Abstract: Test system for an intelligent electronic device in an electric sub-station. Examples of a test switch unit are described. Each test switch unit may be utilized for opening of the trip circuit, the shorting of the CT and subsequently isolation of the VT circuits, respectively. Once the trip circuits have been opened, and the CT/VT circuits have been shorted and isolated, respectively, the IED may be tested by providing the appropriate test signals.

Abstract: In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a system can include a primary coil wound around a moveable magnetic core, at least one secondary coil wound in one continuous direction and magnetically coupled with the primary coil, and a controller operatively connected to determine a position of the moveable magnetic core and configured to detect a fault across the secondary coil.

Abstract: A belt for suspending and/or driving an elevator car extending longitudinally along a length of the belt. An inner belt layer formed from a first material is bonded to the plurality of tension elements at a first side of the belt. The inner belt layer forms an inner belt surface interactive with a traction sheave of an elevator system. An outer belt layer formed from a second material is bonded to the plurality of tension elements at a second side of the belt. The plurality of tension elements are located between the first side and the second side.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes a moveable mass. A load bearing member includes at least one electrically conductive tension member that supports a load associated with movement of the mass. An electrically conductive member is situated along a selected portion of a path of movement of the load bearing member. The electrically conductive member is not subject to a load on the tension member. A processor is configured to determine an electrical resistance of the tension member as an indicator of a condition of the tension member. The processor is configured to determine an electrical resistance of the electrically conductive member. The processor uses the determined electrical resistance of the electrically conductive member to compensate for any environmental influence on the determined electrical resistance of the tension member.

Abstract: Systems and methods using fluid-filled hollow microspheres to assist in monitoring or indicating high-energy blunt impacts on structures such as aircraft. A multiplicity of microspheres may be adhered to or embedded in a coating applied on a surface of a substrate (e.g., a tape or an appliqué), which substrate in turn can be adhered to a surface of a structure to be monitored. The microspheres are designed to rupture at one or more specified pressure thresholds. In some embodiments, the microspheres are filled with electrically conductive fluid which, if released from ruptured microsphere, changes the electromagnetic state of the substrate. In response to the detection of a sufficiently large change in the electromagnetic state of the substrate, a blunt impact indication is generated. The impact site may then undergo non-destructive inspection.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cable inspection operate by generating a relative motion between an electrical cable including multiple wires and a magnetic field. An electrical signal induced in the wires is measured responsively to the magnetic field. A variation in the electrical signal is sensed due to the relative motion. In response to the variation, a defect is detected in the electrical cable.

Abstract: Methods and systems for cable inspection operate by generating a relative motion between an electrical cable including multiple wires and a magnetic field. An electrical signal induced in the wires is measured responsively to the magnetic field. A variation in the electrical signal is sensed due to the relative motion. In response to the variation, a defect is detected in the electrical cable.

Abstract: A method of inline inspection of photovoltaic material for electrical anomalies. A first electrical connection is formed to a first surface of the photovoltaic material, and a second electrical connection is formed to an opposing second surface of the photovoltaic material. A localized current is induced in the photovoltaic material and properties of the localized current in the photovoltaic material are sensed using the first and second electrical connections. The properties of the sensed localized current are analyzed to detect the electrical anomalies in the photovoltaic material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting structural anomalies in the body of rotating members of an engine involves establishing an electric circuit in the body of the rotating members by embedding a network of electrically conductive fibers. Upon rotation of the members in the presence of a magnetic field, an electric current flows in the electrically conductive fibers of the rotating members. Detection of a structural anomaly in any of the rotating members results from detecting a break of the electric circuit.

Abstract: A wear detector for a suspension rope having a plurality of load bearing strands covered by a sheath includes a sensor at a surface of the sheath. The sensor senses a characteristic of the rope representing a predetermined amount of wear of the sheath. The sensed characteristic can be electrical contact with the strands, distance from the surface of the sheath to the strands, or change of color of the sheath surface.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel systems for testing guards closures or barriers used on hazardous machinery for personnel protection. The guards are tested separately or in conjunction with safety devices which may include interlocks, locking mechanisms and latching devices. The testing process proceeds without having to shut down the machine on which the guarding system is mounted. Testers are incorporated in the process for establishing the integrity of the safety devices and for executing self-testing. Also included are various novel devices that are unable in such systems.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting interruptions of continuity in a circuit is provided. The method includes transmitting a signal through a brush contacting a conductive band of a slipring, wherein the brush and the slipring have a relative motion. The apparatus is configured to determine a circuit interruption using a plurality of parameters of the signal transmitted through the brush and the slipring, and provide an indication of an interruption when the parameters of the signal transmitted through the brush and slipring are indicative of a circuit interruption.

Abstract: A withstand voltage testing apparatus and an automatic testing method thereof are capable of testing a withstand voltage by contacting/separating a test probe to/from a test position of an electronic product automatically and not manually. When a pallette is transported through a conveyor, the pallette is fixed by raising a stopper. Then, it is determined whether a monitor assembly as loaded on the transported pallette has arrived at an operating position. Vibration of the pallette is prevented by moving a pusher horizontally forward to contact one side of the pallette to press the pallette. A test probe moves forward and contacts the test position of the monitor assembly in order to perform a predetermined test. After testing is completed, the test probe connecting the monitor assembly moves backward and the fixed pallette is released by moving the pusher backward. After lowering the stopper, the pallette is transported to perform a next stage of the process.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for determining the integrity of an electrical cable. ccessive portions of electrical cable pass through an aqueous electrolyte with a distance measurement unit providing an indication of the position of a portion of the cable located in the electrolyte. A capacitance measurement unit connects to a selected conductor in the cable and to an electrode in the electrolyte to continuously generate a measured capacitance signal. An X-Y plotter produces an output that displays the measured capacitance as a function of the length of the cable passing through the electrolyte.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indicating a removal of a chip card from a corresponding write/read device are disclosed. Cards which are unpredictably electrically separated from the write/read device can store the event in the card memory and use it as information for a restart.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for inspecting electrical wire (10) is provided. A wire respooling machine (22) advances the electrical wire (10) from a take-off spool (12) to a take-up spool (14). An encoder (24) senses the rotation of the calibrated wheel (15) that is rotated by the electrical wire (10) and produces encoded wire length data. A splice detector (20) senses splices and insulation flaws in the wire (10) and produces a pulse for each detected splice and flaw. A controller (26) receives the encoded wire length data and detected splice and flaw pulses and produces splice and flaw location data representing the locations of the detected splices and flaws relative to the leading end of the wire (10). The controller (26) generates report data that includes said wire length data and said splice and flaw location data. A printer (28) prints the report data in a hard copy format.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for determining the eccentricity of insulation on an elongated conductor comprising two flat parallel opposing electrodes positionable on opposite sides of an insulated conductor in physical contact with the insulation of the conductor, means for moving one of the two electrodes relative to the other in a direction parallel to the electrodes, whereby the insulated conductor is rotated therebetween, electrical contact means for making electrical contact to the conductor, means for translating the electrical contact means at the same rate that the insulating conductor is translated between the two flat opposing electrodes, and electrical means for determining the ratio of the capacitance of each of the two electrodes to the conductor as the insulating conductor is rotated between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for detecting the continuity of nonconductive coatings on conductive web materials, such as rolls of metallic foils. The coated side of the sheet material web contacts a conductive surface and electrical resistance of the coating is measured. The apparatus for measuring the resistance of the coating may be adjusted to permit small gaps in the coating to be bypassed while being triggered by major gaps in the coating.