Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.

Abstract: A dew point hygrometer for determining the dew point of a gas in which a displaceable transparent film is in contact with the gas and forms a condensation surface. The film is placed on a temperature control device controlling its temperature and an optic fiber, emits light on the film and reflected light is detected in another optic fiber, the two optical fibers being positioned at an angle with respect to the film. Condensation formed on the film changes the light transmitted by the film which is periodically displaced so that a new uncontaminated regions are exposed to the light.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to overcome and eliminate the effects of condensation contamination of optical surfaces that are induced by radiative cooling. The invention counteracts the effects of radiative cooling on optical surfaces and maintains an optical system within a very tight limit to the ambient temperature by utilizing a resistive heater element that is in contact with the optical components subject to condensation. In thermal contact with this optical component is a solid-state precision temperature sensor. In addition, there is a matching solid-state precision temperature in thermal contact with the ambient air but thermally isolated from the optical element. Signals from these two sensors are applied to a comparator that functions to generate a data signal when the optical surface temperature is less than the ambient or reference temperature. This data signal is used to activate a solid-state power switch that applies a voltage to a resistive heating element.

Abstract: A freeze detection device that sends a wireless freeze-alert signal when a water freeze condition is detected. The device allows ready installation in areas where traditional freeze detection equipment would require significant effort and expense.

Abstract: A device for determining the boiling point of a hydraulic fluid of a hydraulic system, including an electrical heating element which is situated in the fluid. The electrical heating element acts, in this context, as an actuator of a micropump and is situated in a chamber of same. In addition, a method for determining the boiling point of a fluid of a hydraulic system, using a device having a heating element, in which the fluid is conveyed into a chamber of a micropump with the aid of a heating element, and there it is heated to boiling with the aid of the heating element, after which the boiling point of the fluid is ascertained in the light of the electrical resistance of the heating element.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method of operating any structural configuration of a heater and array of temperature sensors to measure with high accuracy, the level of stratified liquids like water and oil or water and gasoline and non-stratified liquids, liquid temperature, and other liquid properties and detect ice formation on aircraft surfaces. Thin and narrow strips of dissimilar material will be used for the heater, array of temperature sensors, mount, and coating. The connecting wires to and from the apparatus will be from the same material. Simultaneous measurements from all the temperature sensors, before and after heat is applied, will be used to generate accurate temperature profiles for the entire configuration and not just from two adjacent temperature sensors. Different features of the temperature profiles will determine accurately the liquid level, liquid temperature and other liquid properties. Apparatus of the invention may also be used to detect ice formation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a temperature correction method for a thermal analysis apparatus which measures electric current, voltage, and electric resistance of a measurement sample while changing the temperature of the measurement sample set between a pair of electrodes. The paired electrodes are connected by a reference substance, and a weight is set on the reference substance. The temperature at the time when the reference substance is fused and the weight falls cutting the reference substance is measured actually as melting point by a temperature sensor. Based on a difference between the actually measured value and a literature value of the melting point of the reference substance, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor is corrected.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting icing conditions in an airstream includes a flow housing mounted on an aircraft and in which one or more probes are mounted. At least one of the probes subjected to impingement of the airstream and liquid moisture droplets in such airstream. The heat removal, or cooling effect on the probe in the airstream carrying liquid droplets is determined. A temperature signal indicating the airstream temperature is combined with signals from the at least one probe for determining whether or not icing conditions are present.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intensity modulated optical fiber temperature switching immersion probe for remote temperature monitoring and switching of an industrial process. The present invention also provides a method for remote sensing of temperature.

Abstract: A method for determining the relative humidity of a volume V of air having a temperature of 100° C. or greater. The method comprises the steps of measuring the temperature TV of the volume of air and determining from that temperature the saturation vapor pressure psat(V) of the volume of air; collecting from the volume of air a sample volume S of air and cooling it to a temperature TS below 100° C.

Abstract: A dew point hygrometer for determining the dew point of a gas in which a displaceable transparent film is in contact with the gas and forms a condensation surface. The film is placed on a temperature control device controlling its temperature and an optic fiber, emits light on the film and reflected light is detected in another optic fiber, the two optical fibers being positioned at an angle with respect to the film. Condensation formed on the film changes the light transmitted by the film which is periodically displaced so that a new uncontaminated regions are exposed to the light.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: A method and measuring device intended for a window-cleaning system of a motor vehicle, wherein the freezing temperature is determined by continuous cooling of a representative partial volume of the liquid inside a chamber. For this purpose, measurements are made of the temperature while the liquid is cooled, which first drops in accordance with the heat dissipation until the start of the phase change initiating the freezing, and in the process leads the heat of solidification released to a temporary temperature plateau. The freezing temperature can be reliably determined in this way for each chemical composition of the liquid.

Abstract: A cloud point monitoring device which includes thermal conductive surface, cooler, temperature sensor, detection volume, detection wall unit, fiber optic cables for transmitting light, lighter emitter, light detector, and a data acquisition and control unit. The cloud point monitoring device provides an instrument to accurately measure the cloud point of diesel fuel indicate the approximate level of crystallization in diesel fuel that has been chilled beyond its cloud point and indicate the approximate energy content of diesel fuel. The cloud point monitoring device design allows it to be made small enough to be mounted in a fuel system of a vehicle.

Abstract: The method comprises a first stage of transforming carbon precursor material into carbon by heating, with the resulting gaseous effluent being extracted continuously, and a second stage of high temperature heat treatment under low pressure with the resulting gaseous effluent being extracted continuously. The first and second stages are performed one after the other in the same oven by proceeding, after the end of the first stage, with the steps of switching the gaseous effluent outlet from the oven to interrupt a connection with a first extractor device and to establish a connection with a second extractor device, of adjusting the pressure inside the oven to the value required for the second stage, and of adjusting the heating temperature of the oven starting from the temperature reached at the end of the first stage. It is also possible to switch temperature measurement from at least one first sensor to at least one second sensor different from the first.

Abstract: There is provided a temperature control system for a humidity sensor, which is capable of eliminating impurities attached to a sensor element of the sensor efficiently and sufficiently while preventing the sensor element from being cracked due to heat generated by a heater in a state of condensation formed thereon, and suppressing attachment of impurities to the sensor element, thereby making it possible to preserve an excellent detection accuracy of the humidity sensor. The temperature control system controls the temperature of the sensor element of the humidity sensor arranged in an exhaust pipe for detecting humidity within the exhaust pipe. A heater heats the sensor element. The temperature of the sensor element is detected. When the detected temperature of the sensor element is higher than a predetermined temperature, said heater is operated.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring outdoor temperature and humidity includes a box type body which has a flat LCD screen located on one side, and a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor located on the surface thereof. The body includes a control circuit. The temperature sensor and humidity sensor, a temperature and humidity measuring circuit and LCD screen are integrated in one set. The body may be mounted on the exterior of a glass window by means of a fastening section located on the body without assistance of skilled professionals. Thus installation time and costs and wiring expenses may be saved. Outdoor temperature and humidity may be directly known indoors.

Abstract: A fuel freezing point monitoring device to monitor the freezing point of onboard fuel, especially aircraft fuel. The fuel freezing point monitoring device is capable of monitoring the phase transition or fluidity of the fuel to determine the freezing point of the fuel. The fuel freezing point monitoring device eliminates the freezing point assumption of onboard fuel by actually measuring the freezing point of the fuel. The pilot will have knowledge of the approximate freezing point of the composite onboard fuel and will no longer need to assume a conservative fuel freezing point value. Together with the en-route fuel temperature information provided by existing aircraft sensors, the pilot will have the information to ensure a safe flight and to operate the aircraft efficiently.

Abstract: A capacitance type humidity sensor is composed of a substrate, two electrodes, a passivation layer, and a humidity-sensitive layer. The two electrodes are disposed on the substrate and on the same plane, and face each other with spacing therebetween. The passivation layer covers the two electrodes. The humidity-sensitive layer is disposed on the spacing or between the spacing, and the dielectric constant of the humidity-sensitive layer is changed corresponding to humidity. As the spacing is broadened, the hysteresis in the humidity sensor is reduced. Especially, when the spacing is twice or more larger than the film thickness of the passivation layer, the hysteresis is reduced to be less than 10 % RH in relative humidity.

Abstract: Method to determine a material having characteristics of heat regulation, said material being able to be used in the design of footwear, body suits, head-covers, padding, gloves or other garments which can be associated with parts of the human body. Said method provides to calculate at least the value of heat conductivity (&agr;) of said material able to provide desired conditions of thermophysiological comfort, starting from contour conditions and from at least a value of heat conductivity assumed as initial value, the method providing to use said initial value of conductivity (&agr;0) to calculate the microclimatic conditions to which the part of the body concerned is subject, and to modify with an iterative process said initial value of conductivity (&agr;0) until said microclimatic conditions converge towards a pre-defined condition of thermophysiological comfort.

Abstract: The invention provides methods, apparatus, and systems for performing high-throughput preparation and screening of salts and polymorphs of drug candidates. The invention is directed towards enhancing the pre-formulation discovery process used for drug development. In particular, processes that determine suitable salts and processes that discover substantially every polymorph that can form from a particular drug candidate are provided. The processes are performed using several apparatuses that are specifically configured to carry-out various steps in a high-throughput characterization process. One such apparatus is configured for synthesizing a plurality of library members based on, for example, a library model generated by a computer system. Another apparatus may filter the synthesized solution to provide a substantially pure mixture that can be subjected to salt or polymorph testing.

Abstract: The invention concerns dew point hygrometers based on condensation of dew on ends of optical fibers, or on surfaces of an optical prism. The invention also concerns a dew sensor for determining the natural dew condensation by optical means and a dew sensor capable of detecting dew by detecting a change in capacitance.

Abstract: Improved roadway freezing point monitoring systems and methods include improved sample wells for the accurate measurement of the freezing point of liquid on a roadway, the use of temperature sensors that require only two conductors to receive power and to send and receive digital address and temperature information, improved algorithms for detecting the freeze point of liquid on the roadway, the use of conductivity measurements to verify detected freeze points, and the transmission of temperature information via the Internet to remote computers.

Abstract: The objective of the present invention is an accelerated drying process for wood, capable of use with all species and of maintaining the quality of the dried wood intact, in which the temperature of the system is kept within the glass transition temperature range, for an appropriate period so as to attain the intended humidity ratio of the wood. It relates to an accelerated drying process for wood based on the rheological properties (hygro-thermalviscoelastic) of the latter, where the glass transition temperature of lignin is used as a relaxant or neutralization agent for the residual growth stress of trees, as well as those from the drying process. The process is controlled by monitoring the temperatures of the wood through the use of thermocouples placed along the length of the pieces. Furthermore, the use of the process of the present invention provides a significant reduction in the drying time and a reduction of the defects because molecular fluidity is maintained.

Abstract: A system for detecting the level of fluid in a fluid containing vessel. The system includes a device for applying energy to a selected location on the vessel. A sensor in proximity to the location detects the energy level at the location during first and second intervals. A memory device stores data representative of the energy detected by the sensor at each interval, and a logic circuit compares the amount of energy of the first interval to that of the second. Data corresponding to the level of fluid in the vessel may be displayed locally or signaled to remote data receiving and display devices, as appropriate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system to overcome and eliminate the effects of condensation contamination of optical surfaces that are induced by radiative cooling. The invention counteracts the effects of radiative cooling on optical surfaces and maintains an optical system within a very tight limit to the ambient temperature by utilizing a resistive heater element that is in contact with the optical components subject to condensation. In thermal contact with this optical component is a solid-state precision temperature sensor. In addition, there is a matching solid-state precision temperature in thermal contact with the ambient air but thermally isolated from the optical element. Signals from these two sensors are applied to a comparator that functions to generate a data signal when the optical surface temperature is less than the ambient or reference temperature. This data signal is used to activate a solid-state power switch that applies a voltage to a resistive heating element.

Abstract: The proposed method allows to determine by dielectrometry the variation of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer material used in the presence of fluids (water/organic compound/gas), pure or in admixture. More precisely, the invention is based on the use of dielectric sensors whose geometry is such that they allow to follow, in a sensitive and reproducible way, the frequency and/or temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity characteristics of a polymer material in the presence of fluids without disturbing permeation/desorption of the solute during transient and unsteady states, these dielectric measurements (real and/or imaginary part) being connected with the plasticized state of the material, which determines the performances thereof during use.

Abstract: There is provided a temperature control system for a humidity sensor, which is capable of eliminating impurities attached to a sensor element of the sensor efficiently and sufficiently while preventing the sensor element from being cracked due to heat generated by a heater in a state of condensation formed thereon, and suppressing attachment of impurities to the sensor element, thereby making it possible to preserve an excellent detection accuracy of the humidity sensor. The temperature control system controls the temperature of the sensor element of the humidity sensor arranged in an exhaust pipe for detecting humidity within the exhaust pipe. A heater heats the sensor element. The temperature of the sensor element is detected.

Abstract: A glass transition temperature Tg measurement system includes a probe point penetrating into a sample under test that has been heated by a heater to a temperature where the sample undergoes a phase change from a solid to a semisolid. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature while a motion transducer is used to measure the amount of penetration. The penetration amount sharply increases at the glass transition temperature. A portable unit can be used in the field to test the Tg properties of various composite materials used, for example, in structures including buildings and bridges.

Abstract: A glass transition temperature Tg measurement system includes a probe point penetrating into a sample under test that has been heated by a heater to a temperature where the sample undergoes a phase change from a solid to a semisolid. A thermocouple is used to measure the temperature while a motion transducer is used to measure the amount of penetration. The penetration amount sharply increases at the glass transition temperature. A portable unit can be used in the field to test the Tg properties of various composite materials used, for example, in structures including buildings and bridges.

Abstract: A dew formation occurrence detection apparatus for detecting the dew formation on a drum 4 of a tape transport system provided on the electronic equipment 1 as an object for measurement. The dew formation occurrence detection apparatus includes a drum temperature detection unit 8 for detecting the temperature of the drum 4, an environment air temperature acquisition unit 6 for acquiring the environment air temperature of the electrical equipment 1 and a dew point temperature calculating unit 6 for calculating, from this environment air temperature, the dew point temperature at the humidity which takes the operating environment of the electronic equipment 1 into account. When the temperature of the drum 4 is not higher than this dew point temperature, it is verified that dew formation has occurred.

Abstract: The proposed method allows to determine by dielectrometry the variation of the glass-transition temperature (Tg) of a polymer material used in the presence of fluids (water/organic compound/gas), pure or in admixture. More precisely, the invention is based on the use of dielectric sensors whose geometry is such that they allow to follow, in a sensitive and reproducible way, the frequency and/or temperature dependence of the dielectric permittivity characteristics of a polymer material in the presence of fluids without disturbing permeation/desorption of the solute during transient and unsteady states, these dielectric measurements (real and/or imaginary part) being connected with the plasticized state of the material, which determines the performances thereof during use.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting the presence of a frozen deposition at an interface between a substrate of known thermophysical properties and surroundings of unknown thermophysical properties. The system involves applying a predetermined quantity of heat to a temperature sensor positioned at the interface to cause a thermal perturbation, measuring an output signal of the sensor subsequent to applying the predetermined quantity of heat, and comparing one or more measured values of the output signal to one or more reference output level values to determine the presence or absence of the frozen deposition.

Abstract: The invention provides an indication of boil phase, such as during cooking. In one embodiment, a boil phase determination system is used in connection with a range heater during heating of a liquid. Sensors, which may include a timer, acoustic sensors, optical sensors, and such or temperature sensors, measure certain parameter values during the heating process. The sensors in turn provide output readings to a processor. The processor is operative for determining a boil phase based on the sensor information. The processor may derive and/or store boil phase relationships, for example, based on the operation of an induction tool with respect to test data. Upon making the boil phase determination, the processor provides an output indicative of the determined boil phase. The output may be used to notify a user of a boil phase such as by sounding an alarm or providing a visual output. The boil phase determination may also be used to operate a controller to thereby control operation of the range heater.

Abstract: The apparatus for determining the dew-point and/or the content of vapor in the air, particularly for the use in radio sondes, comprises a dew-point mirror assembly, including a source of light, a reflector, a cooling element thermally coupled to the reflector, a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the reflector, and a detecting sensor for receiving the light emitted by the light source and reflected by the reflector. The detecting sensor is located in a temperature stabilized region of the apparatus and optically coupled to the reflector by means of a light wave conductor. The light source is an incandescent lamp. A sensor head is provided that receives the reflector, the cooling element, the light source, and the input end of the light wave conductor. The sensor head is heated by means of an active heating element.

Abstract: A dewpoint sensor comprises a pressure vessel having an entry port, an exit port, and a temperature controlled plate. A quartz crystal resonator is housed within the pressure vessel and disposed in intimate contact with the temperature controlled plate. A temperature sensor is disposed to generate signals representative of the quartz crystal resonator temperature. Circuitry is coupled to the quartz crystal resonator and the temperature sensor, which circuitry is configured to control the temperature of the quartz crystal resonator, to measure the frequency of the quartz crystal resonator and to monitor the temperature signals and the frequency of the quartz crystal resonator when exposed to a flow between the entry port and the exit port so as to calculate a dewpoint value of the flow.

Abstract: A dew point sensor includes a micro-cantilever beam formed on a substrate. A cooling device and a temperature sensor are in thermal contact with the micro-cantilever beam and a control circuit is coupled to the micro-cantilever beam, the cooling device and the temperature sensor. The control circuit controls and monitors a resonance of the micro-cantilever beam, controls a temperature of the cooling device and receives a temperature indication from the temperature sensor. Using the above information, the dew point temperature is determined by identifying the temperature of the micro-cantilever beam when its resonance changes due to a change in mass caused by the formation of dew on the micro-cantilever beam when the dew point is reached. A method of determining the dew point is also disclosed. The method includes exciting a micro-cantilever beam in a vibratory mode and decreasing a temperature of the micro-cantilever beam.

Abstract: A frost deposition detecting device is provided. This frost deposition detecting device comprises: a base member 1; a heat-conductive container 4 including a frosting portion provided to the base member 1; a thermally sensitive element 6' for detecting the temperature of the base member 1; a protection pipe 8 inserted into the base member 1 and disposed in the cavity formed inside the heat-conductive container; a heat insulator integrally formed with the protection pipe 8 to reduce heat conduction to the protection pipe 8; and another thermally sensitive element 6 secured in the protection pipe 8. With such frost deposition detecting device, highly accurate frost detecting performance and excellent durability in terms of water resistance and humidity resistance can be achieved.

Abstract: A dewpoint sensor comprises a pressure vessel having an entry port, an exit port, and a temperature controlled plate. A quartz crystal resonator is housed within the pressure vessel and disposed in intimate contact with the temperature controlled plate. A temperature sensor is disposed to generate signals representative of the quartz crystal resonator temperature. Circuitry is coupled to the quartz crystal resonator and the temperature sensor, which circuitry is configured to control the temperature of the quartz crystal resonator, to measure the frequency of the quartz crystal resonator and to monitor the temperature signals and the frequency of the quartz crystal resonator when exposed to a flow between the entry port and the exit port so as to calculate a dewpoint value of the flow.

Abstract: A method of measuring a melting temperature of a nucleic acid, which comprises a step of monitoring the fluorescent intensity of a mixture of a sample and a probe which is labeled with a fluorescent intercalative dye and contains a base sequence complementary to a specific nucleic acid in the sample, while varying the temperature of the mixture.

Abstract: A block-type heater assembly for use in melting point/boiling point determination apparatus or other applications in which it is desirable to provide a substantially isothermal region for samples under test as well as a temperature sensor while also providing access for observation, visual or otherwise, of the samples.

Abstract: Acoustic-wave sensor apparatus and method for analyzing a normally liquid petroleum-based composition for monitoring deposition-point temperature. The apparatus includes at least one acoustic-wave device such as SAW, QCM, FPM, TSM or APM type devices in contact with the petroleum-based composition for sensing or detecting the surface temperature at which deposition occurs and/or rate of deposition as a function of temperature by sensing an accompanying change in frequency, phase shift, damping voltage or damping current of an electrical oscillator to a known calibrated condition. The acoustic wave device is actively cooled to monitor the deposition of constituents such as paraffins by determining the point at which solids from the liquid composition begin to form on the acoustic wave device. The acoustic wave device can be heated to melt or boil off the deposits to reset the monitor and the process can be repeated.

Abstract: A dew point temperature measuring apparatus and method, which may be used to determine water activity, includes a chamber in which a sample of air is measured, an air circulation device positioned within the chamber, a sensor to measure the sample temperature, a relative humidity sensor, and a diverter for causing air circulating within the chamber to directly impinge the relative humidity sensor. Another embodiment involves mounting an air circulation device within the chamber such that it forces air inside the chamber to impinge directly upon the relative humidity sensor to reduce boundary layer resistance. Still another embodiment of the invention involves utilizing a temperature control device to control the temperature of interior surfaces within the chamber at a temperature higher than the sample of air within the chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for use in indicating the boiling point of fluids across a wide temperature range which comprises a meter of the portable hand-held type including a probe for insertion vertically into a fluid for testing, with heating means in the probe for heating of the fluid, and monitoring means for monitoring the temperature rise of heated fluid for indicating the boiling point temperature of the fluid. The probe portion has an inner chamber, in which are located the heating means and temperature monitoring means, and which is provided with thermal insulation means for restricting heat loss from the inner chamber during heating up of the fluid in the inner chamber up to its boiling point.

Abstract: A Portable Fluid Boiling Point Sensing Device (1) which can be used to measure the boiling point of fluids. The device includes a probe (2) for immersion in fluid to be tested, in particular in fluid reservoir. The probe (2) comprises a casing (2a) defining a chamber (3) for a semi-encapsulated portion of fluid (3a). The fluid (3a) kept at an optimum level without sensitive probe (2) depth measurement by a quantity of air (4) being trapped above an aperture means (6a) on the casing (2a) causing an artificial fluid level (L.sub.1) to be maintained below the surface of the test fluid. A heater (8) and a temperature sensor (9) are present in the housing (2a) and apertures (5, 6a, 6b) are provided to permit fluid flows into and from the chamber (3). The device senses the boiling temperature of the fluid by measuring the temperature of the vapors (11) given off the heated fluid (3a) within the housing (3), or alternatively directly from the fluid (FIG. 5a/b).

Abstract: A hydrocarbon analyzer wherein the filter is backflushed by the liquid sample. The motive force for the backflush is provided by energy stored from the pumping of the liquid sample in a compressible fluid in contact with the sample downstream of the filter. After the sample has been analyzed the pressure on the upstream side of the filter is lowered and the energy in the compressible fluid is released pushing the liquid sample back across the filter providing a backflush.

Abstract: A method of predicting the formation of water condensation on a surface in contact with humid air includes the steps of placing on the surface an element that adopts initially a temperature approximately equal to a temperature of the surface. The element is thermally cycled. Each cycle includes a cooling phase and a heating phase. The cooling phase includes first and second steps. Electric current is supplied to a cooling mechanism in the first step of the cooling phase to decrease the temperature of the element to below the temperature of the surface. An electric current is supplied to the cooling mechanism in the second step of the cooling phase to further decrease the temperature of the element. The current of the first step is greater than the current of the second step, such that the temperature of the element decreases more rapidly in the first step than in the second step. The formation of water condensation on the surface is predicted based upon the formation of water condensation on the element.

Abstract: A measuring system for the detection of ice buildup on aircraft in flight is described. It depends for its action on a well-known physical phenomenon called "heat of fusion" and senses the heat required to melt ice back to liquid water. The energy signal that is measured can only be produced by an ice-to-water transition, hence this system uniquely identifies the presence or absence of ice without regard to time, temperature, altitude, pressure or other factors. The system is capable of generating a rapid, real-time electrical signal that can be displayed to and readily understood by crew members, so that corrective action may be taken to safeguard the operation of the craft.

Abstract: An acoustic-wave sensor apparatus and method. The apparatus for analyzing a normally liquid petroleum-based composition includes at least one acoustic-wave device in contact with the petroleum-based composition for sensing or detecting the presence of constituents (e.g. paraffins or petroleum waxes) therein which solidify upon cooling of the petroleum-based composition below a cloud-point temperature. The acoustic-wave device can be a thickness-shear-mode device (also termed a quartz crystal mircrobalance), a surface-acoustic-wave device, an acoustic-plate-mode device or a flexural plate-wave device. Embodiments of the present invention can be used for measuring a cloud point, a pour point and/or a freeze point of the petroleum-based composition, and for determining a temperature characteristic of each point.

Abstract: A heat transfer system includes a high side pressure sensor in the form of a temperature dependent resistance in heat exchange with the system working fluid to locally heat the fluid in response to a control signal. Control means are provided for applying the control signal to the resistance and detecting a minimum thermal resistance between the thermistor and the working fluid.