Abstract: In many applications, where the level of a liquid needs to be monitored (and possibly controlled), it is not necessary to provide a continuous (analog) liquid level signal, but limit sensing to one (or two) discrete levels over a small level range. In this case, a ceramic substrate sensor with discrete thermistor/heater pairs provides necessary information to control the level of the fluid. Protection of the substrate from liquid (and potential contaminants) is accomplished by coating the surface with an inert glass (“glaze”) layer and/or polymer layer (e.g., “Parylene”). Packaging of the coated substrate is accomplished by protective base, epoxy, and slosh shield. Cost can be significantly reduced over a prior art multiple thermocouple based sensor design, since discrete electronic components are avoided or reduced. Also, the number of pins, and therefore electrical connections, can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A portable apparatus having an accelerometer device and a supporting element in the accelerometer device, having a first body of semiconductor material integrating a sensor element that detects movements of the first body and generates a signal correlated to the detected movement; a second body of semiconductor material that integrates a conditioning electronics and that is electrically connected to the first body; and conductive bumps that provide electrical connection of the first and second bodies to the supporting element. In particular, the conductive bumps connect the first and second bodies to the supporting element without the interposition of any packaging.

Abstract: Osmolarity measurement of a sample fluid, such as tear film, is achieved by depositing an aliquot-sized sample on a sample receiving substrate. The sample fluid is placed on a sample region of the substrate. Energy is imparted to the sample fluid and energy properties of the fluid can be detected to produce a sample fluid reading that indicates osmolarity of the sample fluid. An aliquot-sized volume can comprise, for example, a volume of no more than 20 microliters (?L). The aliquot-sized sample volume can be quickly and easily obtained, even from dry eye sufferers. The imparted energy can comprise electrical, optical or thermal energy. In the case of electrical energy, the energy property of the sample fluid can comprise electrical conductivity. In the case of optical energy, the energy property can comprise fluorescence. In the case of thermal energy, the measured property can be the freezing point of the sample fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (10) for providing a gas composition compensated acoustic measurement of the level of a liquid (16) in a tank (18). The device comprises a transducer (14) arranged outside said liquid for transmitting and receiving acoustic signals, and a waveguide (12) connected to said transducer and extending into the liquid. The device further comprises means for feeding a flow of fluid from said tank into the part of said waveguide which is located above the liquid level. That results in that the gas composition become essentially similar throughout the whole of the waveguide located above the liquid level, whereby the level measurement using the speed of sound in the waveguide, which speed is dependant on gas composition, becomes very accurate.

Abstract: A design structure for an on-chip real-time moisture detection circuitry for monitoring ingress of moisture into an integrated circuit chip during the operational lifetime of the chip. The moisture detection circuitry includes one or more moisture-sensing units and a common moisture monitor for monitoring the state of each moisture-sensing units. The moisture monitor can be configured to provided a real-time moisture-detected signal for signaling that moisture ingress into the integrated circuit chip has occurred.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for performing surface property measurements, such as workpiece hardness and other material property measurements, with in-process compensation for instrument frame distortion and the like.

Abstract: A method and device, for a heat exchanger which is provided with gaskets, for assessing and detecting the risk of fluid leakage in the heat exchanger due to worn-out gaskets. In the heat exchanger, a heat transfer plate (5) with gasket (6) is provided with a pressure sensor (15) which monitors the pressure between the plate (5) and the gasket (6). A further sensor is adapted to the heat exchanger for monitoring the pressure of the fluid entering the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for testing packaging and/or materials (e.g., package integrity and/or seal strength testing) wherein one or more coatings are applied to the one or more surfaces of the packaging and/or materials prior to testing. In one aspect of the present invention, when applied to a permeable package or a portion thereof, the coating transforms the package, or portion thereof, to an impermeable package or a package having impermeable portions thereof. After such transformation, a wider variety of testing methods including quantitative test methods may be used to test such permeable packages including standard burst seal strength, dye seal integrity, and package integrity tests. Furthermore, application of one or more coatings to the permeable package and/or material prior to testing enhances the sensitivity and repeatability of the test methods allowing for more reliable seal strength measurements and consistent detection of small defects (e.g., pinholes).

Abstract: A knock sensor diagnostic system may include a knock sensor. A bias circuit applies a bias voltage to the knock sensor. An input circuit receives an input signal based on the bias voltage. A control module indicates a short circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the input signal. A knock sensor diagnostic system may also or alternatively include a signal generator that generates and applies a test signal with a predetermined frequency to the knock sensor. Another input circuit receives another input signal that is based on the test signal. A control module indicates an open circuit associated with the knock sensor based on the other input signal.

Abstract: A technique is provided for detecting leaks in a fuel system such as an automotive fuel system. The technique complements an on-board diagnostics evaporative leak monitor that uses natural vacuum leak detection (NVLD). The technique utilizes the same switch and valve utilized by NVLD. Before engine shut-down, the system maintains a vacuum in the fuel tank and also provides a low-level purge flow. Upon engine shut-down, a timer is started and the NVLD switch is monitored to determine how long the vacuum is maintained in the tank. If the vacuum is maintained longer than a predetermined time period, then the system determines that the leak test is passed. If the vacuum decays faster than the predetermined time period, then the NVLD test is performed and system determines that the system passes the leak test if the NVLD test is passed.

Abstract: When detecting the combustion noise on a combustion engine (10) by using a knock sensor (14), the problem arises in that prior art methods cannot determine with sufficient accuracy how much fuel reaches the cylinder (11) of the combustion engine (10) during a specified injection pulse. For different reasons, e.g. for minimizing the fuel consumption or for optimizing exhaust emissions, a multiple injection with, in part, the smallest quantities of fuel is commonly used in today's combustion engines (10) that require a precise fuel metering. To this end, the measuring window (M) for detecting the combustion noises of an individual injection pulse with regard to its starting and/or ending position is variably formed according to operating parameters so that only the combustion noises taken into consideration are detected that serve as a measure for the injected quantity of fuel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to measuring devices for use in physical measuring, and in particular to capacitive sensors. In the sensor according to the invention, the shape of the stationary electrode (3), (4), (12), (17-20), (27-28) is stepped. Through the invention, a method for manufacturing a capacitive sensor with improved linearity is achieved, as well as a capacitive sensor suitable for use particularly in small capacitive sensor solutions.

Abstract: A fluid fill/storage/overflow reservoir/tank suitable for use with, for example, a liquid cooled engine, includes a clip-in provision for an oil stick tube that does not require removal of the oil stick tube from an engine assembly upon removal of the fluid fill/storage/overflow reservoir/tank from the engine assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally related to a method and apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter. In one embodiment, an apparatus for scanning a v-bank filter includes a hollow body having first and second ends. An outlet, formed at the second end of the body, is adapted for coupling a testing device to an interior volume of the body. A plurality of holes are formed through the body and are fluidly coupled to the interior volume. In another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes inserting a probe having a plurality of sample ports into a filter adjacent a filter pack, and traversing the probe along the filter pack. In yet another embodiment, a method for scanning a v-bank filter includes scanning a slot of a v-bank filter with a probe, and collecting samples of gas passing through the filter an into the probe.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for measuring the mass of a substance. In one method, energy is applied to a substance and a response resulting from the application of energy as measured. The mass of the substance is then determined based at least in part on the measured response.

Abstract: A method for detecting moisture in a display device having at least one display element includes incorporating at least one moisture detector in a predetermined location of the display device, the moisture detector including a material layer comprising metal formed between a first electrode and a second electrode. One or more display elements are encapsulated between a first and second shields. A resistance of the material layer is detected so as to determine a level of moisture.

Abstract: An inspection machine for pressure testing a glass bottle filled with water. A normal test pressurizes the bottle until the pressure reaches an acceptable level. If the bottle bursts or leaks the pressure will not reach the acceptable level. A control monitors the pressure curve and can determine when a bottle bursts. The control can also determine that a leak is present and when the leak happens with “N” successive bottles, the control indicates that there is a maintenance problem.

Abstract: Provided is a method of monitoring a device to ascertain leakage of the gas there from. An area in the vicinity of the gas is illuminated with ultraviolet light, thereby causing the gas or its residue to fluoresce. A gas sensor is exposed to the gas whereby it generates the gas detection input signal, which is then processed to produce at least one output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: A sight glass apparatus providing visual information concerning the presence of absence of liquid in a refrigeration system has a sight glass with a pair of clear glass bodies secure to a housing having a chamber for the liquid. The bodies have angled prismatic surfaces. One body includes a convex lenses that directs light to a colored member that reflects a colored toroid image when the chamber is full of liquid. A moisture sensing element is mounted on the sight glass to identify the presence of water in refrigeration and air conditioning systems.

Abstract: An apparatus as a fixture for fluidly pressure testing a flange penetrator seal with the apparatus having a flange cover including a recess and a flange extension including a recess with the extension matable to the cover such that the recesses create a volume around the seal. The extension is secured to the flange of a device for which the flange penetrator seal supports. The cover has a pressure fitting for application of fluid pressure to the recess of the cover for pressure testing the seal within the volume and the extension having a fitting for draining the volume after testing is complete. The test fixture includes a clamping fixture attachable to the cover, the clamping fixture encompassing the flange cover and the extension such that the apparatus can be further secured to the flange of the device which the flange penetrator seal supports.