Abstract: A device for growing aquatic plants, in particular filamentous algae or seaweed, has a watertight reservoir (40) suitable for holding water, a plurality of light-emitting elements distributed over the entire volume of the reservoir (40), and an endless conveyor belt (41) with a drive motor (42) for moving the conveyor belt (41) in its endless direction. The conveyor belt is guided through the reservoir by a first deflection mechanism (43) of the device in such a way that at least 50%, preferably 70%, more preferably 90%, more preferably 100% of each of the two surfaces of the conveyor belt (41) receive light from at least one of the lighting elements without being shaded by the conveyor belt (41). The conveyor belt (41) is suitable for anchoring the aquatic plants on it and allowing them to grow while there is water in the reservoir (40).

Abstract: A method for correcting a dual-capacitance pressure sensor for measuring fluid pressure, comprising: at a first time, taking measurements of fluid pressure based on movements of a first membrane and a second membrane of the pressure sensor; at a second time, taking measurements of fluid pressure based on movements of the first membrane and the second membrane; determining a change in the measurement results based on movements of the first membrane between the first point in time and the second point in time; determining a change in the measurement results based on movements of the second membrane between the first point in time and the second point in time; Checking whether the changes in the measurements determined are based solely on a change in fluid pressure or whether the changes in the measurements determined are due to changes in the pressure sensor, and if the latter is the case, determining a correction for the measurements determined at the second point in time.

Abstract: A housing assembly for receiving at least one sensor for measuring parameters of a fluid has an outer housing with a connection for connecting the housing arrangement to a container containing the fluid. An inner housing is arranged in the outer housing, is suitable for receiving the sensor and is connected to a tube. The tube is connected to the outer housing at the connection and is adapted to direct the fluid into the inner housing. The housing assembly also has a heating device in or on the inner housing which is suitable for heating the inner housing to a predetermined temperature and maintaining it at this temperature. The inner housing and the outer housing are spaced apart from each other except at the junction of the connection and supply pipe and the space formed thereby is evacuated.

Abstract: A system for comparative pressure measurement includes a measuring chamber filled with a gas mixture having a gas pressure. A first sensor is arranged in the measuring chamber. The first sensor is adapted to measure the gas pressure independently of a type of the gas mixture. A second sensor is arranged in the measuring chamber. The second sensor is adapted to measure the gas pressure based on a known dependency from a type of the gas mixture. An evaluation unit determines a state of the gas mixture based on the gas pressure values measured by the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor at the same time.

Abstract: An improved Pirani sensor uses a measuring element disposed within a fluid between a base plate and a cover. The measuring element is held by suspension members that are connected to the base plate. A heating element is thermally conductively connected to the suspension members. Using the sensor the characteristic of the fluid is determined by evaluating the heat transfer from the thermal element through the fluid into the cover when heating power is applied to measuring element. Parasitic conductive heat loss from the measuring element into the suspension members is compensated by applying power to the heating element.

Abstract: A method comprises suspending a measuring element within a fluid and applying measuring power to the measuring element. Radiation loss compensation power is applied to a heating element. The radiation loss compensation power is selected to compensate parasitic radiative heat loss from the measuring element. Heat transfer from the measuring element into the fluid is evaluated and a property of the fluid is derived. A sensor which implements the method uses a resistive measuring element which is electrically connected to an evaluation circuit. The heating element is electrically connected to a power source. A processor receives an input from the evaluation circuit and calculates a property of the fluid while the power source provides radiation loss compensation power to the first heating element.

Abstract: To prevent negative influences of a measuring gas on vacuum sensor elements a protective device including one or more deflection elements made of wire, tape, or tube is inserted between the gas port or a vacuum measuring cell and the sensor element or sensor elements therein. The deflection element may be a spiral-shaped member and may be fabricated and deposited by laser melting from pure metal or an alloy on an inlet or outlet plate. The deflection element may react with the sample gas or its constituents. The deflection element extends the path of the incoming measurement gas to the sensor element and deflects the flow direction, whereby contaminant particles carried with the gas are deposited on the deflection element.

Abstract: A method comprises suspending a measuring element within a fluid and applying measuring power to the measuring element. Radiation loss compensation power is applied to a heating element. The radiation loss compensation power is selected to compensate parasitic radiative heat loss from the measuring element. Heat transfer from the measuring element into the fluid is evaluated and a property of the fluid is derived. A sensor which implements the method uses a resistive measuring element which is electrically connected to an evaluation circuit. The heating element is electrically connected to a power source. A processor receives an input from the evaluation circuit and calculates a property of the fluid while the power source provides radiation loss compensation power to the first heating element.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pressure sensor for measuring a fluid pressure, in particular a vacuum pressure. The pressure sensor contains a first and a second diaphragm connected to one another such that they enclose and hermetically seal a fluid space. Fluid can enter and exit the fluid space through a fluid supply element, which is connected to an exterior opening of the sensor. Each of the diaphragms is proximal to a reference electrode and forms a variable capacitor, the capacitance of which depends on the position of the diaphragms, which in turn depends on the pressure in the fluid space.

Abstract: An improved Pirani sensor uses a measuring element disposed within a fluid between a base plate and a cover. The measuring element is held by suspension members that are connected to the base plate. A heating element is thermally conductively connected to the suspension members. Using the sensor the characteristic of the fluid is determined by evaluating the heat transfer from the thermal element through the fluid into the cover when heating power is applied to measuring element. Parasitic conductive heat loss from the measuring element into the suspension members is compensated by applying power to the heating element.

Abstract: An improved Pirani sensor uses a measuring element disposed within a fluid between a base plate and a cover. The measuring element is held by suspension members that are connected to the base plate. A heating element is thermally conductively connected to the suspension members. Using the sensor the characteristic of the fluid is determined by evaluating the heat transfer from the thermal element through the fluid into the cover when heating power is applied to measuring element. Parasitic conductive heat loss from the measuring element into the suspension members is compensated by applying power to the heating element.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a pressure sensor for measuring a fluid pressure, in particular a vacuum pressure. The pressure sensor contains a first and a second diaphragm connected to one another such that they enclose and hermetically seal a fluid space. Fluid can enter and exit the fluid space through a fluid supply element, which is connected to an exterior opening of the sensor. Each of the diaphragms is proximal to a reference electrode and forms a variable capacitor, the capacitance of which depends on the position of the diaphragms, which in turn depends on the pressure in the fluid space.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: An improved Pirani sensor uses a measuring element disposed within a fluid between a base plate and a cover. The measuring element is held by suspension members that are connected to the base plate. A heating element is thermally conductively connected to the suspension members. Using the sensor the characteristic of the fluid is determined by evaluating the heat transfer from the thermal element through the fluid into the cover when heating power is applied to measuring element. Parasitic conductive heat loss from the measuring element into the suspension members is compensated by applying power to the heating element.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes use of filamentous algae to form insulating construction materials which provide thermal and noise insulation. Algae from the order Zygnematales, the Cladophorales, or the Ulotrichales can be dried and formed for use as insulating material. Algae mass can be combined into several layers, using a binder to attach the layers to each other. A composite material of algae mass and an additive can be used and form the body of insulation panels having honeycomb-shaped chambers, which are sealed by a foil that is laminated onto the body. Various plants for cultivating algae for use in construction material are disclosed. Plants utilizing gravity harvest comprise cultivation ponds located at a slope, wherein the ponds can be opened to allow algae and water to flow downhill through a collector grill. Plants utilizing net harvest, overflow harvest or rake harvest are described.

Abstract: A thermocouple vacuum sensor is provided, the thermocouple being surrounded by a gas or mixture of gases the pressure of which is to be measured. Cyclically the thermocouple is heated until its temperature reaches an upper temperature threshold. The thermocouple is subsequently cooled until its temperature reaches a lower temperature threshold. The heating time required to heat the thermocouple from the lower to the upper temperature threshold is measured. The cooling time required to cool the thermocouple from the upper temperature threshold to the lower temperature threshold may also be measured. The pressure surrounding the thermocouple may then be determined as a function of either the heating time, or the cooling time, or both.

Abstract: An interoperable vacuum measuring device is presented, which automatically adjusts to one of two or more vacuum sensors having different electrical characteristics. The interoperable vacuum measuring device in a first step detects which type of vacuum sensor it is connected to. In a second step it controls and evaluates the vacuum sensor, using control parameters determined in response to the detection of the first step. Detection of a vacuum sensor type is achieved by measuring the electrical resistance between any two pins of a vacuum sensor's connector and comparing the measured resistance values with stored resistance values of known vacuum sensors. Further, a vacuum measuring device is presented, which automatically identifies a vacuum sensor, and associates a vacuum pressure measurement with a vacuum sensor. The identification of a vacuum sensor is facilitated by an identification disk, which is placed onto and operatively connected to the male terminals of a vacuum sensor's connector.