Abstract: A system and method are disclosed to promote good driving among users. A user-customizable good driving (GD) wish list may be created, populated, modified, and/or used to promote good driving. The GD wish list may be used in conjunction with a vehicle telematics unit (VTU) to monitor, process, detect, and/or record good driving events, and communicate and/or generate positive feedback for the user. In addition to positive feedback, good driving (GD) points may be accumulated based on driving behavior. The accumulated GD points may be used in conjunction with a product and/or service offering, such as by an insurance company. Furthermore, in some examples, the system encourages users to promote good driving behavior by pledging themselves to a challenging GD wish list that will earn them more GD points and the associated benefits.

Abstract: A vehicle can include an on-board data processing system that receives velocity data captured by one or more sensors of the vehicle. As a vehicle travels along a route, the on-board data processing system can process the velocity data to identify potential vehicle stops. For example, the system can detect a trough in velocity values, and determine whether a velocity value at the trough is below a threshold velocity value. If the velocity value is below the threshold velocity value, the system can determine whether any vehicle stops were previously detected within a threshold time of the time corresponding to the trough. If a vehicle stop was previously detected, the system may detect that a stop occurred at the time of the trough if the velocity of the vehicle increased by at least a velocity ripple value between the time of the previously-detected stop and the time of the trough.

Abstract: A vehicle can include an on-board data processing system that receives velocity data captured by one or more sensors of the vehicle. As a vehicle travels along a route, the on-board data processing system can process the velocity data to identify potential vehicle stops. For example, the system can detect a trough in velocity values, and determine whether a velocity value at the trough is below a threshold velocity value. If the velocity value is below the threshold velocity value, the system can determine whether any vehicle stops were previously detected within a threshold time of the time corresponding to the trough. If a vehicle stop was previously detected, the system may detect that a stop occurred at the time of the trough if the velocity of the vehicle increased by at least a velocity ripple value between the time of the previously-detected stop and the time of the trough.

Abstract: The number of pulses of a stimulus signal provided by a conducted electrical weapon (“CEW”) between launch and establishing an electrical circuit with a human or animal target may be counted to determine the distance between the CEW and the target and the distance between electrodes launched by the CEW toward the target while positioned in or near target tissue.

Abstract: A system for insert detection includes a sensor and a processor. The processor is configured to receive capacitance measurement associated with the sensor and determine presence or absence of an insert based at least in part on the capacitance measurement and a threshold.

Abstract: A sensor module is provided that includes a magnetic sensor and a microcontroller. The magnetic sensor is configured to measure a magnitude of a magnetic field component of an Earth magnetic field projected on a sensing axis of the magnetic sensor and is configured to generate a measurement signal. The magnetic sensor is configured to rotate about an axis through the Earth magnetic field such that the measurement signal oscillates between a first and second extremas as the magnitude of the magnetic field component projected onto the sensing axis changes due to rotation of the magnetic sensor about the axis. The microcontroller is configured to receive the measurement signal, acquire a predetermined number of measurement samples over a sampling period, calculate a variance value of the acquired measurement samples, and determine whether the magnetic sensor is rotating about the axis based on a threshold test of the variance value.

Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide a wireless traffic sensor system. The system includes a first and a second wireless traffic sensors being installed in ground along a vehicle passing path; and a battery charging unit in vicinity of the first and second wireless traffic sensors, wherein the battery charging unit converts solar power into a plurality of electrical pulses, the electrical pulses being transmitted to at least the first and second wireless traffic sensors; and wherein the first and second wireless traffic sensors convert the plurality of electrical pulses into DC power, the DC power being used in charging a rechargeable battery inside the first and second wireless traffic sensors respectively.

Abstract: A tennis racket fitting method according to the present invention comprises: a first step of preparing a plurality of test tennis rackets, at least one type of racket property that influences swing for hitting a ball being defined for each of the test tennis rackets; a second step of causing a reference tennis racket to be swung at least one time by a user in order to hit a tennis ball, and acquiring a measured value by measuring transition in at least one of the position, the velocity, the acceleration, and the angular velocity of the reference tennis racket in at least a portion of an interval from when the swing starts until when the swing ends; a third step of calculating at least one evaluation indicator to be an evaluation of the swing of the reference tennis racket based on the measured value; and a fourth step of, based on the racket property, selecting a tennis racket that can improve at least one evaluation indicator from among the test tennis rackets.

Abstract: An embodiment of a magnetic-field sensor includes a magnetic-field sensor arrangement and a magnetic body which has, for example, a non-convex cross-sectional area with regard to a cross-sectional plane running through the magnetic body, the magnetic body having an inhomogeneous magnetization.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein provide a magnetic sensor interface capable of adjusting signal conditioning dynamically such that the true positive and negative peaks of the input signal are maintained for a given target across its entire speed range (0-Max rpm), therefore increasing the signal to noise ratio at low speeds and avoiding clipping or distortion at high speeds. In one aspect, a method comprises receiving an alternating differential voltage signal from a sensor. The alternating differential voltage signal has an amplitude that changes over time. The alternating differential voltage signal is converted to an attenuated single-ended voltage signal that can be dynamically scaled. The attenuated single-ended voltage signal can be scaled by multiplying the attenuated single-ended voltage signal by a scaling factor. The scaling factor is selected relative to a signal-to-noise ratio of the scaled attenuated single-ended voltage signal.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including an induction-motor controller having a phase path; a solid-state switch interposed on the phase path; and a controller coupled to the solid-state switch. In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to switch the solid-state switch so that the solid-state switch is conductive during a conduction angle of a cycle of an incoming AC power waveform conveyed by the phase path, calculate the conduction angle based on a generally sinusoidal reference value that has a frequency lower than a frequency of the incoming AC power waveform, and adjust the generally sinusoidal reference value based on a value indicative of flux in a load coupled to the phase path.

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: An apparatus and method for measuring muzzle velocity (V0) of a projectile, which apparatus includes a smooth weapon barrel or firing barrel as a waveguide, a signal generator which is electrically connected via a signal supply line to at least one transmission coupler in order to energize the weapon barrel or firing barrel, and a receiving line for passing on the signals measured at at least one receiving coupler to an evaluation device. If the velocity is measured after the projectile has passed through, the receiving coupler is located between the projectile base and the transmission coupler, while the receiving coupler is between the projectile nose and the transmission coupler when the velocity (V0) is measured before the projectile passes through. The electromagnetic field of the empty weapon barrel is measured without a projectile, in front of the projectile or behind the projectile, or in combination. The muzzle velocity (V0) is then determined from the measured signals.

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: Systems, methods, and devices are disclosed, including an induction-motor controller that has a motor controller configured to receive alternating current (AC) power with a voltage that varies generally sinusoidally and transmit the AC power during a conduction angle of a cycle of the AC power. In some embodiments, the conduction angle varies generally sinusoidally at a lower frequency than the AC power, and the motor controller may be configured to not transmit the AC power outside of the conduction angle.

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: An antifriction bearing (A) for accommodating rotation about an axis (X) comprises an inner race (2) having a raceway (12), an outer race (4) having a raceway (22), rolling elements (6) positioned between the inner and outer races (2, 4) and contacting the raceways (12, 22) of those races (2, 4) so that when relative rotation occurs between the races (2, 4) the rolling elements (6) roll along the raceways (12, 22), a cage (8) positioned between the inner and outer races (2, 4) and having pockets (40) in which the rolling elements (6) are received with the cage (8) being rotatable between the races (2, 4) as the rolling elements (6) roll along the raceways (12, 22), the outer race (4) having a power transmitting coil (50) and a receiver (60), the cage (8) having a power receiving coil (52), a sensing unit (D) for sensing a condition of the bearing (A), and a transmitter (54) for sending a signal indicative of the sensed condition of the bearing (A) to the receiver (60).

Abstract: Control systems and speed estimation systems are presented having a transient-based speed estimation system that provides a rotor speed estimate based on a measured speed-related motor transient signal, and a transient excitation system which selectively modifies at least one switch control signal to excite the measured motor transient.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine having at least a rotor shaft operatively connecting a compressor apparatus and a turbine apparatus, comprises an auxiliary gear box and a phonic wheel apparatus. The auxiliary gear box is drivingly connected to the rotor shaft and the phonic wheel apparatus includes an oil pump having toothed gear and a sensor mounted to the oil pump for sensing a rotational speed of the toothed gear.

Abstract: Device for measuring the separation, between any vehicle of a number of vehicles and the preceding vehicle along a stretch and for a direction, includes a reference conductor and a measuring conductor, along the stretch, the latter including a number of serial separate sections. Each section is electrically-connected to the previous section, via a diode. A constant current generator is provided in each vehicle, whose contacts are each connected to a section of the measuring conductor, corresponding to the position of the vehicle and to the reference conductor, via first and second moving contacts. Each second electric contact is connected to a segment, following the section, lying behind the first electrical contact, the direction of travel, via a corresponding third moving electrical contact. The contacts of the constant current generator form an output, which provides a voltage signal correlated to the distance between the relevant vehicle and the previous vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus is configured for inclusion in an arrow. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor configured to provide data concerning one or more flight characteristics of the arrow in flight and a communication link coupled to the sensor, the communication link configured to communicate the data to a device external to the arrow.

Abstract: A sensitizing ring for sensors having a reduced manufacturing cost and an improved profile shape manufacture with a diameter of 120 mm or less. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is used to measure the rate of rotation and position of a rotating element. The sensitizing ring of the present invention is usable in more applications, especially in the automotive industry. The sensitizing ring comprises a body, a plurality of teeth provided on an outer periphery thereof, and a plurality of gaps interposed between the teeth. The body is made of a polymeric material interspersed with a ferromagnetic material. Alternately, the body is made of a polymeric material having a coating layer of ferromagnetic material. In a further embodiment, the body includes ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the teeth but does not include ferromagnetic material in the polymeric material forming the gaps.

Abstract: AC motor control systems and speed controllers are presented, including a transient-based speed estimation system that provides a rotor speed estimate based on a measured speed-related motor transient signal, and a transient excitation system which selectively modifies at least one switch control signal to excite the measured motor transient. The measured speed-related transient may include a phase error signal, a phase lag signal, a peak current signal, a voltage integral signal, a motor winding voltage signal, a switching device voltage, and a voltage zero crossing signal, and the switching signal modification can comprise removal of select pulse(s) from a switching control pulse stream or selective modification of spacings between pulses to re-excite the motor transient.

Abstract: A collision sensing apparatus includes an acceleration sensor, first and second connector terminals, reference connector terminals and leads. The acceleration sensor is shaped into a square form. First and second contacts are provided in two diagonally opposed corner portions of the sensor. Reference contacts are arranged in the other two diagonally opposed corner portions of the sensor. The first and second connector terminals are opposed to the first and second contacts, respectively. The reference connector terminals are opposed to the reference contacts, respectively. The leads connect the first and second connector terminals and the reference connector terminals to the first and second contacts and the reference contacts.

Abstract: A tone ring preferably for use in a braking system of a vehicle has a first pattern of excitation indicative of speed of rotation of the tone ring, and a second pattern of excitation including frequency variations that is indicative of direction of rotation of the tone ring. The tone ring is rotated past a sensor, preferably a 2-wire passive sensor. A series of events are sensed during rotation of the tone ring past the sensor. The timing of occurrence of the events is detected and, on the basis of the timing detection, the direction of rotation of the tone ring is determined.

Abstract: A vehicle speed measuring apparatus includes front and rear wheel side vibration detection sensors for detecting vibrations from a road surface through tires, an input section through which the vibration detection sensors input their detection values, and a processing unit for calculating vehicle speed of the vehicle based on a change pattern of the detection values inputted. When the detection values are inputted through the input section, the processing unit feature extracts a change pattern of the detection values for the respective front and rear wheel sides by excluding inherent tire influences on the detection values, executes pattern matching between the front and rear wheel sides on the basis of the feature extracted change patterns of the detection values, and obtains a time difference from a coincidence of the change patterns, and thereafter calculates vehicle speed based on the time difference and a reference distance such as a wheel base.

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: Linear velocity sensor and method for reducing non-linearity in the output signal of the sensor are provided. The sensor comprises a ferromagnetic housing including an opening. The sensor further comprises a spool disposed in the housing. The spool includes a bore for receiving a slidable ferromagnetic rod. The ferromagnetic rod may be extendable through the opening in the housing. A magnet is mounted at the one end of the rod distal from the opening when the rod is substantially inserted in the bore. A coil is wound on the spool. The number of turns of the coil is arranged to taperingly increase as the coil progresses from an end of the spool proximate the opening in the housing to the opposite end of the spool. The tapering arrangement for the number of turns of the coil is selected to reduce non-linearity of an output signal of the coil indicative of linear velocity.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a velocity of a part through a part feeder tube. The part feeder tube defines an axis. The apparatus includes first and second sensors spaced axially from each other by a predetermined distance (d). The first sensor sends a first signal in response to sensing the part and the second sensor sends a second, subsequent signal in response to sensing the part. The velocity of the part is based on the distance (d) and the first and second signals.

Abstract: A universal electronics system has a body adapted to be removably mounted at the muzzle end of the barrel of almost any paintball marker. A pair of spaced detector units signal the time it takes for a paintball to pass through a portion of the body. A muzzle velocity calculating device converts the detector signals to a muzzle velocity, which is displayed on a display screen. The universal electronics system may further comprise a ball counter, a player counter, a clock, a chronometer that records elapsed time, a timer for recording time remaining in a game, and a thermometer. All of the data can be displayed on the display screen.

Abstract: A device for sensing projectile velocity in an underwater environment is provided. The device includes a plurality of evenly spaced break screen members positioned in a path of the projectile. Each break screen member includes a support member, a pair of transparent sheets spanning the support member, a continuous resistive trace sandwiched between the transparent sheets, and a sensing member correspondingly connected to each resistive trace. The sensing member includes means for outputting a signal responsive to impact of the projectile against the break screen, and a logic arrangement for determining a difference between impact of at two adjacent break screens throughout the run of break screens, thereby determining a velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring velocity of a projectile includes a plurality of break-screens aligned with each other serially and along a line of travel of the projectile, and parallel to each other, and spaced from each other and from a projectile firing device by selected distances. Each break-screen includes a support sheet and an electrically conductive wire mounted on the sheet so as to be interrupted by passage of the projectile through the sheet. A single amplifier is in communication with each of the conductive wires and is adapted to provide an indication as to a change in voltage in each of the break-screens upon passage of the projectile therethrough, and an indication as to time of the passage. A data collection/display apparatus computes therefrom the velocity of the projectile.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for winning a race without exceeding a maximum performance of a car, whereby maximum performance is based upon consecutive prior races. The method is comprised of determining an optimal distance by which a first car having a first performance should trail a second car having a second performance at a predetermined distance of 66 feet from a finish line on a race track having a fixed distance of 1320 feet whereby a racer uses optimal distance during a race to influence his or her rate of speed.

Abstract: A system for sensing projectile velocity and position having a plurality of support members positioned in a path of said projectile. Each support member has an aperture with a resistive trace supported in the aperture. The resistive trace can be separated by the projectile's passage. A sensing circuit is joined to each resistive trace and provides a signal indicating separation of the resistive trace. This signal is provided to a logic circuit which provides a single signal indicating separation of each said resistive trace. A data acquisition system provides an output indicating said projectile velocity and position with respect to time.

Abstract: A passive magnetic detector is provided at ground level or buried below ground level in between rails of a railroad track at a distance from the level crossing for detecting magnetic field disturbances caused by ferromagnetic objects passing overhead on the track. Magnetic field reversals are detected in the passive detector signal. The reversal signal is analyzed and a train presence output signal is generated for controlling a level crossing gate system or other such crossing warning system. For parallel tracks, pairs of passive magnetic field detectors detect objects over each track and the reversals are analyzed to check that an inbound train does not sneak by undetected as an outbound train is leaving and passing over the same detector pair. At the level crossing, static magnetic field detectors are used to ensure that no equipment remains on the island after detecting that the moving train has left the crossing, so that the crossing gates can be safely lifted as soon as possible.

Abstract: An apparatus for quantifying the position of a released arrow as it passes across the bow riser. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor detects a signal from an arrow shaft for the purposes of collecting data pertaining to arrow position. The electronics measurement unit provides a user configurable gain to control the variation and sensitivity of the collected data. The optical trigger mechanism used to stimulate the sensor does not require arrow shaft modification. Statistical parameters of the collected data are displayed on the bow and are used to determine and improve archery tackle performance.

Abstract: A instrument and method for measuring archery tackle performance is disclosed. A low power, electronics measurement unit attached onto or mounted internal to a bow in communication with a sensor which detects a signal from an external trigger mechanism mounted onto or internal to an arrow shaft for the purposes of measuring arrow velocity or collecting data indicative of arrow position. The statistical parameters of the collected data may then be used to determine and improve archery tackle performance in any shooting situation.

Abstract: A power consumption meter is disclosed for measuring the power consumed by a load on a power conductor, wherein the electronics of the power consumption meter are isolated from lightning and power transients. The meter has a first GMR sensor that is disposed proximate the power conductor and is magnetically coupled to the power conductor. The first GMR sensor detects magnetic flux in the power conductor and produces a first output responsive to the detected magnetic flux that is representative of the current flowing through the power conductor. A second GMR sensor is disposed proximate the power conductor and is magnetically coupled to the power conductor. The second GMR sensor detects magnetic flux in the power conductor and produces a second output responsive to the detected magnetic flux that is representative of the voltage on the power conductor.

Abstract: To achieve both accuracy in correcting sensing error caused by nonstandard factors of a pulse signal generated by rotation of a rotor to be measured and reduction in cost of an apparatus for doing the same, each passage of rotor sensors which rotate integrally with vehicle tires are sensed to produce pulse signals. The pulse signal periods are sequentially integrated every pulse signal train consisting of multiple pulse signals. When all of the pulse signal periods of the pulse signal train are integrated, the integrated value is stored in memory. The memory always stores the integrated values of the newest one rotation of the rotor to be measured. The pulse signal periods are averaged from the sum of the integrated values. With such a construction, the average of the pulse signal periods can be obtained as a learning reference value in the correction without storing all of the pulse signal periods of one rotation, thereby realizing both correction accuracy and cost reduction.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the speed and direction of a rotating shaft. A rotor is connected to the shaft. The rotor includes three circumferentially spaced teeth, the first of said teeth having a first center spacing, the second of said teeth having a second center spacing different than the center spacing of the first tooth, and the third of said teeth having a third center spacing different than the center spacing of the second tooth. The centers of each of said teeth is sensed and a signal is produced in response thereto. A first time period to reach the center of the first tooth, a second time period to reach the center of the second tooth and a third time period to reach the center of the third tooth are determined, then the speed and direction of rotation of the shaft are established.

Abstract: In order to determine the diameter or the radius of a textile yarn cheese during winding, two sensors are placed adjacent the cheese circumference at a fixed circumferential distance from each other to detect surface characteristics of the cheese, and their sensor signals are evaluated in a correlator to form running times. The circumferential velocity of the cheese is calculated by dividing the distance between the sensors by the running times, after which the circumferential velocity and the angular velocity of the cheese are divided to compute the diameter or radius of the cheese.

Abstract: In order to exclude disturbing influences in the determination of the axle-related speeds of railway vehicles, the signals generated by the passage of the last axle of a bogie are discerned from spurious signals. This is carried out by specifying a time window within which the last axle of a bogie must have passed the measuring zone. Those signals separated by about the same offset time as the time between the passage of the first axle of the first and second sensors are used for the determination of the speed of this last axle. An additional integrity check further increases the reliability signal identification by comparing the sum of certain measured time values which have been detected by the two sensors of the measuring zone. The assignment of the time values respectively to the pulse centers of the event indication eliminates different response tolerances of the sensors due to the lateral offset of the vehicle wheels with respect to the rails in the region of the sensors.

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 toy speed measuring and voice reporting system is disclosed. The system measures the speed of a toy car and reports the speed contemporaneously in audible speech. The system employs optical detectors and timing circuitry to compute the speed, and a voice synthesizer to sound the speed values and other messages.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for simultaneously measuring velocity and an instantaneous spatial position of a spherical object. A first group of sensors and a second ground of sensors are arranged at known positions at intervals each less than the radius of the spherical object. The times when the spherical object begins to intercept the sensors of the groups of sensors and the time lengths of the respective interceptions are measured by using an instrumentation device. The velocity and instantaneous spatial position of the spherical object are calculated by using an arithmetic unit on the basis of the measured times and time lengths.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for measuring head speed and an opening angle. At least four sensors are disposed at each vertex of a defined rectangle. An instrumentation device measures differences in time between instants in which a moving head intercepts rays of light toward the sensors, respectively. An arithmetic unit calculates head speed and an opening angle on the basis of the measured time differences.