A microfluidic device that reads a colloidal mixture and separates the colloids based upon size and shape. and in the case of polymer colloids such as DNA, it reads patterns of markers attached to DNA. The combination of different separated fractions and DNA markers (it mapping) constitutes the physical code.

Ultrasonic identification devices, and methods of making and use same. The present invention further relates to ultrasonic ID devices using membranes (such as membranes made of graphene or a polyester film).

Ultrasonic identification devices, and methods of making and use same. The present invention further relates to ultrasonic ID devices using membranes (such as membranes made of graphene or a polyester film).

A counter to monitor an amount of tool use that includes a fluid passage (23) with an inlet (21) and an outlet (22). A piston (30) and sensor target (50) (e.g., magnet) are positioned along the passage and are biased towards a first position by a biasing member (40). When the tool is not in operation, the piston and sensor target are located at a first position due to the biasing force. When the tool is in operation, fluid moves along the fluid passage. A force applied by the moving fluid on the piston and sensor target overcomes the force applied by the biasing member and moves the piston and sensor target along the fluid passage to a second position. A sensor is configured to sense the sensor target at the second position. A processing circuit (62) determines the tool usage based on the detection of the sensor target at the second position by the sensor.

A counter to monitor an amount of tool use that includes a fluid passage (23) with an inlet (21) and an outlet (22). A piston (30) and sensor target (50) (e.g., magnet) are positioned along the passage and are biased towards a first position by a biasing member (40). When the tool is not in operation, the piston and sensor target are located at a first position due to the biasing force. When the tool is in operation, fluid moves along the fluid passage. A force applied by the moving fluid on the piston and sensor target overcomes the force applied by the biasing member and moves the piston and sensor target along the fluid passage to a second position. A sensor is configured to sense the sensor target at the second position. A processing circuit (62) determines the tool usage based on the detection of the sensor target at the second position by the sensor.

Ultrasonic tracking of a worker's hands may be used to monitor performance of assigned tasks. An inventory system includes inventory bins configured to store inventory items, an ultrasonic unit, ultrasonic transducers, and a management module. The ultrasonic unit is configured to be worn by a user in proximity to the user's hand and to periodically emit ultrasonic sound pulses. The ultrasonic transducers are arranged relative to the inventory bins and configured to receive the emitted pulses. The management module is operatively coupled with the ultrasonic transducers and configured to process signals generated by the ultrasonic transducers to identify an inventory bin based on proximity of the ultrasonic unit relative to the identified inventory bin. The management module monitors performance of an assigned task based on the identified inventory bin.

The invention relates to a detection apparatus, in particular a code reader, comprising an identification unit for identifying an object transported by a conveying device, in particular a continuous conveyor, further in particular a roller conveyor, characterized in that the detection apparatus has at least a first microphone and is configured to detect the object acoustically, in particular during transport, by means of at least the first microphone, and to initiate an identification process of the object by means of the identification unit only when the object is detected.

The invention relates to a detection apparatus, in particular a code reader, comprising an identification unit for identifying an object transported by a conveying device, in particular a continuous conveyor, further in particular a roller conveyor, characterized in that the detection apparatus has at least a first microphone and is configured to detect the object acoustically, in particular during transport, by means of at least the first microphone, and to initiate an identification process of the object by means of the identification unit only when the object is detected.

A system, method and device are provided for detecting the presence of, and/or obtain information about, a replaceable component for a host system. A host system has an ultrasonic transducer or transducer pair that detects the presence of, and/or obtains information about, a replaceable component for a host system through receipt or non-receipt of an ultrasonic signal. The replaceable component includes a key or other feature that either allows the transmission or reflection of a transmitted ultrasonic signal, or which does not allow the reception or reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic signal, depending on the host configuration.

A system, method and device are provided for detecting the presence of, and/or obtain information about, a replaceable component for a host system. A host system has an ultrasonic transducer or transducer pair that detects the presence of, and/or obtains information about, a replaceable component for a host system through receipt or non-receipt of an ultrasonic signal. The replaceable component includes a key or other feature that either allows the transmission or reflection of a transmitted ultrasonic signal, or which does not allow the reception or reflection of the transmitted ultrasonic signal, depending on the host configuration.