Abstract: According to one embodiment, an automatic analyzing apparatus includes a probe and a liquid level detector. The liquid level detector is electrically connected to the probe and detects contact between the probe and a liquid surface, wherein the liquid level detector comprises an adjuster configured to adjust electrostatic capacitance of one or more capacitors for circuitry for use in liquid level detection.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system including a vehicle body portion is provided herein. The vehicle suspension system further includes a first suspension lever which is pivotally mounted with respect to a first pivot axis on a first region of the vehicle body portion and pivotally connects a wheel hub or a steering knuckle to the vehicle body portion. The vehicle suspension system further includes a rotation sensor with a first sensor portion of the sensor is fixedly connected to the vehicle body portion and a second sensor portion is fixedly connected to the first suspension lever, where the first and second sensor portions are rotatable with respect to each other about a sensor rotation axis, and the rotation angle between the first and second sensor portions with respect to each other indicates a pivot angle of the first suspension lever.

Abstract: Methods and devices to mitigate time varying impairments in sensors are described. The application of such methods and devices to pressure sensors facing time varying parasitic capacitances due to water droplets is detailed. Benefits of auto-zeroing technique as adopted in disclosed devices is also described.

Abstract: A surgeon input device for controlling a robotic surgical system is disclosed herein. The surgeon input device comprising a housing and at least one sensor disposed within the housing. The at least one sensor, in operative communication with an electromagnetic signal transmitter, configured to detect at least one of a position and orientation of a surgeon's hand within a predefined electromagnetic field generated by the electromagnetic signal transmitter. The surgeon input device further comprising at least one button protruding out of the housing, where the at least one button configured to open and close an end-effector of a surgical instrument and at least one sensor disposed within the housing, where the at least one sensor configured to detect a compression and decompression of the at least one button and send a signal via a sensor wire to a control system to regulate opening and closing of the end effector of the surgical instrument.

Abstract: A sensing apparatus for use in harsh environments to measure a target characteristic. The apparatus has a sensing element formed as a section of a coupled slow-wave structure including at least two impedance conductors each curled into a helix with opposing directions of winding around a dielectric base to form a resonator. The sensing element provides as an output signal a digital frequency that depends on the value of the measured characteristic. A target tube moves over the sensing element, covering and uncovering portions of the sensing element. An electronics module receives the output signal and displays the measured characteristic. A separate coaxial cable is connected to each impedance conductor on one end and to the electronics module on the other end, with the length of the coaxial cables separating the electronics module from the sensing element by a distance sufficient to avoid exposing the electronics module to the harsh environments.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided and includes a rotary encoder that comprises a stator, a rotor, and a controller. The stator has an opening adapted to surround a first portion of a rotatable shaft, a transmit region, and a receive region. The rotor has an opening adapted to surround a second portion of the rotatable shaft, an annular conductive region, and at least one conductor electrically coupled with the annular conductive region. The controller has an input coupled to the receive region and has an output coupled to the transmit region. The controller is configured to transmit a first signal on the output of the controller and to the transmit region of the stator, receive a second signal on the input of the controller and from the receive region of the stator, and determine, based on the second signal, a proximity of the at least one conductor to the receive region.

Abstract: A position sensor for a linear actuator, a production method for a position sensor, a linear actuator with a position sensor, and a method for determining a position of a linear actuator. The position sensor has a capacitor arrangement and a data processing device. The capacitor arrangement has a first capacitor element and a second capacitor element arranged to be movable relative to the first capacitor element and designed to generate a capacitive signal. A data processing device is configured to determine the position of the second capacitor element relative to the first capacitor element based on the capacitive signal. The second capacitor element is made of an electrically conductive polymer.

Abstract: A position sensor includes first and second sensor components. The second sensor component has a reading unit that is configured to evaluate a capacitive signal in relation to the position of the second sensor component relative to the first sensor component. The position sensor is in addition configured to provide the result of the evaluation at an interface of the first sensor component. A method for ascertaining a position of a second sensor component of a position sensor relative to a first sensor component of the position sensor as well as a linear actuator, are provided.

Abstract: A proximity sensor unit includes a proximity sensor section including a sensor electrode capable of detecting a capacitance value according to a distance to an object to be detected in a detection direction and a moving device capable of moving the sensor electrode of the proximity sensor section or the object to be detected in the detection direction.

Abstract: A wireless temperature-measurement system comprising (a) one or more temperature probes each including one or more energy-storage capacitors which supply the electrical energy for operation of the probe(s) and (b) a probe-charging station having circuitry configured to supply electric charge to the energy-storage capacitors prior to the temperature probes being positioned to measure temperature.

Abstract: An inductive position measuring device includes a scanning element and a scale element. The position measuring device is able to determine positions of the scanning element relative to the scale element in a first direction and in a second direction. The scale element includes graduation structures arranged next to one another along the first direction, and the graduation structures have a periodic characteristic with a second period length along the second direction. The scanning element has a first receiver track, a second receiver track, a third receiver track, and an excitation lead. Each of the three receiver tracks has two receiver circuit traces. The receiver circuit traces have a periodic characteristic with a first period length along the first direction, and the receiver tracks are arranged at an offset from one another in the second direction.

Abstract: Disclosed are an optical signal communication method, and an optical signal transmission device and an optical signal reception device which perform the method. The optical signal communication method may comprise the steps of: receiving input data to be modulated into an optical signal, modulating the input data into the optical signal, and transmitting the optical signal to an optical signal reception device, wherein the optical signal includes a start pulse and an end pulse, and a time interval between the start pulse and the end pulse is determined on the basis of a data value of the input data.

Abstract: System for detecting a touch gesture of a user on a detection surface, comprising: a processing unit; and an accelerometer to detect a vibration at the detection surface and generate a vibration signal. The processing unit is configured to: acquire the vibration signal, detect, in the vibration signal, a signal characteristic which can be correlated to the touch gesture of the user, detect, in the vibration signal, a stationarity condition preceding and/or following the detected signal characteristic, and validate the touch gesture in the event that both the signal characteristic and the stationarity condition have been detected. An electrostatic charge sensor may also be used as a further parameter to validate the touch gesture.

Abstract: A multi-layer insulation includes a plurality of layers that are laminated on each other. A detection layer that is at least one of the plurality of layers has a piezoelectric film, and a pair of electrode parts installed on both surfaces of the piezoelectric film.

Abstract: A surface property evaluation method includes a measurement step for acquiring the distribution of impedance in the depth direction of a test piece, and an evaluation step for evaluating the surface treatment state in the depth direction and wherein the evaluation step includes: a step for creating a reference measurement value group by preparing untreated sample, good sample, and sample to be evaluated, and calculating an impedance ratio ?1 at each frequency for the untreated sample and good sample impedances; a step for creating an evaluation measurement value group by calculating an impedance ratio ?2 for the impedances of untreated sample at each frequency relative to the sample to be evaluated impedances; and a step for evaluating the surface treatment state of a sample to be evaluated by comparing a reference measurement value group with the evaluation measurement value group.

Abstract: Disclosed is an alternating electric field based plane 2D time-grating displacement sensor which includes two parts: the base of fixed ruler and the base of moving ruler, and the two parts are installed in parallel. The base of fixed ruler is arranged with square excitation electrodes that are respectively staggered coded along axis X and Y, and the base of moving ruler is arranged with induction electrodes arranged adjacently along X-axis and Y-axis, and the four induction groups respectively output four traveling wave signals through electric field coupling, and summation of adjacent output signals with an adder can simultaneously decouple two traveling wave signals with opposite phases and only containing X-axis displacement and two traveling wave signals with opposite phases and only containing Y-axis displacement; two traveling wave signals in either direction are differenced by a subtractor to eliminate common mode interference.

Abstract: A distributed temperature sensor probe for measuring temperature at multiple depths. The probe includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected in series inside a sensor housing. The temperature sensors are distributed at various points along the length of the sensor housing. Each temperature sensor has an internal storage and an internal battery. A probe head is connected to a top of the sensor housing, and a probe tip is connected to a bottom of the sensor housing.

Abstract: An area varying capacitive sensor for substantially reducing a drift and an offset without performing a complicated process by linearizing a signal while automatically compensating the offset and the drift by additionally disposing an electrode and performing a simple signal process without applying complicated signal processing to an area varying capacitive sensor having a periodic electrode, a self compensation and signal linearization method of the area varying capacitive sensor are provided.

Abstract: Electromechanical apparatus including a wheel set and an analogue indicator member which are integral in rotation, a stepping motor, and a capacitive device for detection of the angular position of the wheel set, including a rotor, a stator and an electronic measuring circuit, the stator including a first pair of electrodes having a first capacitance and a second pair of electrodes having a second capacitance, the rotor being adapted such that the values of the two capacitances depend on the angular position of the rotor, and an electronic measuring circuit being provided for generating an output signal representative of a difference between the respective values of the first and of the second capacitance.

Abstract: A configuration and a method for capacitive sensing of the rotatory motion of a rotary member are described. The configuration has four electrodes located in one plane, an analysis unit connected to the electrodes and an electrically conducting coupling surface, which is located at the rotary member opposite to the electrodes. The electrodes comprise a central excitation electrode, surrounded by the other electrodes. The coupling surface is opposite to the surface of the excitation electrode in each rotary position and covers a part of the surface formed by the remaining electrodes and passes over the surface formed by the remaining electrodes during a rotation of the rotary member. The remaining electrodes are formed by two sensor electrodes and a joint reference electrode, whereby at least the joint reference electrode is designed different than the sensor electrodes.

Abstract: A motion detecting device has a stationary plastic sensor carrier. The stationary plastic sensor carrier has two sensor carrier sections and an insulation section. The carrier section has a first plastic material and the insulation section has a second plastic material. The insulation section extends between two adjacent sensor carrier sections. The sensor carrier sections and the at least one insulation section are integrally formed by a plastic molding process. Plated metal sensing surfaces are provided on the surfaces of the sensor carrier sections. Surface electrode contacts connect the plated metal sensing surface electrodes with a PCB and define at least one capacitive area between at the plated metal sensing surface electrodes. A plastic knob element is movably arranged on the plastic sensor carrier, such that the insulating plastic separator sections and the plated metal sensing surface electrodes are at least partly covered by the knob element.

Abstract: Provided herein are embodiments of a miniature wireless biomedical telemetry device along with systems and methods for its use. A miniature amplifier and transmitter allow recording of physiological signals from small animals, such as rats, mice and birds, as well as humans. The device is positioned externally and is easily replaceable, as is its battery, so surgical complications and other problem problems are minimized.

Abstract: Techniques for forming high-bandwidth proximity connection between capacitively coupled plug and receptacle are described herein. A system for achieving capacitive coupling between contactless pads is described. The techniques include aligning and retaining the plug and receptacle in close proximity to one another. The techniques include cancelling crosstalk in the system based on the symmetry and orientation of differential pairs comprising signal pads. The techniques include enabling a high-bandwidth proximity transmission by filtering the transmission using a silicon buffer component.

Abstract: The invention discloses a system and method for communication through touch screens that uses a first touch screen and a second touch screen for communication to form a communication system. The first and the second touch screens have a detecting mode for detecting an approach or touch of an external conductive object. In addition, the first and the second touch screens have a communication mode in which capacitively coupled communications between the first and the second touch screens are performed in order to exchange or communicate a message.

Abstract: An electrode device for a capacitive sensor device for detecting a position of an object relative to the electrode device, wherein the electrode device has a transmitting electrode configuration, a receiving electrode configuration and at least one ground electrode, wherein the transmitting electrode configuration, the receiving electrode configuration and the at least one ground electrode are arranged one upon the other and spaced from each other, at least one ground electrode is arranged between the transmitting electrode configuration and the receiving electrode configuration, and the transmitting electrode configuration has a first transmitting electrode, which may be loaded with an electric alternating signal. Further provided is a printed circuit board that has such an electrode device as well as a handheld device with such a printed circuit and a handheld device with a capacitive sensor device with such an electrode device.

Abstract: A measuring kit for contactless measuring of the air gap distance between a frame mounted pole and core of a rotor includes a capacitance sensor which generates a signal proportional to the measured air gap, a panel meter in communication with the capacitance sensor which interprets the signal and displays the minimum air gap distance, an A/D converter also in communication with the capacitance sensor which converts the signal to a digitized signal, and a control panel which takes the digitized signal from the A/D converter, processes the digitized signal, and then displays the minimum air gap measurement. The control panel shows a graphic of the core and its surrounding poles to track the progress of the testing, and when the testing between the core and one of the surrounding poles is complete, the graphic of the pole tested visually darkens to indicate that portion of the test is complete.

Abstract: A field device for process instrumentation comprising a measurement transducer having an analog output to which a two-wire line can be connected for transmitting an analog output signal, wherein a unit galvanically separates the processor from an analog output circuit. A read-back channel for a pulse-width modulated digital signal, which is tapped behind an element for galvanic separation, is provided for monitoring generation of the analog output signal, and a unit is provided for monitoring the analog output signal to maintain a specifiable maximum deviation from a reference signal, which is generated in the same manner as the analog output signal by low-pass filtering from the pulse-width modulated digital signal. In the case of transient signals, the monitoring unit advantageously detects error states quickly and appropriate measures for reacting to the error states can therefore be implemented in less time.

Abstract: A testing system for wireless power transfer systems, including a stationary plate, a rotating plate, and a driver to rotate the rotating plate with respect to the stationary plate.

Abstract: A multiplexed input/output (I/O) system detects leakage currents on a selected input channel. The system includes a leakage detection multiplexer connected to provide an output selected from one of a plurality of input channels. In addition, the leakage detection multiplexer provides as part of the output measured leakage currents associated with the selected input channel. Based on the detected leakage currents, a determination can made regarding whether the detected leakage currents have compromised the integrity of the multiplexer output. In addition, the detected leakage current can be used to compensate the output provided by the multiplexer to account for the presence of leakage currents on the selected channel.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: A sensor device includes a capacitive probe including a first conductor and a second conductor. The sensor device also includes a radio to generate a signal based on a measurement associated with the capacitive probe and to provide the signal to the first conductor for transmission using the capacitive probe as a transmission antenna.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30. The distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15, and an arithmetic processing circuit 28. The drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a difference value between a capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the largest capacitance value and the capacitance value of the sensing electrode which shows the lowest capacitance value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to wireless charging. A charging device configured to wirelessly charge one or more electronic devices may comprise at least one charging region, wherein each charging region of the at least one is configured for placement of one or more electronic devices. The charging device may further include an interface configured to convey information relating at least one electronic device of the one or more electronic devices placed within the at least one charging region.

Abstract: A method of sensing exposure to one or more of a plurality of environmental factors includes exposing a code circuit to at least some of the environmental factors, the code circuit disposed over a substrate and including a plurality of electrically-connected sensor patches, each sensor patch susceptible to one of the environmental factors, wherein the code circuit has an electrical state. An electrical excitation signal is passed through the code circuit, and a corresponding received electrical signal detected, using a transceiver formed on a transceiver substrate separate from and disposed over the substrate, wherein the transceiver includes a controller and the received electrical signal depends on the excitation signal and the electrical state of the code circuit. Using the controller, the received electrical signal or a representation thereof is automatically stored in a memory. The checking and storing steps are automatically repeated after one or more selected time intervals.

Abstract: A capacitive rotation sensor for detecting the position of an object moving relative to a stationary object, comprising a shaft rotatably supported in a housing flange, said shaft being connected integral in rotation therewith to a rotor to which, separated by an air gap, a stator situated opposite thereto is assigned, wherein at least the rotor, the stator and an evaluation circuit are enclosed by an electrically conductive cap, wherein a stator surface is arranged on the underside of a circuit board and the stator surface has assigned thereto, situated opposite thereto and separated by the air gap, a non-rotation-symmetrical rotor disc which, in turn, is fixed on a rotor support, said rotor support being fastened highly precisely on the outer periphery of the shaft so as to be integral in rotation therewith.

Abstract: A visually and remotely readable apparatus is provided which comprises a plurality of sensing units, a control unit and a flexible printed cable (FPC) to connect two units for exchanging information therebetween. A preferable structure of the sensing unit includes a fixed part secured to the body of the apparatus and two oppositely positioned rotatable parts, where two rotatable parts mounted on a common shaft with the fixed part arranged therebetween forming two angular position sensors. Each sensor is based on the capacitive coupling between two working surfaces of the rotatable part and the respective working surfaces of the fixed part with the electrodes are secured thereto. Two working surfaces of one part are confronted with two respective working surfaces of another part forming two working surface pair. Each sensor has two working surface pairs, one working surface pair is sensing pair for sensing angular position; another is coupling pair for coupling sensing signals.

Abstract: A headrest position adjusting device 100 includes a distance measuring device 10 and a drive motor unit 30, and the distance measuring device 10 includes a plurality of sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and a detecting circuit 20. The detecting circuit 20 includes a plurality of capacitance sensing circuits 21 to 25 connected one-to-one to the sensing electrodes 11 to 15 and an arithmetic processing circuit 28, and the drive motor unit 30 includes a motor driving circuit and a drive motor. Based on the detected capacitance values, the detecting circuit 20 calculates a distance calculation angle ? formed by points representing the positions and output values of the sensing electrodes 15 and 11 located at the highest and lowest positions and a point representing the position and output value of the largest output value, and thereby measures an electrode-head distance L. A position adjusting operation for a headrest 43 is performed based on the measurement result.

Abstract: The invention inter alia relates to a method for monitoring the bearing current of an electrical machine (10). An electrode (100) arranged at a distance (d) to a shaft and the shaft—due to the gap (S) between the electrode and the shaft—produce a measurement capacitance (C) and an electric shift current (i) which flows through the measurement capacitance when there is a temporal change of the voltage (Ug) applied between the shaft and the housing is measured. A measurement signal (Ms) indicating a bearing current flow is generated when the shift current or a measurement variable produced by the shift current meets a predetermined trigger criterion. Preferably, the electrode has a circular inner contour so that the gap is annular. The annular inner contour results in an error compensation in the case of a balance error of the shaft because the factor dC/dt remains at least substantially constant. Due to the contactless measurement of the shift current, no contact brushes for contacting the shaft are required.

Abstract: Provided are an apparatus and a method for controlling human body contact of ground electrode, and a human body communication system using the same. The apparatus includes a resistance measuring unit for applying a predetermined voltage to a human body through a signal electrode, to measure a resistance value between the signal electrode and the ground electrode; a contact control unit for determining whether the ground electrode needs to contact the human body by using the measured resistance value, to provide control information associated with human body contact; and a contact performing unit for bringing the ground electrode into contact or out of contact with the human body according to the control information.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for detecting stray voltage anomalies in electric fields are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for detecting an electrical field may comprise: at least one sensor probe for generating data corresponding to an electrical field detected by the at least one sensor probe, wherein the at least one sensor probe comprises at least one electrode; a processor, coupled to the at least one sensor probe, for analyzing the data to identify a voltage anomaly in the electric field; and an indicator, coupled to the processor, for alerting a user to a presence of the voltage anomaly in the electric field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for communication, and a program that makes it possible to provide a communication environment not limited by a use environment. An electrode controlling unit 261 in a transmitting device 260 checks a state of capacitive coupling of each of an electrode 271 and an electrode 272 in an electrode unit 262 with surroundings, controls connection of each electrode to a transmitting unit 263 according to a result of the check, and makes the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 function as a transmission signal electrode or a transmission reference electrode, the transmission signal electrode and the transmission reference electrode being different from each other. The transmitting unit 263 connects the electrode 271 and the electrode 272 to an amplifying unit under control of the electrode controlling unit 261, and transmits a signal to a communication medium 280 via one of the electrodes. The present invention is applicable to communication systems.

Abstract: Aspects of this invention include a downhole assembly having a non-contact, capacitive coupling including first and second transceivers deployed in corresponding first and second downhole tool members. The capacitive coupling is disposed to transfer electrical signals between the first and second transceivers. In one exemplary embodiment, the capacitive coupling is configured to transfer data and power between a substantially non-rotating tool member and a rotating tool member, for example, the shaft and blade housing in a steering tool. Exemplary embodiments of this invention provide a non-contact, high-speed data communication channel between first and second members of a downhole assembly. Moreover, exemplary embodiments of the invention also provide for simultaneous non-contact transmission of electrical power between the first and second tool members.

Abstract: An anti-pinch sensor, particularly for detecting an obstacle in the path of an actuating element of a motor vehicle is provided, having a sensor body, a measuring electrode, which is disposed in the sensor body and to which a measuring potential can be applied, a calibrating electrode, which is electrically disconnected and disposed in the sensor body adjacent to the measuring electrode, and a control unit. The control unit controls the measuring electrode and the calibrating electrode such that the measuring potential and the calibrating potential are equal in a measuring phase, and differ from each other in a calibrating phase.

Abstract: A method for reducing the occurrence of false ground fault detections in a central office terminal is provided. The method includes generating a no-fault signal when no ground current is detected, delaying generation of a fault signal when ground current is detected at least for the duration of an expected pulse in AC induced signal, and when the ground current persists for a sufficient period, generating a signal indicating a fault condition.

Abstract: An occupant determination apparatus and an occupant determination method accurately determine a size of an occupant, with a simple configuration where a plurality of electrodes are arranged on one layer, and eliminate errors due to the capacitance between an occupant and surrounding car-body metal parts or the like, and thus suppress erroneous determination. The apparatus includes a sensor having a plurality of seat section electrodes arranged on a sitting section, and a determination section. The determination section includes an oscillator, a capacitance detecting section which detects the current flowing through a seat section electrode in order to detect the capacitance, a switching circuit which switches the connection of the capacitance detecting section to the seat section electrode, and a controlling section which outputs a switch control signal.

Abstract: A method of obtaining a material property of a pavement material from a microwave field generally includes generating a microwave frequency electromagnetic field of a first mode about the pavement material. The frequency response of the pavement material in the electromagnetic field can be measured, such as by a network analyzer. The measurement of the frequency response permits correlating the frequency response to a material property of the pavement material sample, such as the density. A method of correcting for the roughness of a pavement material divides the pavement into a shallow layer and a deep layer. Two planar microwave circuits measure the permittivity of the shallow and deep layer. The permittivities are correlated to correct for roughness. An apparatus for obtaining the density of a pavement sample includes a microwave circuit and a network analyzer. The network analyzer measures the frequency response to determine the density of the pavement material.

Abstract: A device for sensing an obstacle in the opening range of a movable closure element of a motor vehicle, more particularly an electrically powered window pane or sunroof is defined. The device is provided with at least one sensor electrode generating an electrical field in the opening range of the closure element. It is furthermore provided with a control unit for detecting a change in the capacitance of the electrical field caused by the presence of an obstacle in the opening range of the closure element, the control unit providing a control signal for a drive powering the closure element. The sensor electrode is connected to the control unit either directly or via a shielded conductor. The control unit is arranged on an electronic controller of the drive and compensates the influence of the shielded conductor on the electrical field.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that facilitates measuring an alignment between a first semiconductor die and a second semiconductor die. The system provides a plurality of conductive elements on the first semiconductor die and a plurality of conductive elements on the second semiconductor die. The plurality of conductive elements on the second semiconductor die have a different spacing than the plurality of conductive elements on the first semiconductor die, so that when the plurality of conductive elements on the first semiconductor die overlap the plurality of conductive elements on the second semiconductor die, a vernier alignment structure is created between them. The system also provides a charging mechanism configured to selectively charge each of the plurality of conductive elements on the first semiconductor die, wherein charging a conductive element on the first semiconductor die induces a charge in one or more conductive elements on the second semiconductor die.

Abstract: The armature of a position sensor has one or more electric current conductors adapted to be moved into and out of a gap between two capacitor electrodes. The capacitance between the capacitor electrodes is measured to determine the position of the armature. Electric current in the armature results from electric charges moving in the electric current conductors. The electric current conductors are adapted to restrict electric current therein to directions approximately perpendicular to the surfaces of the capacitor electrodes. Preventing current flow parallel to the surfaces of the capacitor electrodes in the electric current conductors makes the capacitance measurement insensitive to armature movement other than movement that moves the electric current conductors into or out of the gap. The position sensor is simpler and less expensive to make than known capacitance based position sensors.

Abstract: An improved data output retrieval communication method and apparatus for reading portable miniaturized temperature and related sensors by novel radio-frequency capactively coupled communication paths established at a common readout station to which the sensors are brought for such readout to a common computer or the like.