Abstract: Method for operating a vortex flowmeter device for measuring the flow of a fluid that flows through a measuring tube in which a baffle is arranged for producing eddies in the fluid. A signal-processing device processes signals of first and sensors produced by pressure fluctuations. A first signal is obtained by multiplication of the signal of the first sensor with a correction factor, and the second signal is obtained by multiplication of the signal of the second sensor with another correction factor such that a wanted signal is obtained from the deviation between the first signal and second signals, and a sum signal is formed from the sum of the first and second signals. A correlation between the wanted signal and the sum signal is determined and the correlation is minimized by variation of the correction factors, whereby same-phase interfering signals superimposed on anti-phase sensor signals are at least minimized.

Abstract: Integrated pipe pressure and temperature sensors and related methods are disclosed herein. An example apparatus includes a housing including an opening to provide a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path is to be coaxially aligned with a fluid flow path of a pipe when the housing is coupled to the pipe. The example apparatus includes a sensor disposed in the housing. The sensor includes an electrically conductive deformable material.

Abstract: An ultrasonic flow metering system includes a condition monitor. For each chordal path of a plurality of chordal paths of an ultrasonic flow meter the condition monitor is configured to compute: 1) a reference chordal velocity ratio; 2) a predicted chordal velocity based on the reference chordal velocity ratio for the chordal path and measured flow velocities for all other chordal paths of the plurality of chordal paths; 3) a first estimated mean flow velocity for the ultrasonic meter, the first estimated mean flow velocity based on the predicted chordal velocity for the chordal path and the measured flow velocities for all other chordal paths of the plurality of chordal paths; and 4) for each other chordal path of the plurality of chordal paths, a predicted chordal velocity ratio based on the measured flow velocity for the other chordal path and the first estimated mean flow velocity.

Abstract: A liquid level measurement device and method for a wastewater tank or tanks in a recreational vehicle may be implemented by attaching a visual liquid level measuring module (such as a liquid level sight or a mechanical pressure gage) to the inlet of a gate valve that is configured for attachment to the outlet of a recreational vehicle wastewater dump system. The visual liquid level measuring module is configured to entirely fit inboard of the sidewalls of the recreational vehicle and underneath the floor of the recreational vehicle. The liquid level of the wastewater tank may be measured by (a) closing the gate valve, (b) opening a shutoff valve upstream of the gate valve but downstream of the wastewater tank, and (c) reading the level of the liquid indicated by the visual liquid level indicating device.

Abstract: A controlling device includes an operating volume upper limit value OH1 storage unit that stores an operating volume upper limit value OH1 set from a device on a higher-level side, an operating volume upper limit value OH2 storage unit that stores an operating volume upper limit value OH2 set by an operator, an upper limit value selector that compares the operating volume upper limit values OH1 and OH2, and using the smaller as an operating volume upper limit value OH to be used in an upper limit limiting procedure, a control calculator that calculates an operating volume MV, and an upper limit processor that performs the upper limit limiting procedure to control the operating volume MV, calculated by the control calculator, to a value that is no greater than the operating volume upper limit value OH used by the upper limit value selector.

Abstract: A measurement device for detecting a material level and a temperature has a cable, a level sensing module, a thermal sensing module, a processing module, and a power module. The measurement device detects difference of currents between an electrode of the cable and the earth, and calculates a material level of a material stored in a silo according to the RF admittance. The cable comprises a plurality of thermal sensing units for detecting a temperature of the material. The measurement device further calibrates a material capacitance of the material with the temperature for avoiding an error caused by an inaccurate parameter.

Abstract: An improved fluid flow gauging device includes a light enhanced acrylic block flow tube to optimize visualization of pressure readings. An LED or other light source is fitted to the top of the flow tube and illuminates a float or bobbin from above to provide more accurate readings, especially in low light conditions such as modern operating rooms. In addition, the light enhanced flow tube provides a mechanical backup in the case of failure of newer electronic systems and visually matches the graphical flow display, simultaneously providing a double-check of the electronic system.

Abstract: A valve fully closing part; a calibrating volume calculation part that calculates a calibrating volume on the basis value of an integration of a flow rate measured value outputted from a flow rate sensor in a fluid parameter changing interval; and a calibration part that calibrates a flow rate on the basis of the calculated calibrating volume and a preset reference volume are provided.

Abstract: A checkout system includes a workstation having a data capture arrangement for capturing through a horizontal window a target associated with a product to identify the product being checked out at the workstation, and a scale for weighing the product at the workstation. The scale has a scale mechanism, and a weighing platter on which the product is placed for weighing. The weighing platter is integrated with the horizontal window and overlies the scale mechanism. The weighing platter projects past the scale mechanism and has a front end that overhangs the scale mechanism. Non-threaded, interlocking connectors, which are provided on the weighing platter and the scale mechanism, prevent the weighing platter from tipping if a force is exerted on the front end of the weighing platter. The weighing platter is mounted on, and removed from, the scale mechanism without the aid of tools.

Abstract: Approaches are disclosed for calibrating a plurality of imaging devices, such as microscopes. In certain implementations, a calibration plate is employed that include a variety of calibration features. Imaging devices calibrated in accordance with the present approaches may be used to generate images having consistent attributes, such as brightness, regardless of which imaging device is employed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a light sensing device for sensing ambient light intensity, comprising at least one ambient light sensor and an occlusion detector for detecting an object occluding the ambient light sensor. The invention is further related to a corresponding method for sensing ambient light intensity.

Abstract: An infra-red detection device comprising an infra-red detection section; a plurality of optical elements arranged to direct infra-red radiation to the infrared detection section; and a masking section arranged to partially mask a first optical element of the plurality of optical elements, such that a first part of the first optical element is masked and a second part of the first optical element is not masked, such that the masking section is arranged to attenuate infra-red radiation directed via the first optical element.

Abstract: A computing device determines whether the device is in a Stowed state (a state in which the device is stowed in a location such as a pocket, purse, bag, etc.) or a Not Stowed state (a state in which the device is not stowed in such a location). This determination is made using multiple different sensors on the device, at least one of which is situated on one side (e.g., the front or top) of the device and at least one of which is situated on the opposite side (e.g., the back or bottom) of the device. Values sensed by these multiple different sensors are used to determine whether the device is in the Stowed state or the Not Stowed state, as well as optionally to generate a confidence value indicating how confident the device is in its determination that it is in the Stowed state.

Abstract: A process for improving sensitivity of a film base, coated with a dispersion of a normally crystalline polyacetylenic compound in a non-solvating liquid which is dried on the film surface, to particular photon energy band, specifically, long wavelength UV; the polyacetylenic compound preferably having at least two conjugated acetylenic linkages and containing from 12 to 60 carbon atoms. The sensitization of the film to long wavelength UV is achieved via the addition of photoinitiator(s) capable of absorbing UV energy and converting it to free radicals.

Abstract: A method for controlling the gain and zero of a multiple pixel photon counter device, and light-measuring system implementing said method. Signals provided by the device are acquired for predefined periods, until a predefined total measurement time is reached, an amplitude histogram is formed from the acquired signals, the positions of two consecutive peaks, measurable on the histogram, are determined, an error signal is produced, which is equal to the deviation between both peaks and, by means of the same, the voltage supplying the device is regulated, so as to keep the deviation equal to a predefined set point.

Abstract: In a spectroscopic module 1, a flange 7 is formed integrally with a diffraction layer 6 along a periphery thereof so as to become thicker than the diffraction layer 6. As a consequence, at the time of releasing a master mold used for forming the diffraction layer 6 and flange 7, the diffraction layer 6 formed along a convex curved surface 3a of a main unit 3 can be prevented from peeling off from the curved surface 3a together with the master mold. A diffraction grating pattern 9 is formed so as to be eccentric with respect to the center of the diffraction layer 6 toward a predetermined side. Therefore, releasing the mold earlier from the opposite side of the diffraction layer 6 than the predetermined side thereof can prevent the diffraction layer 6 from peeling off and the diffraction grating pattern 9 from being damaged.

Abstract: A spectrometry system includes an imaging apparatus that includes an imaging element which captures an image, and a spectroscopic module that includes a wavelength variable interference filter and an attachment unit which holds the wavelength variable interference filter, is provided to be attachable to and detachable from the imaging apparatus, and can dispose the wavelength variable interference filter on an optical path of incident light to the imaging element during attachment to the imaging apparatus.

Abstract: This invention discloses a laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) apparatus based on a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser produces a train of laser pulses at a high repetition rate in the kHz or even higher range. When the laser beam hits the sample, it generates several thousands of micro-plasma emissions per second. Synchronized miniature CCD array optical spectrometer modules collect the LIBS signal from these micro-plasma emissions. By adjusting the integration time of the spectrometer to cover a plurality of periods of the laser pulse train, the spectrometer integrates the LIBS signal produced by this plurality of laser pulses. Hence the intensity of the obtained LIBS spectrum can be greatly improved to increase the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and lower the limit of detection (LOD).

Abstract: A method for marking and analyzing at least one object in an IR image, for an embodiment, comprises receiving an image of an object scene comprising at least one object, receiving a first input control signal indicating pixel coordinates of a first selected object scene portion, locking a first marker of a camera on a first object region corresponding to said pixel coordinates in said object scene in response to said first input control signal, wherein said input control signal is generated by a user activating an input means by a single action. The invention for various embodiments also relates to an IR camera, a computer program product and an image processing system comprising such an IR camera.

Abstract: An imager for obtaining an image of an object includes a substrate including a plurality of electrical emitting units for emitting electromagnetic waves and a plurality of electrical detecting units for detecting the electromagnetic waves reflected by the object. Each emitting unit includes an electrical emitter, a first antenna, a first metallic reflector, and a first dielectric element between the first antenna and the first metallic reflector. Each detecting unit includes an electrical detector, a second antenna, a second metallic reflector, and a second dielectric element between the second antenna and the second metallic reflector.

Abstract: Graphene and ferroelectric materials are used as tunable sensors for detecting and measuring radiation, such as infrared radiation. The low absorption and reflectance of graphene and interconnected graphene networks, for example in the infrared, are exploited for use in such tunable sensors. The active layer makes use of a unique property of ferroelectric materials, known as the pyroelectric effect, for measuring the intensity of impinging radiation. Using graphene electrodes may offer a significant increase in sensitivity, tunability and mechanical flexibility of sensors, such as infrared sensors. In one method, intensity of radiation is measured using variations in the doping level of the graphene electrode.

Abstract: Provided is a contact type internal thermometer including: a measurement surface that is brought into contact with a surface to be measured of a measurement object; a first temperature sensor stack including a first measurement surface side temperature sensor arranged on a measurement surface side, and a first back surface side temperature sensor arranged on a back surface side; a second temperature sensor stack including a second measurement surface side temperature sensor arranged on a measurement surface side, and a second back surface side temperature sensor arranged on a back surface side; and a controller configured to calculate an internal temperature of the measurement object based on measurement results of the respective temperature sensors, in which the first back surface side temperature sensor and the second back surface side temperature sensor have different surface areas.

Abstract: In order to further improve stress tolerance, a thermistor device includes a first base material member made of resin, a thermistor element including a thermistor thin film provided on a metal base material and first and second external electrodes provided on the thermistor thin film, and a first lead electrode and a second lead electrode provided on a principal surface of the first base material member, and connected to the first external electrode and the second external electrode. Each of the metal base material and the thermistor thin film undergoes a deflection between the first external electrode and the second external electrode.

Abstract: A temperature distribution measurement apparatus includes a laser light source optically connected to an optical fiber, a photodetector configured to detect light backscattered in the optical fiber, and a temperature distribution measurement unit configured to obtain a true measured temperature distribution by performing correction calculation using a transfer function on a temporary measured temperature distribution obtained based on an output from the photodetector. The temperature distribution measurement unit stores therein data on a transfer function set for each entire length of the optical fiber and for each longitudinal position in the optical fiber. Then, when the length of the optical fiber is changed, the temperature distribution measurement unit changes the transfer function to be used in the correction calculation by using the data on the transfer function.

Abstract: A distributed temperature sensor (DTS) system includes a light source; a length of fiber filter having been hydrogen darkened prior to assembly of the system; and a DTS fiber. A method for making a filter for a DTS system.

Abstract: A power-management unit is described. This power-management unit allows a common signal line to communicate data between an integrated circuit (which may be external to the power-management unit) and a battery-monitoring mechanism in a battery pack, and to convey a signal that represents a temperature state of the battery pack to a temperature-monitoring circuit or mechanism that monitors the temperature state of the battery pack. In particular, the power-management unit may include a single-wire interface or a multiplexer that, at a given time, selectively couples the signal line from the battery pack either to the integrated circuit or the temperature-monitoring circuit based on a control signal provided by the integrated circuit (for example, via an I2C bus or interface). In this way, the power-management unit may reduce the number of signal lines needed to communicate with the battery-monitoring mechanism and to convey the signal.

Abstract: A surveillance platform for the sensing, measuring, monitoring and controlling equipment and environments, such as food storage and retailing environments, data center environments, and other environments in which equipment performance, operating status, and environmental condition monitoring is desirable, is provided. The surveillance platform can facilitate reporting, visualizing, acknowledging, analyzing, calculating, event generating, notifying, trending, and tracking, of operational events occurring within the environment. Such techniques can be used to protect articles such as food articles, medical articles, computing devices and equipment, artifacts, documents, and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (100) for calibrating the temperature of a fiber-optic temperature sensor, with which an optical fiber (10) of a fiber-optic temperature sensor is to be provided. The device (100) comprises a device body (101) having a passage (109) through which the optical fiber (10) is to pass, and a means for transferring heat energy. The device (100) further comprises at least one portion (160a), referred to as a first fixed point, which is made from a first material having at least a first predefined temperature at which the state thereof changes. The first fixed point (160a) is thermally connected to the optical fiber (10) when the optical fiber (10) is provided with the device (100). The heat-transferring means is arranged in the device body (101) such that, during the actuation thereof, the heat-transferring means exchanges heat energy with the first fixed point (160a) so as to cause a change in the state thereof at the first predefined temperature.

Abstract: A temperature detector and method of measuring temperature to obtain temperature readings in environments, such as fluids and gasses, by measuring electrical characteristics of the temperature detector that are influenced by the temperature. The temperature detector can be arranged such that a plurality of measurements can be obtained to provide sufficient diversity and redundancy of the measurements for enhanced diagnostics to be performed, such as optimization for fast dynamic response, calibration stability, in-situ response time testability, and in-situ calibration testability.

Abstract: Collecting roll data associated with a sensing and mating rolls that form a nip uses first and second pluralities of sensors. Each sensor of the first plurality has a corresponding sensor in the second plurality which is associated with a same respective axial location on the sensing roll but is spaced-apart circumferentially. The sensors are located at axially spaced-apart locations of the sensing roll and generate either a first or second respective signal when entering the nip. Upon receiving a generated signal, a determination is made about which sensor generated the received signal and the membership of that sensor in one of the pluralities. Based upon a rotational position of the mating roll, a determination is made of which tracking segment associated with the mating roll enters the region of the nip concurrently with the signal to store the signal using the determined one tracking segment and the determined membership.

Abstract: An electrical resistance strain gage includes a uniformly distributed electrical resistance of the active measuring area and a discrete electrical trim resistance within an active measuring are. The trim resistance may include an electrical conductor in an electrically parallel circuit such that the electrical conductor may be selectively electrically removed from the strain gage to trim the electrical resistance of the strain gage. The trim resistance does not modify the active strain sensing area or uniform grid length.

Abstract: A medical examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device is provided. The medical examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device includes a cover panel. The cover panel includes a sensor for detecting a collision. The sensor includes a first plate mounted on the examination, treatment, or examination and treatment device, and a second plate mounted on the inside of the cover panel and spaced apart from the first plate. Spring elements are disposed between the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A sensor including a layer having viscoelastic properties, the layer comprising a void, the void filled with a fluid; and optionally, a more rigid sensing element embedded within the layer. When a force is applied to a surface of the sensor, the shape of the void changes, causing the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. When included, the more rigid sensing element can bear upon the void to cause the electrical resistance of the fluid in the void to change. A direction and intensity of the force can be determined by measuring the change of the electrical resistance of different voids positioned about the sensing element. The layer can be an elastomer, preferably silicone rubber. The fluid can be a conductive liquid, preferably Eutectic Gallium Indium. The sensing element can be plastic and can have a “Joystick” shape. The voids can take the form of channels or microchannels having a predefined pattern and/or shape.

Abstract: A tactile fur sensing system and a method of operating thereof allow early detection of an impending contact with an object. A plurality of filaments or threads are positioned on a zone or area of a surface of robotic device in a cost-effective manner. One or more sensors are configured to detect electrical resistance and/or displacement of the plurality of filaments or threads. A processor determines that there is contact with an object based on the detected electrical resistance and/or displacement. The detection of electrical resistance can be based on adjustable baseline values and/or adjustable threshold values. A plurality of nubs may alternatively or in addition be positioned on a surface area. Each nub has an outer cast or protection layer defining a cavity therein. At least a portion of a sensor for detecting resistance and/or displacement is positioned within the cavity of the nub.

Abstract: A method of predicting manifold air pressure in an internal combustion engine during idle comprising the steps of receiving an idle air control (IAC) duty cycle value from an idle air controller, receiving an atmospheric pressure, and predicting a manifold pressure in an engine control unit based on the IAC duty cycle value and the atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Providing a fast response to a process step while allowing a sensor response to remain relatively slow. A mechanical component generates a response to a step change in a physical property and an electrical component generates an analog electrical signal indicative of the response generated by the mechanical component over a period of time. The analog electrical signal is converted into digital values and the digital values are used to indicate the final value of the step change in the physical property before the period of time has elapsed.

Abstract: A pressure sensing pad includes a flexible planar layer having a two-dimensional sensing area, and an optical fiber embedded in the plane of the flexible planar layer traversing the two-dimensional sensing area in a particular configuration. At least one end of the fiber optic strain sensor has a connector that is connectable to an interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system. When the connector is connected to the an interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system and pressure is applied to the pressure sensing pad, a signal from the optical fiber is provided to and processed by the interferometric-based fiber optic interrogation and processing system to determine a two-dimensional pressure map for the two-dimensional sensing area.

Abstract: A hydraulic measuring mechanism for registering pressure differences, comprising a measuring mechanism platform having a process connection surface and two pressure input openings, in which, in each case, a pressure tube is arranged, which protrudes from a rear side of the measuring mechanism platform to support a pressure difference measuring cell, wherein the pressure tubes are connected pressure-tightly with the measuring mechanism platform from the process connection surface.

Abstract: A cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge includes an extended anode electrode and a cathode electrode surrounding the anode electrode along its length and forming a discharge space between the anode electrode and the cathode electrode. The vacuum gauge further includes an electrically conductive guard ring electrode interposed between the cathode electrode and the anode electrode about a base of the anode electrode to collect leakage electrical current, and a discharge starter device disposed over and electrically connected with the guard ring electrode, the starter device having a plurality of tips directed toward the anode and forming a gap between the tips and the anode.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks from a gas pipeline or storage system includes a light source configured to emit a beam with at least one spectral component capable of interacting with pipeline gas, a reflector configured to reflect a portion of the beam, an optical detector configured to detect the reflected beam, a signal processing module coupled to the output of the optical detector configured to analyze the detected beam and output a measured concentration value that characterizes the amount of target gas in the beam path, and a statistical processing module coupled to the signal processing module configured to store and analyze the measured concentration value. The statistical processing module is further configured to compute a value based on statistical information associated with the stored plurality of concentration values and compare the computed value to a first predetermined threshold, and transmit a first alarm signal if the computed value is greater than the first predetermined threshold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an intelligent adaptive system and method for monitoring leakage of oil pipeline networks based on big data. The present invention effectively analyzes a large amount of data collected on site within a reasonable time period and obtains a state of a pipeline network by an intelligent adaptive method, thereby obtaining a topological structure of a pipeline network. The present invention specifically adopts a flow balance method in combination with information conformance theory to analyze whether the pipeline network has leakage; small amount of leakage and slow leakage can be perfectly and accurately alarmed upon detection; as a generalized regression neural network is adopted to locate a leakage of the pipeline network, an accuracy of a result is increased. Therefore, the present invention adopts a policy and intelligent adaptive method based on big data to solve problems of detecting and locating leakage of the pipeline network.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for detecting leaks in an emissions control system of a vehicle. In one example, a method comprises monitoring an equivalent resistance of a leak detection circuit, and indicating a leak responsive to the equivalent resistance not equal to a threshold resistance. In this way, leaks in vapor line interfaces can be easily detected and located, thereby reducing emissions, without intrusively testing the emissions control system.

Abstract: A structural health monitoring system comprising intelligent sensors, wherein the intelligent sensors are individually programmable and can be tuned to listen to specific frequencies based on a scaling factor based on the sensor's location in the system being monitored, a set of pre-known frequencies based on the sensor's location in the system being monitored, and the output of a central frequency-based system sensor.

Abstract: A method for developing a virtual testing model of a subject for use in simulated aerodynamic testing comprises providing a computer generated generic 3D mesh of the subject, identifying a dimension of the subject and at least one reference point on the subject, imaging the subject to develop point cloud data representing at least the subject's outer surface and adapting the generic 3D mesh to the subject. The generic 3D mesh is adapted by modifying it to have a corresponding dimension and at least one corresponding reference point, and applying at least a portion of the point cloud data from the imaged subject's outer surface at selected locations to scale the generic 3D mesh to correspond to the subject, thereby developing the virtual testing model specific to the subject.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting lenses includes an inspection system including an open cuvette, a communicatively coupled CT measurement device, and a user interface communicatively coupled to the inspection system. According to one embodiment, the lens inspection system provides a single instrument for inspecting the quality of a lens, thereby minimizing the transference of the lens from one inspection component to another.

Abstract: The spatial structure of an optical element is determined. The optical element has a first optically active surface and a second optically active surface. The optical element is arranged in a holding device. The position of a point (P) on the first optically active surface and the position of a point (P?) on the second optically active surface are referenced in a coordinate system fixed to the holding device. The topography of the first optically active surface is determined in a coordinate system referenced to the holding device by the position of point (P) and the spatial structure of the optical element is calculated from the topography of the first optically active surface and from a data set as to the topography of the second optically active surface. The data set is referenced to the fixed coordinate system of the holding device by the position of point (P?).

Abstract: A test object for measuring the point spread function (PSF) of an optical system having a given Airy diameter (dAiry) comprises a structure to be imaged having a plurality of structure elements to be imaged, wherein the structure elements are embodied and arranged in such a way that the structure has at least two axes of symmetry.

Abstract: The dual-purpose adapter for inspecting circular (plug-type or receptacle-type) ruggedized fiber optic connector has a guide and a fitting tip. The guide is formed by fastening a template inserter to a frame in two alternative opposite directions. The template inserter has light channels corresponding in relative positions to the endfaces in the ruggedized connector, and two locating holes for coupling and aligning with the ruggedized connector through two guide pins. Depending upon the direction in which the template inserter is fastened to the frame, the fitting tip may be inserted into a respective end of the light channels to allow the optical axis of an inspector probe connected to it to intersect at right angle with PC or APC endfaces for inspection by the inspector probe. For receptacle-type connectors, the guide further includes the two guide pins which can be locked from axial movement at two positions.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and system for minimally intrusive fiber identification includes imparting a time-varying modulation onto an optical signal propagating in an optical fiber and subsequently detecting the presence of the time-varying modulation in the optical signal transmitting through the fiber to identify the fiber. In a specific embodiment of the invention, a time-varying curvature is imposed on the fiber to be identified and the presence of the resultant time variation in the transmitted power of a propagating optical signal is subsequently detected for identification of the manipulated fiber.

Abstract: A method and system for diagnosing gear condition by comparing data collected from each member of a set of coupled gears, including mating gears. Data containing vibrations or other signals from the set of coupled gears are collected. Condition indicators are calculated from the vibration data. The values of these condition indicators are compared for each pair of coupled gears. A divergence of the condition indicators as indicated by the comparison may indicate the presence of a faulted or otherwise anomalous condition. Such indication may be provided to a user. In one variation, the vibration data are used to calculate a synchronous average for each gear and the condition indicators are based on the synchronous average.