Abstract: A laser system includes: a laser light source; a light detector configured to output an electric current proportional to an output laser light of the laser light source; a resistor network configured to convert the electric current output from the light detector to a monitor voltage; and a regulator configured to control an intensity of the output laser light based on a comparison between the monitor voltage and a voltage corresponding to a control target value, wherein the resistor network comprises at least two branch circuits connected in parallel with each other, and the branch circuits include respective digital potentiometer circuits commonly formed in a single device.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises first and second stationary poles with first and second electrodes, and a reference pole positioned therebetween. The reference pole is coupled to a shaft, and includes a semi-metal via that forms a conducting path between the first and second electrodes. The shaft positions the reference pole between the first and second stationary poles, and a resistance of the conducting path varies with a position of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention is a method of measuring salinity that presents an alternative to conventional salinity sensors that require AC voltage to measure salinity. The use of AC voltage is undesirable due to the need for two accurate analog measurements (current and voltage) and, in the case of computer based measurements both analog measurements must be converted to a digital signal.

Abstract: Mechanically tuned radios and related methods are disclosed that utilize ratiometric time measurements to detect settings for mechanical adjustment mechanisms. The radio systems and methods disclosed make a first time measurement associated with a mechanically adjusted circuit, make a second time measurement associated with the mechanically adjusted circuit, determine a setting for the mechanical adjustment mechanism based upon a ratio associated with the first and second time measurements, and utilize the setting to select a tuning frequency for signals received by the radio. More generally, ratiometric time measurements can be used to determine a setting for a mechanical adjustment mechanism for a mechanically adjusted circuit, and this setting can be used to at least part control a desired operational feature of a device.

Abstract: Calibration of a non-contact voltage sensor provides improved accuracy for measuring voltage on a conductor such as an AC branch circuit wire. In a calibration mode, a predetermined voltage is imposed on a first voltage sensing conductor integrated in the non-contact voltage sensor, while a voltage on a second voltage sensing conductor is measured using a circuit of predetermined input impedance. The capacitance between the wire and each of the voltage sensing conductors may be the same, so that in measurement mode, when the first and second voltage sensing conductors are coupled together, the effective series capacitance provided in combination with the predetermined input impedance is four times as great. The results of the voltage measurement made in the calibration mode can thereby be used to adjust subsequent voltage measurements made in measurement mode with the first and second voltage sensing conductors combined in parallel.

Abstract: A circuit includes a digital-to-analog converter with non-uniform resolution for converting a digital signal into an analog signal. The digital-to-analog converter includes high-resolution circuitry, reduced-resolution circuitry coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and a switch coupled to the high-resolution circuitry and to the reduced-resolution circuitry. The switch couples one of the high-resolution circuitry and the reduced-resolution circuitry to an output node. The circuit also includes a decoder coupled to the switch. The decoder receives the digital signal to control the switch.

Abstract: A potentiometer and a method for adjusting an impedance. In accordance with an embodiment, the potentiometer may be a programmable multistage digital potentiometer that has a first stage comprising a non-shunted impedance, a second stage coupled between a reference terminal and the first stage, and a third stage coupled between the first stage and another reference terminal. In accordance with another embodiment, the potentiometer receives a wiper address and parses it into sections such that one section controls the first stage, a second portion controls portions of the second and third stages, and a third portion controls the other portions of the second and third stages to produce a desired impedance between a common wiper terminal and the reference terminals.

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: In a rotation angle sensor attaching structure for detecting rotation of a rotational angle detection object shaft through a reduction gear, an outer race of a bearing is force fitted in and secured to a central portion of the reduction gear, and an inner race of the bearing is secured to a supporting wall by a supporting bolt. A sensor-connecting element of a rotation angle sensor, which extends across a head portion of the supporting bolt, is secured integrally to an outer side face of the reduction gear. Such arrangement achieves a minimal size of the rotation angle sensor attaching structure.

Abstract: A method of making a test sensor configured to assist in determining information related to an analyte in a fluid sample is disclosed. The method comprises the act of providing a base having a first end and a second opposing end. The method further comprises the act of providing a fluid-receiving area configured to receive a fluid sample. The method further comprises the act of assigning calibration information to the test sensor. The method further comprises the act of forming at least one notch such that a depth of the notch corresponds to the calibration information.

Abstract: A driving device for a hatch in a motor vehicle includes a first fastening element which can be connected to a stationary structural component, a second fastening element which can be connected to a movable structural component, a spindle drive including a threaded spindle having an axis of rotation and a spindle nut arranged on the threaded spindle, and a rotary drive having a driveshaft for rotating spindle to move the first fastening element axially relative to the second fastening element. A stroke detection sensor for continuously detecting the position of the movable structural component includes a rotatable sensor element driven in rotation by the driveshaft and a stationary sensor element for continuously detecting the rotational position of the rotatable sensor element. A gear reduction unit is provided between the driveshaft and the rotatable sensor element so the revolutions of the sensor element are reduced by about 14:1.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring resistance of a polarizing material are disclosed. The system includes a voltage divider circuit having a first resistive element of known resistance and the polarizing material of unknown resistance and a processing unit. The processing unit is electrically-coupled to the voltage divider circuit and adapted to apply a voltage across the voltage divider circuit. A first input/output (I/O) pin is electrically-coupled between the processing unit and the first resistive element. A second pin is electrically-coupled between the processing unit and a junction between the polarizing material and the first resistive element. A controller is adapted to cause the second pin to short the polarizing material after a measurement is completed, to bleed off any residual polarization from the capacitive element of the polarizing material.

Abstract: There is provided a power supply monitor circuit comprising a positive supply monitoring input, a negative supply monitoring input, and a voltage divider connected between the positive and negative supply monitoring inputs and having an intermediate node providing a potential intermediate those on the positive and negative supply monitoring inputs. A sampling circuit is connected to sample the potential at each of the positive supply input the negative supply input and the intermediate node. Also provided is a method of monitoring noise on a power supply whereby phase information from those samples is derived about the noise signals at the two said points.

Abstract: A passive terminator between a plurality of nodes includes a first voltage divider configured to passively set a differential voltage level between a first voltage level and a second voltage level. The first voltage divider has a Thevenin resistance and is electrically connectable to a first node. At least a second voltage divider is configured to passively set the differential voltage level between the first voltage level and the second voltage level. The second voltage divider has the Thevenin resistance and is electrically connectable to at least a second node. A transformer is electrically connected between the first voltage divider and the at least second voltage divider. The transformer has a reactance that is substantially greater than the Thevenin resistance of the first voltage divider and the at least second voltage divider.

Abstract: A high resolution potentiometer implemented using at least two digital potentiometers connected in parallel. Each digital potentiometer is controlled to provide a corresponding resistance value, and a desired resistance value is attained by such control. The resolution is high in some range of desired resistance values and low in other ranges. A high resolution in a desired range can be attained by connecting another resistor in series with the digital potentiometers connected in parallel.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a sliding contact element in an electrical rotating machine, in particular a generator, includes a holder for the sliding contact element and a sensor for detection of a state variable of the sliding contact element. An evaluation unit is also provided for evaluation of the state variable which is detected by the sensor, with signals from the sensor being transmitted to the evaluation unit without using wires. The wire-free transmission makes the apparatus particularly maintenance-friendly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a linear displacement transducer with improved accuracy, in which stable contact is achieved by forming contacts coming into contact with resistors in a elastic linear contact type, rather than a conventional point contact type, using a rotating roller made of a conductive rubber material, and the life span thereof is extended by considerably reducing friction.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention describe a method and apparatus used to determine the position of a wiper on a potentiometer without the need for an external ADC. Two capacitors are each connected to an end of a potentiometer, and then are charged or discharged simultaneously by a current source or current sink attached to the wiper of the potentiometer. The time required for each of the capacitors to charge or discharge to a threshold voltage level is measured and subsequently used to determine the position of the wiper on the potentiometer.

Abstract: A resistance-type liquid level measuring apparatus which suppresses a detection voltage error due to silver sulfide within a permissible range in practical use and enables measurement indication with accuracy, and comprises a resistance-type sensor including a float 9 floating according to a liquid level, an insulating substrate 6 having a plurality of conductor electrodes 4 connected with a resistor 5, and a movable contact interlocked with a movement of the float 9 to come in contact with the conductor electrodes 4 on the insulating substrate 6, in which a material containing silver is used as a material of the conductor electrodes 4 or the movable contact, a voltage dividing resistance 11 is connected with a power source BA in series with the resistor 5, and a voltage of a connection point between the voltage dividing resistance 11 and the resistor 5 is outputted as a signal corresponding to the liquid level, and resistance values of the voltage dividing resistance 11 and the resistor 5 are set so that a v

Abstract: A potentiometric sensor for wellbore applications having a permanent aqueous contact between measuring and reference electrode, whereby contact is ensured by discharging the internal solution from the reference electrode directly onto a measuring (ion-sensitive) membrane and protecting the reference junction of the reference electrode with water wet porous material, such as sintered glass. It is advantageously applied to oil-water mixtures under high pressure and/or temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring a sliding contact element in an electrical rotating machine, in particular a generator, includes a holder for the sliding contact element and a sensor for detection of a state variable of the sliding contact element. An evaluation unit is also provided for evaluation of the state variable which is detected by the sensor, with signals from the sensor being transmitted to the evaluation unit without using wires. The wire-free transmission makes the apparatus particularly maintenance-friendly.

Abstract: A displacement/angular position sensor including a potentiometer path (20), which is arranged on a carrier (10) and to which an alternating voltage can be applied, a collector path (30) arranged on the carrier (10), a first probe (70) guided for displacement above the potentiometer path (20), and a second probe (80) electrically coupled with the latter and guided for displacement above the collector path. Screening surfaces (11, 12, 13, 14), connected to frame potential, are provided that surround the potentiometer path (20) and the collector path (30) and the probes guided above them so that both the potentiometer path (20) with the first probe (70) associated to it and the collector path (30) with the second probe (80) associated to it are each arranged in a spatially separate, screened space (22,32).

Abstract: A redundant resistor matching detector is provided with constant percentage threshold. The redundant resistor matching detector includes a voltage reference and a first operational amplifier, a second operational amplifier, a first potentiometer and a reference potentiometer. The first operational amplifier has a first input connected to a first potentiometer. The second operational amplifier has a first input connected to the reference potentiometer. The first operational amplifier and the second operational amplifier have a reference input coupled to the voltage reference. An input current mirror is coupled to the first potentiometer providing a first current. A first reference current mirror is coupled to the reference potentiometer providing a reference current. A second reference current mirror has an input coupled to a first output of the first reference current mirror and has a first output coupled to an output of the input current mirror.

Abstract: There is disclosed an internal sizing apparatus comprising a pneumatically activated probe that moves axially within a shoe and non-destructively measures the interior dimensions of the shoe. A linear pneumatic actuator is mounted between a heel piece and a probe. A linear potentiometer is mounted above the actuator and also connects to the probe. The apparatus is inserted into a shoe with the heel piece seated against the interior heel portion of the shoe. A computer system controlling the actuator extends the probe linearly into the shoe until the probe contacts the toe portion of the shoe. The potentiometer then measures the linear distance traveled by the probe and thus determines the internal linear dimension of the shoe. Depending on the type of probe, three-dimensional internal measurements of the shoe can also be quantified.

Abstract: A diagnostic circuit (18) for a potentiometric sensor (10) having an electrically resistive means (12) and a sliding contact (14) in connection with the resistive means and providing an output from the sensor at a sensor output terminal (16), the diagnostic circuit comprising a low pass filter (36) connectable between the sliding contact and the sensor output terminal; alternating voltage supply means (20,21,22,24) having a high impedance connectable to the sliding contact; and amplitude modulation demodulating means (30,32,34) connectable between the sliding contact and a diagnostic output terminal (38), the voltage at the diagnostic output terminal providing an indication of the contact resistance between the sliding contact and the resistive means of the sensor. Monitors the contact resistance without interfering with the sensor output.

Abstract: A controller, having a microprocessor, a control potentiometer and a monitor interface circuit connected between the microprocessor and the potentiometer, operates to monitor the control potentiometer and monitor interface circuit for failures. The potentiometer along with its wiring terminals and its wiper are monitored for faults. In addition the monitor interface circuit itself is tested so that either a fault in the potentiometer or a fault in the monitor interface circuit will be detected. The monitoring includes three tests performed from time to time. First, voltages across the full potentiometer are measured and compared to a voltage determined at initial installation or commissioning. The measured voltage is compared against limits to detect whether the measured voltage is inside or outside the limits. Second, the voltage across the wiper selected portion of the control potentiometer is measured and compared against a threshold to detect a fault.

Abstract: A counter counts the repetitive pulse signals, a sawtooth generation circuit generates a sawtooth signal based on the count output of the counter, the amplitude and the offset of the sawtooth signal is adjusted by a resistance, and a comparing circuit compares the sawtooth signal with the analog voltage from an angle sensor to output a pulse signal having a duty ratio corresponding to the detected angle.

Abstract: A voltage follower is incorporated within a molded electrical connector interface of a position sensor in a way that does not detract from the dimensions or the performance of the finished sensor. The incorporation of the voltage follower into the housing of the variable resistor provides several advantages over the prior art, including: an immunity to sag; substantially reduced sensitivity to noisy contactors; and short lead length and low output impedance, both of which result in reduced interference from external source.

Abstract: An electrical path or angle sensor comprises a first, stationary contact segment, a plurality of stationary, second contact segments arranged one behind the other and separated from one another by dividing gaps, these second contact segments being connected to circuit elements, a sliding contact movable in a predetermined direction of movement and displaceable over the contact segments and the dividing gaps dependent on the path or angle, as well as contact tongues formed on the sliding contact and movable therewith, these tongues being aligned with their contact-making points in a contact line and when the sliding contact is moved connecting the first contact segment each time with at least one of the second contact segments in an electrically conductive manner by this line.

Abstract: A device for noise peak suppression during a potentiometer evaluation has a potentiometer located between a reference voltage and mass and having a slider with a slider output, a control device adapted to receive a signal from the slider output of the potentiometer, and an amplifying unit located between the potentiometer and the control device so that a signal picked up from the slider output is amplified in the amplfying unit before being supplied to the control device.

Abstract: A non-contacting potentiometer includes a resistor and a movable probe which capacitively couples AC signals applied to the resistor to an output terminal. A closed loop control circuit is coupled to the resistor and the probe to compensate for variations in gap spacing between the probe and resistor.

Abstract: Techniques for adjusting the surface acoustic wave velocity of a packaged SAW device are described. A first technique involves depositing a film from a cover of the device onto a surface wave propagating surface thereby providing a localized region on said surface where the acoustic properties and, hence, the velocity characteristics of the surface wave propagating surface are altered. An alternate embodiment of a pair of beams are directed through a transparent cover and converge on the surface wave propagating surface, selectively removing a portion of said surface to provide a localized alteration in the acoustic properties of the surface wave propagating surface.

Abstract: A position detecting apparatus electrically detects the present position of a moving body reciprocated within a movable region. The apparatus comprises a resistance section continuously disposed by a predetermined length along the reciprocating direction within a detecting region corresponding to the movable region on a substrate composed of an insulator. A plurality of region discriminating patterns are formed by combining a conductive section discontinuously disposed by a predetermined length along the reciprocating direction within the detecting region on the substrate, and an insulating section having no conductor. An electric brush is provided which is connected to the moving body and reciprocated within the detecting region in a state in which the brush slidably contacts the resistance section and the plurality of region discriminating pattern section.

Abstract: A device is described for determining and/or controlling the operating data of automotive vehicles, particularly for controlling the velocity of vehicles with internal combustion engines and electric transmission of the position of the gas pedal to an electric setting element which is connected to the throttle valve or the displacement device of the injection pump, the device having a measuring device for determining shunt resistances to the electric position transmitter which is connected to the gas pedal and the throttle valve. Such shunt resistances (leak resistances) detrimentally affect the desired precise relationship of the position of the gas pedal to the position of the throttle valve.

Abstract: An attenuating circuit including a reference signal path that is attenuated by an amount which is related to the attenuation in an attenuation signal path for the purpose of improving attenuation accuracy.