Abstract: The present invention includes systems, methods and apparatus for continuously, independently and in some cases remotely monitoring the operation of a current interrupter used to test a cathodic protection system, or the cathodic protection system itself, for verification of proper operation. Embodiments of the invention include electronic devices that may be temporarily attached to a current interrupter that is being used to test a cathodic protection system, or directly to the cathodic protection system itself. Embodiments of the invention monitor the activity of an interrupter by sampling the output (voltage and time) to identify the cycle(s) of the interrupter. The invention provides truly independent verification since it does not need to know in advance the sequence or cycle times of the current interrupter being monitored. The information obtained by the invention is output so that it may be provided to a user, displayed, downloaded or stored for future reference.

Abstract: The invention relates to microscopic structures and methods of making and using the structures. A method of forming a microscopic structure of a material includes obtaining a solution (310) containing the material, establishing a flowing stream of the solution (310) in a capillary (104), wherein the capillary (104) has an inner dimension that is smaller than about 300 micrometers, and maintaining the stream until a layer is built up along an inner wall of the capillary (104) from material deposited from the flowing stream, thereby forming a microscopic structure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for matched variable resistor structures to electrically measure unidirectional misalignment of stitched masks for etched interconnect layers includes a first test pad and a second test pad for measuring resistance therebetween; a first resistive element electrically connected at a first end to the first test pad; and, a second resistive element electrically connected at a first end to the second test pad. The first resistive element and the second resistive element are electrically connected by a vertical offset. The resistance measured between the first test pad and the second test pad is variable in accordance with an alignment of the first resistive element and the second resistive element relative to the vertical offset. An indicator may optionally provide an indication that the resistive elements are in alignment.

Abstract: An electrically operated, particle detecting, or characterizing, sensor structured as a thin film multilayer sandwich. Three or more electrodes are deposited onto thin layers of film, and stacked to form the sandwich. A representative stacking arrangement provides a pair of stimulated electrodes spaced apart from an intermediate measurement electrode by insulating layers of thin film. A fluid conducting channel, having an axis perpendicular to the film layers, provides electrolytic electrical communication between the three electrodes. Contact pads, arranged to permit electrical interrogation of the electrodes by electrical circuitry, are desirably arranged for access to electrical interrogation probes from a single side of the sensor. Certain sensors may be included in single-use, disposable cartridges adapted for analysis by an interrogation platform.

Abstract: An apparatus includes semiconductor processing equipment. A particle detecting integrated circuit is positioned in a vacuum environment, the particle detecting integrated circuit containing a device having a pair of conductive lines exposed to the vacuum environment. The pair of conductive lines is spaced at a critical pitch corresponding to diameters of particles of interest. A computer system is linked to the particle detecting integrated circuit to detect a change in an electrical property of the conductive lines when a particle becomes lodged between or on the lines.

Abstract: An electronic biosensor arrangement (1), comprising a receiving region (2) for biological material, a sensor-electrode arrangement (3) with sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) which intermesh in a comb-like manner being associated therewith, with which sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) a measuring circuit (5) is connectable for measuring an electrical measurement parameter on the sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) and influenced by biological material, wherein the sensor electrodes (3a, 3b) form a plurality of sensor capacitors (Csensor,1 to Csensor,N), with which electronic switching means (S2,1 to S2,N) driven by a control logic (8) are associated for connecting to earth or to a voltage source carrying a measurement voltage (Vdrive), respectively, comprising a reference capacitor (Cref), to which a switching means (S1) driven by the control logic (8) and arranged for optionally connecting to earth or to the measurement voltage (Vdrive) is likewise assigned, wherein the capacitors (Cref, Csensor1-Csensor, N) are also combined to a

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for diagnosing an anode conversion degree of a fuel cell or a fuel cell stack (20). In accordance with the invention it is provided for that diagnosing the anode conversion degree is performed by measuring at least one current of the fuel cell or of the fuel cell stack (20), an air volume flow fed to an afterburner (24), receiving no fuel supply at the time of measurement, an air ratio of a reformer gas and an oxygen volume proportion in an afterburner exhaust gas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the effect of an electric discharge on an aircraft structure through the evaluation of the damage caused by the effect of the thermal heating generated by the mentioned discharge on the structure, including the steps of: applying an electric discharge on the material of the aircraft structure using an intensity generator; distributing in an electric mesh with resistive electric elements the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the intensities running through the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure from the intensity introduced in the generators; calculating with the previous intensities the heat which is dissipated in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the distribution of temperatures in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; determining the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure whic

Abstract: A lighting system is provided that includes at least one lighting device, at least one connector, and a plurality of external power sources. The lighting device includes at least one lighting source, and an internal power source supplying a first electrical current to illuminate the lighting source. The connector electrically connects to the lighting device. The external power sources include at least first and second external power sources that are adapted to be electrically connected to the lighting device by the connector. The first external power source supplies a second electrical current to the lighting device to illuminate the lighting source and the second external power source supplies a third electrical current to illuminate the lighting source, such that the internal power source and one of the plurality of external power sources each supply electrical current to illuminate the lighting source at different times.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for electrical charge detection comprising a nanoFET device. Also disclosed is a method of electrical charge detection for single molecule sequencing. The method includes attaching a macromolecule or assemblies thereof to a gate of a nanoFET device and flowing in a solution of charge tags, where a charge tag includes a nucleotide attached to a charge complex. The method also includes incorporating one charge tag into the macromolecule or assemblies thereof and cleaving the charge tags from the macromolecule or assemblies thereof. The method further includes detecting at least one of current and voltage from the nanoFET device.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing a position detector used in determining the position of a control means. The position detector includes a resistance track, and a first terminal in connection with its first end, and a second terminal in connection with second end of the resistance track, and a slide electrically connected to the resistance track. The slide is arranged to move in relation to the control by the effect of a position change. Additionally, the position detector includes a slide terminal in connection with the slide, an electricity supply, a voltage measurer and a signal processing unit for diagnosing measurement data. In the method, a supply voltage is arranged in the slide terminal, the output voltage of the first terminal is measured, the output voltage of the second terminal is measured, and at least a first and a second output voltage are arranged to the signal processing unit.

Abstract: A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by a manually operable carriage which is swept over the upper surface of the membrane on the roof deck. A measuring and switching circuit generates a voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to conductive brushes on the carriage. The brushes are arranged to form an outer peripheral contact with an inner contact inside the outer contact. Thus the presence of a leak is detected by the outer set of conductive brushes at distance from the leak and by the inner conductive brush when directly over the leakage site.

Abstract: A fibrous tension member includes a plurality of structural threads and two or more indicator threads. The two or more indicator threads are located with respect to the plurality of structural threads such that a differential elongation between the two or more indicator threads indicates a curvature. The differential elongation between the two or more indicator threads is measured using a change in one or more electrical properties of each of the two or more indicator threads as each of the two or more indicator threads changes in length. A fibrous tension member includes a plurality of structural threads and one or more indicator threads. Each of the one or more indicator threads is more sensitive to elongation in a region of length of the fibrous tension member.

Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing a depth of a server chassis includes a testing frame configured for being received and secured in the server chassis, a testing unit, a signal processing member and an indicating member. The test unit includes a testing pole telescopingly retained in a rear wall of the frame, a pair of first and second contacting members spaced apart with a distance in accordance with the desired depth range, and a trigger member secured to the testing pole and moving with the testing pole to contact with the first or second contacting members or neither of them. The signal processing member and the indicating member are mounted on the frame. The testing unit, the signal processing member and the indicating member are correspondingly electrically connected.

Abstract: A capacitor includes a metal case having an opening, a capacitor element accommodated in the metal case, an electrolyte accommodated in the metal case, and a sealing rubber sealing the opening of the metal case. The sealing rubber seals the opening of the metal case while the sealing rubber is compressed to have a stress applied thereto. The stress is not lower than 0.5 MPa and not higher than a predetermined maximum value. This capacitor prevents the electrolyte from leaking, thus having high reliability.

Abstract: Processes and systems for detecting surface anomalies in components generally includes contacting a surface of the component with a detection apparatus, wherein the detection apparatus comprises at least one post, a wire extending from the post and a sensor in operative communication the wire; and sensing the surface anomaly as an increase in resistance of the wire across the surface.

Abstract: An electronic circuit for sensing an output of a sensor having at least one electrode pair and circuitry for obtaining and processing the sensor output. The electrode pair may be laid out such that one electrode is wrapped around the other electrode in a U-shaped fashion. The electronic circuitry may include, among other things, a line interface for interfacing with input/output lines, a rectifier in parallel with the line interface, a counter connected to the line interface and a data converter connected to the counter and the electrode pair. The data converter may be a current-to-frequency converter. In addition, the rectifier may derive power for the electronic circuit from communication pulses received on the input/output lines.

Abstract: A Coulter-style, microfluidic sensor formed by stacking a plurality of substantially non-electrically conductive layers, typically formed from thin polymer films. Certain layers 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 the entrance to a hole passing through at least one layer and at least one electrode. Particles entrained in an electrolytic carrier fluid may be detected, or otherwise characterized, by interrogation circuitry connected to the sensor. Certain sensors may include portions of a fluid path disposed parallel to the layers. In certain preferred embodiments, the sensor is carried by a cartridge, which is adapted to couple with an interrogation platform.

Abstract: A portable sensor device incorporates a low-power, nanostructure sensor coupled to a wireless transmitter. The sensor uses a nanostructure conducting channel, such as a nanotube network, that is functionalized to respond to a selected analyte. A measurement circuit connected to the sensor determines a change in the electrical characteristic of the sensor, from which information concerning the present or absence of the analyte may be determined. The portable sensor device may include a portable power source, such as a battery. It may further include a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting data to a base station.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a characteristic impedance of a transmission-line comprises transmitting energy to the line, and shortly after measuring the voltage/current involved and thus measuring the equivalent impedance. The measured characteristic impedance may then be used in order to determine the termination value required to minimize reflections. In another embodiment, the proper termination is set or measured by adjusting the termination value to achieve maximum power dissipation in the terminating device. The equivalent characteristic impedance measurement may be used to count the number of metallic conductors connected to a single connection point. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing characteristics of a liquid are disclosed. The exemplary embodiment may have an electrode for transmitting electrical signals associated with characteristics of the liquid to and from the liquid. The electrode may have an aperture on the interior of the electrode with the aperture surface in contact with the liquid. The electrode may have a sensor portion in contact with the liquid and a coupling portion with a tapered thread. The electrode may contain an electrical coupling on the isolated outer surface of the electrode for communicating the electrical signal from the electrode.

Abstract: A method is provided for determining the anisotropy of alignment of a random array of 1-D conductive elements (e.g., carbon nanotube or silicon nanowire) formed on a substrate. A pattern of a plurality of electrodes are arranged on the substrate containing the 1-D conductive elements and a plurality of electrical property measurements are performed in a plurality of different directions between the plurality of electrodes. The plurality of measurements are combined together to generate a total measurement sum of electrical property measurements between the various electrodes. The measured electrical property is determined between a selected pair of the plurality of electrodes along a selected direction extending between the selected pair of electrodes. The anisotropy of alignment of the 1-D conductive elements on the substrate along the selected direction is determined based on a ratio of the measured electrical property between the selected pair of electrodes versus the total measurement sum.

Abstract: A method for monitoring plasma-induced damage to a substrate while being processed in a plasma CVD apparatus includes: measuring DC floating potential of the substrate using a detection electrode in contact with the substrate while the substrate is processed in the apparatus; and detecting abnormality as plasma-induced damage based on the measured DC floating potential.

Abstract: Aspects and embodiments of the present invention provide a loosely-coupled oscillator including a sensor circuit and an electronic device that are not physically connected. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes an amplifier stage and a feedback network and the sensor circuit includes one or more LC circuits. When electromagnetically connected, the sensor circuit and electronic device form an oscillator that is adapted to output an oscillation signal. The resonant frequency of the sensor circuit can be obtained based on the oscillation signal. The sensor circuit may be implanted into an object and the resonant frequency of the sensor circuit can be used to determine characteristics of the object.

Abstract: A MEMS test device comprises a flexible beam spaced apart from an optical stack. The MEMS test device includes a reflective layer and a partially reflective layer, such that a change in the position of the MEMS test device can be observed without the use of an external interferometer. The flexible beam may be cantilevered or fixed at each end. The flexible beam may include a shoe suspended from the side of the beam facing the optical stack, to provide a fixed contact area. An array of MEMS test devices may be used to determine compliance, or to calculate adhesion forces.

Abstract: A wireless corrosion detector includes a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor tag. The SAW sensor tag has an output port. At least one electro-resistive (ER) corrosion sensor is coupled to the output port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro sensor for monitoring the cleaning and drying processes of surfaces of dielectric films, micro features in porous dielectric films and biologic or other cells common in microelectronics fabrication, MEMS fabrication or microbiology test system fabrication. By embedding electrodes in the surface of a supporting dielectric, the sensor can probe the surface and pores of a covering dielectric or a cell on the covering dielectric. The addition of a guard reduces the effects of any parasitic capacitance, which extends the measurement bandwidth of the sensor and allows it to be manufactured at the scale of a single cell, a feature that is particularly important for applications in microbiology.

Abstract: A method for measuring dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance based on the method of frequency digital sampling and for evaluating body composition is provided, inputting the method through the I/O interface of a microprocessor the measured body weight frequency signals, oscillating frequency signals related to dielectric constant of body endermic tissues and body impedance signals corresponding to non-fixed different frequencies, and calculating through the software of the microprocessor the body fat content, total body water, ratio between intracellular water and total body water. The body weight, body fat content, total body water and ratio between intracellular water and total body water are displayed on the display. A body composition monitor based on the above method, which includes a weighing sensor, a weighing signal processing circuit, and a display unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detecting the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas which utilize an RF energy emitter and RF energy detector for determining whether a solid, liquid or gas is present within a defined physical space. More specifically, an RF energy emitter is provided at a first side of a solid, liquid or gas transmission channel and an RF energy receiver/detector is provided at an opposite side of the solid liquid or gas fluid channel. The RF energy emitter either continuously or periodically emits RF energy which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is in the high-frequency or more preferably ultrahigh frequency signal range. The amount of detected RF energy transferred across the channel is used in determining the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas.

Abstract: The position of an RF switch, or switches, in a matrix switch drive system is monitored using AC rather than DC measurement techniques. Using the same wiring as the matrix switch drive system so as not to increase the size and weight of the switch installation, a low current AC signal is provided during non-actuation of the RF switch(es) to each of plural combinations of a capacitor and a microswitch serially connected across each switch coil. With the capacitor and switch coil exhibiting inverse impedance responses to increasing AC frequency, when the microswitch is open only the coil impedance is read and when the microswitch is closed only the capacitor impedance is read. Using a switch coil with an inductance of 1 henry and a capacitor with a capacitance of 0.1 farads, the difference in impedance between the microswitch ON and OFF states is an easily detectable two orders of magnitude.

Abstract: A method for controlling the quality of the coolant for fuel cell systems, it being proposed to measure and monitor the insulation resistance of the load circuit of the fuel cell system. It has become apparent that there is a functional, uniquely defined relationship between the measured insulation resistance and the electrical conductivity of the coolant so that a separate measurement of the electrical conductivity by means of corresponding sensor systems and evaluation means can be dispensed with in the present invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining a concentration of biodiesel in a mixture of biodiesel and petrodiesel are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a method includes receiving an oscillatory signal at an inductance-capacitance-resistance circuit. The circuit has a sensing element fluidly communicating with the mixture of biodiesel and petrodiesel. The method further includes generating a resonant current at a resonant frequency utilizing the circuit in response to the oscillatory signal. The method further includes determining a concentration value indicating the concentration of the biodiesel in the mixture based on an amplitude of the resonant current and/or the resonant frequency, utilizing a microprocessor. The method further includes storing the concentration value in a memory device, utilizing the microprocessor.

Abstract: The invention relates a substrate for a package for an electronic circuit and methods for packaging an electronic circuit with a substrate. The substrate comprises at least one conduction region and an activation region arranged within the substrate. The activation region is generally in contact with the conduction region and is configured to change its electrical resistance when activation occurs.

Abstract: Characteristics of a fluid are determined, in one embodiment, by flowing the fluid (which may contain charged particles) between a plurality of electrode pairs, applying respective DC voltages across at least two of the electrode pairs, and measuring resulting currents through the fluid at the respective electrode pairs. In one example, respective plates of the electrode pairs are configured so that they do not fully encircle one another.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to systems and methods for detecting biological and chemical species in liquid and gaseous phase. The systems and methods utilize carbon nanotubes to enhance sensitivity and selectivity towards the reacting species by decreasing interference and detecting a wide range of concentrations.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring response time of a display apparatus including a photographing part including a charge coupled device camera and a microscope, an image processing part receiving a picture taken from a photographing part and calculating the response time thereof, and a control part applying a predetermined image signal to the display apparatus and controlling the photographing part to take a picture change of the display apparatus at a predetermined time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microarray bioprobe device integrated with an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors. The present invention utilizes a micro-electro-mechanical process as well as a semiconductor process to integrate microarray bioprobes and an amplifier having bottom-gate thin film transistors on a flexible substrate. As such, a signal obtained by the microarray bioprobes can be amplified nearby to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and impedance matching. The microarray bioprobes are formed on the flexible substrate such that the present microarray bioprobe device can be disposed to conform to the profile of a living body's portion so as to improve electrical contact between the bioprobes and the living body's portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for reducing electromagnetic noise pick up in a Liquid Metal Cleanliness Analyzer (LiMCA), used to detect and measure particles in molten metal. An first electrode inserted in the molten metal is electrically insulated from second and third electrodes, also inserted in the molten metal. Molten metal and particles pass between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes through a passage in the electrical insulation. The second and third electrodes have a configuration with respect to the first electrode sufficient to establish symmetrical current loops between the first electrode and the second and third electrodes when a current is supplied to the second and third electrodes. The current is supplied from an ultra-capacitor. Electromagnetic noise in the symmetrical current loops is detected and is added in opposition to reduce the amplitude of the electromagnetic noise.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring a characteristic impedance of a transmission-line comprises transmitting energy to the line, and shortly after measuring the voltage/current involved and thus measuring the equivalent impedance. The measured characteristic impedance may then be used in order to determine the termination value required to minimize reflections. In another embodiment, the proper termination is set or measured by adjusting the termination value to achieve maximum power dissipation in the terminating device. The equivalent characteristic impedance measurement may be used to count the number of metallic conductors connected to a single connection point. This abstract is not intended to limit or construe the scope of the claims.

Abstract: A system for detecting a characteristic of oil in a reservoir includes a sensor at least partially located in the reservoir. The sensor has a chamber for receiving oil from the reservoir, a detector member in the chamber, and an electromagnetic coil. Application of voltage across the electromagnetic coil moves the detector member and the presence and viscosity of oil in the chamber affects the rate of that movement. The electric current through the electromagnetic coil is measured and analyzed to determine an amount of time that the detector member took to move between two positions in the chamber. That amount of time is used to determine whether there is at least a predefined amount of oil in the reservoir and, if so, the viscosity of the oil.

Abstract: A chemical sensor has a substrate, a first metallization plane on the substrate, an electrode structure formed in the first metallization plane, a passivation layer applied to the first metallization plane and formed with contact holes, a sensitive ceramic layer on the passivation layer and in the contact holes, and a bond-promoting layer configured as a second metallization plane and between the passivation layer and the ceramic layer.

Abstract: A constant contact reference wheel system includes a vehicle carrying a water reservoir, and a constant contact reference wheel. The constant contact reference wheel includes a frame having a first end and a second end, an attachment mechanism carried by the first end removably coupling the frame to the vehicle, a wheel structure having a rim for rolling contact with a soil surface, and a reference cell carried by the frame. A water pathway extends from the water source to the rim. The rim exudes water for contact with the soil surface, and the reference cell is in fluid communication with the water pathway.

Abstract: An adaptive measurement system measures a transition rate associated with an output of a device. An input signal that is characteristic of the output of the device is received by an input signal-to-frequency converter, which changes state based upon a characteristic of the input signal. The input signal-to-frequency converter provides a second signal, which reflects the state changes of the input signal-to-frequency converter. The second signal is sampled over a sample period and an instance of average transition rate is determined. A control subsystem may use the instance of average transition rate for regulating the device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for evaluating the effect of an electric discharge on an aircraft structure through the evaluation of the damage caused by the effect of the thermal heating generated by the mentioned discharge on the structure, comprising the steps of: applying an electric discharge on the material of the aircraft structure by means of an intensity generator; distributing in an electric mesh with resistive electric elements the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the intensities running through the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure from the intensity introduced in the generators; calculating with the previous intensities the heat which is dissipated in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; calculating the distribution of temperatures in each of the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structure; determining the elements of the electric mesh of the material of the aircraft structu

Abstract: A method for the diagnosis of a three-way catalytic converter for an internal combustion engine using the voltage signal of a downstream binary lambda sensor proposes that with a changeover of the air/fuel ratio ? that is fed to the internal combustion engine from high to low, the voltage signal U? of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jump in order to establish a first oxygen storage capacity OSC1 of the catalytic converter, with a changeover of the air/fuel ratio that is fed to the internal combustion engine from low to high, the voltage signal U? of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jump in order to establish a second oxygen storage capacity OSC2 of the catalytic converter, and/or with a modulation of the air/fuel ratio that is fed to the internal combustion engine between high and low, the voltage signal U? of the lambda sensor is monitored for its jumps in order to establish a third oxygen storage capacity OSC3 of the catalytic converter, wherein the diagnosis of the catalytic converter is perfo

Abstract: A sensitivity of a cumulative chemical/physical phenomenon detecting apparatus is improved. Prior to transferring charges at a sensing section to a floating diffusion section, the charges remaining at the sensing section are removed from the sensing section by a potential barrier formed between the sensing section and a charge injection adjusting section.

Abstract: A spill-resistant beverage container having a liquid freshness detector and notification device is described. The spill-resistant beverage container is comprised of cup, a beverage temperature sensor, a processing electronic circuit and a display device. The temperature sensor and processing electrical circuit are mounted within an enclosure on the bottom of the cup and the display device emits light or sound when the beverage temperature does not have a desired value.

Abstract: An electrically operated, particle detecting, or characterizing, sensor structured as a thin film multilayer sandwich. Three or more electrodes are deposited onto thin layers of film, and stacked to form the sandwich. A representative stacking arrangement provides a pair of stimulated electrodes spaced apart from an intermediate measurement electrode by insulating layers of thin film. A fluid conducting channel, having an axis perpendicular to the film layers, provides electrolytic electrical communication between the three electrodes. Contact pads, arranged to permit electrical interrogation of the electrodes by electrical circuitry, are desirably arranged for access to electrical interrogation probes from a single side of the sensor. Certain sensors may be included in single-use, disposable cartridges adapted for analysis by an interrogation platform.

Abstract: An electrical condition monitoring method utilizes measurement of electrical resistivity of an age sensor made of a conductive matrix or composite disposed in a polymeric structure such as an electrical cable. The conductive matrix comprises a base polymer and conductive filler. The method includes communicating the resistivity to a measuring instrument and correlating resistivity of the conductive matrix of the polymeric structure with resistivity of an accelerated-aged conductive composite.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for detecting the material of a surface of flat objects on a stack, in particular of objects individually separated from one another in the stack by interlayers, preferably of printing plates. The object is to reliably detect the material of the surface of the object that was taken from the stack before it is provided for further processing. The object is achieved by a sensor apparatus that carries out a measurement of the electrical resistance in the region of the object surface to be determined. For this purpose, contact is made between the surface and sensor electrodes, and a measuring current is conducted through the surface. On the basis of the current intensity determined, a distinction is made as to the material of which the object surface is formed.