Abstract: A method, for the determination of moisture content of fibrous and granular materials, comprising bringing a sensitive element in contact with a fibrous or granular material under study. During the time of contact of the sensitive element with the material under study the sensitive element is subjected to preliminary pulse heating to between 40.degree. and 90.degree. C., with subsequent main pulse heating to between 90.degree. and 140.degree. C. The moisture content of the material under study is evaluated by the time for the main heating of the sensitive element. An apparatus for carrying out the above method comprises main and auxiliary measuring bridge circuits having arms in which are inserted resistors and a sensitive element comprising a pulse heat emitter which forms a common arm of both bridge circuits. A selector switch is inserted in the common arm of the bridge circuits.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer 10 with an analog output voltage which varies linearly as a function of sensed pressure is provided. A capacitive pressure sensor C.sub.x provides a pressure variable capacitance that determines the frequency of a sensor oscillator 11. The oscillator frequency is combined with a reference frequency by a pair of D-type flip-flops 18 and 19 to provide a resultant signal having a duty cycle related to the sensed pressure. The resultant signal is integrated to provide a first analog signal as an input to a controllable gain amplifier 24 which receives gain control information from a non-linear gain control circuit 40 that receives an analog control signal as an input. The analog control signal varies as a function of sensed pressure in an opposite manner to said first analog signal. Said non-linear circuit provides for non-linearly varying the gain of amplifier 24 as a function of sensed pressure. Preferably the non-linear circuit 40 includes temperature compensating diodes 47.

Abstract: The apparatus for measuring the viscosity of liquids comprises an inclined viscosimetric tube (1) enclosing a ball (3). A device is provided for measuring the duration of fall of the ball (3) in the tube (1). An electromagnet (8) adjacent the tube (1) has poles (9) which set up along the tube (1) a gradient of a magnetic field allowing the automatic rising of the ball (3). The apparatus is used mainly for measuring the viscosity and the time of the coagulation of blood.

Abstract: The invention relates to elastic surface wave pressure gauges.The gauge comprises a plate on which are located the electronic components of the gauge and a pressure sensor grouping the electromechanical elements on a header having connecting pins. The header is provided with a pressure inlet which traverses the plate.The invention is also applicable to the measurement of the pressures of fluids in order to optimize the supply to internal combustion engines. The pressure inlet is made of a rigid metal header and separately grounded for shielding of the surface acoustic wave electrodes to prevent "pull-in" where the oscillators inadvertantly lock on the same frequency.