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: A fault monitoring device may monitor and detect for faults corresponding to a high-side voltage rail, to low-side voltage rail, or internally within a voltage source connected to the high-side voltage rail and the low-side voltage rail. The fault monitoring device may determine sample voltage levels and/or sample resistance values to detect the faults. Also, in various embodiments, the fault monitoring device may perform one or more fault monitoring processes over multiple stages. The fault monitoring device may determine the sample voltage levels and/or the sample resistance values while switching a secondary resistance circuit in different states over the multiple stages.

Abstract: A welding torch includes first to third wire passages, a wire detection space, and a wire detecting device. The first wire passage has a first wire inlet port allowing a first welding wire to enter thereto and a first wire outlet port allowing the first welding wire to be output therefrom. The second wire passage has a second wire inlet port allowing a second welding wire to enter thereto and a second wire outlet port allowing the second welding wire to be output therefrom. The third wire passage has a third wire inlet port allowing a portion of the first welding wire output from the first wire outlet port and a portion of the second welding wire output from the second wire outlet port to enter thereto, and a third wire outlet port allowing the portion of the first welding wire and the portion of the second welding wire to be output therefrom. The wire detection space is connected to the first and second wire outlet ports and the third wire inlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed are a circuit fault detection system and method for a circuit fault detection. A circuit fault detection system includes: a detection circuit including a diode, a first resistor, and a second resistor, positioned between an applied voltage source and a top of a detection target circuit in series, and a third resistor and a fourth resistor, positioned between the detection target circuit and a ground in series, an input unit including a first input terminal receiving a voltage measured between the first resistor and the second resistor, and a second input terminal receiving a voltage measured between the third resistor and the fourth resistor, a controller detecting a failure in the detection target circuit and in an operation of the detection target circuit based on values of the voltages detected by the input unit; and a display unit providing a warning to a user when the failure is detected.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exhaust gas emissions in motor vehicles. The teachings thereof may be embodied in soot sensors. For example, a soot sensor may include: a first electrode; a second electrode; an insulation body between the first electrode and the second electrode configured to allow soot particles to pass with a gas flow into a space defined between the first electrode and the second electrode; a meter evaluating a current between the first electrode and the second electrode resulting from an electrical voltage applied between the first electrode and the second electrode; and elements concentrating the electric field strength formed on at least one of a surface of the first electrode or a surface of the second electrode.

Abstract: A method for defect detection for a signal line between an electrode and a measuring- and/or evaluation unit of a magneto-inductive flow measuring device having at least one measuring- and/or evaluation unit, as well as a measuring tube with at least two measuring electrodes and a third electrode, comprising steps as follows: A) ascertaining a ratio of at least two measured electrical impedances between the measuring electrodes and/or between at least one of the two measuring electrodes and the third electrode; B) comparing the impedance ratio with a desired value range and C) outputting a defect report, when the impedance ratio exceeds or subceeds the desired value range, and a magneto-inductive flow measuring device.

Abstract: A sensor includes an electrode and a seed structure. The electrode is configured to measure current due to movement of particulate matter relative to the electrode. The seed structure is deposited on the electrode. The seed structure includes a plurality of elongated members extending outward from the surface of the electrode. The elongated members are configured to promote charge transfer to particles and/or agglomerates of the particulate matter during operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the properties of the fuel of an internal combustion engine includes at least one pair of internal electrodes (12, 13), extending in an axial direction relative to a further or third external electrode (14) which surrounds them. The invention also relates to a fuel rail (2) to which the sensor may be mounted, and a method for detecting the properties of the fluid.

Abstract: A test apparatus for generating reference scan chain test data comprises a test pattern generator and an output data modifier. The test pattern generator modifies a scan chain test input bit sequence by replacing a predefined number of start bits of the scan chain test input bit sequence by a predefined start bit sequence. Further, the test pattern generator provides the modified scan chain test input bit sequence to a device under test. The output data modifier modifies a scan chain test output bit sequence received from the device under test and caused by the modified scan chain test input bit sequence. The scan chain test output bit sequence is modified by replacing a predefined number of end bits of the scan chain test output bit sequence by a predefined end bit sequence to obtain the reference scan chain test data.

Abstract: A handheld stylus for use with a display device may include a handheld body, a tip movably coupled to the body, and at least one capacitive sensor configured to detect movements of the tip relative to the body. The at least one capacitive sensor may comprise at least one first conductive element secured to or integral with the body, and at least one second conductive element secured to or integral with the movable tip. The tip may be arranged such that the at least one first conductive element and the at least one second conductive element are spaced apart from each other. The at least one capacitive sensor may be configured to detect changes in respective distances between the at least one first conductive element and the at least one second conductive element caused by movements of the tip relative to the body.

Abstract: A sensor includes an electrode and a seed structure. The electrode is configured to measure current due to movement of particulate matter relative to the electrode. The seed structure is deposited on the electrode. The seed structure includes a plurality of elongated members extending outward from the surface of the electrode. The elongated members are configured to promote charge transfer to particles and/or agglomerates of the particulate matter during operation of the sensor.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a magnetic-inductive flow meter having a measuring tube on which there is fitted a magnetic unit for generating a magnetic field, which is aligned substantially perpendicular to a flow direction of an electrically conductive measuring medium flowing through the measuring tube and whose measurement voltage induced in the measuring medium can be detected by at least two inserted measuring electrodes electrically insulated from the measuring tube. In order to avoid coupling interference voltages into the electrical electrodes, the first and the second electrode leads can be jointly twisted starting from the leadthrough as far as the first electrode, where the first electrode lead is electrically connected to the first electrode, and the second electrode is connected to a short-circuited conductor loop which encompasses the measuring tube and is connected to the second electrode lead at a location of the first electrode.

Abstract: A magnetic sensor inspection apparatus has a rectangular frame including a stage, a probe card, and a plurality of magnetic field generating coils. A wafer-like array of magnetic sensors is mounted on the stage, which is movable in horizontal and vertical directions. The probe card includes a plurality of probes which are brought into contact with a plurality of magnetic sensors encompassed in a measurement area. The magnetic field generating coils are driven to generate a magnetic field toward the stage. A plurality of magnetic field environment measuring sensors is arranged in the peripheral portion of the probe card surrounding the probes. A magnetic field controller controls magnetic fields generated by the magnetic field generating coils based on the measurement result of the magnetic field environment measuring sensors. Thus, it is possible to concurrently inspect a wafer-like array of magnetic sensors with the probe card.

Abstract: A sensor for determining the concentration of particles in gases, in particular of soot particles, has at least one substrate element, and a measuring area between at least one first and one second measuring electrode, the two measuring electrodes being configured so that by applying a voltage between the measuring electrodes, an asymmetric electric field is formed on the measuring area. The sides of the first and second measuring electrodes, facing one another, may not be parallel to one another, for example. Furthermore, at least one measuring electrode may have a structure along the side facing the other measuring electrode or along the finger electrodes.

Abstract: An open seal check system for a multi-chamber supply container having at least one elongated seal, the system includes: (i) a base configured to support the multi chamber container; (ii) a plurality of electrodes positioned on the base so as to be at least substantially parallel with the elongated seal; and (iii) electronics connected to the electrodes, the electrodes each forming a capacitor with the multi-chamber supply container when the container is placed on the base, the electronics configured to output a single indication of a dielectric associated with each capacitor.

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 system and method for sensing the formation of tin whiskers is presented. An assembly substrate includes whisker detectors at various locations for detecting tin whiskers in an X direction, a Y direction, and a Z direction relative to the assembly substrate. Each whisker detector includes sense traces and a trace bridge that produce “planar gaps” and “orthogonal gaps” that are smaller than trace gaps produced by other traces on the assembly substrate. As such, tin whiskers short across the planar gaps and orthogonal gaps before they short across trace gaps. When the assembly substrate is finished with processing steps, a system tester performs a continuity test on the whisker detectors. When the continuity test fails, an operator is notified to check for tin whiskers on the assembly substrate. Once shipped, a processor monitors the whisker detectors for shorts throughout the product's lifecycle.

Abstract: A sensor for picking up partial discharges in an electrical equipment tank filled with a dielectric fluid includes an antenna responsive to the electromagnetic waves generated by such partial discharges. In the sensor, the antenna is formed by two electrodes that are separated from each other by a dielectric resonator. With this arrangement, the sensor has improved sensitivity in the UHF range, while being of dimensions that are considerably smaller than dimensions of a conventional antenna for use in the UHF range.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor includes an electrode member with two spaced-apart electrodes and an air gap therebetween. A position reference plate, which can be straight for sensing linear position or curvilinear for sensing angular position, is disposed in the air gap, with the electrode member being attached to a moving component and the reference plate mounted on a stationary object or vice-versa. The reference plate is formed with an opening, the width of which varies throughout the length of the opening, so that the capacitance between the electrodes varies depending on the position of the plate relative to the electrode member.

Abstract: A method and a device for evaluating the deformations or forces to which a structure having an elastomeric body (2) is subjected. The device includes a dipole (6), the dielectric (3) of which is formed by the elastomeric body, and an electronic analyzing circuit sensitive to a variation of a capacitive characteristic of the dipole caused by the deformations of the elastomeric body. In particular, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a device for evaluating the forces to which a pneumatic tire is subjected when rolling, as it passes through the contact area. The invention applies similarly in other structures having an elastomeric body, such as, for example, the elastomeric joints intended for the chassis system of vehicles.

Abstract: A sensing element (2) for sensing a fluid (50) composition and a method of using the sensing element (2) are provided. The sensing element (2) includes an electrode base (36) having a first electrode (4) and a second electrode (6) disposed on the electrode base (36); the first electrode (4) and a second electrode (6) being electrically isolated one another except through an external circuitry (64); the first electrode (4) and the second electrode (6) defining a gap (42) between one another such that electrical conduction through a fluid (50) within the gap (42) is proportional to the composition of the fluid.

Abstract: An inspection apparatus and method of electrode patterns using rolling wire probes, which includes a rolling wire rotating for performing a rolling contact sliplessly across the electrode patterns, and a control unit for controlling operations of the inspection apparatus wholly and for discriminating the electrical characteristics according to the electrical signal sensed through the rolling wire provided to the rolling wire probe. The inspection method is used flexibly with electrode patterns having various forms regardless of the change of model or design of the product, unlike the inspection method of the conventional art by the test pin block. Upon inspecting a pixel portion of the electrode pattern, a scratch is not generated by the rolling contact operation, thereby increasing yield of the finished goods.

Abstract: A valve seating (23) is made from a fluoridated polymer, for example, solid glass-coated PTFE or reinforced PFA. At least one electrode (24) is attached to or integral with the valve seating and made of conductive material, such as graphite-TEFLON®, that is compatible with the valve seating. The valve seating is especially for use in conjunction with a device for verifying the integrity of an enamel coating of the “enamel-test” type. The valve seating is then used on the waste valve (11) of the container to be checked and two electrodes (24) are disposed so as to be in contact with the contents (8).

Abstract: Particles in a fluid cause an arc at a certain electric field whose value depends on the nature of the particles (size, composition, and the like). By applying an electric field across the fluid and determining the value of the electric field at which the arc occurs, the nature of the particles can be determined. For example, if their composition is known, their size can be determined, and vice versa. The device for carrying out such testing has a first electrode with an interior opening and a second electrode having a pin through the interior opening to define a passageway for the fluid. The electric field is varied, either by varying a voltage applied between the electrodes or by forming the passageway to be tapered. Multiple such passageways can be provided, as by forming the first electrode from honeycomb-expanded metal, thus reducing pressure drop, energy consumption without decreasing sensitivity to low concentrations.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring resistivity having metallic electrode members with excellent resistance to corrosion and oxidation is provided. The metallic electrode member for measuring resistivity of liquid consists of nickel-based alloy containing 19 to 24 wt % of chromium and 1 to 7 wt % of iron. The sensor for measuring resistivity enables stable measurement of the resistivity over a long period of time with simple maintenance.

Abstract: Method and on chip circuitry for testing integrated circuits, for instance, flip chip integrated circuits. Provided on the integrated circuit in addition to the conventional circuitry is additional circuitry including a photosensitive element such as a photodiode, the output terminal of which is connected via a Schmidt trigger to the clock terminal of an on-chip flip-flop. The node of the integrated circuit to be tested, for instance, the output terminal of a logic gate, is connected to the D input terminal of the same flip-flop. Hence, light incident on the photosensitive element clocks the flip-flop, allowing sampling of the state of the output signal from the logic gate. Advantageously, the photodiode need not be a specially made structure but in one version is the conventional PN junction provided by, e.g., the drain of a standard CMOS transistor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a high throughput electrorotation chip having an array of electrorotation units and methods of use thereof. To make the high throughput electrorotation chip, a plurality of electrorotation units (EU) are fabricated on a substrate or support and each EU is capable of producing a rotating electric field upon the application of an appropriate electrical signal. Exemplary embodiments include a row-column configuration of EUs having four electrode elements realized through two conductive-layers. The electrode elements may be linear, concave, or convex. Thin plates having one or multiple holes are bound to high-throughput electrorotation chips to form assay chambers having one or multiple wells. Particles can be introduced to the wells and electrorotation measurements can be performed on the particles.

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: The method of this invention provides a means for altering commonly available inductive voltage detector instruments into dual sensitivity test instruments. By shielding the sensor probe with a metallic material, the probe is made to be unresponsive to energized conductors in near proximity when the shield is grounded by finger contact. A single probe window is provided so that when grounded, the instrument will respond to an energized conductor in only the probe window area allowing testing of single conductors in wire bundles. When ungrounded by the electrician's finger, the instrument reverts to normal sensitivity. Provision is made for safety by isolating the metallic shield from contact with energized conductors. The method may be employed by means of a demountable accessory or incorporated into the test instrument during manufacture.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for testing a coating on a conductor, such as a dielectric coating on a wire. A high voltage source is coupled to the conductor and the coating through a primary winding of a transformer. Faults in the coating will result in a change in current in the primary winding thus inducing current in a secondary winding of the transformer. Current in the secondary winding is detected by a sensor and fault data can be compiled by known data acquisition devices.

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 probe for use in sampling signals from a pair of telephone wires has two conductors that are separated from each other by an insulating material such as a circuit board. Each of the conductors has an overall size and has plural nonconductive interstices therein so as to reduce the capacitance of the probe. In one embodiment, each of the conductors is shaped like a comb having conductive strips. Each of the conductors could alternatively be shaped in a zig zag manner. The telephone wires are oriented parallel to the strips so as to enhance coupling therebetween. The probe can have plural channels thereon, such as two conductors on each side of the insulating material. The strips of one conductor are located in the gaps of the other conductor which on the same side of the insulating material. The probe can reduce common mode noise by being balanced. A grounded guard trace on each side of the insulating material snubs homogeneous electric fields.

Abstract: A tester is provided for measuring the dielectric integrity of a rope, on a continuous basis. The device incorporates a pair of rope contact and retention members, that may comprise pair of spring-loaded clamps, adapted to make electrical contact with the rope, while permitting the rope to be drawn longitudinally through the device. The contact or retention members may either be adapted to make a sliding contact with the rope or may employ wheels or roller members to facilitate the movement of the rope through the device. The contact members are linked to an electrical testing circuit for measuring the conductivity of the rope segment under test. The contact and retention members may also comprise an iris having an array of flexible leaves extending inwardly from an annular retainer, with the leaves being linked to the testing circuit and adapted to press against a rope inserted within the retainer. Some or all of the leaves are connected to the testing circuit.

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: In an apparatus for testing cable (comprising a metallic core jacketed by insulation) to detect localized defects on the insulation caused by its carbonization, the cable is moved in an axial path through an array of five ring electrodes radially spaced from that path and spaced from each other along the path by axial gaps. The first and fifth electrodes from left to right are grounded while high voltage circuits supply current to the middle three electrodes at DC voltages which causes (a) the second and fourth electrode, and (b) the third electrode to be positive and negative, respectively, relative to ground, and which voltages are high enough to produce flow of charge through the atmosphere adjacent the electrodes, and between the electrodes and the moving cable.

Abstract: A testing voltage of 800 to 5000 volts is applied to a measuring electrode constructed of carbon fiber brushes. This testing voltage is regulated to the desired value by means of a control circuit. Sparkover pulses travel through a filter to an output, with the response level of the testing voltage being regulated accordingly. Thus the test is reliable without highly electrically or mechanically stressing the test object.

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: A detector (42) is provided for testing a string of lamps (12) that are connected to a wire (14) in a series configuration. The detector (42) has a probe (44) disposed on the end thereof with a cavity (56) formed therein. The cavity (56) is operable to be disposed around the socket (30) of lamp (12). The electrodes (34) and (36) disposed in the interior of the socket (30) are disposed parallel to two electrodes (60) and (62) that are embedded in the probe (44). A detector circuit is provided for detecting the presence of an AC signal capacitively coupled from one of the electrodes (34) and (36) to one of the capacitive plates (60) and (62), respectively. A large DC signal will be present for a defective bulb having at least one of the electrodes (34) or (36) connected to one side of an AC supply (18).

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting conductive irregularities in an overwrapped ignition wire core during the manufacturing process thereof which preferably includes two conductive sheaves spaced preferably 24 inches apart about which the wire core is traversed and preferably two non-conductive sheaves for bending the wire core between the two conductive sheaves. A current is induced in the overwrapped wire core between the two conductive sheaves and is monitored by preferably a Newport Model Q90010, indicator/controller module or equivalent which includes means for converting the monitored current into a resistance reading which is compared against predetermined resistance end point limits. A numerical reading indicating resistance is displaced on the face of the inductor/controller module.

Abstract: A circuit is disclosed for detecting a conductive region in a body. The circuit includes a remote module (12) coupled to a driver and logic module (14). The remote module is mountable on a probe (16) and senses contact between a conductive detector electrode and the conductive region. The driver and logic module provides energy to the remote module and responds to the operation of the remote module by producing an output indicative of detection of the conductive region. In the preferred arrangement, current from a constant current source Q.sub.4 normally flows through a first transistor Q.sub.1, which is maintained in an "on" state by a charged capacitor C.sub.1. When the detector electrode contacts the conductive region, however, charge is bled from the capacitor, switching the first transistor to an "off" state and causing the current from the current source to be redirected to a switching transistor Q.sub.3.

Abstract: A scheme for rapidly connecting and rapidly disconnecting a large number of point contacts onto a pipe surface is taught. The scheme involves pressing sharply pointed pin contacts onto the pipe surface by gas pressure. Each pin is held in a conforming opening in an annular ring structure. The ring forms the inner wall of an annulus capable of holding gas pressure to urge the many needles inward against the pipe surface. Each pin is individually connected to a power supply and sensing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention incorporates a conductor contact apparatus, a conductor defect detector, and a relay or equivalent added to the emergency stop circuit of a conductor insulation extruder apparatus in order to detect conductor defects and shut-down the extrusion apparatus before the conductor defect can cause the extruder to become blocked, interrupting normal production operations. The defect detector is especially adapted to detect variations in the cross-sectional area (or apparent cross-sectional area) of a conductor being insulated.

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: A method is disclosed for checking and obtaining in a moving mode the continuity of a metal covering on a metal wire of different nature belonging to the group of a wire being treated by a current strength and issuing from a covering bath and wire, the treatment of which is achieved and coming from a storage wheel. The method comprises continuously bringing the coated wire in contact with a volume of electrolyte solution chemically and physically inert with respect to the wire, and in which the sensitive part of a reference electrode is immersed, sliding the wire issuing from the volume against an electrical contact, measuring the electrical potential variations between the electrode and the contact, and when the potential current oscillates, noting the poorly covered wire and increasing the current strength on the wire being treated.