Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy monitoring and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device monitoring unit. A communication system allows the monitoring unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.

Abstract: Problems associated with delta motors and motor controllers being subjected to the potentially damaging combination of extremely low motor torque and very high overcurrent conditions resulting from a single dead ended motor winding are eliminated in a motor controller that automatically inhibits operation of the delta motor upon detecting that the two leads of a single motor winding have both been connected to the supply lines for a single phase of a three phase power source.

Abstract: A wearable device for alerting a user when a static electrical charge has developed on the user which exceeds a preset limit, prior to an accidental discharge of the static charge. The device includes a first conductive element in close proximity to the user and a second conductive element spaced a further distance from the user than the first conductive element. A high impedance differential amplifier provides a voltage signal proportional to the potential difference existing between the first and second conductive elements. A voltage level discriminator receives the voltage signal from the high impedance differential amplifier and triggers an alarm if the voltage signal exceeds a predetermined limit.

Abstract: A resistance tester is incorporated into a grounding device. The resistance tester includes a test circuit, a battery, a switch and a set of indicator devices. With the grounding device being worn and the cord end of the device in contact with the user so as to form a closed circuit, the test circuit measures the resistance level of the grounding device upon activation of the switch. The indicator devices provide a visual indication of the resistance level, i.e., too high, too low or within acceptable limits. The resistance tester is self-contained and may be used anytime by the user to ensure that the resistance of the grounding device is acceptable.

Abstract: A system for moving fluids, solids and semisolids through a conduit. The system includes a grounding mechanism, a way to automatically monitor the grounding mechanism, a way to automatically determine whether the grounding mechanism is effective and a way to output monitoring information.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting random electrostatic discharge events is disclosed in which the electrostatic discharge indicator is "Electric Paper". The "Electric Paper" has a plurality of spheres having one hemisphere of one color and the other hemisphere of another color. The spheres rotate when an electric field is applied to them and are sensitive enough to respond to electrostatic discharge events. The "Electric Paper" may be pre-imaged so that a pattern indicating the state of the paper is visually ascertainable.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for monitoring equipment. A computer having an enclosure defining an enclosure space is initially provided. Disposed within the enclosure space is a central processing unit including a memory and an arithmetic logic unit. The computer is provided with communication means operably connected to the central processing unit for permitting communication between the central processing unit and a peripheral device. An alarm sensor is disposed within the enclosure space of the computer. When the alarm sensor senses an alarm condition, the security system outputs a data signal indicative of the alarm condition for sounding an alarm, for example.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy verification and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device testing unit. The testing unit may include sensors and circuits for identifying particular worker who are performing the test. The testing unit includes a testing circuitry for periodic verification of the efficacy of the ESD device. A communication system allows the testing unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.

Abstract: A circuit on a detachable device, such as a plug-in card, determines when the detachable device has been disconnected from a host device. The circuit includes a node, a power source, a switch and a control circuit. The node is connected to ground when the detachable device is connected to the host device. The node is disconnected from ground when the detachable device is disconnected from the host device. The switch is for connecting and disconnecting the node to the power source. The control circuit is for, repeatedly at a predetermined interval of time while the detachable device remains connected to the host device, causing the switch to connect the node to the power source for a first length of time. The control circuit, at the end of the first length of time, checks a voltage level of the node in order to detect whether the detachable device has been disconnected from the host device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for distributing power includes a housing, at least one input terminal, and at least one output terminal. The input and output terminals are each positioned in the housing. The input terminal is operatively connected to the output terminal. At least one circuit breaker is positioned in the housing. The circuit breaker includes an on position and an off position. The circuit breaker is operatively connected to the input terminal and the output terminal. An alarm circuit is operatively connected to the output terminal to prevent an alarm signal when an electronic chassis is not operatively connected to the output terminal and the circuit breaker is in the off position.

Abstract: The present invention provides automated systems for performing electrostatic discharge (ESD) device efficacy monitoring and recording the results for an ESD auditing program. Systems of the present invention comprise at least one ESD device monitoring unit. A communication system allows the monitoring unit to communicate with a central computer which collects, stores and allows the manipulation of the test data. Systems of the present invention are therefore useful in testing the ESD devices, documenting their performance, and controlling access to particular work areas based on testing results.

Abstract: A power supply circuit detects ground fault paths, and miswiring of the load, using a test mode in which electrical power is applied to only one power output terminal of the power supply relative to the ground terminal, while substantially no electrical power is applied to the second power output terminal relative to the ground terminal. If application of power during the test mode causes substantial current flow through ground, then there is a ground fault path, or an incorrect connection between the midpoint of the load and ground. The power supply further includes unique features for signaling the presence and kind of fault it has detected; the power supply is capable of distinguishing between ground faults in at least two different locations, and when a fault is detected, the power supply signals the presence of the fault and its location, e.g., by timed blinking of the connected discharge light. These features are enhanced by a diagnostic analyzer for connection to the power supply.

Abstract: A ground detector includes a detecting circuit formed of a polarity test circuit, a voltage dropping and rectifying circuit, a grounding test circuit and an alarm device, wherein the polarity test circuit leads in AC power supply and tests the polarity of its power wires so as to discriminate the standard zero potential circuit of the earth wire or neutral wire for grounding test reference; the voltage dropping and rectifying circuit converts lead-in AC power supply into DC power supply for working of the grounding test circuit; the grounding test circuit leads in the zero potential wire which is identified by the polarity test circuit, and compares its potential with the test circuit, so as to determine the grounding condition of the grounding bus, and to drive the alarm device when an error grounding of the rounding bus is detected, causing the alarm to output an audio alarm signal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring, controlling, displaying, and dissipating an electrostatic charge from an object such as a computer monitor, television, workbench, telephone handset or person. An electrostatic charge is electrically coupled to an input terminal of an electrostatic dissipater. The electrostatic dissipater includes a "hardening" circuit, such as a voltage-overload circuit, which serves to protect the components of the electrostatic dissipater itself. As the electrostatic charge is dissipated, a display indicates the level of electrostatic charge being dissipated. This indication permits trouble-shooting electrostatic charge problem areas as well as increasing user awareness of electrostatic problems. A conductive electrostatic solution used in conjunction with the electrostatic dissipater improves dissipation of the electrostatic charge. Similarly, the electrostatic dissipater improves the efficiency of a conductive electrostatic solution.

Abstract: An integral ground connection is provided in a sealed compressor housing. The ground connection includes a pin which receives a connection from a power supply to provide a ground for the power supply at the compressor. The pin is electrically communicated to the compressor housing. A visual indication is made internal to the compressor of which of the four connections is associated with the ground and which of the other three are supplying the three phase power.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring the integrity of a ground connection between an electrostatic apparatus and earth ground. The device and method provide for continuous monitoring of the connection. The device includes an audible and visual alarm if there is a fault in the grounding connection. It also provides an audible and visual alarm if a DC power supply falls below a specified value. A switch is provided for testing the circuit manually to ensure its proper operation.

Abstract: A wrist-strap monitoring system includes a first wrist-strap monitoring circuitry and a second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry. The first wrist-strap monitoring circuitry is used to monitor continuously impedance of a first human body to be between an upper level and a lower level. The second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry is used to monitor continuously impedance of a second human body to be between the upper level and the lower level. A logic circuit is responsive to the first and second wrist-strap monitoring circuitry for generating an alarm signal. A sound device is responsive to the alarm signal for generating an audible signal. Further, there is provided a ground detection circuit operatively connected to a ground connection for monitoring continuity of the ground connection.

Abstract: A method and device for testing the quality of a ground path, particularly although not exclusively for a telecommunications system. The device has terminals for connection to respective lines, such as tip and ring. A terminal is provided for connection to the local ground. Voltage-sensitive switches of increasing threshold voltage are alternatively connected between the local ground and each of the tip and ring lines via a rotary or other selector switch and the terminals. Current will flow if the local ground potential exceeds the threshold voltage of the voltage sensitive switches. A device responsive to mains frequency, e.g. a butt-in head set, provides an audible sound (mains hum) indicating the ground potential rise exceeds the threshold of the selected voltage-sensitive switch.

Abstract: A ground and bond detection device for ensuring that a conductive material, such at a metal container, is properly grounded to prevent electrostatic charge buildup. The device indicates whether a ground connection between the conductive material and ground exists, and whether the ground connection has been interrupted. The device is battery-powered, portable, and can be used on conductive material which is coated with nonconductive material such as paint, dirt, or rust. The ground and bond detection device provides low-cost, reliable, portable, and safe monitoring of ground connections for, e.g., metal containers used to store flammable materials.

Abstract: Detection of the existence, magnitude, and frequency of occurrence of a plurality of ESD events is achieved by using an envelope detector to process signals generated by ESD events and received by an antenna. The ESD event detector includes an antenna for producing a signal waveform in response to electromagnetic fields incident thereupon, a demodulator coupled to the antenna for generating an envelope waveform that is related to the envelope of the signal waveform, a threshold window discriminator coupled to the demodulator for generating an indication signal if the envelope detected by the demodulator has a magnitude between a first and a second threshold, and a counter coupled to the threshold window discriminator for counting the number of indication signals received from the threshold window detector.

Abstract: Improved electronic circuitry incorporated into a tag attached to a user worn wrist strap of a static electrical discharge dissipation system. The electronic circuitry monitors the electrical connection of the wrist strap from the user to ground and tests the functionality of the tag. The electronic circuitry comprises an oscillator, a signal transmitter, a discharge resistor and a discharge resistor check circuit for monitoring the accuracy of the discharge resistor. The electronic circuitry also comprises a skin resistance check circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to the user, and a ground fault detect circuit for monitoring the electrical connection of the wrist strap to ground.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reducing errors in a battery powered sensing circuit uses two pull-up resistors. The first resistor has a value selected to minimize battery drain and the second resistor has a value selected to reduce dendrite or other parasitic parallel resistance. The resistors are selectively connected to the circuit based on a predetermined sequence and/or time interval.

Abstract: Safety discharge circuit and method, capable of protecting workers from electric shocks during maintenance of high voltage electrical systems. A high voltage electrical system is placed inside a grounded box having a cover, releasably connected to the box. The circuit uses an electronic device adapted to sense the removal of the cover from the box and disable the high voltage electrical system. The electronic device is connected to the cover at its input and to the high voltage electrical system at its output, and is preferably a semiconductor controlled rectifier having a gate at its input. The semiconductor controlled rectifier is in a reverse blocking state when the cover is connected to the box, and is latched in a forward conducting state when the cover is removed from the box. The connection from the gate of the semiconductor controlled rectifier to the cover is made through mounting screws, which hold the high voltage electrical system connected to the cover.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a monitoring device for computers with connected peripherals such as monitors, printers or the like, wherein all peripherals are respectively connected with the computer by at least one ground line. At that, each ground line includes a sensor device looped in between the peripheral and the computer for monitoring a continuous ground connection, and an alarm device actuated by the sensor device, when a deviation is recorded, for signaling an interrupted ground connection. Thereby, a simple and operationally reliable monitoring of one or more computers with connected peripherals is achieved.

Abstract: A system for the remote measurement of the protection ground associated with an electrical system, and which employs a telephone line for the transmission of the control signals and the results of the measurement. The system includes a centralized ground measuring device (1) having two reference grounds (11, 12) which are connected to the soil, a line selector (2) and remote actuators (3) which also include two ground terminals which are connected to the soil and which may be located near the region in which the measurement is required.

Abstract: In an electric fence energizer there is an exterior earth connection such as an earth connection post (16). The electric fence energizer comprises in the conventional way a transformer (T) having a primary winding (L.sub.1) and a secondary winding (L.sub.2), one exterior terminal (9) of which is connected to the conductor (17) in the electric fence and the other exterior terminal (11) is connected to the earth connection, high voltage pulses being induced over the secondary winding (L.sub.2) when voltage pulses are applied over the primary winding (L.sub.1). For a determination of the quality of the earth connection, the voltage over a small part of the secondary winding (L.sub.2) is obtained capacitively by means of an extra winding (L.sub.3) in the transformer (T). For an evaluation of this voltage, it is connected, only for a determined polarity, to a charging circuit for a capacitor (C.sub.2), which is discharged over a known resistor (R.sub.2, R.sub.3). The voltage (V.sub.21) over this capacitor (C.sub.

Abstract: A fail-safe fluid transfer control apparatus has full redundancy in the response to various inputs such as overfill probe signals, ground detection signals, and the like. Independent microprocessor controllers independently evaluate the inputs and each output control signals to close a respective relay when the inputs indicate that fluid transfer may commence. The relays are arranged in series such that both must be closed for a fluid transfer to commence. The control signals from each controller include a static signal and an alternating signal, both of which must be properly output to close its respective relay. Each controller monitors the state of each relay, and discontinues its control signals if either relay appears to be malfunctioning. Each controller runs an different, independently written firmware program to process the detected inputs to prevent a common firmware error.

Abstract: Ground detection apparatus that automatically detects continuity of a safety ground of a piece of equipment. The ground detection apparatus includes test relay circuitry for determining if a ground connection is open. Comparison logic circuitry is used to generate a fault signal if the ground connection is open and to prevent the electrical equipment from being energized. Delay circuitry is used to stabilize input voltage measurements, and to test the lines for a desired time period. Latching circuitry is used to latch the fault condition, and to ensure that all delays have elapsed and no fault condition exists before the electrical equipment is energized. Optionally, the latching circuitry may be used to prevent latching in a "brownout" condition. If the equipment safety ground is not present, power is not supplied to the equipment. This prevents possible shock to a user caused by ungrounded equipment.

Abstract: A three wire power supply circuit is provided comprising a circuit for monitoring the integrity of the ground connection of the power supply circuit. A circuit element is provided in the line-to-ground current path which conducts when current flows in the line-to-ground current path and is nonconductive when the ground connection is poor or absent. A microcontroller monitors the output of the circuit element and operates a buzzer or a light emitting diode to indicate when the ground connection is poor or absent.

Abstract: A self-testing electronic personnel grounding device (wrist strap) for the purpose of dissipating static electricity from an individual. It uses a built-in electronic circuitry to detect a break in the electrical continuity in the wrist strap and alerts the wearer when there is a break in electrical continuity owing to broken connections along the dual wire coil cord or at the adjustable elastic wrist band, when it is improperly worn, or when the wearer's body resistance is too high. This device operates on a watch (Nickel-Cadmium, NiCd) type battery to provide the energy source to light an LED (Light emitting Diode) to indicate that there is a break in electrical continuity. The electronic circuitry is designed such that if the wrist band is improperly worn, causing ineffective contact between the human skin and the conductive side of the wrist band, the LED indicator will come on signaling a break in electrical continuity.

Abstract: An electronically controlled accessway includes a touch pad mounted to or immediately in front of, a door panel. A step plate is positioned immediately in front of the door. A user stands on the step plate to open the door and contacts the touch pad. A grounding sensor coupled to the touch pad and the step plate detects resistance between the touch pad and the step plate. If the resistance between the touch pad and the step plate is within a designated range, the grounding sensor releases an electronically controlled locking mechanism to permit the door to be opened. If the grounding sensor detects that the person is not properly grounded, the grounding sensor leaves the locking mechanism engaged to prevent the person from entering the statically sensitive area. In one embodiment, the door panel is pivotable about conventional hinges and the touch pad is integral to the door handle.

Abstract: A testing wristlet seat using an oscillation circuit to test a test lead which is grounded to discharge the static electricity produced in the manufacturing procedure. In case the test lead is broken or poorly grounded, the grounding condition will no more exist. At this time, the oscillation circuit oscillates and generates a frequency to make an inner buzzer emit warning sound to inform the user of the breakage of the circuit. An LCD display screen is disposed on the wristlet seat for displaying time in normal condition. In case a failure takes place, the display screen displays a fail signal for the user.

Abstract: An electronic trip device having a processing unit producing a tripping signal when currents of a power system to be protected exceed preset thresholds for preset times, and a trip storage device connected to the processing unit, the storage device having a storage circuit comprising two terminals, a diode connected in series with a capacitor between the terminals and a resistor connected in parallel with the capacitor, the storage device being able to inject a strong current to charge the capacitor via the diode before tripping and able to inject a weak current when the trip device is put into operation, and to measure the voltage at the terminals of the storage circuit.

Abstract: The apparatus for automatically coupling an internal ground of an electric appliance to an external ground, comprises first and second AC power lines for supplying an AC input to a load; a neutral ground generating circuit for combining the first and the second AC power lines to produce a neutral ground point; a first detection circuit for detecting a current flow from the first AC power line to the internal ground to generate a first current detection signal; a second detection circuit for detecting a current flow from the second AC power line to the internal ground to generate a second current detection signal; and a ground coupling circuit for connecting, in response to the second current detection signal, the first AC power line as the external ground to the internal ground; for connecting in response to the first current detection signal, the second AC power line as the external ground to the internal ground; and for connecting the neutral ground point as the external ground to the internal ground when t

Abstract: Ground anomalies in electronic circuit component test equipment are identified by a circuit arrangement which continuously monitors the integrity of a ground potential connection to the travel path, and provides both a visual display and an audible alarm in the event of a prescribed degradation in ground potential at any of a plurality of monitored locations along the travel path. A resistance monitoring circuit contains a plurality of voltage dividers that are coupled to respective ones of plural locations along the part's travel path through the handler. Each voltage divider monitors the effective resistance to ground at a respective location within the handler. A scanner unit sequentially couples the voltage divider outputs to a comparator.

Abstract: A unique vehicle ID number and other verification information is stored in a small memory mounted on a tank truck. When the truck is connected to a loading terminal by means of a cable which is used by an existing overfill/ground system, an interface circuit connected between the memory and the cable prevents signals which are normally found on the cable leads from damaging the memory circuits. When information must be read from the memory, a special identification and verification system connected to the overfill/grounding circuits modifies some of the normal signals on the cable in order to activate the on-board memory and retrieve the stored information without disabling the overfill and ground proving capabilities.

Abstract: A system for indicating fault condition on operator's electrostatic discharge protection equipment includes for an operator wearing ESD protection equipment comprising: a conductive wrist-strap in electrical contact with the operator's body, and an electrical wiring to a local ground, a portable system to alert the operator when a problem (cut or poor electrical connection) occurs with wiring to the ground, or when an electrical field reaches a predetermined value at the operator's wrist.In one embodiment, the invention also includes a device for memorizing that an ESD event has occurred.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: Air bags are deployed by firing circuits each containing a squib in series with a common control switch, and a control containing an accelerometer and a microprocessor for operating the switch to deploy the air bags. To diagnose shorts, a current source feeds a trickle current through each squib and a current limited voltage regulator across the switch passes the combined trickle currents to ground. The microprocessor senses the voltage across the switch via an A/D converter. That voltage goes low for a short to ground and high for a short to battery voltage.

Abstract: An electrostatic discharge device painlessly discharges electrostatic energy from a computer operator and/or an optical element such as a filter mounted on a cathode ray tube (CRT) computer monitor. The electrostatic discharge device preferably is mounted on the frame of the optical filter, and includes an electrostatic discharge pad circuit which includes a discharge pad comprising a substrate coated with a conductive material and connected to ground. A person such as a computer operator who contacts the coated substrate is discharged of any electrostatic charge through the coated substrate, to ground. A display to indicate the discharge can be connected between the discharge pad and ground and in parallel with a resistor to control the rate of discharge through the display. The device also includes an electrostatic field drain circuit for discharging electrostatic energy emanating from the face of a CRT monitor.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the continuity of a single-conductor wrist-strap, which may be used for monitoring the integrity of the electrical connection between a person's body and the ground.The device is based on a phenomenon known as the "mains hum" inside the human body, which is the presence of several volts of 60 Hz AC inside the human body. The presence of such voltage inside the human body can be used to trigger some special types of electronic circuits. Such effect, in turn, can be used as an indication of the presence of the human body.

Abstract: A detector for detecting electrostatic discharge events in an electronic component, assembly or system and including a display element which produces an immediate indication on exposure to a change in voltage level, an electrostatic discharge sensor, and circuit means for connecting said sensor to said display element. In one embodiment, the detector and the board or other device to be monitored are mounted in a housing having a visual access window with the display element of the detector viewable through the access window and with the detector positioned at the electronic device being monitored.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a connecting circuit for a potential-free lambda probe having a ground line and a signal line and having an offset voltage source which is connected to the ground line. This offset voltage source raises the potential of the ground line to a pregiven value relative to ground. A ground short is directly detectable in the connecting circuit of the invention in that the potential measured at the signal line drops below the offset voltage. In this way, it is no longer required as in conventional circuits to check for a ground short by enriching the mixture of an engine and to monitor the exhaust gas with the lambda probe.

Abstract: A wrist-worn static charge warning device constructed and arranged to remain silent most of the time. The device emits an audible signal in the event that the charged individual wearing the device is approaching a grounded or poorly grounded electronic circuit, thereby warning against possible damage to the circuit before the occurrence of such damage.The invention is based on the fundamental concept that movements of static charges can be detected by means of two RC circuits connected in a Master-Slave configuration.

Abstract: An electronic circuit device having a protection circuit for protecting a switching system electronic circuit when a ground terminal is removed from the device. The protection circuit includes a detection circuit for detecting the ground terminal has been removed from ground as a change in an electronic potential of the ground terminal, an input cut-off circuit connected between an input terminal and the electronic circuit to control an operation of the electronic circuit, a low voltage protection circuit for controlling an operation of the electronic circuit in response to an output signal from the detection circuit, and a memory circuit for controlling an operation of the input cut-off circuit in response to both output signals from the detection circuit and the low voltage protection circuit.

Abstract: A wrist-worn static charge warning device constructed and arranged to remain silent most of the time. The device emits an audible signal in the event that the charged individual wearing the device is approaching a grounded or poorly grounded electronic circuit, thereby warning against possible damage to the circuit before the occurrence of such damage. The device is based on the fundamental concept that movements of static charges can be detected by means of two RC circuits connected in a Master-Slave configuration.

Abstract: A grounding system and detection circuit comprising a dual grounding configuration having a first or primary grounding means and a second or default grounding means, and a detection circuit connected to both the first and second grounding means. The first or primary grounding means may be any conventional manual grounding system such as a grounding cable attached to the frame, body, or fuselage of an aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. The second or default grounding means is automatically attached to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle during fueling or fuel transfer, with the detection circuit positively detecting whether the first or primary grounding means is conductively connected to that same aircraft, vessel, or vehicle. A supplemental detection circuit may be utilized to verify that the first or primary grounding means is connected to the aircraft, vessel, or vehicle prior to connection of the second or default grounding means.

Abstract: An improved grounding detection circuit includes an intrinsically safe circuit connected to a grounding clip for grounding vehicles and container durng the transfer and storage of combustible materials. The intrinsically safe circuit includes grounding loop for verifying that the grounding clip and the intrinsically safe circuit are grounded. The intrinsically safe circuit transmits a signal to an optoisolator when the container is grounded, and the optoisolator, in turn, transmits an energization signal to relay circuitry, to energize a relay coil. A capacitor in series with a resistor are connected across the relay coil to minimize the inductive effect of the relay coil on the optoisolator.

Abstract: The apparatus for monitoring and controlling electrostatic discharge control systems provides an automated sequence of electrostatic discharge control and soldering iron performance measurements that can be used to verify the continued integrity of the electrostatic discharge control systems. This is accomplished by a microprocessor controlled central data acquisition and control unit that controls a plurality of test units. Each work station in the manufacturing environment is equipped with a test unit that performs a number of measurements and tests of various electrostatic discharge control systems and soldering iron performance. The central data acquisition and control unit sequentially and automatically polls each individual test unit to perform or prompt the operator to participate in the designated measurements. The data obtained by each test unit is transferred to the central data acquisition and control unit where the data is analyzed and recorded.