Abstract: Electron capture detector for use with an effluent stream from a gas chromatograph includes an electron source means and an adjacent ionization chamber in which electron capture takes place. The active region of the ionization chamber is disposed to receive free electrons and a flow of purge gas. The detector has an inlet port for receiving a sample gas as well as an outlet port for exhausting the sample gas and the purge gas. A collector electrode in the detection chamber is biased so as to collect the free electrons in the absence of electrophilic substance. Electrophilic substances in the detector will reduce the flow of electrons to the collector and generate an ionic current. An insulative member in the form of a flow guide may be located at the portion of the anode so as to permit pulsing of free electrons to the anode but substantially block the ionic current, i.e., to discriminate between the free electrons and the ionic current.

Abstract: A bridge circuit monitoring apparatus which can accurately detect a fault in a bridge circuit of a sensor circuit even when multiple faults occur. Changes in the imbalance output signal of a bridge circuit (11) are monitored with a first window comparator (WC1), while changes in the bridge circuit (11) power source current, which does not require amplifying, are monitored with a second window comparator (WC2). At the time of an output of logic value "1" indicating that the monitoring outputs are both normal, an output of logic value "1" indicating that the bridge circuit (11) is normal is generated from an AND gate (13).

Abstract: Measuring an electrical potential in a semiconductor element by applying one or more voltages over the semiconductor element, placing one or more conductors in contact with the semi-conductor element using a scanning proximity microscope, calibrating the contact force between the conductors and the semiconductor element and measuring an electrical potential in the semi-conductor element with at least one of the conductors while injecting a substantially zero current in the semiconductor element. To measure the electrical potential distribution within the semiconductor, the position of at least one of the conductors is changed and the electric potential re-measured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing flyback transformers counts the number of cycles of a decaying ringing signal generated in a resonant circuit including the secondary winding of the flyback transformer beginning with the second cycle and ending with the cycle where the amplitude of the ringing signal falls below twenty-five percent of the amplitude of the second cycle of the ringing signal.

Abstract: A method for checking wire bonding result of a ball grid array (BGA) package is disclosed. An electroconductive metal layer of gold or copper is grounded on a chip bonding portion of a printed circuit board (PCB) of the BGA package as well as on a passage extending between the chip bonding portion and the gate of the PCB. After a wire bonding step, a probe and a capillary of a wire bonding checking system contact with the gate and with a semiconductor chip respectively. Thereafter, an electric current is sent to the BGA package from the checking system so as to check whether the BGA package sends the electric current therethrough. When there is neither a lift bond nor a missing wire in the BGA package, the package will send the current. However, when there is either a lift bond or the missing wire in the BGA package, the package will not send the current.

Abstract: An apparatus for position detection using signal patterns created by use of a fixed disk having three conductive patterns disposed thereon. The first and second patterns are annular conductive paths which are concentric with respect to one another and the third pattern consists of radially extending conductive portions which are electrically connected to the second pattern. A brush carried by a rotating member whose position is sought to be determined is maintained in contact with the first and third pattern. In this manner an electrical signal variation is encountered as the radially extending conductive portions are encountered by the brush upon rotation thereof. This variation is thus correlated to the pattern defined on the third pattern. A microprocessor is used to add and subtract signals as the brush is rotated from a reference position based upon an indicia of motor direction.

Abstract: A monitor for measuring physical parameters of a slurry, utilizing microwave propagation within a waveguide, either in conduit or a storage facility. Switching circuitry and specially constructed waveguides are provided, which operate in combination to provide rapid, accurate measurement of such parameters as flow rate, and concentration of the slurry.

Abstract: A method of detecting a misfire of a gasoline internal combustion engine is provided. By this method, a high voltage pulse which is not so high as to cause spark discharge, is applied to a secondary winding side of an ignition coil by way of a diode during the time after completion of spark discharge and before generation of a high voltage for next ignition, a misfire at each cylinder is detected on the basis of a decay characteristic of a voltage at a cathode side of the diode, and a charge accumulated at the secondary winding side of the ignition coil is forcedly discharged before a next high voltage pulse is supplied to the secondary winding side. A device for carrying out the above method is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring the sheet resistance of an electrically conductive film on a semiconductor substrate while maintaining the substrate within the vacuum environment of the semiconductor process apparatus. In one aspect of the invention, the conductive film is deposited on the substrate within a vacuum chamber, and the resistance probe is located within the same chamber. The probe retracts out of the way during deposition of the film, and then moves to the substrate to measure the resistance of the film after deposition is paused or completed. In a second aspect of the invention, the probe is located in a chamber other than the chamber which deposits the conductive film.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention measure the remaining capacity of a battery connected to a fluctuating load. The apparatus senses dispersive terminal voltages and dispersive discharge currents from the battery, and samples the sensed terminal voltages and discharge currents. On the basis of the sampled terminal voltages and discharge currents, the apparatus calculates a watt-hour value of the battery for a predetermined time interval, and checks whether the calculated watt-hour value reaches a predetermined value. If the calculated watt-hour value reaches the predetermined value, the apparatus calculates an approximate linear function indicative of a trend of the sampled terminal voltages and discharge currents, and calculates a voltage corresponding to a reference discharge current in accordance with the calculated approximate linear function as a remaining capacity voltage.

Abstract: When one performs an interpart short-circuit test where short-circuit is made between the terminals of the parts mounted on the printed circuit board 1 to find out the existence of fuming, firing and red heating, a spacing test that verifies if the distance between the patterns of the printed circuit board meets the prescribed insulating clearance, and an interpattern short-circuit test that verifies the existence of fuming and firing by shorting between the patterns that do not satisfy the prescribed insulating distance, an automatic tester receives the printed circuit board 1 to carry on the safety test, a control unit outputs the signal that controls said automatic tester and inputs the data of the test results, a detecting means detects the respective test results of fuming, firing and red heating, the memory incorporated into the control unit stores the data, and a recording means records the test results.

Abstract: A circuit detects insulation defects in a coil assembly including a plurality of series connected coils. A first voltage pulse is applied to a first coil of the coil assembly, a second voltage pulse is applied to a second coil of the coil assembly, the first and second coils being substantially diametrically opposite to one another, and the first and second voltage pulses being substantially equal to one another and oppositely poled relative to the coil assembly. A first voltage waveform across the first coil is monitored, and a second voltage waveform across the second coil is monitored. A first signal is derived from the first voltage waveform, a second signal is derived from the second voltage waveform, and a differential percentage value based on the first signal and the second signal is computed. An insulation defect is then determined based upon the differential percentage value.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring thermal processing of a workpiece using a sensor electrode which can be positioned relative to the workpiece and to which an alternating electric signal is applied in order to determine a measured capacitance (C.sub.meas) present between the sensor electrode and workpiece by evaluating a change in the alternating signal as a consequence of the measured capacitance (C.sub.meas). A measured capacitance frequency distribution is formed from a number of determined measured capacitances (C.sub.meas). The measured distribution is compared with a reference distribution. If a deviation is present between the two distributions, process parameters can be appropriately readjusted. It is preferable to use a laser beam for processing the workpiece.

Abstract: An apparatus detects a ground fault of an exciting circuit and a field circuit of an AC exciting variable speed rotating machine. The exciting circuit outputs an excited voltage controlled a frequency and/or an amplitude, and the field circuit of the AC exciting variable speed rotating machine is applied a field current by the excited voltage of the exciting circuit. A ground resistance is connected between a neutral point and a ground. The apparatus detects a current flowing from a ground to a neutral point through the ground resistance, and detects the ground fault based upon the detected current. Therefore, the apparatus can detect a ground fault of a field circuit and an exciting circuit of an AC exciting rotating machine during the AC exciting rotating machine operation with certainty.

Abstract: A rotary encoder 10 is composed of a halfway cylindrical stator 11 and a cylindrical rotor 12. The rotor 12 is disposed coaxial with the stator 11 with a predetermined gap. Plural transmitting electrodes 13 with spiral patterns and receiving electrode 14 with a rectangular pattern are formed on the inner surface of the stator 12. The transmitting electrodes 13 and receiving electrode 14 are formed of a FPC substrate 17 with lead lines 15, 16. On the outer surface of the rotor 12, coupling electrode 18 are formed with a spiral pattern so as to be capacitively coupled to the transmitting electrodes 13 and receiving electrode 14. FIG.

Abstract: A method of use and system for determining the longitudinal active resistance of a neutral conductor of an underground electrical cable, while the electrical cable remains in service. The method is conducted by applying a selective frequency test current signal to the neutral conductor of the underground cable connected between a pair of grounded structures, e.g., power transformers, from a test signal generator that is connected across the neutral conductor using first and second bifilar winding signal-voltage cables. The method utilizes indirect voltage determination to obtain the voltage drop across the neutral conductor while mitigating induced voltage effects which occur when direct voltage measurement is used. A plurality of selective frequency test current signals are used to obtain a plurality of longitudinal active resistance values. Any conventional extrapolation method is then used to obtain a longitudinal active resistance value at 0 Hz.

Abstract: A sensing device and a method for sensing the presence and absence of an object in a machine using the sensing device. The sensing device generally including a sensing mechanism, a resistive element, and a control mechanism communicatively coupled to the sensing mechanism and resistive element. The sensing mechanism being coupled to the resistive element. The method comprising actuating the sensing mechanism so that it senses the location of the object. Recording the voltage across the resistive element in the control mechanism when the sensing mechanism senses the location of the object. Reactuating the sensing mechanism at least one more time to sense the location of the object. Measuring a subsequent voltage across the resistive element when the sensing mechanism is reactuated and comparing the subsequent voltage with the recorded voltage across the resistive element when the resistive element sensed the location of the object.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a roadway sensor for surface installation in a hole such that a thin ceramic contact sensor may be used to measure and cross-compare fundamental physical antenna parameters of the space immediately above a roadway or bridge surface. Measurements are combined by a microprocessor to discriminate between dry pavement, water (rain), snow and ice above the sensor head. Ambient surface temperature, water depth and ice/slush conditions are determined to estimate any hydroplaning hazard and ice/antifreeze/water mixtures. The sensor comprises an antenna that exhibits a resonant frequency and an input admittance including a real term; a Maxwell bridge coupled to the antenna for detecting the resonant frequency, input admittance and real term; and a frequency sweeping oscillator for driving the antenna at a plurality of frequencies proximate in frequency to the resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for locating the joints and fractures of underground cast iron gas mains comprises connecting several sections of an underground cast iron gas main pipeline across a sixty watt signal generator with an audio-frequency signal output of 7800 hertz. The connections take advantage of service lines, valve boxes and drip access at the surface, otherwise holes are drilled to accommodate contact probes. The signal passes through the pipe sections and their joints in series. The centerline of the underground cast iron gas main pipeline is plotted directly above on the surface of the ground, e.g., along a surface centerline. The relatively higher impedance of the pipe joints compared to the pipes themselves, causes current fluxes to radiate from each joint. The relative linear positions and their corresponding signal power measurements are collected along the surface centerline.

Abstract: During voltammetric analysis of liquids, the indicator electrode must be frequently changed in order to prevent memory effects and resultant changes to basic conditions during measurement. In order to be able to change the indicator electrodes simply, a plurality of indicator electrodes are arranged on a common carrier. For accommodation of the liquid (2) to be analysed, a vessel (1) is provided and the carrier (5) is mounted to move in relation to this vessel (1) in such a way that one of the indicator electrodes (6) can be selectively brought into the area intended for the liquid. The reference electrode (8) necessary for the measurement is arranged in the vessel (1) and likewise connected with the measuring device (20). With that, changing of the selected electrode (6) ensues by moving the carrier (5) relative to said vessel (1).