Abstract: A limit level switch includes an integrated position sensor which, when the limit level switch is put into operation, detects information about the installation position of the limit level switch inside a container. This positional information is taken into account when evaluating the measurement signals detected by the limit level switch in order to determine whether or not the measuring probe is surrounded by filling material. This can simplify the evaluation method.

Abstract: Electronic scale including four feet, four strain gauges, an electronic control unit and a display, where the gauges are combined in pairs in first and second Wheatstone bridge type circuits, where a first intermediate-point of the bridge is selectively connected via a switch to an intermediate voltage source and where the first and second outputs of the amplifiers are summed by the electronic control unit in order to deduce therefrom a weight for an object present on the device, with indication for the user of off-center condition on the scale. Weighing method implemented in such a scale.

Abstract: A payload monitoring system is disclosed for use with a haul vehicle. The payload monitoring system may have at least one emitter configured to direct an energy beam into the haul vehicle during relative movement between the at least one emitter and the haul vehicle, and at least one receiver configured to detect the energy beam and to generate a corresponding signal. The payload monitoring system may also have a controller in communication with the at least one receiver and configured to determine a loading condition of the haul vehicle based on the corresponding signal.

Abstract: A payload monitoring system is disclosed. The payload monitoring system may include a machine, an operator interface configured to receive input from and output data to an operator of the machine, and a controller in communication with the machine and the operator interface. The machine may include an implement assembly for loading payload material onto at least one receptacle. The controller may be configured to start a first load cycle to monitor loading of payload material by the implement assembly onto a first receptacle, receive a signal from the operator interface to pause the first load cycle, stop monitoring of the first load cycle, and save data associated with the first load cycle into a memory associated with the controller.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-readable media are disclosed for dynamic nutrition tracking with utensils. In an example embodiment, a food consumption utensil may include a handle portion, a food loading portion adjacent to the handle portion, the food loading portion having a first surface and a second surface, and a controller positioned within the handle portion. The food consumption utensil may include an accelerometer positioned within the handle portion and in communication with the controller, and a force measurement device configured to measure a force imparted at the first surface of the food loading portion.

Abstract: A load cell wireless kit as disclosed can include a load cell and a kit component removably attached to an outside of the load cell. Exemplary embodiments are free of cables and a junction box, and can provide a great convenience for use and save power consumption, without affecting normal system functions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a shock recording device includes: an electric power source; a vibration energy harvester including a first electrode and a second electrode, the vibration energy harvester converting an energy of a shock applied thereto into a potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode; a first transistor including a first gate electrode, a first source electrode, and a first drain electrode, the first transistor further including a stacked structure of a ferroelectric layer and a semiconductor layer; and a second transistor including a second gate electrode, a second source electrode, and a second drain electrode. The second gate electrode is electrically connected to the first electrode. The second drain electrode is electrically connected to the electric power source. The second source electrode is electrically connected to the first gate electrode. The first source electrode is electrically connected to the second electrode.

Abstract: A sensor with integrated mechanical transducing and temperature monitoring capability is provided. The sensor includes housing containing a transducer, a temperature sensor with associated bias, a summing circuit, and a two-wire cable connector. The transducer is operable to output a dynamic transducer waveform that corresponds to dynamic mechanical perturbations sensed by the transducer. The temperature sensor is operable to output a quasi-static temperature waveform that corresponds to temperatures sensed by the temperature sensor. The summing circuit is operable to combine the transducer waveform and the temperature waveform into a composite modulated voltage bias output signal or a modulated current bias output signal. The two-wire cable connector is accessible on an outside of the housing and is connectable to a two wire cable that delivers power to the sensor from a power source and delivers the composite output signal from the sensor to a remote data acquisition circuit.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes at least one light sensitive detector. The processor determines a first control value to control a voltage differential across the at least one light sensitive detector, and compares the first control value with a reference value associated with a reference temperature. Based on the comparison, the processor provides adjustment information for adjusting at least one output of the sensing apparatus, and an operating parameter of the sensing apparatus other than the voltage differential.

Abstract: A sensitivity parameter storing portion stores, as known sensitivity parameters owned by a flame sensor, a reference received light quantity, a reference pulse width, a probability of regular discharge, and probabilities of non-regular discharge in advance. The discharge probability is calculated based on a number drive pulses applied to the flame sensor and a number of discharges determined to have occurred in the flame sensor having received the drive pulses. The calculated discharge probability and the known sensitivity parameters are used to calculate a received light quantity per unit time received by the flame sensor. A pulse width correcting portion is provided to correct the pulse width of the drive pulses generated by an applied voltage generating circuit so that the discharge probability equals a target discharge probability.

Abstract: A protective sheath having a closed end and an open end is sized to receive a hand held spectrometer. The spectrometer can be placed in the sheath to calibrate the spectrometer and to measure samples. In a calibration orientation, an optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the closed end of the sheath where a calibration material is located. In a measurement orientation, the optical head of the spectrometer can be oriented toward the open end of the sheath in order to measure a sample. To change the orientation, the spectrometer can be removed from the sheath container and placed in the sheath container with the calibration orientation or the measurement orientation. Accessory container covers can be provided and placed on the open end of the sheath with samples placed therein in order to provide improved measurements.

Abstract: A radiation measuring device for measuring electromagnetic radiation originating from an external source. The radiation measuring device includes, a spectrometer, a pyranometer, a pyrgeometer, a diffuser, and a control unit. The spectrometer and a pyranometer are positioned in a sensor zone of a housing of the radiation measuring device. The spectrometer measures visible shortwave radiation and near-infrared shortwave radiation received at the sensor zone. The pyranometer measures shortwave radiation received at the sensor zone. The pyrgeometer is positioned in another sensor zone of the housing and measures longwave radiation received at the other sensor zone. The control unit receives radiation measurements from the spectrometer, pyranometer, and pyrgeometer. A corrected amount of radiation received at the sensor zones of the radiation measuring device is determined from the received radiation measurements. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: The present application discloses a system comprising a compact curved grating (CCG) and its associated compact curved grating spectrometer (COGS) or compact curved grating wavelength multiplexer/demultiplexer (WMDM) module and a method for making the same. The system is capable of achieving a very small (resolution vs. size) RS factor. The location of the entrance slit and detector can be adjusted in order to have the best performance for a particular design goal. The initial groove spacing is calculated using a prescribed formula dependent on operation wavelength. The location of the grooves is calculated based on two conditions.

Abstract: A hyperspectral optical element for monolithic detectors is provided. In one embodiment, for example a hyperspectral optical element includes a faceplate layer adapted to be mounted on top of a monolithic detector. The faceplate layer comprises a reflective inner surface. A notched layer includes a plurality of notched surfaces and is mounted to the faceplate layer. The notched surfaces oppose the reflective inner surface of the faceplate and define a plurality of variable depth cavities between the reflective inner surface of the faceplate layer and the plurality of notched surfaces of the notched layer. The faceplate layer and the notched layer are substantially transparent to a received signal and the plurality of variable depth cavities provides resonant cavities for one or more wavelengths of the received signal.

Abstract: This relates to sensor systems, detectors, imagers, and readout integrated circuits (ROICs) configured to selectively detect one or more frequencies or polarizations of light, capable of operating with a wide dynamic range, or any combination thereof. In some examples, the detector can include one or more light absorbers; the patterns and/or properties of a light absorber can be configured based on the desired measurement wavelength range and/or polarization direction. In some examples, the detector can comprise a plurality of at least partially overlapping light absorbers for enhanced dynamic range detection. In some examples, the detector can be capable of electrostatic tuning for one or more flux levels by varying the response time or sensitivity to account for various flux levels. In some examples, the ROIC can be capable of dynamically adjusting at least one of the frame rate integrating capacitance, and power of the illumination source.

Abstract: Sensors, systems including sensors, and methods of using such sensors and systems are provided. In one aspect, a sensor includes a sensor element at least partially positioned within the housing. The sensor element includes a plurality of interconnected segments with each segment comprising a pyroelectric crystal and wherein the sensor may generate a single, unitary signal upon exposure of any segment to infrared radiation.

Abstract: A wavefront sensing pixel is provided. The wavefront sensing pixel includes a low-pass filter filtering a charge signal from a photodetector and outputting a control signal when low-frequency signals are detected in the charge signal, and a control device to control flow of the charge signal past the control device based on whether a low-frequency signal is detected in the charge signal. The wavefront sensing pixel further includes a low-frequency signal path that receives a flow of signals that flow past the control device, and a high-frequency signal path independent of the low-pass filter and the control device, the high-frequency signal path receiving high-frequency signals included in the charge signal.

Abstract: A thermal sensor comprises a converter circuit, a counting circuit, and a ratio calculator. The converter circuit is configured to convert a temperature-independent signal into a first frequency signal, and to convert a temperature-dependent signal into a second frequency signal. The counting circuit is configured to receive at least one of the first frequency signal and the second frequency signal, to count a predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal, and to count a number of pulses of the second frequency signal for a time period corresponding to the counting of the predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal. The ratio calculator is configured to calculate a ratio based on the predetermined number of pulses of the first frequency signal and the counted number of pulses of the second frequency signal.

Abstract: A system for determining when an electrical contact or other component reaches a predetermined temperature. In operation, a trace material is dispersed into a surrounding environment (e.g., head space within a compartment above insulating oil), where the trace material is detected. A barrier may be ruptured or broken by temperature-induced gas pressure, or pierced by a spring-loaded member that is located within the same section that contains the trace material, and devices may be provided for moving the trace material through the foil barrier as the barrier is ruptured. The barrier may be opened solely by internal gas pressure. According to another embodiment, improved fail-safe operation may be achieved by providing a spring-loaded member and configuring the barrier to be ruptured by the pressure of the detectable gas material before the barrier is ruptured by the spring-loaded member.

Abstract: A control circuit dynamically controls how often temperature readings are received from a communication device such as an RFID tag having an integral temperature sensor. The communication device can be disposed to monitor an internal temperature of, for example, a delivery container. By one approach the control circuit dynamically controls how often the temperature readings are received as a function, at least in part, of local conditions for the delivery container. By one approach the aforementioned local conditions pertain to the contents of the delivery container. Examples in these regards include a temperature-based state of the contents, a volume-based metric of the contents, and mass-based metrics of the contents. By another approach, in lieu of the foregoing or in combination therewith, the aforementioned local conditions can pertain to ambient conditions as regards the delivery container.

Abstract: Some examples of the disclosure are directed to systems, apparatus, and methods for temperature detection using multiple temperature controllers each having distributed temperature sensors that allow reading multiple sensor outputs in parallel for a wide range of covered area. The temperature controller may also have logic to calculate a local temperature controller maximum temperature, a maximum temperature of all sensors, provide software access to each sensor, easy software enablement through a software interface that allows access earlier than when chip operating system (OS) is booted, and the ability to enable and mask individual sensors or sensor groups through software.

Abstract: A device for thermal analysis including: a pair of sample container assembly sets, having a sample container and a heat sink connected using a predetermined thermal resistance; a heating unit for equally heating the pair of sample container assembly sets; a temperature control for the heating unit; a weight measurement unit measuring difference between a sample and a reference material; while the heating unit is changed.

Abstract: A semiconductor device that may include at least one temperature sensing circuit is disclosed. The temperature sensing circuits may be used to control various operating parameters to improve the operation of the semiconductor device over a wide temperature range. In this way, operating specifications of a semiconductor device at worst case temperatures may be met without compromising performance at other operating temperatures. The temperature sensing circuit may provide a plurality of temperature ranges for setting the operational parameters. Each temperature range can include a temperature range upper limit value and a temperature range lower limit value and adjacent temperature ranges may overlap. The temperature ranges may be set in accordance with a count value that can incrementally change in response to the at least one temperature sensing circuit.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed herein include a capacitive thermometer including a deflectable membrane and a sense electrode. The deflectable membrane is configured to adjust a capacitive value based on a temperature of the deflectable membrane.

Abstract: In a device and method for taking temperature readings on an HVAC system, a first probe is connectable in thermal communication with the HVAC system for taking a first temperature reading thereof. A second probe is connectable in thermal communication with the HVAC system for taking a second temperature reading thereof that is independent of the first temperature reading. A digital display is connectable to the first and second probes for displaying the first and second temperature readings.

Abstract: The invention comprises systems and methods for evaluating changes in the operational efficiency of an HVAC system over time. The climate control system obtains temperature measurements from at least a first location conditioned by the climate system, and status of said HVAC system. One or more processors receives measurements of outside temperatures from at least one source other than said HVAC system and compares said temperature measurements from said first location with expected temperature measurements. The expected temperature measurements are based at least in part upon past temperature measurements.

Abstract: A thermometer includes a processing unit configured to receive a plurality of timed apart temperature readings from first and second sensors and a processor calculates heat flux value, Q, and obtains values of the heat flux vs. temperature (Q vs. Ts.) as the temperature approaches a steady state. The processor empirically predicts the steady state temperature of the sensor Ts, using the peak value of the values of Q vs. Ts. The processor may also empirically calculate a bias value as a function of the peak value of Q vs. Ts. The bias value represents the difference between the temperature reading (Ts) at steady state and core temperature of the subject and is added to the steady state temperature to arrive at core.

Abstract: A device for over-temperature detection having a test mode is presented. The device includes a temperature detection circuit having first and second transistors. The temperature detection circuit is configured so that when an ambient temperature of the temperature detection circuit is less than a temperature threshold, a voltage at an emitter terminal of the second transistor is less than a voltage at an emitter terminal of the first transistor minus VT*In(N), and when the ambient temperature of the temperature detection circuit is greater than the temperature threshold, the voltage at the emitter terminal of the second transistor is greater than a voltage at the emitter terminal of the first transistor minus VT*In(N). The device includes a measurement circuit configured to generate an output voltage that is proportional to a difference between the temperature threshold of the temperature detection circuit and the ambient temperature of the temperature detection circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for calibrating and using resistance temperature detectors. In one embodiment, the system includes a calibration circuit comprising a resistance temperature detector in a bridge circuit with at least one potentiometer, and a programmable gain amplifier coupled to the bridge circuit. Embodiments of the invention further comprise methods for calibrating the bridge circuit and the programmable gain amplifier for use with the resistance temperature detector and methods for determining the self heating voltage of the bridge circuit.

Abstract: A deformation detection sensor which combines a magnetic resin dispersing a magnetic filler in a resin with a magnetic sensor, of which stability of detection property is highly enhanced. The deformation detection sensor comprises a magnetic resin-containing polymer foam which comprises a magnetic resin, in which a magnetic filler is contained, and a polymer foam in which the magnetic resin is included, and a magnetic sensor that detects a magnetic change caused by a deformation of the magnetic resin-containing polymer foam, wherein the magnetic resin has an elastic modulus of 0.1 to 10 MPa, and a production thereof.

Abstract: A pressure sensing device may include a body configured to distribute a load applied between first and second parts positioned one against the other, and a pressure sensor carried by the body. The pressure sensor may include a support body, and an IC die mounted with the support body and defining a cavity. The IC die may include pressure sensing circuitry responsive to bending associated with the cavity, and an IC interface coupled to the pressure sensing circuitry.

Abstract: Provided is a pressure transmitter device including: a pressure receiving diaphragm in contact with a measuring fluid; a fill fluid, in contact with an opposite side of the pressure receiving diaphragm to the other side in contact with the measuring fluid, for transferring a pressure received by the pressure receiving diaphragm from the measuring fluid to a sensor disposed at a position apart from the pressure receiving diaphragm; a hydraulic path filled with the fill fluid and connecting the pressure receiving diaphragm and the sensor; and an output circuit for measuring and outputting an absolute pressure of the measuring fluid or a differential pressure between measuring fluids based on the pressure received by the sensor, where a hydrocarbon absorbing material for absorbing hydrocarbon and a hydrogen occlusion material for occluding hydrogen are provided inside the hydraulic path.

Abstract: This pressure and temperature determining device includes a membrane, which has a face of contact with the fluid and a securing face opposite to the contact face, a pressure determining element secured to the membrane, and a temperature determining element secured to the membrane. The pressure determining element includes at least one piezoresistive track. The temperature determining element includes at least one thermoresistive track.

Abstract: A pipeline apparatus comprising a flexible pipe body and a detection apparatus. The flexible pipe body includes an optical fiber extending at least partially along the length of the flexible pipe body, the optical fiber being encased in a metal tube. The detection apparatus comprises an optical sensor and an electrical sensor. The optical sensor is coupled to a first end of the optical fiber, the optical sensor being arranged to inject optical pulses into the optical fiber and to detect scattered or reflected light. The electrical sensor is coupled to a first end of the metal tube and to detect variation of an electrical impedance between the first end of the metal tube and a separate terminal. Variation of the scattered or reflected light, or impedance variation, is indicative of a potential pipe body defect.

Abstract: A leak detection system for detecting leaks in pressurized containers, the system comprising a leak test conveyor for moving each container and an accumulation tunnel through which the leak test conveyer extends, wherein the accumulation tunnel and the leak test conveyer together define at least one enclosed accumulation volume, each enclosed accumulation volume being sized to accommodate only a single container, thereby to allow gas leaking from the single container to accumulate, and a gas sensor for sensing accumulated leaked gas from the single container.

Abstract: Systems and methods of detecting and identifying a leak from a container or building. Acoustic pressure and velocity are measured. Acoustic properties are acquired from the measured values. The acoustic properties are converted to infiltration/leakage information. Nearfield Acoustic Holography (NAH) may be one method to detect the leakages from a container by locating the noise sources.

Abstract: Technologies for detecting leaks in a fluid distribution system are described herein. Historical leak detection information is received from a sensor in the fluid distribution system and collected in a database. A baseline is determined from the historical leak information. Current leak detection information is then received from the sensor and the probability of a leak in the fluid distribution system is determined based on a difference between the current leak detection information and the baseline.

Abstract: A fluid leakage detection system that includes identical positive displacement flow meters positioned on a working fluid supply line of a system through which the fluid flows and a flow meter positioned on a working fluid return line. The positive displacement flow meters are mechanically coupled between them.

Abstract: A method of monitoring liquid flow includes monitoring liquid flow including the pressure of the liquid, through a slave analyzer device, reporting the monitoring results to a processor configured to control a master analyzer device to adjust the liquid flow and pressure. Periods of usage and periods of non-usage of the liquid are detected by the processor. Subsequently, based on the detected periods of usage and periods of non-usage are used for learning a pattern associated and based upon the learned pattern, the liquid flow is automatically controlled by stopping the liquid flow during expected non-usage periods of time and turning the liquid flow on during expected usage periods of time.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include a distributed nondestructive inspection method and system for slickline cable structural defect and mechanical strength degradation inspection. One method may include transmitting a light pulse along an optical fiber embedded in a slickline cable. A reflected light signal is received from the optical fiber in response to the local strain induced refractive index variation. Defects and mechanical strength degradation may be determined by time-dependent time-domain and frequency-domain data analyses of the dynamic strain signals and power spectral density variation as a function of time and cable location.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing the degree of deterioration of a catalyst disposed in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine and oxidizes or adsorbs a target gas, including at least one of a hydrocarbon gas and a carbon monoxide gas, in an exhaust gas from the internal combustion engine, is adapted to determine whether deterioration exceeding an acceptable level of a catalyst occurs or not by comparing, at any timing when the internal combustion engine is in a state of a steady operation, the concentration of a target gas detected downstream from the catalyst in the exhaust path with a threshold value of the concentration of a target gas corresponding to the temperature of a catalyst at the timing which is previously defined according to an allowable range of an index value representing the degree of oxidation or adsorption at the catalyst corresponding to the temperature of a catalyst at the timing.

Abstract: The invention relates to an endoscopy system and a corresponding method for examining gas turbines, comprising an endoscope and a data processing unit, wherein the endoscope comprises an image recording unit, wherein the endoscope is configured to transmit recorded images of the image recording unit from the inside of the gas turbine to the data processing unit, wherein the endoscopy system is configured to position and align the endoscope comprising the image recording unit introduced into a gas turbine in the gas turbine in a defined manner.

Abstract: A device for exposing sample bodies to a fluid. The sample bodies have an active surface section that defines a measuring plane. The device includes a container, a sample body holder, and an agitating element. The container, which extends along a longitudinal axis, has an inlet, an outlet, a closed side wall, which extends along the longitudinal axis, and first and second end faces that extend transverse to the longitudinal axis. The sample body holder extends transverse to the longitudinal axis and holds at least one sample body so that its measuring plane extends perpendicular to the longitudinal axis in a first sample plane its active surface section faces away from the first end face. The agitating element driven in a rotating manner in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and is arranged on the side facing away from the first end face of the first sample plane.

Abstract: An extractive system, such as SPME, has an adsorptive phase in the form of a porous coating that has essentially vertical, mutually supporting, columnar structures with nanospaces at the boundaries of the grains.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The method and system involve analysis of a volatilized, ionized fluid sample using a mass spectrometer or other ionic analyte detection device that provides a signal proportional in intensity to the quantity of ionized analyte detected. The improvement involves replacement of a necessary non-analyte component in the fluid sample with a substitute component that serves the same purpose as the original component but is either more volatile than the original component and/or the analyte or undergoes a reaction to provide lower molecular weight reaction products, and results in an increased intensity in signal and signal-to-noise ratio. Acoustic fluid ejection is a preferred method of generating nanoliter-sized droplets of fluid sample that are then volatilized, ionized, and analyzed.

Abstract: An apparatus for cell observation and a method for cell collection using the same are disclosed. The apparatus for cell selection comprises a first substrate having an opening; and a second substrate having a photoresist unit disposed on a surface thereof, wherein the photoresist unit comprises at least one notch and defines a space which is interconnected with the notch and corresponds to the opening of the first substrate.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods and apparatus for preparing blood film or smear samples on a fiber surface, staining the test sample, and generating digital cell images of the films or samples for classification and review. The techniques disclosed herein replace conventional microscope slides with fibers when preparing blood film test samples. Using fibers to prepare blood test samples facilitates automation and integration of the various processes involved in hematology analysis. The techniques disclosed herein can be used to improve the accuracy and efficiency of hematology analysis.

Abstract: Provided is a composition of detection agents for living cells, especially epithelial tumor cells; the composition contains 0-5% folic acid, 0-10% folic acid complex, 0.01-5% methylene blue, 0.1-10% carbohydrate reducing agent, 2-6% acetic acid, and 3-95% water. Also provided is a preparation method for the composition of detection agents and kits containing the composition of detection agents.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a staining methodology employing a particle contrast agent composition capable of rapidly staining cells in a single step. The particle contrast agent composition can be comprised of a combination of one or more particle contrast agents and one or more permeabilizing agents, optionally including one or more fixing agents and other components. The particle contrast agent composition can include Crystal Violet, 5PD-Lytic, and Proclin 300.

Abstract: A cartridge for holding and dispensing streaking applicators for an automated streaking apparatus having a cartridge holder, the cartridge including: a case with a dispensing end, a longitudinal axis and an elongate slot generally parallel to the longitudinal axis, the dispensing end including an applicator dispensing position where one applicator can be at least partially accessible from outside the case; and an applicator support member constrained within the case for longitudinal movement therein and being able to carry a stack of applicators; the elongate slot being capable of operatively receiving a biasing member when the cartridge is in the cartridge holder to urge the support member towards the dispensing end and an applicator into the dispensing position.