Abstract: A method for detecting an unsaturated compound, the method comprising monitoring change in electrical properties of a substance that reacts or interacts with unsaturated compounds.

Abstract: A sensor which encompasses at least one sensing element for recording at least one measured quantity. The sensor also has one sensor body for holding the sensing element. The sensing element has at least one connecting lead. The sensor has a modular design and includes a contacting module, whose design is separate from that of the sensor body, for electrically contacting the sensing element. The contacting module has at least one connecting element and at least one connector contact pin, the connector contact pin being surrounded in at least one connection region by the connecting element. The connector contact pin is electrically connected to the connecting lead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heatable gas sensor for gases containing reducing substances, comprising a gas-sensitive porous metal oxide and electrical elements spaced apart from one another both for heating the metal oxide and for measuring a conductivity of the metal oxide, wherein each electrical element is spatially embedded in the metal oxide. The invention further relates to a method for producing the gas sensor.

Abstract: A sensing system comprises a material having a matrix structure in which a plurality of sensing elements are embedded, the sensing elements having electron distribution and/or transport properties that change in response to a change in a physical or chemical property of the material. The sensing system further comprises a receiver, including an antenna, the receiver arranged to receive a source RF signal and a returned RF signal, the returned RF signal being received from the material. A change in the electron distribution and/or transport properties of the sensing elements cause the source RF signal to change, such that a change in a property of the material can be determined from the returned RF signal. A corresponding method of sensing a change in a property of a material is also provided.

Abstract: Among other things, from a wireless device, a command is transmitted to wearable monitors within range of the wireless device to update their states to a non disinfected state of the hands of users of the wearable monitors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a humidity sensor comprising a sensor element, a molding, which preferably consists of a thermoplastic material or a two-component polyurethane, epoxy or silicone casting and which is adapted to adhere to the sensor element, a dead-space volume, which is arranged in connection with the sensor element and which is covered by a membrane. The membrane is attached to an external surface of the molding and is adapted to protect the sensor element from exposure to ambient moisture and dirt and allowing diffusion of ambient air gas molecules, like water vapor, into the dead-space volume. The dead-space volume is less than 100 mm3.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrical and/or optical temperature detector/indicator based on conductive polymers, said detector/indicator being suitably used in such packages for products, the temperature changes of which need to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising first and second sensors formed by chemically sensitive resistors, wherein the first sensor comprises a region of aligned conductive material; or where each of the sensors comprises alternating regions of nonconductive regions and aligned conductive regions with each resistor providing an electrical path through both the nonconductive region and the aligned conductive region, while each sensor manifests a different electrical resistance during contact with sample fluids having different analyte concentrations via the monitoring arrangement of having the sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. The aligned conductive particle material is aligned by exposure to either of an electric, magnetic, optical, photo-electric, electromagnetic or mechanical field, which serves to improve signal to noise ratio of vapor sensors allowing Lower Detection Limits for vapors being sensed.

Abstract: A PTC element comprising a PTC element body containing a polymer matrix and conductive particles, a pair of electrodes in contact with the PTC element body, and a protective layer composed of a cured epoxy resin composition containing an epoxy resin and a thiol-based curing agent, and covering the PTC element body so as to seal the PTC element body.

Abstract: Gallium oxide films for sensing gas comprise Ga2O3 and have a porosity of at least about 30%. Such films can be formed by coating a substrate with a solution comprising: a gallium salt and a porogen comprising an organic compound comprising a hydrophilic chain and a hydrophobic chain; and heating the substrate to a temperature in the range from about 400° C. to about 600° C. while exposing the substrate to an oxygen-containing source to convert the gallium salt to a gallium oxide.

Abstract: An ablating device is used to form a pattern into a sensing element pad of a soot sensor, with the pattern establishing two finger paths without electrical connection between them. The pattern can be formed through a protective layer on the sensing element pad before the sensing element pad is fired.

Abstract: A method of selectively enhancing the sensitivity of a metal oxide sensor includes fabricating a ZnO sensor having a ZnO sensor element therein; and exposing the ZnO sensor element to a plasma stream.

Abstract: A resistance-type gas sensor includes a gas detection section including an oxide semiconductor layer. The oxide semiconductor layer includes cerium ions and zirconium ions. An amount of substance of zirconium ions relative to a sum of amounts of substance of cerium ions and zirconium ions contained in the oxide semiconductor layer is no less than about 45% and no more than about 60%, and the oxide semiconductor layer has a crystal phase containing about 80 vol % or more of cubic crystals.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising first and second sensors formed by chemically sensitive resitors, wherein the first sensor comprises a region of aligned conductive material; or where each of the sensors comprises alternating regions of nonconductive regions and aligned conductive regions with each resistor providing an electrical path through both the nonconductive region and the aligned conductive region, while each sensor manifests a different electrical resistance during contact with sample fluids having different analyte concentrations via the monitoring arrangement of having the sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. The aligned conductive particle material is aligned by exposure to either of an electric, magnetic, optical, photo-electric, electromagnetic or mechanical field, which serves to improve signal to noise ratio of vapor sensors allowing Lower Detection Limits for vapors being sensed.

Abstract: Gallium oxide films for sensing gas comprise Ga2O3 and have a porosity of at least about 30%. Such films can be formed by coating a substrate with a solution comprising: a gallium salt and a porogen comprising an organic compound comprising a hydrophilic chain and a hydrophobic chain; and heating the substrate to a temperature in the range from about 400° C. to about 600° C. while exposing the substrate to an oxygen-containing source to convert the gallium salt to a gallium oxide.

Abstract: Chemical sensors for detecting analytes in a fluid is disclosed. The chemical sensors include chemically sensitive resistors that utilize carbon nanotubes as a chemically sensitive element. The disclosed sensors additionally utilize polymers which selectively alter or inhibit the chemical sensitivity of the carbon nanotubes. Methods of preparing the sensors as well as methods of their use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrogen detecting system is characterized by a passive surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensor. The sensor includes a piezoelectric substrate having a self assembled monolayer arranged on at least a portion of the substrate to create a hydrophobic surface. A palladium nanocluster thin film is deposited on the monolayer and an interdigital SAW transducer is disposed upon the piezoelectric substrate for conversion of an RF signal into an acoustic wave and vice versa. At least one additional SAW element is also disposed on the substrate and spaced from the SAW transducer. The SAW element receives a signal from the SAW transducer and produces a response signal. The response signal is modified by the palladium nanocluster film due to a change in conductivity of the palladium nanocluster film upon exposure to hydrogen. This change in the response signal is measured by an interrogator, and yields a measure of the hydrogen concentration to which the sensor was exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a resistance-type oxygen sensor, and an oxygen sensor device and an air/fuel ratio control system using same. The present invention relates to a resistance-type oxygen sensor with suppressed temperature dependence, wherein: (1) a gas detection unit composed of an oxide semiconductor with a resistance value varying according to temperature and the oxygen partial pressure of atmospheric gas and a temperature compensation unit composed of a conductor with suppressed dependence of a resistance value on oxygen partial pressure are connected in series; (2) the temperature compensation unit is composed of an oxygen ion conductor; and (3) an electrode for electric contact with the temperature compensation unit is exposed to the atmospheric gas and is a porous body; an oxygen sensor device and an air/fuel ratio control system.

Abstract: A protective coating for a surface comprising a layer permeable to hydrogen, said coating being deposited on a catalyst layer; wherein the catalytic activity of the catalyst layer is preserved.

Abstract: A system having a heat source, a component coupled to the heat source, and at least one thermistor coupled to the component and adapted to monitor temperature of the component, wherein the thermistor has a core-shell microstructure having a shell disposed about a core, the core comprising Cr2O3 and the shell comprising a rare earth element compound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising first and second sensors formed by chemically sensitive resitors, wherein the first sensor comprises a region of aligned conductive material; or where each of the sensors comprises alternating regions of nonconductive regions and aligned conductive regions with each resistor providing an electrical path through both the nonconductive region and the aligned conductive region, while each sensor manifests a different electrical resistance during contact with sample fluids having different analyte concentrations via the monitoring arrangement of having the sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. The aligned conductive particle material is aligned by exposure to either of an electric, magnetic, optical, photo-electric, electromagnetic or mechanical field, which serves to improve signal to noise ratio of vapor sensors allowing Lower Detection Limits for vapors being sensed.

Abstract: Semiconductor gas sensors with improved selectivity to target gases are provided by having a semiconductor gas-sensing layer and a layer thereon of microporous ceramic oxide having catalytic activity.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide (CO) detection unit incorporates a sensor which is a film or layer of NixCo1-xOy where x is from 0.1 to 0.9, e.g., spinel. The CO is detected by measuring the change in the electrical properties of the sensor. The detector can measure CO concentrations below 100 ppm and is capable of operating at room temperature and can be applied to domestic, industrial, medical and vehicular use.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide (CO) detection unit incorporates a sensor which is a film or layer of NixCo1-xOy where x is from 0.1 to 0.9, e.g., spinel. The CO is detected by measuring the change in the electrical properties of the sensor. The detector can measure CO concentrations below 100 ppm and is capable of operating at room temperature and can be applied to domestic, industrial, medical and vehicular use.

Abstract: The operating temperature of a gas sensor capable of sensing a gas or a gas composition at a high temperature, for example 1000° C. is maintained constant over the entire volume of a gas sensor layer or function layer (4) secured to a sensor carrier section of the gas sensor by supplying heat to the gas sensor layer (4) in such a way that varying heat dissipations in the sensor carrier section are compensated. For this purpose, an electrical heater for heating the gas sensor layer (4) has individual heater sections with different heating resistance values which depend on a spacing between any individual heater section and the tip of the sensor carrier section.

Abstract: The system comprises at least one electronic sensor for detecting the presence of moisture. The system further comprises at least one reading device for obtaining information from the sensor about the presence of moisture. The sensor comprises a resonant circuit which is at least partly formed from a moisture sensitive material, the electrical resistance of which increases when the material comes into contact with moisture. The reading device comprises transmitter-receiver means for generating an elecromagnetic interrogation field.

Abstract: A humidity sensor comprising an insulating substrate, a detection electrodes and a moisture-sensitive layer, wherein the moisture-sensitive layer is a porous layer and has a thickness not greater than 200 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A molecular recognition sensor system for detecting the presence and concentration of an analyte including a resistive sensor having a semiconductive polymer film which swells when exposed to an analyte and interferents and a molecular imprinted resistive sensor having a semiconductive polymer film imprinted with the analyte which thereby swells when exposed to interferents, a circuit connected to the resistive sensor and the molecular imprinted resistive sensor for detecting a change in the resistance of the resistive sensor when exposed to the analyte and the interferents, the change in the resistance of the molecular imprinted resistive sensor when exposed to the analyte and interferents, and for subtracting the change in resistance of the molecular imprinted resistive sensor from the change in resistance of the resistive sensor to reduce the effect of any interferents on the change in resistance of the resistive sensor thereby determining the presence and concentration of the analyte.

Abstract: Microfabricated heaters for microfluidic devices for lab-on-a-chip applications comprising channels using deposited conductors such as sputtered metal, alloys, polymers and composites thereof; or conductors prepared by ion implantation, and methods for fabricating same are disclosed. Rapid heating to temperatures above 360° C. and rapid cooling is possible using these microheaters. Repeated heating does not lead to the microheater devices weakening or burning out. Preferred embodiments include application of spin-on-glass on the microheater surface.

Abstract: A carbon monoxide (CO) detection unit incorporates a sensor which is a film or layer of NixCo1−xOy where x is from 0.1 to 0.9, e.g., spinel. The CO is detected by measuring the change in the electrical properties of the sensor. The detector can measure CO concentrations below 100 ppm and is capable of operating at room temperature and can be applied to domestic, industrial, medical and vehicular use.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the filling of a bag (10) comprises a resistor element to be mounted on the outside surface of the bag, the resistor element being a flexible potentiometer (20), the resistance whereof being changed by bending of the potentiometer due to increasing bulging of the bag wall under continuing filling of the bag. The flexible potentiometer can be connected to an alarm device (24) reacting at a predetermined resistance value of the resistor element.

Abstract: A gas sensor for detection of oxidizing and reducing gases, including O2, CO2, CO, and H2, monitors the partial pressure of a gas to be detected by measuring the temperature rise of an oxide-thin-film-coated metallic line in response to an applied electrical current. For a fixed input power, the temperature rise of the metallic line is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity of the oxide coating. The oxide coating contains multi-valent cation species that change their valence, and hence the oxygen stoichiometry of the coating, in response to changes in the partial pressure of the detected gas. Since the thermal conductivity of the coating is dependent on its oxygen stoichiometry, the temperature rise of the metallic line depends on the partial pressure of the detected gas. Nanocrystalline (<100 nm grain size) oxide coatings yield faster sensor response times than conventional larger-grained coatings due to faster oxygen diffusion along grain boundaries rather than through grain interiors.

Abstract: An air side cover is attached to a proximal end of a housing so as to confine an aerial atmosphere therein. A measured gas side cover is attached to a distal end of the housing so as to confine a measured gas atmosphere therein. A glass sealing material airtightly seals a clearance between an inner surface of an insulator and an outer surface of a sensing element. A contact interface of the glass sealing material protrudes toward a proximal end of the gas sensor compared with at least an adjacent portion of the remainder of the glass sealing material. By melting and hardening a glass pellet, the sensing element is airtightly fixed in the insulator.

Abstract: An electronic system for selectively detecting and identifying a plurality of chemical species, which comprises an array of nanostructure sensing devices, is disclosed. Within the array, there are at least two different selectivities for sensing among the nanostructure sensing devices. Methods for fabricating the electronic system are also disclosed. The methods involve modifiying nanostructures within the devices to have different selectivity for sensing chemical species. Modification can involve chemical, electrochemical, and self-limiting point defect reactions. Reactants for these reactions can be supplied using a bath method or a chemical jet method. Methods for using the arrays of nanostructure sensing devices to detect and identify a plurality of chemical species are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a PCB with buried or embedded resistors and a method for manufacturing the same. The PCB comprises: a resinous, electrically insulating substrate; a circuit pattern formed on the substrate; at least a pair of spaced resistor terminations, formed in a certain pattern on the substrate, each comprising a metal pad covered with a conductive protective layer; a thin-film resistor formed between the resistor terminations with electrical connection thereto; and an over-coating layer formed of one-part ink, covering the resistor and the resistor terminations. To be provided with a desired resistance, optionally, the resistor may be grooved by laser trimming. The PCB can have a desired resistor resistance which is uniform without being affected by environmental factors.

Abstract: A base is provided with a concave and three leads, and the central lead is bent to the side opposite to the concave, and the other leads are bent to the side of the concave. A central electrode of a sensor element is attached to the central lead and the bottom of the concave and a coil serving as both a heater and an electrode is attached to the other leads to support the sensor element on a small base at four points.

Abstract: A hydrogen sensor employs a hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer that is applied to a carrier substrate. The hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer includes a first and second semiconductor layers that consist of strontium titanate so as to compensate for temperature fluctuations in the hydrogen-sensitive semiconductor layer. The first and second semiconductor layers include a respective and different electrical conductivity.

Abstract: Novel multilaminated nano-engineered devices and methods of forming multi-layer devices that exhibit quantum-confinement effects are disclosed. Benefits of multi-layer sensing, piezoelectric, photonic, biomedical, and thermal devices based on nanomaterials are disclosed. Quantum-confined device layer thickness can be in the range of 1 nm to 10 cm, a preferred thickness being less than 10 microns, and a most preferred thickness being less than 1 micron. Devices can be built using chalcogenides, oxides, nitrides, borides, phosphides, halides, silicates, hydrides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and other complex compositions. Sensors for monitoring environmental variables such as chemical composition are disclosed. These low-cost sensors comprise multiple layers in a laminated stack. Very high numbers of sensing layers (e.g., 500) may be incorporated into a single laminated sensor device. The sensors may be produced from nanostructured materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sensor array for detecting an analyte in a fluid, comprising first and second sensors formed by chemically sensitive resitors, wherein the first sensor comprises a region of aligned conductive material; or where each of the sensors comprises alternating regions of nonconductive regions and aligned conductive regions with each resistor providing an electrical path through both the nonconductive region and the aligned conductive region, while each sensor manifests a different electrical resistance during contact with sample fluids having different analyte concentrations via the monitoring arrangement of having the sensors electrically connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. The aligned conductive particle material is aligned by exposure to either of an electric, magnetic, optical, photo-electric, electromagnetic or mechanical field, which serves to improve signal to noise ratio of vapor sensors allowing Lower Detection Limits for vapors being sensed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a PTC thermistor element low in electric resistance at room temperature and suitable for monolithic incorporation with an integrated circuit. According to the present invention, the PTC thermistor film is subjected to rapid heating by heat irradiation in the annealing step. An n-type semiconductor is interposed between the electrodes and the PTC thermistor film, and a PTC thermistor film is also interposed between the n-type semiconductor and the electrode. Further, a plurality of such thermistor elements are parallel-connected to each other, and at least one of them is connected opposite to the other elements.

Abstract: A robust single-chip hydrogen sensor and a method for fabricating such a sensor. By adding an adhesion-promoting layer between the body of a sensor and an on-chip hydrogen-exposed electrically-resistive hydrogen-sensing element, device yields are improved when compared to directly applying the electrically-resistive hydrogen-sensing elements to the sensor body. The resistance of the sensing element is indicative of the hydrogen in the medium surrounding the sensor. According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the adhesion-promoting layer is a chromium (Cr) adhesion layer, and the hydrogen-exposed electrically resistive hydrogen sensing element is a PdNi alloy.

Abstract: A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e.g., platinum and platinum/palladium blends.

Abstract: A sensor for determining an oxygen content in an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine includes a receptacle, arranged in a longitudinal bore of a metal housing, for a sensing element. The sensing element is received in the receptacle in a gas-tight fashion via a sensing element seal, which includes a glass seal. The receptacle has a measured-gas-side ceramic shaped element and a connector-side ceramic shaped element, which are arranged axially one behind the other. A cavity into which the glass seal is pressed while hot is configured between the two ceramic shaped elements.

Abstract: A heater pattern for a heater of a gas sensor in which a temperature profile is manipulated utilizes a thermistor element arranged in an electrically serial configuration and disposed on a substrate. The thermistor element is arranged so as to define an edge pattern extending about a perimeter of the substrate and a center pattern serially connected to the edge pattern. The center pattern extends over a portion of the substrate that is intermediate the perimeter of the substrate. In a preferred embodiment, the thermistor element is screen printed onto the substrate to a thickness of about 5 microns to about 50 microns, and preferably to a thickness of about 10 microns to about 40 microns. The edge and center patterns are furthermore preferably formed of materials having differing coefficients of thermal resistivity, e.g., platinum and platinum/palladium blends.

Abstract: A sheath liquid supplying apparatus includes a syringe including a piston and a cylinder slidably accommodating the piston and a stepping motor for causing the piston to slide in the cylinder, wherein the cylinder has an injection/suction hole of a sheath liquid positioned at a distal end thereof and a gas introducing hole positioned at a side wall thereof for introducing gas into the cylinder.

Abstract: A measuring sensor, in particular, for determining the oxygen content in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, includes a ceramic molding arranged in a metal housing for the accommodation of a sensor element, in particular, planar, the sensor element being sealed by a seal element made of warm-deformable temperature-resistant material. The molded housing is designed in one piece and has a cylindrically shaped longitudinal hole on the connector side, around the sensor element, and the seal element is compressed between a first compressing element on the measuring-gas side and a second compressing element on the connector side, such that it tightly encloses the sensor element and hermetically seals the sensor element with respect to the molded housing.

Abstract: A gas concentration measuring apparatus is provided which measures the concentration of a given gas using a gas sensor. The gas sensor includes a sensor element producing a gas concentration signal indicative of the concentration of the gas, a heater heating the sensor element, and an insulator disposed between the sensor element and the heater. The apparatus includes a heater control circuit which may provisionally supply electrical power to the heater by applying a Pulse-Width-Modulated signal. The heater control circuit performs a switching operation to supply power to the heater cyclically. The apparatus corrects an error contained in the gas concentration signal arising from a leakage current flowing into the sensor element through the insulator during the switching operation of the heater control circuit.

Abstract: A sensing element, in particular for an electrochemical sensor for determining gas concentrations, having at least one three-dimensional electrode arrangement, applied on a support plate and forming trenches of a depth for measuring changes in capacitance and/or conductivity in a gas-sensitive layer arranged to a height in the trenches, the height of the gas-sensitive layer being less than the depth of the trenches.

Abstract: To manufacture integrated semiconductor devices comprising chemoresistive gas microsensors, a semiconductor material body is first formed, on the semiconductor material body are successively formed, reciprocally superimposed, a sacrificial region of metallic material, formed at the same time and on the same level as metallic connection regions for the sensor, a heater element, electrically and physically separated from the sacrificial region and a gas sensitive element, electrically and physically separated from the heater element; openings are formed laterally with respect to the heater element and to the gas sensitive element, which extend as far as the sacrificial region and through which the sacrificial region is removed at the end of the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A resistor has a resistor body of polycrystalline silicon and electric terminals arranged on and/or in the resistor body. A resistor portion is thus formed between the terminals, which gives the resistor its resistance. The material in the resistor body is doped with for example boron. In order to block unsaturated silicon bonds in grain boundaries to a sufficient extent and thereby give the resistor a good long-time stability, fluorine atoms are added to the material. They are added in such a high concentration that all of the otherwise unsaturated bonds are coupled to fluorine atoms. Further, it is provided in the manufacture of the resistor that the concentration is maintained at the originally high value. When ion implanting dopants and fluorine atoms it can be accomplished by performing an annealing after implanting dopants at a high temperature and then a further annealing operation at a low temperature after the subsequent implantation of fluorine.