Abstract: A contact resistance test method and related devices are provided. When a MOS transistor working in a linear region is tested, a functional relationship between the channel width of the MOS transistor and total resistances of the MOS transistor at sampling temperatures is determined, to determine the contact resistance of the MOS transistor at the sampling temperatures. A calibration coefficient of the contact resistance at a current ambient temperature is determined based on the contact resistance of the MOS transistor at the sampling temperatures. A measurement result of the contact resistance is further adjusted based on the calibration coefficient of the contact resistance at the current ambient temperature, to obtain an accurate contact resistance at the current ambient temperature.

Abstract: A non-destructive testing method of analyzing a sample comprising a composite material is disclosed. The method comprises: emitting an electromagnetic signal onto the sample, the electromagnetic signal having a range of frequencies; detecting a response signal transmitted and/or reflected by the sample in response to the electromagnetic signal; processing the response signal to determine variation with frequency of a dielectric permittivity of the sample over the range of frequencies; and determining an indication of a structural characteristic of the sample from a measure of the variation with frequency of the dielectric permittivity of the sample.

Abstract: The disclosed invention is an improved TPW cell design that is designed to provide a method of removing contaminants from the TPW cell water, and improved resistance to breakage in shipping. An additional storage volume provides for transferring the liquid water from the cell body into the storage volume by inverting the cell, followed by a series of rotations. Subsequent distillation of the water into the cell body by a sub-boiling process (with vapor moving through a transfer tube and condensing in the cell body) results in removal of contaminants from the water in the cell body. The upper volume and transfer tube are configured so that transport damage is minimized by storing the liquid water in the storage volume during transport, and preventing any liquid water from moving from the storage volume into the lower cell body regardless of orientation of the cell during shipping.

Abstract: A system for dispensing fluid is provided in which a first fluid cartridge and a second fluid cartridge each comprise a first spout at corresponding fluid outlets, and wherein a docking location is provided for docking each of the fluid cartridges such that the first spout is adjacent the second spout. The system may further comprise a drop sensor for detecting a number of drops dispensed from the fluid cartridges at a drop detection location. The docking location may define a specific orientation for any cartridge docked at the docking location, and the cartridges may be wedge shaped and may each taper towards their corresponding spouts. Also provided is a fluid cartridge comprising a cartridge housing, a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet above a fluid fill level, and a syphon for transporting fluid from inside the cartridge to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a compact TPW cell design with an upper storage volume that is used to remove contaminants from the TPW cell water. To remove contaminates, the TPW cell is inverted and rotated so that the cell body water completely drains into the upper storage volume through a transfer tube. Then the TPW cell is then rotated to vertical and cooled which transfers the cell body water back into the TPW cell by a sub-boiling process. The water impurities remain in the upper storage volume and the cell body water has been purified of contaminates.

Abstract: A controller and method for controlling the temperature of a steam room. The controller comprises a backing plate and a housing that serves as a moisture barrier. The housing comprises an overlay portion and mounts to the backing plate. A circuit board is mounted to the backing plate. One or more primary temperature sensors are mounted to the circuit board and located within the housing, are spaced above the circuit board, and are biased against the overlay portion. One or more secondary temperature sensors are located within the housing to sense a temperature of a backside of the respective one of more primary temperature sensors wherein an estimation of a temperature of the steam room is obtained.

Abstract: A sensor device is provided for detecting thawing on surfaces with interdigital electrodes formed in a resistance layer which is formed on a substrate. In order to develop the sensor device further so that the measuring speed of the sensor device is further increased, the disclosure proposes that the interdigital electrodes and recesses between the interdigital electrodes have a moisture-sensitive hydrophilic surface through condensation cores applied to it.

Abstract: A multi-purpose protection system having a housing, an audio output device on the housing, an alarm activator on the housing, an external detector receptacle on the housing, an external audio output receptacle on the housing functioning to connect an external speaker and allows transmission of audio to the external speaker, a power switch on the housing, a power source housed in a battery compartment in the housing, a microprocessor operatively connected to each the alarm activator, the external detector receptacle, the audio output device, the power source, and the power switch, and a memory component operatively connected to the microprocessor having at least one audio file of a recording of a sound to be emitted when the alarm is activated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for determining the temperature-dependent state, in particular the melt state and/or the melt quantity of thermoplastic material when producing a weld seam (6), for example for joining thermoplastic parts (7, 7?) by means of a plastic welding device. For process control purposes, a temperature-dependent electric state variable of the thermoplastic material of the plastic parts (7, 7?) is measured continuously with and without applying heat to the plastic parts (7, 7?) along the weld seam (6) and compared to a target value or to benchmark values. In the method according to the invention, the electric state variable that is used is preferably the permittivity of the plastic parts (7, 7?). The permittivity is determined by means of the capacitor assembly (1) wherein the plastic material is used as the dielectric between the electrodes (3, 4) of the capacitor assembly (1).

Abstract: A block of phase change material located in a semiconductor chip is reset to an amorphous state. The block of phase change material may be connected to an internal resistance measurement circuit that can transmit the measured resistance data to input/output pads either in an analog output format or in a digital output format. Depending on the ambient temperature, the resistance of the block of phase change material changes. By measuring a fractional resistance change compared to the resistance of the phase change material at a calibration temperature, the temperature of the region around the phase change material can be accurately measured. A logic decoder and an input/output circuit may be employed between the internal resistance measurement circuit and the input/output pads. A plurality of temperature sensing circuits containing phase change material blocks may be employed in the semiconductor chip to enable an accurate temperature profiling during chip operation.

Abstract: A method for identifying a biomolecule using a biomolecule detector having a field effect transistor (FET) is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) heating a sample containing a biomolecule loaded in the detector to thereby elevate the temperature of the sample; (b) measuring electric current flowing through a channel formed between a source region and a drain region in the FET while raising the temperature in the step (a); (c) obtaining a transition temperature that is the temperature at maximum point of current variation from data measured in the step (b); and (d) identifying the biomolecule using the transition temperature obtained in the step (c).

Abstract: A block of phase change material located in a semiconductor chip is reset to an amorphous state. The block of phase change material may be connected to an internal resistance measurement circuit that can transmit the measured resistance data to input/output pads either in an analog output format or in a digital output format. Depending on the ambient temperature, the resistance of the block of phase change material changes. By measuring a fractional resistance change compared to the resistance of the phase change material at a calibration temperature, the temperature of the region around the phase change material can be accurately measured. A logic decoder and an input/output circuit may be employed between the internal resistance measurement circuit and the input/output pads. A plurality of temperature sensing circuits containing phase change material blocks may be employed in the semiconductor chip to enable an accurate temperature profiling during chip operation.

Abstract: A power line de-icing apparatus which is installed onto a power line without the need for disconnecting the power line. A temperature sensor and an ice sensor on the apparatus automatically activate the de-icing mode of operation. An internal motor and drive wheel move the apparatus along the power line in both directions, one direction at a time. Heaters and chisels on the apparatus remove any ice on the power line in one direction at a time. Power for the apparatus is generated from the electrical power carried by the power line using transformers. Proximity sensors on the apparatus detect stopping devices placed on the power line to stop the motion of the apparatus.

Abstract: A method for identifying a biomolecule using a biomolecule detector having a field effect transistor (FET) is provided. The method comprises the steps of (a) heating a sample containing a biomolecule loaded in the detector to thereby elevate the temperature of the sample; (b) measuring electric current flowing through a channel formed between a source region and a drain region in the FET while raising the temperature in the step (a); (c) obtaining a transition temperature that is the temperature at maximum point of current variation from data measured in the step (b); and (d) identifying the biomolecule using the transition temperature obtained in the step (c).

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting contaminants in an ion-implanted wafer by annealing and activating the ion-implanted wafer by heating or charging or both, and measuring the thermal wave absorbance generated from the activated wafer.

Abstract: A method is provided for aligning the center frequency of an infrared transmitter. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing a voltage-controlled oscillator for driving the infrared transmitter, where the oscillator is adapted to receive a bias voltage from a microprocessor; (b) applying a bias voltage to the oscillator; (c) receiving an output signal from the infrared transmitter into an infrared receiver; (d) determining a frequency associated with the output signal; and (e) adjusting the bias voltage based on the frequency associated with the output signal, thereby aligning the center frequency of the infrared transmitter.

Abstract: The invention concerns dew point hygrometers based on condensation of dew on ends of optical fibers, or on surfaces of an optical prism. The invention also concerns a dew sensor for determining the natural dew condensation by optical means and a dew sensor capable of detecting dew by detecting a change in capacitance.

Abstract: The proposed method allows to determine by dielectrometry the variation of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer material used in the presence of fluids (water/organic compound/gas), pure or in admixture. More precisely, the invention is based on the use of dielectric sensors whose geometry is such that they allow to follow, in a sensitive and reproducible way, the frequency and/or temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity characteristics of a polymer material in the presence of fluids without disturbing permeation/desorption of the solute during transient and unsteady states, these dielectric measurements (real and/or imaginary part) being connected with the plasticized state of the material, which determines the performances thereof during use.

Abstract: The proposed method allows to determine by dielectrometry the variation of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer material used in the presence of fluids (water/organic compound/gas), pure or in admixture. More precisely, the invention is based on the use of dielectric sensors whose geometry is such that they allow to follow, in a sensitive and reproducible way, the frequency and/or temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity characteristics of a polymer material in the presence of fluids without disturbing permeation/desorption of the solute during transient and unsteady states, these dielectric measurements (real and/or imaginary part) being connected with the plasticized state of the material, which determines the performances thereof during use.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for determining and/or monitoring the quantity and quality of a fluid in which a lowering of the boiling temperature is symptomatic of a deterioration in quality. For this, the filling level and the condition of the fluid—in particular a hygroscopic fluid—are determined successively one after the other by a single sensor of a measuring instrument.

Abstract: An improved Schmidt-Boelter heat flux gage is disclosed in which the heat absorbed by the top windings of the gage is removed from the ends of the thermally resistive wafer instead of through the bottom windings. This arrangement results in greatly improved transient response with little or no loss of sensitivity. The thermally resistive wafer is formed of an electrically insulating material with high thermal conductivity such as aluminum nitride.

Abstract: A dew point sensor includes a micro-cantilever beam formed on a substrate. A cooling device and a temperature sensor are in thermal contact with the micro-cantilever beam and a control circuit is coupled to the micro-cantilever beam, the cooling device and the temperature sensor. The control circuit controls and monitors a resonance of the micro-cantilever beam, controls a temperature of the cooling device and receives a temperature indication from the temperature sensor. Using the above information, the dew point temperature is determined by identifying the temperature of the micro-cantilever beam when its resonance changes due to a change in mass caused by the formation of dew on the micro-cantilever beam when the dew point is reached. A method of determining the dew point is also disclosed. The method includes exciting a micro-cantilever beam in a vibratory mode and decreasing a temperature of the micro-cantilever beam.

Abstract: An ice bank control for use in controlling the size of an ice bank in an ice water tank in a beverage dispenser utilizes an especially constructed probe having a sealed tubular member containing an electrolyte treated water well therein. An electrode extends into the water well and a ground is in contact with the water well so that the probe senses the existence of ice at a point within the tank while the tubular member insulates the electrode and ground from contact, electrical and physical, with the contents of the ice water tank.

Abstract: The present invention is a humidity sensor which can be used in a radiosonde. The humidity sensor includes a heat sink attached to the radiosonde, a Peltier cooler attached to the heat sink, a carbon element with a thermistor attached therein or thereon, and a control means. The resistance of the carbon element is adjusted to a predetermined level to maintain a relative humidity of about 33, in particular. The control means monitors this resistance and adjusts the Peltier cooler accordingly. The thermistor responding to the temperature of the carbon element outputs a resistance indicative of the temperature on the sensor surface.

Abstract: A high-pressure microdilatometer is provided for measuring the sintering and fusion properties of various coal ashes under the influence of elevated pressures and temperatures in various atmospheres. Electrical resistivity measurements across a sample of coal ash provide a measurement of the onset of the sintering and fusion of the ash particulates while the contraction of the sample during sintering is measured with a linear variable displacement transducer for detecting the initiation of sintering. These measurements of sintering in coal ash at different pressures provide a mechanism by which deleterious problems due to the sintering and fusion of ash in various combustion systems can be minimized or obviated.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a method for measurement of viscosity change in blood or the like comprising steps of disposing a sensor including of an endothermic or exothermic element in blood or the like, stimulating blood or the like so as to cause a viscosity change therein and detecting the viscosity change by continuously measuring any one of changes occurring respectively in an average temperature .theta.w or a surface temperature .theta.s of the sensor containing therein the endothermic or exothermic element, a differential temperature .theta.w-.theta..infin. or .theta.s-.theta..infin. between a temperature .theta..infin. of blood or the like and .theta.w or .theta.s, a kinematic viscosity .nu. of blood or the like and a heat transfer coefficient on the sensor surface.

Abstract: A heat conducting support having electrodes is located in a chiller block. The electrodes form a temperature sensor, a heater electrode and electrodes for the measuring of the conductivity. The electrodes are covered by an electrically insulating layer, which layer limits or defines, respectively, over a length L a bedewable surface. The chiller block is encased in a heat insulation and its temperature is measured by a second temperature sensor. The cross-sectional area of the heat transfer between chiller block and bedewable surface is substantially smaller than the bedewable surface itself. This makes it now possible that the temperature at the bedewable surface during the forming of the condensate is determined substantially by the temperature of the condensate at the bedewable surface such that increasing formation of condensate a plateau is determinable at the dew point temperature.

Abstract: A measurement method for determining the state of coagulation of raw milk in a production process for, for example, cheese or yogurt. According to this method, the state of coagulation of milk can be determined by placing a metal wire in the milk and, while feeding an electric current continuously or intermittently to the metal wire, measuring the temperature of the metal wire over a given period of time.

Abstract: A detector is disclosed including a temperature sensitive amorphous magnetic alloy which shows a Curie point of not higher than 200.degree. C. and whose composition is represented by the formula:(M.sub.1-a Ni.sub.a).sub.100-z X.sub.zwherein M=Co or Fe; X=at least one of P, B, C and Si; 0.2.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.8 when M is Co, or 0.4.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.0.9 when M is Fe; and 15.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.30.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the low temperature characteristics of materials measures the resistivity of a sample material and the resistivity of a comparision material and plots the ratio of the resistivity of the comparision material to the resistivity of the sample material versus the temperature of the sample material. In addition, the method and apparatus measures the temperature of the sample and the temperature of a reference material and plots the difference there between as a function of the temperature of the reference material. The method and apparatus is usable in monitoring and/or controlling lyophilization appartus in order to increase the efficiency of the freeze drying process, that is, increasing product yield while reducing processing time.