Abstract: In a gas sensor element of a gas sensor, reference oxygen chamber (113) assumes the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped. A reference electrode (111) is disposed on a surface of a third solid electrolyte body (73) which is exposed to the reference oxygen chamber (113). A second outer electrode (117) is disposed opposite the reference electrode, on a surface of a second solid electrolyte body (77) which is exposed to the reference oxygen chamber. Further, a porous, insulative protection layer (165) is formed so as to cover the entire surface of the second outer electrode. A gap (167) is present between the reference electrode and the insulative protection layer. The thickness of the gap is greater than that of the insulative protection layer.

Abstract: A gas monitoring system is disclosed. The gas monitoring system may have a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to receive a gas between the first and second electrodes, and a pulse generator configured to apply a voltage pulse, tuned to a particular constituent of the gas, to the first and second electrodes and create a non-thermal plasma between the first and second electrodes. The gas monitoring system may also have a detection controller in communication with the pulse generator. The detection controller may be configured to determine an actual current between the first and second electrodes during application of the voltage pulse, and to determine a concentration of the constituent based on the actual current and an expected identity of the constituent.

Abstract: A probe unit includes a gas sensor having multiple gas introduction bores for introducing a gas into an inside of the gas sensor, and a sensor holder inside of which the gas sensor is held and that is arranged inside of a duct so as to introduce an exhaust gas flowing in the duct into the gas sensor. A calibration gas flow channel is arranged in the sensor holder and has an opening at an inner surface of a side wall, surrounding the gas introduction bores of the gas sensor, of the sensor holder so as to supply a calibration gas to the gas sensor. A guide groove is arranged continuous to the opening of the calibration gas flow channel and arranged on the inner surface of the side wall along an arranging direction of the multiple gas introduction bores to face the multiple gas introduction bores.

Abstract: An oxygen concentration sensor input device (1) includes a sensor input circuit (4) that can freely supplies a flow-out current to an oxygen concentration sensor (2) that detects an oxygen concentration in exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor input circuit includes an operational amplifier (12) that constitutes a voltage follower. A current value of the flow-out current is set such that a voltage waveform of a detection signal of the oxygen concentration sensor crosses a detection threshold on a low voltage side.

Abstract: The invention provides for a multiple analyte detector that is capable of detecting and identifying explosive, chemical or biological substances having multiple analytes with a single system having multiple reporters. The reporters include fluorescent polymers, conducting polymers, metal oxide elements electrochemical cells, etc. The reporters may be combinations of other reporters that are optimized for broadband detection.

Abstract: A gas sensor element includes a main body and a protective layer. The main body has four plane portions and four corner portions each of which is formed between one adjacent pair of the plane portions. The four corner portions include a pair of first corner portions that are formed on a porous diffusion-resistant layer side in a lamination direction of the main body and a pair of second corner portions that are formed on a heater layer side in the lamination direction. The protective layer is comprised of an inner protective layer that covers at least the first corner portions of the main body and an outer protective layer that covers the entire outer periphery of the main body and the inner protective layer. The protective layer has a larger average thickness at the first corner portions than at the plane portions of the main body.

Abstract: A gas is detected using a MEMS gas sensor. The electrical power to a heater in the gas sensor is changed between a low level, a high level suitable for detection of detection target gas, and a 0 level, and, therefore, poisonous gas is evaporated or oxidized at the low level, and the detection target gas is detected at the high level.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting portions of a target sample are disclosed herein. A method for detecting the presence and/or properties of a target sample can include selectively collecting a portion of a target sample with a sample collector and detecting, with the sample collector, the presence of one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. The method also includes analyzing, with the sample collector, the one or more properties of the microscopic portion of the target sample. Based on the analysis, the method further includes reporting, from the sample collector, a real-time indication of the analysis of the one or more properties of the target sample. The method can also include at least partially removing the microscopic portion of the target sample from the sample collector.

Abstract: The method hereby described allows the measurement of greenhouse gas emissions produced during feedstock production, processing thereof in said transport byproduct and byproduct from different sources of material, considering the transportation of said raw material taken as fountain. The method comprises capturing, processing and manipulating different parameters and data regarding GHG emissions associated with each task needed to produce and distribute the byproduct and the provision of that byproduct and/or source material that will be transformed into the bioproduct, with in order to generate an overall value of greenhouse gas emissions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device for detecting the hydrocarbon fraction in gases. The measuring device is characterized in that the measuring device determines the hydrocarbon fraction in a first gas flow and a second gas flow, both the first gas flow and the second gas flow originating from the same gas source, the first gas flow being fed to the measuring device unchanged and the second gas flow being fed to the measuring device prepared.

Abstract: A probe unit includes a gas sensor having multiple gas introduction bores for introducing a gas into an inside of the gas sensor, and a sensor holder inside of which the gas sensor is held and that is arranged inside of a duct so as to introduce an exhaust gas flowing in the duct into the gas sensor. A calibration gas flow channel is arranged in the sensor holder and has an opening at an inner surface of a side wall, surrounding the gas introduction bores of the gas sensor, of the sensor holder so as to supply a calibration gas to the gas sensor. A guide groove is arranged continuous to the opening of the calibration gas flow channel and arranged on the inner surface of the side wall along an arranging direction of the multiple gas introduction bores to face the multiple gas introduction bores.

Abstract: A gas detector with a selectively adsorbing surface (3) and an acoustic measuring cell (5) is presented. The detector is characterized in that the selectively adsorbing surface (3) and the acoustic measuring cell (5) can be arranged with respect to one another such that gases desorbed by means of thermal desorption from the adsorbing surface (3) reach the acoustic measuring cell (5) and there trigger a pressure wave that can be measured by one or more acoustic pick-ups (13, 14), in particular microphones, which are arranged in the acoustic measuring cell (5). Furthermore, a corresponding method is provided. The detector is particularly suitable for measuring contaminants in interior spaces and ventilation systems.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatable gas sensor (1) for gases containing reducing substances, comprising a gas-sensitive porous metal oxide (4) and electrical elements (2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18) spaced apart from one another both for heating the metal oxide (4) and for measuring a conductivity of the metal oxide (4), wherein each electrical element (2, 3, 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 18) is spatially embedded in the metal oxide (4). The invention further relates to a method for producing the gas sensor.

Abstract: The invention provides a gas sensitive material made from microcrystalline selenium (preferably selenium nanowire) and a gas sensor having an element structure wherein the gas sensitive material is disposed between two electrodes. The invention allows for the kind of organic gas to be distinguished, because microcrystalline selenium reacts with organic gas molecules with high sensitivity at room temperature without being influenced by humidity, and the magnitude of change of the value of the current flowing at a fixed voltage varies depending on the kind of an organic gas to be sensed.

Abstract: A device for controlling an exhaust gas sensor that is alternatively configured as a limiting-current probe or as a two-cell probe. In each case, the probe has a reference cavity made of a ceramic material and a cell made of a material conducting oxygen ions. A controller has one input variable that is a measured sensor voltage dependent on an oxygen concentration in the sealed cell. The other input variable is a reference voltage. The output variable of the controller is a current which is to be applied to the cell and which allows the sensor voltage to be regulated to a predefined value. The device for controlling the limiting-current probe is designed to process the applied current in one of the input variables of the controller.

Abstract: A sensor including a tubular casing having an open rear end; and a first elastic member having a through hole so as to introduce ambient air into the casing and disposed so as to block the rear end opening of the casing.

Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment mechanically mixed with a polymer and formed into a rigid or pliable material. In a preferred embodiment, the chemochromic detector includes aerogel material. The detector is robust and easily modifiable for a variety of applications and environmental conditions, such as atmospheres of inert gas, hydrogen gas, or mixtures of gases, or in environments that have variable temperature, including high temperatures such as above 100° C. and low temperatures such as below ?196° C.

Abstract: A circuit section of a NOx sensor has an output base including a pedestal portion which projects from a middle part of a support surface of a base portion. A circuit board on which a storage medium storing individual information of the NOx sensor is mounted is arranged on a mount surface of the pedestal portion. The circuit section has a seal portion which is arranged above the support surface of the base portion, and which covers the circuit board from upper and lateral sides, thereby watertightly sealing the circuit board. The seal portion has an enclose portion which, in a state where the enclose portion protrudes from a peripheral edge of the support surface to a second circumferential side surface of the base portion, encloses the base portion along the peripheral edge.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a method includes determining an amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) in dialysate flowing through a dialysis system using a CO2 sensor associated with the dialysis system, determining, using a pH sensor associated with the dialysis system, a pH level of the dialysate, and calculating a level of bicarbonate in the dialysate based at least in part on the determined amount of CO2 measured in the gas and the determined pH level of the dialysate.

Abstract: Parameters of a freeze drying process are monitored by measuring trace materials in the vacuum pump exhaust. The measurements are made using techniques such as acousto-optic spectrometry, multipass cavity-enhanced absorption spectrometry (CEAS) and cavity ring-down spectrometry (CRDS). The technique may be used to diagnose problems such as leakage in the freeze drying shelves, leakage in the condensation coils, leaks from atmosphere in the chambers and the presence of residual cleaning materials. The technique may also be used to monitor the presence of water vapor in the exhaust of a secondary drying process.

Abstract: One example includes a sensor for sensing NOX, including an electrically insulating substrate, a first electrode and a second electrode, each disposed onto the substrate, wherein each of the first electrode and the second electrode has a first end configured to receive a current and a second end and a sensor element formed of nickel oxide powder, the sensor element disposed on the substrate in electrical communication with the second ends of the first electrode and the second electrode. In some examples, electronics are used to measure the change in electrical resistance of a sensor in association with NOx concentration near the sensor. In some examples, the sensor is maintained at 575° C.

Abstract: A cargo shipment security system includes a flexible body configured to completely enclose and contain cargo within an internal environment having a predetermined pressure. The system includes a sealable vacuum port disposed on and through the body and configured to couple with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the internal environment. The system includes one or more sealable ports disposed on and through the body, positioned to cause a turbulent flow through a predetermined volume of the internal environment of the body when the vacuum source is applied at the vacuum port and fluid is caused to enter the internal environment. The system includes one or more detectors positioned to intercept fluid flowing from the internal environment to an external environment outside the body, in such a way as to enable detection of the presence of a substance exiting from the internal environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that measures at least one property of the liquid or gas, where the invention is a CMUT sensor that includes a substrate, a first layer disposed on the substrate, where the first layer includes a cavity, and a compound plate, where the compound plated includes a bottom plate, an intermediate plate and a top plate. According to the invention, the intermediate plate has at least one sample inlet, a sample cavity and at least one sample outlet, where the bottom plate is disposed on the first layer, and the cavity in the first layer is sealed by the compound plate. The cavity in the first layer can be a vacuum or contain a gas. The CMUT sensor can be disposed in an array of two or more sensors and connected electrically in parallel.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

Abstract: An effective sensor for indicating exposure to a toxic gas includes a non-conductive, inert substrate such as glass or polyethylene, a two-dimensional film of nanoparticles of a conductive metal such as silver or copper on the substrate and an electrode connected to each end of the film. When an electrical current passes through the film and the sensor is exposed to a toxic gas, changes in the electrical resistance of the film provides an indication of the presence of the toxic gas.

Abstract: A detection device capable of giving atomic and molecular compositions of gases made of concentric tubes and a fiber optic. The body of the detector holds these constituents in their relative positions. A micro-discharge is created between two of the concentric tubes at the tip of the device. The small size of the tubes allows a stable discharge to be achieved. The light from this discharge is delivered from the discharge area to an optical sensing device through the fiber optic. The optical sensing device, along with a computer, analyzes the light to determine the composition of the gas in the discharge. Gas and vacuum are applied through the tubes as needed to aid operation. The detector can be battery powered and used in both hot and toxic environments. Alternatively, a voltmeter can be used to measure impedance across the discharge thus providing another means to determine relative changes in gas composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting a component (20) of an atmosphere, the sensor comprising a sensing surface (14, 16) covered by a barrier layer (18) of a material switchable between respective layer orientations that have permeability to the component. A NFC device comprising such a sensor, a package incorporating the NFC device and a method of manufacturing the sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost hydrogen gas sensor, which exhibits high sensory selectivity for protons and operates at room temperature, and can also provide a highly sensitive sensor capable of fulfilling the important functions of detecting hydrogen gas and preventing leakage accidents in production plants that use hydrogen gas as a carrier, in hydrogen gas storage facilities, and in so-called fuel cells that use hydrogen gas as an energy source. In addition, the sensor is also effective as an acid sensor for hydrofluoric acid and the like.

Abstract: A sensor control apparatus includes an applied voltage control circuit connected to the positive terminal of a sensor element. The applied voltage control circuit includes a reference power supply and a noninverting amplifier circuit connected to the reference power supply. An AC power supply circuit, a buffer and a current measurement resistance are connected in series to the negative terminal of the sensor element with the current measurement resistance disposed between the AC power supply circuit and the sensor element. One terminal of the current measurement resistance, which is on the side opposite to the sensor element, is held at a reference voltage (center voltage of an AC voltage generated from the AC power supply circuit). Voltage at an intermediate point between the current measurement resistance and the sensor element is inputted via a low-pass filter to the noninverting amplifier circuit of the applied voltage control circuit.

Abstract: To provide a gas sensor which can stably carry out a retention of a sensor element by a contact member and a reservation of an electric continuity between them. A contact member has an insertion port in which the sensor element is inserted and retained to obtain an electric connection with the sensor element. The contact member is provided with a plurality of sensor element retaining members which respectively have a plurality of abutting parts abutting on the sensor element, at least a part of a plurality of abutting parts is a first abutting part which has a leading end part formed as a linear shape or a point-like shape, and the leading end part of the first abutting part is a free end part which applies an elastic force to the sensor element while having point contact or line contact with the sensor element.

Abstract: An optoelectronic detector and method of using same. In order to avoid any condensation on a surface, it has been known to heat such a surface. However, heating an optoelectronic detector will create a stronger hissing noise due to the greater dark current that is caused thereby. The invention is intended to avoid any condensation on an optoelectronic detector without airtight encapsulation. To this end, the detector is cooled and equipped with a sensor for the determination of a current value of one of the variables ambient humidity and ambient dew point temperature and a control unit that is connected with the sensor and designed to control the cooling device in dependence of such a value. By taking into account the ambient humidity or, respectively, the dew point temperature in the control of the cooling device, condensation on the detector can be avoided. An airtight encapsulation of the detector and the cooling device is not required.

Abstract: A methane monitoring system including a filter, a flow restrictor and a methane level detector is disclosed. The sensor system draws gas from a piping system through a sample line into the filter. The filter removes moisture vapor from the gas, with the remaining gas passing into a flow meter. The flow meter regulates the gas pressure for the gas output to a sensing chamber containing the methane meter. The methane meter operates to sample the methane level in the gas and provides an electrical signal which can be output to a recording device such as a flash memory card or to real time remote reporting via direct connection or a wireless signal such as a cell phone, radio or satellite telecom system. Landfill gas which is introduced into the sensing chamber is then exhausted through vent slots in the housing.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed including an automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature, a multi-range concentration feature, and a single calibration feature. The automatic sensor excitation voltage adjustment feature may include a transmitter having an associated microprocessor that provides an initial voltage to an associated sensor. The sensor may include a microprocessor, and as the voltage changes a correction signal may be relayed from the sensor microprocessor to the transmitter microprocessor. The correction signal may be used by the transmitter microprocessor to adjust the voltage applied to the sensor. The multi-range concentration sensor feature may include an amplifier associated with the sensor/microprocessor to create gain settings used to optimize sensor resolution by changing a gain value associated with the sensor. This, in turn, enables a single sensor to be used for a variety of different concentration ranges, as desired by a user.

Abstract: An ignition system (10) comprises a spark plug (12) having a first end (14) defining a spark gap (16) between a first electrode (18) and a second electrode (20). A transformer (46) comprises a primary winding 44 and a secondary winding (50) also forms part of the system. The secondary winding is connected in a secondary circuit to the first electrode 18 and the secondary winding has a resistance of less than 1K? and an inductance of less than 0.25 H. A drive circuit (26) is connected to the primary winding.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an emergency message transmission method and an electronic device implementing the method. The electronic device stores a reference voltage value and comprises a smoke assessing unit. The method includes steps: capturing air composition around the electronic device, assessing whether the air composition has changed, if the air composition has changed, detecting an electrical current of the smoke assessing unit, amplifying the electrical current and converting the amplified current to a voltage value, comparing the converted voltage value with the reference voltage value, judging whether the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, and if the converted voltage value reaches the reference voltage value, outputting a signal including an emergency message.

Abstract: Systems and methods of compensating analyzer offsets in a dual analyzer gas analysis systems. A flow swapping device when in a first configuration delivers the chamber influent to a first gas analyzer, and the chamber effluent delivered to a second gas analyzer. At any arbitrary time, the configuration of the flow swapping device can be switched wherein chamber influent is delivered to the second gas analyzer, and chamber effluent is delivered to the first gas analyzer. By changing the configuration of the match valve, the gas analyzer initially connected to the chamber effluent is connected to the chamber influent. Conversely, the gas analyzer initially connected to the chamber influent is connected to the chamber effluent enabling a determination of offset error between the analyzers. The various embodiments are approximately two-times faster than known methods for dual analyzer systems; the reduced time translates to an overall faster gas exchange measurement.

Abstract: A system for predicting a fan failure has a sensor to detect a gas emitted from grease in the fan. A concentration level of the emitted gas is indicative of grease degradation. The system also has circuitry coupled to the sensor to compare the level of the detected gas to a predetermined level. The system also has an alert apparatus coupled to the circuitry to generate an alert after the circuitry determines that the level of the detected gas exceeds the predetermined level.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a detection element having a detection portion; a metal shell that surrounds the detection element so as to expose the detection portion to a measured atmosphere; an outer tube that is fixed to the metal shell so as to cover a rear end side of the detection element; and a seal member that is contained inside the outer tube, the seal member having a lead wire insertion hole and a through hole that penetrates in the axial direction; a tubular holding member made of a resin having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion than the seal member, the tubular holding member being held inside the through hole, the tubular holding member having a ventilation hole; and a filter that covers the ventilation hole, the filter being joined to the holding member, the filter blocking water from passing therethrough, and the filter having air permeability.

Abstract: [Objective] To provide a gas sensor which can improve the sensitivity to NOX. [Means for Solution] A reduction section 18 for reducing NO2 contained in exhaust gas to NO is provided on the upstream side of a first diffusion resistor section 103 provided to limit the flow of the exhaust gas into a first measurement chamber 101. When NOX passes through the first diffusion resistor section 103, NO2 which is greater in molecular weight than NO is lower in the degree of diffusion than NO. Since NO2 is reduced to NO at the reduction section 18, the exhaust gas passing through the first diffusion resistor section 103 hardly contains NO2. Therefore, the speed of flow of NOX through the first diffusion resistor section 103 is not limited by NO2, whereby sensitivity for detection of NOX can be improved.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor (100) is provided with a substrate (2), a detection film (4) formed on the substrate (2), and a hydrogen permeable protective film (10) formed on the detection film (4). The detection film (4) is composed of a first ceramic (6) and rare-earth metal particles (8) dispersed in the first ceramic (6). The protective film (10) is composed of a second ceramic (12) and hydrogen permeable metal particles (14) dispersed in the second ceramic (12). Preferably, the thickness of the detection film (4) is 5 to 1,000 nm, and the thickness of the hydrogen permeable protective film (10) is 5 to 40 nm.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor assembly is disclosed. The hydrogen sensor assembly includes a sensing element within a sensor housing. The sensor housing includes an opening to facilitate a fluid communication between the sensing element and an exhaust stream of a fuel cell. A substantially water-vapor-impermeable membrane is disposed within the opening between the sensing element and the exhaust stream to militate against water vapor from the exhaust stream entering the sensor housing. The sensor housing may include a second opening to facilitate a fluid communication between the sensing element and an external environment to evacuate water vapor generated by the sensing element.

Abstract: A micro discharge device (MDD) capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization includes a sample introduction capillary having a first open end connected to a gas system and a second open end connected to a cylinder comprising a high dielectric constant material. A high voltage electrode can be placed in close proximity to the outer diameter of the cylinder and at a close linear distance to the second open end of the sample introduction capillary. A region can be formed inside the cylinder between the second end of the sample introduction capillary and the high voltage electrode wherein discharge can be located. An optical emission collector can be located through the flow manifold to a receiving location near the high voltage electrode within a region from inside the cylinder between the high voltage electrode and the manifold.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that can increase sensitivity of a resonator. A ratio Rb/Ra between an inner diameter Rb and an outer diameter Ra of the resonator 20 is appropriately selected, and thus there may be a fixed point where an r component (U(Ra) or U(Rb)) of displacement in a radial direction and an r component (V(Ra) or V(Rb)) of displacement in a tangential direction are 0 on an outer diameter portion or an inner diameter portion of the resonator 20. In this case, the resonator 20 is supported by a holding member 22 constituted by a single-span beam set so that a boundary condition on a side of the resonator 20 is pinned and a boundary condition on a side of an anchor that supports the resonator 20 is clamped at the fixed point, and this prevents vibration energy of the resonator 20 from being lost through the holding member 22, avoids a state to disturb a vibration mode, and achieves a sensor having high sensitivity.

Abstract: Manufacturing a carbon film composite including depositing a carbon film layer onto a substrate, depositing a catalyst suitable for catalyzing the growth of carbon nanotubes onto the carbon film layer and heating in the presence of a carbon-source gas in a substantially inert environment. A carbon film composite featuring a carbon film layer deposited onto a substrate. The carbon film layer has an active surface that is electrically sensitive to the presence of target chemicals. A chemical sensor featuring such a carbon film composite that also includes a first electrode and a second electrode in electrical contact with an active surface of the carbon film composite and a resistivity monitoring device connected to the first and second electrodes. A method of sensing a target chemical featuring exposing such a carbon film composite to a target chemical and recording a change in resistivity across the carbon film composite.

Abstract: A system and method for testing gas migration process in the coal and rock mass are disclosed. The method includes the following steps: selecting a cylindrical coal sample, applying an axial pressure and a radial pressure to the coal sample under a sealing state, and/or increasing temperature, to desorb gas absorbed by the coal sample; guiding the gas desorbed from the coal sample by a guiding passage, detecting gas flow rate and pressure, analyzing gas composition and content, and achieving a data statistics. The method provides a theory and data basis for researching the forming and occurring process of gas outburst accident in coal mine. The system is simple and easy to use, and is suitable for migration research of the gas absorbed in the deep coal-rock mass.

Abstract: A gas-phase detection system based on detecting optochemical and optoelectrochemical signals. The sensing platform is particularly powerful for detection of nitrogen oxides at low ppbV concentrations. The optochemical analysis is based on the color development due to a chemical reaction taking place in an optimized material. The electrochemical analysis can be based on the doping level or redox potential changes of an electrochemical sensor; and optoelectrochemical detection can be based on a combination of the electrochemical and optoelectrochemical methodologies. Each independent signal can be simultaneously detected, increasing the reliability of detection.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device 100 includes a first electrode 1 whose one surface is covered with an inter-electrode dielectric material 4; a second electrode 2 disposed on the side of the one surface of the first electrode 1, to perform the discharge of electricity by a voltage applied between the first electrode 1 and the second electrode; and a pair of measurement electrodes 5, 15 disposed on the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4 so as to face each other; characteristic measurement means 3 for measuring electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes 5 and 15; and particulate matter amount calculation means 13 for obtaining the amount of the particulate matter 11 collected by the surface of the inter-electrode dielectric material 4, based on the change amount of the electric characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device. One exemplary method for detecting leaks in a head space sampling device includes establishing fluid communication between a head space and a pressurization gas conduit. Gas pressure and flow rate are monitored within the pressurization gas conduit during pressurization of the head space. Changes in monitored gas pressure and flow rate are used to evaluate whether a leak exists within the head space sampling device or the vial containing the head space. One exemplary head space sampling device includes a conduit for receiving a pressurization gas, flow and pressure sensors for measuring gas flow and pressure within the conduit, a ventilation valve, a pressure valve for controlling gas flow through the conduit, and a controller for processing and controlling pressure and flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A gas concentration detection apparatus and system including a gas sensor. Voltage Vd generated across detection resistor Rd through which pump current Ip flows is differentially amplified by OP1, and offset voltage Vofs is superposed thereon to obtain a detection voltage Vout. The amplification factor applied to the differential amplification of the voltage Vd is changed by turning switch SW3 on and off. When switch SW2 is turned on, the input terminal potentials of the operational amplifier OP1 are equalized, so that voltage Vofs is output as the detection voltage Vout. The detection voltage Vout contains an error attributable to the electronic components which form the circuit. The detection voltage Vout containing the error when SW2 is turned on is acquired as a correction voltage for each amplification factor, and is used for correction at the time of detection of the concentration so as to cancel the error.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sensor capable of maintaining an electrical connection between the lead frame and an electrode terminal section of the detection element even when an inadequate external force is applied to a lead frame and a sensor production method capable of preventing the lead frame from buckling and being deformed into an inadequate shape. The lead frame (second lead frame) can inhibit movement of a second frame main body section axially toward a rear end side through engagement of a third locking surface of a second locking section with a second locking groove and can inhibit the second frame main body section from going apart from an inner surface of an insertion hole through engagement of a fourth locking surface of the second frame locking section, which faces an element engagement section side.