Abstract: A sensor system for collecting data regarding sub-surface material characteristics may include a multitude of sensor nodes, a data gateway, and a controller. Each sensor node may include a power supply and a communication device and the multitude of sensor nodes may include sensors distributed between underground sensor nodes and/or partially-exposed sensor nodes to collect data regarding sub-surface material characteristics. The data gateway may be coupled with any combination of the sensor nodes through wireless transmission data pathways and may receive and store at least some of the data collected by the one or more sensors. The controller may receive the data generated by the one or more sensors from the data gateway and display at least a portion of the data.

Abstract: An electronic device includes an antenna which transmits and receives a radio frequency (RF) signal, an RF circuit which processes the RF signal, and a control circuit which controls the RF circuit. The control circuit receives, from the RF circuit, a feedback signal, which the RF signal to be provided back as feedback from the antenna to the RF circuit, determines an impedance of the antenna based on the feedback signal, determines whether a water immersion of the electronic device occurs based on the determined impedance, and performs a set operation once it is determined that the water immersion of the electronic device occurs.

Abstract: The inventive disclosures pertain to an improved roofing-protection system that features enhanced leak-detection and analytical capabilities. The improved system features RFID-enabled moisture-sensing elements contained in a moisture-sensing membrane, and can measure impedance changes across the moisture-sensing membrane. In some variations, the system is designed to detect and measure moisture leakage and roof loading by way of biplanar capacitance measurements. RFID tags for moisture sensors are read by drones or robots and wirelessly transmitted to the Cloud/Internet for remote data analytics.

Abstract: A sensitive device includes a plurality of first conductive nanostructures, a conductive layer and at least one electrode. The conductive layer covers the first conductive nanostructures. An intrinsic melting point of the conductive layer is higher than that of the first conductive nanostructures. At least one of the conductive layer and the first conductive nanostructures is sensitive to gas. The electrode is electrically connected to at least one of the first conductive nanostructures and the conductive layer.

Abstract: A moisture soil probe system includes a probe having a solid rod with a plurality of sensors attached around the outer circumference of the rod in close proximity to the soil being measured, covered by a waterproof coating. A wireless transmitter unit receives a precision GPS timing signal which is propagated to logic and control circuitry associated with each sensor for use in calculating a volumetric moisture content of the soil in proximity to the sensor. The calculated moisture content is transmitted back to the wireless control unit which further transmits the data to a central station.

Abstract: An enhanced Long Range Navigation (eLORAN) system may include an eLORAN controller configured to obtain satellite-derived conductivity data and satellite-derived temperature data for different geographical positions and generate eLORAN correction factors based thereon. The eLORAN system may also include eLORAN transmitter stations. The eLORAN system may also include an eLORAN receiver device that may include an eLORAN receive antenna and an eLORAN receiver coupled to the eLORAN receive antenna and configured to receive the eLORAN correction factors. The eLORAN receiver device may also include a controller coupled to the eLORAN receiver. The controller may be configured to cooperate with the eLORAN transmitter stations to determine an eLORAN receiver position corrected based upon the eLORAN correction factors.

Abstract: Embodiments of water sensors having multi-value outputs are disclosed. A water sensing circuit measures the impedance between two contacts of a water sensor and compares it with a reference signal. The impedance between two contacts varies depending on the wetness of the contacts, and so the sensing circuit may provide a measured wetness level. The water sensor may transmit measurements or other information wired or wirelessly. The water sensor may display indicia of measurements or other information via a display on a housing.

Abstract: An example system includes resonators configured for spatial distribution across a dimension of a target, with the resonators each being configured to transmit signals into the target and to receive signals through the target; and a data processing system to generate, based on the signals transmitted and received, a saturation profile of the target.

Abstract: A flexible and non-functionalized low cost paper-based electronic system platform fabricated from common paper, such as paper based sensors, and methods of producing paper based sensors, and methods of sensing using the paper based sensors are provided. A method of producing a paper based sensor can include the steps of: a) providing a conventional paper product to serve as a substrate for the sensor or as an active material for the sensor or both, the paper product not further treated or functionalized; and b) applying a sensing element to the paper substrate, the sensing element selected from the group consisting of a conductive material, the conductive material providing contacts and interconnects, sensitive material film that exhibits sensitivity to pH levels, a compressible and/or porous material disposed between a pair of opposed conductive elements, or a combination of two of more said sensing elements.

Abstract: A humidity monitoring system mountable to a wall has a housing for receiving a humidity sensor. A face plate having an extended portion can be mounted over the housing such that the extend portion is positioned adjacent to the humidity sensor. The extended portion defining a secondary space within which humid air can be pass proximate to the humidity sensor to improve the monitoring of the ambient humid air.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for finding indications of at least one of a water fraction, a hydrocarbon fraction, water conductivity, and water salinity of a fluid. The fluid is within a flow line that extends through a resonator. The flow line is subjected to microwaves at multiple microwave frequencies injected into the resonator, with electric field lines parallel to the fluid flow line. A power detector is used at an output of the resonator, and a peak power and associated resonance frequency are used to find the indication(s) which may be plotted and displayed. In one embodiment, the resonator is a dual loop-gap resonator, and the microwave frequencies are generated by a microwave sweeper source at approximately 1 GHz.

Abstract: A system for locating a leak in a building layer comprises a sensing module comprising a cell having a major surface juxtaposed a first surface of the building layer and incorporating mutually spaced electrodes defining a sensing path extending parallel to the cell major surface. Sensing circuitry cooperates with the cell and applies a voltage between the cell electrodes to measure an electrical property. A probe is applied to a second surface of the building layer opposite the first surface and applies a voltage between at least one of the cell electrodes and the probe to measure an electrical property. Control circuitry detects the presence of a leak within the portion of the first surface based on a first measurement; and locates a point of leakage based on a second measurement from the sensing circuitry of the electrical property between the probe and the cell electrodes.

Abstract: A method for determining a permittivity of a substance layer is provided. The method comprises the steps of depositing a layer of a certain thickness of the substance on a substrate comprising at least one substrate parameter of electromagnetic relevance in order to form a sample arrangement, obtaining at least one measurement parameter of electromagnetic relevance with respect to the surface of the sample arrangement with the aid of an electromagnetic excitation signal generated by a measurement equipment, and determining the permittivity of the substance layer on the basis of the at least one measurement parameter of electromagnetic relevance.

Abstract: A method for determining optimum parameters with respect to transmission and/or reflection of a surface is provided. The method comprises the steps of applying the surface to a transformer material in order to form a sample arrangement, and obtaining at least one measurement parameter of electromagnetic relevance with respect to the surface of the sample arrangement with the aid of an electromagnetic excitation signal generated by a measurement equipment. In this context, the transformer material comprises at least two dimensions for varying a contribution of at least one sample parameter of electromagnetic relevance over the surface.

Abstract: In order to measure a fluid flow or flow conditions of a fluid flow through an apparatus, electrodes are provided across which capacitance values are determined. The capacitances are used in conjunction with a predetermined model to determine a revised model for the system. If the modelled to be satisfactory, then the values representative of the flow conditions are output. If it is not, then the model is tuned to reduce the error. A novel arrangement of electrodes is also provided along with apparatus embodying the method. The invention also provides a way of determining fluid properties, for example, density, volume present contained within a vessel or tank whether flowing or stationary.

Abstract: The present invention is a first system and method for detecting correct installation of a roofing envelope and a second system and method for detecting leaks during the installation of a roofing envelope. The first and second systems and methods may operate independently or in combination.

Abstract: A forage harvester gathers crop by a crop receiving assembly and delivers the crop via infeed units to aggregates for comminuting and conveyance. The crop is then conveyed to a transport vehicle via a discharge chute provided on a discharge tower. A device for adjusting the tilt angle of the discharge chute is provided for guiding the crop mass flow onto the transport vehicle. A method for measuring a crop mass flow on the forage harvester is based on sensing a force proportional to the crop mass flow, which acts upon the device for adjusting the tilt angle of the discharge chute, and calculating the crop mass flow in a computing unit based on the sensed force.

Abstract: A moisture sensor providing a visual and audio alert when a tree needs to be watered. The moisture sensor may be mounted onto Christmas trees to detect when water levels are low in the tree stand. The moisture sensor comprises a housing and a probe attached to the housing. The housing may be a Christmas-themed character. The moisture sensor includes a PC board within the housing for determining water levels in the tree stand and uses a LED indicator and speaker to indicate when water levels are below a threshold.

Abstract: An improved bridge circuitry is presented for improved soil sensor measurements. The improved bridge circuitry may include blocking capacitors, the ability to apply bias voltage, and the substitution of AC meters with DC meters and other improvements.

Abstract: A tomography system for determining properties of flowing multiphase fluid, comprising a duct having a duct wall and interior space within the duct wall for carrying a flow of the multiphase fluid and a plurality of sensors, which are electrodes or coils, at positions distributed around the duct wall on a planar cross section through the duct, wherein the sensors (electrodes or coils) are used for making a plurality of measurements of electrical or magnetic properties through the duct wall and the multiphase fluid; and a processor is used to receive measurement data from the sensors and to compute from the measured properties to derive quantitative values of at least one property selected from permittivity, conductivity, magnetic permeability and complex-conductivity of the multiphase fluid independent of effects external to the fluid flow, such as effects of the duct walls and the geometry of the positioning of the sensors (electrodes or coils).

Abstract: Provided are: a resin-containing sheet in which not only the mechanical strength of a cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric but also the flexural resistance of a substrate are improved; and a structure and a wiring board which include the same. The resin-containing sheet includes: a specific cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric (11); a fixing agent (2) which fixes together fibers (1) in the cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric (11); and a resin (3) which is in contact with the cellulose nanofiber nonwoven fabric (11) and the fixing agent (2), wherein the storage modulus of the fixing agent (2) is higher than that of the resin (3). The structure is obtained by tightly adhering the resin-containing sheet to a substrate. The wiring board includes this structure.

Abstract: A badge is provided herein. The badge includes a proximity sensor located on said badge providing an activation field. The badge further includes control circuitry configured to monitor a signal responsive to the activation field and determine a switch activation based on the signal. The control circuitry is further configured to determine a moisture value based upon the signal.

Abstract: A radio signal emitting node (25, 38) is configured to emit a radio signal when buried in soil (10). The node (25, 38) comprises an antenna (20, 39), an integrated electronic circuit (22) electrically connected to the antenna (20, 39) using a feed line (15, 17, 18), and at least one sensor (30) for generating measurement data (31). The integrated circuit (22) is configured to operate the antenna (20, 39) to emit the radio signal containing the measurement data (31) periodically or upon receiving a wireless request (32). The radio signal emitting node (25, 38) is configured to allow a surrounding medium of the soil (10) to influence the near field of the antenna (20, 39) when the node (25, 38) is buried in soil (10) and to decrease or prevent the radio signal emission in case the influence of the surrounding medium onto the near field is withdrawn.

Abstract: A moisture sensor for a forage harvester is described, the moisture sensor comprising a sensing device, a processing unit and an output terminal. The sensing device is configured to sense an electrical characteristic of a harvested crop and generate a sensor signal representative of the electrical characteristic. The processing unit is configured to receive the sensor signal from the sensing device and to process the sensor signal to derive a moisture level of the harvested crop. The output terminal is connected to the processing unit for outputting an output signal representative of the moisture level as derived by the processing unit. Each operating mode for the sensing device having a different moisture level sensitivity characteristic, and receiving an operating parameter and selecting an operating mode of the plurality of operating modes for the sensing device, based on the operating parameter.

Abstract: A detector for detecting sodium hypochlorite concentration includes a first electrode, a second electrode and a processing unit. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed opposite each other, and are soaked in a sodium hypochlorite solution under detection. An electrical path is formed among the first electrode, the sodium hypochlorite solution and the second electrode. The processing unit, electrically connected to the first electrode and the second electrode, measures a plurality of ions in the sodium hypochlorite solution transmitted in the electrical path to obtain a conductivity of the sodium hypochlorite solution and to accordingly calculate concentration of the sodium hypochlorite solution. Compared to a conventional measurement apparatus adopting an optical detector, the invention not only can be fabricated at low production costs, but also can instantly obtain the detected concentration without involving analysis of an externally connected computer.

Abstract: In a method for emergency ventilation of an aircraft cabin, a leak is detected in the area of an air mixer of an aircraft air conditioning system. An emergency air flap, which in a closed position prevents an air exchange between an aircraft area adjacent to the air mixer and the aircraft cabin, is controlled into an open position. Air from the aircraft area adjacent to the air mixer is conveyed through the open emergency air flap into the aircraft cabin.

Abstract: A humidity measurement device comprises a capacitance measurement unit (101) and a microcontroller (102). The capacitance measurement unit (101) is used to output a frequency signal of a humidity-sensitive capacitor (C1) by the humidity-sensitive capacitor (C1) and a frequency signal of a reference capacitor (C2) by the reference capacitor (C2) respectively. The microcontroller (102) is used to obtain a frequency value of the humidity-sensitive capacitor (C1) and a frequency value of the reference capacitor (C2) based on the frequency signal of the humidity-sensitive capacitor (C1) and the frequency signal of the reference capacitor (C2), and obtain a current ambient humidity value by using a linear function relationship of a frequency difference between the humidity-sensitive capacitor (C1) and the reference capacitor (C2) and a humidity value. A humidity measurement method includes using the said humidity measurement device to measure a current ambient humidity value.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more moisture sensors to monitor moisture penetration to monitor performance of the moisture barrier. The moisture sensor includes a moisture corrodible article or sensor element, e.g. a strip or wire, which changes resistance as a function of corrosion. The sensor element can also include two dissimilar metals, e.g. a bimetal sensor element, or two similar metals having different physical dimensions. With the information provided by the moisture sensors performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.

Abstract: A wireless soil sensor includes a curved surface and at least two groups of sensor-pin electrodes. A tine-catching block is disposed within the sensor body, near a top of the sensor to protect against aeration tools damaging components of the sensor. The electrical circuitry and the battery are separately potted in an epoxy material and oriented vertically, creating a central gap through which an incoming aeration tine is directed.

Abstract: Measurement devices, systems, and methods to measure a high field conductivity of a fluid are provided herein. The measurement device includes a fluid cell, a pair of electrodes, a voltage switch, and a measurement unit. The fluid cell is on an inclined plane to receive the fluid. The pair of electrodes are connected to the fluid cell. The pair of electrodes are spaced apart from one another to receive the fluid therebetween and positioned parallel to one another to pass an electrical current therethrough. The power unit provides a high voltage power supply to one electrode of the pair of electrodes. The measurement unit measures the electrical current that passes between the pair of electrodes through the fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a humidity sensor based on resistive type porous Magnesium Ferrite (MgFe2O4) pellets and a humidity sensor thereof. More particularly, the present invention includes a synthesis process of preparing 30 to 40% porous MgFe2O4 pellets. The process further includes making Ohmic contacts on the porous MgFe2O4 pellets. The process is very cost effective and optimized to keep the resistance of the porous MgFe2O4 pellets in the range 200-300M?. Further, the response and recovery time of the porous MgFe2O4 pellets to humidity is in the range of few seconds only. Further, the porous MgFe2O4 pellets can be used for humidity sensing for more than 12 months. Due to resistance stability even after long-term exposure in humidity, the porous MgFe2O4 pellets do not require flash heating.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor for detecting the presence of a substance includes a plurality of upstanding conductive pillars arranged within a first layer of the sensor, a first electrode connected to a first group of the pillars, a second electrode connected to a second, different group of the pillars, and a dielectric material arranged adjacent the pillars, for altering the capacitance of the sensor in response to the presence of said substance.

Abstract: Present invention concerns generally to a sensor or a sensor system for detecting spilling of aqueous liquids, for instance in confined spaces were such is critical such in an airplane. The system of present invention is an early warning system or sentinel for the prevention of corrosion by corrosive liquids. Corrosion caused by corrosive liquids can rapidly change the surface properties of components in engineering structures, and that will finally endanger the functionality of structural parts. However, if monitoring technologies are in place providing continuous information on the presence of corrosive liquids, corrosion treatment and even corrosion prevention can start at a very early stage. Present invention provides such by early detection of corrosive liquids by extended sensors based on the collapse of percolation conductivity (COPC).

Abstract: An electrical device for detecting moisture has a detection cable (10a, 10b, 10c) made up of a first element (1) and of a second element (2a, 2b, 2c) which elements are elongate and electrically conducting and separated by a polymer-based material (3), and an electrical resistance measurement appliance intended to measure the electrical resistance between the first and second elements of the the cable, where the material (3) is a non-soluble and moisture-sensitive material.

Abstract: A sensor system that measures at least one parameter of water includes an electronics subsystem and includes a sensor housing electrically and mechanically coupled to the electronics subsystem. The sensor housing encloses a chamber that receives water via at least one inlet and that releases water via at least one outlet. At least one sensor has at least one electrode exposed to water in the chamber. A flow generator causes water to flow through the chamber. A plurality of objects within the chamber move in response to the water flow and abrasively clean the at least one electrode. Preferably, the sensor system includes a chlorine sensor having at least two electrodes. The electronics subsystem applies a first differential voltage between the two electrodes during a measurement interval and then applies a second differential voltage between the two electrodes during an interval following the measurement interval.

Abstract: Equipment for indicating a bed-wetting in a bed comprising a bed-wetter sheet and a measuring- and control system. A measuring circuit is furnished to test whether the electrode in the bed-wetter sheet are intact, and afterwards to measure the conductivity in the normal state between the two from each other electrically isolated electrodes whereby the conductivity between the two electrodes will fall drastically by a bed-wetting, human fluids containing salt being spread on the sheet, and indicate the bed-wetting. The measuring circuit is furnished to as a part of a routine to enter into a resting state whereby the measurement is performed with a prearranged fixed time interval.

Abstract: A test system for testing a sensor system includes a high-impedance resistor for forming a voltage divider with any corrosion or foreign substance that might be present between a signal conductor and a ground conductor. While a voltage is applied across the voltage divider, the voltage can be measured across the high-impedance resistor for determining whether an undesirable amount of conductance exists between the signal wire and ground. The test system also includes switching means for switching between any number of signal wires of a system undergoing testing.

Abstract: The device that has been invented senses moisture contact of round bales as they are formed in the chamber of a round baler, by supplying voltage to a sensor located on one of the side walls of the baler and reading the voltage on a second sensor located on the opposing side wall of the baler.

Abstract: Disclosed is an integrated circuit comprising a substrate (10) carrying a plurality of circuit elements; a metallization stack (12, 14, 16) interconnecting said circuit elements, said metallization stack comprising a patterned upper metallization layer comprising a first metal portion (20) and a second metal portion (21); a passivation stack (24, 26, 28) covering the metallization stack; a gas sensor including a sensing material portion (32, 74) on the passivation stack; a first conductive portion (38) extending through the passivation stack connecting a first region of the sensing material portion to the first metal portion; and a second conductive portion (40) extending through the passivation stack connecting a second region of the sensing material portion to the second metal portion. A method of manufacturing such an IC is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transmitting a measurement variable that is detected by a measuring unit and transmitted via a data transmission channel to a main control unit of a domestic appliance that is isolated from the measuring unit is disclosed. The measurement control unit is coupled to the main control unit via a data transmission channel through which a measurement variable detectable by the measuring unit can be transmitted to the main control unit. The data transmission channel is a line having a protective impedance.

Abstract: Electronic devices may be accidentally exposed to liquid during operation. To detect liquid intrusion events, an electronic device may be provided with one or more electronic liquid contact sensors. The liquid contact sensors may have electrodes. Control circuitry may make measurements across the electrodes such as resistance and capacitance measurements to detect the presence of liquid. Liquid contact sensor data may be maintained in a log within storage in the electronic device. The liquid contact sensor data can be used to display information for a user of the electronic device or can be loaded onto external equipment for analysis. Liquid contact sensor electrodes may be formed from metal traces on substrates such as printed circuits, from contacts in a connector, from contacts on an integrated circuit, or from other conductive electrode structures.

Abstract: A method for detecting a defect of a barrier film includes preparing a device including an electrode and a barrier film covering the electrode, allowing a charged medium to contact a surface of the barrier film, and measuring a change in a flow of current between the charged medium and the electrode.

Abstract: An electrical circuit confirming to the IEC 61158-2 standard comprising a power supply, a device as a load thereof, and monitoring means adapted to monitor one or more physical layer attributes of the electrical circuit, in which the device comprises an enclosure, device function electronics disposed therein and two terminals connecting said device function electronics to said electrical circuit, in which water detection means is disposed inside said enclosure, and comprises water detection probes and a physical layer attribute modifier mounted across said electrical circuit in parallel with said device function electronics, and in which when said water detection probes detect water said physical layer attribute modifier makes a modification to a physical layer attribute of the electrical circuit, which modification is detectable by said monitoring means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring circuit comprising a control block for controlling said circuit, a time base for providing a clock signal (fclk) in order to time said circuit, a sensor block which is designed to provide an output signal, said measuring circuit comprising in addition a first counting block which is timed to the clock frequency and a second counting block which is timed by the frequency of the output signal of the sensor block.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention is a liquid sensor having a galvanically energizable power source capable of activating a remotely detectable signal in response to liquid. In a preferred embodiment, a liquid sensor includes a plurality of electrodes, a circuit, and a transmitter thereon. The electrodes are coupled to generate electrical power when in contact with liquid. The circuit is electrically connected to the electrodes so as to be activated by the electrical power, detect an electrical parameter of the electrical power, and generate a plurality of data packets indicating a degree of wetness corresponding to the detected electrical parameter. The transmitter is electrically coupled to the circuit to receive the plurality of data packets and transmit representations of the plurality of data packets as electromagnetic signals. Other aspects include a liquid absorbent wetness sensor and a computer-based wetness monitoring system, and method of detecting liquid.

Abstract: A water content detection sensor includes a circuit member in which low resistance conductors disposed in parallel to each other and a high resistance conductor connecting end portions of the respective low resistance conductors, a carrier body having a water-proof property and an insulating property, and a coating body having a water-proof property and an insulating property, the circuit portion being disposed between the carrier body and the coating body. A plurality of exposure holes is provided which expose the low resistance conductors at plural portions. When water content adheres between the exposure holes and the low resistance conductors are then short-circuited and a current value is made larger than that before the adhesion of the water content. When a small current passes, it is judged that the circuit is normal, and on the other hand, a large current passes, it is judged that water is generated.

Abstract: Two different conversion modes are used for determining the water hardness from the conductivity of raw water in a water softening device dividing an influent raw water volume flow into two partial volume flows and subjecting a partial volume flow to a full softening process and re-uniting the two partial volume flows thereafter again into an admixed water volume flow. A first calibration curve reflects the maximum water hardnesses occurring at different conductivities; it is used for automatically controlling the regeneration of an ion exchange resin. A second calibration curve reflects the average water hardnesses at different conductivities; it is used for controlling the ratios of the two partial volume flows in the admixed water. With the invention, variations in the correlations between conductivity and water hardness may be taken into account in order to optimize regeneration and to minimize the hardness tolerances of admixed water.

Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a substrate, an insulating film provided on a surface of the substrate, and a sensing film formed of a conductive material deposited on top of the insulating film. The sensing film defines at least one conductive path between a first position and a second position on the insulating film. A first circuit connection is electrically connected to the sensing film at the first position on the insulating layer, and a second circuit connection is electrically connected to the sensing film at the second position. A control circuit is operatively connected to the first circuit connection and the second circuit connection for measuring an electrical resistance of the sensing film. The sensing film has a thickness that enables a resistivity of the sensing film to be altered predictably in a manner that is dependent on ambient moisture content.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to absorbent articles and signaling devices for use therewith. The signaling device includes one or more non-invasive sensors configured to detect the presence of a substance, such as a body fluid, in the absorbent article. The signaling device can provide an audible and/or visible alert to the user of the absorbent article when it detects the presence of a substance. The absorbent article includes one or more identifiable characteristics the presence of which permits operation of the signaling device. In this manner, the present disclosure provides for product and signaling device matching for use.

Abstract: A sensor device has a ceramic carrier substrate. At least two conductor tracks are arranged on the carrier substrate. The sensor device has at least one ceramic component that is in the form of a chip and is connected to the conductor tracks in an electrically conductive manner. The at least one ceramic component is mechanically connected to the conductor tracks by means of a screen printing paste which has been burnt in.