Abstract: A process of utilizing a water-sensitive fluorophore for moisture content evaluation in a hygroscopic polymer includes forming a blend that includes a hygroscopic polymer resin and a water-sensitive fluorophore. The process includes forming pellets having a particular geometry from the blend, determining fluorescence properties of at least one of the pellets, and determining moisture content of at least one of the pellets. The process also includes generating a calibration curve for the particular pellet geometry by correlating the fluorescence properties with the moisture content. The process further includes providing the calibration curve for non-destructive moisture content evaluation of a material derived from the pellets.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inline sensor arrangement for the detection of measurement values of a measurand representing an analyte content of a measuring medium, which arrangement comprises: a sensor which is designed to generate and output a measurement signal correlated with the measurand, wherein the sensor has at least one sterile sensor element provided for contact with the measurement medium; and a housing surrounding the at least one sensor element, which housing encloses the sensor element in a chamber sealed tightly against an environment of the housing, and wherein the chamber contains inside it a gas volume that is designed such that an influence of harmful substances—in particular, of reactive nitrogen and/or oxygen species—on the at least one sensor element is largely prevented. The present disclosure further relates to a method for the production of said inline sensor arrangement, and for its commissioning.

Abstract: An insulated pipe includes an elongated tube having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and an insulating member at least partially enclosing a portion of the sidewall, including at least one channel extending through at least a portion thereof. The insulated pipe also includes at least one coaxial moisture sensor positioned within at least a portion of the channel configured to sense moisture in the channel. The at least one coaxial moisture sensor includes: a dielectric member having a sleeve defining a center hole formed from an absorbent dielectric polymer material; an outer electrode electrically connected with an outer surface of the dielectric member including a moisture permeable sleeve which permits moisture to pass to the dielectric member; and an inner electrode having a wire extending through the center hole of and electrically connected with an inner surface of the dielectric member.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. At least one of the moisture sensors includes an electrolyte between and in ionic contact with two electrically conductive electrodes. Measuring the potential between the first and second electrode and/or the current through the electrodes to determine the amount of moisture within the laminated windshield in the area of the moisture sensor. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.

Abstract: A system for detecting the presence of a liquid. The system includes a sensor, a cap, and a reader. The sensor includes at least three conductors, a substrate, and a cover. The conductors are positioned between the substrate and the cover. The cover includes a first portion at a first position and a second portion at a second position. The first portion and the second portion are adapted for separation from proximate portions of the cover and from the substrate to expose the conductors. The cap and the reader are adapted for positioning against the substrate at the first position and the second position respectively after separation of the first portion or the second portion. Positioning the cap against the against the substrate electrically couples two of the at least three conductors to each other. Positioning the reader against the substrate electrically couples the reader to the conductors to detect the presence of the liquid.

Abstract: A passive and wireless sensor is provided for sensing at least one of magnetic field, temperature or humidity. The sensor can provide only one of the sensing functions, individually or any combination of them simultaneously. It can be used for various applications where magnetic field changes, temperature and/or humidity need to be measured. In one or more embodiments, a surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor is provided that can measure one or more of a magnetic field (or current that generates the magnetic field), temperature and humidity. In one or more embodiments, a magnetoimpedence (MI) sensor (for example a thin film giant magnetoimpedance (GMI) sensor), a thermally sensitive (for example a Lithium Niobite (LiNbO3)) substrate, and a humidity sensitive film (for example a hydrogel film) can be used as sensing elements.

Abstract: Techniques are generally described for a gas sensor testing device. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device comprises a chamber including a wall having an inside surface and an outside surface, the inside surface defining a gas channel, the wall including at least one water molecule. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device includes a first electrode wire coupled to the outside surface of the wall. In some examples, the gas sensor testing device includes a second electrode wire coupled to the inside surface of the wall. In some examples, the wires are operable to generate a current through the wall when a voltage is applied across the wires. In some examples, the current is effective to electrolyze the at least one water molecule to generate a gas.

Abstract: A gas sensor in one form comprises a housing including a base and a top defining an interior space. The housing includes a gas entry hole and first and second electrical terminals. First and second electrodes in the housing interior space each comprise a membrane having a layer of platinum black catalyst on one side. The second electrode includes a lower amount of platinum black catalyst than the first electrode. A separator is placed between the first and second electrodes. Current collectors electrically connect the first and second electrodes to the respective first and second electrical terminals whereby sensor current represents concentration of gas while minimizing cross sensitivity.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that can adjust a hydration level in an electrochemical sensor or an instrument which includes such a sensor. The device can include a chamber which can, at least in part, surround an inflow port of the sensor. An adjacent reservoir of water can provide a source of water vapor which can be infused into the sensor.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning process of producing lactic acid. Firstly saccharification liquid is prepared through saccharated materials, then fermented with nutritive materials and lactic acid bacteria, and liquid alkali is used to adjust the pH. The fermentation broth is filtrated with porous membrane, and the lactic acid bacteria in the interception liquid are then reintroduced into the porous membrane for recycling. The permeate from porous membrane is subjected to nanofiltration to be decolored and purified. The concentrated solution from nanofiltration and the cleaning liquid from fermentation tank and its affiliated equipment are filtrated and sterilized by using ceramic membrane, and then are reintroduced into the fermentation unit for recycling. The permeate from nanofiltration is then subjected to bipolar electrodialysis system to prepare lactic acid, and the liquid alkali produced at the same time is reintroduced into the fermentation tank for recycling.

Abstract: A NOx sensor includes a sensor element equipped with first and second pumping cells to define first and second measurement chambers. The first pumping cell exerts an oxygen pumping action against the first measurement chamber to adjust the oxygen concentration in the gas under measurement within the first measurement chamber to a given level. The second pumping cell exerts an oxygen pumping action against the second measurement chamber to produce a pumping cell current according to the NOx concentration in the gas under measurement. When the moisture content of the gas under measurement changes from 2 vol % to 8 vol %, the NOx sensor allows a variation of NOx concentration detection value based on the pumping cell current in such a manner that the NOx concentration detection value reaches a transient peak value of 20 ppm or smaller and converges to ±5 ppm of a reference value within 5 seconds.

Abstract: Provided is a moisture detection device including: a moisture detection label that has at least a pair of detection terminals and a pattern, the detection terminals being provided on abase material with an insulated front surface, the pattern being provided on the surface of the base material and formed between the detection terminals with water-dispersible and conductive paint; and detection circuit which detects an electrical connection state between the detection terminals.

Abstract: A moisture sensor, for measuring moisture in a building without leaving visible scars to the building surface, is provided. The moisture sensor includes a flexible carrier carrying an antenna for receiving EM-radiation between 9 kHz and 11 MHz and a resonant circuit including a moisture reactive element. The moisture reactive element includes a hygroscopic electrolyte arranged between a first and a second electrode, wherein the electrolyte in the presence of moisture forms mobile ions and provides a complex impedance at least in response to the alternating voltage, which complex impedance varies with the moisture content of the electrolyte.

Abstract: A gas sensing member has a unit structure and a porous protective layer disposed on the unit structure. The unit structure has a solid electrolyte body, a gas measurement electrode disposed on a surface of the body and exposed to a measured gas entering at a gas inlet, a reference gas electrode disposed on another surface of the body and exposed to a reference gas, and a heater disposed close to the body. The heater has a heater substrate and heating elements disposed in the heater substrate. The heating elements heat the body. The heater substrate has side corner areas placed on side corners of the unit structure and being adjacent to the heating elements. The protective layer is disposed on the gas inlet such that the side corner areas are not covered with the protective layer and are directly exposed to the measured gas.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor having at least two electrodes, and a reservoir chamber containing electrolyte. The reservoir chamber is internally coated with a wicking material to spread the electrolyte evenly over the walls of the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique solution to the problems of both steady-state and transient signals produced by a variety of interfering stimuli, including humidity, which relies upon the inclusion in a gas sensing electrode in an electrochemical gas sensor of a catalyst material in addition to a first catalyst material reactive to the target gas, the additional, or second, catalyst material producing a response to an interfering stimulus which is of the opposite polarity to that generated by the first catalyst material.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor is provided with a carbon-based measuring electrode (3) that it can be used for a large number of electrochemical detection reactions and can be manufactured at a low cost. The measuring electrode (3) contains carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting water vapor in a gaseous sample. The sensor comprises (a) an anode, (b) a cathode, (c) an electrolyte intermediate the anode and cathode, and (d) an inlet orifice through a central area of the anode or cathode through which the gaseous sample may be placed into contact with the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be retained on a porous electrical-insulating separator located between the interior-facing major surfaces of the anode and the cathode.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor which comprises an electrode assembly, including a catalytic sensing electrode and a counter electrode, mounted inside a housing provided with at least one gas entrance, a reservoir for containing electrolyte in use, a compressible wick for supplying the electrode assembly with electrolyte and a wick compression component. A first end of the wick extends into the reservoir and a second end of the wick contacts the electrode assembly. The wick compression component compresses the wick in a direction substantially radial to an axis joining its first and second ends.

Abstract: A device for conducting protons at a temperature below 550° C. includes a LAMOX ceramic body characterized by an alpha crystalline structure.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of a Na salt of a phenol sulfonic acid polymer as a liquid electrolyte is held in a separator of a liquid electrochemical gas sensor. A sensing electrode and a counter electrode are connected to the separator to detect CO at a range from about ?40° C. to about 70° C.

Abstract: Water is stored in a metal can, and water vapor is supplied to a separator through an opening in a washer. The separator is an alkali metal salt in a sulfonated synthetic resin membrane, and KOH aqueous solution is used as the electrolyte, and the sensing electrode and the counter electrode are Pt—C, and solid proton conductive membranes are placed between the electrodes and the separator.

Abstract: A gas sensor equipped with a protective gas cover which defines therein a gas chamber to which a sensor element is exposed. The protective gas cover has gas inlet holes through which gas to be measured is admitted. The protective cover also has dimples formed adjacent the gas inlet holes, respectively, which are designed to avoid a direct hit of a flow of the gas on the sensor element and minimize the concentration of thermal stress around the gas inlet holes. In an alternative form, the gas inlet holes are formed in the dimples, respectively.

Abstract: A liquid electrode mixture for use in a gas sensor having from about 60 to about 240 milligrams of platinum black catalyst; from about 900 to about 1100 milligrams of water; from about 300 to about 400 microliters of 1-propanol; and from about 100 microliters to about 150 microliters of a polymer mixture comprising from about 40% to about 80% PTFE by weight and water.

Abstract: A coating system and a method for its manufacture are provided. An electrically conductive base coat and a porous overcoat lying over the base coat are arranged on a ceramic substrate. At least one additional deposited layer is arranged on the base coat in such a way that the additional layer is formed in the pores of the porous overcoat adjacent to the base coat. The additional layer is deposited either by currentless or electrolytic deposition. For electrolytic deposition of the additional layer, the ceramic substrate sintered with the base coat and the overcoat is submerged in an electrolytic bath and the base coat is connected as a cathode. The currentless deposition takes place from a solution of the metal to be deposited with the addition of a reducing agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an amperometric electrochemical cell having a first insulating substrate carrying a first electrode, a second insulting substrate carrying a second electrode, said electrodes being disposed to face each other and spaced apart by less than 500 &mgr;m, and defining a sample reservoir therebetween, and wherein at least one, and preferably both, insulating substrates and the electrode carried thereon include an electromagnetic radiation transmissive portion in registration with said reservoir. The walls of the electrochemical cell may be formed from a thin metallic portion on a transparent substrate. Such cells are useful in providing visual confirmation of the validity of the electrochemical measurement.

Abstract: A microsensor for identifying a change in a characteristic of an environment having temperatures of up to approximately five hundred degrees Centigrade includes a substantially flat insulator layer made of silicon oxide. A base layer made of silicon is integrally attached to one side of the insulator layer and a support layer is integrally attached to the other side of the insulator layer. Together the base layer and the support layer stabilize the support layer which is only about one thousand angstroms thick. A sensor element is mounted on the exposed surface of the support layer, and opposite the insulator layer, to generate a signal in response to the change in the environmental characteristic. Additionally, there is an electronic element which is processed into the support layer. This electronic element is electrically connected directly with the sensor element to process the signal and indicate an appropriate response.

Abstract: A humidity sensing device comprising a solid electrolyte evidencing proton conductivity includes HZr.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 or a composite comprising HZr.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 /ZrP.sub.2 O.sub.7. The humidity sensing device is operative over a temperature range from 25.degree. C.-600.degree. C. The humidity sensor is operated by an impedance-type cell.

Abstract: A humidity sensing device comprising a solid electrolyte evidencing proton conductivity includes HZr.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 or a composite comprising HZr.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 /ZrP.sub.2 O.sub.7. The humidity sensing device is operative over a temperature range from 350.degree.-600.degree. C. The humidity sensor is operated by an impedance-type cell.

Abstract: Ion selective ceramic membrane with high proton conductivity, which membrane is formed of lanthanide phosphate being doped with one or more metals Me from Group IIA of the Periodic Table and having a composition:Ln.sub.1-x Me.sub.x PO.sub.4whereinLn is lanthanum, cerium, praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, europium and/or gadolinium; and0<x.ltoreq.0.5.

Abstract: A new design for and an improved process of manufacturing a detecting unit for a type I electrolytic cell with thin film electrodes. In the first step of the process, a long, narrow, transparent, hollow glass tube is provided having an inside surface, an outside surface, and an end with a rim. A thin, noble metal film is deposited on the inside surface of the hollow glass tube. Then, a beam from a light source is directed through the hollow glass tube to remove a first portion of the noble metal film from the inside surface of the hollow glass tube and create a first spacer area. The beam also removes a second portion of the noble metal film from the inside surface of the hollow glass tube and creates a second spacer area. Consequently, two, separate electrode wires are created. Finally, an hygroscopic film is deposited on the entire inside surface of the hollow glass tube, covering completely the first and second electrode wires and the spacer areas.

Abstract: The invention concerns a novel electrochemical sensor with which to measure gas concentrations and comprising a measuring electrode and an associated electrode containing a carbonaceous material with a specific surface of at least 40 m.sup.2 /g and with electrochemically active surface compounds which can be reversibly oxidized/reduced.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprises a substrate on which are mounted three cells. Each cell includes an interdigitated capacitor defined by a pair of comb structure, electrically conductive tracks with the fingers of the combs interleaved. The tracks of each capacitor are covered by an insulating and chemically inert protective coating of an electrolyte. A monitor monitors one of a resistive component and a capacitive component of the relative dielectric constant of the electrolyte independently of the other component.

Abstract: This invention relates to sodium-selective agents which are monensin amide derivatives and sodium-selective electrodes having sodium-selective membranes containing such monensin amide derivatives. This invention further relates to multisensor flow assemblies incorporating such a monensin amide derivative in a sodium-selective electrode.

Abstract: An efficient method for the microfabrication of electronic devices which have been adapted for the analyses of biologically significant analyte species is described. The techniques of the present invention allow for close control over the dimensional features of the various components and layers established on a suitable substrate. Such control extends to those parts of the devices which incorporate the biological components which enable these devices to function as biological sensors. The materials and methods disclosed herein thus provide an effective means for the mass production of uniform wholly microfabricated biosensors. Various embodiments of the devices themselves are described herein which are especially suited for real time analyses of biological samples in a clinical setting. In particular, the present invention describes assays which can be performed using certain ligand/ligand receptor-based biosensor embodiments.

Abstract: A humidity sensing device comprising a solid electrolyte evidencing proton conductivity includes a composite comprising HZr.sub.2 P.sub.3 O.sub.12 /ZrP.sub.2 O.sub.7. The humidity sensing device is operative over a temperature range from 350.degree.-600.degree. C.

Abstract: Cell (19) for measuring moisture content of a material, comprising a sock (13) which is comprised of a plurality of braided threads, each thread consisting of a plurality of fibers comprised of an electrically non-conductive material. The sock is perfused with a moisture absorbing fluid. The sock comprises at least two electrodes (15, 17) in the form of wires comprised of a conducting material. These electrodes are braided as longitudinal threads in the sock (13). The electrodes are spaced from each other and extend essentially parallel to each other, the sock (13) being braided around a cylindrical core (11) comprised of an electrically non-conducting material. The axis of the core is essentially parallel to the electrodes (15, 17) and the threads in the sock (13) are permanently under tension to achieve contact between the threads and the electrodes (15, 17).

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately measuring the water content of a moist gas containing less than 50 parts per million (ppm) of water comprises an isothermal heat-sink (14), a radiator (20), a Peltier heater-cooler (24) thermally arranged between the isothermal heat-sink (14) and the radiator (20). The heater-cooler (24) is transferring heat from the isothermal heat-sink (14) to the radiator (20) and vice versa. A phosphoric acid moisture cell (32) is in thermal contact with the isothermal heat-sink (14). Upon passing the moist gas through the cell (32) the amount of moisture in the moist gas is measured as variation of electrical current throughout the cell.

Abstract: An interfacial component detection apparatus has a plurality of electrodes spaced from one another on a first solid portion and a solid electrolytic layer on the first solid portion adjacent to an interfacial layer and covering the plurality of electrodes. An I/O device applies an electrical signal between the two electrodes and detects electrical signals from the electrodes. Components of the interfacial layer can be accurately and reliably detected by electrolysis and impedance measurements.

Abstract: A high molecular humidity sensor in which polypyrrole being of conductive high molecule is electrochemically polymerized and then reduced whereby ionic conductive property is given go that humidity sensibility becomes excellent. The sensor is a structure in which polypyrrole doped with dodecylsulfate anion DS.sup.- is stuck in film form on the surface of a fine electrode, and cations Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ are permeated to said polypyrrole whereby salt is formed and humidity sensibility is exhibited in the region of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.6 .OMEGA., and humidity sensing speed becomes within several tens of seconds to several minutes.

Abstract: Low-level water concentrations are measured in gases by an electrolytic cell in which contaminating epoxy components present in conventional electrolytic cells have been eliminated. A metal-glass connection seal mechanically fixes the glass detection unit within the metal housing of the cell and provides a leak-proof barrier between the entrance and exit of the cell. Electrical insulator assemblies serve as insulators for the cell electrodes and also provide a leak-proof barrier where the electrical connections penetrate the metal housing of the cell.

Abstract: A counterflow device adapted for an analyzer engaging a gas stream and having a sensor for measuring a component of that stream. Because at least one element disposed between the gas inlet and gas outlet of the sensor typically emits unwanted impurities, the device diverts a portion of the gas stream as a counterflow directed toward the impurity-emitting element or elements. The counterflow enters the outlet without contacting the sensor of the analyzer.

Abstract: A humidity sensor composed of interdigitated electrodes and a material therebetween which is composed of Nafion wherein H+ cites have undergone ion exchange with at least one of NH4+ and Li+, Na+, Ag+ and Mg+.

Abstract: A high molecular humidity sensor and manufacturing method thereof in which polypyrrole being of conductive high molecule is electrochemically polymerized and then reduced whereby ionic conductive property is given go that humidity sensibility becomes excellent.The high molecular humidity sensor of the invention is characterized in that it is a structure in which polypyrrole doped with dodecylsulfate anion DS.sup.- is stuck in film form on the surface of fine electrode, and cations Na.sup.+, K.sup.+ are permeated to said polypyrrole whereby salt is formed, and humidity sensibility is exhibited in region of 10.sup.4 -10.sup.6 .OMEGA., and humidity sensing speed becomes within several tens seconds to several minutes.

Abstract: An air conditioning method and apparatus for electrochemically regulating a humidity and an oxygen-concentration within a case by the use of an ion exchanger polymer electrolyte. Where the humidity and the oxygen-concentration within the case are reduced, a cell comprising an anode, a cathode and an anion exchanger polymer electrolyte sandwiched between both the electrodes is arranged so that a surface of the anode is in contact with an atmospheric air outside the case and a surface of the cathode is in contact with an ambient atmosphere inside the case and DC voltage is applied between both the electrodes. On the other hand, where the humidity and the oxygen-concentration within the case are increased, the cell having the similar construction is arranged so that the surface of the anode is in contact with the ambient atmosphere inside the case and the surface of the cathode is in contact with the atmospheric air outside the case and DC voltage is applied between both the electrodes.

Abstract: A humidity controller has a humidity controlling element disposed in the opening of a chamber and comprising a hydrogen ion conductor membrane, porous electrodes disposed on two surfaces of the hydrogen ion conductor membrane and collecting electrodes disposed on opposite surfaces of the porous electrodes. Each of the collecting electrodes is disposed over an area than the whole area of each surface of the hydrogen ion conductor membrane such that the current density at a portion of the hydrogen ion conductor membrane where no collecting electrode is located is reduced by at most 1/2, thereby reducing the stress due to the difference between the thermal expansion coefficients of the porous electrodes and the collecting electrodes and limiting disconnection between these two groups of electrodes. The difference between the humidity control performance of this humidity controller and that of an arrangement in which collecting electrodes are disposed over the whole surfaces of the porous electrodes is small.

Abstract: A humidity sensor composed of interdigitated electrodes and a material therebetween which is composed of perfluorosulfonic acid substituted poly (tetrafluoroethylene) copolymer wherein H+ sites have undergone ion exchange with at least one of NH4+ and Li+, Na+, Ag+ and Mg+.

Abstract: A solid state, thin film moisture sensing element is disclosed. The sensing element is fabricated by thin film deposition of at least a pair of two layer electrodes on an insulating surface. The active surface of the element is then coated with a layer of hygroscopic material and placed in a diffusion limiting housing to complete the sensing element assembly.

Abstract: A moisture-sensing hygrometric element is provided comprising an electrolytic moisture-sensing mechanism integrally formed on the surface of a porous substrate, the porous substrate being resistant to oxidation and reduction and resistant to acids, wherein the moisture-sensing mechanism comprises a pair of platinum group metal electrodes constituting an anode and a cathode and having a fluororesin-type cation exchange resin membrane layer thereover. The porous substrate may be porous ceramic or a porous fluororesin such as expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. The hygrometric element may have an additional covering layer thereover of porous, expanded polytetrafluoroethylene. Also provided is a method for manufacturing the moisture-sensing hygrometric element.

Abstract: The polymer hygrometer with lithium doped Nafion was developed to meet the need for a reliable sensor for determining the relative humidity in harsh environments of pulp and paper mills. The sensor can operate in atmospheres that have organic vapors and dust, is unaffected by sulphur dioxide, acidic vapors and strong oxidizing agents. Exceptional stability is shown by the sensor which has withstood twelve months of continuous operation in a paper mill drier duct at temperatures near 65.degree. C. and air flow velocity of 10 m/s with no degradation or calibration change. Materials used in construction of the sensor such as glass, silver filled epoxy, Teflon, platinum wire, and Nafion contribute to ruggedness and immunity to harsh environments.