Abstract: A method of counting cords embedded in a rubber sheet including a step of acquiring raw waveform data by scanning the outer surface of the rubber sheet, a step of obtaining first corrected data by performing a moving average processing on the raw waveform data, a step of obtaining second corrected data D3 by converting the amplitude center j of the waveform of the first corrected data into a straight line, a step of obtaining concave-center-position data, a step of obtaining first corrected concave-center-position data, and a step of obtaining second corrected concave-center-position data.

Abstract: A system for measuring a direction of the face of a driver in a vehicle includes a sensor system for measuring a distance between a headrest in the vehicle and the face of the driver, and a controller communicatively connected to the sensor system and configured to collect the measured distance for a predetermined period of time, calculate an average distance between the headrest and the face of the driver by using the collected distance, and compare the calculated average distance and a current distance between the headrest and the face of the driver to determine the direction of the face of the driver in the vehicle.

Abstract: An adhesively coupled power-meter measures one or more of force, torque, power, and velocity of a mechanical arm. The power meter includes a plate with a first surface prepared for adhesively coupling to the mechanical arm. At least one strain gauge is physically coupled with a second surface, opposite the first, of the plate and with an orientation corresponding to an orientation of the adhesively coupled power meter such that mechanical forces are transferred from mechanical arm to the at least one strain gauge when the plate is adhesively coupled to the mechanical arm. The power meter also includes electronics for receiving a signal from the at least one strain gauge and for determining one or more of force, torque, power and velocity from the signal, and a wireless transmitter for transmitting one or more of force, torque, power and velocity to a receiving device.

Abstract: A signal processing device for performing processing for reducing noise in a displacement amount measured on a basis of light reflected from a detection object includes a moving-average calculating unit that performs moving average calculation for an input signal to reduce a noise component included in the input signal and an infinite impulse response filter that reduces a noise component included in an input signal by digital signal processing. A filter coefficient of the infinite impulse response filter is determined on a basis of a difference between a first calculation result output by the moving-average calculating unit and a second calculation result output by the infinite impulse response filter when a same signal is input to the moving-average calculating unit and the infinite impulse response filter.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a space and dimension determining device, which is useful for placement, mounting, hanging and leveling a picture, shelving, or any other object onto a receiving surface. The present device is capable of locking into position capturing the dimensions and allowing for “measureless” transfer of dimensions from one place to another. The present disclosure further relates to a device incorporating a laser, either as part of, or a separate, attachable feature to, the present device, the laser being useful for assisting in determining center points, and a plurality of dimensions and readings equal distance from the center point. The present disclosure also relates to a system and method of transferring dimensions from a space determining device to an electronic communication device, which is used to create a template for placement of an item or items within a target space.

Abstract: A level includes an end cap releasably attached to a level body. The end cap is configured to be inserted in, and withdrawn from, the level body with a sliding fit. Accordingly, the end cap can be withdrawn from the level body simply by squeezing with the fingers of one hand two opposing actuators formed in the end cap against the bias of respective living hinges to release detents from detent apertures formed in opposing side walls of the level body, and then using the same hand to slide the end cap out of the level body without having to touch the level body with either hand.

Abstract: A remote survey system uses a GNSS receiver, an on-board camera and a vision subsystem to provide real time three-dimensional (3D) global position information for a survey point that is in a location in which access to line-of-sight GNSS satellites signals is restricted. The camera takes images of the restricted access survey point location from unrestricted access locations and the GNSS receiver determines associated global positions. The vision system tracks an object of interest and at least three secondary objects at the restricted access survey point location in a plurality of the images and determines the positions of the objects relative to the camera and the orientations of the camera for the respective images. Using the relative positions, the camera orientations and the global positions of the camera, the vision subsystem calculates the global position of the restricted access survey point.

Abstract: A technique is provided to measure an alignment of an imaging device of a guided projectile containing an imager and a world coordinate frame, and includes producing a pure rolling motion of a body of the projectile, capturing a series of images of an imaging device calibration target over a range of body roll angles of the rolling body, measuring the roll angles of the rolling body with respect to a world coordinate frame as defined by the imaging device calibration target, simultaneously estimating alignment angles of the imaging device and misalignment angles associated with an orientation of the body, and estimating a rotational transform between an imaging device coordinate frame and a body coordinate frame based on the estimated alignment angles and misalignment angles.

Abstract: A micromechanical detection structure includes a substrate of semiconductor material and a driving-mass arrangement is coupled to a set of driving electrodes and driven in a driving movement following upon biasing of the set of driving electrodes. A first anchorage unit is coupled to the driving-mass arrangement for elastically coupling the driving-mass arrangement to the substrate at first anchorages. A driven-mass arrangement is elastically coupled to the driving-mass arrangement by a coupling unit and designed to be driven by the driving movement. A second anchorage unit is coupled to the driven-mass arrangement for elastically coupling the driven-mass arrangement to the substrate at second anchorages. Following upon the driving movement, the resultant of the forces and of the torques exerted on the substrate at the first and second anchorages is substantially zero.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting rotation based on the Sagnac effect is disclosed. Input light having sufficient power is injected into a circulating optical resonator to thereby excite an optomechanical oscillation of the resonator at an instantaneous mechanical angular frequency. Rotation of the circulating optical resonator causes a change in a frequency of the optomechanical oscillation of the resonator, which in turn causes the instantaneous mechanical angular frequency to change. The optomechanical oscillation produces modulation sidebands in the resonating optical field at the instantaneous mechanical angular frequency and harmonics thereof, which are demodulated from the optical frequency by detection in a photodetector. Differences in the instantaneous mechanical angular frequency induced by rotation are detected by processing the photodetector output signal.

Abstract: A navigation system is disclosed. The navigation system includes an image capturing device, a positioning device, and a processing device. The image capturing device is configured to capture an image of an object fed by a user. The positioning device is configured to obtain positioning information of the navigation system. The processing device is configured to: calculate a feature code based on features of a logo in the image; retrieve a piece of address information of a location corresponding to the feature code from a database; and calculate a route from the current location to the location corresponding to the piece of address using the positioning information and the piece of address information. A navigation method is also provided.

Abstract: Systems and methods for adjusting or providing instructions to spraying systems are provided. In an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus to identify sensitive areas is provided. The apparatus comprising: a module to electronically receive sensitive area information, the sensitive area information related to one or more sensitive areas proximate to a first specified location; a module to electronically receive an identity of a first substance to be sprayed at the first specified location; and an alert mechanism to provide an indication of a first sensitive area proximate to the first specified location which is sensitive to the first substance.

Abstract: A method for generating a routable map of a spatial environment, the method comprising the steps of: positioning a transponder in a location within said spatial environment at least one sensor; associating at least one sensor with said transponder, said at least one sensor being rotatable in at least one plane; measuring distances within said spatial environment with said at least one sensor relative to said location; and composing a local map model of spatial environment based on said measurements.

Abstract: Systems and methods for calibrating odometry of a materials handling vehicle. One embodiment of a method includes determining a current location of the materials handling vehicle, determining an odometry distance from the current location to a destination based on a calculation of a determined number of rotations of a wheel and a circumference of the wheel, and determining a positioning system distance from the current location to the destination. Some embodiments include comparing the odometry distance with data from the positioning system distance to calculate a scaling factor, applying the scaling factor to a fast alpha filter to achieve a fast filter result, and applying the scaling factor to a slow alpha filter to achieve a slow filter result. Similarly, some embodiments include applying the fast alpha filter to the scaling factor to smooth noise, calculating an updated odometry distance utilizing the scaling factor, and utilizing the updated odometry distance.

Abstract: Adaptive route guidance can include analyzing route progressions associated with one or more routes based on multiple user preferences. The adaptive route guidance can provide one or more preferred routes based on the user preferences, which can be presented to a user for navigation purposes.

Abstract: Computationally implemented methods and systems that are designed for receiving a request for transporting one or more end users towards a destination location; providing a travel plan for facilitating the one or more end users to travel to the destination location from a starting location, the travel plan identifying at least two route legs including at least one transport route leg that calls for at least one transportation vehicle unit to transport the one or more end users over the transport route leg; and directing the at least one transportation vehicle unit to rendezvous with the one or more end users at a rendezvous location in order to transport the one or more end users over the transport route leg. In addition to the foregoing, other aspects are described in the claims, drawings, and text.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method comprises receiving, at a backend server, a first request for a shared ride and a desired drop-off location from a first passenger; analyzing, by the backend server, a plurality of prospective routes to a plurality of prospective drop-off locations that are within a drop-off area associated with a desired drop-off location; selecting, by the backend server, a first drop-off location for the first passenger from the plurality of drop-off locations and a route to the first drop-off location based upon the likelihood of receiving a request for a shared ride with a prospective pick-up location within a limit of deviation from the route; and navigating a driver for at least a portion of the selected route.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for managing a fleet of ridesharing vehicles. In one implementation, the system may include a communications interface configured to receive a ride request from a user and receive, from a plurality of communication devices associated with a plurality of vehicles-for-hire, indications of current locations of the vehicles-for-hire. The system may further include at least one processor configured to: receive real time traffic data including information about at least one of street blockages and atypical congestion; identify an area of traffic obstruction in a vicinity of the user's starting point; select a vehicle-for-hire to pick up the user; identify a pick-up location, remote from the user's starting point, peripheral to the area of obstruction; send to the user information about the pick-up location; and send to the selected vehicle-for-hire driving directions to the pick-up location that substantially avoid the area of obstruction.

Abstract: Data indicative of a plurality of duration times is obtained, each duration time relating to a dynamic POI of a set of a plurality of dynamic POIs that have a similar location, and are of similar type. Each duration time is in respect of a given time. The data indicative of each duration time is representative of a difference between a time at which the dynamic POI was in an active state and a time at which the dynamic POI was in an inactive state. The obtained duration time data and the associated time data are used to obtain a duration time function indicative of a variation in duration time with respect to time. The duration time function is associated with data indicative of a given geographic location.

Abstract: Driver assistance in a motor vehicle using a navigation system and a road sign display system, wherein: the navigation system accesses map data representing road segments of a road network in the geographic proximity of the motor vehicle and road signs located on the road segments, determines and provides a current position of the motor vehicle located on a road segment, and provides first information of at least one road sign which is located on a road segment to be traveled by the motor vehicle based on the current position of the motor vehicle; the road sign display system detects, based on environment information in front of and/or sideways of the motor vehicle captured via a camera unit, at least one road sign in regard to its position at a road segment and/or its meaning, and provides this second information to the driver assistance system; and wherein the first and second information are compared with each other, and, if the first and second information do not coincide, the first information provided b

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an information providing method for an on-demand service. The method may include receiving service request information from a passenger of a passenger terminal device. The service request information may include a departure location of the passenger. The method may further include acquiring historical service request information related to the passenger; and determining travel-route-related information based at least in part on the departure location of the passenger and the historical service request information. Also disclosed is a system for implementing the method.

Abstract: An augmented reality visualization framework for precision traffic analysis combines traffic data with content representative of physical-world characteristics, such as conditions in an intersection or roadway in which traffic activity occurs, and images of the intersection and roadway itself. The framework includes a visualization platform that enables display of the combined traffic data and content representing physical-world characteristics, and continual augmentations of such information in response to adjustments directed by users or automatically detected from actions such as user movement, other user manipulation, or movement of the visualization platform itself. The framework enables traffic applications such that a user can, when the platform is interfaced with intersection or roadway equipment, adjust machine activity or signal timing based upon the visualizations or data presented via the visualization platform.

Abstract: A network system can receive, from a user device of a requesting user, a query related to a first service. If the network system determines that a first service provider is in progress of providing a second service for the requesting user, the network system can identify, based on a service location of the second service, a plurality of entities that provide items available for selection in association with the first service. The network system can further determine whether to select the first service provider to fulfill the request for the first service based on an estimated first service duration associated with the first service and an estimated duration remaining for the second service. The first service duration can be estimated based on respective timing information associated one or more items selected by the requesting user. The network system can update a route for the first service provider.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method, system and computer program product for cognitive parking guidance. In an embodiment of the invention, a method for cognitive parking guidance includes initially receiving in memory of a computer either an express or implied definition of a navigation waypoint for a specified vehicle. The method also includes retrieving from over a computer communications network into the memory of the computer, a set of available parking spaces within a pre-specified distance of the navigation waypoint and loading into the memory of the computer a context of the vehicle. The method yet further includes filtering the available parking spaces in the set into a subset of one or more available parking spaces in accordance with the context. Finally, the method includes displaying a location of a selected one of the parking spaces in the subset in a display of the computer.

Abstract: Systems and method are provided for controlling a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving semantic map data, via a processor, wherein the semantic map data includes traffic light location data, calculating route data using the semantic map data, via a processor; viewing, via a sensing device, a traffic light and assessing a state of the viewed traffic light, via a processor, based on the traffic light location data, and controlling driving of an autonomous vehicle based at least on the route data and the state of the traffic light, via a processor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for aligning, calibrating, or inspecting an onboard vehicle sensor having an external field of view by providing a calibration component on a support structure for positioning at a short calibration distance of said sensor. The calibration component is configured to appear to the sensor as if it was positioned at a predetermined linear calibration distance from the vehicle which is greater than the actual short calibration distance.

Abstract: In a method of sensor output configuration, sensor output specifications for a plurality of sensor clients of a sensor are acquired. A first sensor output specification for a first of the sensor clients defines a first value for a sensor parameter. A second sensor output specification for a second of the sensor clients defines a second value for the sensor parameter. The first value and the second value are different. A sensor processing unit, which includes the sensor, is configured based on the sensor output specifications to: simultaneously provide an output of the sensor to the sensor clients according to the first value while a first operational condition is met; and simultaneously provide the output of the sensor to the sensor clients according to the second value while a second operational condition is met, wherein the first operational condition and the second operational condition are different.

Abstract: A magnetic field sensor is disclosed that includes at least one magneto-resistive spin-valve sensor element configured to sense a first magnetic field component H1, and at least one AMR sensor element configured to sense a second magnetic field component H2 which is perpendicular to the first magnetic field component H1. In one example the at least one magneto-resistive spin-valve sensor element is a tunnel magneto-resistive (TMR) or giant magneto-resistive (GMR) sensor, and in one example the AMR sensor element includes an antiferromagnetic layer coupled to a ferromagnetic layer generating a bias magnetization for the AMR sensor element.

Abstract: A device for inductive positioning comprises a coil, an element for influencing a magnetic field in the area of the coil, a signal generator for providing a digital signal and a delay element with an input and an output, wherein the delay element is designed on the basis of the coil and a delay period between a signal edge at the input and a corresponding signal edge at the output is dependent on the inductance of the coil. The device further comprises a comparator to provide a digital differential impulse, whose length is dependent on a time difference of corresponding signal edges at the input and the output of the delay element, an integrator to provide a voltage depending on the length of the differential impulse and an evaluator to determine the position of the coil in reference to the coil based the voltage.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a sensor arrangement for the contactless sensing of angles of rotation on a rotating part includes a disk-shaped target coupled to the rotating part. The disc-shaped target has at least one metal surface and generates at least one piece of information for ascertaining the instantaneous angle of rotation of the rotating part in connection with a coil arrangement. The coil arrangement has at least one flat detection coil. The arrangement further includes at least one measuring circuit that converts the inductance of a corresponding at least one flat detection coil into a measuring signal. The inductance changes due to eddy-current effects, as a function of the degree of overlap with the at least one metal surface of the rotating target. The arrangement further includes an evaluation and control unit that detects the measuring signal using measurement techniques and evaluates the signal for calculating the angle of rotation.

Abstract: A sensor includes an electrode, an insulator, a pressure receiver, and a pressure imparting unit. The insulator is disposed at a position facing the electrode and away from the electrode. The pressure receiver is disposed on a surface of the insulator on a side opposite to the electrode. The pressure imparting unit presses a part of the insulator toward the electrode at a position different from the pressure receiver to contact the insulator with the electrode. The insulator generates power by contact charging or separation charging with respect to the electrode, to output the power as a signal.

Abstract: A sensor manufacturing method is a method for manufacturing a sensor including a generator that generates a predetermined detection target, a detector that detects the detection target generated by the generator, and a motion body that performs motion in the area in between the generator and the detector. In the method, the generator and the detector are positioned opposite to each other by either curving or bending a substrate including a first portion having the generator installed thereon and a second portion having the detector installed thereon that are formed in an integrated manner, and the substrate and the motion body are made to perform relative movement in such a way that the motion body enters the area in between the generator and the detector.

Abstract: In an arrangement of a traffic infrastructure and an optic sensor system (10, 20), the traffic infrastructure has a traffic carrying surface (51) for providing support of conveyance elements (92) of a vehicle (90), therewith allowing movements of the vehicle over the traffic carrying surface. The optic sensor system (10, 20) comprising an interrogator (10) and at least one fiber optic sensor (20) arranged below the traffic carrying surface that is coupled to the interrogator. The at least one fiber optic sensor (20) comprising an optic fiber (21) with a plurality of optic strain-sensor elements (22) distributed over its length. The plurality of optic strain-sensor elements (22) have mutually different optical characteristics, e.g. a mutually different characteristic wavelength.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement includes a sensor element and a magnet module. The sensor element is configured to measure a magnetic field and is positioned within a shaft. The shaft is configured to shield the magnet module and the sensor element. The magnet module is configured to generate the magnetic field. The sensor element is at least partially positioned within the shaft.

Abstract: Position sensor mounts for mounting one or more position sensors to one or more various fluid control valves and/or actuators for such valves. One such position sensor mount includes a base, a toggle clamp fixedly attached to the base, and an engagement assembly. The base has a mount for coupling to a position sensor and a first clamp jaw. The toggle clamp has a second clamp jaw that opposes the first clamp jaw. The toggle clamp automatically adjusts to provide a fixed clamping force at different distances between the first clamp jaw and the second clamp jaw. The engagment assembly is carried by the second jaw and includes at least a first clamp pad having a distal end that directly faces the first clamp jaw and swivels relative to the second clamp jaw.

Abstract: A mounting structure for a peripheral information detection sensor includes an aeropart that is disposed above a cabin of a truck, the aeropart including a wall surface that faces toward a front direction, a wall surface that faces toward an upper direction, wall surfaces that face outward in a transverse direction, and a wall surface that faces toward a rear direction. The peripheral information detection sensor is mounted within a space enclosed by the wall surfaces, and a cover is provided on at least one wall surface that lies opposite the peripheral information detection sensor.

Abstract: An in-line inspection tool for a pipeline includes a body that is propelled through the pipeline and a plurality of sensor assemblies mounted to the body. The sensor assemblies are distributed circumferentially about a central axis of the body with each sensor assembly configured to move through a range of radial positions in a respective radial direction. A first sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a first elongate arm, a first sensor carried by the first arm, and a first spacer that extends from the first arm. A second sensor assembly of the plurality of sensor assemblies includes a second elongate arm and a second sensor carried by the second arm. The first spacer contacts the second arm and maintains an expected circumferential spacing between the first arm and the second arm over the range of radial positions as the body is propelled through the pipeline.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for health monitoring and early warning for an electronic device. A sensor is used to monitor a physical parameter of a circuit board of a host electronic system of the electronic device to acquire sensor data, and transmit the acquired sensor data to an embedded control device. The sensor data includes at least one of current data, vibration data, temperature data and voltage data. The embedded control device is used to extract a feature from the sensor data to acquire feature data, and perform real-time analysis and prediction based on the feature data to obtain and display a prediction result. In this way, the user can be provided with real-time health monitoring and real-time prediction information for the host electronic system circuit board.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer arrangement has a housing for mounting the ultrasonic transducer arrangement in a through-hole in a housing of an ultrasonic water meter in a mounting plane. The housing of the meter contains an ultrasonic measuring section along which a transit time measurement can be carried out by the ultrasonic transducer arrangement. The ultrasonic transducer arrangement has a transducer body located in the housing for generating and/or receiving an acoustic signal, a housing wall assigned to the transducer body through which the acoustic signal runs, and an electrical contact for connecting the transducer body to a voltage or current source. The transducer body is positioned in the housing at an oblique angle with respect to the mounting plane. A holding device, which is oriented at an oblique angle with respect to the mounting plane is provided inside the housing, which exerts a holding force oriented towards the housing wall.

Abstract: A thermal flow-rate sensor includes: a first temperature sensor that detects the temperature at a specified location of the outer-wall surface of a pipe; a heat-transfer element that is arranged on the outer-wall surface of the pipe in a state separated from the first temperature sensor, and that exchanges heat with a measurement medium by heating or cooling the outer-wall surface of the pipe; a second temperature sensor that detects the temperature of a portion of the outer-wall surface of the pipe that is heated or cooled by the heat-transfer element; and a control unit that performs specified processing.

Abstract: A mass flow sensor module and method of manufacture thereof are provided, wherein a semiconductor sensor die is integrated within an enhanced molded housing structure that maintains an air tight seal and protects the die from abrasive wear, and which also provides laminar flow of the liquid gas to be sensed. Since the die is embedded in the substrate; there is no need for a spacer for reducing die thickness induced flow turbulence. Moreover, the die surface is at the same level as the top surface of the substrate, such that there is no performance impact due to die thickness variation and therefore no die attach bond line thickness control requirement. In one embodiment, a thermal enhancement capability is provided.

Abstract: A thermal type air flow meter, capable of suppressing deformation of a base member at the time of molding to secure dimensional accuracy and reduce an influence of a dimension change on measuring accuracy, is to be placed in an intake passage of an internal combustion engine. The thermal type of air flow meter includes a resin component having a secondary passage into which part of the air passing through the intake passage can flow, and a circuit board configured to output a signal according to an air flow rate based on a signal from a flow rate detecting element disposed on the circuit board. The circuit board on which the flow rate detecting element is disposed is installed so that the flow rate detecting element is placed in the secondary passage.

Abstract: A heater control circuit in a fluid flow sensor. The circuit comprises first, second, and third resistors, a heater resistor, a trimmable resistor, and a switch. A positive terminal of the first resistor is connected to a positive terminal of the trimmable resistor, a negative terminal of the first resistor is connected to a positive terminal of the heater resistor, a negative terminal of the trimmable resistor is connected to a positive terminal of the second resistor, a negative terminal of the second resistor is connected to a positive terminal of the third resistor, and a negative terminal of the heater resistor is connected to a negative terminal of the third resistor, the terminals of the second resistor are attached to the terminals of the switch, where the switch is configured closed in a calibration mode and configured open in a flow sensing mode.

Abstract: A system for estimating fluid flow in a system including a pump and a fluid vessel operatively coupled to the pump via a conduit is described herein. The system comprises an accelerometer affixed to an exterior surface of the conduit, wherein the accelerometer is configured to generate signals representing physical movement of the conduit, and wherein the signals are suitable for estimating fluid flow in the conduit.

Abstract: A method for improving fuel efficiency testing precision in on-road vehicles. The method comprises: installing one or more dataloggers in one or more vehicles, each datalogger configured to receive fuel consumption data broadcast by an on-road vehicle's engine control unit (ECU); transmitting the fuel consumption data from the one or more dataloggers in the one or more on-road vehicles to a processor; and analyzing, using the processor, the fuel consumption data from the one or more dataloggers in the one or more on-road vehicles to determine fuel efficiency of the one or more on-road vehicles. The fuel consumption data comprises fuel rate data from the ECU which is transmitted through the one or more dataloggers, engine speed and other operating parameters from the ECU that are transmitted through the one or more dataloggers, torque sensor data which is transmitted through the one or more dataloggers, and traditional fuel log data.

Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for calibrating the volume of storage containers using ultrasonic inspection techniques. The exemplary ultrasonic calibration system comprises a plurality of acoustic devices controllably deployed in respective positions on the outside surface of the container. The acoustic devices include a transducer for sending acoustic signals across the internal volume of the container and sensors configured to detect the acoustic signals. The acoustic devices are in communication with a diagnostic computing device that controls the positioning and the operation of the acoustic devices and is further configured to determine the time time-of-flight of acoustic signals that travel between the various acoustic devices. Moreover, according to the specific arrangement of acoustic devices and the measured acoustic signal information, the control computer is configured to calculate the dimensions of the container and its internal volume.

Abstract: A method for the functional diagnosis of an electromechanical fill state measuring device in which a displacement element on a measuring wire is lowered into a filling material in a container such that in an equilibrium state, the weight of the displacement element minus a displacement element buoyancy, which depends upon at least one equilibrium volume, is determined to be equal to a resulting weight of the displacement element. The resulting weight is specified, and the specified resulting weight is kept constant by correspondingly changing the length of the measuring wire in the equilibrium state. The fill state of the filling material is ascertained using the length of the lowered measuring wire. In order to diagnose a function, the specified value of the equilibrium volume of the displacement element is changed, and the resulting change in the length of the measuring wire is ascertained on the basis of the constant equilibrium state of the resulting weight.

Abstract: A system includes a fluid reservoir, a differential pressure sensor, and a controller. The fluid reservoir has a bottom and is to hold a fluid. The differential pressure sensor is coupled to the bottom of the fluid reservoir and to sense a pressure difference between pressure exerted on the differential pressure sensor by the fluid and pressure exerted on the fluid in the fluid reservoir and to provide at least one signal that indicates a fluid level in the fluid reservoir. The controller is to receive the at least one signal and determine a fluid volume in the fluid reservoir based on the at least one signal. Also, the controller is to provide at least one of a fluid level signal that indicates the fluid level in the fluid reservoir and a fluid volume signal that indicates the fluid volume in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A detector probe, for detecting ionizing radiation and which is suitable for use in a nucleonic instrument usable in locations having a high ambient temperature, includes an array of radiation detectors mounted on a support and a heat pipe for cooling the detector probe. The nucleonic instrument incorporating such a detector probe is also described.

Abstract: A float gauge assembly for a storage tank having a port with an opening includes a body for attachment to the port of the storage tank and a gauge mountable to the body, the gauge having a gauge face for indicating a level or amount of material present in the storage tank, a float mechanism mounted to the body and cooperating with the gauge, the float mechanism including a float movable relative to the body in an operating position, the float being sized so that the float is unable to be inserted into the storage tank though the opening in the port, and a tube coupled to the float and having a dimension sized for inserting through the opening in the port, and an alignment element configured to rotationally fix the tube to the body when the float is in the operating position so that the gauge face accurately indicates the level of material in the storage tank when mounted to the body.