Abstract: For use in a measuring and analysis instrument, a sensor including a sensor element responsive to changes in a quantity to be measured by the instrument. The sensor element is formed from a deformation heat-recoverable material having a predetermined range of temperatures in which recovery occurs. The sensor may include a control mechanism for maintaining the temperature of the sensor element substantially within the predetermined range. The sensor element forms a part of a circuit including a power source, and the control mechanism may include apparatus for selectively heating the sensor element. The sensor element is operatively connected to a signal device for sensing a physical characteristic of the sensor element and generating signals corresponding to the characteristic sensed. The signal device may include a temperature sensor, a force sensor, or a light sensor.

Abstract: A method for taking samples of and for analyzing fluid hydrocarbons, whereby the sample is collected by sorption, is transported to an analysis equipment, and is analyzed; and an apparatus suitable for the implementation of this method. In order to implement sensitive analyses with adequately large sample quantities, the samples are collected by absorption in a solid sorbent having a high solubility and having a low diffusion quotient relative to the hydrocarbon samples.