Abstract: A thin film thermal conductivity temperature sensor may have a spiral heating element having very tightly spaced conductors that allow the spiral heating element to act as a solid disc. Further, multiple electrical connections to the spiral heating element can be provided to allow the size of the heating and temperature sensing element to be changed. The sensor can be used in determining thermal characteristics of different material samples to be determined.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring during dynamic processes that determines when effective measurements of thermal effusivity and/or thermal conductivity can be made during a portion of a cycle during a calibration phase, then measures thermal effusivity and/or thermal conductivity during a subsequent dynamic process in dependence upon the time delay value and the measurement duration value until a desired value is obtained. A sensor having a measurement period of between one to two seconds allows monitoring of materials during dynamic processes such as tumbling, blending, mixing, and rocking. For example, measurements can be made until a value indicative of a desired mixture condition is obtained.