Abstract: A gem tester for testing a gem under test and a kit including a horizontal recharging stand are disclosed. In one embodiment of the gem tester, an elongated body has a line-of-sight contour tapering from a bulbous end to a radially deviating frontal nose having a probe extending therefrom. Internal circuitry measures electrical and thermal conductivity of the gem under test in order to identify the type of gem under test and drive a color control signal in response thereto. A luminescent mounting extends about the contact to provide, in response to the control signal, a color indication of the identified gem type.

Abstract: A route examining system includes an application device, a control unit, a detection unit, and an identification unit. The application device is onboard a first vehicle of a first vehicle system traveling along a route. The control unit controls supply of electric current from a power source to the application device in order to electrically inject an examination signal into the route via the application device. The detection unit is off-board of the first vehicle and monitors electrical characteristics of the route in response to the examination signal being injected into the route. The identification unit is off-board of the first vehicle and examines the one or more electrical characteristics of the route in order to determine whether a section of the route extending between the first vehicle and the detection unit is potentially damaged based on the one or more electrical characteristics.

Abstract: An attachment for a material detector device having a search antenna polarization instrument, where the material detector device has a housing with an antenna surface assigned to a detection direction, having magnets positioned opposite each other with like poles facing each other whose pole surfaces are covered by a tinned copper or oxidized aluminum layer, where the magnets and the copper or aluminum layer have at least one through bore and the magnets can be or are positioned on the housing of the material detector device extending perpendicular to the antenna surface and form a magnetic field space between the magnets in front of the antenna surface, as well as a material detector device having a rectangular housing with such an attachment for improving the reception quality. The result of this attachment is that the acoustic signals which indicate presence or absence are separated from each other more sharply.

Abstract: A measuring system for a road construction machine includes a control unit which is operationally connected using a field bus to at least one field device, wherein an exclusive bus address is respectively assignable in the measuring system for each field device connected in the field bus. Furthermore, a method for addressing at least one field device is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring fuel contamination in oil that uses a material in contact with oil whereby fuel intrusion into the oil will change the electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material as compared to the same electrical, mechanical, and/or chemical properties of the material when in contact only with mineral or synthetic oil only.

Abstract: A method for determining a value of a parameter of an object or an environment includes positioning a device having a balanced circuit in or on an object or within a particular environment, wherein the balanced circuit comprises elements which are operationally sensitive to changes in a parameter of the object or the environment. The method further includes measuring a common mode signal of the balanced circuit and determining, from the common mode signal, a value of the parameter. An exemplary implementation of the method includes determining temperature using a resistive sensor having a Wheatstone bridge circuit with two variable resistors and two fixed resistors. Embodiments of systems and devices configured to employ such methods are provided, particularly medical probes, electronic signal monitoring devices, and systems employing such devices.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting leaked cooling fluid in a battery pack or container. The sensor is part of a sensor wire, where one end of the wire is electrically coupled to the positive terminal or the negative terminal of the battery pack and the other end of the wire is positioned at a location where the leaked cooling fluid may accumulate. A fault isolation detection circuit monitors a voltage output from the sensor and determines that there is a cooling fluid leak if the measured voltage potential is greater than a predetermined voltage threshold.

Abstract: A surrogate patch assembly for a rework area of a structure comprises a surrogate patch body which may be formed of a material for drawing moisture from the rework area. The patch assembly may include a sensor mounted to the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a thermal sensor for sensing the temperature of the rework area and the surrogate patch body. The sensor may comprise a moisture sensor for sensing moisture drawn into the surrogate patch body.

Abstract: A microfluidic sensor formed by stacking a plurality of substantially non-electrically conductive layers, typically formed from thin polymer films. Certain layers may carry patterned electrodes that are arranged to permit their connection to an electrical interrogation circuit. Electrodes may be disposed in a 3-dimensional array in the sensor. A fluid path through the sensor includes an orifice sized to promote single-file travel of particles. The orifice may be defined by a tunnel passing through at least one layer. Particles entrained in an electrolytic carrier fluid may be detected, or otherwise characterized, by interrogation circuitry connected to certain embodiments of the sensor. Sensors generally include portions of a fluid path disposed parallel to the layers. Sensors may operate under the Coulter principle, and/or Stokes' shift phenomena. In certain embodiments, the sensor may be carried by a cartridge, which is adapted to couple with an interrogation platform.

Abstract: Device (100) for detecting and monitoring local parameters within a solid structure (300). The device comprises an integrated detection module (1) made on a single chip, having an integrated functional circuitry portion (16) comprising at least one integrated sensor (10) and an integrated antenna (11), and electromagnetic means (2) for transmitting/receiving signals and energy exchange. The integrated functional circuitry portion (16) comprises a functional surface (18) facing towards the outside of the chip. A passivation layer (15) is arranged to completely cover at least the functional surface (18), so that the integrated detection module (1) is entirely hermetically sealed and galvanically insulated from the surrounding environment. The integrated antenna (11), the electromagnetic means (2) and the remote antenna (221) are operatively connected wirelessly through magnetic or electromagnetic coupling.

Abstract: Provided is a device for determining a monomer molecule sequence of a polymer including different electrodes, and a method of efficiently determining a monomer molecule sequence of a polymer.

Abstract: A detector is provided that detects a detection signal corresponding to a driving vibration, which excites a vibrator in an oscillation loop, and a physical quantity to be measured. The detector includes an amplifying circuit, a synchronous detection circuit, an impedance conversion circuit, a first low pass filter, and a second low pass filter, wherein each of the first and second low pass filters is formed by a switched capacitor filter circuit, a gain of the first low pass filter is different from that of the second low pass filter.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for modifying a carbon nanotube electrode interface, which modifies carbon nanotubes used as a neuron-electrode interface by performing three stages of modifications and comprises the steps of: carboxylating carbon nanotubes to provide carboxyl functional groups and improve the hydrophilicity of the carbon nanotubes; acyl-chlorinating the carboxylated carbon nanotubes to replace the hydroxyl functional groups of the carboxyl functional groups with chlorine atoms; and aminating the acyl-chlorinated carbon nanotubes to replace the chlorine atoms with a derivative having amine functional groups at the terminal thereof. The modified carbon nanotubes used as the neuron-electrode interface has lower impedance and higher adherence to nerve cells. Thus is improved the quality of neural signal measurement.

Abstract: A Circuit architecture and a method for rapid and accurate statistical characterization of the variations in the electrical characteristics of CMOS process structures, MOS devices and Circuit parameters is provided. The proposed circuit architecture and method enables a statistical characterization throughput of <1 ms/DC sweep at <2 mV or <1 nA resolution accuracy of variations in voltage or current of the device under test. Salient features of proposed circuit architecture include a programmable ramp voltage generator that stimulates the device under test, a dual input 9-11 bit cyclic ADC that captures input and output DC voltage/current signals to/from the device under test, a 2 Kb latch bank that captures 9-11 bit streams for each measurement point in a DC sweep of programmable granularity and a clocking and control scheme that enables continuous measurement and stream out of digital data blocks from which the analog characteristics of the devices under test are reconstructed post measurement.

Abstract: Monitoring aging information for multiple devices. Aging information of the devices may be received. Statistics regarding the multiple devices may be determined based on the aging information. For at least some of the devices, update information may be determined based on the respective aging information. The update information may include modifications to operating parameters of the devices. For example, the devices may operate according to initial parameters that are above sustainable parameters and the update information may lower the operating parameters based on the aging information.

Abstract: A method of material analysis, including; placing an electrode in proximity to the material; applying a voltage signal to generate plasma, preferably Dielectric Barrier Discharge in Air, between the material and the electrode; moving the electrode relative to the surface; monitoring an electrical signal associated with the microdischarge; and detecting a change in a physical characteristic of the material through variation in the monitored signal.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting damage to an object may include a housing, a first coating provided on a surface of a first end of the housing, and a second coating provided on a surface of a second end of the housing opposing the first end. The first coating may be configured to be exposed to an environment in which the object is placed, while the second coating may be configured to be hermitically sealed. The sensor may further include a plurality of electrodes placed in the housing connected to the first end and the second end so as to measure an electrical signal generated therebetween.

Abstract: A disclosed apparatus includes a first signal line configured to couple signals from a first electrode to a signal detection circuitry for measurement of biometric signals sensed by the first electrode; a second signal line configured to couple signals from a second electrode, which is different from the first electrode, to the signal detection circuitry for measurement of biometric signals sensed by the second electrode; and a coupling circuitry configured to selectively couple the first signal line and the second signal line to a common electrical potential so as to equalize electrical potential difference between the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus arranged to determine an interface between two components that includes a reference electrode arranged to be connected to a constant voltage supply or ground; a measurement electrode, and a field generating device arranged to establish an electric field in at least one of the components; wherein the field generating device is configured to establish the electric field across the measurement electrode, and the apparatus is configured to measure a potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode, the potential difference between the measurement electrode and the reference electrode being indicative of the interface between the components.

Abstract: A component used as a circuit breaker for a power inverter for actuating a drive motor of a steering support system of a vehicle comprises a MOSFET having a gate, a drain and a source, and a first diode having an anode and a cathode, wherein the diode is provided for measuring the junction temperature of the MOSFET, and wherein the MOSFET is of the n-channel type or p-channel type, and the source is connected to the cathode.

Abstract: Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention implement multi-directional environmental sensors. In one embodiment, a multi-directional environmental sensor includes: an inner conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; an outer conductive element that is substantially symmetrical about three orthogonal planes; and a device that measures the electrical characteristics of the multi-directional environmental sensor, the device having a first terminal and a second terminal; where the inner conductive element is substantially enclosed within the outer conductive element; where the inner conductive element is electrically coupled to the first terminal of the device; and where the outer conductive element is electrically coupled to the second terminal of the device.

Abstract: A method of forming extremely small pores in a substrate may be used to produce, for example, an apparatus for the study of biological molecules, by providing a small pore in a piezoelectric substrate having electrodes, the latter that may be energized to change the pore dimensions.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. Each sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) sensor that is coated with a sensing material. In order to collect data, an impedance spectrum is acquired over a relatively narrow frequency range, such as the resonant frequency range of the LCR circuit. A multivariate signature may be calculated from the acquired spectrum to discern the presence of certain fluids and/or fluid mixtures. The presence of fluids is detected by measuring the changes in dielectric, dimensional, resistance, charge transfer, and other changes in the properties of the materials employed by observing the changes in the resonant electronic properties of the circuit. By using a mathematical procedure, such as principal components analysis (PCA) and others, multiple fluids and mixtures can be detected in the presence of one another, even in a high humidity environment or an environment wherein one or more fluids has a substantially higher concentration (e.g.

Abstract: Methods and sensors for selective fluid sensing are provided. A sensor includes a resonant inductor-capacitor-resistor (LCR) circuit and a sensing material disposed over a sensing region. The sensing region comprises at least a portion of the LCR circuit. Temperature-dependent response coefficients of inductance L, capacitance C, and resistance R properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material are at least approximately 5 percent different from one another. The difference in the temperature-dependent response coefficients of the properties of the LCR circuit and the sensing material enables the sensor to selectively detect analyte fluids from an analyzed fluid mixture substantially independent of temperature.

Abstract: The present invention discloses microwave resonant absorption (MRA) of viruses through dipolar coupling to viral confined acoustic modes. The unique geometrical and mechanical properties of viruses can be reflected by the MRA frequencies, MRA linewidth, and the absorption selection rules of high-order acoustic modes. Combined these spectral characteristics with the mature microwave technology, this invention provides a novel physical mechanism to develop non-affinity-based rapid detection and identification of viruses. It can be applied in preliminary characterization on unknown or mutant viruses.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes an electric supply line to be buried in the block of building material, to convey signals and to be AC supplied so as to generate voltage and current stationary waveforms. The device also includes primary inductors coupled to the electric supply line at positions corresponding to peaks of at least one of the voltage and current stationary waveforms. The device also includes integrated monitoring circuits to be buried in the block of building material, with each integrated monitoring circuit including an integrated sensor to sense at least one physical characteristic, and a secondary inductor magnetically coupled to a respective primary inductor to supply the integrated sensor, and communicate through the electric supply line.

Abstract: An electrode array, a system and a method for reconstructing the distribution of electrical properties within a multi-material object. One embodiment includes electrodes arranged along a three-dimensional helical path to provide one or more helical arrays and circuitry to measure signals for calculating a conductivity or admittivity distribution representative of the interior of the structure. Image data may be obtained which is representative of the multi-material region.

Abstract: A system and method for soft-field tomography data acquisition are provided. One system includes a plurality of transducers that correspond to a plurality of channels, and an excitation driver coupled to generate excitation signals for the plurality of transducers. The system also includes a single reference excitation source from which excitations are generated and one or more derived excitation sources. The one or more derived excitation sources derive excitations from the single reference excitation source that are applied to each of the plurality of channels. The system further includes a response detector and a reduced bit digitizer in each of the plurality of channels configured to digitize a measured response difference between the measured response at one or more of the transducers and at least one of an excitation of the single reference excitation source or an excitation derived from the single reference excitation source or a separate reference.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that provide a direct indication of the presence and concentration of an analyte within the external cavity of a laser device that employ the compliance voltage across the laser device. The systems can provide stabilization of the laser wavelength. The systems and methods can obviate the need for an external optical detector, an external gas cell, or other sensing region and reduce the complexity and size of the sensing configuration.

Abstract: A sensor in the form of an elongated flexible tape has a signal path made from electrical wire or optical fiber which extends between one end and another end of the tape. The electrical wires or optical fibers are disposed in spaced relation across the width and along the length of the tape and are terminated in connectors at the endpoints of the tape. The connectors may be integrated into a signal detector to interface with communication links. The tape is a material that is non-conductive and in which the wires or optical fibers may be woven, disposed or embedded in some manner. One or more layers of flexible material can be laminated on respective sides of the sensor tape to provide a robust laminated or bonded structure that can be rolled and unrolled from a reel. An adhesive layer and a removable layer can be provided to protect the adhesive layer prior to use. An overcoat of outer layer resin may be applied.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method and apparatus for measuring a potential on a surface of a sample using a charged particle beam while restraining a change in the potential on the sample induced by the charged particle beam application, or detecting a compensation value for a change in a condition for the apparatus caused by the sample being electrically charged. In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for applying a voltage to a sample so that a charged particle beam does not reach the sample (hereinafter, this may be referred to as “mirror state”) in a state in which the charged particle beam is applied toward the sample, and detecting information relating to a potential on the sample using signals obtained by that voltage application.

Abstract: Methods and arrangements for determining the fineness of a ground material in a mill are provided, wherein the acoustic spectrum of the mill during the grinding process is used for concluding the fineness. The mill comprises a drum in which the ground material is present during the grinding process, said drum being driven by a magnetic drive having at least one magnetic segment during the grinding process, so that a rotating magnetic field generated with the aid of the magnetic drive causes the drum to rotate. In order to determine the acoustic spectrum, a voltage induced in a coil of the magnetic segment is determined at least intermittently. On the basis of a model, using the detected time-dependent induced voltage, conclusions can be drawn about the acoustic spectrum and therefrom about the fineness.

Abstract: A system and method for analyte measurement is provided. The system includes: a transimpedance amplifier including: at least one operational amplifier including a first input coupling to a reference voltage, a second input coupling to a sensor for sensing the analyte, and an output; and at least one passive circuit element having a first terminal and a second terminal, the first terminal of the at least one passive circuit element coupling to the second input of the at least one operational amplifier, and a circuit for adjusting a gain of the transimpedance amplifier for the measurement of the analyte.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for recoding neuronal signals. The apparatus may include a substrate with an electrode region, a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged on the electrode region to have a specific arrangement, and at least one recording electrode provided between adjacent ones of the stimulation electrodes and attached with an axon of the neuronal cell. Each of the stimulation electrodes may be attached with a body of a neuronal cell.

Abstract: A powder sensor includes a piezoelectric element, an oscillator circuit, a first square wave signal generator, a second square wave signal generator, and a phase judgment circuit. The oscillator circuit applies to the piezoelectric element an output signal having a frequency equal to or near a resonance frequency of the piezoelectric element. The first square wave signal generator generates a first square wave signal by converting a terminal voltage of the piezoelectric element. The second square wave signal generator generates a second square wave signal that transits from an initial level to a detection level when the first square wave signal rises or falls in a detection period and that does not transit outside of the detection period. The detection period is a part of each cycle of the output signal of the oscillator circuit. The phase judgment circuit determines phase of the second square wave signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor die is described. This semiconductor die includes a driver, and a spatial alignment transducer that is electrically coupled to the driver and which is proximate to a surface of the semiconductor die. The driver establishes a spatially varying electric charge distribution in at least one direction in the spatial alignment transducer, thereby facilitating determination of a spatial alignment in more than one direction between the semiconductor die and another semiconductor die. In particular, a spatial alignment sensor proximate to the surface of the other semiconductor die may detect an electrical field (or an associated electrostatic potential) associated with the spatially varying electric charge distribution. This detected electric field may allow the vertical spacing between the surfaces of the semiconductor dies and/or an angular alignment of the semiconductor dies to be determined.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for using at least one static probe during polymerization in a fluid bed polymerization reactor system to monitor a coating on a surface of the reactor system and a distal portion of each static probe, wherein the coating is exposed to flowing fluid within the reactor system during the reaction. The surface may be a reactor bed wall (exposed to the reactor's fluid bed) and the coating is exposed to flowing, bubbling fluid within the fluid bed during the reaction. The method may include steps of: during the polymerization reaction, operating the static probe to generate a sequence of data values (“high speed data”) indicative of fluid flow variation (e.g., bubbling or turbulence), and determining from the high speed data at least one electrical property of the coating (e.g., of a portion of the coating on the distal portion of the static probe).

Abstract: The presence of a detectable entity within a detection volume of a microfabricated elastomeric structure is sensed through a change in the electrical or magnetic environment of the detection volume. In embodiments utilizing electronic detection, an electric field is applied to the detection volume and a change in impedance, current, or combined impedance and current due to the presence of the detectable entity is measured. In embodiments utilizing magnetic detection, the magnetic properties of a magnetized detected entity alter the magnetic field of the detection volume. This changed magnetic field induces a current which can reveal the detectable entity. The change in resistance of a magnetoresistive element may also reveal the passage of a magnetized detectable entity.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a method of sensing generator speed. The method includes detecting an AC waveform produced by a generator and determining a threshold voltage from the AC waveform produced by the generator. The method further includes determining generator speed by comparing the threshold voltage with the AC waveform. The generator speed may be determined by a time period between cycles of an output of the generator. Other example embodiments relate to a method that includes detecting an AC waveform produced by an alternative stator winding within the generator and measuring the period of the AC waveform to inversely determine generator speed.

Abstract: Disclosed are a measurement method and a measurement apparatus both of which can measure the content of water or an organic acid in a polar organic solvent with high accuracy even when water or the organic acid is contained in the polar organic solvent at a low content. The content of water or an organic acid in a polar organic solvent can be measured by using, as a work electrode, an ISFET electrode in which a thin film comprising an oxide or nitride of a metal or metalloid element belonging to Groups 3 to 15 is formed on a gate.

Abstract: An RFID-based analyte sensor is provided with an antenna adapted to receive energy from an RF field and produce a signal. A sensing material is electrically connected to the antenna and has an electrical property which varies in the presence of an analyte. An energy storage device is also electrically connected to the antenna and is adapted to receive and store energy from the antenna and selectively discharge the stored energy. An initializing element is electrically connected to the energy storage device and is energized by the stored energy discharged by the energy storage device. When the initializing element is energized, it operates to reduce the analyte content of at least a portion of the sensing material, effectively initializing the sensing material.

Abstract: Methods for producing RRAM resistive switching elements having optimal switching behavior include crystalline phase structural changes. Structural changes indicative of optimal switching behavior include hafnium oxide phases in an interfacial region between a resistive switching layer and an electrode.

Abstract: A semiconductor die is described. This semiconductor die includes a driver, and a spatial alignment transducer that is electrically coupled to the driver and which is proximate to a surface of the semiconductor die. The driver establishes a spatially varying electric charge distribution in at least one direction in the spatial alignment transducer, thereby facilitating determination of a vertical spacing between a surface of the semiconductor die and a surface of another semiconductor die. In particular, a spatial alignment sensor proximate to the surface of the other semiconductor die may detect an electrical field (or an associated electrostatic potential) associated with the spatially varying electric charge distribution. This detected electric field may allow the vertical spacing between the surfaces of the semiconductor dies to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining overlay includes an array of electronic devices having structures formed in a plurality of layers and such that a device on a first end of the array includes an offset from a position of a device on a second end of the array. A measurement device is configured to measure electrical characteristics of the devices in the array to determine a transition position between the electrical characteristics. A comparison device is configured to determine an overlay between the layers based on a device associated with the transition position.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for in-situ measurement of impurities on metal slugs utilized in electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition systems, and for increasing the production yield of a semiconductor manufacturing processes utilizing electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition systems. A voltage and/or a current level on an electrode disposed in a deposition chamber of an electron-beam metal evaporation/deposition system is monitored and used to measure contamination of the metal slug. Should the voltage or current reach a certain level, to the deposition is completed and the system is inspected for contamination.

Abstract: An angular velocity detection circuit is connected to a resonator for making excited vibration on the basis of a drive signal and detects an angular velocity. The angular velocity detection circuit includes: a self-vibration component extraction unit that receives, from the resonator, a detection signal including an angular velocity component based on a Coriolis force and a self-vibration component based on the excited vibration of the resonator and extracts the self-vibration component from the detection signal; a direct-current conversion unit including an integration unit that integrates an output signal of the self-vibration component extraction unit; and an offset addition unit that adds an offset value to an output signal of the direct-current conversion unit.

Abstract: Mixtures containing homogeneously-sized particles with a minimum concentration of agglomerates or larger particles are desired in various manufacturing processes such as, for example, in the manufacture and use of chemical mechanical polishing slurries, food emulsions, pharmaceutical products, paints, and print toner. The method disclosed herein provides these industries with an accurate and efficient method of screening such mixtures for such agglomerates and large particles. The method generally includes preparing a suspension of the mixture in an electrolyte, wherein the suspension includes a specified concentration of small particles per unit of electrolyte. The method further includes passing the prepared suspension, and a plurality of the particles therein, through an aperture of a device capable of characterizing particles according to the Coulter principle to obtain data on the particles.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a condition in an enclosed plasma processing space (102). The system comprises a sensor (338), arranged to be provided within the enclosed plasma processing space, for sensing a condition in the enclosed plasma processing space and a modulation circuit (342), connected to the sensor, and arranged to modulate an output of the sensor to provide a modulated signal. The system further comprises a first transmission line coupler (330) arranged to be disposed within the enclosed plasma processing space. The first transmission line coupler (546) is connected to the modulation circuit and is arranged to couple the modulated signal to a transmission line, which is arranged to deliver energy into the enclosed plasma space.

Abstract: In a method and a device for determining a reference position of a locking part moved by an electric motor, the locking part is moved in the direction of the closed state thereof, until the same reaches a stop position. At that location the meter reading of a position meter describing the stop position is detected and buffered. Subsequently a movement of the locking part is carried out in the direction of the opened state thereof. The locking part is then moved again in the direction of the closed state thereof, until it again reaches a stop position. At that location a meter reading describing the stop position is detected, and compared to the buffered meter reading. If both meter readings agree, the first stop position is determined as the reference position. The method and device can be utilized, for example, for power window lifts and sunroofs of motor vehicles.

Abstract: A method of detecting faults in a wind turbine generator based on current signature analysis is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring a set of electrical signals representative of an operating condition of a generator. Further, the electrical signals are processed to generate a normalized spectrum of electrical signals. A fault related to a gearbox or bearing or any other component associated with the generator is detected based on analyzing the current spectrum.