel layer is adjacent the optical filter opposite the lens layer and includes a calibration pixel substantially axially aligned with the calibration lens. The calibration pixel detects light power of an illumination source that outputs a band of wavelengths of light as a function of a parameter. The regulator modifies the parameter of the illumination source based on a light power detected by the calibration pixel.

Abstract: An asymmetric optical resonator comprises a waveguiding element forming a closed loop. A first circumference of the loop is different from a second circumference, the first circumference being measured at one end of the loop in a plane perpendicular to a cavity axis. The second circumference is measured at the opposite end of the loop in a plane perpendicular to the cavity axis. An effective refractive index of the waveguiding element varies along a circumferential direction of the loop.

Abstract: A pyranometer, comprises a thermal sensor, and a diffusing member positioned so as to be opposed to a receiving surface of the thermal sensor.

Abstract: A LIBS analyzer and method includes a laser configured to produce a plasma on a sample at a focal point on the sample and a spectrometer responsive to radiation emitted from the plasma and configured to produce an output spectrum. A detector is positioned to detect low intensity pre-firing radiation produced by the laser and reflected off the sample from the focal point. The intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is compared to a predetermined minimum and the laser pump sequence is halted if the intensity of the low intensity pre-firing radiation is less than the predetermined minimum.

Abstract: An optical filter is disclosed including two laterally variable bandpass filters stacked at a fixed distance from each other, so that the upstream filter functions as a spatial filter for the downstream filter. This happens because an oblique beam transmitted by the upstream filter is displaced laterally when impinging on the downstream filter. The lateral displacement causes a suppression of the oblique beam when transmission passbands at impinging locations of the oblique beam onto the upstream and downstream filters do not overlap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a spectrophotometer instrument that includes an arm that can swing between a closed position and an open position which is upward and backward of the lower position and wherein the display is moveable between a position behind the arm to a position to a side of the arm. Thus, the features herein provides the instrument user with positioning features to allow for a superior human factors user experience.

Abstract: A spectroscopic measurement apparatus includes a wavelength variable interference filter and a driving circuit. The wavelength variable interference filter includes a fixed reflection film, a movable reflection film that faces the fixed reflection film, and an electrostatic actuator that changes a distance between the fixed reflection film and the movable reflection film. The driving circuit drives the electrostatic actuator in such a way that the distance between the fixed reflection film and the movable reflection film changes at a uniform velocity.

Abstract: A spectrometric method includes illuminating a target object with measurement light from a light source; receiving with a plurality of two-dimensionally-arranged pixels transmitted light or diffused reflected light output from the target object as a result of being irradiated with the measurement light; acquiring spectral data of each of a plurality of unit regions including at least one unit region and a unit region adjacent to the one unit region on the target object; and calculating spectral data of the target object by averaging the spectral data of the plurality of unit regions. Furthermore, a spectrometric device captures an image of the same unit region of the target object a plurality of times (twice or more) and calculates the spectral data of the target object by integrating and averaging a plurality of times' worth of spectral data obtained at each of the image-captured unit regions of the target object.

Abstract: We disclose an array of Infra-Red (IR) detectors comprising at least one dielectric membrane formed on a semiconductor substrate comprising an etched portion; at least two IR detectors, and at least one patterned layer formed within or on one or both sides of the said dielectric membrane for controlling the IR absorption of at least one of the IR detectors. The patterned layer comprises laterally spaced structures.

Abstract: Methods for characterizing a beam parameter associated with an electromagnetic beam of a light source. The light source exposes a phase-shifted target through a set of focal distances relative to a focal plane of a substrate. At each focal distance of the set, registration values are measured and used to determine one or more registration slopes as a function of focal distance. The registration slopes are compared with baseline registration slopes to characterize the current relative state of the beam parameter in question. Beam parameters that may be characterized in this manner include degree of polarization and polarization rotation relative to an initial polarization direction. Phase shift test patterns advantageously used for beam characterization are described.

Abstract: A bolometer circuit may include an active bolometer configured to receive external infrared (IR) radiation and a resistive load, which are configured to be connected in series in a bolometer conduction path from a supply voltage node to a common voltage node. A node in the bolometer conduction path between the resistive load and the active bolometer is coupled to a first input of an op-amp. A variable voltage source is coupled to a second input of the op-amp to provide a reference voltage level. The op-amp maintains the reference voltage level at the first input to generate a current flow in response to a resistance change of the active bolometer due to the external IR radiation. The amplifier circuit may be configured as a feedback amplifier or an integrating amplifier. The bolometer circuit may be configured to enable a low-power mode of operation.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a substrate, a nested enclosure assembly including an outer enclosure and an inner enclosure, wherein the outer enclosure encloses the inner enclosure and the inner enclosure encloses at least the electronic assembly. An insulating medium is disposed within a cavity between the outer surface of the inner enclosure and the inner surface of the outer enclosure and the system includes a sensor assembly communicatively coupled to the electronic assembly. The sensor assembly includes one or more sensors that are configured to acquire one or more measurement parameters at one or more locations of the substrate. The electronic assembly is configured to receive the one or more measurement parameters from the one or more sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for early warning against condensation induced hydraulic shock in a pipe, conveying a fluid present at least in a first part in the vapor phase and, in the case of condensate formation, in a second part in the form of a condensate, comprising at least two temperature sensors, which are arranged in the pipe and, thus, are fluid contacting, and at least one electronics unit, wherein the first temperature sensor is so arranged that it measures the temperature of the vapor, wherein the second temperature sensor is so arranged that it measures the temperature of the condensate, wherein the at least one electronics unit is so embodied that it ascertains the temperature difference between the temperature of the vapor and the temperature of the condensate, and, upon reaching a predetermined limit value for the temperature difference, generates a report.

Abstract: A wiring board includes an insulating substrate composed of a stack of a plurality of insulating layers, the insulating substrate having an upper face, a lower face, and side faces; and a plurality of line conductors formed of platinum or a metallic material comprising platinum as a main component, the plurality of line conductors each including a first end and a second end located on a side opposite to the first end, the plurality of line conductors being respectively disposed in interlayers between the plurality of insulating layers, in the line conductors, a line width of a line conductor located in an interlayer among the interlayers which interlayer is closest to the upper face or the lower face of the insulating substrate being greater than a line width of a line conductor located in each of the other interlayers.

Abstract: A sensor element, a sensor arrangement, and a method for manufacturing a sensor element and a sensor arrangement are disclosed. In an embodiment, a sensor element includes a ceramic main body having at least one electrode arranged at the main body and having at least one contact piece for the electrical contacting of the electrode, wherein the contact piece is fastened to the electrode by welding or bonding.

Abstract: To determine the temperature of a link capacitor (C) of a link converter (1) more accurately with less expenditure, a device and a method are described, in which the link capacitor (C) is modeled as a series interconnection of an equivalent capacitance (CS) and an equivalent series resistance (ESR), wherein a modeled capacitor current (iCm) flows across the equivalent series resistance (ESR). A modeled capacitor power loss (PC), from which the capacitor temperature (TC) is determined by means of a specified temperature model, is calculated from the modeled capacitor current (iCm,) and the value of the equivalent series resistance (ESR) by means of a first relationship of the form PC=f (iCm, ESR). Direct measurement of the capacitor temperature (TC), of the capacitor current (iC), or of the capacitor power loss (PC) is not required. For example, a measurement of the capacitor voltage (uC) and a further calculation of the modeled capacitor current iCm and finally of the capacitor power loss (PC) are sufficient.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a method for determining distributed temperature variation of a few mode optical fibre comprising the steps of:—providing a few mode optical fibre;—enlighting a first end of said few mode optical fibre by means of a coherent light source;—determining the interference pattern of coherent light at a second end of the optical fibre;—selecting one maximum of intensity at the second end of the optical fibre by spatially filtering the enlighting at the first end of the optical fibre;—determining the path length of the trajectory of the selected maximum of intensity;—based upon the determined path length of the trajectory of the selected maximum of intensity, determining the temperature variation of the few mode optical fibre.

Abstract: A pressure/force sensor comprises a diaphragm structure including a sensing element and a lead structure extending from the diaphragm structure and including first and second traces electrically coupled to the sensing element. The diaphragm structure and the lead structure include a circuit assembly comprising a common insulating layer and a common conductor layer on the insulating layer. The conductor layer includes at least a portion of the sensing element and at least the first trace. In embodiments the sensing element includes electrodes. In other embodiments the sensing element includes a strain gauge.

Abstract: A display apparatus includes a substrate including a first area, a second area, and a bending area, the bending area disposed between the first area and the second area and bending about a bending axis running along a first direction; a first piezoelectric device disposed over the bending area; and a pressure sensor. The first piezoelectric device is configured to contract or expand according to a pressure variation sensed by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A torque transmission apparatus incorporates a differential gear system and a stationary sensor connected to the differential gear system for measuring output torque. The stationary sensor may be connected to a measurement output element of the differential gear system by a torsionally compliant measurement member, wherein the stationary sensor measures torsional deformation of the measurement member. The torsional deformation may be measured directly, or it may be measured following amplification by a gear train. A rotary position sensor may be used as the stationary sensor. Alternatively, the stationary sensor may be connected to the measurement output element of the differential gear system by way of a rigid measurement member, wherein the stationary sensor measures force applied by the measurement member. In this alternative, a force sensor may be used as the stationary sensor.

Abstract: A magnetic torquer sensor for a steering system includes a magnetic unit, a magnetism-collecting unit, and a magnetic sensing element. The magnetic unit has a magnet ring. The magnetism-collecting unit has an inner magnetism-collecting ring and an outer magnetism-collecting ring. The inner magnetism-collecting ring has inner magnetism-collecting portions. The outer magnetism-collecting ring has outer magnetism-collecting portions. The outer magnetism-collecting portions and the inner magnetism-collecting portions are arranged alternately. The inner magnetism-collecting portions have their inner surfaces spaced from the magnet ring by a predetermined interval and level with inner surfaces of the outer magnetism-collecting portions. The magnetic sensing element is arranged at outer surfaces of the inner and outer magnetism-collecting rings for sensing magnetic-field variation between the inner and outer magnetism-collecting rings when they rotate with respect to the magnet ring.

Abstract: The invention has the objective of offering a sensor the allows for measuring the pressure force of the springs on the carbon brushes as well as the actual brush pressure on its contact surface. This is obtained by measuring between the carbon brush, and there is limited space through its holder, and the contact surface and is therefore characterized by the fact that the sensor is thinner than 4 mm, and that it is provided with a target (4) which is suspended in the sensor (1) by means of a mechanically deformable section (3), and where the sensor is fitted with one or more strain gauges (2) that is/are set up as such that it can detect the shearing of the mechanical deformable measuring section under pressure. In contrast to the existing measuring sensors, the measuring strips also connect the suspension points of the mechanically deformable elements with the sensor and/or the suspended target or measuring point through which sensitivity increases and makes the sensor useful for such applications.

Abstract: A sensor has an electronic chip and a sensor chip which are arranged within a functional volume which is at the most 4-5 mm long, a maximum 2-3 mm wide, and the maximum height is 0.5-0.8 mm, thereby potentially providing a compact sensor.

Abstract: A piezoresistive pressure sensor includes a substrate and a silicon device layer. The substrate has a cavity. The silicon device layer includes a diaphragm and a support element. A top surface of the diaphragm is connected to a top surface of the support element by one or more side surfaces. A recess of the silicon device layer is defined by the top surface of the diaphragm and the one or more side surfaces. A plurality of piezoresistive regions are on the top surface of the diaphragm, on the one or more side surfaces and on the top surface of the support element. A plurality of conductive regions are on the top surface of the support element. The plurality of conductive regions do not extend to the top surface of the diaphragm. The plurality of piezoresistive regions have a first ion dosage concentration. The plurality of conductive regions have a second ion dosage concentration. The second ion dosage concentration is greater than the first ion dosage concentration.

Abstract: In one aspect, the disclosure provides a pressure sensor that wirelessly provides force/pressure data to a wireless receiver. The pressure sensor includes a first fluid-responsive membrane configured to be exposed to a region, such as a body fluid, whose pressure is being monitored. A force transducer for measuring this pressure is movable toward and away from the flexible membrane and may be oscillated, either out-of-contact with the first fluid-responsive membrane or in-contact therewith, for static/dynamic pressure sensor calibration. An actuator for displacing/oscillating the force transducer is located within the internal housing. Specific pressure transducers, fluid drainage systems, implantable devices and (at least partially) external sensing devices are disclosed. Calibration techniques, including recalibration to adjust for device drift and to clear biofouling are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system of calibrating uncalibrated sensors among sensors distributed along a pipeline network include designating a set of the sensors as upstream sensors based on their geopositions, and designating remaining ones of the sensors other than the set of the sensors as downstream sensors. The method also includes determining a temporal delay associated with each of the sensors. Calibrating the uncalibrated sensors is based on the corresponding temporal delay and on calibrated sensors among the sensors.

Abstract: A load cell input unit capable of determining whether load cell connection cables have a broken line is provided. When the load cell input unit (30) is in a broken line detection mode, a voltage applying element (311) applies a voltage to distribution lines of an amplifying element (31), and a broken line deteiiiiination element (33) determines whether the load cell connection cables (40) have a broken line based on a voltage measured by a load measuring element (32).

Abstract: A rollover prevention system for a machine is disclosed. The rollover prevention system may include an inertial measurement unit (IMU) configured to detect a discharge event of a payload material from the machine and measure a body angle of the machine. The rollover prevention system may further include a controller in communication with the IMU. The controller may be configured to determine an angle of repose of the machine based on the detected discharge event and the measured body angle.

Abstract: A method and system method to detect a leak within a pipeline network include measuring pressure at each of a plurality of sensors distributed along the pipeline network as a time-varying pressure signal. Tuning a model is based on gas mass conservation law in the absence of the leak, the tuning including obtaining the time-varying pressure signal from each of the plurality of sensors, and monitoring the time-varying pressure signals is done to detect the leak based on the model.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring a flexible pipe, including an inline sensor system coupled to the annulus of the flexible pipe to detect corrosion of the flexible pipe. Also disclosed are method and system for monitoring an amount of water being accumulated in an annulus of a flexible pipe, including locating a pressure measurement system proximate to the annulus for measuring pressure of gas inside the annulus; controlling a flow of vent gas with a vent gas valve; positioning a flow measurement system upstream or downstream of the vent gas valve for measuring the flow of the vent gas when the vent gas valve is opened; and collecting with a microprocessor pressure and flow measurement data from the pressure and the flow measurement systems for determining the amount of water accumulated in the annulus based on the collected pressure and flow measurement data.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect fluid sealing of fuel tank includes a flow inlet and a flow outlet. The apparatus also includes a first flow path, fluidly connected between the flow inlet and the flow outlet, where the first flow path includes a fluid pump which pressurizes fluid from the flow inlet, the first flow path including an on-off valve to allow flow from the flow inlet to the flow outlet, the first flow path including a pressure sensor, and a flow control orifice located in the first flow path between the check valve and the flow outlet. The apparatus also includes a second flow path fluidly connected between the flow inlet and the flow outlet, the second flow path including an on/off valve located therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test disc system having at least one test disc for testing the seal of a glove which is installed in a port of an insulator. The test disc (1) can be connected in a hermetically sealed fashion to the port, wherein the glove encloses with the test disc (1) a glove volume which can be placed under overpressure by the test disc (1). The test disc (1) has a base body in which electronic components for recording and storing a pressure profile in the glove volume, and at least one data interface are arranged. The test disc (1) also has a reading device for reading both a first identification element which is arranged on the glove and a second identification element which is assigned to the port.

Abstract: A first reflection member, when light is incident, reflects a part of the light by a first reflection surface, reflects light transmitted through the first reflection surface by a second reflection surface, and emits reflected light components in an opposite direction. The second reflection member, when light emitted from the first reflection member is incident, reflects a part of the light by a first reflection surface, reflects light transmitted through the first reflection surface by a second reflection surface, and emits reflected light components. Interference fringes are formed on a screen by light reflected on the first reflection surface of the first reflection member and the second reflection surface of the second reflection member and light reflected on the second reflection surface of the first reflection member and the first reflection surface of the second reflection member.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for simulating real impact test of vehicle wheels, and the method is implemented using a system as follows: the system includes a vehicle used in wheel simulating real impact test, a road surface, a high-frequency lighting facility, a standard obstacle block, a high-speed camera, and a traction motor and steel cable. The method for simulating real impact test of vehicle wheels of the invention has the advantages that: the need for testing various types of wheels using one set of equipment can be satisfied by using a general type collision trolley, thereby avoiding the use of a corresponding real vehicle for each type of wheels in the test. This greatly reduces the test cost, ensures that the test condition is similar to the real vehicle condition, and can well simulate the performance of a real vehicle when meeting an obstacle.

Abstract: A life determining device capable of performing life determination while suppressing a processing load is provided. A life determining device 1 includes a measured value acquiring unit 2 that acquires a measured value for a stressor at predetermined time intervals, an acceleration factor acquiring unit 3 that acquires a first acceleration factor, which is the ratio of a second life to a first life, at predetermined time intervals, and a life determining unit 5 that determines life expiration of a device whose life is to be determined by comparing a value obtained by multiplying an accumulated value of the first acceleration factor by a predetermined time with a second life. The acceleration factor acquiring unit 3 uses a look-up table 4 that stores a second acceleration factor for each predetermined value when it acquires the first acceleration factor.

Abstract: A “store on alert” vibration data acquisition mechanism uses scalar data produced by a vibration monitoring device as a predicate to capturing and storing analytical vibration data in the vibration monitoring device. The scalar data may consist of scalar process variables generated in the vibration monitoring device that are acquired at a fixed interval, such as PeakVue and Overall Vibration. At each interval, these scalar data values are compared to machine performance threshold levels, such as ADVISE, MAINT and FAIL, to determine whether analytical vibration data is to be stored separately inside the vibration monitoring device. Since the analytical vibration data is captured based on a predicate inside the vibration monitoring device (i.e., comparison of the scalar value to the thresholds), the analytical vibration data includes more relevant diagnostic information about a specific machine performance event.

Abstract: A tube segment sampler system (10) for withdrawing a fluid sample from a tube segment (100), the sampler (10) having a first tube piercing member (28) for piercing the tube segment at a first location and a second tube piercing member (28) for piercing the tube segment at a second location so as to allow air to be drawn into the tube segment (100) through one of the openings made by one of the piercing members (28) whilst fluid is withdrawn through the other of the openings.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a device and a system for aspirating and dispensing a target analyte, target material, or fluid. A picker may aspirate and dispense the desired material by introducing a pressure gradient. The picker may include a hydraulic fluid to hydraulically couple at least two components, such as a moveable pump component and a cannula.

Abstract: Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to an aerosol and vapor sampling device that has a nozzle capable of focusing/concentrating the sampled particles by accelerating them in a narrow jet and driving the particles into an impaction well containing a collection substrate. The aerosolized particles, aerosolized droplets, and chemical vapors are retained by using a porous collection substrate, having substantial depth and mounted on a porous backing, such as a screen. This configuration allows a minor air flow through the collection substrate. This minor flow allows a well impactor to retain intercepted aerosolized particles. It also improves the inlet's ability to collect and retain chemical vapors or liquid aerosol droplets that are partially filtered and captured in the substrate's matrix.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for preparing a biological specimen for microscopic analysis. These methods find many uses, for example in medicine and research, e.g., to diagnose or monitor disease or graft transplantation, to study healthy or diseased tissue, to screen candidate agents for toxicity and efficacy in disease modification. Also provided are reagents, devices, kits and systems thereof that find use in practicing the subject methods.

Abstract: Devices and methods are presented in which a plasma separation device with a first and second portion separates a blood containing fluid. Most preferably, the first portion produces a cell fraction and a plasma fraction, and the second portion captures the plasma fraction. A first actuator then fluidly isolates a portion of the plasma fraction within the second portion, and a second actuator moves the isolated portion of the plasma fraction from the second portion.

Abstract: Biocompatible methods of functionalising inert surfaces for use in biological applications are described. The methods employ the use of synthetic constructs of the generic structure F-S-L (where F is a functional moiety, S is a spacer selected to provide a construct that is dispersible in water, and L is a diacyl- or dialkyl-glycerophospholipid). An object of the invention is to localise or immobilise functional moieties to the inert surface of a substrate wherein the surface is comprised of glass, silver, polyamide, polycarbonate, polypropylene, polyethersulfone, polytetrafluoroethylene or polyvinylidene fluoride, and the substrate is comprised of a fibre, membrane, microsphere or nanosphere.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a real-time video extensometer. Typically, the apparatus of the disclosure combines the image source, data processing and electrical output on to a single processing board in order to achieve high frequency images and low latency times on data flow. Further, the video processing engine processes the image on a pixel basis and updating the output the intermediate extension/strain result so that after receipt of the final image pixel, a final extension/strain value is achieved and immediately output for evaluation.

Abstract: A method to utilize the results from a series of FEM models to develop a master derivative of compliance curve. The use of the unique master curve resolves the test data variability issue caused by fitting the compliance curve individually. The analytically derived derivative of compliance curve eliminates the needs to take the derivative of compliance and therefore the derivative computation error no longer exists. By applying the existing solution and the solution as disclosed and claimed herein to the same set of the raw test data, it is found that data scatter is significantly reduced.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiment is an extensometer to measure transverse strain with a passive vertical system making use of a linear optical encoder. The sensor arms are mounted on respective carriages which traverse on respective linear tracks. The carriages are spring-loaded so as to bias the sensor arms toward a closing direction. In order to separate the sensor arms and act against the force of the springs, the carriages are responsive to or pushed by upper and lower drive brackets which are affixed to respective upper and lower portions of a looped timing belt. The extensometer makes use of a low-friction design to minimize rolling friction in the movement of the two sensor arms. One carriage includes an encoder read-head which directly faces an encoder scale on the other carriage. In this configuration, the exact relative position of the two carriages, and hence the two sensor arms, can be read.

Abstract: A method of evaluating railway ties for deterioration is mounted on a moving vehicle along the rails where the presence of the tie is detected and an impact energy source is used to create at least one wave in a surface of the tie which travels longitudinally along the tie. At positions spaced longitudinally from the source, the time of arrival of the wave is detected typically by a series of sensors responsive to air pressure changes to determine a speed of propagation of the wave in the tie and, in the event that the speed in said tie is below a predetermined speed, an output indication is provided regarding the deterioration of the tie, which can include a real time marking of the tie detected.

Abstract: An imaging device for determining particle size distribution including a sample receptacle containing a sample and an imager capable of capturing a plurality of images of the sample in a region of observation. The imaging device further includes a radiation source provided linearly opposite to the imager and a base platform that supports the imager and the radiation source.

Abstract: Measuring devices and methods are described for generating microscopic fluorescence and excitation light images of dispersed objects in liquid or gas, and for analyzing the images to determine the volume fractions of dispersed objects and distinguish different types of objects by comparing the images.

Abstract: Provided is a measuring system capable of stably, safely, and easily measuring hazardous fine particles. A measuring system 10 includes a work space 3 in which measuring equipment 5 can be installed, a containment device 13 that defines the work space 3 by closing portions other than an open section 134 and an air inlet 132 and an air outlet 133, a temperature and humidity control device 11, a filter unit 12, and a first connection means 14, a second connection means 15, and a third connection means 16 that connect the above-described components. Accordingly, in the measuring system 10, air whose temperature and humidity are controlled circulates, and a laminar flow flows in the work space 3, and particles floating in the work space 3 are reliably contained inside the measuring system 10.

Abstract: Methods and systems for automatically identifying and enumerating early granulated cells (EGC) in blood samples are disclosed. In one embodiment a method for identifying EGC in a blood sample includes analyzing white blood cells of the blood sample using a low angle light scatter (LALS) parameter, separating the EGCs from the other white blood cells using the LALS parameter, and enumerating the separated EGCs.