Abstract: A high voltage conductor for transmitting high voltage is provided. The high voltage conductor includes a power wire, a fault detection unit, and a monitoring unit. The power wire is configured for transmission of electrical energy. The fault detection unit is configured for detecting an electromagnetic field emanated by the power wire, and the monitoring unit is configured for detection of degradation in an isolation of the high voltage conductor. The monitoring unit is connected to the fault detection unit and is configured to receive an electrical signal induced in the fault detection unit, which electrical signal is induced as a result of a degradation of the isolation of the high voltage conductor. Thus, degradation of the isolation of the high voltage conductor may be recognized at an early stage.

Abstract: A system is provided for testing the electrical integrity of an implanted pacemaker or defibrillator lead. The system includes a container holding an electrically conductive solution, such as a saline solution. A voltage source and two electrodes are provided to pass an electrical current through the solution. To use the system, the proximal end of the electrical lead is disconnected from the implanted electronic device, passed through the saline solution and then electrically connected to a device/monitor. During testing, the device/monitor sends a test pulse through the lead and monitors electrical activity in the lead. To test sequential locations along the length of the proximal segment, the segment is drawn through the saline solution and between the electrodes while test pulses are sent and monitored. The monitor detects abnormal electrical activity in the lead indicative of a break in lead insulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a switching apparatus (1) for conducting electrical contact tests on bare and assembled printed circuit boards (12), comprising at least a flat support layer (2), a first electrode arrangement (3) and a functional layer (4), which support layer (2) is elastically restorably deformable, and the functional layer (4) is disposed on top of the first electrode arrangement (3). The functional layer (4) is made from at least one of the group comprising a layer of a photosensitive material (7), a quantum detector and a photoresistor, and at least one source for electromagnetic radiation (8) is additionally disposed above the functional layer (7), and the emitted electromagnetic radiation predominantly acts in the direction of the functional layer (4). The functional layer (4) may also be provided in the form of a transistor arrangement (9) made up of a plurality of transistors. The invention further relates to a method of producing a switching apparatus (1).

Abstract: Polyester compositions comprising: a) at least one semi-aromatic polyester resin; b) at least one reinforcing agent; c) hydroxyapatite; d) at least one epoxy component having two or more epoxy functional groups per molecule of the epoxy component; and optionally, at least one toughener, wherein the compositions exhibit the combined property of a desirable melt viscosity stability and a desirable hydrolysis resistance to articles molded from the compositions. Articles molded or extruded from these compositions especially, electric and electronic components. Methods of maintaining melt viscosity stability of a melt-mixed composition while simultaneously retaining tensile strength in the article prepared from the melt-mixed composition.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting defects in a packaging laminate having at least one conductive layer are provided. The method comprises the steps of grounding the conductive layer of the packaging laminate, arranging an electrode adjacent to the packaging laminate, applying a high voltage to the electrode by ramping the voltage from an initial value towards an upper predetermined value, and detecting a defect in the packaging material by registering dielectric breakdown between the electrode and the conductive layer of the packaging laminate.

Abstract: An O2 sensor has a sensor element, which includes a solid electrolyte layer and a pair of electrodes. The solid electrolyte layer is held between the electrodes, which includes an atmosphere side electrode and an exhaust side electrode. A constant current circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the atmosphere side electrode and a ground, to induce a flow of a predetermined constant electric current between the electrodes through the solid electrolyte layer. A voltage circuit is installed in an electric path, which connects between the exhaust side electrode and a ground, to increase an electric potential of the exhaust side electrode by a predetermined amount relative to an electric potential at an output side of the constant current circuit, from which the electric current flows out of the constant current circuit.

Abstract: An enameled flat wire includes a flat wire and an enamel coating. The difference in thickness of the enamel coating on flat surfaces between a maximum thickness and a minimum thickness is equal to or less than 25% of the predetermined thickness. The enamel coating prior to baking includes a maximum surface curvature on each of the rounded corners of the wire, and a depression on at least one of the flat surfaces of the wire, the depression has a maximum surface curvature. The maximum surface curvature of the depression is larger than the maximum surface curvature of the enamel coating prior to baking on at least one of the rounded corners thereof.

Abstract: An electronic sensing system has a transceiver with input and output pads, an excitation circuit connected to the output pad, and a detection circuit connected to the input pad. An electrically-conductive sensor patch has an electrical state that changes with exposure to a corresponding environmental factor. The detection circuit detects an electrical state of the input electrical-connection pad in response to the excitation signal and the electrical state of the sensor patch. A stack of one or more layers in order is disposed over the sensor patch in the detection region. Each layer is susceptible to a respective environmental factor, so that the sensor patch changes electrical state in response to exposure of the layer stack to the respective environmental factors of the one or more layer(s) in the selected order and subsequent exposure of the sensor patch to the corresponding environmental factor.

Abstract: The present idea refers to a needle head, its use in a probe arrangement, and a method for electrically contacting multiple electronic components. The needle head comprises a body with a lower surface, needle electrodes emerging from the lower surface, and multiple outlets arranged in the lower surface. A channel is arranged between an inlet in the body and the outlets for conveying a medium from the inlet to the outlets. By this means, electronic components arranged in close distance under the lower surface of the needle head are directly exposed to the medium which provides a test environment during a test of the electronic components.

Abstract: Apparatus, methods, and systems improve spark testing of insulated cables. According to embodiments described herein, a spark tester includes a conductive housing having an entryway, an exit, and a test chamber therebetween. The spark tester utilizes spring electrodes connected to an adjustment ring at one end of the housing and to a fixed structure at the opposite end of the housing. The adjustment ring is rotated such that the spring electrodes wrap around the test cable, contacting the test cable on all sides throughout the test chamber. The housing also includes an electrical contact for receiving and distributing a voltage across the housing and the spring electrodes. As the test cable is drawn through the spring electrodes, the grounded conductors within the test cable are monitored for a voltage spike, indicating an insulation defect that allowed a discharge from the spring electrodes to a test cable conductor.

Abstract: A method for inspecting a wire, a cable or a bundle of wires to locate those parts of said wires or cables having damaged insulation before failure of the wire or cable occurs, the method comprising the steps of: passing a current through said wire or cable, applying a fluid having electrolytic properties to said wire, cable or bundle of wires, using an infra-red thermal imaging system to detect and display the intensity of heat emanating from said wire or cable following addition of the fluid.

Abstract: A printed circuit board assembly adapted for immersion cooling is disclosed. The assembly includes a first circuit board having a first device side with a first portion configured to mount a first plurality of semiconductor devices. A second circuit board having a second device side with a second portion configured to mount a second plurality of semiconductor devices is disposed in confronting parallel relationship to the first circuit board. The assembly further includes a border element interposed between the first and second boards and disposed around the respective first and second portions. The border element cooperates with the first and second boards to form a liquid-tight container. An inlet formed in the border receives an electrically nonconducting liquid that is subsequently discharged through an outlet.

Abstract: A tester for testing multiconductor cable having a first tester is connectable to a first end of the multiconductor cable. The first tester produces one or more test signals individually on each conductor of the cable. A second tester is connectable to the second end of the cable at a remote location. The second tester monitors each of the plurality of separate conductors to detect the test signals produced by the first tester. Preferably, a first wireless transceiver is provided for the first tester that wirelessly transmits control signals to automatically coordinate testing procedure control. A second wireless transceiver joined to the second tester wirelessly transmits test result data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable gas alarm device easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use. The portable gas alarm device comprises a gas alarm device body having a casing flat in whole and a fitting member provided on the casing to fit it to the human body. The gas alarm device body has a control circuit board extending to the direction of the flat plane of the casing, a display mechanism is arranged in a central area on the front surface side of the control circuit board, a gas sensor and an alarm buzzer are arranged on the right and left sides of the display mechanism, and a battery fitting chamber is provided on the back surface side of the circuit board. A vibration generator for alarm may be provided in the gas alarm device body. The fitting member may be one suitable for use in fitting the gas alarm device body to a person's wrist or a person's wear.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor abnormality detecting device has first and second offset circuits for applying first and second offset voltages to a ground line and an output line of an oxygen sensor. The device compares the voltage of the output line with a high voltage-side shorting determination value, a low voltage-side shorting determination value and a break determination value to detect a high voltage-side shorting, a low voltage-side shorting and a line break.

Abstract: A failure determining apparatus for a gas-insulated electrical appliance where the appliance is a cylindrical metal container with a charged conductor, insulating gas, and a plurality of insulating spaces inside for supporting the conductor and partitioning the container. The failure determining apparatus has a high-speed developing sensor which detects a high-speed phenomenon caused by a failure within the gas sections; a first failure determining circuit which determines the presence of a failure from an output of the high-speed developing sensor; a low-speed developing sensor which detects a low-speed phenomenon caused by a failure within the gas sections; a second failure determining circuit which determines the presence of a failure from an output of the low-speed developing sensor; and an arithmetic control circuit which identifies a gas section of the metal container in which a failure occurs from an output of the first and second failure determining circuits.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus having a semiconductor substrate receiving device with at least one extension configured to hold a semiconductor substrate within a liquid bath. The device is configured to have at least a portion of the extension at least periodically placed within the liquid bath. The extension includes a conductive material at least partially coated with an insulative protective material. The insulative protective material is configured to protect the portion of the conductive material which is in the bath from physically contacting the liquid of the bath. The apparatus also includes an electrode within the bath, and an electrical connection between the electrode and the conductive material of the extension. Additionally, the apparatus has a monitor configured to monitor a current flow state of a circuit that includes the electrode, conductive material of the extension, and liquid bath to determine if the circuit is in a closed state or in an open state.

Abstract: Pressurized fluid from a nozzle is applied against the movable member of a micromechanical device, in order to measure the mechanical properties of the device. The technique is non-destructive, non-invasive, can be applied at the wafer, row or die level, and at early or intermediate stages of fabrication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and an apparatus for detecting gas-permeable damaged points in an electrically non-conductive layer which can exist as a single layer or as a multi-layer composite with at least one conductive layer, which process can be used for containers or packaging of pharmacological preparations to determine their integrity after storage.

Abstract: A system that finds breaches in solid insulation, as well as detecting insufficient air gaps between conductors. The invention solves problems in how to detect breaks in solid insulation by applying high voltages without damaging the solid insulation. The invention also overcomes limitations where the voltages required to detect an insufficient air-gap can cause damage to, or are difficult to apply to the electrical device under test. The system for testing conductors held physically separated or otherwise isolated from each other by an insulating material is composed of a high-voltage breakdown tester, a means of connecting the tester to the conductors, and an added gas that is used to displace air in the proximity of the conductors.

Abstract: Various methods of inspecting circuit structures are provided. In one aspect, a method of detecting structural defects in a circuit structure is provided. A natural frequency of the circuit structure is determined and the circuit structure is immersed in a liquid. A first plurality of sonic pulses is sent through the liquid. The first plurality of sonic pulses have a first frequency range selected to produce a plurality of collapsing bubbles proximate the circuit structure. The collapsing bubbles produce a second plurality of sonic pulses that have a second frequency range near or including the natural frequency of the circuit structure whereby the second plurality of sonic pulses causes the circuit structure to resonate. Thereafter, the circuit structure is inspected for structural damage. Early identification of crystalline defects is facilitated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a methods for testing operability of a thermocouple device and operability of a safety valve solenoid and ECO fuse circuit all in a fuel gas control system for a gas fired appliance. Also disclose are apparatus for carrying out such methods, the apparatus comprising a test instrument, for applying selected millivolt DC currents to the safety valve solenoid and ECO fuse circuit and for measuring millivolt DC current output of the thermocouple device, and-an adaptor for connecting the test instrument to the safety valve solenoid and ECO fuse circuit of the fuel gas control system.

Abstract: Pressurized fluid from a nozzle is applied against the movable member of a micromechanical device, in order to measure the mechanical properties of the device. The technique is non-destructive, non-invasive, can be applied at the wafer, row or die level, and at early or intermediate stages of fabrication.

Abstract: A method for testing a cable for defective insulation. A user connects one end of each cable conductor to a numbered terminal block. The user measures the insulation resistance between the first and second conductors of the cable using an insulation resistance tester. Next, the user shorts conductors one and two at the terminal block. The user then measures the insulation resistance between the first and third conductors. Measuring the insulation resistance between conductors one and three also measures the insulation resistance between conductors two and three. The user continues these steps until the insulation resistance for all conductors is measured.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention includes an apparatus comprising a semiconductor substrate receiving device with at least one extension configured to hold a semiconductor substrate within a liquid bath. The device is configured to have at least a portion of the extension at least periodically placed within the liquid bath. The extension comprises a conductive material at least partially coated with an insulative protective material. The insulative protective material is configured to protect the portion of the conductive material which is in the bath from physically contacting the liquid of the bath. The apparatus also comprises an electrode within the bath, and an electrical connection between the electrode and the conductive material of the extension. Additionally, the apparatus comprises a monitor configured to monitor a current flow state of a circuit comprising the electrode, conductive material of the extension, and liquid bath to determine if the circuit is in a closed state or in an open state.

Abstract: An electrical insulation circuit of the type connected between a peripheral circuit and a two-way bus. The electrical insulation circuit includes first and second optocouplers for transmitting differential signals in the peripheral circuit-to-bus direction, and third and fourth optocouplers for transmitting differential signals in the bus-to-peripheral circuit direction. The first and third optocouplers are associated with a first signal terminal on the peripheral circuit side and with a first data wire on the bus side, and the second and fourth optocouplers are associated with a second signal terminal on the peripheral circuit side and with a second data wire on the bus side. Further, the first and third optocouplers and the second and fourth optocouplers are connected such that the first and second optocouplers are off during transmission in the bus-to-peripheral circuit direction and the third and fourth optocouplers are off during transmission in the peripheral circuit-to-bus direction.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the quality of a sheet-like element comprising a membrane are presented. The quality test is limited to a part-area of the sheet-like element. A useful material is fed to one side of the sheet-like element via an outlet orifice corresponding to the part are to be tested. The method can be used in the production of large-area membranes or membrane/electrode units (MEU) provided for use in fuel cells. The quality test can take place in a simple way even during production of these sheet-like elements. Faults during production can be detected at an early stage and the production parameters changed accordingly. In the case of testing an MEU for a fuel cell, fuel gas can be applied to one side of the MEU in a punctiform manner. Oxygen of the ambient atmosphere located on the other side can serve as an oxidation gas.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for touch-free testing of the insulating ability of an electric insulation on an electric conductor, where the testing item (8), the conductor, continuously is moved between a system of testing electrodes (2, 4), where the electric current path to the surface of the testing item is established by means of ionized atmospheric air, ion cloud or corona, between the testing electrodes (2, 4), made by a high frequenced high voltage generator (14) with low effect, where the testing item (8) is moved through the center of the electrode system (2, 4), that defects in the insulation are determined by means of a D.C. voltage established in an electric serial connection with the ion cloud, so that insulation defects in the testing item (8) will cause an electric current through the electric charge carrier in the form of ions, and that the electric current is registered by a current measuring circuit (18).

Abstract: A gas panel plasma plate is used to detect shorts and opens on a thin film surface of a multi-layer ceramic module (MCM) through biasing a circuit of the module through bottom surface module (BSM) pins to produce a glow within the plasma plate. A grounded plane is placed above the module to be tested, and the gap between the module and the plane is filled with a gas. A plasma discharge is created by biasing the circuit. The current produced at the BSM pin by the plasma discharge is monitored. The monitored current of the circuit under test is compared to a current range of a known good module. In the alternative, the light flux produced by the plasma discharge is monitored, and the monitored light flux is compared to a light flux range of a known good module.

Abstract: A gas panel plasma plate is used to detect shorts and opens on a thin film surface of a multilayer ceramic module (MCM) through biasing a circuit of the module through bottom surface module (BSM) pins to produce a glow within the plasma plate. A grounded plane is placed above the module to be tested, and the gap between the module and the plane is filled with a gas. A plasma discharge is created by biasing the circuit. The current produced at the BSM pin by the plasma discharge is monitored. The monitored current of the circuit under test is compared to a current range of a known good module. In the alternative, the light flux produced by the plasma discharge is monitored, and the monitored light flux is compared to a light flux range of a known good module.

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: An apparatus for testing a dielectric sample for susceptibility to surface electrical failure due to tracking. The apparatus includes an enclosure continuously purged of air-borne contaminants, which eliminates external drafts, and a base disposed within the enclosure for supporting the dielectric sample. A pair of electrodes are operably interconnected with a variable voltage power supply and adapted to engage the dielectric sample on a first side with a mutual separation. A source of water and water borne contaminants intermittently discharges the water and water-borne contaminants in droplet form onto the dielectric test sample between the electrodes.

Abstract: A method for detecting an insulative condition of a protection layer of a substrate includes the steps of contacting an area of a surface of a protection layer to be detected with a liquid, and checking the electrical conduction between the liquid and a detection electrode which is electrically connected with an electrical element at an area on which the protection layer is not provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for detecting traces of hydrocarbon-containing pollutants present in an aqueous medium, comprising an electric circuit including at least one sensitive element reacting through degradation to the presence of said pollutants, electric means co-operating with said sensitive element and a means for checking the condition of said circuit.According to the invention, said electric means include at least two contactors holding said sensitive element in compression.FIG. 1 to be published.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting partial discharge of gas-insulated switchgear wherein a high-frequency component and the fundamental wave component of the voltage applied to the conductor of the gas-insulated switchgear are detected, the zero-cross point of the fundamental wave component is set as the starting point for the voltage, and the presence of partial discharge and the reason for the occurrence of partial discharge are ascertained based on the phase difference between the phase of the detected high-frequency component and the phase of the starting point of the voltage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for locating an abnormality in a gas-insulated electric device, operative to locate the spot of an insulation abnormality, which emerges inside a metallic container, from outside of said metallic container. A plurality of detectors (S.sub.0 -S.sub.n) disposed at certain positions in the metallic container produce detected signals, from which spectrum strengths (YH) in a high frequency band of 500 MHz or above are evaluated, and a position which renders a maximum spectrum strength is calculated from the relation between the spectrum strengths and the installation positions of the detectors and is determined to be the spot (x) of partial discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing hybrid substrates having a large number of networks and pads. The apparatus includes a DC power supply and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber is equipped with a hot-filament electron source, and this electron source is electrically connected to the negative terminal of the DC power supply. The vacuum chamber is also equipped with a movable probe for making electrical connections from the positive terminal of the DC power supply to any one of the pads on the substrate. A small amount of phosphor of a type that glows when bombarded by electrons is placed on each pad of the substrate to be tested. The substrate is placed in the vacuum chamber for testing. The probe is brought into contact with one of the pads on the substrate, and a voltage in the order of 100 volts is applied between the electron source and the probe.

Abstract: A device for detecting insulation defects in a cable having a conductor while an electrical signal is impressed on the cable conductor, the device being composed of an ion source for generating an ion cloud and arranged for causing the ion cloud to be displaced along, and to envelop, the cable, a sense conductor arranged to be disposed along, and in proximity to, the cable and to be in communication with the ion cloud, and a plurality of coded position conductors arranged to be disposed along, and in proximity to, the sense conductor and to be in communication with the ion cloud, each position conductor having at least one discrete region covered with insulation arranged in a pattern which differs from one position conductor to another. An alternating signal having a respectively different frequency is applied to each position conductor, the frequency of the signal impressed on each position conductor being different from the frequency of the signal impressed on the cable conductor.

Abstract: A device for monitoring an electrical cable comprising a conductor surrounded by insulation to locate insulation defects while a signal is impressed on the conductor, the device including an ion generator for creating an ionized atmosphere to envelop the cable, a sense wire assembly disposed in the vicinity of the cable and within the ionized atmosphere so that the signal impressed on the conductor is coupled into the sense wire assembly when the ionized atmosphere envelops an insulation defect, and a circuit for monitoring the signal coupled into the sense wire assembly from the cable conductor. The sense wire assembly comprises a first wire presenting a low resistance to the ionized atmosphere, a second wire presenting a high resistance to the ionized atmosphere, and a circuit unit for producing a sense wire signal which is a function of the difference between the signal coupled into said first and second wires.

Abstract: Process for the visual inspection of an electrode (anode) having an activated layer for electrogalvanizing plants for steel bands in which the electrode to be tested is inserted between anode and cathode of a sodium sulfate electrolytic cell with the surface to be tested facing toward the cathode. After a voltage is applied the development of the gas bubbles on the activated layer is monitored by means of a video camera.

Abstract: A pinhole detecting apparatus includes a first electrode which may be a needle electrode or a brush electrode. The first electrode is positioned to be closed to or brought into contact with a member to be detected such as an insulation sheet which seals food, a closed container which contains medicine, or the like. Such a member to be detected is put on a second electrode which may be a conveyer made of electrically conductive material. When a high voltage is applied between the first and second electrodes, if a pinhole was formed on the member to be detected, a discharge current flows between the first and second electrodes through the pinhole, whereby the pinhole can be detected through detection of such a discharge current. A portion of the member to be detected below the first electrode is cooled by an air stream or other coolant when the high voltage is applied to the first and second electrodes, whereby the portion of the member to be detected is prevented from being thermally destroyed.

Abstract: A method and a measuring device for localizing a damage in a dielectric corrosion resistant layer of a pipe line are described, especially for an enameled pipe line, through which an electrolytically conducting fluid is passed. Localization is achieved by performing a potential difference measurement between two electrodes arranged at the begining and at the end of a supervised region along the length of the pipe line, to which preferably a constant current source is connected, the positive terminal of which is connected with the carrier material of the pipe line and the negative terminal of which is connected with the two electrodes. Preverably a calibration is performed by means of an additional electrode, which can be connected to the measurement region.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting defects in wire or cable insulation without disconnecting the cable by synchronously detecting the current in a sense conductor with respect to the potential waveform existing or imposed on the cable under test. Both the ion source and the sense conductor are placed in close proximity to the cable under test. The current flowing in the sense conductor due to the ions from the ion source varies depending upon the presence of defects in the cable insulation and the potential waveform present on the cable under test. The synchronous detection enhances the signal to noise ratio of the current measurement.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for measuring the metal exposure in a resin covering area of a metal container or a constituent member thereof, which comprises contacting the resin covering area of the metal container or the constituent member thereof with a measuring electrode through an electrolytic solution, relatively moving the resin covering area and the measuring electrode in a certain direction while always holding the electrolytic solution between the measuring electrode and the resin covering area, measuring a leak current between the metal substrate of the metal container or constituent member at predetermined pitches and detecting the metal exposure of the resin covering area as leak currents at respective parts discriminately.According to this measuring method, the degree of the metal exposure can be easily measured as the leak current at respective parts discriminately, and statistical processing of the measured leak current values can be easily performed.

Abstract: Dielectric testing of rubber or plastic gloves, particularly an apparatus for suspending a plurality of pairs of water-filled gloves, then immersing the gloves into a water test tank. A high voltage test circuit includes a source of electrical power connected to the water test tank and a plurality of individual electrodes extending into each water-filled glove. Individual test circuits for each electrode enable continued testing, notwithstanding failure or removal of any one glove.

Abstract: A testing method and apparatus for testing the condition of electrodes and their conductors in ion sensitive measuring or controlling systems, wherein the measuring circuit is disruptive and replaced by an impedance measuring circuit containing only one electrode, so that also failures of, for example, reference electrodes, soiling and deposits, and electrolyte loss, can be determined. The arrangement has sufficient accuracy to detect faults, defects and failures as they slowly come into existence.