Abstract: A spark tester electrode includes a first bracket that supports a first plurality of filaments and a second bracket that supports a second plurality of filaments. The first and second brackets are mutually disposed at angles toward each other, such that the first plurality of filaments that are supported from the first bracket intermingle with the second plurality of filaments that are supported from the second bracket.

Abstract: Detection of a coating defect on a catheter shaft, by imposing AC voltage between an electrode and a grounding tube, passing the catheter shaft through the grounding tube and through the hole of the electrode, monitoring the voltage between the electrode and the grounding tube, and detecting the coating defect, in case the amplitude of the monitored voltage drops below a threshold value. The electrode defines a hole, which opens from an infeed side of the electrode to an outfeed side of the electrode. A voltage supply provides the AC between the electrode and system ground. A fault detection circuit monitors the electrode. The grounding tube has an outer surface connected to system ground, and is coaxial with the electrode hole, an inward tube end proximate the hole and an outward tube end distal the hole.

Abstract: A system and method for high voltage testing of twisted insulated conductors includes a high voltage power supply to be disposed within a rotating mechanism of a twinner. An electrode is coupled to the power supply and is to be disposed adjacent to a take-up reel within the rotating mechanism of the twinner. The electrode is for generating sparks between the electrode and the twisted insulated conductors when a fault in the insulation of the twisted conductors, when being wound on the take-up reel, passes by the electrode. A transmitter is to be disposed within the rotating mechanism for transmitting a signal carrying information representative of fault detection characteristics of the twisted insulated conductors. The information is derived from the sparks generated between the electrode and the twisted insulated conductors. A receiver is to be disposed outside of the rotating mechanism for receiving the signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: Apparatus for testing the insulation on an insulated conductor wherein a high AC test voltage is applied to an electrode through which the insulated conductor is passing is presented and includes a testing station for applying the high AC test voltage potential to an electrode at a desired magnitude and frequency. Current induced in the electrode due to corona effects or arc current pulses due to a defect in the insulation are sensed by a current sensing transformed circuit to develop a insulation condition voltage signal. The insulation condition voltage signal together with a low voltage test signal proportional to the magnitude of the high AC test voltage potential are coupled to a remotely located controlled unit. A negative peak detector receives the low voltage potential to produce a bias voltage at the input to the fault detection circuit.