Abstract: A multifunctional pressure, displacement, and temperature gradient sensor employs powders of one or more of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or graphene. These powders are placed in a hollow body which has a fixed electrode on one end and moveable electrode on the other. The powders are compressible, and movements of the moveable electrode sliding within the sensor can be accurately detected. Thermocouples on each electrode permit measuring the gradient of temperature for the calibration of the multifunctional sensor and also for the measurement of resistance, thermoelectric voltage and thermoelectric current of the sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method to control a power-on phase of an electronic device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a processing device, a request to a plurality of sensors, the request to read a measurement related to an environmental condition; receiving, by the processing device, the measurement from each of the plurality of sensors; and when the measurement is equal to or above a threshold value, commencing, by the processing device, the power-on phase of the electronic device.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method to control a power-on phase of an electronic device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a processing device, a request to a plurality of sensors, the request to read a measurement related to an environmental condition; receiving, by the processing device, the measurement from each of the plurality of sensors; and when the measurement is equal to or above a threshold value, commencing, by the processing device, the power-on phase of the electronic device.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for determining water and sediment content in a hydrocarbon fluid sample. The methods and devices for determining water and sediment content in a hydrocarbon fluid sample include a Karl Fischer titration device and a titration vessel configured to implement a Karl Fischer titration and an ultrasonic particle detector configured to identify sediment in the hydrocarbon fluid sample.

Abstract: Embodiments provide a method to control a power-on phase of an electronic device is provided. The method includes transmitting, by a processing device, a request to a plurality of sensors, the request to read a measurement related to an environmental condition; receiving, by the processing device, the measurement from each of the plurality of sensors; and when the measurement is equal to or above a threshold value, commencing, by the processing device, the power-on phase of the electronic device.

Abstract: An electrochemical gas sensor includes an electrolyte including at least one ionic liquid which includes an additive portion including at least one organic additive, at least one organometallic additive or at least one inorganic additive.

Abstract: A water desalination system and method in accordance with the principles of the present invention employs capacitive deionization to remove ions from source water to produce deionzed and waste water. The process employs charged electrodes to attract ions of opposite polarity from the source water. The process of discharging the electrodes employs solvent drag.

Abstract: In the invention, a back titration and titer determination can be made using a back coulometric titration. When the iodine exists in a solution put in the titration flask with electrolytic electrodes, a back coulometric titration is performed to produce iodine ions from the iodine at the anode of the electrolytic electrodes. Where the solution is a dehydrated solvent including a Karl Fischer reagent for a volumetric titration, the titer can be determined by the back coulometric titration. Where the solution is anolyte in which the iodine remains after the coulometric titration in the coulometric titration method, the water content in the sample is found from the quantity of electricity consumed by the coulometric titration and the quantity of electricity consumed by the back coulometric titration.

Abstract: A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.

Abstract: In the invention, a back titration and titer determination can be made using a back coulometric titration. When the iodine exists in a solution put in the titration flask with electrolytic electrodes, a back coulometric titration is performed to produce iodine ions from the iodine at the anode of the electrolytic electrodes. Where the solution is a dehydrated solvent including a Karl Fischer reagent for a volumetric titration, the titer can be determined by the back coulometric titration. Where the solution is anolyte in which the iodine remains after the coulometric titration in the coulometric titration method, the water content in the sample is found from the quantity of electricity consumed by the coulometric titration and the quantity of electricity consumed by the back coulometric titration.

Abstract: A system for sensing and communicating in a pipeline that contains a fluid. An acoustic signal containing information about a property of the fluid is produced in the pipeline. The signal is transmitted through the pipeline. The signal is received with the information and used by a control.

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 method of determining chemical oxygen demand (COD) of a water sample, which is useful in an on-line configuration comprising the steps of a) applying a constant potential bias to a photoelectrochemical cell, having a photoactive working electrode, optionally a reference electrode and a counter electrode, and containing a supporting electrolyte solution; b) illuminating the working electrode with a light source and recording the background photocurrent produced at the working electrode from the supporting electrolyte solution; c) adding a water sample, to be analysed, to the photoelectrochemical cell; d) illuminating the working electrode with a light source and recording the hydro dynamic photocurrent produced under continuous flow of the water to be analysed; e) determining the chemical oxygen demand of the water sample using a number of different formulae. The applied potential is preferably from ?0.4 to +O.8V more preferably about +0.3V.

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: The invention herein provides an apparatus and method of controlling an electrochemical treatment process where treatment is performed in a flow cell to ensure that a controlled dose of electrical energy or current is delivered to all volumes of the liquid being treated. In addition the invention provides for further optimization of the dose based on other factors and sensor inputs. This invention also provides a method to estimate, display and record a forecast of process efficacy such as disinfection, oxidation or other desired treatment that otherwise cannot be measured in an online manner.

Abstract: A gas sensing device (nanosensor) includes a substrate with at least a pair of conductive electrodes spaced apart by a gap, and an electrochemically functionalized semiconductive nanomaterial bridging the gap between the electrodes to form a nanostructure network. The nanomaterial may be single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) functionalized by the deposition of nanoparticles selected from the group consisting of an elemental metal (e.g., gold or palladium), a doped polymer (e.g., camphor-sulfonic acid doped polyaniline), and a metal oxide (e.g. tin oxide). Depending on the nanoparticles employed in the functionalization, the nanosensor may be used to detect a selected gas, such as hydrogen, mercury vapor, hydrogen sulfide, nitrogen dioxide, methane, water vapor, and/or ammonia, in a gaseous environment.

Abstract: An insulating end cap for a cylindrical electrolysis cell the type comprising at least two tubular electrodes with a cylindrical membrane arranged co-axially between them, comprises a first annular section with first and second axial ends, having at its first axial end a circular seating or one end of an outer cylindrical electrode and at its second end a circular aperture, of smaller diameter than the circular seating and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the membrane. A second annular section of the end cap is detachably secured to the first and has a central circular aperture of smaller diameter than the central aperture of the first section and co-axial therewith, to accommodate one end of the inner cylindrical electrode. The two part construction of the end cap facilitates the assembly of the cell, and reduces the likelihood of breakage of the fragile ceramic membrane.

Abstract: A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.

Abstract: A method of determining chemical oxygen demand in water samples containing chloride ions above 0.5 mM concentration in which the samples are diluted and a known quantity of an organic substance is added to the diluted sample which is the subjected to an assay by a photoelectrochemical method using a titanium dioxide nanoparticulate semiconductor electrode and measuring the photo current produced until a stable value is reached and then using the difference between the initial and stable photocurrents as a measure of the chemical oxygen demand. An alternative method involves determining chemical oxygen demand in water samples containing chloride ions by measuring the chlorine content and measuring chemical oxygen demand by a photoelectrochemical method using a titanium dioxide nanoparticulate semiconductor electrode and adjusting the chemical oxygen demand measurement using the chlorine measurement.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a nanoporous material, the method comprising the steps of: (i) heating a substrate in the presence of at least one reducing agent and at least one precursor solution; and (ii) cooling the resulting nanoporous material. The nanoporous material may be used for detection of a substrate, for an electrode in a fuel cell, and as a catalyst in the electro-oxidation of an organic species.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for preparing sterilizing water, which comprises an electrolyzer wherein an anode chamber (10) and a cathode chamber (20) partitioned by an ion exchange membrane (40) form a unit cell (A), being alternately arranged and successively equipped with close relation; water inlets (61, 62) and water outlets (71, 72) are provided on the end plate (60, 70) at both ends of the electrolyzer; said anode chamber (10) and cathode chamber (20) having circulative openings at the vicinity of each edge at both sides centered from anode plate (11) and cathode plate (21), of which two circulative openings of diagonal direction among them have plural passages of fan-shape, in order for water introduced through the openings to pass through the passages to rapidly go through each electrode; and a gap-control gasket (30) and a gasket for preventing leakage of electrolyte (31) having plural horizontal members are provided at the center to form an anode reaction chamber (13) and a cathode r

Abstract: A reactor comprising an inlet, an outlet, and a conically spiraling fluid flow channel coupled between the inlet and the outlet. The reactor may be an electrochemical reactor comprising a fluid flow channel that spirals about an axis, the fluid flow channel comprising an anode, a cathode across from the anode, and a membrane disposed between the anode and the cathode. The reactor may have a number of design parameters that are based upon one or more reaction species and that favor the occurrence of a reaction associated with the species. The reactor may be used for the electrolysis of water or for the production of other chemical products.

Abstract: Method and sensor for measuring accurate measurement of NOx concentration in an exhaust gas containing O2,H2O, CO2 and NOx and a NOx gas concentration sensor. A first oxygen pump cell sufficiently pumps out oxygen in a measurement gas such as not to decompose NOx. A pair of electrodes is provided on an inner side and an outer side of a second measurement chamber into which the gas is introduced from a first measurement chamber via a diffusion resistance. A voltage is impressed across the paired electrodes for decomposing NOx in the second measurement chamber to dissociate oxygen which causes the current to flow in a second oxygen ion pump cell. The NOx gas concentration is measured for this current. The voltage impressed across the paired electrodes of the second oxygen ion pump cell is set so as not to dissociate H2O and CO2 present in the second measurement chamber.

Abstract: A substrate container includes a container housing having an opening for storing a substrate therethrough and a cover sealingly covering the opening, a fan motor mounted in the container housing for producing a circulating path of air in contact with the substrate in the container housing, and a particle removing filter and a gaseous impurity trapping filter which are disposed in the a portion of the circulating path which extends toward the substrate. A dehumidifying unit for dehumidifying a space in the container housing comprises a solid polymer electrolyte film disposed in the circulating path and voltage applying means for applying a voltage to the solid polymer electrolyte film to decompose water in air flowing in the circulating path thereby to dehumidify a space in the container housing.

Abstract: A modified universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor, referred to herein as a CEGA sensor, is provided which can be used to measure the concentration of a variety of components of a gaseous fuel emission including CO, CO2, O2, H2, and H2O. The CEGA sensor-employs at least one additional electrode on a ceramic substrate which possess a different catalytic activity relative to the electrodes that normally found on a UEGO sensor. The ceramic substrate may be made of any suitable ceramic and is preferably made of zirconia. The difference in catalytic activity between the additional electrode(s) and the electrodes native to the UEGO sensor create an oxygen gradient which enables a measure of combustion completeness to be calculated. In combination with an air/fuel ratio measured by the sensor, the concentrations of different components in the emission can be calculated.

Abstract: A modified universal exhaust gas oxygen sensor, referred to herein as a CEGA sensor, is provided which can be used to measure the concentration of a variety of components of a gaseous fuel emission including CO, CO2, O2, H2, and H2O. The CEGA sensor-employs at least one additional electrode on a ceramic substrate which possess a different catalytic activity relative to the electrodes that normally found on a UEGO sensor. The ceramic substrate may be made of any suitable ceramic and is preferably made of zirconia. The difference in catalytic activity between the additional electrode(s) and the electrodes native to the UEGO sensor create an oxygen gradient which enables a measure of combustion completeness to be calculated. In combination with an air/fuel ratio measured by the sensor, the concentrations of different components in the emission can be calculated.

Abstract: A device for the coulometric determination of water by a Karl Fischer reaction comprising a membrane-free measuring cell that contains a liquid reagent, an iodine indicating means, an anode, a cathode and a casing around the cathode to define a cathode space. The casing has an opening through which the cathode space communicates with the liquid reagent. A maneuverable drainage device including a plunger is provided to drain-off liquid reagent in the cathode space through the opening.

Abstract: A constant-current polarization voltage detecting method includes step of feeding to a detecting electrode a predetermined minute current in a pulse form, and detecting sequentially a polarization voltage at each time of feeding the pulsating current, in an electrochemical analysis in solution. The polarization voltage is detected after a lapse of a predetermined time from the initiation of feeding the pulsating current at each time. A Karl Fischer's moisture content analyzing apparatus can utilize such a method.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor comprising a main pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen in a first chamber; an auxiliary pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen in a second chamber; and a measuring pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen in a measurement gas introduced through a third diffusion rate-determining section; wherein a NOx component contained in the measurement gas is measured on the basis of a pumping current flowing through the measuring pumping cell. The gas sensor further comprises a heater for heating at least the main pumping cell, the auxiliary pumping cell, and the measuring pumping cell to predetermined temperatures; an impedance-detecting circuit for detecting an impedance between an inner pumping electrode and an auxiliary pumping electrode; and a self-diagnosis unit for comparing an impedance value detected by the impedance-detecting circuit with a prescribed value to decide whether or not any trouble occurs, on the basis of a result of comparison.

Abstract: Disclosed are a gas sensor and a gas concentration controller each comprising a comparative amplifier for comparing a reference voltage with a terminal voltage between a reference electrode and an inner pumping electrode to obtain a difference therebetween, and amplifying the difference with a predetermined gain to make an output. Wiring connection is arranged so that the output voltage from the comparative amplifier is applied, as a pumping voltage to an oxygen pump, between the electrode and an outer pumping electrode. A resistor for detecting a pumping current is inserted and connected between an output terminal of the comparative amplifier and the electrode of the oxygen pump. A short circuit is formed between both ends of the resistor by using a capacitor. One electrode of the capacitor is connected to a non-inverting terminal of a differential amplifier, and the other electrode is connected to an inverting terminal of the differential amplifier.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor comprising a main pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen contained in a measurement gas introduced into a first chamber, an auxiliary pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen contained in the measurement gas introduced into a second chamber, a measuring pumping cell for pumping-processing oxygen in the measurement gas introduced via a third diffusion rate-determining section, an ammeter for detecting a pumping current generated depending on an amount of oxygen pumping-processed by the measuring pumping cell, a heater for heating at least the main pumping cell, the auxiliary pumping cell, and the measuring pumping cell to a predetermined temperature, an impedance-detecting circuit for detecting an impedance between an inner pumping electrode and an auxiliary pumping electrode, and a heater control circuit for controlling electric power application to the heater on the basis of a value of the impedance detected by the impedance-detecting circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gas sensor comprising a first internal space for making communication with the external space via a first diffusion rate-determining section, a first electrochemical pumping cell for controlling the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere in the first internal space to have a predetermined value, a second internal space for making communication with the first internal space via a second diffusion rate-determining section, a second electrochemical pumping cell for finely adjusting the oxygen concentration in the atmosphere in the second internal space to have a predetermined value, a third internal space for making communication with the second internal space via a third diffusion rate-determining section, a third electrochemical pumping cell for pumping out oxygen produced by reduction or decomposition of a component having bound oxygen in the measurement gas in the third internal space, and an ammeter Ip for detecting a pumping current which is allowed to flow in accordance with the pumping ope

Abstract: A system is constructed such that a voltage between an inner pumping electrode and a reference electrode is measured to determine a difference between a measured voltage and a reference voltage so that a pumping voltage is controlled by using the differential voltage. Specifically, a comparative amplifier is provided for comparing the reference voltage with the terminal voltage between the reference electrode and the inner pumping electrode, and amplifying the difference therebetween with a predetermined gain to make an output. The system is wired and connected such that the output voltage (differential voltage) from the comparative amplifier is applied, as the pumping voltage supplied to an oxygen pump, between the inner pumping electrode and an outer pumping electrode. The inner pumping electrode is grounded. Accordingly, for example, when the oxygen pump is used, it is possible to effectively avoid the oscillation phenomenon in the feedback control system for the control voltage for the oxygen pump.

Abstract: A sensor cleaning method and a detection apparatus enabling easy and correct measurement for an uninterrupted prolonged time duration of the gas concentration.The method is based on the value of a limiting current generated on applying a dc voltage across a pair of positive and negative electrodes of a sensor in which the electrodes are formed of a porous material and arranged in intimate contact with the surface of a solid electrolyte substrate exhibiting oxygen ion conductivity and in which pores of the negative electrode are used simultaneously as gas diffusion limiting holes for limiting the amount of diffusion of the gas for measurement. If the limiting current characteristics of sensor versus applied voltage are deteriorated, a voltage opposite to that used during measurement is applied for restoring the characteristics to a normal value.

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: Provided is a method and apparatus for detecting electroinactive ions, and electroinactive ions solvated by small molecules including water. The method and apparatus utilizes a microporous ion exchange material such as a zeolite containing initially an electroactive species contained within the pores. The method operates on the principle that when charged species present in solution can access the pores of the microporous material, an ion-exchange reaction will occur whereupon the electroactive species will exit the microporous material, being replaced by the charged species. The electroactive species, upon exiting the microporous material, undergoes electrochemical reduction or oxidation at an electrode having a sufficiently high potential applied thereto. The method and detector disclosed herein is size selective since for example zeolites with a pore size comparable to that of the solvated ion to be detected but smaller than other electrolyte components can be utilized.

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: A low cost room temperature electrochemical gas sensor with humidity compensation for sensing CO, alcohol vapors and other toxic analyte gases has a solid protonic conductive membrane with a low bulk ionic resistance. A sensing electrode and a counter electrode, optionally a counter electrode and a reference electrode, which are separated by the membrane, can be made of mixed protonic-electronic conductors, or can be made of a thin electrically conducting film such as platinum. A reservoir of water maintain the solid protonic conductive membrane at constant 100 percent relative humidity to compensate for ambient humidity changes. Embodiments of the inventive sensor also include an electrochemical analyte gas pump to transport the analyte gas away from the counter electrode side of the sensor.

Abstract: A titration electrode device for measuring the amount of a species in solution in a test liquid comprises a counter electrode and a generator electrode both in a chamber for receiving a thin layer of test liquid, the two electrodes being located in respective compartments within the chamber such that ionic conduction between the compartments is permitted but diffusion of electrogenerated reagents between the compartments is restricted, the device including reference and sensor electrodes in the chamber.

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: A low cost room temperature electrochemical gas sensor for sensing CO and other toxic analyte gases has a solid protonic conductive membrane with a low bulk ionic resistance. A sensing electrode and a count counter electrode, which are separated by the membrane, can be made of mixed protonic-electronic conductors. Embodiments of the inventive sensor also include an electrochemical analyte gas pump to transport the analyte gas away from the counter electrode side of the sensor. Analyte gas pumps for the inventive sensor include dual pumping electrodes situated on opposite sides of the membrane, and include a means for applying a DC power across the membrane to the sensing and counter electrodes. Another embodiment of the inventive sensor has first and second solid protonic conductive membranes, one of which has a sensing electrode and a counter electrode separated by the first membrane, and the other of which has dual pumping electrodes situated on opposite sides of the second membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a Karl Fischer reagent for the determination of water, characterized in that it contains tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol (THFA) as alcohol component.

Abstract: A low cost room temperature electrochemical gas sensor with humidity compensation for sensing CO, alcohol vapors and other toxic analyte gases has a solid protonic conductive membrane with a low bulk ionic resistance. A sensing electrode and a counter electrode, optionally a counter electrode and a reference electrode, which are separated by the membrane, can be made of mixed protonic-electronic conductors, or can be made of a thin electrically conducting film such as platinum. A reservoir of water maintain the solid protonic conductive membrane at constant 100 percent relative humidity to compensate for ambient humidity changes. Embodiments of the inventive sensor also include an electrochemical analyte gas pump to transport the analyte gas away from the counter electrode side of the sensor.