Abstract: A system and method for controlling one or more remote sensors includes wirelessly communicating with the sensors, monitoring operation of each one of the sensors, and causing any one of the sensors that is operating in an unauthorized manner to be disabled. In one embodiment, the sensors can include micro-mechanical structure supporting electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry is capable of monitoring at least one performance parameter of the sensor, comparing the monitored parameter to a preset limit, and disabling the sensor if the preset performance limit is exceeded.

Abstract: A method for controlling testing apparatus having a plurality of device stations for test, a plurality of measuring portions measuring an identical item, and a matrix switch changing a coupling combination between the plurality of the device stations for test and the plurality of the measuring portions, including: performing checking step of a measuring portion with respect to the plurality of the measuring portions, the checking step measuring the measuring portion by measuring a standard device; and performing checking step of a device station for test with respect to the plurality of the device stations for test, the checking step mounting a standard sample on the device station for test and checking the standard sample with use of the measuring portion coupled to the device station for test on which the standard sample is mounted.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing virtual working pages are disclosed. One method includes storing a first set of parameters in a working page within the tested system, where the first set of parameters is used for calibration of the tested system. The method also includes storing a second set of parameters in a virtual working page within an observation system having a plurality of virtual working pages. The method further includes transferring the second set of parameters from the observation system to the tested system. The method also includes storing one or more parameters of the second set of parameters in the working page. A related user interface is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for calibrating a multiple-beam curvature/flatness sensor in order to provide an accurate media curvature/flatness measurement. One or more flat media sheets are passed through a multiple-beam media curvature/flatness sensor and the timing data associated with the lead edge/trail edge crossing each beam associated with the multiple beam curvature/flatness sensor is used for the calibration of the curvature/flatness sensor system. The unknown variables in the media curvature/flatness equation which takes into consideration of the manufacture and assembly errors of the sensor as well as the media deflection due to gravity can be determined and eliminated in order to obtain a calibrated media curvature/flatness equation. The calibrated media curvature/flatness equation can further be applied in the curvature/flatness measurement in order to achieve accurate measurement results.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: A vibration detection circuit. The circuit includes an accelerometer, a combining filter, an amplifier, and an analog to digital converter. The accelerometer generates one or more signals indicative of movement along an axis. The combining filter filters a component of the one or more signals not associated with movement and combines the components of the one or more signals indicative of movement to create a combined signal. The amplifier amplifies the combined signal and creates an amplified signal. The analog to digital converter converts the amplified signal into a digital value.

Abstract: A method of navigation includes providing an angular rate sensor and a direction-of-gravity reference. The method also includes determining bias error of the angular rate sensor about a vertical axis based on data substantially from the angular rate sensor and from the direction-of-gravity reference. In one embodiment, the first angular rate sensor is moved from a first position around a substantially horizontal axis to a second position around the substantially horizontal axis. The first angular rate sensor provides angular rate data for attitude at the first position and for compass heading at the second position. Data from the first angular rate sensor and from the direction-of-gravity reference is processed with a program for determining a bias error correction for the first angular rate sensor while the first angular rate sensor is in the first position.

Abstract: Methods of auto-calibrating a meter are disclosed. In one aspect, the method can include determining a set of calibration information applicable to a sensor and storing the calibration information onto a tag element associated with a sensor dispenser. The tag element can be placed into communication with a reader element that is associated with a meter and which is configured to receive the calibration information so as to allow the meter to use the calibration information in a calibration procedure. Various aspects of a system for auto-calibrating a meter are also disclosed.

Abstract: A foreign matter detecting apparatus includes a detecting device for detecting foreign matter by measuring smoothness of a surface of an object undergoing measurement, a marking device for providing a dent on the surface of the object with a predetermined horizontal distance from the foreign matter detected by the detecting device, and a mass spectrum measuring device for irradiating and scanning a small area with a primary ion beam, as a part of the object, including the foreign matter and the dent, so as to measure a mass spectrum of secondary ions emitted from the foreign matter located at a position within a predetermined horizontal distance from the dent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provides high-accuracy measurements of an electrical parameter across a broad range of parameter input values. In one embodiment, an intelligent electronic device (IED), e.g., a digital electrical power and energy meter, with a plurality of independently-adjustable gain factors measures a parameter, and calculates and stores calibration factors associated with known values of the measured parameter. The IED or meter applies the stored calibration factors when measuring unknown values of the measured parameter, to improve the accuracy of the measurement.

Abstract: The invention provides a calibrating method for use in a method of determining the quantity of an analyte labeled with an accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) isotope in a test sample. The samples can include, for example, urine, faeces, plasma or blood. The analyte can be, for example, a drug or metabolite of a drug.

Abstract: An onboard electronic device operating unit enables a needle calibration mode by performing a specified needle calibration enabling operation on part of multiple setup operation sections. The setup operation sections can change setting states of control contents for an onboard electronic device. In the needle calibration mode, part of the setup operation sections functions as a needle calibration section. Operating the needle calibration section can calibrate a needle position of a needle-type display apparatus.

Abstract: A device includes a sensor array and a processor is automatically calibrated. The sensor array collects data from a pattern using at least one of a capacitive measurement and a radio frequency measurement. The pattern is included on a calibration storage device. The processor receives the data from the sensor array and calibrates the device in accordance with the data.

Abstract: A workpiece inspection system is disclosed for determining measurements of a workpiece on a machine tool. The system utilizes a measurement device which outputs data relating to the workpiece (e.g. in place of a conventional cutter). The problem of obtaining real time data relating to the position of the machine tool is overcome by recording a machine tool position data set and a measurement device data set at selected instants which are defined by a synchronization signal. The data sets are combined later in the correct relative position because the synchronization signal was used. The synchronization signal can issue from the machine tool controller, an interface, measurement device or another part of the system.

Abstract: A procedure for operating a particle sensor that is arranged downstream after a particle filter, at which an ash contamination can occur, and a device for implementing the procedure, are suggested. A remaining operating time determination determines the remaining operating time of the particle sensor related to an ash contamination. Alternatively or additionally the remaining operating time determination provides a correction signal, with which the sensitivity loss of the particle sensor caused by the ash contamination can be considered.

Abstract: A standard calibration set having at least three calibration standards. Each standard is a molded article made of a thermoplastic polymer which contains the elements Cd, Cr, Pb, Hg and Br, with the Cr:Pb:Hg:Br:Cd ratio being different in each of the three calibration standards. Further disclosed is a method for manufacturing the calibration standards and their use in X-ray fluorescence analysis.

Abstract: A method for a calibration module to calibrate laser bias current in an optical transceiver. The method comprises causing the calibration module to configure a control module of the optical transceiver for a calibration operation, causing the calibration module to determine a laser bias current monitored by the control module, and determining one or more calibration factor values that cause the laser bias current monitored by the control module to substantially match a laser bias current as measured by an external test meter.

Abstract: A temperature measuring method is disclosed in which, even when a sheet-like object has an uneven temperature distribution throughout itself, the sheet-like object is measured for temperature with accuracy. In this method, temperature measurement is conducted in a measuring area (S) where the sheet-like object (a) is to be measured for its physical quantity or in the vicinity of the measuring area during determination of the physical quantity by a physical quantity measuring means.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method and a kit for calibrating a photoluminescence measurement system, in particular a fluorescence measurement system. The kit includes a number of fluorescence standards i and their corrected and certified fluorescence spectra Ii(?), whereby the fluorescence standards i are selected, so that their spectrally corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?) cover a broad spectral range with high intensity. The standards are characterized by large half-widths FWHMi of their bands of at least 1400 cm?1. According to the method of the invention, partial correction functions Fi(?) are generated by forming the quotient of the measured fluorescence spectra Ji(?) and the corresponding corrected fluorescence spectra Ii(?), which are then combined to form a total correction function F(?) for a broad spectral range.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a measuring device for determining and/or monitoring a process variable of a medium in a container. The measuring device includes: A mechanically oscillatable unit, which is securable via a securement to a sensor housing and/or to the container; and a driver/receiver unit, which excites the mechanically oscillatable unit to oscillate, or receives the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit. The mechanically oscillatable unit is excited to oscillate, and the reaction forces and/or reaction moments are detected, which act on the securement due to the oscillations of the mechanically oscillatable unit, that a report is issued, when the reaction forces and/or reaction moments exceed predeterminable limit values, and that, in the case of a report, the mechanically oscillatable unit is adjusted as regards its oscillation properties.

Abstract: A measurement system includes a preexisting sensor, a transducer module installed in the pre-existing sensor including a memory storing information for identifying and operating the transducer, and a control device for communicating with the memory, the control device including a processor for automatically configuring the control device in response to data communicated from the memory and for collecting data from the pre-existing sensor. A method includes installing a transducer module into a preexisting sensor, and communicating between a memory of the transducer and a control device to automatically configure the control device in response to information for identifying and operating the transducer stored in the memory, and for collecting data from the pre-existing sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for calibrating a medical device operable in at least one axis of movement, such as a footpedal or footswitch, is provided. The design includes instructing a user to operate the device to a first predetermined position in a first axis of movement while concurrently monitoring movement of the device to establish a set of movement responses, prompting the user to indicate when the first predetermined position in the first axis is attained modifying the set of movement responses when movement response irregularities are detected, thereby establishing a modified set of movement responses, and employing the modified set of movement responses during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus for accelerating the weathering effects on test specimens within a test chamber including a calibration-access assembly for replacing test sensors located within the apparatus with reference sensors when the apparatus door is closed. An improved sensor support assembly is also included. The calibration-access assembly from an improved location, facilitating superior irradiance detection. The calibration-access assembly including an aperture defined in the door of the apparatus and a shield connected to the door that is movable to permit or prevent access to sensors when the apparatus door is closed.

Abstract: An arrangement and method for providing compensation to a cyclical input signal is disclosed. The arrangement comprises a first detection unit (20) for detecting a first event in a cyclical output signal; a compensation signal generation unit (14) for generating a compensation signal; and a signal combination unit (8) for combining the compensation signal and the cyclical input signal to obtain the cyclical output signal. The compensation signal generation unit (14) is arranged to adjust the compensation signal at an instant which has a determined relationship with the detection of the first event. By adjusting the compensation signal at the right instant in a cycle of the cyclical output signal, the adjustment will not influence the further processing of the cyclical output signal. The method can be used to compensate the offset and sensitivity characteristics of a sensor.

Abstract: Improved methods and systems for estimating material weight, mass and volume in real-time are disclosed. The amount of material in the container is measured. An estimate of the amount of material in the container is then obtained using the measured amount of material in the container, a desired rate of change of material, and a container system model. The estimate of the amount of material in the container is then adjusted based on the difference between the estimated and measured amount of material in the container.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an inspection system is provided. The method includes contacting a test part with a run-out measurement device and rotating the test part and measuring a first run-out using the run-out measurement device. The method also includes moving the run-out measurement device to a new position and repeating the steps of contacting and rotating the test part to measure a second run-out at the new position. The method further includes using the first and second run-outs to adjust measurements of the inspection system.

Abstract: A test sample is provided for testing performance of measuring and monitoring equipment for production lines, for example for foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals, and in particular, contamination monitoring equipment employing X-rays and/or metal detectors to spot foreign bodies in packaged products. The test sample may comprise a laminated card enclosing a standardised test piece such as a metal particle of specified size. The card or other sample bears at least one identification containing a barcode, readable by an optical scanner. To test the equipment, a card is placed on a product package passing through the equipment, the optical scanner reads the barcode to confirm that the correct test sample has been submitted, and the results for the test sample are recorded in a computer log. If the results do not match those expected from the particular test sample submitted, the equipment fails the test and requires recalibration or repair.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for measuring adhesive and frictional properties of a polymer hemisphere relative to a contact plate provided in the apparatus. The apparatus comprise a body having a movable table installed to move along an X-axis and Y-axis and a vertical column positioned at a rear side of the movable table, a sample mount provided on the movable table and having a mirror to reflect surface images of a horizontal contact plate, a head assembly located at a front side of the column and having a polymer hemisphere used to press a surface of the contact plate to implement an adhesive force test, a camera device located at a front side of the mirror to capture the surface images of the contact plate during the adhesive force test, and a control device for analyzing various data inputted thereto during the adhesive force test.

Abstract: In an aspect, the present invention uses projection micro stereolithography to generate three-dimensional microvessel networks that are capable of supporting and fostering growth of a cell population. For example, provided is a method of making a microvascularized bioreactor via layer-by-layer polymerization of a photocurable liquid composition with repeated patterns of illumination, wherein each layer corresponds to a layer of the desired microvessel network. The plurality of layers are assembled to make a microvascular network. Support structures having different etch rates than the structures that make up the network provides access to manufacturing arbitrary geometries that cannot be made by conventional methods. A cell population is introduced to the external wall of the network to obtain a microvascularized bioreactor. Provided are various methods and related bioreactors, wherein the network wall has a permeability to a biological material that varies within and along the network.

Abstract: A bias value associated with a sensor, e.g., a time-varying, non-zero value which is output from a sensor when it is motionless, is estimated using at least two, different bias estimating techniques. A resultant combined or selected bias estimate may then be used to compensate the biased output of the sensor in, e.g., a 3D pointing device.

Abstract: A device rotates at least one static magnetic field about an axis, producing a rotating magnetic dipole field, and is movable in relation to the surface of the ground. The field is periodically sensed using a receiver to produce a receiver output responsive to the field. A positional relationship between the receiver and the device is monitored using the output. In one aspect, changing the positional relationship, by moving the device nearer to a boring tool which supports the receiver, causes an increase in accuracy of depth determination. In another aspect, determination of an actual overhead position of the boring tool, and its application, are described. Use of a plurality of measurements over at least one-half revolution of each magnet is disclosed. Establishing a surface radial direction toward a boring tool and resolution of multi-valued parameters is described. Calibration techniques, as well as a three transmitter configuration are also described.

Abstract: A control for controlling the operation of a fuel-fired heating appliance is provided that include a sensor capable of sensing the presence of carbon monoxide gas and providing an output indicative of the level of carbon monoxide gas. The control further includes a microprocessor that periodically reads the CO sensor output and stores at least one sensor output value in a memory, wherein the microprocessor responsively discontinues the operation of the appliance when the microprocessor detects a sensor output that has increased by more than a predetermined amount over at least one previously stored sensor output value. In one embodiment, the control is preferably configured to periodically read the sensor output value, and responsive discontinue operation of an appliance upon sensing a predetermined increase of at least a 50 percent increase over the previously monitored sensor output value over a period of about 15 to 90 minutes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the presence or absence of reaction between a first and second material of interest by measuring osmotic pressure changes in a reaction cell. The reaction cell is capable of measuring the small changes in pressure that occur due to osmotic pressure shifts during a catalytic or binding reaction at species concentrations down to approximately 10?7 M.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: A test blade and a method for fabricating the test blade are presented for use in calibrating a tomography system configured to inspect turbomachine blades for defects. The test blade may include a three-dimensional fiber blank and a polymerized resin. The blank may be created by weaving synthetic material fibers. The resin may be configured to be injected into a mold as a liquid where the resin may polymerize around the fiber blank. The test blade may be configured to be modified to include particular defects such as cut fibers and/or cavity defects which are perceived by the tomography system. The dimensions of the cavity defects may be substantially created by pulling two or more fibers apart at a specific distance with a spreading tool.

Abstract: A method of calibrating an individual sensor of a particular sensor type whose output varies non-linearly with at least one measured quantity and at least one operating condition. The first step includes producing a set of calibration curves for each sample sensor of the particular sensor type. The resulting sets of calibration curves are then averaged and the results used to produce a generic calibration surface for the particular sensor type showing its variation. Individual calibration measurements are then taken for a number of different values of the measured quantity at a small number of discrete values. The individual calibration readings are then used to map the generic calibration surface to the individual calibration measurements of the individual sensor.

Abstract: A method for standardizing a reading taken on a fiber sample, including the steps of measuring a moisture content of the fiber sample, taking the reading on the fiber sample, and correcting the reading to a standardized reading that adjusts for a difference between the reading at the measured moisture content of the fiber sample and a standardized reading at about 7.5% moisture content.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for portable calibration of electrofusion controllers. The method includes providing a portable self-contained calibration device to an electrofusion controller. The calibration device includes internal or external dummy loads to simulate real fittings to be fused and instructs the electrofusion controller to apply electricity to these dummy load. Then, the calibration device uses a measurement sub-system to measure a pre-determined parameter. A microcontroller sub-system determines if there is a difference between the measured values and the expected values. If there is a difference, the calibration device adjusts the electrofusion controller's memory. The calibration device repeats the measurement with a second independent measurement device to ensure accuracy.

Abstract: A reference leak (10) includes a first substrate (20), a second substrate (40) disposed and bonded on the first substrate, and predetermined numbers of leak channels (14) defined in at least one of the first and second substrates. Oblique walls of the leak channels are formed by crystal planes of the at least one of the first and second substrates, the oblique walls thereby being aligned according to such crystal planes. A method for making a reference leak is also provided.

Abstract: A calibration method for a flow cytometer with a multichannel detector module. During calibration, the fluorescence intensity data values for the different detector channels are used to calculate normalization factors needed to adjust subsequent data collected by each of the channels. By using a multichannel detector module, the results from the different flow cells can be reliably compared, so that multiple stages of flow cells can be arranged in series along a common flow path, for example to measure the same sample at defined time intervals.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that generates a simulated vibration pattern in a computer subsystem. During operation, a vibration pattern is monitored at a location in the computer subsystem, wherein the vibration pattern is monitored while the computer subsystem is incorporated into the computer system and the computer system is operating. Then, the vibrations of the computer subsystem are mimicked by generating the simulated vibration pattern at the same location in the computer subsystem based on the monitored vibration pattern.

Abstract: This invention relates to a test device for metal detector portal structure, characterized by the fact that it comprises a removable rack (10) comprising support and guide means (300) for displacement of a panel (400) capable of carrying a reference sample.

Abstract: A scanner instrument used for scanning tubing that is being placed into an oil well or being removed from the oil well can be calibrated during retrieval of tubing from the well. Calibrating the tube scanner includes scanning a tubing standard and comparing the data from the standard scan to the known characteristics of the standard. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be computed. The relationship between the scanned data and the known characteristics can be used as the calibration function for the scanner. Calibrating the tube scanner can also include scanning a string of tubing segments and then adjusting the data collected. The adjustment is based upon equalizing the data peaks that occur in the scan data at the coupling joints between tube segments.

Abstract: A sensor system that provides an adjustable threshold level for the sensed quantity is described. The adjustable threshold allows the sensor to adjust to ambient conditions, aging of components, and other operational variations while still providing a relatively sensitive detection capability for hazardous conditions. The adjustable threshold sensor can operate for extended periods without maintenance or recalibration. In one embodiment, the sensor is self-calibrating and runs through a calibration sequence at startup or at periodic intervals. In one embodiment, the adjustable threshold sensor is used in an intelligent sensor system that includes one or more intelligent sensor units and a base unit that can communicate with the sensor units. When one or more of the sensor units detects an anomalous condition (e.g., smoke, fire, water, etc.) the sensor unit communicates with the base unit and provides data regarding the anomalous condition.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for creation of discrete corrosion defects with a wide range of diameter to depth aspect ratios for painted test standards. Also provided are methods for use of those test standards to characterize the corrosion under paint detection threshold, statistical reliability, and accuracy of NDI and/or NDT techniques including but not limited to flash thermography, ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, microwave testing, shearography, and infrared testing.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention is an alignment apparatus useful to align a test head that includes: (a) two or more fluid chambers disposed in fixed relation to each other, the chambers having a movable wall and one or more apertures for admitting or releasing fluid; (b) fluid channels coupled to the one or more apertures that enable fluid to flow between at least two of the fluid chambers; and (c) one or more valves disposed to enable or to stop the flow of fluid through one or more of the one or more fluid channels.

Abstract: Example composite materials and calibration assemblies using the same. An example calibration assembly for use in calibrating a downhole formation evaluation tool includes a first body comprising a first material and having a first geometry, a second body comprising a second material formed to receive the first body, wherein the first and second materials and the first geometry are selected so that a calibration property of the calibration assembly substantially matches a corresponding calibration property of a third material.

Abstract: Intubation is a potentially dangerous invasive procedure with many plausible errors, such as over-inflation of a cuff and insertion of an intubation tube in the wrong lumen, potentially resulting in a patient's internal bleeding, suffocation, or even death. An intubation aide according to example embodiments of the present invention allows intubation of a patient, while eliminating potential injury to the patient, increasing accuracy and reliability of the placement of the intubation tube, and drastically decreasing procedural time. Within moments of insertion of the device into a patient, the medical caregiver knows, with complete certainty, the location of the intubation device without applying traditional time-consuming tasks. Embodiments also provide patient safety, if intubated for a prolonged periods, by regulating an inflation pressure of the cuff. The intubation aide can also be used for training purposes and is ideal for intubation in hospital and field settings.

Abstract: The invention provides a handler and a method for testing the same. The handler comprises a sorter and a testing module. The testing module further comprises a signal generator, a sensor, and a signal comparator. The signal generator generates and sends out a first handling signal. The sorter receives the first handling signal and correspondingly places a first electronic component on a first region according to the first handling signal. The sensor senses the first electronic component on the first region, and then correspondingly generates and sends out a second handling signal. The signal comparator is electrically connected to the sensor and the signal generator, and receives the first handling signal and the second handling signal. The signal comparator determines whether the first handling signal is equivalent to the second handling signal, and correspondingly sends out a comparing signal.

Abstract: A method and system for testing a MEMS sensor element during operation of a MEMS sensor system in one embodiment includes a test signal generator configured to generate a broad frequency band test signal, and a verification signal substantially identical to the test signal, a microelectrical-mechanical system (MEMS) sensor element operatively connected to the test signal generator for generating a sensor output in response to the test signal, a comparison component configured to generate an evaluation signal output based upon the verification signal and the test signal, and an evaluation circuit operatively connected to the comparison component and configured to identify a mismatch between the verification signal and the sensor output based upon the evaluation signal.