Abstract: The present invention provides a spectrometer, comprising: an inlet for the receipt of incident light; an optical path for transmitting the incident light from the inlet to an analysis plane; a focusing element located along the optical path, wherein the spectrometer has an in-focus position in which a focal point of the spectrometer and the analysis plane coincide; and a controller adapted in use, when a removable light disperser is placed along the optical path, to cause the spectrometer to be in the in-focus position by controlling the position of the focusing element relative to the analysis plane. The spectrometer is used in the analysis of light from a light source and, due to the ability of the controller to manage the focus point by way of moving the focusing element, the spectrometer is able to bring itself into an in-focus configuration without the need for a user to intervene.

Abstract: A measurement data collecting system includes a data receiving unit that receives first data measured by a first sensor and acquired at a mobile terminal, a measurement environment determining unit that determines environment of the mobile terminal when the first data is acquired based on second data measured by a second sensor and acquired at the mobile terminal. The measurement environment determining unit extracts first data in accordance with the environment from the first data received by the data receiving unit.

Abstract: An apparatus, in one embodiment, can include a configuration including a plurality of heat generation devices. The apparatus also includes a plurality of thermal sensors respectively, operably connected to each of the plurality of heat generation devices, wherein each thermal sensor of the plurality of thermal sensors includes a respective output terminal configured to provide a voltage representative of the temperature of the respective heat generation device. The apparatus further includes an output circuit configured to output the highest temperature information among the heat generation devices. The output terminals of the plurality of thermal sensors are tied together. A corresponding method is also discussed.

Abstract: System and method for correcting the potential errors occurring in a fiber optic temperature measurement system are disclosed. In one respect, a dual light sources configuration is provided. The primary light source may illuminate a sensing fiber, and an Anti-Stokes band may be detected. The secondary light source may illuminate a sensing fiber, and a Rayleigh band may be detected, where the Rayleigh band is substantially wide enough to cover the Anti-Stokes band of the primary light source. A ratio between these Anti-Stokes and the Rayleigh bands may be used to measure the temperature and undesired errors due to the perturbations falling on the sensing fiber is continuously corrected.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pressure sensor includes a base, and a first sensor unit. The first sensor unit includes a first transducer thin film, a first strain sensing device and a second strain sensing device. The first strain sensing device includes a first magnetic layer, a second magnetic layer, and a first intermediate layer provided between the first and the second magnetic layers. The second strain sensing device is provided apart from the first strain sensing device on the first membrane surface and provided at a location different from a location of the barycenter, the second strain sensing device including a third magnetic layer, a fourth magnetic layer, and a second intermediate layer provided between the third and the fourth magnetic layers, the first and the second intermediate layers being nonmagnetic. The first and the second strain sensing devices, and the barycenter are in a straight line.

Abstract: System and methods for magnetic Tunnel Junction pressure sensors are provided. In at least one implementation, a pressure sensor device comprises a magnetic tunnel junction comprising a free layer structure, a tunnel barrier, and a reference layer structure, wherein one or more surfaces of the free layer structure is exposed to respond to a pressure medium; and a voltage source coupled to the magnetic tunnel junction, the voltage source providing electrical power to the free layer structure and the reference layer structure. The device further comprises a current detector coupled between the magnetic tunnel junction and the voltage source; and a pressure calculating device, configured to calculate a pressure based on a current detected by the current detector.

Abstract: Disclosed is a valve actuator configured to determine, during operation of a valve by an alternating current (AC) motor of the valve actuator, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor. A process for measuring the amount of torque produced by the AC motor includes actuating a valve using the AC motor of the valve actuator, measuring, by a microcontroller of the valve actuator and during the actuating of the valve, a time interval between: (i) a first zero crossing of a waveform of AC voltage applied to the AC motor, and (ii) a second zero crossing of a waveform of AC current drawn by the AC motor, and determining, based on the time interval, an amount of torque produced by the AC motor during the actuating.

Abstract: A multipoint coal and rock mass stress real-time monitoring device is provided. The device is composed of a plurality of capsule pressure sensors (1), connection rods (2), three-way valves (3), a multichannel monitor (4), a multichannel control valve (5), first high-pressure oil pipes (6), second high-pressure oil pipes (7), third high-pressure oil pipes (8), a four high-pressure oil pipe (9), a high-pressure oil pump (10) and monitoring substations (11). A multipoint coal and rock mass stress real-time monitoring method is also provided.

Abstract: A process variable transmitter for sensing a process variable of process fluid in an industrial process includes a process gasket having a surface configured to form a seal with a process vessel face. The process gasket is exposed to the process fluid through an opening in the process vessel face. A process variable sensor is carried by the process gasket and configured to sense a process variable of the process fluid and provide a sensor output. Measurement circuitry coupled to the process variable sensor provides a process variable transmitter output related to the process variable output.

Abstract: A pressure sensor according to an embodiment includes: a support member; a membrane supported by the support and having flexibility; and a strain detection element formed on the membrane. The strain detection element includes a first magnetic layer formed on the membrane and having a magnetization, a second magnetic layer having a magnetization, and an intermediate layer formed between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A direction of at least one of the magnetization of the first magnetic layer and the magnetization of the second magnetic layer changes relatively to that of the other depending on a strain of the membrane. Moreover, the membrane includes an oxide layer that includes aluminum.

Abstract: Method for processing a measurement signal (x) from a pressure measurement cell in order to generate an output signal (y) with the aid of a filter unit (10), wherein the method involves generating the output signal (y) with the aid of the filter unit (10) by at least reducing, preferably eliminating, a noise signal contained in the measurement signal (x), continuously determining a difference between the measurement signal (x) and the output signal (y), and changing a characteristic of the filter unit (10) as soon as the difference becomes greater than a threshold value, wherein the changed characteristic of the filter unit (10) remains as long as the difference becomes smaller than the threshold value, and wherein the changing of the filter characteristic involves decreasing the reduction in the noise signal present in the measurement signal (x).

Abstract: There is described an optical pressure sensor comprising a sensor housing and an optical pressure cell mounted within the sensor housing and dividing the sensor housing into a first fluid space and a second fluid space. The optical pressure cell comprises a front side exposed to a pressure in the first fluid space and a back side exposed to a pressure in the second fluid space. The optical pressure sensor further comprises a fluid communication arrangement allowing pressure equalization between the pressure in the first fluid space on the front side and the pressure in the second fluid space on the back side of the optical pressure cell.

Abstract: A method for forming a multi-sensor system includes forming an inertial sensor fixed electrode of an inertial sensor and a movable electrode of a pressure sensor on a first substrate having through silicon vias (TSVs). A second substrate is fusion bonded to a bonding layer on the first substrate. The second substrate and the bonding layer are patterned to form a transducer layer of the inertial sensor and a pressure sensor fixed electrode of the pressure sensor. The first substrate is etched to form a pressure sensor port aligned with the movable electrode.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the center of gravity of an aircraft includes receiving flight plan information regarding a flight plan of an aircraft indicative of planned events to occur during operation of the aircraft; predicting a center of gravity of the aircraft during operation of the aircraft based on the flight plan information; plotting a center of gravity curve based on the predicted center of gravity of the aircraft on a display, the center of gravity curve including a plurality of markers, each marker corresponding to one of the planned events, the location of each marker on the center of gravity curve indicating when during the operation of the aircraft the event is planned to occur, one of the events indicating an in-flight event; and updating the plotted center of gravity curve in real-time during operation of the aircraft based on an actual center of gravity of the aircraft.

Abstract: An ultrasonic detector suitable for mounting in a position for surveying an area for a source of airborne ultrasound, which detector comprises a sensor for detecting an ultrasonic sound signal, characterized by a transducer configured to produce a broadband ultrasonic sound signal for reception by said sensor enabling said ultrasonic detector to perform a self-test.

Abstract: A device for checking at least one pressurized testing tool for a fluid circuit of an aircraft includes at least one tank that includes at least one connection to connect a pressurized gas supply and at least one connection system arranged to connect at least one pressurized testing tool. This device makes it possible to perform preventive checks on pressurized testing tools without having to immobilize an aeroplane on an assembly line.

Abstract: A failure detection mechanism for an electric actuator and/or an electric actuator includes: a first gear mechanism connected to a first motor; a second gear mechanism connected to a second motor; an output section capable of rotating at a speed produced by adding together a rotation speed based on the first gear mechanism and a rotation speed based on the second gear mechanism; a first sensor configured to sense a value of electric current driving the first motor or a value associated with the value of the electric current; a second sensor configured to sense a value of electric current driving the second motor or a value associated with the value of the electric current; and a comparison unit configured to determine a failure based on a result of comparison between a first sensing value from the first sensor and a second sensing value from the second sensor.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the health of one or more bearings of a journal assembly is provided. The system includes a split spacer, one or more vibration sensors, a speed sensor, and a controller. The split spacer is configured to be disposed on a shaft of the journal assembly, the shaft is configured to support the bearings. The vibration sensors are configured to detect vibrations emitted by the bearings. The speed sensor is configured to measure the rotational speed of the bearings. The controller is configured to electronically communicate with the vibration sensors and the speed sensor and calculate a health status of the bearings. The split spacer includes two portions that define a cavity configured to abut the shaft so as to allow the vibration sensors to be disposed inside the split spacer and next to the one or more bearings.

Abstract: A method for detecting a failure in a fuel return valve of an aircraft engine fuel circuit, the fuel circuit including a fuel tank, an engine fuel system connected to the fuel tank capable of delivering a flow of fuel to the engine depending on a speed of the engine, a fuel return pipe connected between the engine fuel system and the fuel tank, a fuel return valve arranged to switch between an open and closed position, the valve being capable of blocking the fuel return pipe in the closed position, and of bringing the fuel return pipe into communication with the fuel tank in the open position, the method including measuring a pressure of the flow of fuel from the fuel tank, and if the measured pressure is lower than a predefined threshold, measuring the engine speed.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the change in state of a valve in a start up circuit of a turbo-engine following a command to change the state of the valve includes measuring the air pressure under a fan cowl of the turbo-engine before the change state command, measuring the air pressure under the fan cowl after the change state command, comparing the measured values of the air pressure, and determining whether or not the valve has actually changed state. An aircraft turbo-engine includes a unit that monitors the change in the valve using such a method.

Abstract: Provided is a tire testing apparatus capable of accurately and easily measuring a load which a tire receives from a road surface. The tire testing apparatus includes a plate buried in a road surface with which a tire is in contact, at least one ground-contact-force sensor measuring a ground-contact force during a contact of the tire, and at least one plate sensor measuring a load applied to the plate. According to the tire testing device, a ground-contact force of the tire can be measured by the ground-contact-force sensor and a load which the tire applies to the plate can be measured by the plate sensor.

Abstract: A device to test a contact of a connector includes a frame and a connector adaptor coupled to the frame. The connector adaptor is configured to retain the connector. The device also includes one or more alignment actuators coupled to the frame and a piston assembly movable relative to the connector by the one or more alignment actuators. The piston assembly is configured to apply a compressive force to the contact to test a locking mechanism of the contact.

Abstract: A switch mechanism serves for changing over the path traveled by a rail vehicle on a track. The switch mechanism has an electric motor, the rotational movement of which is converted into a linear movement by way of a spindle rod or toothed rack. Part of the mechanical system is usually also a coupling, which prevents excessive force from being exerted on the track. A flexible adaptation for the test slider of a switch drive enables complete testing of the switch drive on a test bench. The switch drive can be tested in the final state because the test slider does not need to first be removed and then reinstalled only after testing. Separate testing of the test slider in terms of its function and its high voltage strength is therefore no longer necessary. After the testing, no additional steps need to be carried out on the switch drive.

Abstract: A numerical controller has a test mode of a machining program, sets, for each axis, a neighboring distance from a movement prohibition boundary of a tool or a workpiece, and temporarily stops an axis movement at a boundary of a near region thereof. A movable distance in a direction approaching the movement prohibition boundary is obtained for each axis such that the movable distance is less than a distance to the movement prohibition boundary. Further, if an axis exceeding the movable distance is present, an axis movement is stopped by restricting a movement distance within a range not exceeding the movable distance.

Abstract: A system, method, and apparatus for monitoring characteristics of a fire, smoke, thermal and/or water barrier device provided in or on a barrier. The monitored characteristics can be used to identify whether the barrier device is installed correctly or is no longer installed correctly and/or to identify conditions associated with use of the barrier device when installed, including at least one of a temperature associated with the barrier device, presence of water in the barrier device, air flow associated with the barrier device, stress and strains placed on the barrier device, and occupied inner volume (including an amount of change) of the barrier device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microscope slide for analyzing a tissue sample. The slide includes an elongate planar substrate, which comprises a first major surface having a sample-affixing area within which a tissue sample may be affixed; a first positive control sample affixed on the first major surface at a first location adjacent to the sample-affixing area; and a second positive control sample affixed on the first major surface at a second location adjacent to the sample-affixing area. The first and second locations are spaced such that quality of the staining of the first and second positive control samples is indicative of the quality of the staining of the tissue sample. Also provided are a kit containing the microscope slide and a method of making and a method of using the microscope slide.

Abstract: A filter arrangement with a top element and a bottom element and a filter element therebetween captures oversized particles on the upper surface of the filter element and tangentially rinses these particles using an elution fluid to provide a concentration of particles in a relatively low volume of fluid for further analysis. In an intermediate step, the particles captured by the filter may be rinsed with a rinsing fluid such as water to pass additional undersized particles through the filter, thereby providing a purer sample. To improve efficiency, check valves may be used for passageways with one-way flow. Additionally, a configuration of three-way stopcocks may also be utilized. Finally, a sandwich arrangement is possible, wherein a single bottom element is sandwiched between two opposing top elements.

Abstract: An airborne microbial measurement apparatus and a measurement method thereof are provided. An airborne microbial measurement apparatus according to an embodiment includes a discharge apparatus including a discharge electrode and a voltage supply unit applying a high voltage to the discharge electrode. A substrate is provided to a side of the discharge apparatus to collect an airborne microbe from air by a high voltage applied to the discharge electrode. A reagent injection apparatus supplies a dyeing reagent to the microbe collected on the substrate or a DNA of the microbe. A light emission measurement apparatus senses a quantity of light generated from the DNA to which the dyeing reagent is supplied. The discharge apparatus includes a controller controlling the voltage supply unit so that the voltage is applied to collect the airborne microbe or destroy an external wall of the collected airborne microbe.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing the porosity of an object, such as a secure instrument having a substrate, visual data, and a security feature, is disclosed. The method and apparatus include a fluid source, a gasochromic material, an excitation source configured to excite the gasochromic material, and a detection device configured to sense changes in emissions from the gasochromic material after it is contacted with the fluid and excited by the excitation source. The object is configured to fit within a space between the fluid source and the gasochromic material such that when the fluid is emitted from the fluid source, at least a portion of the fluid is configured to flow through the object before contacting the gasochromic material.

Abstract: The present invention related to an apparatus for separating micro-nano scale particles based on microfluidic chromatography using surface acoustic waves, comprising: a piezoelectric substrate; a pair of transducers, which are patterned on the piezoelectric substrate and generate surface acoustic waves when electric energy is applied to the piezoelectric substrate; a microfluidic chip, which is mounted on the piezoelectric substrate and include a microfluidic channel disposed between the pair of transducers, wherein a fluid including micro-nano scale particles flows in the microfluidic channel; and a detection unit, which detects micro-nano scale particles separated by the surface acoustic waves while the micro-nano scale particles pass through the microfluidic channel, wherein forces of the surface acoustic waves generated by the pair of transducers are formed in a direction opposite to a fluid flow to generate flow resistance to the micro-nano scale particles which flows in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: The present invention includes: an excitation light source; a probe light source; a filter that mutually multiplexes a probe light emitted from the probe light source and an excitation light emitted from the excitation light source to a same optical axis; a condenser lens that focuses the excitation light and the probe light; a sample cell that stores a sample; a reflection member that is disposed on an inner wall of the sample cell and reflects the probe light; and a detector that detects the probe light reflected at the reflection member.

Abstract: Provided herein are techniques for improved optical absorption measurements in the presence of time-varying etalons. In one aspect, a method for dynamic etalon fitting for adaptive background noise reduction in an optical sensor is provided. The method includes the steps of: obtaining a zero-gas spectrum measured using the optical sensor; obtaining an analyte gas spectrum of a target trace gas measured using the optical sensor; comparing the zero-gas spectrum and the analyte gas spectrum using fit parameters that compensate for drifting etalons in the optical sensor; and dynamically extracting the drifting etalons from the analyte gas spectrum to retrieve concentration of the target trace gas.

Abstract: An optical measurement device that comprises an apparatus main element including a light emission aperture, a light emission probe element that includes the optical fibers and that transmits light through it, and the other end of the optical fibers being detachably attached relative to the light emission aperture, and a light block element that blocks the light irradiated from the light emission aperture under the condition in which the light emission probe element connected to the apparatus main element is detached from the light emission aperture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a refractive index in a model-free manner are disclosed. The method includes: emitting a light to a surface plasmon generation layer that includes a nanoslot antenna and is disposed adjacent to a sample, to convert the light into surface plasmon; measuring a transmission of the sample from the light that is emitted onto the surface plasmon generation layer and passes through the sample; repeating the measuring the transmission while changing a length of the nanoslot antenna; and determining, based on a machine learning scheme, a restoration refractive index of the sample that is close to a graph of transmissions measured while changing the length of the nanoslot antenna from a library including a refractive index, a length of the nanoslot antenna, and a transmission at a specific wavelength.

Abstract: A display device component includes an optical waveguide having a surface; a first material formed on a portion of the surface of the optical waveguide; and a second material formed on a portion of the first material. The first material has light scattering properties.

Abstract: An integrated metrology module includes a chuck for holding a sample and positioning the sample with respect to an optical metrology device, a reference chip for the optical metrology device, the reference chip being movable to various positions with respect to the optical metrology device, and a reference chip purge device provides a flow of purge gas or air over the reference chip while the reference chip is in the various positions. The reference chip purge device may be static or movable with the reference chip.

Abstract: An optical element includes a main body formed of a light transmissive material and including an arc-shaped optical path, and a gap formed on the arc-shaped optical path in the main body. The gap may have a notch shape. The main body may have a semicircular plate shape. The main body may have a hemispherical shape.

Abstract: An apparatus for identifying a concentration of a specific material within a first material includes an input for receiving a signal after the signal passes through the first material. The signal has at least one orthogonal function therein and the at least one orthogonal function comprises at least one of an orbital angular momentum function or a Laguerre-Gaussian function. A detector detects the at least one orthogonal function within the signal, determines the concentration of the specific material within the first material based upon the detected at least one orthogonal function and generates an indication responsive to the determination. An output provides for an output of the generated indication.

Abstract: A small-size reliable gas sensor that can reduce a measurement error can be provided. The gas sensor includes: a first light source (20); a first sensor unit (31) and a second sensor unit (32) disposed to receive light output from the first light source (20); a first substrate (41) having a first principal surface (411) on which the first light source (20) and the first sensor unit (31) are provided; and a second substrate (42) having a first principal surface (422) on which the second sensor unit (32) is provided. The first sensor unit (31) is disposed at a location where light output from the first light source (20) and reflected on the second principal surface (412) strikes the first principal surface (422) of the first substrate (41).

Abstract: Compositions and methods for increasing fluorescent signals generated by biomarkers are described. This serves to increase the accuracy of results when the biomarkers are used for the detection and diagnosis of physiological conditions, such as organ function and plasma volume.

Abstract: In an optical-based sample analysis, for example fluorescence-based or absorbance-based measurement, a selection is made between a first excitation light path and a second excitation light path. The first excitation light path directs excitation light from a light source, through an excitation monochromator, through an excitation filter, and to a sample. The second excitation light path directs excitation light from the light source, through the excitation filter, and to the sample while bypassing the excitation monochromator. Excitation light generated by the light source is transmitted along either the first excitation light path or the second excitation light path in accordance with the selection made, thereby irradiating the sample. In response the sample produces emission light (transmitted light in the case of absorbance measurements), which is transmitted to and measured by a light detector.

Abstract: A method for detecting mentholated tobacco, comprising irradiating tobacco containing menthol and a fluorescent taggant with radiation and observing the tobacco for fluorescence from the taggant. A system and method for detecting and separating mentholated tobacco from non-mentholated tobacco within a product stream is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating a SERS sensor substrate, comprising the steps of: a) measuring, through a dark-field microscope, the color of nanoparticles positioned on the SERS sensor substrate; b) converting the measured color into a distance between the nanoparticles; c) acquiring the Raman signal intensity of the SERS sensor substrate; d) acquiring the standard Raman signal intensity of a standard SERS sensor substrate including the nanoparticles having the distance that is the same as the converted distance; and e) comparing the Raman signal intensity and the standard Raman signal intensity.

Abstract: A method of and an apparatus for providing an indicator for a diamond as to whether it is natural by testing for the presence or absence of one or more specific markers in the luminescence properties of the diamond. These markers are characterized by luminescence decay time and luminescence wavelength.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accurately locating buried defects previously detected by an inspection system are described herein. A physical mark is made on the surface of a wafer near a buried defect detected by an inspection system. In addition, the inspection system accurately measures the distance between the detected defect and the physical mark in at least two dimensions. The wafer, an indication of the nominal location of the mark, and an indication of the distance between the detected defect and the mark are transferred to a material removal tool. The material removal tool (e.g., a focused ion beam (FIB) machining tool) removes material from the surface of the wafer above the buried defect until the buried defect is made visible to an electron-beam based measurement system. The electron-beam based measurement system is subsequently employed to further analyze the defect.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a wafer comprising a plurality of viewing fields defined thereon, a plurality of dies defined by a scribe line formed in each viewing field, a plurality of mark patterns formed in the scribe line, and a plurality of anchor pattern respectively formed in the review fields, the anchor patterns being different from the mark patterns.

Abstract: An X-ray filter assembly is disclosed having a stack of X-ray attenuating sheets that are angled so as to have a focus point. When implemented in an imaging system, the focus point of the filter assembly is spatially offset (e.g., behind) the X-ray emission location. The filter assembly may be used (e.g., translated, rotated, and so forth) to adjust the intensity profile of the X-rays seen in an imaging volume.

Abstract: The present invention is a method to quantify biomarkers. The method uses an X-ray fluorescence spectrometer to perform an X-ray fluorescence analysis on the sample to obtain spectral features derived from the biomarker; and quantifying the X-ray fluorescence signal of the biomarker.

Abstract: A scanning-type X-ray fluorescence spectrometer according to the present invention includes a quantitative analysis condition setting unit configured to determine whether or not to add, as an analytical element, a new detected element other than preset sample constituting elements, from an absorption-enhancement effect degree of fluorescent X-rays on an analytical value of an analytical element and an overlapping effect degree by an interfering line on an analytical line of the analytical element, on the basis of qualitative analysis results and semi-quantitative analysis results of standard samples.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining at least one parameter associated with at least one media item, further comprising a first electrical contact element and a further electrical contact element supported in a spaced apart relationship via a contact support, wherein at least one electrical characteristic associated with a pathway between the first and further electrical contact elements is indicative of at least one parameter of at least one media item in contact with and extending between the first and further electrical contact elements.