Gravity gradiometer system for Earth Exploration

We develop a gravity gradiometer (GG) for use on planetary missions to planets like Mars and Jupiter. With some modifications this development is extended to include (airborne) applications for the Dutch exploratory industry. We adapt key technology of the space based GG for the use in an environment with considerable acceleration noise. The major benefit is the considerable decrease in weight and size with the presently used gradiometer systems

MEMS-based Micro Coriolis mass flow sensor

We have realized a micromachined micro Coriolis flow sensor consisting of a silicon nitride resonant tube of 40 μm diameter and 1.2 μm wall thickness. First\ud measurements with both gas and liquid flows have demonstrated an unprecedented\ud mass flow resolution in the order of 10 mg/hr at a full scale range of 1 g/hr. The sensor can simultaneously be used as a density sensor

Sexuality of Young Adults with Cerebral Palsy: Experienced Limitations and Needs

Objective of this study is to describe the problems young adults with Cerebral Palsy (CP) experience in the various stages of the sexual response cycle, and the physical and emotional obstacles they experience with sexuality. In this prospective cohort study 74 young adults (46 men; 28 women) with CP and average intelligence participated, aged 20–24 years. Twenty percent of these young adults with CP experienced anorgasmia, 80% reported physical problems with sex related to CP and 45% emotional inhibition to initiate sexual contact. In 90% of the participants, sexuality had not been discussed during the rehabilitation treatment. Many adolescents reported wanting information about the impact of CP on sexuality and reproduction (35%), about interventions (26%), tools and medicines (16%) and about problems with their partner (14%). Young adults with CP can experience various problems or challenges with sexuality. For preventing sexual difficulties and treating sexual problems, health care professionals need to proactively take the initiative to inform young people with CP about sexuality

PowerGlove, Concepts and current results

Dynamic interaction between the human body and the environment can be assessed by measuring force and estimating velocity at their interface. A sensorized glove with movement and force sensing is developed in which this principles is applie

Analysis of the performance of a particle velocity sensor between two cylindrical obstructions

The performance of an acoustic particle velocity sensor that is placed between two cylindrical objects has been analyzed both analytically and by means of finite volume simulations on fluid dynamics. The results are compared with acoustic experiments that show a large magnification of the output signal of the particle velocity sensor due to the mounting of the sensor between two cylinders. The influences of this construction consist of an attenuation of particle velocities at frequencies below a few hertz, whereas signals in the higher frequency range are amplified, up to approximately three times 10 dB in a frequency range between 50 and 1000 Hz. The theoretical analysis is based on the derivation of the stream function for the situation of two long cylinders immersed in an oscillating incompressible viscous fluid, at low Reynolds numbers. The results lead to an improved insight into the effects of viscosity and fluid flow that play a role in acoustic measurements and open the way for further optimization of the sensitivity of the sensor

μ-Coriolis mass flow sensor with resistive readout

This paper presents a μ -Coriolis mass flow sensor with resistive readout. Instead of measuring a net displacement such as in a capacitive readout, a resistive readout detects the deformation of the suspended micro-fluidic channel. It allows for actuation at much higher amplitudes than for a capacitive readout, resulting in correspondingly larger Coriolis forces in response to fluid flow. A resistive readout can be operated in two actuation vibrational modes. A capacitive readout can only be operated in one of these two modes, which is more sensitive to external disturbances. Three types of devices have been realized. We present measurement results for all three devices. One device clearly outperforms the other two, with a flow sensitivity of 2.22 °/(g·h−1) and a zero-flow stability of 0.02 g·h−1 over 30 min. Optimization of the metal strain gauges and/or implementation of poly-Silicon strain gauges could further improve performanc

A Low-voltage CMOS op amp with a rail-to-rail constant-gm input stage and a class AB rail-to-rail output stage.

In this paper a low-voltage two-stage Op Amp is presented. The Op Amp features rail-to-rail operation and has an input stage with a constant transconductance (gm) over the entire common-mode input range. The input stage consists of an n-and a p-MOS differential pair connected in parallel. The constant gm is accomplished by regulating the tail-currents with the aid of an MOS translinear (MTL) circuit. The resulting gm is constant within 5%. The common-source output range employs a feedback circuit which also contains an MTL circuit. This feedback circuit ensures class AB operation and prevents the transistors in the output stage from cutting off. The Op Amp will be realized in a semi custom CMOS process with minimum channel lengths of 10μm. Simulations show that the minimum supply voltage is less than 2.5 V. A unity gain bandwidth of 550kHz and a DC voltage gain larger than 80 dB are feasible. The input range exceeds the supply rails, whereas the output range reaches the rails within 130 m V