Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090001969 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ELECTROMAGNETIC NAVIGATION OF A MAGNETIC FIELD GENERATING PROBE - An electromagnetic navigation probe includes a structural component, a magnetic field generator coupled to the structural component for generating a magnetic field and an actuator for varying the magnetic field as a function of time and space such that a location of the probe in three dimensional space can be determined. | 01-01-2009 |
20090031787 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GATHERING DIAGNOSTIC INFORMATION IN A PROCESSING PATH OF A COAL GASIFICATION SYSTEM - A system and method for gathering diagnostic information relating to an operating condition of a gas stream or processing path of a coal gasification system is disclosed. The information is gathered by deploying one or more specially constructed modules or seeds that proceed through the gas stream of the coal gasification system as part of the mass flow of the gas stream. The seed may be physically recoverable in which an outer material of the seed ablates when exposed to a predetermined temperature of the gas stream. The seed may be physically non-recoverable in which electronic circuitry transmits a signal to a receiver relating to the temperature of the gas stream. | 02-05-2009 |
20090033314 | MICRO-ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEM (MEMS) BASED CURRENT AND MAGNETIC FIELD SENSOR - A micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) current and magnetic field sensor for sensing a magnetic field produced by a conductor includes a magneto-MEMS component for sensing the magnetic field and an interference-MEMS component for sensing an interference, wherein the magneto-MEMS component and the interference MEMS component are used to provide an indication of the current in the conductor. | 02-05-2009 |
20090167110 | Broad band energy harvesting system and related methods - A broad band energy harvesting system to harvest energy from a structure and associated methods are provided. The system includes a structure carrying a plurality of environmentally produced vibration frequencies extending over a frequency range and an energy harvesting apparatus positioned in vibration receiving communication with the structure to harvest energy from the structure. Each energy harvesting apparatus includes broadly tuned energy harvesting generators having relatively low quality factor and corresponding relatively wide bandwidth. The energy harvesting generators collectively provide energy harvesting over multiple modes to thereby provide energy harvesting over a substantial portion of the frequency range. Each energy harvesting generator can include a cantilevered beam connected to a common backbone comprised of a resilient material configured to transfer energy between adjacent generators to further enhance energy harvesting. | 07-02-2009 |
20100018843 | LOW WORK FUNCTION ELECTRICAL COMPONENT - An electrical component is disclosed. The electrical component includes at least two electrical contacts movable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position, wherein at least one of the electrical contacts includes a material having a work function that is less than about 3.5 eV, and wherein the distance between the electrical contacts, in the closed position, is greater than 0 nm and up to about 30 nm. A device including a plurality of electrical switches is also disclosed. | 01-28-2010 |
20100063777 | Power Aware Techniques for Energy Harvesting Remote Sensor Systems - A monitoring system for an aircraft. | 03-11-2010 |
20100095779 | Wireless Strain Sensors, Detection Methods, and Systems - A strain sensor comprises a transmitting element; a receiving element wirelessly coupled to the transmitting element; and a modulating element located on a rotating component, wherein the modulating element modulates the wireless coupling between the transmitting element and the receiving element, wherein the modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of strain on the rotating component. A method of detecting strain in a rotating component of a rotary machine comprises wirelessly coupling a transmitting element and a receiving element; modulating the coupling with a modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the strain in the rotating component based on the modulation of the coupling. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100010 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An implantable device system is disclosed. The implantable device system comprises, a first energy transceiver system, a second energy transceiver system at least partially implanted within an organic tissue and capable of being interrogated by the first energy transceiver system, and a sensing system, wherein a state of the sensing system is available at the second energy transceiver system. | 04-22-2010 |
20100100079 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An implantable device system is disclosed. The implantable device system includes, a first energy transceiver system, a second energy transceiver system at least partially implanted within an organic tissue and capable of communication with the first energy transceiver system, and a sensing system capable of communication with the second energy transceiver system. An implantable device system array is also disclosed. A method of monitoring a physical parameter is also disclosed. | 04-22-2010 |
20100141377 | Power Aware Techniques For Energy Harvesting Remote Sensor System - A distributed monitoring system for a structure. | 06-10-2010 |
20100194591 | POWER FREE REMOTE SENSOR SYSTEM DATA TRANSMISSIONS - A distributed monitoring system for a structure. | 08-05-2010 |
20100194600 | SELF REGULATING POWER CONDITIONER FOR ENERGY HARVESTING APPLICATIONS - A monitoring system for an aircraft. | 08-05-2010 |
20100198560 | METHODS FOR ANTI-COLLISION AND MULTIPLE ACCESS IN RFID COMMUNICATIONS - A monitoring system for an aircraft. | 08-05-2010 |
20110029282 | HARSH ENVIRONMENT SENSOR SYSTEM AND DETECTION METHODS - A system for measuring a plurality of operating parameters of an object in a harsh environment is provided. The system includes a first energy transceiver system configured to transceive energy signals. The system also includes a transcieved modulant coupled to the first energy transceiver system. The system further includes a second energy transceiver system at least partially disposed on the object and capable of being interrogated by the first energy transceiver system. The second energy transceiver system still further includes a sensing system. The system also includes a processor coupled to the first energy transceiver system. The processor is configured to determine of the plurality of the operating parameters of the object in the harsh environment based upon the transceived modulant. | 02-03-2011 |
20110039137 | BATTERY CELL WITH INTEGRATED SENSING PLATFORM - A battery cell that comprises a sensing platform with sensing elements configured to provide information about in-situ characteristics and parameters of the battery cell. Embodiments of the battery cell can have the sensing platform integrated into the structure of the battery cell, as a separate structure incorporated in the battery cell, and combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the battery cell comprises a sensing platform having sensing elements proximate a localized measurement region, where the sensing platform comprises a substrate with material layers disposed thereon. The material layers comprise at least one sensing layer that forms the sensing elements so that the sensing elements are responsive to properties of the battery cell. | 02-17-2011 |
20110166800 | FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLIES - A flow sensor assembly is provided and includes a flow conduit configured to impart a disturbance to a flow, multiple sensors disposed at respective sensing locations along the flow conduit. Each sensor is responsive to the disturbance of the flow and generates a corresponding response signal. The flow sensor assembly further includes a processor operably connected to each sensor, the processor being configured to compute a cross-correlation function between the response signals generated by said sensors, and determine a flow rate and a direction for the flow through the conduit based on the computed cross-correlation function. Additional flow sensor assembly arrangements are also disclosed. | 07-07-2011 |
20110208446 | Wireless Strain Sensors, Detection Methods, and Systems - A strain sensor comprises a transmitting element; a receiving element wirelessly coupled to the transmitting element; and a modulating element located on a rotating component, wherein the modulating element modulates the wireless coupling between the transmitting element and the receiving element, wherein the modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of strain on the rotating component. A method of detecting strain in a rotating component of a rotary machine comprises wirelessly coupling a transmitting element and a receiving element; modulating the coupling with a modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the strain in the rotating component based on the modulation of the coupling. | 08-25-2011 |
20110241648 | DEVICES AND METHODS FOR ELECTRIC FIELD SENSING - A stand-off sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of electron state definers for generating resonant tunneling current in response to the electric field, wherein the electron state definers include at least one variable characteristic such that a change in the variable characteristic affects the tunneling current, and a monitor for monitoring a change in the tunneling current exiting an electron state definer based on a change in the variable characteristic of the tunneling device. | 10-06-2011 |
20120004646 | IMPLANTABLE DEVICE SYSTEM - An implantable device system is disclosed. The implantable device system comprises, a first energy transceiver system, a second energy transceiver system at least partially implanted within an organic tissue and capable of being interrogated by the first energy transceiver system, and a sensing system, wherein a state of the sensing system is available at the second energy transceiver system. | 01-05-2012 |
20120253747 | HIGH ACCURACY WIRELESS SENSING PLATFORM - A high accuracy wireless sensing platform assembly comprising a sensor subassembly that is configured to obtain measurement data from a device in response to a measurand; a data transceiver assembly that is configured to communicate with an antenna assembly; a parameter coder, in communication with the sensor subassembly, that is configured to control the data transceiver assembly and/or the sensor subassembly, based on the measurement data; and a resonant circuit that is formed by the data transceiver, the sensor subassembly, and/or the parameter coder. Embodiments are capable of provide robust performance and high accuracy in harsh (e.g., hot environments). The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims. | 10-04-2012 |
20120274258 | AUTO-COMPENSATING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDITION MONITORING OF ELECTRICAL MACHINES - A condition monitoring method for an electrical machine is provided. The method includes providing at least one first sensor element embedded in or disposed on at least one substrate element located in a stator core for obtaining a first set of data. The method also includes providing at least one second sensor element for obtaining a second set of data from the electrical machine. Further, the method includes generating signals indicative of changes in characteristics of the first sensor element based on the second set of data. Finally, the method includes refining the first set of data by combining the first set of data with the generated signals. | 11-01-2012 |
20130079667 | FLOW SENSOR WITH MEMS SENSING DEVICE AND METHOD FOR USING SAME - A flow sensor assembly, snore detection assembly, and methods for fabricating the same. The flow sensor assembly includes a flow conduit for fluid flow, a flow disrupter for imparting a disturbance to the fluid flow, a first sensor responsive to the disturbance of the fluid flow and configured to generate signals responsive to the disturbance of the fluid flow, and a processor for determining a flow rate for the fluid flow through the flow conduit based on a first algorithm determining an amplitude of the fluid flow in a first flow regime and a second algorithm determining a frequency of the fluid flow in a second flow regime. | 03-28-2013 |
20130116940 | FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLIES - A flow sensor assembly is provided and includes a flow conduit configured to impart a disturbance to a flow, multiple sensors disposed at respective sensing locations along the flow conduit. Each sensor is responsive to the disturbance of the flow and generates a corresponding response signal. The flow sensor assembly further includes a processor operably connected to each sensor, the processor being configured to compute a cross-correlation function between the response signals generated by said sensors, and determine a flow rate and a direction for the flow through the conduit based on the computed cross-correlation function. Additional flow sensor assembly arrangements are also disclosed. | 05-09-2013 |
20130162985 | REMOTE MONITORING OF TIGHTNESS OF STATOR WINDINGS - A system for monitoring tightness of stator windings in an electric machine is provided. The system includes a light source for providing an optical power. The system also includes an optical separation sensor situated in a stator core and including an optical interface element for absorbing some of the optical power. Further, the system includes a power meter for measuring at least one intensity of the optical power after absorption by the optical interface element and a control subsystem for assessing the tightness of the stator windings. | 06-27-2013 |
20130312533 | WIRELESS SENSORS, DETECTION METHODS, AND SYSTEMS - A wireless sensor including a resistive element, a modulating element located on a rotating component and at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, wirelessly coupled to the modulating element. The modulating element is configured to modulate the wireless coupling, between the at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element, in response to a change in resistance in the resistive element. The modulation of the wireless coupling is indicative of a measurand on the rotating component. A method of detecting a measurand in a rotating component of a rotary machine includes wirelessly coupling at least one of a transmitting element and a receiving element to a modulating element; modulating the wireless coupling with the modulating element located on the rotating component; and calculating the measurand in the rotating component based on the modulation of the wireless coupling. | 11-28-2013 |
20140165718 | FLOW SENSOR ASSEMBLY HAVING A HYBRID SENSOR RESPONSE PROCESABLE TO PROVIDE A VOLUMETRIC FLOW MEASUREMENT OVER A WIDE DYNAMIC RANGE - A flow sensor system including a flow sensor assembly is provided. The sensor assembly may be configured to allow fluid flow through a flow conduit. A flow disrupter may be disposed in the flow conduit to impart disturbances to the fluid flow. A by-pass channel may be in fluid connection with the flow conduit and may be arranged to have a geometrical relationship relative to the flow conduit and the flow disrupter to affect flow characteristics in the bypass channel. One or more sensors may be disposed in the by-pass channel to generate a signal responsive to the flow characteristics in the bypass channel. In a first flow regime, the flow characteristics in the bypass channel may effect an amplitude response of the sensor, and in a second flow regime, the flow characteristics may effect a temporal response of the sensor. | 06-19-2014 |
20140260667 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACOUSTIC DETECTION USING FLOW SENSORS - Systems and method for acoustic detection using flow sensors are provided. One system includes a flow conduit configured to allow fluid flow therethrough and a flow disrupter configured to impart a flow disturbance to the fluid flow. The system also includes at least one of a first sensor or a second sensor. The first sensor is disposed within the flow conduit at a first position, wherein the first sensor is responsive to first disturbances and configured to generate signals characteristic of the first disturbances. The second sensor is disposed within the flow conduit at a second position, wherein the second sensor is responsive to second disturbances and configured to generate signals characteristic of the second disturbances. The system additionally includes a processor operably coupled to the first and second sensors, wherein the processor is configured to distinguish between signals characteristic of the first and second disturbances. | 09-18-2014 |
20140260669 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HYBRID FLOW SENSING - Systems and method for flow sensing are provided. One system includes a flow conduit configured to allow fluid flow therethrough, a flow disturber disposed in the flow conduit and configured to impart a flow disturbance to the fluid flow and an actuator operably connected to the flow disturber to control the flow disturber to impart the flow disturbance to the fluid flow. The system further includes a plurality of sensors disposed in the flow conduit that are configured to have a geometrical and functional relationship with the flow conduit and the flow disturber, wherein the plurality of sensors are responsive to flow characteristics in the flow conduit. The system also includes a processor operably coupled to the plurality of sensors and configured to determine a flow rate of the fluid flow in the flow conduit using timing characteristics to select a processing method. | 09-18-2014 |