Abstract: A sensor cable (10) for detecting and/or locating a deformation of the cable includes a conductive core (20), a dielectric layer (40), a controlled resistive layer (50), a piezoresistive layer (60), and an outer shield (70). Deformation of the cable (10) creates a change in resistance between the shield (70) and the controlled resistive layer (50), and also creates a piezoelectric-induced voltage between the conductive core (20) and the controlled resistive layer (50). The incidence and/or location of a deformation of the cable is deducible from electrical parameters, indicative of the change in resistance and the induced voltage, measured at one or both ends of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A sensor cable (10) for detecting and/or locating a deformation of the cable includes a conductive core (20), a dielectric layer (40), a controlled resistive layer (50), a piezoresistive layer (60), and an outer shield (70). Deformation of the cable (10) creates a change in resistance between the shield (70) and the controlled resistive layer (50), and also creates a piezoelectric-induced voltage between the conductive core (20) and the controlled resistive layer (50). The incidence and/or location of a deformation of the cable is deducible from electrical parameters, indicative of the change in resistance and the induced voltage, measured at one or both ends of the sensor cable.

Abstract: A sensor system comprising two or more electrically-independent piezoelectric cables, secure at intervals to a common rigid or semi-rigid structure or to themselves and spaced apart from one another, with one cable at any given instant coupled to an electrical drive signal and acting as a transmitter, the other cable or cables acting as a receiver and connected to electronic detection circuitry, such that a mechanical vibration signal is launched by the transmitter and detected by the receiver to enable the detection function of the other cable or cables as receivers to be checked.

Abstract: An interchangeable vessel having a substance therein where the vessel is constructed to be inserted into a larger apparatus so that the apparatus may use the substance therein, the interchangeable vessel comprising a tank formed of acoustically conductive material and a piezo electric film element affixed to the outer surface of the vessel where the piezo electric film element includes electrical contacts interconnected to an active signal electrode and a ground electrode that are formed as part of the piezo electric film level sensor where the contact pads are constructed to be electrically coupled with electronics contained within the apparatus for driving the piezo electric element.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) comprising one substantially transparent electrode (12), a second shielded electrode (10) where the document (26) is to be placed between the first and second electrodes (12, 10), an optical device (18) capable of generating a rapid optical pulse that would be incident upon the document and an electrical impulse detection device connected to the second electrode (10) for detecting charge given off by the piezoelectric material in response to the optical pulse.

Abstract: A piezo electric film has a signal electrode on one side of the film and a primary ground electrode on the other side of the film. The signal and ground electrodes are for connection to external conductors that process the electrical signals of the piezo film. In order to facilitate connection of the ground electrode to an external ground conductor, a secondary ground electrode is provided on the same side of the film as the signal electrode. The secondary ground electrode is capacitively coupled to the primary ground electrode. This arrangement enables connection of signal and ground conductors to the electrodes from one side only, which, for example, enables the piezo film to be mounted on a printed circuit board directly in contact with conductive circuit traces. An industrial application may be for piezo electric transducers, such as used in liquid level sensors.

Abstract: The level of a liquid is detected by an ultrasonic arrangement comprising a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter has a vertical array of transmitter segments which transmit sequentially, while the receiver is a single transducer. The transmitter and receiver are formed as a single assembly operating in pulse echo mode in conjunction with a passive reflector. The difference in transmission time in liquid and gas allows a digital, depth representative output to be generated. The transmitter is formed by securing a single sheet of piezo polymer film over a printed circuit board having a conductive pattern defining the segments.