Abstract: A detector comprising control circuitry and a sensor, responsive to interactions of varying intensities, comprising three layers. The first layer includes a first set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements and a second set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements. The third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, and the second layer extends between the first and third layers. The electrical conductivity of the second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the interactions. In a first mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and third layers to generate a first current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the first current. In a second mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and second sets of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the second current.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for measuring, via a microwave sensor, the thickness of a layer of first material, said method envisaging: acquiring at least one frequency response of the layer of first material via a microwave sensor; setting the microwave sensor on a plurality of specimens of second materials for different temperature values in such a way as to obtain reference data; calibrating the microwave sensor as a function of the electrical conductivity of the first material using the reference data; measuring the temperature of the layer of first material via a temperature sensor; determining measurement parameters from the frequency response; and processing the reference data with the measurement parameters to obtain a measurement of the thickness of the layer of first material.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for monitoring a structural health of an object. A conductivity of at least one filament associated with the object is determined, and a structural health parameter associated with the object is determined based on the determined conductivity of the at least one filament.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprises an electric circuit supported on a substrate. The circuit comprises a plurality of discrete elements which are coupled in parallel with each other across conductive rails. The circuit is electrically connected with a measuring device. The measuring device measures an electrical characteristic of the circuit such as resistance. The sensor is disposed in or adjacent an object which is subject to wear and wears with the object. As the sensor wears, the elements are sequentially decoupled from the circuit thereby changing the characteristic measured by the device. This change provides an indication of the amount of wear of the object.

Abstract: A method is provided in which an impedance is measured between a first of a plurality of seal ring contact pads and a ground contact pad coupled to a semiconductor substrate of a semiconductor device. The first impedance value is obtained from the measured impedance, and the first impedance value is compared with a reference impedance value to determine whether a structural defect is present in the semiconductor device based on whether the first impedance value is greater than the reference impedance value.

Abstract: A device, apparatus and method for trapping metal ions and detecting metal ion contamination in a solution provide a semiconductor device formed on a semiconductor substrate and including an N-well formed over a P-type substrate and at least a contact portion of the N-well in electrical contact with the solution. When the semiconductor device is optically illuminated, a P/N junction is formed as a result of photovoltaic phenomena. Metal ions from the solution migrate to the contact area due to the voltage created at the P/N junction. The semiconductor device includes a conductive structure with conductive features separated by a gap and therefore in an initially electrically open state. When the ions migrate to the contact area, they precipitate, at least partially bridging the gap and creating conductance through the conductive structure. The conductance may be measured to determine the amount of metal ion contamination.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring a material configured to perform one or more functions or for actuating the material. One or more electrodes are coupled to the material. An electronic device is coupled to the one or more electrodes and is configured to detect an electrical characteristic of the material to monitor the material or to apply an electrical stimulus to actuate the material.

Abstract: A method of measuring the electrical properties of a microparticle is provided, which can include multiple steps. Steps can include situating the microparticle within an array of electrodes submerged in a conductive medium so that the microparticle and electrodes are in electrical communication when the electrodes are energized, and delivering an electrical signal into the medium from one electrode to an immediately adjacent electrode. High frequency signals can be used to penetrate the microparticle boundary and characterize the same, and low frequency signals can be used to characterize the shape and orientation of the microparticle. Characterization can be carried out by measuring the impedance affecting the current using at least one of a remaining electrode in the array.

Abstract: Sensors, systems, and methods for measuring fluid perturbation are provided. One system includes a sensor module, a data management system, and a control system. In operation, data representing fluid is generated and recorded on the sensor module. During generating and recording, the sensor module is preferably partially submerged in a conductive fluid. The sensor module transmits the data representing fluid to the data management system in response to receiving data representing a record request from the data management system. Next, the data management system operates on the received data representing fluid to convert the data representing fluid into data representing fluid perturbation. Then the data management system stores the data representing fluid perturbation and transmits the data representing fluid perturbation to the control system. The control system stores the data representing fluid perturbation and displays the data representing fluid perturbation.

Abstract: Systems and methods that evaluate moisture content of the soil through change of capacitance and alternative current. A contact free inductive coupling can be provided between a sensor arrangement associated with the soil, and a reader arrangement (e.g., combination of inductor(s) and capacitor(s)) to determine frequency changes of resulting sinusoidal oscillator. Such frequency change can be correlated with moisture content of the soil.

Abstract: A measurement circuit that has particular application for detecting a high impedance measurement signal from a liquid water sensor. The measurement circuit includes a high impedance resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit that is coupled to the sensor and receives a resistance signal therefrom. The resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit includes an oscillator that converts the resistance signal to a representative frequency. The measurement circuit also includes a frequency-to-voltage conversion circuit that receives the frequency signal from the resistance-to-frequency conversion circuit, and converts the frequency signal to a representative voltage that provides an indication of water on the sensor.

Abstract: A system for detecting a defect in a membranous article (20) comprising: an emitter probe (10) connected to an electrical supply (14), said probe (10) insertable into a cavity of said article (20); a sensor (15) for receiving an electrical discharge from said probe (10); a conveyor system for bringing the probe and sensor into mutual proximity; a processor for measuring the potential difference between the probe and sensor, said processor capable of detecting a defect based upon said measurement.

Abstract: A test vessel assembly (10) comprises a central test vessel 12 defining a chamber 18 in which a sample to be tested may be stored. A pair of side adjustable electrodes 30, 30a is received in the chamber and immersed in the sample under test. A gap between the electrodes can be adjusted by respective electrode adjusting assemblies, each comprising a shaft 32 connected to a respective electrode, the shaft being moved in and out of the test vessel 12 by rotation of an associated adjusting wheel 60. In use, each electrode 30, 30a is electrically connected to a contact in an insulated horn of a test assembly via the respective shafts, for the supply of a steadily increasing voltage to determine the breakdown voltage of the sample. To prevent the breakdown in air rather than in the sample, care is taken to ensure sufficiently large creepage and clearance distances between the connections to the electrodes and from the connections to the electrodes to a wall of the test chamber.

Abstract: A chemical sensor and a system and method for sensing a chemical species. The chemical sensor includes a plurality of nanofibers whose electrical impedance varies upon exposure to the chemical species, a substrate supporting and electrically isolating the fibers, and a set of electrodes connected to the plurality of fibers at spatially separated points to permit the electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers to be measured. The system includes the chemical sensor, an impedance measuring device coupled to the electrodes and configured to determine an electrical impedance of the plurality of fibers, and an analyzer configured to identify the chemical species based on a change in the electrical impedance. The method measures at least one change in an electrical impedance between spatially separated electrodes connected to a plurality of fibers upon exposure of the fibers to the chemical species, and identifies the chemical species based on the measured change in the electrical impedance.

Abstract: A method of determining setting period of a chemically-active material is disclosed. The method comprises: continuously measuring an electrical property such as of the material to provide a time-dependence of the property, and using the time-dependence for defining a setting-start time and a setting-finish time. The setting-start time is defined as a time of onset of a fastest rise of the resistivity and the setting-finish time is defined as a time of local maximum of the resistivity.

Abstract: A device, a system and a method for detecting an irregularity in a structure of an aircraft are proposed. The device includes a resonant circuit with a resonance frequency and a probe for tuning the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit. The resonant circuit and the probe are operatively connected in such a way that the probe changes the resonance frequency of the resonant circuit if the structure changes due to a formation of an irregularity.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the pH of a solution of the present invention comprises: (a) a tubular body portion constructed from a flexible electrically-insulating material, the tubular body portion having an interior passage; (b) a first reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (c) a second reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (d) a proton conducting membrane disposed between the first reverse osmosis membrane and the second reverse osmosis membrane in the interior passage; (e) a first electrode; and (f) a second electrode.

Abstract: A method of revising a medium resistance to determine a transfer voltage and an image forming device to perform the same. The method includes supplying a medium recognition voltage to recognize a print medium, and reading medium resistances according to a predetermined reading cycle, calculating an estimated medium resistance based on the read medium resistances, by referring to a pattern of medium resistance in an interval between a time at which the medium recognizing voltage is supplied and a predetermined stabilizing time, and determining a medium resistance to be applied when a transfer voltage is supplied, by comparing the calculated estimated medium resistance with the read medium resistances obtained after the predetermined stabilizing time.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are an apparatus and a method for measuring activity of a plating solution. The apparatus for measuring activity of a plating solution may include: a plating bath containing the plating solution for plating a plating object; a first electrode which is impregnated in the plating solution and has a plated body to measure current that flows in the plating solution and on the surface of the body in accordance with applied signal voltage; a second electrode which is impregnated in the plating solution to induce current from the first electrode or discharge current to the first electrode; a third electrode which controls the signal voltage applied to the first electrode to be constantly maintained; an impedance measurement unit which calculates an impedance value from the current measured in the first electrode; and a processing unit which displays a change of the calculated impedance value depending on a time.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided apparatus arranged to determine an interface between two components, comprising: a reference electrode arranged to be connected to a constant voltage supply or ground; a measurement electrode, and a field generating device arranged to establish an electric field in at least one of the components; wherein the field generating device is configured to establish the electric field across the measurement electrode, and the apparatus is configured to measure a potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode, the potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode being indicative of the interface between the components.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for obtaining an image of the impedance properties of an object by inferring a measure of straight-line path impedance along a plurality of paths from a plurality of current amplitude and phase measurements made between combinations of electrodes placed at selected points, and/or from measurements of the intensity of the electromagnetic signal emitted when an alternating current is made to resonate along the straight line path.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for measuring information relating to the impedance characteristics of a powder with high accuracy. To achieve such an object, the method for measuring powder properties according to the present invention includes a step in which the impedance characteristics of a powder are obtained by an alternating current impedance method, using a function setting a pressure applied to the powder or a density of the powder as a variable. From the obtained impedance characteristics, information relating to at least one of the components can be extracted, the components being a first component that is dependent on the variable, and a second component that is not dependent on the variable.

Abstract: A method to determine properties of a porous material, in which: a porous sample is prepared and sealed; first the sample is evacuated to near vacuum; then a non-wetting and electrically conducting fluid is passed through the sample at a known pressure and the volume of the fluid taken up by the sample is measured; then a small differential pressure is applied across the sample and the flow rate of the fluid through the sample is measured; and an alternating current is passed through the sample and the resistance across the sample is measured.

Abstract: A component made of electrically insulating material with a detection structure for mechanical damage such as cracks is disclosed. The detection structure is a conductor. The electrical properties of the detection structure are modified as more and more cracks are formed such that the component will be replaced in time before breaking. The electrical conductor is formed by particles that are in contact with each other and have a metallic surface such that an electrical conductor is created which is particularly sensitive to mechanical damage, thus rendering the detection structure highly sensitive. Furthermore, if the metallic surface is produced merely by cladding the particles while the inside of the particles is made of the same material as the component, a conductor featuring an adapted thermal expansion behavior is created for components that are subject to great thermal stress, e.g. heat shield panels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and a device for monitoring the operation of a flotation cell. In the method according to the invention, the electrical conductivity of the material (3, 7) in the flotation cell (1) is measured to observe any variations in the movement, the properties and/or the inner structure of the material. The device (10) according to the invention comprises a number of measuring sensors (11, 12, 13, 14) of electrical conductivity, which are to be fitted in the flotation cell (1) and embedded in the material (3, 7) contained in it for measuring its electrical conductivity and, on the basis of the conductivity values, defining the state and/or the properties of the material.

Abstract: A method for passivating a biomaterial surface includes exposing the biomaterial surface to therapeutic electrical energy in the presence of blood or plasma. The biomaterial surface may be removably secured within a chamber of a treatment system, which communicates the therapeutic electrical energy to the biomaterial surface while interfacing the biomaterial surface with blood or plasma.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for evaluating iontophoretic properties of compounds. An impedance spectrometer is operable to determine an impedance of a compound and a processor is configured to compare the determined impedance of the compound to a database of stored values.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for in-situ measurement of impurities on metal slugs utilized in electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition systems, and for increasing the production yield of a semiconductor manufacturing processes utilizing electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition systems. A voltage and/or a current level on an electrode disposed in a deposition chamber of an electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition system is monitored and used to measure contamination of the metal slug. Should the voltage or current reach a certain level, to the deposition is completed and the system is inspected for contamination.

Abstract: Described herein are wireless interrogation systems and methods that rely on a complementary sensing device and interrogator. The sensing device is disposed to measure a parameter indicative of the health of a structure. A sensor reading from the sensor indicates the level of a parameter being monitored or whether one or more particular physical or chemical events have taken place. Using wireless techniques, the interrogator probes the device to determine its identity and its current sensor reading. This often includes transmission of a wireless signal through portions of the structure. When activated, the device responds with a wireless signal that identifies the device and contains information about the parameter being measured or a particular sensor state corresponding to the parameter. The identity of the device allows it to be distinguished from a number of similar devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for detecting a break-in attempt on an opening (2) moveably mounted relative to a frame (3), characterised in that it comprises a sensor (4) connected to a supply and processing circuit, said sensor (4) including two electrically conductive layers between which an insulating layer is provided, each of the conductive layers being connected to an electric power supply, wherein said sensor (4) is to be inserted between the frame (3) and the opening (2).

Abstract: In a first step, two conductive plates such as two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates with films formed on surfaces thereof, are prepared; a flexible conductive material is held between these two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates. A spacer is also held between the two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates to regulate the space therebetween and a measurement object such as a conductive cloth is held between the flexible conductive material and at least one of the zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates. In a second step, the electric resistance between the two zinc galvanized (electroplated) steel plates is measured while the flexible conductive material is held together with the measurement object between the two conductive plates.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor which may be used as an onboard particulate matter diagnostic sensor includes an insulating base that has at least a pair of opposing plane surfaces, an electrode nucleus that is formed on one of the pair of opposing plane surfaces of the base, and forms an electrode when a conductive substance adheres to the plane surface, and an electrode that is disposed parallel to the electrode nucleus and is provided on the other of the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided on a side surface of the base that is adjacent to the pair of opposing plane surfaces, or provided inside the base.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a multi-material object is provided. The method includes determining an electric element matrix representing the multi-material object. The electric element matrix is pre-multiplied by a first mathematical transformation matrix to obtain a first transformed electric element matrix. The first transformed electric element matrix is post-multiplied with a second mathematical transformation matrix to obtain a second transformed electric element matrix. The method further includes determining the characteristics of the multi-material object based on the second transformed electric element matrix.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a multi-material object is provided. The method includes producing a rotating electric field by providing an applied electrical signal set of individual electrical signal patterns to electrodes surrounding the multi-material object. The method also includes obtaining a measured electrical signal of electrical signals from the electrodes corresponding to each electrical signal pattern applied. An electrical network is determined based on the applied electrical signal set, the measured electrical signal set and an inverse of the applied electrical signal set. The method further includes determining the characteristics of the multi-material object by analyzing the electrical network.

Abstract: A laptop computer includes a main body, a display device, a hinge module and an angle detector. The hinge module is pivotally interconnected between the display device and the main body such that the display device is swiveled relative to the main body to be folded against or unfolded away from the main body. The hinge module includes a first hinge component and a second hinge component. The first hinge component is secured to the main body. The second hinge component is pivotally connected with the first hinge component and includes an end secured to the display device. The angle detector is coupled with an opposite end of the second hinge component for measuring a rotation angle of the second hinge component.

Abstract: A method for analysing a fluid containing one or more analytes of interest includes; measuring a plurality of properties of a sample fluid with unknown concentrations of the one or more analytes of interest; and using the measurements and a model of the relationship between the plurality of properties and concentrations of the one or more analytes to calculate the concentration of at least one of the analytes of interest. The model may be an artificial neural network. The method may be used to monitor the concentration of inhibitors of gas hydrate formation in a fluid. Apparatus for use in the method is also provided.

Abstract: Proposed is an object-sensing device including: a carrier base; at least one first conductive element disposed on a carrying surface of the carrier base; a cover capable of resting seamlessly on the carrying surface and provided therein with a receiving space; a resilient element received in the receiving space; at least one second conductive element disposed on a surface of the resilient element, wherein the surface of the resilient element faces the carrying surface, the at least one second conductive element corresponding in position to the at least one first conductive element; and a sensor electrically connected to the first conductive element and an end of the at least one second conductive element and configured to detect electrical contact between each of the first conductive elements and another end of the at least one second conductive element.

Abstract: A testing device which may be used to conduct ground resistance and soil resistivity measurements. The testing device comprises both a main unit and a remote unit adapted to communicate with one another via a communication link. After setting the testing device up according to the desired measurement technique, the procedure may be carried out, and the resulting measurement values are subsequently displayed on the remote unit. This allows a single operator to perform measurements while standing directly adjacent to an electrode, which is, for example, placed at a large distance from the main unit and/or other electrodes. This relieves the operator from constantly having to walk back and forth placing electrodes in different positions, and also obviates the need to return to the main unit of the testing device to consult a display and/or change parameters or settings.

Abstract: Method of detecting molecules, using a sensor having a membrane layer having parallel pores extending through the membrane layer and incorporating therein probe molecules that bind with corresponding target molecules when present in the pores, electrodes, and an ionic solution in contact with the electrodes and the pores, wherein the electrodes are energized to induce an electrical current in the solution through the pores, wherein the electrical current induces an electrical parameter in the electrodes that is indicative of a through-pore electrical impedance of the pores, wherein the through-pore electrical impedance is increased when there is probe-to-target molecule binding in the pores relative to when there is an absence of such binding.

Abstract: Apparatus (2) for driving an amperometric electrochemical sensor, which apparatus (2) comprises a microelectrode (30), drive means (36) for the microelectrode, and signal processing means (3), the apparatus (2) being such that the drive means (36) supplies successive pulsed chronoamperometric different conditions to the microelectrode (30), the microelectrode (30) produces a sequence of different voltages consequent upon receiving the chronoamperometric different conditions and correlates the received chronoamperometric different conditions with their respective measurement circuits, and the signal processing means (3) interrogates only the current corresponding to a particular voltage in the sequence of different voltages and thereby produces a single sensor output corresponding to each separate voltage in the sequence of different voltages whereby interrogation of the amperometric electrochemical sensor is facilitated.

Abstract: A particle sensor including a diaphragm, a diaphragm heater, and at least two measuring electrodes situated on the diaphragm, for electrical conductivity measurement, the diaphragm having a thickness of less than or equal to 50 ?m, in order to allow a calorimetric particle quantity determination.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected, and then cooling the substrate back down and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected. If resistance varies as expected during both heating and cooling, then a validation is diagnosed that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.

Abstract: An electrical characteristic measuring substrate includes a plurality of laminated dielectric layers, front-surface coplanar lines disposed at a front surface of the substrate, back-surface coplanar electrodes disposed at a back surface thereof, and interlayer ground electrodes disposed between dielectric layers. First ends of the front-surface coplanar lines define a front-surface component mounting electrode, and first ends of the back-surface coplanar lines define a back-surface component mounting electrode. The front-surface component mounting electrode and the back-surface component mounting electrode have substantially the same pattern when viewed from the direction perpendicular to the front surface. Each of the front-surface component mounting electrode and the back-surface component mounting electrode has an electrode pattern asymmetric about a substantially central line of the front surface or about that of the back surface.

Abstract: An active electrode structure is disclosed that includes fullerenes produced by a carbo-thermal carbide conversion of a conductive carbide without a metal catalyst. Also disclosed is an electrode that includes a fullerene covalently bonded to a conductive carbide, the fullerene being an aligned or non-aligned array. The carbide substrate having a surface coating of covalently bonded fullerenes is characterized in that the peak separation of a cyclic voltammogram for the conductive carbide having a surface layer of the fullerene is less than about 150 mV at a scan rate of 5 mV/s in a 4 mM ferricyanide, 1M KCl solution. The fullerene may include about 50% or less non-crystalline carbon and about 5% or less of a transition metal that interferes with the ability of the active electrode structure to transfer electrons or detect an analyte.

Abstract: A damage sensor, for example a crack gauge, a method of providing the same, and a method of sensing damage using the same, are described. The damage sensor comprises at least one direct write resistive element applied to an area of a substrate by a direct write process. Conductive tracks may be connected along two separated portions of the perimeter of the area of the direct write resistive element. The damage sensor may comprise plural direct write resistive elements, for example rectangular-shaped elements, each extending between and connected to two conducting tracks. In a further damage sensor, plural annular resistive elements are positioned in an annular arrangement with respect to each other. In all the damage sensors, the resistive elements may be applied around a hole in a substrate, or extending over a bonded edge between two substrates.

Abstract: An electrokinetic microfluidic flow cytometer apparatus can include a substrate, a pair of signal and noise detection channels, and a particle detection circuit. The substrate includes an input port, an output port, and a microchannel that fluidly connects the input port and the output port to allow fluid to flow therebetween. The signal and noise detection channels are defined in the substrate and are fluidly connected to the microchannel from locations that are adjacent to each other. The signal and noise detection channels extend in opposite directions away from the microchannel to receive ambient electrical noise.

Abstract: A composite includes a matrix material and a unidirectional array of carbon nanotube-infused fibers disposed in a portion of the matrix material. An article includes this composite and a network of electrodes disposed about the periphery of the composite. The electrodes send and receive an electrical charge. Such an article is included in a system, along with sensing circuitry and a source for supplying current to the network of electrodes. Such a system is used in a method that includes subjecting the article to a load that causes a condition in the composite including strain, fatigue, damage, or cracks, and monitoring the location of the condition.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a chlorine sensor is disclosed. In one implementation, a silver chloride layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the measurement and detection of chloride in bio-sensing applications. In another application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of chloride in water for environmental and health applications.

Abstract: An in-situ method for monitoring the health of a composite component utilizes a condition sensor made of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The sensor is bonded or otherwise formed on the matrix surface of the composite material. Age-related shrinkage of the sensor matrix results in a decrease in the resistivity of the condition sensor. Correlation of measured sensor resistivity with data from aged specimens allows indirect determination of mechanical damage and remaining age of the composite component.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the detection and/or measurement of fouling in a heat exchanger, whereby the resistance value (R1, R2) of a resistor (R), placed on a wall (P) of this heat exchanger, is measured at two different instants and a value of the measurements (R2; R1) that corresponds to a function of the values measured at these two instants is determined, characterized in that the resistor (R) is subjected in succession to two power levels (P1, P2) that are each maintained for a certain duration, the first power level (P1) being below the second power level (P2), and the measurements of the two resistance values (R1, R2) being respectively carried out during application of these two power levels.