Abstract: Methods and systems may provide for a structure having a plurality of interconnected panels, wherein each panel has a plurality of detection layers separated from one another by one or more non-detection layers. The plurality of detection layers may form a grid of conductive traces. Additionally, a monitor may be coupled to each grid of conductive traces, wherein the monitor is configured to detect damage to the plurality of interconnected panels in response to an electrical property change with respect to one or more of the conductive traces. In one example, the structure is part of an inflatable space platform such as a spacecraft or habitat.

Abstract: A torsion angle and rotation angle measurement device includes an input rotation disk, an output rotation disk, at least two torsion measuring modules and a rotation measuring module. The output rotation disk is coaxially and rotatably connected with the input rotation disk. At least two torsion measuring modules are disposed between the input rotation disk and the output rotation disk. Each torsion measuring module includes a rotary variable resistor and a torsion measuring arm. The rotary variable resistor is disposed on the output rotation disk. The torsion measuring arm is pivotally connected with the rotary variable resistor at a first end thereof, and is slidably connected with the input rotation disk at an second opposite end. When the input rotation disk rotates relative to the output rotation disk, the rotary variable resistor measures an angle indicating the input rotation disk rotating relative to the output rotation disk.

Abstract: A position sensor comprises first and second stationary poles with first and second electrodes, and a reference pole positioned therebetween. The reference pole is coupled to a shaft, and includes a semi-metal via that forms a conducting path between the first and second electrodes. The shaft positions the reference pole between the first and second stationary poles, and a resistance of the conducting path varies with a position of the shaft.

Abstract: A system and related method are provided for measuring conductivity/resistivity of water having high purity, including a temperature sensor and a conductivity/resistivity sensor exposed to a water source. The system further includes a computing assembly configured to receive measurement signals from the sensors and to determine change in resistivity over a change in temperature (a collected R/T slope) from the collected temperature measurements and the collected resistivity measurements. The system compares the collected R/T slope to a standardized R/T slope at a temperature value corresponding to a midpoint temperature of the temperature measurements over the prescribed time interval. Based on the comparing, the system provides providing a compensated measurement for resistivity or conductivity of the water source. As a result, the system can calibrate the sensor continually during use, in real time, resulting in highly improved accuracy.

Abstract: A leak in a membrane on top of a horizontal roof deck is located by applying conductive wires on the membrane underneath the aggregate in a grid pattern. A measuring and switching circuit generates voltage having a positive attached to the roof deck and a negative attached to the wires. The circuit has a relay for each wire which can be switched between a current sensor system and the negative potential. The sensor system is arranged to sense at each of the wires in turn the current flowing from the roof deck through any leak in the membrane to the wire. A micro-processor operates the relays in turn to connect all the other wires to the negative as a shield while each wire is sensed. From the output of the grid the changes in current in the x and y directions are analyzed to locate the leak in the membrane.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing particulates within an exhaust flow are provided. The methods and apparatus utilize a soot sensor that includes opposed electrodes separated by an insulator. Preferably, a gap is formed between the electrodes and the insulator to prevent electrical current from flowing therebetween. The soot sensor, when positioned in an exhaust flow, will accumulate a layer of particulates on an outer surface thereof. As the layer of particulates increases the particulates will bridge the two electrodes permitting current flow. The sensor is configured with a proper geometry and potential difference between the electrodes to generate currents in the milli-amp range. Further, the sensor is configured to have a regenerative effect that causes the bridge to be broken when particles sees to impinge the soot sensor.

Abstract: Particle processing systems and methods utilize a sort monitoring system to monitor an operational characteristic for a particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be related to the performance and operation of a sorter or a group of sorters in the particle sorting system. The operational characteristic may be monitored based on monitoring particles for an output of a sorter or of a group of sorters. Operational characteristics which may be monitored include sort error, sort fraction, yield, purity and recovery percentage. The sort monitoring system may evaluate the monitored operational characteristic, for example, as related to sort performance, and take an action, for example, a corrective action or a notifying action, based on the evaluation of the operational characteristic.

Abstract: A trauma detecting body wear apparatus that may be configured with an outer conductive layer, and a medium layer proximate to the outer conductive layer. The medium layer may include an insulating material configured to prevent current flow to the outer layer. There may be an inner conductive layer configured with a penetration-resistant material, and the inner layer may also be configured with a conductive coating treatment, and may be further connected to an energized power source. The body wear apparatus may also include a transmitter configured to transmit a signal when current flows from the energized power source to the outer conductive layer.

Abstract: Examples of the present invention include apparatus and methods for monitoring aging of an item. A solid-state structure is located within, adjacent to, or otherwise proximate the item, the solid-state structure including nanostructures. The electrical resistance and/or magnetization of the solid-state structure is determined to determine the degree of aging of the item. In representative examples, the solid-state structure includes nanostructures of a metal, such as a ferromagnetic metal, within a non-magnetic matrix, such as a semimetal, semiconductor, or insulator.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods of non-destructively testing whether a laminated substrate satisfies structural requirements are disclosed herein. Additionally, laminated substrates that can be non-destructively tested are also disclosed along with methods of manufacturing the same. To non-destructively test whether the laminated substrates satisfies the structural requirement, an electrical characteristic of the laminated substrate may be detected. Since the detected electrical characteristic is related to a structural characteristic being tested, whether the structural characteristic complies with the structural requirement can be determined based on the electrical characteristic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for neutralizing an electric switching unit. One or several power poles, each of which is provided with movable contacts separable form fixed contacts are actuatable between opened and closed positions by an actuator for switching-on an electric charge. A mechanical actuating device interacts with the movable contacts. It is used for actuating a device for neutralizing the electric switching unit by switching-off the control electric circuit thereof when the wear degree of pellets is greater than a predetermined threshold. The control circuit is switched-off, for example, by cutting a wire thereof. An electric switching unit is provided with the device.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for detecting nucleic acid hybridization, including single nucleic base mutations at low concentrations, are disclosed, using surface-tethered hairpin loop oligonucleotide probes and metal-nanoparticles conjugated to a hybridization detection sequence that is capable of binding the stem region of the opened hairpin loop oligonucleotide probe, without the use of labeling or target modification and capable of recycling.

Abstract: A method for determining the passivating properties of a mixture containing cement and water. Taking three elements that are referred to as first-third electrodes. Fixing at least one electrode on a support such that the electrodes are electrically insulated reciprocally and the mixture is able to come in contact with a face on each electrode. Applying between the first and third electrodes a direct current, referred to as first direct current, of predetermined intensity value and predetermined polarity, resulting in electrolytic reactions on the third electrode for a first duration, and then measuring voltage between the second and third electrodes. Storing the measurement for the variation of said voltage, comparing the variations in the voltage with predetermined data defining at least whether or not a mixture has passivating properties, and determining at least whether or not the mixture has such passivating properties.

Abstract: The invention relates to substitutes of real gems for the purpose of calibrating of commercial diamond testers and for verification of their correct operation. Suggested apparatus consists of a set of objects, which are made of cheap materials like brass, stainless steel, and electrically conductive rubber, and which exhibit combination of thermal and electric conductivities typical for diamonds and their popular imitations like moissanites, cubic zirconia, and others.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the pH of a solution of the present invention includes: (a) a tubular body portion constructed from a flexible electrically-insulating material, the tubular body portion having an interior passage; (b) a first reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (c) a second reverse osmosis membrane disposed in the interior passage; (d) a proton conducting membrane disposed between the first reverse osmosis membrane and the second reverse osmosis membrane in the interior passage; (e) a first electrode; and (f) a second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining information on food stuff in or for a cooking process comprising the steps of: a) detecting an electrical impedance (Z) or at least one component thereof in a, preferably inner, region of the food stuff, b) deriving from said detected impedance or component thereof information about the age or freshness of the food stuff, c) providing said information about the age or freshness to a user interface and/or to an information output unit and/or to a control unit for controlling the cooking process, in particular for adapting the cooking time and/or cooking temperature dependent on this information about the age or freshness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for non-destructive inspection including detection, quantification, and location of a surface or subsurface crack in a body made of advanced technical ceramics. The method and apparatus can detect all cracks in a ceramic body, including microscopic cracks, with a high sensitivity, accuracy and reliability, by measuring changes in electrical resistances through a plurality pairs of electrodes affixed on surfaces of the ceramic body. The extent of the cracks can be quantified and expressed as numerical data, and the location of the cracks can be identified. An automated inspection process enables a convenient, real-time, cost-effective crack inspection.

Abstract: The present invention provides a low-cost hydrogen gas sensor, which exhibits high sensory selectivity for protons and operates at room temperature, and can also provide a highly sensitive sensor capable of fulfilling the important functions of detecting hydrogen gas and preventing leakage accidents in production plants that use hydrogen gas as a carrier, in hydrogen gas storage facilities, and in so-called fuel cells that use hydrogen gas as an energy source. In addition, the sensor is also effective as an acid sensor for hydrofluoric acid and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for distinguishing, classifying and measuring soft and hard inclusions in a liquid metal that includes obtaining a flow through cell disposed on a tube with a top to allow the liquid metal to flow through the flow through cell and into the tube. There is also a mounting and a vacuum system disposed on top of the tube to draw the liquid metal through the flow through cell and into the tube that utilizes a pair of electrodes set inside and outside of the tube to apply an electric current to the liquid metal passing through the flow through cell. An electric resistance change is then measured and an electric resistance pulse is applied to the liquid metal to measure deformed behavior of the inclusions. The resistance pulse method can be used with liquid droplets, steel slag, bubbles and other deformable inclusions.

Abstract: An apparatus for estimating or supervising one or more internal mechanical properties of a metal alloy object with a known chemical composition based on the resistivity of the metal alloy object. The apparatus includes a device for measuring the resistivity of the metal alloy object, and a computation unit adapted to calculate the content of dissolved alloying elements in the metal alloy object based on the measured resistivity and the known chemical composition of the metal alloy, and based thereon to calculate at least one internal mechanical property of the metal alloy object.

Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a multi-material object is provided. The method includes producing a rotating electric field by providing an applied electrical signal set of individual electrical signal patterns to electrodes surrounding the multi-material object. The method also includes obtaining a measured electrical signal of electrical signals from the electrodes corresponding to each electrical signal pattern applied. An electrical network is determined based on the applied electrical signal set, the measured electrical signal set and an inverse of the applied electrical signal set. The method further includes determining the characteristics of the multi-material object by analyzing the electrical network.

Abstract: A conveyor belt rip monitoring system is disclosed. The system includes at least one rip panel having a conductive loop positioned in or on a conveyor belt so that the loop extends substantially across the width of the belt. The conductive loops may be formed from metallic or non-metallic materials. An RFDD chip is electrically coupled to the loop and provides a signal to an RFID interrogation unit positioned on the conveyor structure indicative of the health of the conductive loop. If a break is sensed in the loop, the RFID chip sends an appropriate signal to the interrogation unit which passes the information to a processing system. A unique resistor or diode may be included in the circuit between the chip(s) and the legs of the loop so that the interrogation unit can distinguish one leg or loop from another. If the break in the loop is determined to be due to a rip in the conveyor belt, the processing system alerts a user of the rip condition via an attached display device.

Abstract: Sensors containing Graphene with Extended Defects are described.

Abstract: A liquid concentration measuring device has first and second switches, which are turned on and off at two frequencies. When the first switch is turned on and the second switch is turned off, a detection electrode pair is charged. When the first switch is turned off and the second switch is turned on, the positive side of the detection electrode pair is grounded so that the charged detection electrode pair discharges. The difference between the output voltages of an amplifier produced by charging and discharging the detection electrode pair at the two frequencies is used to determine an alcohol concentration in gasoline.

Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a block defining a temperature control channel therethrough and a defining a sample chamber. The apparatus can also include an electrode disposed inside of the block such that the sample chamber is fluidically isolated from the temperature control channel by the electrode. The electrode can be configured to receive a signal from an impedance analyzer during a dielectric spectroscopy experiment related to a sample included in the sample chamber.

Abstract: Measuring device for local measurement of an electrical property of the content of a container, wherein at least three electrodes are disposed adjacently of each other in height direction and electrically insulated from each other, wherein each of the electrodes can be connected to an electrical measuring circuit for measuring, via one of the electrodes and one other electrode connected to an electrical earth, the electrical property of the content of the container in the vicinity of the electrodes, and wherein the electrical measuring circuit is adapted to generate at least one electric measuring signal representing the measured electrical property, and a control unit for connecting the one electrode to the electrical measuring circuit and connecting the other electrode to an electrical earth.

Abstract: A multicontact tactile sensor including an upper structure having first conductive tracks arranged in rows, a lower structure having second conductive tracks arranged in columns, spacers positioned between the upper structure and the lower structure; and an intermediate layer positioned on at least one of the first or the second conductive tracks, the intermediate layer made of a semiconductor metal oxide.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrostatic discharge (ESD) device tester and a method of operating the tester. In an embodiment, the method comprises operating the tester by uniquely identifying an ESD device to be tested using identification means provided on the tester; taking at least one test measurement of the uniquely identified ESD device using testing means provided on the tester, the testing means being configurable in dependence upon data associated with the uniquely identified ESD device; and storing the at least one test measurement in a storage means provided in the tester. A running average of test measurements for the uniquely identified ESD device may be stored on the tester in order to compare a test measurement against the running average. A test is repeated if a test measurement falls outside of a predetermined range of the running average.

Abstract: A diagnostic method and system is described for diagnosing an operating condition of a conductive particulate matter sensor. The sensor has a substrate and two electrodes on the substrate adapted to collect particulate matter between the electrodes, thereby establishing an electrically conductive path through collected particulate matter between the electrodes that can be detected by measuring electrical resistance between the electrodes, Relect. The diagnosis is performed by detecting whether water vapor condensate may be present between the electrodes and if it is, then measuring resistance between the electrodes while subjecting the sensor to conditions sufficient to evaporate any water vapor condensate and diagnosing a validation that the sensor is in proper operating condition if resistance increases in a manner consistent with evaporation of condensate.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining and controlling characteristics of a fluid is provided that includes a substrate, a heating circuit, and a sensing circuit applied on the substrate by a layered process. A control module is in communication with the heating circuit and the sensing circuit for determining, for example, type, concentration, liquid level, and temperature of the fluid, which in one form is a urea solution.

Abstract: A fuel processor and a fuel cell system which have a desulfurizer with multiple sensors, and a method of measuring an adsorbent state in of an adsorbent the desulfurizer. The desulfurizer determines the saturation state of the adsorbent using a signal difference between at least two sensors installed adjacent to an inlet and an outlet of the desulfurizer. The desulfurizer provides an accurate determination of the saturation of the adsorbent, and can be used to determine when the adsorbent should be changed. Two desulfurizers can be alternatively used to allow for a consistent fuel flow.

Abstract: Device (2) for measuring electric parameters of a fluid (F), comprising: two measurement circuits (8, 10) for measuring, respectively, the dielectric permittivity and the electrical conductivity of the fluid (F); two electrodes (5, 5?) facing each other from opposite sides of the fluid (F); a selector system (11) for alternatively connecting the two measurement circuits (8, 10) to the electrodes (5, 5?). Each electrode (5, 5?) comprises two sectors (5a, 5b) suited to establish mutually separate electrical contact with the fluid (F) and the electrical conductivity measurement circuit (10) comprises two measurement sections (V, A) of different impedance, each one of which being connectable to a corresponding sector (5a, 5b) of each electrode (5, 5?).

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of evaluating a ground reinforcement effect using 4-D electrical resistivity monitoring, wherein the ground reinforcement is made up on an underground cavity through cement mortar grouting, the method including: (a) installing a survey line for measuring electrical resistivity in a ground reinforcement zone; (b) measuring the electrical resistivity of the ground reinforcement zone through the survey line before grouting mortar, and imaging three-dimensional electrical resistivity distribution in the ground reinforcement zone by applying a three-dimensional electrical resistivity inversion to the measured results; (c) measuring the electrical resistivity of the ground reinforcement zone through the survey line while or after grouting the mortar, and imaging the three-dimensional electrical resistivity distribution in the ground reinforcement zone by applying the three-dimensional electrical resistivity inversion to the measured results; and (d) calculating a change ratio of the electrical

Abstract: An environmental degradation sensor for environmentally sensitive products such as food, pharmaceuticals or cosmetic products provides the degraded state and estimated remaining life of the product. The sensor is made of a polymeric matrix and conductive filler. A control agent, selected to adjust a reaction rate of the sensor to environmental conditions, allows correlation of an electrical property of the sensor to a degraded state of the product. The sensor may be integrated with a passive RFID to provide product identification and degradation status wirelessly via reader. The sensor improves product safety, reduces cost of premature product disposal and, combined with RFIDs, improves the security of products through combined product degradation monitoring and tracking.

Abstract: A precious metal testing apparatus and methods adapted to analyze impurities in a precious metal test sample is described. The testing apparatus contains a test probe that has a replaceable portion and that is connected to a meter to measure resistance. The replaceable portion contains or forms a reservoir that includes at least one electrolyte component, a conductive member, and a fibrous tip. The electrolyte component is fluidly associated with a fiber tip and the conductive member contacts an electrical contact located outside the reservoir. Methods of testing and instructions regarding such methods are also included.

Abstract: Gas-sensitive materials are disclosed which are mixtures or composites of BaSnO3, and another component comprising one or more phases from the group: CuO, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, NiO, CoO, Bi2O3, Sb2O3, Sb2O5, WO3, ZnO, and SnO2. The mixture may be modified further by the addition in a highly dispersed manner of fine (less than about 20 nm) particulates of precious metals (Pt, Pd, Au, Ag) to enhance performance. Advantages include: (a) sensitivity in the range 1-2500 ppm NOx typical of combustion environments, (b) reduced humidity influence, (c) repeatability and reliability, and (d) baseline stability over time. In one embodiment, the material includes a mixture of BaSnO3 and CuO such that CuO is present at 25-50 mol %.

Abstract: A gas-sensitive material is disclosed for detecting CO2 for use in semiconductor-based gas sensors. The gas-sensitive material may comprise one or more Ba-containing phases and one or more W-containing phases, at least one of the Ba-containing phases being different than at least one of the W-containing phases; the one or more Ba-containing phases comprising at least one of BaCO3, BaO-rich glass, BaWO4, or any combination thereof; and the one or more W-containing phases comprising at least one of BaWO4, WO3, W(OH)6, or any combination thereof. The material may further comprise one or more oxides selected from the group CuO, Bi2O3, Sb2O3, Sb2O5, La2O3, Cr2O3, Fe2O3, NiO, and TiO2, and any combination thereof. The material may further comprise one or more dopants such as Pt, Pd, Ag, Au or their compounds, and any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the material comprises a mixture of BaO-rich glass, BaWO4, and WO3.

Abstract: An apparatus for single-sided bilayer formation includes a first fluid chamber including a sidewall and a second fluid chamber extending through the sidewall. A barrier wall separates the first and second fluid chambers and includes a nanopore therein across which a planar lipid bilayer (PLB) is formed. In use, an electrolyte is added to the first and second fluid chambers and a lipid/organic solvent mixture is added to the first fluid chamber to form a lipid/organic solvent layer. The electrolyte level within the first fluid chamber is adjusted such that the lipid layer is raised above the barrier wall and a PLB is formed. Electrolyte levels may be adjusted manually or utilizing a fluid level regulator with or without feedback control. Optionally, the apparatus may be in the form of a nanopore array. The apparatus may be incorporated into an ion channel sensing system.

Abstract: An exemplary, highly integrated, SPM-based system for measuring the conductivity and/or force of substance under programmable engaging/stretching processes is described. A sample bias is applied across two electrodes. A substance to be measured is sandwiched between them. A first electrode is first brought relative to a second electrode (engaging) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. The process of engaging the electrodes continues until a certain current reached, a certain force reached and whichever case happens first. The electrodes are then separated (stretching) in programmable pathways that can be described as stretching distance versus time curves. A periodic modulation can be applied to the engaging/stretching process to realize different stretch pathways. The sample bias across the electrodes is kept constant or swept in a programmable shape over time, described as a voltage-versus time curve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of measuring the conductivity of a pure or ultrapure liquid, notably water, using electrodes, characterized in that it consists in determining the conductivity by modeling the liquid in the form of an equivalent electrical circuit diagram comprising a resistor R, a capacitor Cp in parallel with the resistor R, and a series capacitor Cs. It also relates to a device for implementing this method and a purification system incorporating such a device.

Abstract: A system for detecting a presence of a liquid within a receptacle includes a sensor and a processor. The sensor includes a transmitting probe and a receiving probe positioned within the liquid receptacle. The transmitting probe includes a first transducer and the receiving probe includes a second transducer. The processor is in electrical communication with the first and second transducers and monitors the first and second transducers to determine the presence and level of the liquid within the liquid receptacle based on a time between generation of a first extensional wave by the first transducer and reception of a second extensional wave by the second transducer.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon vapor detection instrument includes a hydrocarbon vapor detector, with conductivity proportional to contiguous airborne concentration of hydrocarbon vapor. The instrument further includes electronic circuitry providing an electrical signal proportional to the vapor detector conductivity and to a switch-selected sensitivity setting. The instrument further includes indicators to signal recharging status while a power switch is off and an external power supply is recharging the battery, namely that the battery is partially or fully charged and if the battery temperature is excessive, to signal that operating power is on, to signal that a low battery condition exists, and to signal different concentrations of hydrocarbon vapor. For the last of these, indicator position on a housing corresponds to vapor concentration. The instrument further includes an audible indication of power-on status and vapor concentration, changing with vapor concentration.

Abstract: A system for inspecting bonding resistance of a display device includes a display panel, at least one circuit board, at least one driving chip and a testing board. The display panel includes at least one testing conductive line and connecting conductive lines. The circuit board is connected with the testing conductive line and the connecting conductive lines. The driving chip includes at least one testing pad and connecting pads, respectively electrically connected to the testing conductive line and the connecting conductive lines; at least one comparator connected to the testing pad; and at least one logic circuit connected to the comparator. The testing board is connected to the circuit board and provides a test signal to the testing pad through the circuit board and the testing conductive line. The test signal is compared with a reference signal in the comparator, and the logic circuit determines a comparing result.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the permittivity and/or perviousness of a sample of a nonconductive material, said method comprising: a) measuring (94) a value representative of an admittance Ytestco, measuring a (98) a value representative of an admittance Ytestcc only from the amplitude and the phase of the electromagnetic waves reflected onto an interface between the sample and the end of a second waveguide having at least one conductive web separated from a conductive sheath by a layer of dielectric material, said second waveguide also including a short circuit between the central web and the sheath at the interface with the sample, and c) calculating (100) the permittivity of the sample from the values representative of the admittances Ytestco and Ytestcc and/or calculating (100) the perviousness of the sample from the values representative of the admittances Ytestco and Ytestcc.

Abstract: A sensing assembly for sensing a body part in a window opening or a boot opening is described. The sensing assembly includes first and second electrically conductive members and electrically oscillating means for applying an electrically oscillating signal to the second electrically conductive member. The electric field generated by the applied signal is concentrated in the opening region, and if a body part is within the opening closing movement of the window or hoot is halted.

Abstract: An insulation measurement apparatus includes a path including a first resistor, a capacitor electrically floated from a ground, and a second resistor between a positive to a negative electrode side of a power supply, a first switching element between the power supply positive electrode side and the capacitor, a second switching element between the capacitor and the power supply negative electrode side, a detection section detecting a charge voltage on the capacitor and determining a power supply insulation state, and a voltage setting section executing a power supply voltage measurement mode controlling the first and second switching elements to charge the capacitor for a predetermined time period, and an insulation voltage measurement mode charging a terminal of a positive or negative electrode side of the capacitor via a resistor between the power supply positive or negative electrode and the ground for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: The presently disclosed embodiments are directed to the detection and monitoring of corona effluent. The present embodiments pertain to a corona sensing device that employs a film of organic charge transporting material, as the active component in a corona effluent sensing device, that is disposed onto a patterned electrode bearing support member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of detecting impurities in a high-temperature aqueous solution and an apparatus of detecting impurities for the same. Specifically, the present invention provides a method of detecting impurities in a high-temperature aqueous solution comprising a reducing agent using an electrochemical water chemistry technology detecting the electrochemical current varied according to the degree in which the impurities in the high-temperature aqueous solution hinder the formation of an oxide film that is formed on a noble metal electrode, and an impurity detecting apparatus comprising a noble metal electrode, a counter electrode, and a device of applying the electrochemical potential and measuring the electrochemical current for the method of detecting impurities.

Abstract: The coating monitoring system is based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The system consists of one or more compact and rugged mini-potentiostat modules coupled to one or more electrodes mounted on top of the paint coating of the structure being monitored. The electrodes and modules can be coated with a topcoat if desired. Alternatively, they may be mounted only temporarily to the structure for spot inspection. They periodically report to a laptop. Communications may be implemented using a wireless protocol. The units may be battery powered with an estimated battery lifetime of up to ten years, depending on the frequency of measurement and interrogation Alternative power supplies may be used to replace or supplement the battery to allow extended battery lifetime. Moisture, humidity, or other sensors may be incorporated into the coating monitor.

Abstract: A detector comprising control circuitry and a sensor, responsive to interactions of varying intensities, comprising three layers. The first layer includes a first set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements and a second set of mutually connected electrically conducting elements. The third layer comprises an electrically conducting plane, and the second layer extends between the first and third layers. The electrical conductivity of the second layer varies in accordance with variations in the intensity of the interactions. In a first mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and third layers to generate a first current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the first current. In a second mode, the control circuit applies voltage between the first and second sets of electrically conducting elements to generate a second current through the second layer, and provides a measurement of the second current.