Abstract: A garment for measuring biological information equipped with an electrode and wiring, with which noise can be prevented from being mixed in to the biological electric signals to be read, and with which a wearer feels less discomfort, even under dry condition while the garment is worn. Static electrical charge generated while the garment is worn is suppressed to decrease the noise in the biological electric signals to be read by selecting a combination of electrically insulating materials constituting the garment that have smaller gap of frictional electrostatic voltage, as well as using the electrode and wiring that are stretchy and have high conductivity even when being stretched to reduce discomfort while the garment is worn.

Abstract: A cable core for a cable, in particular, for an induction cable that includes multiple such cable cores which have a conductor that is interrupted in the longitudinal direction at specified longitudinal positions at multiple separation points, thereby forming two conductor ends. An insulating intermediate piece is provided for connecting the conductor ends, and the conductor ends are arranged on both sides of the intermediate piece. The conductor and the intermediate piece are surrounded together by a continuous insulating jacket in order to form the cable core. In a preferred concept, a respective intermediate piece is arranged between the two conductor ends by two adapter elements. In another preferred concept, a respective intermediate piece, in particular, a ceramic intermediate piece, is connected directly to two conductor ends. A cable is formed from a plurality of such cable cores.

Abstract: A capacitance probe monitors the distance between a blade tip and a fan, compressor or turbine case. The capacitance probe may be attached to a liner, and may travel with the liner as it radially expands due to thermal changes. The capacitance probe may include a circuit board sensor with a metallic plate, and one or more capacitors. The metallic plate may be encapsulated within an insulating material. A plurality of soft leads may be in electrical communication with the circuit board sensor, allowing a lower lead weight, reduced size and increased flexibility. The soft leads may also be embedded in the liner. In this way, the capacitance probe can record more accurate distance measurements and promote a gas turbine engine's continued and efficient operation.

Abstract: A mode-locked laser injects pulses of minority carriers into a semiconductor sample. A microwave frequency comb is then generated by the currents formed in the movement of majority carriers native to the semiconductor and the injected minority carriers. These carriers move to cause dielectric relaxation in the sample, which can be used to determine carrier density within the sample. Measurements require close proximity of transmitter and receiver contacts with the sample and may profile a semi-conductor with a resolution of approximately 0.2 nm.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an integrated multi-chip module (MCM) sensor assembly having at least one electrostatic sensor and a circuit board. The electrostatic sensor includes an outer housing with an electrode and an amplifier configured therein. The electrode includes a first end and a second end separated by a predetermined length. The second end includes a sensing face that is substantially flush with an edge of the outer housing. Further, the electrode contains a plurality of electrons configured to respond to one or more charged particles that flow past the sensing face by moving either towards or away from the second end. Thus, the amplifier is electrically coupled to the electrode so as to detect a particle level flowing past the sensing face as a function of the electron movement. Moreover, the circuit board is configured within the outer housing and is electrically coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: A particle count measurement device includes a preprocessing section configured to place an aerosol introduced into a measurement region in an electrical state of any of a neutralized state, a positively charged state or a negatively charged state, a unipolar charging section configured to place the aerosol which has been introduced in an electrical state different from at a time of introduction, an ion trap arranged on a downstream of the unipolar charging section in terms of a flow of the aerosol for generating an electric field that draws only gas ions in the aerosol, an exhaust mechanism configured to discharge the aerosol from the measurement region at a constant flow rate, and an ammeter for detecting, as a measurement value corresponding to a particle count concentration, a difference between current supplied by the unipolar charging section and current flowing into the ion trap.

Abstract: A method of measuring impedance includes determining a first time constant based on a known impedance and a capacitor, determining a second time constant based on a target impedance and the capacitor, and determining the target impedance based on the first time constant and the second time constant.

Abstract: Systems and devices are described for measuring tension in a guide wire in a tower service lift for ascending and descending wind turbine generator towers. The present disclosure also describes methods for measuring the tension in the guide wire as well as installing a device for measuring the tension in the guide wire.

Abstract: A system for detecting unconfined-plasma events in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The system may include a sensor disposed in the plasma processing chamber for providing a current when unconfined plasma is present in the plasma processing chamber. The system may also include a converter for converting the current into a voltage and a filter for removing noise from the voltage to provide a first signal. The system may also include a detector for determining presence of the unconfined plasma using an amplified level of the first signal and/or the first signal. The system may also include a conductor for coupling the sensor and the converter to conduct the current from the sensor to the converter. The system may also include a shield for enclosing at least a portion of the conductor to at least reduce electromagnetic noise received by the conductor.

Abstract: A fixture can include a test fixture that holds an object whose electrostatic charge characteristics are to be measured, means for moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object, and means for rubbing a surface of the object. A method for measuring the electrostatic charge characteristics of an object using a test fixture can include: placing the object in the test fixture, moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object and rubbing a surface of the object with the piece of rubbing material for a period of time. The rubbing causes an electrostatic charge to be built up on the surface of the object. The electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be measured and the measured electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be displayed.

Abstract: A system including a charge source and at least one voltage measurement device is disclosed. The charge source is for generating a charging environment to produce at least one of a voltage profile and a current on an area of dielectric material disposed over a conductive substrate. The area of dielectric material includes a first area containing a subsurface defect. The area of dielectric material also includes a second area that is defect-free. The at least one voltage measurement device is for outputting voltage measurements at different positions over the area of dielectric material. The voltage measurements over the first area differ from voltage measurements over the second area to define a voltage differential.

Abstract: A system including a charge source and at least one voltage measurement device is disclosed. The charge source is for generating a charging environment to produce at least one of a voltage profile and a current on an area of dielectric material disposed over a conductive substrate. The area of dielectric material includes a first area containing a subsurface defect. The area of dielectric material also includes a second area that is defect-free. The at least one voltage measurement device is for outputting voltage measurements at different positions over the area of dielectric material. The voltage measurements over the first area differ from voltage measurements over the second area to define a voltage differential.

Abstract: The method of detecting plastics material, in particular for a postal sorting installation through which articles pass, is intended to distinguish automatically between articles having an outside surface made of plastics material and articles having an outside surface made of paper. The method consists in moving each article past an electrostatic generator, and then past a member for evaluating electrostatic charge so as to compare the charge on the article with a reference value in order to detect whether the article is a plastics article or a paper article. The method increases the reliability of detection.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting foreign fibers in a moving textile material, in particular in moving threads, yarns or slivers, include providing a probe for picking up triboelectric signals from the moving textile material and comparing the output of the probe with a reference value to provide a signal representative of detection of a foreign fiber in the textile material. The apparatus may be used in a card, a drawing bench, a ring spinning machine, an air-jet spinning machine, an open-end spinning machine, a chemical spinning machine, a bobbin winding machine a doubling machine, a combing machine, a bobbin frame, a texturing machine or a loom.

Abstract: An array of triboelectric sensors is used for testing the electrostatic properties of a remote environment. The sensors may be mounted in the heel of a robot arm scoop. To determine the triboelectric properties of a planet surface, the robot arm scoop may be rubbed on the soil of the planet and the triboelectrically developed charge measured. By having an array of sensors, different insulating materials may be measured simultaneously. The insulating materials may be selected so their triboelectric properties cover a desired range. By mounting the sensor on a robot arm scoop, the measurements can be obtained during an unmanned mission.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the condition of a thermal barrier coating on the vanes and blades of a combustion turbine relies on a piezoelectric or electrostrictive effect, or tribo-charging generated within the coating. Gas flowing through the turbine will apply pressure to the vanes and blades, resulting in a strain on the blades and vanes, and causing friction as it passes the vanes and blades. An electric current is generated between the coating and vane or blade, either by a pressure-induced piezoelectric effect, a strain-induced electrostrictive effect, or friction-induced tribo-charging. This current causes a radio frequency signal, which can be detected by a high temperature antenna as the blade passes the antenna. One blade may be intentionally designed to produce a signal different from the remaining blades, thereby becoming a marking blade. After amplification and filtering, the radio signals may be analyzed and stored.

Abstract: A particle detector for detecting particles flowing in a duct has a first triboelectric probe (5) for detecting the particles and a second triboelectric probe (3) for detecting a signal generated by contaminants on the particle detector. The presence of signal-generating contaminants on the particle detector will result in an error signal on the first probe (5) and a signal on the second probe (3). Therefore, the presence of a signal on the second probe (3) will indicate that the signal appearing on the first probe (5) includes an error signal. If the ratio of the magnitude of the signal generated on the second probe (3) to the magnitude of the signal generated on the first probe (5) exceeds a certain pre-defined limit, cleaning of the detector will be required.

Abstract: Triboelectric sensors which generate electrical signals in response to mechanical disturbances creating relative motion of conducting and dielectric components of the sensor are fabricated from thin metal foil which is plastic-coated on one side and which can be formed into elongated, cable-like sensors having a variety of other shapes and sizes. The foil encloses one or more wire-like inner electrical conductors which, may be sealed within the envelope formed by the outer foil by heat-sealing the plastic-coated foil. A technique similar to welding may be used in which electrodes are placed in contact with opposing faces of the metal foil and an electrical current is passed though the foil. Local heating of the foil and of the plastic coating near the point of contact of one or both electrodes can cause the plastic to melt and the opposing plastic faces to bond together.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting particles in a flow comprises a probe 1 positioned so that it projects into the flow and is charged triboelectrically by the particles in the flow. An electric circuit is coupled to the probe 1 and includes evaluating means for monitoring a signal from the probe 1 and for providing an output in dependence on the signal generated by the triboelectric charging of the probe 1. The part of the probe 1 that projects into the particle flow comprises an electrically conducting core covered with an insulating layer 2 which insulates the core from the particle flow.

Abstract: A method for identifying and/or differentiating between asbestos materials and aramid materials comprises the steps of rubbing an area of a surface of a material (44) to be identified, with an acrylic reference material (28), measuring the polarity of the generated electrostatic charge and comparing the polarity with polarities of charge generated from surfaces of known asbestos and aramid materials.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring concentration of solid particles in a fluid stream that includes a probe for disposition in the fluid stream to provide an electrical probe signal as a triboelectric function of concentration of solid particles in the fluid stream. A first circuit is coupled to the probe for providing a first electrical signal as a proportional function of the probe signal. A second circuit is coupled to the probe for providing a second electrical signal as a function of rate of change of the probe signal. Differential amplifiers received the first and second signals, and provide a third signal as a function of a difference therebetween. An apparatus output signal is provided when such difference exceeds a preselected threshold.

Abstract: Triboelectricity, that is the electrostatic charging of materials by rubbing them against one another, is used to identify particular plastics materials which produce a characteristic charge polarity when rubbed against another known material. An apparatus (24) for carrying out this identification mounts different reference materials (30, 32, 34) so that they can be rubbed against the material (44) to be identified to create electrostatic charges which are then processed by a logic circuit to identify the nature of the sample.

Abstract: In a method for detecting particles in a gas flow, a probe 8 is charged triboelectrically by particles 10 in the flow and the quantities of electrical charges transferred to the probe are evaluated to provide an indication of the particle flow in the gas flow. In order to reduce the effect of variations in "gas flow related variables" other than those relating to particle flow, an alternating component in the signal caused by the triboelectrical charging of the probe is monitored.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring the electric surface charge density on each surface of a sheet. The sheet can either be moving or non-moving. If the sheet is non-moving a pliers-like device having a pair of electrodes aligned opposite with each other is used. The sheet is placed between the electrodes and the surface measurement is made by either one or two electrometers. For a moving web, the apparatus includes a first and second roller each having a charge measurement segment electrically isolated from the roller shell wherein the charge measurement segments periodically engage the web running through the two rollers. Two grounded shields which periodically shield the charge measurement segment are provided. Two electrometers are provided and from this surface charge density measurement and net charge density measurement on the moving sheet are obtained.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sensing and measuring the flow of dry particulate materials including a sensing device (20C) connected to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). The sensing device (20C) has a probe (24) defining an electrode which may be positioned within a flow line (18). Particles passing over the probe (24) produce a measurable electrical charge to the probe (24) due to the triboflow effect which may be transmitted to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). A shield (40) envelopes the probe (24) in a telescoping relation and comprises a wire mesh screen, which permits the flow of dry particulate material over the probe (24) while restricting stray electrical interference and electromagnetic radiation to the probe (24).

Abstract: An improved apparatus for sensing and measuring the flow of dry particulate materials including a sensing device (20C) connected to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). The sensing device (20C) has a probe (24) defining an electrode which may be positioned within a flow line (18). Particles passing over the probe (24) produce a measurable electrical charge to the probe (24) due to the triboflow effect which may be transmitted to a remote measuring device by a coaxial cable (25). A shield (40) envelopes the probe (24) in a telescoping relation and comprises a wire mesh screen, which permits the flow of dry particulate material over the probe (24) while restricting stray electrical interference and electromagnetic radiation to the probe (24).

Abstract: A system for predicting the failure of a storage unit, such as a disk drive. In a most general sense, the inventive system includes a first mechanism (20, 22, 24) for moving an element (16) over a surface (12) which is moving relative to the element (16). The first mechanism includes an arm (18, 20) for supporting the element (16) over the surface (12) and a motor (24) connected to the arm (18, 20). A position error detector (42) is included for detecting a change in torque applied to the motor (24) due to friction between the element (16) and the surface (12). The position error detector (42) provides a signal in response to changes in torque which is processed to predict a head disk interaction or failure of the storage system. In a particular embodiment, the position error detector (42) senses a change in a lateral force applied to the element (12) in response to a change in friction between the surface and the element.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for measuring the electric surface charge density on each surface of a sheet. The sheet can either be moving or non-moving. If the sheet is non-moving a pliers-like device having a pair of electrodes aligned opposite with each other is used. The sheet is placed between the electrodes and the surface measurement is made by either one or two electrometers. For a moving web, the apparatus includes a first and second roller each having a charge measurement segment electrically isolated from the roller shell wherein the charge measurement segments periodically engage the web running through the two rollers. Two grounded shields which periodically shield the charge measurement segment are provided. Two electrometers are provided and from this surface charge density measurement and net charge density measurement on the moving sheet are obtained.

Abstract: A microprocessor (48) controlled triboelectric instrument with probe fouling detection, zero offset adjustments and temperature compensation. The system programmability provides for enhanced operator control and operator monitoring wherein the system may be reprogrammed to advantage to reduce instrument down time.

Abstract: Apparatus for simultaneously generating and measuring a triboelectric charge generated on a strip of flexible sample material includes a stationary rod of insulating material, driving motor for the sample material adapted to move the sample material in frictional contact with the rod, a support rod for maintaining a surface of the sample material in straight-line tangential relationship with the rod, and a static-charge sensor disposed between the stationary rod and the support rod and spaced from the surface of the sample material for measuring a charge on the surface in cooperation with a voltage-measuring device.

Abstract: An improved input circuit (9) for accepting a signal from a triboelectric probe (2). The circuitry provides gain, zero and probe contamination information which allows verification of said information without taking the probe and instrument off-line.

Abstract: Method and device for detecting interferences between surfaces of cooperating elements, including detecting the impact energy generated by an interference between a first surface and a surface protrusion of a second surface, and detecting a protrusion of interest based upon such impact energy. A preferred embodiment includes integration of an interference signal from a transducer associated with one of the surfaces. The integral is used to compare the seriousness of an interference against an interference energy threshold. Embodiments include a head/disk interference (HDI) detector.

Abstract: Monitoring apparatus (10) of particles in a gas stream comprising a probe (12) and circuit (14) for detecting electrical activity of the probe and an actuator (20) for insertion and retraction of the probe into and out of the stream, the circuit providing periodic measurement of the retracted probe and self-adjustment to compensate for changing probe characteristics. The apparatus also provided probe cleaning and protection means (30, 32, 34, 36), which work in interaction with the self-check instrumentation. The self-check tests include baseline, gain and sensitivity monitoring.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring lateral charge distribution on a moving web includes a cylindrical roller having at least a pair of charge measuring segments on the cylinder surface which are electrically isolated from each other and aligned end-to-end in the direction of the axis of rotation of the cylinder. Each of the measurement segments is adapted to be connected to a separate electrometer. The cylinder is mounted on a support to move the cylinder in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of conveyance of the web over the surface of the cylinder. A measuring device for measuring lateral displacement of the cylinder is used for calculation of the proportion of web area in contact with one segment relative to the total web area in contact with both segments. The proportionate measured charge represents the integral charge on a fraction of the web and by taking periodic measurements as the cylinder is moved laterally across the web, a profile of lateral integral charge distribution is determined.

Abstract: Particle analysis apparatus (10) in combination with a triboelectric probe (P) and including means (18, 20, 22, 24, 26) to analyze individual particle collisions with the probe as a useful measure of flow conditions--of a fluid with suspended solid particles--in the region of the probe.

Abstract: A tribological head-disk interface testing system for testing commercial head-disk assemblies in an accelerated fashion to determine wear life, the system comprising an interface stress device disposed on a disk with a wear tester, the interface stress device having a semispherical crystal pin mounted on a slider. Piezoelectric crystals are mounted on the slider.

Abstract: The high temperature particle velocity meter is comprised of a pair of spaced apart conducting portions having disposed on each of their upstream edges a first and second non-conducting portion. The bombardment of the particles on the conducting and non-conducting portions creates charged particles in the pneumatically transported material. These particles discharge an electric current through the conducting portions to respective conductors and then to respective signal generating means. The signal generating means convert the electric discharges to an electronic signal. The electronic signals from each of the signal generating means are fed into a calculating means which calculate the particle velocity of the material based on the respective electronic signals. In another embodiment, the device can be used in a ceramic pipeline or a metal pipeline having its inner surface ceramically lined. In this embodiment, the device does not include the non-conducting portions as the pipe is already non-conducting.

Abstract: Frictional electrostatic voltage measuring equipment for measuring the frictional electrostatic voltage characteristics and the discharge characteristics of a sheet-form sample such as textile and film, the sheet-form sample being held by a sample plate in a stretched condition. A sample table for holding detachably the sample plate is provided reciprocably on a body base; a rubbing unit comprising a rubbing pad and its driving unit, a pedestal and an electrostatic voltage sensor are provided. The sample held by the sample plate on the sample table is rubbed by the rubbing pad with the sample supported by the pedestal from its back, the sample table being allowed to move to a measuring position after the completion of rubbing. At this point, the electrostatic voltage of the sample is detected by the electrostatic voltage sensor, and the detecting signal is processed by a data processor.

Abstract: In a test method of an electrostatic breakdown of a semiconductor device in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of semiconductor devices are disposed at random on a member which has been electrostatically charged with a predetermined voltage, and the semiconductor devices are caused to be discharged while being moved on the member. Then, a test is performed to determine whether an electrostatic breakdown occurs in each of semiconductor devices. The electrical characteristics of each semiconductor device are measured after the charged static electricity has been removed. Each semiconductor device to be tested is incorporated in a package and has lead terminals connected to a semiconductor chip.

Abstract: A bypass conduit is connected to a primary conduit and has tandem reservoirs formed therein. Continuous measurements are taken from the respective reservoirs of the electrical current generated by the relaxing fluid therein and flowing to ground. These respective measurements are inputted to a microcomputer through respective electrometer elements and converted into a single measure of charge density along with readings of the moisture, conductivity and temperature of the fluid. In a preferred embodiment, the fluid constitutes the oil (or other coolant) circulated in respective conduits between a power transformer and an external heat exchanger. The microcomputer may trigger an alarm (or a control mechanism) whenever the charge density generated in the circulating coolant reaches a predetermined threshold level, thereby avoiding a potential hazardous condition due to the build-up of static electrical charges in the protected transformer or other device.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring a flight path parameter of a projectile (7) or parts thereof during flight possibly into the region of the target, with the electrical charge imparted to the projectile (7) or its part by friction with the air and/or by the gas fumes generated during ignition or detonation being detected by means of at least one inductively operating sensor (1) and the zero passage of the resulting signal is evaluated. The resulting signal can be utilized to measure time of flight, velocity, a time pattern for the distribution of fragments or the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting contamination on probe surface which comprises a sweep voltage generator for generating sweep voltage which is applied to a probe or probes in plasma, a probe current detection circuit for detecting probe current which flows in accordance with the sweep voltage applied, an amplitude discriminator for comparing the probe current with a predetermined threshold and generating an output signal when the probe current becomes equal to the predetermined threshold, a first sample-hold circuit for sampling and holding the sweep voltage upon reception of the output signal from the amplitude discriminator while the sweep voltage is increasing, a second sample-hold circuit for sampling and holding the sweep voltage upon reception of the output signal from the amplitude discriminator while the sweep voltage is decreasing, and a subtracter for providing a difference between the sweep voltages holded in the first and second sample-hold circuit.

Abstract: Flow measuring apparatus comprising a probe (1) coupled via a coaxial cable (2) to control circuitry with a current to voltage convertor (10), absolute value circuit (12), auto zero switch and integration (11, 27) and voltage to current circuit (18) yielding an analog output, corresponding to flow at the probe.

Abstract: The invention described in this specification relates to apparatus for monitoring the intake of foreign bodies and objects into an engine, particularly a gas turbine engine whereby sensors are located at or near the engine intake for detecting any electrostatic charge induced on the sensors by the passage of foreign bodies therepast. The specification particularly discloses an arrangement for a gas turbine engine in which sensors are provided in the exhaust duct and in the inlet duct and that signals from sensors in the inlet duct and exhaust duct are compared and contrasted.

Abstract: Electrostatic discharge properties of materials are quantitatively measured and ranked. Samples (20) are rotated on a turntable (15) beneath selectable, co-available electrostatic chargers (30/40), one being a corona charging element (30) and the other a sample-engaging triboelectric charging element (40). They then pass under a voltage meter (25) to measure the amount of residual charge on the samples (20). After charging is discontinued, measurements are continued to record the charge decay history over time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described by which, in magnetic disk storage systems where a triboelectric current can be observed to flow between slider and disk surface, a saving signal can be generated by which a saving action can be initiated to save the data on the storage system before they are lost irreversibly. The triboelectric current is monitored and checked during start phase, and if certain values and conditions are not fulfilled, the saving action is initiatable by the TRIC signal, which is generated by an evaluation and analyzer circuit upon the occurrence of certain events such as the triboelectric current not reaching at least a predetermined threshold value during start phase, the triboelectric current becoming negative, or the triboelectric current reaching a non-zero value when the magnetic disk storage system reaches operational speed.

Abstract: A fluidized bed method and apparatus involving a grounded electrically conductive bed for controlling or eliminating electrostatic charges therein and high surface area charge dissipators.

Abstract: Flow velocity measurement apparatus for cryogenic liquid flowing in a pipe (1) past spaced upstream (12) and downstream (14) electrodes with triboelectric, flow-generated determined signals at the electrodes directed to a cross-correlator (2) which shifts the time bases of the signals relative to each other and reiteratively multiplies the shifted signals until a maximum multiplication product is achieved, the time shift associated with such maximum being flow transit time between the electrodes.

Abstract: Method for measuring the properties of a slider/disk interface in a magnetic disk storage apparatus by measuring a triboelectric current flowing between disk and slider. Rotational speed is adjusted between 100 and 500 rpm so as to obtain a frictional contact between disk and slider. The shape of the tribo current curve obtained during the measuring time interval is analyzed. An early maximum of the tribo current amplitude and a subsequent continual decay indicates a good slider/disk interface and a long lifetime.

Abstract: Flow measuring apparatus comprising a probe (1) coupled via a coaxial cable (2) to control circuitry with a current to voltage convertor (10), absolute value circuit (12), auto zero switch and integration (11, 27) and voltage to current circuit (18) yielding an analog output, corresponding to flow at the probe.