Abstract: A multi-gas/gas-mixture or liquid flow sensor apparatus utilizing a specific media calibration capability. The flow sensor can be coupled with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that incorporates a signal conditioner and a memory module. The signal conditioner provides a high order calibration and signal processing of flow signals from the sensor to a processed signal output representative of the flow. The processed signal output can be stored in the memory module. A correction factor can be calculated and stored in the memory module in response to the stored values of the processed signal output, which tends to linearize the relationship between the flow rate and the processed signal output of a measuring system. The correction factor and/or the processed signal output provided by the signal conditioner can be utilized by the measuring system.

Abstract: A multi-gas/gas-mixture or liquid flow sensor apparatus utilizing a specific media calibration capability. The flow sensor can be coupled with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that incorporates a signal conditioner and a memory module. The signal conditioner provides a high order calibration and signal processing of flow signals from the sensor to a processed signal output representative of the flow. The processed signal output can be stored in the memory module. A correction factor can be calculated and stored in the memory module in response to the stored values of the processed signal output, which tends to linearize the relationship between the flow rate and the processed signal output of a measuring system. The correction factor and/or the processed signal output provided by the signal conditioner can be utilized by the measuring system.

Abstract: A multi-gas/gas-mixture or liquid flow sensor apparatus utilizing a specific media calibration capability. The flow sensor can be coupled with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that incorporates a signal conditioner and a memory module. The signal conditioner provides a high order calibration and signal processing of flow signals from the sensor to a processed signal output representative of the flow. The processed signal output can be stored in the memory module. A correction factor can be calculated and stored in the memory module in response to the stored values of the processed signal output, which tends to linearize the relationship between the flow rate and the processed signal output of a measuring system. The correction factor and/or the processed signal output provided by the signal conditioner can be utilized by the measuring system.

Abstract: A multi-gas/gas-mixture or liquid flow sensor apparatus utilizing a specific media calibration capability. The flow sensor can be coupled with an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) that incorporates a signal conditioner and a memory module. The signal conditioner provides a high order calibration and signal processing of flow signals from the sensor to a processed signal output representative of the flow. The processed signal output can be stored in the memory module. A correction factor can be calculated and stored in the memory module in response to the stored values of the processed signal output, which tends to linearize the relationship between the flow rate and the processed signal output of a measuring system. The correction factor and/or the processed signal output provided by the signal conditioner can be utilized by the measuring system.

Abstract: A thermal gas flow sensor and method of forming such a sensor. The sensor has a substrate and a heater disposed on the substrate. At least one pair of thermal sensing elements is disposed on the substrate either side of the heater. A protective layer is disposed on at least the heater and/or the thermal sensing elements. The protective layer comprises a high temperature resistant polymer based layer which is preferably a fluoropolymer based layer. The protective layer can also cover interconnects and electrical connections also formed on the substrate so as to completely seal the sensor. A passivation layer, such as silicon nitride, can be disposed on the sensing and/or heating elements and optionally the interconnects and is arranged to interpose the protective layer and the substrate.

Abstract: A thermal liquid flow sensor and method of forming same. The sensor has a substrate and one or more sensing elements, disposed on the substrate, for sensing a property of a liquid. The liquid flow sensor, which can be for example a microsensor having a microbrick® structure, has a hydrophilic layer which is disposed on the substrate and covers the sensing element(s). The hydrophilic layer is preferably formed from a spin on glass material, such as for example a silicate or phosphosilicate. A silicon nitride layer can be disposed on the sensing element(s) and interpose the substrate and the hydrophilic layer. The silicon nitride layer can be oxidized, for example, by means of plasma oxidation or oxygen ion implantation so to form the hydrophilic layer thereon. A variety of other hydrophilic compounds can be utilized to form the hydrophilic layer such as, gold, palladium and diamond like carbon.

Abstract: A flow sensor system includes a plurality of flow sensor chips, wherein each flow sensor chip among the plurality of flow sensor chips comprises a substrate, a heater element, a heater control circuit, and flow sensor component formed on the substrate, wherein the heater element is disposed separately from the heater control circuit on the substrate, wherein the heater control circuit is thermally isolated from the heater element and the flow sensor component. Additionally, an air gap can be formed between each sensor chip among the plurality of flow sensor chips, wherein the plurality of flow sensor chips comprises a flow sensor system in which each of the flow sensor chips are separated from one another by the air gap formed therebetween in order to reduce output distortion, response time, warm-up time, drift and noise associated with the plurality of flow sensor chips.

Abstract: A thermal sensor includes a die having a surface formed to accept the outer surface of tubing; a molded plastic part located on the die surface, said molded plastic part including flexible portions having a surface adapted to engage the bottom half of the circumference of standard tubing when the tubing is fully placed in the molded plastic part; conductive material selectively patterned on the surface of the flexible portions that engages the die surface; and retaining hardware adapted to secure the tubing against the molded plastic part and flexible portions when the retaining hardware is secured to the molded plastic part.

Abstract: A combined liquid flow tube alignment and liquid sensing system includes flow tube mounting and alignment hardware including a clip for fastening the hardware to a substrate; and a sensor for sensing integrated with the liquid flow tube mounting and alignment hardware, wherein fluid flowing through a flow tube mounted and aligned by the flow tube The flow tube mounting and alignment hardware includes a clip with internal periphery edges sized to match the external periphery edges of at least one sensing element associated with the sensor. At least two posts located at outer members of the clip above and below the tube. Posts are sized to be located ideally within a system to position and retain the outer diameter of liquid flow tube with respect to internal periphery edges of the clip and subsequently, the sensing element both horizontally and vertically. A center flexing member associated with the clip.

Abstract: Indirect airflow measurement through breath-operated device is accomplished by incorporating an airflow sensor into the inhaler device along a low resistance channel disposed away from the exhaust chamber of the device and having an input port in airflow communication with a low resistance channel and output input port and low resistance channel are formed in the main housing body of the device, and further incorporating an output port formed near the exhaust changer near the mouthpiece assembly, the output port also in airflow communication with the low resistance channel. A method of measuring airflow in an inhalation device is also described that measures air flowing through the low resistance channel. Another aspect of the invention provides a method that allows for the closure of the devices' airflow ports, by allowing for the rotation of the mouthpiece assembly from open to closed positions relative to the inhaling device's main housing body and towards handle assembly.

Abstract: Vapor sensing systems and methods are disclosed. An appliance such as a gas water heater, clothes dryer, and the like can be associated with a controller for controlling the appliance. A vapor sensor is also associated with the appliance, such that the vapor sensor comprises an active sensor and an error sensor, wherein the active sensor generates an active signal and the error sensor generates an error signal. An amplifier is also associated with the vapor sensor, such that the amplifier subtracts the error signal from the active signal to generate a compensated signal indicative of the presence of an ignitable vapor within a vicinity of the appliance and thereby instruct the controller to shut down the appliance.

Abstract: A vapor sensor is disclosed, which includes a substrate containing a sensing element, wherein the substrate is located proximate to a sleeve portion which covers and protects the sensing element. The vapor sensor also includes a vapor filter or permeable membrane affixed to an end of the sleeve portion, wherein the end of the sleeve portion is located opposite the sensing element. A housing and a cover are also provided, such that the housing retains the substrate and the cover snaps onto the housing. The housing itself includes walls from which a hole is formed through which vapors may pass. The vapor sensor can be mounted to a gas water heater in such a manner as to reduce air flow to the sensing element and prevent tampering of the vapor sensor unit itself.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved methods and systems for measuring flowing through an inhaler device. Airflow sensing systems and methods are described that allow for indirect measurement of air flowing through a breath-operated inhaler device. Indirect airflow measurement through a breath-operated device can be accomplished by incorporating an airflow sensor into the inhaler device along a low resistance channel disposed away from the exhaust chamber of the device and having an input port in airflow communication with a low resistance channel and both input port and low resistance channel are formed in the main housing body of the device, and further incorporating an output port formed near the exhaust chamber near the mouthpiece assembly, the output port also in airflow communication with the low resistance channel. A method of measuring airflow in an inhalation device is also described that measures air flowing through the low resistance channel.