An electrometer includes an amplifier exhibiting output drift and having a floating input terminal; a current source providing an electrical current to the floating input terminal, and a controller controlling the electrical current to counteract the output drift. A method of correcting the output drift involves: applying, then disconnecting, a predetermined non-floating input to the floating input terminal; determining by the controller a deviation of the amplifier output voltage from an output value associated with the non-floating input; and the current source applying an electrical current to the floating input terminal to minimize the deviation. A voltmeter for non-invasively measuring voltage on a conductor includes: the electrometer; an excitation source applying a step excitation to an excitation terminal, the controller determining a step change in the output of the amplifier; and a relay for connecting and disconnecting the voltmeter to and from an electrical ground associated with the conductor.
A vulcanizing press for forming a conveyor belt and a method of operating the same. A pair of platens is configured to receive the conveyor belt therebetween for pressing against the conveyor belt. A conductive plate is capacitively coupled to a reference circuit via the conveyor belt while the conveyor belt is being pressed between the pair of platens. Circuitry connected to the pair of conductive plates supplies electrical power to the conductive plate. The circuitry is configured to: determine an indication of capacitance of the conveyor belt based on a response of the circuitry to an electrical signal supplied to the circuitry while the conveyor belt is being pressed between the pair of platens. The circuitry is configured to determine a cure state of the conveyor belt based on the indication.
A zero-stage splice for a cord-reinforced conveyor belt, and a method and a kit for forming the same are described. First and second cord segments of different section of the conveyor belt are disposed end-to-end adjacent to, and spaced apart from, each other to define a gap therebetween. Elastomeric adhesive disposed in the gap and around the first and second cord segments. A pliable sheath confines the elastomeric adhesive during curing so as to form sheathed adhesive that is resiliently deformable and adhesively couples the first and second cord segments to each other. A matrix including a reinforcement carcass, and carry and pulley cover layers cover and surround the sheathed adhesive so as to define a zero-stage splice.
B65G 15/36 - Belts or like endless load-carriers made of rubber or plastics with reinforcing layers, e.g. of fabric the layers incorporating ropes, chains, or rolled steel sections
A system and method to remove ions from a fluid. The system comprises a reservoir for holding the fluid. A porous medium receives the fluid from the reservoir at a predetermined pressure to draw the fluid through the porous medium to retain an adhered portion of the fluid at a wetting surface of the porous medium. An electrical conductor is operable to generate an electrostatic field drawing the adhered portion away from the wetting surface so as to discharge an ion-rich fluid from the wetting surface. The method includes receiving the fluid from the reservoir at a predetermined pressure; drawing it through a porous medium so as to retain an adhered portion thereof at a wetting surface while maintaining fluid communication with the reservoir; and generating an electrostatic field to draw the adhered portion away from the wetting surface so as to discharge an ion-rich fluid from the wetting surface.
B01D 57/00 - Separation, other than separation of solids, not fully covered by a single other group or subclass, e.g.
B01D 17/06 - Separation of liquids from each other by electricity
B03C 5/00 - Separating dispersed particles from liquids by electrostatic effect
C02F 1/28 - Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by sorption
C02F 1/469 - Treatment of water, waste water, or sewage by electrochemical methods by electrochemical separation, e.g. by electro-osmosis, electrodialysis, electrophoresis
5.
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FERROMAGNETIC CABLE INSPECTION
An opposing field sensing element, for ferromagnetic cable inspection Is disclosed that uses magnetic flux sources and a magnetic flux sensor to detect anomalies in ferromagnetic cables. An array of opposing field sensing elements may be used to non-invasively inspect systems that contain ferromagnetic cables such as conveyer belts and the like. The opposing field sensing element is small and compact, and immune to vertical axis flutter and disturbances of the ferromagnetic cable being inspected. In addition, the opposing field sensing element does not magnetize the ferromagnetic cable being, inspected such that, interference with other sensing and control systems is minimized.
G01N 27/83 - Investigating or analysing materials by the use of electric, electrochemical, or magnetic means by investigating magnetic variables for investigating the presence of flaws by investigating stray magnetic fields
A transverse electromagnetic gradiometer comprising at least two inductive vector electromagnetometers having a magnetically permeable core, an induction coil and a slotted electrostatic shield to feed an amplifier and signal processing arrangement for the detection and subsequent processing of harmonic signatures contained in extremely low-frequency radiation on the order of about 3 hertz to about 3 kilohertz. The transverse electromagnetic gradiometer detects harmonic signatures of various electrical loads, and can also be utilized to detect faulty distribution transformers, faulty streetlight ballasts, illegal power consumption, power bypasses, electrical leakage, poor or faulty neutral- ground bonds, and other conditions that provide characteristics and identifiable harmonic signatures. The transverse electromagnetic gradiometer can also be used to determine location in applications such as a mine collapse or the like. A computer system may further process the obtained harmonic signatures for improved identification capabilities.
E21F 11/00 - Rescue devices or other safety devices, e.g. safety chambers or escape ways
E21F 17/18 - Special adaptations of signalling or alarm devices
G01R 33/02 - Measuring direction or magnitude of magnetic fields or magnetic flux
G01S 5/16 - Position-fixing by co-ordinating two or more direction or position-line determinationsPosition-fixing by co-ordinating two or more distance determinations using electromagnetic waves other than radio waves
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
Goods & Services
(1) Conveyor belt inspection and monitoring unit comprised of variable reluctance sensors, a processing unit and computer interface for the detection of the material composition and quality of the belt, and for detection of wear, rips, flaws, breakage, and other imperfections and damage in the belt or belt cables.
