Abstract: A device and a method for automatically categorizing screwdriver bits are provided. The method includes three main steps: accommodating and mixing, vibration feeding, and type categorizing. The device includes a device body and a vibrating feeding cylinder disposed on the device body. The vibrating feeding cylinder includes a rotating holder for vibrating and moving the screwdriver bits and a directional mechanism for arranging the driving tips of the screwdriver bits facing the same direction. A CCD mechanism is disposed on the device body and is used to detect the shape of the driving tips of the screwdriver bits.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes: receiving by a skimming prevention system operatively coupled to a machine, a plurality of sound data from a plurality of corresponding sound sensors operatively coupled to the machine; identifying by the skimming prevention system, a type of user action input of the machine; retrieving by the skimming prevention system from a storage system operatively coupled to the machine, a baseline acoustic signature associated with the machine and corresponding to the type of user action input; comparing by the skimming prevention system, the received plurality of sound data to the baseline acoustic signature associated with the machine and corresponding to the type of user action input; and in response to a determination that the compared plurality of sound data and the baseline acoustic signature differ more than a predetermined threshold, triggering by the skimming prevention system, an execution/alert mode of the machine.

Abstract: Disclose herein is a portable platform based on a direct digital synthesizer (DDS) is investigated for the orthogonal SAW sensor, integrating signal synthesis, gain control, phase/amplitude measurement, and data processing in a small, portable electronic system. The disclosed platform allows for simultaneous removal of non-specific binding proteins, and mixing, as well as improved incubation time.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaner includes: a cleaning tank; an ultrasonic transducer; a vibration head which extends from the ultrasonic transducer toward the cleaning tank and of which a tip portion includes a cylindrical hole having a longitudinal direction aligned to a vertical direction; and an air layer or a metallic member that is provided in an area formed by projecting at least the vibration head in the vertical direction under the cleaning tank, wherein the ultrasonic transducer is driven at a frequency at which the vibration head is vibrated resonantly in a vibration mode accompanied by a deformation in the longitudinal direction of the cylindrical hole and a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, wherein an area formed by projecting at least the vibration head in the vertical direction in a bottom portion of the cleaning tank is formed of a material mainly including resin.

Abstract: A method of washing an aspiration probe of an in-vitro diagnostic system is disclosed. The aspiration probe comprises an outer surface and an inner surface forming an inner space for receiving a fluid. The method comprises dipping the aspiration probe into a first wash fluid so that the outer surface is immersed at least in part into the first wash fluid, aspirating an amount of the first wash fluid into the inner space of the aspiration probe, propagating an ultrasonic vibration to the outer surface of the aspiration probe via the first wash fluid, and rinsing the outer surface and the inner surface of the aspiration probe with a second wash fluid. Further, an in-vitro diagnostic method and an in-vitro diagnostic system are disclosed.

Abstract: In one example of the disclosure, subject audio data, indicative of a subject audio captured via a transducer during an operation of a subject electromechanical device, is accessed. Baseline audio data, indicative of a baseline audio captured during an operation of a baseline electromechanical device, is accessed. An electronic file that includes differences between the subject audio data and the baseline audio data is created.

Abstract: A control apparatus, that can expand a range in which noise generated in an unmanned flying object is reduced, is provided. The control apparatus acquires position information of one or more unmanned flying objects and noise information concerning first noises generated by the one or more unmanned flying objects. The control apparatus also acquires output region information indicating an output region of sound output from a speaker. The control apparatus calculates, using the position information, the output region information, and the noise information, second noises that reach the output region. The second noises are caused by the first noises which are generated by the one or more unmanned flying objects. The control apparatus generates opposite phase signals for outputting opposite phase sounds with respect to the calculated second noises, and causes the speaker to output sound on a basis of the generated opposite phase signals.

Abstract: A technology is described for a channelization of a signal booster. A downlink (DL) and uplink (UL) signal can be channelized. A base station coupling loss (BSCL) can be estimated for selected channels in the channelized downlink signal. One or more channels in the UL and/or DL signal can be filtered to increase the BSCL, in order to increase one or more of an uplink signal gain and a noise power for the signal booster while maintaining network protections.

Abstract: A vehicle which is operable by a motor and/or muscular energy, in particular an electric bicycle, which includes an electric motor, a crankshaft drive having a first crank, a second crank, and a crankshaft, a torque sensor for detecting a torque applied by a rider at the crankshaft drive, and a control unit, which is set up to actuate the electric motor based on at least the values acquired by the torque sensor to drive the vehicle, the torque sensor being situated at the crankshaft drive and the torque sensor including at least one surface acoustic wave sensor.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: An edge detector is provided for determining the axial position of the leading or trailing edge of a rotating blade within rotating machinery. The edge detector includes a set of axially spaced tip detection probes locatable within a casing of the machinery. Each probe is arranged to detect whether or not the blade tip passes over that probe. The edge detector determines the axial position of the edge of the blade as the position of the boundary between those tip detection probes which detect passage of the blade tip thereover and those tip detection probes which detect no passage of the blade tip thereover.

Abstract: A method of operating hydrocyclone comprising a separation chamber which in use is arranged to generate an internal air core for affecting a material separation process, comprises measuring both a vibrational parameter of the separation chamber and a stability parameter of the internal air core during operation of the hydrocyclone. The measurements are compared against predefined corresponding parameters which are indicative of a stable operation of the hydrocyclone and an operational parameter of the hydrocyclone is adjusted dependent on the comparison.

Abstract: A collision sensor assembly is attachable to a stationary structure such as a pallet rack, a door frame, the corner of a wall, or the like. The collision sensor is configured to sense when a collision occurs with the stationary structure such as when a piece of movable machinery contacts the stationary structure. The collision sensor assembly includes a sensor operatively connected to a processor which determines when a collision occurs, and produces a signal to an output signal generator to provide an external indication of the collision.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a mixing system at a peak energy efficiency point, maximum response point or reduced sound generation point based on displacement, velocity, acceleration or jerk operating conditions.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: A radar wave sensing apparatus including a rotation element, a nanosecond pulse near-field sensor and a control unit is provided. The nanosecond pulse near-field sensor emits an incident radar wave and receives a reflection radar wave of the incident radar wave hitting on a surface of the rotation element to obtain a repetition frequency variation of the reflection radar wave corresponding to the incident radar wave. The control unit calculates a vibration of the rotation element according to the repetition frequency variation.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile device having a controller to detect a location of a user by detecting at least one of a network associated with the user and a location of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includes a media processor, transmit a request for an audio command intended for the media processor to a server on a communications network after detecting the location of the user, wherein the audio command is transmitted by the server to the media processor, detect an audio signal emitted from the media processor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command, and determine an identity of the media processor by associating the detected audio signal with the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to accurately detect a state of an object to be heated in a cooking vessel and effectively avoid cooking failure. An induction heating section (13) inductively heats a cooking vessel (11). A vibration detecting section (14) detects a vibration of the cooking vessel (11) via a top plate (12). A vibration waveform extracting section (15) extracts a vibration waveform of a frequency component having a frequency equal to a predetermined multiplication product of an induction heating frequency, from a waveform of the vibration detected by the vibration detecting section (14). A determining section (16) determines a state of an object to be heated, based on the vibration waveform extracted by the vibration waveform extracting section (15).

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe is disclosed which includes a cMUT chip having a plurality of vibration elements whose electromechanical coupling coefficient or sensitivity is changed according to a bias voltage and transmitting and receiving ultrasonic waves, an acoustic lens arranged above the cMUT chip, and a backing layer arranged below the cMUT chip. An electric leakage preventing unit is provided at the ultrasonic wave transmission/reception surface side of the acoustic lens or between the acoustic lens and the cMUT chip. The electric leakage preventing unit can be, for example, an insulating layer such as a ground layer. Such a structure makes it is possible to provide an ultrasonic probe capable of preventing electric leakage from the ultrasonic probe to an object to be examined so as to improve the electric safety and an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using the probe.

Abstract: In a drive control circuit of a linear vibration motor, a drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal used to alternately deliver a positive current and a negative current to a coil. A driver unit generates a drive current in response to the drive signal generated by the drive signal generating unit and supplies the drive current to the coil. An induced voltage detector detects an induced voltage occurring in the coil. After a running of the linear vibration motor has terminated, the drive signal generating unit generates a drive signal whose phase is opposite to that of the drive signal generated during the motor running; this drive signal of opposite phase includes a high impedance period during which the driver unit is controlled to a high impedance state. The induced voltage detector detects the induced voltage occurring in the coil during the high impedance period.

Abstract: A detection and alarm system comprises a piezoelectric film sensor and associated circuitry. The sensor detects acoustic emission signals from metallic objects under stress upon which it is affixed. The associated circuitry receives electronic signals from the sensor, creates and evaluates a sensor output value including rate ratio and frequency content of such signals within preset time limits. This data allows the detection of impending failure, an alarm condition, of the metallic object by identifying significant changes in the rate of emission of such sensor signals. An alarm condition may then trigger an alarm signal to warn of such impending failure.

Abstract: Embodiments of adaptively performing clutter filtering are disclosed. In one embodiment, by way of non-limiting example, an ultrasound system comprises: an ultrasound data acquisition unit configured to transmit and receive ultrasound signals to and from a target object to output a plurality of ultrasound data corresponding to each pixel of a color Doppler mode image; and a processing unit in communication with the ultrasound data acquisition unit and being configured to calculate a power difference value corresponding to each of the pixels based on the plurality of ultrasound data, determine whether the power difference value is equal to or larger than a first threshold value, and if the power difference value is equal to or larger than the first threshold value, then perform first clutter filtering upon the plurality of ultrasound data, or if the power difference value is less than the first threshold value, then perform second clutter filtering upon the plurality of ultrasound data.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an MEMS sensor and a method for making the MEMS sensor. The MEMS sensor according to the present invention includes: a substrate including an opening; a suspended structure located above the opening; and an upper structure, a portion of which is at least partially separated from a portion of the suspended structure; wherein the suspended structure and the upper structure are separated from each other by a step including metal etch.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a machine element (02), which moves with respect to a base and rotates about its own axis, having a sensor (06) and evaluation electronics (09). According to the invention, the sensor (06) and the evaluation electronics (09) and also a power supply unit and a transmitter unit (12) are arranged on the moving machine element (02).

Abstract: Numerous failure modes, causes, and adverse operating conditions on scanner systems exhibit mechanical signatures that are detected by three-axis accelerometers located in the upper and lower sensor heads. A diagnostic system for monitoring the scanning system that detects characteristics of sheet materials during linear translation along a translation axis of a bi-directionally driven mobile detector device includes a vibration sensor configured to measure vibrations generated by various components of the scanning system and to generate vibration signals indicative of operation conditions of the components. Correlating the vibration signals to modes of operations of the components identifies the source, location and severity of potential problems in the scanner.

Abstract: In a drive control circuit of a linear vibration motor, a differential amplifier circuit includes an operational amplifier in which an P-channel type transistor is used as a transistor that receives an input voltage, and the differential amplifier circuit detects an induced voltage occurring in a coil. Before the H-bridge circuit is controlled to a high impedance state, a drive signal generating unit turns on a first transistor and a second transistor, and delivers a regenerative current through the coil, the first transistor, the second transistor and the power supply potential.

Abstract: A device (1) and a method are provided for determining the oscillatory behavior of a brake lining (3) for a motor vehicle. The device (1) has a mounting device (2) for mounting a brake lining (3) and a securing device (6) for securing a brake disk model (7) assigned to the brake lining (3) so that the brake lining (3) can be brought to bear with the brake disk model (7) against a contact face (8). A pretensioning device (9) is coupled to the mounting device (2) and/or to the securing device (6) so that the brake lining (3) can be pressed against the brake disk model (7) with a pressure force (10, 10?) predetermined in terms of absolute value and direction. An excitation device (13, 13?) is provided for exciting oscillations of the brake disk model (7) and/or the brake lining (3).

Abstract: In-line inspection methods are provided. The methods comprise measuring at least two parameters/properties of a prepreg and/or laminate during the manufacture thereof. In some embodiments, the data collected using the inline inspection methods may be processed and/or provided to a manual or automated controller, in order to provide a closed loop method for the manufacture of the prepregs and/or laminates. Apparatus for carrying out the methods are also provided, as are articles comprising a prepreg and/or laminate made using the apparatus.

Abstract: [Problem] It is difficult to determine a state of an opening/closing body for opening/closing an opening section of a building. [Solution] A crime prevention device according to an exemplary aspect of the invention an excitation means for applying vibration to an opening/closing body for opening/closing an opening section of a building; a detection means for detecting the vibration of the opening/closing body to which the vibration has been applied by the excitation means; and a determination means for determining the state of the opening/closing body on the basis of the feature of the detected vibration of the opening/closing body.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide a system that controls a device that generates vibrations in a computer system. During operation, a critical vibration frequency is determined for the computer system. Next, a keep-out zone is generated based on the critical vibration frequency, wherein the keep-out zone specifies a range of frequencies to be avoided. Then, the device is controlled based on the keep-out zone to reduce vibrations generated by the device in the keep-out zone.

Abstract: A sensing unit includes four uniaxial sensors each capable of detecting a movement component along a respective axis having a respective orientation and arranged such that the angles between any two of said respective orientations of said respective axes are substantially equal, wherein the uniaxial sensors are arranged such that in use the respective axes are at substantially the same angle to the vertical direction and the horizontal direction.

Abstract: Roots-type blowers with helical cycloidal rotors exhibit variation in leakback flow with angular position intrinsic to these rotor geometries. Calibration of individual blowers using a combination of high-resolution alignment and enhanced detection of residual noise phenomena permits noise in as-produced blowers to be significantly attenuated. Intrinsic lower limits of noise induced by leakback variation are associated with manufacturing tolerances, necessary clearances, and particular geometric considerations. Gross alignment errors (excluding contact between rotors) produce a characteristic noise pulse rate that is three times the shaft rate. Proper alignment suppresses this and reveals a pulse sequence at double this rate and at about half of the amplitude of faulty alignment. The novel process explains the error mechanisms and defines repeatable calibration methods for a mass-production environment, introducing appropriate gauges and methods for the task.

Abstract: A system that incorporates teachings of the present disclosure may include, for example, a mobile device having a controller to detect a location of a user by detecting at least one of a network associated with the user and a location of the mobile device, wherein the location of the user includes a media processor, transmit a request for an audio command intended for the media processor to a server on a communications network after detecting the location of the user, wherein the audio command is transmitted by the server to the media processor, detect an audio signal emitted from the media processor, wherein the audio signal is caused by the audio command, and determine an identity of the media processor by associating the detected audio signal with the media processor. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: Ultrasonic waveguides having improved velocity gain are disclosed for use in ultrasonic medical devices. Specifically, the ultrasonic waveguides comprises a first material having a higher acoustic impedance and a second material having a lower acoustic impedance.

Abstract: In an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus using an ultrasonic probe of a mechanical radial scanning type for intracavity observation, stable Doppler mode images with respect to an ROI or a gate position can be generated by reducing an influence of uneven rotation of a flexible shaft. The apparatus includes: a signal processing unit for performing orthogonal detection processing or orthogonal sampling processing on a reception signal to generate a complex baseband signal; a memory for storing the complex baseband signal for at least two frames generated based on ultrasonic echoes received along plural lines; a line selecting unit for selecting one line in each frame from among the plural lines based on the complex baseband signal; and an image signal generating unit for generating an image signal representing information on blood flow based on the complex baseband signal with reference to the line selected in each frame.

Abstract: A loose part monitoring method and system for preventing the generation of a false alarm as much as possible, including analyzing a group of detection signals that have been output from a plurality of sensors placed on a wall defining a fluid flow path, wherein the group of detection signals are analyzed for a rising gradient that is related to change in intensity of impulsive sound, a damping time that is related to change of intensity of the impulsive sound, and a frequency spectrum that is related to pitch of the impulsive sound in order to determine whether the group of detection signals are false or true.

Abstract: A method of constructing a sensor includes depositing a first material in a predetermined arrangement to form a structure. The depositing results in at least one void occurring within the structure. The method further includes depositing a second material within the voids. The second material may have electrical properties that vary according to deformation of the second material. The method also includes providing electrical access to the second material to enable observation of the one or more electrical properties. A sensor includes a structure that has one or more voids distributed within the structure. The sensor also includes a material deposited within the one or more voids. The material may be characterized by one or more electrical properties such as piezoresistivity. The sensor includes a first contact electrically coupled to a first location on the material, and a second contact electrically coupled to a second location on the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for detecting tightness of threaded joints of drill rods when unfastening at least one threaded joint of the drilling equipment (6) by impacting the drilling equipment (6) with a percussion device in the rock drilling rig (1). For detecting the tightness there is predetermined at least one fastened model for a situation where the threaded joint/joints are fastened, a vibration signal measured during impacting is compared with both the fastened model and the unfastened model and, on the basis of the comparison, it is determined to which one of the models the tightness of the threaded joints better corresponds at the moment of determination.

Abstract: All-optical photoacoustic spectrometer sensing systems (PASS system) and methods include all the hardware needed to analyze the presence of a large variety of materials (solid, liquid and gas). Some of the all-optical PASS systems require only two optical-fibers to communicate with the opto-electronic power and readout systems that exist outside of the material environment. Methods for improving the signal-to-noise are provided and enable mirco-scale systems and methods for operating such systems.

Abstract: Numerous failure modes, causes, and adverse operating conditions on scanner systems exhibit mechanical signatures that are detected by three-axis accelerometers located in the upper and lower sensor heads. A diagnostic system for monitoring the scanning system that detects characteristics of sheet materials during linear translation along a translation axis of a bi-directionally driven mobile detector device includes a vibration sensor configured to measure vibrations generated by various components of the scanning system and to generate vibration signals indicative of operation conditions of the components. Correlating the vibration signals to modes of operations of the components identifies the source, location and severity of potential problems in the scanner.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in an excised specimen includes a radio-opaque marker including an energy beacon that can be embedded in the specimen, an energy beacon controller, at least three detectors, a signal processing component, and a display device. An associated method is disclosed. A method for evaluating a radiographically labeled excised specimen involves determining the location of a radio-opaque marker embedded in the excised specimen, anatomically sectioning the excised specimen, macro-optically segmenting the sectioned specimen into an adipose tissue component, a fibrous tissue component, and an epithelial tissue component, and microscopically examining at least one of the tissue components. An associated apparatus is disclosed.

Abstract: An optical fibre sensor assembly comprises a source of a plurality of different frequency substantially monochromatic signals (1, 2, 3, 4); a modulator connected to the output of the source to produce a train of output pulses of the monochromatic signals; a plurality of sensor sub-assemblies connected to the output of the modulator, each sub-assembly comprising an optical drop multiplexer (ODM) (13), a sensor array (14) comprising a plurality of sensor elements and an optical add multiplexer (OAM) (15); a wavelength demultiplexer (WDM), having an input coupled to the sub-assemblies output; a plurality of detectors, each detector having an input connected to receive a respective output of the WDM and providing at an output thereof a signal corresponding to a respective frequency of the modulated monochromatic signals; and an interrogation system, having a plurality of inputs connected such that each input receives the output signal from a respective detector.

Abstract: There is provided a method for testing a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator, wherein the displacement of a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator is estimated on the basis of the relations between one or more frequency characteristic values selected from the group consisting of the heights and areas of the peaks of the resonance waveforms and the difference of the maximum and minimum of the first order or first to higher orders of the resonance frequency characteristic values of the piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator and the k-th order (k=1 to 4) of the first or first to higher orders of resonance frequencies. According to this piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator testing method, a piezoelectric/electrostrictive actuator can be tested with high precision without actually driving the same as a product and without being accompanied by any disassembly/breakage.

Abstract: The subject of the invention is a method for detection and automatic identification of defects in rolling bearings applicable in diagnosing rolling bearings and detecting damage in a very early stage of its occurrence. The inventive method in which the vibrations of a bearing in operation are measured, the measured analogue signals are converted to digital data which are filtered and next shock pulses are detected, whereupon defects present in the tested bearing or bearings are identified, characterized in that the detection of shock pulses is done using shock pulse likelihood ratio (Ms).

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a measuring device, and a measuring device for registering at least one measured value of at least one process variable, wherein the measuring device includes a measuring tube, which has at least one necked out portion, on which at least one measuring transducer is arranged, wherein the measuring tube together with the necked out portion is monolithic, and wherein the necked out portion is manufacturable from the measuring tube at least partially by a deformation method.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sensor assembly and a method of sensing. The sensor assembly is for sensing a property associated with a structure of interest. The sensor assembly includes an elongate member constructed and arranged so as to be capable of assuming a structure-engaging form in which it is resiliently biased such that the member can engage with and grip the structure along at least part of the length of the member, and, at least one sensor supported by the elongate member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system and method for characterizing an impact in a fabric. The system may include a sensing element woven in the fabric wherein a parameter of the sensing element depends on a strain in the sensing element; a transducer coupled to the sensing element wherein the transducer is configured to generate an output based on the parameter of the sensing element; and a controller coupled to the transducer, the controller configured to receive the output of the transducer, to determine a strain in the sensing element based, at least in part, on a change in the output of the transducer, and to characterize the impact in the fabric based on the strain in the sensing element.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring a parameter (e.g., temperature, pressure, strain, or vibration) of at least a portion of a wind turbine generator using distributed sensing with optical fiber technology are provided. Fiber optic technology with distributed sensing offers a fast, low cost solution for measuring the parameter at myriad locations along substantial lengths of optical fiber. In this manner, the health or status of one or more components of the wind turbine generator may be monitored during or after the different stages of fabrication, transportation, site assembly, operation, and repair over time. Furthermore, data from multiple wind turbine generators may be sent to a local control station for processing and monitoring an entire wind farm in real time. Data from multiple wind farms may be transmitted from multiple local control stations to a remote station such that multiple wind farms may be monitored from a single location.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor for detecting the build up of frozen deposits in a cryogen vessel housing a superconducting magnet, comprising a tensioned wire, a source of variable frequency alternating current and a voltage sensor. The tensioned wire is oriented perpendicular to the direction of the stray magnetic field produced by the superconducting magnet. By varying the frequency of the applied current, the resonant frequency of the tensioned wire may be detected as the frequency at which the voltage across the wire is a maximum. Any variation in the frequency or magnitude of the resonant peak may be interpreted as an indication of a frozen deposit hampering the free oscillation of the tensioned wire.