Abstract: An apparatus comprises an electrically active layer having a first plurality of substantially parallel electrodes and a second plurality of substantially parallel electrodes, wherein the first plurality of electrodes are not parallel to the second plurality of electrodes, such that there exists a matrix of intersection points between the electrodes. A signal generator is configured to generate excitation signals and is connected to the first plurality of electrodes, and a signal detector is configured to detect output signals from the second plurality of electrodes, wherein an output signal from one of the second plurality of electrodes is indicative of the degree of capacitive coupling to one of the first plurality of electrodes on application of an excitation signal thereto. A flexible top layer is sealed to the electrically active layer to define at least one hermetic void between portions of the top layer and portions of the electrically active layer.

Abstract: A speech synthesis apparatus includes a content selection unit that selects a text content item to be converted into speech; a related information selection unit that selects related information which can be at least converted into text and which is related to the text content item selected by the content selection unit; a data addition unit that converts the related information selected by the related information selection unit into text and adds text data of the text to text data of the text content item selected by the content selection unit; a text-to-speech conversion unit that converts the text data supplied from the data addition unit into a speech signal; and a speech output unit that outputs the speech signal supplied from the text-to-speech conversion unit.

Abstract: A display device includes a display panel configured to display an image on a front surface thereof, and a flexible circuit board connected to the display panel and configured to drive the display panel. The display device further includes a pressure sensor including a first electrode and a second electrode. The pressure sensor is configured to sense a change of capacitance of a capacitor, which is formed between the first electrode and the second electrode, in accordance with a pressure applied thereto. The flexible circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface facing the first surface. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on the first surface or the second surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mechanism for limiting Intersymbol Interference (ISI) when measuring uncorrelated jitter in a test and measurement system. A waveform is obtained that describes a signal. Such waveform may be obtained from memory. A processor then extracts a signal pulse from the waveform. The processor selects a window function based on a shape of the signal pulse. Further, the processor applies the window function to the signal pulse to remove ISI outside a window of the window function while measuring waveform jitter. The window function may be applied by applying the window function to the signal pulse to obtain a target pulse. A linear equalizer is then generated that results in the target pulse when convolved with the signal pulse. The linear equalizer is then applied to the waveform to limit ISI for jitter measurement.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein generally relates to apparatus, systems, methods and associated computer instructions for predicting the end of service life of a space charge limited vacuum electron device. The device produces an electron beam current and has a cathode and a filament powered by an adjustable voltage power supply providing a voltage between a first low voltage and a second higher voltage to heat the cathode to an electron emitting temperature. The process includes periodically, while the device is in operation, adjusting the voltage provided by the power supply while monitoring the beam current, determining a knee-point in the voltage where the beam current begins to decrease as the voltage is decreased, and calculating, based on the determined knee-point and a predetermined voltage vs service life remaining relationship, the amount of service life left in the device.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a method for ascertaining a type of a gas discharge lamp using an electronic ballast for operating different types of gas discharge lamps, wherein the different types of gas discharge lamps differ in at least one operating parameter, wherein the method may include: a) preheating at least one filament in the gas discharge lamp for a predetermined preheating time; b) measuring a physical variable which is characteristic for the type of the gas discharge lamp at the end of the preheating time and providing the measurement value of said variable; and c) ascertaining the lamp type on the basis of the measurement value which is provided, wherein the preheating time is increased by a predetermined time period and the b) and c) are repeated if the lamp type in c) cannot be ascertained uniquely. Moreover, various embodiments provide an electronic ballast for operating at least two different types of gas discharge lamps which have at least one different operating parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus adapted to detect a particle present on a bevel of a wafer. The apparatus includes a substrate support and a sensor housing adapted to receive an edge of the wafer. The sensor housing includes one or more probe electrodes and one or more position sensors. The apparatus also includes a translatable stage coupled to the sensor housing. The translatable stage is adapted to control the distance between the bevel of the wafer and the one or more position sensors. The apparatus further includes electrical circuitry electrically coupled to the substrate support and the one or more probe electrodes and adapted to generate an electric field between the bevel of the wafer and the one or more probe electrodes, detection circuitry electrically coupled to the electrical circuitry, and a processor adapted to process electrical signals and thereby detect the particle present on the bevel of the wafer.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for measuring cathode fall in fluorescent lamps are disclosed. Together with measurements of cathode temperature, such measurements of cathode fall may inform a determination of cathode heater voltage as a function of discharge current (i.e., a cathode-heating-profile) that avoids both sputtering and excess-evaporation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided which reduce coupling between a Z-axis gradient coil and an rf coil in magnetic resonance imaging systems and an rf shield disposed between the Z-axis gradient coil and the remaining gradient coils. The reduction in coupling is accomplished by novel windings of conductor forming the Z-axis gradient coil.

Abstract: In a capacitance type sensor of the present invention, a two-layer structure of a sensor unit is provided by capacitance elements comprising capacitance element electrodes and a displacement electrode arranged opposite to the capacitance element electrodes, and domed switches comprising contact electrodes and switching electrodes spaced apart from the contact electrodes being arranged to overlap with each other with respect to a displacement direction of an operating button.

Abstract: Detection of vacuum degradation in vacuum circuit breakers has been low in detection sensitivity owing to the presence of various noises besides electric discharge. Accurate detection of vacuum degradation is made possible by detecting the continuity of electric discharge occurring between the electrode and the shield as vacuum degrades, and the duration of electric discharge. It is arranged that the continuity of electric discharge is detected as a somewhat longer period of time than one cycle time of power source frequency and the duration of electric discharge is detected as a sufficiently longer period of time than one cycle time.

Abstract: A powered dispenser for dispensing individual sheet segments from a continuous roll of sheet material provided with spaced tear lines comprises a powered feed mechanism, a releasable, powered drive mechanism, a powered transfer mechanism, a pair of web sensing sensors, a capacitive sensing system providing automatic sensitivity adjustment, and control circuitry. A dual power supply system provides a mechanical lock-out functionality, and the control system is protected from electrostatic build-up on the surface of the feed roller. The web sensor, and an antenna plate of the capacitive sensing system, are provided on respective printed circuit boards mounted in overlying relation. Utilizing signals received from the pair of web sensors and the capacitive sensing system, the control circuitry senses the presence of a user to activate the powered drive mechanism, and prevents further dispensing of the sheet material until a previously dispensed segment is separated from the roll.

Abstract: A printed circuit board can be used as a test card. The printed circuit board has a first image and a second image. The first image includes a first array pattern for attaching a package, a first power plane, and a first ground plane. The second image includes a second array pattern for attaching a package, a second power plane, and a second ground plane. A first routing area between the first image and the second image electrically and physically isolates the first power plane from the second power plane. The first routing area also physically isolates the first ground plane from the second ground plane. A first single trace extends through the first routing area. The first single trace electrically connects the first ground plane to the second ground plane.

Abstract: The detection of components that cause p-static interference with communications and navigation equipment is essential to the maintenance of an aircraft. A p-static source locator uses two leads to supply a voltage between components of the aircraft. If the components are not properly electrically bonded, a radio receiver detects the p-static interference created when sparking occurs between the inadequately bonded components. The p-static source locator may be implemented in a single hand-held unit that is simple to transport and use. Moreover, the locator uses low voltage potential differences for operator safety.

Abstract: The microwave generator with use of a magnetron comprises a microwave detector for detecting microwave output from the magnetron and a filament life diagnostic circuit for judging the life of filament of the magnetron by decreasing an input power to a filament of the magnetron from a normal state of the magnetron while monitoring the microwave output from the magnetron by the microwave detector, comparing the input power in the normal state of the magnetron with that just before the magnetron becomes unstable and judging the filament life based on the difference between the input power of the normal state and that just before the unstable state.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the vacuum of a vacuum switch having at least one vacuum switch tube with a switch chamber and switch contacts is provided. The apparatus has a remotely interrogatable pressure measurement sensor in the form of a piezocrystal or surface acoustic (SAW) device arranged in the interior of the vacuum switch tube and a remote interrogation device placed external to the vacuum switch for monitoring the vacuum via the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use at a motor vehicle emission test station, providing wireless communication between a computer and a technician. The computer includes a sound card and voice recognition software, and is housed in a console, having test equipment, video and audio transmitters, and an audio receiver. The technician wears a portable user interface, including a communications pack with a video receiver, an audio receiver, an audio transmitter, and a battery pack. The interface also includes a special helmet, equipped with a video display, a microphone, and headphones. The wireless communications link established by these transmitters, receivers, and interface components enables the technician to carry out testing and inspection procedures on a motor vehicle in a location remote from the computer.

Abstract: An improved vacuum valve including an insulating container and an arc shield held in the insulating container, wherein a protrusion is formed on either the outer cylindrical surface of the arc shield or on the inner surface of the container. A detecting electrode is set confronted with the outer surface of the insulating container with an air gap therebetween, and is grounded through a current sensor. The current sensor detects a discharge current which is induced through the protrusion when the degree of vacuum of the vacuum valve is reduced, to output a detection signal. In response to the detection signal, a signal processing unit outputs an alarm signal indicating the reduction in the degree of vacuum of the vacuum valve. Thus, while the vacuum valve is in operation, its vacuum reduction can be positively detected with the vacuum valve maintained unchanged in reliability.

Abstract: A device for propagating microwave energy to a plasma discharge tube from an antenna coupled to a microwave generator includes a hollow rectangular conduit and a strip-line resonator or strip-line conductor disposed therein. The discharge tube is mounted perpendicular to and through a central opening in the strip-line resonator and is disposed at a distance, from one end of the strip-line where the antenna is located, of one-half the wavelength of the microwave energy and one-quarter wavelength from the opposite end. The strip-line is attached to one end of the rectangular conduit and is supported by a dielectric member at a point one-quarter wavelength from the antenna. Microwave energy is propagated from the antenna by the strip-line dimensioned to the resonant frequency of the microwave the energy. A gas, such as argon or helium, is introduced into the discharge tube and is ionized by microwave energy to form a plasma.

Abstract: To check the presence of operating vacuum in vacuum switches, high voltage can be applied between the contacts at a given contact spacing and the dielectric strength can be tested. According to the invention, the procedure for vacuum monitoring is that a contact spacing (h) below the nominal stroke of the vacuum switch is selected and that the X-radiation generated at this contact spacing (h) and high voltage (U) in vacuum due to the field electron emission between the contacts by the contact surfaces acting as anode is acquired and evaluated as proof of the presence of operating vacuum inside the switching tube. This method can preferably be applied to encapsulated vacuum switching tubes, in particular to SF.sub.6 -insulated switching facilities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the spatial characteristics of color CRTs includes the scanning of an image of a white vertical line with a knife edge aperture and integrating the intensity values at each position of the knife edge. The centroids of the beams of the CRT are found by determining the X coordinants of the 50% points of the Y axis of the integral data, and the spatial line profiles are determined by differentiating the integral data. The integral data may be fitted to a Gaussian curve prior to analysis.

Abstract: A circuit assembly for temperature-dependent cathode current tracking in traveling-wave tubes having control electrodes and cathodes with a predetermined cathode current, in combination with a power supply, includes a temperature-dependent network thermally coupled to a given point of the traveling-wave tube for measuring the actual temperature of the tube, and an electronic control circuit in the power supply connected to the temperature-dependent network for keeping the predetermined cathode current substantially constant by varying the voltage at the control electrode of the tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides an arc discharge abnormality detecting system which in generating source plasma by the arc discharge using a plurality of filaments as the cathode in an ion source, detects an arc discharge current flowing in each of the filaments and detects the abnormality in the arc discharge when the arc discharge currents are not balanced. Further, the present invention provides an arc discharge abnormality detecting system in which said ion source is an ion source used in a neutral beam injector and a logic circuit detects the abnormality in the arc discharge when unbalance in the arc discharge currents larger than a predetermined value exists between the filaments over a predetermined period of time continuously.

Abstract: The radiation generated by electrons from field emission current striking the anode of a high voltage vacuum device is used as an analog for the emission current in a method for assessing the dielectric state of the device. The emission current is determined by applying a variable voltage, less than that required to produce breakdown, to the device and measuring the radiation generated by the emission current. The radiation measurement is correlated to the amount of field emission current by means of a predetermined relationship, and the field enhancement factor, .beta., associated with the dielectric state of the device is determined from the slope of a plot of the logarithm of the quantity resulting from dividing the emission current by the square of the applied voltage, versus the reciprocal of the applied voltage. Alternatively, .beta. may be determined from the slope of a plot of the measured radiation versus the reciprocal voltage.

Abstract: An improved secondary electron spectrometer for measuring voltages occurring on a specimen, such as an integrated circuit chip, utilizing an electron probe has a grating structure for measuring the energy distribution of the secondary electrons independently of the angular distribution of the secondary electrons at the measuring point on the specimen. If the secondary electron spectrometer has an extraction electrode and a deceleration electrode, the grating structure is spherically symmetric.

Abstract: Apparatus for compensating the injurious increase of the cathode current occurring during the initial operation period of a travelling-wave tube when, during successive warming-up, the grid first approaches the cathode and then assumes the nominal distance therefrom. The apparatus includes a distance control device measuring the deviation between the actual grid-cathode distance and the nominal distance and generating a control signal proportional to the deviation for reducing the value of the grid voltage.

Abstract: A circuit for testing a segment of a digital display comprising a segment of a digital display having a cathode filament for conducting electrical current and for emitting electrons, and detecting means connected to the cathode filament for detecting electrical current flow across it. Also provided is a method for testing the proper operation of characters or digits of a digital display.

Abstract: Signal as the milliampere and/or kilovolt signals are monitored from the X-ray tube system via the high tension transformer thereof. These signals may be connected to a heat unit indicator or a calibration meter or both. With the heat unit indicator, the heat level in an X-ray tube anode is monitored and referred to the level corresponding to the ambient room temperature as zero reference. As successive single exposures or series of exposure are made, the X-ray tube heat loading is automatically monitored and displayed so that the operator is aware of the situation at all times. The cooling characteristics of the tube are automatically taken into account and reflected in the reading. If desired, a calibration meter may be connected to the signal derivation circuitry to measure and indicate readily and easily, a plurality of operating parameters.

Abstract: An electron discharge device includes an envelope with a primary electrode and substances for forming a photocathode therein. A photocurrent collector is provided which is electrically insulated from the photocathode and the primary electrode. The photocurrent collector is independent of the electrical leakage between the photocathode and the primary electrode encountered during formation of the photocathode and permits the sensitivity of the photocathode to be maximized.

Abstract: A gas tube surge protector (11) includes a housing (12) and spaced electrodes (14 and 16) which form a gastight envelope (27). A width of a gap (31) between the electrodes is precisely established by urging at last one of the electrodes (14) toward the other. By moving a plunger (66) a stressed center (43) plastically yields to establish the desired gap width. The gap width is controlled by a test set (76) which measures the electrical characteristics of the surge protector.