Abstract: Apparatus for generating ions in a gaseous medium, the apparatus including two electrodes separated by a dielectric material and a means for generating radio frequency pulses. The electrodes are of dissimilar size and are attached to opposite sides of the dielectric material. The smaller electrode shape and circumference is configured to control the quantity of plasma that is produced. Method of generating ions in a gaseous medium having the step of applying a radio frequency voltage between two electrodes separated by a dielectric material so as to generate a plasma ion source. Locating the plasma ion source in a confined area to yield NO3-ions. Locating the plasma ion source in an open configuration to yield predominantly CO3-ions with minor amounts of O2- and O3-ions.

Abstract: A liquid electrode mixture for use in a gas sensor having from about 60 to about 240 milligrams of platinum black catalyst; from about 900 to about 1100 milligrams of water; from about 300 to about 400 microliters of 1-propanol; and from about 100 microliters to about 150 microliters of a polymer mixture comprising from about 40% to about 80% PTFE by weight and water.

Abstract: First and second units have similar, preferably substantially identical, constructions. Each unit is preferably cylindrical and has an outer electrically conductive shell preferably made from a metal. A dielectric material, preferably a ceramic, abuts the inner surface of the electrically conductive shell in each unit. A conductive coating is disposed on the inner surface of the dielectric material in each unit. In this way, each unit defines a capacitor with the shell and the conductive coating constituting the capacitor plates. The shell and the dielectric material in each unit have axially extending openings of matching dispositions. The units are disposed in abutting relationship with the openings facing each other. An alternating voltage is applied between the conductive coating and the conductive shell in each unit. This causes current to flow through the capacitor in each unit and to produce vibrations of the shell and the dielectric material in each unit.

Abstract: A transducer assembly includes a hollow support member disposed in a looped configuration and having an axial opening. A hollow transducer supported within the support member may be made from a piezoelectric material and may be provided with an axial opening corresponding to position to the axial opening in the support member. In one embodiment, the outer surface of the support member may be thinned at spaced positions as by sockets or spaced axial grooves extending partially through the support member. The support member may be thinned at strategic positions to control the vibrational frequency and the frequency bandwidth of the transducer assembly. The thinned portions of the support member may receive a compliant material such as urethane to smoothen the outer surface of the support member. In another embodiment, the hollow interior of the transducer assembly may be filled with a compliant material, such as urethane, which may be provided with air chambers.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing output signal changes corresponding to fluid pressure changes includes:(a) a transducer responsive to applied input pressure changes to produce capacitance changes at a variable capacitor,(b) a first circuit to produce a cyclic wave, and connected with the variable capacitor,(c) a second circuit including a switch to connect the capacitor to ground when the cyclic wave is at a first level, thereby to charge the variable capacitor, and to connect the variable capacitor to a second capacitor when the cyclic wave is at a second level, whereby the charge becomes distributed on the variable and second capacitors, and whereby a sawtooth signal is produced at a junction associated with the capacitors,(d) an operational amplifier electrically coupled with that junction for integrating the sawtooth signal to produce a first output voltage,(e) the first circuit including a voltage controlled oscillator having an input side coupled with the output side of the operational amplifier thereby to prod