Abstract: A humidity sensor device includes a substrate and a pair of interdigitated electrodes formed over the substrate.

Abstract: A wearable device and respiration sensing module are provided. The wearable device includes a first respiration sensing module and a second respiration sensing module. The first respiration sensing module is configured to sensing respiration of a user to obtain a first respiration information. The second respiration sensing module is configured to sensing respiration of the user to obtain a second respiration information. The second respiration sensing module includes a substrate, a first electrode, a second electrode and a stretchable conductive element. The first electrode and the second electrode are disposed on a first surface of the substrate. The stretchable conductive element is physically and electrically connected between the first electrode and the second electrode. The respiration of the user is judged according to the first respiration information and the second respiration information.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring apparatus (1) for monitoring pressure of a liquid (4) in a vessel (2) comprises a housing (3) within which an airtight gas chamber (6) is formed. A pressure sensor (8) is located in the housing (3) monitors the pressure of a gas in the gas chamber (6). A conduit (12) having a communicating bore (16) of total length Lt communicates the gas chamber (6) with the vessel (2). As the pressure of the liquid in the vessel (2) increases, a liquid/gas interface meniscus (20) travels along a working length Lw of the communicating bore (16) from the second end (15) thus increasing the pressure in the gas chamber (6) to the pressure of the liquid, which is monitored by the pressure sensor (8). The total length Lt of the conduit (12) is greater than the working length Lw of the conduit (12) to avoid the liquid/gas interface meniscus (20) reaching the first end (14) of the communicating bore (16).

Abstract: A mobile detection appliance and a method for detecting and evaluating a measuring signal that is indicative of the breathing of a sleeping person are used in connection with the observation of sleep-related breathing disorders. Instruments for detecting signals that are indicative of the breathing of a patient are also used. Solutions that enable an especially reliable examination in terms of the occurrence of sleep-related sleeping disorders, especially in the usual surroundings of the person concerned, are provided. The mobile detection appliance includes a sensor device for detecting a nasal flow signal that is indicative of a nasal respiratory gas flow, and/or a respiratory flow signal that is indicative of an oral respiratory gas flow, in addition to an electronic data processing unit that includes a memory device and processes the respiratory flow signals that are indicative of the temporal course of the nasal and oral respiration.

Abstract: A medical ventilator capable of early detecting and recognizing types of pneumonia, a gas recognition chip, and a method for recognizing gas thereof are disclosed. The gas recognition chip of the medical ventilator comprises a sensor array, a sensor interface circuit, a stochastic neural network chip, a memory and a microcontroller. The sensor array receives a plurality of multiple types of gases to produce odor signals corresponding to each type of gas. The sensor interface circuit analyzes the odor signals to produce gas pattern signals corresponding to each type of gas. The stochastic neural network chip amplifies the differences between the gas pattern signals and performs dimensional reduction on the gas pattern signals to aid the analysis. The memory stores training data. The microcontroller performs a mixed gas recognizing algorithm to early detect and recognize the type of the pneumonia according to the gas training data.

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 method and an apparatus are proposed for determining and/or monitoring the quantity and quality of a fluid in which a lowering of the boiling temperature is symptomatic of a deterioration in quality. For this, the filling level and the condition of the fluid—in particular a hygroscopic fluid—are determined successively one after the other by a single sensor of a measuring instrument.

Abstract: An elongate, flexible sensor for sensing an electrically conductive liquid, such as water, has two flexible electrodes extending along the sensor and two flexible sleeves extending therealong and being attached adhesively to each other along the sensor. Each electrode is a ribbon made from a carbon-filled, silicone rubber material. Each sleeve extends around an associated one of the electrodes and is braided from a filamentary, polyester material so as to define multiple apertures enabling such a liquid reaching the sensor to pass through the sleeves so as to cause a short circuit between the electrodes.

Abstract: The invention includes a flat plate exhaust gas sensor having a plurality of layers of glass and steatite immediately surrounding a flat plate sensing element. A ceramic body surrounds each layer of solid-state, sintered glass and steatite and extends from each layer to a protective metal housing. A ceramic plunger presses the layers of glass and steatite. The plunger surrounds electrical connectors to the sensing element to prevent damage to the connector from heat.

Abstract: A bistable switching element is made of a material whose electrical resistance reversibly decreases in response to intercalation by positive ions. Flow of positive ions between the bistable switching element and a positive ion source is controlled by means of an electrical potential applied across a thermal switching element. The material of the thermal switching element generates heat in response to electrical current flow therethrough, which in turn causes the material to undergo a thermal phase transition from a high electrical resistance state to a low electrical resistance state as the temperature increases above a predetermined value. Application of the electrical potential in one direction renders the thermal switching element conductive to pass electron current out of the ion source. This causes positive ions to flow from the source into the bistable switching element and intercalate the same to produce a non-volatile, low resistance logic state.

Abstract: A liquid level sensor for detecting a level of an electrolyte where: a pair of resistance films are formed on an insulating substrate: a plurality of electrodes are intermittently mounted on the resistance films in the longitudinal direction; the resistance films are soaked in the electrolyte in the vertical direction along the longitudinal direction; the liquid surface is detected from the variation of the resistance value of the resistance films caused by the short-circuiting of pairs of the electrodes in the electrolyte. The exposed surface of the resistance film is covered by a moisture-resistance film. The result is that undesirable change of resistance value of the resistance film caused by being moistened can be reliably prevented.

Abstract: A system for indicating level of material in a vessel comprising a probe which includes a plurality of electrically discrete probe elements of electrically conductive construction position within a material vessel in a spaced array extending height-wise of the vessel. Each probe element has electrical characteristics which vary as a function of proximity of material thereto within the vessel. In one embodiment, the probe elements comprise capacitive elements responsive to varying dielectric characteristics as material approaches each element. In another embodiment, having particularly utility in fuel level sensing applications, the probe elements comprise resistance elements responsive to cooling through immersion in fuel for varying voltage drop thereacross. Electonic circuitry is coupled to the several probe elements for detecting material level as a function of electrical characteristics of the probe elements.

Abstract: A level detecting resistor (Rd) is inserted into a liquid (5) and has a length immersed in the liquid. The level detecting resistor (Rd) is supplied a constant current (Id) from a constant current source (1). The voltage drop (Vd) developed across the level detecting resistor (Rd) is supplied to a non-inverting input terminal of a differential input amplifier (OP1, R1-R4). The output (Vo) of the differential input amplifier is then divided by a series-circuit of a temperature compensating resistor (Rc) and a resistor (R5). The divided voltage (Va) across the resistor (R5) is fed back via a voltage follower (OP2) to the non-inverting input terminal of the differential input amplifier.

Abstract: A device provides an electrically settable resistance and comprises first and second electrodes. Each electrode comprises a redox active material. The device further comprises means defining an environment for each electrode such that the average redox state of the electrodes, taken together, remains substantially constant. The environment-defining means includes an electrolyte between the electrodes. The device further comprises a pair of terminals electrically connected to the first electrode at spaced-apart locations, the electrically settable resistance being defined between the pair of terminals and being a function of the oxidation state of the first electrode.

Abstract: A thermoelectric level detector employs an impedance element, at least a portion of which is meandering in configuration in which the resistive path repeatedly traverses the axis thereof, to detect the level of liquid in a tank. The impedance of the element depends on temperature and provides a measure of the liquid level. The pitch of the meander is relatively small in the reserve region of the tank to provide fine resolution in this region.

Abstract: A variable level liquid rheostat having a tubular overflow member between a starting chamber and a tank for controlling the level of electrolyte in the starting chamber. The overflow member has a closed upper end inside the starting chamber and lateral discharge orifices and communicates with the electrolyte in the tank. The overflow member produces a siphoning effect when the electrolyte level in the starting chamber is substantially above the discharge orifices for causing a sudden drop of the level in the starting chamber until the electrolyte level in the starting chamber again reaches the discharge.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, an electrical signal is to be generated corresponding to the pressure to be measured. The pressure transducer is formed by an outer tube in which a measuring cell as well as a liquid line connected to a liquid reservoir are disposed. In order to be able to calibrate the pressure transducer at the respective place of measurement, for example, a blood vessel, the disclosure provides that the open end of the outer tube is closed by a one-way valve through which fluid can only flow out in the direction from the tube. When a slight, specific underpressure is set, the one-way valve closes and the pressure transducer can be calibrated.

Abstract: A variable resistance device having a moveable globule of liquid metal, contained in a channel, and having contact on one side with a resistive surface and on another side with a conductive surface, the resistive surface and conductive surface isolated from each other. The globule is moved by pumping a fluid through the channel, using a bi-directional fluidic pump whose pumping action is caused by selectively heating an adsorbent material. Selective heating is accomplished with a resistive material, dissipating power and controlled electronically.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor comprising, a plurality of pads having a front surface for contacting the chest of a patient, and containing equipment for monitoring a body function of the patient. The monitor has a device connected between a pair of pads for detecting expansion and contraction of the patient's chest.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, a measuring cell is formed by an interior tube open at one end and within a surrounding exterior tube. The interior tube is adapted to contain a gas while a chamber within the exterior tube at the open end of the interior tube can be filled with a pressure transmission liquid via a channel extending within the exterior tube and along the length of the interior tube and leading to the chamber. For a pressure measurement, the liquid in the chamber can communicate directly with a liquid in a liquid vessel, e.g. a blood vessel. In the measuring cell electrodes are arranged for generating an electric signal which corresponds to the gas volume in the measuring cell and thus the liquid pressure in the chamber. The measuring cell is disposed with its open end opposite a lateral opening in the wall of the exterior tube.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, the liquid pressure to be measured is in a liquid container with an inner tube forming a measuring cell arranged in an outer tube, which measuring cell can be filled in part with a liquid and in the remainder with a gas. A conduit that can be filled with the liquid leads away from the measuring cell, which conduit is open on its end facing away from the measuring cell and can be directly connected with the fluid in the liquid container. A transducer for generating an electric magnitude which corresponds to the gas volume in the measuring cell is arranged in the measuring cell. A channel is left free between the outer tube and the inner tube for the passage of the fluid. The inner tube is closed on its end facing away from the measuring end of the pressure transducer.

Abstract: A liquid filled differential pressure transmitter includes a metallic measurement diaphragm within a pressure chamber and a pair of isolation diaphragms sealing the chamber from the process fluid which serve to transmit the applied pressure signals to the measurement diaphragm. The isolation diaphragms bottom against mating back-up surfaces to limit deflection of the diaphragm during overrange pressure conditions. An electrically conductive liquid fills the chamber so that measurable electrical resistances are established through the liquid between the measurement diaphragm and a pair of electrodes adjacent thereto formed on opposite walls of the chamber. As the measurement diaphragm deflects in response to applied pressure signals, the electrical resistance between the diaphragm and each of the electrodes changes providing an output signal which is a function of the applied differential pressure.

Abstract: A pair of ceramic chips, formed of similar metal oxide ceramic materials which are semiconductors at elevated temperature, are connected electrically in series and are arranged for exposure to the hot gaseous combustion by-products produced by an internal combustion engine. The chips are positioned in the exhaust gas conduit by a ceramic insulator having a plurality of longitudinal passages extending therethrough. A plurality of electrical terminal members are received within the rear of the longitudinal passages. Electrical leads extend from the chips to the terminal members through the plurality of passages and support the chips while providing electrical communication between the chips and the electrical terminals. The electrical terminals are adapted for communication to electronic and/or electrical utilization means. One of the pair of chips is processed to exhibit a rapid change in an electrical property responsive to differences in the exhaust gas chemistry and differences in exhaust gas temperature.

Abstract: A closed system couples the inlet and outlet pressures generated by a centrifugal pump to a pair of flexible diaphragms which seal the flow tube in a pressure rebalance system for measuring fluid flow. The system is filled with a conducting fluid which forms certain resistance paths whose resistance varies with diaphragm position. This resistance change is used to generate signals which control the pump motor to the end that the diaphragms maintain a predetermined position and the pump head is equal to the differential pressure.