Abstract: A gas safety device includes flow path, shutoff valve that shuts off flow path, flow rate measurement unit that measures a flow rate of gas, gas-side absolute pressure sensor that measures absolute pressure of the gas, atmosphere-side absolute pressure sensor that measures absolute pressure of atmospheric pressure, and pressure value transition detector that detects a transition state of the absolute pressure measured by gas-side absolute pressure sensor. Further provided are sensor drive controller that controls driving of atmosphere-side absolute pressure sensor in accordance with a value of pressure transition in pressure value transition detector, and gas pressure determination unit that calculates gas supply pressure from a difference between pressure values measured when the two sensors are driven.

Abstract: The invention comprises a thermal flow sensor for determining the temperature and the flow velocity of a flowing measuring medium, comprising: a functional element which is configured to determine the temperature of the measuring medium and to influence the temperature of the measuring medium; and a control and evaluation unit which is configured to determine the temperature of the measuring medium in a first interval of time by means of the functional element and to determine the flow velocity of the measuring medium in a second interval of time following the first interval of time, and a method for determining the temperature and the flow velocity of the measuring medium by means of the thermal flow sensor according to the invention, and a sensor system comprising such a thermal flow sensor and a further sensor type.

Abstract: The device includes at least the following components: a heating resistor intended for heating a component to be regenerated; a current source; a thermistor connected to the current source and thermally coupled to the heating resistor, the thermistor, through which the current flows, having a voltage Vtemp across its terminals, which voltage reflects the temperature of the heating resistor; an error amplifier, which amplifies the difference between the voltage Vset and the voltage Vtemp and delivers a voltage Vctrl that corresponds to the amplified difference; a switch, which switches the current flowing through the heating resistor; an oscillator, which delivers a voltage Vosc formed with a modulated duty cycle, the duty cycle of the pulses of the voltage Vosc being dependent on the voltage Vctrl, the pulses controlling the opening of the switch.

Abstract: A valve device is capable of precisely adjusting a flow rate variation with time, aging, or the like without using an external sensor or using as few external sensors as possible. The apparatus includes an adjusting actuator for adjusting the position of the operating member positioned at the open position, a communication unit for receiving adjustment information relating to the adjustment of the opening degree of the flow path by the valve element from the outside of the apparatus, and a control unit for adjusting the position of the operating member by driving the adjusting actuator based on the adjustment information.

Abstract: Multiphase flow metering is provided. In one possible implementation, a multiphase flow measurement system includes at least one reference temperature sensor at a first position configured to measure a first temperature of a multiphase flow. The multiphase flow measurement system also includes at least one heated temperature sensor at a second position downstream of the reference temperature sensor configured to excite the multiphase flow and measure a second temperature of the multiphase flow.

Abstract: A flow measurement device includes a flow sensor that senses a flow rate of a measurement target fluid flowing through a main channel, a characteristic-value obtaining unit that includes a heater heating the target fluid and a temperature sensor sensing a temperature of the target fluid, and obtains a characteristic value of the target fluid, and a flow rate correction unit that corrects a flow rate of the target fluid calculated based on a sensing signal from the flow sensor using the characteristic value of the target fluid obtained by the characteristic-value obtaining unit. The heater and the temperature sensor are arranged parallel to each other in a direction orthogonal to a flow direction of the target fluid. The characteristic-value obtaining unit obtains the characteristic value based on a difference between the temperatures of the target fluid sensed by the temperature sensor before and after the heater temperature is changed.

Abstract: In order to achieve at least one of size reduction and high accuracy by maintaining the reliability of the thermal detection sensor in the thermal detection sensor in the flow state of the fluid to be detected, based on a heat transfer amount from the heating resistor element to the fluid to be detected by heat exchange between the fluid to be detected and the heating resistor element via the flattened film, the thermal type detection sensor for detecting a flow state of the fluid to be detected, and wherein a sidewall covering a sidewall of the heating resistor element and blocking physical contact between the heating resistor element and the flattened film is provided between the heating resistor element and the flattened film, and the sidewall suppresses fluctuation in electric resistance of the heating resistor element due to silicidation of the heating resistor element.

Abstract: To provide a vascular sap flow speed sensor having a size allowing measurement of the flow speed of vascular sap in a part of a plant such as a stem and capable of being manufactured at low cost. A vascular sap flow speed sensor 1 includes a heater sensor HS and a reference sensor RS. The heater sensor HS includes: a first probe unit 10a including a heat transfer plate 11 and a probe 12; a heater 20; a first temperature sensor 30a; and a first housing 40a in which the heat transfer plate 11, the heater 20, and the first temperature sensor 30a are housed. The reference sensor RS includes: a second probe unit 10b including a heat transfer plate 11 and a probe 12; a second temperature sensor 30b; and a second housing 40b in which the heat transfer plate 11 and the second temperature sensor 30b are housed. Each of the first probe unit 10a and the second probe unit 10b is made of a metallic material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method comprising using an acoustic wave in a chromatography system. The present invention also relates to a corresponding system and a corresponding use. The system may comprise a surface acoustic wave assembly, wherein the surface acoustic wave assembly comprises a sender unit comprising a sender transducer for sending an acoustic wave and a detection unit for detecting the acoustic wave, a substrate configured for propagation of the acoustic wave, wherein the sender transducer is connected to the substrate, wherein the substrate comprises a substrate section for propagation of the wave from the sender transducer, wherein this substrate section comprises a substrate surface, wherein the surface acoustic wave assembly further comprises at least one channel for conducting fluid, wherein this channel is partly defined by the substrate surface.

Abstract: A method is provided for measuring at least two flow properties of a fluid. The method includes providing at least two nanowires, the resistance of each nanowire varying based on a value of a different respective flow property such that each nanowire is configured to measure the different respective flow property, and operating each of the nanowires in a different respective mode of operation, in order to measure the at least two flow properties simultaneously in real-time. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A medical device, for example, an anesthesia apparatus or ventilator, including a hot wire sensor (10); a hot wire sensor (10) and a hot wire module (14) for a hot wire sensor (10) are provided. A first hot wire and a second hot wire (26, 28), namely, a measuring wire (26) and a compensation wire (28), are connectable to the hot wire sensor (10), for example, in the form of a hot wire module (14), in an electrically conductive manner. A first contact pair (52, 54) is associated with the measuring wire (26) for contacting same and a second contact pair (56, 58) is associated with the compensation wire (28) for contacting same. The contacts of the second contact pair (56, 58) are configured as leading contacts in relation to at least one of the contacts of the first contact pair (52, 54).

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a sensor portion and a sensor circuit, which are integrated with each other and configured to measure an air flow quantity. A thermistor is configured to measure an air temperature. A metal plate includes a grounding end terminal. One lead wire of the thermistor is joined electrically with the grounding end terminal. The sensor circuit is disposed on the metal plate. The sensor circuit is entirely overlapped with the plate shape portion in a direction perpendicular to the metal plate.

Abstract: A method for determining flow velocity in a flow path, comprises defining a flow path for a fluid, the fluid flowing in a downstream direction that is opposite an upstream direction. A thermally-conductive element is exposed to the flow path. A known amount of heat is applied to a first portion of the thermally-conductive element and a sensed temperature is sensed at a second portion of the thermally-conductive element downstream of the first portion. The known amount of heat and the sensed temperature are used to determine a flow velocity of the fluid in the flow path.

Abstract: Certain improvements in thin film sensors are disclosed, with particular emphasis on aircraft applications. In certain embodiments, dielectric isolation washers have been provided between the pressure sensor and the interior surface of the exterior metal housing of the sensor assembly. In this manner, high voltage inputs from a lightning strike or other source that reach the sensor housing are not transmitted to the sensor. In one embodiment, the dielectric washers, insulators, and potting compounds isolate the metal thin film pressure sensor from all adjacent metal components in the assembly with non-conducting insulating materials like Torlon, zirconia and nylon. Besides their high dielectric strength, these materials exhibit excellent compressive strength and outstanding resistance to wear, creep and chemicals. Certain minimum thickness for these components are described. The present thin film pressure sensor embodiments can attain a dielectric rating of 1500 VAC.

Abstract: A thermal flow measuring device for determining and/or monitoring the mass flow and/or the flow velocity of a flowable medium through a pipeline, comprising at least three sensor elements and an electronics unit. Each sensor element is in thermal contact with the medium, and includes a heatable temperature sensor.

Abstract: By supplying a pulse signal to sensor wires to make the sensor wires generate heat, instead of applying DC electric voltage to the sensor wires, an amount of energy supplied to the sensor wires is decreased while maintaining a signal intensity supplied to the sensor wires, or the signal intensity supplied to the sensor wires is increased while maintaining the amount of energy supplied to the sensor wires. Thereby, a method for measuring a mass flow rate by a thermal type mass flow meter, which can reduce heat generation from the sensor wires while suppressing decrease in measurement accuracy, or can improve measurement accuracy while suppressing increase in heat generation from the sensor wires, is provided.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for improving the accuracy of a rate of decay measurement for real time correction in a mass flow controller or mass flow meter by using a thermal model to minimize thermally induced error in the rate of decay measurement.

Abstract: A thermal flow sensor for determining flow of a medium, comprising: a substrate; first and second temperature sensors arranged on the substrate, wherein the first and second temperature sensors are embodied as heatable temperature sensors or as a first non-heatable temperature sensor, which is associated with a first heating element, and as a second non-heatable temperature sensor, which is associated with a second heating element; a power supply unit, which by means of a first signal supplies the first heatable temperature sensor or the first heating element with a first heating power determined earlier during an adjustment operation and by means of a second signal supplies the second heatable temperature sensor or the second heating element with a second heating power determined earlier in the adjustment operation; and an evaluation unit, which in a measurement operation for determining flow of the medium ascertains a temperature difference between the first temperature sensor and the second temperature sen

Abstract: A flow metering apparatus comprising a temperature sensing system for use to measure temperature of fluid includes temperature measurement components and temperature sensing components in close proximity to one another and to the flow of fluid. The components can include a temperature measurement member close-coupled to a processor member, each disposed on a circuitized substrate. This configuration exposes a temperature sensor element to the same dynamic temperature conditions as the processor member, thus reducing measurement error that might manifest in response to different temperature gradients proximate the respective components. A storage memory may be used to permit the temperature sensing system to store and/or retain data that relates to calibration as a dynamic system over the entire operating range of the sensor element. The calibration data may then be accessed from the storage memory to improve accuracy and operation of the flow metering apparatus.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments include a method, apparatus, and computer program product for providing a self-validating mass flow controller or mass flow meter without requiring any software modification to a tool/tool controller in which the mass flow controller is being utilized. For example, the disclosed embodiments include a mass flow controller comprising an internal valve configured to receive a first pneumatic line coupled to a tool pilot valve and couple a second pneumatic line from the internal valve to an external isolation valve upstream of the inlet. The mass flow controller also includes at least one processing component configured to execute instructions to perform an in-situ rate of decay measurement after executing instructions to close the external isolation valve by using the internal valve to block airflow being received through the first pneumatic line.

Abstract: Example methods provided herein generate and employ three-dimensional (3D) reconstructed images of process equipment or areas within various environments in which combustion processes take places. These three-dimensional images are generated with data provided from imaging devices. The imaging devices are disposed or positioned at multiple vantage points, and in various ways, to monitor process equipment in the environment.

Abstract: A gas sensor device of the present invention, aiming sufficient correction results of an internal combustion engine under different operation conditions, includes a concentration sensor for measuring the concentration of gas and a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas. The gas sensor device also includes a measuring chamber incorporating the concentration sensor and the pressure sensor, and a processing circuit unit that adjusts a signal of the concentration sensor using a signal of the pressure sensor. The processing circuit unit may preferably be provided with a response speed adjusting unit that brings the response speed of a detected signal of the pressure sensor close to the response speed of a detected signal of the concentration sensor.

Abstract: In order to provide a thermal mass flowmeter which makes higher accuracy of gas flowrate measurement possible while reliability in the thermal mass flowmeter is ensured (while deterioration or breakage caused by droplet adhesion is prevented), the thermal mass flowmeter according to the present invention has a heating element for generating heat by conduction, a temperature detection bridge circuit for detecting a temperature of the heating element, and a sensor element driving circuit portion connected to the heating element and the temperature detection bridge circuit and executing conduction control to the heating element, in which the sensor element driving circuit portion has an output mechanism and an output impedance adjustment mechanism and the output impedance adjustment mechanism is disposed between the output mechanism and the heating element and its output impedance is higher than an electric resistance value of the heating element and less than 1 M?.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of manufacturing a thermal type flowmeter that is capable of reducing deformation of a semiconductor chip, which is caused by molding, a method of manufacturing a thermal type flowmeter is provided that includes a circuit package of a resin-molded semiconductor chip. The method includes resin-molding the semiconductor chip in a state in which a mold is pressed against a heat transfer surface that is provided on a surface of the semiconductor chip and a pressed surface that is set on the surface of the semiconductor chip at a position separate from the heat transfer surface.

Abstract: A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure.

Abstract: An object is to provide a light-emitting module in which a light-emitting element suffering a short-circuit failure does not cause wasteful electric power consumption. Another object is to provide a light-emitting panel in which a light-emitting element suffering a short-circuit failure does not allow the reliability of an adjacent light-emitting element to lower. Focusing on heat generated by a light-emitting element suffering a short-circuit failure, provided is a structure in which electric power is supplied to a light-emitting element through a positive temperature coefficient thermistor (PTC thermistor) thermally coupled with the light-emitting element.

Abstract: A high-temperature resistance is disposed in an internal passage and has its energization controlled based on an intake-air flow rate in the passage to increase/decrease a heat generation amount. A first low-temperature resistance constitutes a bridge circuit which has its energization state changed according to the heat generation amount of the high-temperature resistance. The first low-temperature resistance varies its resistance value according to intake-air temperature. A second low-temperature resistance is an element, which is not incorporated into the bridge circuit and varies its resistance value according to intake-air temperature to increase/decrease an energization amount. The second low-temperature resistance is provided on a substrate. Another bridge circuit produces an intake air amount detection signal using an electrical signal generated by operation of the high-temperature resistance and the first low-temperature resistance.

Abstract: A non-invasive thermal dispersion flow meter with chronometric monitor for fluid leak detection includes a heater, an ambient temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor which are configured to sense the temperature of a fluid in a conduit, and then monitor the flow of that fluid through the conduit. The fluid flow sensor is incorporated into a Wheatstone bridge circuit which is used to provide increased sensitivity to the outputs of the sensors. Based upon the ambient temperature sensor readings, the flow rate sensor and heater may be adjusted to optimize the operation of the system to detect leaks. An alternative embodiment utilizes a single sensor and separate heater which work together to determine heat propagation times which in turn is used to calculate flow rate. Based on the sensor readings, the flow may be adjusted to prevent damage and leaks by relieving the system of excess pressure.

Abstract: A device for recalibrating an exhaust gas mass flow sensor includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control unit. The first sensor comprises a heating element and a first temperature measuring element. The second sensor comprises a second temperature measuring element. The control unit controls a temperature signal produced at the heating element and comprises a first and second characteristic map. The first characteristic map plots an exhaust gas mass flow as a function of a heat dissipation of the heating element. A correction factor can be determined from the second characteristic map based on the temperature signal produced at the heating element and measured by the first temperature measuring element and based on a temperature signal measured via the heating element at the second temperature measuring element. The correction facture corrects a measured heat dissipation of the unit heating element to a corrected exhaust gas mass flow.

Abstract: A gas information estimation apparatus (100) is connected to a gas sensor element for detecting the concentration of gas flowing through an internal combustion engine (11), and estimates gas information other than the concentration. The apparatus includes gas sensor element provisional temperature calculation means (51) for calculating a provisional temperature of the gas sensor element using a predetermined simulation model, and inputting a reference value to the model as the parameter value; gas sensor element actual temperature measurement means (53), (54); gas information calculation means (55) for calculating the true value of the parameter value which can be input to the model in place of the reference value such that the provisional temperature of the gas sensor element approaches the actual temperature; and gas information obtaining means (57) for obtaining an estimative value of the gas information from the true value.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring whether or not a distal end of a tube is positioned inside a blood vessel includes a heating element configured to heat the tube distal end, and a sensor arrangement configured to generate a measurement signal indicative for heat transferred by exterior of the distal end. The apparatus further includes a comparator configured to compare the measurement signal with a reference level. The reference level equals a value attained by the measurement signal in response to a minimum flow velocity in the blood vessel. Further, a system is configured to exchange a liquid with a mammal via a blood vessel. The system includes the apparatus having the tube.

Abstract: Provided is a thermal flow sensor capable of obtaining a flow rate detection signal that differs depending on a flow direction of a fluid, with a simple configuration and at low cost. The thermal flow sensor includes: a bridge circuit (1) for outputting a flow rate detection signal (VM); a fluid direction detection circuit (2) for outputting a fluid direction detection signal (VD); and an arithmetic circuit (3, 4, 6) configured to: generate a first output signal (VQF) and a second output signal (VQR) based on the flow rate detection signal (VM) and the fluid direction detection signal (VD); and select the first output signal (VQF) when the fluid direction detection signal (VD) shows normal flow and select the second output signal (VQR) when the fluid direction detection signal (VD) shows reverse flow, to thereby output a flow rate detection signal (VOUT).

Abstract: A flow sensor for direct measurement of mass flow that includes a rigid, electrically conductive carrier part and a sensor element that is connected to the carrier part via electrically conductive connections. The sensor element includes a plate-like carrier substrate on which a temperature sensor and a heating element are disposed. The sensor element also includes a stable encapsulation, which partially surrounds the sensor element and the carrier part in form-locking fashion. The sensor element also includes a first region on a top side of the sensor element that is not covered by the encapsulation and a second region of an underside of said sensor element that is not covered by the encapsulation. The mass flow to be measured can circulate around the first region and the second region without hindrance.

Abstract: An anemometer probe having a single wire or n wires (n>1) that are mutually parallel, for a measurement close to a wall, comprising, for each wire: a) two pins for holding the wire in place, the end of each pin having a flat zone for positioning and fastening the wire; and b) a straight portion of wire brazed onto said flat zones for positioning and fastening the wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a temperature-compensated drive for a heating element used in a micro-bridge flow sensor. In some embodiments, the heating element may be located substantially between two temperature sensors. The two temperature sensors may be convectively coupled to the heater by a fluid ambient. When the fluid ambient is flowing, one of the temperature sensors may be upstream of the heating element, and one of the temperature sensors may be downstream. The fluid may be heated by the heating unit, and this heated fluid may then flow past the downstream temperature sensor. The two temperature sensors may be used in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. In some embodiments, an output signal of the Wheatstone bridge may be indicative of a measure of fluid flow. The temperature-compensated drive for the heating element may enhance, for example, the flow meter's disturbance rejection of ambient temperature.

Abstract: A thermal air flow meter comprises: a bridge circuit unit that incorporates a bridge circuit including a heating resistor and supplies a current to the heating resistor so that the temperature of the resistor is always set higher by a predetermined temperature than the temperature of intake air detected by an intake-air temperature detection resistor, and outputs an output signal Vm based on the current value supplied to the heating resistor, in accordance with a flow rate of the intake air; a differential amplifier unit that amplifies a voltage dependent on difference in temperature between an upstream heating resistor and downstream heating resistor; and a subtraction processor that subtracts from the output signal Vm a constant times an output voltage Vd1 from the differential amplifier unit, and outputs a correction output signal Vout.

Abstract: A thermal type air flow meter, which detects a flow rate of air flowing in an air passage, includes a sensor portion having a heating element in an air passage, a temperature control unit. The temperature control unit includes a first arm serially connecting a first resistive element and a heater temperature detection resistor which detects a temperature of the heating element, a second arm serially connecting a second resistive element and an air temperature detection resistor which detects a temperature of air flowing in the air passage, and a voltage supply unit which supplies first and second voltages respectively to the first and second arms. The voltage supply unit includes a voltage adjusting portion which can adjust at least one of the first and second voltages such that the detection temperature difference between the heater temperature detection resistor and the air temperature detection resistor becomes constant.

Abstract: There is described herein a flow sensing device having offset compensation and an offset compensation method, the flow sensing device having two separate and independent thermal flow sensors, each containing a heater and at least one temperature-sensitive element. The components of the two thermal flow sensors are connected such that flow-dependent contributions of each sensor into a common output signal have opposite signs after passing through a subtracting node. Heating pulses are applied to the heaters of the two thermal flow sensors out of phase, and an output signal is measured for each heat pulse applied. A net output signal is then determined by calculating a difference between a last output reading and at least one previous output reading.

Abstract: A constant temperature anemometer is disclosed. The anemometer includes electrically conductive pins including a first set of pins and a second set of pins. A conductor is coupled to the electrically coupled pins. A current source is configured to provide a current through the conductor between the first set of pins. A voltage sensor is configured to measure the voltage across the conductor between the second set of pins. The current source and voltage sensor are configured to maintain a constant resistance of the conductor between the first set of pins.

Abstract: Provided is a heating temperature adjustment circuit in a thermal flow meter capable of adjusting fluctuations of a heating temperature of a heat-generating resistor due to fluctuations of resistances with high accuracy and low cost. The thermal flow meter comprises: a heat-generating resistor that generates heat when a current flows therethrough; a first temperature measuring resistor, a second resistor, a third resistor, and a fourth resistor whose resistance values vary due to temperature; and a fixed resistance having a resistance temperature coefficient lower than that of the first temperature measuring resistor, and measuring a flow rate of a fluid by controlling the heating temperature of the heat-generating resistor.

Abstract: A fire detection switch for use in a fire detection circuit of a aircraft engine, having: a first resistor and a second resistor disposed in series between a common terminal and an alarm terminal; and a thermally-sensitive element having a different resistance at low temperature than at high temperature, the thermally-sensitive element disposed in series with the second resistor and in parallel with the first resistor.

Abstract: In order to provide a robust, weather resistant, portable, low-noise, relatively inexpensive, wind direction detection device, disclosed herein is a method and device for detecting fluid flow direction based on sensing a temperature variation transmitted from a temperature variation source to one or more temperature sensors. One or more indicators are utilized to communicate the measured fluid flow direction to a user. An implementation of the fluid flow direction detection device utilizes a resistance heater as the temperature variation source, thermistors as the temperature sensors, and light emitting diodes (LEDs) corresponding to each thermistor as the indicators. The thermistors and LEDs are arranged in a circular fashion around the resistance heater to accurately detect the direction of a thermal plume generated by the resistance heater.

Abstract: A thermal flow meter has a sensor chip, a heater, first and second flow rate calculators, and an output controller. The heater increases the ambient temperature in the vicinity of a pair of temperature-sensing elements on the sensor chip by a particular temperature above a temperature of a fluid flowing along the sensor chip. The first flow rate calculator calculates a flow rate of the fluid from a temperature difference detected by the pair of temperature-sensing elements. The second flow rate calculator calculates a flow rate of the fluid from a driving energy of the heater. The output controller outputs the flow rate calculated by the second flow rate calculator, instead of the flow rate calculated by the first flow rate calculator, when the flow rate calculated by the first flow rate calculator exceeds a flow rate threshold value that is set in advance.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a thermal flow sensor having a first capillary tube coupled to a mass flow controller main flow line across a mass flow controller bypass. A first pair of sensing elements is coupled to the first capillary tube. The thermal sensor also comprise a second capillary tube having a substantially similar cross-sectional area to the first capillary tube, a first end thermally coupled to one of a mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the first tube inlet port, and a second end thermally coupled to one of the mass flow controller base and the first tube proximal the outlet port. The second tube is not adapted to receive and eject a fluid flow. A second pair of sensing elements is coupled to the second tube.

Abstract: A constant temperature hot-conductor anemometer includes a set of electrically conductive pins including a pair of inner pins and a pair of outer pins. A conductor is electrically and mechanically coupled to the pins. A current source is coupled to the inner pins. The current source is configured to provide a current through the conductor between the inner pins. A voltage sensor is coupled to the outer pins and configured to measure a voltage across the conductor between the outer pins. The current source and voltage sensor are configured to maintain a constant resistance of the conductor between the inner pins. In an example, a second set of pins, a second conductor and a second circuit are also used to measure dynamic temperature of a fluid and also to calibrate resistances at a known ambient temperature.

Abstract: A flow measuring device has a flow channel block including a main flow channel whose both ends are open, and an auxiliary flow channel that branches from the main flow channel, a flow amount measurement element provided for the auxiliary flow channel, and a branch entrance and a collection exit that open in a wall surface of the main flow channel, and that communicate to the auxiliary flow channel, so that a part of a gaseous body that flows through the main flow channel is directed to the auxiliary flow channel through the branch entrance, and the gaseous body that has passed through the auxiliary flow channel is directed back to the main flow channel through the collection exit. A holding member containing portion is provided in a depressed manner for an area excluding an area including the branch entrance and an area including the collection exit in a circumference surface of a space of the flow channel block that configures the main flow channel. An orifice is contained within the main flow channel.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the velocity of flow of a fluid in a respiration system and includes a first thermal sensor element (5) provided with a controllable heating element (50) and a second thermal sensor element (6). The thermal sensor elements (5, 6) are arranged at spaced locations from one another at a path of flow, so that a thermal signal generated by the first sensor element (5) with the heating element (50) is transmitted to the second sensor element (6), and the second sensor element (6) is designed to detect the thermal signal from the fluid flow. The second sensor element (6) is connected to the first sensor element (5) via feedback (12) which triggers another thermal signal. A controlling and analyzing device (13, 15) is connected to the sensor elements (5, 6) to start the generation of a first thermal signal and to read and analyze the signal frequency as an indicator of the velocity of flow.

Abstract: A feedback control device capable of continuously performing high-accuracy, stable control even in cases where any of multiple controllers for controlling a controlled system becomes incapable of control action. A controller (master controller) generates control data for stably controlling a heater by feedback control, controls the heater in accordance with the control data, and sends the control data to the other controller (slave controller). The slave controller receives the control data from the master controller but does not control the heater while the master controller is operating normally. If the master controller develops anomaly and becomes incapable of normal control action, the slave controller initiates feedback control of the heater in accordance with the control data received from the master controller immediately before the anomaly occurred, and controls the heater thereafter in accordance with control data generated thereby.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention involves a thermal sensor and a method of using the same. One thermal sensor is adapted to output a signal which is unaffected by external longitudinal and orthogonal thermal gradients. In one embodiment, the mass flow controller thermal sensor comprises a capillary tube having an upstream tube portion, a tube bend portion, and a downstream tube portion, the downstream portion being substantially parallel to the upstream portion. A distance between the upstream tube portion and the downstream tube portion in one embodiment is no greater than half the upstream portion and downstream portion lengths, a first pair of thermal sensing elements are coupled to the upstream tube portion and a second pair of thermal sensing elements are coupled to the downstream tube portion.

Abstract: In a gas flowmeter in which a rod and a sensor element are formed as a single body, for preventing heat of the sensor element from flowing into a sensor probe through a substrate (rod) so as to suppress considerable power consumption, and for obtaining a necessary response speed with respect to a flow rate of gas to be measured or a change in temperature, the gas column (rod) is made of an insulating material on a center axis of the sensing probe and is formed with a conductor pattern on its surface, and the sensing probe connects the sensor element disposed in a pipe through which the gas to be measured flows and a harness terminal through the conductor on the surface of the rod, so as to measure a gas flow rate by using the sensing prove.