Abstract: Methods and systems for tank level management are disclosed. In some aspects, one or more regions of interest are defined within an image acquired from an imaging sensor. Histograms of pixel values within each region of interest are generated, and thresholds delineating two groups of similar pixel values within each region of interest are determined. In some aspects, the tank level within each region of interest is based on the corresponding threshold. In some aspects, rows of pixel values within each region of interest are thresholded. The thresholded rows may be used to determine the tank level within the region. Some aspects determine whether the pixel values are bimodal based on the generated histogram. Unimodal pixel values may represent either an empty or full tank. A similarity to preconfigured values associated with full or empty tank conditions may facilitate identification of whether the tank is full or empty.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for measuring a level of a fluid in a container for holding a fluid, specifically a level sensor. The container is provided with a conduit for at least one of the supply and the removal of the fluid. A dynamic pressure probe, such as a pitot tube, is arranged in the conduit. The dynamic pressure probe is connected to a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure in the dynamic pressure probe. The fluid level in the container can be determined by using the measured pressure.

Abstract: A pulsed radar level gauge for determining the filling level of a product contained in a tank, comprising a frequency generator for generating a Tx frequency signal and a Rx frequency signal. The frequency generator includes one single oscillating crystal for providing an oscillator frequency fosc and frequency modifying circuitry. The frequency modifying circuitry comprises a path including a PLL configured to receive said oscillator frequency fosc as input frequency and deliver a regulated output frequency being equal to the oscillator frequency fosc multiplied M/N, and a frequency divider connected to receive the regulated output frequency and deliver an output frequency equal to the regulated output frequency divided by an integer factor P. A PLL combined with an integer frequency divider is used to generate at least one of the Tx and Rx frequencies based on an oscillator frequency provided by one single oscillator.

Abstract: A force exerted by a load is determined in a force-measuring device (1) operating under electromagnetic force compensation. The device includes a measurement transducer (18, 118) with a coil (20, 120) movably immersed in a magnet system (19, 119) and a force-transmitting mechanical connection between a load-receiving part (12, 112) and the coil or magnet system. A position sensor (21, 28), also part of the device, determines a displacement of the coil from its settling position relative to the magnet system (19, 119) which occurs when the load is placed on the load-receiving part. An electrical current (24) flowing through the coil generates an electromagnetic force between the coil and the magnet system whereby the coil and the load-receiving part are returned to, and/or held at, the settling position. The magnitude of current and the amount of displacement are used to determine the weight force exerted by the load.

Abstract: A livestock management system is provided that spray marks animals for sorting or market weight selection. The system includes a pen area partitioned into a feeding area containing at least one feeder and a common watering area containing at least one waterer. A walk-through scale has an inlet open to the watering area and an outlet open to the feeding area. The walk-through scale has a weighing device that determines if the animal is within the specified set weight for marking. The weighing device determines the weight of the animal as the animal center of mass crosses the center of the weighing platform. The system allows spray marking of the animal to be done in a stress free environment that improves overall growth potential.

Abstract: A loading weight detection device applicable to various mobile bodies can accurately detect loading weight with minimized number of input variables.

Abstract: Provided is a combination weighing device whereby a physical quantity for assessing the quantity of articles loaded on a conveyance path for conveying articles to a weighing part can be accurately sensed in non-contact manner in order to appropriately control the supplying of articles to the weighing part, without the sensing being affected by a structure above the combination weighing device and/or side walls provided to sides of the conveyance path. A combination weighing device (10) is provided with cameras (60) and a plurality of radial feeders (30) for conveying articles to weighing hoppers (50). The radial feeders (30) have side walls (31a) for surrounding sides of an article conveyance path. The side walls (31a) extend upward and along a conveyance direction of the articles. The cameras (60) sense, in non-contact manner, a physical quantity for assessing a quantity of articles loaded on the radial feeders (30).

Abstract: Apparatus and related methods are provided for automatically recalibrating a SAW scale for changing environmental factors. During a period of time when there is no change to a weight applied to the scale, readings of SAW transducers which relate to weight indications and environmental factor indications are taken for two adjacent operating modes of the scale, and two calibrated weight calculations are made utilizing those readings. The difference in calibrated weight calculations is then related to a variable utilized to transform the readings into weights, which is updated, thereby recalibrating the scale.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, and an optical sensing system. An optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, or an optical sensing system comprises a plurality of optical sensor modules and other electronic modules to achieve multi-site measurement. An optical sensor module comprises a light source, a photodetector, and a substrate. The light source is configured to convert electric power into radiant energy and emit light to an object surface. The photodetector is configured to receive the light from an object surface and convert radiant energy into electrical current or voltage. An optical sensing accessory, an optical sensing device, or an optical sensing system and comprise the optical sensor module and other electronic modules to have further applications.

Abstract: A filter mask for use in a flow cytometer includes light blocking features and light passing apertures. The flow cytometer operates to evaluate one or more characteristics of a sample by illuminating the sample and a carrier fluid and collecting light rays that are radiated from the sample and the carrier fluid. The light rays are passed through the filter mask. The light blocking features of the filter mask are arranged to selectively block radiated light at certain radiation angles, while permit light rays having other radiation angles to pass therethrough. A sensor analyzer receives the light rays that pass through to evaluate at least one characteristic of the sample. The light rays can also be separated into two beams, which can be independently filtered using different filter masks. The results can then be compared to provide even more information regarding characteristics of the sample.

Abstract: Techniques are provided to furnish a light sensor that includes a filter positioned over a photodetector to filter visible and infrared wavelengths to permit the sensing of ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. In one or more implementations, the light sensor comprises a semiconductor device (e.g., a die) that includes a substrate. A photodetector (e.g., photodiode, phototransistor, etc.) is formed in the substrate proximate to the surface of the substrate. In one or more implementations, the substrate comprises a silicon on insulator substrate (SOI). A filter (e.g., absorption filter, interference filter, flat pass filter, McKinlay-Diffey Erythema Action Spectrum-based filter, UVA/UVB filter, and so forth) is disposed over the photodetector. The filter is configured to filter infrared light and visible light from light received by the light sensor to at least substantially block infrared light and visible light from reaching the photodetector.

Abstract: A UV dosimeter function is provided in a portable multifunction device. The device utilizes a UV light sensor to detect the user's presence while outdoors and measure the cumulative outdoor exposure time. The cumulative UV exposure is optionally provided via a messaging service or alert, and a UV index value is optionally utilized with the cumulative outdoor exposure to determine the risk of skin damage and to provide user guidance relating to recommended protective measures. An ambient light sensor is optionally provided and is used to augment the UV light thresholds used to determine the light exposure state.

Abstract: A noise reduction apparatus includes a first delaying/combining unit configured to output first and second pulse light beams, and a second delaying/combining unit configured to branch the first pulse light beam into two pulse light beams to output third and fourth pulse light beams and branch the second pulse light beam into two pulse light beams to output fifth and sixth pulse light beams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microscope having an acousto-optic apparatus (13) that, with a mechanical wave that is characterized by a preferably adjustable frequency, removes from a polychromatic and collinear detected light bundle (18) portions of illuminated light, scattered and/or reflected at a sample, having an illuminating light wavelength associated with the frequency.

Abstract: A spectrometer includes a support having a bottom wall part in which a depression and a peripheral part are provided, and a side wall part, a light detection element supported by the side wall part while opposing the depression, and a dispersive part disposed on an inner surface of the depression. A length of the depression in a second direction in which a plurality of grating grooves included in the dispersive part is aligned is larger than a length of the depression in a third direction orthogonal to the second direction when viewed in a first direction in which the depression and the light detection element oppose each other. An area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the second direction is larger than an area of the peripheral part adjacent to the depression in the third direction when viewed in the first direction.

Abstract: Reflectometer, spectrophotometer, ellipsometer, and polarimeter systems having a supercontinuum laser source of coherent electromagnetic radiation over a range of about 400-about 2500 nm, a stage for supporting a sample and a detector of electromagnetic radiation, wherein the supercontinuum source provides a coherent beam of electromagnetic radiation which interacts with a sample, and the detector system comprises functional combinations of gratings and/or combination dichroic beam splitter-prisms, which themselves can be optimized as regards wavelength dispersion characteristics, directs wavelengths in various ranges to various detectors that are well suited to detect them.

Abstract: A detection device for a microscope comprises a dispersive element in the beam path of light and a selection element. The selection element separates a beam path of a spectral portion of the light from the beam path of the light. The detector device furthermore comprises a focusing optical unit configured to focus the beam path of the spectral portion of the light onto a sensor. By way of example, the microscope may be a confocal microscope.

Abstract: A spectroscopic device is disclosed. The spectroscopic device can include a beam collimation structure with a white light source. The beam collimation structure can also include a lens configured to generate a collimated light beam. The spectroscopic device can also include a polarization modulation structure. The polarization modulation structure can convert the collimated light beam into a common path light beam. The common path light beam can include a delayed component and a polarized component. The spectroscopic device can include a dual spectrum sensing structure. The dual spectrum sensing structure can sense a normalized spectral Stokes vector in real time speed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed for attaching a sensor system to luminaires of a variety of shapes and sizes. Specifically, a 3D sensor clip is disclosed with adjustable components configured to attached the 3D sensor clip to a luminaire such as to adjust the position of a color sensor in the 3D sensor clip relative to a luminaire. Devices, systems, and methods are also disclosed for using visual light communication (VLC)/dark light communication (DLC) for communications in a lighting system, including automated identification of luminaires.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a multi-spectral pyrometry system configured to receive a broad wavelength band radiation signal from a turbine component, to split the broad wavelength band radiation signal into multiple narrow wavelength band radiation signals, to determine emissivity of the turbine component based on the narrow wavelength band radiation signals, and to detect spall on a surface of the turbine component based on the emissivity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a temperature sensor system comprising a temperature probe element and a first ceramic housing part. The temperature probe element comprises a sensor element and electrical feed lines. The first ceramic housing part comprises a sleeve-shaped lower part with a closed lower end and an open upper end, and an upper part connected to the open upper end. The sensor element is arranged in the sleeve-shaped lower part. The upper part has recesses in which the electrical feed lines are partially arranged and guided. The lower part and the upper part form one piece. Also disclosed is a method for producing a temperature sensor system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a temperature sensing system integrated in a liquid crystal display panel and a liquid crystal display panel. The temperature sensing system includes a sensing unit (11), located in a display region (1) of the liquid crystal display panel, and a calculation and control unit (12), located outside the display region (1); the sensing unit (11) includes a first metal conductor (A) and a second metal conductor (B) located in the display region (1), and as a short circuit point exists between the two, a voltage difference generates between the two, and the voltage difference is converted into a digital signal with an analog to digital converter (122) after it is amplified by an operational amplifier (121), and finally, the micro controller unit (123) processes the digital signal to obtain a temperature in the liquid crystal display panel and to determine whether the protect temperature is reached.

Abstract: A sensor sheet has a planer shape to be disposed on a surface of a vehicle seat. The sensor sheet includes: a pliable planar main body capable of being disposed along the surface of the vehicle seat; a plurality of detecting portions provided in the main body; and a wiring line that is configured to supply power to each of the detecting portions, wherein each of the plurality of detecting portions is configured to transmit information detected from the surface of the vehicle seat to a controller through a wired or wireless communication, wherein the main body has an air permeability to enable circulation of air in a thickness direction, and wherein the plurality of detecting portions are arranged at a suitable interval in a surface direction of the main body.

Abstract: A temperature sensor 31A for bolted connections 8A, includes a thermally conductive housing 30 having a skirt portion 62 with an opening shaped to fit on a portion of a bolted connection of a bus bar. The skirt portion of the housing is configured to be in thermal contact with the bolted connection when the skirt portion is fitted on the bolted connection of the bus bar. The temperature sensor further includes a temperature transducer 70 in thermal contact with the housing. The temperature transducer is configured to sense a temperature of the housing which relates to a temperature of the bolted connection and to output signals to a data collector 1 via wireless or wireline communication.

Abstract: A solder degradation information generation apparatus related to a motor drive circuit that includes a power supply, a converter, a smoothing capacitor, and an electric motor is disclosed. The solder degradation information generation apparatus includes a semiconductor element that forms an upper arm of the converter and is bonded to a substrate via a solder, the substrate being cooled by a coolant, a measuring unit configured to measure a temperature of the semiconductor element and a processing device that generates information indicating a degradation state of the solder based on a measurement result of the measuring unit that is obtained during a period in which the smoothing capacitor is charged.

Abstract: A method of estimating heat distribution of an image display unit includes: calculating, based on image data, an average current value of a pixel area in a display surface, the pixel area including at least one pixel in an image display unit, the image display unit including pixels arranged therein; calculating heat generation amount data by multiplying the calculated average current value by a predetermined current-heat conversion coefficient to convert the calculated average current value into a value corresponding to an amount of heat generation; and adding the heat generation amount data to a value of a first heat distribution table to update the first heat distribution table, and creating a new first heat distribution table by performing a two-dimensional low pass filter process on the updated table before multiplying a value of the processed table by a predetermined heat dissipation coefficient, at every predetermined period.

Abstract: A device for determining an extreme temperature location from a plurality of locations connects along a daisy chain of devices each of which mounts to a respective location from the plurality of locations. The device includes an input terminal operably connected to a remote device at a remote location from the plurality of locations via the daisy chain. The input terminal receives a remote temperature signal indicative of a remote temperature corresponding to the remote location and a remote location signal indicative of the remote location. The device also includes a local temperature determining logic that generates a local temperature signal indicative of a local temperature corresponding to the location of the device, and at least one comparator operably connected to the input terminal and to the local temperature determining logic and configured to compare the local temperature signal to the remote temperature signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor die includes a discrete semiconductor device and at least one diode. The temperature of the discrete semiconductor device is determined by measuring a first forward voltage drop of the at least one diode under a first test condition, measuring a second forward voltage drop of the at least one diode under a second test condition and estimating the temperature of the discrete semiconductor device based on the difference between the first and second forward voltage drop measurements.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of using a current transformer for a temperature sensing device. The method determines the temperature of the current transformer's secondary winding by injecting a DC current into the secondary winding, measuring a voltage across the secondary winding, calculating the resistance of the secondary winding from the voltage induced into the secondary winding by the injected DC current and determining the secondary winding temperature by calculations or a comparison with verified resistance/temperature combinations.

Abstract: A waterproof food temperature probe includes a penetrating portion for inserting into food during cooking; a cable for coupling the penetrating portion to a display unit separated from the penetrating portion; and, a high temperature resistant seal portion permanently covering at least part of the penetrating portion and at least part of the cable. The seal portion prevents moisture from entering the penetrating portion thereby preventing the temperature probe from malfunctioning.

Abstract: The present invention relates to magnetoelastic resonators, sensors, and tunable devices, as well as methods for making such components. The resonators can be used as tags and/or sensors. In general, the resonators include one or more micron-sized resonator portions affixed on a substrate. For use as a tag, each tag includes a plurality of resonator portions that allow for multiplexed coding, and methods for making tags and arrays of such tags include use of electrodeposition processes. In particular embodiments, these components include an electrodeposited material that exhibits magnetostrictive properties.

Abstract: An FBG strain sensor for measuring strains to curved surfaces, includes a fiber which is fixed between two securing elements whose undersides are designed as adhesive surfaces, the optical fiber and these securing elements being embedded in a protective compound which consists of a soft silicone rubber or a plastic that has comparable mechanical properties, and the fiber being embedded between an upper and a lower thin sliding film or a sliding tube that consists of Teflon or of a plastic which has a low friction coefficient comparable to Teflon, the underside of the lower sliding film or the lower external surface-line of the sliding tube lying in a plane with the adhesive surfaces of the securing elements.

Abstract: The structure for detecting tooth-skipping of the speed reducer of the rotary driver is reduced in weight and size. In the rotary driver the occurrence of tooth-skipping is detected based on the difference in outputs from the encoders located at the input side (the side of the motor) and at the output side (the side of the load), which is opposite the input side in relation to the speed reducer.

Abstract: Claw portions opposing a magnet are disposed on inner edges of a first yoke and a second yoke. Wall portions are disposed on outer edges of the first yoke and the second yoke so as to extend in an axial direction. A distal end of the wall portion and another distal end of the other wall portion are spaced apart from each other in the axial direction and disposed to oppose each other. A magnetic sensor is disposed between the distal ends in the axial direction. End faces oblique to the axial direction are disposed on the distal ends and a distance between the distal ends on a radially inner side is made shorter than a distance between the distal ends on a radially outer side.

Abstract: A torque sensor terminal block structure includes an electric motor (1) which outputs driving force for driving a load (8), a strain body (3) interposed on a way of a power transmission system from the electric motor (1) to the load (8), a plurality of power detectors (4) which output a detection signal according to strain of the strain body (3) as a signal indicating the driving force, and a terminal block (6) which acquires the detection signal of the power detectors (4) and transmits the output result to a signal processing circuit section (10). The wirings to the signal processing circuit section (10) are twisted spirally as a single stranded wire, and an opening degree between single wirings when the stranded wire extending from the power detectors (4) to the terminal block (6) is unwound, is set to be same for each of the power detectors (4).

Abstract: A method for measuring a preload of a fastener is described. The method, which may be practiced at least in part by an apparatus, includes establishing an initial value associated with an absence of the preload of the fastener and providing an adapter and a transducer rotatably coupled to the adapter. The transducer may be positioned in contact with the fastener. The transducer is caused to direct an incident ultrasonic wave to the fastener and to receive a reflected ultrasonic wave from the fastener. Data associated with the incident ultrasonic wave and the reflected sonic wave is used to generate a modified value associated with the preload of the fastener, and the preload of the fastener is calculated based on a difference between the initial value and the modified value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for a pressure sensor device. The pressure sensor device includes a header that defines an interior cavity including one or more tether connecting regions. The header further defines an outer portion in communication with the interior cavity; the outer portion includes a plurality of through bores in communication with an exterior portion of the header for insertion of header pins through the header. The pressure sensor device includes a pressure sensor chip disposed within the interior cavity of the header. One or more anchoring tethers are attached to the corresponding one or more tether connecting regions. The pressure sensor chip is free to move within the interior cavity of the header, and the one or more anchoring tethers are in communication with the pressure sensor chip and are configured to limit movement of the pressure sensor chip within the header.

Abstract: An electronic device having a pressure detection system is disclosed. The electronic device may include one or more elements designed to detect pressure exerted on the electronic device. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a membrane and a detection mechanism, both of which bend in response to a pressure change at the membrane. The membrane may be electrically coupled with a circuit that detects the bending of the membrane and correlates the bending with a pressure change at the membrane. A can may be hermetically sealed with the membrane and surround the circuit to shield the circuit from liquid ingress. In some embodiments, a light transmitter and light receiver are used to detect the bending of the membrane. The light may reflect from the membrane at different angles, based upon a shape of the membrane, and contact the receiving element at different locations, corresponding to pressure change.

Abstract: Devices and corresponding methods can be provided to test an ionization gauge, such as a hot cathode ionization gauge, for leakage currents and to respond to the leakage currents to improve pressure measurement accuracy. Responding to the leakage current can include applying a correction to a pressure measurement signal generated by the gauge based on the leakage current. Responding to the leakage current can also include removing contamination causing the leakage current, where the contamination is on electrical feedthrough insulators or other gauge surfaces. Testing and correcting for leakage currents and removing contamination can be completed with the ionization pressure gauge in situ in its environment of use, and while the gauge remains under vacuum.

Abstract: What is shown and described is a clamping device (1) with hub centering for attachment of an automobile wheel to the shaft of a balancing machine, with a contact flange (2) with several centering elements (3) guided in a radially moveable manner on the contact flange (2) for centering engagement in a centering hole of the rim, and with a clamping sleeve (4) guided in a moveable manner axially to the contact flange (2), wherein the clamping sleeve (4) and the centering elements (3) are kinematically coupled such that an axial movement of the clamping sleeve (4) leads to a radial movement of the centering elements (3). According to the invention, a provision is made that at least one tension lever (16) connected in an articulated manner to the clamping sleeve (4) and a centering element (3) is provided for the kinematic coupling of clamping sleeve (4) and centering element (3).

Abstract: A system for detecting vehicle load anomalies during ground travel includes at least one inertial sensor sensing a pitch or a roll of a vehicle and outputting at least one of a pitch or a roll value; a computing device having a processor and a memory and an input coupled to an input and monitoring module, where said input and monitoring module receives one of the pitch or roll values output by the at least one inertial sensor, and said computing system further having a measuring module measuring an oscillation based on one of the output pitch or roll values and calculating an adjusted center of gravity value based on a comparison between an expected oscillation and the measured oscillation; said computing device having an output to an alert module that outputs an alert signal through said output if the adjusted center of gravity is outside of a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A shaft precision automatic measurement device for motors is provided that is able to automatically measure shaft precision of a motor.

Abstract: A system and a method for stability measurement and optimization are provided. For example, the method includes loading an object onto a tilting device that includes one or more sensor devices, collecting resting corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices, tilting the object using the tilting device, collecting tilted corner weight values from the one or more sensor devices while tilting the object using the tilting device, calculating, using a data processor of the tilting device, a center of gravity value based on the resting corner weight values, the tilted corner weight values, and dimensions of the object, generating, using the data processor, a tipping angle based on at least the center of gravity value and the dimensions of the object, and generating, using the data processor, a recommendation to adjust the tipping angle.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for determining whether a hermetically sealed cavity between opposing substrate wafers in a wafer level packaged (WLP) chip is leaking. The sensor assembly includes a thermal insulating layer provided within the cavity, and a heater and temperature sensor deposited on the insulation layer. The thermal insulating layer is made of a suitable dielectric that is compatible with WLP and MMIC fabrication processes and can be, for example, benzocyclobutene (BCB) or polyimide. The sensor is responsive to a current that heats the thermal insulation layer so that heat dissipated by the thermal insulation layer is drawn away by gas between the layer and the substrate that determines the temperature of the sensor, which is detected.

Abstract: Provided herein is an active joint module, and a robot for inspecting pipelines having the active joint module, the active joint module including a frame unit; a first bracket connected to one side of the frame unit in a rotatable manner, and to which a first module is coupled; a second bracket connected to another side of the frame unit in a rotatable manner, and to which a second module is coupled; and a bracket rotating unit supported to the frame unit, and is configured to rotate the first bracket and second bracket independently from each other in response to receiving an operating signal, and to unconstrain rotation of the first bracket and second bracket in response to there being no operating signal received.

Abstract: A first embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe body comprises a signal generator, a receiver, a correlator and a processor. A second embodiment of a detection apparatus arranged to detect defects within a flexible pipe at least partially surrounded by seawater comprises an impedance monitor and a processor. Methods of detecting defects within a flexible pipe body, a pipeline apparatus and methods of forming pipeline apparatuses are also disclosed.

Abstract: A tap-scan bridge damage detection system comprises: a mobile cart (1) capable of moving on a to-be-detected bridge; a tap subsystem (2) mounted on the mobile cart (1) and used for applying a tap load to the to-be-detected bridge; a signal acquisition subsystem (3) mounted on the mobile cart and used for acquiring a response signal transferred from the to-be-detected bridge to the mobile cart; and a signal processing apparatus (4) connected to the signal acquisition subsystem (3) and used for receiving and processing a signal acquired by the signal acquisition subsystem (3), and outputting the bridge damage information processed result. The tap-scan bridge damage detection system can detect bridge damage in a simple, convenient, efficient and accurate manner.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring a mode field diameter (MFD) of a single-mode fiber using an optical integration technique employing a gradually variable aperture. The method transforms, according to Petermann II definition, an integral operation in a formula of an MFD of a single-mode fiber into elementary arithmetic operations to be performed on a mean square value of the numerical aperture of the fiber. By using an optical integrator having a gradually variable aperture, the mean square value of the numerical aperture of the single-mode fiber can be precisely measured by one of the following three methods: translation, rotation and beam splitting, thus accordingly solving the MFD of the test fiber. The aforementioned measurement an MFD of a single-mode fiber is characterized by precision, high speed and convenience, and can be widely applied in various applications, such as measurement standards, automated test equipment, and engineering instruments.

Abstract: An automation cell incorporating elements for performing secondary operations on a machined part is adapted to be disposed adjacent to a machining center for performing the primary operations on the part. The cell incorporates a robotic arm capable of being moved into position with respect to the machining center so as to load machined parts into the machining center and unload primarily machined parts for the performance of secondary operations in the cell. In a preferred embodiment the automation cell performs roll check operations on the primarily machined gear by bringing it into meshed engagement with a master gear and rotating the meshed gears and employing a sensor to monitor the roll-out of the machined gear.

Abstract: A motor vehicle computer includes an input port connected to a crankshaft sensor and a module for processing signals received from the crankshaft sensor. The computer includes: a first adapting module, suited to making the signals, provided by a crankshaft sensor of a first type, conform to an input predefined format of the processing module; a second adapting module, suited to making the signals, provided by a crankshaft sensor of a second type, conform to the input format of the processing module; a routing unit suited to connecting the input port to the first or to the second adapting module; a unit for detecting the type of the crankshaft sensor connected to the input port; and a unit for commanding the routing unit according to the type of crankshaft sensor detected.