Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention determine the type of damage to a wire, the amount of damage, and the location of the damage based on the wire's broadband impedance measured from a single measurement point. The type of damage is determined by comparing the wire's calculated dielectric function, resistance and inductance to known values that correspond to types of wire damage. The amount of damage is determined by comparing the wire's low-frequency impedance phase to known low-frequency impedance phase information that corresponds to a known amount of wire damage. The location of damage is determined by comparing the wire's high-frequency impedance phase to known high-frequency impedance phase information that corresponds to a known location of wire damage.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting defects in a wire or wire harness includes a pair of sensors wrapped around the wire or harness, a data acquisition device for monitoring pulses in the signal produced by the sensors around the wires, and a diagnostics engine. The diagnostics engine includes an analysis module to determine features of the signals captured by the data acquisition device and a decision module for determining whether the pulse represents a defect in the wire, and the location of the defect. The system operates passively and can be used to monitor the wires while they are in use for carrying signals or current and does not require disconnecting the wires to be monitored.

Abstract: An in-situ method for monitoring the health of a composite component utilizes a condition sensor made of electrically conductive particles dispersed in a polymeric matrix. The sensor is bonded or otherwise formed on the matrix surface of the composite material. Age-related shrinkage of the sensor matrix results in a decrease in the resistivity of the condition sensor. Correlation of measured sensor resistivity with data from aged specimens allows indirect determination of mechanical damage and remaining age of the composite component.

Abstract: There is provided a state detecting method adopted to an insulation resistance detector including the steps of: calculating a difference between the output of the filter when a pulse signal having a first pulse width is applied to the series circuit, and the output of the filter when a pulse signal having a second pulse width shorter than the first pulse width is applied to the series circuit; and detecting the state of the insulation resistance detector based on the calculated difference.

Abstract: The “Ground Resistance Test” provides a circuit and test setup for measuring the resistance of earth grounds. The ground resistance test uses the central office battery from a working telephone pair to source current into the “Tested Ground”. First the quiescent voltage (Vo) on the Tested Ground with respect to a removable ground rod is measured and recorded. Then the ring side of a working pair is connected to the Tested Ground and the office battery draws current (I) from the Tested Ground. The voltage (Vi) on the Tested Ground with respect to the removable ground rod is again measured with dc current flowing. Voltage fall Vf is computed as (Vi?Vo). The ohms (R) of the Tested Ground is then displayed as R=Vf/I. In the event that central office battery is unavailable, the Ground Resistance Tester will provide an optional current rod and internal battery source.

Abstract: A portable partial discharge detection apparatus and method thereof are provided. The portable partial discharge detection apparatus includes a detection unit, a control unit and an alarm unit. The detection unit is for detecting a signal generated by an apparatus under tested due to insulation degradation. The control unit is for diagnosing whether the signal is partially discharging and outputting a diagnosis result of partial discharge according to the number of partially discharging per unit of time. The alarm unit is for automatically notifying the diagnosis result of partial discharge.

Abstract: An exemplary automatic hi-pot test apparatus (20) includes a high voltage supply (21), a transmission device configured for transmitting an electronic device (26) to be tested, a connecting device electrically connected to the high voltage supply and configured for moving and electrically connecting with or electrically disconnecting from the electronic device, a controller (28) for controlling the connecting device and the transmission device, and a detector (27) for detecting the presence of the electronic device. When the detector detects the presence of the electronic device, the detector sends a corresponding detecting signal to the controller, such that the controller stops the electronic device and drives the connecting device to electrically connect with the electronic device whereby a hi-pot test can be performed.

Abstract: Cable diagnostic test methods, systems and apparatus are disclosed that utilize “standing wave” principles to facilitate identification and location of insulation defect(s) along a power cable. The methods/systems measure dissipation factors and dielectric constants associated with the power cable insulation and the impedance of the power cable conductor at any number of points or sections along the axial length of the cable.

Abstract: An insulation degradation diagnostic device (1a) comprises a current transformer (7a), a first amplifier (15), a first high-pass filter (17), a low-pass filter (19), a second amplifier (20), a second high-pass filter (21), and a discharge judgement section (30). The current transformer (7a) has a filtering function, with an amount of attenuation of ?60 dB or less and a slope characteristic of ?5 dB/oct or less at a commercial frequency and detects a current flowing through a grounding conductor (5). The first amplifier (15) amplifies a current signal from the current transformer (7a). The first high-pass filter (17) removes a low frequency component from an amplified current signal. The low-pass filter (19) removes a high frequency component from a current signal from which the low frequency component has been removed. The second amplifier (20) amplifies a current signal from the low-pass filter (19) to a predetermined level.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a defect in an actuator arm conductor coil is disclosed. An actuator arm including a conductor coil is received. The conductor coil is coupled with a voltage as an anode. The conductor coil is submerged into a first solution, the first solution having no organic matter therein. The first solution is then coupled with a second solution including an organic indicator. The second solution also includes a cathode coupled to the voltage such that a defect in an insulation layer of the conductor coil is indicated by the organic indicator.

Abstract: An alternating signal from a signal generator is applied to a direct current source via a detecting resistor and a coupling capacitor. A detecting member detects a voltage amplitude change appeared at a contact between the detecting resistor and the coupling capacitor. Based on the voltage amplitude change, a correction member corrects a first measuring voltage when a capacitor is connected to a contact between an anode of the direct current source and a ground, and a second measuring voltage when the capacitor is connected to a contact between a cathode of the direct current source and the ground. Based on the corrected first and second measuring values and a voltage across the direct current source when the capacitor is connected to the anode and the cathode of the direct current source by a voltage measuring member, a calculation member calculates a resistance between the direct current source and the ground.

Abstract: A device for controlling the manufacture of a medium or high voltage cable in particular of the inner and outer semi-conducting layers. For control purposes the current or capacitance is measured by a measuring electrode encircling the cable and connected to a high frequency source. Equipotential electrodes join the measuring electrodes on both sides.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for at least one of detecting and preventing burning of a PCB is disclosed. The method includes configuring a first comb array defined by a plurality of first fingers at a first potential; configuring a second comb array defined by a plurality of second fingers at a second potential different from the first potential; interlacing the plurality of first fingers defining the first comb array with the plurality of second fingers defining the second comb array embedded in a substrate; disposing the substrate with the PCB; and detecting a rise in leakage current between the first and second comb arrays indicative of a breakdown of the substrate.

Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a casing having an opening for admitting contents into the container. A matrix of conductive lines extends across at least a portion of the casing. A sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. An indicator indicates a breach of integrity of the container when the sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. A system is also provided. The system includes a monitoring network and a container. The container includes a casing having an opening for admitting contents into the container. A matrix of conductive lines extends across at least a portion of the casing. A sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix. An interface transmits a signal to the monitoring network when the sensor senses a breach of integrity of the matrix, the signal indicating a breach of integrity of the container.

Abstract: A short circuit detector for a fieldbus network which includes power/data wires that are typically positive and negative, respectively, and a shield conductor connected to a ground includes first and second high-impedance semiconductor circuits coupled between each of the leads and the shield conductors. Both circuits may either have a dedicated alarm indicator which indicates the presence of a short circuit between that conductor and the shield and/or may be coupled together to an alarm circuit which activates an alarm whenever a short circuit exists between either of the power/data leads and the shield conductor. The alarm circuit may have a ground which is isolated from the shield ground and may thus employ an isolation device such as an opto-isolator.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting partial discharges or arcing in wiring or cables is disclosed. The system employs a high-voltage AC power source to generate a high-voltage low-current AC waveform, which is propagated through a selected wire, which in turn, produces the return signal. The return signal is processed using a signal processor and the analyzed for indications of the occurrence of a partial discharge. The method detects damage to a selected wire by utilizing high voltage, low current AC waveforms to induce partial discharges in a controlled manner and detecting a return signal resulting from the discharge.

Abstract: A voltage reference generator for generating an output voltage at an output node. A level shifter shifts a first reference voltage into the output voltage at the output node according to a shift between the first reference voltage and the output voltage, and a feedback circuit monitors the output voltage and a second reference voltage to control the shift and normalize the output and second reference voltages.

Abstract: A procedure and a system for the evaluation of the quality and/or efficiency of a cable or a cable segment by a current measurement is disclosed. This is achieved by supplying between the core and the screen of a cable a voltage with alternating polarity and rectangular shape. The periodic duration' of this voltage is selected in a way so as to permit the current measurement of the charge current shortly before a polarity reversal, providing a current value equal to the leakage current.

Abstract: A system and method for high voltage testing of twisted insulated conductors includes a high voltage power supply to be disposed within a rotating mechanism of a twinner. An electrode is coupled to the power supply and is to be disposed adjacent to a take-up reel within the rotating mechanism of the twinner. The electrode is for generating sparks between the electrode and the twisted insulated conductors when a fault in the insulation of the twisted conductors, when being wound on the take-up reel, passes by the electrode. A transmitter is to be disposed within the rotating mechanism for transmitting a signal carrying information representative of fault detection characteristics of the twisted insulated conductors. The information is derived from the sparks generated between the electrode and the twisted insulated conductors. A receiver is to be disposed outside of the rotating mechanism for receiving the signal from the transmitter.

Abstract: An aircraft multi-function wire and low voltage insulation tester, having a time domain reflectometer, a digital multi-meter, and a matrix switch integrated in a computer, and a connector having a plurality of output pins allowing a plurality of wires to be hooked up simultaneously. The matrix switch connects the output pins to either the digital multi-meter or the time domain reflectometer perform the respective tests. Corresponding to the output pins, the matrix switch has a plurality of input/output channels, such that wire paths can be established between the output pins. The time domain reflectometry and characteristic tests can thus be performed on each line of a cable to be tested, and each wire path established between the output pins or the lines.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for using optical waveguides to detect chafing of electrical cables. Chafing damage is preferably detected by disposing several optical waveguides about the periphery of an electrical cable such that any chafing that causes damage to the electrical cable will likely also cause damage to at least one of the optical waveguides. The disclosed apparatus and method allows multiple optical waveguides of one cable segment to be connected to multiple optical waveguides of an adjacent cable segment using only a single optical waveguide connection, while still allowing each of the optical waveguides of either cable segment to be monitored independently of each other.

Abstract: In a method for detecting partial conductor short circuits (7) in a conductor (11) including plural mutually insulated partial conductors (5) in which the partial conductors (5) are connected together at one or both ends of the conductor (11) by a short circuit (3), a simple measurement without changes to the conductor is made possible in that the propagation behavior of time-varying electrical signals is measured on the conductor (11), that the measured propagation behavior is compared with the propagation behavior on a reference conductor without partial conductor short circuits, and that conclusions are drawn as to the presence of partial conductor short circuits from the changes in propagation behavior given by the comparison.

Abstract: A method and device for insulation monitoring of an electrically insulated DC network by measuring of the insulation resistance using galvanic isolation between a measuring resistor which is connected to ground, and a measuring pulse generator, and a measurement-data acquisition device, which eliminates some of the effect that noise in the DC network would otherwise have on the measurement.

Abstract: A device for detecting and locating arcs in a set of wires is discussed. The device comprises a probe for discharging controlled current to an exposed portion of a wire in the set of wires. The probe includes a handleable enclosure and an elongated structure which projects from the enclosure for conducting a gas and for enclosing a needle that has a tip. A suitable gas includes gases that have low electron attachment, such as helium. The device further comprises a control unit for communicating control signals as well as the gas to the probe. The control unit includes a controller, a valve being controllable by the controller and being capable of regulating the flow of the gas, and a high-voltage generator being controllable by the controller to generate a high-voltage signal, which can be communicated to the probe by the control unit.

Abstract: Insulation monitoring of an electrical network such as a DC network which is electrically insulated with respect to the ground of a device, includes at least two insulation monitoring devices that monitor different network sections, which can be isolated by one or more switches. Non-contacting switches are used to alternatingly connect and isolate respective measuring resistors of the monitoring devices to, and from, ground, as a result of which the insulation monitoring devices can not negatively affect each other's measurements.

Abstract: Control device for a generation circuit (REF) for reference voltages (VPOL1, VPOL2), includes a first P type MOS transistor (M12), connected between a node (N) to which a high voltage signal (EHV) is applied and a first intermediate node (A), a second P type MOS transistor (M13) connected between the first intermediate node (A) and a second intermediate node (B), and a third P type MOS transistor (M14) connected between the second node and the ground and with its grid connected to its drain, to supply a reference voltage (VPOL1, VPOL2) on one of the first and second intermediate nodes (A, B). The control device includes a controlling mechanism for controlling the reference transistors, either in a first or second operating mode.

Abstract: A wire testing method and apparatus test wire in-situ in a rigidly installed state, such as an aircraft. An apparatus for rapidly switching the excitation voltage and ground compensates for stray currents. The apparatus outputs a stray current signal, a detected signal, and a difference signal indicative of a measurement with stray current signal removed.

Abstract: An insulation inspection apparatus flows a current into power lines arranged along power lines of motors and sequentially switches relays to measure electromotive forces induced in the power lines of the DC motor, so that the insulation characteristics of the motors are inspected. This provides an insulation inspection apparatus which can perform insulation inspection of a motor for a short period of time without separating the motor from a control device.

Abstract: A tester for verifying the integrity of insulation in a branch circuit of a power distribution system. Two test circuits are included; the first providing an insulation test; and a second, a shared/grounded neutral test. In the insulation test, a 500-volt ac output limited to 5 milliamps is selectively applied to the pairs of wires of the branch circuit. If an output current of greater than 3 milliamps is recorded, an insulation failure is noted and the operator proceeds to the second test which applies a pulsed 3 volt, 1 ampere current-limited voltage across the suspected leads. One of the suspected leads is monitored with a portable ammeter to detect any pulse current.

Abstract: The present invention is a apparatus and method for accurately finding a location of a fault in a fiber cable where a cable locating current is leaking to ground. The system includes a sensor body, voltage probes mounted in the body to face the cable, a reference voltage input and a voltage comparator that compares the reference voltage to a measured voltage at the probes. Use of the system may include applying a conductive medium such as a conductive gel between the probes and the cable.

Abstract: An aircraft multi-function wire and low voltage insulation tester, having a time domain reflectometer, a digital multi-meter, and a matrix switch integrated in a computer, and a connector having a plurality of output pins allowing a plurality of wires to be hooked up simultaneously. The matrix switch connects the output pins to either the digital multi-meter or the time domain reflectometer perform the respective tests. Corresponding to the output pins, the matrix switch has a plurality of input/output channels, such that wire paths can be established between the output pins. The time domain reflectometry and characteristic tests can thus be performed on each line of a cable to be tested, and each wire path established between the output pins or the lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for detecting a discharge in an electrical device comprising, providing a bushing having a bottom lower flange and a top upper flange, providing a shield inside the bushing extending from the bottom lower flange to a position at least below the top upper flange and providing an antenna outside the bushing at least above the position for measuring an output signal from the device for detecting the discharge.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect a breakdown in the insulation of a through-bolt in a laminated generator core is provided. The apparatus provides a ground detection circuit to generate and sense a signal in response to a ground that develops as a result of a breakdown in through-bolt insulation. Preferably, the circuit includes a signal source that generates a signal in response to insulation breakdown and a signal sensor to sense the signal so generated. The apparatus, moreover, can identify which among a plurality of through-bolts has experienced an insulation breakdown. Methods also are provided for detecting a breakdown in through-bolt insulation and identifying which among a plurality of through-bolts has experienced a breakdown in insulation.

Abstract: A cable termination assembly for testing the quality of insulation surrounding a power cable has one termination design to fit a large range of cable constructions, does not require different insulation shield cut-back distances, provides a secure electrical connection, and is environmentally friendly. A cable grip assembly is attached to an exposed conductor. The bottom outer surface of an inner cup is attached to the inner bottom surface of an outer cup wherein the inner cup is fully contained in the outer cup. When the two cups are attached, the cable grip assembly is mateably connected into the top of the inner cup and the outer cup is filled with a high dielectric strength liquid covering the inner cup and the cable grip assembly. After the high dielectric strength liquid has been added, a voltage is applied and the partial voltage discharge of the power cable is measured.

Abstract: A tester for verifying the integrity of insulation in a branch circuit of a power distribution system. Two test circuits are included; the first providing an insulation test; and a second, a shared/grounded neutral test. In the insulation test, a 500-volt ac output limited to 5 milliamps is selectively applied to the pairs of wires of the branch circuit. If an output current of greater than 3 milliamps is recorded, an insulation failure is noted and the operator proceeds to the second test which applies a pulsed 3 volt, 1 ampere current-limited voltage across the suspected leads. One of the suspected leads is monitored with a portable ammeter to detect any pulse current.

Abstract: A sub-harness and a sub-harness manufacturing apparatus including a pair of connecting units each having a wire connecting portion, made of metal, vertically movable so as to connect one end of one of a plurality of wires composing a sub-harness to one of a plurality of terminals having a sheathing clamping portion and being arranged in a wire feeding direction; and a pair of transferring devices to transfer the terminals in a direction perpendicular to the wire feeding direction so as to position each one of the plurality of terminals under each wire connecting portion. A clamping punch portion is provided on the wire connecting portion of each of the pair of connecting units for clamping the sheathing clamping portion and a conductivity testing device is arranged between the clamping punch portions of the pair of connecting units for judging whether the one of the plurality of wires having terminals on the respective ends thereof is good or bad.

Abstract: An insulation diagnosis device for diagnosing insulation deterioration in a non-grounded type electric power distribution system provided with a computation processing unit which calculates an intermittent flash grounding and which is inputted of zero phase voltages and line voltages and includes a peak hold processing unit, a peak hold reset processing unit and a phase region detection and processing unit. Thereby, an insulation diagnosis device is provided which can always diagnose insulation deterioration safely under actual use condition without stopping the concerned electric power installation, and, at the time of intermittent flash grounding occurrence, can specify existence and non-existence of grounding occurrence before activation of a protective relay.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for measuring the electrical characteristics of a telecommunication cable (10) comprising a bundle of electric wires (11) conveying a service voltage (U) delivered by equipment (15) referenced to ground, arranged in an insulating sheath comprising a conductive screen (12). According to the present invention, the method comprises one step of measuring the insulation resistance (Riso) of the screen (12) relative to the ground, one step of measuring the electric potential (Pe) of the screen (12) relative to the ground, and one step of determining a global insulation resistance (Ri) of the bundle of electric wires (11) relative to the conductive screen (12), using the result of the measurements of the insulation resistance (Riso) and of the electric potential (Pe) of the screen. Application to characterising or to maintaining telecommunication cables.

Abstract: An apparatus to detect a breakdown in the insulation of a through-bolt in a laminated generator core is provided. The apparatus provides a ground detection circuit to generate and sense a signal in response to a ground that develops as a result of a breakdown in through-bolt insulation. Preferably, the circuit includes a signal source that generates a signal in response to insulation breakdown and a signal sensor to sense the signal so generated. The apparatus, moreover, can identify which among a plurality of through-bolts has experienced an insulation breakdown. Methods also are provided for detecting a breakdown in through-bolt insulation and identifying which among a plurality of through-bolts has experienced a breakdown in insulation.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement (300, 400) for separating partial discharge pulses originating from various partial discharge sources in an electric system, comprises the steps of measuring a variable of the electric system, such as voltage or current, to which partial discharges occurring in the electric system cause pulses, separating the pulses caused by partial discharges, i.e.

Abstract: An electrical system and a sensor for on-line monitoring of the state of high-voltage insulation in the electrical system. In this arrangement, the signals associated with partial discharge activity are monitored and transmitted from the sensor to monitoring instrumentation. The sensor is interconnected with the potential stress shield of existing bushings. The capacitance in the bushing between the main conductor and the stress shield conducts partial discharge current which is available for being sensed.

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: For an electrical system a sensor and associated circuits are provided for on-line monitoring of the state of the high-voltage insulation in the electrical system. In this arrangement, both the power frequency signal and of the radio frequency signals associated with partial discharge activity may be monitored and transmitted from the sensor to remote monitoring instrumentation. The sensor is disposed in a stand-off insulator which also may act to support the high voltage conductor system.

Abstract: A conductivity testing method for a sub-harness and a sub-harness manufacturing apparatus are provided, which sub-harness manufacturing apparatus includes: a pair of connecting units each having a wire connecting portion, made of metal, vertically movable so as to connect one end of one of wires composing a sub-harness to one of terminals having a sheathing clamping portion and being arranged in a wire feeding direction; and a pair of transferring units to transfer the terminals in a direction perpendicular to the wire feeding direction so as to position each one of the terminals under each wire connecting portions, wherein a clamping punch portion to clamp the sheathing clamping portion is provided on the wire connecting portion of each of the pair of connecting units and a conductivity testing units to judge the one of the wires having terminals on the respective ends thereof being good or bad is arranged between the clamping punch portions of the pair of connecting units.

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: An insulation inspection apparatus 10 flows a current into power lines arranged along power lines 71-80 of motors 51-60 and sequentially switches relays SA1-SA10 to measure electromotive forces induced in the power lines of the DC motor, so that the insulation characteristics of the motors are inspected.

Abstract: A sensor and associated circuits are provided for on-line monitoring of the state of the high-voltage insulation in electrical equipment with capacitance tap. In this arrangement, both the power frequency signal and the radio frequency signals associated with partial discharge activity are sensed. These signals are transmitted from the sensor to remote monitoring instrumentation via one connecting cable. The sensor contains a surge arrester in parallel with a capacitor shunt, a radio frequency current transformer and a connecting circuit. The polarity terminal of the primary winding of the radio frequency current transformer is connected to the tap output. The non-polarity terminal is connected to the common connection point of the surge arrester and the capacitor shunt while the second terminals of these components are connected to the local ground.

Abstract: A method of testing the insulation between N electrical conductors, where 2n−1<N≦2n where n is an integer greater than 1 is disclosed which consists of carrying out n tests, each test consisting of connecting together a first set of said conductors, connecting together a second set of said conductors and testing for current leakage between the two sets, said sets being such that members of every pair of conductors are in different sets for at least one test. Apparatus for carrying out the tests consists of a set of connectors, one for each test, with terminals (a-p) for connecting to the conductors, each set of terminals being connected to a respective test point (A, B).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for locating an insulation fault (Rd) in a conductor element (SCR) relative to the ground, the conductor element being electrically accessible at least at one point of origin (Po) and at one terminal point (Pe). According to the present invention, a current is injected between the point of origin (Po) and the terminal point (Pe) of the conductor element (SCR), by means of a current or voltage generator (21) that is insulated from the ground, a first electric voltage (U1) is measured at the point of origin (Po), in reference to the ground, and a second electric voltage (U, U2) is measured at the terminal point (Pe). The ratio between the first (U1) and the second (U, U2) voltages measured is representative of the relative position (Pdr) of the insulation fault between the point of origin (Po) and the terminal point (Po). Application in the maintenance of telecommunication cables in particular.

Abstract: The 4 mA-20 mA type or 0-20 mA type current loop connects an analog sensor (1) to an acquisition system (3), respectively carrying a sensor current (Ic) and an acquisition current (Ia). A test circuit is connected in parallel with the current loop to inject a superposition current (Is) into said loop, which current is superposed on the sensor current (Ic) or on the acquisition current (Ia). In a first embodiment, a variable voltage generator (7) injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the acquisition current (Ia), thereby making it possible to check a low-current threshold of the acquisition system (3). In a second embodiment, a variable current regulator injects the superposition current (Is) by adding it to the sensor current (Ic), thereby making it possible to check a high-current threshold of the acquisition system. The high- and low-current thresholds of the acquisition system are tested without opening the current loop.