Abstract: An energy meter which measures a volume of gas supplied, which measures a calorific value of the gas supplied, and which calculates an energy value corresponding to the measured volume of gas supplied and the calorific value. The structure to measure the volume of the gas supplied and to calculate the energy value may be provided in a single unit. The structure to measure the calorific value of the gas supplied preferably includes a structure to measure the speed of sound in the gas and further preferably measures a first thermal conductivity of the gas at a first temperature and measures a second thermal conductivity of the gas at a second temperature which differs from the first temperature, and is arranged to produce the calorific value of the gas corresponding to the measured speed of sound in the first and second thermal conductivities.

Abstract: To provide a differential scanning calorimeter in which rise and fall of temperatures of a sample and a reference substance follow rise and fall of temperature of a heat sink with excellent response maintaining a structure of a differential scanning calorimeter having a structure of providing stability of a base line constituting a characteristic of a heat flux type while achieving response equivalent to or faster than that of a power compensation type, in a structure of a heat flux type differential scanning calorimeter in which a heat flow path between a sample holder and a heat sink is formed by a metallic material having excellent heat conductance, heaters for power compensation are attached to the sample holder and a reference holder.

Abstract: A calorimeter that includes a sample cell, a reference cell, a pressure system that applies a variable pressure to the sample cell, and a pressure controller that controls the pressure applied by the pressure system to the sample sell. By applying identical pressure perturbations to both the sample and reference cells over a range of temperature, the calorimeter can be used to accurately calculate both the thermal coefficient of expansion of various substances, and the volume change of molecules undergoing a structural transition.

Abstract: A device for measuring small temperature changes comprises a calorimeter containing a sample chamber for containing a sample, a detector means, such as a thermocouple, thermopile or thermistor or the like, for producing an output signal relating to changes in temperature and a preamplifier for amplifying said output signal.

Abstract: A method of determining a thermal coefficient of expansion of a substance, the method including providing a first liquid holder containing a solution including the substance, and a second liquid holder containing a liquid in which the substance is not present; applying a pressure perturbation to the solution in the first liquid holder and to the liquid in the second liquid holder at a known temperature; determining a differential heat effect between the first and second liquid holders in response to the pressure perturbation; calculating, from the differential heat effect, the heat effect of the substance in response to the pressure perturbation; and determining, from the calculated heat effect, the thermal coefficient of expansion of the substance at the known temperature.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the calorific value of a gas. The apparatus includes a chamber to which a gas in question, for example natural gas, is supplied through an inlet and leaves through an outlet. The speed of sound SoS at ambient temperature is measured using any suitable method such as electronic control and a calculating device and an ultra-sound emitter and an ultra-sound receiver. The ambient temperatures Ta, is observed by a temperature sensor, and a thermal conductivity sensor measures the thermal conductivity of the gas at two different temperatures above the ambient temperature. One value ThCH, of the thermal conductivity is measured at 70° C. above ambient and the other value ThCL of the thermal conductivity is measured at 50° C. above ambient. The control calculates the calorific value CV of the gas according to the formula: CV=a·ThCH+b·ThCL+C·SoS+d·Ta+e·Ta2 +f, where a, b, c, d, e and f are constants.

Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The sensors may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample on a surface of the microresonator and also to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample, such as a gas, and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for performing calorimetry. The apparatus include optical devices for detecting thermal processes and multiwell sample plates for supporting samples for use with such optical devices. The methods include measurement strategies and data processing techniques for reducing noise in measurements of thermal processes. The apparatus and methods may be particularly suitable for extracting thermal data from small differential measurements made using an infrared camera and for monitoring chemical and physiological processes.

Abstract: A sample holder and a reference holder are arranged coaxially. Heat conductors making heat exchange with a heat sink are joined to the heat sink at the same position. The inside diameter of the heat sink can be made close to the diameter of the sample container without spoiling the stability of the baseline that is a feature of heat-flux DSC. The heat capacity of the heat sink can be decreased. Therefore, the response to the temperature as it is elevated and lowered can be improved greatly.

Abstract: The invention features methods and systems for detecting the presence of an energetic material in a sample in which the presence of the energetic material is unknown. The method includes the steps of: heating the sample; measuring heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment, e.g., by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC); and analyzing the measured heat flow between the sample and its surrounding environment. An exothermal peak in the measured heat flow indicates the presence of the energetic material in the sample. The system includes a thermal measuring apparatus for performing the heating and measuring steps, and an analyzer for detecting the presence of the energetic material based on the measured heat flow. The invention also features methods and systems for identifying contraband materials (e.g., explosives and drugs) by measuring the thermogram (e.g., by DSC) of a sample to be identified and comparing it to reference thermograms for known contraband materials.

Abstract: A heat flux type differential scanning calorimeter has a heat reservoir made of a thermal conducting material. A thermally conductive plate is disposed in the heat reservoir for supporting an unknown sample and a reference sample symmetrically with respect to a center of the reservoir. A thermally conductive support member is disposed in contact with the thermally conductive plate and supports the thermally conductive plate in the heat reservoir. A heat buffer plate is disposed between the thermally conductive support member and the heat reservoir so that the thermally conductive support member and the heat reservoir are contacted only through the heat buffer plate.

Abstract: Provided are a measurement apparatus and a measurement system comprising sample and reference microresonators, such as sample and reference quartz crystal microbalances; sample and reference heat flow sensors; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensors. These may be used to measure changes in one or more properties, such as mass, due to a liquid sample on a surface of a sample microresonator and also to measure heat flows from the sample on the surface of the sample microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensors, which are coupled thermally to the corresponding sample or reference microresonators. Also provided is a method for measuring one or more properties, such as mass, of a liquid sample and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such apparatus.

Abstract: A calorimeter that includes a sample cell, a reference cell, a pressure system that applies a variable pressure to the sample cell, and a pressure controller that controls the pressure applied by the pressure system to the sample cell. By applying identical pressure perturbations to both the sample and reference cells over a range of temperatures, the calorimeter can be used to accurately calculate both the thermal coefficient of expansion of various substances, and the volume change of molecules undergoing a structural transition.

Abstract: A method for calculating sample heat flow in a differential scanning calorimeter. A preferred embodiment of the invention calculates the heat flow to the sample while accounting for the effect of heat storage in the sample pans and the difference in heating rate between sample and reference. Accounting for heat flow associated with the pans and the difference between sample and reference heating rates gives a more accurate sample heat flow measurement and improves resolution, which is the ability to separate closely spaced thermal events in the heat flow result.

Abstract: A cooling system for thermal analysis equipment provides rapid cool down and steady state operation of a differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) at any predetermined temperature between a minimal temperature and room temperature using a throttle-cycle cooler based on a single stage compressor. The cooling system operates with a mixed refrigerant that includes some liquid fraction at the inlet to a cryostat that houses the key cold elements for the cooling system. A temperature actuated automatic throttle valve in the cooling system increases refrigerant mass flow rate when the differential scanning calorimeter increases the heat load (and vice-versa) that is generally provided by a heater. At the same time, the valve design provides a high mass flow during cool down and automatic flow rate reduction at an intermediate temperature as the overall system approaches an operating condition during cool down.

Abstract: A differential thermal analyzer/differential scanning calorimeter has a sample holder supported by a temperature detector inside a heat sink. The sample holder has a bottom wall defining a mounting surface and a side wall. During a measurement, a sample is placed on the mounting surface in the sample holder and the sample holder is inclined so that the sample slides downwardly due to its own weight and contacts the sample holder side wall. A beam of electromagnetic radiation is then passed through the sample and through aligned radiation openings in the bottom wall of the sample holder and in the heat sink, and temperature measurements are taken by the temperature detector. Because the sample is in contact with both the side and bottom walls of the sample holder, heat escape is minimized during temperature measurements.

Abstract: It is an object to obtain a calorimeter characterized by excellent mechanical strength, and a manufacturing method thereof, when a plurality of calorimeters are arranged inside a single substrate. The calorimeter has an absorbent for converting energy of radioactive rays into heat and a resistor for converting heat into an electrical signal using superconductive transition are arranged on a membrane for determining thermal conductivity with the membrane being attached to a substrate, the substrate having a tri-layer structure comprising an etching layer, an etching stop layer and a support substrate, the membrane being arranged separated by the thickness of the etching stop layer and the etching layer.

Abstract: A thermal analyzer scans temperature by thermally altering a sample and measuring a thermal change based on physical and chemical changes of the sample as a function of time and/or temperature. The thermal analyzer includes a heat-generating section for heating a sample. The heat-generating section includes a first semiconductor substrate of a first conductivity type forming a thin-film heater with a cavity section in a lower section thereof and a second semiconductor substrate of a second conductivity type connected to the first substrate. The cavity section forms a sample holding section for holding the sample. The thermal analyzer further includes a temperature detecting section for detecting a temperature of the sample holding section. The sample holding section and the temperature detecting section are monolithically formed on the thin-film heater or an area proximate the thin-film heater in a thin-film supporting section for supporting the thin-film heater.

Abstract: With input compensation-type differential scanning calorimeters of the related art, the power supplied fluctuated even with non-endothermic reference materials, and the reference material side temperature therefore also fluctuated. Mutual interference between feedback loops also made precise temperature control difficult. In the present invention, power supplied to the sample side is changed to compensate for a temperature difference between the sample side and the reference material side using a differential thermal feedback loop, power to be supplied to the reference material side heater to make the reference material side temperature correspond to the program temperature is controlled, and the same amount of the power is also supplied to the sample side with the average temperature feedback loop.

Abstract: A calorimeter that includes a sample cell, a reference cell, a pressure system that applies a variable pressure to the sample cell, and a pressure controller that controls the pressure applied by the pressure system to the sample cell. By applying identical pressure perturbations to both the sample and reference cells over a range of temperatures, the calorimeter can be used to accurately calculate both the thermal coefficient of expansion of various substances, and the volume change of molecules undergoing a structural transition.

Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The sensors may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample on a surface of the microresonator and also to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample, such as a gas, and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.

Abstract: A gas-tight container such as a glove box maintains a sample under a controlled atmosphere and has a sample chamber formed in a convex portion thereof. The temperature is controlled in the sample chamber by an externally disposed heater. A detector such as a weight detector is disposed in the gas-tight container and has a sample holder for holding a sample under analysis. The detector is movably supported by a movement mechanism so that the sample holder is movable between a first position at which a sample disposed on the sample holder is disposed within the sample chamber and a second position at which a sample disposed on the sample holder is disposed outside the sample chamber, such that the mounting of a sample on the sample holder may be accomplished while the sample holder is disposed outside the sample chamber and a thermal analysis of the sample may be performed while the sample is disposed inside the sample chamber.

Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The sensors may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample, such as a gas sorbing or reacting, on a surface of the microresonator and also to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator. The combined microresonator and heat flow sensor may provide simultaneous and continuous measurement of the changes in mass and heat flow at a gas-solid interface. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample, such as a gas, and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.

Abstract: Provided is a mass and heat flow measurement apparatus comprising sample and reference microresonators, such as sample and reference quartz crystal microbalances; sample and reference heat flow sensors, such as sample and reference isothermal heat conduction calorimeters; and sample and reference heat sinks coupled thermally to the heat flow sensors. The apparatus may be used to measure changes in mass due to a sample on a surface of the sample microresonator and also to measure heat flows from the sample on the surface of the sample microresonator by utilizing the heat flow sensors, which are coupled thermally to the corresponding sample or reference microresonators. Also provided is a method for measuring the mass of a sample and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a calorimeter apparatus having a very low thermal mass ratio of test cell to test sample so as to minimize heat sink effects on the test sample during a chemical reaction. The heater control algorithm of the present invention comprises a calibration stage in which the heater is tuned to the particular test conditions at hand, and a test stage in which the heater may control the sample in a ramping mode and in an adiabatic mode. Because the sample may be tested in an adiabatic mode, greatly improved sensitivity in detection of reaction onset may be achieved, and measured data is truly adiabatic and need not be adjusted for analysis. The present invention further comprises a calorimeter apparatus having a foam detector for detecting the presence of foam in the test sample.

Abstract: Provided are mass and heat flow measurement sensors comprising a microresonator, such as a quartz crystal microbalance; a heat flow sensor, such as an isothermal heat conduction calorimeter; and a heat sink coupled thermally to the heat flow sensor. The microresonator may be used to measure changes of mass due to a sample at its surface, and heat flow sensor, which is coupled thermally to the microresonator, may be used to measure heat flow from the sample on the surface of the microresonator to the heat sink. Also provided are methods for measuring the mass of a sample and the flow of heat from the sample to the heat sink by utilizing such mass and heat flow measurement sensors.

Abstract: A differential scanning microcalorimeter produced on a silicon chip enables microscopic scanning calorimetry measurements of small samples and thin films. The chip may be fabricated using standard CMOS processes. The microcalorimeter includes a reference zone and a sample zone. The reference and sample zones may be at opposite ends of a suspended platform or may reside on separate platforms. An integrated polysilicon heater provides heat to each zone. A thermopile consisting of a succession of thermocouple junctions generates a voltage representing the temperature difference between the reference and sample zones. Temperature differences between the zones provide information about the chemical reactions and phase transitions that occur in a sample placed in the sample zone.

Abstract: A tube 12 made of stainless steel is arranged in a thermal bath 13 and an AC current is supplied to the tube to apply an AC heat directly to the tube and a liquid sample contained therein. An AC temperature of the tube 12 is detected by a thermocouple 19. An amplitude of the AC heat, and a phase difference between the AC heat and the AC temperature are detected. The above measurement is performed for the vacant tube, the standard liquid sample containing tube and the liquid sample containing tube to derive amplitudes .DELTA.T.sub.c, .DELTA.T.sub.r and .DELTA.T.sub.s and phase differences .phi..sub.c, .phi..sub.r and .phi..sub.s. Then, a heat capacity .rho..sub.s .multidot.C.sub.s per a unit volume of the liquid sample is calculated from a following equation.rho..sub.s .multidot.C.sub.s =[{sin (.phi..sub.s)/.DELTA.T.sub.s -sin (.phi..sub.c)/.DELTA.T.sub.c }/{sin (.phi..sub.r)/.DELTA.T.sub.r -sin (.phi..sub.c)/.DELTA.T.sub.c }].rho..sub.rwherein C.sub.r and .rho..sub.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for recording a heat exchange event within a drilled hole wall of a substrate during a drilling process. In particular, the invention includes a thermal sensitive film placed in contact with a substrate which is to be drilled, which is capable of recording a thermal signature of the heat transferred during the drilling process. The result is a ring shaped signature whose thickness provides a direct correlation to drilling temperature. With these results, the integrity of the substrate surrounding the drilled hole can be inspected.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for recording a heat exchange event within a drilled hole wall of a substrate during a drilling process. In particular, the invention includes a thermal sensitive film placed in contact with a substrate which is to be drilled, which is capable of recording a thermal signature of the heat transferred during the drilling process. The result is a ring shaped signature whose thickness provides a direct correlation to drilling temperature. With these results, the integrity of the substrate surrounding the drilled hole can be inspected.

Abstract: A calorimeter for measuring flammability parameters of materials using only milligram sample quantities. The thermochemical and thermophysical processes associated with the flaming combustion of solids are reproduced in the device through rapid anaerobic pyrolysis in a thermogravimetric analyzer. Volatile anaerobic thermal decomposition products are swept from the pyrolysis chamber by an inert gas and combined with excess oxygen in a combustion chamber maintained at several hundred degrees Centigrade to simulate the combustion reactions which occur in a well ventilated diffusion flame. Mass loss is measured continuously during the process and heat release rate is calculated from the oxygen consumed from the gas stream.

Abstract: A heater controller for allocating heaters to cool a thermal chamber of a scientific instrument evaporates cryogenic liquid to produce a coolant gas. The gas is injected into a chamber to cool a sample disposal therein. The controller allocates low-capacity heaters in compliance with IEC guidelines to prevent problems generally associated with switching of large current loads, such as heaters. In one embodiment, heaters are activated so as to avoid jump discontinuities by effectively averaging the power delivered by the heaters. A second embodiment reduces complexity by essentially disregarding the problem of the jump discontinuity. A third embodiment groups the heaters according to a binary grouping scheme. The heater controller of the present invention can be used to control temperature according to a user supplied temperature profile.

Abstract: A differential calorimeter includes sample and reference cells, a thermal shield surrounding these cells, heating devices thermally coupled to the thermal shield and the cells, a temperature monitoring system for monitoring temperature of the shield, cell temperatures and temperature differentials between the cells and the shield, and a control system. The control system has input lines to receive signals from the temperature sensors and output lines connected to the heating devices. The control system is configured to generate output signals for control of heating devices. A gain setting and scan rate are selected by means of a user interface. The output control signals are functions of input temperature signals and the user-selected gain setting, and also functions of input temperature signals and the user-selected scan rate using a mapping function stored in memory.

Abstract: Disclosed in a heat transmission monitoring and/or measuring apparatus, namely a flow measurement apparatus, for flowing mediums. It comprises a housing (1), a heating element (2) and a temperature measurement element (3). According to the invention, relatively high sensititivity and relatively high reaction speed is obtained by designing the heating element (2) and temperature measurement element (3) as pins.

Abstract: A catalytic differential gas combustible microcalorimeter sensor for monitoring the exhaust gas conversion for monitoring the exhaust gas conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter. The catalytic calorimetric sensor disclosed includes a sol-gel processed washcoat and sol-processed catalytically active metal particles. Sol-gel processing creates a washcoat with high surface area and controlled porosity which increases the sensitivity, durability, and reproducibility of the resultant sensor.

Abstract: A calorimeter includes sample and reference cells, a thermal shield surrounding these cells, a heating device thermally coupled to the thermal shield, temperature sensors for monitoring a temperature of the shield and a temperature differential between the shield and the cells, and a control system. The control system has an output line connected to the heating device and input lines to receive signals from the temperature sensors. The control system is configured to generate on its output line an output signal which is a function of both the input signals received on its input lines.

Abstract: A calorimeter is disclosed comprising a sample chamber (12) adapted to enclose a sample, a thermally conductive reference surface (14) surrounding and insulated from the sample chamber (12) and a casing (16) surrounding and insulated from the reference surface. Temperature transducers, in communication with a micro-computer, record the temperatures of the sample chamber (VS) and reference surface (V1) at periodic intervals. The micro-computer is programmed to calculate the theoretical temperature (VT) of the sample chamber from the measured values of the temperature of the reference surface (V1) and estimated values of the thermal power of the sample (I), the thermal resistance from the sample to the sample chamber (RS) and the thermal capacity of the sample (CS), and to optimize the fit between the theoretical calculations (VT) and the corresponding measured values (VS) of the temperature of the sample chamber.

Abstract: A capillary calorimetric cell comprises a solid metallic block having a plurality of channels formed therein. Each channel has first and second ends opening to a first end face and a second end face, respectively, of the block. First and second members are disposed at the first and second end faces of the block, respectively, and cooperate with the block so that adjacent first ends and adjacent second ends of the channels are connected to thus form a single, continuous channel through the block.

Abstract: A temperature derivative sensing and regulating device and method is described which facilitates the maintainance of a very stable isothermal environment for an item, apparatus or facility or a constant rate of temperarture change. The device comprises a block of material having no internal heat sources, a thermal conductivity greater than 100 Wm.sup.1 K.sup.-1 and a specific heat capacity greater than 385 JK.sup.-1 kg.sup.-1. The block is surrounded by means for measuring the heat flow to and from the block and the device is further provided with means for generating a signal proportional to said heat flow and means for interfacing with the controller of a heating or cooling means associated with the item, apparatus or facility.

Abstract: A Cu-doped/Fe-doped low expansion glass ceramic composition comprising:______________________________________ Wt. % ______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 50-65 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 18-27 P.sub.2 O.sub.5 0-10 Li.sub.2 O 2-6 Na.sub.2 O 0-2 K.sub.2 O 0-2 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1 MgO 0-4 ZnO 0-5 CaO 0-4 BaO 0-5 TiO.sub.2 1-3 ZrO.sub.3 1-3 As.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1.5 Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1.5 CuO 0-3 Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-1 ______________________________________wherein the total amount of SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and P.sub.2 O.sub.5 is 80-89 wt. %, and said glass ceramic contains as a dopant 0.1-3 wt. % CuO, 0.1-1 wt. % Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 or a combined CuO+Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 amount of 0.1-4 wt. %. The glass ceramic composition is suitable for use as a cladding material for solid laser energy storage mediums as well as for use in beam attenuators for measuring laser energy level and beam blocks or beam dumps used for absorbing excess or unused laser energy.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method to make and an apparatus for monitoring the exhaust gas conversion efficiency of a catalytic converter. The catalytic calorimetric sensor disclosed includes a sol-gel processed washcoat and sol-processed catalytically active metal particles. Sol-gel processing creates a washcoat with high surface area and controlled porosity which increases the sensitivity, durability, and reproducibility of the resultant sensor.

Abstract: A method for measuring the heat of reaction resulting from the mixture of a plurality of reagents comprising the steps of providing a first reagent into a compartment; providing a second reagent into the compartment so as to mix the second reagent with the first reagent within the compartment; withdrawing a predetermined amount of the mixed first and second reagents from the compartment; depositing the withdrawn predetermined amount of the mixed first and second reagents back into the compartment; generating electrical signals based on the heat of reaction of the mixed first and second reagents; and deriving data indicative of the heat of reaction based on the electrical signals.

Abstract: A modulated differential scanning calorimeter ("MDSC") wherein the temperature of the sample and/or the reference is modulated by modulating the characteristics of a gas in thermal contact with the sample and or a reference. In a first embodiment, the major heat flow path between the sample/reference and the furnace is the purge gas in the furnace chamber. The composition of the purge gas in the furnace chamber of the DSC cell is modulated by alternately purging the DSC cell with a high thermal conductivity gas (e.g., helium) and with a low thermal conductivity gas (e.g., nitrogen), thus modulating the flow of heat to and from the cell. In a second embodiment, the sample and reference are heated (or cooled) by a temperature-controlling gas flowing around the sample and reference holders. The gas is heated by being passed through a furnace before it flows around the sample and the reference.

Abstract: In order to carry out thermal analysis under various kinds of atmospheres, there is provided an apparatus for thermal analysis containing a sample chamber having a portion for a sample and a signal detection chamber provided with a signal detection member, the signal detection chamber having an inlet port for a purging gas, the sample chamber and the signal detection chamber being connected through a purging gas passage, and the sample chamber being provided with an inlet port for an atmosphere gas and also with an outlet port for the atmosphere gas and the purging gas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a differential analysis method and apparatus wherein a sample and reference are subjected to an externally applied disturbance, such as temperature change, in accord with a prescribed function comprising the sum of a linearly changing part and a periodically changing part, and the measured differential signal is processed into real and imaginary components relating, respectively, to the energy storage and energy loss portions of the signal.

Abstract: The present invention is a mechanical cooling system, for use with thermal analysis instruments such as differential scanning calorimeters, which interposes a gaseous heat transfer path between the heat exchanger or evaporator cooling the differential scanning calorimeter cell and the differential scanning calorimeter cell. This configuration improves the performance of the thermal analysis system by reducing noise in the heat flow signal otherwise resulting from evaporation of the refrigerant in the heat exchanger. The mechanical cooling system is attached to the thermal analysis instrument by an arrangement providing for minimum direct physical contact between the mechanical cooling system and the thermal analysis instrument.

Abstract: A flow cell for calorimetric measurements comprises a body (2) with at least one flow channel (3), which extends between an inlet opening (4) and an outlet opening (5), and a thermoelectric detector (16) for monitoring temperature changes, which occur during chemical or biochemical processes in a measuring volume (17). The measuring volume (17) is arranged in close vicinity of the outlet opening (5). The body (2) of the flow cell (1) has a good thermal conductivity of a magnitude such, that a fluid flowing through the flow channel (3) is thermostatizised prior to entering the measuring volume (17) solely by flowing through the flow channel (3) and free of any external thermostatization means. Thus, a flow cell is provided, which is capable of self-thermostatizing a fluid flowing therethrough.

Abstract: A gas sensor for measuring gas constituents, particularly exhaust gas constituents for an internal combustion engine, comprising a pair of polysilicon plates, each plate supporting a pair of resistors, one serving as a heater and the other as a thermometer, one plate being coated with a catalyst to promote combustion of unburned combustible gas constituents, wherein provision is made for reducing temperature gradients across the plates and for effecting temperature uniformity of the catalyst while maintaining a high degree of structural integrity.

Abstract: A biocalorimeter and waste management system is provided for making metabolic heat release measurements of animals or humans in a calorimeter (enclosure) using ambient air as a low velocity source of ventilating air through the enclosure. A shroud forces ventilating air to pass over the enclosure from an end open to ambient air at the end of the enclosure opposite its ventilating air inlet end and closed around the inlet end of the enclosure in order to obviate the need for regulating ambient air temperature. Psychrometers for measuring dry- and wet-bulb temperature of ventilating air make it possible to account for the sensible and latent heat additions to the ventilating air. A waste removal system momentarily recirculates high velocity air in a closed circuit through the calorimeter wherein a sudden rise in moisture is detected in the ventilating air from the outlet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to analytical methods for determining the composition of a material that undergoes a transition as a function of a driving variable. As applied to thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), a first preferred embodiment comprises (1) decreasing the heating rate when deviations from a baseline signal are detected; (2) establishing a minimum heating rate; (3) forcing the heating rate to a predetermined maximum whenever the rate of change of the weight change with respect to the temperature falls below a predetermined value; and (4) adjusting the heating rate according to the rate of change of the weight of the sample to track a predetermined rate of change of the weight of the sample.