Abstract: A method for characterizing the performance of an electrostatic chuck prior to installing the chuck in the vacuum chamber of a semiconductor processing system in a production line. One or more characteristics of the electrostatic chuck are measured and compared with the known characteristics of a reference chuck. The comparison indicates the performance of the chuck and projects the performance of the chuck in an actual operating environment. The characteristics that are measured include the chuck impedance, the current-voltage characteristic of the chuck, the local plasma density proximate the support surface of the chuck, and the cooling or heating rate of the chuck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stimuli providing indicator (107) that is responsive to nearby transmitted radio signals. Fixed and mobile stations may produce such signals. In addition a cellular telephone operating at a high transmit power may be detected. Indicator (107) may be supported by a lens (103) which itself may be supported by at least one head mount (101).

Abstract: A method of performing a dielectric voltage-withstand test on a wire harness having a plurality of conductors includes applying voltage simultaneously to a first subset of the conductors. The first subset includes at least two of the conductors. An electrical characteristic of each of the conductors excluded from the first subset of conductors is measured. The applying and measuring steps are repeated for at least one additional subset of the conductors. It is decided whether the wire harness passes the test based upon at least one of the measuring steps.

Abstract: A method of reconizing a fault current in a control unit and to a control unit having a circuit for recognizing the fault current. According to the invention, a current flowing into the control unit which could cause the control unit to be damaged or to operate incorrectly is detected and a fault signal is produced depending on the current detected, the fault signal causing the load or the current supply for the control unit to be switched off, for example.

Abstract: A portable power fault testing apparatus for testing telecommunications equipment's line cards to BellCore's AC power fault standards. A switched transformer unit is coupled to a single-phase AC line voltage source for generating a switched voltage output in 0-220 volt range or in 0-1100 volt range. A primary control relay is coupled to the switched transformer unit for applying the switched voltage output for selected time durations under control of an external computer. A test selector switch coupled to the primary control relay connects the switched voltage output to either a resistive test circuit portion or an inductive test circuit portion, each of which is designed to comply with the respective AC power fault testing conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electronic circuit assembled onto a miniature printed circuit board and assembled into an AC plug body such that the AC mains connect to terminals on or connected to the printed circuit board. The circuit contains a filtered power supply, microcontroller, and external interface, such that the plug may be connected to a special interface connector in order for data to be exchanged with a PC or computer or other programmer/reader device. A current sensor is employed and a voltage sensor is also employed. From the combined readings from the voltage sensor and the current sensor, the embedded program running on the microcontroller can determine the power being consumed by the loading device.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a rotational angle sensor on an electrical machine. It is desired to provide a method that enables fault detection at both high speeds and low speeds of the rotor. The electrical power of the machine is measured and a power value is estimated using the output signal of the rotational angle sensor, a residual being formed from the measured power and the estimated power and the time curve of the residual being monitored.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method for testing a heating system (1) with at least one basic unit (12), which controls activating elements (9 to 11) of individual heating circuits (2 to 4), the basic unit (12) being connected with setting units (14 to 17).

Abstract: A diagnostic testing system for use with two or more lighting systems of the High Intensity Discharge (HID) sports lighting type, wherein two or more lighting systems have their ballasts and diagnostic receptacles combined in a single ballast box at the base of a light pole for diagnostic access. Each lighting system has its own diagnostic receptacle electrically coupled to the other lighting system through a common block supplying power to the multi-system fixture. Each lighting system typically comprises at least one lamp, a ballast, a capacitor, and wiring interconnecting the lamp, ballast, and capacitor. Each diagnostic receptacle includes a continuity plug wired to maintain electrical connection to the common block while it is plugged in, and to cause its associated lighting system to be electrically isolated from the common block when the plug is removed.

Abstract: A probe for fault-actuation devices has a transistor which is utilized to insert a reference signal into a fault-insertion point. The emitter and collector are connectable to the fault-insertion point and a reference signal and a capacitor with a capacitance greater than the capacitance of parasitic components is connected between the base and the emitter.

Abstract: An electromagnetic waveform developing in synchronism with a system power supply by a partial discharge of electric equipment such as a power distribution device is received by an antenna 1. From the electromagnetic waveform of measurement frequency included in the received signal, there are extracted a component changing according to the frequency of the system power supply and a component changing at the frequency twice that of the system power supply. The presence or absence of discharge is determined from the magnitude of each of the extracted components, thereby detecting a partial discharge.

Abstract: A device for sensing an alternating current includes a circuit board on whose surface is arranged a planar conductor path in which a current to be measured flows. Applied on the opposite surface of the conductor path is a planar coil in which the change in the current to be measured induces a voltage. The device is advantageously used in a converter having a direct-current voltage link circuit.

Abstract: A fault detection system for performing analog current analysis and diagnosis of power devices on digitally controlled buses. The fault detection system includes a field-installable bus interface having a current sensor on a ground return line. A bus controller connected to the bus interface then applies digital control signals and power to a system assembly via the bus interface such that individual power devices are selectively energized. A real time current profile of the selected power device over a selected period of time is determined. A fault determination network compares the real time current against a set of predetermined criteria and determines whether the selected power device is acceptable. The predetermined criteria beneficially includes information useful for determining degradation of the selected power device so that fault correction before failure is feasible.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for monitoring leakage currents of a circuit which includes a plurality of valve coils connected in parallel to a supply line and adapted to be connected to ground by way of individual switches, and wherein the supply line is connected by way of a main switch to the positive pole of the supply voltage source and, further, to a testing current source used as a test signal source, is designed such that prior to each closing of the main switch, with the individual switches still open, the testing current source is connected to the supply voltage source and thereby activated. The result is an increase of the voltage potential on the supply line. A comparator establishes the difference between the potentials on the supply line and the supply voltage. If the difference exceeds a threshold value, this indicates leakage current.

Abstract: Very low frequency (VLF) high voltage (HV) sinusoidal electrical test waves provide for testing AC electrical power installations and equipment having large electrical capacitances. VLF HV sinusoidal electrical waves are suitable for testing characteristics and/or qualities of insulation on long, buried electric power cables. Capacitance of a load being tested by VLF HV sinusoidal waves is discharged during a second half of each positive half-wave and during a second half of each negative half-wave by using a sequence of resistive discharge paths. Each successive discharge path in a sequence has less resistance than its predecessor for creating a sequence of progressively-reduced discharge Time Constants. Solenoid-operated switch contacts bring successive discharge paths into action. Also, solenoid-operated switch contacts reverse polarity to create positive and negative half waves of the VLF HV sinusoidal electrical test waves.

Abstract: A diagnostic tester for use with a lighting system having at least one lamp, a ballast, a capacitor, and a plurality of wires interconnecting the lamp, ballast, and capacitor. A diagnostic receptacle is electrically coupled to the lamp, ballast, and capacitor. A connector is adapted to engage the diagnostic receptacle and provide an electrical connection therewith. The connector is electrically coupled to circuits for testing the ballast, the capacitor, and the plurality of wires in the lighting system. An indicator is provided for separately indicating whether the ballast, the capacitor, and the plurality of wires are functioning properly. An indicator may also be employed with a pair of terminals on the tester housing for testing the continuity of a lighting system fuse.

Abstract: It is an object to identify a failed portion in a circuit for image processing and notify a service center of the failed portion, thereby enabling the failed circuit to be promptly replaced. Circuit portions of image processing units are constructed on separate substrates. As processing routes of an image signal which is inputted from an A/D converting unit, a route in which the image signal passes through a given circuit portion and a route in which the image signal doesn't pass therethrough are set. Data of a predetermined pattern is processed by those processing routes. The presence or absence of a failure of each circuit portion is discriminated from the processing results. The discrimination result is transmitted to an external apparatus installed in a service center.

Abstract: A leakage tester includes multiple circuits capable of simulating the impedance of the human body to electrical current under a variety of conditions, and in which the multiple circuits can be selected using a single menu-based operator interface for testing both normal-line and single-fault conditions such as open-neutral, reversed-line, and open-ground conditions, as well as for performing additional types of safety compliance tests including dielectric withstand, insulation resistance, and ground bond or continuity tests, in any sequence.

Abstract: The electromagnetic drive mechanism for the control rods of a nuclear reactor has a stationary gripper and coil, a movable gripper and coil, and a lifting armature and coil for moving the movable gripper to advance or retract the control rods in steps. A coil current driver responsive to a controller provides currents to the coils individually and in combinations. During the operations, coil current signals are sensed, sampled, digitized and processed to generate coil current data such as amplitude as a function of time. The measured coil current data is compared to nominal current data as well as historical current data, and the historical data is updated or appended to include the measured data. The comparison includes a check for correct timing relationships, such as the timing of the current notch occurring due to increased inductance upon pull-in of a gripper.

Abstract: A system for protecting an electronic device from electromagnetic radiation is provided that receives electromagnetic radiation impinging on said electronic device, determines a value of a characteristic of said electromagnetic radiation, generates a testing signal when said value of said characteristics of said electromagnetic radiation is greater than a predetermined value, and tests said electronic device in response to said testing signal to determine if said electromagnetic radiation has affected said electronic device. A method for protecting an electronic device from electromagnetic radiation is also provided.

Abstract: An oscilloscope comprises a trigger circuit for initiating display of the waveform of an input signal in response to a trigger event, at least one detection circuit responsive to the input signal for detecting occurrence of an anomalous event therein, and a counter for reporting the number of occurrences of the anomalous event that have been detected.

Abstract: The noise received by the unused connectors limits the accuracy of a device for measuring the leakage from a piece of electronic medical equipment. To reduce noise the device is surrounded by a Faraday shield which encloses unused connectors of the device. The shielded connector includes a post having a transverse hole near its distal end. A coil spring surrounds the post end and is connected to the Faraday shield of the device. An insulated retainer prevents the distal end of the coil spring from extending beyond the end of the post. The retainer is compressed against the coil spring to expose the transverse hole when a lead is to be attached to the connector.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting degraded operation of a solenoid. A current through the solenoid is sampled at predetermined time intervals within a predetermined time period. A maximum value of the sampled current is first detected. Next, a minimum value of the sampled current subsequent to the maximum value is detected. Finally, a predetermined increase in the sampled current from the minimum value is detected to verify operation of the solenoid.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring particles in fluid systems in which a detector has electrical contacts that are bridged by particles captured from suspension in the fluid. Upon detection of a particle, a control microprocessor stores a predetermined quantity of electrical energy on a capacitor, which is then discharged through an inductor to burn off the particle at the detector. The burn-off charge and return lines from the charge storage capacitor are un-grounded, and are connected by respective electronic switches through relay contacts to the conductors connected to the chip detector. The relay contacts are also connected to the inputs of a differential amplifier for detecting presence of a chip bridging the detector contacts and monitoring continuity of the conductors to and from the detector. The relay is powered by system voltage, and in the event of system power failure connects the chip detectors directly to warning lamps on an operator panel.

Abstract: A fail check device and method for switching signal lines, wherein PWM signals are sent out onto PWM signal lines through a PWM signal output/survey circuit. Based on the level of the PWM signals to be sent out and the level of the PWM signals actually sent out, a PWM mismatch signal (logical) is produced. The produced PWM mismatch signal (logical) has a value which indicates a fault when the PWM signal lines are in a state of breakage or short circuit to a ground or the PWM signal lines in a predrive circuit are short-circuited to the positive wiring of a power source. Therefore, by using the PWM mismatch signal (logical), a breakage in the PWM signal lines or a fault in the predrive circuit can be detected by a control CPU.

Abstract: An instrument used for the live troubleshooting of short circuits in electronic equipment. This instrument has a current indicator, an adjustment to set the maximum current and electrical connectors. The short circuited line on the equipment to be repaired is opened and the connectors are connected, in order to complete the circuit. The instrument is adjusted to deliver a maximum current which is safe for the equipment when the equipment is functioning normally. The technician will now be able to troubleshoot the live circuit without causing further damage.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the voltage and energy between the contacts of a male connector from a piece of electronic equipment after it has been disconnected for a given period of time from a source of AC power. The device has both a voltage meter and a milli-joules meter which are connected into any one of a series of four circuits. In the first circuit, the meters are connected across the high voltage contact and the low voltage contact of the male connector. In the second circuit, the meters are connected across the high voltage contact and the safety ground, in the third circuit the meters are connected across the low voltage contact and the safety ground, and in the fourth circuit the meters measure the residual voltage and energy between the tip of a conductive probe and safety ground. A control element controls a relay to connect or disconnect the meters into the circuit selected after the piece of equipment being tested has been disconnected from a source of power for a given period of time.

Abstract: A coupling circuit receives a high voltage surge wave and injects it into e or more power lines of a single-phase or three-phase power supply circuit, either line-to-line or line-to-ground. The coupling circuit may have a surge coupler including a series connection of a gas tube and a coupling capacitor, and preferably a rectifier, and a shunt resistor for discharging the coupling capacitor. A one-stage or two-stage surge back filter across the power lines protects the power source from the surge wave. Each surge back filter may have series inductors, and shunt surge suppression circuits, which may each include a series combination of a capacitor and a resistor, in parallel with at least one metal-oxide varistor (MOV) or a cluster of MOVs. A grounding suppressor connected from a power line to ground may include gas tubes and/or MOVs, inductors and resistors. Risetime adjusting circuits including resistors and capacitors may be connected between the power lines and/or between the power lines and ground.

Abstract: A method is specified for detecting ground faults on the conductors of electrical machines, in which method the fault resistance (Rf) is directly calculated in a numerical evaluation unit (7) from the injected (Ui) and the measured (URE) voltages. Since the fault resistance is explicitly calculated and displayed, it is independent of influences from the ground reactance. Moreover, there is no need to, for each machine, characteristics for drawing conclusions on the fault resistance. Moreover, the influence of ageing, temperature fluctuations, injection level fluctuations etc. is eliminated due to the numerical calculation. (FIG.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting the breakage of an electrically conductive drive band are disclosed. The apparatus includes an electrically conductive probe that is disposed proximate of the electrically conductive band. The probe is spaced from the electrically conductive drive band to allow the probe to contact the band upon its breakage. The band is connected to electrical ground potential. The apparatus also includes a continuity checking circuit that is connected to the electrically conductive drive band and the probe. The continuity checking circuit is designed so that the electrically conductive probe does not have a voltage potential thereon during normal operation of the apparatus. When the band breaks, it contacts the probe and thereby establishes an electrical continuity between the band and the probe. This electrical continuity is detected by the continuity checking circuit to provide a signal output indicative of the breakage of the band.

Abstract: The primary charge roller evaluator is a device to determine an accurate measurement of conductivity or leakage current of primary charge roller, from its steel shaft to outer coating. This measurement is based on the impedance of the roller, that is the in-phase resistance and the capacitive reactance of the roller. This measurement allows the user to evaluate the quality of the primary charge roller. This evaluation is then used to predict the performance of primary charge roller. Accurate conductivity or leakage currents are determined by totally enclosing the primary charge roller in conductive holders and applying a pre-measured pressure on roller for maximum contact. Humidity compensator adjusts for changes in humidity and has non-linear scale to adjust for patented characteristics of rollers.

Abstract: A device for testing for leakage of electronic equipment has a female AC connector for receiving the male AC connector of the electronic equipment to be tested and a male AC connector for attaching the test device to a source of AC power. The device also includes an electrically conductive probe and a meter for detecting a voltage on a surface contacted by the probe. Within the device are first and second switches which connect the male AC connector and the female AC connector in four successive configurations for applying AC power to the connector of the piece of equipment to be tested. A sequencing circuit in the device operates the two switches to apply all four test configurations within an interval of 1.033 seconds. The probe and the meter for detecting a current in the probe is used to contact the conductive surfaces of the piece of equipment being tested to detect a voltage while the four tests are applied to the power connector.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for testing a self-commutative electric power conversion device, capable of verifying the maximum voltage stress and the maximum current stress in the main circuit of the device by using a testing facility equipped with the power source and the load having relatively small capacities. The pulse shaped turn on and turn off signals are supplied to the switching elements in the self-commutative electric power conversion device, such that a load current having a desired current level for testing flows though an inductive load connected to an AC output side of the self-commutative electric power conversion device having the DC capacitor charged to a desired voltage level for testing.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a pulse of short duration is generated from system voltage and is applied to a circuit branch being tested. The resulting current is measured and subjected to a comparative evaluation. The corresponding arrangement has a power semiconductor circuit for generating the testing pulse from the system voltage. Preferably, a so-called GTO (Gate Turn-Off thyristor) is used for this purpose.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention there is provided a test device for testing a circuit including a compact fluorescent light having first and second terminals, an ac-power source including first and second ac-power lines, and a ballast in the ac-power source. The test device has current indicating means for testing presence of electric current in the circuit, and voltage indicating means for indicating presence of voltage between the first and second power lines.

Abstract: A fault detection circuit for a plurality of DC loads uses a reference load as a benchmark. The voltages at the centerpoints of the loads to be monitored are monitored and compared with the voltage of the centerpoint of the reference load. The comparison is affected by faults which do not affect all loads equally (as by a short or open) and is unaffected by faults which do affect all loads equally (as by changes in voltage of the source).

Abstract: A temperature sensing device for accurately measuring the temperature of a microbonding device tip. The temperature sensing device consists of an array of thin-film thermocouples produced by thin-film patterning techniques on a substrate card. Each thermocouple is composed of two circuit lines of dissimilar metals A & B. The dissimilar metals are superimposed at a junction point. A third metal C is deposited between the metals A and B to prevent premature degradation of the thermocouple junction. A common line is used for one of the two metals connecting to the junctions. This allows almost twice as many thermocouples than conventional layout techniques.

Abstract: An automotive charging circuit fault detection circuit includes a pseudo stator-phase signal generator and a stator-phase existence circuit for determining if a stator-phase signal is below a predetermined threshold. A pseudo stator-phase signal control circuit selectively applies the pseudo stator-phase signal to replace the stator-phase signal when the stator-phase existence circuit determines that the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold. A voltage detector circuit continues the application of the pseudo stator-phase signal if an output voltage from the charging circuit is above a minimum voltage. A timer times a predetermined time the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold to enable the voltage detection circuit, and a warning indicator provides a warning if the pseudo stator-phase signal is applied and if an output voltage from the charging circuit is below the minimum voltage.

Abstract: A tester for power operated vehicle antennas is designed to be inserted serially within the power antenna's operating circuit and utilizes light emitting diodes to indicate proper circuit operation. A flexibly positionable fiber optic cable can also be utilized to permit the viewing of illuminated diodes from a remote location.

Abstract: The inverter of an uninterruptible power system is tested by turning on switches in the inverter at a selected test phase in each half-cycle of the AC input waveform so that the inverter provides a voltage which opposes the AC input voltage waveform during part of each half-cycle of the waveform. The resulting current drawn from the inverter battery, if any, is measured and its peak may be found. The peak battery current during each half-cycle is compared to maximum allowable peak currents to determine if an inverter failure has occurred. If the peak currents are lower than a maximum acceptable value, the test is repeated on a subsequent AC input waveform at a decreased test phase (a shorter time delay from the zero crossing of each half-cycle of the waveform) until the peak current in the first half-cycle is at a selected value, at which time the peak in the second half-cycle is checked to determine if it is within an acceptable range. If not, an inverter test failure is indicated.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing electrical loads such as appliances connected with a DC source in a motor vehicle. The loads receive their signals causing them to operate from an electronic control unit. The latter is connected with a diagnostic computer in a manner so as to comply with the industrial standard DIN/ISO 9141. The diagnostic program is stored in the computer, for instance on a diskette. During a test, a precision resistor or shunt is connected in the current path between the DC source and the load. When the load to be tested has been turned on by the diagnostic computer the precision resistor leads to produces a voltage drop dependent on the current flow in the load. Such voltage drop is measured and compared in the diagnostic computer with a rated value specific for the load. If there is a difference the size of the difference provides information indicating the nature of the fault or malfunction of the load.

Abstract: A fault detection circuit for a plurality of three-phase loads uses a wye-connected reference load as a benchmark. The voltages at the centerpoints of the loads to be monitored are monitored and the largest monitored voltage is identified. This largest voltage is compared with the voltage of the centerpoint of the reference load. The comparison is affected by faults which do not affect all loads equally (as by a short or open in one of the phases of one of the loads) and is unaffected by faults which do affect all loads equally (as by changes in voltage of one of the phases of the source).

Abstract: A device for testing support equipment for a power circuit breaker, including a breaker simulator for simulating a power circuit breaker, a connector for connecting the breaker simulator to a breaker control panel, and a switch for re-directing the functions of the breaker control panel to the simulator.

Abstract: A defective automobile gauge is repaired by placing a resistance across the back of the gauge. At least 95% of the automobile gauges which fail do so because the regular resistance shunt has opened. The regular resistance shunt is mounted upon a ceramic plate that is necessary for the structural support of the galvanometer of the gauge. Therefore, the ceramic plate with the defective resistance remains in place and additional resistance is attached in parallel with the defective resistance.

Abstract: A device for detecting errors of a plurality of electric parts which are built in electronic equipment has error detecting circuits in the form of relays. The relays are interconnected one-to-one to various electric parts which are the subject of error detection, while display circuits are interconnected one-to-one to the relays. Output signals of the relays are fed to a reporting circuit without the intermediary of the display circuits. When an electric part is free from an error and only a display circuit associated therewith has failed, no error signal is fed to the reporting circuit. Only when any of the electric parts has really failed, an error signal is delivered to the reporting circuit to cause the latter to take an adequate measure such as the interruption of power supply.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing handheld soldering irons having a three wire soldering tip by touching the soldering iron tip to a single point sensor to measure tip temperature, tip voltage to ground the tip resistance to ground. A thermocouple sensor for use with a soldering iron testing apparatus is described.

Abstract: An apparatus for the deletion of extraneous signals to a radio frequency monitor is described having a first radio frequency sensor disposed at the neutral common ground of a dynamoelectric machine and delivering radio frequency signals from all sources to a switch at the input of a radio frequency monitor and further having auxiliary radio frequency sensors disposed at sources of normal radio frequency activity and providing signals of such normal activity to a deletion pulse generator which issues a blocking pulse to said switch thereby deleting RF noise from normal sources which otherwise may produce false warnings and restrict the diagnostic utility of radio frequency monitoring of an electric power generator or an electric motor.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for monitoring the final stages of a plurality of valves, particularly the power transistors (LT1-LT4) and their circuitry, for defects as well as for leakage currents or by-path currents comprises a comparator circuit (1), an OR-link (2) and of a further comparator element (XOR4). By way of the monitoring circuit, the actuation connections (S1-S4) of electromagnetically operable valves are connected to a sole output (A3). By applying short test pulses to the actuation inputs (E1-E4) of the final stages (LT1-LT4) and by comparing the signal variation at the output (A3) with the test pulse variation defects, leakage currents and the like are detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus measured and calculates the derived thermodynamic state of a heat-pump or air conditioning system using information from transducers sensing elementary thermodynamic variables in the system. Elementary signals such as pressure, temperature, power, humidity, air flow, and others as required are derived using transducers from closed and open portions of the thermodynamic system, and which signals are then transmitted using appropriate transmission media. These signals are input to a computer, which could take many forms (electrical analog, electrical digital, pneumatic, hydraulic, and others), and these signal inputs along with known and tabulated thermodynamic characteristics of the working fluid (refrigerant) and psychrometric properties of the cooled media (air for example), are used to calculate thermodynamic output variables such as entropy, enthalpy, pressure, temperature, and volume at various states in the thermodynamic cycle.

Abstract: A device for inspecting a printer includes a plurality of interface circuits for a plurality of different kinds of printers. Connectors connect each of the interface circuits to a respective printer. A storage arrangement stores test printing data. A control circuit is connected to select one of the interface circuits and to transmit the test printing data from the storage arrangement to the respective printer for controlling the respective printer to print the test printing data.