Abstract: The technology of a zero loop-area oblique-incidence Sagnac interferometer and methods of using the Sagnac interferometer to detect magneto-optic Kerr effect is disclosed. An example apparatus includes: a light source configured to generate an optical beam; a beam splitter; a polarizer configured to separate the optical beam into two orthogonal components; a modulator configured to phase-modulating at least one of the two orthogonal components to produce a modulated pair of orthogonal components; a polarization dependent delay optics configured to direct the modulated pair of orthogonal components toward a surface of a sample to cause the modulated pair of orthogonal components to incident on the surface at an oblique angle; a mirror configured to reflecting the modulated pair of orthogonal components back towards the beam splitter; a photo receiver configured to receive a return beam redirected by the beam splitter; and a phase-sensitive detector.

Abstract: A method for measuring angular displacement is disclosed. The method includes preparing a sensor, where the sensor includes a first semi-cylindrical dielectric rotatable relative to a rotation axis, a second semi-cylindrical dielectric fixed relative to the rotation axis, and a transmission line that is located between the first semi-cylindrical dielectric and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric. The first semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a first plurality of periodic air-gaps and the second semi-cylindrical dielectric includes a second plurality of periodic air-gaps.

Abstract: A machine data collection system uses tachometer timing information to perform post-collection synchronization of measurement data that was collected asynchronously using multiple sensors. In machine predictive analysis systems, timing information derived from a tachometer signal is typically used to make measurement calculations per rotation. A tachometer key signal that is detected by an event-triggered digital input can also be used to post-synchronize measurement data. Although a timestamp is not accurate enough alone for post-collection synchronization, the combination of a tachometer key signal and a timestamp can be accurate enough for post-collection synchronization.

Abstract: A fiber optic sensor and related method are described, with the sensor including a cross-coupling element in the optical path between a polarizing element and a sensing element, but separated from the sensing element itself; with the cross-coupling element generating a defined cross-coupling between the two orthogonal polarization states of the fundamental mode of a polarization maintaining fiber guiding light from the light source to the sensing element thus introducing a wavelength-dependent or temperature-dependent sensor signal shift to balance wavelength-dependent or temperature-dependent signal shifts due to other elements of the sensor, particularly signal shifts due to the wavelength dependence of the Faraday effect or the electro-optic effect constant.

Abstract: A method for installing a probe assembly in a case of a gas turbine engine the method including installing a first portion of the probe assembly within a first section of the case, and installing a second portion of the probe assembly within a second section of the case. A case assembly within a gas turbine engine the case assembly including a case in at least one of a compressor and a turbine, and a probe assembly. The probe assembly including a first portion positioned within a bore of the case, and a second portion positioned within an inset of the case, the bore having a smaller diameter than the inset.

Abstract: A moving-member detecting device includes an image acquiring unit and a speed calculating unit. The image acquiring unit includes a light source configured to emit a light beam to a detecting position of a moving member; an area sensor configured to acquire image data of a one- or two-dimensional image; and an area-sensor control unit configured to acquire the image data. The image acquiring unit is configured to acquire pieces of image data of the moving member at first and second positions, respectively, in a moving direction of the moving member so as to acquire the piece of position image data for the second position when the moving member is at the second position after acquiring the piece of image data for the first position. The speed calculating unit is configured to calculate a moving speed of the moving member from the pieces of image data.

Abstract: A communication device includes: a plurality of sensors, each of which includes at least one sensor element that detects information relating to a single detection target and an output circuit that generates an output signal based on a detection signal of the sensor element and transmits the output signal; and a controller that acquires the output signal. One of the sensors transmits the output signal to the controller at an output timing that is shifted, by a predetermined period shorter than a length of one period of the output signal, from another output timing when another one of the sensors transmits the output signal.

Abstract: A, a frequency-to-voltage converter including a calculation module, a quantification module and a signal processing module is disclosed. The calculation module receives a frequency signal and calculates a rotational speed signal according to the frequency signal. The quantification module is coupled with the calculation module and receives the rotational speed signal. The quantification module quantifies the rotational speed signal according to a quantification equation and generates a digital quantified signal. The signal processing module is coupled with the quantification module, receives the digital quantified signal, and converts the digital quantified signal into a digital voltage signal. As such, the proper transition time and ripple magnitude can be endured at the same time.

Abstract: Means are provided for the support of the automated process of supplying beverages. More particularly, the detection of the presence and the contents of exchangeable supply packs in beverage dispensing machines is automated. A pack-in-place detection is provided by emitting light and measuring the presence of the emitted light on one light detector, the system determines the absence or the correct/incorrect placement of the supply pack. A product availability detection is provided by detecting the intensity of light coming through a transparent element in the supply pack by another light detector, the system identifies the degree of product presence in the supply pack.

Abstract: A position detection apparatus includes a signal output configured to output a plurality of signals, the position detection apparatus detecting a relative position of a position detection target from a reference position on the basis of the plurality of signals, a relative position detection unit configured to detect the relative position of the position detection target from the reference position on the basis of the plurality of signals, an absolute position detection unit configured to detect an absolute position of the position detection target on the basis of the plurality of signals; and a reference position setting unit configured to set the absolute position detected by the absolute position detection unit as the reference position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a meter retrofit and method for use thereof, utilizing a transducer with an encoder driven by a rotating shaft of a meter reading dial, the transducer including a plurality of encoder contacts surrounding a rotation axis, with each encoder contact connected to a magnetic switch. A wiper connects to the shaft and rotates around the rotation axis, sequentially contacting the plurality of encoder contacts, providing a variable signal to a monitoring device.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method provide an output signal indicative of a speed of rotation and a direction of rotation of a ferromagnetic object capable of rotating. A variety of signal formats of the output signal are described.

Abstract: A control system for use in safety critical human/machine control interfaces is described, more particularly a joystick type control system and particularly a joystick type control system utilizing magnetic positional sensing. The control system provides a control input device having a movable magnet, a pole-piece frame arrangement positioned about the magnet, at least three magnetic flux sensors being positioned in said pole-piece frame arrangement and a monitoring arrangement for monitoring the output signal of each of said at least three sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical drive having a motor with a rotor and a stationary stator, which has a coil arrangement, and having a motor controller for controlling the motor, with the motor controller being configured to pass current through the coil arrangement in order to produce an excitation field, with the coil arrangement having a plurality of coil winding sections, and with each coil winding section having a plurality of coil sections, wherein the polarity of at least one coil section of the plurality of coil sections of each coil winding section can be selectively reversed with respect to the other coil sections of the coil winding section. The drive is particularly suitable for use for an electrical tool.

Abstract: A fan speed testing system for testing a testing fan includes a testing fan, a collecting module, a processing module, a converting module; and a displaying module. A label is attached to the testing fan and capable of rotating with the testing fan. The collecting module is configured to collect light reflected off of the label as the fan rotates in order to produce a pulse signal. The processing module is configured to adjust the pulse signal to be a standard square wave. The converting module is configured to obtain a fan speed data of the testing fan according to conversion times between high levels and low levels of the standard square wave. The displaying module is configured to display the fan speed data.

Abstract: A system includes a transceiver module and a rotating device. The transceiver module generates an electromagnetic (EM) field using an antenna. The rotating device includes N transponders arranged such that each of the N transponders passes through the EM field during one revolution of the rotating device. Each of the N transponders damps the EM field when passing through the EM field. The transceiver module determines a rotational speed of the rotating device based on a number of times the EM field is damped during a period. N is an integer greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: A solar simulator for measuring the current-voltage characteristics of photovoltaic devices, in which an irradiated test plane of the object to be measured is disposed opposite an illuminating surface of the light source, the whole test plane of the photovoltaic devices is divided imaginarily into a plurality of sections, and a selected member for adjusting irradiance is disposed opposite the test plane of each imaginary sections so as to equalize or substantially to equalize the irradiance by the light source at every irradiated test plane of the sections, after which light from the light source is directed onto the test plane of the object to be measured.

Abstract: An angular position sensor and method that relies on a stationary circular array of Hall sensors and a rotatable circular array of magnets arranged about a common axis. A periodic and simultaneous reading of all of the Hall sensor outputs is used to determine angular velocity.

Abstract: A pulse generator wheel has a cylindrical wall provided with windows distributed about a circumference of the cylindrical wall and closed axially at a first end by a ring. The ring is made of circumferentially extending profiled sections of profiled parts that are separated from one another. The pulse generator wheel is made by stamping in a round sheet metal about the circumference profiled parts each having at least one profiled section extending in the circumferential direction for forming windows between the profiled parts. The profiled sections are spaced from one another in the circumferential direction. The profiled parts are erected and the profiled sections then form a circumferential ring delimiting the windows axially.

Abstract: A fan assembly includes a sensor, a display device, and a fan. The sensor is coupled to the fan, to sense a rotary speed of the fan in real time, and to output a speed signal. The display device is coupled to the sensor, and to calculate the rotary speed of the fan according to the speed signal, and convert the rotary speed to a digital signal to be shown.

Abstract: A device for measuring angular velocity of a rotating tire, comprising a plurality (“m” pieces) of light reflection marks (3) disposed on an outer surface of a sidewall portion (2s) of a tire (2) so as to be located on a circumference line (j) of a single circle centered on a tire axis (i), a light sensor (5) fixed to a vehicle body (4) and capable of detecting passing of the light reflection marks (3) rotating with the tire (2), and a calculation means (7) for calculating the angular velocity Vr of the tire (2) by detecting passing of the light reflection marks (3) with the light sensor (5).

Abstract: A water meter has a meter register having an encoder having electromagnetic wave emitters, e.g., infrared emitters to measure water flow and direction of water flow through the meter. The encoder has two of three spaced emitters directing infrared rays at predetermined time intervals toward a rotating detector wheel having a reflective surface portion and a non-reflective surface portion facing the emitters and an infrared sensor. The reflective surface portion of the detecting wheel reflects the infrared rays incident thereon toward the sensor. A microprocessor connected to the sensor acts on signals from the sensor to determine material flow. The meter register transmits the signal to a distant receiver. The microprocessor of a meter register has an algorithm to prevent the meter register from sending signals until after the meter register or a water meter having a meter register is installed and water moved through the meter.

Abstract: A rotation detecting device includes a rotation detecting unit for providing first and second rotation signals in response to rotation of a rotating object and a signal processing circuit for processing the signals to provide rotation data such as the rotation direction, rotation speed and rotation position.

Abstract: A vehicular rotation speed sensing apparatus contains a base, a spindle pivoted inside the base, whose one end is mounted to a magnetic force device axially. The vehicular rotation speed sensing apparatus further includes a magnetic force sensor mounted along the axial direction of the spindle and fastened on the base, so as to sense the variation of the magnetic field lines of the magnetic force device. The magnetic force device is located between the spindle and the magnetic force sensor and the spindle rotates in the spindle hole by inserting the spindle in the spindle hole on the wheel base of motorcycle.

Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.

Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.

Abstract: An airbag deployment sensor has a cartridge containing a quantity of tape one end of which is attached to the inside surface of an airbag cushion. Deployment of the cushion pulls tape from the cartridge at a rate that is monitored by transmitting light through the tape, or by detecting the presence of metalized, or magnetic shielding portions, of the tape.

Abstract: A device is presented having an optical emitter/receiver device. The device has a light pipe connected with the optical emitter/receiver device. Also a rotating shaft having at least one opening. The light pipe is situated within the rotating shaft. At least one bearing having a reflective marker is connected to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a position detecting apparatus that can adequately perform gain adjustment and offset adjustment and can suppress deterioration in position detection accuracy. The position detecting apparatus according to the present invention includes a position sensor outputting at least two phases of position detecting signals according to the movement of an object, and a signal adjusting unit performing the gain and offset adjustment of each position detecting signal by using adjustment data. In addition, the position detecting apparatus includes a counter that counts a wave number from a reference position, and a memory circuit that stores adjustment data corresponding to the wave number. Then, the signal adjusting unit adjusts gains and offsets of the position detecting signals on the basis of the adjustment data that corresponds to the counted wave number and is stored in the memory circuit.

Abstract: A device is presented having an optical emitter/receiver device. The device has a light pipe connected with the optical emitter/receiver device. Also a rotating shaft having at least one opening. The light pipe is situated within the rotating shaft. At least one bearing having a reflective marker is connected to the shaft.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation sensing device of a fan apparatus adapted to a chamber in a handler which can sense whether the fan apparatus is rotated or not by using a sensor dog and an optical sensor. The rotation sensing device includes: a sensor dog being installed at the outer circumferential surface of a shaft installed inside a case and being configured to be spread a predetermined length larger than the diameter of the stop state when a centrifugal force is generated by the rotation of the shaft; an optical sensor receiving light reflected from the surface of the sensor dog and producing a sensing signal of the light if the sensor dog is spread the predetermined length by scanning the light to the sensor dog; and a main controller judging that the fan apparatus is rotated upon receipt of the sensing signal of the light from the optical sensor.

Abstract: A transmitter system for a Ferraris motion transmitter, includes a magnetic measuring arrangement including at least one magnetic field generator for generating a magnetic field and an electrically conductive measuring body, with the magnetic field generator and the measuring body movable relative to one another in operation. Coupled to the magnetic measuring arrangement is a magnetic field sensor for providing an output signal commensurate with a velocity or acceleration of the measuring body. At least one of the magnetic field generator and the magnetic field sensor includes at least two magnetic members interlocking one another in concentric relationship to the measuring body for guiding the magnetic field as a result of eddy currents forming during operation.

Abstract: A light beam output from a magneto-optical current transducer using the Faraday effect is divided into two output light beams. A first output light beam is applied, via an output polarizer, to a first optical input of a processing unit. A second output light beam is applied to a second optical input of the processing unit. The processing unit converts the two beams into electrical signals U1 and U2, then computes a first quantity R=U1/U2, determines the AC component (RAC) and the DC component (RDC) of the first quantity and deduces therefrom a second quantity S=RAC/RDC enabling the electric current to be measured to be determined.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotation sensing device of a fan apparatus adapted to a chamber in a handler which can sense whether the fan apparatus is rotated or not by using a sensor dog and an optical sensor. The rotation sensing device includes: a sensor dog being installed at the outer circumferential surface of a shaft installed inside a case and being configured to be spread a predetermined length larger than the diameter of the stop state when a centrifugal force is generated by the rotation of the shaft; an optical sensor receiving light reflected from the surface of the sensor dog and producing a sensing signal of the light if the sensor dog is spread the predetermined length by scanning the light to the sensor dog; and a main controller judging that the fan apparatus is rotated upon receipt of the sensing signal of the light from the optical sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus for replacing an electromagnetic device that senses vehicle wheel rotation by detecting slots in a rotary device, where the replacement apparatus avoids interaction with stray magnetic fields. A replacement apparatus (24) includes a connector frame (60) that holds a pair of optical fibers (40,42) having parallel front end portions. The frame forms a pair of highly reflective surfaces (70,72) that are angled so light moving forwardly from the first optical fiber tip is reflected through the slots to the tip of the second optical fiber. The optical fibers of the connector have rear end portions (110) where a sheath (44) of the optical cable has been stripped away. A metal ferrule (54) has a rear portion (112) that closely receives the bare optical fiber rear portion in a sliding fit therewith, the ferrule having a forward portion that is crimped around the sheath in a circular crimp (122).

Abstract: An avionics display (10) for use in an aircraft navigation system including a navigation receiver. The avionics display (10) includes a needle (12) for indicating the position, heading, glide slope or other navigational parameter of the aircraft and a stepper motor (14) coupled with the needle and responsive to the navigation receiver for driving the needle in response to the navigation signals received by the receiver. The stepper motor drives the needle at a much higher torque than prior art displays and is therefore less sensitive to contaminates and magnetic interference and is less fragile.

Abstract: A device for detecting motion of a movable part of an injection-molding machine uses an encoder coupled to the part which outputs two square waves which are a quarter-cycle out of phase. The two waves are used to generate trigger pulses at four times either encoder waves' frequency. The direction of the phase shift, positive or negative, depends on the forward or backward direction of motion of the part, and the trigger pulses are generated in on one of two logic circuits depending on the direction of motion of the part. The quadrupling of the encoder wave frequency increases the accuracy of motion measurement. The device uses AND/OR logic to generate the two sets of trigger pulses. The trigger pulses are counted to determine the distance the part has moved. The trigger pulses are also latched, and higher-frequency clock pulses are counted during the latched period to calculate the part's speed.

Abstract: An anti-friction bearing with a speed measuring device includes a transmitter for directing high frequency waves toward a side of the bearing and the transmitter being spaced from the bearing. A coding disk at the side of the bearing is arranged on the relatively rotatable ring. The coding disk has parts around the bearing at which the disk reflects the waves and other parts not reflecting or permitting passage of the waves. The waves are alternately reflected off the coding disk and not reflected off the disk to a receiver arranged outside the bearing. The resulting pulses may be fed to a signal processor. Variations include the coding disk having various constructional design features permitting or blocking the reflection of waves. Alternatively, a circuit at the stationary part of the bearing seal between the bearing rings is alternately impinged upon or protected from being impinged upon by waves due to the coding disk on the relatively movable part of the ring.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a method and apparatus for detecting a moving speed of a mobile terminal in a mobile communication utilizing time division multiple access system, wherein a measurement is made for a variation in delay of a burst radiowave received from the mobile terminal with reference to a transmission burst signal before a calculation of a moving speed of the mobile terminal is made on the basis of the measured variation in the delay.

Abstract: A pulse encoder for fitting to a meter of a liquid dispenser device for the purpose of supplying a signal representative of the flow of dispensed liquid. The encoder includes a coding wheel driven by the meter at a speed of rotation that is substantially proportional to the liquid flow rate. The wheel carries a first series of divisions of angular period P, and referred to as "primary" divisions. Two primary sensors which detect the primary divisions are angularly offset from each other by one-fourth of the angular period, i.e. P/4, modulo P, so as to provide two primary pulse signals that are likewise offset by one-fourth of a period. The coding wheel also carries a second series of divisions, referred to as "secondary" divisions, of angular period P' equal to twice the angular period P of the primary divisions. A secondary sensor is suitable for detecting the secondary divisions so as to supply a secondary pulse signal of a period that is double the period of the primary pulse signals.

Abstract: A device for measuring a rotary frequency of a rotating vehicle tire includes a number of first poles uniformly arranged on a circle with a radius R1 on or within a vehicle tire. A first sensor, for sensing the first poles, is stationarily arranged at a distance R2 from a rotational axis of the vehicle wheel. The radii have the following relationship: 0.9 R1<R2<1.1 R1. A computing unit is connected to the first sensor. The first sensor sends first signals to the computing unit when the first poles pass the first sensor. The computing unit determines a first time period between passing of sequential ones of the first poles. The computing unit multiplies a reciprocal value of the first time period by a reciprocal value of the number of the first poles to a multiplication product and supplies the multiplication product as a measure of a first rotary frequency to a user device.

Abstract: A fiberoptic velocity transducer for use in determining the rotational speed of an object and comprising a magneto-optic material coated with a dielectric material that operates to selectively pass light energy having a first range of wavelengths, and to reflect light energy having a second range of wavelengths, so as to make the light energy with the second range of wavelengths available as a reference signal, the magneto-optic material functioning to cause a Faraday rotation in the light energy having the first range of wavelengths that is characteristic of the speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring vehicle speed is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of disk plates having a circular opening in a central part through which a final output shaft of a transmission passes by a plurality of long-shaft bolts with the plates being mounted to the final output shaft of the transmission by the plurality of long-shaft bolts. A plurality of reinforcement ribs are provided for coupling the pair of disk plates to each other with the ribs being arranged to be in an equal interval along the direction of the circumference of the disk plates in order to maintain a constant interval between the disk plates. A bracket is mounted around the disk plates with the bracket having a groove for receiving a circumferential section of the disk plates.

Abstract: A rotation sensor (5) comprises a fixed member (10) and a rotatable member (20). The fixed member (10) contains a radiation emitter (40) which emits radiation along a path (35). The rotatable member (20) rotates about an axis (65) substantially perpendicular to the path (35) and has a head containing slots (25) arranged to periodically transmit and block the radiation emitted by the emitter (40). The fixed member (210) also has a radiation detector (50) which detects radiation transmitted by the slots (25) of the rotatable member (20). Thus, the rotational movement of the rotatable member (20) with respect to the fixed member (10) is sensed by the frequency of the radiation detected by the radiation detector (50).

Abstract: A device for determining the velocity of a longitudinally traveling textile material, especially a yarn, using the closed-loop correlation of a transit time correlator in such a way that its reliability is improved. At least one sensor g.sub.1 consists of two signal receivers disposed one behind the other in the running direction of the yarn, having a sensor output characteristic curve with the intersection of the abscissa in the effective sensor center axis, and wherein the output characteristic curve shows a point-symmetrical behavior at least in the vicinity of the intersection with the abscissa. A second sensor g.sub.2 has a steady state output characteristic curve in the area of its effective sensor center axis. The control loop circuit of the transit time correlator is designed such that the undifferentiated cross-correlation function is used as the controller input signal for determining and readjusting the adjustment point for the model delay time .tau..

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the rate of angular rotation of a rotating object comprising directing a beam of substantially coherent electromagnetic radiation towards the rotating object (80); detecting speckles generated by electromagnetic radiation (60) scattered from the object; and determining the transit time of the detected speckles; wherein the field of electromagnetic radiation (60) scattered from the object is Fourier-transformed by an optical Fourier-transforming system (20); and subjective speckles (71) of the Fourier-transformed electromagnetic radiation (70) are detected in at least two detection regions (12, 13) positioned in a detector plan (9) substantially parallel with and located in or near the Fourier-plane (10) of the Fourier-transforming system (20).

Abstract: A sensor system includes a magneto-optic Kerr effect magnetic field sensing element and an optical system including a light source, at least one polarizer or polarizing element and a detector disposed about the sensing element. The sensing element is responsive to an external magnetic field. In one embodiment, the optical system and sensing element can be arranged to measure the strength of a magnetic field. In another embodiment the optical system and sensing element can be arranged to measure the rotational speed of rotating members.

Abstract: A fiberoptic velocity transducer for use in determining the rotational speed of an object and comprising a magneto-optic material coated with a dielectric material that operates to selectively pass light energy having a first range of wavelengths, and to reflect light energy having a second range of wavelengths, so as to make the light energy with the second range of wavelengths available as a reference signal, the magneto-optic material functioning to cause a Faraday rotation in the light energy having the first range of wavelengths that is characteristic of the speed of the rotating object.

Abstract: An improved fiber optic sensor system and integrated sensor bearing assembly for detecting movement or position of a rotating wheel bearing having a multi-pole tone ring which produces an alternating magnetic field indicative of movement and position of the rotating member. A magneto-optical material, such as a bismuth garnet iron (B.I.G.) crystal, having discrete magnetic domains is positioned in the vicinity of the tone ring so that the domains align themselves to the magnetic field generated by the tone ring. A single fiber optic cable, preferably single mode fiber, carries light generated by a source of light to the B.I.G. crystal. The light passes through the B.I.G. crystal and is refracted at domain boundaries in the crystal. The intensity of the refracted light is indicative of the amount of alignment of the domains and therefore the strength of the magnetic field.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measuring the rotary movement of a shaft, wherein according to said method a magnetic pattern radially applied to a magnetic disk is inductively scanned so that in a magnetic head voltage pulses are generated which are associated with the magnetic pattern and used for determining the rotary movement and the angular position of a rotating object. To realize a measuring arrangement featuring a selectable measuring resolution, by means of a read/write head at least one magnetic pattern is radially applied with a randomly selectable recording density to the magnetic disk connected to the shaft to be measured, said pattern being then inductively scanned at a constant rotational speed of the read/write head as the magnetic disk is at rest. From the induced voltage pulses the read/write head speed is computed by electronic means and stored.