Abstract: The present application provides a gate detection circuit of an insulated gate bipolar transistor. The pulse shaping circuit is configured for shaping an input signal of a signal input device, and outputting a first square wave signal of a high level and a second square wave signal of a low level; and outputting a first square wave signal of the low level and a second square wave signal of the high level; the comparison circuit is configured for: comparing a first preset voltage with a voltage of a gate of the insulated gate bipolar transistor, and outputting a low level; and comparing a second preset voltage with a voltage of a gate of the insulated gate bipolar transistor, and outputting a low level; and the fault output circuit is configured for outputting a gate fault signal.

Abstract: The invention comprises a free and renewable energy source and method for generating a superimposed magnetic field, for establishing a resonant magnetic field interface with the electromagnetic field generated by an external dipole energy source, whereby, the energy extracted from the superimposed magnetic field is converted to usable energy and distributed to the desired load. Whereby, said generated superimposed magnetic field is precisely tuned to a desired resonance frequency by variable resistance and capacitance comprised of controlled inorganic chemical reactions and magnetics. The invention creates an autonomous, secure, efficient, and effective power system designed to generate megawatts of power through extracting energy from carrier waves synchronized to the proton precision frequencies and distribute the generated power through existing power distribution stations or autonomous microgrids.

Abstract: An active fluid static elimination system installed in a fluid transportation pipeline includes a solenoid valve, an electrostatic measuring device, a fluid destaticizer, and a controller. The solenoid valve is connected to a connecting port of the fluid transportation pipeline, and the electrostatic measuring device is used to measure an electrostatic value of a fluid in the fluid transportation pipeline. The fluid destaticizer is connected to the solenoid valve, and the controller is connected to the electrostatic measuring device and the solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is opened to allow the fluid passing through the fluid destaticizer to eliminate the electrostatic charge of the fluid when the controller determines that the electrostatic value measured by the electrostatic measuring device is greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A method of wet spinning poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene):poly (styrenesulfonate) or PEDOT:PSS fibers produces PEDOT:PSS fibers having a unique combination of electrical conductivity, thermal conductivity and Young's modulus properties.

Abstract: Provided is a piezoelectric property measuring apparatus for a liquid or viscous material. The piezoelectric property measuring apparatus includes a fixing jig having an inner space and an opened space; an operating jig configured to close the opened region of the inner space; a first electrode and a second electrode; a driving module moving the operating jig according to a driving signal; a motion information measuring module measuring motion information of the operating jig; a charge amount measuring module measuring the charge amount through the first electrode and the second electrode; and a control module generating the driving signal for the driving module, supplying the driving signal to the driving module, receiving the motion information, receiving charge amount information of the closed space, and measuring a piezoelectric property of the sample by using the motion information and the charge amount information.

Abstract: The disclosure reveals a system for detecting moisture or water in a particular location. The system may incorporate a moisture detector having a control module connected to an appliance, a moisture detection circuit connected to the control module, and a voltage source connected to the moisture detection circuit and to the control module. The voltage source and the moisture detection circuit may provide voltage levels to the control module when the moisture detection circuit detects dry or wet conditions, or conditions between those conditions. A voltage level to the control module may indicate whether the appliance, such as a water heater, a washing machine, or a dish washer, has a leak. If the leak is deemed by a voltage level from the circuit to be worthy of concern, then a display, an alarm, message, or other notice mechanism may indicate an issue or what action needs to be taken.

Abstract: A method and measurement device for measuring the ability of a flowing powder to electrostatically charge comprising a conduit comprised of a straight upper part fluidly connected to a straight lower part, the upper part being positioned at a first angle to the horizontal and the lower part being positioned at a second angle to the horizontal and wherein upper and lower part are positioned at a third angle relative to each other defining a bend at the intersection of the upper and lower part, wherein the upper part is provided with a supply opening for the powder and the lower part is provided with a discharge opening to discharge the powder and a faraday cup is connected to an electrometer positioned relative to the discharge opening to receive powder the from the conduit.

Abstract: A floating gate based sensor apparatus includes at least two separate electrical bias components with respect to a floating gate based sensor surface within the floating gate based sensor apparatus. By including the at least two electrical bias components, the floating gate based sensor apparatus provides enhanced capabilities for biomaterial and non-biomaterial detection and manipulation while using the floating gate based sensor apparatus.

Abstract: A micro-electro-mechanical system includes a proof mass, an anchor, an amplifier, a sense element, a reference element, and a feedback element. The proof mass is configured to move in response to a stimulus. The anchor is coupled to the proof mass via a spring. The amplifier is configured to receive a proof mass signal from the proof mass via the spring and the anchor. The amplifier may be configured to amplify the received proof mass signal to generate an output signal. The sense element may be connected between the proof mass and a first input signal. The reference element may be connected between the anchor and a second input signal. The feedback element may be connected between the proof mass and the output signal. The feedback element and the sense element may change in response to proof mass displacement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a self-powered tactile pressure sensor includes a flexible substrate, an array of piezoelectric crystalline nanorods each having a bottom end and a top end, the nanorods being generally perpendicular to the substrate, a top electrode that is electrically coupled to the top ends of the nanorods, and a bottom electrode that is electrically coupled to the bottom ends of the nanorods.

Abstract: In this continuity inspection device, a reference electrode plate held at ground potential is disposed along an intermediate portion of electric wires to be inspected for continuity, and a discharge path (positive charge leaking path) for static electricity charged on the electric wires after the continuity inspection is secured by the reference electrode plate. Thus, accumulation of static electricity after the continuity inspection on electric wires is avoided. Moreover, the electric potential of the static electricity charged on the electric wires by application of voltage to power supplying probes is measured by measuring equipment as the absolute potential with respect to the ground potential of the reference electrode plate through the surface potential of the terminals of the electric wires. Thus, the electric potential of the static electricity of the electric wires is accurately measured without being affected by cross talk due to stray capacitance between the electric wires.

Abstract: A microelectromechanical device comprising a mechanical structure extending along a longitudinal direction, linked to a planar substrate by an anchorage situated at one of its ends and able to flex in a plane parallel to the substrate, the mechanical structure comprises a joining portion, which links it to each anchorage and includes a resistive region exhibiting a first and second zone for injecting an electric current to form a resistive transducer, the resistive region extending in the longitudinal direction from an anchorage and arranged so a flexion of the mechanical structure in the plane parallel to the substrate induces a non-zero average strain in the resistive region and vice versa; wherein: the first injection zone is carried by the anchorage; and the second injection zone is carried by a conducting element not fixed to the substrate and extending in a direction, termed lateral, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a strain and pressure sensing device includes a semiconductor circuit unit and a sensing unit. The semiconductor circuit unit includes a semiconductor substrate and a transistor. The transistor is provided on a semiconductor substrate. The sensing unit is provided on the semiconductor circuit unit, and has space and non-space portions. The non-space portion is juxtaposed with the space portion. The sensing unit further includes a movable beam, a strain sensing element unit, and first and second buried interconnects. The movable beam has fixed and movable portions, and includes first and second interconnect layers. The fixed portion is fixed to the non-space portion. The movable portion is separated from the transistor and extends from the fixed portion into the space portion. The strain sensing element unit is fixed to the movable portion. The first and second buried interconnects are provided in the non-space portion.

Abstract: A method for the contactless determination of an electrical potential of an object, involves providing an electrode which is spatially at a distance from the object, connecting the electrode to a reference potential, determining a first temporal change in an electrical state of charge of the electrode at a first value for the electric flux between the electrode and the object, determining a second temporal change in the electrical state of charge of the electrode at a second value for the electric flux between the electrode and the object, and determining the electrical potential of the object at least from the first temporal change in the electrical state of charge and the second temporal change in the electrical state of charge and from a difference between the first value and the second value for the electric flux.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of manufacturing an inertial sensor using a polling method of a piezoelectric element performing a polling after packaging the piezoelectric element, the method of manufacturing an inertial sensor including: forming a driving electrode and a sensing electrode on a flexible substrate on which a piezoelectric material is deposited; electrically connection the driving electrode and the sensing electrode; packaging the flexible substrate; polling by applying voltage and heat to the driving electrode and the sensing electrode; and electrically separating the driving electrode from the sensing electrode by applying heat to the driving electrode and the sensing electrode.

Abstract: A triaxial piezoelectric sensor includes a PVDF layer, a first line layer, and a second line layer. The PVDF layer has multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. Each first electrodes corresponds to each second electrodes for forming directions of polarization along the X-Y-Z axes. The first line layer has multiple first electrical connection portions and multiple first signal lines. Each first electrical connection portions corresponds to each first electrodes. The second line layer has multiple second electrical connection portions and multiple second signal lines. Each second electrical connection portions corresponds to each second electrodes. The PVDF layer is sandwiched between the first line layer and the second line layer. When an external force is applied to the PVDF layer, the first signal lines and the second signal lines transmit electrical signals according to the deformation of the PVDF layer.

Abstract: A method includes receiving a signal associated with one or more sensors. The method also includes examining one or more parameters of a signal conditioning circuit to determine whether clipping of the signal has occurred. The method further includes, upon a determination that clipping of the signal has occurred, decreasing a gain of the signal conditioning circuit. In addition, the method includes, upon a determination that clipping of the signal has not occurred, determining whether a cut-off frequency of the signal conditioning circuit is within a range of a frequency response of an object measured by the one or more sensors. The method can further include changing the cut-off frequency of the signal conditioning circuit and increasing a resistance or a capacitance of the signal conditioning circuit.

Abstract: Various sensor systems are described herein, including inserts having sensors thereon, which are configured to be received in an article of footwear. The inserts may be connected to a sole member of the footwear, or may function as a sole member. The sensors may be piezoelectric sensors in some configurations. The system may also include an electronic module that is overmolded into the sole structure and includes a connector for external access.

Abstract: A piezo sensor having an inner conductor having an inner conductor segment, where the inner conductor segment forms a tubular sidewall having a break, and also having an interior surface and an exterior surface; a plurality of individually polarized piezoelectric members, each having an inner face and an outer face, and each inner face contacting the first conductor exterior surface, each piezoelectric member being adjacent to another on the exterior face of the inner conductor, forming sets of adjacent faces; an outer conductor having an outer conductor segment forming a tubular sidewall having a break, the outer conductor having an interior surface and an exterior surface, where the interior surface contacts the outer face of the piezoelectric members; and where the break of the outer conductor segment is alignable with adjacent faces of two of the plurality of piezoelectric members, and further being alignable with the break of the inner conductor segment.

Abstract: An interconnection verification means for sensors and a software implementation of interconnection verification between cabling and sensors in large, multi-channel test configurations are disclosed. In a preferred embodiment the sensor assembly comprises a sensor and an indicator electrically connected inline with the sensor. In a preferred embodiment the indicator is an LED. In an even more preferred embodiment, the sensor is an IEPE.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer (100). The electromechanical transducer (100) comprises a cantilever beam (101) and an excitation unit (102) that is adapted for exciting a motion of the cantilever beam (101). A detection unit (103) is adapted for detecting an electrical signal (iout) in response to the excited motion of the cantilever beam (101).

Abstract: A piezoelectric element feeder for feeding a piezoelectric element, includes a drawing unit that draws a first electrode surface of the piezoelectric element with use of negative pressure and transfers the piezoelectric element onto the actuator attaching part and a probe movably supported with the drawing unit and used to measure electric characteristics of the piezoelectric element. A front end of the probe is brought into contact with the first electrode surface when or just before the drawing unit draws the first electrode surface, to enable a measurement of the electric characteristics of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: A current sensor, comprises an input conductor (IN) which is supplied with the current to be sensed and an output conductor (OUT) from which the current to be sensed is output. A conductor path is provided between the input conductor and the output conductor, wherein the path is provided on a first, movable element (1) and a second, fixed element (2). The path defines a pair of adjacent path portions (3,5; 3;4), one of the path portions (4;5) on the fixed element and the other (3) on one side of the movable element. An arrangement detects movement of the movable element to determine the current flowing. This arrangement uses a conductor path which can be part of the circuit being tested, and thereby does not require any additional components, other than the movement detector.

Abstract: A triaxial piezoelectric sensor includes a PVDF layer, a first line layer, and a second line layer. The PVDF layer has multiple first electrodes and multiple second electrodes. Each first electrodes corresponds to each second electrodes for forming directions of polarization along the X-Y-Z axes. The first line layer has multiple first electrical connection portions and multiple first signal lines. Each first electrical connection portions corresponds to each first electrodes. The second line layer has multiple second electrical connection portions and multiple second signal lines. Each second electrical connection portions corresponds to each second electrodes. The PVDF layer is sandwiched between the first line layer and the second line layer. When an external force is applied to the PVDF layer, the first signal lines and the second signal lines transmit electrical signals according to the deformation of the PVDF layer.

Abstract: In an ultrasound probe (2) and a method for manufacturing the ultrasound probe (2) of the invention, an organic piezoelectric element (21) has a sheet-like form, and is directly or indirectly laminated on a part or the entirety of a plurality of inorganic piezoelectric elements (22). Accordingly, the ultrasound probe (2) can be manufactured with a less number of steps. An ultrasound diagnostic apparatus of the invention includes the ultrasound probe (2). Accordingly, the cost of the ultrasound diagnostic apparatus can be reduced.

Abstract: A high pressure media storage vessel including a wall made of at least one layer with barrier and piezoelectric properties.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor device including a first sensor element and a second sensor element; a dielectric substrate material formed in two layers, and a sensing hole which penetrates the dielectric substrate material from its upper surface to its lower surface. The first sensor element is receivable in the sensing hole; and second sensor element includes a first conducting ring disposed on an upper surface of said dielectric substrate and surrounding said sensing hole. The second conducting ring is disposed on a lower surface of the dielectric substrate and surrounds the sensing hole. The first sensor element and the second sensor are capable of producing a variable response when the first sensor element is disposed in the sensing hole.

Abstract: A control valve monitoring system is disclosed. The control valve monitoring system includes at least one sensor connected to one of a valve stem or valve shaft, and the at least one sensor detects a change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft. A device for providing data regarding the change in mechanical integrity of one of the valve stem or valve shaft is provided, allowing maintenance of the valve shaft or valve stem to be conducted in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A system, device, method, and apparatus provide the ability to wire a voltage sensitive device to a nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) resonator. A voltage sensitive device is configured to detect one or more voltage signals and output one or more electrical potentials in real-time. An array of piezoelectric NEMS resonators (with each resonator tuned to a unique frequency) is used to receive the output electrical potentials and convert each output electrical potential to a corresponding resonance frequency varying signal. The output signal from each resonator varies in linear proportion to the resonator's corresponding frequency variation arising from the applied electrical potential. The frequency varying signals are multiplexed together into a single readout signal path that is monitored to determine variations in vibrational amplitude. A demodulation device deconvolves the multiplexed frequency varying signals to recover and uniquely identify the output electrical signal.

Abstract: A piezoelectric sensor device includes a piezoelectric element, a polarization processing unit and a controller. The piezoelectric element has a pair of electrodes sandwiching a piezoelectric body. The polarization processing unit is configured to execute polarization processing in which polarization voltage is applied to the polarization element.

Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods and apparatus for assessing a surface using a piezoelectric element. In one aspect, the method includes applying a device to the surface, wherein the device includes at least one piezoelectric element and at least one EMS device, wherein the EMS device includes a conductive first layer separated from a conductive second layer, and wherein the piezoelectric element is electrically coupled to the EMS device such that a force applied to the piezoelectric element results in a voltage applied across the first and second layers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus to detect voltage conditions of power supplies are disclosed. An example power supply monitor to detect fault conditions in a power supply includes a capacitive element communicatively coupled to the power supply, the capacitive element being configured to change state between a collapsed state and an open state in response to the power supply having a first voltage associated with a first fault condition of the power supply; a detector communicatively coupled to the capacitive element to detect a voltage spike generated from the state change of the capacitive element; and a signal generator to generate a fault signal in response to the voltage spike to indicate the power supply being in the first fault condition.

Abstract: In a method for determining a needle closing of a valve needle that is driven by a piezoactuator, a signal of a voltage present at the piezoactuator is measured and the needle closing is detected from a curve of the signal.

Abstract: To provide a sensing device that holds a piezoelectric sensor and a channel forming member placed on the sensor in a closely contacted state while maintaining a shape of space of a passage space formed inside the device. In a sensing device 1100 that senses a substance to be sensed based on a variation in an oscillation frequency caused by an absorption of the substance to be sensed in an absorption layer provided on a piezoelectric resonator 1720 of a piezoelectric sensor 1700, a holding member 1600 holds the piezoelectric sensor 1700 and a channel forming member 1730 that forms a passage space through which a sample fluid passes on an upper surface side of the sensor, in a vertically stacked state. A cover member 1510 is placed on the channel forming member 1730, and a pressing part 1350 which is raised/lowered by a first raising/lowering mechanism 1300 presses the cover member 1510 placed on the channel forming member 1730 downward with a previously set force.

Abstract: Managing electrical charging of vehicles with charging devices related to users demand and available power. One system comprises charging points comprising sockets and a communication module, and a mediator server comprising a database, an application and a graphical user interface. The mediator server is connected to the charging points, to the users and to public utilities and electricity providers. Each charging point is arranged to admit vehicles, couple their charging device to the socket and send vehicle data to the mediator server. The mediator server is arranged to process the vehicle data, user data, and data from the public utilities and the electricity providers, and calculate a vehicle priority and a charging allotment in relation to the number of vehicles at the charging point and to the processed data. Vehicles are charged according to the vehicle priority and the charging allotment.

Abstract: A sensing device including a sensor, a triggering mechanism and a covering is provided. The covering is positioned in contact with a body such that the triggering mechanism extends from a moving segment to a reference segment and across a joint center located therebetween. Movement of the moving segment activates the triggering mechanism to provide a force input to the sensor, actuating the sensor to generate an output defining at least one measurement of the movement. The measurement may be one or more of rotation, translation, velocity, acceleration, and joint angle. An intermediate mechanism may be interposed between the triggering mechanism and the sensor. The sensing device may include a means to process or record measurements corresponding to movement of the moving segment and joint center. A system and method of measuring the movement of a moving segment is also provided.

Abstract: A device for detecting at least one substance of a fluid, has a piezoacoustic thin film resonator with a piezoelectric layer on which electrode layers are arranged, and an adsorption surface for adsorbing the fluid substance, wherein the piezoelectric and electrode layers and the adsorption surface are designed and arranged on each other such that by electrically activating the electrode layers, an excitation alternating field can be coupled into the piezoelectric layer. The thin film resonator can be excited to a resonance oscillation frequency fR which depends on an amount of the substance adsorbed on the adsorption surface because of an excitation alternating field coupled into the piezoelectric layer. An electrical insulating layer is arranged directly on a side of one of the electrode layers facing away from the piezoelectric layer. Particularly advantageous is the combination of an aluminum electrode layer and a silicon dioxide insulating layer.

Abstract: An integrated sensor includes: i) a voltage regulator coupled with a mechanical ground and delivering a regulated voltage based on a primary power supply voltage referencing an electrical ground; ii) a high-impedance sensitive element powered by the primary power supply, electrically coupled to the mechanical ground and delivering an electrical quantity representative of a physical quantity; iii) an amplification module powered by the regulated voltage and including a first input receiving an analog reference dependent on the regulated voltage and a second input receiving the electrical quantity, and designed to deliver a first output voltage representing the amplified measurement voltage; and iv) a differential amplifier powered by the primary power supply voltage, referencing the electrical ground and including first and a second inputs receiving the analog reference and the first output voltage, respectively, and delivering a second output voltage representing the first amplified output voltage referenced

Abstract: The invention relates to an electromechanical transducer (100). The electromechanical transducer (100) comprises a cantilever beam (101) and an excitation unit (102) that is adapted for exciting a motion of the cantilever beam (101). A detection unit (103) is adapted for detecting an electrical signal (iout) in response to the excited motion of the cantilever beam (101).

Abstract: A sensing insert device (100) is disclosed for measuring a parameter of the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing insert device (100) can be temporary or permanent. The sensing module (200) is a self-contained encapsulated measurement device having at least one contacting surface that couples to the muscular-skeletal system. The sensing module (200) comprises one or more sensing assemblages, electronic circuitry (307), an antenna (2302), and communication circuitry (320). The sensing assemblages are between a top plate (1502) and a bottom plate (1504) in a sensing platform (121). The sensing assemblages measure the parameter and comprise a load disc (2004) and a piezo-resistive sensor (2002). Three sensing assemblages are coupled at predetermined positions to the top plate (1502). The sensing module (200) can measure a location where the parameter is applied to the top plate (1502).

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting energy from the environment and/or other external sources and converting it to useful electrical energy. The harvester does not contain a permanent magnet or other local field source but instead relies on the earth's magnetic field of another source of a magnetic field that is external to the sensing device. One advantage of these new harvesters is that they can be made smaller and lighter than energy harvesters that contain a magnet and/or an inertial mass.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a static field includes two surfaces of conductive material that are: (i) electrically coupled to each other, and (ii) adjacent to each other. The two surfaces repel each other in the presence of a static field. A rupturable indicator bridging and coupled between the two surfaces ruptures upon repulsion of the two surfaces from each other by at least a predetermined distance.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for harvesting energy from the environment and/or other external sources and converting it to useful electrical energy. The harvester does not contain a permanent magnet or other local field source but instead relies on the earth's magnetic field of another source of a magnetic field that is external to the sensing device. One advantage of these new harvesters is that they can be made smaller and lighter than energy harvesters that contain a magnet and/or an inertial mass.

Abstract: A method is provided for indicating the useful service life of a gas filtration and purification system comprising steps of embedding two or more mass-responsive electronic sensors (e.g., surface acoustic wave devices) in a sorbent bed of a filtration cartridge, wherein the mass-responsive electronic sensors are coated with a non-conductive absorptive organic polymer; passing a gas containing a volatile chemical of interest through the filtration cartridge and in contact with the two mass-responsive electronic sensors; and measuring a difference in an electronic property between the two mass-responsive electronic sensors. In such a manner, the two mass-responsive electronic sensors act as internal references with respect to each other, thereby eliminating variations in temperature, interferents, pressure, and the like.

Abstract: A sensor including at least one sensor probe including a pair of electrodes; a vertically aligned nanotube disposed between the pair of electrodes; optionally a piezoelectric polymer on the nanotube; and optionally, a field source for generating a field, the field source operatively connected to the pair of electrodes; whereby when the sensor probe is contacted, a change in the field occurs or electricity is generated. Methods of using the sensors are also described.

Abstract: Cloth in which fibers include conductive polymer fibers in order to provide a sensor and an actuator, which use cloth including excellent sensing function and actuation function.

Abstract: A piezoelectric device is provided at a base member. Regulating apparatus is provided that regulate, of deformations transmitted via the base member to the piezoelectric device, the transmission of a deformation in second directions, which intersect first directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a static field includes two surfaces of conductive material that are: (i) electrically coupled to each other, and (ii) adjacent to each other. The two surfaces repel each other in the presence of a static field. A rupturable indicator bridging and coupled between the two surfaces ruptures upon repulsion of the two surfaces from each other by at least a predetermined distance.

Abstract: A current sensing module for disposal proximate a conductor is disclosed. The current sensing module includes a housing having a first section and a second section that together define an opening for receiving the conductor therethrough. The second section is in operable connection with the first section. The current sensing module further includes a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) based current sensor disposed within the first section proximate the opening for receiving the conductor.

Abstract: A method for monitoring fractional weight supported by one foot of a person, comprising the steps of adhering a movement monitor device underneath the foot such that the device is compressed when weight is applied to the foot; generating wireless signals representative of a target fractional weight of a total weight of the person; remotely receiving the wireless signals as information of the fractional weight. A method of monitoring weight of a person, comprising the steps of arranging one or more weight sensitive detectors underneath a foot of the person; processing signals from the detectors to determine weight; and wirelessly communicating the weight to a remote receiver.