Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring augmented osmotic pressure in a reference cavity is provided, in which the device comprise a substrate frame (4) attached to a support structure (1) in which a plurality of transducer devices (2) are buried. An array of osmotic membranes (3) is integrated by the support structure and which acts to facilitate a trans-membrane pressure gradient as a function of the osmotic pressure change in a sealed cavity (7). The sealed cavity is formed by rigid substrate materials (5,6) in which the membranes, support structure and transducer devices only will be subject to induced stress in response to augmented osmotic pressure and thereby generate a pressure induced signal change observed from the transducer devices. The transducer devices may be arranged as piezoresistive elements, as micromechanical switches, as variable capacitive elements or as an optical light source and detector.

Abstract: A method and radio navigation system compass apparatus for determining true north or azimuth or orientation of a vehicle or the like by the use of integrated Loran and satellite radio navigation receivers employing crossed-loop H-field antennas for the Loran reception, or the use of at least three Loran type transmitter, or two Loran type transmitter and a synchronized clock for determining both position and azimuth.

Abstract: A thermoelectric sensor for monitoring biological samples is provided, the sensor comprising a substrate (26) having a plurality of thermocouple sensing junctions (18) arranged circularly about a central region, a number of reference junctions (30) arranged about the sensing junctions (18), and a low thermal mass air cavity (32) provided adjacent to the sensing junctions. A heating element (16) may also be provided. The sensor of the invention may be used to monitor temperature changes from individual cells or groups of cells, or from biologically active compounds or samples, as a result of biological activity. The sensor may thus be used for screening candidate drugs and the like.