Abstract:
The invention provides a sensor for determining when a latch for securing an engine cowl on an aircraft is secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin. The sensor includes a resonant circuit configured and adapted to transmit a status signal when the latch is in a secured state. The sensor also includes a means for conveying status information of the latch to a location remote from the latch based on the status signal, the conveying means being operably connected to the resonant circuit. The invention also provides a method of determining when a latch is open or secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin.
Abstract:
The invention provides a sensor for determining when a latch for securing an engine cowl on an aircraft is secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin. The sensor includes a resonant circuit configured and adapted to transmit a status signal when the latch is in a secured state. The sensor also includes a means for conveying status information of the latch to a location remote from the latch based on the status signal, the conveying means being operably connected to the resonant circuit. The invention also provides a method of determining when a latch is open or secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin.
Abstract:
The subject invention is related to wireless proximity sensor and sensing system for detecting the position of an object. The system includes a transceiver for providing wireless communication with a passive wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) proximity sensor. The wireless proximity sensor receives a wireless signal from the transceiver, which powers the SAW device and in turn transmits a signal back to the transceiver that includes information about the position of an object. The wireless proximity sensor uses one or more SAW devices with a sensing element made of magnetostrictive material, in conjunction with one or more magnets and one or more targets that are positioned relative to an object. The movement of the target(s) in relation to the proximity sensor operatively produces a mechanical response due to the shift in the magnetic field of the sensing element. The sensing element in turn enhances the magnetic field of the SAW device to which it is attached, and this information is transmitted to the transceiver as information about the position of an object.
Abstract:
A force balanced mass flow meter is disclosed that includes a cylindrical sensor housing having an interior bore, an impeller body supported for axial rotation within the interior bore of the sensor housing, and including structure for converting fluid inertia into flow induced torque when fluid flows relative to the impeller body, a proximity sensor for measuring a rotation angle of the impeller body relative to the sensor housing, an electromagnet for generating a magnetic field about the sensor housing to prevent rotation of the impeller body, electronics for determining electrical values from the proximity sensor when fluid flows relative to the impeller body and a controller for controlling current supplied to the electromagnet in response to electrical values determined from the proximity sensor, to generate a magnetic field sufficient to prevent impeller rotation.
Abstract:
The subject invention is related to wireless proximity sensor and sensing system for detecting the position of an object. The system includes a transceiver for providing wireless communication with a passive wireless surface acoustic wave (SAW) proximity sensor. The wireless proximity sensor receives a wireless signal from the transceiver, which powers the SAW device and in turn transmits a signal back to the transceiver that includes information about the position of an object. The wireless proximity sensor uses one or more SAW devices with a sensing element made of magnetostrictive material, in conjunction with one or more magnets and one or more targets that are positioned relative to an object. The movement of the target(s) in relation to the proximity sensor operatively produces a mechanical response due to the shift in the magnetic field of the sensing element. The sensing element in turn enhances the magnetic field of the SAW device to which it is attached, and this information is transmitted to the transceiver as information about the position of an object.
Abstract:
A microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) element and a MEMS optical switch are described. The MEMS element comprises a crystalline and moveable element is moveably attached to the substrate. The moveable element includes a perpendicular portion oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. The crystal structure of the perpendicular portion and substrate are substantially similar. The moveable element is capable of motion substantially constrained to a plane oriented substantially perpendicular to a plane of the substrate. In at least one position, a part of a perpendicular portion of the moveable element projects beyond a surface of the substrate. The moveable element may be retained in place by a latch. An array of such structures can be implemented to work as an optical switch. The optical switch may comprise a crystalline substrate and one or more moveable elements moveably attached to the substrate. The various embodiments provide for a robust and reliable MEMS elements that may be simply fabricated and densely packed.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a micromechanical or microoptomechanical structure. The structure is produced by a process comprising defining a structure on a single crystal silicon layer separated by an insulator layer from a substrate layer; depositing and etching a polysilicon layer on the single crystal silicon layer, with remaining polysilcon forming mechanical or optical elements of the structure; exposing a selected area of the single crystal silicon layer; and releasing the formed structure.
Abstract:
A sensor device that includes an integrated sensor assembly having a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor disposed on a piezoelectric substrate. The SAW sensor is adapted to measure an environmental condition of an environment in response to an RF signal. The SAW sensor includes an interdigitated transducer (IDT) formed on a substrate having at least a layer of a piezoelectric material. The SAW sensor includes either one or more SAW reflectors of a second IDT formed on the piezoelectric material. The SAW sensor further includes an RF antenna formed on the piezoelectric material. The SAW sensor and the RF antenna are integrated with one another on the piezoelectric material.
Abstract:
The invention provides a sensor for determining when a latch for securing an engine cowl on an aircraft is secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin. The sensor includes a resonant circuit configured and adapted to transmit a status signal when the latch is in a secured state. The sensor also includes a means for conveying status information of the latch to a location remote from the latch based on the status signal, the conveying means being operably connected to the resonant circuit. The invention also provides a method of determining when a latch is open or secured by detecting the proximity of a latch hook and a latch pin.
Abstract:
The present invention provides a micromechanical or microoptomechanical structure. The structure is produced by a process comprising defining a structure on a single crystal silicon layer separated by an insulator layer from a substrate layer; depositing and etching a polysilicon layer on the single crystal silicon layer, with remaining polysilicon forming mechanical or optical elements of the structure; exposing a selected area of the single crystal silicon layer; and releasing the formed structure.