Abstract: A method, system and apparatus of fault detection in line protection for a power transmission system. A voltage (u) at a measurement point on an electrical line is obtained. The measurement point is a point at which a protection device for the line protection is installed. A current (i) at the measurement point is further obtained and a differential value of the current is determined. Then, a voltage (uq) at a setting point on the electrical line is determined from the voltage (u) at the measurement point, the current (i) at the measurement point and the differential value of the current (i) according to a time domain lumped parameter model for the electrical line. The voltage change between the determined voltage at the setting point during the fault period and a voltage at the setting point determined during a pre-fault period can be further determined. The fault detection can be performed based on the determined voltage change and a fault threshold.

Abstract: An error determining apparatus of a driving device including a motor and a 3-phase inverter supplying power to the motor through a 3-phase cable may include a resistor provided in each phase of the 3-phase cable, a voltage sensing device sensing voltage of opposite ends of the resistor by a current flowing into the resistor, and a sensing controller determining whether the resistor is faulty or whether the 3-phase cable is opened, based on the sensing voltage of the voltage sensing device and a 3-phase current sum of the 3-phase inverter.

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing device and a control method thereof. The device comprises an ultraviolet light source and a controller connected by means of a cable. The ultraviolet light source is a water-cooled ultraviolet light source or an air-cooled ultraviolet light source. The controller is provided inside or outside of the ultraviolet light source. The ultraviolet light source comprises a shell (101), a copper substrate (103), multiple paths of LED chips (104), and a cooling assembly. The controller comprises a constant-current circuit board (105). The constant-current circuit board (105) performs multi-path constant-current control on the multiple paths of LED chips (104) to monitor anomaly of the voltage drop of the multiple paths of LED chip (104)s, thereby achieving control of the multiple paths of LED chips (104).

Abstract: An anomaly detection device detects an anomaly of a potentiometer including a resistor and a movable terminal that moves while contacting the resistor. The anomaly detection device includes a first applier that applies, to one end of the resistor, a first voltage in a first detection period and a second voltage in a second detection period that is consecutive to the first detection period; a second applier that applies, to another end of the resistor, the first voltage in the first detection period and the second voltage in the second detection period; a voltage detector that detects an output voltage from the movable terminal; and an anomaly detector that detects a contact failure of the movable terminal based on the output voltage detected by the voltage detector when an applied voltage applied by each of the first applier and the second applier is changed.

Abstract: In a bridge circuit, a series circuit in which a first resistor and a second resistor are connected in series and the second resistor and a fourth resistor are connected in series is formed. In the bridge circuit, the series circuit is connected to a load portion in parallel, one end of a fifth resistor is connected between the second resistor and the fourth resistor, and the other end of the fifth resistor is connected between the first resistor and the load portion. In the bridge circuit, a voltage supply unit is connected between the first resistor and the second resistor. A controller detects an abnormality of the load portion based on a detection voltage of the bridge circuit detected by applying a voltage from the voltage supply unit with a switch turned off. With this configuration, an abnormality detection device can detect abnormality while suppressing an increase in size.

Abstract: A vehicle includes a rail-mounted component. The rail-mounted component can be equipped with one or more restraints. A restraint monitoring system monitors the one or more restraints. The restraint monitoring system includes a restraint control module and a rail-mounted component control module. The rail-mounted component control module can include a restraint deployment loop and a restraint diagnostic loop for relaying restraint deployment signals and restraint diagnostic signals, respectively, between the restraint control module and the rail-mounted component control module.

Abstract: A method of examining an electrical safety chain of an elevator system including: emitting an electric pulse from a time-domain reflectometer into an electrical safety chain of an elevator system; detecting a reflected electric pulse reflected within the electrical safety chain using the time-domain reflectometer; comparing the reflected electric pulse to a baseline reflected electric pulse; and determining a degradation level in response to the reflected electric pulse and the baseline reflected electric pulse.

Abstract: An antenna board for wirelessly delivering power, including a connector configured to: (i) connect with any one of a plurality of electrical ports of a transmitter board, including a first electrical port of the plurality of electrical ports, and (ii) receive an electrical signal from the first electrical port when the connector is connected with the first electrical port. The antenna board further includes antenna element(s) configured to, when the connector is connected with the first electrical port, transmit radio frequency (RF) power transmission waves using the electrical signal received from the first port. Each of the RF power transmission waves constructively interferes with at least one other RF power transmission wave of the RF power transmission waves at a receiver within a transmission field of the antenna board and energy from the RF power transmission waves is used by the receiver to power and/or charge the receiver.

Abstract: A leak sensor includes a base layer which is formed by soaking a plate-shaped structure into a resin solution, particularly a fluorine-based resin solution, or formed of a plate-shaped structure of a resin, particularly a fluorine-based resin; and a sensor layer in which a leak detection part having a predetermined area is formed by coating or printing a mixture of a liquid resin or a liquid fluorine-based resin and a conductive material on the base layer in a predetermined pattern, wherein the leak detection part of the sensor layer is formed on a side surface of the sensor layer to be exposed to the outside. Therefore, even though the sensor is not located just under the leaked fluid, the sensor becomes in contact with the fluid, and thus can detect the fluid leakage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a safety arrangement and also a testing apparatus for testing the operation of an extreme limit switch in a conveying system, which can be removed from service on the basis of a signal to be received from the extreme limit switch. The testing apparatus comprises a microprocessor and a memory, in which is recorded a testing program to be run with the microprocessor, which testing program comprises instructions for preventing removal of the conveying system from service occurring on the basis of a signal from an extreme limit switch as well as for testing the operation of the extreme limit switch when removal of the conveying system from service has been prevented.

Abstract: According to one embodiment disclosed herein, there is provided an antenna module including a self-identification mechanism that may be used by one or more wireless circuits for management purposes. The self-identification mechanism may, for example, take the form of an integrated circuit (IC) device or chip that stores a serial number that may function as a unique identifier for an antenna on which it is mounted or associated. In one embodiment, a wireless module, for example containing RF components for sending and receiving signals from the antenna, queries the serial number device, and acquires the serial number for the antenna. The wireless module can use the serial number for any number of purposes, and in particular to verify that the antenna connected is a compliant antenna that will operate within the range, within the limits, and/or with the performance specified for the radio circuits within the wireless module.

Abstract: A micromechanical component and a corresponding test method for a micromechanical component are described. The micromechanical component includes at least one first region, which is elastically connected to a second region via a spring device, a resistor element, which is situated in and/or on the spring device and is at least partially interruptible in the event of damage to the spring device, and a detection device, which is electrically connected to the resistor element, for detecting an interruption in the resistor element and for generating a corresponding detection signal.

Abstract: A power cell system such as a fuel cell system, with apparatus for detecting a discontinuity. A power cell system, e.g. a fuel cell system, includes a plurality of power cells, e.g. fuel cells and plurality of first resistances, the plurality of power cells and first resistances being connected in the form of a ladder circuit, and electronic filters each having a first connection to a first node between two of the first resistances, each electronic filter having a second resistance and a charge storage device connected to the second resistance.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring insulation resistance of an electric vehicle includes a measuring unit, a voltage detecting unit, and a control unit. The measuring unit includes a first tap, a second tap, a switch, and a measuring resistor. The first tap is to be electrically coupled to a high potential side of a high voltage system. The second tap is to be electrically coupled to a ground side of a low voltage system. The switch and the measuring resistor are connected in series between the first tap and the second tap. The voltage detecting unit is for detecting a voltage formed between the first tap and the second tap. The control unit is operable for controlling ON and OFF states of the switch, and is configured to determine the high potential insulation resistance and the low potential insulation resistance after operating the switch in the ON and OFF states.

Abstract: A testing device for checking a safety circuit of an elevator apparatus includes at least one hardware-monitoring unit for monitoring at least one functionally relevant composite resistor in the safety circuit.

Abstract: A dynamic quantity detection device includes a detection portion, a signal process portion, and an operation mode switch portion. The detection portion detects a dynamic quantity applied from an outside and generates a sensor signal in accordance with the dynamic quantity. The signal process portion processes the sensor signal from the detection portion to have a property suitable for an external device. When the sensor signal output from the detection portion is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the operation mode switch portion sets an operation mode to a power save mode by stopping an operation of the signal process portion. When the sensor signal output from the detection portion is greater than the predetermined threshold value, the operation mode switch portion switches the operation mode to a normal mode by activating the signal process portion.

Abstract: A switched capacitor type D/A converter receives m-bit (m represents an integer) input data, and outputs an analog signal that corresponds to the input data value. Switch circuits are provided to respective bits of the input data, and are classified into two groups: a first group configured to turn on when the corresponding input data bit is 1, and to turn off when the corresponding input data bit is 0; and a second group configured to turn on when the corresponding input data bit is 0, and to turn off when the corresponding input data bit is 1. Each switch of the first and second switch groups is configured as a P-channel MOSFET (Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor). The ground voltage 0 V is applied to the lower power supply terminal of each of the first and second inverters configured to supply a gate signal to each switch.

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion device for infusion of a liquid drug into a patient's body over an extended period of time and methods thereof are disclosed. The device includes a sensor assembly, which produces a sensor assembly output based on an infusion characteristic of the ambulatory infusion device and based on a supply voltage/current, and a supply unit which is coupled to a sensor of the sensor assembly and generates the supply voltage/current. A sensor testing unit detects a failure of the sensor assembly, wherein the sensor testing unit is coupled to the sensor assembly and the supply unit, and the sensor testing unit carries out a sensor testing sequence. The sensor testing sequence includes controlling the supply unit so as to produce a variation of the supply voltage/current, and determining whether the variation of the supply voltage/current produces a corresponding variation of the sensor assembly output.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device with overvoltage protection that includes a varistor which can be connected by a first connection via a first line to high-voltage potential in a circuit arrangement, while a second connection is connected to ground via a second line. Furthermore, an additional impedance is provided, which can be connected between the second connection and ground or the first connection and the high voltage, or is mounted fixed in this position. The corresponding line can be interrupted by a switching arrangement. In order to test the withstand voltage of the circuit arrangement, at least one of the first and second line is interrupted and an additional impedance is inserted. A test voltage is applied to the circuit arrangement. After the overvoltage test, the interruption in at least one of the first and second lines is removed again.

Abstract: This invention relates to input channel diagnostics for an industrial process control system. The invention provides improved apparatus and methods relating to fault containment, overload protection and input channel diagnostics.

Abstract: Electronic devices operate in an analog world and their circuitry is subject to non-linear environmental effects that can cause operational problems. Selecting components for a design for a capacitor-charging circuit that incorporates a current-limiting resistor and uses non-linear power supplies, either means having to test every possible combination of elements, and suffering a resultant ‘combinatorial explosion’ as complexity increases, or choosing to over-engineer against untested surprise failure points. Doing the latter in a cost-efficient manner through a min/max/log-set testing series also enables use of non-linear power supplies whose parameters are not known due to competitive or trade secret protective efforts by their manufacturers.

Abstract: Electronic devices operate in an analog world and their circuitry is subject to non-linear environmental effects that can cause operational problems. Selecting components for a design for a capacitor-charging circuit that incorporates a current-limiting resistor and uses non-linear power supplies, either means having to test every possible combination of elements, and suffering a resultant ‘combinatorial explosion’ as complexity increases, or choosing to over-engineer against untested surprise failure points. Doing the latter in a cost-efficient manner through a min/max/log-set testing series also enables use of non-linear power supplies whose parameters are not known due to competitive or trade secret protective efforts by their manufacturers.

Abstract: Circuits for detecting faults in variable resistive position feedback sensors common in the use of motion control systems, provide a filter coupled to an output signal of the variable resistive position sensor for processing the signal to detect noise indicative of intermittent faults. A memory stores occurrences of signals from the filter. The memory can activate an alarm which indicates that a failure is detected. The circuits are particularly applicable to medical imaging systems such as SPECT, PET or MRI systems which contain a multiplicity of moving components that require accurate motion control and positioning.

Abstract: A malfunction detecting circuit for detecting malfunction of a current sensing resistor includes a reference-voltage generating circuit and a comparing circuit, wherein the reference-voltage generating circuit is utilized to generate a reference voltage signal varying with the on time period of a power switch of a power converting system. The comparing circuit compares a sensing voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through the current sensing resistor with the reference voltage signal to generate a comparing result indicating whether the malfunction occurs.

Abstract: Built-in electrical test structures are measured for lead-to-lead shorting during the fabrication of MR elements on a wafer. The test structures are fabricated in the same fashion as the MR elements, however, the active sensor region or track width is omitted from the test structures. Thus, the left and right leads for each test structure are electrically isolated from each other in their “track width” region. If there is lead-to-lead shorting on a test structure, then the left and right leads are electrically connected in the track width region. A simple resistance measurement between the left and right leads determines the extent of any lead shorting by giving a quantitative resistance value.

Abstract: A testing device for checking a safety circuit of an elevator apparatus includes at least one hardware-monitoring unit for monitoring at least one functionally relevant composite resistor in the safety circuit.

Abstract: A malfunction detecting circuit for detecting malfunction of a current sensing resistor includes a reference-voltage generating circuit and a comparing circuit, wherein the reference-voltage generating circuit is utilized to generate a reference voltage signal varying with the on time period of a power switch of a power converting system. The comparing circuit compares a sensing voltage signal corresponding to a current flowing through the current sensing resistor with the reference voltage signal to generate a comparing result indicating whether the malfunction occurs.

Abstract: A determination of an equivalent series resistance (ESR) effect for high frequency filtering performance of a filtered feed-through assembly is described. A low frequency signal is introduced to a filtered feed-through assembly. ESR limit of the filtered feed-through is determined based on the low frequency signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit for receiving a signal having been propagated through a transmission line, has a control circuit that controls on/off of a first to fourth switching circuits, wherein the control circuit turns off the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit and turns on the third switching circuit and the fourth switching circuit in a test operation mode for measuring a resistance value of the terminator resistor, and the control circuit turns on the first switching circuit and the second switching circuit and turns off the third switching circuit and the fourth switching circuit in a normal operation mode for a normal operation.

Abstract: A four-wire ohmmeter connector includes a pair of elongated members spaced apart from each other by an interconnecting web. A pair of elongated contacts are mounted on forwardly projecting portions of each of the elongated members. An insulative housing surrounds the elongated members, contacts and web. The contacts mounted on one of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a positive probe, and the contacts mounted on the other of the elongated members are connected through separate wires to a negative probe. The elongated members are inserted into respective terminal apertures of a four-wire ohmmeter. A pair of semi-cylindrical conductive sleeves are aligned with each of the apertures, and they make contact with and compress the respective contacts that are inserted into the aperture.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement is proposed to diagnose a heating resistor, which is connected in series with a first switch, which connects the heating resistor to a power source for operation of the heating resistor with a heating current. Provision is made for means to operate the heating resistor with a diagnostic current during a cut-out time of the heating current and for means to acquire a diagnostic voltage as a measurement for the voltages occurring at the heating resistor as well as means to calculate the resistance of the heating resistor, which is taken as a basis for the diagnosis.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a leakage current of a surge arrester has a measuring element for detecting a leakage current in a leakage current circuit. A filter assembly filters the leakage current in order to extract a third harmonic oscillation which is evaluated by an evaluation circuit with respect to the value thereof. The evaluation circuit delivers at least one warning signal to a display device. In a preferred embodiment, three display devices operating as a signaling light are provided. A power supply for the used circuits is obtainable by way of a transformer which extracts a necessary auxiliary zero-potential energy contained in the leakage current and with the aid of a main power supply unit connected to the transformer.

Abstract: A method for characterizing the current as a function of applied electric field for a resistor exposed to a high electric fields is described. The method uses current versus voltage measurements at low electric fields, where the resistor is not damaged and the current does not saturate. An example illustrating the importance of such resistor characterization is provided.

Abstract: A technique for testing an electronics assembly for a power short circuit is provided. The technique includes pre-characterizing power off resistance of an electronic component(s) of a first packaging level from at least one power boundary of the electronic component(s). The characterizing of the power off resistance occurs prior to placement of the electronic component(s) into an electronics assembly of a higher packaging level. The technique further includes determining actual power off resistance of the electronics component(s) after placement thereof into the electronics assembly, with the actual power off resistance being determined from the at least one power boundary. Thereafter, the actual power off resistance of the electronic component(s) in the electronics assembly is compared with the pre-characterized power off resistance of the at least one electronic component(s), and a determination is made therefrom whether a power short circuit exists within the electronics assembly.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for monitoring a surge arrester connected to a power network, comprising a registering unit (1) and means (63, 66) for attachment of the registering unit to the surge arrester. The registering unit comprises a grounding line (16), which is adapted to conduct a current flowing through the surge arrester to ground, means (4) for registration of a current passing through the gounding line (16) from the surge arrester, a member (9) for registration of current pulses passing through the surge arrester, and a storage member (5) for storing data concerning the current passing through the grounding line (16) from the surge arrester and data concerning registered current pulses.

Abstract: A circuit and a related method to measure very precisely the resistance Rm of a small resistor independent from process and temperature variations. This resistor may be the RON resistance of an external sensor or e.g. the resistance of a safety device as a squib. A constant current source provides a current IBIAS causing a voltage drop Vm at the resistor to be measured. Using a configuration of operational amplifiers and current mirrors, wherein one of the current mirrors has a gain of n, an output voltage VOUT is achieved, which is defined by VOUT=n×Rm×IBIAS. The gain n of a current mirror allows a very precise measurement of the resistance Rm of the resistor to be measured. The output voltage is finally converted from analog to digital values.

Abstract: An antenna is provided with an electronic component or circuit that has a value corresponding to properties of the antenna. A read mechanism reads the value and sets an operational status of a transceiver based on the value. In one embodiment, electronic component is a resistor having a value that identifies the antenna properties. A table may be used to correlate resistor values to different types of antennas or sets of antenna properties. Alternatively, the circuit can be embodied in a microchip that provides a response to a challenge sent by the read mechanism. The response encodes the properties of the antenna. The encoding scheme includes values from the challenge. Alternatively, the response is a code that is indexed into a table of antenna properties. In one embodiment, the antenna is connectorized.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a digitally controlled resistance standard, comprising a control system, a resistor element, hermetically sealed within an element assembly, a temperature/frequency measuring circuit for measuring the temperature of the resistor element and the frequency of an input signal, a heating/cooling assembly for raising and lowering the temperature of the resistor element a temperature controller for controlling the heating/cooling assembly, and a control system having a CPU. The control system is operable to execute computer instructions for storing the baseline characteristics of the resistor element, retrieve the temperature of the resistor element from the temperature/frequency measuring circuit, determine the actual resistance value of the resistor element, and adjust the actual resistance value of the resistor element to match a target resistance value using the temperature controller. A method for improving the accuracy of a resistance standard is also given.

Abstract: An electronic-part inspection device 20 comprises a plurality of terminals 30, a left terminal-retaining member 51 and a left swinging member 71, and each terminal 30 comprises a terminal base portion 31, a swinging arm portion 33, a contact portion 35 and an engaging portion 37. The terminal base portion 31 is located in the lower part of the terminal 30 and retained in the left terminal-retaining member 51, and the swinging arm portion 33 extends upward from the terminal base portion 31 and is capable of undergoing elastic deformation to swing back and forth. The contact portion 35 is located at the upper end of the swinging arm portion 33, and the engaging portion 37 is also located at the upper end of the swinging arm portion 33. The left terminal-retaining member 51 comprises base-receiving portions 58, which retain the terminal base portions 31 of the terminals 30, and a counter surface 63a provided on a middle wall 63 that exists in the base-receiving portions 58.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring an impedance between first and second nodes in an electrical circuit without removing components includes at least one current source to provide first and second currents or current signals of known values. First and second probes contact the respective first and second nodes to apply the first and second currents. A third common probe contacts the circuit at a common node that experiences the same current flow as between the first and second nodes. At least one voltage meter measures voltages corresponding to the first and second currents. A processor calculates the impedance based on the known values of the currents, and the measured values of the voltages.

Abstract: A control module for a vehicle device control system contains a diagnostic circuit with one or more ASICs having a plurality of loops. The loops may contain either a squib, forming a squib loop, or a replacement resistor, forming a replacement resistor loop. A multiplexer connected to one loop of the ASIC diagnoses all of the replacement resistor loops. By using a multiplexer to detect replacement resistors, the invention eliminates the need to include an additional ASIC just to diagnose the replacement resistor loops.

Abstract: In a reproduction apparatus having a logic and control unit, and a fuser assembly including a heated fuser roller and a sensor for sensing the temperature of such fuser roller by utilizing heat to change sensor resistance to provide an electrical signal corresponding to the fuser temperature, for the logic and control unit, a method for detecting erratic resistance in the temperature sensor. The method includes the steps of, at preselected time intervals, comparing a current temperature reading to a previous temperature reading, and determining if the temperature sensing system indicates that the temperature has changed by more than a predetermined amount based upon reproduction apparatus operating characteristics. If the temperature sensing system indicates, from the determining step, that the temperature has changed by more than a predetermined amount, an indication that an error has occurred is made.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the condition of a thermocouple. In a preferred embodiment the device comprises a pair of thermocouples, each thermocouple comprising first and second thermoelement wires, and a diagnostic element selectively electrically coupled at a junction with one of the thermoelements. In a preferred embodiment, the diagnostic element is selected such that it is more stable at the expected operating temperature range of the thermocouple than the thermoelement wires themselves are. The diagnostic element can be switched into electrical connection with any of the thermoelements forming the thermocouples to thereby define one or more loops. An initial loop resistance is measured and recorded around each of the thermoelement/diagnostic element loops. This initial resistance is stored in a calibration matrix as a reference value. The initial loop resistance may be taken as part of a calibration process or during initial operation of the thermocouple.

Abstract: An impedance matching circuit for a semiconductor memory device includes an impedance detecting means for generating a voltage divided by a medium resistance value between a maximum resistance value and a minimum resistance value and an external resistance during a predetermined cycle as a first comparison voltage, and for generating a voltage divided by a resistance value varied in response to a counting output signal and the external resistance after the predetermined cycle as the first comparison voltage; a first comparing means for comparing the first comparison voltage with a reference voltage to generate a first comparing output signal; a second comparing means for comparing the first comparison voltage with the reference voltage to generate a second comparing output signal; a counting means for generating the counting output signal in response to the first comparing output signal; and a plurality of output drivers for establishing an initial resistance value in each of the output drivers in response to

Abstract: A method of screening varistors. In a first step, a pulse generator is caused to apply to a varistor a large-current pulse having a peak value of at least 1 A and 90% or less of an average breakdown current of the varistor and has a pulse width of 100 msec or less. In a second step, the dielectric loss of the varistor is measured through use of an LCR meter at a frequency of about 100 KHz or higher. Subsequently, in a third step, a judgment is made as to whether the measured value falls within a range that is preset as a reference value for judgment. If the measured value is within the range, the varistor is judged to be a non-defective product. If the measured value is outside of the range, the varistor is judged to be a defective product having an internal defect.

Abstract: A programmable “semi-fusible” link system is used to trim one or more circuit parameters. Each semi-fusible link, typically a thin film resistor, has “intact” and “blown” states, with the link having a first, non-zero resistance when intact, and a second, higher but finite resistance when blown, which is accomplished by forcing a predetermined current through the link. Each link is connected to a respective active devices which, when turned on, provide the current needed to blow the link. The links are also connected in series with respective current sources, and to respective threshold detectors connected to monitor the current through their respective links. Each threshold detector provides a logic output which indicates whether its link is intact or blown based on the magnitude of the link current. A “disable” circuit may also be included which, when activated, prevents the further programming of any of the circuit's semi-fusible links.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting a nonfunctional element in an ink jet printhead is disclosed. The ink jet printer system includes: a switching power supply, coupled to the inkjet printhead, for supplying power to the printhead; an output capacitor, coupled to an output of the switching power supply, for storing a dc voltage therein; a bleed resistor, coupled in parallel to the output capacitor, for discharging current from the output capacitor; an output shifting circuit, coupled to the switching power supply, for shifting the dc voltage level across the output capacitor between a low state and a high state; and a sensor, coupled to the output of the switching power supply, for detecting when the switching power supply is switching, wherein an element of the printhead is tested by measuring a test current discharging from the output capacitor when the element is activated and comparing the measured test current with a reference current which discharges from the output capacitor through the bleed resistor.

Abstract: A leak sensor system for use in liquid processing equipment is disclosed. Liquid is detected by a sensing resistor whose impedance decreases dramatically in the presence of liquid. The effect of this impedance drop on the output voltage of he sensor indicates a wet or moist state which may indicate leakage from the liquid processing. A terminal resistor is in the circuit beyond the sensing resistor ro provide a warning indicator when the sensing resistor is damage or disconnected. The leak sensor system is particularly useful in centrifuge equipment, e.g., for the processing of blood.

Abstract: A microprocessor control (10, 24) has one or more temperature responsive thermistor sensors (20, 26, 28) used to provide temperature inputs to control operation of a temperature control system. The microprocessor control subjects the thermistor sensors to a series of diagnostic tests prior to reading the thermistor sensors, the tests including short and open circuits, shorts to ground or power and leakage paths to ground. The thermistors, along with a reference resistor (R11, R26) form an RC charge circuit with a capacitor (C6, C6'). The capacitor is charged through each thermistor and reference resistor for selected open and short tests while a watch dog timer is used to determine the time taken to charge the capacitor via a timer capture port coupled to the capacitor.

Abstract: A control module for a vehicle device control system contains a diagnostic circuit with one or more ASICs having a plurality of loops. The loops may contain either a squib, forming a squib loop, or a replacement resistor, forming a replacement resistor loop. A multiplexer connected to one loop of the ASIC diagnoses all of the replacement resistor loops. By using a multiplexer to detect replacement resistors, the invention eliminates the need to include an additional ASIC just to diagnose the replacement resistor loops.