Abstract: A circuit for determining power changes in an RF circuit includes first and second temperature sensitive resistors connected in parallel with an RF input terminal so as to have a common junction therewith. The first resistor has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and the second resistor has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. A DC input terminal is connected to one of the temperature sensitive resistors and an output terminal is connected to the common junction of the two temperature sensitive resistors. Third and fourth temperature sensitive resistors have a common junction. The third resistor has a positive temperature coefficient of resistance and the fourth resistor has a negative temperature coefficient of resistance. The DC input terminal is also connected to one of the third and fourth temperature sensitive resistors, and an output terminal is connected to the common junction of the third and fourth temperature sensitive resistors.

Abstract: An elongated fluid detection cable is described for use in detecting the presence of fluid (e.g. water) in areas where fluid is not desired. The cable includes a non-conductive base and at least two conductive members (such as wires). The base is twisted about its longitudinal axis, and the two conductive members are protected from touching conductive surfaces. The cable is connected to a control system which will activate an alarm when fluid contacts the conductive members of the cable. In one system, the cable includes four conductive members.

Abstract: A system for testing the electrical conductivity of printed traces, on multiple surfaces, of a printed wiring board using non-contacting probes. The non-contact probes generate a plasma in a plasma generating chamber that is used to apply a voltage to the printed wiring board. A measurement circuit determines the magnitude of the voltage on the printed wiring board.

Abstract: A device for non-contact, non-invasive measurement of current or power in a wire, cable or conductor includes a small coil having multiple turns and no ferromagnetic core. The coil may be secured to a wand or housing adapted to be used to place the coil in close proximity to the wire, cable or conductor, whereby a voltage is induced in the coil. An amplifier may be utilized to increase sensitivity. A readout indicates the magnitude of the induced voltage, and a scaling device renders the readout display indicative of the current or power in the wire, cable, or conductor. To measure direct current flow, the coil may be vibrated or rotated adjacent to the conductor to cause the magnetic field to induce a voltage in the coil. The readout may comprise a digital display, a series of light emitting devices, or a flashing light emitting device having a flash rate proportional to the magnitude of the voltage. The device may be constructed in a wand or pen-like fashion, with the coil incorporated into the wand.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for evaluating the polarization characteristic of a ferroelectric capacitor. The apparatus includes a ferroelectric capacitor, a first pulse generator, a second pulse generator, a reference capacitor of a known capacitance value, and switch means. Those electronic circuit elements and components are all fabricated into a semiconductor substrate. In the apparatus, the first and second electrodes of the ferroelectric capacitor are connected to the output terminals of the first and second pulse generators. A second electrode of the ferroelectric capacitor is connected to an output terminal of the second pulse generator. The second electrode of the ferroelectric capacitor is connected to a first electrode of the reference capacitor through the switch means.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the moisture content and internal structure of a material which is either packaged as a module or presented in a continues bulk flow. A frequency modulated digital pulse of very high frequency microwaves is directed through the material under analysis by a microwave transmitter. A microwave receiver receives the microwave signal after it exits the material on the opposite side to that of the microwave transmitter. The attenuation and time delay of the exit signal are analyzed and corrected with empirically derived functions so as to calculate the moisture content and density, respectively, of the material. Irregularity of the internal structure of the material is determined by comparing the calculated densities of multiple slices of the material with each other.

Abstract: A battery charging system is provided which is comprised of a battery pack (30) and a charging system (20). The battery pack (30) includes a battery (10) and a battery capacity detect circuit (32). The battery capacity detect circuit (32) is interfaced with the charging system (20) through a single line to output a CHG-Bar signal. The battery capacity detect circuit (32) is operable to perform numerous monitoring operations on the battery by detecting the charge input to the battery and detecting charge taken away from the battery in a discharge operation. This operation is performed independent of the charging operation by the charging system (20). However, the charging operation of the charger (22) can be affected with the CHG-Bar signal.

Abstract: A high power radio frequency (RF) precision step attenuator includes a trim attenuator, a multi-step attenuator and a calibration/control circuit. The control circuit includes a memory for storing attenuator specific calibration data. The calibration data incorporates attenuator characteristics which are used by the control circuit to adjust the attenuator and compensate for manufacturing variances, temperature variations, and the like.

Abstract: Measuring an electrical potential in a semiconductor element by applying one or more voltages over the semiconductor element, placing at least one conductor in contact with the semi-conductor element using a scanning proximity microscope while injecting a substantially zero current in the semiconductor element with the conductor, measuring an electrical potential in the conductor while injecting a substantially zero current in the semiconductor element with the conductor, changing the position of the conductor, and repeating the measuring and changing steps.

Abstract: An electronic measuring device achieves an improvement in measurement accuracy while at the same time compensating for influences on the measurements, by providing for a correction factor to be stored in a correction element when the measuring device is first set up. During operation, provision is made for a test voltage to be received and compared with a reference value stored during setting. If there is a difference between the two values, a new correction factor is produced which compensates for any measurement signal effect. The measuring device is particularly suitable for electricity meters.

Abstract: A method for testing for leakage currents in an oxygen probe, in particular a planar lambda probe, having at least one heating element, one external electrode and one internal electrode, and a solid electrolyte arranged between the electrodes, a first voltage being applied to the heating element. A second voltage is applied to at least one of the electrodes, the second voltage being selected so that the potential difference between the electrode and at least one area of the heating element is positive.

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: Controller circuitry and method for controlling the operation of an ionization gauge having a source of electrons, an anode, an ion collector electrode. Circuitry is provided (a) for providing an electron emission current from the electron source (b) for measuring the heating power W.sub.X of the electron source to obtain a measured value of the heating power at an unknown pressure P.sub.X and (c) measuring the ion current to the collector electrode to obtain a measured value of the positive ion current i.sub.+X at the unknown pressure. A memory is also provided for storing at least one equation for pressure, the pressure equation being obtained from a reference gauge by measuring the current i.sub.+cal to the positive ion collector electrode, the electron emission current i.sub.-cal from the electron source and the heating power W.sub.cal of the electron source of the reference gauge at selected calibration pressures P.sub.cal and selected heating powers W.sub.

Abstract: A method of initiating and monitoring partial discharges in an insulating medium is disclosed. Apparatus for performing the method is also disclosed. A relatively low frequency time varying exciting waveform is applied to a sample of an insulating medium. A trigger pulse of short duration is superimposed on the exciting waveform to initiate partial discharge activity in the sample. The apparatus includes a trigger pulse generator with a synchronizing circuit which provides a pre trigger signal for an oscilloscope, allowing the resultant partial discharge activity to be monitored.

Abstract: A linear position sensor has first and second output signal generators each of which outputs an output signal in accordance with the position of a detection object. As the detection object moves from an initial position, the output signal of the first output signal generator linearly increases from an output value corresponding to the initial position of the detection object. The output signal of the second output signal generator linearly increases from an output value that is greater than the output value corresponding to the initial position of the detection object. After reaching a maximum value, the output signal of the second output signal generator remains at the maximum value when the detection object further moves to a maximum displacement position.

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 take to pass the conductivity measuring location. The integral is interpreted to determine the flow rate.

Abstract: A test fixture for a printed circuit board having a pattern of test probes and a fixed probe plate and a top plate adapted for movement toward and away from the probe plate. The probe plate and the top plate have selected patterns of holes for passage of the test probes through the probe plate and the top plate for contacting test points on the printed circuit board which is supported at one end of the test fixture. A probe retention plate is positioned below the top plate in an area of the test probes to prevent the test probes from walking out of the probe plate. The fixture further includes a spacer plate including interface probes to convert the fixture between a wired and a wireless text fixture.

Abstract: A tester for testing the spark plugs, distributor system, and wires used on combustion engines. The tester includes a housing that has an opening therethrough adapted and dimensioned for receiving a spark plug therethrough. The housing has at least one open face. A grounding rod is inserted through the aperture of the housing. The grounding rod is adapted for abutting a spark plug. A grounding wire is electrically connected to the grounding rod, which is adapted for coupling to a ground.

Abstract: A probe card attaching mechanism fits a probe card to a prober that checks electric characteristics of an object to be tested (e.g., an integrated circuit formed on a semiconductor wafer). The probe card has measurement contactors which are to be brought into contact with the electrodes of the object. The probe card attaching mechanism is provided with a fixing ring, a ring-like card holder, and a lock ring. The fixing ring is secured at an opening section that is on top of the casing of the prober. The fixing ring has a reference surface on the lower side thereof. The card holder is adapted to hold the probe card. The card holder has a reference surface on the upper side and a number of driven portions of cam mechanisms on the outer circumference. The lock ring is provided on the lower side of the fixing ring and is rotatable in both a normal direction and a reverse direction.

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.