Abstract: A system for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes an end cap having an upstream surface axially separated from a downstream surface, and tube bundles extend through the end cap. A diluent supply in fluid communication with the end cap provides diluent flow to the end cap. Diluent distributors circumferentially arranged inside at least one tube bundle extend downstream from the downstream surface and provide fluid communication for the diluent flow through the end cap. A method for reducing combustion dynamics in a combustor includes flowing fuel through tube bundles that extend axially through an end cap, flowing a diluent through diluent distributors into a combustion chamber, wherein the diluent distributors are circumferentially arranged inside at least one tube bundle and each diluent distributor extends downstream from the end cap, and forming a diluent barrier in the combustion chamber between at least one pair of adjacent tube bundles.

Abstract: A method of operating a combustor having a central nozzle and a plurality of outer nozzles surrounding the central nozzle is provided. The method includes providing a liquid fuel to only the plurality of outer nozzles at a specified total energy input. The method includes decreasing the liquid fuel to the plurality of outer nozzles while simultaneously increasing a gas fuel to the central nozzle and the plurality of outer nozzles to substantially maintain the specified total energy input. The method includes supplying a fuel-air ratio of the gas fuel to the central nozzle that exceeds a threshold value such that a central nozzle flame is anchored. An air-fuel ratio of the gas fuel to the plurality of outer nozzles is less than the threshold value such that a plurality of outer nozzle flames are lifted until a purge flow is supplied to the outer nozzles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operation of a combined-cycle power plant with cogeneration, in which method combustion air is inducted in at least one gas turbine, is compressed and is supplied to at least one combustion chamber for combustion of a fuel, and the resultant exhaust gas is expanded in at least one turbine, producing work, and in which method the exhaust gas emerging from the at least one turbine is passed through a heat recovery steam generator in order to generate steam, which generator is part of a water-steam circuit with at least one steam turbine, a condenser, a feedwater tank and a feedwater pump, wherein heat is provided by extracting steam from the at least one steam turbine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for operating a combined-cycle power plant with cogeneration, in which method combustion air is inducted in at least one gas turbine, is compressed and is fed to at least one combustion chamber for combustion of a fuel, and the resultant exhaust gas is expanded in at least one turbine producing work, and in which method the exhaust gas which emerges from the at least one turbine is fed through a heat recovery steam generator in order to generate steam, which heat recovery steam generator is part of a water-steam circuit with at least one steam turbine, a condenser, a feedwater tank and a feedwater pump, wherein heat is produced by extraction of steam from the at least one steam turbine.

Abstract: A method for controlling fuel flow to a gas turbine engine during starting includes monitoring acceleration of the gas turbine engine to determine actual acceleration value, and calculating a fuel flow rate for a setpoint acceleration using the actual acceleration value as a factor. The method further includes commanding the calculated fuel flow for the setpoint acceleration to the gas turbine engine.

Abstract: An assembly includes a reservoir, a first sensor, a second sensor, and a controller. The first and second sensors are positioned in the reservoir. The controller is connected to both the first and second sensors. The controller sends a full signal when the first sensor indicates that liquid level in the reservoir is at or above a first level. The controller sends a fill signal when the second sensor indicates that liquid level in the sump is at or below a second level. The controller sends an approximate oil level signal with a value estimated based upon elapsed operating time since the reservoir was at or above the first level.

Abstract: An integrated oxy-combustion turboexpander process including producing an enriched carbon dioxide product stream, by combusting a compressed synthetic air stream, including an oxygen-enriched stream and a carbon dioxide recycle stream, with a fuel stream and expanding the combustion stream thereby producing the carbon dioxide recycle stream and an enriched carbon dioxide product stream; producing an essentially pure carbon dioxide product stream, by processing the enriched carbon dioxide product stream into a deoxo methane combustor.

Abstract: A device for connecting a thrust reverser front frame to a fan casing includes a crenulated flange secured to the front frame, an annular component to accept this flange secured to the fan casing, and a crenulated annulus of a shape that complements the flange and pivot-mounted on the annular component. The crenulated flange, the annular component and the crenulated annulus are designed in such a way that a rotation of the annulus with respect to the annular component has the effect of locking this flange against this annular component through the collaboration between the respective crenulations of the flange and of the annulus.

Abstract: An assembly is designed to attach hangers from which an aircraft propulsion unit is suspended. The propulsion unit is intended to be suspended from a structural element of the aircraft. The propulsion unit includes a turbojet engine having a longitudinal axis and the attachment assembly having a clevis mount for attaching the hangers to a casing of the propulsion unit. The clevis mount is fixed to the casing by means designed to form a connection between the clevis mount and the casing at the external periphery of the casing.

Abstract: A transition piece aft frame assembly is provided, and includes a transition piece aft frame and a heat shield. The transition piece aft frame has an aft face. At least a portion of the aft face is exposed to an exhaust gas stream. The heat shield is connected to the transition piece aft frame. The heat shield is oriented to generally deflect the exhaust gas stream away from the aft face of the transition piece aft frame.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic refrigeration system includes a first heat exchange section, a magnetic field changing section, a first heat transport medium, a second heat transport medium, and a transport section. The first heat exchange section includes a magnetocaloric effect material. The magnetic field changing section is configured to change magnetic field to the first heat exchange section. The second heat transport medium is separated from the first heat transport medium. The second heat transport medium is different from the first heat transport medium in specific heat per unit volume. The transport section is configured to sequentially feed the first heat exchange section with the first heat transport medium and the second heat transport medium.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system includes a first thermoelectric assembly that includes a first set of thermoelectric elements and a first plate and a second plate are coupled to the first set of thermoelectric elements. A second thermoelectric assembly is spaced apart from the first thermoelectric assembly. It includes a second set of thermoelectric elements and a third plate and a fourth plate are coupled to the second set of thermoelectric elements. A first set of fins is coupled to the first plate and a second set of fins is coupled to the third plate. A third set of fins is coupled to the second plate and a fourth set of fins is coupled to the fourth plate. A fan is coupled to the first and second sets of fins and is substantially centered with respect to a gap between the first and second sets of fins.

Abstract: An LNG vaporization equipment is provided with: a nitrogen supply apparatus (2); a heating apparatus (4) that heats nitrogen supplied from the nitrogen supply apparatus; vaporizers (6A, 6B, 6C) that vaporize LNG by means of a heat exchange between the nitrogen heated by the heating apparatus and the LNG that is fed out from an LNG tank (1); and a recirculation line (7) which, after the nitrogen after the heat exchange that has been discharged from the vaporizers has been used to reduce the amount of BOG that is generated or has been used for reliquefaction, recirculates it to the heating apparatus. By employing this structure, it is possible to provide the LNG vaporization equipment that is able to use the cooling energy of LNG to reduce the quantity of BOG that is generated, or for reliquefaction.

Abstract: A method for regenerating a cryopump includes stopping a pressure sensor for the cryopump, starting to heat a cryogenic surface for adsorbing gas molecules, starting the rough evacuation of the cryopump while the pressure sensor is stopped, and terminating the rough evacuation while the pressure sensor is stopped. This method may include activating the pressure sensor after the rough evacuation has been terminated.

Abstract: An accumulator arrangement for use in a cooling system suitable for operation with two-phase refrigerant includes a condenser having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet. The accumulator arrangement further includes an accumulator for receiving the two-phase refrigerant therein, the accumulator having a refrigerant inlet connected to the refrigerant outlet of the condenser and a refrigerant outlet. Finally, the accumulator arrangement includes a subcooler having a refrigerant inlet and a refrigerant outlet, the refrigerant inlet of the subcooler being connected to the refrigerant outlet of the accumulators, and the subcooler being arranged at least partially within the interior of the accumulator.

Abstract: In a device (1) for rapid pressure-freezing an aqueous sample (3), such as a biological specimen, a pressurized cooling medium can be fed into a high-pressure chamber (11) into which a sample holder (30) containing a sample (3) is inserted and which is sealed with a pressure-tight seal, to the location of the sample holder (30) held therein. The high-pressure chamber (11) comprises a viewing window structure (2) with a pressure-tight window (20), through which light can be directed from the outside onto the sample (3) located in the sample holder (30). The window (20) can comprise a transparent window element made of a high-pressure-resistant material, wherein the window element (20) is held by a pressure- and temperature-resistant window bearing provided in the high-pressure chamber.

Abstract: A wireless system for monitoring food safety having a monitor adapted to be disposed within a refrigerator. The monitor has a thermometer for measuring the temperature of the food within a refrigerator and a clock operatively communicating with the thermometer. The clock counts a time interval during which the thermometer detects at least a predetermined temperature communicating with the monitor. A communication signal, broadcasts an occurrence of the elapsed time exceeding a predetermined value. A receiving station within the broadcast area of the monitor, receives the broadcast elapsed time data and causes the occurrence of the elapsed time data to be transmitted across a cellular network to a remote device.

Abstract: A method for reducing ice formation. The method involves using a substrate that has a patterned hydrophobic surface including raised structures. Also disclosed is a substrate having a hydrophobic surface including raised structures that form compartments or grooves having a surface free of angles that are less than or equal to 90°.

Abstract: Disclosed therein are a heat pump system for a vehicle and a method of controlling the heat pump system, which determines that frosting begins on an exterior heat exchanger and carries out a defrosting control if a difference value between outdoor temperature and refrigerant temperature of an outlet side of the exterior heat exchanger is above a frosting decision temperature in a heat pump mode, thereby increasing frost-prevention and defrosting effects and enhancing heating performance and stability of the system because the system recognizes the beginning of frosting on the exterior heat exchanger at a proper time so as to carry out the defrosting control.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a method and device for cooling the pool water efficiently and effectively during the warm days for a comfortable use of a pool. A mechanically detachable pool water cooling device is configured to an existing circulation or filtration infrastructure in the pool. The water cooling device includes a uniquely designed water splashing and mist generating nozzle, mechanisms to increase or decrease the height of the device, and a manual or remote control for run and stop operation for the device. Configuring the pool water cooling device to an existing circulation or filtration infrastructure eliminates the need for any additional source of energy to operate the water cooling device. The utility of the present invention extends to numerous residential, and commercial applications.

Abstract: A cooling system, in particular for use on board an aircraft, includes a cooling circuit allowing circulation of a two-phase refrigerant therethrough, an evaporator disposed in the cooling circuit, and a condenser disposed in the cooling circuit. A plurality of subcoolers is arranged in series in the cooling circuit downstream of the condenser.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus includes a heat medium flow control device that adjusts the flow rate of a heat medium circulating in a use side heat exchanger, temperature sensors that are disposed in an inlet-side passage and an outlet-side passage of the use side heat exchanger and that detect temperatures of the heat medium, and a controller that controls the heat medium flow control device so that a temperature difference between a detection value of the temperature sensors is equal to a first target value. A refrigerant flowing through a refrigerant flow passage of the heat exchanger related to heat medium and a heat medium flowing through a heat medium flow passage of the heat exchanger related to heat medium are in counter flow relative to one another, and the controller changes the first target value in accordance with an operation state of a refrigerant circuit.

Abstract: An air-conditioning apparatus directly detects leakage of a plurality of types of refrigerant by computing refrigerant concentrations, and ensure safety. On the basis of calibration curve information, a computing device computes the concentration of heat source side refrigerant in a heat medium relay unit from detected information received from a concentration detecting device.

Abstract: An air conditioner 1 of the embodiment of the present invention, when all compressors 21a-21c have been stopping for a given time or more, starts an air conditioning operation without performing pressure equalizing control in switch units 6a-6d with starting the operation of the air conditioner 1. Also, when the stopping time of all compressors 21a-21c is less than the given time, the air conditioner 1 performs the pressure equalizing control by controlling switch units 6a-6d with starting the operation of the air conditioner 1. In this case, when the stopping time reaches the given time during execution of the pressure equalizing processing control, the pressure equalizing processing control being executed is stopped and the air conditioning operation is started.

Abstract: A unitary-side heat pump unit is configured so that a refrigerant circulates sequentially through a first compressor, a first heat exchanger, a cascade heat exchanger, a first expansion valve and an evaporator, and heat exchange with heat media of a heating unit is carried out in the first heat exchanger; a binary-side heat pump unit is configured so that a refrigerant circulates sequentially through a second compressor, a second heat exchanger, a second expansion valve and a cascade heat exchanger, and heat exchange with heat media of the heating unit is carried out in the second heat exchanger; the refrigerants of the unitary-side and binary-side heat pump units include carbon dioxide (CO2) as a main component; and high pressure-side sections of the unitary-side and binary-side heat pump units are activated within substantially identical pressure ranges of supercritical pressure.

Abstract: An expansion valve is disclosed herein and includes a valve body having a chamber; a valve seat and a valve core are provided in the chamber; a first opening and a second opening in communication with the chamber, wherein the valve core moves relative to the valve seat to control a size of a flow channel between the first opening and the second opening, wherein the valve core includes a valve core head portion facing the valve seat, the valve head portion is provided with an axial through hole, a piston is provided in the axial through hole, the piston is connected with the valve body. The piston which is connected with the valve body is provided in the axial through hole of the valve core head portion of the expansion valve.

Abstract: To obtain a multiple-unit air conditioning apparatus capable of detecting, when improper wire connections are made, improper wiring and eliminating an improper wiring state without performing a re-wiring work. When an operation command for an indoor unit Y, received from indoor unit control means 15, does not match a refrigerant circuit of an indoor unit Y whose refrigerant circulation is controlled by outdoor unit control means 14, operation patterns are extracted on the basis of the number of operating indoor units Y. A refrigerant circuit in which a refrigerant is circulated is switched in accordance with the operation patterns. Each wire 18 connected to the indoor unit control means 15 of each indoor unit Y is associated with each refrigerant circuit controlled by the outdoor unit control means 14, and recognition of wire connections is changed.

Abstract: An air conditioning system includes a dehumidifier, a regenerator, and a refrigeration system. The dehumidifier removes water from a first airflow using a liquid desiccant. The regenerator transfers water from the dilute desiccant into a second airflow. The refrigeration system can be selectively used to provide heat to the desiccant in the regenerator to more effectively remove the water from the dilute desiccant. An external heat source can also be used to heat the desiccant in the regenerator to more effectively remove the water from the dilute desiccant. The refrigeration system and the external heat source can each be used separately to heat the desiccant, or the desiccant can be heated by both heat sources simultaneously.

Abstract: A refrigerator is provided. The refrigerator includes an insulation structure and fastening structure of an ice-making compartment refrigerant pipe disposed at an inside an ice-making compartment configured to directly supply cooling energy by being in contact with an ice-making tray. The refrigerator includes an insulation member configured to surround the ice-making compartment refrigerant pipe, and a fixing member coupled to an outer circumferential surface of the insulation member in a shape of a loop to prevent the insulation member from being widened.

Abstract: When a dehumidifying heating operation is performed by a heat-radiating operation of the interior condenser and a heat-absorbing operation of the exterior heat-exchanger and the evaporator, a control device of an air conditioner for vehicle decreases the valve opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be equal to or less than a predetermined opening degree before opening the solenoid valve for dehumidification in a closed state, opens the solenoid valve for dehumidification after decreasing the valve opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be equal to or less than the predetermined opening degree, and then increasing the valve opening degree of the electronic expansion valve to be greater than the predetermined opening degree after opening the solenoid valve for dehumidification.

Abstract: A refrigerant circuit of an air conditioner includes a compressor unit, an evaporator, and a solenoid valve comprising a flow control mechanism. The operation capacity of the compressor unit is adjusted by changing the number of compressors in operation. The evaporator includes a first heat exchanger section and a second heat exchanger section. A first flow pass of the first heat exchanger section and a second flow pass of the second heat exchanger section are connected to each other in parallel. In the state where the solenoid valve is open, refrigerant flows into both of the first flow pass and the second flow pass. In the state where the solenoid valve is closed, refrigerant flows only to the first flow pass.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon distillation columns with heat pumps and methods of operating them are described. The overhead stream is compressed to increase temperature so that it can be used both to heat the reboiler and to superheat the overhead stream before it enters the heat pump compressor.

Abstract: This invention is a bracelet designed to accommodate a metallic golf ball marker held in place by a magnet. The marker is a key part of a golf game utilized by players to mark the position of their ball on the green. By incorporating a magnet in an attractive colorful bracelet the golfer can have ready access to an easily removable and replaceable marker.

Abstract: A wearable band with an adjustable size or length. The band includes a first band element with a raised center or identification member. The band includes a second band element with a body having a loop or lasso at one end defined by an inner surface of a sidewall. The outer sidewall of the raised center member is detachably coupled to the inner surface of the loop-defining sidewall when the center member is received within and captured by the loop such as by a snap detent arrangement. To allow sizing, the second band element includes both an inner band sizing element including the loop-defining sidewall at one of its ends and an outer band sizing element that is detachably coupled to the inner band sizing element. The length of the second band element is defined by the combined length of the inner and outer band sizing elements.

Abstract: A gemstone setting in accordance with and embodiment of the present application includes a base, a primary support extending upward from the base, a primary diamond mounted in the primary support and including a reduced pavilion and a broad flat culet on a bottom thereof, a secondary support extending upward from the base and a secondary diamond mounted in the secondary support such that a top of the secondary diamond is close to the broad flat culet of the secondary diamond, such that light leaking from the broad flat culet of the primary diamond enters the secondary diamond and is reflected back into the primary diamond to enhance optical appearance of the primary diamond.

Abstract: A method for producing a silica container includes forming a preliminarily molded substrate, wherein a first powdered raw material is fed to an inner wall of an outer frame having aspiration holes while rotating the outer frame; forming a preliminarily molded intermediate layer, wherein a second powdered raw material added with an aluminum compound or a crystal nucleating agent as an additive is fed to an inner wall of the preliminarily molded substrate; and forming an inner layer, wherein the preliminarily molded substrate and the preliminarily molded intermediate layer are degassed by aspiration from a peripheral side with heating from an inside forming a substrate and an intermediate layer, and a third powdered raw material having a high silica purity is spread from inside the substrate having the formed intermediate layer with heating from the inside forming an inner layer on an inner surface of the intermediate layer.

Abstract: Producing a silica container includes forming a powder mixture by adding an Al compound or a crystal nucleating agent into a first powdered raw material; preliminarily molding to an intended shape by feeding the powder mixture to an inner wall of an outer frame while rotating the outer frame having aspiration holes; forming a silica substrate; and forming a transparent silica glass layer on an inner surface of the silica substrate, wherein the preliminarily molded article is degassed by aspiration from a peripheral side and heated from inside the preliminarily molded article at high temperature making a peripheral part of the preliminarily molded article to a sintered body while an inner part to a fused glass body, and a second powdered raw material having a higher silica purity than the first powdered raw material is spread from inside the silica substrate and heated from the inside at high temperature.

Abstract: A method for producing a polarizing element includes: forming particulate materials containing a metal halide on a glass substrate; forming a protective film that covers the particulate materials in a plasma environment while reducing the metal halide constituting the particulate materials; and stretching the particulate materials by stretching the glass substrate and the protective film at a temperature at which the glass substrate is softened.

Abstract: Apparatus, which is suitable for being surrounded by molten glass, the apparatus having a shank which has at least one at least partially seamless tube consisting of an oxide dispersion-strengthened PGM material, the shank having at least one thickened portion on which an actuating device is arranged.

Abstract: A balance ring for an appliance such as e.g., washing machine is provided. The balance ring includes an annular space with one or more features that project into the annular space. The features can provide channels for movement of fluid relative to counter weights positioned in the annular space so as to facilitate counter balancing of a rotating element in the appliance such as e.g., the wash basket of a washing machine.

Abstract: Method of making airline luggage inspection secure while accommodating the needs of the traveler comprises making a special lock available to airline travelers, the special lock having a combination lock portion and a master key lock, the master key lock portion receiving a master key that can open the master key lock portion of any special lock of this type. The special lock is designed to be applied to an individual piece of airline luggage and has indicia conveying to luggage purchasers that the special lock is “approved” by a luggage screening authority and conveying to the luggage screening authority that the special lock can be opened using the master key. The method includes providing the luggage screening authority directly or indirectly with exclusive access to the master key. The manufacturers and/or providers of the master key and special lock retain copies of the master key.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of lock devices, systems, and methods. A lock of the application can include an internal mechanism to permit backdriven operation and lost motion operation. In one form the lock can be made from an assembly of parts that have locating features that require one way installation/assembly. The lock can include an internal power source capable of driving electronics used to determine handedness of a door.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for separating the liquid part from the suspended matter in a sludge supplied in a continuous flow at a flow rate of QEB=V/hour. The flow is divided into at least two partial flows which are sprayed on top of one another into a sealed chamber of volume v<V/20, simultaneously injecting air therein at a flow rate d, said chamber being kept under overpressure conditions. The suspended matter of the thus treated flow is then left to decant in a collection container, with the cake or solid part falling to the bottom and separating from the liquid part which is continuously discharged.

Abstract: A fertiliser has phosphate rock of less than 500 ?m; sulphur; carbon and/or coal, at least approximately half of which has a particle size of less than 350 ?m and approximately all of which has a particle size of less than 1 mm; humic acid and/or fulvic acid (in each case contained in the coal/carbon and/or otherwise added); and a suitable binder.

Abstract: Provided is a workpiece punch-molding method and a workpiece punch-molding device capable of maintaining the thickness of a workpiece at a constant precision. Prior to the punch of a workpiece by a mold punch and a counter punch, the data denoting a relationship between a punch speed of the mold punch and a delay time of the depressurization of the counter punch is obtained. The counter punch is subjected to the depressurization at an early timing based on the obtained data.

Abstract: A press-die is provided with a lower die and an upper die. The lower die includes a drawing punch, a blank holder, and a cushion part. The upper die includes a drawing die part, and a trimming part. The blank holder includes a first holder part disposed to face to an end portion of the drawing die part, and a second holder part disposed to face to the trimming part. The second holder part has a drawing support portion that supports a first portion of a bottom surface of the first holder part. The drawing punch has a trimming support portion that supports a second portion of the bottom surface of the first holder part. The first holder part has a lower trimming blade at an outer edge thereof. The trimming part has an upper trimming blade at an inner edge thereof.

Abstract: A method for forming an undercut portion of a formed article formed by plastically deforming a plate-shaped workpiece and a method for manufacturing a formed article having an undercut portion are provided. In these methods, the undercut portion is formed by press working performed using a punch and a die. These methods make the forming work more economical and more efficient. An outer portion of a plate member 91 (plate-shaped workpiece) located outward of a portion where an inwardly inclined portion 94 (undercut portion) is to be formed is bent by an angle determined such that an undercut surface 94a which constitutes the inwardly inclined portion 94 becomes parallel to the pressing direction of a punch 110. In addition, a peripheral wall portion 93 inclined by an angle corresponding to the bending angle is formed on the outer portion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparation of calibrant infusion fluid sources are disclosed. In one embodiment, a precise volume of glucose is injected into a saline-solution filled calibrant infusion fluid source proximate in time to conducting a calibration procedure. The glucose concentration in the calibrant infusion fluid source is subsequently calculated based on the measured weight of the saline-solution, as determined prior to glucose injection, and the volume of glucose injected. This method provides a highly accurate and convenient manner for use in a hospital environment, for example, with an intravenous blood glucose sensor system. In another embodiment, a premixed calibrant infusion fluid source is provided that includes saline solution and a predetermined concentration of glucose. In such embodiments, shelf life problems related to water evaporation are mitigated by hermetically covering or otherwise hermetically containing the calibrant infusion fluid source up until the point of use.

Abstract: A method and Coriolis mass flowmeter, wherein the Coriolis mass flowmeter includes at least one measurement tube through which a medium flows, at least one exciter system arranged in the central region of the at least one measurement tube which causes the measurement tube to oscillate, and at least two oscillation pick-ups arranged in front of and behind the at least one exciter system. The at least two measurement tubes are additionally each provided with at least one acceleration sensor arranged in front and/or behind the exciter system. An evaluation device is configured to receive acceleration signals from the acceleration sensors and evaluate the acceleration signals to diagnose an asymmetry in the measurement tubes such that fault states, such as deposits in one of the two measurement tubes, blockage of a tube in a flow divider or asymmetrical changes in the ability of the measurement tubes to oscillate, such as due to cracks or fractures, can advantageously be detected.

Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.