Entries |
Document | Title | Date |
20080238445 | Measuring Device For Measuring the State of Oils or Fats - A measuring device is used to measure the state of oils or fats. Said measuring device comprises a housing, a hollow connecting element which is secured therein and a carrier which is applied to the opposite end of the connecting element, said carrier being used to receive a sensor which can be used to measure the electric property of the product which is to be measured, in addition to a sensor which can be used to measure the temperature of the product which is to be measured. The two sensors are in contact with the evaluation system by means of at least one electric line, which is arranged in the region of the housing and/or on the end of the connecting element oriented towards the housing. The temperature sensor is arranged at a pronounced distance from the connecting element and the sensor in order to measure the electric property of the product which is to be measured. | 10-02-2008 |
20080238446 | High temperature microelectromechanical (MEM) devices - A microelectromechanical (MEM) device per the present invention comprises a semiconductor wafer—typically an SOI wafer, a substrate, and a high temperature bond which bonds the wafer to the substrate to form a composite structure. Portions of the composite structure are patterned and etched to define stationary and movable MEM elements, with the movable elements being mechanically coupled to the stationary elements. The high temperature bond is preferably a mechanical bond, with the wafer and substrate having respective bonding pads which are aligned and mechanically connected to form a thermocompression bond to effect the bonding. A metallization layer is typically deposited on the composite structure and patterned to provide electrical interconnections for the device. The metallization layer preferably comprises a conductive refractory material such as platinum to withstand high temperature environments. | 10-02-2008 |
20080297173 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MEASURING CONDUCTIVITY OF FLUID - A system and related method are provided to calibrate for wire capacitance during use to minimize error in conductivity measurement of the target fluid. The system includes a signal generator configured to drive the conductivity cell and the temperature element, with an alternative current (AC) drive signal having variable parameter. The system further includes a processor assembly electrically coupled to the conductivity cell and the temperature element to calculate a conductivity value of the fluid. The conductivity value is a function of the values of the temperature measurement, the compensation measurement, and the raw conductivity measurement, thereby compensating the conductivity value for capacitance effects. In this manner, the system effectively compensates for capacitance attributable to wiring extending between the electrode and other electronics of the sensor, usable with wiring of varied and unknown lengths. | 12-04-2008 |
20080297174 | Capacitive sensing devices - A capacitive sensing device comprises a set of sensing elements disposed in a two-dimensional arrangement. The two-dimensional arrangement is comprised of full elements and partial elements. A plurality of the partial elements are proximate at least one edge of the two-dimensional arrangement. Additionally, a partial element of the partial elements is smaller in element area than a full element of the full elements. An edge electrode trace of the capacitive sensing device is comprised of a selectively coupled plurality of the partial elements. The selectively coupled plurality of the partial elements resides proximate a first edge of the two-dimensional arrangement. | 12-04-2008 |
20090009192 | System and Method For Package Inspection - A system are described in the field of automated packaging, relating to the inspection of packages (packaged product) in a production line. In particular, the invention addresses a number of problems with inspection systems of the prior art. One embodiment described provides a capacitor sensing inspection system ( | 01-08-2009 |
20090033341 | CAPACITIVE TACTILE TILE SENSOR - A capacitive tile tactile sensor is described and includes several groups of individual sensors each controlled by a dedicated IC. Individual sensors are formed by sensing electrodes on one side of the sensor and a single ground electrode on the other side, the ground electrode is separated from the sensing electrodes by a compressible dielectric layer. A single electrical connection between the ground electrode and the sensing electrode layer allows for routing of all electrical connections including individual electrodes and a ground electrode to appropriate ICs within the same layer using conductive ink or other similar techniques. Stand-alone configurations are described as well as those adapted for communicating with outside control means including a personal computer. Arranging groups of sensors in parallel with each other creates a matrix of sensors while arranging them along a single line creates a linear strip sensor. Using off-the-shelf capacitance-sensing ICs to control a limited number of capacitance sensors allows reducing the number of electrical connections to the sensor array and increasing its reliability. | 02-05-2009 |
20090039899 | CONTAINER FILLING MACHINE - The present invention provides a container filling machine comprising a sensing device for detecting the integrity of discrete articles for personal treatment to be packaged in a container. The sensing device comprises a pair of capacitor plates positioned in a substantially opposing relationship for creating therebetween an electric field, a track for guiding the discrete articles for personal treatment through said electric field and a processing unit. The processing unit is in communication with the pair of capacitor plates, and is operative for detecting a change in capacitance as a discrete article passes through the electric field in order to determine the integrity of the discrete article on the basis of the change in capacitance and a characteristic capacitance change signature. The container filling machine further comprises a transportation device, a rejection device, a counting device and a plurality of path blocking devices. | 02-12-2009 |
20090039900 | Surgical Testing Instrument and System - The present disclosure describes an instrument for measuring the dielectric properties of biological tissue. The instrument includes a top electrode assembly and a bottom electrode assembly, the top electrode assembly including a top electrode and at least one shaft adjustably positionable to move the top electrode relative to the bottom electrode assembly, the bottom electrode assembly including a bottom test plate and a bottom electrode. The instrument also includes a testing cylinder coupled to the shaft and having an inner cavity defined therein that houses the top electrode and which is designed to enclose the bottom electrode therein. The testing cylinder is configured to reduce at least one of electric current, magnetic current, stray radiative RF fields and external capacitive leakage currents during activation of the top and bottom electrodes. | 02-12-2009 |
20090058428 | Method and device for monitoring and controlling fluid locomotion - A device for monitoring dripping of a fluid from a fluid channel, the device comprises a capacitor, being formed on or integrated with the fluid channel, and electrical contacts, connecting the capacitor to a capacitance measuring device, the capacitor is designed and constructed so that a change in a capacitance thereof represents a formation of a drop near an edge of the fluid channel. | 03-05-2009 |
20090079442 | Piezo-Acoustic Thin Film Resonator Having a Crystalline Zinc Oxide Layer - A capacitor structure includes a lower electrode layer disposed on a substrate, an upper electrode layer and a crystalline zinc oxide-containing dielectric layer interposed between the electrode layers. The amorphous dielectric intermediate layer is interposed between the lower electrode layer and the crystalline zinc oxide-containing dielectric layer. A method for producing the aforementioned capacitor structure is also disclosed. The amorphous dielectric layer is adapted to produce during deposition of the zinc oxide an electrical field which is tipped in relation to the normal to the surface of the substrate surface or the lower electrode layer. The zinc oxide monocrystals grow at an angle, thereby providing a crystalline dielectric layer that can be induced to shear vibrations. | 03-26-2009 |
20090085583 | MEASUREMENT TOOL AND METHOD OF USE - This invention relates to a measurement tool and method of use, and in particular to a measurement tool for use in determining a parameter of a stationary or moving fluid. The measurement tool has been designed primarily for use in borehole formation testing. The measurement tool can measure the dielectric constant of a fluid within a pipe or surrounding the tool. The pipe or wall between the tool and the fluid is electrically insulating. The tool has pair of capacitor plates mounted adjacent to the pipe or wall, a signal generator which can deliver an alternating electrical signal to at least one of the capacitor plates, and a detector for measuring a signal dependent upon the electrical capacitance between the capacitor plates. The measurement tool can additionally measure the electrical resistivity of the fluid. | 04-02-2009 |
20090121728 | Resin Impregnated Amount Measuring Method and Resin Impregnated Amount Measuring Device in Filament Winding Molding - A resin impregnated amount measuring method and device for accurately and successively measuring an amount of resin impregnated in a fiber in a filament winding molding. An electrostatic capacitance of a fiber impregnated with resin is measured, and an amount of resin impregnated in the fiber is measured based on the measurement result. The fiber impregnated with resin is traveled in a non-contacting manner between two parallel flat plates of an electrostatic capacitance sensor and a change in electrostatic capacitance is measured. The amount of resin impregnated in the fiber may also be measured by irradiating light on the impregnated fiber to determine the image area of, reflectivity of, or distance of the light source from, the fiber. | 05-14-2009 |
20090134885 | Transmission line for dielectric measurement and dielectric measuring device having the transmission line - A transmission line substrate includes at least an insulating layer of a predetermined thickness, a pair of conductor layers arranged in a state of being opposed to each other such that the insulating layer is interposed between the conductor layers, the pair of conductor layers functioning as a high-frequency transmission line, and a fault part formed so as to make the conductor layer on one side disconnected, into which a sample to be measured can be introduced. | 05-28-2009 |
20090140753 | TEST STRIP READER SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method is disclosed which relates to the back biasing a photodiode and charging a capacitor to generate a pulse. The length of the pulse is proportional to the light intensity incident on the photodiode. | 06-04-2009 |
20090146668 | ANTI-PINCH SENSOR AND EVALUATION CIRCUIT - An anti-pinch sensor is provided for detecting an obstacle in the path of a regulating element of a motor vehicle, the sensor can include a sensor body, a first measuring electrode that can be arranged in the sensor body and can be used to produce a first outer electrical field in relation to a counter-electrode, and an electrically separated second measuring electrode that can be arranged adjacent to the first measuring electrode in the sensor body and can be used to produce a second outer electrical field in relation to the counter electrode. The measuring electrodes can be formed in such a way that the first outer electrical field has a larger range than the second outer electrical field. An evaluation circuit is also provided that is suitable for evaluating an anti-pinch sensor. The detection reliability of such a clamping sensor is not affected by dirt or water on a surface thereof. | 06-11-2009 |
20090153149 | OBSTRUCTIONLESS INLINE FLEX FUEL SENSOR - A sensing apparatus for determining a property of a fuel such as a gasoline and ethanol blend known as flex fuel includes an acetal plastic tube with an inlet, an outlet and a fuel passage in between. One property is a dielectric constant. A pair of semi-circular shaped sensing plates are placed around the tube in concentric relation therewith, leaving the fuel passage unobstructed. A processing circuit on a printed circuit board (PCB) is located near and connected with the sensing plates. The circuit applies an excitation signal, senses a capacitance, and generates an output signal indicative of a property of the fuel. A shield for reducing EMI surrounds and encloses the sensing plates and the PCB. The sensed capacitance will increase with increasing concentration of ethanol in the fuel flowing through the passage. An interface connector allows the sensing apparatus to output the indicative signal to an engine controller. | 06-18-2009 |
20090153150 | Measuring device and method for local measurement of at least one electrical property of the content of a container - Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, comprising at least three electrodes disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth. | 06-18-2009 |
20090184724 | CHEMICAL IMPEDANCE DETECTORS FOR FLUID ANALYZERS - A chemical impedance detector having several electrodes situated on or across a dielectric layer of a substrate. The electrodes may be across or covered with a thin film polymer. Each electrode may have a set of finger-like electrodes. Each set of finger-like electrodes may be intermeshed, but not in contact, with another set of finger-like electrodes. The thin-film polymer may have a low dielectric constant and a high porous surface area. The chemical impedance detector may be incorporated in a micro fluid analyzer system. | 07-23-2009 |
20090189618 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR LIQUID MONITORING, ANALYSIS, AND IDENTIFICATION - Embodiments of liquid monitoring, analysis, and identification are described generally herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed. | 07-30-2009 |
20090201032 | SENSOR CIRCUITS - A circuit for operating an amperometric sensor having a reference electrode, a counter electrode and a work electrode. The circuit comprises an amplifier having a positive input and a negative input and an output. The positive input is coupled to a reference voltage source, and the negative input and the output are coupled together via a negative feedback loop. The circuit includes means for coupling the amperometric sensor into said negative feedback loop of the amplifier wherein, in a first configuration, the counter electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input and, in a second configuration, the work electrode is coupled to said output and the reference electrode is coupled to said negative input. | 08-13-2009 |
20090206847 | Electronic Biosensor Arrangement - An electronic biosensor arrangement ( | 08-20-2009 |
20090261846 | Method for the Capacitive Detection of Flaws in Polymer Tubes, and Device - Disclosed is a method for detecting flaws in polymer tubes, especially tubes made of crosslinked polyethylene. The inventive method is characterized in that the tube ( | 10-22-2009 |
20090261847 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING THE DIELECTRIC CONSTANT OF PARTICLES - A method of measuring the dielectric constant of a powder, including selecting a powder having an unknown first dielectric constant, selecting a liquid having a known second dielectric constant, and introducing a predetermined amount of powder into a predetermined volume of liquid to define a slurry characterized by a known volume fraction of powder. Next, the impedance spectra of the slurry is plotted over a predetermined frequency range, the measured dielectric constant data is read and the appropriate equivalent circuit for the slurry is determined. Appropriate equivalent circuit equations are applied to the measured dielectric constant data and the first dielectric constant is calculated from the appropriate equivalent circuit equations, known volume fraction of powder and measured dielectric constant data. | 10-22-2009 |
20090267619 | Device and method for measuring an electrical property of a fluid flowing through a pipe - The invention relates to a device and a method for measuring an electrical property of fluid flowing through a pipe, comprising at least a first measuring electrode and a second measuring electrode placed in spatial contact with the pipe, wherein the first measuring electrode is received in a body placed inside the inner wall of the pipe, and the first measuring electrode is separated from the inner wall of the pipe by a gap, this gap extending over at least a part of the periphery of the inner wall of the pipe. As a result of these measures the distance between the measuring electrodes is greatly reduced, so that the measurement accuracy increases considerably. The measuring circuit is preferably adapted for repeated successive measurement of the resistance value and the capacitance of the fluid. | 10-29-2009 |
20090273354 | Dielectric Sensing Method and System - Sensing device and method for detecting presence and concentration of generic target analytes of interest. The device and method are based on detecting changes in effective dielectric induced by the target analytes of interest. Applications of the invention include, but are not restricted to, detecting and characterizing the presence of chemical and/or biological target analytes of interest as well as detecting and characterizing target analytes of interest from a separation apparatus. In one embodiment of the invention, the device comprises at least two electrodes in a rigid architecture such as a solid surface, where the electrodes have sizes and inter-electrode spacings that are on the order of sizes of target analytes of interest to improve sensitivity of the device. Changes in effective dielectric and, therefore, capacitance induced by a presence of the target analytes of interest are measured electronically. The changes are used to detect the presence of the target analytes of interest and to characterize their presence. | 11-05-2009 |
20090309614 | TECHNIQUES AND SYSTEMS FOR ANALYTE DETECTION - Techniques are used to detect and identify analytes. Techniques are used to fabricate and manufacture sensors to detect analytes. An analyte ( | 12-17-2009 |
20100013500 | PRODUCTION LINE DETECTION APPARATUS AND METHOD - The present invention relates to the field of detection apparatus and/or methods. One aspect relates to an apparatus and/or detection methods for sensing material and/or detection of a predetermined characteristic within a detection zone. Another aspect relates to a method for improving the accuracy of an inspection device by capturing the human interpretation of its classification decision. Still another aspect relates to detection of relatively hard to detect items, for example items inside sealed packages. In a further aspect, the invention relates to a method of monitoring and/or improving the operation of a detection apparatus in which a detection result is obtained, and an adjustment (if necessary) is made in accordance with a comparison. | 01-21-2010 |
20100033195 | PASSIVE CAPACITIVELY-COUPLED ELECTROSTATIC (CCE) PROBE ARRANGEMENT FOR DETECTING PLASMA INSTABILITIES IN A PLASMA PROCESSING CHAMBER - An arrangement for detecting plasma instability within a processing chamber of a plasma processing system during substrate processing is provided. The arrangement includes a probe arrangement, wherein the probe arrangement is disposed on a surface of the processing chamber and is configured to measure at least one plasma processing parameter. The probe arrangement includes a plasma-facing sensor and a measuring capacitor, wherein the plasma-facing sensor is coupled to a first plate of the measuring capacitor. The arrangement also includes a detection arrangement, which is coupled to a second plate of the measuring capacitor. The detection arrangement is configured to convert an induced current flowing through the measuring capacitor into a set of digital signals, the set of digital signals being processed to detect the plasma instability. | 02-11-2010 |
20100045309 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING FLUID PROPERTIES, INCLUDING PH - A fluid sensor for use within the gastro-intestinal tract of a human being is disclosed. The sensor includes a sensing coil which is immersible in the sample fluid of the gastro-intestinal tract; a signal generator in electrical with the sensing coil for applying an electrical current pulse to the sensing coil; a signal receiver in communication with the sensing coil for measuring an electrical reflection relative to said electrical current pulse; and a data processor for receiving the electrical reflection and for calculating data representative of at least one property, such as pH of the sample fluid based on the electrical reflection. The fluid sensor can also include a reference coil for calibrating the sensing coil. The sensor coil and reference coil can be encapsulated in a swallowable pill shell. The sensor coil can also function as an antenna for transmitting and receiving signals to/form a remote location. | 02-25-2010 |
20100085067 | ANESTHESIA MONITOR, CAPACITANCE NANOSENSORS AND DYNAMIC SENSOR SAMPLING METHOD - Embodiments of nanoelectronic sensors are described, including sensors for detecting analytes such as anesthesia gases, CO2 and the like in human breath. An integrated monitor system and disposable sensor unit is described which permits a number of different anesthetic agents to be identified and monitored, as well as concurrent monitoring of other breath species, such as CO2. The sensor unit may be configured to be compact, light weight, and inexpensive. Wireless embodiments provide such enhancements as remote monitoring. A simulator system for modeling the contents and conditions of human inhalation and exhalation with a selected mixture of a treatment agent is also described, particularly suited to the testing of sensors to be used in airway sampling. | 04-08-2010 |
20100148804 | DEVICE AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING AT LEAST ONE PARAMETER OF A MEDIUM - The invention relates to a device for determining at least one parameter of at least one medium, said medium being introducible into at least one measuring path. An electric and/or electromagnetic field can be partially coupled into or out of the medium by passing at least one electric and/or electromagnetic signal into the measuring path. The measuring path comprises at least one line arrangement having at least two elementary cells arranged along the measuring path, said elementary cells comprising at least one electric path from at least one input to at least one output and comprising at least one respective capacitative element. The electrical properties of the capacitative element can by be modified by the medium. The electric and/or the electromagnetic signal can be applied to the input of a first elementary cell and the output of the first elementary cell can be connected to the input of a second elementary cell. The capacitative element of the respective elementary cell is arranged in the electric path of the first and second elementary cell. At least one inductive element connects the first elementary cell and the second elementary cell to a ground. The invention also relates to a method for determining a parameter of a medium. | 06-17-2010 |
20100176822 | NANOWIRE SENSOR - An analyte sensing device is disclosed. In one aspect, the device includes at least one sensing module on a substrate. The sensing module has at least one nanowire including a bottom, an intermediate part and a top, the bottom being closer to the substrate than the top. The module has a surrounding electrode surrounding the bottom and at least part of the intermediate part of each nanowire in height direction and being electrically isolated from the nanowire. There is a gap between each nanowire and the corresponding surrounding electrode allowing penetration of an analyte to be detected between the nanowire and the surrounding electrode. A measurement circuitry is electrically connected to each nanowire and the surrounding electrode for detecting a change in an electrical property as a result of the penetration of the analyte into the gap. | 07-15-2010 |
20100182018 | Capacitance Sensing Apparatus - A capacitance sensing apparatus for use in a position sensing apparatus, comprising a first set of electrodes and a second set of electrodes and a capacitance sensing circuit arranged to determine, in use in a normal operating mode, the capacitance between each pairing of electrodes comprising one from the first set and one from the second set, in which the apparatus is further provided with at least one group switch arranged to selectively electrically connect together groups of the electrodes within the sets of electrodes, in which, in use in a low resolution mode of the apparatus the or each group switch connects together the groups of electrodes and the capacitance sensing circuit is arranged to determine the capacitance between the each pairing of groups of electrodes in one set and the electrodes or groups of electrodes of the other set. Typically, the apparatus is used in conjunction with a display to form a touch-sensitive display. It may be used in a position sensing apparatus for determining the proximity and position of an object to the apparatus, and is particularly applicable to use in a console of a motor vehicle of the type having the console centrally between two passenger seats. | 07-22-2010 |
20100201381 | Nano-Scale Biosensors - Devices, systems, and methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization, including single nucleic base mutations at low concentrations, are disclosed, using surface-tethered hairpin loop oligonucleotide probes and metal-nanoparticles conjugated to a hybridization detection sequence that is capable of binding the stem region of the opened hairpin loop oligonucleotide probe, without the use of labeling or target modification and capable of recycling. | 08-12-2010 |
20100207645 | SENSOR DEVICE FOR DETECTING AT LEAST ONE OBJECT IN A SWIVEL REGION OF A CONVERTIBLE TOP AND CORRESPONDING INSTALLATION METHOD - The invention relates to a sensor device, in particular for detecting at least one object in a swivel region of a convertible top, comprising at least one sensor which is formed at least partly by a convertible top rod system. According to the invention, the sensor further comprises a conductor path structure connected in an electrically conductive manner to the convertible top rod system so as to form a sensor electrode. The invention further relates to a method for installing such a sensor device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a conductor path structure, in particular a flexible and substantially flat conductor path structure. According to the invention, said structure can be attached to a convertible top rod system, in particular to one or more links of a link system of the convertible top rod system, wherein the conductor path structure can be connected to the convertible top rod system in an electrically conductive manner via one or more contact regions. | 08-19-2010 |
20100219843 | DIELECTRIC CHARACTERIZATION OF BITUMINOUS FROTH - An aspect of the invention concerns a method of determining the permittivity of a substance using a probe having known dielectric characteristics, a planar end surface normal to the axis of the probe, a signal source, and a signal receiver. In this aspect, the method is carried out by contacting the substance with the planar end surface of said probe to form an interface between the probe and the substance. The method further involves measuring the reflection coefficient of the substance by (1) transmitting a signal through the probe to the interface, (2) receiving the signal reflected from the interface, and (3) comparing said transmitted and reflected signals, and then calculating the permittivity of said substance from the reflection coefficient as so measured. Another aspect of the invention concerns a method of heating a substance, such as bituminous froth, by determining the permittivity of a substance, and providing a radiation source physically and electrically spaced from the substance, with the radiation source having an impedance approximating the complex conjugate impedance of the substance. | 09-02-2010 |
20100219844 | Foreign object detection sensor and method for manufacturing the same - A foreign objection detection sensor has a lengthy sensor part having a sensor electrode having a first sensor electrode which detects a proximity of a foreign object and a second sensor electrode which detects a contact of the foreign object, a sensor terminal part provided at one end of the sensor part, a leading wire pulled out from the sensor terminal part, the leading wire being electrically connected to the sensor electrode at the sensor terminal part to provide a proximity detecting function for detecting the proximity of the foreign object to the sensor part and a contact detecting function for detecting the contact of the foreign object to the sensor part. The sensor terminal part has a support member which supports a detection circuit unit electrically connected to the sensor electrode to carry out the proximity detecting function and the contact detecting function together with the sensor electrode. The detection circuit unit is disposed in the support member. | 09-02-2010 |
20100225334 | LIQUID CONCENTRATION SENSOR - A liquid concentration sensor includes an electrode capacitance conversion circuit, a stray capacitance conversion circuit and a difference calculation circuit. The electrode capacitance conversion circuit includes a detection electrode and a switching device. The detection electrode has a pair of opposing terminals and is partially located in a liquid fuel. The switching device is turned ON and OFF to switch between charging and discharging of the detection electrode. The electrode capacitance conversion circuit outputs a first measurement value determined by the charging and discharging of the detection electrode. The stray capacitance conversion circuit has the almost same configuration as the electrode capacitance conversion circuit so as to output a second measurement value corresponding to a stray capacitance of the electrode capacitance conversion circuit. The difference calculation circuit outputs a difference between the first and second measurement values. | 09-09-2010 |
20100244857 | FUEL PROPERTY SENSOR - In a fuel property sensor, a pair of first and second electrodes is arranged in a fuel chamber to measure an electric capacitance, thereby detecting a mixing ratio of alcohol to gasoline in a fuel of the fuel chamber. An outer wall surface of the first electrode is exposed in the fuel, and a sensing portion contacts an inner wall surface of the first electrode to detect a temperature of the fluid via the first electrode. One end portion of a lead is connected to the sensing portion and the other end portion thereof is connected to a plate portion attached to a housing. Furthermore, an elastic deformation portion is provided as a part of the lead to be elastically deformed, and to cause the sensing portion to be biased in a direction on which the sensing portion contacts the inner wall surface of the first electrode. | 09-30-2010 |
20100283485 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR CAPACITIVE DETECTION OF OBJECTS - Proximity of a person causes a change in a capacitance value of a sensor capacitor having a pair of capacitive plates. The change is detected by charging the sensor capacitor by coupling the sensor to a voltage supply. The voltage supply is disconnected from a tank capacitor during the charging. The charge is transferred from the sensor capacitor to a tank capacitor. The voltage supply is disconnected from the tank capacitor during the charge transfer. The charging and charge transfer are repeated several times. The voltage of the tank capacitor is monitored. At least one value is determined which depends on the rate of change of the voltage of the tank capacitor. The capacitance of the capacitive sensor is typically low, typically in the order of 100 pF to 1 nF. The capacitance of the tank capacitor may be several orders of magnitude higher than the capacitance of the sensor capacitor. The large tank capacitor acts as a part of a low-pass filter which effectively filters out signal noise. | 11-11-2010 |
20100289505 | ELECTRICAL DOUBLE LAYER CAPACITIVE DEVICES AND METHODS OF USING SAME FOR SEQUENCING POLYMERS AND DETECTING ANALYTES - Provided according to some embodiments of the present invention are electrical double layer (EDL) capacitive devices that include an insulating substrate defining a nanopore therethrough; a nanopore electrode exposed in a portion of the nanopore; and an electrolyte in contact with the nanopore electrode. Also provided are methods of using EDL capacitive devices according to embodiments of the invention to sequence polynucleotides or other polymers and/or to detect analytes. | 11-18-2010 |
20100308843 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE CONCENTRATION OF AN ANALYTE IN A SAMPLE FLUID - An analyte concentration, in a sample fluid, is determined by differential measurement. Two or more capacitive field effect sensors have an identical basic structure and are arranged in a shared measuring cell. One of the sensors forms a measuring sensor with an active transductor layer. Another sensor forms a reference sensor without an active transductor layer. The sensors are contacted with the sample fluid and the sensors, have an associated reference electrode, or have a shared reference electrode. A bias voltage composed of an electric DC voltage and a superimposed AC voltage is applied between each sensor and associated reference electrode(s) Capacitance changes due to the analyte are eliminated by controlling the bias voltage applied to the measuring sensor in a closed control loop. A measuring signal is obtained by calculating a difference between voltage values representative of DC voltage potentials applied to the measuring sensor and reference sensor, respectively. | 12-09-2010 |
20100308844 | INPUT DEVICE AND METHOD WITH PRESSURE-SENSITIVE LAYER - Devices and methods are provided that facilitate improved input device performance. Specifically, the devices and methods facilitate input using a pressure-sensitive layer whose electrical admittivity changes in response to pressure applied to a touch surface. An input device is provided that comprises a plurality of sensor electrodes including a set of primary sensor electrodes and a set of secondary sensor electrodes. Each primary sensor electrode is electrically coupled to at least one secondary sensor electrode to form a set of electrical admittances. In one embodiment, the pressure-sensitive layer is located between the sensor electrodes and the touch surface, such that changes in the admittivity of the pressure-sensitive layer in response to pressure on the touch surface cause corresponding changes in the admittances between the primary and secondary sensor electrodes. | 12-09-2010 |
20110006789 | CAPACITIVE PROXIMITY DETECTION SYSTEM FOR AN APPLIANCE - A proximity detection system for an appliance is disclosed. The system includes an electrically conductive sensor for a capacitive proximity detection system, the sensor forming a part of an accessory device for the appliance; and an electrically conductive member disposed substantially opposite a location of the sensor and electrically connected to a ground potential to form a ground shield for the sensor. | 01-13-2011 |
20110031983 | ORGANIC CHEMICAL SENSOR COMPRISING PLASMA-DEPOSITED MICROPOROUS LAYER, AND METHOD OF MAKING AND USING - Applicant discloses a sensing element for sensing an organic chemical analyte, comprising a first electrode and a second electrode, and a microporous, hydrophobic, analyte-responsive dielectric material disposed at least in proximity to the first and second electrodes. The analyte-responsive dielectric material may be an amorphous random covalent network comprising a mean pore size of less than about 10 nm and a porosity of at least about 20%. An electrical property of the sensing element, such as capacitance, can be monitored in order to sense an organic chemical analyte. | 02-10-2011 |
20110037486 | NUCLEOTIDE CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENT FOR LOW COST DNA SEQUENCING - High frequency capacitance measurement on a single strand of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or a ribonucleic acid (RNA) is employed to provide identification of the nucleotides in the strand. Effect of variations in the capacitance of nucleotides can be minimized by employing statistical quantities generated from multiple measurement values on a strand of DNA or RNA nucleotides, or by employing a program that positively identifies a large capacitance nucleotide upon detection of a large capacitance. Capacitance data on a DNA strand can be used as a criterion for identifying the DNA sequence in conjunction with other methods for identifying the DNA sequence. | 02-17-2011 |
20110074444 | SENSOR FOR DETECTION OF CONDUCTIVE BODIES | 03-31-2011 |
20110084710 | ENVELOPE MOISTENING DETECTOR - A mailing system includes a mailing machine having an envelope feed path, a sealing system configured to apply a liquid to an envelope in the envelope feed path, a capacitive sensor located in the envelope feed path downstream from the sealing system, and a controller connected to the capacitive sensor. The sealing system may include a liquid reservoir and a liquid applicator. The capacitive sensor is configured to measure a quantity of liquid on a portion of the envelope applied by the sealing system and to generate a signal based on the measured quantity. The controller is configured to perform an operation based on the measured quantity signal from the capacitive sensor. | 04-14-2011 |
20110148436 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING A NUMBER OF OBJECTS IN A CAPACITIVE SENSING REGION USING SIGNAL GROUPING - An input device and method are provided that facilitate improved usability. The input device comprises an array of capacitive sensing electrodes and a processing system. The processing system is configured to receive sensing signals from the capacitive sensing electrodes and generate a plurality of sensing values, each of the plurality of sensing values corresponding to a sensing electrode in the first array of capacitive sensing electrodes. The processing system is further configured to produce a plurality of positional values corresponding to a plurality of groups of electrodes in the first array of capacitive sensing electrodes; analyze the plurality of positional values to determine if one or more clusters exist in the plurality of positional values; and determine a number of objects in the sensing region from the determined one or more clusters in the plurality of positional values. | 06-23-2011 |
20110148437 | Nailer With Integrated Stud Finder - A nailer incorporates an integrated stud finder for sensing when a stud is present. The nailer has a work contact element and a magazine for storing nails. The stud finder includes a sensor plate coupled to the work contact element of a nailer and a stud sensing circuit coupled to the sensor plate. The stud sensing circuit is provided for reading a capacitance level and for determining whether the sensor plate is positioned adjacent a stud based upon the capacitance level that is read. The stud finder also includes at least one signaling device coupled to the sensor plate for signaling to a user when a stud is present. The sensor plate is coupled to a no mar tip that is tethered to the nailer. A storage post for storing the no mar tip is positioned on the magazine for storing the no mar tip when not in use. | 06-23-2011 |
20110156726 | MEASURING SENSOR, FUEL FEED LINE AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A MEASURING SENSOR - A measuring sensor has a hollow body through which a fluid is able to flow. Two sections of a wall of the hollow body form electrodes for a capacitive and/or a resistive measurement and the electrodes are made of a conductive plastic. The measuring sensor may be used in a fuel feed line. A method for manufacturing is also described. | 06-30-2011 |
20110215814 | ADVANCED OBSCURED FEATURE DETECTOR - A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates | 09-08-2011 |
20110215815 | OBSCURED FEATURE DETECTOR WITH ADVANCED TRACE PROPERTIES - A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates | 09-08-2011 |
20110215816 | OBSCURED FEATURE DETECTOR HOUSING - A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates | 09-08-2011 |
20110215817 | OBSCURED FEATURE DETECTOR WITH MULTIPLE MODES OF OPERATION - A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates | 09-08-2011 |
20110221456 | SENSOR SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL SENSING - A sensor system, and an associated method for detecting harsh environmental conditions, is provided. The sensor system includes at least one sensor having an electrical sensing element. The electrical sensing element is based on certain classes of composite materials: (a) silicon carbide (SiC); (Mo,W) | 09-15-2011 |
20110234244 | DEVICE FOR THE CAPACITIVE MEASUREMENT OF THE QUALITY AND/OR DETERIORATION OF A FLUID - The invention concerns a device for the capacitive measurement of the quality and/or deterioration of a fluid, comprising a sensor encapsulated in a perforated case fixed in the vat of a cooking apparatus that has a bottom, wherein the sensor is connected to an electronic processing circuit, wherein the sensor includes a pair of flat electrodes that each have the shape of a comb with a plurality of teeth, which are approximately parallel to each other and extends from a base, which the electrodes are arranged in relation to each other such that the teeth of one electrode fit between the teeth of the other electrode in approximately the same plane, and wherein the encapsulated sensor is oriented in the vat such that the longitudinal axis of each electrode base extends parallel to the bottom of the vat and in that the plane of the sensor electrodes forms an angle of between 0° and 60° with the vertical direction. | 09-29-2011 |
20110241704 | STRUCTURAL HEALTH MONITORING SYSTEM AND METHOD USING SOFT CAPACITIVE SENSING MATERIALS - A structural health monitoring system is provided to diagnose and localize crack damage on structural elements. The system uses one or more capacitive sensor assemblies that employ a soft dielectric material. The system can be applied over a large area as a sensing skin, allowing the presence of cracks to be localized. | 10-06-2011 |
20110254567 | Capacitive Measuring Circuit for Yarn Inspection - A measuring circuit used for the capacitive examination of a moving elongated textile test material such as card sliver, roving, yarn or woven fabric, having a measuring capacitor for accommodating the test material, and a component with a capacitance which can be changed by an electric control signal. The measuring circuit can thus be balanced in a simple, rapid, cost-effective and especially automatic way. | 10-20-2011 |
20110254568 | ORGANIC CHEMICAL SENSOR WITH MICROPOROUS ORGANISILICATE MATERIAL - Sensing elements for sensing organic chemical analytes are disclosed. The sensing elements include a first electrode and a second electrode, and a substantially microporous, amorphous, hydrophobic, analyte-responsive organosilicate material in proximity to the first and second electrodes. | 10-20-2011 |
20110316563 | Capacitance Measurement Validation for Biomass Measurement Instruments - A system for validating capacitance measurement characteristics for a biomass measurement device (probe), is disclosed in which a test chamber for contains a test liquid medium, and a docking arrangement enables the measurement device to be disposed in the test medium in the chamber to measure the capacitance of the medium at a measurement zone in the chamber. A capacitive agent or structure (such as a capacitive device) is positioned in the test medium in the test chamber in a predetermined manner in order to provide a permittivity at the test zone which is different to the permittivity of the media without the capacitive agent or structure present. | 12-29-2011 |
20120126835 | FUEL SENSOR - An outer electrode projects from an opening, which is formed in an upper inner wall of a fuel passage, into the fuel passage. The fuel passage is adapted to conduct fuel generally in a horizontal direction. The outer electrode includes a fuel chamber in an inside of the outer electrode. An inner electrode is placed in the fuel chamber. A sensing circuit senses an alcohol concentration of the fuel based on an electrical property between the outer electrode and the inner electrode and a fuel temperature, which is sensed with a thermistor. The outer electrode includes a blocking portion and communication holes. The blocking portion limits intrusion of air bubbles, which flow along the upper inner wall of the fuel passage, into the communication holes. | 05-24-2012 |
20120139561 | DETECTING SENSOR, INDICATOR POSITION DETECTING DEVICE, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING DETECTING SENSOR - A detecting sensor is provided, including: on a base material, a plurality of first sensor conductors arranged in a first direction; a plurality of second sensor conductors arranged in a second direction intersecting the first direction; a plurality of first signal lines electrically connected to the first sensor conductors; a plurality of second signal lines electrically connected to the second sensor conductors; and a first conductive pattern disposed between the first signal lines and the base material, the first conductive pattern being electrically insulated from the first signal lines, the first conductive pattern being set to a predetermined potential, and the first conductive pattern being made of a same material as that used to form at least one of the first sensor conductors and the second sensor conductors. | 06-07-2012 |
20120187963 | SYSTEM FOR DETECTING ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES OF A MOLECULAR COMPLEX - A system for detecting electrical properties of a molecular complex is disclosed. The system includes an electrode electrically coupled to a molecular complex that outputs an electrical signal affected by an electrical property of the molecular complex, wherein the effect of the electrical property of the molecular complex on the electrical signal is characterized by an expected bandwidth. The system further includes an integrating amplifier circuit configured to receive the electrical signal from the electrode. The integrating amplifier circuit is further configured to selectively amplify and integrate a portion of the electrical signal over time within a predetermined bandwidth, wherein the predetermined bandwidth is selected at least in part based on the expected bandwidth. | 07-26-2012 |
20120194203 | BIOELECTRICAL IMPEDANCE MEASURING APPARATUS - A bioelectrical impedance measuring apparatus may include an impedance measuring unit configured to provide an inspection current based on a predetermined current to a living body, and obtain an inspection voltage corresponding to an impedance of the living body, an amplification unit configured to amplify the inspection voltage with reference to a correction voltage, an AD converter configured to AD-convert an output of the amplification unit, and a control unit configured to control the inspection current and the correction voltage based on an AD-converted result of the AD converter such that the output of the amplification unit is within an input dynamic range of the AD converter, and calculate an impedance average of the living body and an impedance variation of the living body based on the predetermined current, the correction voltage and the AD-converted result. | 08-02-2012 |
20120256643 | INTERNAL PIPE COATING INSPECTION ROBOT - There is provided herein a robot-based electrical system for locating holidays within coated pipe that does not utilize a grounding wire. In a preferred arrangement, the robot will carry a metal rotating brush/capacitive pad combination and changes in the capacitance in the brush/pad circuit will be used to identify imperfections in the interior coating of the pipe and especially those located proximate a girth weld. In another preferred embodiment, a circumferential brush will be used that allows testing of the integrity of the internal coating throughout the length of the pipe as the robot travels the pipeline. | 10-11-2012 |
20120286810 | FLUID QUALITY SENSOR - An object of the present invention is to accurately detect concentrations of mixtures in a fluid. An internal electrode | 11-15-2012 |
20130015863 | COMBINED SEAT HEATER AND CAPACITIVE OCCUPANCY SENSORAANM Lamesch; LaurentAACI LamadelaineAACO LUAAGP Lamesch; Laurent Lamadelaine LUAANM Schoos; AloyseAACI BertrangeAACO LUAAGP Schoos; Aloyse Bertrange LU - A combined seat heater and capacitive occupancy sensor comprises a heating element ( | 01-17-2013 |
20130015864 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING A FRACTION OF AN ADSORBED MATERIAL CONTAINED IN AN ADSORBER MATERIALAANM Lopatin; SergejAACI LorrachAACO DEAAGP Lopatin; Sergej Lorrach DEAANM Uehlin; ThomasAACI SchopfheimAACO DEAAGP Uehlin; Thomas Schopfheim DE - A method for determining a fraction of an adsorbed material contained in a formed body serving as an adsorber material. For the case in which the adsorber material is present in the form of a formed body, at least two electrodes are arranged, spaced apart from one another, on a surface of the formed body and/or are firmly inserted in the formed body; that, for the case, in which the adsorber material is present in the form of a powder or granulate, a corresponding formed body made of the same material is durably inserted in the powder or granular material. The electrodes are supplied with an alternating electrical current, whereby an electrical characteristic variable is ascertained; and, based on the characteristic variable, degree of saturation of the adsorber material is ascertained. Furthermore, a corresponding apparatus is claimed. | 01-17-2013 |
20130033275 | FUEL PROPERTY DETECTION DEVICE - A first electrode has a fuel passage. A second electrode defines a predetermined gap with the first electrode in the fuel passage. A third electrode defines a predetermined gap with the second electrode in the fuel passage. The first electrode and the second electrode form a first capacitance therebetween. The second electrode and the third electrode form a second capacitance therebetween. A circuit portion is configured to compute a property of fuel in the fuel passage according to the first capacitance and the second capacitance. | 02-07-2013 |
20130049773 | Measurement Tool and Method of Use - This invention relates to a measurement tool and method of use, and in particular to a measurement tool for use in determining a parameter of a stationary or moving fluid. The measurement tool has been designed primarily for use in borehole formation testing. The measurement tool can measure the dielectric constant of a fluid within a pipe or surrounding the tool. The pipe or wall between the tool and the fluid is electrically insulating. The tool has pair of capacitor plates mounted adjacent to the pipe or wall, a signal generator which can deliver an alternating electrical signal to at least one of the capacitor plates, and a detector for measuring a signal dependent upon the electrical capacitance between the capacitor plates. The measurement tool can additionally measure the electrical resistivity of the fluid. | 02-28-2013 |
20130063163 | ENVIRONMENT SENSOR - A humidity sensor according to the present examples include a sensor portion for detecting humidity in the ambient environment, and a power supply portion for applying an AC voltage to the sensor portion, wherein the sensor portion is structured so as to have an impedance that is higher than a sensor portion of a conventional humidity sensor. As a result, it is possible to reduce the amount of power consumed in the sensor portion when compared to that of a conventional humidity sensor. Doing so makes it possible to reduce the amount of electrical power consumed in the humidity sensor as a whole in the present invention, including the sensor portion, when compared to that of a conventional humidity sensor. | 03-14-2013 |
20130214797 | SENSOR APPARATUS FOR DETECTING PROPERTIES OF LIQUID - The invention relates to a sensor device for detecting properties of fluid media in a container, comprising at least one base plate ( | 08-22-2013 |
20130229194 | Sensor Element, Method of Making the Same, and Sensor Device Including the Same - A sensor element includes a first conductive electrode having a first conductive member electrically coupled thereto; an absorptive dielectric layer comprising a polymer of intrinsic microporosity; and a second conductive electrode having a second conductive member electrically coupled thereto. The second conductive electrode comprises at least one noble metal, has a thickness of from 4 to 10 nanometers and is permeable to at least one organic vapor. The absorptive dielectric layer is at least partially disposed between the first conductive electrode and the second conductive electrode. A method of making the sensor element, and sensor device containing it, are also disclosed. | 09-05-2013 |
20130241579 | INPUT DEVICE - An input device includes a capacitive sensor, which detects an operator's approach or touch and an operating body which is movably supported with respect to the capacitive sensor. At least a portion of the operating body has a conductive material portion exposed to a surface, a capacitive coupling portion opposing the conductive material portion regardless of the movement of the operating body is provided on the side unmovable with respect to the capacitive sensor, and the capacitive coupling portion is grounded. | 09-19-2013 |
20130257457 | FUEL PROPERTY MEASURING DEVICE - A measuring device for measuring a property of fuel supplied from a fuel tank to a combustion apparatus, may comprise a fuel pump that sucks the fuel in a fuel tank and pumps the fuel toward a combustion apparatus, a fuel discharging portion that discharges the fuel from the fuel pump into the fuel tank, a fuel-measuring storage chamber that receives the fuel discharged from the fuel discharging portion and a pair of electrodes disposed within the fuel-measuring storage chamber so as to measure capacitance. | 10-03-2013 |
20130278276 | OIL QUALITY SENSOR AND ADAPTER FOR DEEP FRYERS - A system for measuring the state of degradation of cooking oil or fat includes at least one fryer pot; a conduit fluidly connected to the fryer pot for transporting cooking oil from the fryer pot and returning the cooking oil back to the fryer pot. A pump for re-circulating cooking oil to and from the fryer pot; and a sensor disposed in fluid communication with the conduit that measures an electrical property of the cooking oil as the cooking oil flows past the sensor and is returned to the at least one fryer pot is provided. | 10-24-2013 |
20130314105 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE INCLUDING DEVICE GROUND COUPLED FINGER COUPLING ELECTRODE AND ARRAY SHIELDING ELECTRODE AND RELATED METHODS - An electronic device may include a housing and circuitry carried by the housing and having a device ground associated therewith. The electronic device may also include an array of biometric finger sensing pixel electrodes and an array shielding electrode outside the array of biometric finger sensing pixels. A finger coupling electrode may be outside the array shielding electrode and coupled to the device ground. The electronic device may also include drive circuitry capable of generating a drive signal for the array of biometric finger sensing pixel electrodes and a compensating drive signal for the array shielding electrode. | 11-28-2013 |
20130321003 | ELECTROSTATIC CAPACITANCE DETECTION DEVICE - An electrostatic capacitance detection device includes a substrate having a predetermined thickness, an electrode layer formed on a front surface of the substrate in a predetermined pattern including electrodes to be touched so as to detect an electrostatic capacitance and wirings drawn from the electrodes, and a shield layer formed on a rear surface of the substrate and into a shield pattern corresponding to the predetermined pattern of the electrode layer. The shield pattern of the shield layer is formed surrounding the electrodes without overlapping with the electrodes, surrounding the wirings, and between the wirings when viewed in the thickness direction of the substrate. | 12-05-2013 |
20130321004 | Touch-Sensing Electrode Structure and Touch-Sensitive Device - A touch-sensing electrode structure has a plurality of electrode units. Each of the electrode units includes at least one first electrode and at least one second electrode. The second electrode is formed in an area not overlapping the first electrode, and the first electrode has a first part and a second part. The second electrode is adjacent to the first part of the first electrode and spaced apart the first part of the first electrode by a first interval, the second part of the first electrode is adjacent to the second electrode and spaced apart the second electrode by a second interval, and a width of the second interval is not equal to a width of the first interval. | 12-05-2013 |
20130342223 | FUEL PROPERTY MEASURING DEVICE - A measuring device for measuring a property of fuel that flows in a fuel chamber, is provided with a substrate including an electrode-placing surface, and a pair of electrodes disposed on the electrode-placing surface with a space between n each other. The substrate is disposed in the fuel chamber so that the electrode-placing surface is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction. The fuel chamber may include an inlet into which the fuel flows, and an outlet out of which the fuel flows. An inlet-side end of the electrode-placing surface may be lower than an outlet-side end of the electrode-placing surface. | 12-26-2013 |
20140049271 | SELF-SHIELDING CO-PLANAR TOUCH SENSOR - In one embodiment, a touch sensor includes multiple first electrodes on a first surface. The first electrodes include a first shape. The touch sensor includes multiple second electrodes on a second surface. The second electrodes include a second shape. The touch sensor includes multiple third electrodes on the first surface that include a third shape that encompasses the second shape and are positioned on the first surface opposite the second electrodes. The touch sensor includes multiple fourth electrodes on the second surface that include a fourth shape that encompasses the first shape and are positioned on the second surface opposite the first electrodes. | 02-20-2014 |
20140070822 | USING IN SITU CAPACITANCE MEASUREMENTS TO MONITOR THE STABILITY OF INTERFACE MATERIALS IN COMPLEX PCB ASSEMBLIES AND OTHER STRUCTURES - An electric potential is applied to first and second electrodes on opposite sides of a gap between an electronic component and a heat spreader. At least one of a thermal interface material in the gap, the electronic component and the heat spreader is subjected to a changing physical condition. The electrical capacitance between the electrodes is monitored during the changing physical condition. Such a method can be practiced using an array of components sharing a common heat spreader. An assembly for testing thermal interfaces includes a printed circuit board, a plurality of electronic components mounted to and operatively associated with the printed circuit board, a heat spreader positioned for absorbing heat generated by the electronic components, a first electrode associated with the heat spreader, a plurality of second electrodes associated, respectively, with the electronic component, and a device for monitoring electrical capacitances between the first and second electrodes. The technique may be employed for monitoring physical changes in electronic devices and other structures having interfaces between components. | 03-13-2014 |
20140084947 | System and Method for Measuring Product Quantity in a Container - A system for measuring product quantity including a container that defines an internal volume, a plurality of products positioned in the internal volume, a first conductor positioned proximate the container, a second conductor positioned proximate the container, the second conductor being spaced a distance from the first conductor, and a capacitance meter electrically coupled to the first and second conductors. | 03-27-2014 |
20140103943 | FINGERPRINT SENSOR AND BUTTON COMBINATIONS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there is disclosed in the present application a biometric sensor that may comprise a plurality of a first type of signal traces formed on a first surface of a first layer of a multi-layer laminate package; at least one trace of a second type, formed on a second surface of the first layer or on a first surface of a second layer of the multi-layer laminate package; and connection vias in at least the first layer electrically connecting the signal traces of the first type or the signal traces of the second type to respective circuitry of the respective first or second type contained in an integrated circuit physically and electrically connected to one of the first layer, the second layer or a third layer of the multilayer laminate package. | 04-17-2014 |
20140111224 | Probe - An improved probe designed in particular but not exclusively for measuring the concentration of live biomass. The probe has an insulating body portion arranged to carry a first and second electrode where the probe has a longitudinal axis and the first and second electrodes extend in this longitudinal axis. The body portion has a cross-sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis defined by a major axis and minor axis, wherein the length of the body portion in the major axis is greater than the length of the body portion in the minor axis. The first and second electrodes are positioned on either side of the major axis. This reduces the effect of impedance between the electrode and the liquid through increasing the effective distance between the electrodes. | 04-24-2014 |
20140125358 | REDUCING MOVEMENT AND ELECTROSTATIC INTERFERENCE IN A NON-RESISTIVE CONTACT SENSOR ASSEMBLY - A non-resistive contact sensor assembly, including a non-resistive contact sensor device, including a dry electrode component, and a cover of anti-triboelectric material in which the sensor device is surrounded or embedded. | 05-08-2014 |
20140152326 | Method and System for Fluid Surface Detection - The present invention pertains to a method for detecting a fluid surface, comprising the following steps: providing at least one probe having an electric capacitance with respect to its surroundings; moving the probe into or out of a fluid; charging the probe by applying a periodic first electric signal to the probe for activating the probe; applying a periodic third electric signal to one or more electrically conductive regions different from the probe simultaneously with applying the first electric signal to the probe, wherein the third electric signal corresponds to the first electric signal or an amplified/damped first electric signal; at least partially discharging the probe so as to obtain a discharging current; detecting a second electric signal based on the discharging current; analyzing the second electric signal or a signal derived from the second electric signal with respect to the capacitance of the probe; identifying the fluid surface of the fluid based on a change of the capacitance of the probe. It further relates to a corresponding system adapted to perform the method. | 06-05-2014 |
20140184247 | WADING VEHICLE DEPTH MEASUREMENT APPARATUS - A vehicle ( | 07-03-2014 |
20140203824 | MULTI-ELECTRODE SENSOR FOR DETERMINING THE GAS CONTENT IN A TWO-PHASE FLOW - A sensor for determining gas content of a two phase fluid flowing in a flow line, the sensor including a sleeve configured to be arranged in the flow line in a stream of fluid. The sleeve includes a plurality of measurement electrodes that, in pairs, define a plurality of subdivision spaces subdividing a flow section of the sleeve. The sensor also includes switch and measurement members coupled to the measurement electrodes to control switching of each subdivision space of the sleeve between a measuring state and a non-measuring state. The switch and measurement members are configured to selectively switch the state of each of the subdivision spaces independently of one another. | 07-24-2014 |
20140253149 | Non-Destructive Leaching Depth Measurement Using Capacitance Spectroscopy - A method of characterizing a quality of a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) cutter includes obtaining a PDC cutter that includes a leached layer and an unleached layer. The unleached layer is positioned adjacent to the leached layer, and the leached layer has at least a portion of a catalyst material removed from therein. The method further includes measuring capacitance values of the PDC cutter at multiple frequencies of an electrical signal provided to the PDC cutter by a capacitance measuring device to measure the capacitance values of the PDC cutter. The method also includes characterizing a quality of the PDC cutter based on a lowest capacitance value from among the capacitance values. Each capacitance value of the capacitance values is measured at a respective frequency of the multiple frequencies of the electrical signal. | 09-11-2014 |
20140285221 | CELL AND METHOD FOR ELECTRICAL MEASUREMENTS OF HIGHLY REACTIVE POWDER AND LIQUID SAMPLES - The invention refers to a chamber for measurements of electrical properties of reactive powder or liquid samples, allowing the measurement of various electrical parameters to be carried out. The present invention provides the chamber in two variants of embodiment: the multiple use chamber and the single use chamber. The construction of the chamber provides the possibility of carrying out the measurements with the sample placed directly between parallel active surfaces of the electrodes placed coaxially and sliding in a precise manner in to a thin-walled cylinder made of insulating material providing electric insulation. Elements remaining in contact with the sample are made of chemically inert materials. Additionally, a module containing a pair of the electrodes and the cylinder made of insulating material is detachable from the rest of device elements, that enables its loading and hermetic closure in a glovebox filled with inert gas. The device provides the possibility of carrying out the electrochemical measurements as a function of temperature and pressure. The present invention also refers to a method of carrying out measurements of electrical properties of reactive powder or fluid samples, wherein a sample is loaded into a measurement chamber in an inert gas atmosphere, then the gaseous phase is removed from spaces between parallel active surfaces of electrodes and additionally, solid samples are subjected to compression, and then in the system of regulated temperature and/or pressure a measurement of a selected electrical parameter as a function of time and/or temperature and/or pressure is carried out. | 09-25-2014 |
20140292355 | THERMALLY ACTIVATED MAGNETIC AND RESISTIVE AGING - Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for monitoring aging of an item. A solid-state structure is located within, adjacent to, or otherwise proximate the item, the solid-state structure including nanostructures. The electrical resistance and/or magnetization of the solid-state structure is determined to determine the degree of aging of the item. In representative examples, the solid-state structure includes nanostructures of a metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal, within a non-magnetic matrix, such as a semimetal, semiconductor, or insulator. | 10-02-2014 |
20140312921 | FUEL PROPERTY SENSOR AND METHOD FOR DETECTING MALFUNCTION OF THE SAME - An electrode unit includes a first electrode and a second electrode, which define a space to flow fuel therethough. A detection circuit is connected to the first electrode to charge and discharge the electrode unit and to detect a capacitance of fuel, which flows through the space. A switch device is equipped to a wiring, which connects the second electrode with the ground, and configured to simulate disconnection between the second electrode and the ground. A malfunction detection unit is configured to detect disconnection of the wiring when a difference between a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned ON, and a capacitance, which is detected with the detection circuit when the switch device is turned OFF, is smaller than a first threshold. | 10-23-2014 |
20140333328 | Apparatus and Method for TFT Fingerprint Sensor - A low cost, two-dimensional, fingerprint sensor includes a pixel array, each pixel including a switch and a pixel electrode for forming a capacitance with a fingertip. One or more active transmission electrodes are spaced from a selected row of the pixel array, and transmit a carrier signal into the finger without direct coupling into the selected pixels. Signals sensed by the pixel array are coupled to an independent integrated circuit, and connections between the IC and the pixel array are reduced by demultiplexing row select lines, and by multiplexing sensed column data. Differential sensing may be used to improve common mode noise rejection. The fingerprint sensor may be conveniently incorporated within a conventional touchpad LCD panel, and can mimic the performance of lower density touchpad pixels. | 11-13-2014 |
20140347076 | TOUCH SENSOR ELECTRODE WITH PATTERNED ELECTRICALLY ISOLATED REGIONS - An electrode layer has a plurality of substantially parallel electrodes disposed along a first direction. At least one electrode has a length along the first direction and a width from a first edge to a second edge along a second direction transverse to the first direction. At least one electrode comprises across its width at least one edge section, at least one intermediate section, and at least one central section, wherein an intermediate section is disposed along the electrode width between an edge section and the central section. At least one electrode edge section and intermediate section includes a plurality of electrically isolated regions arranged in a pattern along the electrode length. An electrode conductive area of the edge section is less than an electrode conductive area of the intermediate section. | 11-27-2014 |
20140361793 | Interactive and Adaptive Data Acquisition System for Use with Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography - A control system and data acquisition system for an electrical capacitance tomography sensor comprised of a sensor having a plurality of electrodes, where each electrode is further comprised of a plurality of capacitance segments. Each of the capacitance segments of each electrode can be individually addressed to focus the electric field intensity or sensitivity to desired regions of the electrodes and the sensor. | 12-11-2014 |
20140375339 | FUEL PROPERTY SENSOR - A fuel pipe is mounted to a vehicle body. A detection electrode is immersed in fuel, which flows through the fuel pipe. A grounding electrode is in a tubular member and is located outside the detection electrode. An affixing member affixes the fuel pipe and the grounding electrode in a state where the fuel pipe and the grounding electrode are electrically isolated from each other. A detection circuit detects a capacitance between the detection electrode and the grounding electrode according to a specific inductive capacity of fuel, which flows between the detection electrode and the grounding electrode. A conductive shield portion extends from an end of the grounding electrode and extends between the detection electrode and the fuel pipe. The end of the grounding electrode is immersed in fuel, which flows through the fuel pipe. | 12-25-2014 |
20150015278 | Obscured Feature Detector - A surface-conforming obscured feature detector includes a plurality of sensor plates, each having a capacitance that varies based on the dielectric constant of the materials that compose the surrounding objects and the proximity of those objects. A sensing circuit is coupled to the sensor plates | 01-15-2015 |
20150022223 | PROBE ASSEMBLY AND METHOD FOR CONTACTLESS ELECTRICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF BURIED CONDUCTING LAYERS - A probe assembly includes plural capacitive contacts that are separate from each other and a conductive depletion gate disposed between and separating the contacts from each other. The depletion gate is configured to receive a direct electric voltage in order to deplete regions of a sample under test of electrons. The contacts are configured to be placed in close proximity to a buried conducting layer in the sample under test without engaging the buried conducting layer, thereby capacitively coupling to the buried conducting layer. A first subset of the capacitive contacts is configured to apply an alternating electric current to a portion of the sample under test and a second subset of the capacitive contacts is configured to sense an alternating voltage response of the portion of the sample under test in order to characterize one or more electrical properties of the sample under test without the capacitive contacts having ohmic contact with the buried conducting layer. | 01-22-2015 |
20150035549 | CAPACITANCE SENSOR - A capacitance sensor includes: a transmitting electrode; a receiving electrode; and a switching unit that performs switching between a self-capacitance detection mode for measuring a change in self-capacitance of at least one of the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode to detect an object to be detected and a mutual capacitance detection mode for measuring a change in mutual capacitance between the transmitting electrode and the receiving electrode to detect an object to be detected. | 02-05-2015 |
20150048845 | CAPACITIVE DETECTION DEVICE - A capacitive detection device ( | 02-19-2015 |
20150048846 | Interaction Sensing - In particular embodiments, an apparatus includes an insulator coupled to one or more electrodes that are configured to passively sense charge displacement or a change in characteristics of electromagnetic signals in an environment. | 02-19-2015 |
20150048847 | CAPACITIVE TOUCH SENSOR WITHIN WRIST WORN DEVICE - A wrist worn device includes a metal device housing and a capacitive touch sensor. The capacitive touch sensor includes a conductive plate which is supported by and separated from the metal body of the device housing via an isolation body formed of PTFE (low static relative permittivity). An outer plate is formed over the conductive plate and is formed of glass (high static relative permittivity). The action of the isolation body is to reduce the effect of the metal device housing on the capacitance detected by the conductive plate. The effect of the outer plate is to try to increase the effect of the capacitance associated with the object being brought into proximity with the conductive plate. | 02-19-2015 |
20150070032 | LENS COATING/CONTAMINATION ELECTRONIC DETECTION - A contamination detection apparatus may include an optical element having an outer surface and an other surface opposing the outer surface, a first capacitor plate located on the outer surface at an outer periphery of the optical element, and a second capacitor plate located on the outer surface at the outer periphery of the optical element. The second capacitor plate is located adjacent the first capacitor plate and separated from the first capacitor by a gap to form a capacitor, whereby a contaminant is electrically detected based on the contaminant entering the gap and varying a capacitance value corresponding to the capacitor. | 03-12-2015 |
20150070033 | CAPACITIVE SENSOR FOR A VEHICLE - A capacitive sensor for a vehicle includes an evaluation unit as well as a first transmission electrode and a second transmission electrode for transmitting a respectively associated first measurement signal and second measurement signal. The two transmission electrodes are connected to a respective first and second transmitter output of the evaluation unit through an assigned first and second transmission line respectively. The evaluation unit alternately outputs the first measurement signal via the first transmitter output and the second measurement signal via the second transmitter output. The evaluation unit also connects the respective non-transmitting second or first transmitter output to reference potential. Alternatively, a common transmission electrode may output the measurement signal which is then picked up by first and second receiver electrodes. | 03-12-2015 |
20150115981 | DETECTION METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REDUCED CROSS -TALK AND ASIC AREA OF A FINGERPRINT SENSOR - A method and apparatus for electrical detection of a finger print has a reduced number of interconnect signals between a sensor area and a substrate and an electronic circuit for excitation and detection of the finger print compared to a single—chip finger print sensor. The individual signals are connected internally at the sensor substrate in such a way that the response from the individual sensor elements can be separated from each other. Cross-talk is reduced by keeping the sensor outputs at a constant potential, thus eliminating the effect of capacitive coupling between different sensor outputs and also between sensor outputs and a ground or reference potential. | 04-30-2015 |
20150145532 | TOMOGRAPHIC DETERMINATION OF SCALE BUILD-UP IN PIPES AND OTHER TANKS, CELLS, VESSELS OR CONTAINERS - Apparatus is provided featuring a signal processor or processing module configured at least to: receive signaling containing information about the conductivity of a fluid contained, processed or flowing in a pipe, tank, cell or vessel having electrodes around the circumference of the pipe, tank, cell or vessel in an irregular configuration; and determine a scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using a tomographic processing technique, based at least partly on the signaling received. The signal processor module may be configured to provide corresponding signaling containing information about the scale build-up in the pipe, tank, cell or vessel using the tomographic processing technique, e.g., including where the corresponding signaling contains information about a chemical to be injected to control the scale build-up, including in a closed loop manner. | 05-28-2015 |
20150145533 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR HEALTH MONITORING OF COMPOSITE ELASTOMERIC FLEXIBLE ELEMENTS - A composite elastomeric flexible element has an elastomer layer between rigid members. When subjected to loads, and as time goes by, the elastomer layer will undergo damage in the form of micro-voids and polymer chain scission. The time it takes the damage to reach a predetermined, but safe state is a known function of several parameters such as loading rate and load magnitude, time at load, temperature and frequency. The damage decreases the electrical permittivity of the elastomer and changes the electrical conductance of the elastomer if the elastomer is in the environment of an electrically conductive fluid or when the elastomer includes conductive filler. The health of the flexible element is monitored by measuring the electrical impedance of the elastomer layer, computing an indication of health from the electrical impedance and trend data for the elastomer layer, and reporting the indication of health to a human administrator. | 05-28-2015 |
20150300971 | DETECTING CONDUCTORS IN A CABLE-STRIPPING PROCESS - While stripping an electrical cable in a stripping device of a cable-processing system, detection by an electrically conductive cutting device with a sensor circuit takes place if contact with a conductor occurs. By connecting the sensor circuit to the cutting device a measuring capacitance is developed. Before incising the electrical cable, a capacitance value of the measurement capacitance is determined during a first measurement cycle in which a charge equalization is carried out between the measurement capacitance and a reference capacitance. A parameter is determined in a further measurement cycle in which a charge equalization is again carried out between the measurement capacitance and the reference capacitance, wherein, relative to the first capacitance, the parameter displays a change in the capacitance after incising into the electrical cable. A signal is produced, if the change is greater than an established threshold value, indicating contact with the conductor. | 10-22-2015 |
20150305227 | SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING AN AGRICULTURAL SOIL ANALYZER TO AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENT - A system includes a retractable mounting assembly including a frame assembly. The frame assembly includes at least one substantially rigid frame member. In some embodiments, the frame assembly is configured to facilitate movement of an agricultural soil analyzer from a first position longitudinally proximate to a rear end of an agricultural implement to a second position longitudinally rearward of the first position, relative to a direction of travel of the agricultural implement, the frame assembly is configured to position the agricultural soil analyzer above a surface of an agricultural field while in the second position, and each of the at least one substantially rigid frame member is formed from a non-electrically interactive material. | 10-29-2015 |
20150309099 | SENSOR SLEEVE FOR HEALTH MONITORING OF AN ARTICLE - A sensor sleeve for use in detecting a failure in an article (e.g., a hydraulic hose), the sensor sleeve includes an insulator layer that separates two electrode layers. As such, the electrode layers deform to contact each other, which changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers. The sensor sleeve is designed to change electrical impedance (resistance) due to fluid pressure initiating a hole through the sensor itself. The sensor sleeve will detect the fluid leak when the hole penetrates the sensor and brings the two elastic electrodes in contact with each other and/or the fluid, which when the fluid is conductive fluid, creates a signal path between the first electrode layer and the second electrode layer, which also changes the impedance as measured across the electrode layers. | 10-29-2015 |
20150330931 | GRIP SENSOR - A grip sensor includes: a plurality of capacitive detectors which are disposed in a grip of a steering wheel of a vehicle, and output values which vary according to whether a human body is in contact; and a controller which determines, at a preset timing, a reference value to be subtracted from the values output from the plurality of capacitive detectors, to determine whether the human body is in contact, wherein the controller identifies, from among values output from the plurality of capacitive detectors at the preset timing, one or more values each having an absolute value smaller than a first threshold, and determines, as the reference value, one of the one or more values identified or an average of the one or more values identified. | 11-19-2015 |
20150338364 | MULTIPLE-EXCITATION MULTIPLE-RECEIVING (MEMR) CAPACITANCE TOMOGRAPHY - A method for operating a sensor, including simultaneously exciting a first set of electrodes and sensing an output of each electrode of a second set of electrodes, storing output data corresponding to the output of each electrode of the second set of electrodes in a memory storage device, shifting at least one electrode from the first set of electrodes to the second set of electrodes and at least one electrode from the second set of electrodes to the first set of electrodes, and repeating the simultaneously exciting and sensing, the storing, and the shifting until an output data has been stored for each possible pair of electrodes in the first and second set of electrodes. | 11-26-2015 |
20150346131 | SENSOR APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF MAKING SAME - A sensor system can be configured to perform dielectric spectroscopy (DS). For example, the system can include a sensor configured to measure dielectric permittivity of a fluid in response to an RF input signal. Associated interface electronics can include a transmitter to drive the sensor with the RF input signal and a receiver to receive and process an RF output signal from the sensor in response to the RF input signal. | 12-03-2015 |
20150369767 | ANISOTROPIC MULTIPHYSICS SENSING SYSTEMS FOR MATERIALS AND METHODS OF USING THE SAME - The present invention is directed to a method to measure a non-electrical property of an object using an electrical property measurement, and applications for the method. The invention is also directed to a transducer, and uses for the transducers. | 12-24-2015 |
20150377763 | MICROPARTICLE ANALYSIS APPARATUS AND MICROPARTICLE ANALYSIS SYSTEM - There is provided a microparticle analysis apparatus including a sample channel configured to receive liquid containing a plurality of microparticles, a first pair of electrodes configured to form an alternating electric field in at least a part of the sample channel, a measuring part configured to measure impedance between the first pair of electrodes, an analyzing part configured to calculate property values of the microparticles from the impedance measured in the measuring part, and a determining part configured to determine whether data of the impedance measured in the measuring part is derived from the microparticles. | 12-31-2015 |
20160011136 | ARRANGEMENT FOR DETERMINING THE PHASE DISTRIBUTION IN MULTIPHASE MEDIA HAVING AT LEAST ONE HIGHLY C0NDUCTIVE PHASE | 01-14-2016 |
20160011137 | Characterization Apparatus | 01-14-2016 |
20160040974 | APPARATUS FOR OBJECT INFORMATION DETECTION AND METHODS OF USING SAME - A system for determining information regarding at least one object, comprising: a sensor sensitive to capacitive coupling; at least one object adapted to create a capacitive coupling with the sensor when at least one signal is input to the sensor; a detector adapted to measure at least one output signal of said sensor associated with the at least one object, wherein the output signal associated with the at least one object is an object information code. | 02-11-2016 |
20160123775 | INTEGRATED CAPACITANCE SENSING MODULE AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEM - An integrated capacitance sensing module includes a silicon substrate, a first and a second and a third interlayer dielectric layers, plural conducting layers, a shielding layer, a lower and a upper sensing electrode layers, a protective coating layer. An embedded memory and a sensing circuit are constructed in the silicon substrate. The first interlayer dielectric layer covers the silicon substrate. The plural conducting layers are formed over the first interlayer dielectric layer. The shielding layer is formed over the plural conducting layers. The second interlayer dielectric layer covers the shielding layer. The lower sensing electrode layer is formed over the second interlayer dielectric layer. The third interlayer dielectric layer is formed over the lower sensing electrode layer. The upper sensing electrode layer is formed over the third interlayer dielectric layer. The protective coating layer covers the upper sensing electrode layer. | 05-05-2016 |
20160252475 | CAPACITIVE SENSING FOR FURNITURE | 09-01-2016 |
20180022320 | SENSOR FOR VEHICLE, SENSING METHOD THEREOF AND VEHICLE SYSTEM | 01-25-2018 |
20190145923 | Method of Examining the Electrical Properties of Objects using Electric Fields | 05-16-2019 |