Abstract: A sensor is provided for testing a porous medium using time-domain reflectometry. The sensor includes an inner conductor, an outer conductor and a ceramic material interposed there-between. The inner conductor runs along a longitudinal axis of the sensor. The outer conductor has a hollow axial interior and is oriented around the inner conductor. The ceramic material is solid, porous, exhibits a known liquid release curve and fills an axial gap between the inner and outer conductors. A dielectric substance can be applied to an exterior surface of the inner conductor to enable the testing of a porous medium which is highly dissipative. The inner conductor can be permeable and have a hollow axial interior. A hydrophobic material can also be interposed between the inner and outer conductors.

Abstract: A moisture monitoring device that measures the dielectric constant of a material to provide an indication of the moisture content of a material. The moisture monitoring device can provide an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of a material (e.g., soil). The moisture monitoring device can include a number of interchangeable decorative to allow a user to customize the appearance of the device. The moisture monitoring device can be used in conjunction with a moisture monitoring system that can be used to control a watering system (e.g., an irrigation system). A method for providing an instantaneous indication of the moisture content of a material is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device of electrodes for measuring water content in foundry sand, an apparatus for measuring water content in foundry sand, and a method and an apparatus for supplying water to a sand mixer. When the prior art device for measuring water content in the foundry sand is disposed in it, the size or shape of the device of the electrodes is limited.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.

Abstract: A novel and useful sensor and sensing system employs a transmission electrode which provides a length of transmission electrode that is greater than the physical length of the sensor, allowing for the effective and accurate determination of the moisture content of a volume of material using high-frequency measurement methods. The construction of the sensor allows the sensor to be directly inserted into the material, without requiring excavation or backfilling of the sensors in the material. The sensor can be employed as part of a sensing system, with one or more sensors preferably being managed by a field node, which in turn, interoperates with a system master node.

Abstract: In summary, the invention proposes to provide two different conversion modes for determining the water hardness on the basis of the conductivity of raw water in a water softening device (1) dividing influent raw water volume flow V(t)raw into two partial volume flows V(t)partial1soft V(t)partial2raw, subjecting a partial volume flow V(t)partial1soft to a full softening process and re-uniting the two partial volume flows thereafter again into an admixed water volume flow V(t)admixed. Conversion using a first calibration curve (F1) is conservative and reflects the maximum water hardnesses occurring at different conductivities; this conversion mode is used for automatically controlling the regeneration of an ion exchange resin (5), with the capacity of the ion exchange resin being known. The conversion using a second calibration curve (F2) is close to reality and reflects the average water hardnesses (i.e.

Abstract: Method for nondestructive and noncontact detection of faults in a test piece, with a transmitter coil arrangement with at least one transmitter coil that transmits periodic electromagnetical AC fields to a test piece, a receiver coil arrangement with at least one receiver coil for detecting a periodic electrical signal having a carrier oscillation whose amplitude and/or phase is modulated by a fault in the test piece. A signal processing unit produces a useful signal from the receiver coil signal, and an evaluation unit evaluates the useful signal to detect a fault in the test piece. A self-test unit undertakes systematic quantitative checking of signal processing functions of the signal processing unit and/or of the transmitter coil arrangement and/or of the receiver coil arrangement and/or upon external request undertakes calibration of the signal processing unit using a calibration standard which replaces the transmitter coil arrangement and/or of the receiver coil arrangement.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method to determine a characteristic of a subsurface formation using a downhole logging tool. A downhole logging tool having the ability to make substantially concurrent disparate measurements on the subsurface formation is provided and substantially concurrent disparate measurements on the formation using the downhole logging tool are made. Those measurements are used to solve a system of equations simultaneously and the solution to the system of equations is used to determine the characteristic of the subsurface formation.

Abstract: A sensor device and a method of making a sensor device. The sensor device includes a coil arrangement including a primary coil and a secondary coil. A conduit that is traversable by a flow in a figure-8 pattern is disposed as a yoke about the coil arrangement such that the coil arrangement is disposed in a vicinity of an intersection of the figure-8 pattern. The conduit includes at least two parts. A parting plane of the two parts is configured so as to enable the coil arrangement to be slip-fit mounted on the conduit before the two parts are joined together.

Abstract: It is possible to detect refrigerant leakage while pinpointing the location where refrigerant leakage is occurring in a refrigerant circuit of a refrigeration system. A fluid sensor (8) is a fluid sensor for detecting refrigerant leakage from a refrigerant circuit (10), wherein the fluid sensor includes a sensor main body (8a) having two electrodes (81, 82) spaced apart, and the fluid sensor (8) is configured such that the fluid sensor (8) is capable of being connected to an impedance measurement device (9) for measuring impedance between the two electrodes (81, 82).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide estimates of soil moisture by measuring the change in electrical conductivity near the surface of the earth using surface-propagated electromagnetic fields. A method is provided for estimating near-surface soil moisture, including measuring signals from an electromagnetic ground wave propagating between one or more receiving element locations, determining a transfer characteristic proportional to an average electrical conductivity between pairs of locations; and determining estimated soil moisture in one or more regions derived from analyzing the determined electrical conductivity between pairs of locations and a predetermined regional relationship between electrical conductivity and soil moisture.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and to a process for the detection and/or quantification of cesium ions Cs+ in solution in a liquid medium. The apparatus of the invention comprises: a) an electrical device comprising two electrodes and a substrate comprising at least one portion made of a semiconductor material, the electrodes being in electrical contact with said semiconductor material; and b) a device for measuring the variation of the conduction current between the two electrodes, and at least one ligand comprising at least one calix[n]arene group bonded by grafting to the semiconductor material of the substrate of the electrical device or to one of the electrodes of the electrical device. The invention finds an application in the field of the detection of cesium ions in particular.

Abstract: A sensing device (10) is provided for sensing whether an electrically-conductive fluid (14) has reached a predetermined level within a container (12). In this device (10), a first electrode (22) is electrically connected to a source (20) and a second electrode (24) is electrically connected to ground. When the electrode gap (26) is filled with the fluid (14), the sensing circuitry causes the electrodes (22, 24) to switch roles as the anode depending upon whether a positive voltage pulse or negative voltage pulse is being received from the source (20).

Abstract: There is provided a sensor for measuring a quantity, such as the salinity, of the soil solution without requiring continuous calibration. The sensor is based on a porous material which automatically fills up and saturates when the soil is rewet and drains when the soil dries out from plant uptake or from air drying, then being filled up with a solution representative of the quantity to be measured in the soil during plant growth.

Abstract: A sensor having integrated electrodes in a single sensor configuration, which is operated by alternating current (AC) including periodic electrical excitation signals of the respective multiple frequencies with the same amplitude for detecting analytes in fluids. The sensor applies a total of an odd number of the identical conductors serving as the respective electrodes, which are positioned equally spaced apart, in order, alignment and parallel with each other. The odd numbered conductors of the total conductors are connected in parallel by a first electrically conducting means serving as a first electrical pole to form a first group of the integrated electrodes. The even numbered conductors are connected in parallel by a second electrically conducting means serving as a second electrical pole to form a second group of the integrated electrodes. The present invention sensor possesses properties of high output, reduced physical size and improved electrical characteristics.

Abstract: A disposable meter for testing the level of total dissolved solids in a water source and a method of testing the concentration of total dissolved solids are herein disclosed. The disposable meter may include a body with at least water resistant properties, a first indicator, the energization of which is indicative of a threshold level measured total dissolved solids, a pair of electrodes wherein energization passing between the pair of electrodes completes a circuit, and circuitry disposed within the body connected to the first indicator and the pair of electrodes. The circuitry may be configured to commence energization to pass between the pair of electrodes, measure the conductivity of the water between the pair of electrodes, and energize the first indicator if the measured conductivity value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: The invention relates to a moisture sensor which comprises a receiving area on its surface for a moisture film, the layer thickness of which is dependent on the relative humidity in the surrounding of the receiving area. The moisture sensor has a signal source which is connected to at least one control electrode at at least one infeed, the electrode abutting the receiving area, for providing a control voltage to the moisture film. The moisture sensor comprises at least one potential sensor which has at least one sensor area, under the receiving area, which is spaced apart from the at least one infeed. The sensor area is electrically insulated from the receiving area by an insulation layer, located between the sensor area and the receiving area, in such a way that an electrical potential can be capacitively detected by means of the potential sensor, the potential being dependent on the layer thickness of the moisture film and the control voltage.

Abstract: Prior to adding detergent or chelant, the conductivity of water in a washing chamber is measured. The maximum concentration of hard water ions that could correspond to the measured conductivity is determined, i.e., it is assumed that all of the conductivity is from calcium and/or magnesium ions in the water even though other ions may in fact be contributing to the measured conductivity. Enough chelating agent is added to the chamber to sequester this maximum concentration of hard water ions and the conductivity is measured again. Using the two conductivity measurements, the actual concentration of hard water ions is determined. A chelant factor based on the actual concentration of hard water ions is then used to determine the amount of chelant to be added for subsequent wash cycles to sequester all of the hard water ions.

Abstract: Method and device for measuring the content of a fluid flow, the fluid containing a combination of at least two of gas, oil and/or water. The method comprising the steps of: —repeatedly measuring the electrical properties of a cross section of the fluid and detecting time sequences identified by low gas content, especially characterized in that a gas bubble is not present, —in said periods of low gas content measuring the density of the fluid in the flow, wherein the density measurements are performed in at least one period of low gas content and the a fluid density is calculated based on the measured densities over said period or periods.

Abstract: The present invention is a nanopore stochastic sensing system comprising modified protein pores for detection and sequencing of oligonucleotides. The system comprises a genetically modified protein pore with a variety of non-covalent bonding recognition sites to significantly slow down the translocation of ssDNA in the pores. The present invention also describes identification and application of DNA fingerprints, which are a sequence of small current modulation events for the determination of the sequence of ssDNA molecules. In separate embodiments the present invention describes a system and a method for the detection of monovalent cations, liquid explosives, water-insoluble compounds, biomolecules and oligonucleotides. The system comprising a wild-type or genetically modified protein pore with or without a molecular adaptor. Analyte samples and mixtures are added along with specially synthesized ionic liquids.

Abstract: A detector system is provided suited for detection of environmental effects. The sensing element is constructed in the form of a grid and is designed in particular for the detection of moisture. Said structure is suited for simple deployment, optionally embedding into concrete, and detection of environmental effects on a large scale such as tunnels, bridges, dams and quays.

Abstract: A sensor system includes a sensor and a control module. The sensor includes an electrically actuated moving member. The sensor is in fluid communication with a reservoir of a separator that separates a first fluid from a fuel. The control module selectively causes current to be supplied to the sensor to actuate the member. The control module measures the current and determines a parameter of the current. The control module identifies one of presence and absence of the first fluid in the reservoir based on the parameter.

Abstract: A circuit configuration for measuring air humidity includes a measuring system which includes an oscillator unit and a signal-processing unit, as well as a frequency-determining impedance, which is determined largely by a parallel connection of a capacitive humidity sensor and a parasitic resistance. The frequency-determining impedance is connected to the oscillator unit, which includes an oscillator having an oscillation frequency that is a function of the frequency-determining impedance. The oscillator unit includes a switchable impedance, which can be connected in addition to the frequency-determining impedance, the oscillator thereby being switchable from a first frequency range to a second frequency range.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are described for detecting moisture on a mattress cover. Conductive leads affixed to the mattress cover are configured in loop patterns, and adjacent conductive loops are positioned equidistant to one another to provide equal sensitivity to moisture at any location on the mattress cover. A quick-release connector allows the conductive leads to be quickly connected to an electrical monitoring circuit. The continuity of each conductive lead is periodically checked using a test signal. Moisture is detected by applying a different voltage level to adjacent conductive leads and measuring the current flowing between the leads. When moisture or a broken conductive lead is detected, an alarm signal is communicated to an attendant. The alarm signal is repeated at periodic intervals until the electrical monitoring circuit detects that the alarm condition has been corrected. The attendant's response time is recorded for future performance evaluations.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring optimum water-quality and informing quality of water 100 measures an amount of impurities of water, keeps to renew an optimum value by a lowest amount of the impurities until the present use, compares the optimum value with the present amount of the impurities measured in the water and informs the result.

Abstract: The present disclosure encompasses the manufacture and use of rapid and inexpensive electrical biosensors comprising microelectrodes in a micro-channel. The devices of the disclosure can be used to detect and quantify target cells, protein biomarkers, and nucleic acid biomarkers, and the like, by measuring instantaneous changes in ionic impedance. The micro-channel devices of the disclosure are also suitable for the detection of target protein and oligonucleotide, and small molecule target biomarkers using protein-functionalized micro-channels for the rapid electrical detection and quantification of any type of target protein biomarker in a sample.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide analyte sensors having optimized elements and/or configurations of elements as well as methods for making and using such sensors. Typical embodiments of the invention include glucose sensors used in the management of diabetes.

Abstract: A measuring device is used to measure the state of a liquid product which is to be measured, in particular oil or fat. Said measuring device comprises a housing, a hollow connecting element which is secured therein and a carrier which is applied to the opposite end of the connecting element, said carrier being used to receive a sensor which can be used to measure the electric property of a product which is to be measured. The sensor is in contact with the measuring unit by means of at least one electric line, which is arranged in the region of the housing and/or with the end of the connecting element oriented towards the housing. The measuring device comprises means which can be used to minimize the falsifying effect of the water content in the product, which is to be measured, on the measuring result.

Abstract: A method of determining the condition of a bulk tissue sample, by: positioning a bulk tissue sample between a pair of induction coils (or antennae); passing a spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) through a first of the induction coils (or antennae); measuring spectrum of alternating current (or voltage) produced in the second of the induction coils (or antennae); and comparing the phase shift between the spectrum of alternating currents (or voltages) in the first and second induction coils (or antennae), thereby determining the condition of the bulk tissue sample.

Abstract: This is a device for analyzing the quantity of organic compounds existing in a liquid, such as ultrapure water, at the outlet from a purification device including in series filter means (1), oxidation means (2) and polishing means (3), further including means for measuring the resistivity of water to determine the purity thereof, characterized in that it includes only one resistivity measuring cell (4) and in that the outlet points of said filter means (1) and said oxidation means (2) are connected to said resistivity measuring cell (4) by pipes provided with an analysis valve (6) and/or check valves (5) selectively enabling circulation of said liquid within them.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed toward sensors and associated methods, including surface condition sensors. For example, in certain embodiments sensor can be configured to sense the surface conditions on a road surface and/or an airport surface. One aspect of the invention is directed wet/dry sensors. Other aspects of the invention are directed toward conductivity sensors. Still other aspects of the invention are directed toward sensor packages that include a combination of active and passive sensor technology. Yet other aspects of the invention are directed toward communication systems and methods associated with various sensors.

Abstract: The moisture content of a foodstuff or other solid matter is determined by reducing the matter to a paste, packing the paste into a vessel equipped with multiple pairs of plate electrodes and one or more temperature sensors, applying an AC voltage across each pair of electrodes, and measuring the impedance of the paste from each pair of electrodes. The multiple impedance measurements are averaged or otherwise processed to obtain a value that is representative of the paste, and that value and the temperature are processed against calibration data to achieve a value of the moisture content of the paste.

Abstract: A water content detection sensor includes a circuit member in which low resistance conductors 1,2 disposed in parallel to each other and a high resistance conductor 3 connecting end portions of the respective low resistance conductors, a carrier body 4 having a water-proof property and an insulating property, and a coating body 5 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 6 are formed to the carrier body or the coating body so as to expose the low resistance conductors at plural portions, and when water content adheres between the exposure holes and the low resistance conductors are then short-circuited in a current conduction state, 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: A sensor for sensing the moisture level in soil and changes in the moisture content. An improved liner improves the response of the sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring resistance of a polarizing material are disclosed. The system includes a voltage divider circuit having a first resistive element of known resistance and the polarizing material of unknown resistance and a processing unit. The processing unit is electrically-coupled to the voltage divider circuit and adapted to apply a voltage across the voltage divider circuit. A first input/output (I/O) pin is electrically-coupled between the processing unit and the first resistive element. A second pin is electrically-coupled between the processing unit and a junction between the polarizing material and the first resistive element. A controller is adapted to cause the second pin to short the polarizing material after a measurement is completed, to bleed off any residual polarization from the capacitive element of the polarizing material.

Abstract: A sensor to detect water moisture in soil or other water permeable materials having a capacitive probe or a transmission line acting as a probe, and electronic circuit. The sensor circuit includes a periodic signal generator to produce a carrier wave, which stimulates the transmission line, through a resistive or reactive coupling element. The resistive element also forms a voltage divider with the transmission line, wherein the output of the voltage divider, is demodulated with a simple AM demodulator, such as a peak detector. This demodulated signal is related to the dielectric constant, and thus the moisture of the material surrounding the transmission line.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.

Abstract: A field device detects the presence of fluid in the terminal block area of the field device by generating an alternating current (AC) test current signal and measuring the amplitude of the resulting AC voltage signal. The field device includes a first terminal and a second terminal adapted for connection to a control room through a twisted-wire pair current loop. Impedance of the current loop is increased by the presence of fluid between the first terminal and the second terminal. By providing an AC test current signal to the control loop and measuring a resulting AC voltage magnitude, the impedance of the control loop can be determined. Increased impedance in the control loop indicates the presence of water in the terminal block.

Abstract: A disposable meter for testing the level of total dissolved solids in a water source and a method of testing the concentration of total dissolved solids are herein disclosed. The disposable meter may include a body with at least water resistant properties, a first indicator, the energization of which is indicative of a threshold level measured total dissolved solids, a pair of electrodes wherein energization passing between the pair of electrodes completes a circuit, and circuitry disposed within the body connected to the first indicator and the pair of electrodes. The circuitry may be configured to commence energization to pass between the pair of electrodes, measure the conductivity of the water between the pair of electrodes, and energize the first indicator if the measured conductivity value exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A system and/or method for sensing the presence of moisture (e.g., rain) and/or other material(s) on a window such as a vehicle window (e.g., vehicle windshield or backlite). In certain example embodiments, a capacitor-based system and/or method is provided for auto-correlating sensor data to determine the existence of a material on the window, and then cross-correlating sensor data to identify the type and/or amount of that material (e.g., rain). This data may be used to actuate and/or deactivate a vehicle's wiper(s), and/or adjust wiper speed. In certain example embodiments, the sensor may include an array of at least two capacitors. In certain example embodiments, the system and/or method may perform check(s) to enhance the accuracy of the detection by comparing, for example, the sign of autocorrelation values, maximum autocorrelation values, and/or gradients of autocorrelation values.

Abstract: A pair of identical humidity sensors (S1) and (S2) are in the same environment, so that they identically react to humidity effects; a sensing circuit includes an operational amplifier (10), its input (15) receiving from the first sensor (Si) a signal changing with humidity according to a logarithmic law, while the second sensor (S2), inserted in the amplifier feedback, reacts to humidity changes in the same way as the first sensor (Si) and consistently modifies the gain. The output signal (V0) is compensated, and has a substantially linear progression with humidity.

Abstract: A method and a device for determining a humidity content of an insulation of a transformer, the insulation having a liquid. At least one dielectric property of the insulation is measured, an uncorrected humidity content of the insulation and a conductivity of a liquid which is included in the insulation is derived from a model of the insulation, said model being chosen depending on the measured dielectric property of the insulation, and the humidity content of the insulation is corrected by means of the conductivity.

Abstract: Temperature measurements of sheet material such as paper can be obtained directly from an analysis of the absorption spectrum of water in the infrared region. The technique is based in part on the recognition that the central wavelength position of a selected moisture peak is dependent upon the sheet temperature; the wavelength position also has a known temperature sensitivity. Thus, once the wavelength position of this moisture peak is ascertained, the moisture temperature of the product being monitored can be calculated. The position of the moisture peak is preferably obtained from the derivative of the peak. By measuring the size of the infrared absorption and the wavelength position of the absorption peak, both the moisture content and the moisture temperature of the sheet material can be determined. The data is used for process control. Tunable laser diodes are particularly suited as the source of infrared radiation for the temperature sensors.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring the moisture and salinity of a material is disclosed herein. The sensor preferably includes a soil moisture circuit, a soil salinity circuit and a probe structure. The soil moisture circuit includes a high frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference capacitor. The soil salinity circuit includes a low frequency oscillator, a voltage meter and a reference resistor. A third voltage meter allows for voltage outputs to be measured to calculate soil moisture and soil salinity values.

Abstract: The present invention includes the use of conducting polymers as sensors in distributed sensing systems, as sensors and operating elements in multifunctional devices, and for conducting-polymer based multifunctional sensing fabrics suitable for monitoring humidity, breath, heart rate, blood (location of wounds), blood pressure, skin temperature, weight and movement, in a wearable, electronic embedded sensor system, as examples. A fabric comprising conducting polyaniline fibers that can be used to distribute energy for resistive heating as well as for sensing the fabric temperature is described as an example of a multifunctional sensing fabric.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for obtaining electrical characteristics and moisture content of dried objects having different shapes and sizes through impedance and electrostatic capacity measurements are provided. Measuring the moisture content of dried objects comprises the steps of: introducing dried objects of different sizes and shapes into a container, inserting four electrode terminals into the container, measuring electrical characteristics between two electrodes based on the dried objects and inputting measurement results into a high impedance voltmeter. An apparatus is provided comprising: a container for accommodating dried objects having different sizes and shapes, four electrode terminals inserted into the container, an AC signal having a predetermined voltage to be applied to the terminals, and a high impedance voltmeter for measuring and receiving electrical characteristics between two terminals based on the dried objects.

Abstract: A method of sensing water within a fuel-water separator assembly disposed within a fuel system of an internal combustion engine is provided. The method includes the steps of: A) monitoring a single selectively activatable sensor within the fuel-water separator assembly to detect the presence of water; B) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than or equal to a first predetermined percentage of time, but less than or equal to a second predetermined percentage of time and providing a first level of warning if true; and C) determining if the sensor is activated for greater than the second predetermined percentage of time and providing a second level of warning if true. An apparatus configured to perform the claimed method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is provided for attachment to an inside of a windshield in a motor vehicle, including at least a sensor element that determines the relative humidity and a printed circuit board that electrically contacts the sensor element, wherein the sensor element is attached to the printed circuit board in the direction of the windshield, and a compensating film that accommodates the curvature of the window is present at least between the sensor element and the windshield, and the compensating film is an adhesive film.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for detecting and responding to foaming of a fluid being heated, and more particularly, for operating a device having a container with fluid therein, wherein a resistance of an electrical path from a probe is measured through the fluid to a ground resistance. In operation, a control probe having a foam detecting conductance microcontroller module shuts off the device based on a predetermined volatility/variability of two or more resistance readings, because such may indicate the presence of foam in the fluid.

Abstract: A leak detection system includes a first water container, a water detection probe disposed in close proximity to the first water container, the probe having a sensing circuit for generating electrical signals when moisture is sensed by the probe, a water input conduit coupled with the first water container for supplying the first water container with water from an external water source, and a water shut-off controller electronically coupled with the detection probe for regulating the supply of water from the eternal source to the first water container in response to the signals generated by the sensing circuit of the probe. The system further includes an electronic shut-off valve, and the electronic controller includes a trigger circuit for converting signals from said probe to signals for operating the shut-off valve.