Abstract: A dry gel-conductive sensor. In embodiments, the sensor comprises a scaffold structure which comprises a structure and a covering. A conductive material, which is both ionically and electronically conductive, may be dispersed within the structure. According to an embodiment, the covering comprises openings which allow conductive material through the covering to contact the skin of a subject. The covering may additionally or alternatively comprise brush-like features configured to penetrate through hair.

Abstract: A system and method for artifact suppression in soft-field tomography are provided. One method includes obtaining an excitation pattern and applying the excitation pattern to an object, wherein the excitation pattern includes a plurality of frequency components. The method also includes measuring a response at one or more of a plurality of transducers coupled to the object and separating the responses among the plurality of frequency components to suppress one or more artifacts.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and an analyzer circuit, the first sensor including a first seismic mass having a first resonance frequency and the second sensor including a second seismic mass having a second resonance frequency, and the analyzer circuit being provided for analyzing a first output signal of the first sensor as well as a second output signal of the second sensor and, moreover, the first resonance frequency being unequal to the second resonance frequency.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and probe for examining tissue for the presence of target cells, particularly cancerous cells, by subjecting the tissue to be examined to a contrast agent containing small particles of a physical element conjugated with a biological carrier selectively bindable to the target cells. Energy pulses are applied to the examined tissue. The changes in impedance and/or optical characteristics of the examined tissue produced by the applied energy pulses are detected and utilized for determining the presence of the target cells in the examined tissue. In a described preferred embodiment, the applied energy pulses include laser pulses, and the physical element conjugated with a biological carrier is a light-sensitive semiconductor having an impedance which substantially decreases in the presence of light. The same probe used for detecting the targeted cells may also be used for destroying the cells so targeted.

Abstract: To reduce erroneous inspection caused by particular noise occurring when plate-shaped electrodes are used, the invention is related to a liquid-discharging device in which a discharge judgment for judging whether or not a liquid has been discharged from a nozzle is performed on the basis of a change in electric potential occurring in at least one of a first electrode and a second electrode when the liquid has been discharged from the nozzle. The discharge judgment is performed continuously a plurality of times for the nozzle that is an inspection target. Even if the liquid is judged to have been discharged in any of the plurality of discharge judgments, the liquid will be determined not to have been discharged from the nozzle that is an inspection target as long as a judgment that the liquid has not been discharged has been made in any of the plurality of discharge judgments.

Abstract: Monitoring system in real time of the state of capacitance graded bushings of power transformers, powers reactors, current transformers, circuit breakers and similar, it is applied preferentially by power transformers; power reactors; chain transformers, circuit breakers and similar, being the system passible of accomplish the monitoring in real time of capacitance graded bushings (1), each one resulted from a capacitive “tap” to which connects a “tap” adapter (3) that, then, connects to a measuring module (4) which receives signals coming from capacitive “tap” (2) of three graded bushings (1) which form a triphase group. One or more measuring modules (4) can, if connect to an only interface man-machine module (5), by means of a serial communication (6), forming a modular system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for more precisely characterizing an electrical system by impedance spectrometry. Said method consists of: applying an input signal to said electrical system that comprises a sequence of sinusoidal perturbations, so as to scan a primary series (A) of frequencies; measuring an output signal of said electrical system in response to said input signal for each of said applied perturbations; and estimating a characteristic size of the impedance of said electrical system for each of said applied perturbations; characterized in that the perturbations of said sequence are applied so as to scan, turn by turn, a plurality of sub-series (A1, . . . , An) of frequencies resulting from said primary series (A), each sub-series of said plurality being interlaced with at least one other sub-series of the same plurality.

Abstract: Provided is a test structure for testing an unpackaged semiconductor wafer. The test structure includes a force-application component that is coupled to an interconnect structure of the semiconductor wafer. The force-application component is operable to exert a force to the semiconductor wafer. The test structure also includes first and second test portions that are coupled to the interconnect structure. The first and second test portions are operable to measure an electrical performance associated with a predetermined region of the interconnect structure. The first and second test portions are operable to measure the electrical performance while the force is exerted to the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a number of turns of a shield winding included in an energy transfer element of a power supply, where the calculating is to have a low noise current in an input conductor of the power supply. The method further includes: increasing the number of turns for the shield winding; operating the power supply; and adjusting a value of a shield impedance to substantially reduce the noise current. An apparatus includes a power supply having an energy transfer element and a shield impedance. The energy transfer element includes a shield winding having an end terminated externally to the energy transfer element. The shield impedance is coupled between the externally terminated end of the shield winding and an input conductor of the power supply, where the shield impedance has a non-zero finite impedance value to substantially reduce a noise current in the input conductor.

Abstract: Microfluidic apparatus including integrated porous substrate/sensors that may be used for detecting targeted biological and chemical molecules and compounds. In one aspect, upper and lower microfluidic channels are defined in respective halves of a substrate, which are sandwiched around a porous membrane upon assembly. In other aspect, the upper and lower channels are formed such that a portion of the lower channel passes beneath a portion of the upper channel to form a cross-channel area, wherein the membrane is disposed between the two channels. In various embodiments, one or more porous membranes are disposed proximate to corresponding cross-channel areas defined by one or more upper and lower channels. The porous membrane may also have sensing characteristics, such that it produces a change in an optical and/or electronic characteristic.

Abstract: An object is to widen detection range of current. A current detection circuit includes a first resistor, which is connected to a first connection terminal and a second connection terminal; a second resistor, which is connected to the first resistor; a third resistor, which is connected to the first resistor; a first transistor, a source of which is connected to the second resistor; a second transistor, a source of which is connected to the third resistor, and a drain and a gate of which is connected to a gate of the first transistor; a third transistor, a source of which is connected to the source of the second transistor, and a gate of which is connected to the drain of the first transistor; and a fourth resistor, which is connected to the drain of the third transistor, and to which a voltage is input.

Abstract: An impedance tomography apparatus is disclosed for the measuring of the electrical activity of excitable tissue. The apparatus comprises a plurality of signal transfer devices adapted for transferring an input signal to a body and receiving an output signal from a body. An input signal generator is adapted to generate an electrical input signal and apply it to at least one of the signal transfer devices. A measurement device is arranged to measure the output signal from the body at least one or more of the remaining signal transfer devices, wherein the input signal generator is adapted to generate an input signal of frequency greater than 100 Hz and less that 5 kHz. This allows the depolarisation of nervous or muscle tissue to be imaged.

Abstract: A method for solid material detection in a medium includes receiving an exhaust gas downstream with respect to a workpiece from which a photoresist material is removed. An electromagnetic circuit is configured to include the exhaust gas, the exhaust gas is excited with electromagnetic energy and an impedance value of the electromagnetic circuit is determined, wherein the impedance value corresponds to an amount of solid material within the exhaust gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system and microchip for determining impedance of a variable impedance component. The method comprises tuning a tunable oscillator over a predefined tuning range, the tunable oscillator having the variable impedance component coupled as a load thereof. The frequency response of the tunable oscillator is measured as a function of said tuning. Finally, the measured frequency response is analyzed for determining the impedance of the variable impedance component. The invention makes possible to manufacture smaller and simpler monolithic sensor microchips.

Abstract: In an insulation coated conductor inspection method for inspecting an electrical insulation characteristic of an insulation coated conductor in a coil formed by winding the insulation coated conductor, the coil is disposed in a test container, an internal pressure of the test container is reduced, an electrodes are provided so as to face the coil with a gap therebetween, an alternating-current voltage is applied between the electrodes and the coil, a generation frequency of a discharge that is generated between the coil and the electrodes upon application of the alternating-current voltage is measured, and the coil is determined to be a non-defective product having a superior electrical insulation property when the generation frequency of the discharge is higher than a reference generation frequency and determined to be a defective product having a defective electrical insulation property when the generation frequency of the discharge is lower than the reference generation frequency.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for monitoring a material configured to perform one or more functions or for actuating the material. One or more electrodes are coupled to the material. An electronic device is coupled to the one or more electrodes and is configured to detect an electrical characteristic of the material to monitor the material or to apply an electrical stimulus to actuate the material.

Abstract: A measurement terminal is arranged at an edge of a semiconductor wafer to be apart from a gate electrode and a source electrode formed in a surface portion on one side in a thickness direction of a semiconductor wafer so that an electrode contact portion is in contact with a drain electrode on the other side in the thickness direction of the semiconductor wafer and that a terminal contact portion is exposed to the one side in the thickness direction of the semiconductor wafer. A probe terminal is brought into contact with the terminal contact portion of the measurement terminal and the probe terminal is brought into contact with the gate electrode and the source electrode, to thereby measure electrical characteristics of a MOSFET.

Abstract: According to typical inventive practice, the relative positioning of two press members is mechanically adjustable so that their respective flat surfaces remain parallel at selectively closer or further distances apart. During immersion or partial immersion of the two press members in a fluid of interest, a fluid sample is bounded by the two opposing flat surfaces. The present invention can thus achieve small thicknesses of its fluid samples, which represent “thin fluid films” suitable for measurement of one or more electrical characteristics (e.g., impedance, or impedance-related characteristics such as permittivity). Data acquisition can be performed by generating electrical pulses and receiving data signals from probes contiguous with the fluid sample. Measurements can be taken of fluid samples characterized by varying thicknesses and/or varying pressures.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are provided for determining electrode impedances of a bioelectric signal-monitoring/recording system that includes an amplifier, and electrodes connected between a subject and the amplifier. An example apparatus includes: a voltage source outputting a voltage signal; a switching arrangement including an input electrically connected with the voltage source for receiving the voltage signal, an output electrically connected with the amplifier and the electrodes, and switches between the input and the output; and a controller in communication with the switches for opening and closing the switches to establish signal paths between the voltage source and the output, the controller calculating the electrode impedances relative to voltage outputs of the amplifier for each signal path.

Abstract: A system is provided for measurement with one or more sensors including at least one signal conductor and at least one pearl, wherein the pearl a device configured to change an impedance mismatch with an external environmental effect.

Abstract: An electromedical implant includes a measuring signal generator, an impedance measuring unit to determine the impedance of human or animal tissue, a control unit which, for controlling the measuring signal generator and the impedance measuring unit, is at least indirectly connected to the measuring signal generator and to the impedance measuring unit, as well as an electrode arrangement comprising at least two electrodes which can be directly or indirectly connected or at least temporarily connected to the measuring signal generator and to the impedance measuring unit, or to a connection for such an electrode arrangement.

Abstract: Provided is a low-power direct current detector. The low-power direct current detector includes a main current source circuit generating an ultra-low current, a limitation circuit limiting the current generated by the main current source circuit to lower than a preset current, and a voltage detection circuit biased by the ultra-low current generated by the main current source circuit to detect an input DC voltage.

Abstract: A method for determining a phase constant for a dielectric medium is provided. The method includes deploying a calibration object with a known free-space spectral response within a dielectric medium of interest, determining the spectral response of the calibration object deployed in the dielectric medium, and determining the phase constant for the dielectric medium using a relationship between the free-space spectral response of the calibration object and the spectral response of the calibration object when deployed in the dielectric medium.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for determining the thickness of material layers of a container-held substance comprising a first material disposed in an upper layer and a second material disposed in a lower layer, by transmitting a radio signal through the substance towards a container portion; receiving reflected signals from a surface of the upper layer, a surface of the second layer, and the container portion; varying the frequency of the transmitted signal to determine phase displacement between transmitted and reflected signals; determining optical distances to the surfaces and the container portion, dependent on the phase displacements; determining the thickness of one of said layers dependent on phase displacement through and index of refraction of that layer; and determining the thickness of the other layer dependent on the thickness of said one of said layers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a measurement process for determination of the optimum contact pressure among components of a solid oxide fuel cell stack in the packaging process in order that the reduction in performance caused by the packaging process can be reduced. The present invention also provides a measurement apparatus which can carry the measurement process out.

Abstract: Provided is a chemical sensor that may include a first electrode on a substrate, a sensing member covering the first electrode on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the sensing member exposing the surface of the sensing member. The chemical sensor may be configured to measure the change in electrical characteristics when a compound to be sensed is adsorbed on the sensing member. Provided also is a chemical sensor array including an array of chemical sensors.

Abstract: A level verification system for a radar level gauge utilizes a remotely positionable target. The target is positioned inside of a tank that is subject to level measurement, and stowed at a first position and selectively positionable to a second position to reflect emitted electromagnetic radiation in an amount indicative of a predetermined material level. The verification system can verify a high level alarm will be triggered when the material reaches a high level corresponding to the level of the target, by remotely positioning the target in front of the emitter of the radar gauge. The target reflects electromagnetic energy to the detector at approximately the same intensity that the material reaching the high level would reflect so as to provide an accurate verification.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector system comprising a first connector having a plurality of first contact terminals (E, F, G, J); a second connector having a plurality of second contact terminals, wherein the second contact terminals (A, B, C, D) and the electrical device are arranged such that, while connecting, the first contact terminals come into contact with a first subset of the plurality of second contact terminals in a first connecting stage and while the connecting further proceeds the first contact terminals come into contact with a second subset of the second contact terminals, such that in the first connecting stage an electrical quantity between two of the first contact terminals is detectable which is different from the electrical quantity in an uncoupled condition of the connectors, and in the second connecting stage a further electrical quantity between at least two of the first contact terminals is detectable which is different from the electrical quantity detected in the first connecting

Abstract: A method and program prevents a user from bypassing a limit placed on a specified operating life of a sensor by disconnecting and reconnecting the sensor. The present invention checks a characteristic of the sensor to see if the sensor is used prior to the connection of the sensor, and rejects the sensor if the sensor is determined to have been used before. The process of checking the characteristic of the sensor involves performing an Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure and calculating an impedance value. The impedance value can be compared to various threshold values for a variety of purposes including the determination of age, condition, hydration, and stabilization of the sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a system for collecting a sample and optionally detecting or analyzing an electrical property thereof, the method comprising: means for obtaining a sample in a sample container; means for directing the sample into a sensing chamber in fluid communication with the sample container, the sensing chamber comprising a plurality of sensing chamber electrodes positioned at the sensing chamber and configured to be in contact with the sample when the sample is directed into the sensing chamber; means for applying an electrical signal to the sample with a read-out analyzer via the plurality of sensing chamber electrodes; the plurality of sensing chamber electrodes in operable communication with the read-out analyzer; and means for detecting the effect of the sample on the electrical signal, thereby determining an electrical property of the sample.

Abstract: Programmable on-chip identification circuitry and associated method are disclosed that provide integrated circuits with the ability to select and report from multiple different vendor and system identification configurations. The integrated circuit device includes programmable circuitry that utilizes vendor identification, system identification, configuration or other device information provided or selected at least in part based upon selection information from a source external to the integrated circuit. The selection information may be provided through one or more externally generated digital and/or analog control signals that are then processed within the integrated circuit device to select, access and utilize desired identification information stored in an on-chip database.

Abstract: The present invention related to devices and methods for using ferrite alignment keys in wireless remote sensor assemblies. In one aspect, the invention provides wireless resonant sensor assemblies comprising a pick-up coil, a ferrite alignment key positioned in and extending from the pick-up coil, and wireless resonant sensor having a receiving element wherein the pick-up coil and the wireless resonant sensor align upon insertion of the ferrite alignment key into the receiving element. The ferrite alignment key may also be part of a resonant sensor such that insertion of a pick-up coil into a receiving element of the alignment key results in a configuration where the alignment key is positioned in and extended from the pick-up coil. Methods of measuring one or more parameters of a monitoring system are also provided. The insertion of the ferrite alignment key aligns the pick-up coil and wireless resonant sensor thereby increasing sensing of the wireless resonant sensor by the pick-up coil.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically discovering total transistor resistance in a hybrid power over Ethernet (PoE) architecture. A critical factor for a PoE system is the total resistance of the power FET. Typical PoE systems consist of a single power FET that may be integrated with the controller or external to the controller. In a hybrid architecture the PoE system consists of both an internal power FET and an external power FET. The external power FET can be used to customize a design to meet a particular application or need. The total resistance in the hybrid architecture can be automatically determined using voltage and current measurements of the internal and external power FETs.

Abstract: A resonance type non-contact charging system is disclosed that includes a resonance system. The resonance system has a primary side resonance coil, a secondary side resonance coil, a power converting section having a DC/DC converter, and a battery. The charging system has a controlling section that controls the DC/DC converter. The controlling section controls the duty cycle of the DC/DC converter such that the input impedance of the resonance system at the resonant frequency and the output impedance of a high-frequency power source match each other.

Abstract: An electroimpedance tomograph with a plurality of electrodes (1) is provided, which can be placed on the body of a patient and are connected via a selector switch (60) with a control and evaluating unit (20). The control and evaluating unit (20) cooperates with the selector switch (60) such that two electrodes each are supplied with an alternating current from an AC power source (22) and the detected analog voltage signals of the other electrodes are processed in order to reconstruct therefrom the impedance distribution of the body in the plane of the electrodes, wherein a symmetrical AC power source is used to reduce common-mode signals.

Abstract: A method of estimating stator resistance of an induction motor is provided. The method includes applying voltage pulses through two phase paths of the motor for a plurality of electrical cycles to inject current in the motor, wherein the voltage pulses are applied until rotor flux of the motor is substantially stabilized and measuring stator voltage and stator current in response to the applied voltage pulses for each of the plurality of electrical cycles. The method also includes calculating the stator resistance based upon the measured stator voltages and the stator currents.

Abstract: In a method for the excitation of port groups of a multi-port device under test with coherent incident waves of the same frequency, which provide defined amplitude ratios and phase differences within each port group, the waves are generated respectively by one signal generator of a vectorial network analyzer per test port. The network analyzer has unbalanced test ports. A system-error correction of the unbalanced incident and reflected waves with reference to the ports of the device under test is implemented in order to obtain corrected waves. The amplitude and phase changes required in the signal generators to fulfill the desired amplitude and phase conditions are calculated from these corrected waves.

Abstract: A measurement transmitter, including: A microprocessor having a reset input and a clock output for providing a periodic clock signal; a monitoring circuit having a clock signal input and a reset output; and a current controller for issuing in a band range, during operation, a measurement signal current representing a measured value. The clock signal input is connected with the clock signal output and the reset input with the reset output. Upon absence of the clock signal, the reset output periodically issues a reset signal. The measurement transmitter further includes a comparator circuit having a first input, which is connected via a lowpass with the reset output of the monitoring circuit, and a second input, on which a reference voltage is applied. An output of the comparator circuit is connected with the current controller.

Abstract: A method and circuit for determining a circuit element parameter in a ground fault circuit interrupter circuit. An electrical signal provided to a first node is used to generate another electrical signal at a second node. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with a modulation signal to generate a modulated signal that is then filtered and converted into a digital representation of a portion of the circuit element parameter. The electrical signal at the second node is multiplexed with the modulation signal after it has been phase shifted to produce a modulated signal that is filter and converted into a digital representation of another portion of the circuit element parameter. In another aspect, a slope based solenoid self-test method is used for self-testing in a GFCI circuit. Alternatively, a method for determining a wiring fault is provided using a digital filter.

Abstract: An eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes lens chuck shafts, processing tools for processing a lens and processing tool rotating shafts to which the processing tools are attached. A calibration sensor unit for calibrating the eyeglass lens processing apparatus includes: an attachment portion attached to the lens chuck shafts; a contact member contacting the processing tools; a support mechanism configured to movably support the contact member and has an urging member that urges the contact member in a direction separating from the attachment portion; and a sensor that detects the contact of the contact member with the processing tools. The urging member has an urging force by which the processing tool rotating shafts and the lens chuck shafts are not bent to a predetermined tolerance or more when the contact member contacts the processing tools and is moved toward the attachment portion.

Abstract: A measuring system measuring an impedance of an object to be measured, including an impedance measuring instrument; a casing formed of a grounded conductor and capable of locating the object to be measured therein; and a radially-shaped electrode connected to the impedance measuring instrument and capable of being connected to the object to be measured.

Abstract: Circuitry and program code adapted for carrying out an associated technique for characterizing the response of one or more magnetoelastic sensor elements during exposure to an excitation field generated by an interrogation coil: including: (a) measuring a total sensor signal from the coil with the sensor element positioned within the excitation field within a spacing created by a winding of the coil; and (b) automatically determining: (i) a total measured impedance spectrum from said total sensor signal so measured, and (ii) a plurality of magnitude values representing the real part of a reconstructed impedance spectrum for the sensor element. The reconstructed impedance spectrum for the sensor element, having been calculated by subtracting an impedance generally attributable to the coil during the time an AC excitation signal is provided, from the total measured impedance.

Abstract: To provide a method for objectively evaluating or screening to identify a substance which is capable of suppressing or regulating olfaction. A method of evaluating or screening to identify an agent for suppressing olfactory sensitivity, including adding a test substance to a substrate having a voltage-dependent cation channel and evaluating or selecting a substance that inhibits an electrical activity caused by the cation channel.

Abstract: A system for testing the safety of electricity includes steps as following. First step is inserting a testing apparatus into a socket of utility power. Second step is providing a first amplifier and rectifier unit for measuring a first voltage wave as no-loading. Third step is providing a signal capturing unit at driver circuit for capturing an instant load cycle current wave. Fourth step is providing a second amplifier and rectifier unit for simulating a second voltage wave according to the instant cycle current wave. At least, a processing unit provides for comparing the first voltage wave with the second voltage wave. Therefore, the above-mentioned method is provided for determining the quality of household electricity wire and further improving the electricity safety.

Abstract: An electrical hand-held device is provided with improved proximity detection, which can be placed on a surface and has at least one transmission electrode, at least one reception electrode and at least one compensation electrode arranged between transmission electrode and reception electrode. The transmission electrode and the compensation electrode can be supplied with an electric switching signal of predetermined signal frequency and predetermined signal amplitude. Switching electric signal at the compensation electrode is phase-delayed with respect to the switching electric signal at the transmission electrode. Alternating electric fields radiated at the transmission electrode and the compensation electrode generate a current in the reception electrode, which is representative of an approach of a hand to the hand-held device.

Abstract: A system and method for wireharness testing includes at least one probe attachable to a connector of a wireharness, the at least one probe in wireless communication with a controller to identify a potential lack of continuity in the wireharness therebetween.

Abstract: A multicontact tactile sensor including a matrix formed of two transparent conducting layers, at least one exhibiting an array of fine conducting tracks, a control circuit including a power supply for one of the layers, and a mechanism detecting the other layer, the sensor having an operating mode of multicontact type corresponding to a sweep of supply to the lines of the corresponding layer, and an operating mode of monocontact type corresponding to a continuous and uniform supply over a whole of the sensor, each operating mode being activated as a function of the detection or nondetection of at least one contact.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the input (loading) impedance of measurement systems using a test fixture. This is done by first measuring the characteristics of an unloaded test fixture to obtain scattering parameters of the test fixture and using a splitting algorithm to calculate the scattering parameters of each transmission line leg of the test fixture. The test fixture is then measured with a measurement system attached. The test fixture effects defined by the scattering parameters are then removed from the measurement to yield the scattering parameters of the measurement system alone (measurement system effects).

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor employs an electromagnetic device (EMD) to transduce and amplify the response of an impedance element to a physical measurand. A measurand is defined as a physical parameter being quantified by measurement. One embodiment uses a magnetic field sensor employing a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) capacitor to affect a change in the response of a SAW filter.

Abstract: Novel system and methodology for detecting a Powered Device (PD) in a Power over Ethernet (PoE) system. A PD probing circuit generates a detection signal supplied to the PD and determines a PD response signal produced in response to the detection signal. Based on the PD response signal, the control circuit determines a detection value for identifying the PD. In particular, the control circuit concludes that the PD is a device satisfying a PoE standard if the detection value is in a first predetermined range, and concludes that the PD is a legacy PD device if the detection value is in a second predetermined range outside of the first predetermined range.