Abstract: A method is provided for determining an orientation of a rotor plane of a wind turbine, including the following steps: determining direction information of a moving part of a wind turbine on basis of at least one signal of a positioning system received at the moving part, determining the orientation of the rotor plane on basis of the determined direction information. Further, a wind turbine and a device as well as a computer program product and a computer readable medium are suggested for performing the method.

Abstract: A gyroscope includes at least one anchor and a plurality of gyroscope spring elements coupled to the at least one anchor. The gyroscope also includes a plurality of concentric rings coupled to the plurality of gyroscope spring elements and configured to encircle the plurality of gyroscope spring elements. The gyroscope further includes an excitation/detection/tuning unit electrostatically coupled to the plurality of concentric rings.

Abstract: Described herein are accelerometers, apparatus and systems incorporating accelerometers, and techniques for controlling sensing operations in an accelerometer. In certain embodiments, an accelerometer is a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device including a proof mass, an anchor, a spring between the proof mass and the anchor, a drive electrode, and a sense beam. The anchor is located in an opening defined by a body of the proof mass. The spring and the proof mass form a spring system suspended from the anchor. The sense beam is configured to oscillate at a particular resonance frequency that changes according to a force generated by movement of the proof mass in response to acceleration. In some embodiments, a support structure couples the anchor to the spring and operates as a stress decoupling area that prevents or limits propagation of stress from the anchor to the sense beam and the spring system.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for athletic performance and technique monitoring are disclosed. In one example, a sensor output associated with a movement of a user arm during a running motion is received. The sensor output is analyzed to identify an undesirable arm motion.

Abstract: An alarm (35) provided by a fall detection system (2) may be caused by an accidental drop of the system. Therefore prior to issuing the alarm the fall detection system a confirmation is needed that a potential fall originates from a fall detection system that is worn by a user (4). A fall of a fall detection system that is not attached to a user is characterized by the occurrence of one or more full rotations of the system. Said rotations are identified by analyzing the output signal of a magnetometer, and by detecting a periodicity in said output signal. The fall detection system (2) provides the alarm in dependence of an identified absence of at least one full rotation.

Abstract: An obstacle information system and method for a helicopter with a warning information processor (3) and a display unit (1) for any obstacle (2) within a predetermined minimum distance d4. Said warning information processor (3) is fed with information related to detected distance d5 and direction of said at least one obstacle (2) detected by an obstacle sensor system (4) to compute and prepare the information for presentation on the display unit (1). Said display unit (1) comprises at least an indication area with a central circular surface (6) and a concentric ring-shaped area (7) around the circular surface (6). Said circular surface (6) is used exclusively for alerts. The ring-shaped area (7) is used for both. Warnings and alerts and the repartition in the indication area of circular surface (6) and ring-shaped area (7) are dependent on the detected distance d5 of said at least one obstacle (2).

Abstract: A measurement system having a miniature, wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) disposed within or on a moving object, such as a ball or other member, to calculate the kinematics of the moving object.

Abstract: A system for monitoring motion of an overhead line includes a monitoring device. The monitoring device includes an accelerometer and a processing circuit. The processing circuit is configured to accept data from the accelerometer corresponding to line movement, analyze the data to determine displacement data corresponding to a displacement of the overhead line, accept data corresponding to a location of at least one external object proximate to the overhead line, and analyze the displacement data to determine a clearance from the at least one external object.

Abstract: A unitary sensor package having a magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope incorporated into a monolithic structure composed of one or more wafers or substrates. Pressure and/or other types of sensors can also be incorporated in the monolithic structure.

Abstract: Provided is an arrangement for monitoring movements of components of a wind turbine, which includes a nacelle supported at an upper end of a tower, a rotor including wind turbine blades, and a hub section, at which the rotor is mounted. The arrangement is arrangeable in the hub section and includes an accelerometer adapted to measure a first acceleration of the hub section in a first direction and a second acceleration in a second direction, an azimuth angle measuring element to measure the azimuth angle of the rotor, an estimation unit to estimate movements, in a direction transversal to a wind direction, of components of the wind turbine based on the azimuth angle, the first acceleration and the second acceleration, and a monitoring unit to monitor the movements of the components of the wind turbine based on a signal received from the estimation unit being indicative for the estimated movements.

Abstract: A cycle crank includes a first portion for attachment to a cycle and a second portion spaced from the first portion for attachment to a pedal; wherein the crank includes a sensor for determining, in use, a value representative of a force applied to the crank; an angular rate sensor for determining, in use, the angular rated of rotation of the crank; and a processor for determining the angular position of the crank from the determined angular rate of rotation and associating the position with its corresponding value representative of a force applied to the crank.

Abstract: A system that incorporates the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method for producing an electrical signal from an apparatus comprising an induction coil coupled to a mechanical resonator, wherein the electrical signal has an operating frequency proportional to a mechanical resonating frequency of the mechanical resonator and proportional to a change in a magnetic flux resulting from a change in orientation in the apparatus, detecting with a detection circuit a change in the electrical signal resulting from a change in the magnetic flux caused by the change in orientation in the apparatus, and determining a direction of the apparatus according to the change in the electrical signal. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: An output circuit that occupies a small area includes a control unit, X, Y, and Z axes amplification units, and first and second common circuits. The control unit outputs a temperature coefficient offset for correcting the temperature dependence of a sensor output. The first and second common circuits use the output from an acceleration sensor when performed amplification for each axis. In a reset phase, the charge accumulated in the first and second common circuits is released. In an amplification phase, the first and second common circuits and an operational amplifier uses the temperature coefficient offset voltage of each voltage to correct and amplify a signal from the acceleration sensor. In a hold phase, the accumulated charge is maintained in the same state to hold the output value of each axis.

Abstract: In order to count the number of steps without involving an increase in circuit size or in computational load, a mobile phone includes a three-axis acceleration sensor to detect accelerations in three directions of X axis, Y axis, and Z axis, which are different from each other, a gravity direction detecting portion to detect a gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, a gravity direction acceleration calculating portion to calculate an acceleration in the detected gravity direction on the basis of the detected accelerations in the three directions, and a step counting portion to count the number of steps on the basis of the calculated gravity direction acceleration.

Abstract: One inertial sensor detects an acceleration in a driving direction as well as an angular rate about one axis and an acceleration in a detecting direction at the same time. A driving-direction acceleration detecting unit is provided to members vibrating in mass members on the left and right via an elastic body. In this manner, when an acceleration is applied in the driving direction, the mass members on the left and right normally vibrated with a same amplitude and in opposite phases have displacement amounts in a same phase, and the driving-direction acceleration detecting unit detects the displacement amounts in the same phase as a capacitance change, thereby detecting the acceleration in the driving direction.

Abstract: An instrumented ball for collecting data in an industrial mill comprising a durable sphere defining an enclosed cavity and having a substantial thickness, the sphere manufactured from a resilient material able to withstand pressures exerted by a working industrial mill, electronics disposed in the cavity comprising: a plurality of devices for sensing physical conditions inside the mill, wherein each of the sensing devices outputs a series of sensed values, the devices comprising at least an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a thermocouple, a microphone and a wear sensor, a memory for storing the sensed values, and a communication port for transmitting the sensed values to an external device located outside of the mill, and a power source disposed in the cavity for powering the electronics.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing a force. The apparatus includes a nanostructure being suitable for emitting electrons and a collector. The collector is proximately positioned with respect to the nanostructure so as to receive the emitted electrons and define a gap therebetween. The gap is partially dependent upon the applied force and the emission and reception of the electrons are indicative of the applied force.

Abstract: An impact resistant speed sensing object having an inner body with a processor and at least one speed detecting sensors adapted to engage the inner body and adapted to interact with the processor for determining the speed of the impact resistant speed sensing object. The impact resistant speed sensing object further includes an impact resistant housing having apertures adapted to receive the inner body and the speed detecting sensor. The impact resistant speed sensing object has an aperture adapted to receive the impact resistant housing with the inner body and speed detecting sensor.

Abstract: A speed meter having pedometric function comprises a casing provided with a liquid crystal screen, a gravity sensor provided in electric connection in the casing, a circuit board, and a microprocessor. A changeover switch is respectively connected with the gravity sensor and the microprocessor. Thereby, the forward speed of a vehicle can be obtained by the detection of the gravity sensor and the calculation of the microprocessor when the vehicle is driven. After the changeover switch is switched into a status of walking or running, the step count of a user can be obtained by the detection of the gravity sensor and the calculation of the microprocessor and shown on the liquid crystal screen.

Abstract: A sensor unit for a three-axis accelerometer enabling reduction in chip size. The sensor unit is connected to an accelerometer that detects a plurality of acceleration values for a plurality of axis directions. The sensor unit includes a correction value generation circuit that sequentially generates a plurality of correction values for correcting the plurality of acceleration values. A correction circuit is connected to the correction value generation circuit to sequentially correct the plurality of acceleration values with a plurality of correction values and generate a plurality of corrected acceleration values.

Abstract: A sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the analog-to-digital converter, wherein the sensor package can wirelessly communicate with one or more wireless receivers and, if present, with one or more other sensor packages. A process comprising attaching one or more sensor packages to one or more vehicles or devices (mobile or stationary), each sensor package comprising a micro-electromechanical (MEMS) motion sensor, an analog-to-digital converter coupled to the MEMS motion sensor, and a wireless transceiver coupled to the MEMS motion sensor; sensing the motion of the one or more vehicles or devices to which each sensor package is attached; and transmitting motion data from the sensor package to a wireless receiver or to another sensor package.

Abstract: A system and process for controlling and actuating an excavation implement during excavation between an above-ground position and an operator specified below-ground position and for maintaining the specified below-ground position once achieved. The actuation of the excavation implement is regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an engine operating speed and an actuator speed. The actuation of the excavation implement is further regulated by use of an operator modifiable relationship between an attachment drive speed and the actuator speed. A computer network controls the actuation of the excavation implement in response to inputs from the operator and feedback from the engine speed, the attachment drive speed, and an actuator position sensor as the excavation implement progresses through the earth.

Abstract: A system and an apparatus for providing data relating to a sports club/bat and/or a sports ball before, during or after launch. The data may be used for testing the club/ball or for introduction into a video feed of the club/ball in order to enhance TV broadcasting of sports tournaments or training. Additionally, games may be played where ball data are projected into a virtual reality, such as a virtual golf course, so that the ball path in the virtual reality may be seen. The system is suitable for e.g. golf, cricket, and baseball.

Abstract: A sensor unit to detect a stillness event, the sensor unit including a gyroscope attached to a monitored person, a micro-controller communicatively coupled to the gyroscope, and a memory communicatively coupled to receive and to store the angular velocity data with a correlated time. The gyroscope senses an angular velocity of the monitored person and outputs angular velocity data based on the sensed angular velocity. The micro-controller receives the angular velocity data and recognizes a quiescence-pattern data in the angular velocity data.

Abstract: An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.

Abstract: A system for a transmission of several additional pieces of information by a single modification of a speed signal. In addition to the modification of the speed signal in the area near the wheel (modified speed sensor), the system provides the special evaluation of the speed signal, modified, at a distance from the wheel (controller). In addition, the system naturally also includes the combination of the special speed sensor and the controller.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing an improved Internet camera is described. The method comprises capturing an image and determining if the image has changed. If the image has changed, sending the image to a server, and if the image has not changed with a period, sending a heartbeat to indicate continued functionality of the camera.

Abstract: There can be obtained a handlebar stem ensuring that a speed indicator provides a readily observable indication and in addition thereto capable of achieving a reduction in size and weight. A handlebar stem attaching a bicycle's handlebar includes a rod attaching the handlebar stem to the bicycle; a speed indicator receiving a signal from a speed sensor to display speed; and an indicator housing located at a front protrusion extending in a forward direction to traverse the rod to house the speed indicator, the indicator housing, as seen along the rod, overlapping or being adjacent to the rod.

Abstract: A compact data recorder includes angular rate sensors for monitoring rotational movement about three axes. Three linear accelerometers, or one triaxial linear accelerometer, track linear movement along the same three axes. A processor and memory record outputs from the angular rate sensors and the linear accelerometers.

Abstract: A movement detecting device comprises a container (10), at least a first vibrator (16) which vibrates in accordance with a physical movement in a first direction (X), and a second vibrator (17) which vibrates about a second direction (Z), the first and second vibrators mounted in the container. The vibrations of the first and second vibrators are converted into an electric signal, and a value of the converted signal is shown on a display.

Abstract: An application of rate gyros and accelerometers allows electronic measurement of the motion of a rigid or semi-rigid body, such as a body associated with sporting equipment including a fly rod during casting, a baseball bat, a tennis racquet or a golf club during swinging. For instance, data can be collected by one gyro according to the present invention is extremely useful in analyzing the motion of a fly rod during fly casting instruction, and can also be used during the research, development and design phases of fly casting equipment including fly rods and fly lines. Similarly, data collected by three gyros and three accelerometers is extremely useful in analyzing the three dimensional motion of other sporting equipment such as baseball bats, tennis racquets and golf clubs. This data can be used to support instruction as well as design of the sporting equipment.

Abstract: A method and a magnetic field and acceleration sensor for simultaneously sensing magnetism and acceleration are disclosed, the method comprising the steps of applying a current to first and second movable structures which are movable in a first direction, spaced from fixedly arranged first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, and arranged in a plane perpendicular to the first direction, applying magnetic field and/or acceleration signals to the first and second movable structures, detecting capacitance changes from the first and second sensing electrodes, the capacitance changes being caused by the distance change between the first and second movable structures and the first and second sensing electrodes, respectively, outputting a magnetic field signal by subtracting a signal detected from the second sensing electrode from a signal detected from the first sensing electrode, and outputting an acceleration signal by adding the signals detected from the first and second sensing electrodes.

Abstract: A method of detecting the improper mounting of a sensor on a motor vehicle includes monitoring the output signals of the sensor, determining the noise levels in the output signals, and comparing the noise levels from the output signals to a threshold noise value to determine if the sensor is properly mounted. Preferably, the method monitors the output signals of a first sensor and a second sensor, determines the noise levels in the output signals being emitted by each of the sensors, and compares the noise levels of the first sensor to the noise levels of the second sensor to determine if the sensors are properly mounted.

Abstract: A multiaxial inertial sensor system, for example, a rotational rate and acceleration sensor system for driving dynamics regulation in motor vehicles, in which a plurality of sensor chips are assigned to respective sensor axes and are mounted on a plurality of rigid circuit substrates at a wafer level. The circuit substrates may be oriented according to a respective sensor axis and are electrically contacted to the substrate, and the circuit substrates are electrically and mechanically interconnected by flexible or rigid connecting structures.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sensor assembly for detecting movements, wherein a sensor signal is produced in an active sensor (1) by an encoder (E) acted upon by the movement, and which includes a first device (2, 3, 4, 5) that permits converting the sensor signal, along with at least one additional information, into an output signal which can be transmitted to an evaluating device, and which is in particular characterized in that a second device (1a) is provided by which a signal voltage that depends on an air slot (d) between the active sensor (1) and the encoder (E) is detected and sent to the first device (2, 3, 4, 5) for transmission as additional information.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for checking a hollow body section, wherein the section, after being filled with a fluid, is subjected to a bursting test to demonstrate its brittle fracture resistance. After the open ends of the section are closed, the required bursting pressure is applied by the dynamic movement toward each other of two elements that reach in a sealing manner through the open ends. The dynamic movement of the two elements is achieved by accelerating a weight toward one of the two elements such that the weight impacts the one of the two elements at an impact velocity, causing the dynamic movement.

Abstract: A test fixture for the simultaneous evaluation of a plurality of seals inding an outer tubular shell having a first terminal end and a second terminal end. A first bulkhead has interior and exterior sides to cover the first terminal end of the tubular shell and a second bulkhead has interior and exterior sides to cover the second terminal end of the tubular shell. A sleeve has a first terminal end and a second terminal end and is positioned inside the exterior tube. The sleeve may be segmented into two sections connected end to end. One end of the sleeve is fixed to a simulated pipe flange and sealed by a coaxial overlapping seal. The other end of the flange is connected to an adapted ring by a similar seal. Another such seal is used to connect the two segments of the sleeve.

Abstract: An acceleration recorder and related method for monitoring, discriminating, and recording acceleration events only when the acceleration and calculated velocity change both exceed selected trigger values. While the acceleration values meet a first, user-defined threshold, the acceleration values are integrated to calculate a velocity change value. If the velocity change value meets a second, user-defined threshold, the acceleration event, including the velocity change, is recorded in memory.

Abstract: A system for superimposing data in which data are represented by a constituted analog signal. The analog signal periodically has two presettable levels (high, low), with the data being represented with the time duration of the analog signal. The presettable levels (high, low) of the analog signal can be realized in this context by two different current or voltage values. Other data are present in the form of a constituted digital signal which represents the data in the form of a digital data word. In order to constitute a superimposed signal, a digital signal is superimposed on the analog signal.

Abstract: A method and device for sampling the pressure of inert purge gas flowing in two pipes to be welded at a joint comprising a sleeve for encircling the pipes during their coaxial alignment in end to end abutment, and an associated element with the sleeve forming a sealed chamber surrounding the joint and receiving gas that leaks out from the joint at the same pressure as the gas in the pipes, and a connection for connecting the chamber for measuring the pressure of the gas therein as an indication of the pressure of the gas flowing in the pipes; the method includes clamping the device around the pipes or sliding the pipes into the device.

Abstract: An method and apparatus for testing of gas cylinders which combines a cylinder preparation station, a cylinder test station, a system controller for controlling data entry and cylinder testing, the system controller comprising a data entry device located near the cylinder preparation station, a test control device located near the cylinder station, and a memory comprising a cylinder test condition database and a cylinder test database. The apparatus is programmed to conduct a process comprising the steps of entering data from a cylinder into the data entry device, selecting test conditions for the cylinder from the cylinder test condition database, testing the cylinder using the test conditions, and adding test results for the cylinder to the cylinder test results database.

Abstract: An improved system for the non-destructive testing of the fluid tight integrity of an installed fluid transfer line such as a drain pipe or vent and wastewater system of a building. A removable test baffle is installed in a seat extending radially into the sidewall of a pipe or other fluid transfer line to isolate an installed portion of the fluid line for testing. The test baffle comprises a pair of gaskets to improve the effectiveness of the baffle in sealing or isolating the line and a domed central web to facilitate testing at increased pressures. The test baffle optionally further includes a lightweight, low cost ribbed construction and a means for removing the baffle from either the convex or concave side of the dome without leaving behind any portion of the baffle to impair fluid flow within the line. On removal, the baffle is flexed into a saddle shape and removed from the line without need for dismantlement of the line.

Abstract: A tube loading apparatus and method for tensile strength and leak testing an elongated, hollow tube such as a steam generator heat transfer tube of a steam generator plant. The apparatus may be used to determine the axial or compressive load placed on a hollow tube.

Abstract: A method for testing threaded joints and threaded members comprising the steps of lubricating one or both threaded members, making up a joint, subjecting the joint to a pressure differential, and attempting to detect flow through said joint, characterized in that said method includes the step of subjecting said joint to heat during the test.

Abstract: A method of predicting rupture failure for corroded transmission pipelines uses a model that accounts for the effects of residual and thermal stresses, and settlement of the pipe following installation. The pressure required for failure under a fixed bending moment is different from the pressure required wherein the same bending moment is produced by the settlement of the pipe because the bending compliance increases with plastic straining. The failure criterion depends upon whether or not the hoop strain exceeds the difference between the ultimate hoop strain limit of the material and the remaining hoop strain capacity needed for the material to shed the axial stresses due to bending.

Abstract: The present invention provides a single compact fitting for air, CO.sub.2, or nitrogen pressure testing either gas piping or waste piping. Each fitting is used for gas pipes of a particular outside diameter and waste pipes of a single larger diameter. The typical plumber would have a set, for example four, of the inventive fittings available, one for each size waste pipe that is be tested. The inventive fitting couples easily to either gas fuel piping or waste piping. A single air-pressure gauge is used to test either type of piping system. The inventive fitting is not limited to waste, vent, or gas piping systems; it can also be used to couple to other piping systems. The inventive fitting, in addition to being more versatile than conventional air-pressure test fittings, is also smaller and more compact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a plumbing system in a more dependable and cost-effective manner. During the rough-in plumbing phase of construction, the drain pipe leading from the plumbing system in a building to the city sewer main or main sewer line is positively sealed off by a test cap welded in the pipe at the location of the clean-out. Access to the test cap is maintained through the clean-out. Pressurizing the rough-in plumbing to test the same can then proceed knowing that if any leaks occur, they are in the branch plumbing on the building side of the test cap, and not at or in the test cap. Following successful completion of the initial test, the top-out plumbing job is completed, leaving the test cap welded in the clean-out or drain pipe. After the roof vents are in, the second test of the plumbing system is made, again knowing that if the system shows any leaks, they are the result of a failure in the plumbing work and not a failure of the test cap.

Abstract: A dynamic amount detector generates correction information according to a predetermined relational expression, based on directions and magnitudes of dynamic amounts which are opposite to each other and imparted to one of directions of a plurality of detection axes, directions and magnitudes of dynamic amounts imparted to respective directions of the remaining detection axes, and detection values in a dynamic amount detecting means obtained when these dynamic amounts are respectively imparted. By means of this correction information, the output value detected by the dynamic amount detecting means is corrected. While a high detection accuracy is attained, the correction information concerning detection accuracy can be determined simply.

Abstract: A test head assembly for heat exchanger tube bundles consists of a structural frame to support the bundle, test heads, sealing devices between the test heads and the tube sheets, clamps securing the test heads to the bundle with the sealing devices therebetween, a supply reservoir for the test fluid, a collection reservoir to receive the test fluids after testing to permit proper environmental disposal, a control station, pumping assemblies and related equipment. The structural frame is suitable for holding various common arrays of tube bundles for heat exchangers in a test configuration. The sealing devices include two sealing plates, preferably fiat discs, mounted on opposite ends of the assembly and biased toward each other either hydraulically or mechanically, hydraulics being the most desirable biasing force, and two sealing rings, each typically a short cylinder of the proper outer diameter to fit the gasket surface of the bundle between the seal plates and the ends of the bundle to be tested.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a new pipe coupling for a leak that could be too small to be detected visually involves a section of pipe, a hole through the pipe, a 90 degree ell affixed to the hole from inside the section of pipe, a length of tubing from the 90 degree ell extending to a tee outside the section of pipe, an air gage attached to the tee, and a tire pump attached to the tee for applying about 100 psi of air pressure to the interior of such pipe coupling through the hole to a small space between the section of pipe and the coupling, for locating a leak in the coupling after first sealing the pipe coupling to the pipe section, as done by observation at the air gage of a decrease in air pressure at such small space.