Abstract: A parameterization aid for parameterizing applied strain gages includes a handle having a front end, a head piece arranged at the front end of the handle and including a contact surface formed with two fixing grooves for receiving two strain gage connection wires, a movable magnetic field barrier designed to avoid interference into further strain gage connection wires, and a transmitting device designed to transmit parameterization signals to the strain gage connection wires, which lie in the fixing grooves.

Abstract: Front end circuits and associated apparatus, systems, and methods for use in electronic devices such as buried utility locators are disclosed. The circuits include receivers and filters on input signals that are coupled to ground rather than differentially. A multiplexing circuit allows shared use of amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters via a switching mechanism for selectively making or breaking electrical connection to the receiver channels for efficient sharing of electronics resources while minimizing crosstalk interference and advantageously reducing costs.

Abstract: A laser diode firing circuit for a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) device that includes an inductively coupled feedback system is disclosed. The firing circuit includes a laser diode coupled in series with a transistor, such that current through the laser diode is controlled by the transistor. The laser diode is configured to emit a pulse of light in response to current flowing through the laser diode. A feedback loop is positioned to be inductively coupled to a current path of the firing circuit that includes the laser diode. As such, a change in current flowing through the laser diode induces a voltage in the feedback loop. A change in voltage across the leads of the feedback loop can be detected and the timing of the voltage change can be used to determine the time that current begins flowing through the laser diode.

Abstract: A sensor circuit, having a startup phase and an operation phase, includes: a sensor configured to generate a sensor signal based on a measured property, wherein the sensor signal has a frequency spectrum defined by a first frequency and a second frequency that is greater than the first frequency; a signal processing circuit including an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) configured to convert the sensor signal into a digital sensor signal; and an offset diagnosis circuit. The offset diagnosis circuit includes: a low pass filter having a cutoff frequency less than the first frequency and configured to generate a filtered signal based on the digital sensor signal; an offset register configured to store a startup signal value of the filtered signal during the startup phase; and an offset comparator circuit configured to set a threshold range based on the startup signal value for use during the operation phase.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electromagnetic marker devices for locating hidden or buried objects. One embodiment includes an antenna having a plurality of conductive windings enclosed in a housing made of a low dielectric constant material and an electronic circuit including a circuit board having circuit elements disposed thereon and electrically coupled to the conductive windings through a connector. The circuit elements receive an input signal having a first frequency from an above-ground transmitter, convert the input signal to a power supply to power up the electronic circuit, generate, in response to the input signal, an output signal having a second frequency different from the first frequency, and provide the output signal, via the antenna element, to an above-ground receiver.

Abstract: A circuit breaker trip device includes a circuit interface configured to interface with a receptacle for providing electrical power; a trip mechanism, operatively connected to the circuit interface, configured to overload a circuit breaker associated with the receptacle providing electrical power when the trip mechanism is activated; a power indicator, operatively connected to the circuit interface and operatively connected in parallel with the trip mechanism, configured to communicate an operational status of the circuit breaker associated the receptacle for providing electrical power; and a safety circuit breaker, operatively connected to the circuit interface and operatively connected in series to the trip mechanism and the power indicator, configured to trip when the circuit breaker associated the receptacle for providing electrical power fails to trip upon activation of the trip mechanism.

Abstract: Buried object locator systems including transmitters and associated buried object locators using phase-synchronized signals are disclosed. A transmitter may generate output current signals that are phase-synchronized with a timing reference for detection by a corresponding buried utility locator that is phase-synchronized with a second timing reference.

Abstract: Signal generation devices including an auto-tuning electronic circuit module for generating tuned output signals are disclosed. The auto-tuning electronic circuit module may include a tunable resonant electronic circuit element for providing a tuned output signal, including a voltage divider element and a tuning array element and control element.

Abstract: Obscured feature detectors are disclosed that have both the capability to sense the location of obscured structural features and the ability to warn a user of obscured live electrical wires in the vicinity. An interleaving component, such as a MUX, can interleave the sensing of obscured features and the sensing of live wires. The interleaving component is configured to alternately couple the electrical wire sensing element to the electrical wire sensing circuitry or to the common plate separately. Coupling the live wire sensing element to the electrical wire sensing circuitry can allow sensing of a live electrical wire and coupling the live wire sensing element to a known reference signal can allow sensing of obscured features.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a continuously variable transmission which requires non-recycled air. The continuously variable transmission may provide non-recycled air to a first number of sheaves of the continuously variable transmission with a second number of air supply conduits, the second number being less than the first number. A cover of the continuously variable transmission may have a unitary body.

Abstract: A testing device including a main housing, and a probe housing, wherein the probe housing is rotatably coupled to the main housing. The testing device further includes a first test probe and a second test probe. The first test probe may be configured to be inserted into an alternating-current receptacle. The second test probe is coupled to the probe housing. The second test probe may be configured to be inserted into a universal serial bus receptacle.

Abstract: A cigar holder may comprise a tubular receptacle having a sidewall, a first end, and a second end, the first end comprising a first opening such that the tubular receptacle may be configured to receive at least a portion of a cigar insertably thereinto via the first opening of the first end, the second end comprising a second opening, the sidewall of the tubular receptacle including a through-hole; a magnet receptacle fastened to the second end of the tubular receptacle, the magnet receptacle comprising an end cap and a protrusion extending therefrom, the protrusion fit to the second opening, the protrusion including a cavity; and a magnet disposed at least partially within the cavity. A method of making a cigar holder may comprise providing a tubular receptacle, a magnet receptacle, and a magnet; attaching the magnet to the magnet receptacle; and fastening the magnet receptacle to the tubular receptacle.

Abstract: A wireless power reception apparatus includes: a first electrode including a coil shape; a second electrode including the coil shape; an electrode capacitor connected between the first electrode and the second electrode; an electrode signal transceiver connected to the first electrode and the second electrode; a power receiver connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, separately from the electrode signal transceiver; a resonant capacitor; and first capacitor and a second capacitor configured to connect a conducting line between the first electrode and the power receiver and a conducting line between the second electrode and the power receiver, wherein the first electrode and the second electrode are wound in the same direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for uniquely identifying buried utilities in a multi-utility region by sensing magnetic fields emitted from the buried utilities.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for processing images to identify Energy Infrastructure (EI) features within aerial images of global terrain is provided. The image processing method identifies information about EI features by applying an EI feature recognition model to aerial images of global terrain. The EI feature recognition model identifies the EI feature information according to image content of the aerial image. The method further provides updates to the identification of the EI feature information according to relationships between identified EI features.

Abstract: A vehicle may include a continuously variable transmission which requires non-recycled air. The continuously variable transmission may provide non-recycled air to a first number of sheaves of the continuously variable transmission with a second number of air supply conduits, the second number being less than the first number. A cover of the continuously variable transmission may have a unitary body.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to utility locators and associated antenna node support structure devices for allowing a utility locator to self-stand in an upright position without being held or otherwise supported by a user.

Abstract: A method and telecommunication equipment item for detecting a cable of a network of cables, in particular of a network of electrical cables, especially ones which are not detectable to the naked eye. For example, a network of electrical cables may be embedded inside the partitions of a building. The telecommunication equipment item has a receiver and a detector of a predefined electrical signal injected into a network of cables as a function of electromagnetic signals received by the receiver. Thus, the receiver is not required to be a specific equipment item dedicated solely to this use but may be implemented in a telecommunication equipment item with which users are widely equipped such as a smartphone, a tablet, etc.

Abstract: A short circuit test device includes: a first line test conductor couplable to a first load line conductor of an electric load network and a neutral test conductor couplable to a neutral conductor of the electric load network; a voltage source switchable to the first line test conductor and the neutral test conductor to output a predefinable test signal; a measurement unit for measuring an electric voltage and/or current, the measurement unit including measurement inputs which are connectable to the first line test conductor and the neutral test conductor, the measurement unit including an output for providing a measurement signal; and a control unit connected to the voltage source and the measurement unit, the control unit: causing the voltage source to apply a test voltage to the first line test conductor and the neutral test conductor and comparing the measurement signal provided by the measurement unit.

Abstract: A multicore cable inspection method of specifying a correspondence relationship among ends of insulated electric wires exposed from both ends of a multicore cable, the method including: inputting, by capacitance coupling, an inspection signal to the end of the insulated wire to be inspected among the ends of the insulated wires exposed at the one end of the multicore cable; inputting, by the capacitive coupling, each of first and second signals, each of which has a phase different from the inspection signal, to the ends of the two insulated wires other than the insulated wire to be inspected; measuring a voltage of an output signal outputted from the capacitive coupling from each end of the insulated wires exposed at the other end of the multicore cable; and specifying the other-side end of the insulated wire to be inspected. At this time, an amplitude of a signal obtained by adding the inspection signal and the first and second signals is smaller than that of the inspection signal.

Abstract: A safety management method for well site worker, a safety management system for well site worker and a storage medium are disclosed. The safety management method for well site worker includes acquiring position information of the well site worker; acquiring layout information of a well site, the layout information including position information of a safe region, a dangerous region, and a buffer region between the safe region and the dangerous region in the well site; and in response to the well site worker being located in the buffer region or the dangerous region, sending an alarm signal to warn the well site worker to stay away from the dangerous region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to utility locator and user interfaces for use with such locators. Such utility locators may include multiple antennas and sensors for determining and displaying information associated with a buried or otherwise inaccessible utility.

Abstract: Utility locators with various antenna configurations for detecting buried objects or otherwise inaccessible pipes and other conduits, cables, conductors and inserted transmitters are disclosed. In one embodiment, a locator includes a body with a mast and head unit, one or more dodecahedral antenna nodes coupled to or on or within the body, and a camera disposed on or within the body. The camera may be a still camera, a video camera, or both. The locator may also include one or more GPS sensors coupled to one or more GPS antennas.

Abstract: Systems for locating hidden utilities including a portable locator and associated portable transmitter are disclosed. The portable locator may include a magnetic field measurement module for determining a current signal in the hidden utility based on a received magnetic field, and a receiver module for receiving data from the portable transmitter. The portable transmitter may include a data transmitter module for wirelessly sending information associated with a current signal provided to the hidden utility to the portable receiver module. The portable receiver may be configured to measure a relative change in magnetic field angles, and determine an amount of cross coupling to adjacent utilities based at least in part on the measured magnetic field angles.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for detecting objects behind an opaque surface. An exemplary device for detecting objects behind an opaque surface, comprising a housing configured to hold a plurality of components of the device; one or more sensors, coupled to the housing, configured to collect sensor data of an object behind the opaque surface, where the one or more sensors include one or more capacitive sensors attached to an exterior surface of the housing; a controller, residing inside the housing, configured to process the sensor data collected by the one or more sensors; an at least one printed circuit board, residing inside the housing, configured to hold the controller and the plurality of components of the device; and a display configured to convey information about a detected object to a user.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate, generally, to beacon systems where a locator beacon is used as a marker for a location of interest, and improving false positive immunity in such beacon systems. Confiner beacons are included in such beacon systems to confine a triggering area for triggering a location indication for a location of interest marked by a locator beacon. In other embodiments, arbitrarily shaped triggering areas are defined using confiner beacons. In other embodiments, errant locator signals are identified and handled (e.g., ignored).

Abstract: A proximity sensor comprising: a loop comprising an outer surface and an inner surface, at least a portion of the inner surface being a reflective surface; a light emitter positioned to emit light onto the reflective surface; a light detector positioned to preferentially receive light emitted from the light emitter and reflected from the reflective surface; and a processor that is configured, responsive to a set of instructions stored in a memory, to determine a degree of proximity of an object to the inner surface of the loop responsive to a reduction in an intensity of light emitted from the light emitter that is received by the light detector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed towards a method for obtaining and analyzing flux leakage data. Embodiments may include measuring, using a magnetic flux leakage tool, magnetic flux leakage data from a casing and determining sensor liftoff data from the flux leakage data. Embodiments may also include performing outward analytic continuation of the magnetic flux leakage data from a sensor plane to one or more additional planes and extrapolating back from the one or more additional planes to a surface. Embodiments may include applying a model-based parametric inversion to the magnetic field flux leakage data and determining, based upon, at least in part, the model-based parametric inversion, a shape and size of a corresponding corroded area associated with the casing.

Abstract: Signal generation devices including an auto-tuning electronic circuit module for generating tuned output signals are disclosed. The auto-tuning electronic circuit module may include a tunable resonant electronic circuit element for providing a tuned output signal, including a voltage divider element and a tuning array element and control element.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and/or mapping buried utilities are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic field sensing locating devices include antenna node(s) to sense magnetic field signals emitted from a buried utility and a processing unit to receive the sensed magnetic field signals may be mounted on a vehicle. The received magnetic field signals may be processed in conjunction with sensed vehicle velocity data to determine information associated with location of the buried utility such as depth and position.

Abstract: A method for the non-destructive localization of underground optical fiber cables that utilizes distributed fiber optic sensing (DFOS) and time difference of arrival (TDOA) data associated with received signals of impulsive surface vibrations to localize the underground optical fiber cable by solving non-linear least square optimization problem(s). The method utilizes only TDOA information of received signals of impulsive surface vibrations to determine such localizations and does not require synchronization between a vibration source and DFOS receiver. The method may employ man-made impulsive vibrations to determine the localization. In operation the method involves 1) impulse-like vibration excitation and signal collection; 2) TDOA estimation of the received signals from DFOS; and 3) non-linear least square optimization applied to the TDOA information for underground optical fiber localization.

Abstract: A band or belt designed as an elongate bearing, traction or drive element running around rollers or pulleys and made of an elastomer material, and preferably provided with embedded reinforcing elements or tension members extending in the longitudinal direction of the band or belt, having the following features: the band or the belt has one or more elongate tubular receptacles embedded in the elastomer material, in the cavity of which electronic components are arranged, preferably sensors, signal processing or control devices and/or transmission devices, the tubular receptacles are embedded in the elastomer material in such a way that their longitudinal axis or the direction of their greatest extent is oriented substantially transversely to the main bending direction of the band or belt.

Abstract: An embedded-object scanner device includes a sensing device housed in a housing and configured to sense one or more embedded objects embedded in a target material, and a display device provided on the housing. The display device is configured to collectively display multiple sets of display data generated in multiple sensing operations performed by the sensing device.

Abstract: A printed circuit card assembly (PCBA) configured for retrofitting a conventional electromagnetic locator device (ELD) for a simulator system includes a printed circuit board (PCB) having data connectors connected via a switch to the ELD, a low-power radio frequency (RF) receiver for receiving emulated electromagnetic (EM) field data, a processor for reading the emulated EM field data that includes constituent parts, wherein each constituent part corresponds to EM field data for a specific one of the digital signal processor on the conventional ELD, disassembling the emulated EM field data into its constituent parts, and transmitting to the digital signal processors, via the data connectors, the constituent part of the emulated EM field data that corresponds to said digital signal processor, thereby emulating an EM field on the conventional ELD.

Abstract: Portable pipe inspection video systems are disclosed. The system may include a camera head, a push-cable, a cable reel, and a camera controller having a built-in transmitter for energizing a pipe-inspection cable for magnetic field tracing applications.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a signal receiver and a detection system. The signal receiver includes a housing and a handle. The housing includes a body and a protrusion. The body includes a first face and a second face disposed opposite each other. The protrusion is connected to the body and protrudes relative to the first face along a direction away from the second face. The handle is arranged on the first face.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention include a system and method for differentiating a plurality of objects detected behind an opaque surface, including, a plurality of sensors, controlled by one or more processors, configured to collect in parallel, sensor data of the plurality of objects behind an opaque surface, the one or more processors are configured to analyze the sensor data to identify estimated regions of the plurality of objects behind the opaque surface, the one or more processors are further configured to differentiate the estimated regions of the plurality of objects behind the opaque surface, and, the one or more processors are further configured to inform a user, via a user interface, of the plurality of objects within the estimated regions behind the opaque surface.

Abstract: A method and system of identifying a location of an obstruction site in a plumbing system is disclosed. The system and method are configured to allow for the deployment of a smart sensor device into a pipeline and transmit data regarding its location and external conditions to a nearby monitoring device. Upon arriving at an obstruction in the pipeline, the sensor device can automatically transmit a signal indicating the current location of the sensor device.

Abstract: A detector locator system comprising: an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source array comprising a plurality of EMR sources; a detector apparatus comprising an EMR detector configured to detect an EMR signal emitted by the EMR sources, a wireless transceiver configured to transmit an ON signal responsive to the EMR detector receiving the EMR signal; a control unit configured to instruct the driver to control the EMR sources to turn on one at a time in an activation pattern, receive the ON signal, and designate, responsive to the ON signal, the EMR source that triggered the detection signal as a triggering EMR source.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure identify and correct for magnetic field distortions within a magnetic field for localization of a medical device within a patient. Such magnetic field distortions, often associated with the intrusion of a metallic object into the magnetic field, may cause an unacceptable level of localization error which aspects of the present disclosure correct for.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a belt- or band-shaped component made of elastomer material, which is driven to run around under tensile stress and which has an electronic circuit or electronic device installed in the component, the component having tension members or cords which are arranged in the longitudinal direction, wherein, during the fabrication and before the vulcanization of the component blank, planar intermediate plies or strips made of material which cannot be crosslinked by vulcanization are inserted into the blank structure in subregions of the blank, wherein, after the fabrication, the blank is completely vulcanized to form the component and, where appropriate, cut or trimmed, and wherein the intermediate plies or strips are then removed from the component through correspondingly incorporated or method-intrinsically formed openings, and an electronic circuit or electronic device is introduced into the thus resulting planar empty space or interspace in the component.

Abstract: A method includes receiving, at a magnetic sensor, a series of transmitter signals that are detected as a series of signals corresponding to different locations and/or orientations of a magnetic transmitter emitting a magnetic field, calculating, receiving, at the magnetic sensor, a measurement transmitter signal that is detected as a signal corresponding to a magnetic field provided by the magnetic transmitter, and calculating, based at least on the received measurement sensor signal and the calibration matrix, one or both of an orientation matrix indicative of an orientation of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter and a positional matrix indicative of a position of the magnetic sensor relative to the magnetic transmitter, wherein the series of transmitter signals are transmitted from the same physical location relative to the magnetic sensor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for locating and/or mapping buried utilities are disclosed. In one embodiment, one or more magnetic field sensing locating devices include antenna node(s) to sense magnetic field signals emitted from a buried utility and a processing unit to receive the sensed magnetic field signals may be mounted on a vehicle. The received magnetic field signals may be processed in conjunction with sensed vehicle velocity data to determine information associated with location of the buried utility such as depth and position.

Abstract: Signal generation devices including an auto-tuning electronic circuit module for generating tuned output signals are disclosed. The auto-tuning electronic circuit module may include a tunable resonant electronic circuit element for providing a tuned output signal, including a voltage divider element and a tuning array element and control element.

Abstract: A method for locating an object hidden beneath a surface using a locating device is disclosed. At least one coupling signal dependent on the object is received by a receiving means of the locating device. Once the locating device has been placed on the surface, a first value Ci of the coupling signal is detected and the first value Ci is defined as value CBG for a background subtraction. In particular, whilst the locating device and the surface are moved relative to one another, at least one further value C of the coupling signal is detected and the value CBG for the background subtraction is re-calibrated by the at least one further value C if the at least one further value C is lower than the value CBG for the background subtraction. The re-calibration is suspended if a valid value CBG is identified for the background subtraction.

Abstract: Buried object locators including a locator body, an antenna node including twelve or more magnetic field antennas in a fixed position, and an electronic circuit coupled to the antenna node for generating information associated with hidden or buried utilities are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for electrical line testing. The method and apparatus provides audio, visual and/or electronic information to indicate electricity is flowing or not flowing through an electrical circuit controlled by a remote circuit breaker. The method and system help identify which electrical sockets are controlled by which remote circuit breakers. The method and apparatus is used over short distances in a residential home or over long distances in a commercial building such as a warehouse or factory. The method and apparatus is used with or without an external network devices such as a smartphone, electronic tablet, wearable device, etc.

Abstract: Content deployment systems and methods are provided for continuously integrating and deploying selected content items from a plurality of content sources into a specific release as part of the specific release. For example, a first content source stores a plurality of first content items for potential inclusion in the specific release. A manifest record for the specific release specifies release items that are allowed to be part of the specific release. A proxy can periodically retrieve selected ones of the first content items that are specified in the manifest record, and push them to a content publishing engine. Any content items that are not specified in the manifest record are rejected by the proxy. A processor of the content publishing engine can allow for continuous integration of the selected ones of the first content items into the specific release.

Abstract: A metal detector (1) has a drive coil (L61) and at least one detection coil (L62, L63) that detect fluctuations in a magnetic field generated by the drive coil, caused by metallic particles present in an inspected object. A multi-frequency transmitter unit (10) has a converter (4) with a plurality of drive switches (S41, S42; S43, S44) driven by a drive controller (2). The drive switches alternately conduct a drive current through the drive coil to generate an electromagnetic field with two or more different frequency components. A waveform of the drive current is determined, as is at least one pulse-modulated (PXM) signal corresponding to the determined waveform. The determined PXM-signal is determined online or is stored in a memory module (231; 232). The determined PXM-signal is generated and applied to control the drive switches. The drive current can be applied to the drive coil through an admittance unit (5).

Abstract: A mounting device for performing an assembly job in an elevator shaft of an elevator system has a support component and a mechatronic assembly component. The support component is configured to be moved within the elevator shaft. The assembly component is held at the support component and configured to perform a mounting step as part of the assembly job in at least a partially automatic manner. The assembly component can be an industrial robot. The mounting device allows repetitive mounting jobs, such as drilling holes and driving in screws, etc., to be performed in a partially or fully automated manner. The mounting effort, time, and/or costs thereby can be reduced.