Abstract: The disclosure facilitates the generation and provision of stop locations based on context data and transaction data associated with a user's account. Context data indicating a location and travel path of a user is collected from a computing device of the user and a plurality of stop locations are identified by a recommendation engine based on the context data. User transaction data associated with the user is received by the recommendation engine. User preference data is determined by the recommendation engine based on the transaction data. The recommendation engine provides a recommendation of at least one stop location based on the user preference data, whereby the user is enabled to select a stop location based on the recommendation. Generating recommendations based on the user's transaction data and context data provides reliable recommendations to the user and enhances the efficiency of the user's stops while traveling.

Abstract: A system that automatically communicates the event or potential event of a blocked railroad grade crossing to various users, including but not limited to emergency dispatchers and drivers, news media, traffic management systems, and the general public, specifically the location, time, and duration of the event or potential event. The system applies multiple technologies to detect the presence of activity on a rail line, transmits this detection data to a database, performs various analyses on the data, and communicates the status of grade crossings (blocked, potentially blocked, upcoming blockage, or clear) to assist various users with information to make more informed decisions.

Abstract: A method for determining the position of a vehicle, including sensing of multiple objects in a surround field of the vehicle, detecting a sequence of the multiple sensed objects in a digital map and determining a position of the vehicle in the digital map based on a position of the detected sequence in the digital map. An apparatus for determining the position of a vehicle, as well as to a computer program are also described.

Abstract: A map application generates a map context that includes information such as the current location and route of a user of a device, and a recent search history. The map context is provided to one or more background applications of the device, which use the map context to determine any content items that may be relevant to the user of the device. The determined content items are provided to the map application, and are presented to the user in the map application. In another implementation, applications running on the device save metadata related to the content items that were provided to the user by the applications. Later, when a user opens the map application, the map application selects content items based on the saved metadata and a map context, and presents the selected content items to the user in the map application.

Abstract: A navigation system provides lane guidance for a navigation route. The navigation route specifies actions for a user to navigate a route from an originating point to a destination along a set of road segments. The lane guidance at a position along the navigation route scores the lanes and provides the lane scoring for the user. To score the lanes, the navigation system determines a lane distance for each lane indicating how far along the navigation route a user may continue to use this lane, without shifting to another lane. The lane distance may be measured up to a look-ahead distance. The lane distance includes distance along subsequent road segments of the route, such that when a lane turns onto a lane on another road segment according to the navigation route, the distance along the other road may be included in the lane distance.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer program product are provided for providing an indication of parking space favorability proximate a vehicle and a routing algorithm to reach the most desirable parking spaces of a parking facility. A method may include: providing route guidance for a vehicle within a parking facility; determining a favorability of a parking space proximate the vehicle in response to receiving an indication of vehicle location within the parking facility; and providing an indication of the favorability of a parking space proximate the vehicle where the indication of favorability includes an indication of a distance from the vehicle to a pedestrian access point of the parking facility and an indication of a distance from the pedestrian access point to the final destination. The routing algorithm may compute a route through the most suitable clusters of available parking spaces based on favorable criteria such as distance, availability, and desirability.

Abstract: System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to improving situational awareness of occupants of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes analyzing, using at least a processor of the vehicle, scan data from a sensor of the vehicle to detect at least one object within the surrounding environment. The method includes converting the scan data into converted data that represents the at least one object with a reduced quantity of data. The method includes rendering, using the converted data, at least one graphic that is a visual representation of the at least one object. The method includes displaying the at least one graphic within a display of the vehicle at a location within the display that represents a location of the at least one object relative to the vehicle in the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A measurement device includes: attachment holes, provided on a scale frame with respect to a measurement direction; rear-face bushings inserted into the attachment holes from a rear face side of the scale frame; and fasteners that fix the scale frame to first measurement target part. Each of the rear-face bushings includes: a cylinder part, which is formed shorter than the length of the attachment holes with respect to a penetration direction and is formed having an outer diameter smaller than the inner diameter of the attachment holes; a flange, which is formed at the end of the cylinder part located toward the first measurement target part and which has an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the attachment holes; and an elastic member, which is cylindrical in shape and is provided covering the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder part.

Abstract: A ring-shaped magnet arrangement for use in determining a rotational angle of a rotatable shaft. The ring-shaped magnet arrangement being connected to or formed as part of the rotatable shaft for co-rotation with the rotatable shaft around a rotational axis. The ring-shaped magnet arrangement includes a first ring portion including a first wedge surface and a second ring portion including a second wedge surface. The first wedge surface and the second wedge surface form a wedge in a sensor facing end of the ring-shaped magnet arrangement. The sensor facing end is axially opposite a radial end of the ring-shaped magnet arrangement.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in landing identification. In this regard, a method is provided comprising receiving pulse information over a first time period, wherein the pulse information is indicative of an angular distance traveled by a first wheel, comparing the pulse information to a threshold value, and determining a likelihood of a landing event based upon the comparison. In various embodiments, a system is provided comprising a monstable multivibrator in electrical communication with a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET), a resistor-capacitor network in electrical communication with the MOSFET, and a comparator that receives a voltage from the resistor-capacitor network and a reference voltage.

Abstract: A rotary element is equipped with a pattern representing a reflected binary code on at least three bits. A detection circuit is configured to sense the pattern and deliver an incident signal encoded in reflected binary code on at least three bits. The incident signal is converted by a transcoding circuit into an intermediate signal encoded in reflected binary code on two bits. A decoding stage decodes the intermediate signal and outputs at least one clock signal representing the amount of rotation of the rotary element and a direction signal representing the direction of rotation. A processing circuit determines the movement of the rotary element, and has at least one general purpose timer designed to receive the at least one clock signal and direction signal.

Abstract: An encoder includes a light emitting portion emitting light, an optical element portion splitting the light into a first beam and a second beam, an optical scale receiving the first beam and the second beam from the optical element portion, and a light receiving portion receiving the first beam and the second beam from the optical scale and outputting a signal in accordance with intensity of the received light, in which the optical element portion includes a prism on which the light is incident, a beam splitter disposed on the prism and splitting the light incident on the prism into the first beam heading for the optical scale and the second beam heading for an inside of the prism, and a first mirror portion disposed on the prism and reflecting the second beam from the beam splitter toward the optical scale.

Abstract: An optical encoder configuration comprises a cylindrical or planar rotary scale including yawed grating bars, an illumination source, a structured illumination generating arrangement (SIGA) and a detector arrangement including a photodetector. The SIGA is configured to input source light to a first illumination region on the rotary scale which diffracts light to a beam deflector configuration which transmits the diffracted light in a form that provides a particular fringe pattern proximate to a second illumination region on the scale. The scale filters and outputs that light to form a detector fringe pattern of intensity bands that are long along the rotary measuring direction and relatively narrow and periodic along a detected fringe motion direction (DFMD) transverse to the rotary measuring direction. The photodetector is configured to detect a position of the intensity bands as a function of rotary scale displacement and provide corresponding displacement or position signals.

Abstract: Provided is a photoelectric encoder that can achieve higher accuracy while maintaining reliability by reducing stray light. An encoder 1 is a photoelectric encoder including a light source device 2 that emits parallel light, a scale 3 having calibrations C provided along a measurement direction, and a light receiving unit 4 that receives light being emitted from the light source device 2, and transmitted through the scale 3. The encoder 1 includes an antireflection member 30 that prevents stray light generated by being reflected on the scale 3, from entering the light receiving unit 4. Because the encoder 1 includes the antireflection member 30, the encoder 1 can achieve higher accuracy while maintaining reliability by reducing stray light entering the light receiving unit 4.

Abstract: Aspects of spectrometer secondary reference calibration are described. In one embodiment, a diagnostic measurement for evaluation of an aspect of calibration in spectroscopy is performed. A result of the diagnostic measurement is analyzed to determine a deviation from an expected result. Based on the analysis, a correction algorithm may be applied to the aspect of calibration, in view of the deviation. In some embodiments, a product model diagnostic measurement is also performed for further evaluation of the aspect of calibration. A result of the product model diagnostic measurement is analyzed to determine a product model deviation from an expected result of the product model diagnostic measurement, and a product model correction algorithm is applied, if necessary. According to aspects of the embodiments described herein, using secondary reference standards permits reconstruction of calibration parameters without any need for a master instrument or other forms of calibrated reference instrumentation.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure aim to provide advanced multiphase flow meters utilizing advanced sensor configurations and data analysis. In an embodiment, a system is provided and configured with permittivity sensors configured around the throat section of an extended throat venturi enclosure. In a particular embodiment, the permittivity sensors in the described system are configured with a computer system or a micro-computer system, that can be configured with a computer circuit board comprising a processor, memory, networking capability, and software.

Abstract: There is described a fluid flow measuring and control device for installation within plumbing. The device comprises a main flow channeling system having an inlet and an outlet for connection to the plumbing, and a bypass channeling system in parallel from the main flow channeling system. A flowmeter is provided in the bypass channeling system for measuring the fluid flow in the bypass channeling system and thereby estimating the fluid flow at the inlet or at the outlet of the main flow channeling system. The flowmeter may comprise a wheel and a pair of movement sensors. A valve such as a solenoid valve can be provided as an on/off control for the plumbing. Using a microcontroller, the device can identify which appliance is used and determine consumption, or detect abnormal use or leaks and close the valve and/or notify a user mobile device.

Abstract: A measurement system for providing real-time tracking. The measurement system includes a system tracking measurement unit, a system tracking processing unit, and a user interface device for receiving data corresponding to one or more system conditions over an electronic communications channel, the user interface device including a display. The system tracking measurement unit calculates temporal flow data when the orientation of one or more objects corresponds to an event trigger value and transmits the data to the system tracking processing unit. The system tracking processing unit determines one or more tracking parameters based on the temporal flow data. In addition, the system tracking processing unit determines one or more system conditions based on the one or more tracking parameters. The system tracking processing unit transmits data corresponding to the system conditions for display on a user interface device.

Abstract: A method of characterizing gas flow within a housing includes: positioning one or more gas flow sensors in the housing; introducing a gas flow into the housing; using the one or more gas flow sensors to generate two or more gas flow measurements at spaced-apart locations within the housing; and recording the two or more measurements to create a gas flow map.

Abstract: A display device includes: a first display area displaying first characteristics digitally, a second display area displaying each of second characteristics as a scalar value, and a third display area displaying each of third characteristics as a rotational angle, and the first to third characteristics are displayed on a same display.

Abstract: An example fuel quantity indicating system includes a fuel tank, optical sensors mounted inside the fuel tank that each include a sensor chip and a diaphragm that deflects when ambient pressure differs from a reference pressure of the sensor chip, an optical fiber bundle that has an optical fiber connected to each of the optical sensors for guiding light to each of the optical sensors, and a processor connected to the optical fiber bundle for receiving outputs of the optical sensors indicative of respective pressures, and for determining a fuel level measurement of the fuel tank based on the outputs of the optical sensors.

Abstract: A level sensor and housing therefor, the level sensor provides a measurement of the depth in a sewer manhole or chamber. The level sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer that emits a signal to measure the liquid below and may use an additional transducer or it is used by itself to detect the signal reflected from the surface. A parabolic reflector is designed and arranged to direct the emitted ultrasonic signal from the transducer to the surface with a linear beam while minimizing the beam spread. The return echo may either be measured directly or with the same transducer that was used to transmit the ultrasonic signal. The narrow ultrasonic beam with limited spread will allow measuring level in a sewer manhole or confined chamber or any sewer where the level is measured close to a vertical wall.

Abstract: A mounting structure includes a mounting object member and a liquid level detecting device. The liquid level detecting device includes a device main body which is mounted on a mounting surface of the mounting object member and a holder which is attached to the device main body and is rotated according to a variation of a liquid level of liquid stored in a tank. The mounting object member has a pair of lock portions which lock side portions of the device main body respectively and a pair of projections. The device main body has a pair of hooks. The hooks have respective claws. The hooks are formed closer to the mounting surface in a thickness direction of the device main body than a holder movable area of the device main body.

Abstract: A weighing apparatus for a filling line for filling containers of pharmaceutical, medical, food products and the like includes a weighing unit and a suction unit designed to generate a suction air flow directed and adjusted in such a way as to affect in a controllable manner the value of a weight detected by the weighing unit.

Abstract: An example method for in-flight determination of a gross weight of an aircraft includes causing an aircraft to perform a first flight operation defined by a first airspeed that is substantially constant and a descent rate that is substantially constant, determining the first airspeed and a first thrust that caused the aircraft to perform the first flight operation, the first thrust being substantially constant during the first flight operation, causing the aircraft to perform a second flight operation defined by a second airspeed that is substantially constant and a descent rate that is substantially constant, determining the second airspeed and a second thrust that caused the aircraft to perform the second flight operation, the second thrust being substantially constant during the second flight operation, and using the first thrust, the second thrust, the first airspeed, and the second airspeed to determine the gross weight of the aircraft.

Abstract: A micromachined ultrasonic transducer (MUT). The MUT includes: a substrate; a membrane suspending from the substrate; a bottom electrode disposed on the membrane; a piezoelectric layer disposed on the bottom electrode and an asymmetric top electrode is disposed on the piezoelectric layer. The areal density distribution of the asymmetric electrode along an axis has a plurality of local maxima, wherein locations of the plurality of local maxima coincide with locations where a plurality of anti-nodal points at a vibrational resonance frequency is located.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a lens module. The lens module includes a lens barrel with an accommodation space; a lens group accommodated in the accommodation space; a filter, a bracket and a sensor set in turn by an image side of the lens group and located outside the accommodation space. The bracket includes a top wall forming an optical aperture. The top wall includes a first surface facing an object side, a second surface opposite to the first surface and a third surface connecting the first surface to the second surface for forming an optical aperture. The third surface is a curved surface.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a radiation detection panel, a housing configured to accommodate the radiation detection panel, and a buffer member. The housing has an opening in a corner. The buffer member includes a first portion fixed inside the housing and a second portion protruding from the opening of the housing to an outside of the housing. An elastic modulus of the second portion of the buffer member is lower than an elastic modulus of a portion of the housing which forms the opening.

Abstract: A method of detecting a spot shape of a pulsed laser beam, includes applying a pulsed laser beam having a wavelength absorbable by an inspection wafer held on a chuck table continuously to the inspection wafer with a focused point on an upper surface of the inspection wafer thereby to form a plurality of laser spots on the upper surface of the inspection wafer. An image of the laser spots is captured, and profiles of shapes of the laser spots are extracted from the captured image of the laser spots. A degree of similarity between the captured image and the profile of an ideal laser spot shape is calculated and stored in a memory. The shapes of the laser spots are found to be improper if the calculated degree of similarity is lower than a threshold value.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of and a system for determining a beam quality factor (VQF) of a beam of light having a transverse electric field that may be scalar, vector, or a combination thereof, wherein the VQF is a measure of the degree of vectorness of the beam of light varying between pure scalar and pure vector. The beam is typically a laser beam, wherein the method comprises receiving an input laser beam to be analysed and splitting the received beam of light into two orthogonal components. A predetermined number of modes or states per orthogonal component is then detected and an on axis intensity of each detected mode or state detected is measured. The measured intensities is then used to calculate the VQF in terms using at least one quantum mechanical entanglement measure.

Abstract: A programmable controller for controlling an ultraviolet (UV) sensor may adjust an excitation voltage provided to the UV sensor based at least in part on a programmable sensitivity offset in order to produce an excitation voltage that results in a desired UV sensitivity for the UV sensor. The programmable sensitivity offset may be set for the UV sensor at the factory, set during commissioning of the UV sensor in the field, and/or automatically altered over time to help compensate for a degradation in sensitivity of the UV sensor.

Abstract: A UV exposure dosimetry system includes at least one UV sensor that measures the UV irradiance intensity. The system can generate extrapolated UV intensity data based on measured UV intensity data to correct unreliable UV measurement due to inconsistent irradiation of UV light. The system integrates the extrapolated UV intensity data over time to calculate real-time UV dosage and vitamin D production by taking into account factors including UV sensor location, body surface area, clothing coverage, and sunscreen usage. Based on the measurement, the system can predict the time remaining to skin burn and the time remaining to reach daily goal of vitamin D production. The system is also adapted to measure sun exposure time based on the corrected UV intensity over a period of time. The UV dosimetry system supports multi-user control through an advanced and user friendly input and output interface.

Abstract: Provided is a printer system for printing a repositionable note. The system includes a printer that prints a repositionable note and a cartridge that accommodates the repositionable note and is coupled to the printer. The cartridge includes an indication unit that indicates color information previously defined for the repositionable note accommodated in the cartridge, and the printer includes a sensing unit matched with the indication unit included in the cartridge to sense color information of the repositionable note indicated by the indication unit and recognizes a color of the repositionable note accommodated in the printer and changes a Bluetooth search name according to the color of the repositionable note. The system further includes a user client that can be linked to the printer via Bluetooth and is connected to a predetermined printer by using the Bluetooth search name.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spectroscopic device including a planar lightwave circuit to which light passing through an optical fiber is input, a wavelength divider configured to divide a wavelength of light passing through the planar lightwave circuit, a beam splitter configured to divide a traveling direction of light passing through the wavelength divider into an external sample inlet and an internal sample inlet and adjust power of the divided light, a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor configured to covert light transmitted from the internal sample inlet to an electrical signal or convert light reflected by the external sample inlet to an electrical signal, a control and signal processor configured to process the electrical signal to indicate a light intensity based on each wavelength, and an input and output interface configured to perform a spectrum analysis for each wavelength using the processed electrical signal.

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

Abstract: Sensor calibration methods and systems can for providing accurate color values are disclosed. In one example, a method includes obtaining color measurements that indicate an amount of ambient light, as well as clustering the color measurements, and storing cluster parameters for the clustered color measurements. The method can further include automatic calculation of, for each cluster, generic transformation parameters for conversion of a color measurement to a calibrated color value. In another example, a method can include exposing a light sensor to a calibration ambient lighting, calculating sensor correction parameters for the light sensor, and storing the calculated parameters. As an additional example, an electronic device is adapted to determine calibrated color values with machine readable media storing cluster parameters, sensor correction parameters, and generic transform parameters used by the electronic device to calculate calibrated color values for ambient light sensor measurements.

Abstract: A system and process scans a target area at a distance of 3-30 m for one or more materials. Scanning is performed by a coherent transmit beam aimed with the help of a thermal camera. The active source of the beam is a supercontinuum (SC) laser. The transmitted source beam is modulated by a high-speed Fourier-transform spectrometer prior to interaction with the target. Target reflected source beam is detected by an infrared detector, along with a reference portion of the transmitted source beam, as a series of interferograms; passed through a digitizer for digitizing the interferograms; and processed to producing spectrograms, wherein the spectrograms are indicative of one or more materials on the target.

Abstract: According to one embodiment of the present invention, a terahertz wave concentrating module can comprise: a first lens for changing a terahertz wave, which is emitted while a terahertz Bessel beam penetrates an object to be inspected, so as to have a small angle; and a second lens for concentrating, on a detector, the terahertz wave having passed through the first lens.

Abstract: The thermal sensing layer for a microbolometer includes a Ge1-xSnx film layer, where 0.17?x?0.25. The Ge1-xSnx film layer may be deposited on a substrate layer, such as pure silicon. An additional layer of silicon dioxide may be added, such that the silicon dioxide layer is sandwiched between the silicon substrate and the Ge1-xSnx film. In order to make the Ge1-xSnx thin film layer, germanium (Ge) and tin (Sn) are simultaneously sputter deposited on the substrate, where the atomic ratio of germanium to tin is between 0.83:0.17 and 0.75:0.25 inclusive. The sputter deposition may occur in an argon atmosphere, with the germanium having a deposition rate of 9.776 nm/min, and with the tin having a deposition rate between 2.885 nm/min and 4.579 nm/min.

Abstract: A server device includes a controller. The controller is configured to acquire temperature information that is information associated with a temperature of a predetermined area inside a vehicle, the predetermined area being configured to store a luggage and the predetermined area being configured to be locked and unlocked. The controller is configured to acquire luggage information that is information on the luggage to be stored in the predetermined area, and determine whether the predetermined area is an environment suitable for storage of the luggage at a scheduled storage time of the luggage based on the luggage information and the temperature information.

Abstract: In one example, the present disclosure describes a magnetic temperature sensor. For instance, in one example, an apparatus includes a first magnet, a magnetometer housing the first magnet, and a temperature converter coupled to the magnetometer. The first magnet includes a material having a magnetic field whose strength fluctuates in response to changes in temperature. The magnetic field induces an electric current in the magnetometer. The temperature converter then converts a measurement of the electric current to a corresponding measurement of temperature.

Abstract: Provided is a surface acoustic wave device using a novel and steadily suppliable piezoelectric material that is resistant to a high-temperature environment and enables the surface acoustic wave device to use a 2 GHz to 2.5 GHz band or higher. The surface acoustic wave device includes: a piezoelectric substrate formed from a monocrystal of gehlenite (CAS: Ca2Al(AlSi)O7); and interdigital transducers formed on a surface acoustic wave propagation plane of the piezoelectric substrate.

Abstract: The present disclosure illustrates a temperature sensing device capable of automatically switching mode, and a method thereof. The temperature sensing device includes a control unit configured to determine that the temperature sensing device is to enter or leave from a first mode or a second mode; a power supply unit configured to provide power required by the temperature sensing device; a power circuit including the power supply unit and is electrically connected to the control unit for power supply. The power circuit includes a detection unit electrically connected to the power supply unit and the control unit, and the detection unit is configured to detect when the temperature sensing device is moved from a standing state, and enable the control unit to determine that the temperature sensing device is to leave from the first mode and enter the second mode.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature sensor including a first current generator configured to generate a proportional to absolute temperature (PTAT) current, a second current generator configured to generate an inverse PTAT (IPTAT) current, the PTAT current and IPTAT current being combined to form a reference current having a sensitivity relative to temperature, a plurality of current mirrors to adjust the sensitivity and gain of the reference current, and a variable resistor to set an output calibration voltage based on the generated current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a fracture ring sensor and a method of using the same to detect out of tolerance forces. Aspects of the invention include a product having a defined an out of tolerance force, a fracture ring sensor, and a mounting assembly coupling the fracture ring sensor to the product. The fracture ring sensor is patterned with a conductive trace and is manufactured to break when subjected to a predetermined amount of force. The predetermined amount of force is substantially equal to a percentage of the out of tolerance force of the product.

Abstract: A sensor device may include an elastic dielectric; a sensing unit including a first wiring and a second wiring for outputting sensing signals, and a flexible printed circuit board provided with a first connection terminal to which the first wiring is connected, and with a second connection terminal to which the second wiring is connected. The first wiring is formed on one surface of the dielectric and may be connected to the first connection terminal. The second wiring is formed on another surface of the dielectric facing the surface on which the first wiring is formed and may be connected to the second connection terminal.

Abstract: A sensor device may detect pressure. The sensor device may comprise: an elastic dielectric; a first wiring formed on one surface of the elastic dielectric; a second wiring formed on another surface of the elastic dielectric facing the surface on which the first wiring is formed; and a flexible printed circuit board, which is connected to the first wiring and the second wiring, for receiving signals transferred from the first wiring and the second wiring.

Abstract: A rotary device includes a stationary member, a rotary member, a sensor device including a sensor rotor, a first sensor, and a second sensor, and a processing device. The first sensor is configured to output a waveform signal that is delayed in phase when the rotary member is displaced relative to the stationary member. The second sensor is configured to output a waveform signal that is advanced in phase when the rotary member is displaced relative to the stationary member. The processing device is configured to calculate a displacement of the sensor rotor based on a difference between a first rotation angle and a second rotation angle, to correct the calculated displacement, and to calculate a load acting on the rotary device from the corrected displacement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to force sensors and force sensor substrates for use with surgical devices. A force sensor includes a substrate, a plurality of sensing elements, a distal plate, and a pin block assembly. The substrate includes a proximal portion and a distal portion including a proximally-facing surface in fluid communication with a distal surface via an opening extending therebetween. The plurality of sensing elements are mounted on a sensing area of the distal surface of the substrate. The distal plate is welded to the distal surface of the substrate, hermetically sealing the plurality of sensing elements between the distal plate and the distal surface of the substrate. The pin block assembly is welded to the proximally-facing surface of the distal portion of the substrate, hermetically sealing distal ends of a plurality of conductive pins between the pin block assembly and the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an optical cable comprising a plurality of cable sensors helically wound around a support; and an outer jacket that is disposed on the plurality of cable sensors and surrounds the plurality of cable sensors; where each cable sensor comprises an optical fiber; where the optical fiber comprises an optical core upon which is disposed a cladding; a primary coating; a deformable material surrounding the optical fiber; and an outer tube surrounding the deformable material; where the optical fiber is of equal length to the outer tube; and where an allowable strain on the optical cable with zero stress on the optical fiber is determined by equations (1) and (2) below: ? = ? 2 ? ( D + d 2 ) 2 + p 2 p - ? 2 ? ( D - d 2 ) 2 + p 2 p = ? 2 ? dD p 2 = 10 ? ? dD p 2 ( 1 ) ? × 100 = Percent ? ? elongation ? ? or ? ? contraction ; ( 2 ) where d is the amount of optical fiber clearance for free movement