Abstract: A miniaturized sensor element comprises a capillary having first and second ends with a channel therebetween. One of the ends is closed while the other is open. Near the closed end, the capillary material which softens when heated, is heated and gas is supplied to the open end. This expands a chamber near the closed end which can be shaped and sized by moving the point of heating and varying the gas supply into the channel. The initially closed end is then opened and the channel inverted. The initially open end is then closed and again the capillary is heated and gas is supplied to form and shape a second chamber in the channel. After this, the closed end of the channel is again opened and both now open ends are smoothed to complete the capillary for use as part of a miniaturized sensor element.

Abstract: A miniaturized sensor element is prepared using a capillary having first and second ends with a channel therebetween. One of the ends is closed while the other is open. Near the closed end, the capillary material which softens when heated, is heated and gas is supplied to the open end. This expands a chamber near the closed end which can be shaped and sized by moving the point of heating and varying the gas supply into the channel. The initially closed end is then opened and the channel inverted. The initially open end is then closed and again the capillary is heated and gas is supplied to form and shape a second chamber in the channel. After this, the closed end of the channel is again opened and both now open ends are smoothed to complete the capillary for use as part of a miniaturized sensor element.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing friction systems involves the partial transfer of metallic microparticles dispersed in lubricant into a solution to be analyzed. The sample is turned alkaline, and after introduction of an electrode system, the dependence of current on an applied voltage in a given range of potentials is recorded. A determined amount of triethanolamine is added to the analyzed solution; the recording of current-voltage curve is repeated and from results of measurement the degree of wear and the technical state of the motor and of the used lubricant is estimated. The detection electrode in electrolysis is a droplet of mercury having an optimum radius between 0.05 and 0.4 mm, a renewed mercury meniscus electrode or a film mercury electrode. An exemplary apparatus for performing the method is disclosed.