Abstract: A glass panel apparatus is provided. The glass panel apparatus includes an outer glass pane comprising a low-e coating on a side facing the inner glass pane, an inner glass pane comprising a low-e coating on a side facing the outer glass pane, a gap between the inner glass pane and the outer glass pane, the gap comprising a vacuum, and a heating element configured to heat the inner glass pane.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring pressure and/or humidity, having at least one sensor for measuring pressure and/or humidity. The sensor has at least one capacitor having at least two electrodes that are arranged in a horizontal direction relative to one another along and on a flexible support material. At least one dielectric layer is arranged between the electrodes. At least one at least partially moisture-permeable and/or moisture-absorbing layer is arranged in some places on a side, facing away from a support material, of the electrode and/or the dielectric layer. The at least one electrode and/or the dielectric layer are arranged transversely between the support material and the moisture layer. In this way, a capacitance is at least partially changed by moisture hitting the dielectric layer, and a processing unit is designed and provided to measure and/or store this change, so as to create a capacitive moisture sensor.

Abstract: A biosensor and a biological detection method are provided. The biosensor includes a substrate, a plurality of first and second electrodes in a strip shape, a material layer and a capture antibody. The substrate has a sampling region and a measuring region connected to the sampling region. The first and second electrodes are disposed on the substrate in the measuring region, and the first and second electrodes are arranged alternately with each other, wherein the first electrodes are connected in parallel with each other, and the second electrodes are connected in parallel with each other.

Abstract: A sensor is configured to measure the carbon dioxide concentration in a gas mixture. The sensor has a dielectric layer arranged between a layer-like first electrode and a layer-like second electrode. The second electrode is a composite electrode that has at least one carbonate and/or one phosphate as first material and at least one metal as second material. This sensor can be manufactured by a method comprising applying a layer-like first electrode to a substrate, applying a dielectric layer to the first electrode, and applying a layer-like second electrode to the dielectric layer. The second electrode is applied as a composite electrode that has at least one carbonate and/or one phosphate as first material and has at least one second material that has an electrical conductivity of more than 10-2 S/m.

Abstract: A housing, an LED system, and an alignment module supported in the housing to mount the LED system in an interior space in the housing, dampen vibration(s) of the LED system in the interior space, and automatically align a focal point of the LED system. Such a lightening system may be applicable for a traffic/rail signal.

Abstract: Modules, systems, and methods for monitoring environmental conditions, such as physical, electromagnetic, thermal, and/or chemical parameters within an environment, over extended periods of time with the use of one or more electromechanical sensing devices that include a sensing device and electronic circuitry for processing an output of the sensing device and generating a output of the module. The sensing device includes a microstructure, for example, a cantilevered beam, and at least one set of contacts configured for contact-mode operation with the microstructure in response to the microstructure deflecting toward or away from the contacts when exposed to the parameter of interest. The microstructure has a stack of layers of dissimilar materials, at least one of which has at least one property that changes as a result of curing of or absorption by the first material when exposed to the parameter.

Abstract: A vehicle air conditioning system has an air filter, a moisture sensor, which is mounted on and/or at the air filter, and an electronic device, which is provided for controlling and/or regulating the air conditioning system of the vehicle. The electronic device is fed a signal, delivered by the moisture sensor. The moisture sensor is arranged upstream with respect to the air filter.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting xanthine oxidase and for reducing uric acid levels using a composition obtained by culturing Lactobacillus rhamnosus in a medium. Also disclosed is a composition including a metabolite of Lactobacillus rhamnosus for reducing uric acid levels in a subject and a method for producing the composition.

Abstract: A humidity sensing portion is mounted in a gap between a first opposite member and a second opposite member. Metal joints and dummy joints are provided in the gap between the first opposite member and the second opposite member, and the two opposite members are fixed to each other through the metal joints and the dummy joints. Since only the metal joints and the dummy joints are present in the gap between the two opposite members, gas to be measured is easily introduced into the humidity sensing portion, and the sensing response to the humidity change is improved.

Abstract: A method of forming an instrumented cutting element comprises forming a free-standing sintered diamond table having at least one chamber in the free-standing sintered diamond table, providing a doped diamond material within the at least one chamber, and attaching a substrate to the free-standing sintered diamond table to form an instrumented cutting element. The instrumented cutting element includes the doped diamond material disposed within the sintered diamond table on the substrate. A method of forming an earth-boring tool comprises attaching at least one instrumented cutting element to a body of an earth-boring tool. The at least one instrumented cutting element has a diamond table bonded to a substrate. The diamond table has at least one sensing element disposed at least partially within the diamond table. The at least one sensing element comprises a doped diamond material.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element includes a dielectric substrate, a nonporous conductive electrode disposed on the dielectric substrate, a permeable conductive electrode having a thickness in a range of from 4 to 10 nanometers and permeable by water vapor, and a detection layer sandwiched between the nonporous conductive electrode and the permeable conductive electrode. The permeable conductive electrode is parallel to the nonporous electrode. Both conductive electrodes have respective conductive leads attached thereto. The detection layer includes a copolymer having monomeric units comprising wherein M represents H, or an alkali metal. A humidity sensor including the humidity sensor element is also disclosed.

Abstract: A moisture sensor includes a first electrode, a layer of porous insulating material including a plurality of pores, a film of dielectric sensing material covering the inner surfaces of the plurality of pores and a second electrode.

Abstract: There is disclosed a capacitive sensor on a passivation layer of a semiconductor circuit such as an ASIC, and a method for manufacturing such sensor. The system and method may comprise: forming a bottom electrode layer and landing pad on a portion of the passivation layer located over active circuitry of the ASIC; forming a gas sensitive layer onto the bottom electrode layer and the landing pad; creating a via through the gas sensitive layer to expose a portion of the landing pad; forming a top electrode layer onto the gas sensitive layer, wherein the top electrode layer completely overlays a surface area of the bottom electrode layer, and wherein the forming process for the top electrode layer deposits a portion of the top electrode layer into the via hole, thereby forming an electrical connection between the top electrode layer and the landing pad.

Abstract: A capacitive transducer (1) comprises a polymer film (2) having a first surface and a second surface, a first electrically conductive layer (3) arranged on the first surface of the polymer film (2), and a second electrically conductive layer (3) arranged on the second surface of the polymer film (2). The polymer film (2) is at least partly made from a material having a molecular weight which is at least 21,000 g/mol. The inventors have surprisingly found that silicone polymer materials with high molecular weights, such as liquid silicone rubbers (LSR) or high temperature vulcanizing (HTV) elastomers, have high electrical breakdown strengths, even though technical data sheets from manufacturers state almost identical electrical breakdown strengths similar to that of RTV-2 elastomers. Using such materials in capacitive transducers allows high electrical fields to be applied to transducers without risking electrical breakdown, thereby increasing performance of transducers.

Abstract: A sensor senses a magnitude of a physical parameter of the sensor's environment. The sensor has first and second electrodes, and a material layer between them. The material has an electrical property, e.g., capacitance or resistance, whose value depends on the magnitude of the physical parameter. The first electrode is formed in a first layer, and the second electrode is formed in a second layer, different from the first layer. The first layer has a trench and an elevation next to the trench. The trench has a bottom wall and a side wall. The material is positioned on the bottom wall and on the side wall and on top of the elevation. The trench accommodates at least a part of the second electrode. The second electrode leaves exposed the material formed on top of the elevation.

Abstract: A method and system for providing an engine for producing mechanical energy through the absorption and evaporation of moisture uses a hygroscopic material in one or more configurations to do mechanical work. The hygroscopic material can include microbial spores, plant cells and cell materials, silk and hydrogel materials that absorb moisture and expand or swell when exposed to high relative humidity environments and shrink or return to nearly their original size or shape when exposed to low relative humidity environments wherein the moisture evaporates and is released. By exposing the hygroscopic material to a cycle of high relative humidity environments and low relative humidity environments, useful work can be done. One or more transmission elements can be used to couple the hygroscopic material to a generator that converts the mechanical energy to, for example, electrical energy.

Abstract: Device (1) for measuring moisture of materials flowing in the shape of dried, liquid or gaseous granulates, or in the shape of powders in at least one duct disposed at least partially along an axis (X-X) through which the material of which the moisture has to be measured flows, comprising: at least one capacitor (Cx) wherein the material of which the moisture has to be measured flows, characterized in that the capacitor (CX) comprises: at least two metallic rings (3) coaxially mounted to said axis X-X and adjacent to an inner wall of the duct through which the material of which the moisture has to be measured flows; at least one dielectric element (5) having: dielectric constant substantially linear with the temperature changing, and thermal expansion lower than ?=27×10?6/° C.

Abstract: Disclosed are a humidity sensor and a fabricating method thereof. The humidity sensor includes a substrate, an anodic aluminum oxide layer formed on the substrate and having a plurality of holes, and electrodes formed on the anodic aluminum oxide layer, in order to improve sensitivity and accuracy of the humidity sensor. Further, the fabricating method of a humidity sensor includes preparing an aluminum substrate, forming an anodic aluminum oxide layer by oxidizing the aluminum substrate, and forming electrodes on the anodic aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: In a method for forming an in-molded capacitive sensing device a plastic film is provided, the plastic film comprising a first side and a second side. A capacitive sensor pattern is disposed on at least a portion of the second side, the capacitive sensor pattern including a region for facilitating electrical contact. A resin layer is printed over a portion of the capacitive sensor pattern such that access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained. A plastic layer is injection molded onto a portion of the resin layer such that the capacitive sensor pattern becomes in-molded between the plastic film and the plastic layer while access to the region for facilitating electrical contact is maintained.

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: Disclosed are a humidity sensor and a fabricating method thereof. The humidity sensor includes a substrate, an anodic aluminum oxide layer formed on the substrate and having a plurality of holes, and electrodes formed on the anodic aluminum oxide layer, in order to improve sensitivity and accuracy of the humidity sensor. Further, the fabricating method of a humidity sensor includes preparing an aluminum substrate, forming an anodic aluminum oxide layer by oxidizing the aluminum substrate, and forming electrodes on the anodic aluminum oxide layer.

Abstract: A two-axis geomagnetic sensor is disclosed. The two-axis geomagnetic sensor includes a first geomagnetic sensor part including a first wafer and a first geomagnetic sensor on a surface of the first wafer; and a second geomagnetic sensor part including a second wafer and a second geomagnetic sensor on a surface of the second wafer. The first and second geomagnetic sensor parts are bonded to each other, in which the first and second geomagnetic sensors positioned in an orthogonal relation to each other. Accordingly, an occupancy area of the geomagnetic sensor can be reduced. Further, the geomagnetic sensor on each axe can have the same magnetic material properties, and alignment deviation cannot be generated.

Abstract: An improved relative humidity sensor apparatus that provides a more accurate measurement of humidity in the presence of water condensation. A series capacitive sensor includes a thin porous platinum top plate, a humidity sensitive polyimide dielectric, and two metal bottom plates on a semiconductor substrate. The two capacitors can be wired in series such that the metal bottom plates form independent, electrically driven connections. The thin top layer can form a top plate. Changes in humidity affect the humidity sensitive dielectric thereby causing changes in the capacitive value. A P-well layer and a P-plus layer can be added at the perimeter of the substrate to create a path for a parasitic capacitance caused by water condensation to connect to one or more connection nodes, thereby preventing erroneous measurements of humidity in the presence of water condensation.

Abstract: A micro-electromechanical device includes a semiconductor body, in which at least one first microstructure and one second microstructure of reference are integrated. The first microstructure and the second microstructure are arranged in the body so as to undergo equal strains as a result of thermal expansions of the body. Furthermore, the first microstructure is provided with movable parts and fixed parts with respect to the body, while the second microstructure has a shape that is substantially symmetrical to the first microstructure but is fixed with respect to the body. By subtracting the changes in electrical characteristics of the second microstructure from those of the first, variations in electrical characteristics of the first microstructure caused by thermal expansion can be compensated for.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor physical quantity sensor including a support substrate, a movable electrode, a fixed electrode is provided. The method includes the steps of: preparing a multi-layered substrate; forming a compression stress layer on a part of a surface of the semiconductor layer; forming a trench in the semiconductor layer; and releasing the movable electrode from the substrate by removing the insulation film. In the step of releasing, the part of the semiconductor layer, on which the compression stress layer is disposed, is cambered by the compression stress toward a direction apart from the substrate.

Abstract: A moisture sensor includes interdigitated first and second electrodes formed in trenches 26. A porous low-k dielectric 20 is provided between the electrodes. The electrodes are of Cu 30 surrounded by a barrier layer 28,32 to protect the Cu from corrosion. TiN may be used as barrier layer 28 and selectively deposited barrier material such as CoWB, MoWB or NiMoP as barrier layer 32.

Abstract: A charge storage device having a capacitance that is variable by alteration of the relative permittivity of the dielectric positioned between conductive electrodes within the device. The device consists of two conductive plates sandwiching a conductive grid, typically embedded within a dielectric material. Charging the grid with a negative or positive potential changes the value of the dielectric constant (the relative permittivity) and thereby changes the capacitance of the device.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a printed circuit board having an insulating substrate on which a circuit section is formed, a pair of electrodes formed on a surface of the insulating substrate to be opposite from each other with a space, and a humidity sensitive layer formed on the insulating substrate to cover the electrodes and the surface of the insulating substrate between the pair of electrodes. The relative permittivity of the humidity sensitive layer changes in response to humidity, and the circuit section performs a signal processing of a capacitance change between the electrodes. Furthermore, the electrodes and the circuit section are electrically connected through a wiring section formed in the insulating substrate.

Abstract: A humidity sensing structure having a cantilever resistor and a method for fabricating the same are disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate having a first surface and a second surface; performing an oxidation process on the first surface and the second surface to form a first oxide layer and a second oxide layer respectively; forming a resistance sensing layer on the first oxide layer; forming a humidity sensing layer on the resistance sensing layer; forming in the substrate a through-hole penetrating the first oxide layer and the second oxide layer; and forming a cantilever in the through-hole such that both the humidity sensing layer and the resistance sensing layer are secured in position on the cantilever. In response to humidity changes, the humidity sensing layer varies in volume and in consequence the resistance sensing layer varies in length, allowing ambient humidity to be measured.

Abstract: A capacitive sensor having a first and a second polymeric conductor are embedded within a non conducting body, wherein the body maintains a fixed separation distance between the first and the second polymeric conductor. The body can include a non conducting web, wherein the web substantially precludes variation in the spacing of the polymeric conductors during use in the intended operating environment.

Abstract: A variable capacitance capacitor has a plurality of variable capacitance elements, using a thin-film dielectric layer whose dielectric constant varies with voltage application, connected in series with one another between the high-frequency signal input and output terminals. The first bias lines belonging to a high-potential side and the second bias lines belonging to a low-potential side, in terms of voltage application, are connected, alternately, to electrodes of the variable capacitance elements connected one another and electrodes in the array of the series-connected variable capacitance elements connected respectively to the input terminal and the output terminal.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a detection portion and a reference portion. The detection portion includes detection electrodes and a moisture sensitive film. The reference portion includes reference electrodes and a moisture permeation film as a capacitance adjusting film. The capacitive humidity sensor detects humidity by converting a capacitance difference between a capacitance of the detection electrodes and a capacitance of the reference electrodes to an electric signal by using a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit. The moisture permeation film reduces offset voltage of the capacitive humidity sensor. Thus, an offset compensation circuit or the like is not required.

Abstract: An absolute humidity sensor for a microwave oven is disclosed. The absolute humidity sensor includes a substrate having a first hole and a second hole in a predetermined region, a membrane formed on the substrate, a humidity sensing element formed on the membrane where the first hole is formed, for detecting humidity exposed to the air, having a variable resistance value depending on the detected humidity, and a temperature compensating element formed on the membrane where the second hole is formed, for compensating for the resistance value of the humidity sensing element.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor comprising a humidity sensitive film made of an organic polymer resin and provided on a conductive substrate serving as a lower electrode, a moisture permeable upper electrode provided on the humidity sensitive film, and a lead wire electrically connected to the upper electrode is characterized in that the area for the junction of the upper electrode and the lead wire is 2.5 mm2 or less and/or 10% or less of the total area of the upper electrode.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a pair of opposed electrodes on a substrate. A humidity-sensitive film covers the electrodes. The electrodes are comb-shaped and interdigitated. Humidity is detected based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes, which changes with changes according to the humidity in the atmosphere. The uniform width of each tooth in the pair of electrodes is L1, and the uniform distance between a tooth of one of the electrodes and a tooth of the other electrode is L2. When L1 is less than 3 micrometers, L2 is 5 micrometers. When L1 is greater than or equal to 3 micrometers, L2 is less than or equal to 5 micrometers.

Abstract: Methods of and systems providing high reliability relative humidity sensors having integrated signal conditioning are described, providing a series capacitive circuit including a humidity-sensitive dielectric, a common top plate and first and second bottom plates associated with a first and second capacitor, respectively. Changes in humidity affect the humidity-sensitive dielectric thereby causing changes in the capacitive value of said series capacitive circuit.

Abstract: A sensor, in particular a humidity sensor, comprises a measuring layer (4), the dielectric properties of which depend on a parameter to be measured, e.g. of the humidity of the environmental air. Electrodes (2, 3) are arranged on a substrate (1) side by side for capacitively measuring the measuring layer (1). A protective layer (8) of a non-oxidizing material, in particular a layer of silicon oxide or gold, is arranged between the electrodes (2, 3) and the measuring layer (4). This layer prevents an oxidation of the electrodes (2, 3) and increases the live time and reliability of the sensor.

Abstract: A sensor unit comprises a mounting base (1) on which an air moisture sensor (3) and an air temperature sensor (4) are disposed. The air moisture sensor (3) is disposed over a bore (5) of the mounting base and covers the bore (5) at least partially. An intensive thermal coupling between the air moisture sensor (3), air temperature sensor (4) and air mixture to be analysed is produced.

Abstract: A humidity sensor has two detection electrodes located on a semiconductor substrate and a humidity sensitive film. The capacitance of the film changes in response to humidity. The sensor includes a reference capacitor and a feedback capacitor. An electrode of each capacitor is located beneath one of the detection electrodes to limit the size of the device.

Abstract: A capacitive moisture sensor includes a semiconductor substrate, which has a hole. A silicon oxide film is located to close the hole. A pair of electrodes is located on the silicon oxide film. Each electrode is in the shape of a comb, and the electrodes mesh with each other. A silicon nitride film is located on the electrodes to cover and protect the electrodes and on the silicon oxide film between the electrodes. A moisture-sensitive film, the dielectric constant of which varies in response to ambient moisture, is located on the silicon nitride film. The thickness of the substrate is substantially zero under the electrodes to eliminate the parasitic capacitance between each electrode and the substrate.

Abstract: An electrical capacitor is discloses which includes a mixture of electrically conductive and non-conductive particles. The particles are intimately mixed so as to provide a random distribution, and the mixture is placed between two parallel conductive plates to which electrical leads are attached and pressure is applied.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular distribution system having central distribution panel for receiving a plurality of services at an input and having a plurality of outputs each connected to an outlet at a remote location. A central region is provided in the central distribution panel having a plurality of module receiving connectors each having a first portion connected to the input and a second portion connected to one of the plurality of outlets. A plurality of modules are each separately connectable to a respective module receiving connector and configured to bridge a selected service from the first portion of the module receiving connector to the second portion of the module receiving connector.

Abstract: A capacitance type humidity detecting sensor has two electrodes which face with each other with a gap interposed therebetween to form a capacitance on a silicon substrate having a silicon oxide film on a surface thereof. A humid-sensitive film is formed so as to cover the two electrodes with a silicon nitride film interposed therebetween to protect the electrodes from water passing through the humid-sensitive film. The capacitance between the two electrodes changes in accordance with ambient humidity of the sensor. A switched capacitor circuit formed in a circuit element portion processes a signal which contains change in the capacitance between the two electrodes.

Abstract: A process for controlling the water content in products stored in an enclosure wherein the process includes measuring at at least one point within the product a value which represents a partial pressure of water vapor at the point within the product when the product is in a state of equilibrium and comparing the measured value with a range of reference values and thereafter modifying the atmosphere within the enclosure if the measured value falls outside a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining specific material characteristics of plastic materials in which the plastic material is disposed between electrodes of a capacitive sensor and the impedance is measured and compared to a reference value, preferably stored in a computer.

Abstract: A sensor for the measurement of moisture in a flow of material, especially loose material such as meal material, grains, granulates and similar materials which are to be pressed to form feed pills in presses. The sensor comprises a tube piece of an electrically conductive material with circular cross-section, and an elongated pole which is of circular cross-section and is disposed with its longitudinal axis concentrically and electrically insulated in the tube piece, and which consists of an electrically conductive material. When the moist material flows between the inside surface of the tube piece and the outer side of the pole, the sensor works with the moist material's conductivity as a condenser for the capacitive detection of the moistness, which can be determined on the basis of the detection.

Abstract: In a wetness sensor for a window of a motor vehicle, a heating resistor arranged in the window and powered by DC current can be connected to a measuring device for measuring an AC impedance of the heating resistor, in particular the capacitive portion thereof. The impedance varies with the amount of wetness and, thereby, serves as a measure of the wetness. A capacitor is used to bring the sensor near resonance for improved sensitivity.

Abstract: An electric circuit substrate apparatus having a micro-processor for a control of a device is comprised of a substrate, an electric circuit arranged on the substrate and including a rectifier, an electrolysis condenser, a detecting device for detecting the voltage of a current outputted from the electrolysis condenser and the micro-processor which is set to stop the control of the device upon receipt of a signal from the detecting device, and an enclosing device for immersing therein the substrate and the electric circuit, except for a portion of electrolysis condenser, in order that the immersed elements are interrupted from the ambient air.

Abstract: A capacitance humidity sensor according to the invention has a film core which is in contact with a pair of conductive layers bonded to opposite faces of the core. The core is made of a polyimide having a dielectric constant which varies substantially linearly with humidity and which includes at least one ether linkage in the dianhydride portion thereof. The polyimide may also include at least one ether linkage in the diamine portion thereof and/or at least one fluorine atom in the diamine, dianhydride or both the diamine and dianhydride portions thereof.

Abstract: A moisture sensitive device includes a polymer capacitive moisture sensitive element and a heater. The polymer capacitive moisture sensitive element is formed by sequentially stacking a lower electrode, a moisture sensitive film made of an organic polymer resin material, and an upper electrode on an insulating substrate. The heater serves to heat the moisture sensitive film to restore the original characteristics thereof.