Abstract:
A polarizerless optic sensor is provided that uses a random domain magneto-optic film and a modulated normal magnetic field to vary or modulate the energy distribution in a diffraction pattern. Light is transmitted through the film and is diffracted according to a domain duty cycle so that the center beam intensity is a function of the Faraday rotation angle of the material and the intensity of the applied normal magnetic field. The polarizerless sensor can be used to realize a speed and torque sensor, an optical switch, a magnetic field sensor and many other types of devices. The invention can be used with polarized and unpolarized input light. The sensor can be implemented using a random domain film or a stripe domain film to create a phase grating diffraction pattern.
Abstract:
An optic sensor system comprising an optic sensor (10), a pair of photoelectric devices (12,14) and a pair of optic fibers (16,18) that transmit light respectively between the photoelectric devices (12,14) and the sensor (10). The photoelectric devices (12,14) serve as both a source of input light for the sensor (10) as well as a light detector for the light returned from the sensor (10). A control circuit is used to switch the photoelectric devices (12,14) on and off, thus determining the periods of time that each operates as a source or detector.
Abstract:
An embedded smart structure includes active electronics (12) which control and collect data from sensors (14) and actuators (16) and transmit data to the exterior of a body (A) by means of an electromagnetically radiating antenna (22) to a conformal power and data interrogation interface. In other embodiments, multiple embedded smart structures are powered and interrogated by a network of conformal powering and interrogation units, and multiple embedded sensors each having an antenna with a defined narrow band resonant frequency are powered and interrogated by a single external powering and data interrogation antenna.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a shielded enclosure (10) for electronic modules, comprising walls (12a - 12f) made of composite material including conductive fibers for shielding the enclosure interior from electromagnetic radiation, and means (16) for securely mounting at least one module inside the enclosure with a fastener means (42), the mounting means (16) comprising composite material. The invention further contemplates methods for making shielded enclosures and card guides for such enclosures. This invention also contemplates composite cold walls (22) and composite fins (40), which may be used alone or together in structures and enclosures which are useful in conducting heat.
Abstract:
Alignment detection apparatus for a shaft (66) rotatable about an axis includes alignment indicating means rotatable by the shaft and comprising a plurality of detectable elements or teeth (40). Sensors (50) are provided for detecting the elements (40) and alignment of the shaft as a function of the element (40). The elements comprise at least one reference element (42) and at least one alignment dependent element (44). The reference and alignment elements (42,44) have a detectable alignment-dependent relationship to each other.
Abstract:
A liquid gauging system for a liquid container (10) comprises sensors (82) for producing a first electromagnetic signal that corresponds to liquid quantity in the container, and remote interrogation units (34) for receiving the first electromagnetic signal and producing a system output that corresponds to the liquid quantity. The sensors (12) are energized by a second electromagnetic signal transmitted by the remote interrogation unit (34).
Abstract:
Capteur optique sans polariseur faisant appel à un film magnéto-optique à domaine aléatoire et à un champ magnétique normal modulé pour faire varier ou pour moduler la répartition d'énergie dans une image diffractée. La lumière passe à travers le film et est diffractée selon un cycle opératoire de domaine de façon que l'intensité du faisceau central soit fonction de l'angle de rotation Faraday du matériau et de l'intensité du champ magnétique normal appliqué. Le capteur sans polariseur peut être utilisé pour réaliser un capteur de vitesse et de couple, un commutateur optique, un capteur de champ magnétique et de nombreux autres dispositifs. L'invention peut être utilisée avec une source lumineuse polarisée et non polarisée. Le capteur peut faire appel à un film à domaine aléatoire ou à un film à domaine rayé pour créer une image diffractée à diffraction de phase.