Abstract: A probe for obtaining temperature and humidity readings within the oral and nasal cavity. An elongated tube having a wire cage at one of its ends, includes first and second longitudinally positioned pairs of thermocouples, one thermocouple of each pair having a wetted wick for obtaining humidity measurements. The pairs of thermocouples are positioned within the confines of the wire cage such that temperature and humidity measurements are made of the subject's airway. Other longitudinally positioned thermocouples are outside the confines of the wire cage and are used to obtain surface temperature readings. For positioning inside the relatively small nasal cavity, one embodiment is constructed and arranged to reduce the outside dimension of the cage for ease of insertion and to return it to its original dimension after insertion, so that the thermocouples outside the confines of the wire cage can contact the nasal membrane.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A gas detector for sensing the presence of at least one predetermined gas is operative in conjunction with a electrical power source and includes a detection circuit, a temperature controller, and a electrical current controller, wherein the detection circuit includes a sensing device having first and second electrodes, the first electrode being connected to the power source for heating the first electrode, the temperature controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a temperature of the first electrode at a predetermined magnitude, and the current controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a current in the second electrode at a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A damping gyrometer comprised of at least two and preferably four rotating paddles attached to a common central elevated low-friction pivot point via rising radial arms. A stand with a concave glass element provides a low-friction support as a pivot point seat for the pivot point. All elements of the apparatus are non-conductive. Once set into motion, the only force acting on the gyrometer are the pivot point friction and the damping effects of the medium in which it spins. A laser beam and photodetector (or alternatively a laser displacement sensor), along with customized software algorithms are used to measure the rotational rate and, hence, the deceleration rate of the apparatus which can then be used to determine properties of the medium in which it spins, including changes in density, pressure, and temperature. The measurement can also be directly related to the electron density in the case of weakly ionized gases.

Abstract: A combustionless BTU meter utilizes Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to measure the concentrations of the component parts of a heterogeneous gas. Measurement of the gas component concentrations allow for subsequent calculations of British Thermal Unit/Cubic Foot (BTU/CF) from the measured component parts. Static pressure and temperature are also measured. Gas concentrations are preferably combined with static pressure and temperature, to calculate other characteristics of British Thermal Unit/Pound (BTU/lb), molar mass, relative density, and absolute gas density. A method for measuring heat production is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas analyzer comprising a measuring volume (6) for a sample gas mixture (G), a radiation source (1) for providing a beam (20) of electromagnetic radiation to pass said measuring volume, a heat sink (4) for said radiation source, at least one thermopile detector (9), at least one optical bandpass filter (10), electrical contact pins (12) for signal(s) in the housing of said detector, a thermal mass formed of a material having high thermal conductance. Said thermal mass has a cavity (21) and an outer surface (22), surrounding at least said detector housing in the cavity, being in contact with said detector housing, and extending towards the radiation source. There is a thermal barrier between the heat sink (4) and the thermal mass (8, 16). The gas analyzer further comprises electrical wires (15), which are composed of materials and having dimensions producing an overall thermal conductance substantially lower than that of said electrical contact pins.

Abstract: A gas detection sensor permits precise measurement of the concentration of flammable gas in a detection or subject gas and the concentration of oxygen in a detection gas containing flammable gases. In the sensor, the heating of the sensor by contact catalytic reaction of flammable gas gives off a detection signal of the flammable gas. The gas detection sensor has a first detection sensor including a diaphragm having a platinum coat on a side which the flowing detection gas comes in contact with, and a thermocouple having respective ends of two different metals placed close to each other and fixed on the side of the diaphragm not coming in contact with the flowing detection gas and which is heated by the contact catalytic reaction of flammable gas. A second detection sensor similar to the first detection sensor detects the temperature of the flowing detection gas.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: Method of determining the gas hydrate formation conditions in a well fluid, comprising the following stages: taking a fluid sample, placing this sample in a calorimetry cell, performing on this sample a reference thermogram in a temperature range between T1 and T2, performing on the same sample a second thermogram in the same range and under a pressure Ph of a hydrocarbon gas, T1 being a temperature low enough to obtain the formation of hydrates in the sample at a gas pressure Ph, T2 being high enough to obtain hydrate dissociation, identifying a peak in the second thermogram corresponding to the hydrates dissociation zone and deducting therefrom a hydrates dissociation temperature.

Abstract: A high-sensitivity carbon monoxide sensor is shown and described. The sensor includes a sensing element having a catalyst dispersed over a metal oxide layer. The catalyst is capable of adsorbing carbon monoxide. The sensing element can also include a heater and a temperature sensor. A flow sensor is provided for sensing a flow rate of gas directed at the sensing element. The signal processing module is coupled to the flow sensor and the temperature sensor. A flow sensor sends signals indicative of the flow rate to the processing module while the temperature sensor sends signals indicative of the temperature of the sensing element to the processing module. After carbon monoxide has been adsorbed onto the catalyst and metal oxide layer for a fixed time period, the heater is activated to heat the sensing element above the light-off temperature or at least as high as the oxidation temperature of the adsorbed carbon monoxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a flammable gas detection sensor that is a gas detection sensor which converts heat generated by the catalytic reaction between the catalyst component and a flammable gas to a voltage signal by a thermoelectric conversion effect and detects this signal as a detection signal, and is characterized by comprising as constituent elements thereof a catalyst component for initiating a catalytic reaction when in contact with a gas to be detected, and a film of thermoelectric conversion material which converts local temperature differences brought about by heat generated by the reaction to voltage signal; and also relates to a flammable gas concentration measurement method and a measurement apparatus thereof.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide sensor and method is shown and described. The sensor includes a sensing element that includes an adsorbent dispersed over a support material. The adsorbent is capable of exothermically adsorbing carbon monoxide. The sensor also includes a temperature sensor in contact with the sensing element and a signal processing module coupled to the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor communicates signals indicative of a temperature increase of the sensing element to the processing module, thereby indicating an adsorption and, therefore, a presence of carbon monoxide.

Abstract: A circuit for monitoring and diagnosing an oxygen probe provided with a sensitive cell connected between a first and a second signal terminal, and a heating member connected between a battery and a heating terminal; the circuit includes an interface stage and a control unit. The interface stage includes a first resistor connected between a switch which is normally open and a supply line at a known potential and the first signal terminal, a second resistor connected between the first signal terminal and a second signal terminal and a third resistor connected between the second signal terminal and reference potential line. The control unit further includes a first analog-digital converter connected to the first signal terminal and a second analog-digital converter connected to the second signal terminal.

Abstract: Method of determining the gas hydrate formation conditions in a well fluid, comprising the following stages:

Abstract: A method and apparatus using thermomechanical means for signalling the concentration of a reactive gas is disclosed. The thermomechanical means uses movement of a mechanical member to produce a signal corresponding to the concentration of the reactive gas in a gas stream. The method and apparatus may include means for converting a specific gas in a gas stream to a reactive gas. The apparatus may then provide an analog readout of the concentration of the specific gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for detecting and monitoring micro-volumetric enthalpic changes caused by molecular reactions. Micro-machining techniques are used to create very small thermally isolated masses incorporating temperature-sensitive circuitry. The thermally isolated masses are provided with a molecular layer or coating, and the temperature-sensitive circuitry provides an indication when the molecules of the coating are involved in an enthalpic reaction. The thermally isolated masses may be provided singly or in arrays and, in the latter case, the molecular coatings may differ to provide qualitative and/or quantitative assays of a substance.

Abstract: A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e.g., platinum and platinum/palladium blends.

Abstract: A system for monitoring carbon monoxide in an environment which includes an apparatus emitting carbon monoxide, such as an internal combustion engine. A carbon monoxide sensor measures a concentration of carbon monoxide in the environment and provides an electrical signal to a processor that is representative of the measured concentration of carbon monoxide. The processor determines the concentration of carbon monoxide corresponding to the electrical signal, provides an output signal at or above predetermined carbon monoxide concentration thresholds, calculates an estimated carboxyhemoglobin level for the operator corresponding to the carbon monoxide concentrations calculated over time, and provides an output signal at or above predetermined carboxyhemoglobin thresholds. The signals are then received by one or more devices which provide textual, visual, and/or audible warnings indicating that environmental concentrations of carbon monoxide have caused a predetermined warning threshold to be met or exceeded.

Abstract: A gas detector for sensing the presence of at least one predetermined gas is operative in conjunction with a power source and includes a detection circuit, a temperature controller, and a current controller, wherein the detection circuit includes a sensing device having first and second electrodes, the first electrode being connected to the power source for heating the first electrode, the temperature controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a temperature of the first electrode at a predetermined magnitude, and the current controller is operatively connectable to the detection circuit for maintaining a current in the second electrode at a predetermined magnitude.

Abstract: A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e.g., platinum and platinum/palladium blends.

Abstract: A magnetic oxygen analyzer which employes a detector comprising a magnetic pole, heat generator arranged in a non-uniform magnetic field where the intensity of a magnetic field produced by the magnetic pole varies, and a magnetic wind sensor disposed to not be affected by heat produced by the heat generator. A change in electrical resistance of the sensor, caused by change in magnetic wind strength, is detected as the oxygen concentration of a mixed gas. The magnetic wind is caused by the magnetic field produced by the magnetic pole and by heat produced by the heater and is related to the oxygen concentration of the mixed gas exposed to the analyzer. Advantageously, the analyzer of the invention provides improved signal to noise ratio, is immune to ambient temperature, and eliminates the need for precise temperature control.

Abstract: A temperature sensor, in particular for a gas sensor, has at least one printed conductor, where a temperature-dependent change in a resistance of the printed conductor is detected and analyzed. The printed conductor has at least one section made of a solid electrolyte.

Abstract: In this method of analyzing a gas mixture containing at least one inflammable gas to determine its explosibility, a resistive heating element (15) is energized in an analysis enclosure (12) communicating with the gas mixture to be analysed to burn the gas mixture in the enclosure, an electrical signal (S) at the terminals of the resistive element (15) is measured during combustion, and the explosibility of the gas mixture is determined from a comparison of values of the signal measured during a transient phase in which the concentration of the inflammable gas in the gas mixture is falling. The measurements taken during the transient phase are taken at times chosen to obtain, for different inflammable gases, substantially identical measurement signals for concentrations corresponding to identical explosibilities.

Abstract: A cloud condensation nucleus spectrometer having a streamwise segmented condensation nucleus growth column. The condensation nucleus growth column includes alternating hot and cold temperature-maintaining segments arranged next to one another. The temperature difference between adjacent hot and cold temperature-maintaining segments increases from the input opening to an output opening of the condensation nucleus growth column to produce a supersaturation distribution that increases from the input opening to the output opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a quantitative measuring method of argon impurity contained in high purity oxygen by means of triple point and &ggr;-&bgr; phase transition of oxygen, and also to a cryostat employed in quantitative measuring of argon impurity contained in high purity oxygen.

Abstract: A system for monitoring concentrations of sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, within a sterilization apparatus, includes a self-contained, sterilant monitoring assembly that is freely positionable within the sterilization apparatus. The assembly includes a gas-detecting sensor and associated temperature sensor mounted on a portable structure, as well as a suitable data collection circuit for receiving output signals from the sensors. The assembly also includes signals connectors, such as a physical data port or a remote transmitter, or both. Signals can be transmitted concurrently with data collection, or an electronic memory may be provided for subsequent transfer of the collected data. Collected data is transferred to a remote communication unit positioned exteriorly of the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is a method for determining the Joule-Thomson coefficient of a fluid, expressing the temperature variation in relation to a pressure variation thereof. The fluid is injected at a determined injection temperature into a thin tube (8) (preferably a capillary tube in order to obtain a high pressure drop with reasonable flow rates) which contains a temperature detector (TC1) leading to a pressure drop for the fluid. The temperature variation of the fluid in relation to the injection temperature is measured by means of this temperature detector. The pressure drop undergone by the fluid in tube (8), due to the presence of this temperature detector, is also measured and the Joule-Thomson coefficient is calculated by combination of measurements of the pressure drop and of the temperature variation of the fluid. The method can be applied notably in the field of hydrocarbon production, more particularly hydrocarbons coming from high-pressure and high-temperature reservoirs and in gas lines.

Abstract: A method of operating a gas sensor having two sensor electrodes whose output signal is evaluated in an evaluation circuit connected downstream of the sensor electrodes, the sensor electrodes being arranged in an ion-conducting ceramic and being therefor heated by an electrical heater, characterized in that a pulsewidth modulated heater voltage signal is applied to the heater; and that a compensation signal is superposed on the output signal of the sensor electrodes, the compensation signal being essentially formed so as to be counterclocked and inverted to the pulsewidth modulated heater voltage signal.

Abstract: Noncombustive method of measuring the calorific value of fuel gas, wherein a) the speed of sound in the gas is determined under first and under second reference conditions and one of the parameters dielectric constant, speed of sound under third reference conditions or proportion of carbon dioxide in the fuel gas is measured and b) the calorific value is derived from these three parameters, wherein the steps a) and b) are preferably preceded by a plurality of measurement cycles in which step a) is carried out using a plurality of reference gases of known calorific value, a number corresponding to the number of measurement cycles of reference signal patterns determined from the ratio of the various measurement signals measured on the reference gases are stored with assignment to the known calorific values and the signal pattern from a future measurement cycle on fuel gas of unknown calorific value is compared with the reference signal patterns so as to assign a particular calorific value.

Abstract: There are provided with a gas detecting sensor and a gas detecting device for controlling a ventilation system of a vehicle using the gas detecting sensor. The gas detecting sensor of the present invention includes two kinds of gas sensing layers separately formed and a heater assembly for heating the two sensing layers to different temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for determining the thermodynamic properties and percentage of each component of a multi-component gas medium by using speed of sound in conjunction with other data. The present system comprises a computer system with means for obtaining the temperature, pressure, and speed of sound of a gas medium. The computer system operates according to operating logic stored in memory. According to the operating logic, measurements of the temperature, pressure, speed of sound and acoustic impedance are recorded in a gas pipe or other transport device to determine a convergent temperature range. Next a convergent series is extrapolated from the convergent temperature range and a convergent series calculation using isochoric convergence iterations is performed to obtain estimates of the thermo-physical properties of the gas medium.