Engineering & Physical Sciences » Sensors & Controls

Found 29 technologies within Sensors & Controls RSS ATOM

3D Microelectrode Array for Optical and Electrical Probing of Electrogenic Cells

34513 – The University of Central Florida invention describes the microfabrication and assembly of a three-dimensional microelectrode array (3D MEA) based on a glass-stainless steel platform. The technique involves the use of non-traditional “Makerspace Microfabrication” techniques, which allows cost effective fabrication of the device using biocompatible materials.

Illustration of the cooperative motion capture (COMOCAP) concept: (a) Depicts body-relative signaling in a multi-person setup. Each person wears components that can send/receive intra-user signals (red dashed) between a reference body point, the head or torso, and the moving limbs. A centralized global system (green dashed) tracks each person's body to the environment. (b) Depicts the cooperative motion capture approach where transceivers (transmitter-receiver units) worn on each person's body send/receive signals (red dashed) to/from the transceivers of other people in a peer-to-peer fashion. As people get closer to each other, the inter-user signals increase in strength and robustness, compared to conventional non-inertial approaches.

Relative Pose Data Augmentation and Other Tracked Devices in Virtual Environments

34272 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented a better way to track objects like head-mounted displays (HMDs) and handheld controllers of multiple users as they interact in shared space. Virtual environment systems today encounter some amount of error (static or dynamic) that can affect the system's usefulness. If two or more users are tracked close to each other... Read More

Low‐Cost Biopolymer-Metal Sensor for Onsite Detection of Heavy Metal Ions

34204 – Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed an inexpensive, reliable sensor that can rapidly and simultaneously detect traces of multiple heavy metals in water. With its unique biopolymer-metal composite thin film, the device provides improved sensitivity for identifying toxins in situ, including mercury, cadmium, arsenic, chromium, thallium, lead and zinc. ... Read More

Figure 1. A schematic of bulk-mode lithium niobate-on-silicon (LNoSi) nonreciprocal transversal filters that exploit the acoustoelectric (AE) effect for signal amplification/attenuation.

Innovative Process Enables Acoustoelectric (AE) Amplification in Resonant Piezoelectric-Semiconductor Cavities

34143 – New amplification scheme enables manufacturers to build low-power, low-loss devices for communications, wireless sensors. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed a novel, low-cost acoustoelectric (AE) amplification scheme that resolves the issues found in transistor-based amplifiers and existing AE amplification systems. All transistor-based amplifiers suffer from a... Read More

Figure 1. Schematic of the UCF resonant-based passive wireless accelerometer design.

MEMS Piezoelectric Resonant Accelerometer for Low-Cost, Wireless Detection

34077 – New passive accelerometer design enables the development of wireless, lightweight movement sensors for industrial and consumer uses, including smart, Internet of Things products in healthcare, lifestyle and defense applications. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have designed a wireless sensor that can accurately detect and transmit an object’s acceleration or vibration... Read More

Example diagrams of the UCF tactile display apparatus design: (a) shows an external view and (b) shows an internal view of the device.

Tactile Display Apparatus for Palpation Simulation and Telemedicine

34063 – Innovative training device enables medical students to experience the near-real sensation of touch, similar to human palpation. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have designed a haptic training device that medical students can use to better distinguish between normal and abnormal lumps in the body. By providing the sensation of touch and the ability to vary the size and... Read More

Figure 1. The UCF Holmium laser system concept.

Multi-millijoule Holmium Laser System

33995 – New system can generate attosecond laser pulses for use in biomolecule manipulation. Researchers at the University of Central Florida have invented an ultrafast Holmium laser system that can generate multi-millijoule-level laser pulse energy centered at 2.05 μm and a 1 kHz repetition rate. With such capabilities, the laser can produce long, ultra-broad bandwidth (4-12 μm wavelength),... Read More

Figure (a) shows a schematic representation of chiral light-matter interaction between left-circularly polarized (LCP) and (s) enantiomer; (b) shows a top view of one uncoated sample and cross-section view of one polymer-coated substrate embedding the chiral molecule; (c) shows a representation for the optical characterization.

Molecular Chirality Detection Technique using Hybrid Plasmonic Substrates

33902 – System offers low-cost methods for efficiently and accurately detecting low levels of left- and right-handed enantiomers of drugs seeking FDA approval University of Central Florida researchers have designed a system that can accurately identify the chirality of drugs, proteins, DNA and other molecules at lower detection limits than conventional detection systems. With the ability to... Read More

Chemical Sensor with Real-Time, Remote Detection Capabilities and 3D Output

33957 – New detection system can scan gas mixtures from a distance and provide quantifiable data about specific chemicals in the mixture. Researchers from UCF and the United States Navy have invented an optical detection system designed to identify and quantify the chemicals in a gas mixture from a distance and in real time. The new system can provide a 3D mapping/readout of the mixture’s... Read More

Diagram showing the invention’s ultrafast detection scheme based on the plasmon-thermoelectric effect.

Tunable Graphene-Based Method for Detecting Mid-Infrared (IR) Radiation

33901 – New method offers low-cost, uncooled multi-spectral IR detection and imaging in the 8-12 µm bands UCF researchers have invented a low-cost method that can enable ultrafast, tunable mid-IR detection and imaging without the need for expensive and complex cryogenic cooling. The novel graphene-based method paves the way for multi-spectral imaging in the mid-IR domain, which is not available in... Read More

Figure 1. Illustration of the new vehicle detection system with RFB technology alerting a wrong-way driver. Courtesy of the Central Florida Expressway Authority.

Wrong-Way Driver Detection Technologies can Help Prevent Head-On Collisions

33441 – New systems leverage vehicle and roadside technologies to thwart head-on collisions caused by wrong-way drivers Researchers at UCF and the Central Florida Expressway Authority (CFX) have patented methods for systems that help prevent head-on collisions when drivers wrongfully enter roadways. The technologies (UCF IDs: 33441, 33714 and 33716) can be used to alert and stop wrong-way drivers... Read More

Schematic diagram of a graphene plasmonic-cavity structure, according to the invention

Monolayer Graphene Optical Detector Offers Exceptional Light Absorption

33758 – New low-cost graphene-based, light absorber increases the efficiency and performance of mid-IR photodetectors, photovoltaic devices and modulators UCF researchers have invented a graphene-based optical detector device with an unprecedented light absorption value of 60 percent in the mid infrared spectral domain. Historically, graphene’s low optical absorbance (less than 2.5 percent) has... Read More

Photonic Platform for Polarization Diversity and Extremely Broad Bandwidths

33645 – New platform enables polarizers to span optical bandwidths of more than an octave in frequency (Note: figures referenced below can be found by clicking the Image Gallery, to the right.) UCF researchers have invented a breakthrough technology for creating optical systems that enable control of different polarizations over broader bandwidths than those of conventional systems. The... Read More

Illustration of the system capturing and identifying contaminated areas in a mock medical procedure

System Monitors Medical Procedures to Detect Sterile Field Contamination

33396 – UCF researchers have developed an automated detection system aimed at helping to prevent and reduce the number of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs) contracted during medical procedures. The new System for Detecting Sterile Field Events tracks activity during training or an actual medical procedure and identifies actions (such as contact-related events) that violate the sterile field and... Read More

Illustration of the hole/disk array coupled with the ground plane.

Tunable, Uncooled Infrared Detector with Narrow-Band Wavelength Selectivity

33377 – Low-cost, mid-infrared (IR) wavelength detector offers high responsivity without cryogenic cooling UCF researchers have invented a nanoscale IR detector that overcomes major limitations of today’s cooled and uncooled IR detectors. The Optical Frequency-Selective Absorber-Based Infrared Detector operates uncooled and can be tuned to a specific narrow bandwidth within the IR spectrum. The new... Read More

Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Perspective views of an arc-type APTV

New Velocimeters Provide Improved Sensing Capabilities in Aquatic Environments

33297 – Introducing the Automatic Pulse Tracer Velocimeter (Cross-type and Arc-type) Researchers at the University of Central Florida have developed two novel devices: Cross-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Cross-type APTV) and Arc-type automatic pulse tracer velocimeter (Arc-type APTV). The devices assist in the measurement of velocity and direction of water in both wells and wetland... Read More

An exemplary thermal conduction switch in a parallel setup according to an embodiment of the invention

Shape Memory Alloy Based Thermal Conduction Switch for on Demand Heat Transfer

31191 – This invention embodies a thermal conduction switch based on shape memory alloy material to provide on-demand heat transfer between reservoirs kept at different temperatures Thermal conduction switches play an important role in heat management for numerous systems. They are used in spacecraft and satellites for applications such as cooling of reservoirs and equipment, and long-term... Read More

Top view of the mask design of the hydrogen micro sensor, and the exploded view of the same showing the resistive temperature sensor of the hydrogen micro sensor

Micro Electro-Mechanical Room Temperature Hydrogen Sensor

30305 – A micro electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device that incorporates its own UV radiation source and thin film technology to detect hydrogen at low concentrations and at room temperature Hydrogen gas is currently used for a variety of industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. While extremely useful, it is also highly combustible, even at concentrations as low as 4% by volume. The... Read More

Optical block diagram showing a hybrid lens distance sensor for reflective targets according to the present invention

Low Cost and High Resolution Optical Distance Sensor with a Large Dynamic Range

31603 – This invention provides means and methods for the creation of an optical distance sensor comprised of a laser, hybrid (digital and analog) lens for ideal distance range and resolution, and an optical imager to measure target path length. The invention also makes use of a beam splitter to allow for remote sensing of object distance, motion displacement, 3D structure and spatial profile. ... Read More

Top view depiction of an exemplary micromixing apparatus, according to an embodiment of the invention

A Passive Micro-Mixer for Use With Micro- Fluidic Sensors in Medical, Pharmaceutical and Chemical Applications

31571 – The invention provides the means, materials and methods for creating an in-line passive micro-mixer to be combined with a micro-fluidic sensor. This device makes use of variations in side-wall shapes to alter the flow rates of miscible liquids. These side-wall shapes are comprised of polymer resins cast from a silicon wafer mold. The field of micro-fluidics is growing rapidly, with... Read More

The injection molding method of fabricating the one-piece microfluidic package

Interconnecting Microfluidic Package and Fabrication Method

31566 – The field of microfluidics is aimed at developing miniaturized devices that can robustly sense specific properties of a sample utilizing minimal sample volumes. Development of biological and chemical microfluidic sensors is challenging due to the lack of adequate packaging platforms and standardized tubing. Creating connections between various microfluidic devices is cumbersome due to fragile... Read More

(a) and (b) show simplified representations of an intrisic and an extrinsic fiber optic based sensor system, respectively, according to an embodiments of the present invention

Ultra-sensitive Detection of Environmental Contaminants and biologically important molecules Using Coated Quantum Dots

30939 – Methods and apparatus for efficiently generating the reagents (quantum dots with a partial and/or fully semi-conducting outer shell for the selective detection of several substances) and the optical system for detecting said substances. The rise of industry has provided humanity with numerous benefits. Unfortunately, harmful byproducts often result from these advancements. For example,... Read More

Schematic diagram showing the formation of the CNT filled with Pd-nanoparticles in the arc-discharge in solution method

Super Absorbent Palladium Filled Carbon Nanotubes for the Storage and Detection of Hydrogen Gas

30222 – A one-step arc-discharge in solution method for the synthesis of carbon nanotubes containing metals, such as palladium Hydrogen gas is currently utilized for a variety of industrial, commercial and scientific purposes. In the future the world looks to utilizing this gas as a sustainable energy alternative to fossil fuels, but many challenges must be overcome in order to bring hydrogen... Read More

Tandem hot metal strip rolling machinery

Control Model for Tandem Hot Metal Strip Rolling

32121 – In the manufacturing and processing of metals, especially steel, tandem metal strip rolling is a critical process. Almost half of all finished steel products worldwide start in sheet or strip form produced using hot strip rolling processing—very often in a tandem hot strip finishing mill. Challenged by a hostile high-temperature environment and no space for sensors, the strip rolling process... Read More

A perspective depiction of an example ring-shaped optical photodetector element including a plurality of integrated sensing regions having different dopants for multi-wavelength detection

Uncooled Multifunction Wideband Sensors

32899 – UCF researchers have developed a photodetector able to operate at room temperature and measure spectral ranges including microwave, THz, SWIR, MWIR, and LWIR while maintaining image detail. Current commercial photodetectors are limited by the sensor’s spectral responsivity, requiring multiple sensors or unique configurations to image and sense a wide spectral range. A new nanostructured... Read More

A schematic diagram of a capillary ionic transistor

Capillary Ionic Transistor: Simple, Cost-Effective, One-Step Procedure

32918 – The Capillary Ionic Transistor (CIT) nanodevice provides control of ionic transport through the nanochannel by gate voltage for use by pharmaceutical companies, medical instruments companies, hospitals, research organizations, microelectromechanical systems companies, and the chemical industry. Nanofluidic devices such as ionic diodes and ionic transistors form key elements in ionic... Read More

The assembled BOD sensor of the present invention

Water Quality Testing in the Palm of Your Hand

30257 – UCF researchers have designed a reliable, easy to manufacture, and inexpensive microfluidic portable water sensor with disposable cartridges—capable of determining microbe growth, chlorine content, purity, or temperature. Microfluidics, or “lab-on-a-chip” technology, is experiencing explosive growth in the fields of chemistry, biology, electronics, and computers. These small devices work... Read More

An exemplary evanescent-mode resonator pressure sensor including a coupling structure

Wireless Ceramic Sensors for Gas Turbines

31879 – Sensitive, real-time monitoring at high temperatures Turbine engines play a prominent role in power generation and aircraft propulsion. The U.S. Department of Energy predicts that by 2020, gas turbines will account for 40% of the U.S. power generation industry. Current turbine designs have been limited by the lack of sensors capable of providing reliable, detailed physical and chemical... Read More

Passive Wireless Sensor System Utilizes Piezoelectric MEMS Resonator

33162 – UCF researchers have invented a passive wireless sensor system that includes a piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonator that can be configured to sense one or more physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, viscosity, and mass. This system is complementary metal oxide semiconductor based, which utilizes silicon substrates and fab line processing techniques, and is... Read More