Abstract: An RFID-based sensor is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip. The sensor further includes a sensing material electrically connected to the antenna and a drive element. At least a portion of the sensor is movable between a closed condition in which the sensing material is isolated from the outside environment and an open condition in which the sensing material is exposed to the outside environment. The drive element moves the sensor between the open and closed configurations depending on whether or not it is receiving a signal.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the structural health of a structure of interest by coupling one or more electroactive polymer fibers to the structure and monitoring the electroactive responses of the polymer fiber(s). Load changes that are experienced by the structure cause changes in the baseline responses of the polymer fiber(s). A system for monitoring the structural health of the structure is also provided.

Abstract: In-situ flux measurement methods, devices, and systems are provided. According to some embodiments, an in-situ molecular flux device generally comprises a electrically conductive container configured to hold a precursor material, a heat source proximate the electrically conductive container to heat the precursor material to release ions such that an ion current is produced; and a current-measuring device in electrical communication with the electrically conductive container to measure the ion current associated with the heated precursor material. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: The use of nanostructures to monitor or modulate changes in cellular membrane potentials is disclosed. Nanoparticles having phospholipid coatings were found to display improved responses relative to nanoparticles having other coatings that do not promote localization or attraction to membranes.

Abstract: A device for determining the concentration of a constituent of blood in a hose line, in particular in the hose line of an extracorporeal blood circuit of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, includes a clamping unit having an actuation mechanism configured to apply a clamping force such that first and second receiving elements are moved towards one another from a first position releasing the hose line into a second position clamping the hose line, in which the drive of the actuation mechanism takes place with an electric motor, and a monitoring unit configured to detect a hose line inserted into the receiving elements. A method for detecting a hose line in a clamping unit of a device for determining the concentration of a blood constituent in the hose line is also described. Automation of the measurement of the blood parameters is thus possible.

Abstract: A plasma measurement device used for measuring plasma characteristics of radio frequency plasma a probe, a connector electronic wire, and a power supply device. The probe is used for entering the radio frequency plasma to measure the plasma characteristics. One end of the connector electronic wire is electrically connected to the probe. The power supply device is electrically connected to another end of the connector electronic wire, and the power supply device is used for providing a voltage to the probe. The connector electronic wire is a specific length, and the connector electronic wire and the radio frequency plasma would generate a standing wave effect. Thus, according to the standing wave effect, the plasma measurement device could eliminate high-frequency interference generated by the radio frequency plasma while measuring the plasma characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of detecting and preventing grind burn from developing on a gear. The method includes performing acoustic emission testing while the gear is being ground during a grinding operation. The grinding wheel is evaluated during an eddy current test to detect material buildup on the grinding wheel which could cause grind burn. In addition, the method includes collecting swarf from the gear during the grinding operation and inspecting the swarf for an indication of grind burn.

Abstract: An integrated optical element and Faraday cup that can measure charged particle beam currents, manipulate light and analyze charged particle beam energy distribution. One boundary of the cup is formed by a lens or other suitable optical element which can be used for manipulating light along the axis of the Faraday cup. The surface of the optical element interior to the cup is coated with a transparent conductor in order to establish the simultaneous functions of taking charged particle beam current measurements, taking energy distribution measurements and manipulating light for such applications as focusing or imaging. A suppressor/blanker/retarder electrode is designed to eliminate spurious current signals that can result from production of secondary electrons by the charged particle beam impinging on the electrode surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining sensing device usability, e.g., for self-monitoring and point of care devices. In one embodiment, the invention is to a method of determining device usability, comprising the steps of providing a device comprising a first electrical pad; a second electrical pad; and a humidity-responsive polymer layer contacting at least a portion of the first and second electrical pads; applying a potential across the first and second electrical pads; measuring an electrical property associated with the humidity-responsive polymer layer; and determining whether the measured electrical property associated with the humidity-responsive polymer layer has exceeded a humidity threshold level associated with the device usability.

Abstract: Described herein is a device that can be used to measure the breaking rate and total breaking energy of an emulsion. Also described is a method of determining the breaking rate of an emulsion.

Abstract: A method for locating sub-surface natural resources. The method utilizes lightning data to discern relatively likely locations for finding the sub-surface natural resources.

Abstract: A conduit interrogation tool is provided that includes a pair of spaced apart contact elements that deform as the tool moves in the conduit. A deformation control member positioned proximate the contact element reduces or limits deformation of the contact element to a desired extent.

Abstract: A geocomposite for positioning under a geomembrane comprising at least one first geotextile covered by at least one second geotextile at least one electrically conductive textile being positioned between the second geotextile and the first geotextile. The conductive textile having a module for connecting to a phase of an electric generator. The geocomposite being in the form of one or several strips at the edges of which the second geotextile, the first geotextile and the electrically conductive textile are separate from each other, the geocomposite comprising perforated ringed mini-drains positioned parallel with each other on the first geotextile and covered with the second geotextile.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a human sensor apparatus includes: a human sensor configured to detect presence of a human body; a first terminal section for connecting the human sensor apparatus to a first master set to receive supply of electric power to the human sensor and output a detection signal of the human sensor as a first detection signal; and a second terminal section for connecting the human sensor apparatus to a second master set not to supply electric power to the human sensor and to output the detection signal of the human sensor as a second detection signal electrically insulated from the first detection signal.

Abstract: A method for determining the sharpness of cutting edges (16) of chopper blades (1) at a rotationally driven chopper drum (14) of a forage harvester includes scanning a blade surface of at least one of the chopper blades located behind the cutting edge by at least one electrode operating as a contact sensor and determining a duration of contact of the at least one electrode with the blade surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to very large scale FET arrays for analyte measurements. ChemFET (e.g., ISFET) arrays may be fabricated using conventional CMOS processing techniques based on improved FET pixel and array designs that increase measurement sensitivity and accuracy, and at the same time facilitate significantly small pixel sizes and dense arrays. Improved array control techniques provide for rapid data acquisition from large and dense arrays. Such arrays may be employed to detect a presence and/or concentration changes of various analyte types in a wide variety of chemical and/or biological processes. In one example, chemFET arrays facilitate DNA sequencing techniques based on monitoring changes in hydrogen ion concentration (pH), changes in other analyte concentration, and/or binding events associated with chemical processes relating to DNA synthesis.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, tests for an anomaly, such as an open circuit or a short circuit, at a touch sensing device. An electrical characteristic sensor senses an electrical characteristic at an electrode of the touch sensing device. Responsive to the sensed electrical characteristic, a determination is made by a determiner as to whether a short or open circuit or other anomaly exists at the touch sensing device.

Abstract: A unit cell of a narrow band filter is provided. The unit cell includes a matrix body having a first permittivity and an inclusion body having a second permittivity and disposed in the matrix body. The matrix body and the inclusion body are configured to reflect electromagnetic radiation incident on electromagnetic radiation facing surfaces of the matrix body and the inclusion body. A bandwidth of the reflected electromagnetic radiation is based on a difference between the first permittivity and a third permittivity, which is an average permittivity between the first permittivity and the second permittivity based on volumes of the inclusion body and a portion of the matrix body. The inclusion body is configured such that the second permittivity is adjustable to adjust the third permittivity, thereby adjusting the difference between the first permittivity and the third permittivity. A narrow band filter and a method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A waterproof pH meter includes a main unit, a probe, which includes a probe electrode and a signal processing circuit, and a waterproof signal transmission line electrically coupled between a main circuit in the main unit and the signal processing circuit of the probe. When measuring a solution, a potential signal generated by the probe electrode is amplified by the signal processing circuit and then transmitted to the main unit through the waterproof signal transmission line for reading by the user. As the design has a better capacity in bearing noise interference, the signal transmission line can be selected from a regular waterproof cable instead of a BNC material.

Abstract: A multi-layer tamper detection arrangement for use with an input device comprising tamper-response electronics and memory. The multi-layer sensor arrangement comprises a flexible circuit assembly configured for connection to the input device. The flexible circuit assembly comprises an outer layer comprising a first tamper-responsive conductor circuit and a first inner layer disposed beneath the outer layer. The first inner layer comprises at least one switch, a removal detection circuit, and a foreign conductor detection circuit. The at least one switch is configured to close the removal detection circuit when the at least one switch is actuated, and the foreign conductor detection circuit is normally open. The first tamper-responsive conductor circuit, the removal detection circuit, and the foreign conductor detection circuit are configured for electrical communication with the tamper-response electronics of the input device.

Abstract: A method for evaluating a target molecule bound to a probe molecule provided with a marker includes: applying AC voltage between a working electrode provided on a substrate and a counter electrode; and using a signal obtained from the marker on the probe molecule bound to the working electrode when a frequency of the AC voltage is varied, or an average value of the signal, to determine at least one of a Stokes radius or molecular weight of the target molecule, a binding rate between the probe molecule and the target molecule, a binding rate constant therebetween, a dissociation rate therebetween, and a dissociation rate constant therebetween.

Abstract: An impact detection apparatus (10), comprising: first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b); and a detector (22) configured to detect bridging of the first and second contacts. The first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b) are separated by a distance that is bridgeable by a predefined electrically conducting implement (16a; 16b), and the detector (22) is configured to detect the closing of a circuit upon any impact of the implement (16a; 16b) sufficient to bridge the first and second electrical contacts (26a,26b; 30a,30b) and to respond by outputting a signal indicative of the impact.

Abstract: Device and method for monitoring a plasma in a chamber of a plasma reactor is are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes measuring plasma parameter data at a surface of a single planar Langmuir probe in contact with the plasma. A biasing capacitor is connected between the single planar Langmuir probe and a DC-bias source. Subsequently a discharge current of the biasing capacitor as a result of the DC-bias is measured, and a probe potential at the single probe during the discharge is measured. The measurements can be used to detect presence and/or thickness of a dielectric film on the probe surface.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting hose degradation are disclosed. In one aspect, a hose degradation monitoring system includes a hose assembly including a hose having a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer, and a monitoring circuit in electrical communication with the first and second conductive layers. The degradation monitoring circuit includes a circuit element having a non-linear electrical property in response to changed voltage.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of non-destructively testing whether a laminated substrate satisfies structural requirements are disclosed herein. Additionally, laminated substrates that can be non-destructively tested are also disclosed along with methods of manufacturing the same. To non-destructively test whether the laminated substrates satisfies the structural requirement, an electrical characteristic of the laminated substrate may be detected. Since the detected electrical characteristic is related to a structural characteristic being tested, whether the structural characteristic complies with the structural requirement can be determined based on the electrical characteristic.

Abstract: A power supply detecting circuit detects feeding of power to a power supply terminal from the outside. A control unit identifies an accessory device connected to the connector based on a detection result acquired by the identification terminal voltage detecting circuit and a detection result acquired by the power supply detecting circuit. The identification terminal voltage detecting circuit can narrow down accessory device candidates based on whether or not there is feeding of power detected by the power supply detecting circuit.

Abstract: The invention relates to substitutes of real gems for the purpose of calibrating of commercial diamond testers and for verification of their correct operation. Suggested apparatus consists of a set of objects, which are made of cheap materials like brass, stainless steel, and electrically conductive rubber, and which exhibit combination of thermal and electric conductivities typical for diamonds and their popular imitations like moissanites, cubic zirconia, and others.

Abstract: A RFID device which can include a substrate, an antenna having a gap defined therein, a wireless communications device coupled to the antenna and a coating disposed over a portion of the antenna and within a portion of the gap. The coating may be an insulator or an environmentally-responsive material.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a functional element. The first electrode includes a first metallic material in which either a first passivation film is formed on a surface thereof or the first passivation film present on the surface thereof is lost, in association with changes in an environment of a measurement site. The second electrode includes a second metallic material different from the first metallic material, the second electrode being spaced apart from the first electrode. The functional element is configured to measure a difference in electric potential between the first electrode and the second electrode that changes depending on presence or absence of the first passivation film.

Abstract: A dynamic quantity sensor includes a first substrate, a fixed part arranged in the first substrate, a spiral shaped movable electrode arranged separated from the first substrate, one end of the spiral shaped movable electrode being supported by the fixed part, a fixed electrode positioned on the periphery of the movable electrode and arranged in a detection direction of a dynamic quantity, and a first terminal electrically connected to the fixed part and a second terminal electrically connected to the fixed electrode.

Abstract: A mechanical support device (10) for a sensor plate (18) of a device for transmitting and/or receiving electromagnetic high-frequency signals, is designed as a winding core (24, 26) of at least one coil (32, 32?, 32?; 34, 34?, 34?; 36, 36?, 36?) in an inductive sensor.

Abstract: The invention describes a circuit arrangement and a method for the detection of the rotor position at low rotational speeds of rotors or at a standstill. For this, an HF signal is fed into the neutral point (zero sequence) and the rotor position is detected via the distribution of the HF signal in the coils (non-zero sequence).

Abstract: In 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, a voltage is applied to a sample such that a charged particle beam does not reach the sample (referred to as “mirror state”) when the charged particle beam is applied toward the sample. Information is detected, relating to a potential on the sample using signals obtained by the voltage application.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate with electrical resistance that varies with temperature and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by heating the substrate in the area between the electrodes and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected, and then cooling the substrate back down and detecting whether resistance varies with temperature as expected. If resistance varies as expected during both heating and cooling, then a validation is diagnosed that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.

Abstract: A driving method of an electrophoretic display is provided. The driving method includes the following steps. A plurality of pixels of a display panel of the electrophoretic display are configured as a plurality of blocks. A common voltage of the display panel is set to a first voltage. A plurality of scanning signals are inputted to a plurality of scanning lines of the display panel in order in which scanning lines corresponding to the same block receives the same scanning signal. A plurality of data lines of the display panel are measured to obtain at least one peak voltage corresponding to each of the blocks. A feed through voltage corresponding to each of the blocks is determined according the peak voltages corresponding to the blocks. A plurality of driving signals which drive each of the blocks are adjusted according the feed through voltage corresponding to each of the blocks.

Abstract: An environmental degradation sensor for environmentally sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetic products provides the degraded state and estimated remaining life of the product. The sensor is made of a polymeric matrix and conductive filler. A control agent, selected to adjust a reaction rate of the sensor to environmental conditions, allows correlation of an electrical property of the sensor to a degraded state of the product. The sensor may be integrated with a passive RFID to provide product identification and degradation status wirelessly via reader. The sensor improves product safety, reduces cost of premature product disposal and, combined with RFIDs, improves the security of products through combined product degradation monitoring and tracking.

Abstract: Woodworking machines including conductive cutters adapted to cut workpieces, and motors adapted to drive the cutters are disclosed. The machines also include a contact detection system adapted to detect contact between a person and the cutter, and to distinguish contact between the person and the cutter from contact between the workpiece and the cutter. The machines further include a reaction system adapted to cause a predetermined action to take place upon detection of contact between the person and the cutter by the contact detection system.

Abstract: A planar patch clamp device includes a substrate comprising a first planar surface, a second planar surface opposing the first planar surface, and an inside surface defining an aperture extending from the first planar surface to the second planar surface; and an adhesion layer conformally disposed on the substrate including on the inside surface, wherein the adhesion layer defines a shape of the aperture, and the aperture is smooth and free of sharp corners. The substrate may be composed of silicon or a silicon-inclusive compound, and the adhesion layer may be composed of a glass material having a low-temperature reflow property. The device may be annealed to reflow the adhesion layer, thereby providing the aperture with smooth surfaces.

Abstract: A matrix analyzer for determining the size and location of a conductive item placed thereon. The matrix analyzer includes plural row conductors and column conductors with a corresponding grid of conductive areas exposed on the surface of the matrix analyzer. When a conductive item, such as an ink droplet, is jetted onto the matrix analyzer, the intersection of various row conductors and column conductors exhibit a low resistance. The rows and columns of the matrix analyzer can be sequentially accessed to find those intersections where the low resistance exists. From such data, the size and location of the ink droplets can be determined.

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: Disclosed are a slim self-powering power supplier using a flexible PCB for a wireless sensor network and a sensor node using the same, and a fabrication method thereof. An exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure provides a self-powering power supplier including: a flexible PCB; a lower electrode positioned on the flexible PCB; a piezoelectric body having a cantilever structure deposited on the lower electrode; and an upper electrode formed on the piezoelectric body.

Abstract: A technique for indicating an input cable length includes measuring within a cable equalizer circuit a differential voltage that varies approximately linearly in proportion to cable length. The measured voltage is translated into a cable length measurement corresponding to the connected input cable.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the grain angle of a wood object which has a circular cross section of constant or varying radius along the object's length. This apparatus may be hand-held or fixed mounted as testing circumstances dictate. The resulting grain angle may be displayed in real time, as perceived by the user, or transmitted to a processing unit for data collection or interpretation.

Abstract: A blood measuring apparatus includes: a first chamber which includes a first wall provided with an aperture and in which diluted blood is contained; a second chamber which includes the first wall, a second wall opposed to the first wall and a peripheral wall and in which diluting solution is contained, the first and second chambers communicating with each other through the aperture; first and second electrodes which are disposed in the first and second chambers, respectively; a measuring unit which performs a blood measurement by causing a current to flow between the first and second electrodes; a diluting solution supplying unit which supplies diluting solution along a part of the peripheral wall which is adjacent to a peripheral edge of the first wall; and a sucking unit which sucks the diluting solution from the second wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and apparatus for extracting molten liquid from an electrolysis cell. In one embodiment, a system includes a container and an electrical characteristic detector. The container comprises a body adapted to contain molten liquid and a spout. The spout includes a base portion, a tip portion and a passageway connecting the base portion to the tip portion. The electrical characteristic detector is coupled to the container and is configured to determine an electrical characteristic associated with the molten liquid as the molten liquid passes into the body of the container via the passageway. A process parameter associated with the removal of the molten liquid from the container may be changed when it is determined that an electrical characteristic associated with the molten liquid has achieved a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing of an interaction of a molecular entity with a membrane protein in a lipid bilayer comprises an array of sensor elements (21) arranged to output an electrical signal that is dependant on occurrences of the interaction. A detection circuit (3) comprised detection channels (30) capable of amplifying an electrical signal from a sensor element. More sensor elements (21) are provided than detection channels (30), and detection channels (30) are selectively connected to sensor elements (21) that have acceptable quality of performance in that a lipid bilayer is formed and that an acceptable number of membrane proteins are inserted, on the basis of the amplified electrical signals that are output from the detection channels. This improves the efficiency of utilisation of the detection channels, due to inefficiency in the utilisation of the sensor elements, resulting in a reduction in the cost of the apparatus and the ability to perform sensing using relatively small samples.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide a resistance welding method capable of stabilizing quality or improving efficiency of resistance welding such as spot welding. This resistance welding method comprises a calculating step of calculating resistance ratio X of a second electric resistance value R2 of workpieces to be joined in residual heat after Joule heating stops to a first electric resistance value R1 of the workpieces immediately before the Joule heating stops or vice versa (R2/R1 or R1/R2); a determining step of determining whether the resistance ratio X is equal to or greater than a threshold value Xn, and a reheating step of carrying out the Joule heating again when the resistance ratio X is smaller than the threshold value Xn. Thereby at least part of a welding portion is melted and solidified to reliably form a nugget, and a stably resistance-welded member can be provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an agent that modulates physiological condition of pests, wherein the agent has an ability to modulate the activity of an insect voltage-gated potassium channel; a method for assaying pesticidal activity of a test substance, which comprises measuring the activity of a voltage-gated potassium channel in a reaction system in which the voltage-gated potassium channel contacts with a test substance, and so on.

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: A biodegradable payload material delivery and notification device includes a biodegradable shell enclosing at least a portion of a biodegradable detector that includes a payload material, and biodegradable circuitry electrically connected to the detector and capable of performing a delivery notification operation. The biodegradable shell degrades upon exposure to environmental conditions causing release of an amount of the payload material, and the detector communicates release of the amount of the payload material to the circuitry causing the circuitry to perform the delivery notification operation. The delivery notification operation includes generating and transmitting to a mesh network a signal having one or more parameters that are correlated with the amount of the payload material released. A mesh network includes a plurality of biodegradable devices and one or more edge collection devices.