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: A method of assessing the suitability of a metered dose inhaler actuator A test canister equipped with a valve and containing a pressurized propellant is provided. One or more actuators manufactured for use in a metered dose inhaler is provided and tested, wherein each actuator is tested by coupling the canister to the actuator, positioning the actuator with respect to an electrostatic measurement device and firing the canister such that electrostatic charge from an aerosol emitted by the canister is measured by the electrostatic measurement device. The measured electrostatic charge is compared to a predetermined specification range to make a determination whether the measured electrostatic charge is within or outside the predetermined specification range and accordingly whether the actuator is or is not acceptable.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electric potential sensor for the measurement of potentials non-invasively. The sensor comprises at least one detection electrode arranged for capacitive coupling with a sample under test and for generating a measurement signal, and a sensor amplifier adapted to receive the measurement signal as input and to supply an amplified detection signal as output. Input impedance enhancing means are included for providing a high input impedance to the sensor amplifier for increasing the sensitivity of the electrode to reduced electric potentials, and a discrete pre-amplifier stage is arranged to co-operate with the sensor amplifier to reduce the input capacitance of the amplifier.

Abstract: An electrostatic monitoring system for detecting a risk of electrostatic discharge is used to detect conditions under which electrostatic discharge is likely, at distances sufficient to provide the time needed to take corrective action and mitigate any harmful effects. The system monitors electrostatic discharge conditions in the order of a few meters away, and preferably determines the direction of maximum hazard. By the invention, personnel can be screened upon entering a vulnerable area, sensitive equipment can be protected by placing sensors on the equipment to detect the risk of electrostatic discharge due to the local static potential and to preemptively turn off the equipment, and wearable sensors can be installed in clothing of personnel working in environments with high electrostatic hazard to protect both personnel and equipment.

Abstract: A low impedance sensor includes thin conductive electrodes on a dielectric substrate and detects proximity of a target metal object or structure moving along defined path such as a track. The sensor includes a first conductive electrode pad having a closed, continuous geometric form and a second conductive electrode surrounding the first electrode and spaced from the first electrode by a channel of non-conductive dielectric. The first and second electrodes are optionally disposed on the same surface of the substrate. An integrated control circuit is located on the substrate proximate the first and second electrodes, and is electrically coupled to the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for measuring a variable angular position of a movable part. The apparatus comprises at least two resonators formed by coupled slow-wave structures, and at least two movable targets having electrodynamic profiles, the targets also having a variable angular position. The angular position of the target is representative of the angular position of the movable part. An electromagnetic field is excited in the resonators at a frequency at which electromagnetic parameters of the resonators depend upon the position of the targets. A change in the angular position of the targets therefore causes a change in electrodynamic parameters of the resonators. The change in the electrodynamic parameters of the resonators is converted into a reading, such as an output voltage, which is indicative of the measured angular position.

Abstract: A potential sensor including first and second detection electrodes opposed to an object of which a potential is to be measured, and a movable shutter so positioned between the detection electrodes and the potential-measured object with gaps thereto. The movable shutter can assume a first state and a second state. The first detection electrode is exposed to the potential-measured object wider when the movable shutter assumes the second state. The second detection electrode is exposed to the potential-measured object narrower when the movable shutter assumes the first state than when the movable shutter assumes the second state.

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.

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: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the effect of an electric discharge on an aircraft structure through the evaluation of the damage caused by the effect of the thermal heating generated by the mentioned discharge on the structure, including the steps of: applying an electric discharge on the material of the aircraft structure using an intensity generator; distributing in an electric mesh with resistive electric elements the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the intensities running through the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure from the intensity introduced in the generators; calculating with the previous intensities the heat which is dissipated in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the distribution of temperatures in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; determining the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure whic

Abstract: A transient detection circuit including a detecting unit, a setting unit, and a memory unit. The transient detection circuit provides an information signal to an external instrument when an electrostatic discharge (ESD) event occurs. The detecting unit is coupled between a first power line and a second power line for detecting the ESD event. The setting unit sets a level of a first node according to the detection result. The memory unit controls the information signal according to the level of the first node. The information signal is at a first level when the ESD event occurs in the first power line.

Abstract: A new circuit for producing simulated electrostatic discharges (ESD) based on the Human Body Model (HBM) is disclosed for testing integrated circuits. HBM ESD test systems provide stress pulses defined by industry standards. The pulses produced by prior art have small imperfections or anomalies. These anomalies can cause incorrect testing to certain devices. The improved ESD HBM test system herein disclosed provides pulses meeting the requirements of industry standards while reducing several anomalies to negligible levels.

Abstract: Computer-aided simulation method for determining the electromagnetic field of a body which has a plurality of subregions and contains a plurality of charges and currents. The method makes it possible to determine the electromagnetic field of a body by dividing this body into subregions and, for the subregions, making multipole expansions which give the (total) electromagnetic field when superposed. The differential equations which arise for the subregions are presented in matrix form and are solved numerically. Applications include determination of the electromagnetic compatibility (EMV) of a body.

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: A potential measuring device for measuring a potential of a measurement object, includes a detection electrode that faces the measurement object, a reference electrode disposed in a vicinity of the detection electrode that is electrostatically shielded by an electrostatic shield structure with respect to the measurement object, and capacitance modulator for modulating an electrostatic coupled capacitance between the detection electrode and the measurement object to measure a potential of the measurement object by using an electric signal generated on the detection electrode and an electric signal generated on the reference electrode.

Abstract: A method of assessing the suitability of a metered dose inhaler actuator A test canister equipped with a valve and containing a pressurized propellant is provided. One or more actuators manufactured for use in a metered dose inhaler is provided and tested, wherein each actuator is tested by coupling the canister to the actuator, positioning the actuator with respect to an electrostatic measurement device and firing the canister such that electrostatic charge from an aerosol emitted by the canister is measured by the electrostatic measurement device. The measured electrostatic charge is compared to a predetermined specification range to make a determination whether the measured electrostatic charge is within or outside the predetermined specification range and accordingly whether the actuator is or is not acceptable.

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: 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: 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: This is an electronic scanning probe, preferably made up of at least two sensing elements, each sensing element substantially surrounded by reference electrodes. These sensing elements are separated at a distance that causes little or no cross-interference to take place between these sensing elements when positioned in concert with a surface of interest. Ideally, this probe is used in electrostatic marking systems where an electrostatic charge is placed onto a receiving surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the measurement of an external electrostatic field, for example, for the detection of storms, which includes a first conductive element (1); an amplifier (2)in charge configuration; an electronic control device (3) which has an input (3a) connectable to the output (2b) of the amplifier (2), to receive an output signal (Vs); and a second conductive element (4) located near to the first conductive element (1) to subject it to a compensating electrostatic field created by a compensating signal (Vc) calculated and generated by the electronic control device, to avoid a drift in the output signal (Vs) caused by the integrating character of the configuration of the amplifier. The invention also relates to a system for differential measurement, a system and method for the detection of storms.

Abstract: An electric potential measuring apparatus includes a movable portion having a detecting electrode and a magnetic force receiver, a magnetic force generator, an electric field shield, and a detector for detecting an amount of an electric charge which is electrostatically induced on the detecting electrode. The electric field shield transmits a magnetic field generated by the magnetic force generator to make it arrive at the magnetic force receiver but shields the detecting electrode from an electric field generated by the magnetic force generator to interrupt arrival to the detecting electrode and not to substantially obstruct the detection by the detector.

Abstract: A method for monitoring plasma-induced damage to a substrate while being processed in a plasma CVD apparatus includes: measuring DC floating potential of the substrate using a detection electrode in contact with the substrate while the substrate is processed in the apparatus; and detecting abnormality as plasma-induced damage based on the measured DC floating potential.

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: An electrometer is disclosed. The electrometer has a high gain differential amplifier having a first input, a second input, and an output. The electrometer also has feedback switching circuitry. The electrometer further has a plurality of feedback elements configured to be selectively and cumulatively added in any parallel combination between the output and the first input of the high gain differential amplifier via the feedback switching circuitry. A method of adjusting a measurement range of an electrometer while the electrometer is being used to measure an electrostatic charge is also disclosed. One or more additional feedback elements are selectively added in parallel with one or more existing feedback elements which are coupled between an output and an input of a high gain differential amplifier of the electrometer.

Abstract: A shielding member is provided as an electrostatic protection device in extension lines that extend from a sensing area to switching devices via extension areas correspondingly. As a result, even if a body to be detected such as a finger contacts the extension area, it is possible to reduce the amount of the change of an electrostatic capacitance with respect to the movement of the body to be detected. Therefore, it is possible to reduce influences exerted on data to be detected, and an electrostatic detection apparatus having improved coordinate detection accuracy can be provided.

Abstract: Compositions for treating fabric. The compositions of the present invention may be used to improve various properties of fabrics such as the olfactory perception and/or appearance of the fabric without requiring that the fabrics be put through an entire standard laundry process. Methods of treating the fabrics are also disclosed.

Abstract: The electric potential measuring instrument comprises an electrode arranged on a semiconductor substrate at a position opposite to the object of measurement and a modulator for modulating the coupling capacitance between the object of measurement and the electrode. The electrode is the gate electrode of a field effect type transistor. The modulated electric current that flows between the source diffusion region and the drain diffusion region of the field effect type transistor is synchronously detected by a detection circuit with the modulation frequency of the modulator. The output signal that appears on the gate electrode of a field effect transistor can be measured with ease by changing the coupling capacitance between the electrode of an electric potential measuring instrument and an object of measurement.

Abstract: A mobile apparatus for monitoring an electric field in a patrolled area, comprising at least one detection device for measuring electric field signals, at least one camera device for collecting video images of said patrolled area, a processor for correlating video image data collected from the camera device with electric field signal data measured by the detection device, and a video based graphical user interface for analyzing and capturing a monitored event depicting an anomaly in the measured electric field signals.

Abstract: An electrometer includes an input terminal adapted to receive an input signal an ethernet terminal, a web server, and a microcontroller. The ethernet terminal is adapted to receive an ethernet cable such that electrical power is provided to the ethernet terminal. The web server is in electrical communication with the ethernet terminal, and is adapted to receive a command. The microcontroller is in electrical communication with at least one of the ethernet terminal and the web server, and is adapted to execute the received command.

Abstract: A UNLV novel electric/magnetic dot sensor includes a loop of conductor having two ends to the loop, a first end and a second end; the first end of the conductor seamlessly secured to a first conductor within a first sheath; the second end of the conductor seamlessly secured to a second conductor within a second sheath; and the first sheath and the second sheath positioned adjacent each other. The UNLV novel sensor can be made by removing outer layers in a segment of coaxial cable, leaving a continuous link of essentially uncovered conductor between two coaxial cable legs.

Abstract: A capacitive plate dielectrometer method and system is provided that is used to measure dielectric properties, such as permittivity, of a small sample test material at a low frequency. The capacitive plate dielectrometer method and system calibrates the capacitive plate dielectrometer with a plurality of standard dielectric materials and the sample test material is rotated in the capacitive plate dielectrometer to allow measurement of several electric field directions.

Abstract: A circuit includes a micro electro mechanical switch and a detection circuit. The micro electro mechanical switch has a movable portion positioned to form an electrical connection between a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact in response to an electrostatic force provided by a top activation electrode and a bottom activation electrode. The detection circuit is electrically coupled to the top and bottom activation electrodes and is for detecting a first capacitance value between the top and bottom activation electrodes when the movable portion is in a first position and for detecting a second capacitance value when the movable portion is in a second position. By detecting a change in the capacitance, it can be determined if the switch is open or closed.

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 static electricity removal device that removes static electricity by supplying positive and negative ions to a target of static electricity removal, comprising a surface potential measuring probe that measures a surface potential of the target of static electricity removal, wherein a potential detector (11a) that constitutes a surface potential measuring probe (11) and a conductive cap (13) placed so as to surround the potential detector (11a) in a non-contact state are provided and a potential generated in the cap (13) by charges of a target of static electricity removal (30) or ions supplied from a static electricity removal device (20) is detected by the potential detector (11a) and sent out to a control circuit (24) within the static electricity removal device (20) as a feedback signal.

Abstract: An electric field sensor may be used to detect accumulation of frozen material. In one embodiment, an e-field system includes a first electrode, a second electrode located at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first and second electrodes, and an electric field sensor having an electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material located in the gap between the first and second electrodes. The system may also include a first insulator adjacent the first electrode and outside the gap, and a conductive layer adjacent the first insulator, where the first insulator is between the first electrode and the conductive layer, and where a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer.

Abstract: A voltage measuring apparatus measures the voltage of a measured object and includes a detection electrode capable of being disposed facing the measured object, a variable capacitance circuit that is connected between the detection electrode and a reference potential and whose electrostatic capacitance can be changed, a voltage generating circuits that generates the reference potential, and a control unit. The control unit causes the voltage generating circuit to change the reference potential while the electrostatic capacitance of the variable capacitance circuit is being changed. A power measuring apparatus includes the voltage measuring apparatus and a current measuring apparatus that measures current flowing in the measured object, and measures power based on the current measured by the current measuring apparatus and the voltage measured by the voltage measuring apparatus.

Abstract: An electrostatic sensor generally includes a sensor head with at least one passive sensing electrode responsive to an electric field and a high-impedance amplification stage associated with the sensing electrode. The high-impedance amplification stage is configured for outputting at least one output signal in response to an electric signal induced on the at least one sensing electrode by the electric field. The sensor head further includes a screen of electrically insulating material, which is associated with the at least one sensing electrode. In an operational mode of the electrostatic sensor, the screen is electrically charged and induces an electric field in the surroundings of the sensing electrode.

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: 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: A system for detecting partial discharge activity in an electrostatic precipitator is provided. The system includes one or more sensors configured to receive and transmit signals representative of voltage or current behavior of the electrostatic precipitator. The system also includes a processor configured to receive the signals from the one or more sensors and configured for detecting one or more occurrences of partial discharge activity in the electrostatic precipitator.

Abstract: A stray voltage detector has a portable housing carrying a pair of electrostatic charge sensors spaced apart along an axis, and a pair of field intensity indicators, each indicator connected to an associated one of the charge sensors and constructed to indicate a relative electric field intensity at its associated sensor. The voltage detector is constructed to provide simultaneous electric field intensity feedback from both indicators to an operator moving the housing along the axis over a surface with a localized region at an elevated voltage, to assist in locating the localized elevated voltage region. The detector is useful for locating high-voltage regions, even when there is little or no current flowing through such regions to generate a magnetic field.

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 precipitation static sensor includes a bottom flexible dielectric layer (e.g., a layer of urethane tape) configured to be attached to a wing or other external surface of an aircraft, a flexible conductive layer (e.g., a layer of aluminum tape) formed over a portion of the first flexible dielectric layer, and a conductor (such as a twisted-pair wire) coupled to the flexible conductive layer. A top flexible dielectric layer is formed over a portion of the bottom dielectric layer and a portion of the flexible conductive layer, thus forming an exposed detector region. In accordance with a further embodiment, multiple such precipitation static sensors are used and coupled to a meter device (e.g., a picoammeter), which may also be coupled to a data acquisition and display for providing a visual indication of the charge accumulated by the precipitation static sensors.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a main body, a drive mechanism configured to move the main body, a detector having a plurality of sensors mounted in the main body for detecting distances to an object which is present in a space around the main body, a calculator configured to calculate a direction of the object relative to the main body based on the detected distances, and a controller configured to control the drive mechanism to change an orientation of the main body dependent on the calculated direction.

Abstract: A repair device for fixing a malfunctioning shunt across a failed filament in a light bulb in a group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs includes a high-voltage pulse generator producing one or more pulses of a magnitude greater than the standard AC power line voltage. A connector receives the pulses from the pulse generator and supplies them to the group of series-connected miniature decorative bulbs. The pulse generator may be a piezoelectric pulse generator, a battery-powered electronic pulse generator, and/or an AC-powered electrical pulse generator.

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 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: Exemplary systems and methods are directed to monitoring a ground connection at a fueling facility. The system being configured to perform the method that includes measuring a vehicle ground quality. The method also includes determining a dispenser ground quality, evaluating the vehicle ground quality based on the dispenser ground quality and a threshold value, and controlling the dispensing of fuel based on the evaluation.

Abstract: This is an electronic scanning probe, preferably made up of at least two sensing elements, each sensing element substantially surrounded by reference electrodes. These sensing elements are separated at a distance that causes little or no cross-interference to take place between these sensing elements when positioned in concert with a surface of interest. Ideally, this probe is used in electrostatic marking systems where an electrostatic charge is placed onto a receiving surface.