Abstract: An apparatus for determining a thickness change of thermal interface material (TIM) disposed between first and second elements is provided. The apparatus includes a first part movable with the first element in a movement direction along which the TIM thickness is to be determined, a second part movable with the second element in the movement direction and a sensor to measure a distance between the first and second parts in the movement direction, the measured distance being related to the TIM thickness change.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining an initiation point of cement curing, with a vessel for containing at least a portion of freshly mixed cement, means for passing an electric signal through the cement, means for detecting an abrupt change in a dielectric or electric property of the cement as a result of the electric signal and a display unit for displaying the initiation point of polymerization of the cement from the abrupt change in the dielectric or electric property detected, the change in the dielectric or electric property being a phase shift in the electric signal passed through the cement or a change in capacitive properties of the cement or a change in resistivity of the cement.

Abstract: A sensor device for determining the deviation of the position of a head support of a motor vehicle seat from a target position is provided that includes a capacitative proximity sensor that can be integrated in a head support, having two transmitting electrodes disposed at a vertical distance from each other and a common receiving electrode.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30, and the distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and an arithmetic processing circuit 28, and the drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a distance calculation angle ? formed by points representing the positions and output values of the sensing electrodes 15 and 11 located at the highest and lowest positions and a point representing the position and output value of the largest output value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an input plane member that includes a plurality of first conductive layers that is elastically deformed when a pressing operation is received from a user, a base that includes a plurality of second conductive layers that comes in contact with the first conductive layer when the input plane member is deformed, a capacitance detection unit that detects capacitance between the plurality of first conductive layers and between the plurality of second conductive layers, a resistance value detection unit that detects a resistance value between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer when the first conductive layer comes in contact with the second conductive layer, and a switch unit that controls electrical connection between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer and either of the capacitance detection unit and the resistance value detection unit.

Abstract: A device for determining a thickness or thickness variation of a flat object (5), in particular of a voucher, is proposed, having at least one first guide element (1), and having a plurality of second guide elements (2) arranged next to each other in a row and opposite the first guide element (1), wherein the flat object (5) can be transported between the first guide element (1) on the one side and the second guide element (2) on the other side, and having a displaceable arrangement of the second guide elements (2) relative to the first guide element (1) in order to bring about a displacement of one or more of the second guide elements (2) in the event of a thickness variation of the flat object (5) passing between the guide elements (1, 2), and having several coils (10, 11) fixed in location, wherein each second guide element is associated with at least one coil (2), and having at least one coil core (9) rigidly connected to a second guide element (2) and displaceably guided in the coil associated with the s

Abstract: A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates flexibly connected together, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates to measure the capacitances of the sensor plates. A controller is coupled to the sensing circuit to analyze the capacitances measured by the sensing circuit. One or a plurality of indicators are coupled to the controller, and are selectively activated to identify the location of a relative high capacitance, which can be indicative of an obscured feature behind a surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining characterizing attributes of an actuator is provided. An actuator may be moved to a maximum capacitance position. At the maximum capacitance position, an initial measurement of the actuator capacitance is made. The actuator is moved a predetermined increment toward a first extreme position, and the actuator capacitance is again measured. If the capacitance changed by a threshold amount, the signal preceding the signal that caused the actuator to move is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the first extreme position. The actuator is again moved a predetermined increment toward a second extreme position. After each move, the capacitance is measured. If it is determined the capacitance did change by a threshold amount from the previously measured capacitance, the signal related to the previously measured capacitance is recorded as an approximate response curve end point, or the second extreme position.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein provide methods of measuring capacitance, detecting a droplet at a position, determining a thickness of an oil film and determining temperature in a droplet actuator. Specifically, the capacitance detection method may be used as a real-time verification tool in order to detect the absence, presence, and/or partial presence of a droplet at an electrode, analyze droplet properties, measure droplet size or volume, optimize the speed of droplet operation and detect air bubbles.

Abstract: A detecting/counting device for pharmaceutical/parapharmaceutical articles has a sliding support groove (15) having a first lateral wall (15A) and a second lateral wall (15B) and a bottom. A first capacitive sensor (C1) has a first armature (C1A) parallel to the first lateral wall (15A) and a second armature (C1B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a first reference potential Vref1 by a first circuit (O1). A second capacitive sensor (C2) has a first armature (C2A) parallel to the first lateral wall and a second armature (C2B) parallel to the second lateral wall and connected to a second reference potential Vref2 by a second circuit (O2). A data processing unit (E) receives signals from the first circuit and the second circuit during transit of an article, indicating the shape of the articles, and compares them with reference ranges to determine whether the article is whole.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a cement that undergoes polymerization during curing such as most bone and dental cements by passing an electrical signal through the cement to determine the swelling phase, the initiation of polymerization of the cement and the effective working phase. The system further can control the swelling phase to reduce the time from the mixing of the cement to the initiation of the polymerization by using a ultrasonic signal or by heating the cement and can control the effective working phase after the polymerization has been initiated in order to prolong the working phase by cooling the cement.

Abstract: Many of the principles of an oxide semiconductor are still unclear and therefore there is no established method for evaluating an oxide semiconductor. Thus, an object is to provide a novel method for evaluating an oxide semiconductor. Carrier density is evaluated, and hydrogen concentration is also evaluated. Specifically, a MOS capacitor (a diode or a triode) is manufactured, and the C-V characteristics of the MOS capacitor are obtained. Then, the carrier density is estimated from the C-V characteristics obtained.

Abstract: A system and method by which thickness of a dielectric film on substrates can be noninvasively determined is invented. The system and method are especially applicable to areas and applications where traditional techniques have proven unsuccessful or limited. According to embodiments of the present invention the present system and method can be used to measure film thickness in confined and inaccessible locations, and on substrates of complex geometry. The method can be used with an arbitrary and time varying orientation of the substrate-film interface. The measurements of the film thickness on the inside of open or enclosed channels of an arbitrary geometry, and on flexible substrates are possible. With multiple embedded sensors, the film thickness in different lateral locations can be simultaneously measured. The dielectric permittivity of the FUT as a function of the distance from the substrate of the film can also be measured.

Abstract: An obscured feature detector operates from a stationary position on a surface being examined. The detector includes a plurality of sensor plates positioned in an array on the underside of the device, which sense the examined surface. The sensor plates are connected to a capacitance sensing circuit, which connects to indicators positioned on the back side of the detector through additional circuitry. A handle positioned on the back of the detector allows the user to grasp the device and place it in a stationary position on the surface being examined while also observing the indicators on the back side of the detector. Increases in capacitance caused by the presence of features behind or within the surface being examined are detected by the sensor plates and the capacitance sensing circuit. The indicators identify locations of larger capacitances, associated with the presence of a feature, such as a stud, beam, or electrical wiring.

Abstract: A capacitive distance sensor is provided having an elongated sensor element. The sensor element comprises a cylindrical carrier body, which is made of an electrically non-conductive material and has a round cross-sectional areas, and a sensor area which substantially surrounds the carrier body in the manner of a sheath and is made of an electrically conductive material.

Abstract: A technique comprising: producing a plurality of devices according to a common production process; and determining the thickness of a layer of one of said plurality of devices using an indicator of a first electrical property dependent on the area of overlap between a first element of the device and a second element of the device partially underlying said first element via said layer, wherein the method further comprises: additionally using an indicator of a second electrical property dependent on the area of overlap between said first element of the device and a third element of the device also partially underlying said first element via said layer, wherein (a) the difference between (i) a measured indicator of said first electrical property, and (ii) a measured indicator of said second electrical property provides a more reliable indicator of the thickness of said layer than (b) an indicator of said first electrical property.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring the thickness of flat material that is moved relative to the sensor system has a first sensor device for measuring the thickness of the flat material and a device for generating an air cushion. The device is disposed in such a way that there is an air cushion between at least one side of the sensor device that faces the flat material, and the flat material, during operation. In the region of the air cushion, the first sensor device includes surface sections having porous material and/or material that is provided with micro-holes.

Abstract: A capacitance sensing apparatus for use in a position sensing apparatus, comprising a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit arranged to determine, in use in a normal operating mode, the capacitance between each pairing of electrodes comprising one from the first set and one from the second set, in which the apparatus is further provided with at least one group switch arranged to selectively electrically connect together groups of the electrodes within the sets of electrodes, in which, in use in a low resolution mode of the apparatus the or each group switch connects together the groups of electrodes and the capacitance sensing circuit is arranged to determine the capacitance between the each pairing of groups of electrodes in one set and the electrodes or groups of electrodes of the other set. Typically, the apparatus is used in conjunction with a display to form a touch-sensitive display.

Abstract: An arrangement for indicating correct installation of a plug-in unit (102) of a telecommunications device includes at least one distance indicator (106) located in the plug-in unit and adapted to produce an indication for correct installation of the plug-in unit in response to a situation where the distance of the distance indicator from a wall (107) of the frame of the telecommunications device is smaller than a predetermined threshold value. The distance indicator, which may be e.g. an electromechanical limit switch or capacitive distance sensor, is adapted to produce the indication for correct installation without a need for a galvanically conducted electric current between the distance indicator and the frame of the telecommunications device. There is thus no need to make any electric circuit arrangements in the frame of the telecommunications device for the indication of correct installation of a plug-in unit.

Abstract: A sensor apparatus for detecting a positional relationship includes a first electrode, an applying unit applying a charging signal with a first cycle period to the first electrode, a second electrode, a selecting unit selecting the first or second cycle period which have overlapped segment periods, an output unit outputting electrical signals supplied from the second electrode with the first cycle period, if the first cycle period is selected, and parts of the electrical signals during the segment periods, if the second cycle period is selected, a comparator comparing an amplitude of the electrical signals with a threshold value and generating a first or second comparison signal and a controller generating a proximity and non-proximity signal in response to the first and second comparison signal, respectively, so that the selecting unit selects the first and second cycle period in response to the proximity and non-proximity signal, respectively.

Abstract: A chamber formed from an electrically conductive material is connected to a ground potential. A hot electrode formed from an electrically conductive material is disposed within the chamber in a substantially horizontal orientation and is physically separated from the chamber. The hot electrode includes a top surface defined to support a part to be measured. A radiofrequency (RF) transmission rod is connected to extend from a bottom surface of the hot electrode through an opening in a bottom of the chamber and be physically separated from the chamber. The RF transmission rod is defined to transmit RF power from a conductor plate in an electrical components housing to the hot electrode. An upper electrode formed from an electrically conductive material is disposed within the chamber in a substantially horizontal orientation. The upper electrode is electrically connected to the chamber and is defined to be movable in a vertical direction.

Abstract: A detector for use in an extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, the detector comprising a sense conductive component and an excitation conductive component to define a first gap that is configured to receive a consumable material used in the extrusion-based digital manufacturing system, where the excitation conductive component is configured to generate a first electrical field across the first gap.

Abstract: A sensor system for measuring the thickness of flat material that is moved relative to the sensor system has a first sensor device for measuring the thickness of the flat material and a device for generating an air cushion. The device is disposed in such a way that there is an air cushion between at least one side of the sensor device that faces the flat material, and the flat material, during operation. In the region of the air cushion, the first sensor device includes surface sections having porous material and/or material that is provided with micro-holes.

Abstract: A sensor device for determining the deviation of the position of a head support of a motor vehicle seat from a target position is provided that includes a capacitative proximity sensor that can be integrated in a head support, having two transmitting electrodes disposed at a vertical distance from each other and a common receiving electrode.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method of detecting an object using a detection signal supplied by a proximity sensor. The method comprises the steps of generating a reference signal by filtering the value of the detection signal, defining a first detection threshold, and going from an object non-detecting state to an object detecting state when the value of the detection signal becomes greater than the first detection threshold. When the value of the detection signal becomes greater than the first detection threshold, the value of the reference signal is readjusted in a manner such that the value of the detection signal again becomes less than or respectively greater than, the first detection threshold.

Abstract: A film thickness measurement device, which measures the film thickness of an oil film of lubricating oil, formed in a gap between a piston ring and an electrode provided flush with a piston ring sliding surface of a cylinder liner, by detecting the electrostatic capacitance across the gap, employs an electrostatic capacitance detection portion, which charges the electrostatic capacitance by supplying a constant current to the electrode, detects the electrostatic capacitance based on changes in the charging voltage accompanying the charging, and outputs a detection signal indicating the electrostatic capacitance, and a film thickness computation portion, which calculates the film thickness of the oil film based on the electrostatic capacitance indicated by the detection signal input from the electrostatic capacitance detection portion.

Abstract: Circuits and methods to read out capacitive sensors for distance measurement used by a position control system having a high accuracy and low noise have been disclosed. The ratio or difference of the capacitances of two sensor capacitors is used to determine the distance of an object from a target position. A sense amplifier is using auto-zero methods to achieve a long term stability. A sample-and-hold circuit using double correlated sampling methods minimizes noise. Low cost capacitors can be used with the sample-and-hold circuit because not the absolute value of capacitances but only the ratio of capacitances are relevant. A high resolution is ensured also by significant over-sampling of the control loop.

Abstract: A device for determining a thickness or thickness variation of a flat object (5), in particular of a voucher, is proposed, having at least one first guide element (1), and having a plurality of second guide elements (2) arranged next to each other in a row and opposite the first guide element (1), wherein the flat object (5) can be transported between the first guide element (1) on the one side and the second guide element (2) on the other side, and having a displaceable arrangement of the second guide elements (2) relative to the first guide element (1) in order to bring about a displacement of one or more of the second guide elements (2) in the event of a thickness variation of the flat object (5) passing between the guide elements (1, 2), and having several coils (10, 11) fixed in location, wherein each second guide element is associated with at least one coil (2), and having at least one coil core (9) rigidly connected to a second guide element (2) and displaceably guided in the coil associated with the s

Abstract: A paper thickness detecting apparatus includes a first sensor and a second sensor in which the electrostatic capacitance changes when a piece of paper such as a bank note or a piece of copying paper is inserted, and a thickness detecting unit for detecting the thickness of the piece of paper from the signals obtained from the respective first sensor and the second sensor, in order to provide a paper thickness detecting apparatus that can reliably detect a foreign object adhered to the paper.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (102) arranged for measuring a geometry of a fluid meniscus (132). The device comprises a fluid chamber (104) storing a first electrically conductive fluid (128) and a second electrically insulating fluid (324). The fluids are mutually immiscible and define a fluid meniscus (132) in between them. Furthermore a main electrowetting electrode (118) and auxiliary electrowetting electrodes (120, 122, 124, 126) are provided for controlling the geometry of the fluid meniscus. Hereto a voltage source (134) for providing a voltage between the main electrowetting electrode and the auxiliary electrowetting electrodes is comprised, as well as a measurement circuit (144) for separately measuring capacitances between the main electrowetting electrode and at least two of the auxiliary electrowetting electrodes. For this purpose the measurement circuit comprises a multiplexer for demodulating a signal indicative for said capacitances.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining dielectric layer properties are disclosed. Dielectric layer properties such as dielectric thickness, dielectric leakage or other electrical information may be determined for a multilayer film stack on a semiconducting or conducting substrate. The film stack may comprise a first dielectric layer between the substrate and an intermediate layer of semiconducting or conducting material, and a second dielectric layer disposed such that the intermediate layer is between the first and second dielectric layers. The dielectric layer properties may be determined by a) depositing electrical charge at one or more localized regions on an exposed surface of the second dielectric layer; b) performing a measurement of an electrical quantity at the one or more localized regions; and c) determining a property of the second dielectric layer from the one or more measurements.

Abstract: A photoreceptor charge transport layer thickness determining apparatus for a photoreceptor including a scorotron charge device having coronode wires and a scorotron grid positioned between the corona wires and the photoreceptor charge transport layer, the scorotron charge device being configured to charge the photoreceptor layer using corona discharge to generate ions directed to a surface of the photoreceptor charge transport layer. A first current measuring device measures a current supplied to the coronode wires and outputs a first current value, a second current measuring device measures a current being delivered to the scorotron grid and outputs a second current value, and a processor receives the first and second current values and determines a current delivered to the photoreceptor charge transport layer by subtracting the second current value from the first current value, and determines a thickness of the photoreceptor charge transport layer using the current value.

Abstract: An input device and method are provided that facilitate improved usability. The input device comprises an array of capacitive sensing electrodes and a processing system. The processing system is configured to receive sensing signals from the capacitive sensing electrodes and generate a plurality of sensing values. The processing system is further configured to calculate a sensing profile from the sensing values, calculate a profile span from the sensing values, and determine a shape factor from the sensing profile and the profile span. Finally, the processing system is configured to determine a number of objects in the sensing region from the determined shape factor. Thus, the sensor device facilitates the determination of the number of objects in the sensing region.

Abstract: An embodiment of a probe includes a sensor and a support. The sensor is operable to provide an indication of a thickness of a frozen substance that has accumulated between the sensor and a cooling fin of a cooling unit, and the support is operable to hold the sensor spaced apart from the cooling fin. For example, a defrost controller may use an embodiment of such a probe to monitor an amount of frost build up on the fin or fins of a cooling unit (e.g., a refrigeration or freezer unit) so that the controller may initiate a defrost cycle only when warranted. Such a probe may be more reliable than other defrost-detection techniques, and such a defrost controller may increase the cooling and energy efficiencies of a cooling unit as compared to a cooling unit having a conventional defrost controller.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for calibrating a capacitance of an apparatus for measuring dielectric properties of a part. The apparatus includes an electrically grounded chamber, a lower electrode disposed within the chamber and connected to a radiofrequency (RF) transmission rod, an electrically grounded upper electrode disposed within the chamber above the lower electrode, and a variable capacitor connected to control transmission of RF power through the RF transmission rod to the lower electrode. A method is also disclosed for determining a capacitance of a part through use of the apparatus. A method is also disclosed for determining a dielectric constant of a part through use of the apparatus. A method is also disclosed for determining a loss tangent of a part through use of the apparatus.

Abstract: A sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode array having plural electrodes arranged in an array manner, a signal generator configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency, and apply the first signal to the plural electrodes, and a detection unit configured to, when the first signal is applied to the plural electrodes, and a second signal having a second frequency is applied to an object to be detected, detect a distance between each electrode included in the electrode array and the surface of the object, using an interference wave between the first signal applied to each electrode and the second signal applied to the object, or detect irregularities on the surface of the object, using a signal generated by using the interference wave outputted from one electrode and the interference wave outputted from another electrode.

Abstract: A substrate characterization device is provided which includes a sensor module and a processor. The sensor module has at least one contact surface configured to contact the substrate, the sensor module configured to measure a variance of capacitance in at least two dimensions of the substrate, the sensor module further configured to generate a signal indicative of the measured variance. The processor is in operative communication with a memory module and configured to execute a series of programmable instructions for making a comparison of the signal generated by the sensor module with at least one reference signal. The processor is further configured to generate at least one characterization signal based on the comparison.

Abstract: The subject matter of the invention is a method for a printing machine with a printing device (5), in particular an inkjet printer, for applying liquid (22) onto a print material, with monitoring of the quantity of liquid in a liquid supply unit (1) by measuring the liquid level (23) with a sequential controller, wherein the measurement of the liquid level (23) is performed by a device (11), which detects the presence of liquid at the output of the printing device (5). Another subject matter of the invention is a liquid supply unit (1) for a printing machine with a printing device (5), in particular, an inkjet printer, for applying liquid (22) on a print material, with monitoring of the quantity of liquid in a liquid supply unit (1) by measuring the liquid level (23) with a sequential controller, wherein the measurement device (11) is suitable for measuring a fill level (23) and for controlling a liquid device (3).

Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of methods and systems for wireless data transmission by magnetic induction. In one embodiment, a network of magnetic induction units is provided. The units may be configured to transmit a data signal by modulation of a time-varying magnetic field. One or more units may also be configured to receive a data signal received from another magnetic induction unit. In one specific implementation, a network of underground magnetic induction units is provided, each having a sensor connected thereto. Each of the units, or a subset of the units, may be configured to transmit its sensed data to an adjacent or nearby unit, which, in turn, may retransmit the original data, along with additional appended data, to another adjacent unit. The network data may thereby be relayed in a multi-hop fashion until it reaches a desired destination.

Abstract: A method for contactless capacitive thickness measurement of a flat material (10) that is placed in the fringe field (32) of a capacitor (C1, C2), with simultaneous measurement of the width L of an air gap (16) between the flat material and the capacitor plates, in which the capacities gL, kL of two capacitors (C1, C2) are measured whose fringe fields (32) decay at different rates towards the flat material (10), and in that both, the thickness D of the flat material (10) and the width L of the air gap (16) are determined on the basis of the condition that, for each capacitor (C1, C2), the measured capacity gL, kL is equal to the integral of the capacity gradient g?, k? over the thickness of the flat material (10).

Abstract: A system and method by which thickness of a dielectric film on substrates can be noninvasively determined is invented. The system and method are especially applicable to areas and applications where traditional techniques have proven unsuccessful or limited. According to embodiments of the present invention the present system and method can be used to measure film thickness in confined and inaccessible locations, and on substrates of complex geometry. The method can be used with an arbitrary and time varying orientation of the substrate-film interface. The measurements of the film thickness on the inside of open or enclosed channels of an arbitrary geometry, and on flexible substrates are possible. With multiple embedded sensors, the film thickness in different lateral locations can be simultaneously measured. The dielectric permittivity of the FUT as a function of the distance from the substrate of the film can also be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the thickness of multi-layer films (13) comprising layers consisting of various non-conductive materials. According to said method, the thickness of the multi-layer film (13) is measured by a first sensor (17) and a second sensor (16) and optionally additional sensors, whereby all the sensors take a measurement at the same location under the same conditions if possible. The first sensor (17) and the second (16) or additional sensors generate different measured values for layers of the multi-layer film (13) of the same thickness consisting of the same material (13). The measured signals of the sensors (16, 17) are fed to a computer (18), which determines the total thickness of the multi-layer film (13) and/or the thickness of the individual layers of the multi-layer film (13) from the different measured values of the first sensor (17) and the second (16) or additional sensors.

Abstract: The dielectric of a capacitor is formed by superposition of at least two thin layers made from the same metal oxide, respectively in crystalline and amorphous form and respectively presenting quadratic voltage coefficients of capacitance of opposite signs.

Abstract: A film thickness measurement device, which measures the film thickness of an oil film of lubricating oil, formed in a gap between a piston ring and an electrode provided flush with a piston ring sliding surface of a cylinder liner, by detecting the electrostatic capacitance across the gap, employs an electrostatic capacitance detection portion, which charges the electrostatic capacitance by supplying a constant current to the electrode, detects the electrostatic capacitance based on changes in the charging voltage accompanying the charging, and outputs a detection signal indicating the electrostatic capacitance, and a film thickness computation portion, which calculates the film thickness of the oil film based on the electrostatic capacitance indicated by the detection signal input from the electrostatic capacitance detection portion.

Abstract: Ice detection apparatus for monitoring ice accretion on aircraft surfaces, comprising an array of optical fibres which are mounted flush with an outer surface of an aircraft skin, and an intermediately located electromagnetic radiation emitter which is provided by an optical fibre. In use radiation is emitted by the emitter generally outwardly of the aircraft surface, and the layer of accreted ice diffuses the emitted radiation scattered and reflected. The diffused radiation is detected by the sensors, and the spatial distribution of the detected intensity diffused radiation about the emitter can be used to calculate the thickness of the layer of ice and the type of ice.

Abstract: A foreign object detection apparatus has at least one pair of first and second members which are members configuring a space, in which bills to be processed are deposited, and disposed to face each other to push and sandwich the bills therebetween, the first member provided with antennas made of a copper foil and applied with a voltage from a voltage applying unit and the second member made of a conductive material and grounded to configure a virtual capacitor; a measuring unit which is disposed to measure a voltage generated according to electrostatic capacitance of the virtual capacitor; and a judging unit which judges the presence or not of a foreign object according to a difference between a prescribed reference signal and a changed output voltage from the measuring unit depending on a change in electrostatic capacitance of the virtual capacitor due to the foreign object included in the bills.

Abstract: A sensor device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an electrode array having plural electrodes arranged in an array manner, a signal generator configured to generate a first signal having a first frequency, and apply the first signal to the plural electrodes, and a detection unit configured to, when the first signal is applied to the plural electrodes, and a second signal having a second frequency is applied to an object to be detected, detect a distance between each electrode included in the electrode array and the surface of the object, using an interference wave between the first signal applied to each electrode and the second signal applied to the object, or detect irregularities on the surface of the object, using a signal generated by using the interference wave outputted from one electrode and the interference wave outputted from another electrode.

Abstract: A device for measuring the thickness of print products in a conveying flow includes a plate capacitor having a first plate and a second plate located on opposite sides of the print products. The plate capacitor is adapted to measure capacitance of the print products passing between the first plate and the second plate. A LC oscillator circuit is attached to the plate capacitor.

Abstract: An electric field sensor may be used to detect accumulation of frozen material. In one embodiment, an e-field system includes a first electrode, a second electrode located at a distance from the first electrode, the second electrode forming a capacitive element with the first electrode, wherein a gap is present between the first and second electrodes, and an electric field sensor having an electrode terminal coupled to the first electrode and providing an electric field output value representative of an amount of frozen material located in the gap between the first and second electrodes. The system may also include a first insulator adjacent the first electrode and outside the gap, and a conductive layer adjacent the first insulator, where the first insulator is between the first electrode and the conductive layer, and where a shield output of the electric field sensor is coupled to the conductive layer.

Abstract: A device for checking the coating of anodized light-metal parts (e.g. Aluminum), in particular by TSA anodization, is described. The device has two contact electrodes on respective resilient probes, placed onto the surface of the component to be tested under a predefined contact pressure; an enabling device coupled to the probes that generates an enable signal when the predefined contact pressure is reached; and a conductivity measuring device coupled to the contact electrodes that measures the conductivity of the surface of the component under test. The conductivity measuring device is coupled to the enabling device to detect the enable signal. When the enable signal is detected, the conductivity measuring device measures the surface conductivity of the component under test between the contact electrodes and generates an output signal indicating the measured conductivity.