A self contained sensor module mounted on a power transmission line. The module is capable of measuring various parameters such as line current, voltage, conductor temperature, and ambient temperature. The parameter values are processed by sensor electronics which digitize and transmit the values to a ground receiver. The sensor module normally derives its power through electromagnetic induction resulting from current flowing through the transmission line. The module contains a power back-up system, including a battery, which allows sensor operation with minimum current and zero current in the transmission line. The battery is float charged while the sensor is mounted on the transmission line using excess energy derived through electromagnetic induction. When line current drops to a predetermined minimum value, float charging is disable and the battery supplies power to the sensor module. When battery power is depleted to a predetermined level, data processing and transmission are disabled until the battery can be recharged.

Transmission line sensor apparatus operable with near zero current line conditions

A system and method is disclosed for the rapid detection and (or) purification of analytes in a sample. The system makes use of a fluid receptacle containing a capture reagent and a manifold having two ports. A sample containing an analyte disposed within the fluid receptacle is subjected to a capture reagent and processed by inserting the open end of the receptacle in one port. Vacuum, gas, reagents, and wash fluids are then applied to the second port to effect rapid interaction between the capture reagent and analyte, efficient washing of the capture reagent and detection and/or collection of the analyte. The system and method provide a rapid safe, uncomplicated means of automating processes based on affinity complexation principles. Encompassed within this category of processes are immunoassays, nucleic acid hybridization tests and affinity separations.

Rapid assay processor

A self-powered powerline sensor (10) includes a core layer (18) for wrapping about an a.c. powerline (12); a winding layer, including a plurality of windings (20) to be energized by the a.c. powerline (12), disposed about the core layer (18); means (50-60) for sensing a condition in or about the a.c. powerline (12); and means (44) for sensing, for transmitting a signal representative of the sensed condition over the a.c. powerline.

Self-powered powerline sensor

An electrochemical sensor system that continuously monitors and calibrates the sensors included in the system. The invention also includes a method for determining failure patterns of a sensor and incorporating into an electrochemical sensor system the ability to recognize the failure pattern and initiate remedial action.

Automated system for continuously and automatically calibrating electrochemical sensors

A measuring sensor of an electronic trip device of a circuit breaker comprises a shunt in the form of a hollow cylinder inside which there is located an electronic processing unit, comprising an amplifier circuit and an input resistance in good thermal contact with the internal face of the cylinder.

Current sensor for an electronic trip device

The invention relates to an apparatus for measuring the concentration of gaseous hydrogen dissolved in a liquid substance. The apparatus comprises an electrochemical cell constituted of a polymeric membrane in contact with a sample of the liquid substance and which is permeable to hydrogen, of an electrolyte capable of causing an oxidation reaction of the hydrogen diffused through the polymeric membrane, at a first electrode, and a reduction reaction of an oxygenated gas at a second electrode, so as to deliver an electric current proportional to the hydrogen concentration to be measured. An electrovalve operates, when activated, to exhaust the liquid substance sample at a predetermined instant in the measuring process. Moreover, the circuit amplifies a voltage corresponding to the value of the current proportional to the concentration, which current flows through a load resistance mounted in parallel across the first and second electrodes and the input of the amplifying circuit. A display device is connected to the output of the amplifying circuit and supplies a digital measure of the hydrogen concentration in the liquid substance. A control unit determines the operation times of the electrochemical cell, of the electrovalve as well as of the digital display device pursuant to a predetermined sequence.

Apparatus for detecting and measuring the hydrogen content in a liquid substance

Discloses is an improved device to facilitate detecting and measuring the concentration of gaseous hydrogen dissolved in a fluid. A polymeric membrane is in contact with the fluid and permeable to the hydrogen gas. An electrolyte is provided which is capable of producing oxidation of the hydrogen diffused through the membrane at a first electrode, and reduction of an oxygen-containing gas such as air, at a second electrode. The connection of a measuring device across the electrodes measures the intensity of the current generated by the electrochemical reaction of oxidation of the hydrogen gas. The electrodes and the electrolyte are mounted in an electrode mounting unit which includes a first, tightly sealed enclosure encased within a second, tightly sealed enclosure. The mounting unit is tightly mounted into a hollow housing. This housing is fixed to a base across one extremity of which extends the polymeric membrane.

Device for detecting and measuring the concentration of gaseous hydrogen dissolved in a fluid

An apparatus for sensing and measuring a DC or AC current on an LV or HV power circuit. The apparatus comprises a shunt element having an input connected to the transmission line. The current flowing through the shunt is measured by an electronic circuit which is located in a conductive housing connected in series with the shunt element. The housing conducts the current from the shunt back to the power circuit. The housing is dimensioned to contain therein the electronic circuit whereby to shield the circuit from thermal effects of the shunt element, the magnetic field effect of the measured current, and environmental electrostatic interference.

An apparatus for sensing and measuring a current on a power transmission line

A non-contact measuring method and apparatus for producing a signal (34) representative of a distance (e) between facing surfaces of a first (3) and second parts (5), which are closely spaced apart such as the rotor and stator of an electric rotating machine. The method resides in positioning a sensor (7) on the surface of the first part (3). The sensor (7) includes first (9) and second (11) parallel, superimposed conductive plates electrically insulated from one another. The second plate (11) is located in between the first plate (9) and the surface of the first part (3). The first plate (9) is fed with a high frequency signal through a resistance (19). A high impedance, low input capacity, unitary gain voltage amplifier (27) is fed with the high frequency signal through the resistance (19). The second plate (11) is fed with an output signal (31) of the amplifier (27). The output signal (31) of the amplifier (27) is directly proportional to the distance (e) between the two surfaces (3, 5). The sensor (7) acts as a capacitance in a low pass RC-filtercircuit where R is the resistance (19). The sensor (7) may be adapted to determine discharges in the stator when mounted the roter.

Non-contact measuring method and apparatus for producing a signal representative of a distance between facing surfaces

The current surge indicator (10) has a ferromagnetic member (12) held about a conductor (15) with the ends of the member (12) in proximity and facing each other such that the ends are attracted to one another with a given force as current passes through the conductor (15). When the force exceeds a given threshold, a signal is created to help in locating where the current surge took place. The member may be spring loaded to open up, and the signal may be provided by the member being released by the current surge such that the member falls from the conductor. The conductor may be an anchor cable of an insulator or tower beam for a power transmission line.

Gilles Missout

Papers

Apparatus for detecting and measuring the hydrogen content in a liquid substance

Device for detecting and measuring the concentration of gaseous hydrogen dissolved in a fluid

An apparatus for sensing and measuring a current on a power transmission line

Non-contact measuring method and apparatus for producing a signal representative of a distance between facing surfaces

Current surge indicator