Abstract: A NOx sensor, comprising a high-temperature piezoelectric element, a NOx scavenging element positioned on the piezoelectric element, a first electrode in contact with a first region of the piezoelectric element and a second electrode in contact with a second region of the piezoelectric element. Also, a method of detecting whether NOx is present in a space, comprising applying a voltage across a high-temperature piezoelectric element, thereby causing a first portion of the piezoelectric element to undergo vibration, an NOx scavenging element being in contact with the first portion of the piezoelectric element; and detecting a resonant frequency of vibration of the first portion of the piezoelectric element.

Abstract: There is provided a chip for use in a combination microbalance and optical monitor sensor, the chip comprising a piezoelectric element and electrodes formed on a first surface thereof. At least a portion of the piezoelectric element is translucent. There is also provided a chip comprising a piezoelectric element and electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element, at least a portion of at least the first electrode being translucent, and at least a portion of the piezoelectric element being translucent. Current can be applied through the electrodes to cause a region of the piezoelectric element to undergo vibration, and light can be passed through a portion of the region of the piezoelectric element which is undergoing the vibration. There is also provided a combination microbalance and optical monitor sensor, comprising a chip as described herein, and a method of simultaneously piezoelectric crystal vibration monitoring and optically monitoring a layer.

Abstract: There is provided a method and apparatus that monitors and records the status and cargo inventory of a shipping container. The shipping container includes a container control unit that records and monitors the status and inventory particular to that container. Sensors are provided within the container to determine the container status. A piezoceramic actuator provides power to rechargeable batteries in the container control unit. Thus the container includes a self contained power source. A bridge control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container on a vessel. A remote control unit monitors and records the status and inventory of every container worldwide.

Abstract: A device for measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises at least one piezoelectric element, and first and second electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element. A method of measuring thickness and/or rate of thickness increase of a film comprises applying a voltage across a piezoelectric element from a first electrode to a second electrode, thereby causing the piezoelectric element to vibrate, and measuring the rate of vibration of the piezoelectric element. Heat may be applied to the piezoelectric element. The piezoelectric element may be formed of quartz crystal, e.g., IT-cut or near-IT-cut.

Abstract: A signal generation system, comprising a piezoelectric device which, upon actuation, generates voltage, and a wireless transmitter which generates a wireless signal when the piezoelectric device generates the voltage. A signal generation system, comprising signal generating devices, each wireless transmitter generating a respective signal comprising transmission which identifies the wireless transmitter. A signal generation system, comprising signal generating devices, each of the signal generating devices being mounted in or on respective structures which are free to move any distance relative to each other. A method of generating a signal, comprising actuating a piezoelectric device to generate an electrical signal, conveying the signal to a wireless transmitter, and transmitting a wireless transmission.

Abstract: A method of depositing a material on a substrate comprises subjecting a substrate to microwaves having a plurality of frequencies in order to heat at least a portion of the substrate to a first temperature, and passing over the substrate a first gas. At least a portion of the first gas breaks down into at least a first component and a second component when subjected to the first temperature, whereby at least a portion of at least the first component is deposited on the substrate. A system for depositing a material on a substrate comprises a microwave chamber, a variable frequency microwave generator (and/or a plurality of microwave generators) which directs into the chamber microwaves of a plurality of frequencies, a substrate and a piezoelectric element positioned within the chamber.

Abstract: There is provided a chip for use in a combination microbalance and optical monitor sensor, the chip comprising a piezoelectric element and electrodes formed on a first surface thereof. At least a portion of the piezoelectric element is translucent. There is also provided a chip comprising a piezoelectric element and electrodes in contact with the piezoelectric element, at least a portion of at least the first electrode being translucent, and at least a portion of the piezoelectric element being translucent. Current can be applied through the electrodes to cause a region of the piezoelectric element to undergo vibration, and light can be passed through a portion of the region of the piezoelectric element which is undergoing the vibration. There is also provided a combination microbalance and optical monitor sensor, comprising a chip as described herein, and a method of simultaneously piezoelectric crystal vibration monitoring and optically monitoring a layer.