Abstract: A dielectric constant detecting apparatus comprises an LC circuit for shifting the phase of a high frequency voltage signal according to the dielectric constant of a liquid which passes between the coil and the electrode of the LC circuit. A resistor is connected between the LC circuit and at least one part of a phase comparator. The phase comparator detects the phase shift between high frequency signals provided at both ends of the resistor. The resistor and at least one part of the phase comparator are integrally included in an insulator. The output of the phase comparator is compared with a predetermined phase shift value. A voltage control device adjusts the high frequency voltage signal from the voltage applying device so that the phase shift detected by the phase comparator is further adjusted toward the predetermined phase shift value.

Abstract: A dissipation factor measurement is used to predict as-anodized fixture performance prior to actual use of the fixture in an etching environment. A dissipation factor measurement of the anodic coating determines its dielectric characteristics and correlates to the performance of the anodic coating in actual use. The ability to predict the performance of the fixture and its anodized coating permits the fixture to be repaired or replaced prior to complete failure.

Abstract: In a fuel dielectric constant detecting apparatus, a high frequency signal is applied to an element for subjecting the high frequency voltage signal to resonance corresponding to the dielectric constant of the fuel. A DC voltage is applied to the subjecting element so that the duty of the high frequency signal be 50%, and the high frequency signals are so controlled that the phase shift between the signals provided at both ends of the resistor be a predetermined value. Alternatively, in the apparatus, the high frequency signal applying member includes a high frequency signal applying section and a reference high frequency signal applying section.

Abstract: The present invention includes a dielectric sensor which provides at least two signals corresponding to the sensed dielectric of a petroleum stream. A temperature sensor also senses the temperature of the petroleum stream and provides a corresponding temperature signal. Crossplot data arrange the two parameters associated with the petroleum stream dielectric is stored in a memory. The memory is accessed using signals from the dielectric sensor and the temperature sensor to select data from the memory. An output circuit provides a water cut signal in accordance with the selected data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of detecting a variation in stray capacitance by use of a PLL circuit.

Abstract: In a measuring device which serves to measure a geometrical variable with the use of a sensor which is fed an alternating measuring current of constant amplitude by a regulated, phase-dependent current source. An alternating supply voltage and an alternating measuring voltage tapped by the sensor via a feedback path of the current source is superimposed in a superimposition stage, which belongs to the current source and downstream of which a reference element for determining the alternating measuring current is connected, to form a total voltage present at the reference element. In order to match a characteristic representing the relationship between the alternating measuring voltage and the geometrical variable to a prescribed characteristic curve, at least one of the alternating voltages fed to the superimposition stage is varied. The variation can concern both the amplitude and the phase.

Abstract: A phase discriminating capacitive sensor array system which provides multiple sensor elements which are maintained at a phase and amplitude based on a frequency reference provided by a single frequency stabilized oscillator. Sensor signals provided by the multiple sensor elements are controlled by multiple phase control units, which correspond to the multiple sensor elements, to adjust the sensor signals from the multiple sensor elements based on the frequency reference. The adjustment made to the sensor signals is indicated by output signals which indicate the proximity of the object. The output signals may also indicate the closing speed of the object based on the rate of change of the adjustment made, and the edges of the object based on a sudden decrease in the adjustment made.

Abstract: A position sensor which can be incorporated into a positional feedback-type servo mechanism includes a mechanical sensor element, an oscillator and first and second phase shifters, which in the disclosed embodiment are variable capacitors. The phase shifters are connected to the sensor element so as to increase and decrease, respectively, a phase shift of the signal generated by the oscillator as the sensor element moves in a given direction. A signal processing circuit converts the phase shifted signals into an output signal which is representative of the position of the sensor element.

Abstract: In an evaluation circuit for a capacitive sensor, the capacitive sensor and a capacitor form a capacitive voltage divider, the end terminals of which can be fed with opposite-phase alternating voltages of the same frequency. The junction point between the capacitor and the capacitive sensor is connected, together with a tap of a voltage source of high internal resistance, to the input of an impedeance transformer. The output of the impedance transformer is connected to a synchronous demodulator to which at least one phase of the alternating voltage is fed.

Abstract: A hot gas turbine engine capacitive probe clearanceometer is employed to measure the clearance gap or distance between blade tips on a rotor wheel and its confining casing under operating conditions. A braze sealed tip of the probe carries a capacitor electrode which is electrically connected to an electrical inductor within the probe which is inserted into a turbine casing to position its electrode at the inner surface of the casing. Electrical power is supplied through a voltage controlled variable frequency oscillator having a tuned circuit in which the probe is a component. The oscillator signal is modulated by a change in electrical capacitance between the probe electrode and a passing blade tip surface while an automatic feedback correction circuit corrects oscillator signal drift. A change in distance between a blade tip and the probe electrode is a change in capacitance therebetween which frequency modulates the oscillator signal.

Abstract: A current comparator bridge for measuring the value of an unknown capacitor includes a current comparator having a first comparator winding with an adjustable tap which is connected to one side of a standard capacitor and a second comparator winding connected to one side of an unknown capacitor, a high voltage source being connected to the other side of the capacitors. The current comparator is provided with a detection winding for detecting when the ampere-turns in the first and second comparator windings are equal and opposed to each other. In addition to the current through the standard capacitor being applied to the first comparator winding, the bridge includes a circuit to add a current through a standard conductance to the first comparator winding as well as circuits to compensate for errors. The detection winding is connected to a current-to-voltage converter with an adjustable gain which provides a signal to a phase sensitive detector.

Abstract: In an impedance and transfer characteristic measuring apparatus sine-wave and cosine-wave data are produced using data obtained by accumulating a fixed phase value in synchronism with a clock signal and the sine-wave data is provided to a device under test after D-A conversion. Multiplied outputs are obtained by multiplying type D-A converting part which D-A converts the sine-wave data and the cosine-wave data, using two signals related to an item of measurement of the device under test as analog multiply inputs therefor. An intergration control signal of a predetermined level is generated by a signal generating part for the half-cycle period of a sine-wave test signal in synchronism with a measurement start signal. For the period during which the intergration control signal is yielded the multiplied outputs are respectively integrated in an integration circuit part to thereby obtain vector-detected outputs.

Abstract: An electrical device for measuring the dry film thickness of a paint film applied to a conductive coating adhered to a plastic substrate without destroying the film; the device contains the followintg components: a. an electric sensing device of two separate electrodes isolated from each other and positioned in a material capable of conforming to the surface of the film being measured where the sensing device is placed in contact with the surface of the film and measured under a uniform and reproducible pressure; b. a gain and phase measuring device electrically connected to the sensing device for measuring the gain and phase of an alternating current electrical signal passed from one electrode through the film and conductive coating to the second electrode; c.

Abstract: A lubricating film thickness measuring system and method includes a rolling element bearing having a relatively rotatable electrically insulated inner and outer races forming a raceway therebetween. Rolling elements are movably mounted in the raceway. Apparatus is provided for measuring capacitance across the bearing. The measuring apparatus includes an oscillator circuit and a phase detection circuit and is responsive to a phase angle shift between a first signal going from an oscillator circuit to the bearing and from the bearing to the phase detection circuit, and a second signal received by the phase detection circuit directly from the oscillator circuit. The method involves applying a predetermined electrical signal across the rolling elements and measuring the capacitance across the rolling elements thereby providing a measure of the lubricating film thickness.

Abstract: A signal conditioner for generation of excitation signals and for detecting an output signal from a capacitive transducer such as a strain gage, a pressure transducer or an accelerometer. The signal conditioner includes a digital waveform generator for generating a waveform that approximates a sine wave and for generating a binary signal synchronized to the waveform, a filter responsive to the waveform for providing a first sinusoidal excitation signal, an analog inverter responsive to the first excitation signal for providing a second sinusoidal excitation signal that is 180.degree. out of phase with the first excitation signal and a demodulator responsive to the binary signal for synchronously detecting an output signal from the capacitive transducer.