Abstract: A distance detection system is disclosed. The distance detection system includes an electric-field forming apparatus and an electric-field receiving apparatus. Quasi-electrostatic-field forming means is included in the electric-field forming apparatus. The quasi-electrostatic-field forming means is for forming quasi-electrostatic fields for a plurality of frequencies. The intensity of the quasi-electrostatic field for each frequency falls below a predetermined threshold intensity at a different distance from the quasi-electrostatic-field forming means. Distance detection means is included in either one of the electric-field forming apparatus and the electric-field receiving apparatus. The distance detection means is for detecting a distance between the electric-field forming apparatus and the electric-field receiving apparatus, based on the frequency of a quasi-electrostatic field received by the electric-field receiving apparatus.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive electrostatic discharge (ESD) event detector includes at least one magnetoresistive device. The at least one magnetoresistive device detects an ESD event in an ESD sensitive device based on magnetoresistive properties of the at least one magnetoresistive device. The magnetoresistive device has an ESD failure level that is lower than the ESD failure level of said ESD sensitive device.

Abstract: An electrostatic capacitive sensor able to detect a first electrostatic capacitance and a second electrostatic capacitance, comprising: a member wherein is formed a movable diaphragm that has electrical conductivity; a thin-film electrode that forms a first electrostatic capacitance with the diaphragm; a thin-film electrode that forms a second electrostatic capacitance with the diaphragm; an upper member that is provided so as to form a space between itself and the top face of the diaphragm; and a tower member that is provided so as to form a second space between itself and the bottom face of the diaphragm; wherein: a gas is filled into the space and another gas, which has a coefficient of thermal expansion different from that of the gas, is filled into the second space.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detection of the directivity of trajectories of charged drops issuing from a jet are disclosed. According to one aspect, an electrostatic sensor is disclosed which includes a flat functional surface. The electrostatic sensor is configured to function in a non-differential manner and has a geometric shape and arrangement that are substantially aligned relative to a nominal trajectory of drops. A trajectory of drops can be followed at the same time in a plane parallel to the flat surface of the sensor and in a plane perpendicular to the flat surface of the sensor. As a result, it can be verified whether a drop is present or remains in a predefined monitoring zone. According to another aspect, a method of controlling trajectories of drops in a print head having a continuous deflected jet, and a method of monitoring the effective recovery by the gutter of drops not intended for printing are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for determining field intensity for a particle on a substrate, the method comprising providing an incident wave, determining an electric vector of the field and a magnetic vector of the field inside and outside of the particle, and determining additional scattered fields inside and outside of the particle due to reflection of the incident wave from the substrate.

Abstract: An occupant detection system with noise reduction, a controller having noise reduction for an occupant detection system and a method for reducing noise in an occupant detection system. A high order digital filter is used to filter harmonics of a noise signal from an electrode signal used to determine an occupant presence or absence of the occupant. A way of sampling the electrode signal and the implementation of the high order digital filter cooperate such that the signal processing can be performed by a lower cost general purpose microprocessor as opposed to using a higher cost digital signal processor.

Abstract: An ambient electric field detector comprising: a collection mechanism disposed to generate a current signal in response to the ambient electric field; an input current mirror operatively coupled to the collection mechanism and disposed to amplify and duplicate the current signal to generate a duplicate signal; and an odd number (i) of at least three nonlinear, over-damped, bi-stable elements coupled uni-directionally in a ring such that the ring of elements oscillates, wherein at least one of the elements has a different initial state than the other elements and each element is disposed to receive the duplicate signal.

Abstract: An occupant detection system including an electrostatic sensor, a determination section and a heater is disclosed. The electrostatic sensor includes an electrode arranged inside a seat of a vehicle and configured to generate a weak electric field. The electrostatic sensor outputs an output value associated with the weak electric field. The determination section supplies voltage to the electrode, and performs an occupant determination to determine an occupant on the seat based on the output value of the electrostatic sensor. The heater is inside the seat, and is arranged in parallel with or on a lower side of the electrode. Before performing the occupant determination, the determinations section determines whether or not the heater has a disconnection fault based on the output value of the electrostatic sensor.

Abstract: An occupant detection apparatus includes an electrostatic capacitance type sensor having a main electrode, a sub electrode and a guard electrode, an impedance measurement device that outputs an alternating current signal to measure an impedance, and an occupant discrimination device that discriminates an occupant. The guard electrode is provided oppositely to main electrode and not oppositely to the sub electrode. The impedance measurement device outputs an alternating current signal to pass the signal through the main electrode so as to measure a main impedance. Further, the impedance measurement device outputs the alternating current signal to pass the signal through sub electrode so as to measure a sub impedance. The occupant discrimination device discriminates the occupant based on an electrostatic capacitance component of the main impedance and a resistance value component of the sub impedance.

Abstract: Method for assessment of electrostatic properties of fibers or substrates, this method being particularly useful for demonstrating the efficacy of a composition for minimizing the accumulation of particles onto fiber or substrate, and for supporting advertising claims about this efficacy.

Abstract: A driver and capacitance measuring circuit includes a voltage source that selectively generates an output voltage at a first node during a driver mode to alter a capacitance of a device that is connected to the first node and that has a variable capacitance. A current source selectively provides one of a charging and discharging current at the first node during a measurement mode. A capacitance calculating circuit samples a voltage at the first node during the measurement node, determines a voltage change rate of the first node during the measurement mode and calculates the capacitance of the device based on the voltage change rate and a value of the one of the charging and discharging current.

Abstract: An electrostatic latent image evaluation device includes an optical scanner configured to irradiate laser light of a wavelength of 400 nm-800 nm on a photoreceptor sample, and form an electrostatic latent image, an electron gun configured to irradiate a charged particle beam to the photoreceptor sample having the electrostatic latent image, and surface electric charge distribution or surface electric potential distribution, a detector configured to detect an electron emitted from the photoreceptor sample by the irradiation of the charged particle beam, and an electrostatic latent image evaluation section configured to calculate sizes of a plurality of electrostatic latent images formed by the laser light each having different exposure energy density according to a detection signal detected by the detector, and evaluate the electrostatic latent image according to a change in the calculated sizes.

Abstract: An electric field signature detector for detecting and identifying objects that uses multiple electrostatic sensor nodes each having a passive sensing electrode whose free conduction electrons are displacement responsive to an externally applied or sensed electric field potential, and a transimpedance converter and amplifier exhibiting ultra-high input impedance for translating low level input displacement current from a sensing electrode into a useable output signal in response to a charge displacement signal induced on the passive sensing electrode by an external electric field. The electric field signature detector further includes an exciter for providing a reference electric field used in the retrieval and processing of an electric field signature representative of an object and class of object under investigation. The electric field signature detector having uses including military, security, anti-terrorist, and defense related.

Abstract: A system and method for antenna analysis and electromagnetic compatibility testing in a wireless device utilizes a “parent” device that undergoes rigorous conventional testing. A “child” device having similar components may thereafter undergo abbreviated testing. Because the Total Isotropic Sensitivity of the parent device is known, testing may be performed on the child device to infer equivalence to the parent's TIS performance using the abbreviated test techniques.

Abstract: A sensor product web for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, sequential electrically conductive areas on a surface of the substrate, conductors, an output connected to the electrically conductive areas by one of the conductors, and a via extending through the substrate, forming an electrically conductive path connecting the electrically conductive areas to the output by the conductor on a reverse surface of the substrate.

Abstract: A sensor product web for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, sequential electrically conductive areas on a surface of the substrate, conductors, an output connected to one of the electrically conductive areas by one of the conductors, a dielectric layer arranged on top of the conductors, and an electrically conductive layer arranged on top of the dielectric layer on a same surface of the substrate as the electrically conductive areas, the dielectric layer being discontinuous at the conductor which is in contact with the electrically conductive area.

Abstract: To provide a vehicle which can move independently as an own independent vehicle and can run integrally in linkage with another vehicle. A plurality of single-seat vehicles which can move independently are combined and they move integrally while a predetermined formation is maintained through linkage among respective vehicles. One of all the vehicles moving in linkage serves as a host vehicle and an occupant in the host vehicle becomes a driver in the linkage moving. A host vehicle 1 runs with speed/direction according to running operation conducted by an occupant. Simultaneously therewith, the host vehicle 1 instructs following vehicles 2 to 4 to synchronize (follow) the host vehicle. The host vehicle 1 transmits a speed, a direction, and a relative position to the host vehicle to the following vehicles 2 to 4 as moving information in order to synchronize the following vehicles with the host vehicle (maintain linkage relationship).

Abstract: A novel micro-optical electric field sensor exploits morphology-dependent shifts of the optical modes of dielectric cavities to measure temporally- and spatially-resolved of electric field with extremely high sensitivity. The measurement principle is based on the electrostriction effect on the optical modes of dielectric micro-resonators (or micro-cavities) and exploits recent developments in optical fiber and switching technologies. The optical modes are commonly referred to as “whispering gallery modes” (WGM) or “morphology dependent resonances” (MDR). By monitoring the WGM shifts, the electric field causing the electrostriction effect can be determined. Different sensitivities and measurement ranges (maximum measured electric field) can be obtained by using different cavity geometries (for example solid or hollow spheres), polymeric materials (PMMA, PDMS, etc) as well as poling the dielectric material.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an apparatus for detecting electric fields is disclosed that includes an array of non-linear elements configured into an oscillator with each coupled to one or more electric-field sensing plates. In various embodiments, an output of the array produces a frequency that varies as a function of an electric field sensed by the one or more electric-field sensing plates.

Abstract: A sensor product for electric field sensing. The sensor includes a substrate, at least one electrically conductive area on the surface of the substrate, an output, and at least one conductor between the at least one electrically conductive area and the output. Also a sensor product web.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is described to detect the physical approach. The method is useful for passively detecting the presence of people, pets, or robots in proximity to a sensor. It is portable, and functions while being carried or placed inside objects.

Abstract: A transfer point of a transfer arm is detected accurately and stably by using a position detecting wafer having an electrostatic capacitance sensor. A position detecting wafer S is formed in a wafer shape transferable by a transfer arm 20 and includes an electrostatic capacitance sensor 50 for detecting a relative position with respect to a reference object by detecting an electrostatic capacitance in relation with the reference object for a position detection. The electrostatic capacitance sensor 50 includes a detection electrode 52 for forming the electrostatic capacitance in relation with the reference object, and the detection electrode 52 is installed on a rear surface of a main body of the wafer shape. Installed on the main body is a guard electrode 100 covering the detecting electrode 52 when viewed from a front surface thereof, for blocking an electric field oriented toward the detection electrode 52 from the front surface.

Abstract: A high-frequency measuring enclosure for measuring large test objects is formed by an air-supported membrane or textile construction of a spherical or ellipsoidal contour, which is substantially pervious to electromagnetic radiation. For absorption of residual electromagnetic radiation that may be reflected by the interior of the surface, the floor is covered with absorber material.

Abstract: A sensor (S) for marine measurements of an electric field, the sensor (S) including at least two electrodes (3, 4); signal transmission means (5) for transmitting measured signals from the sensor (S) to a signal processing (6); at least two closed containers (1, 2) which are formed of a non-conductive material and are filled with an electrolyte (E); at least two flexible hoses (7, 8) formed of an electrically non-conductive material; there being attached in a fluid-communicating manner to each of the containers at least one first hose end (7a, 8a), and a second hose end (7b, 8b) being open and attached to means (9a, 9b) for exact positioning of the second hose end (7b, 8b); the hoses (7, 8) being arranged to be filled with a medium (W) of the same type as that, in which the sensor (S) is arranged to be immersed in an operative condition; and two containers (1, 2) forming a pair of containers, the two containers (1, 2), relatively, being placed close to each other under approximately identical thermal, pressur

Abstract: A potential measurement apparatus for measuring a surface potential of an object of measurement detects a change in electric charge induced at a detection electrode due to electrostatic induction by changing a distance between the detection electrode and the object of measurement in accordance with a predetermined period, using a neutral distance as reference, as a signal representing a change in electric current.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to measuring and controlling static in a gas phase reactor polymerization. In particular, embodiments relate to monitoring carryover static in an entrainment zone during gas phase polymerization to determine the onset of reactor discontinuity events such as chunking and sheeting. Embodiments also relate to monitoring carryover static to determine the need for effective additions of continuity additives that minimize reactor static activity and thereby preventing discontinuity events.

Abstract: A fixture can include a test fixture that holds an object whose electrostatic charge characteristics are to be measured, means for moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object, and means for rubbing a surface of the object. A method for measuring the electrostatic charge characteristics of an object using a test fixture can include: placing the object in the test fixture, moving a piece of rubbing material into contact with the object and rubbing a surface of the object with the piece of rubbing material for a period of time. The rubbing causes an electrostatic charge to be built up on the surface of the object. The electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be measured and the measured electrostatic charge characteristics of the object can be displayed.

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: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.

Abstract: In some aspects, the present invention embodies both the method and apparatus for converting a pattern of irradiation to a visible image. An embodiment of the present invention provides an array of micro-electro-mechanical sensors with each sensor includes a deflectable micro-cantilever, responsive to absorbed incident radiation and to an applied repulsive electrostatic field. In an aspect, the sensor device also includes a null-sensing circuit coupled to a switch contact on or near the substrate, which senses when the micro-cantilever reaches its null location, by electrical connection with an upper switch contact on the micro-cantilever. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a static field includes two surfaces of conductive material that are (i) electrically coupled to each other, and adjacent to each other. The two surfaces repel each other in the presence of a static field. The conductive material has a deformation property such that stress caused by repulsion of the two surfaces from each other by at least a predetermined distance causes at least one of the surfaces to permanently deform.

Abstract: Methods of performing electrostatic discharge testing on a transaction card are disclosed. A transaction card may be placed on an insulated surface. A grounding probe may be placed at a first location on the transaction card. A discharge probe may be charged to a known voltage level. The discharge probe may then be discharged at a second location on the transaction card. A discharge wave shape may be recorded from the ground probe, and one of a pass condition and a fail condition may be assigned based on at least the value of the known voltage level as compared to a reference voltage level. The first location and the second location may each be selected from a plurality of areas on the transaction card.

Abstract: A magnetoresistive electrostatic discharge (ESD) event detector includes at least one magnetoresistive device. The at least one magnetoresistive device detects an ESD event in an ESD sensitive device based on magnetoresistive properties of the at least one magnetoresistive device. The at least one magnetoresistive device comprises an ESD failure level that is lower than the ESD failure level of said ESD sensitive device.

Abstract: The disclosure is related to detecting an electrostatic charge at a data storage device. The electrostatic charge can be detected and a data integrity management process can be implemented. In a particular embodiment, a method includes monitoring an electronic device having a data storage medium for an electrostatic event. The method also includes selectively performing a data integrity management process on the data storage medium when the electrostatic event is detected.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for analysis and design of radiation and scattering objects are disclosed. In one embodiment, unknown sources are spatially grouped to produce a system interaction matrix with block factors of low rank within a given error tolerance and the unknown sources are determined from compressed forms of the factors.

Abstract: A variable capacitance circuit includes a capacitance changing structure constructed by connecting a first construction unit, a second construction unit, a third construction unit, and a fourth construction unit, which each include a first electric element that hinders transmission of a direct current (DC) signal and has a capacitance that changes in accordance with the magnitude of an absolute value of an applied voltage, in the mentioned order in a ring. A voltage measuring apparatus measures the voltage of a measured object and includes a detection electrode capable of being disposed facing the measured object and the variable capacitance circuit described above. A power measuring apparatus includes a current measuring apparatus that measures current flowing in a measured object and the voltage measuring apparatus that measures the voltage of the measured object.

Abstract: Utilisation of electrostatic sensor elements in an array to provide an electrostatic image is known. Problems can arise with respect to cross talk between electrostatic sensor elements and as a result of external electrical sources. By providing a differential input amplifier and taking output signals from adjacent or adjoining sensor elements to providing a differential signal it is possible to improve images. Furthermore, the differential input amplifier incorporates decoupling devices such as capacitors to reduce noise within the output and input signals and the aspect ratio of the sensor in terms of depth to width can also aid reduction in noise levels.

Abstract: Utilisation of electrostatic sensor elements is known in relation to obtaining images from a surface such as that of a patient with regard to anomalies including carcinomas. Electrostatic sensor elements, by their nature, are susceptible to creating spurious results in terms of their location with respect to the surface of the subject to be viewed. By providing a visual camera within an array of electrostatic sensor elements the electrostatic charge distribution image is provided by the camera. The image can be overlaid and married with the visual image in a proportionate ratio. In such circumstances an improved final image is provided with inherent visual references to allow analysis of the combined rich display image. A visual camera such as a CCD is used as it is substantially of the same size as the electrostatic sensor elements.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge (ESD) event and transient signal detection and measurement device and method are described. The device and method are able to distinguish between an ESD event and other non-ESD events.

Abstract: An ESD protection circuit (710) is guarded by a parallel first precharge elimination circuit (720) relative to an I/O pad (721) and a parallel second precharge elimination circuit (730) relative to a VDD pad (731). The precharge elimination circuits are synchronized with the ESD protection circuit to eliminate any precharge voltage to ground before an ESD pulse affects the I/O pad or VDD pad. A diode (722) is connected between I/O pad and VDD. Circuit (720) is between I/O pad and ground (740) and is powered by the same VDD. Circuit (720) includes a first resistor (723), a first nMOS transistor (724), and a first RC timer including a second resistor (725) and a first capacitor (726). Circuit (730) includes a third resistor (733), a second nMOS transistor (734), and a second RC timer including a fourth resistor (735) and a second capacitor (736).

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a static field includes two surfaces of conductive material that are (i) electrically coupled to each other, and adjacent to each other. The two surfaces repel each other in the presence of a static field. The conductive material has a deformation property such that stress caused by repulsion of the two surfaces from each other by at least a predetermined distance causes at least one of the surfaces to permanently deform.

Abstract: A potential measuring apparatus has a detection electrode on which an electric charge is induced according to a potential of a detection object, and a modulator for altering the generated quantity of the electric charge. The detection electrode has at least one depressed portion on a surface opposite to the detection object.

Abstract: An electric potential measuring apparatus including a substrate disposed facing a measurement object, a detecting electrode provided insulated from the substrate, and a capacity modulating unit for modulating a coupling capacity between the detecting electrode and the measurement object. In the electric potential measuring apparatus, a region with a dielectric constant less than a dielectric constant of the substrate is formed in the substrate to achieve an increase in resistivity of a portion of the substrate between detecting electrodes, or a decrease in a stray capacity between the detecting electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an electric field sensor is provided including an elongated conductor; a circuit including an input and an output connected across the elongated conductor wherein said circuit includes a DC to AC signal converter; wherein said elongated conductor is operative to impose a DC signal on said circuit input in response to being exposed to an electric field and broadcast an AC signal converted from said DC signal in response to said electric field being greater than a threshold level.

Abstract: This is a charging assembly that is useful in marking processes with an electrostatically charged surface. The assembly includes, besides the charger, a controller and an electric field probe. Charge and current flows can be detected by the probe and corrected immediately after detection of flaws by the probe and conveyed to the controller. If flaws in the charger are determined by the probe, corrections are made to the output by a controller; this is done before a final copy or print is made. The term flaws as used means any non-uniform appearing region in the printed image or any otherwise unacceptable defect. The probe is enabled to detect and indicate flaws and the controller which is in communication with the probe takes corrective action on the flaws. The probe used is a novel probe having two sensing elements surrounded by one or more reference electrodes.

Abstract: A potential measurement apparatus is provided which can suitably maintain the oscillation state of an oscillator including a detection electrode and stably measure the potential of a measurement object. The potential measurement apparatus includes a bearing part, an elastic supporting part supported by the bearing part, an oscillator movably supported by the elastic supporting part, detection electrodes installed in the oscillator, a drive mechanism driving the oscillator and a signal detection unit. The signal detection unit is connected to the detection electrodes to detect electrical signals appearing in the detected electrodes. A stress detecting element for generating an electric signal according to the stress of the elastic suspension part 142 is provided.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device tester and a method of operating the tester. In an embodiment, the method comprises operating the tester by uniquely identifying an ESD device to be tested using identification means provided on the tester; taking at least one test measurement of the uniquely identified ESD device using testing means provided on the tester, the testing means being configurable in dependence upon data associated with the uniquely identified ESD device; and storing the at least one test measurement in a storage means provided in the tester. A running average of test measurements for the uniquely identified ESD device may be stored on the tester in order to compare a test measurement against the running average. A test is repeated if a test measurement falls outside of a predetermined range of the running average.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus that minimizes the effects of hand capacitance on a cable, the apparatus also being configured to generate and induce a charge, wherein the charge couples a capacitance to the cable, the capacitance matching a typical capacitance that a hand couples to a cable. The present invention is also generally directed to a method of performing a cable to electronic system electrostatic discharge immunity test.

Abstract: A disclosed specific absorption rate measurement system according to an embodiment of the present invention measures a specific absorption rate of electromagnetic waves from a radiating source absorbed in a dielectric medium. The system includes a measurement portion that measures a first electric field vector on an observation surface which is a two-dimensional surface in the dielectric medium; an electric field calculation portion that calculates a second electric field vector in a point excluded from the observation surface in accordance with electric field components of the first electric field vector measured on the observation surface, the electric field components being parallel to the observation surface; and a calculation portion that calculates the specific absorption rate from the calculated second electric field vector.

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of carriers for storing articles sensitive to electrostatic discharge (ESD), wherein each of the plurality of carriers includes a device having a sensor to sense one or more environmental parameters. At least one of the environmental parameters comprises an ESD parameter. The system also includes a plurality of radio frequency (RF) receiving devices and a coordinator unit to which the RF receiving devices communicate according to a wireless networking standard. The RF receiving devices are configured to obtain data associated with the sensed environmental parameters from the devices of the plurality of carriers via wireless communications according to the wireless networking standard. The plurality of RF receiving devices route the data obtained from the devices of the plurality of carriers to the coordinator unit.