Abstract: A detecting apparatus for detecting operation of a fan, includes a first current module disposed at an airflow path of the fan, a second current module insulated from the airflow, and an indicating module for giving an indicating signal, having a LED, and a transistor. The first and second current modules being mirror-images of each other. When the fan does not operate, the first and second current modules operate the same. The transistor of the indicating module is turned off, and the LED to be lit. When the fan operates, current flow of the first and second modules are different from each other producing a voltage greater than zero, the transistor of the indicating module is turned on, and the LED does not light.

Abstract: An airflow detection apparatus configured to detect airflow of a fan includes a first transistor, an amplifier, an A/D converter, a microprocessor, an indicating circuit, and a stabilizing circuit configured for supplying a stable current to the first transistor. The base and the collector of the first transistor are connected to a power supply. The emitter of the first transistor is connected to the amplifier and the stabilizing circuit. The amplifier receives a voltage signal from between the base and the emitter of the first transistor. The voltage signal is converted into a digital signal by the A/D converter. The microprocessor processes the digital signal and output an indicating signal to the indicating circuit to indicate airflow status of the fan.

Abstract: Device and method for killing fire ants by the introduction of high-pressure heated gas pulses to the fire ant mound is disclosed. A metal hollowed probe having a couple of orifices near the bottom is mechanically or manually inserted into the fire ant mound. Heated gas in the metal hollowed probe is ejected in pulse from the orifices into the ant mound, going through channels in the mound, whereby the whole ant mound is filled with the heated gas rapidly. Fire ants and ant queens are killed by the heat before they move to safety. The invented device provides a fast and safe method for killing fire ants and ant queens without using any hazardous or toxic poisons.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical film resistor or a film thermistor formed by a composite of electrically-conducting oxide and electrically insulating aluminum oxide (Al2O3, the sapphire). In a preferred embodiment, the electrically-conducting oxide can be ruthenium oxide (RuO2) or iridium oxide (IrO2). The composite film is formed by a film deposition process such as rf sputtering deposition in the presence of an inert gas. By adjusting the composition ratio of the composite, or changing the reaction conditions of the film deposition, for example, the inert gas pressure or the substrate temperature, the composite film can be formed for applications in either electrical resistor devices or thermistors.