Abstract: A thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow sensor and a method associated with quickly determining whether the sensor has been installed in an improper orientation relative to the direction of fluid flowing through a system. The flow sensor comprises a detection module adapted to change condition in response to the direction of fluid flowing through the system. A control module is connected to the probe and is capable of determining the installation orientation of a probe of the sensor. An I/O module is connected to the control module to provide a means for communicating the output of the control module to another device and/or user.

Abstract: A probe for a thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow rate sensor is disclosed. The probe comprises a tubular body member having a thermally conductive housing disposed within a fluid passageway and a detection module in the housing. The detection module includes a detection circuit and a heating circuit and is adapted to provide an output that varies in response to a change in temperature. The detection module is made from a ceramic substrate upon which the detection circuit and the heating circuit are deposited.

Abstract: A fuel fired appliance exhaust gas parameter sensor for continually detecting gas parameter emissions, such as CO, NOx and O2, may be located above the appliance near the appliance exhaust outlet. The sensor may be located near or under a draft hood located near the exhaust outlet. The sensor remains relatively cool by draft air moving from outside the draft hood and into a chimney, the draft being hastened by the heated, rising chimney gases. A sensor bracket may be attached to the appliance and the sensor to appropriately position the sensor under the draft hood. Alternatively, the sensor may be located on a tube that continually samples combustion exhaust. The tube may be located outside of the draft hood perimeter to maintain a low sensor temperature, while multiple tube coils around the exhaust outlet may be used to further cool the sampled gas.

Abstract: A multi-function sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately measuring and/or monitoring the ambient conditions within a container or the like, such as the level of a fluid, the turbidity of a fluid, the temperature of a fluid or surrounding environment and the ambient pressure. The sensor incorporates a fluid level sensor module, a turbidity sensor module, a temperature sensor module and a pressure sensor module. The fluid level sensor module utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level of liquid along the sensor. A turbidity sensor module is also integrally included on the multi-function sensor. Additionally, temperature and pressure sensor modules may also be incorporated in the multi-function sensor.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate sensor includes a detection circuit which generates a first signal corresponding to an output voltage of a bridge circuit, and a second signal corresponding to a fluid temperature. A control module can more accurately and quickly determine the fluid flow rate based on the first signal, the second signal and a look-up table. The look-up table includes a plurality of curves plotted according to data, indicating relationship among the fluid temperature, the output voltage and the fluid flow rate. The fluid flow rate sensor is inherently temperature compensated and has a shorter response time.

Abstract: In many applications, where the level of a liquid needs to be monitored (and possibly controlled), it is not necessary to provide a continuous (analog) liquid level signal, but limit sensing to one (or two) discrete levels over a small level range. In this case, a ceramic substrate sensor with discrete thermistor/heater pairs provides necessary information to control the level of the fluid. Protection of the substrate from liquid (and potential contaminants) is accomplished by coating the surface with an inert glass (“glaze”) layer and/or polymer layer (e.g., “Parylene”). Packaging of the coated substrate is accomplished by protective base, epoxy, and slosh shield. Cost can be significantly reduced over a prior art multiple thermocouple based sensor design, since discrete electronic components are avoided or reduced. Also, the number of pins, and therefore electrical connections, can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate sensor includes a detection circuit which generates a first signal corresponding to an output voltage of a bridge circuit, and a second signal corresponding to a fluid temperature. A control module can more accurately and quickly determine the fluid flow rate based on the first signal, the second signal and a look-up table. The look-up table includes a plurality of curves plotted according to data, indicating relationship among the fluid temperature, the output voltage and the fluid flow rate. The fluid flow rate sensor is inherently temperature compensated and has a shorter response time.

Abstract: A sensor system for detecting the presence of a target analyte. The system comprises a first conductor, a second conductor, and a sensor film. The sensor film is positioned between the first conductor and the second conductor. The sensor film includes a crosslinked siloxane polymer comprising a monomer having a hydrocarbon side group. The sensor film has an absorptive affinity for the target analyte. The electrical capacitance of the sensor system changes upon absorption of the target analyte by the sensor film.

Abstract: A thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow rate sensor design and a method for its operation that overcome the response time limitations of prior known fluid flow rate sensors is disclosed. The fluid flow rate sensor includes a probe having a detection module adapted to change condition in response to the presence of the flow of the fluid, a control module that is electrically connected to the probe that monitors the condition of the detection module over time (e.g., a temperature), determines a rate of change of that condition over time, and generates an output that is indicative of the rate of flow of the fluid, and a I/O module connected to the control module to provide a means for communicating the output of the control module to another device or a user.

Abstract: A multi-function sensor is disclosed for measuring the conditions within a container, such as fluid level, turbidity, temperature and pressure. The sensor incorporates a fluid level sensor module, a turbidity sensor module, a temperature sensor module and a pressure sensor module. The fluid level sensor module utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level along the sensor. Turbidity, temperature, and pressure sensor modules may also be incorporated in the multi-function sensor. Alternatively, a fluid flow rate sensor module may be included in place of the liquid level sensor module.

Abstract: A thermo-anemometer-type fluid flow rate sensor design and a method for its operation that overcome the response time limitations of prior known fluid flow rate sensors is disclosed. The fluid flow rate sensor includes a probe having a detection module adapted to change condition in response to the presence of the flow of the fluid, a control module that is electrically connected to the probe that monitors the condition of the detection module over time (e.g., a temperature), determines a rate of change of that condition over time, and generates an output that is indicative of the rate of flow of the fluid, and a I/O module connected to the control module to provide a means for communicating the output of the control module to another device or a user.

Abstract: In many applications, where the level of a liquid needs to be monitored (and possibly controlled), it is not necessary to provide a continuous (analog) liquid level signal, but limit sensing to one (or two) discrete levels over a small level range. In this case, a ceramic substrate sensor with discrete thermistor/heater pairs provides necessary information to control the level of the fluid. Protection of the substrate from liquid (and potential contaminants) is accomplished by coating the surface with an inert glass (“glaze”) layer and/or polymer layer (e.g., “Parylene”). Packaging of the coated substrate is accomplished by protective base, epoxy, and slosh shield. Cost can be significantly reduced over a prior art multiple thermocouple based sensor design, since discrete electronic components are avoided or reduced. Also, the number of pins, and therefore electrical connections, can be significantly reduced.

Abstract: A valve body defines an inlet, an outlet, a valving cavity disposed between the inlet and outlet and a valving surface between the inlet and the outlet. A valve is moveable to a position away from the valving surface for permitting flow from the inlet through the valving cavity to the outlet. The fluid flow rate sensor includes a probe having a detection module adapted to change condition in response to the presence of the flow of the fluid, a control module that is electrically connected to the probe that monitors the condition of the detection module over time (e.g., a temperature), determines a rate of change of that condition over time, and generates an output that is indicative of the rate of flow of the fluid, and a I/O module connected to the control module and communicating the output of the control module to another device or a user.

Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple junction of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouple junctions is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level of liquid along the sensor. Alternatively, a single threshold liquid level sensor is provided for use with a hermetic interface to provide a signal to indicate a level of liquid within a container. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with either liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensing device. The method comprising: a sensor film having an electrical resistance that is adapted to change in response to the presence of a predetermined condition; detecting the presence of the predetermined condition; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a first time; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a second time; determining a rate of change of the electrical resistance between the first time and the second time; and comparing the rate of change of the electrical resistance against a threshold value.

Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple junction of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouple junctions is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level of liquid along the sensor. Alternatively, a single threshold liquid level sensor is provided for use with a hermetic interface to provide a signal to indicate a level of liquid within a container. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with either liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A method for operating a sensing device. The method comprising: a sensor film having an electrical resistance that is adapted to change in response to the presence of a predetermined condition; detecting the presence of the predetermined condition; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a first time; measuring the electrical resistance of the sensor film at a second time; determining a rate of change of the electrical resistance between the first time and the second time; and comparing the rate of change of the electrical resistance against a threshold value.

Abstract: An improved liquid level sensor is disclosed which provides a reliable and simple device for accurately determining the level of a liquid within a vessel. The sensor utilizes a plurality of thermocouple junctions grouped in pairs with the pairs being spaced along a line extending generally in the direction in which the liquid level may vary. A first thermocouple junction of each pair is located in relatively close thermal proximity to an electrically powered heater and the second of each pair of thermocouple junctions is spaced away from the heater. The thermocouple junctions are connected in series and produce a signal indicative of the level of liquid along the sensor. Alternatively, a single threshold liquid level sensor is provided for use with a hermetic interface to provide a signal to indicate a level of liquid within a container. Additionally, a pressure sensing circuit may also be incorporated with either liquid level sensor.

Abstract: A humidity-modulated dual-setpoint temperature controller is disclosed in which the two setpoints of the temperature controller are adjusted as a function of measured humidity. Parameters other than humidity could also be used to adjust the dual setpoints of the temperature controller. The controller is particularly useful in controlling the heater element of a clothes dryer in order to improve the energy efficiency of the dryer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a strain sensor. The strain sensor is comprised of an optical wave guide, a device for providing optical pulses to the optical wave guide and a device for sensing localized strain in the optical waveguide. The sensing device determines shifts in arrival times of the optical pulses at the sensing device that correspond to the localized strain. The apparatus includes a light source, a light detector, and a waveguide connecting the source with the detector. The apparatus also includes means for generating light pulses from the source through the waveguide and means for repeatedly propagating at least one of the light pulses in a closed loop. The light source detects arrival times of the light pulses.