Abstract: An environmental control system for a vehicle, in particular for predicting internal misting of a vehicle windscreen, the system comprising a windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28, an ambient humidity sensor assembly 32 and a second temperature sensor assembly 30 for sensing the temperature of the humidity sensor assembly 32. The windscreen temperature sensor assembly 28 is mounted on an interior rearview mirror support bracket 10 for engagement with the interior surface 18 of the windscreen, and the second temperature and humidity sensor assemblies are mounted within a rearview mirror housing 12 mounted to the mirror support bracket 10.

Abstract: A resistive-type humidity sensing structure with microbridge includes a substrate, a sensing portion, and two measuring electrodes. An isolated layer and a bridge are respectively formed on the substrate. The sensing portion includes a resistive and humidity sensing layer. Two measuring electrodes are formed on the resistive sensing layer corresponding to the bridge, so as to fix the sensing portion on the first isolated layer for measuring resistance values of the resistive sensing layer. The material of the humidity sensing layer changes its volume according to humidity, the length of the resistive sensing layer covered by the humidity sensing layer is warped, and the changes of the length of the material for the resistive sensing layer causes variations of the resistance value. Finally, two measuring electrodes are used to measure the humidity value.

Abstract: A measuring device for detecting a humidity and temperature of a surface of a glass pane facing an interior of a vehicle. The measuring device includes at least one humidity sensor and at least one temperature sensor jointly arranged on the surface of the glass pane, an evaluation unit connected downstream of the humidity and temperature sensors, and a signal conversion and linking unit arranged between the humidity and temperature sensors and the evaluation unit. Further, the converting and linking unit generates a rectangular wave-shaped signal having at least two different impulse lengths, each impulse length being a measure of a detected humidity and temperature.

Abstract: A humidity sensor capable of self-regulating temperature compensation and a manufacturing method thereof overcomes the inaccuracy caused by the resistor value of a conventional humidity-sensitive element changing depending due to changes in the temperature. The present invention proposes disposing two different humidity-sensitive elements in a humidity-sensitive substrate, wherein one humidity-sensitive element includes a saturated salt solution. The humidity-sensitive substrate has two different humidity-sensitive elements for achieving a self-regulating temperature compensation feature. The present invention of the humidity-sensitive element having the saturated salt solution can maintain the amount of humidity in the air regardless of the temperature.

Abstract: A humidity measuring apparatus including: a humidity detecting element whose resistance value changes according to a humidity change; a resistor serially connected to the humidity detecting element; a signal output unit which outputs a clock signal to the humidity detecting element and the resistor; and a measuring unit which detects a voltage of a connecting point of the humidity detecting element and the resistor at predetermined timing from an edge of the clock signal and obtains a humidity based on the detected voltage, wherein an abnormality of the humidity detecting element is detected by detecting the voltage at timing different from the predetermined timing based on the voltage detected by the measuring unit.

Abstract: An environment sensor (11) for measuring the temperature and humidity can be miniaturized and can respond at high speed. The environment sensor (11) includes a temperature sensing portion (111) having a temperature-sensitive material (1) made of a metal oxide, and a humidity-sensing portion (112) which is formed on the same substrate as the temperature sensing portion (111) and measures the ambient humidity by using a change in electrical characteristics. At least one of a pair of electrodes (2, 3) of the temperature sensor (111) is integrated with an electrode of the humidity-sensing portion (112).

Abstract: A method for linearizing a nonlinear curve with a linearization circuit (1), wherein the curve represents the relationship between input signals and output signals of a sensor. An output signal (100, 110, 120) of the sensor, which is respectively associated with an input signal, is displayed with respect to a simple and cost favorable linearization such that the adjustment of the linearization circuit (1) essentially occurs in an automated way utilizing sequence controller (2). A corresponding circuit is also described for practicing the method.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring humidity may be suitable for determining the relative humidity in the high-humidity range. The device includes a sensor device, as well as a circuit connected to the same. The sensor device includes a capacitive humidity-sensor element, a temperature-sensor element, and a heating element, the humidity-sensor element being heated in at least one part of the humidity-measuring range. The ambient temperature is further ascertained by the circuit, from the heating power required in the heating mode, as well as from the measured, local sensor device temperature, in order to further determine the relative humidity.

Abstract: A temperature control apparatus for a humidity sensor is provided for preventing impurities from sticking on a sensor element, while protecting the sensor element from cracking due to the humidity sensor heated by a heater in the presence of condensation, to maintain a high detection accuracy of the humidity sensor. The temperature control apparatus is configured to control the temperature of a sensor element of a humidity sensor disposed in an exhaust passage of an internal combustion engine for detecting the humidity within the exhaust passage. The temperature control apparatus comprises a heater for heating the sensor element, a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the sensor element, and an ECU for controlling a heating amount of the heater to bring the detected temperature of the sensor element to a first predetermined temperature during an operation of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for sensing the absolute humidity of gases where the relative humidity of gases are measured, the humidity transducer is heated, the resulting temperature measured and the absolute humidity calculated (based on the power to heat said transducer, the temperature of said transducer and the relative humidity). In further embodiments the humidity transducer may be heated to a pasteurisation temperature, to substantially kill any common pathogens present on the humidity transducer. The flow rate may be determined to estimate a more instantaneous valve of humidity. The operation of the sensor may be continually monitored for correct operation and various constructions disclosed for improving the efficiency of operation.

Abstract: A humidity sensor including an insulating substrate, and a lower electrode formed from a noble metal, a moisture sensitive layer formed of a porous body predominantly containing alumina and containing predetermined amounts of TiO2 and SnO2 and an upper electrode formed of a noble metal porous body successively formed on the insulating substrate. The upper electrode is connected to the moisture sensitive layer and a portion of the insulating substrate. Preferably, the lower electrode is formed of a porous body. More preferably, the lower and upper electrodes are formed from Pt. Furthermore, preferably, a heater and a temperature measurement resistor are provided in the insulating substrate and are located directly below the moisture sensitive layer.

Abstract: A method of operating an aluminum oxide moisture sensor to measure moisture in a sample gas, where the sensor comprises a pair of electrodes sandwiched about a dielectric, the method comprising: a) heating the sensor to a first temperature above the sample gas temperature and holding the sensor at said first temperature for a first predetermined period of time; b) cooling down the sensor to a second lower temperature over a second predetermined period of time; c) taking plural samples of sensor conductance over a third predetermined period of time at the lower temperature; and d) determining a rate of adsorption of the moisture and using the rate of adsorption as a measure of moisture in the sample gas.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to an imaging technique and apparatus which can utilize an array of RF probes to measure the non-resonant thermal noise which is produced within a sample, such as a body, and produce a non-resonant thermal noise correlation. The detected noise correlation is a function of the spatial overlap of the electromagnetic fields of the probes and the spatial distribution of the conductivity of the sample. The subject technique, which can be referred to as Noise Tomography (NT), can generate a three-dimensional map of the conductivity of the sample. Since the subject invention utilizes detection of the thermal noise generated within the body, the subject method can be non-invasive and can be implemented without requiring external power, chemicals, or radionuclides to be introduced into the body. The subject imaging method can be used as a stand along technique or can be used in conjunction with other imaging techniques.

Abstract: An absolute humidity sensor for a microwave oven is disclosed. The absolute humidity sensor includes a substrate having a first hole and a second hole in a predetermined region, a membrane formed on the substrate, a humidity sensing element formed on the membrane where the first hole is formed, for detecting humidity exposed to the air, having a variable resistance value depending on the detected humidity, and a temperature compensating element formed on the membrane where the second hole is formed, for compensating for the resistance value of the humidity sensing element.

Abstract: A humidity-sensitive porous layer (13) of a humidity-sensitive element section (3) of a humidity sensor (1) is formed of a crystalline phase oxide grains such as Al2O3—SnO2—TiO2 and of a glass phase such as silicate glass covering the crystalline phase. The glass phase contains an alkali metal oxide and/or alkaline earth metal oxide such as Li2O. The humidity sensitive porous layer (13) assumes a skeletal structure that is formed of crystalline phase oxide grains covered or coated with the glass phase. A heater (17) of the humidity sensor is controlled to heat the humidity-sensitive element section (3) at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 800° C. so as to clean off the humidity-sensitive element section while an internal combustion engine is running and exhausting fouling substances.

Abstract: A humidity sensor comprising an insulating substrate, a detection electrodes and a moisture-sensitive layer, wherein the moisture-sensitive layer is a porous layer and has a thickness not greater than 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A humidity sensor includes a pair of interdigital electrodes disposed on an insulating substrate and defining a gap therebetween, an undercoat layer of silane compound lying on the gap-defining electrodes and substrate, and a humidity sensitive thin film lying thereon. The humidity sensitive thin film is formed of a crosslinked product of a conductive polymer having ethylenically unsaturated groups, and physically bound to the undercoat layer through an interpenetrating polymer network. The sensor is fully resistant to water so that it ensures stable operation over a long time even in a dew condensing atmosphere. The sensor is free of hysteresis and able to measure humidity over a very wide range.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting condensation on surfaces of structural components. A evaluation signal is generated before dewing while the structural component is cooling. A detectable film is produced on a measuring arrangement a few degrees Kelvin before the dew point is reached. The temperature is measured directly on the layer where the dew is developing.

Abstract: A method and system relating to an improvement in measuring accuracy of a gas concentration sensor, the method comprising the steps of measuring a parameter of the sensor, the parameter being a resistance or a capacitance, that is sensitive to the gas or its concentration being measured, and simultaneously changing the temperature of the sensor in a cyclic manner. The parameter of the sensor being measured is measured more than two times or continuously during each heating cycle. The measured parameter value is filtered to obtain a signal component associated with the fundamental frequency of the heating cycle for use at a later step, and the thus filtered signal component is used in the correction and/or calibration of actual output signal of the sensor.

Abstract: Moisture management indexes are determined for a textile sandwiched between two plates. Electrical conductors arranged in concentric opposing pairs are used to measure changes in electrical resistance of the fabric. A quantity of water (or other chosen liquid) is poured down a guide pipe and changes of resistance measured against time. From this data, specific indexes are determined, in a repeatable fashion, and used for determining moisture management characteristics of the fabric.

Abstract: A device for measuring moisture is described. This device includes a sensor unit (1) having a moisture-sensitive sensor element (1.1) and a carrier element (2), upon which the sensor unit is mounted. The carrier element (2), as well as the sensor unit (1) have electrical contact regions (1.2a, 1.2b). Carrier element (2) has a recess (6), above which the sensor unit (1) is mounted. The moisture-sensitive sensor element (1.1) is oriented in the direction of the recess (6). The sensor-side contact regions are formed on the side of the sensor unit (1) facing the carrier element (2). In at least one partial region adjacent to the sensor unit (1), the carrier element (2) is provided with a coating (3) which absorbs and/or releases as little moisture as possible.

Abstract: Described is an integrated glass fog sensor unit utilized to provide the necessary data to predict glass fog formation. The unit includes a glass surface temperature sensor, an ambient air temperature sensor, and a relative humidity sensor. The unit is mounted on a thermal barrier tray which serves to thermally isolate the ambient air temperature sensor and the relative humidity sensor from the glass surface. A protective dome having a plurality of apertures covers the tray and sensors. A flex circuit, also acting as a thermal barrier, is utilized to complete the circuit between the sensors and the fog control unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric resistance sensor for measuring a corrosion rate, and in particular to an electric resistance sensor for measuring a corrosion rate which can measure a slight corrosion resulting from pitting by using a plurality of conductive thin lines, a fabrication method therefor and a measurement method using the same.

Abstract: A humidity sensor including an insulating substrate, and a lower electrode formed from a noble metal, a moisture sensitive layer formed of a porous body predominantly containing alumina and containing predetermined amounts of TiO2 and SnO2 and an upper electrode formed of a noble metal porous body successively formed on the insulating substrate. The upper electrode is connected to the moisture sensitive layer and a portion of the insulating substrate. Preferably, the lower electrode is formed of a porous body. More preferably, the lower and upper electrodes are formed from Pt. Furthermore, preferably, a heater and a temperature measurement resistor are provided in the insulating substrate and are located directly below the moisture sensitive layer.

Abstract: A moisture sensor includes a moisture-sensitive film between a pair of electrodes having conductive particles dispersed in a hygroscopic polymer. The hygroscopic polymer is a polymer comprising a polyether amine, an epoxy compound, and optionally a water-soluble nylon. Alternatively, the hygroscopic polymer is a polyether ester amide and optionally a water-soluble nylon. The sensor enables DC measurement, can detect a humidity in the range of RH 60% to 100%, and ensures high performance stability against repetitive operations.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor which is tailored for sensitivity to specific chemical analytes by selecting proper constituents. The electrochemical sensor is comprised of an immiscible polymer blend of at least two polymers in which a conductive filler is dispersed in one of the polymers of the blend through a multiple percolation approach to compounding. When in the presence of a chemical analyte which is in either a liquid or vapor phase, one phase of the dual immiscible polymer blend swells, effecting a decrease in the conductivity, or increase in resistivity, of the polymer blend. The electrochemical sensor is reversible in that when the chemical analyte evaporates or is removed, the polymer blend returns to its original conductivity.

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

Abstract: A device for detecting snow and ice which has a humidity sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. An evaluator switch is controlled according to a humidity sensor-measured variable, producing a control signal at set humidity values for defrosting a surface which is being monitored for snow and ice. The ambient temperature sensor activates the humidity sensor within a temperature range of between +2° C. and −12° C. The humidity sensor itself has a PTC (positive temperature coefficient) heating element. The current consumption of the heating element is used as a measure of humidity. Both the ambient temperature sensor and the humidity sensor are positioned at a mutual distance in a longitudinally extended sensor cartridge made of plastic. The temperature sensor is thermally decoupled from the PTC heating element. The PTC heating element is built into a metal sleeve in such a way that it is corrosion and humidity proof.

Abstract: A porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid)-based humidity sensing element is disclosed which provides improved range of humidity measurement and response time with little or no hysteresis. It includes: (a) a non-conductive substrate which has a pair of electrodes formed thereon; (b) a porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film formed on said electrodes. The porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film is formed by first forming a non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film on the electrodes, then subjecting the non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film to a heat treatment at temperatures between about 170° C. and 240° C. such that a porous structure is formed in said poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film.