Abstract: A controller for a device moving along a complementary path to a conveyed object, derives basic speed input from the object conveyor and uses a non-invasive sensor system to detect the proximity of the object. The sensor system controls electronic logic which causes a drive unit to match the speed of the device to that of the object over the complementary path. The controller returns the device to the start of the path for iterative utilization.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a malfunction detection apparatus for use in an outboard engine or motor system having a tachometer. The apparatus includes a tachometer output circuit for applying the tachometer signal to the tachometer in accordance with the input signal attributing to the battery voltage or engine speed, the battery abnormality detecting circuit for detecting the abnormal condition of the battery voltage, to provide the detection signal and the switch circuit for suspending, in response to the detection signal, the application of the tachometer signal from the tachometer output circuit to the tachometer. The apparatus is advantageous in that the erroneous operation of the tachometer can be positively prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing, for example, printed circuit boards having measuring locations connected by interconnects in which some of the measuring locations are closely spaced, includes a carrier plate having an arrangement of gas discharge channels each provided with an electrode for separate ionic contact with the more widely space measuring locations. The more closely space measuring locations are ionically contacted by a group gas discharge channel having a group electrode which extends over a group of the closely space measuring locations. The group gas discharge channel in one embodiment is an oblong hole in the carrier plate with a wire extending along its length. Current flow and voltage via the ionic contact is measured to identify faults in the interconnects between the measuring locations.

Abstract: An AC waveform monitoring system includes detecting circuitry for providing a sensed analog signal. Oscillator circuitry is coupled to the detecting circuitry for providing a zero crossing signal. The oscillator circuitry is synchronized with a frequency of the sensed analog signal. Signal processing circuitry is coupled to both the detecting circuitry and the oscillator circuitry for identifying a peak voltage signal and an integral volt-seconds signal of the sensed analog signal responsive to the zero crossing signal. Digital processing circuitry is coupled to the signal processing circuitry and the oscillator circuitry. The digital processing circuitry includes memory for storing a plurality of predetermined signal voltage boundary values and a program utilizing the identified peak voltage signal, the integral volt-seconds signal and the stored predetermined signal values to identify an abnormal voltage event.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical function testing of wiring matrices, particularly of printed circuit boards. In the electrical function testing of wiring matrices, particularly of printed circuit boards, the number of required leads and switch elements can be drastically reduced. In the present apparatus, every measuring locations of the printed circuit board can be selected by an associated busbar and by an intermediate mask that prevents the contacting of non-selected measuring locations. The busbars preferably are orientated transversely relative to the principal direction of the wiring of the printed circuit board. The bus bar interconnecting a number of elements, each of the contact elements being a test probe.

Abstract: A drive device for an apparatus for electrical function testing of wiring matrices, which has optimally simple electrode shapes for the purpose of a further miniaturization with a two-electrode arrangement. For testing printed circuit boards a non-touching plasma contacting is used whereby two respectively selected measuring locations of a wiring matrix can be contacted via allocated discharge channels and their electrodes. The drive of the measuring locations (test points) occurs via control gas discharges that are generated by applying an adequately high voltage between the electrodes. By applying a voltage between the gas discharges, a current conduction that can be evaluated for test purposes is generated for a conductive connection between the test points.

Abstract: A burner control system has a microprocessor for testing parameters of operation and for indicating deviations from a preset range for each. The sensors monitoring the parameters provide their outputs as analog voltages to analog to digital (A/D) converters which provide the parameters in digital form. Tests using preset voltage standards increase the likelihood of A/D converter accuracy. In addition, as operating conditions for the burner change, different preset ranges are used for each sensor output when testing them so as to provide maximum confidence of proper burner operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for inspecting integrated circuit probe cards in which the probe points of the probe card are scanned across a checkplate having a conductivity transition border. The impedances between the probe points and the checkplate as they cross the conductivity transition border are measured to determine when the probe points cross the border. The positions of the probe card when each of the probe points crosses the border are measured to determine the positions of the probe points relative to each other. In one embodiment, the checkplate is formed by a square conductive plate having three quadrants of insulated material and a single quadrant of conductive material mounted on its upper surface. These conductive strips connected to the conductive plate are positioned between the quadrants of insulative material to form the conductivity transition border. In other embodiments, multiple parallel strips or a single dot of conductive material are surrounded by insulative material.

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical function testing of wiring matrices, particularly of printed circuit boards. In the electrical function testing of wiring matrices, particularly of printed circuit boards, the number of required leads and switch elements can be drastically reduced. In the present apparatus, every measuring locations of the printed circuit board can be selected by an associated busbar and by an intermediate mask that prevents the contacting of non-selected measuring locations. The busbars preferably are orientated transversely relative to the principal direction of the wiring of the printed circuit board.

Abstract: A device for tracing preferably short-circuiting in electric systems.When tracing short-circuiting it is desirable that voltage and current will have normal values immediately after elimination thereof, for instance by contact. This object has been achieved in that an oscillator (23) limits the current at the output (19) to near 0 A as long as short-circuiting remains.When the short-circuiting ceases this is detected by a unit of sensitivity (24) and, as a result of this, the oscillation stops and preset current and voltage levels are entered immediately and automatically.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing with D.C. and charging a cable. Through periodically switchable switching elements, like a switch-over or a switching rotor, the cable alternately swings via a choke coil and rectifier into an opposite polarity and re-swings again during the ensuing reswitching via a choke coil and rectifier into the previous polarity. As a result, the cable, after each switching break, is charged up to the original voltage by a testing apparatus with positive or negative polarity in order to compensate for the swing-over and current losses.

Abstract: The self-contained diagnostic system is provided for a stroboscopic light circuit. The diagnostic system includes a plurality of signal lights, preferably LEDs, connected at various locations in the circuit to provide a visual indication of the faulty portion of the circuit in the event that the circuit does not operate properly. The system provides a quick and easy method for determining the location of a malfunction of a stroboscopic light without the necessity of replacing the entire light system or the use of diagnostic equipment.

Abstract: A multi-function tester (10) for testing electrical continuity and detecting the presence of various types of voltages comprises a bistable flip flop (14) having set and reset input terminals (2, 6) which are driven by voltage changes thereat to change the level of voltage appearing at an output terminal (3), with the set input terminal being coupled to a voltage source (12) through a set resistor (30) and being coupled to a common terminal (26) through a TMOS FET switch (16). An LED (32) is connected between the flip flop output terminal and the common terminal. A storage switch (18) couples and decouples the set and reset terminals.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting a disconnection of a sensor by monitoring a signal in a signal-carrying line for receiving an output signal of the sensor through a connector. The apparatus includes a feeder circuit for causing a current to flow through the connector to the sensor for a predetermined time period in the absence of the output signal of the sensor. The current flow causes elimination of an oxide film produced in the connector with time, resulting in the prevention of attenuation of the output signal due to the oxide film and in ensuring accurate detection of the disconnection of the sensor irrespective of secular change.

Abstract: In a shield machine, there are provided an electromagnetic wave transmitting and receiving unit mounted on the top of the shield machine for radiating electromagnetic impulse wave toward an underground and for receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected from the underground, and a position sensor for collecting an information regarding the position of the electromagnetic wave transmitter and receiver unit. Data processing unit is provided for processing the signals from transmitter/receiver and the position sensor and sent through a transmission line. The data processing unit continuously displays the condition of the underground at the cutting face.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a switching device for use in a series loop circuit, and more particularly to a switching device for uncoupling defective circuit components from the series loop circuit, for conducting quick trouble-shooting procedures to locate breaks or shorts in the circuit, and for enabling efficient preventive maintenance programs of the circuit components in order to keep them in good repair, with minimal shutdown time of the circuit or interruption in the supply of power to remaining circuit components. The device according to the invention includes a multi-position selector switch which permits in-situ testing of the circuit components so that down-time of the circuit is significantly reduced, and ease of maintenance is enhanced.

Abstract: Different approaches are described, in ionization gauges or the like, which either prevent dangerous open ground conditions and/or sense the presence of the open ground whereby the controller power may be automatically turned off. Circuitry for extending the measurement range of ionization gauges is also described.

Abstract: A monitoring device connected to an LC filter circuit for determining the occurrence of faults therein includes sensors for measuring the voltage drop across the LC filter circuit and the current flow therethrough. The monitoring device includes simulation circuits for estimating the voltage drop and current flow in response to the actual values of the current flow and voltage drop, respectively. In one position of the double-throw switch, the actual value of the current is compared with an estimated value thereof while in another position of the double-throw switch, an estimated value of the voltage drop is compared with the actual value thereof. Differences between the compared values are detected by a multiplicity of Y-connected limit and counting stages activatable by voltages of different magnitudes and directions for indicating different kinds of faults and for selectively disconnecting the LC filter circuit from a power supply network.

Abstract: An electrical apparatus for monitoring electrical continuity includes a number of input circuits each associated with a respective arm of a multi-phase rectifier circuit the continuity of which is to be monitored. Each input circuit includes a comparator which generates a train of pulses P while an input current persists in the arm. If a discontinuity arises in an arm for a first preset interval of time a monostable in that arm generates a first trigger signal. If the discontinuity persists for a further preset interval of time another monostable, common to all the arms, triggers an alarm via a bistable circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus for function checking of wiring matrices includes a carrier plate with a plurality of gas discharge channels formed therein. At least one selected measuring locations on a wiring matrix are ionically contacted through selected ones of the gas discharge channels, the gas discharge channels being selected by an electrode bus bar allocated to an electrode in the gas discharge channel and by controllably charging the gas discharge channels with an ionizing radiation to initiate the gas discharges. The ionizing radiation is controlled by either beam deflection or by masks.

Abstract: A system for testing conductor lines in a printed circuit board includes circuitry for the burning out of constricted regions of the printed circuit lines so as to insure that such defects are noticed. The system includes circuitry for measuring the resistance in a path through a printed circuit line under test and including connecting circuitry to a generator of an electrical pulse. A resistor network and switching circuitry is employed for adjusting the resistance of the path through a desired value. The electrical pulse is generated by the discharge of a capacitor previously charged to a predetermined value of voltage, the discharge occurring via a pulsing circuit switch which limits the duration of the pulse through a predetermined value of sufficiently short duration to prevent damage to the circuit board associated with excessive heating.

Abstract: A three-phase generator includes an internal neutral junction to which one end of each of the windings of the generator is connected thereby forming a wye-connected generator. An air-core current transformer is disposed over each of the three conductors leading to the internal neutral junction for monitoring neutral current therein. A corresponding air-core current transformer is disposed over high-voltage terminals connected to the other ends of the generator windings. A shielded differential amplifier on the output of each air-core current transformer produces a signal corresponding to the difference between two bifilar half windings in its associated air-core current transformer. The difference currents from the neutral and high-voltage ends of each generator winding are compared, and, if their difference exceeds a predetermined threshold, a threshold circuit produces a trigger signal which is latched by a latching relay to produce a trip signal for use by the generator control system.

Abstract: An on-vehicle diagnostic unit for an electronic ignition system monitors input signal received and output signals produced by the electronic ignition control unit on a continuous basis and displays an indiction of proper operation or failure. The failure indication is produced in response to a permanent or intermittent failure, irrespective of the failure mode of the electronic ignition control unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing a circuit which senses the condition of an electrical quantity, the sensing circuit having a sensing portion which indicates a predetermined condition of the electrical quantity of a load connected between a pair of sensing terminals, and having a current conducing device which is activated a given time after the sensing portion indicates the predetermined electrical condition. The testing apparatus includes a network which is connected to the sensing circuit terminals for simulating a load having the electrical quantity to which the sensing circuit is responsive, the network having at least one branch which simulates the existence of the predetermined condition in the load, and the network having a timing component causing the predetermined condition to be simulated for a time adequate to test the sensing circuit response but inadequate to provide sufficient energy to activate the device.

Abstract: A device for burying a submarine cable under water by easily and accurately detecting the cable position and a method for guiding the same by utilizing the characteristics unique to submarine cables, by supplying an AC only to the portion of the cable between two arbitrary repeaters through a so-called transformer-coupling system to generate an AC magnetic field, and by detecting the magnetic field with a magnetic field detector.

Abstract: Apparatus for on-site testing of wrist straps or shoe straps of the type d to prevent the buildup of electrostatic charges on the body and clothing of a worker engaged in handling charge-sensitive electronic devices. The worker wearing a grounding strap connects the grounding strap to a terminal on the tester and touches a touch pad on the apparatus. The tester incorporates the resistance of the grounding strap and the worker wearing the strap into a voltage divider. If the incorporated resistance is within acceptable limits, an indicating lamp is lighted to show that the grounding strap is working properly. An indicating signal may also be coupled to a computer for automatic recordkeeping.