Abstract: An optical sensor (10) that provides for concurrent pressure and temperature measurements at substantially the same location includes at least one launch fiber (22) and at least one temperature sensitive material (52) having a refractive index that changes with a change in temperature. The launch fiber and temperature sensitive material are spaced from each other across a gap (21) having length (L). A reflecting fiber (26) can be provided adjacent the temperature sensitive material. The optical sensor (10) also includes a sealed cavity (20). The launch fiber (22) and reflecting fiber (26) can be attached to the tube and at least partially disposed within the cavity. Changes in pressure change the length (L) of the gap (21).

Abstract: A method of determining the lift generated by a lift-generating member, the lift-generating member being coupled to a component within the lift load path with the lift load path component experiencing strain as a result of the lift generated by the lift-generating member; characterised in that the method comprises the steps of: g) Coupling at least one strain measurement means to the lift load path component; h) Obtaining strain measurements from the at least one strain measurement means; and i) Calculating the lift generated by the lift-generating member from the at least one strain measurements.

Abstract: Uniaxial deformation-measuring device includes a section of optical fiber equipped with a Bragg grating aligned with the measurement axis, and a test body subjected to the deformations to be measured., this device includes the fixing points for attaching the fiber to the test body. The fixing points are separated by a distance (Lfib) having a variation (?Lfib). When the test body is stressed by the deformation, the effective length (Lce) of the test body has an elongation (?Lce). The length (Lfib) of the section of optical fiber and the effective length (Lce) of the measurement body are such that the longitudinal deformation (?Lfib/Lfib) of the section of optical fiber is strictly greater than the originating deformation (?Lce/Lce) of the test body, thus defining an amplification factor K which is strictly greater than 1 and which is equal to the quotient (?Lfib/Lfib)/(?Lce/Lce) in the first order.

Abstract: A novel method for whole field thin film stress evaluation is provided. Through the provided method, the whole filed thin film stress distribution for an optical thin film would be developed with a commercial interferometer, so that a whole field evaluation for the crack or peel-off of thin film is hence achievable.

Abstract: Sensors, including fiber optic sensors and their umbilicals, are mounted on support structures designed to be retro-fitted to in-place structures, including subsea structures. The sensor support structures are designed to monitor structure conditions, including strain, temperature, and in the instance of pipelines, the existence of production slugs. Moreover the support structures are designed for installation in harsh environments, such as deep water conditions using remotely operated vehicles.

Abstract: A sheet member information acquiring device has a load-applying member configured to come into contact with the sheet member and to apply a load to the sheet member, a rotation bearing configured to hold the load-applying member rotatably around at least a rotation axis, a protrusion provided at the end portion of the load-applying member that contacts the sheet member, the protrusion being located at a position offset by a predetermined distance from the rotation axis, a changing portion configured to change relative positions of the sheet member and load-applying member while in a contact state, and a detecting portion configured to detect a displacement of the load-applying member. The device acquires the information of the sheet member on the basis of information provided by the detecting portion.

Abstract: In one aspect the present invention concerns methods and apparatus for measuring the mechanical properties of soft materials across a frequency regime. In particular, the present invention concerns methods and apparatus using torsional waves to measure the mechanical properties of vocal fold tissue and candidate materials for use in human vocal fold reconstruction. In embodiments of the present invention, sample material is placed between two plates whose sides are faceted. One of the plates is attached to the shaft of a galvanometer, and the plate is twisted back and forth through angles of up to ±6° at frequencies of up to 2500 Hz. If required, the assembly may be enclosed in an environmental chamber to maintain the temperature and relative humidity of the sample at the conditions experienced by vocal folds in a living human or animal.

Abstract: A method of measuring strain in a test specimen comprises the steps of placing a pattern of marks on a surface of the test specimen, wherein the pattern of marks includes a plurality of target marks and a plurality of sets of coded marks, using the sets of coded marks to identify locations of at least two of the target marks, and using a change in distance between at least two of the marks to determine strain in the test specimen. An apparatus that performs the method is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention measures a structure including multiple narrow metallic regions, each being disposed between neighboring regions comprising a second, non-metallic material. One step of the method is exciting the structure by irradiating it with a spatially periodic excitation field made up of excitation stripes in order to generate a thermal grating. Other steps are diffracting a probe laser beam off the thermal grating to form a signal beam; detecting the signal beam as a function of time to generate a signal waveform; and determining at least one property of the structure based on a thermal component of the signal waveform.

Abstract: Manufacturers test printed circuit boards (PCB) to ensure that all components have been soldered to the correctly. Some tests cause the boards to deflect, which can damage component-to-board interfaces (i.e., solder joints) or components. Embodiments of the present invention measure the amount of PCB deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load using photoelectric amplifiers, which send and receive light beams to targets mounted on the PCB surface through optical fibers and lenses mounted in a head assembly. The intensity of received light beams are proportional to analog voltages output by the photoelectric amplifiers and to the distance between the head assemblies and the targets. A data acquisition system converts the analog voltages to digital voltages and a software interface correlates the digital voltages to PCB deflection/displacement. A GUI displays deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load.

Abstract: There are carried out a first measurement operation for measuring the shape of a front surface of a sample held in a held state, a second measurement operation for measuring the shape of a back surface of the sample held in the same state, and a third measurement operation for measuring the shape of the back surface of the sample held so as to cause inverse distortion. First data are acquired on the basis of the front surface shape data obtained through the first measurement operation and the back surface shape data obtained through the second measurement operation. Second data are obtained on the basis of the front surface shape data obtained through the first measurement operation and the back surface shape data obtained through the third measurement operation. Holding distortion is determined on the basis of the first and second data.

Abstract: A device for measuring adhesion strength between a first optical element and a second optical element includes a force gauge, a first magnet, and a second magnet. The second magnet is fixed to the force gauge. The first magnet and the second magnet are configured for magnetically attaching to opposite sides of the first optical element. An attractive force between the first magnet and the second magnet is greater than the adhesion strength between the first optical element and the second optical element.

Abstract: An automated teller machine for handling a paper money, has a paper money path for transferring the paper money along a predetermined direction, and a detector for measuring a condition of the paper money, comprising a light beam emitter for emitting a light beam toward the paper money, and a light beam receiver for receiving at least one of the light beam reflected by the paper money and the light beam passing through the paper money.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event on an imaging system. The system comprises a main assembly, a support assembly coupled to the main assembly, and at least one sensor coupled to the imaging system. The at least one sensor is configured to detect at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system. The method comprises detecting at least one force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurring on the imaging system and providing an indication to a user when a force, impact, shock, or vibration event occurs on the imaging system.

Abstract: A system and method relating to the measuring of torque in a rotating shaft is provided. An optical torque sensing system comprises a rotating shaft, wherein a sleeve of photo-elastic material overlays a portion of the shaft. A light emitting component delivers light into the photo-elastic material, wherein the light delivered by the light emitting component is directed through the photo-elastic material along an axis of the rotating shaft. A capturing component captures the light that exits the photo-elastic material. The exiting light comprises fringe pattern data, and a computing system computes torsion strain of the shaft based at least in part on the fringe pattern information.

Abstract: One development described herein relates to a mechanical sensing arrangement, particularly suitable for use in crash detector devices, which converts mechanical motion to a reduced scale compatible with the signal characteristics of a low-grade commercial sensor. Another development described relates to a sensing system which determines optimum deployment conditions for automotive or vehicle safety systems, such as air bags, in the event of a collision or impact.

Abstract: A semiconductor structure comprises a stress sensitive element. A property of the stress sensitive element is representative of a stress in the semiconductor structure. Additionally, the semiconductor structure may comprise an electrical element. The stress sensitive element and the electrical element comprise portions of a common layer structure. Analyzers may be adapted to determine a property of the stress sensitive element being representative of a stress in the semiconductor structure and a property of the electrical element. The property of the stress sensitive element may be determined and the manufacturing process may be modified based on the determined property of the stress sensitive element. The property of the electrical element may be related to the property of the stress sensitive element in order to investigate an influence of stress on the electrical element.

Abstract: A color switchable stress/fracture sensor in combination with a structure. The combination apparatus includes a structure requiring stress and/or fracture detection, and at least one elasto-mechanoluminescent material at least partially dispersed in and/or on the structure and/or in a coating on the structure. The combination apparatus further includes at least one fracto-mechanoluminescent material at least partially dispersed in and/or on the structure and/or in a coating on the structure, and at least one fiber optic cable positioned to receive and transmit sufficient light emitted from the elasto-mechanoluminescent material due to stress applied to the elasto-mechanoluminescent material and to receive and transmit sufficient light emitted from the fracto-mechanoluminescent material due to fracture of the fracto-mechanoluminescent material.

Abstract: A force sensor comprising a deformable body and a detector coupled to this deformable body for measuring a force brought to bear on the deformable body, wherein the detector comprises a light conductor and, disposed close to an end of the light conductor and coupled with the body a position-variable mirror, the light reflection of which depends on the position of the mirror.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to Lithium-Niobate fiber optical sensors (“LNCF”) and systems for detection of load or pressure and strain or deformation changes that occur in a host material. The host material can be a component of a system, such as a part of a bridge, or a selected material, such as a geofoam, that provides a protective and compliant medium to which the LNCF would be securely attached.

Abstract: A passive optical sensor operates independently of light amplitude by using a semiconducting carbon nanotube material. The material has an optical property dependent on wavelength, e.g., wavelength of absorption, ratio of absorptions at two wavelengths, or fluorescence at one wavelength in response to light at another wavelength. The property is changed by compressing the material or exposing the material to a charge. Light is passed through the material so that the change in the property can be detected.

Abstract: To be able to detect a displacement amount of a moving object by a resolution of from micrometer to nanometer by a simple structure. An excitation coil 23 and a detection coil 25 are arranged to align and a magnetic body probe 27 in a conical shape a sectional area of which is change in a longitudinal direction is arranged in a state of being inserted into an air core portion of the excitation coil 23. An output terminal from the detection coil 25 is connected to an amplifier 33 and a phase shifting circuit 35 is provided between the amplifier 33 and an input terminal of the excitation coil 23. When the probe 27 of the magnetic body is moved at inside of the air core portion of the excitation coil 23, inductance of the excitation coil 23 is changed, a phase difference is produced between an input signal inputted to the excitation coil 23 and an output signal outputted from the detection coil 25 and the phase shifting circuit 35 changes a frequency to nullify the phase difference.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus serve for determining the deflection of a fastener, especially a screw.

Abstract: An energy beam is applied to an evaluation region of a sample, a phase distribution image of the energy beam transmitted to the sample in the evaluation region is obtained, and the obtained phase distribution image is analyzed, whereby a stress distribution in the evaluation region is measured. This measuring method measures a stress, based on a phase distribution image, whereby the stress can be measured irrespectively of a crystalline structure of an evaluation sample. A phase distribution image is used, whereby two-dimensional distribution images of the stress, density and refractive index can be obtained.

Abstract: A method is described using optical fiber technology to measure the vibration characteristics of long slender structures subjected to dynamic disturbances imposed by water or wind generated loads. The method is based on making bending strain measurements at selected locations along the length of long slender structures such as marine risers or large ropes using fiber optics technology including Optical Time Domain Reflectometry and Bragg diffraction gratings. Engineering interpretation of information obtained from bending strains determines the vibration characteristics including frequency, amplitude, and wave length. Maximum bending strain measurements assess pending structural damage. One application is measurement of vortex induced vibrations (VIV) response of marine risers.

Abstract: A micro-tensile testing system providing a stand-alone test platform for testing and reporting physical or engineering properties of test samples of materials having thicknesses of approximately between 0.002 inch and 0.030 inch, including, for example, LiGA engineered materials. The testing system is able to perform a variety of static, dynamic, and cyclic tests. The testing system includes a rigid frame and adjustable gripping supports to minimize measurement errors due to deflection or bending under load; serrated grips for securing the extremely small test sample; high-speed laser scan micrometers for obtaining accurate results; and test software for controlling the testing procedure and reporting results.

Abstract: A micro-tensile testing system providing a stand-alone test platform for testing and reporting physical or engineering properties of test samples of materials having thicknesses of approximately between 0.002 inch and 0.030 inch, including, for example, LiGA engineered materials. The testing system is able to perform a variety of static, dynamic, and cyclic tests. The testing system includes a rigid frame and adjustable gripping supports to minimize measurement errors due to deflection or bending under load; serrated grips for securing the extremely small test sample; high-speed laser scan micrometers for obtaining accurate results; and test software for controlling the testing procedure and reporting results.

Abstract: The invention relates to various materials and their use in applications which exploit the triboluminescent effect.

Abstract: In a stride measuring apparatus, a signal wave emitter and a signal wave detector are opposed to each other in a direction intersecting with a predetermined direction in which the running surface is driven. The signal wave emitter emits a light beam. The signal wave detector outputs an ON signal when receiving the light beam, and outputs an OFF signal when the light beam is intercepted. A detector part calculates a moving speed on the basis of a difference between a fall time and a rise time of one OFF signal out of two OFF signals outputted in succession from the signal wave detector, and a foot size of a subject. The detector part calculates a difference between output times of the two OFF signals (stride time) and calculates a stride on the basis of a product of the moving speed and the stride time.

Abstract: Manufacturers test printed circuit boards (PCB) to ensure that all components have been soldered to the correctly. Some tests cause the boards to deflect, which can damage component-to-board interfaces (i.e., solder joints) or components. Embodiments of the present invention measure the amount of PCB deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load using photoelectric amplifiers, which send and receive light beams to targets mounted on the PCB surface through optical fibers and lenses mounted in a head assembly. The intensity of received light beams are proportional to analog voltages output by the photoelectric amplifiers and to the distance between the head assemblies and the targets. A data acquisition system converts the analog voltages to digital voltages and a software interface correlates the digital voltages to PCB deflection/displacement. A GUI displays deflection before, during, and after the PCB is subject to mechanical load.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement in connection with a production line for optic cable, wherein optical fibers (1) are guided to a coating point (3), where filling gel is applied around the fibres, and a loose tubular casing is formed around the fibres and the filling gel. The fibres (1) are guided to the coating point through a device (4) that is formed from three parts (4a, 4b, 4c), said device being supported on a first base (5) and on a second base (6) moving in the travel direction of the fibres. Sensors (7, 8) are arranged in the first and second bases (5, 6) for measuring the force acting on the bases (5, 6). The arrangement further comprises means (9) for calculating the difference between said measured values for determining the friction force between the fibres and the tubular device (4).

Abstract: The invention aims at providing a crane equipped with an inspection device that can maintain excellent inspection conditions without decreasing cargo transporting efficiency. On a container transporting route of a quay crane, a truck (position adjustment device), is provided moveably in a direction across this transporting route. An inspection device, which inspects the container, is provided on this truck. An upper part frame, which projects above the inspection device, and a lower part frame, which projects under the inspection device, are provided on the truck. An upside position detector, which detects the relative position of the container and the inspection device in the direction of movement of the truck, is provided in a position higher than that of the inspection device of the upper frame.

Abstract: A system and method for assisting in real time alignment of an alignment specimen within a load frame. In one implementation an instrumented alignment specimen is used to provide information from which the deflection of the specimen at various points along the specimen can be determined. The deflection information is then used to calculate deflection values in X, Y and Z coordinate axes in real time. The deflection values are then scaled by a desired factor and then used to generate a three dimensional representation of the alignment specimen. This produces a slightly exaggerated, three dimensional representation of the alignment specimen illustrating its deformation as a result of concentric and/or angular misalignment of the lower head of the load frame relative to the upper head.

Abstract: The invention describes apparatuses and methods of monitoring fatigue, structural response, and operational limits in structural components. More particularly, the present invention relates to fatigue, response, and operational monitoring systems on steel catenary risers using optical fiber sensors. The sensors can be pre-installed on new risers, or post-installed sub-sea on existing risers, using a variety of methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices and methods for detecting a ligand in a liquid, based on deflection of one or more microscopic cantilevers. Each cantilever has an optical waveguide fixed thereto or integral therewith. Deflection of the cantilever is detected by assessing coupling of light between the optical waveguide on the cantilever and an optical waveguide fixed distally thereto.

Abstract: A method of measuring a load on a surface produced by a contact force. An elastic film or coating is located on a supporting surface to provide an indication of normal and tangential or shear forces applied to the surface. A thickness measurement, corresponding to a normal displacement, and a tangential displacement of the film, corresponding to a shear displacement, is obtained and input to a response function to reconstruct the normal and shear load components of the contact force on the surface. A differential thickness measurement of the film is detected by an optical method in which a luminescent output from a luminophore in the film is measured. A luminescent output from a reference luminophore located below the film is also measured to provide a measurement system independent of the illumination source used to produce the luminescent output.

Abstract: An optical sensor that includes multiple filter cavities for the simultaneous, co-located measurement of pressure and a temperature in a single structure. The sensor may include a single launch fiber bonded to a tube a pre-determined distance from a reflective fiber. The end of the reflective fiber not encased within the tube is enclosed within a cap formed of a material that has a refractive index that changes with changing temperature. Alternatively, a material having a refractive index that changes with changing temperature can be inserted into the tube to take the place of the reflective fiber. Multiple launch fibers may be incorporated within a tube.

Abstract: A test method for visual documentation of micro-cracks during tensile coupon testing includes the steps of: assembling a test unit; inserting a carbon-reinforced composite specimen having a prepared edge into the tensile coupon testing machine; illuminating the prepared edge of the specimen with a camera strobe light and a microscope light; applying a tensile load to the specimen; and capturing images (at 10% increments of the expected failing stress) of the prepared edge of the specimen with a digital camera that is attached to a stereomicroscope. Using the test method of the present invention photographic documentation of the formation and growth of micro-cracks in carbon-reinforced composite materials under tensile load is possible. The obtained data may be used to avoid or limit fatigue failure of carbon-reinforced structures used, for example, in the aerospace industry, for example, in spacecrafts and advanced military aircraft.

Abstract: Test apparatus comprising means for holding a sample to be tested, means for altering the strain in the sample, an optical arrangement for monitoring the sample to be tested, and processing means for processing the signals resulting from the monitoring of the sample under test, wherein the environment between the optical arrangement and the sample under test is controlled, and wherein the sample to be tested is located in a position external to the controlled environment.

Abstract: A system for inspecting a ceramic component. The ceramic component is positioned on a first rotary table. The first rotary table rotates the ceramic component. Light is directed toward the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component. A detector is located on a second rotary table. The second rotary table is operably connected to the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component. The second rotary table is used to move the detector at an angle to the first rotary table and the rotating ceramic component.

Abstract: An automotive seat includes optical sensors for determining a load on the seat, such as a person. The sensors may be used with a computer and computer software to analyze data from the sensors in determining a weight of the load, and the sensors may also be used to determine a shape of the load. From the weight and shape of the load, the computer may decide whether the load is suitable for safe deployment of an automatic restraining device, such as an airbag.

Abstract: A bond separation inspection method using an optical fiber sensor. The method includes a step of embedding a sensor part of an optical fiber sensor in an adhesive joining a plurality of members together. The sensor part is embedded in the adhesive in such a way that the sensor part undergoes a compressive strain. Separation of the bond is detected on the basis of an optical characteristic of the sensor part when light from a light source is directed into the optical fiber sensor.

Abstract: A optical system and method of measuring a strain on a surface of a band of a sheet of a material. A single line, or an area having a boundary line, is marked on the band before deformation. The line traverses a width of the band at angle. The band is deformed and an equivalent two-dimensional image of the line after deformation is obtained. The line before deformation is compared with the two-dimensional equivalent image of the line after deformation, and the strain on the surface of the band after deformation is determined.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mobile measurement system of three-dimensional structure comprises a measuring equipment 5 to measure three-dimensional structure of an object for measurement and a barrow 4 for moving measurement which the equipment 5 is mounted. The measuring equipment 5 has a digital camera 5a, a slit floodlight 5b, and a three-dimensional structure calculating device that calculates and outputs three-dimensional structure of the object by using a light plane range-finding method from the each position and direction of the floodlight and the camera and the picture that is taken by the camera.

Abstract: A beltless fiber optic labor contraction sensing device including a fiber optic strain sensor for detecting labor contractions during childbirth. The fiber optic strain sensor includes an optic cable, a light source for transmitting a light beam through the optic cable and a light detector for identifying changes in the optical signal. The fiber optic strain sensor is operable to generate an appropriate response to any changes in the optical signal that are caused by the application of force against the fiber optic cable. An adhesive pad or sensor jacket is provided to secure the fiber optic strain sensor to the mother's abdomen without the use of a belt or strap. The contraction device includes wireless communication for transmitting an output signal to a standard contraction recording device. Further, one or more of the components of the labor contraction sensing device are fabricated so as to be disposable.

Abstract: A device for determining the straightness of shafts or shaft tunnels in segments is used preferably in larger water craft, but can also be used for measurement of oil pipelines. A first and a second adapter which each contain an optical transmitting and receiving device. The receiving devices are able to detect the location and direction of incidence of the light beams or laser beams incident on them. In this way, it is possible to quantitatively determine the parallel and angular offset of shafts, shaft tunnels or pipelines in segments by one single measurement process at a time. The adapters preferably have an identical form and work in the same way.

Abstract: An actuator and sensor system (1) for composite structures, especially carbon-fiber reinforced plastic structures (10) with piezo-ceramic actuators, particularly for active vibration dampening and/or shape control purposes, as well as fiber Bragg grating sensors (30), particularly in the form of strain measurement sensors. The piezo-ceramic actuators are designed as piezo fiber modules (20a, 20b) and the fiber Bragg grating sensors (30) are at least partially embedded in the piezo fiber modules (20a, 20b).

Abstract: To be able to detect a displacement amount of a moving object by a resolution of from micrometer to nanometer by a simple structure. An excitation coil 23 and a detection coil 25 are arranged to align and a magnetic body probe 27 in a conical shape a sectional area of which is change in a longitudinal direction is arranged in a state of being inserted into an air core portion of the excitation coil 23. An output terminal from the detection coil 25 is connected to an amplifier 33 and a phase shifting circuit 35 is provided between the amplifier 33 and an input terminal of the excitation coil 23. When the probe 27 of the magnetic body is moved at inside of the air core portion of the excitation coil 23, inductance of the excitation coil 23 is changed, a phase difference is produced between an input signal inputted to the excitation coil 23 and an output signal outputted from the detection coil 25 and the phase shifting circuit 35 changes a frequency to nullify the phase difference.

Abstract: A stress of a c-axis-oriented specimen of a tetragonal polycrystal is measured using X-ray diffraction under the assumption of a plane stress state. An X-ray optical system is set in the location of ?=0°, 45° or 90°. An X-ray diffracted at a crystal plane (the direction of the normal thereto is the direction of an angle of ?) with the Miller indices (hkl) is detected. A diffraction angle ? in a strain state is measured in the vicinity of a Bragg's angle ?0 in a non-strain state. Strains ? with respect to a plurality of ? are calculated from the difference between the measurement values ? and the Bragg's angle ?0. Specific stress calculation formulae are determined with respect to the tetragonal system having the Laue symmetry 4/mmm. The stress is calculated from the slope of the linear line of plotted measurement results.

Abstract: A non-contact method for evaluating stress in a substrate. An impurity is non-uniformly introduced into at least one region of a crystalline substrate. The crystalline substrate is subjected to physical stress. Fluorescence producing energy is directed at the crystalline substrate. A fluorescence produced by the crystalline substrate is measured. The fluorescence is correlated with the stress on the crystalline substrate.