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23 Mar 2005
The pick of this week’s applications including a device from Airbus that could enhance aircraft braking.
• Title: Fingerprint detection using sweep-type imager with optoelectronic speed sensor
Applicant: Koninklijke Philips Electronics, The Netherlands
International application number: WO 2005/024706
Engineers at Philips are attempting to patent a 15-20 mm long optoelectronic sensor for imaging fingerprints. Their strip-like sensor avoids the use of expensive lens systems or pixel arrays that are responsible for the high-cost of larger fingerprint scanners. To combat image distortion, the design includes a speed detector that illuminates the user's finger from below with a coherent light source and exploits the Doppler effect to monitor finger movement.
• Title: Optically measuring the displacing or load for an aircraft component, landing gear, braking control
Applicant: Airbus UK Limited
International application number: WO 2005/022098
An optical sensor that detects the flexing of an aircraft's landing gear could enhance safety by allowing the plane's braking systems to operate more efficiently. The sensor uses a beam of laser light that is aimed parallel to the leg of the landing gear assembly and focussed onto a quadrant photodiode. By arranging the device so that loading of the undercarriage causes a relative movement between light source and detector, the unit is able to detect any off-axis movement such as bending. Because the beam can be contained in an insulated unit, the sensor can be protected from the effects of temperature and humidity.
• Title: Integrated apparatus for hematological analyses and related method
Applicant: Sire Analytical Systems, Italy
International application number: WO 2005/022125
Scientists in Italy have devised a compact, integrated apparatus that can measure blood density and perform cell counting . According to the applicants of patent number WO 2005/022125, conventional sedimentation techniques require up to 60 minutes to determine blood density and destroy the sample in the process. Powered by a 200-1000 nm emitter, the Italian set-up is non-destructive and works by measuring the absorbance of blood.
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