Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a method for making a healthy snack food having an appearance and taste similar to conventional fried snack products without the use of an oil-frying process. The method of the present invention includes the steps of providing food slices from a starch-based food or dough. The food slices can be blanched and a controlled amount of oil can be added to enhance final organoleptical properties. The food slices are then rapidly dehydrated to a much lower moisture content in a primary drying step that simulates conventional frying dehydration rates. A food snack, such as a corn or potato-based snack, produced by this method is a low-fat, ready-to-eat snack having the conventional texture and taste associated with fried snack products.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device that measures the dielectric constant of a material to provide an indication of the moisture content of a material. The moisture monitoring device can provide an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of a material (e.g., soil). The moisture monitoring device can include a number of interchangeable decorative to allow a user to customize the appearance of the device. The moisture monitoring device can be used in conjunction with a moisture monitoring system that can be used to control a watering system (e.g., an irrigation system). A method for providing an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: Certain aspects and examples are directed to sorbent devices and methods of using them. In certain embodiments, a sorbent device comprising a body comprising a sampling inlet, a base and a longitudinal diffusion path between the inlet and the base is provided. In some embodiments, the sorbent device can include at least two sorbent materials fluidically coupled to the longitudinal diffusion path, in which the sorbent materials are arranged from a material with a weakest sorbent strength to a material with a strongest sorbent strength with the weakest sorbent strength material adjacent to the sampling inlet.

Abstract: A wireless sensor probe for use in environmental monitoring and control includes a separable probe body and sensor mast. The probe body includes a void configured to house the sensor mast including one or more sensor devices for sensing a soil property surrounding the probe body when the probe body is inserted partially into the ground. The probe body includes a probe top part for encapsulating the probe body and the sensor mast. The sensor mast is inserted into the probe body to form the sensor probe. In another embodiment, a wireless sensor probe includes a housing containing one or more sensor devices. The probe further includes a collar situated near a top portion of the housing being used to anchor the housing to the top of the ground and a gasket formed on the outside perimeter of the housing for securing the housing in the ground.

Abstract: An atmometer device comprises a porous evaporator member, a suction tube communicating water from a reservoir to the porous evaporator member, a sensor measuring a moisture characteristic of soil associated with a crop, a mechanism arranged for controllably varying a rate of evaporation of the water through the porous evaporator member responsive to the moisture characteristic measured by the sensor, and an indicator arranged to indicate water loss in the reservoir. By controlling rate of evaporation of the water through the porous evaporator member responsive to the measured moisture characteristic of the soil, the amount of water loss in the reservoir during the given time period more accurately reflects crop evapotranspiration.

Abstract: An object comprising a body part having an electrically insulating outer surface part, and a first layer arranged on the outer surface part. The first layer is formed by one or more electrically conducting materials and defines one or more conducting paths between a first area of the outer surface part and a second area of the outer surface part. Thereby electrical signals may be transferred between the first and second area parts. The layer further defines a sensing device, which is thereby embedded into the object. The object is provided with a threaded portion defining an outer thread. Thereby the object may easily be fitted into an opening having a mating inner thread. The object may be in the form of an ordinary bolt with a sensing device embedded in a surface part thereof.

Abstract: The cantilever-type sensor detects a substance to be measured as it is contained in a liquid. The sensor includes a cantilever that is fixed at least at an end to a support section and which has a channel formed inside, a piezoelectric device that is composed of a piezoelectric element and electrode sections formed on opposite sides of the piezoelectric element and which is positioned on at least one side of the cantilever, a drive section that applies a voltage to the electrode sections of the piezoelectric device so as to vibrate the cantilever, a detecting section that detects vibration of the cantilever from expansion or contraction of the piezoelectric device and a liquid supply unit for flowing the liquid through the channel in the cantilever. The cantilever-type sensor features high precision in measurement and is compact and less costly.

Abstract: In a method for determining the moisture of a running material web, in particular a paper web or paperboard web, the material web is scanned by way of a sensor including a microwave resonator, the resonance response of the microwave resonator is investigated, and the moisture in the material web is established in the light of this resonance response while taking account of the distance between the microwave resonator and the material web. Also disclosed is a corresponding apparatus for determining the moisture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an adhesive article. The adhesive article comprises a first layer comprising a transparent film, the first layer having a first major surface and a second major surface. Additionally, the adhesive article comprises a second layer comprising a fluid transport substrate, the second layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, the first major surface of the second layer being in contact with the second major surface of the first layer and a third layer comprising a fluid transportable ink, the third layer being associated with the second major surface of the second layer. The adhesive article then comprises an adhesive layer.

Abstract: One nonlimiting variation of a detection arrangement includes one or more sensors each structured to detect at least one biochemical substance indicative of biochemistry of one or more target insect species and provide a corresponding sensor signal, a controller responsive to the sensor signal of each of the one or more sensors to determine if the one or more insect species are present and generate a corresponding output signal, and an indicator responsive to the output signal to indicate the presence of the one or more insect species.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample has a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver allows the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator is positioned either above or below the sample, or both above and below, relative to the load direction of the weighing cell. A rotatably mounted heat conductor whose axis of rotation is orthogonal to the plane in which the sample or the sample receiver extends is positioned between the radiator and the sample. The heat conductor absorbs at least part of the radiation that impinges upon it and releases the absorbed radiation to the sample through at least one radiation-releasing surface. Through its ability to rotate, the heat conductor irradiates the entire sample surface.

Abstract: The method can be used in the field of gas hydrate geology for determining the pore water content in equilibrium with gas hydrate in different dispersed media, including rock, sedimentary deposits and soil systems. A dispersed-medium specimen which has been pre-dried and weighed is placed between, and in direct contact with, two plates of ice, ice-containing soil or ice-containing dispersed medium; then, the specimen is put, together with the plates, into an altitude chamber at a specified negative or positive Celsius temperature. A hydrate-forming gas is injected into the altitude chamber to a pressure exceeding the pressure of the “ice/gas/hydrate” three-phase equilibrium, and the specimen is held in the altitude chamber until equilibrium saturation of the specimen with moisture is achieved.

Abstract: Menstrual fluid simulants may consistently emulate the physical characteristics of real menstrual fluid, including but not limited to, viscosity, stringiness, surface tension and size and concentration of particulate matter. In addition, the constituents comprising the menstrual fluid simulants may be changed in order to mimic the variations in real menstrual fluid observed from woman to woman and from an individual woman over time. The menstrual fluid simulants are of use in the testing of personal care absorbent products.

Abstract: A method of observing a consumer product is provided. The method includes placing a consumer product into an imaging machine, and then using the machine to obtain information regarding the product.

Abstract: The invention relates to, in a sensor comprising: an electrically conductive metal housing, said housing having an inside wall forming a transmission matrix cavity, said wall having perforations therethrough; a liner transmissible of water lining said inside wall and covering said perforations; a transmission matrix filling said liner; a tablet of slowly dissolving material atop said transmission matrix; a cap closing said housing forming an electrode matrix chamber; an electrode chamber matrix in said electrode matrix chamber; a pair of spaced-apart electrodes in said electrode matrix chamber in contact with said electrode chamber matrix; the cap passing electrical leads from said electrodes; an improvement comprising said liner comprising a layer of laid, thermally bonded fibers in a pattern such as to provide-passages of such size as to confine said transmission matrix but to permit flow of moisture to and from said transmission matrix and soil in contact with it.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a sensing device capable of easily and collectively displaying, based on pieces of time-series data of frequencies of piezoelectric resonators obtained for each concentration of a substance to be absorbed in solutions, pieces of variation data of the frequencies for each concentration caused by an absorption of the substance to be absorbed, in a state of aligning absorption start points. A main structure of the present invention is composed of a unit for setting an absorption start point of a substance to be absorbed in pieces of time-series data, and an editor for performing processing to combine and display at least frequency variation regions in the pieces of time-series data in a state of aligning the absorption start points of the substance to be absorbed.

Abstract: A non-destructive inspection system having a density and moisture detection system for use with the automated production of liquid filled pellets, including products having liquid filled pellets embedded in other materials. The inspection system may also have a micro controller for product detection, inspection, and rejection. The inspection system is able to be incorporated within the production line so as not to affect productivity.

Abstract: This invention involves the use of a more effective adsorbent to dehydrate ethanol. The most common use for the ethanol is an additive to gasoline. The preferred adsorbent is a type 3A adsorbent that has been ion exchanged with potassium at a level of about 0.6. Surprisingly, this adsorbent has a significantly improved resistance to damage by water upset events.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for determining the percolation rate of soil. The method includes providing a test assembly configured to be placed over the top of a test hole, the test assembly containing a remote sensor (such as an ultrasound sensor) positioned proximate the top of the hole.

Abstract: A storm water run-off percolation rate test system includes a turbid water generator having a silt or sediment source providing silt into a mixing tank. A pipeline carries turbid water from the mixing tank to a test pit or test site. A flow meter measures the amount of turbid water moved into the test pit. Detectors detect a water level in the test pit. A controller automatically controls the turbid water generator and flow of turbid water into the test pit, and records data on the amount of turbid water provided into the test pit over time, to determine a percolation rate. In a method for determining a percolation rate, turbid water is created and used in the percolation rate testing, to more accurately simulate run-off.

Abstract: A method of retro-fitting a moisture detection fitting in the wall of a building in accordance with the following steps: forming a space which proceeds into the wall; and inserting the moisture detection fitting into the space such that a probe of the fitting: 1) presses into timber framing within the wall, or 2) stops short of timber framing within the wall but contacts a moisture absorbent filler forming part of the fitting and wherein the filler can absorb moisture from the timber framing. The moisture detection fitting being fitted substantially permanently such that when it is in use a moisture detection device can be detachably connected to the fitting outside the wall and use the probes, and if appropriate the filler, to measure a moisture content of the timber framing.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring isotherms and determining solid state phase changes comprising a humidity generator having a temperature controlled internal chamber, a microbalance mounted externally to the internal chamber and a near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) probe or Raman spectrometer probe mounted internally in the internal chamber, such that the mass of a sample suspended within the chamber and its solid state phase can be determined without disturbing the controlled environment surrounding the sample. The humidity generator includes means for controlling humidity and temperature within the internal chamber, an access port that extends into the internal chamber. The balance is situated near the port such that the balance mechanism extends within the internal chamber. The balance mechanism utilizes a means for holding a sample within the chamber such that the mass of the sample can be determined as it equilibrates to the temperature and relative humidity maintained within the internal cavity.

Abstract: An electronic device having an enclosure is disclosed. The electronic device includes a hole disposed at least partially through the enclosure. The electronic device also includes a detector configured to provide at least one visual indication after being immersed in water. The detector may include a moisture-indicating portion and a light-permitting moisture-proof membrane. The detector may be disposed inside at least one of the enclosure and the hole such that at least a portion of the detector is visible through the hole from outside of the enclosure without dismantling or opening the electronic device. The distance between the light-permitting moisture-proof membrane and an opening of the hole in the enclosure may be less than the distance between the moisture-indicating portion and the opening of the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for sensing a condition, such as humidity, through an opening (20) in a surface (12) such as a duct or wall. A housing (14) includes an outer section (16) mounted on the surface and a probe section (18) extending into the duct or wall. A circuit board assembly (32) is mounted within the housing and includes a user interface section (34) within the housing outer section and a sensor section (36) rigidly connected to the user interface section and extending into the housing probe section. The sensor section may be integrated into the circuit board assembly by a rigid connector (42) allowing easy removal and field replacement of the sensor section. A sealing device (56) isolates the housing outer section from the air within the duct or wall. A flexible grounding connection (66) provides electrical grounding of the circuit board assembly and a degree of mechanical support.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor that can detect various types of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, propylene, and alcohols, an environmental contaminant, odor, and the like. The present invention is a sensor comprising a sensor element having at least two types or more of polymer films adsorbing a target substance, measurement means that measures the adsorption properties of the target substance adsorbed on the polymer films, and recognition means that performs multivariate analysis on the measured adsorption properties to recognize the target substance.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensing instrument using a piezoelectric resonator such as a quartz resonator which changes in natural frequency when coming into contact with a liquid to adsorb a substance to be sensed in the liquid, the sensing instrument having a reduced adverse effect accompanying improvement in detection sensitivity precision of a frequency change. The sensing instrument of the present invention includes: an oscillator circuit supplying a piezoelectric resonator with oscillation driving power for oscillating the piezoelectric resonator so as to set a driving current to 0.3 mA or less; and a measuring unit measuring a concentration of the substance to be sensed based on an oscillation output of the oscillator circuit. This structure can suppress self-heating of the piezoelectric resonator.

Abstract: A sensing instrument includes: a reference sensor including a reference piezoelectric resonator not adsorbing a substance to be sensed; a reference oscillator circuit oscillating the reference piezoelectric resonator; a measuring unit receiving an oscillation output of a sensing oscillator circuit and an oscillation output of the reference oscillator circuit in a time-series manner to measure frequencies of the oscillation outputs of the oscillator circuits; and a data creator creating time-series data of a difference between a frequency in a sensing sensor and a frequency in the reference sensor, based on the frequencies of the oscillation outputs of the oscillator circuits obtained by the measuring unit. Therefore, a frequency changed due to a factor other than the adsorption of the substance to be sensed is cancelled.

Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring the moisture and sediment content of a sample. In one embodiment, a sample to be tested is collected in a field bottle. The sample from the field bottle is then transferred from the field bottle, and into and through an analysis bottle containing a desiccant material. As the sample is being pulled through the analysis bottle, a microwave measurement system (or other scattering parameter measuring system) is used to measure the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material. By measuring the effects of the sample on the scattering parameters of the desiccant material, the sample's moisture content can be determined. The sample's moisture can also be determined by measuring the expanded volume of the desiccant. A filter section having a sight glass with graduations is used to determine the sediment content of the sample.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and kits for measuring and analyzing degradation of adsorbent materials, particularly for adsorbent materials used in gas separation processes. The present invention can assess the damage to adsorbent due to contamination including moisture contamination and it can assess damage that is not contaminant-related. The advantage to the present invention is that it can detect degradation of adsorbent directly at the plant site before the degradation affects production. Another advantage is that it can conclusively determine whether the adsorbent is damaged. Because it is so inexpensive to run, the test of the present invention can be conducted to determine adsorbent damage and to confirm whether the damage continues to be an issue. The present invention can test adsorbents in any form, including, but not limited to, bead, pellet or powder form.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to methods and kits for measuring and analyzing degradation of adsorbent materials, particularly for adsorbent materials used in gas separation processes. The present invention can assess the damage to adsorbent due to moisture contamination and it can assess damage that is not moisture-related. The advantage to the present invention is that it can detect degradation of adsorbent before the degradation affects production. Another advantage is that it can conclusively determine whether the sieve is damaged. Because it is so inexpensive to run, the test of the present invention can be conducted to determine adsorbent damage and to confirm whether the damage continues to be an issue. The present invention can test adsorbents in any form, including, but not limited to, bead, pellet or powder form.

Abstract: A storm water run-off percolation rate test system includes a turbid water generator having a silt or sediment source providing silt into a mixing tank. A pipeline carries turbid water from the mixing tank to a test pit or test site. A flow meter measures the amount of turbid water moved into the test pit. Detectors detect a water level in the test pit. A controller automatically controls the turbid water generator and flow of turbid water into the test pit, and records data on the amount of turbid water provided into the test pit over time, to determine a percolation rate. In a method for determining a percolation rate, turbid water is created and used in the percolation rate testing, to more accurately simulate run-off.

Abstract: A large round baler equipped with moisture sensing apparatus and a bale scale to improve information useful in baling and using bales. Moisture sensing begins after the bale reaches a predetermined diameter. A history of bale weights is used to estimate how much tension to apply to a belt tensioner to achieve both a target bale weight and a target bale size.

Abstract: A humidity sensor system and method include a ceramic substrate upon which a heater can be printed. A humidity sensor can be mounted above and in contact with the heater, or the heater can be mounted one side of the substrate and the humidity sensor on the opposite side of the substrate, such that the heater heats the humidity sensor, raising its temperature above the dew point of the ambient air such that moisture does not condense on the humidity sensor, thereby preventing the humidity sensor performance from being affected. The heater can be configured as a resistive heater, and the humidity sensor can be configured from one or more humidity-sensing die. A thin film platinum RTD (Resistance Temperature Detector) component can be printed upon the substrate in association with the humidity sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining the water storage capacity of textiles, wherein the rinsing phase has at least one rinsing sequence which follows a drying sequence. The method is characterized in that a first water absorption is measured during the wetting phase and a second water absorption is measured during at least one of the rinsing sequences, in that the two water absorption measurements are compared with one another and the water storage capacity of the textiles is defined using the comparison.

Abstract: In a sensing instrument using a quartz sensor on whose front surface an adsorption layer for adsorbing a substance to be sensed is formed and which changes in natural frequency by the adsorption of the substance to be sensed, the present invention has an object to quickly detect a trouble of the quartz sensor to prevent an operator from recognizing an incorrect measurement result. In the present invention, a level detecting circuit detecting a signal level of an oscillation output of an oscillator circuit is provided, and after the time for stabilization passes after the power-on time, a computer takes a level detection value therein to compare the signal level and a threshold value. Then, when the signal level is lower than the threshold value, the signal level is determined as abnormal and, for example, the abnormality notification is displayed on a display unit, whereby an operator is notified of the occurrence of the abnormality.

Abstract: The present invention is embodied in a tensiometer apparatus and process that employs novel techniques for performing the required routine service operation of refilling a sealable measurement chamber of the apparatus with liquid from a reservoir using a novel, piston-type, “jet-action” plunger mechanism. These novel techniques result in a tensiometer which is easier to use, requires no tools for assembly or replacement of parts, and is easier and lower cost to manufacture and maintain. These novel techniques also result in a tensiometer which has improved measurement sensitivity and accuracy, higher reliability and a longer operating lifetime than conventional tensiometers.

Abstract: The moisture content of a foodstuff or other solid matter is determined by reducing the matter to a paste, packing the paste into a vessel equipped with multiple pairs of plate electrodes and one or more temperature sensors, applying an AC voltage across each pair of electrodes, and measuring the impedance of the paste from each pair of electrodes. The multiple impedance measurements are averaged or otherwise processed to obtain a value that is representative of the paste, and that value and the temperature are processed against calibration data to achieve a value of the moisture content of the paste.

Abstract: Provided are apparatuses for measuring wetting, absorption, and/or other mechanisms of fluid transportation by a sample of particulates. The apparatus may include a container holding a fluid, a means for measuring fluid in the container, and a conduit having a fluid-conveying lumen that allows fluid to flow from the container to a conduit opening. Also included is a sample holder in fluid communication with the conduit opening. The holder may have a surface on which the sample may be placed to absorb fluid from the conduit opening against gravity without falling into the conduit opening. In addition or in the alternative, the holder may be constructed and situated in a manner effective to draw fluid from the conduit opening to provide a controlled reservoir of fluid for absorption by the sample against gravity. Methods using saturated a porous medium is also described.

Abstract: A water-based ink for ink-jet recording includes a coloring agent, water, and a water-soluble organic solvent. In the water-based ink after drying, a phase (?) obtained by a tan ? measured at about 25° C. is constantly about 45 degrees or more. In other words, the phase (?) never becomes less than about 45 degrees at a strain amount of about 0.1% to about 100%.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample includes a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver is configured to allow the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator has a radiation-releasing surface directed at the sample and that covers substantially the entire surface of the sample with a uniform radiation intensity. The radiator is arranged above the sample, relative to the direction of the load, and spans over the entire sample. The measuring instrument also includes a means for removing the moisture emitted from the sample during the operation of the instrument device from the space between the sample and the radiation-releasing surface.

Abstract: Methods are provided for rapidly simulating “in-service” warp distortion of a wood product. Methods are also provided for rapidly estimating shrinkage properties of a wood product by using electromagnetic energy to dry and redistribute absorbed water in the wood product.

Abstract: An instrument and associated method are disclosed for the loss-on-drying determination of the volatile content of a wide variety of samples.

Abstract: A sensor for sensing the moisture level in soil and changes in the moisture content. An improved liner improves the response of the sensor.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for measuring the ability of a material to absorb a liquid, whereby a liquid is brought into contact with a surface of a test specimen (P) of the material, and wherein the amount of liquid that has been absorbed in the test specimen is calculated. A certain amount of liquid is supplied to a liquid chamber unit, which on one side is limited by said surface, such that an amount of liquid which is absorbed by the test specimen leaves the liquid chamber unit and a representation comprising an indication of the reduction of the amount of liquid in the liquid chamber unit is produced.

Abstract: A design structure for an on-chip real-time moisture detection circuitry for monitoring ingress of moisture into an integrated circuit chip during the operational lifetime of the chip. The moisture detection circuitry includes one or more moisture-sensing units and a common moisture monitor for monitoring the state of each moisture-sensing units. The moisture monitor can be configured to provided a real-time moisture-detected signal for signaling that moisture ingress into the integrated circuit chip has occurred.

Abstract: A method for providing a piece of a film of a magnetoelastic material having an initial bending stiffness with an enhanced bending stiffness in a first direction. According to the method, the piece is provided with at least one scored line in the first direction of the piece. Furthermore, the piece is bent along at least one of the at least one scored lines so as to provide the piece with a lasting bend in a direction transverse to the first direction, whereby an enhanced bending stiffness is provided in the first direction of the piece. Also, a product obtained by the method, a sensor and an absorbent structure and an absorbent article including the sensor.

Abstract: A system for sensing environmental conditions on a window assembly. The system includes a transparent panel and a sensor integrated onto the panel. The sensor being configured to sense environmental changes on the panel. The sensor may comprise conductive inks that are printed onto the window assembly. The window assembly may comprise a plastic panel, such as a multilayer polycarbonate panel such that a portion of the sensor may be located on the one layer of the panel while another portion of the sensor overlaps the first portion on a second layer of the window. The sensor may be a resistive or capacitive sensor and may be configured to detect changes in one or more environmental conditions, such as temperature or moisture. Further, the sensor may be in electrical communication with a controller configured for control various vehicle subsystems based on the sensor.

Abstract: An absolute moisture sensor is coupled to a controller circuit with the combination being integrated into a single device as a moisture-activated switch. The resultant switch is coupled in series with a power control line of a moisture-controlling device and can be placed within the medium for which moisture is to be controlled. In one typical use, the switch is buried in soil for control of valves that supply irrigation water. Since the moisture sensor is selected to provide an absolute reading of moisture, the switch programs itself when power from an external source is first applied. A communication protocol provides for readout of sensor values and allows for a remote reset of the controller.

Abstract: A single crystal silicon substrate (1) is bonded through an SiO2 film (9) to a single crystal silicon substrate (8), and the single crystal silicon substrate (1) is made into a thin film. A cantilever (13) is formed on the single crystal silicon substrate (1), and the thickness of the cantilever (13) in a direction parallel to the surface of the single crystal silicon substrate (1) is made smaller than the thickness of the cantilever in the direction of the depth of the single crystal silicon substrate (1), and movable in a direction parallel to the substrate surface. In addition, the surface of the cantilever (13) and the part of the single crystal silicon substrate (1), opposing the cantilever (13), are, respectively, coated with an SiO2 film (5), so that an electrode short circuit is prevented in a capacity-type sensor. In addition, a signal-processing circuit (10) is formed on the single crystal silicon substrate (1), so that signal processing is performed as the cantilever (13) moves.