Abstract: A sensor assembly for inspecting a part, the sensor assembly comprising a sensor for sensing a defect of the part and a remoldable housing for retaining and positioning the sensor in alignment with the defect of the part. The housing is formed of a moldable material and may be molded into a shape that conforms to a contour of the part when a stimulus is applied to the housing and may harden into the shape when the stimulus is removed from the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a Detection Tool for use by personnel tasked with locating Improvised Explosive Devices (“IEDs”). The Detection Tool is preferably constructed of a non-metallic and non-conductive material so as to reduce the risk of accidental triggering of electrical explosive devices. The Detection Tool is shaped in order to penetrate surfaces, such as compacted roadways or other thoroughfares, where IEDs may be concealed. Additionally, the Detection Tool may include measurement indicators as well as attachment means so as to be easily integrated with other gear carried by users of the Detection Tool.

Abstract: A method of analyzing minerals received within a mining shovel bucket includes collecting data associated with ore received in the bucket, where the bucket includes at least one active sensor, where the ore includes one or more mineral, and where the ore is within a field of the active sensor. The method further includes determining a content of the minerals using the data, transmitting information relating to the content of the minerals to a decision support system, and sorting or processing the ore based on an output of the decision support system. Collecting data associated with the ores may include generating source signals, applying the source signals to the active sensor, collecting a response from the active sensor, and comparing the response with a reference or threshold. Other features are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for examining the internal wall of a tube by turning back a portion of a tube the cross section of which is open along an arch of circumference, particularly over approximately one quarter of a circumference, comprising: two adjacent parallel bars (3a, 3b), which are mounted such that they can slide in a structure (2) and which can be moved within their plane, about which bars the concave side of the open portion (1) of the tube can be engaged, with the geometric axis of the tube parallel to the bars; a pushing means (P) for pushing in a direction substantially orthogonal to the mean plane of the bars and capable of coming to rest against the exterior convex region of the tube portion (1); and a parting means (9) capable of spacing the bars apart in response to the pushing thrust applied to the convex region of the tube portion, the whole assembly being designed to allow the portion of the tube to be turned back on each side of the pushing region.

Abstract: Device to determine a size of contact representing a contact state between a compactor roller and a substrate to be compacted, encompassing a compactor roller rotatable in at least one acquisition circumference area around a compactor roller axis and at least one contact sensor generating a contact signal, wherein the contact signal indicates a contact start and a contact end of an acquisition circumference area upon the substrate to be compacted.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating and providing selections of recommended golf balls, golf ball constructions, and configurations of golf ball construction components are provided. Such methods may involve obtaining or measuring spin measurements for a plurality of golf clubs for each of a plurality of golf balls. A linear relationship may be used to determine a spin slope for each golf ball on the basis of the set of spin measurements associated with that golf ball. In turn, a selection of a recommended golf ball, golf ball construction, or configuration of a ball construction component may be made based upon which golf ball has the larger spin slope.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for evaluating characteristics of components of a mechanically attached connection are disclosed. Characteristics that may be evaluated include, but are not limited to, the position of a conduit gripping device on a conduit, an amount of axial compression or stroke of the conduit gripping device, and an amount of clamping force applied to the conduit gripping device as the conduit gripping device is axially compressed or stroked.

Abstract: The systems, apparatus, and methods disclosed herein provide access to systems located within a closed structure, such that the systems are traditionally difficult for humans to access. Exemplary structures include an engine compartment, airplane wing, or fuselage. This access allows a system located within the structure to be electrically coupled with an electrical I/O device located outside the structure. Access to a system located within the closed structure is provided by way of a hole.

Abstract: In order to position components each including a channel in assembly, provided are a positioning method, which is particularly useful in manufacturing a component using an injection molding technology, and a device to which the method is applicable. Specifically, provided is a channel device, including: a first device including a channel; and a second device including a channel, the channel device being formed by joining the first device and the second device to each other so that the channel in the first device and the channel in the second device communicate to each other, the first device having a plurality of holes along an outer side of an edge of a region of the first device, which is joined to the second device.

Abstract: A fluid infusing apparatus includes: a flow channel member configured to transport a fluid; a cylindrical portion provided in the flow channel member and having a film-shaped member; a measuring unit configured to measure a displacement of the film-shaped member; a determining unit configured to determine a condition of transport of the fluid on the basis of the displacement of the film-shaped member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosed technology provide a detecting device for recovering of release film and a recovery apparatus for release film. The recovery apparatus comprises clips for gripping release film, the detecting device comprises: a detecting sensor; a mobile module coupled onto one clipping arm of the clip. When the release film is gripped by the clip, the release film shifts the mobile module to a first position where the mobile module portion enters the detection scope of the detecting sensor; when the release film is not gripped by the clip, the mobile module shifts to a second position, where the whole mobile module portion withdraws out of the detection scope of the detecting sensor.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus for inspecting high voltage insulators is disclosed. The inspection apparatus includes a first platform having first and second linkages, at least one outer gripping mechanism having first and second arms extending outwardly from the first platform, a second slidable platform adapted to slide along the first and second linkages, and at least one inner gripping mechanism having third and fourth arms extending outwardly from the second slidable platform. The outer and inner gripping mechanisms are adapted to move between an open position where the insulator is received by the outer and inner gripping mechanisms and a closed position where the outer and inner gripping mechanisms engage the insulator.

Abstract: The present invention provides a modular platform unit comprising a plurality of sensors for the combined sensing of pressure, temperature and humidity. In particular, the sensors are composed of a layer of metallic-capped nanoparticles (MCNP) casted on a flexible substrate or a rigid substrate. Integration of the platform unit for artificial or electronic skin applications is disclosed.

Abstract: A submersion detection circuit includes a power source unit, a reference resistor connected between the power source unit and a voltage measurement node, a submersion unit configured to include a plurality of submersion measurement resistors connected in parallel to the voltage measurement node. Submersion contact terminals are formed at respective ends of the submersion measurement resistors, and a voltage measurement unit connected to the voltage measurement node and configured to measure voltage divided by the reference resistor and the submersion unit when the submersion contact terminals submerge.

Abstract: A conduit length adjustment apparatus having first and second housings each having a member structured to engage the respective housing with a first conduit. A housing movement device is connected between the first and second housings and configured to change a distance between the first and second housings. Selective operation of the members and housing movement device causes the first conduit to move into or out of a second conduit.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a fingerprint module for at least receiving fingerprint information and a chemical analysis module for analyzing the fingerprint information for chemical features to derive distinguishing characteristics therefrom used for formulating at least one response. The distinguishing characteristics are identified by selecting a number of molecules and/or organic compounds from the fingerprint information analyzed for the chemical features. The distinguishing characteristics include at least age, gender, race, dietary information, and lifestyle information or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for determining the conditions of a pipeline (201) and for the analysis of the fluid contained therein comprising: a central body (101) having a substantially cylindrical form perforated for the whole length and comprising at least a salinity sensor and at least a pH measurement sensor; a first crown of petals (102) connected to the central body, wherein each petal extends from the central body (101) until it touches the internal wall of the pipeline (201) and wherein each petal comprises at least one deformation sensor and at least one roughness sensor; a sliding device integrally connected to the central body (101) in a more advanced position with respect to the first crown of petals (102), wherein said sliding device can be a second crown of petals (103) identical to the first crown of petals or a foam pig (104) suitably perforated.

Abstract: At least one parameter of a signal is determined, wherein the signal is a sinusoidal signal including noise, wherein the parameter includes at least one of a frequency of the signal, and an angle of a phase of the signal. The frequency of the signal is determined iteratively based on a linear relationship among the frequency of the signal, samples of the noise, and samples of the signal using a statistical correlation among the samples of the noise. During a current iteration the statistical correlation is updated based on the frequency of the signal determined during a previous iteration, and the samples of the signal are updated with values of the signal during a current period of time.

Abstract: Sugar cane yield mapping improves the efficiency of sugar cane farming with benefits to both sugar producers and consumers.

Abstract: A system for locating and tracking an object is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured to determine a property of a paving-related material, a locating device configured to determine a location of the measuring device, a tracking system configured to store tracking information associated with the measuring device and one or more properties determined by the measuring device, and a communications system configured to transfer, to a remote device, the location of the measuring device and the tracking information associated with the measuring device.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring stratified layers in grease interceptors with a sensing unit for being disposed in a grease interceptor, a wireless transmitter electrically coupled to the sensing unit for transmitting acquired data regarding the stratified layers in the grease interceptor wirelessly from the grease interceptor, and a central server for receiving acquired data transmitted by the wireless transmitter. Data regarding stratified layers can be transmitted wirelessly automatically after predetermined time periods for analysis and display, such as on an internet website. Electronic message notifications, such as emails and text messages, regarding acquired data can be sent automatically in response to a predetermined relationship between acquired data and predetermined target levels of stratified layers.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for estimating resource consumption of a household device, e.g., an appliance. The method comprises determining a resource demand profile for a household device for a given time period, the resource demand profile associating, for the given time period, a device state of the household device with a total resource demand for the household. In one embodiment, the apparatus can be incorporated into an energy management system, where the apparatus collects data from each of the appliances in a household as well as from a resource meter.

Abstract: A loading apparatus for loading a printed circuit board (PCB) stack including one or more PCB layers and transferring the PCB stack to an inspection probe includes a movable support unit, a guide unit and a cover. The guide unit is provided on the support unit and defines a depression portion in which the PCB stack is mounted. The cover is configured to cover the depression portion of the guide unit when closed, where the cover has multiple protrusions extending from a lower surface, which press the PCB stack into the depression portion when the cover is closed.

Abstract: An automated testing system includes systems and methods to facilitate inline production testing of samples at a micro (multiple microns) or less scale with a mechanical testing instrument. In an example, the system includes a probe changing assembly for coupling and decoupling a probe of the instrument. The probe changing assembly includes a probe change unit configured to grasp one of a plurality of probes in a probe magazine and couple one of the probes with an instrument probe receptacle. An actuator is coupled with the probe change unit, and the actuator is configured to move and align the probe change unit with the probe magazine and the instrument probe receptacle. In another example, the automated testing system includes a multiple degree of freedom stage for aligning a sample testing location with the instrument. The stage includes a sample stage and a stage actuator assembly including translational and rotational actuators.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes a sensor mechanism is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, heat generated by a processor in the environmental monitoring device may result in a convective fluid flow over the sensor mechanism that facilitates measurements of sensor data associated with an environmental condition in an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Alternatively, a fluid driver (such as a fan) associated with the processor may produce the fluid flow over the sensor mechanism. Note that the fluid flow may include an airflow and/or a liquid flow. Moreover, the environmental monitoring device may include baffles that direct the fluid flow over a selected sensor in a set of sensors in the sensor mechanism.

Abstract: An environmental monitoring device that includes an imaging device is described. During operation of the environmental monitoring device, the imaging device provides imaging data for an external environment that includes the environmental monitoring device. Moreover, the imaging device has different spatial sensitivity in different regions of the external environment, which defines a field of view of the imaging device. For example, the imaging device may include a lens with a predefined distortion that provides the different spatial sensitivity, such as Fresnel lens. Alternatively, a mechanical stop may provide the different spatial sensitivity. Furthermore, the environmental monitoring device may include an angular adjustment mechanism that, in response to an external force or a control signal from a control mechanism in the environmental monitoring device, selectively rotates about an axis to change an orientation of the field of view.

Abstract: The interference-compensated sensor for detecting an object located in a detection area in a contactless manner, particularly a rain sensor, is provided with a first and a second measuring channel each having a control device and an output, wherein both measuring channels are substantially identical. The sensor further comprises a main subtractor having an output for outputting the difference of the signals at the outputs of the measuring channels. The sensor is provided with a controller unit having an input that is connected to the output of the main subtractor and with an output for outputting a controller signal, by means of which the two measuring channels can be controlled in such a way that the signal at the output of the main subtractor can be controlled to zero. By means of the magnitude of the signal at the output of the controller, it can be determined if an object is located in the detection area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of measuring a free air ball size during a wire bonding process of a wire bonder, which comprises a position sensor and a bonding tool for forming an electrical connection between a semiconductor device and a substrate using a bonding wire. Specifically, the method comprises the steps of: forming a free air ball from a wire tail of the bonding wire; using the position sensor to determine a positional difference between a first and a second position of the bonding tool with respect to a reference position, wherein the first position of the bonding tool is a position of the bonding tool with respect to the reference position when the free air ball contacts a conductive surface; and measuring the free air ball size based on the positional difference of the bonding tool as determined by the position sensor. A wire bonder configured to perform such a method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting an object is provided. Movement of inspection vehicles relative to a surface of the object is controlled using a controller. Generation of data about the object by sensor systems configured to generate the data when the sensor systems are in a configuration with respect to a location on the object for inspection and receiving power from the inspection vehicles is controlled using the controller. The data generated by the sensor systems is stored.

Abstract: An instrumented pig comprises a foam body having an outer surface and an inner cavity in which, in use, is located a sealed unit housing at least a part of a parameter measurement apparatus configured to measure at least one parameter from which the extent of deflection of the outer surface of the foam body may be derived, the sealed unit including at least one sensor configured to generate an output signal representative of the at least one measured parameter.

Abstract: Apparatus and method use a vibrator and an accelerometer of electronic apparatus for detecting the use environment of the electronic apparatus, and according to the use environment a method and electronic apparatus are provided for optimizing the performance of the electronic apparatus according to the use environment of the electronic apparatus. The method for detecting use environment comprises: determining the basic parameters of the electronic apparatus; searching for the acceleration thresholds of the electronic apparatus according to the determined basic parameters of the electronic apparatus; and determining the use environment according to the detected acceleration of the electronic apparatus and the found acceleration thresholds of the electronic apparatus. The use environment of the electronic apparatus may be detected by the vibrator and accelerometer of the electronic apparatus, thereby optimizing the performance of the electronic apparatus according to the use environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for spot size measurement at wafer level in a multi charged particle beam lithography system. The device comprises a knife edge structure on top of a scintillating material, such a YAG material. The knife edge structure is arranged in a Si wafer which has a top plane at a sharp angle to a (1 1 0) plane of the Si. In an embodiment the angle is in the range from 2 to 4 degrees, preferably in the range from 2.9-3.1 degrees. The invention relates in addition to a method for manufacturing a device for spot size measurement at wafer level in a multi charged particle beam lithography system.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection station includes a frame, a transport system carried by the frame for transporting a pallet to be inspected, and at least one pallet feature sensing head adjacent the transport system for inspecting the pallet. The at least one pallet feature sensing head includes a downward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned above the transport system for inspecting a top surface of the pallet, and an upward looking pallet feature sensing head positioned below the transport system for inspecting a bottom surface of the pallet.

Abstract: A system and method for automatic recording of a plurality of measurements and verification of specimens in rock mechanics is disclosed. The system may include a server system, a support surface, a motorized stage, a plate, a V-block, one or more digital dial gauges, a measurement system controller, a slide motion controller and a moving frame. The method may include the steps of securing the rock specimens onto a V-block of a system to automatically record a plurality of measurements and verify rock specimens, actuating a linear motorized stage to collect a plurality of rock specimens data, sliding a digital dial gauge tip along one or more of a plurality of chosen lines at the same time on the specimen surface, transmitting a plurality of chosen surface lines data to the system to automatically record a plurality of measurements and verify rock specimens and recording the chosen surface lines data.

Abstract: A device (10) for monitoring the integrity of a wooden post (40) including an outer sleeve (11), a moveable pin (12), a spring (24) and a measuring rod (50). The outer sleeve (11) is adapted to be mounted in a pre-formed recess (41) of complementary size and shape extending from the outer surface (43) of a wooden post (40) substantially into the center (45) thereof. The moveable pin (12) is mounted within the outer sleeve (11) and has a head (18) arranged normally to bear against wood at the center (45) of the post (40). The spring (24) is arranged to urge the pin head (18) against wood at the center (45) of the post (40). The measuring rod (50) denotes any movement of the pin (12) further into the post (40).

Abstract: A method for testing a component part of an aircraft comprises the steps of determining at least one first test value of the component part of the aircraft and/or at least one first test value of a comparable component part of a further aircraft for at least one test parameter, inputting the first test parameter and the first test value into a pattern recognition system, which produces an inner correlation between the first test parameter and the first test value. The method further comprises the steps of defining at least one second test parameter, inputting the second test parameter into the pattern recognition system in order to determine a second test value by means of the inner correlation, checking whether the second test value falls within the predefined value range, and determining a third test value of the component part of the aircraft for the second test parameter if the second test value falls within the predefined value range.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for inspecting objects fed in a continuous flow, in particular packages or components, wherein an inspecting body is guided along an inspection segment together with an object and a response to an inspection of the object is detected by means of a sensor in order to determine if the object meets a quality criterion, in particular is tight or leaky or true to size or functional.

Abstract: A gas sensor which works according to the principle of thermal conductivity is functionally tested. In the method, a calibration cycle is conducted in which a membrane of the gas sensor is immersed in a fluid calibration medium having a known concentration of a target gas. After the calibration cycle, a measurement chamber of the gas sensor is purged with a purging gas. Then, a measuring cycle is conducted, using a thermal conductivity sensor to measure the target gas in the measurement chamber. Using a calibration baseline established from the calibration cycle and a measurement baseline in the measurement cycle, a baseline comparison value is obtained and compared to a predetermined baseline threshold value. An error message, indicating a malfunction in the purging gas supply, is generated when the baseline comparison value exceeds the predetermined baseline threshold value.

Abstract: Method and Device for Monitoring Integrity of Wooden Posts A device (10) for monitoring the integrity of a wooden post (40) comprises an outer sleeve (11), a moveable pin (12), driving means (24) and indicating means (50). The outer sleeve (11) is adapted to be mounted in a pre-formed recess (41) of complementary size and shape extending from the outer surface (43) of a wooden post (40) substantially into the centre (45) thereof. The moveable pin (12) is mounted within the outer sleeve (11) and has a head (18) arranged normally to bear against wood at the centre (45) of the post (40). The driving means (24) is arranged to urge the pin head (18) against wood at the centre (45) of the post (40). The indicating means (50) denotes any movement of the pin (12) further into the post (40).

Abstract: A drive device includes plural moving portions, piezoelectric motors that move the moving portions, at least one drive circuit that drives the piezoelectric motors, and a connection/disconnection portion that connects and disconnects the piezoelectric motors and the drive circuit. The number of drive circuits is fewer than the number of piezoelectric motors.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for determining the heating value of a fuel, the fuel comprising at least one hydrocarbon including a first hydrocarbon present in the highest molar concentration, the method comprising: measuring the stoichiometric oxidation molar flow ratio of the fuel; determining the ideal molar heating value (HVm,i) from the measured stoichiometric oxidation molar flow ratio; measuring the molar concentration of the first hydrocarbon; and determining the real molar heating value (HVm,r) from the ideal molar heating value (HVm,i) and the molar concentration of the first hydrocarbon. An apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a chassis configured to move back and forth along multiple rails. The apparatus also includes electrical contacts configured to form electrical connections to the rails. The apparatus further includes a power converter/conditioner configured to receive power from the rails via the electrical contacts and to convert the power into a different form and/or condition the power. In addition, the apparatus includes one or more sensors configured to measure at least one characteristic of a material, where the one or more sensors are configured to operate using the power from the power converter/conditioner. The electrical contacts could touch the rails and receive the power directly from the rails. The electrical contacts could also touch rail contacts and receive the power indirectly from the rails via the rail contacts.

Abstract: A system for determining a state of compaction of a work material includes a compactor and a compaction sensor system. A controller is configured to determine an empirical state of compaction of the work material based upon signals from the compaction sensor system and the characteristics of a machine associated with the compaction sensor system.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for inspecting pipeline are provided. The pipeline inspecting apparatus moving along an external circumferential surface of a pipeline to inspect the pipeline, includes: a main frame having an arc shape having an opened portion to surround the pipeline; a main movement unit that is movably installed on the main frame, wherein the main movement unit is movably installed along a length direction of the pipeline while being in contact with the external circumferential surface of the pipeline; an auxiliary frame that has an arc shape having an opened portion to surround the pipeline and is separated from the main frame to face the main frame; an auxiliary frame adjusting unit that movably connects the auxiliary frame to the main movement unit in a circumferential direction of the pipeline; and a sensor adjusting unit that is fixed to the auxiliary frame, wherein a sensor for inspecting a state of the pipeline is installed.

Abstract: A measurement transducer having a sensor for converting a physical or chemical variable into an electrical signal which can be further processed, and an electronics unit proximate the sensor, for pre-processing the electrical signal and generating a measurement signal, wherein an evaluation device is connected to the receiver by an interface for transmitting the measurement signal and serves to determine a measurement value as a function of the measurement signal and output the measurement value, and so that the sensor can be operated at a relatively high temperature and the electronics unit arranged proximate the sensor, for reducing measurement noise is operable at a relatively low temperature, the electronics unit proximate the sensor, is provided with a thermal insulation with respect to the sensor and is cooled by a heat pipe, and where the evaluation device housing approximately at ambient temperature preferably serves as a heat sink.

Abstract: A combination heater and sensor comprising: (a) a heating layer, a sensing layer, or both; (b) one or more power application portions, one or more sensing application portions, or both; wherein the heating layer and the sensing layer are located within the same plane; and wherein the heating layer is a nonwoven layer that is comprised of a plurality of metallized fibers that are randomly oriented forming the heating layer so that upon application of power the heating layer provides heat.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing an operation on a structure. In one illustrative embodiment, an apparatus comprises a tool system and a movement system. The tool system is configured to perform an operation at a location on a structure. The movement system is configured to move the tool system along an elongate frame on the structure to the location.

Abstract: A measuring device, in particular a measuring device for remote sensing, has a measuring instrument and an apparatus for movably mounting the measuring instrument. The apparatus has two non-parallel rotation axes. The rotation axes are different from a longitudinal axis of the measuring instrument. The measuring instrument is connected to a rotatable drive element via a power transmission element.

Abstract: The present application relates to a tool for detecting perforations in hydrocarbon pipelines based on the sensing system thereof. The function of said tool is to pass longitudinally through a pipeline of specific diameter, monitoring the thickness thereof and detecting any hole over the path followed and, in accordance with the data obtained, establishing the distance at which the holes are located, calculated from the starting point, the time at the instant of detection and also the circumferential position and size thereof, all the aforesaid as part of an online process implemented as the tool progresses through the target pipeline. At the end of the run, the information may be downloaded to a computer where it is available for use and for the corresponding decisions concerning integrity.

Abstract: An automated pallet inspection and repair apparatus comprises an inspection station and a repair station. The inspection station comprises a laser that illuminates a pallet, a camera that collects the reflected light and a computer system. The computer system analyses the output of the camera and acquires the pallet's geometry and topography. The design of the pallet is determined by the computer software. A decision to repair the pallet is made by comparing acquired pallet data against the design criteria. If the pallet needs repair, a recipe of repair steps is constructed by inspecting each of the pallet's elements. The recipe is transmitted to the automated repair station.