Abstract: A semiconductor integrated circuit includes a clock-signal control circuit controlling intensity-signal output, which is output from a signal processing circuit, to be stopped in at least a forward outage time and a backward outage time. The forward outage time is previous to an apex point of a triangular wave and having 1 to 5% of a triangular wave period. The backward outage time is subsequent to the apex point of the triangular wave and having 1 to 5% of a triangular wave period.

Abstract: The invention herein disclosed provides a 2D coil and a method of using the 2D wound EC sensor for reproducing the Eddy Current Testing (ECT) response of a prior art 3D orthogonal sensor. The 3D orthogonal sensor is conventionally wound onto a 3D core, with at least some of the surfaces being un-parallel to the surface be inspected. Using the herein disclosed 2D configuration allows the use of printed circuit board technologies for the manufacturing of these EC sensors. The herein disclosed method and the associated 2D EC sensors are particularly useful for reproducing the EC effect of conventional orthogonal probe arrays.

Abstract: A proximity detector includes an offset circuit for bringing at least one of a magnetic field signal and a tracking signal towards the other one of the magnetic field signal and the tracking signal when the detector output signal changes state. A magnetic field-to-voltage transducer provides the magnetic field signal indicative of an ambient magnetic field and a peak detector responsive to the magnetic field signal provides the tracking signal which substantially follows the magnetic field signal. A comparator generates the detector output signal which changes state when the magnetic field signal varies from the tracking signal by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: An electromagnetic system for detecting cracked rail and enhancing traction when necessary, includes wiring coils around wheel axles, and a corresponding power source for supplying power to the coils for producing electromagnetic flux. The produced electromagnetic flux is routed through the wheel axles, wheels and rails in a closed circuit. When a cracked rail is encountered along the route, the circuit will be interrupted or open, resulting in a changed flux pattern. This pattern change is detected by a flux sensor, and the geographic location of the crack in the rail is determined. The electromagnetic system further includes an electromagnetic wheel loading means for generating an attraction to the rails. The generated attraction to the rails increases friction between the wheels and the rails, thereby increasing traction to enable hauling greater loads up steep grades.