Abstract: A measurement apparatus for sensing three properties of materials including a fixed impedance element coupled in series with the sensor array between an input signal and a reference potential (e.g. ground). The sensor array of the apparatus is an electrode configuration which includes a first elongated electrode coupled to the reference potential and second and third segmented elongated electrodes being parallel to and essentially in the same plane as the first elongated electrode. The segments within the second and third electrodes are configured such that the segments in the second electrode are staggered with respect to segments in the third electrode thereby minimizing or eliminating spacing between detection cells within the sensor array, reducing overall size of the sensor array and increasing measurement resolution. The sensor array exhibits a variable impedance resulting from changes in physical characteristics of the material.

Abstract: Particulates are trapped by laser beam and brought into contact with electrodes to electrochemically and spectroscopically measure the reaction process thereof.Precise measurement of the process of chemical reactions such as electrochemical and photochemical ones of a single particulate is made possible.

Abstract: In a method and a system for the operation of a resistive moisture sensor, conductance of the sensor is measured, whereby current through the moisture sensor is measured preferably during an application of a voltage to the moisture sensor. In order to avoid electrolytic phenomena, the voltage is fed to the moisture sensor via a capacitor, and has a waveform of two pulses of different polarity following shortly one after the other.

Abstract: An electrode assembly (1) for resistive pulse spectroscopy comprises two flat electrodes (3) substantially equal in size and shape and supported in face-to-face, parallel relationship to one another, and a plate-like fluid-tight insulator (2) positioned between electrodes and extended beyond the periphery of the electrodes with the electrodes (3) being fixed to the insulator (2). Each electrode has a hole (4) extending through the electrode in a central region thereof (4), the holes (4) of the two electrodes (3) being aligned with one another. The insulator (2) having a preformed aperture (16) therein which is located substantially centrally with respect to the holes (4) in the electrodes (3) and has a smaller diameter than the holes, the aperture (16) being located such as to allow a flow of liquid to pass therethrough and through the holes in the electrode.

Abstract: A C-R oscillator generates a clock signal at a predetermined frequency determined by a capacitor and a resistor, and a test circuit is connected between the C-R oscillator and a pair of signal terminals for outputting the clock signal; when external control signals are supplied to the test circuit, the test circuit isolates the pair of signal terminals from the C-R oscillator, and checks the clock signal to see whether or not the duty factor of the clock signal falls within a target range so that an external testing apparatus easily diagnoses the C-R oscillator for not only the generation of the clock signal but also the duty factor.

Abstract: An air-fuel ratio sensor generates linear air-fuel ratio detection signals proportional to concentration of oxygen in exhaust gas from an engine in response to a command voltage from a microprocessor. A bias command signal generated by the microprocessor is provided to a D/A converter which converts it to an analog signal. Thereafter, the signal is provided to an LPF for removing the high frequency components of the analog signal. Output voltage of the LPF is provided to a bias control circuit. A single AC signal which has a predetermined frequency and which is provided with a predetermined time constant (about 159 .mu.s) by the LPF is applied to the air-fuel ratio sensor. Element resistance of the air-fuel ratio sensor is detected based on the voltage of the AC signal and the change in the current level of the air-fuel ratio sensor caused by the application of the AC signal.

Abstract: A composition of matter utilizes an exact dielectric replicate matching reference material to make a detection device component that triggers and maximizes a dielectrokinesis (phoresis) phenomena (force, torque, energy replenishment), which can be used to detect the presence of specific entities of a predetermined type that contain as a major component the matching dielectric material. Different designs and materials of construction for the detection device component enable the detection of a variety of specific entities including human beings, animals, plastics, metals, water, etc. Detectors using the component can detect the present of a specific entity irrespective of the presence or absence of any type of intervening, visual obstructing material structures or barriers, lighting conditions, weather conditions or electromagnetic interference (EMI).

Abstract: Water purity indicating apparatus is adapted to operate on AC input power and includes a housing and a pair of test probes extending from the housing for measuring a resistance of water. Also included is a circuit connected to the test probes and provided within the housing for outputting a signal indicating a purity level of the water based on a first AC voltage generated as a result of the measured resistance of the water.

Abstract: The application describes a particle size analyser comprising a horizontally held close-coiled helical spring which is partly filled with the powder under test. The operation of the technique involves stretching the spring to various known lengths and vibrating it in the lateral direction at or around its first harmonic resonant frequency with a low amplitude of vibration. Measurements of the mass of the powder discharged from spring coils for a given spring extension and relating the latter to the particle size of the discharged powder by reference to a previously generated calibration curve provide data on the particle size distribution.

Abstract: System and method for producing paper that employ an apparatus for measuring electrical characteristics of a fibrous composition. The apparatus comprises a plurality of conductivity (or resistance) detectors each comprising a sensor that is sensitive to the conductivity (or resistance) and the proximity of the material (e.g., fibrous composition) to the sensor. Measurements from the apparatus relate to the zeta potential of the fibrous materials in the composition. The zeta potential profiles corresponding optimized configurations of the sheetmaking process can be employed to monitor and control the process.

Abstract: A flat cathodic protection test probe comprises a non-metallic probe body (20) with a mounted metal coupon (18) simulating a large coating holiday on a pipeline, an insulated wire(s) (22) attached to the coupon for an electrical connection to the pipeline, a non-metallic tube (16) filled with a conductive backfill (26), and a narrow and long porous potential sensing strip(s) (40) mounted flush with the coupon exposed surface in the central area of the coupon. The coupon is electrically insulated from the conductive backfill by a non-metallic coating (38) and an epoxy compound for electrical insulation (42). To determine if the pipeline is fully cathodically protected, the flat cathodic protection probe is buried next to the pipeline and interconnected by the insulated wire(s) with the pipeline. The potentials taken on the probe will not include a substantial voltage drop in soil and will not be adversely affected by shielding of the coupon by a reference electrode or its access tube to invalidate the reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting leaks in a fluid-filled device used to treat a patient's tissue includes an catheter having an expandable device defining a fluid reservoir about the distal end of the catheter. An internal electrode is in electrical contact with a conductive fluid within the fluid reservoir. A grounding electrode is outside of the fluid reservoir, in electrical contact with the patient's tissue. Voltage is supplied to the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. Where a leak occurs in the expandable device, conductive fluid will contact the patient's tissue, thus creating an electrical current path between the internal electrode and the grounding electrode. This so-called "leak current" is used to generate a leak alarm signal.

Abstract: A coating fault locating technique transmits a base electric signal from a power source to a buried metal pipe. A location of a coating fault in the buried pipe is detected by detecting a gradient of a changing magnetic field between two points spaced along the buried pipe. The gradient is detected based upon the output differential of at least one pair of search coils. The gradient is caused by a leakage of current that occurs at the coating fault. In particular, the at least one pair of search coils are provided in a mobile unit that is located above ground. The at least one pair of search coils are spaced apart from one another and have their axes arranged so as to have a low sensitivity to a magnetic field generated by the base electric signal running through the buried pipe. The at least one pair of coils are spaced apart from each other such that a line drawn between midpoints of the search coils' axes crosses a plane normal to the axis of the buried pipe.

Abstract: A method for measuring the quantity of a polymeric or pre-polymeric composition within a given volume that includes combining the polymeric or pre-polymeric composition with a plurality of microparticles having a non-ferromagnetic or non-ferrimagnetic core provided with a coating that is ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, or conductive, to form an admixture in which the microparticles are substantially uniformly dispersed throughout the composition. The microparticles have a detectable electromagnetic characteristic which correlates with the amount of the composition within a given volume. The electromagnetic characteristic of the microparticles is then measured to determine the quantity of the composition within a given volume.

Abstract: The method of monitoring the wear of at least one sliding electrical contact of a brush, sliding over a track which can move with respect to the brush, comprises the measurement of the electrical resistance of this contact, the delivery of an image signal corresponding to this resistance, the following of its variations, the construction of a reference signal indicative of a state of wear of the contact, the comparison of the image signal with the reference signal and the derivation of a signal, resulting from this comparison, corresponding to the state of wear of the contact. The resistance is measured by the ratio of the variations in the voltage across the terminals of the contact to the variations in the current flowing through this contact.

Abstract: Provided is a method and metering system for the determination of active ions emitted from certain active substances such as rayon fibers containing fine particles of tourmaline known to exhibit permanent spontaneous polarization. The method comprises: continuously bringing air free from carbon dioxide as a carrier gas into contact with a bed of the active ion-emitting source material to carry off the active ions emitted therefrom; introducing the air after contact with the source material into distilled water; and measuring increase in the electric conductivity of the distilled water caused by the absorption of the active ions from the flow of the air as a carrier gas. The metering system comprises: a feed source of the non-ionic inert gas; a sample holder to contain the source material emitting active ions; a vessel containing distilled water to receive the air carrying the active ions; a means to determine the electric conductivity of the water; and pipelines connecting these parts for the flow of air.

Abstract: A method of monitoring ion contamination in integrated circuits is disclosed. The method makes use of the electric field induced by bias voltages and the heating circuit provided in the integrated circuit to raise temperature in order to drive mobile ions into or out of the gate oxide layer of a MOS transistor. Then, the threshold voltages of the MOS transistor under different ion contamination are measured respectively. The ion contamination induced whether in front-end process or back-end process can be detected properly.

Abstract: A current detector and metering circuit is provided for a dielectrokinesis detecting device. This device is particularly useful in the areas of locating obscured entities, such as human beings, animals, materials, or controlled substances. A current detector is attached to an antenna and detects when subtle changes in the dielectrokinesis occurs within an detection environment. The present current detector automatically zeros itself to ambient electric field values and then has a heightened sensitivity for changes in that electrical field caused by changes in the dielectrokinesis. The present invention can be used for detection of hidden entities or substance, for motion detection, for medical diagnostic detection, and other uses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an aqueous flow. The method involves providing a conduit having at least one ion collection portion, disposing the aqueous flow through the conduit, attracting target ions to the ion collection portion such that they are bonded to the ion collection portion, and detecting a contaminant, or contaminants, based upon a predetermined property of the plurality of target ions bonded to the ion collection portion. In the preferred embodiment of the method, the predetermined property is a conductivity of the target ions, and the detecting step involves measuring a change in conductivity of the collection portion as ions are bonded and comparing that conductivity to a predetermined conductivity.

Abstract: A high sensitivity multiple waveform voltammetric method and instrument are provided for use in electrochemical and other applications. The method consists of applying one or several variable potential excitation signals between electrodes of an electrochemical cell to produce an electrochemical reaction in the solution. The excitation signals include a DC bias potential increasing cyclically by a potential step to form a potential staircase signal sweeping across a potential domain, and a number of pulse trains either of opposite polarity or shifted in potential per potential step. An electric current derived from a diffusion flux of ions through the solution is measured as a result of the applied excitation signal.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method and apparatus for de-etching pin-holes in a passivation layer that is deposited over a metal conductor layer on the surface of a semiconductor wafer by utilizing a substantially clear, electrically conductive film as a top electrode immersed in an electrolyte for observing under an optical microscope bubbles generated from a pin-hole on the wafer surface which functions as a bottom electrode when a DC current is flowing through the top electrode, the electrolyte and the bottom electrode such that gases in the form of bubbles are generated at the pin-hole site where metal is exposed to the electrolyte.

Abstract: A microliter-sized metastable ionization device with a cavity, a sample gas inlet, a corona gas inlet and a gas outlet. A first electrode has a hollow and disposed in the cavity and is in fluid communication with the sample gas inlet. A second electrode is in fluid communication with the corona gas inlet and is disposed around the first electrode adjacent the hollow end thereof. A gap forming means forms a corona gap between the first and second electrodes. A first power supply is connected to the first electrode and the second power supply is connected to the second electrode for generating a corona discharge across the corona gap. A collector has a hollow end portion disposed in the cavity which is in fluid communications with the gas outlet for the outgassing and detection of ionized gases. The first electrode can be a tubular member aligned concentrically with a cylindrical second electrode. The gap forming means can be in annular disc projecting radially inwardly from the cylindrical second electrode.

Abstract: An mixing assembly which transfers a number of nutritional fluids from individual source containers into a collection container while noninvasively sensing the type of fluid being transferred is provided. The mixing assembly utilizes a transfer set to establish fluid communication between the source containers and the collection container. A sensing assembly is configured to noninvasively sense a number of the types of fluid flowing through the transfer set to help to prevent improper mixing. For other fluids for which the sensing assembly alone may not be able to distinguish with the desired accuracy, the mixing device utilizes a method to approximate the flow rate of that fluid with the flow rate also providing an indication of that type of fluid. By combining the output of the sensing assembly with the flow rate determination, additional fluids can be identified.

Abstract: A cathode ray tube may utilize a focus mask color-selection structure. The focus mask structure is susceptible to localized, transient short circuit events, or breakdown events. These events may be caused by conductive particulates that become free within the cathode ray tube and provide a short circuit between first and second layers of the focus mask. The breakdown events are undesirable because they may result in cross-strand currents causing mask strand magnetization that can interfere with a video image on the screen of the cathode ray tube. A transformer rapidly senses random changes in a voltage or a current supplied to the second layer of the focus mask. A pulse waveform generator is coupled to the transformer and provides a pulse waveform responsive to the sudden change in voltage or current.

Abstract: A protection system for hydraulic systems, mainly for pipes, faucets, valves, boilers, furnaces, etc.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for differentiating cells in an automated particle analyzer, such as for use in hematological analysis, by measuring apparent cell size (or volume), membrane integrity and intracellular complexity ("voltaic fragility"). The cells are suspended in a selected reagent mixture including an electrolytic fluid, such as diluent, and if necessary, one or more membrane-modifying agents are selected and mixed in relative quantities in order to selectively alter the membrane structure (i.e., the membrane integrity) of certain cells and thereby enhance cell discrimination. A predetermined dc voltage is applied across a sensing orifice to thereby create a dc electric field within and around the orifice, and the reagent mixture is passed through the center of the orifice.

Abstract: A dielectrokinesis detector includes a chamber housing an exact dielectric replicate reference material that is subjected to external static electrification. The reference material is mechanically constrained, enabling the detection of the polarization energy dynamics of constrained dielectrophoretic force indicating the presence of any target with dielectric properties identical to the properties of the reference material. An antenna assembly increases the proximity distance (range) of detection. The static electrification source for the reference material increases the longevity of the detection ability to provide continuous detection capability, and an external electronic circuit source of electrical energy via an electrical current surge gives a quantifiable manifestation of the detection.

Abstract: The integrity of a microporous membrane within a mass transfer device such as an oxygenator is tested simultaneously with applying a biocompatible surfactant to at least the blood-contact surface of the membrane. The membrane integrity test contacts both sides of the microporous membrane with a conductive fluid to establish an electrical circuit. An electrical signal is then applied to the circuit and a measurement is taken of the test voltage across an impedance in the circuit. The value of the test voltage is used to determine the conductivity and thus the integrity of the membrane. The biocompatible surfactant is mixed with the conductive fluid used in the electrical integrity test and has an affinity for the microporous membrane material so that a durable biocompatible coating is applied to at least a portion of the microporous membrane.

Abstract: A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tube is quantitatively determined by altering the electrical conductivity of the fluid by injection of a bolus of saline. The electrical conductivity of the altered conductivity is measured over the time it takes the altered conductivity fluid to pass a conductivity measuring location. The measured conductivity is integrated over the time it takes to pass the conductivity measuring location. The integral is interpreted to determine the flow rate.

Abstract: A measuring system measures forces, deformations, and movements. The measuring system comprises at least one LC-circuit, at least one power supply for generating a voltage and a current in the LC-circuits, whereby the frequency, the amplitude, and the phase difference between the current and the voltage in a default situation are known and are furthermore a function of the variable to be measured, as well as at least one detection unit for detecting the frequency and/or the phase difference and/or the amplitude in the LC-circuit. The invention provides therewith a compact, simple and multifunctional measuring system by means of which a reading of the measured value is possible without contact with the subject.

Abstract: In a discharge ionization detector, a method and apparatus are disclosed for increasing the transfer of photons and metastables from a discharge chamber to a ionization chamber, while effecting ion discrimination of the ionic current with respect to a signal cathode, thereby reducing the effect of ionic current in the signal output. Preferred embodiments of the invention include a discharge source located in a discharge chamber, means for introducing discharge gas flow into the discharge chamber, a flow guide that directs discharge gas flow between the discharge chamber and an adjacent ionization chamber, and inlet port for introducing a flow of sample gas containing an analyte into the ionization chamber and an outlet port for exhausting the sample gas and the discharge gas. A plurality of apertures in the flow guide are situated proximate the discharge source so as to promote the rapid and efficient transfer of photons and metastables from the discharge source into the ionization chamber.

Abstract: A solution of active principle, in ionized form, impregnates a layer (2) forming part of the reservoir (1). A measurement of the quantity of active principle contained in this layer is derived from a measurement of the conductivity of this layer. The measurement device comprises a) first (7) and second (10) electrodes placed on either side of and in electrical contact with at least a part of the layer (2) of the impregnated material of the reservoir, b) means (5) for passing the electric current of predetermined strength through the impregnated material and c) means (6) sensitive to the voltage (V) picked up between the electrodes (7, 10) in order to calculate the quantity of active principle contained in the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for determining the cure state of thermosetting polymers using time domain reflectometry. A miniature capacitor is constructed at the end of a coaxial transmission line which is immersed in the curing polymer so that the polymer is the dielectric of the capacitor, and step function voltage pulses are fed to the transmission line, while the reflected signal from the line is monitored. The amplitude and decay characteristics of the reflected signals, which are related to the degree of cure and the viscosity, respectively, are fed to a computer for interpretation and display.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring resistance of a blood sample in order to determine the hematocrit of that blood sample. The present invention makes a direct ratiometric measurement. That is, the alternating current that flows through the sample is directly measured by applying that alternating current to an integrator which converts the current to a D.C. voltage which is directly proportional to the applied current.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved sheet products and specifically to improved nonwoven sheet products made from highly oriented plexifilamentary film-fibril webs. The improved sheet products have high opacity and strength with a much wider range of porosity or Gurley Hill Porosity Values. In particular, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention have considerably higher Gurley Hill Porosity Values than similar weight sheet products subject to the same finishing treatments in accordance with prior known sheet materials. Similarly, sheet products made in accordance with the present invention can be made which have much lower Gurley Hill Porosity Values than prior sheet materials. The invention includes numerous methods and data characterizing the webs and sheets that form the improved sheet materials.

Abstract: A thermal head of a thermal printer has plural heating elements arranged along a line and connected in parallel with one another. A respective one of the heating elements is connected to one of plural heat control switches, which are selectively turned on/off for driving the heating elements individually by applying electrical energy to generate heat. To measure resistance data of at least one of the heating elements, a capacitor is connected in parallel with the plural heating elements. A reference resistor is connected in parallel with the plural heating elements and the capacitor. The capacitor is charged, and then discharged via the reference resistor or the one of the heating elements. A voltage across the capacitor is detected. An amount of discharging time required to decrease the capacitor voltage from a predetermined high voltage to a predetermined low voltage is measured while the capacitor is discharged, in association respectively with the reference resistor and the heating elements.

Abstract: A leak-testable, fluid-impervious membrane is formed as a laminate of a conductive mesh scrim between upper and lower insulative polymeric resin layers. The scrim is preferably a screen formed of a metallic wire, such as aluminum. The polymeric resin is preferably a thermoplastic, such as HDPE, PVC, or polypropylene. The membrane, when installed as a liner for a liquid receptacle or a roof, has an exposed surface on the upper insulative layer. When so installed, the membrane is testable for pinhole openings by an electrical leak survey method, in which an electrical potential is applied between the scrim and a conductive probe. The probe is passed over the exposed surface, so that the electrical potential creates an electric spark between the probe and the scrim at the location of a pinhole opening. An RF signal is generated in response to the spark, and an alarm is actuated in response to the RF signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining charge density and mobility in a liquid solution having electrically charged particles therein. The apparatus includes an electrode, and a dielectric member having a first surface situated opposite the electrode for providing a volume therebetween in which a sample of the liquid may be placed. A fixed bias voltage applied to the electrode to produce an electrical current flow through the liquid solution and the dielectric member. A device coupled to the dielectric member, measures the electrical current as a function of time to provide a measure of voltage decay across the liquid solution. The voltage decay corresponds to the charge density of the liquid solution.

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 method and apparatus for detecting and measuring suspended solid particles in a molten metal, even if the metal also contains liquid and/or gaseous inclusions. The method involves moving molten metal through an orifice of predetermined hydrodynamic diameter provided in an electrically non-conductive barrier. As the molten metal is moved through the orifice, a current path is established by passing a current through the orifice from electrodes positioned on opposite sides of the barrier. Changes in voltage of the current are measured as the metal is drawn through the orifice, and the number of particles suspended in said metal drawn through the orifice is detected from the voltage changes.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring the toner concentration and the amount of electric charge, capable of simultaneously measuring the toner concentration and the amount of electric charge easily and maintaining high precision using a simple device.

Abstract: An oil deterioration and contamination sensor includes a housing, a substrate with a first capacitive plate mounted within the housing, a second capacitive plate mounted to the housing close to the first capacitive plate, and a total reference capacitor which includes an external fixed reference capacitor. The second capacitive plate is mounted to the housing such that at least one fluid including oil freely circulates within a gap between the first and second capacitive plates thereby defining an oil deterioration and contamination sensor capacitor. The respective capacitances of the oil deterioration and contamination capacitor and the total reference capacitor provide an indication of a dielectric constant of the at least one fluid including oil within the gap.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for displaying the purifying efficiency of a water purifier. The apparatus is adapted to compare the quality of supplied water with that of purified water and then display the result. The apparatus comprises a supply water quality sensing element for sensing an amount of pollutant substances contained in the supplied fresh water and produced water quality sensing element for sensing an amount of pollutant substances contained in purified water that has passed though filters in the purifier. An amplifying unit is included for amplifying weak signals sensed by the sensors. A subtractor receives the signals obtained from the amplifying unit and derives a difference between the amplified signals. A divider is supplied for dividing the output signal from the subtractor by the sensed and amplified signal from the supply water quality sensing element, and an adjusting unit is provided for adjusting erroneous values to obtain the correct results of the subtractor and divider.

Abstract: A test station for measuring the effectiveness of cathodic protection including a cylindrical plastic reference tube extending downwardly through the soil to near the protected structure, such as a pipe. Two plastic coupon tubes extend within the chamber of the reference tube attaching to opposite sides of its interior sidewalls. First and second circular cylindrical rod-shaped coupons attach to, and sealingly engage, the bottom ends of the coupon tubes. Insulated conductors extend from attachment to each coupon upwardly through the coupon tubes. A first coupon is electrically connected to the pipe, and the second coupon is used to measure a free-corrosion (native) potential.

Abstract: A detector device for finding concealed studs in partitioning includes a pair of plates which are supplied with ac via resistors. Amplifiers produce outputs representing the sum and difference respectively of the signals imposed on the plates. The sum signal drives a display enabling circuit including a comparator which enables a display means to operate when the sum signal exceeds a threshold level. The difference signal drives two comparators which control three display device such that one display device is operated only when the detector device is over the center of a stud. The other display devices indicate which way the detector should be moved to place it over the center of the stud.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for air quality measuring having at least one sensor element which has resistors the resistance of which changes depending on the air composition. The circuit arrangement has an evaluation circuit for the sensor signals and includes a logarithmic circuit.

Abstract: A process for controlling the weldability of a sheet (1) of the composite metal sheet type having a layer (7) which is interposed between two metal facing sheets (3,5) and comprises a polymer (8) having a filler of conductive particles (9). This process comprises measuring by means of a signal of given frequency f applied to two electrodes (11,13) disposed in facing relation to each other, each electrode being in contact with a corresponding metal facing sheet (3,5), the voltage/current phaseshift .phi. due to the resistive and capacitive properties of the composite sheet (1). The response of the composite sheet (1) to this signal corresponds to that of an equivalent parallel RC circuit. Thereafter, the mass fraction of the conductive particles (9) is calculated from the value of .phi.. By comparing the determined mass fraction with prefixed thresholds, the weldability and the vibration-damping capacity of the composite sheet (1) are evaluated.

Abstract: A molten metal inclusion sensor probe which is immersed in the molten metal and detects inclusions therein by the electric sensing zone method comprises inner and outer steel tubes disposed one within the other to form an annular gas containing space, the tubes being spaced apart from one another by electrically insulating spacing rings between the two tubes at or adjacent to the opposite ends thereof. The space is vented to the exterior of the outer tube, or in the case of a one-shot probe to the interior of the inner tube. A sensing zone member, which may also act to space the tube lower ends, is mounted by the tubes at their lower ends and provides the sensing zone orifice. In some embodiments the seals between the sensing zone member and the tube lower ends are maintained despite differences in expansion coefficients of the materials.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting moisture on a non-conductive support, in particular a windshield of a motor vehicle, has one or more metallic, electrically conductive layers which are arranged in a given pattern on the outer surface of the support. The metallic, electrically conductive layer is produced from a metallic resinate which is applied to the support and then burned-in by the action of heat. Also deseribed is a method for constructing such a moisture sensor whit applies a glass layer in the form of a glass frit paste to be sintered upon the metallic electrically conductive layer, where the burning-in of the metallic resinate and the sintering of the glass frit paste are effected in single step.

Abstract: A rain sensor for the windshield of a vehicle has one or more electrically conductive layers which are arranged in a given pattern upon the outer surface of such windshield, and is constructed as a laminate of conductive and resistive layers formed by process steps of printing and sintering for construction of electrodes of the sensor. A conductive layer is formed of a mixture of electrically conductive particles and a glass frit which melts at a lower temperature than a melting temperature of the material of the window which serves as a support for the sensor. The conductive paste is applied with a heating action step, in the configuration of an electrode structure, by sintering to the window.