Abstract: In a gas sensor having a gas-sensitive layer and a heating element to heat the gas-sensitive layer, the heating element comprises a heater track having first and second outer electric terminals and at least one inner electric terminal located between the outer electric terminals. The gas sensor includes a control unit configured to control the electric potentials that are applied to the electric terminals during use, and the control unit is configured to be capable of varying the set of electric potentials applied to the electric terminals. In certain applications the control unit may select the terminals to which power is applied, in order to assure the gas-sensitive layer is heated to a specified temperature. In certain applications the gas sensor has multiple measurement electrodes and the control unit selects the set of electric potentials so that different temperatures are attained at locations where different measurement electrodes are located.

Abstract: A hybrid device comprising Metal Oxide Sensors in a Gas Chromatography column is described, whereby the readings from the MOS devices will vary along the column in reaction to the sample reflecting the differential delays imposed on the components of the sample depending on the elutive effect of the adsorbent lining the column for the respective component. By this means, a family of readings is obtained, any one of which may be easier to interpret for a particular sample, and which may be compared amongst themselves providing an additional measurement dimension. The behaviour of later sections of column or sensors may be modified dynamically during a measurement cycle depending on the readings obtained at the earlier stages.

Abstract: A single-use coffee capsule is disclosed that has a cup-shaped body and an extraction foil member for the preparation of a liquid coffee extract in a coffee preparation apparatus. Also disclosed is a system that includes the capsule and the coffee preparation apparatus. Further disclosed are methods of making and using the capsule and system.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of display systems comprising an image projector and an associated display screen, the said display system being designed to be used by an observer situated at a given location, the said display screen comprising two transparent and substantially parallel faces, the said display screen comprising, on at least one of its transparent faces, a plurality of regularly distributed light-scattering patterns. The image projector according to the invention illuminating the screen under a plurality of angles of incidence determined by the position and the size of the display screen, the said angles of incidence being centred on a mean angle of incidence, the scattering patterns comprise a diffractive structure in order to diffract the light rays having at least the mean angle of incidence in one or more directions corresponding to the said given location of the observer.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of display systems comprising an image projector and an associated display screen, the said display system being designed to be used by an observer situated at a given location, the said display screen comprising two transparent and substantially parallel faces, the said display screen comprising, on at least one of its transparent faces, a plurality of regularly distributed light-scattering patterns. The image projector according to the invention illuminating the screen under a plurality of angles of incidence determined by the position and the size of the display screen, the said angles of incidence being centred on a mean angle of incidence, the scattering patterns comprise at least one scattering surface oriented in such a manner as to diffuse the light rays having at least the mean angle of incidence in one or more directions corresponding to the said given location of the observer. Several embodiments are described.

Abstract: The general field of the invention is that of display systems including an image projector and an associated display screen, said display system being intended for use by an observer situated at a specified location, said display screen having two transparent and substantially parallel faces, and said display screen having on at least one of its transparent faces a plurality of regularly distributed optical patterns. The image projector according to the invention illuminating the screen at a plurality of angles of incidence determined by the position and size of the display screen, and said angles of incidence being centred on an average angle of incidence, the optical patterns have at least one curved reflective surface orientated so as to reflect the light rays having at least the average angle of incidence in one or more directions corresponding to said specified location of the observer. A plurality of embodiments are described.