Abstract: A measurement apparatus which measures a distance between a sensor probe and a target to be measured by using an electrostatic capacitance sensor, comprises first and second sensor probes (101, 102) which are arranged at respective predetermined gaps to the target (4), and first and second sensor amplifiers (111, 112) which are connected respectively to the first and second sensor probes, wherein when the distance between the target and the first or second sensor probe is measured, said first amplifier supplies a first current with the first sensor probe and said second amplifier supplies a second current which is different phase and/or amplitude from the first current.

Abstract: A thickness detecting sensor can widely set a dynamic range for detecting the thickness of a medium, and exactly detect the thickness of the medium even when the dynamic range is widely set in this way. Therefore, the thickness detecting sensor has a fixing electrode and a movable electrode arranged so as to be opposed to each other, a plunger for changing the gap between the electrodes by coming in contact with the medium, and a CR oscillating circuit and an FV converting circuit for converting electrostatic capacity stored between the electrodes into an electric signal for detecting the thickness of the medium. The rear end portion of the plunger comes in contact with the electrode face of the gap side of the movable electrode. The movable electrode is displaced in the direction separated from the fixing electrode correspondingly to the thickness of the medium.

Abstract: A distance sensor has a capacitive element in turn having a first plate which is positioned facing a second plate whose distance is to be measured. In the case of fingerprinting, the second plate is defined directly by the skin surface of the finger being printed. The sensor includes an inverting amplifier, between the input and output of which the capacitive element is connected to form a negative feedback branch. By supplying an electric charge step to the input of the inverting amplifier, a voltage step directly proportional to the distance being measured is obtained at the output.

Abstract: A method for measuring a thickness of a non-conductive coating on a semi-conductive substrate includes placing a pair of conducting plates in contact with the non-conductive coating. A capacitance value of the non-conductive coating in combination with the semi-conductive component is measured using a capacitance meter. The measured capacitance value of the non-conductive coating in combination with the semi-conductive component is then used to determine an independent capacitance value of the non-conductive coating. The thickness of the non-conductive coating is directly related to the independent capacitance value of the non-conductive coating.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for detecting positional displacement of a board. A board 20 having a surface formed with a conductive pattern 25 is transferred in a direction A while supplying an AC signal from a power supply section 3 to the surface of the board. The level of positional displacement of the board is detected in accordance with the transfer speed of the board and the difference between the timings of the intermediate signal levels generated when the AC signal is sensed by a pair of position sensors 1, 2 opposed to the leading edge of the board. The present invention allows positional displacement of the board to be detected in a simple non-contact structure while maintaining a high degree of accuracy without variation over time.

Abstract: In a capacitance type sensor of the present invention, a capacitance element is constituted between a displacement electrode and a capacitance element electrode. A return-switch movable electrode is arranged above and spaced from the displacement electrode, to be placed in contact with the displaying electrode due to a displacement of a direction button. When the direction button is operated, the return-switch movable electrode is first displaced into contact with the displacement electrode. Then, the both make a displacement while keeping a contact state. When the displacement electrode is displaced to change the spacing to the capacitance element electrode, changed is the capacitance value of the capacitance element. Based on this change, a force is recognized. Herein, in the course of a transit from a state the displacement electrode and the return-switch electrode are not in contact to a state of their contact, the output signal varies necessarily beyond a threshold voltage.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a clearance distance between a rotatable member and a stationary member within a rotary machine is provided. The method includes exciting a probe with a first modulation signal when the rotatable member is rotating at less than or equal to a predetermined rate, exciting the probe with a second modulation signal when the rotatable member is rotating at greater than the predetermined rate, measuring the clearance distance between the rotatable member and the stationary member using the probe excited with at least one of the first modulation signal and the second modulation signal.

Abstract: The present invention has the object of providing a charged particle beam irradiation method ideal for reducing the focus offset, magnification fluctuation and measurement length error in charged particle beam devices. To achieve these objects, a method is disclosed in the invention for measuring the electrical potential distribution on the sample with a static electrometer while loaded by a loader mechanism. Another method is disclosed for measuring the local electrical charge at specified points on the sample, and isolating and measuring the wide area electrostatic charge quantity from those local electrostatic charges.

Abstract: A sensor is applied to the wall of a container or is integrated into the wall. An alternating voltage is applied to the sensor in order to measure the level of the contents of the container, the capacitance or the electrical field produced being a measure for the fill level.

Abstract: A wire joint detecting apparatus is provided for use with a wire connecting apparatus. A detecting apparatus includes a detector disposed for sliding contact with a running wire. The detector is mounted for pivotal movement in response to cross-sectional dimensional changes of the wire. The apparatus also includes a detection switch for detecting pivotal movement of the detector. The pivotal movement of the detector is indicative of a cross-sectional dimensional change of the wire that indicates the presence of a joint.

Abstract: A capacitance sensor used as a fingerprint sensor is provided which includes, in addition to a sensor array (11) in which sensor cells (100) each with a sense electrode are disposed in the form of an array, a canceling dummy block (14) having, disposed in an area having no relation with any object under detection, one column of dummy cells (141) corresponding to each row in the sensor array (11) and each having a dummy electrode nearly identical in parasitic capacitance to the sense electrode of the sensor cell (100). Also, a differentiation output unit (183) is provided to differentiate between a sensed voltage Vsig sensed at the sensor array (11) by sensing circuit (13) and sensed voltage Vdmy sensed at the canceling dummy block (14), thereby eliminating the influence of a variation in parasitic capacitance Cp, caused by a production tolerance.

Abstract: A movable switch electrode (E21) which is contactable with a capacitance element electrode (E1) formed on a substrate (20) and is spaced apart from a fixed switch electrode (E11) formed in an interior of the capacitance element electrode (E1) and having a domed form to cover the fixed switch electrode (E11) is set in place. When a detective member (30) is operated and a force applied from a displacement electrode (40) to the movable switch electrode (E21) reaches a specified value, the movable switch electrode (E21) is elastically deformed and depressed drastically with buckling at the nearly top portion thereof and is brought into contact with the fixed switch electrode (E11). This brings the switch into the ON-state. At this time, an operator is given a pronounced click feeling.

Abstract: Each pixel of an array has a subarray of upper capacitor plates located just beneath a sensing surface. The upper plates may be square and laid out in an equal number of rows and columns. Each upper plate can be selectively electrically connected to one of two lower capacitor plates according to the state of a memory cell, such as an SRAM memory cell, associated with each upper plate. The upper plate/lower plate interconnections can be configured in predetermined different patterns of the upper plates in successive sensing operations to improve the accuracy of capacitively sensing of an object, such as a human fingerprint, applied to the sensing surface above the pixel array.

Abstract: The armature of a position sensor has one or more electric current conductors adapted to be moved into and out of a gap between two capacitor electrodes. The capacitance between the capacitor electrodes is measured to determine the position of the armature. Electric current in the armature results from electric charges moving in the electric current conductors. The electric current conductors are adapted to restrict electric current therein to directions approximately perpendicular to the surfaces of the capacitor electrodes. Preventing current flow parallel to the surfaces of the capacitor electrodes in the electric current conductors makes the capacitance measurement insensitive to armature movement other than movement that moves the electric current conductors into or out of the gap. The position sensor is simpler and less expensive to make than known capacitance based position sensors.

Abstract: A system for detecting motion and proximity by determining capacitance between a sensor and an object. The sensor includes sensing surfaces made of a thin film of electrically conductive material mounted on a non-conductive surface. In another embodiment, the sensor is a human body. The sensor senses the capacitance between a sensor's surface and an object in its vicinity and provides the capacitance to a control system that directs machine movement. Because the sensor does not require direct contact or line-of-sight with the object, a machine can be controlled before harm occurs to the object.

Abstract: A device for locating an object behind a wall lining includes a housing having a front portion fitting substantially in the palm of a user's hand. Operating switches are located in juxtaposition to the grip portion so as to be operable by the user without substantially altering grip on the housing. The device also includes a sensor including a first capacitor plate and a pair of second capacitor plates. The capacitor plates are arranged serially, and calibrated by a pulse width modulator and integrator. Operating electronics are incorporated into an application specific integrated circuit.

Abstract: A capacitance element electrode is formed on a first surface of FPC, and a displacement electrode is formed on a second surface of the FPC. The FPC is folded at its connecting portion in such a manner that the first surface and the second surface are opposite to each other, whereby a capacitance element is formed between the capacitance element electrode and the displacement electrode.

Abstract: Three-dimensional characterization wherein an object interacts capacitively with a resistive medium and the object's orientation, mass distribution and/or distance from the medium is characterized by electrodes distributed linearly around the medium's perimeter. Thus, three-dimensional characteristics are projected into two dimensions and sensed along a single dimension.

Abstract: An identification and organization system using color coding and alphanumeric labels for matching components of a proximity measurement system includes: (1) a color code system to identify the type or series of proximity probe used with the proximity measurement system, and (2) an alphanumeric labeling system to identify the system length (i.e., the length of the extension cable plus the length of the proximity probe). Installation and maintenance of proximity measurement systems can be more reliably performed by the color code and alphanumeric labeling system.

Abstract: The invention is a system for determining the presence of ice on the surface of a structure. The system includes a guard layer mounted to the surface. A non-conductive layer is mounted on top of the ground plane. First and second electrodes made of a resistive material mounted on the non-conductive layer. First and second electrical leads having first ends of attached to first and second electrodes, respectively. The first and second leads having impedance equal to the impedance of the first ends thereof with the impedance of the first and second leads decreasing toward the second ends thereof.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for sensing angular position of one object relative to another object. A capacitor is formed between a transmitter capacitor plate having a pair of transmitter electrodes and a receiver capacitor plate having preferably eight receiver electrodes forming four receiver electrode pairs. A dielectric rotor rotates between the plates, the rotor having first and second segments each subtending 67.5 which are mutually separated by a vacancy subtending 45 degrees, and further having a third segment subtending 45 degrees disposed between the first and second segments diametrically opposite the vacancy. An electrical circuit measures net charge induced on each of the receiver electrode pairs, wherein the charges indicate the angular position of said rotor relative to said transmitter and receiver capacitor plates.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining whether a volume of biological sample is adequate to produce an accurate analyte concentration measurement. Certain such systems and methods provide the additional function of compensating for a sample volume determined to be less than adequate in order to proceed with an accurate analyte concentration measurement. The present invention is employed with a biosensor, such as an electrochemical test strip to which the sample volume of biological solution is deposited, and a meter configured to receive such test strip and to measure the concentration of selected analytes within the biological sample.

Abstract: A system for electrostatically measuring the shape or pattern of objects including an array of sensor devices having the capability of responding, due to variable electrostatic coupling, to produce differentiated output signals when a sensor element forming part of each device is present and when it is not.

Abstract: A capacitance position sensor includes a pair of opposed tabular electrodes, an LC oscillator circuit having a toroidal core winding and whose oscillating frequency varies with change in capacitance between the pair of electrodes, and an arithmetic processing unit for calculating an absolute value of a distance between the electrodes from the oscillating frequency of the oscillator circuit. A position controller includes a stationary member formed with one electrode of the pair of electrodes of the position sensor, a movable member on which the other electrode of the pair of electrodes is formed, and moving device for moving the movable member relative to the stationary member.

Abstract: The invention relates to a proximity or presence switch arrangement operating in accordance with the inductive principle, comprising at least one inductor integrated in an oscillating circuit and an electronic control and evaluation device connected downstream for sensing or detecting the approach and/or presence of a material influencing electromagnetic fields.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentrations of a multiple component chemical solution. The multi-component solution is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial chemical and a base fluid that acts as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the decontamination solution, wherein the decontamination solution acts as the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the components in the solution.

Abstract: A capacitance element electrode (E1) and a reference electrode (E31) are formed on a substrate (20) so as to be opposite to a displacement electrode (40). A dome-shaped movable switch electrode (E21) is disposed so as to be in contact with the reference electrode (E31) and at a distance from a fixed switch electrode (E11) formed inside the reference electrode (E31), and to cover the fixed switch electrode (E11). When an operation is applied to a detective member (30) and a portion of the movable switch electrode (E21) in the vicinity of its top is displaced to be brought into contact with fixed switch electrode (E11), a switch is turned ON. On the other hand, from a change in capacitance value of a capacitance element (C1) formed between the displacement electrode (40) and the capacitance element electrode (E1), the intensity of the force to the detective member (30) can be recognized.

Abstract: The present invention provides a capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor which is miniature and inexpensive. A capacitance detection electrode formed on a lower glass plate is made conductive up to an outer surface of an upper glass plate via through-holes formed so as to vertically and perfectly extend through the upper glass plate, and solder balls. Thus, the electrodes to be connected to an external substrate are collectively provided on the outer surface of the upper glass plate to allow the capacitance type dynamic quantity sensor to be directly mounted to an external substrate.

Abstract: A thickness detecting sensor can widely set a dynamic range for detecting the thickness of a medium, and exactly detect the thickness of the medium even when the dynamic range is widely set in this way.

Abstract: A distance sensor has a capacitive element in turn having a first plate which is positioned facing a second plate whose distance is to be measured. In the case of fingerprinting, the second plate is defined directly by the skin surface of the finger being printed. The sensor comprises an inverting amplifier, between the input and output of which the capacitive element is connected to form a negative feedback branch. By supplying an electric charge step to the input of the inverting amplifier, a voltage step directly proportional to the distance being measured is obtained at the output.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring thickness and deviations from the thickness of very thin conductive coatings on various non-conductive substrates, or of very thin non-conductive coatings on conductive substrates. The apparatus consists of an inductive coil having specific parameters, an external AC generator operating on frequencies, e.g., from 50 MHz to 2.5 GHz, preferably from 100 MHz to 200 MHz, and a measuring instrument, such as an oscilloscope, voltmeter, etc. for measuring output of the sensor. The coil has miniature dimensions. The invention is based on the principle that inductive coil of the sensor, active resistance of the coil winding, inherent capacitance of the inductive coil (or a separate capacitor built into the sensor's circuit), and the aforementioned AC generator form a parallel oscillating circuit.

Abstract: In a first aspect, a sensor enables the efficient measurement of conducting film thickness by providing a capacitance probe with an eddy current coil placed co-axially within the capacitance probe. The capacitance probe senses the proximity of the sensor to the conducting film, the proximity measurement enabling an eddy current detector coupled to the eddy current coil to measure the thickness of the conducting film. More specifically, the eddy current coil is excited by a radio frequency generator and induces eddy currents in the conducting film. The resulting eddy currents are detected using the eddy current coil and the eddy current detector. The resultant eddy current sensing is indicative of sheet resistance that relates to film thickness. By providing both capacitance and eddy current sensing measurements, conducting film thickness may be quickly and accurately determined. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for locating objects enclosed in a medium, according to which a detection signal is generated by at least one capacitive sensor device. Said detection signal penetrates the medium that is to be analyzed in such a way that information is obtained about the objects that are enclosed in the medium by evaluating the detection signal, particularly by measuring impedance.

Abstract: A meter for measuring the root-mean-squared potential of an AC signal characterized by a frequency f is disclosed. The meter includes first and second capacitors. The AC signal is applied to the first capacitor, which includes first and second plates separated by a distance that depends on the root-mean-squared potential of the AC signal, but not on changes in the AC signal that occur over a time of 1/f. The second capacitor has first and second plates separated by a distance that depends on the separation of the first and second plates in the first capacitor. A detection circuit measures the capacitance of the second capacitor. The first plate of the first capacitor is preferably connected to the first plate of the second capacitor by a non-conducting mechanical link.

Abstract: A universal electromagnetic resonance system is aimed at detecting and measuring local non-uniformities in objects made from conductive or non-conductive materials. The system comprises a composite measuring unit composed of two identical and symmetrically arranged individual oscillation circuits with measurement elements in the form of identical and symmetrically arranged inductive coils or capacitor chips. The unit is connected to an impedance analyzer for supplying RF current and for measuring the voltage signal in the oscillation circuit. Since all the elements of individual oscillation circuits are identical, in the case of non-uniformity of the object on the scanned area, the parameters of the resonance will hanged. This change will violate the symmetry in the operation of the individual oscillation circuits. The variation in measured signal can be calibrated in terms of the target parameter or characteristic of the object.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for measuring a distance (or gap) between substrates of a hybrid semiconductor. The measurements may be made during a hybridization process to, for example, provide alignment feedback during the hybridization process. The measurements may also be made after the hybridization process to further calibrate the process or to provide information useful for further processing operations.

Abstract: A system for providing different versions of a modularly structured apparatus for determining a physical process quantity, wherein at least two devices to be generated from the system are based on different measuring principles, including a number sensor units (41-48), each sensor unit being designed for detecting a determined physical measuring quantity and for converting said measuring quantity into an electrical measuring signal, wherein at least two of the sensor units are distinguished from each other by their underlying measuring principles; at least one evaluation unit (10), adapted to connect to the sensor units, for evaluating and generating a process quantity signal representing the physical process quantity from the measuring signal of a sensor unit; at least one output unit (13) for outputting the process quantity signal; at least one voltage supply unit (16); and at least one housing unit (22-24) configured to accommodate at least the evaluation unit.

Abstract: Measuring apparatuses each of which measures the distance between a probe and a target are disclosed. One of the disclosed measuring apparatuses includes a ground member which opposes the target in a non-contact manner and substantially grounds the target, and an output unit which is connected to the probe and the ground member and outputs a signal based on an AC current corresponding to a capacitance between the probe and the target.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentrations of a multiple component chemical solution. The multi-component solution is preferably comprised of an antimicrobial chemical and a base fluid that acts as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the decontamination solution, wherein the decontamination solution acts as the dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the components in the solution.

Abstract: A chemical concentration detecting system for determining the relative concentration of a chemical component in a gas mixture. The gas mixture may include chemical components that are antimicrobial chemicals, as well as chemical components that are base chemicals, acting as a diluent for the antimicrobial chemical, or as a vehicle or carrier for the antimicrobial chemical. A capacitor is exposed to the gas mixture, wherein the gas mixture acts as a dielectric between the plates of the capacitor. Permittivity of the dielectric is affected by the relative concentrations of the chemical components, and thus a measurement of the capacitance is used to determine the relative concentration levels of the chemical components in the gas mixture.

Abstract: A contaminant detecting system for determining the presence of a miscible or immiscible contaminant in a fluid. The fluid acts as a dielectric between the plates of a capacitive sensing element. The measured capacitance value varies in accordance with the composition of the fluid, to indicate the presence or absence of the contaminant in the fluid.

Abstract: A system for use in classifying a vehicle includes a capacitive sensor for operatively receiving a weight of a vehicle and a capacitance detector coupled to said capacitive sensor. The capacitance detector is adapted to determine a capacitance signal of the capacitive sensor in response to the capacitive sensor operatively receiving the weight of the vehicle.

Abstract: A capacitance fuel-gauging system has a capacitive probe and a reference capacitor charged in opposite senses from respective dc voltage sources via switches operated in antiphase. Two further switches alternately discharge the capacitors to a 0 volts rail. The outputs of the probe and the reference capacitor are connected to a summing node, which is connected to an amplifier via a pair of switches operated in antiphase to rectify the output. The amplifier connects to a processor, which controls the relative outputs of the voltage sources and provides an output indicating the value of the probe.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring thickness and deviations from the thickness of very thin conductive coatings on various non-conductive substrates, or of very thin non-conductive coatings on conductive substrates. The apparatus consists of an inductive coil having specific parameters, an external AC generator operating on frequencies, e.g., from 50 MHz to 2.5 GHz, preferably from 100 MHz to 200 MHz, and a measuring instrument, such as an oscilloscope, voltmeter, etc. for measuring output of the sensor. The coil has miniature dimensions. The invention is based on the principle that inductive coil of the sensor, active resistance of the coil winding, inherent capacitance of the inductive coil (or a separate capacitor built into the sensor's circuit), and the aforementioned AC generator form a parallel oscillating circuit.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing the angular position of a rotatable body including a stationary transmitter plate with at least one transmitter electrode, a stationary receiver plate with at least a first and a second receiver electrode, and a rotor formed of a dielectric material and positioned between the facing electrodes of the plates. The rotor is smaller than the plates and rotates with the rotatable body to change the capacitance between the transmitter electrode(s) and opposed receiver electrodes. The induced voltages on the receiver electrodes indicate the angular position of the rotatable body. Preferably, the sensor uses a square waveform signal and two transmitter electrodes receive signals 180 degrees out of phase. Then, four receiver electrodes forming two receiver pairs are connected so that the current flowing between each pair is measured and converted to a voltage. A lookup table compares the values of the voltage pairs to known values from calibration, giving the angular position.

Abstract: The absolute position measuring device comprises a main body, a spindle provided movably in the main body, two sets of rotary encoders, an arithmetical operation section, and a display section. The rotary encoders originate two phase signals of different periods in accordance with the amount of movement of the spindle. The arithmetical operation section makes arithmetical operation on the phase signal to obtain the absolute position of the spindle. The display section displays the absolute position in digital format. The two phase signals have a different phase difference at a different position of the spindle. The arithmetical operation section comprises phase signal processing section for comparing the two phase signals to obtain a phase difference between the phase signals, and absolute position calculating section for calculating the absolute position of the spindle from the phase difference obtained by the phase signal processing section.

Abstract: An identification and organization system using color coding and alphanumeric labels for matching components of a proximity measurement system is disclosed. The present invention includes: (1) a color code system to identify the type or “series” of proximity probe used with the proximity measurement system, and (2) an alphanumeric labeling system to identify the system length (i.e., the length of the extension cable plus the length of the proximity probe). The color code and alphanumeric labeling system provides a means by which installation and maintenance of proximity measurement systems can be more reliably performed.

Abstract: A non intrusive method and system for the dynamic measurement of a distance, or the variations over time thereof, constituting the thickness, or the variations thereof, of a thin compressible dielectric material located between one or several other closely spaced solid dielectric layers of constant thickness and a conductive or semi-conductive surface. This is achieved by positioning a capacitive sensor on the external layer of the dielectric material, the sensor being composed of two parallel plates electrically insulated from one another, feeding the first plate with a high frequency signal, measuring the voltage and current value over time generated by the high frequency signal between the plate of the sensor which is closest to the surface of the outer layer of dielectric material, and deducting the above distance or variations thereof.

Abstract: A system for detecting overlapped flat objects in a sequence of flat objects have at least one of their edges exposed for viewing as they pass along a feed path. The system includes a sensor for generating a signal in response to detecting a flat object in the feed path and a camera responsive to the signal for capturing a digital image of the exposed edges of the detected flat object in the feed path. A vision system is coupled to the camera for receiving the digital image. The vision system analyzes at least a portion of the image to determine a pixel density variation along a direction perpendicular to the edges and uses the pixel density variation to output an indication of the number of edges in the image.

Abstract: The present invention includes capacitive film thickness measurement devices and measurement systems. The invention also includes machines or instruments using those aspects of the invention. The present invention additionally includes methods and procedures using those devices of the present invention. The present invention discloses a capacitance measurement device and technique useful in determining lubricant film thickness on substrates such as magnetic thin-film rigid disks. Using the present invention, variations in lubricant thickness on the Angstrom scale or less may be measured quickly and nondestructively.