Abstract: A device for sensing a dangerous condition includes a sensor that provides a signal when a dangerous condition is sensed by the sensor. A power source is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The power source supplies the sensor with power. A trigger is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The trigger is activated by the signal to prevent the dangerous condition from producing a harmful effect. In one embodiment of the invention the power source is a thermoelectric power supply and the sensor is a self calibrating sensor.

Abstract: A device for sensing a dangerous condition includes a sensor that provides a signal when a dangerous condition is sensed by the sensor. A power source is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The power source supplies the sensor with power. A trigger is provided which is in communication with the sensor. The trigger is activated by the signal to prevent the dangerous condition from producing a harmful effect. In one embodiment of the invention the power source is a thermoelectric power supply and the sensor is a self calibrating sensor.

Abstract: A method for determining a drying cycle includes the steps of measuring absolute humidity within a drying apparatus before the drying apparatus starts a drying cycle and determining a baseline absolute humidity from the measured absolute humidity. Drift is compensated for using the baseline absolute humidity and the absolute humidity is measured within the drying apparatus after the drying apparatus starts the drying cycle. The end of the drying cycle is determined using the measured absolute humidity.

Abstract: A gas sensor (10) exposed by diffusion to a gas flow and operable to measure the presence of a particular gas component of the gas flow. The sensor (10) comprises a base (20), a diffuser (34), a radiant energy source (36), a radiant energy detector (38), and a detection chamber (40). The base (20) is a printed circuit board (PCB) to which the source (36), detector (38), and other electronics are mounted. The diffuser (34) is interposed between the gas flow and the detection chamber (40). Thus, rather than directly exposing the source (36), detector (38), and other electronics to the full force of the gas flow, the gas is passed to and from the detection chamber (40) by diffusion. The diffuser (34) comprises a filter (35), an air gap (44), and plurality of diffusion holes (46). The filter (35) is further operable to remove harmful materials, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), from the gas prior to measurement. The source (36) and detector (38) are located within the detection chamber (40).

Abstract: A diffusion-type NDIR gas analyzer with an improved response time due to convection flow created by a temperature gradient between gas located within a waveguide and gas located within a diffusion pocket of space created between the waveguide and a semi-permeable membrane which surrounds the waveguide. The temperature gradient may be created by a thermally resistive radiation source that is not thermally isolated from the waveguide. The semi-permeable membrane is made of a hydrophobic material and has a thickness sufficient to provide its own structural integrity. The semi-permeable membrane can have a porosity less than approximately 50 &mgr;m and be comprised of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene or TEFLON®.

Abstract: A pre-vaporized fuel system for use in fueling an internal combustion engine is provided with a dynamic infrared sensor. The infrared sensor senses the hydrocarbon content of the vaporized fuel which information is used by the engine control module to control engine fueling to minimize emissions. The infrared source is operated to maintain the pre-vaporized fuel below its lower explosive limit and the thermopile detector electronics is synchronized with the light pulse frequency to develop fast signal responses suitable for fueling control.