Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the piston position of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston cylinder unit, wherein the cylinder jacket and the piston form an electrical conducting path and the piston position is determined with the aid of the inductive and/or resistive properties of the conducting path that is formed. In addition, the invention relates to a piston cylinder unit having a measuring device for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: A method includes applying a signal to a primary coil of an external charging device. The signal causes the primary coil to inductively couple to a secondary coil of an implantable medical device that is implanted within tissue of a patient. The method also includes measuring a current at the primary coil. The method further includes estimating a depth of the implantable medical device within the tissue of the patient based on the measured current.

Abstract: Disclosed is a test apparatus for efficiently and accurately testing a high frequency voltage dependency of an impedance of a test object without damaging the test object. The test apparatus includes a high frequency power source unit, a reference waveform generator, a matching device, an oscilloscope, a control panel, and a main control unit. The test apparatus may boost a high frequency pulse output at a relatively low power from the high frequency power source unit to a voltage required for a high frequency withstand voltage test to be applied to a test object in a state where impedance matching is performed between the high frequency power source unit and the test by the matching device, that is, under a tuned state. Whether the waveform of the voltage applied to the test object is a defined waveform may be concisely monitored and observed by the oscilloscope.

Abstract: A current signal sensing method for a supplying-end module of an induction type power supply system, wherein the supplying-end module includes a supplying-end coil and a resonant capacitor, includes serially connecting a current sensing element between the supplying-end coil and the resonant capacitor to obtain a current signal corresponding to a current of the supplying-end coil; and interpreting the current signal to retrieve data of a receiving-end module of the induction type power supply system.

Abstract: A method and a circuit system for monitoring the electrical properties of a load circuit controlled in a clocked manner, the load circuit having at least one ohmic component and at least one inductive component, having the following steps: establishing at least one first control signal and one second control signal, the control signals being established in such a way that, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the first control signal, the inductive behavior of the load circuit predominates and, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the second control signal, the ohmic behavior of the load circuit predominates, acquiring at least one measured variable, which is a function of the control signal and the ohmic and/or inductive components, in the case of activation of the load circuit using the first control signal and in the case of activation of the load circuit using the second control signal, ascertaining the deviations of the measured variables from measured variables which are ex

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring circuit comprising a control block for controlling said circuit, a time base for providing a clock signal (fclk) in order to time said circuit, a sensor block which is designed to provide an output signal, said measuring circuit comprising in addition a first counting block which is timed to the clock frequency and a second counting block which is timed by the frequency of the output signal of the sensor block.

Abstract: An inductive sensor comprises a window-less full metal housing which is designed as a single-piece injection molded component and is completely produced from amorphous metal.

Abstract: A proximity sensor interface device (PSID) for determining if a proximity sensor is in an acceptable position with respect to a target device is described. The PSID includes a frequency generator, a processing device, a memory associated with the processing device, a display, and an RC circuit. The processing device is programmed to route a signal generated by the frequency generator through the proximity sensor and the RC circuit for a prescribed period of time and the processing device is programmed to measure a discharge time of the RC circuit. The processing device is further programmed to cause the display to provide an indication of whether the relative position of the proximity sensor and the target device are within prescribed tolerances, based on the discharge time.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for determining at least one operating characteristic associated with an inductor in a power converter system. The operating characteristic may be current through the inductor. The power converter system may be of the type used in a hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) to convert electric power from a high-voltage traction battery to drive an electric motor and/or a generator in the HEV.

Abstract: An electrical system with a power distribution system has a current sensor for directly monitoring electrical power in a current conductor, the current sensor including a printed circuit board (PCB), a current transducer, and integrated conditioning electronics. The PCB has a non-ferromagnetic core through which the current conductor is inserted. The current transducer is for sensing the electrical power in the current conductor and is in the form of a sensing coil printed around the non-ferromagnetic core. The conditioning electronics are embedded into the PCB for processing a data signal based on the monitored electrical power of the current conductor.

Abstract: A passive electrical circuit element is disclosed that comprises an inductor surrounded by an electrically conductive sheet, wherein the electrically conductive sheet is electrically insulated from the inductor, and wherein the electrically conductive sheet is configured to transfer charge from the inductor to the conductive sheet in proportion to the current in the inductor. A transducer used to measure an unknown current in a circuit is disclosed that includes an inductor. The transducer comprises an electrically conductive sheet adapted to surround the inductor, while being electrically insulated from the inductor, and further including a device used to measure the charge transferred to the electrically conductive sheet when an unknown current is applied to the inductor.

Abstract: An electrical system includes a power distribution system having a plurality of branched electrical circuits and current conductors, each of the plurality of branched electrical circuits being coupled to and receiving electrical power from the power distribution system via an associated current conductor of the current conductors. The electrical system also includes a printed circuit board having an array of multiple sensors for monitoring branched power in the plurality of branched electrical circuits. Each individual sensor is in the form of a sensing coil, is mounted to measure electrical power in a respective current conductor of the current conductors, and has its own individual on-board processing circuitry for monitoring the branched power received in the respective current conductor.

Abstract: An exemplary electrical device for measuring alternating current or current pulses includes at least one coil of electrically conductive wire being wound around a non-magnetic carrier, where the non-magnetic carrier is made of glass.

Abstract: A system for providing electromagnetic imaging through magnetoquasistatic sensing contains an electromagnetic sensor for imaging a sample. The electromagnetic sensor contains drive/sense electronics and a pixelated sensor array having an array of inductive loops that source magnetic fields that interact with the sample, wherein the inductive loops are individually drivable by the drive/sense electronics in a coordinated manner to establish a desired temporal and spatial pattern in which electrical properties of the inductive loops are used to generate an image. Other components of the system include a precision motion controller, sensor head and associated electronics, and a computer for performing data acquisition and signal inversion.

Abstract: A device for the contactless determination of an electrical potential of an object, has an electrode and a potential controller which is electrically connected to the electrode. The potential controller changes a reference potential applied to the electrode to a final value in such a way that an electric field between the object and the electrode disappears at the final value if the electrode is located at a distance from the object. The electrical potential is determined from the final value.

Abstract: A system includes at least one examining module configured to be disposed onboard a vehicle system and a mitigation module. The at least one examining module is configured to identify an identified section of a route being traversed by the vehicle system, with the identified section corresponding to at least one of a potentially damaged section of the route or an actually damaged section of the route. The mitigation module is configured to, responsive to an identification by the at least one examining module of the identified section of the route, automatically perform a mitigation action corresponding to the identified section of the route.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor device for determining an absolute angle of a prosthetic joint, and which is resistant to environmental elements and has a reduced power draw. The sensor device includes an inductive sensor and a rotatable member including a metal material. The metal material can include a non-ferrous metal material. The inductive sensor detects an amount of the metal material in a proximate location to the inductive sensor. Rotation of the rotatable member increases or decreases an amount of metal material in the proximate location of the inductive sensor. The amount of metal material in the proximate location corresponds to an angle of the rotatable member and the prosthetic joint based on a monotonic function. Thus, the inductive sensor detects the amount of metal material in the proximate location to determine the angle of the rotatable member and subsequently the angle of the prosthetic device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a layout for antenna loops having both functions of capacitance induction and electromagnetic induction, and particularly relates to the layout for antenna loops having both functions of capacitance induction and electromagnetic induction, wherein the capacitance detection elements are integrated with the antenna loops. In this layout for antenna loops, each of the antenna loops therein is separated into three sections, and there are several geometric structures fabricated in two of these sections. These geometric structures are capacitance detection elements. Therefore, the two sections are directly fabricated to be the capacitance detection elements because of these geometric structures. By this way, the antenna loops can be integrated with the capacitance detection elements and the capacitance detection elements do not prevent the antenna loops from receiving the electromagnetic signals.

Abstract: A wear sensor comprising: an insulating substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface; a conductive electrode formed on said top surface of said insulating substrate; an insulating wear lining material having a first side secured to said top surface of said insulating substrate and conductive electrode, an opposite second side that will be worn down by relative motion between the wear sensor and a moving component; and one or more contact points where the electrical properties between the electrode and the moving component can be measured.

Abstract: Various embodiments for wireless power and data communications transmissions between a cartridge in a rotary steering system and components within a drill collar are disclosed. In a certain embodiment, magnetic fields are used to transfer power and data between the cartridge of a rotary steering system and electronics and/or sensors mounted in the drill collar. A first coil is attached to the pressure housing of the cartridge by a shaft containing wires. The turbine in the pressure housing provides an alternating current to the first coil, which is attached to the shaft. Consequently, the first coil generates an alternating magnetic field that passes through the ferrite surrounding a second coil that is attached by wires to an annular pressure housing that is attached to the drill collar. The alternating magnetic field generates an emf in the second coil, which provides power for electronics and sensors mounted in the drill collar.

Abstract: An occupant detection system and method that uses an isolation assembly to isolate electrically a power supply providing power to a heater element for heating a vehicle seat from a sensing circuit that uses the heater element as an electrode for electric field or capacitance type occupant detection. The isolation assembly includes a common mode choke that by itself provides sufficient isolation when the sensing circuit excitation signal frequency is high enough, and provides switches that infrequently interrupt electrical power to the heater element so a humidity level can be determined using a relatively low excitation signal frequency. Knowing the humidity level is desirable to adjust a threshold use to determine if the sensing circuit indicates that the seat is empty, or is occupied.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vehicle with an inductive measuring unit for detecting the distance between a measuring point P1 on one vehicle part 10 and a measuring point P2 on another vehicle part 30 that can be moved on a movement plane in relation to the one vehicle part.

Abstract: An inductance measurement circuit includes a control circuit, a constant current supply circuit, a voltage detecting circuit, and a display circuit. The control circuit controls the constant current supply circuit to supply a first current for a first inductor. The control circuit controls the voltage detecting circuit to detect a voltage on the first inductor. The control circuit obtains an internal resistance of the first inductor by dividing the first voltage by the first constant current. The display circuit displays the internal resistance of the first inductor.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for identifying a switching position of a switch (on an internal combustion engine in a handheld work apparatus. An energy source for supplying power to an inductive electrical load is provided, it being possible to connect the load to the energy source in order to be switched on and off via a controller. The switch is arranged in a voltage branch which is connected in parallel with the inductive load and in which a zener diode is also connected. The zener diode is activated or inactivated via the switch as a function of the switching position of the switch. The amplitude of the switch-off voltage, which is induced when the inductive load is disconnected, is limited by the zener diode, so that it is possible to read from the magnitude of the amplitude whether the switch is closed or open.

Abstract: A closure lock has a wireless power coupling. The wireless power coupling is used to determine whether the closure is in an open or closed position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: A conductivity sensor for measuring conductivity of a medium surrounding the conductivity sensor, including: a first toroidal coil, which surrounds a first traversing opening for accommodating the medium and which serves for inducing an electrical current in the medium, a second toroidal coil, which surrounds a second traversing opening for accommodating the medium and which serves for registering a magnetic field produced by the induced electrical current. At least one of the toroidal coils has a plurality of first conductor sections, which extend in a plane of a multi-ply circuit card, a plurality of second conductor sections, which extend in a second plane of the circuit card, and a plurality of first vias, which connect the first conductor sections with the second conductor sections.

Abstract: A robotic mower sensor assembly for detecting a boundary wire signal. The sensor assembly includes a plurality of analog inductive sensors with a first inductive sensor oriented along a first axis and a second inductive sensor oriented along a second, different axis. Each inductive sensor is configured to generate a signal indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire. A control unit communicating with the sensor assembly is configured to operate the robotic mower in response to the signals from the sensor assembly which are indicative of the distance of the robotic mower from the boundary wire.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting a hand in proximity to an electronic device are described. The electronic device includes a near field communications (NFC) antenna. In one aspect, the method includes: monitoring an induced voltage at the NFC antenna; and determining whether a hand is in proximity to the electronic device based on the induced voltage.

Abstract: [Problem] For measuring the inductance of a synchronous motor, a high-speed and convenient inductance measuring device for a synchronous motor is provided. [Solution] A three-phase high-frequency rotation voltage is applied to a synchronous motor, thereby calculating the inductance from the same frequency component as that of the high-frequency voltage included in a motor current.

Abstract: There are provided a detector and the like that are capable of conveniently detecting conductor or a circuit including a coil. The detector includes a detecting section that determines a Q value or a degree of variation thereof in a circuit including a coil capable of electromagnetic coupling with an external object and that performs detection concerning a state of the electromagnetic coupling with the external object based on a determined result.

Abstract: In an printed circuit board on which an integrated circuit die is mounted, an array of plated through holes (PTHs) are formed which include conductive power and ground PTH structures which are connected to provide power and ground reference voltages to the integrated circuit die, and isolated current sensing PTH structures which are formed within sensing proximity to the conductive power and ground PTH structures for sensing current switching activity in the conductive power and ground PTH structures by inductively converting dynamic current changes in the conductive power and ground PTH structures into a measurable voltage signal.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a conductor that carries alternating voltage, includes a voltage source configured to produce two phase-shifted alternating voltages, two complex impedance elements having first connections, which are connected to the alternating voltages, and second connections, which are connected to each other and to which a differential voltage is applied, and a control device configured to control the alternating voltages in such a way that a component of the differential voltage synchronous with the alternating voltages is minimized in magnitude. The control device is configured to detect the conductor if a ratio of the alternating voltages does not correspond to a ratio of the complex impedance elements in the absence of the conductor. The second complex impedance element is changeable with a control voltage. A probe is configured to provide the control voltage as a function of an alternating electromagnetic field induced by the conductor.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a detecting device and a detecting method that enable a state change of power lines to be detected with a simple circuit configuration. For example, when electronic devices 10A and 10B are connected to outlets 24-1 and 24-2 at the same time, a reader/writer 26 is notified of a device IDA and an outlet ID1 and a device IDB and an outlet ID2. In this case, a controller 27 controls a switch 91-1 and temporarily turns off power lines connecting the outlet 24-1 and the reader/writer 26 and then turns on the power lines immediately. Thereby, when the switch 91-1 is turned off, the reader/writer 26 is notified of only the device IDB and the outlet ID2. Therefore, the controller 27 can determine that the electronic device 10B is connected to the outlet 24-2. Then, the controller 27 can determine that the electronic device 10A is connected to the outlet 24-1. The present disclosure can be applied to indoor wiring of a table tap or power lines.

Abstract: A method for in situ monitoring of a membrane of a membrane separation system comprises measuring a complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide an indication of the electrical conduction and electrical polarization properties of the membrane. The membrane based separation system for removing or reducing the concentration of materials carried in a fluid including a separation membrane has a first pair of electrodes separated by the membrane and arranged for measurement of the complex impedance of the membrane at a plurality of frequencies to provide the indication of the membrane properties. There may also be a second pair of electrodes separated by the membrane for injecting the stimulus current such that the injecting and monitoring functions are separated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a coaxial cable connector that includes a backscattering arrangement configured to receive an RF signal in a coaxial transmission line and produce a modulated backscattered response. The modulated backscattered response corresponds to a sensed condition in the coaxial cable connector.

Abstract: A system and circuit for achieving bidirectional hysteretic current mode control of a converter. The system comprises a summer that provides a constant hysteresis and has added switching noise immunity, a comparator, a lossless inductor current sense means and a converter. A circuit using the inductors internal resistance for sensing the current through an inductor in a lossless manner is described. The circuit preserves both DC and dynamic current information while incorporating the RC time constant, difference amplifier and signal amplification, all using only one amplifier. This circuit provides excellent common mode and differential noise immunity, while still having a high bandwidth and small group delay of the current signal. A method to accomplish stability of a current mode controlled converter when closing the loop to control the output voltage with very high accuracy and gain is described.

Abstract: A method for operating a magneto-inductive flow measuring device having a measuring tube, wherein an at least partially electrically-conductive measured material flows through the measuring tube. For determining flow, there is produced by means of at least one coil arrangement a clocked magnetic field, which at least partially passes through the measured material, wherein the magnetic field is produced by an exciter current, which flows through the coil arrangement. The magnetic field is operated with at least a first clocking, wherein, in a case in which the coil arrangement is free of exciter current, an electrical potential difference is sensed between the measured material and a reference potential by means of at least a first measuring electrode communicating with the measured material.

Abstract: A device for use with a conduit having a first conduit end and a conduit second end, into which conduit a cable can be installed using a flow of air into the first conduit end, the device being suitable for confirming that the air is flowing out from the second conduit end. In an embodiment, the device includes a housing, means to enable connection of the device to the second conduit end, a detector arranged to detect an electrical property change, and an actuator for causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector, wherein in use, the air flowing into the device causes the detector and the actuator to move relative to each other, causing an electrical property change detectable by the detector.

Abstract: A method of measuring biological sample properties and a biological sample property measuring apparatus is provided. A method of measuring biological sample properties includes disposing a biomaterial to contact a sensing unit, detecting a radio frequency (RF) signal flowing through the sensing unit, and obtaining an RF property indicator of the biomaterial based on the detected RF signal.

Abstract: A wireless energy transmission apparatus wirelessly transmits energy through resonance between a source resonator and a target resonator. The apparatus scans an amount of energy stored in the source resonator for a scanning period, calculates a total amount of energy stored in the source resonator and the target resonator during an off-resonant interval between the source resonator and the target resonator based on the amount of energy scanned, and estimates an amount of energy induced in the target resonator based on the amount of energy stored in the source resonator and the total amount of energy calculated.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inductive proximity sensor for determining the presence and/or the distance of an electrically conductive object which is designed to evaluate an oscillation in the form of an analog signal whose amplitude depends on the presence or absence and/or on the distance of an electrically conductive object. In accordance with the invention, the inductive proximity sensor includes at least one A/D converter which converts this analog signal into a digital input signal and includes at least one mixer which multiplies the digital input signal by a digital reference signal to form a digital output signal, wherein the digital reference signal is identical to the digital input signal or only differs from the digital input signal by a constant factor. The invention further relates to a method for determining the presence and/or the distance of an electrically conductive object with the aid of a proximity sensor.

Abstract: An inductive conductivity measurement cell of the invention includes: sending coil, a receiving coil, and a coil support body having an annular, sending coil chamber and an annular, receiving coil chamber, wherein there extends through the coil support body at least one section of a closed media path, which passes through the sending coil chamber and through the receiving coil chamber, characterized in that the coil support body has first connection bores, which extend from a surface of the coil support body to the sending coil chamber and through which the connection lines of the sending coil extend, and second connection bores, which extend from a surface of the coil support body to the receiving coil chamber and through which the connection lines of the receiving coil extend. The connection lines of the sending coil in the first connection bores are shielded from the connection lines of the receiving coil in the second connection bores by the coil support body.

Abstract: A solenoid current monitoring circuit of a solenoid actuator includes a solenoid drive board configured to receive a control signal, a sensing resistor configured to detect a current signal of a solenoid coil of the actuator resulting from the control signal, and a differentiator configured to differentiate the current signal. The solenoid current monitoring circuit detects the movement of the solenoid actuator based on a change in the differentiated current signal caused by a change in inductance of the solenoid coil.

Abstract: A compact instrument package consisting of a rotating sensor and supporting signal-processing electronics is capable of measuring two-dimensional electric-field vectors, ranging from DC to an arbitrary upper AC frequency not limited by the rotation rate, with highly improved accuracy and sensitivity when compared with previous art. In addition, contrary to previous art, the sensor can measure the electric field gradient at its location. This is achieved by the use of a combination of quadrature modulation and phase-sensitive quadrature demodulation digital signal processing in a generic rotating electric-field sensor. Ground isolated versions of the instrument can be used singly or in arrays when precise measurements of the electric fields are necessary. Either grounded or isolated versions of the instrument can operate continuously without the need for internal batteries, making it extremely attractive for a wide-range of industrial and space applications.

Abstract: In an electromagnetic induction type coordinate input device, on a substrate, plural first loop coils including loop portions are disposed in a first direction, and plural second loop are disposed in a second direction. The first and second loop coils include extraction line portions, each composed of a first line and a second line that are in parallel and are continuously connected to corresponding ones of the first and second loop coils. One of the first line or the second line of the first loop coil is connected to at least one of: (i) the first line or the second line of another one of the first loop coils, and (ii) a line of the loop portion of a second loop coil, within a position detection area, to form a common extraction line with (i) and/or (ii), to thereby reduce the overall number of extraction lines disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A conductivity detector detects the electrical conductivity of a fluid under analysis for determining chemical or physical properties of the fluid that are related its electrical properties. Such conductivity detectors may find use in, for example, hemodialysis systems for analyzing the effectiveness of the hemodialysis treatment. In an aspect, to improve accuracy of the conductivity measurements, the detector utilizes four-wire resistance measurement methods. In another aspect, to avoid fouling or contamination of the electrodes, the detector utilizes capacitively-coupled contactless conductivity detection (C4D) methods so that the electrodes are physically unconnected to the fluid contained in a fluid chamber. In a possible further aspect, the fluid chamber may be a disposable component removable from the electrodes. The conductivity detector can include other features such as calibration circuits and features for electrically isolating the fluid under detection from the fluid in the rest of the system.

Abstract: The subject matter discloses an apparatus configured for detecting type of a connection of an electrical module to an electrical node of an electrical circuit, the apparatus comprising a pulse generator configured for generating a first pulse; and a sampling circuit configured for applying a reaction of the electrical circuit on the first pulse to provide a sampled pulse and for detecting the type of connection from the sampled pulse. The electrical module comprising a capacitor or an inductor.

Abstract: A method and a circuit arrangement are provided in which a mechanical load applied to the motor shaft or a load angle of the motor can be detected without sensors in a stepper motor. This is achieved substantially based on the fact that the load or the load angle creates a mutually induced voltage (back EMF) in the motor coils and the load or the load angle is detected by determining the phase shift of the motor voltage at at least one of the motor coil relative to the coil current at said motor coil connection, the phase shift being caused by the mutually induced voltage.

Abstract: A sensor assembly comprises a housing, a bushing, a contact post, and a sensor. The housing has a hollow interior and the bushing is disposed within the hollow interior of the housing at a distal end of the housing. The bushing has a hollow interior, and the contact post is configured to slide within the hollow interior of the bushing as a tip of the contact post comes into contact with a surface. The contact post has a partial bore and the sensor is configured to slide into the partial bore if necessary. The sensor is also configured to measure a distance between the bottom of the contact post and a tip of the sensor. The sensor may communicate the measurement to a data processor.