Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a soil moisture sensor and an operating method thereof. The soil moisture sensor includes a first probe including a pair of first electrodes extending in a first direction; a first resonance circuit connected to the pair of first electrodes of the first probe through a pair of first ports, and configured such that a first AC signal is applied thereto; a second resonance circuit having the same impedance as the first resonance circuit, and configured such that a second AC signal having the same characteristics as the first AC signal while being a reference AC signal is applied thereto; and a determination circuit configured to receive a first electrical signal and a second electrical signal and to determine the moisture in the soil based on the first resonant frequency of the first electrical signal and the second resonant frequency of the second electrical signal.

Abstract: A device for detecting the intention of a user to lock or to unlock a motor vehicle door. The device being incorporated within a handle, including: a capacitive sensor for detecting the approach and/or the contact of a hand of the user toward/with the handle, including at least one electrode, located in proximity to a detection surface of the handle, that is capable of detecting the approach of the hand of a user toward the detection surface; a microcontroller; and a voltage source. At least a portion of the electrode takes a continuous shape of successive arches which allow water to flow away and are connected to one another at their bases by junctions, the junctions being pressed against the detection surface, thus forming a sealtight interface.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to display technologies. An array substrate includes a plurality of repeating units arranged in a first direction, each repeating unit including a plurality of connection areas and a plurality of shared testing areas arranged in an alternating manner in a row along the first direction. Each of the plurality of shared testing areas is between two adjacent connection areas and coupled to each of the two adjacent connection areas, and each of the plurality of shared testing areas includes a plurality of testing pads, a first portion of the plurality of testing pads being coupled to one of the two adjacent connection areas, a second portion of the plurality of testing pads being coupled to the other one of the two adjacent connection areas.

Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a chuck table configured to hold a workpiece by a holding surface, a processing unit configured to process the workpiece held by the chuck table, a moving mechanism configured to move the chuck table and the processing unit relative to each other along a direction parallel with the holding surface of the chuck table, an angle control mechanism disposed on the moving mechanism and on a lower side of the chuck table, the angle control mechanism controlling an angle of the chuck table, and an imaging unit configured to image the workpiece held by the chuck table, the chuck table including a holding member formed by a transparent body and holding the workpiece and a supporting member supporting a part of the holding member and connected to the angle control mechanism.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments disclosed herein, there is provided a high-density low-loss cable and connector assembly. A cable assembly includes a first cable connector, a bulk cable section, and a first cable transition section. The bulk cable section includes a first plurality of conductive wires of a first wire thickness. The first cable transition section includes a second plurality of conductive wires that has a first distal end connected to the bulk cable section and a second distal end connected to the first cable connector. Each of the second plurality of conductive wires transitions from the first wire thickness at the first distal end to a second wire thickness that is less than the first wire thickness at the second distal end. Each of the second plurality of conductive wires in the first distal end is connected to a corresponding conductive wire of the first plurality of conductive wires.

Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: A pipetting device having a lube has an opening al one end for suctioning or discharging a sample fluid and can be operatively connected to a pressure generation device at the other end, a first electrode is formed on the pipetting device and forms a measuring capacitor together with a second electrode formed by at least one part of the sample fluid that can be received in the tube and that measuring capacitor is operatively connected to a measuring unit, and the measuring unit is designed to determine a volume of the suctioned or discharged sample fluid according to the capacity of the measuring capacitor, as well as having a first electrical contact that is designed to create an electrical connection with the working fluid, the first electrical contact can be electrically connected to the measuring unit via a low-resistance converter circuit.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the field of measurement and calibration of capacitance, especially the instrument of transferring capacitance. A wide range capacitor standard box comprises a chassis, 36 physical capacitors, and 4 changeover switches. Output ports are on the front panel of the chassis. 4 dial-switches select the output capacitance in values of 1, 2, 5 times of single-unit capacitance. The changeover switch has input terminals that connect to two electrodes of the physical capacitors, and output terminals that connect to the output ports. Comparing to decade capacitor standard boxes, the present box realizes capacitance outputs from 1 pF˜500 mF in values of 1, 2, 5 times of single-unit capacitance. The present box significantly extends the measurement range of capacitance, and makes the capacitor standard box smaller and lighter. By introducing a compensation function for open and short circuits, it is convenient and suitable for precision measurement.

Abstract: The invention disclosed a high precision decade capacitor standard box. It comprises 6 sets of physical capacitors, 6 changeover switches, and output ports. Each set of physical capacitors include 4 physical capacitors, at least one capacitor has single-unit capacitance. The changeover switch implements the decade encoding of all the combinations of 4 physical capacitors. The changeover switch has input terminals that connect to two electrodes of physical capacitors, and output terminals that connect to the output ports of capacitor standard box to provide the selected capacitance. The capacitance values can be selected any integer from 0 to 10 times of single-unit capacitance. The decade encoding of all the combinations of 4 capacitors can reduce the number of required capacitors and wires for connecting capacitors. The open and short compensation are adopted in this decade capacitor standard, which minimizes error, improve accuracy, and is convenient for measurement, transport, and field application.

Abstract: Apparatus for capacitive determining and/or monitoring of at least one process variable of a medium in a container, comprising at least one sensor unit with at least one sensor electrode, a housing and an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is embodied to supply the sensor unit with a high-frequency exciter signal, to receive a response signal from the sensor unit, and to provide at least from the response signal information concerning the fill level of medium in the container. The apparatus includes, furthermore, a coupling element, which is arranged and embodied in such a manner at least at times to establish a conductive connection between at least one portion of the housing and at least one component of the electronics unit and at least at times to effect a capacitive coupling between the two components.

Abstract: A sensing module according to an embodiment includes: a substrate; a sensing electrode formed on a first surface of the substrate; a reaction layer formed on the first surface of the substrate and burying an upper surface of the substrate and the sensing electrode; a driving unit electrically connected to the sensing electrode formed on the first surface of the substrate and processing a sensing signal transmitted through the sensing electrode; and a protective layer formed surrounding the driving unit, wherein an impedance value of the reaction layer is changed by an external contact material, and the sensing electrode transmits the sensing signal with respect to the impedance value of the reaction layer to the driving unit.

Abstract: A microfluidic ion detector for detecting heavy metal ions in liquid and particulate matter from gas samples is described. The microfluidic ion detector includes a sample extraction structure for extracting sample ions from a sample liquid or extracting sample ions from the particulate matter of a gas sample, a separation structure for separating sample ions of different types once extracted, and a detection structure for detecting the sample ions. The microfluidic ion detector also includes a reference reservoir providing a reference ion against which the sample may be calibrated based on the operation of the separation structure. A portable, self-calibrating ion detector may be realized by including the described components on a single substrate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a sensor for a part of a piece of furniture is described, in which method a layer, necessary for the actual sensor function, of the sensor is printed onto the part of the piece of furniture. Furthermore, a corresponding sensor, a part of the piece of furniture, a switching device and a piece of furniture are presented.

Abstract: A system includes a sensor, one or more processors, a transmitter, and a capacitance control structure. The sensor is configured to contact a fluid and measure a characteristic of the fluid. The one or more processors are operably coupled to the sensor. The one or more processors are configured to generate one or more data signals representative of the characteristic of the fluid that is measured by the sensor. The transmitter is operably coupled to the one or more processors. The transmitter is configured to wirelessly communicate the one or more data signals to a remote reader. The capacitance control structure is configured to one or more of reduce or isolate sensor capacitance of the sensor from the one or more processors.

Abstract: Embodiments may also include a residual chemical reaction diagnostic device. The residual chemical reaction diagnostic device may include a substrate and a residual chemical reaction sensor formed on the substrate. In an embodiment, the residual chemical reaction sensor provides electrical outputs in response to the presence of residual chemical reactions. In an embodiment, the substrate is a device substrate, and the sensor is formed in a scribe line of the device substrate. In an alternative embodiment, the substrate is a process development substrate. In some embodiments, the residual chemical reaction sensor includes, a first probe pad, wherein a plurality of first arms extend out from the first probe pad, and a second probe pad, wherein a plurality of second arms extend out from the second probe pad and are interdigitated with the first arms.

Abstract: A remote wireless moisture sensing unit is insertable into soil. The sensing unit includes at least three capacitive sensors positioned at three spaced apart levels with respect to the surface of the soil. The capacitance of each sensor increases in the presence of increased moisture content of the soil proximate to the sensor. An analog multiplexer selectively routes each sensor to an input to a capacitively-controlled oscillator to cause the oscillator to generate a clock signal having a frequency responsive to the capacitance of the currently connected sensor and thus responsive to the moisture content proximate to the currently selected sensor. A processor generates a respective data value for the frequency corresponding to each sensor and transmits the data values for the sensors via a radio frequency transceiver. The data values are processed to determine the moisture content of the soil at the three sensor levels.

Abstract: The PM sensor includes: a filter member having a plurality of measuring cells which are defined by a porous partition wall and configured to trap particulate matter in exhaust gas; at least a pair of electrode members which are disposed to face each other with the measuring cell sandwiched therebetween to form a condenser; a heater member which heats the measuring cell to burn and remove particulate matter accumulated in the measuring cell; and an estimation unit which estimates an amount of the particulate matter contained in the exhaust gas based on an electrostatic capacity between the pair of electrode members.

Abstract: A detection sensor includes: a detection electrode that is disposed in at least one of a vehicle door and a periphery of the vehicle door and used for detecting operation of the vehicle door; an area electrode that is disposed in the vehicle door; and a control device that detects an electrostatic capacitance change of the detection electrode and an electrostatic capacitance change of the area electrode, in which the control device performs at least one of determining of detection of an object in a periphery of the detection electrode using the detection electrode, and determining of detection of an object in a periphery of the area electrode using the area electrode depending on an open or closed state of the vehicle door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a control system which is equipped and designed for use in a motor vehicle, to determine, on the basis of environment data obtained by one or several environment sensors present on the motor vehicle, a point in time as of which a safe lane change from a fast lane to an adjoining slower lane is possible. The environment sensors are designed to provide environment data representing the area laterally ahead of, laterally next to and/or laterally behind the vehicle to an electronic control unit of the control system. The control system is at least equipped and designed to determine, during a predefined interval or continuously, in the electronic control unit driving data representing the driving situation of one's own motor vehicle from sensors present in one's own motor vehicle.

Abstract: A handheld, conforming capacitive sensing apparatus configured to measure Sub-Epidermal Moisture (SEM) as a mean to detect and monitor the formation of pressure ulcers. The device incorporates an array of electrodes which are excited to measure and scan SEM in a programmable and multiplexed manner by a battery-less RF-powered chip. The scanning operation is initiated by an interrogator which excites a coil embedded in the apparatus and provides the needed energy burst to support the scanning/reading operation. Each electrode measures the equivalent sub-epidermal capacitance corresponding and representing the moisture content.

Abstract: A device test method performed in a substrate test apparatus which includes a mounting table for mounting thereon a substrate on which a device having an electrode is formed, the mounting table being movable by a X-direction motor and a Y-direction motor, and a probe card arranged to face the mounting table. A measuring electrode is arranged to correspond to the electrode of the device, the probe card has a probe that is engageable with the measuring electrode, and the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor generates torque to keep the mounting table from moving when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device. In the device test method, after the probe is engaged with the measuring electrode, when measuring an electrical characteristic of the device, the maximum value of the torque generated by the X-direction motor or Y-direction motor is limited to a predetermined value or less.

Abstract: A liquid sensor may comprise a first electrode, a second electrode disposed inside the first electrode, and a partition wall comprising a surface defining a storage space with a first opposing surface of the first electrode and a second opposing surface of the second electrode. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a first communication opening communicating an inside of the storage space and an outside of the storage space and disposed at an upper portion of the storage space. One of the first electrode, the second electrode and the partition wall may comprise a second communication opening communicating the inside of the storage space and the outside of the storage space and disposed lower than the first communication opening. An opening direction of the first communication opening may be different from an opening direction of the second communication opening.

Abstract: Provided is an electronic device handling apparatus capable of increasing the number of simultaneous measurements while suppressing the increase in cost. An electronic device handling apparatus, which moves bare dies relative to a probe card, includes: a thermal head which includes a plurality of holding regions each of which holds the bare die and has openings; at least one lift unit which is movably held by the thermal head so as to correspond to the holding regions and is able to advance and retreat through the openings; a moving device which moves the thermal head; and a fixed arm which is able to support the one lift unit.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing circuit is disclosed, wherein the mixer is directly connected to the sense electrode. The AC transimpedance amplifier in front of the mixer in prior art is removed and replaced by a differential DC transimpedance amplifier respectively integrator. The mixer DC offset voltage or current together with the large amplification factor required after the mixer now would result in an inacceptable DC offset at the output of the signal chain. In order to eliminate the effect of the mixer offset, the amplifying stages after the mixer are AC coupled to the mixer output and one of the signals entering the mixer is phase modulated or amplitude modulated with a known low frequency signal. An additional mixer after the AC coupled amplifying stages is driven with the same low frequency modulating signal, resulting in the wanted DC output signal responsive to the capacitance to be measured.

Abstract: A capacitive sensing circuit is disclosed, wherein the transimpedance amplifier in front of the mixer in prior art is removed respectively replaced by an amplifier with low gain and consequently high dynamic range. The mixer DC offset voltage or current together with the large amplification factor required after the mixer now would result in an inacceptable DC offset at the output of the signal chain. In order to eliminate the effect of the mixer offset, the amplifying stages after the mixer are AC coupled to the mixer output and one of the signals entering the mixer is phase modulated or amplitude modulated with a known low frequency signal. An additional mixer after the AC coupled amplifying stages is driven with the same low frequency modulating signal, resulting in the wanted DC output signal responsive to the capacitance to be measured.

Abstract: A detachable member and a processing member for an analysis tool, the detachable member including a housing for a probe member, the probe member capable of obtaining one or more characteristics information; and a circuitry component for co-operating with the member, the circuitry component including one or more electrical connections for transmitting one or more characteristics information to a separate processing member such that one or more characteristics information is capable of being used by the separate processing member for analysis.

Abstract: An example split-face probe includes a sensor component having a split-face, a housing arranged about the sensor component, and at least one ceramic fitting that supports the sensor component.

Abstract: A fuel gauge (15) provided with an inner structural body (27) that is formed of an insulator; an outer structural body (23) that is formed of an insulator and disposed on the outer circumference side of the inner structural body (27) over the entire circumference thereof; an inner electrode (29) that is attached to an outer circumferential surface of the inner structural body (27); and an outer electrode (25) that is attached to an inner circumferential surface of the outer structural body (23). The fuel guage measures the capacitance between the inner electrode and the outer electrode and detects the level of fuel that exists between the inner electrode and the outer electrode. The outer structural body is provided with a plurality of outer through-holes (31) that allow electric charge to move from an outer circumferential surface thereof to the outer electrode.

Abstract: A capacitive sense array configured to improve edge accuracy in detecting a presence of a conductive object is described. In one embodiment, a capacitive sense array includes at least a first set of sense elements having non-homogenous pitches disposes in a first longitudinal axis of the capacitive sense array. The pitch includes width of the sense elements and spacing between the sense elements.

Abstract: Capacitive moisture sensors for monitoring moisture conditions through the use of an electric field are provided, including sensing devices for determining the amount of moisture on a device and correlating this with an amount of moisture in the atmosphere to determine whether plants need more or less moisture. More specific embodiments of the invention provide a fringing capacitor sensor and a mesh cell sensor. Provided is a mesh cell sensor comprising: a first conductive electrode comprising a wire mesh array; a second conductive electrode disposed on a non-conductive support; an evaporative membrane disposed between the first and second electrodes; a box supporting the first and second electrodes and the evaporative membrane in a manner that provides for a hermetically sealed volume disposed between the evaporative membrane and the bottom of the box.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to accurately detect concentrations of mixtures in a fluid. An internal electrode 23 is disposed on the inner side of an external electrode 22 coaxially with the external electrode 22, and a plurality of points in the length direction of the internal electrode 23 are supported by a casing 21 via supporting members 28a and 28b. The state of a fluid S passing through a passage 26 between the external electrode 22 and the internal electrode 23 is detected based on electrostatic capacitance between the external electrode 22 and the internal electrode 23.

Abstract: Provided is an electrode structure for use with a capacitive touch panel to enhance capacitance sensing capability thereof The electrode structure includes electrically conductive fine lines each forming fine line portions, sensing portions, and cross portions. The fine line portions, the sensing portions, and the cross portions together form a latticed pattern. The sensing portions are each disposed between two adjacent ones of the cross portions. Two ends of each said sensing portion are connected to two said cross portions through two fine line portions, respectively. The sensing portions each have a geometric configuration with a short axis and a long axis. The long axis extends in the direction of a corresponding one of the fine line portions. The short axis is of a width larger than a corresponding one of the fine line portions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a touch window. The touch window includes a substrate; a sensing electrode disposed on the substrate to sense a position; wire parts to electrically connect the sensing electrode; and a dummy pattern between the wire parts, wherein the wire parts include first extending parts and second extending parts having mutually different directionalities.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive sensing apparatus for sensing an object, wherein the capacitive sensing apparatus comprises a capacitive sensor (2) for capacitively sensing the object (3) and an enclosure (4) for enclosing the capacitive sensor (2). The enclosure (4) comprises a contact side (6) for contacting the object (3) during sensing, wherein the enclosure (4) and the capacitive sensor (2) are adapted for sensing the object (3) by the capacitive sensor (2) through the contact side (6) of the enclosure (4). The enclosure (4) and the capacitive sensor (2) are separable from each other for using the capacitive sensor (2) as a reusable device and for using the enclosure (4) as a disposable device. This allows capacitively sensing an object with a new, uncontaminated enclosure (4) and a reused capacitive sensor (2) and, thus, under improved hygienic conditions.

Abstract: A system for locating and identifying at least two separate items, for example packaging, includes a capacitive first sensor detecting a first measuring region at a first position of a sensor device, for example a sensor film on a shelf bottom for packaging, a capacitive second sensor detecting a second measuring region at a second position, differing from the first position, of the sensor device, an electrically conductive first mark of a first item in the measuring region of one sensor, an electrically conductive second mark of a second item in the measuring region of the other sensor, and an evaluation device evaluating signals from the sensors, the signals caused or changed by electrical conductivity of the marks. Items can be capacitively detected and information obtained can be used to improve warehousing. The sensors and the marks can be produced quickly and cost-effectively by printing processes or film transfer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is discloses the development of a new device, system, and method that combines advantages of magnetic resonance and atomic force microscopy technologies, and the utility of the new device, system, and method for a wide range of biomedical and clinical researchers. According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a device for micro-scale spectroscopy is disclosed. The micro-scale spectroscopy device includes a beam having a distal end, a proximal end, a top surface and a bottom surface, where the beam is attached to an anchor at the proximal end and further includes a tip extending substantially perpendicular from the bottom surface at or near the distal end, and a coil having at least one turn mounted to the top surface of the beam at or near the distal end opposite the tip, where the coil is capable of both transmitting and sensing electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method, circuit and apparatus for detecting capacitance on a droplet actuator, inter alia, for determining the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at an electrode on a droplet actuator by: (a) providing a droplet actuator comprising: (i) a substrate comprising electrodes arranged on the substrate for conducting droplet operations on a surface of the substrate; (ii) a capacitance detection circuit for detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; (b) detecting capacitance at the droplet operations surface at one or more of the electrodes; and (c) determining from the capacitance the presence, partial presence or absence of a droplet at the droplet operations surface at the electrode.

Abstract: A method for measuring for generating a touch capacitance measurement is provided. Gain and offset control signals are generated, where the gain and offset control signals are adjusted to compensate for base capacitance of a touch sensor. The gain control signal is applied to a touch sensor during a first phase of a clock signal, and the offset control signal is applied to an output circuit during a second phase of the clock signal. The output circuit is coupled to the touch sensor during the second phase of the clock signal. The touch capacitance measurement is generated by compensating for the base capacitance with the gain and offset control signals, and a gain is applied to the touch capacitance measurement.

Abstract: A rotary position sensor is provided that includes a sensing disc having an N-fold rotation symmetry and capacitive sensing pads arranged in an array pattern, where the array pattern has at least 4N-fold rotation symmetry, where N?2, a scale disc disposed opposite the sensing disc, where the scale disc includes a pattern of conductive pads that have a sinusoidal-shape, where the pattern of sinusoidal-shaped conductive pads produce four sinusoidal capacitance waveforms in quadrature phase with the capacitive sensing pads as the sensing disc and the scale disc are rotated relative to one another to provide angular position information. to provide angular position information. This is achieved by making the overlapping area of the of the capacitive sensing pads change in a sinusoidal fashion with rotation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a high-accuracy electrostatic capacitance type physical quantity sensor and angular velocity sensor configured so as to be capable of suppressing noise derived from internal noise while maintaining resistance to externally-incoming noise. A detection element 10 has a movable mass 18 supported displaceably by a physical quantity given from the outside, and a detection electrode Ef. A shield wire 16 is disposed around wirings connected to the input of a capacitance detection circuit 30 and is connected to a dc potential of low impedance. A value Cin of an input capacitance relative to a fixed potential of low impedance at a portion at which the detection element 10 is connected with the capacitance detection circuit 30 is set to fall within a range of 1.5 pF<Cin<20 pF.

Abstract: A device includes: an electrode; a displacement measurement unit outputting voltage corresponding to electrostatic force between the electrode and a sample; a first power supply applying a first voltage between the electrode and sample; a second power supply adding, to the first voltage, a second voltage having a different frequency than the first voltage, and applying the added voltage; and a signal detection unit outputting a particular frequency component's magnitude contained in the displacement measurement unit's output, in which the signal detection unit extracts, from the output by the displacement measurement unit, and outputs, to a potential calculation unit, magnitude and phase of a frequency component of a frequency identical to the frequency of the first voltage, and magnitude of a frequency component of a frequency identical to a frequency equivalent to a difference between the frequencies of the first and second voltages, to measure the sample's surface potential.

Abstract: An novel impedance sensor for use together with a switch is provided having a plurality of substantially parallel drive lines configured to transmit a signal into a surface of a proximally located object, and also a plurality of substantially parallel pickup lines oriented substantially perpendicular to the drive lines and separated from the pickup lines by a dielectric to form intrinsic electrode pairs that are impedance sensitive at each of the drive and pickup crossover locations.

Abstract: A sensor module for a position sensor includes a circuit board with a capacitance sensor and a tool clip probe mechanically connected to the circuit board and electrically connected to the circuit board. The tool clip probe is a capacitive sensor probe and a mechanical support for the sensor module.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods of driving different transmit (TX) phase sequences of a TX signal on TX electrodes in different sensing stages according to a weighting matrix as the excitation matrix. One method drives the TX signals according to the weighting matrix and measures receive (RX) signals on the RX electrodes to determine if an object is proximate to the electrodes.

Abstract: A method and system for determining a distance from a probe to an object includes generating a first electric field by applying a first signal across a first pair of electrodes aligned along a first axis and generating a second electric field by applying a second signal across a second pair of electrodes aligned along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis. After generating the signals, a first change in the first signal due to the object interacting with the first electric field and a second change in the second signal due to the object interacting with the second electric field is concurrently detected. A distance of the object from the first and second pair of electrodes can be calculated based on a ratio of the first and second changes.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor device and a method of manufacture are provided. The capacitive sensor device includes at least one sensor tip that includes an electrode positioned at a first end of the sensor tip, and a stem member coupled to the electrode and extending toward a second end of the sensor tip. The device also includes a coaxial cable including a center conductor, the center conductor coupled to the sensor tip at the second end, and an insulation layer supporting the sensor tip between the first and second ends. The insulation layer includes a metallization on a portion surrounding the second end of the sensor tip. The device further includes a casing surrounding a portion of the coaxial cable, the metallization, and the coupling of the center conductor and the sensor tip, wherein a braze joint is formed between the casing and the metallization to form a hollow, hermetic cavity.

Abstract: A circuit for measuring a capacitance value of a touch screen includes: a target capacitor unit having a target capacitor charged with a target charging voltage; a target voltage control unit to charge the target capacitor; a reference capacitor unit having a reference capacitor charged with a charging reference voltage; a reference voltage control unit to charge the reference capacitor; a comparator to compare the target charging voltage and the charging reference voltage and output a transition signal at a moment when the target charging voltage becomes higher than the charging reference voltage; and a controller to receive an output signal of the comparator and a clock signal and generate a digital output signal and a control signal, wherein a capacitance value of the target capacitor is measured using a time elapsed from a time when the target capacitor is initialized to a time when the transition signal is outputted.

Abstract: A sensor for monitoring external loads acting on a pin assembly includes a pin having an axial interior bore defined therein and having a length defined from a first end to an opposed second end thereof. A core pin is mounted axially within the interior bore of the pin spaced radially inwardly from the interior bore for relative displacement with respect to the pin. A capacitor is provided having an inner capacitor plate mounted to the core pin, and an outer capacitor plate mounted to the pin, such that relative displacement of the core and the pin due to external loading on the pin results in relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates. The capacitor is configured and adapted to be connected to an electrical circuit to produce signals indicative of external loading on the pin based on relative displacement of the inner and outer capacitor plates.

Abstract: In particular embodiments, an apparatus includes a charge-measurement capacitor having a first plate coupled to a second plate of a coupling capacitor and a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium embodying logic that is operable when executed to ground a first plate of the coupling capacitor; inject a pre-determined amount of charge onto the charge-measurement capacitor; and transfer an amount of charge accumulated on the second plate of the coupling capacitor to the first plate of the charge-measurement capacitor. The charge accumulated on the second plate of the coupling capacitor is due at least in part to noise. The logic is also operable when executed to determine, through a measured voltage across the charge-measurement capacitor, the amount of charge.