Abstract: A photo-catalyst ozone detector includes a base. A positive electrode and a negative electrode are respectively disposed on the base. A photo-catalyst coating is disposed on the base for connecting the positive electrode and the negative electrode, and reacting with the ozone to detect ozone consistency, wherein the photo-catalyst coating contains titanium dioxide.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and system for determining the age of an object such as a product containing volatile components, comprising: measuring a first strength of a first scent with a first electronic sensor, the decay rate constant of the first scent being known; measuring simultaneously a second strength of a second scent with a second electronic sensor, the decay rate constant of the second scent being known; calculating a current scent ratio (?) of the two scent strengths; and determining the age of the object from a reference time for which a reference scent ratio (?0) of the scent strengths has been registered.

Abstract: A microelectro-mechanical chemical sensor includes an active cantilever beam having a chemically selective material layer disposed thereon and at least one, preferably two, resistors with the resistance corresponding to the cantilever beam deflection. The sensor also has at least two, and preferably four, auxiliary cantilever beams adjacent to the active cantilever and attached to the same substrate, each having a piezoresistor disposed thereon. The piezoresistors are elements of a Wheatstone bridge, and the Wheatstone bridge output indicates the amount of a predetermined target chemical sorbed by the chemically selective material layer. The sensor is electrostatically actuated in order to monitor the resonant frequency.

Abstract: An installation structure for a gas sensor capable of detecting gas concentration in a highly accurate manner is provided. The installation structure for a gas sensor which detects concentration of gas circulating inside an outlet-side piping comprises a through hole 18 in an inner wall of the outlet-side piping and the gas sensor comprises a gas inlet portion with one face open within the outlet-side piping 14, and the gas sensor is installed to the outlet-side piping in a condition where the gas inlet portion does not protrude from the inner wall of outlet-side piping.

Abstract: An electrochemical potentiometric titration method that entails titration of a known volume of a catholyte containing an unknown amount of hydrogen peroxide in a titration cell having two electrodes, a platinum working electrode and a silver/silver chloride reference electrode. A known concentration of a titrant is added to the catholyte in the titration cell. Simultaneously, as the titrant is added the potential between the working electrode and the reference electrode is monitored. The point at which all of the hydrogen peroxide has been consumed is signaled when the cell potential changes abruptly. Since the concentration of the titrant is already known, the amount of titrant added (concentration multiplied by volume) is directly related to the amount of hydrogen peroxide consumed. The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is calculated from the volume of catholyte and the moles of hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: A substance detection system having an electronic nose and classifier. The system may extract feature from the electronic signals representing the smells from the electronic nose sensing an unknown substance. The features may be formatted as smellprints that are synthesized as data. The features may be classified, and in a binary tournament fashion, as an illustrative example, may be mapped to be compared or correlated with features of known substances. The known substance or substances having the highest scores for good mapping, comparison or correlation with the sensed substance, may be reviewed in view of decision criteria to determine an identification of the sensed substance.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a spectrometer for measuring submillimeter absorption. The spectrometer may include a solid state exciter generating a submillimeter wave and sweeping a predetermined frequency band, a frequency marker generating unit electrically generating frequency markers, a sample cell to contain a gas, and a solid-state detector detecting a submillimeter absorption of the gas. A spectrometer energizes a solid-state oscillator to generate a submillimeter wave and to sweep a predetermined band of frequency. The submillimeter wave is introduced into a sample cell containing a gas and frequency markers that are electrically generated during the sweep. Outputs of a solid-state detector disposed in the sample cell are read and recorded as a function of time and with the frequency markers. The recorded outputs of the solid-state detector are converted into a function of frequency using the recorded frequency markers.

Abstract: Methods and insulator electrode devices for performing electrochemical reactions are disclosed. The devices consist of high specific surface area electrodes based on a channeled conducting base material that has been coated with an organic or inorganic insulating film or multiple layers of such films. The chemical reactions are exemplified by exciting one or several label compounds into an excited state which is spontaneously de-excited by emission of ultraviolet, visible or infrared light, in aqueous solution. This provides the basis for reproducible analytical applications in bioaffinity assays such as immunoassays and DNA-probing assays.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor device and methods for measuring total ammonia (NH3) concentration in a gas is provided. The gas is first partitioned into two streams directed into two sensing chambers. Each gas stream is conditioned by a specific catalyst system. In one chamber, in some instances at a temperature of at least about 600° C., the gas is treated such that almost all of the ammonia is converted to NOx, and a steady state equilibrium concentration of NO to NO2 is established. In the second chamber, the gas is treated with a catalyst at a lower temperature, preferably less than 450° C. such that most of the ammonia is converted to nitrogen (N2) and steam (H2O). Each gas is passed over a sensing electrode in a mixed potential sensor system that is sensitive to NOx. The difference in the readings of the two gas sensors can provide a measurement of total NH3 concentration in the exhaust gas. The catalyst system also functions to oxidize any unburned hydrocarbons such as CH4, CO, etc.

Abstract: A sensor or a sensor array connected to an electrical measuring apparatus is disclosed. In one embodiment, at least one sensor contains a layer of conductive modified particles which forms an electrical pathway or electrical circuit between two electrodes which are connected to an electrical measuring apparatus. In another embodiment, the first sensor contains at least one region of a nonconducting material and also a region that contains one or more modified particles. The modified particles are preferably conductive. An electrical path exists though the regions of the nonconducting material and the region containing the modified particles. The modified particles are conductive and more preferably are pigment particles such as modified carbon black, wherein the modified particles have attached at least one organic group.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to gas sensors comprising organized assemblies of carbon and non-carbon compounds. The invention also relates to devices containing such gas sensors and analysis units. In preferred embodiments, the organized assemblies of the instant invention take the form of nanorods or their aggregate forms. More preferably, a nanorod is made up of a carbon nanotube filled, coated, or both filled and coated by a non-carbon material.

Abstract: A fluid sensor is constructed to has a pair of electrodes whereas between electrodes there are not additional materials designated to adsorb analytes if their concentrations are high, or there are absorbents if the analyte concentrations are low. An alternating current voltage of varying frequencies is applied to the electrodes of the sensor by an alternative current device. In return, it detects electrical properties such as impedance and its components, reactance, resistance, and phase angles of the sensor with analytes whereas the analytes reside in or pass through the electrode at each frequency. Thus a spectrum of electrical property of the analyte can be established at various applied frequencies. The electrical properties are analyzed by a pattern recognition process, and compared with those of the known fluid. Therefore, the fluid can be detected and identified. A reference sensor is provided with the same configuration of the fluid sensor.

Abstract: Carbon nanotube devices are manipulated in a manner that is useful for a variety of implementations. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, light (632) is used to photodesorb molecules from a carbon nanotube (620).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for determining a total concentration of a component in a sample, including a reactor for oxidizing or reducing the sample, a chromatographic column coupled to the reactor for separating the component in the sample, and an electrochemical gas sensor coupled to the chromatographic column for detecting the component. In further embodiments, a filter may be used instead of or in addition to the column. Moreover, multiple sensors may be used instead of or in addition to the column for simultaneously detecting multiple components.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas sensor which is used to detect ammonia by detecting and evaluating conductivity variations on semi-conductive metal oxides, comprising: a substrate, a gas sensitive layer made of a semi-conductive metal oxide, a catalytic filter which is disposed in front of the metal oxide, said filter being used to convert ammonia, contained in the measuring gas, into a NO/NO2 mixture or to only NO2, measuring electrodes which are arranged on the surface of the substrate in order to detect conductivity variations in the semi-conductive metal oxide which is at least sensitive to NO/NO2, a controllable electric heating device which is used to adjust predetermined temperatures at least for the semi-conductive metal oxide, whereby the formed NO/NO2 can be guided to the metal oxide and the content of ammonia in the measuring gas can be determined from the NO/NO2-measurement by means of the semi-conductive metal oxide.

Abstract: A mixed potential sensor device and methods for measuring total ammonia (NH3) concentration in a gas is provided. The gas is first partitioned into two streams directed into two sensing chambers. Each gas stream is conditioned by a specific catalyst system. In one chamber, in some instances at a temperature of at least about 600° C., the gas is treated such that almost all of the ammonia is converted to NOx, and a steady state equilibrium concentration of NO to NO2 is established. In the second chamber, the gas is treated with a catalyst at a lower temperature, preferably less than 450° C. such that most of the ammonia is converted to nitrogen (N2) and steam (H2O). Each gas is passed over a sensing electrode in a mixed potential sensor system that is sensitive to NOx. The difference in the readings of the two gas sensors can provide a measurement of total NH3 concentration in the exhaust gas. The catalyst system also functions to oxidize any unburned hydrocarbons such as CH4, CO, etc.

Abstract: A gas sensor assembly comprising a gas-sensitive element, and a first pulse modulation circuit comprising a first switching device is disclosed. The gas-sensitive element and the first switching device are arranged in series with a power supply. The first pulse modulation circuit further comprises a first control module adapted to control the first switching device in accordance with a monitored parameter of the gas-sensitive element, the parameter varying with the temperature of the element, thereby controlling the power consumed from the power supply by the gas-sensitive element.

Abstract: Nanotubes and nanotube-based devices are implemented in a variety of applications. According to an example embodiment of the present invention, a nanotube is adapted to pass current between two conductive elements. In one implementation, each conductive element includes a catalyst material, wherein electrical connection is made to opposite ends of the nanotube at each of the catalyst portions. In one implementation, the electrical connection is used to detect an electrical characteristic of the nanotube, such as the response of the nanotube to exposure to one or more of a variety of materials. In another implementation, the nanotube is used for chemical and biological sensing. In still another implementation, a particular functionality is imparted to the nanotube using one or more of a variety of materials coupled to the nanotube, such as metal particles, biological particles and/or layers of the same.

Abstract: A gas-sensing element configured to measure a concentration of a specific component of a gas is mounted to a first circuit board which includes a driving circuit configured to drive the gas-sensing element. A moisture-proof material is disposed over at least one side of the first circuit board disposed in a tubular gas-sensing element case fixed to a sensor case. A gas-sensing chamber is defined by the first circuit board and an inner tubular surface of the gas-sensing element case, and opens at an open end of the gas-sensing element case to receive the gas to be monitored. A second circuit board which includes a control circuit configured to control the gas-sensing element via the driving circuit is fixed to a sensor case, and disposed in a position separate from the gas-sensing chamber such that the second circuit board is kept out of contact with the gas to be monitored.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining the orientation of a gas analyzer. Because condensation can build-up in a filter of the gas analyzer, it needs to be purged from the analyzer so that accurate readings can be made. By having a orientation device built-in, the analyzer can be purged at the desired orientation so that, as much water, can be purged, as possible, to the designated outlet.

Abstract: A proton conductor gas sensor whose durability at high temperature is enhanced by using gel not converted to sol even at high temperature in a water reservoir. Fine particles of silica are gelled by adding water thereto and agitating the mixture under shear force. The thus obtained gel (34) is placed in a water reservoir of proton conductor gas sensor (2) and fed through steam introduction port (30) to MEA (10).

Abstract: A chemical sensing system has: an interrogation unit operable to wirelessly transmit an interrogation signal and wirelessly receive a response; an environmentally sealed container for holding a chemical analyte; a sensor array unit in fluid communication with the analyte disposed within the container, where the sensor array unit is operable to generate a response in the presence of a chemical stimulus; and a passive responder unit connected with the sensor array unit, the responder unit being powered from the interrogation signal, where the responder unit is operable to wirelessly receive the interrogation signal and wirelessly transmit the response to the interrogation signal to the interrogation unit.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas sensor element having the characteristic of detecting an aldehyde gas in concentrations of several tens of ppb, a process for manufacturing such a material, and a gas sensor element and the like comprising such a material, and the invention provides a gas sensor material comprising an organic-inorganic hybrid material in which a conductive organic polymer is intercalated between layers of an inorganic compound having a layer structure and from which a conductive organic polymer not intercalated between the layers of the inorganic compound is removed, and provides a process for manufacturing such a gas sensor material, as well as a chemical sensor member, and further the invention allows thus providing a chemical sensor material by which the gas sensor material can detect by itself an aldehyde gas in concentrations of several tens of ppb without using a sensitivity-enhancing element such as a gas-concentrating element.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensor for the detection of liquid ingredients with a carrier element (10), a sensor element (1) on the carrier element (10) and a sensor array, which is disposed on the surface of the sensor element and contains one or more electrodes (2), which are in electrical contact (4) with the corresponding deflection surfaces (3), which are also on the surface of the sensor element (1), but otherwise not electrically connected to the carrier element (10).

Abstract: In order to provide a step capable of reliably detecting a CO concentration in a reformed gas at low cost and a hydrogen purifier capable of fully exerting a function of a CO purifying catalyst, a gas concentration detector comprising a reaction chamber which has a catalyst layer and a gas temperature detector and capable of detecting the concentration of carbon monoxide in the gas by means of a signal of the temperature detector referring to a reformed gas passing along through the reaction chamber.

Abstract: A method for investigating a target environment to determine whether or in what amount a chemical species may be present therein, which comprises: (a) exposing to said environment an article of manufacture comprising a multiplicity of particles in close-packed orientation, said particles having a core of conductive metal or conductive metal alloy and deposited thereon a ligand which is capable of interacting with said species such that a property of said multiplicity of particles is altered; (b) subjecting said multiplicity of particles to conditions sufficient for said property to be exhibited; and (c) monitoring said property to determine whether there is, or the amount of, any change as an indication of whether, or in what amount, said species is present; a multiplicity of particles suitable for use in such method; and equipment suitable for implementing the method.

Abstract: A sensor may include a membrane to deflect in response to a change in surface stress, where a layer on the membrane is to couple one or more probe molecules with the membrane. The membrane may deflect when a target molecule reacts with one or more probe molecules.

Abstract: In an ammonia sensor (1), lead portions (7) and (9) are provided on an insulating substrate (5); a pair of comb-shaped electrodes (11) and (13) are connected to the lead portions (7) and (9), respectively; a sensitive layer (15) is provided on the comb-shaped electrodes (11) and (13); and a protective layer (17) is provided on the sensitive layer (15). Particularly, the sensitive layer (15) is formed of a gas-sensitive raw material predominantly containing ZrO2 and containing at least W in an amount of 2 to 40 wt. % as reduced to WO3.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel IC chips containing substances used particularly in bioassays. Furthermore, the invention is directed to assay methods and kits using these chips.

Abstract: A biochemical labeling material and manufacturing method thereof. The manufacturing method provides a plurality of nanoparticles, bonding the nanoparticles to template molecules by molecular imprinting, polymerizing the nanoparticles to form a matrix with uniformly-distributed template molecules, finally removing the template molecules from the matrix to reveal a detection group of the matrix, leaving a cavity with specific area.

Abstract: The present method uses a spectrophotometric and/or ionisation detection device in which the gas to be analyzed and illuminated by a light source emitting in a range of wavelengths distinct from the one used for spectrophotometry so as to carry out a nephelometric and/or turbidimetric detection, the results of this detection being used to carry out an adjustment of the device for counting the particles and/or for determining the composition of these particles.

Abstract: New sensors and methods for qualitative and quantitative analysis of multiple gaseous substances simultaneously with both high selectivity and high sensitivity are provided. The new sensors rely on a characteristic difference in energy between the interaction of a particular substance with a catalyst coated heat transfer device (HTD) and a non-catalyst coated (or one coated with a different catalyst) reference HTD. Molecular detection is achieved by an exothermic or endothermic chemical or physical reaction between the catalytic surface of the sensor and the molecule, tending to induce a temperature change of the sensor. Both high temperature and non-destructive low temperature detection are possible. The magnitude and rate of endothermic or exothermic heat transfer from a specific molecule-catalyst interaction is related to molecular concentration.

Abstract: An analytical system is provided for determining nitrogen monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and ozone concentrations in air samples. An ultraviolet light source 4 is used to alter the equilibrium between nitrogen dioxide and oxygen on the one hand and nitrogen monoxide and ozone on the other. Dynamic measurement of ozone concentration with time while ultraviolet irradiation is pulsed enables each gas concentration to be calculated without requiring input gases to be scrubbed. An aApparatus 101 is further provided to provide a controlled flow of gas to a sensor 103 attached to a high altitude balloon while sheltering it from the elements and allowing for affects of temperature, said apparatus comprising a shield 104 and a gas conducting means which uses the venturi effect to control air flow or has a hole to allow water to drain without affecting air flow past the sensor.

Abstract: Integrated nanotube sensors are adapted for detecting various chemical and biological molecules. In one implementation, nanotube sensor arrays are formed as nano-electronic noses capable of such detection, and can be implemented in devices including carbon nanotube-based electronic noses and biochips. Various implementations of the present invention are also directed to nanoscience and nanotechnology applications, such as medical, military and biological applications. In a more particular implementation, nanotubes are produced on full-scale wafers and functionalized. In another more particular implementation, functionalized nanotubes are integrated into addressable devices. With these approaches, various aspects of the present invention have been found to be useful in sensor applications having small size, high density and extreme sensitivity. Such sensor applications are applicable to many aspects of society, and can be implemented for making human lives more safe, secure and healthy.

Abstract: An auto-calibration label for use with one or more sensing instruments. The label includes first and second encoded calibration information. The second encoded calibration information may correspond to a different instrument than the first encoded calibration information. The second encoded information may also be used to provide additional calibration information for use with the first instrument. The label may be removably attached to a sensor package including a plurality of sensors. A first conductive ink pattern is disposed on the label to define the first encoded calibration information. The first conductive ink pattern is disposed contemporaneously with or without a portion of a second conductive ink pattern defining the second encoded calibration information. An insulating layer is disposed on the first pattern. The second ink pattern is disposed on the insulating layer. The first pattern is operable with the first instrument, not the second instrument.

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

Abstract: A method of determining bias in a measurement of a constituent concentration level in a sample gas is provided. The method comprises establishing a sample gas flow from an emission stream into a sample gas line of an emissions monitoring system. The method further comprises removing water from the sample gas flow and cooling the sample gas flow to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried sample gas flow. The constituent concentration level is then determined for the cooled, dried sample gas flow. The method further comprises introducing a span gas having a known span gas constituent concentration level into the sample gas flow to form a combined sample and span gas flow, the span gas being introduced at a desired span gas flow rate. The method still further comprises removing water from the combined sample and span gas and cooling the combined sample and span gas to a temperature below about 41° F. to produce a cooled, dried, combined sample and span gas flow.

Abstract: A simultaneous multianalyte electrochemical assay includes a cell which has a surface and the surface includes analyte binding sites i.e., antibodies or antigens on a solid phase at distinct separate locations. Separate working electrodes are located within proximity to these separate locations. Enzyme labeled antibodies or antigens depending on the assay format are added and the enzyme reaction product measured, by simultaneous amperometric measurement with the independent electrode in each area. The electrodes are spatially separated from adjacent analytes so that a measurement can be taken before cross-interference due to diffusion of product from adjacent analyte areas.

Abstract: Microtechnologically prepared component as a flow cytometer. The component contains a preparation area to specifically influence and separate the particles, preferably by dielectrophoresis, a measuring channel area for characterizing the particles, and a sorting area for sorting the particles identified in the measuring channel area by dielectrophoresis. The sorting includes switching elements which permit active guidance of the particles into two or more subchannels corresponding to the criteria which have been registered in the measuring channel area. With a component configured in this way for the use of a flow cytometer, quick and precise sorting of particles, in particular biological cells in a suspension, can be implemented.

Abstract: One aspect of the present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of an analyte by comparing the conductivity of a mixture containing an analyte and a sensor to the conductivity of the sensor in the absence of analyte. In certain embodiments, the sensor of the present invention consists of a complexing domain comprising a metal ion and a complexing agent and a conducting polymer, wherein the redox potential of the metal ion is similar to the redox potential of the conducting polymer. In one preferred embodiment, the presence of nitric oxide is detected by measuring the conducting change of a sensor comprising poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) and cobalt. The poly N,N?-ethylenebis(salicylidenimine) cobalt sensors of the present invention are not adversely effected by the presence of water or oxygen.

Abstract: A system and method of fluctuation enhanced gas-sensing using SAW devices includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection, identification, and quantification through the measurement and spectral analysis of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. The spectral analysis produces the power spectral density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the analyte(s) such as, total adsorbed gas mass and diffusion coefficients. The diffusion coefficients may then be used to determine the number of molecule types and/or the concentration of each.

Abstract: In a planar oxygen sensor having a pump cell, a reference cell, a sensor chamber and a heating device, a ground plane electrode is provided and includes a sensing portion having a first sense lead and a second sense lead and a measuring portion having a first measuring lead and a second measuring lead, wherein the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead have increased surface area relative to said sensing portion such that the resistance between the first measuring lead and the second measuring lead is reduced and wherein the first measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the first sense lead and the second measuring lead is disposed so as to be communicated with the second sense lead.

Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor system that compensates for changes in resistance caused by changes in ambient temperature, thereby increasing the accuracy of the sensor system's ability to detect target analytes. The sensor system generally includes a first resistor, a second resistor, and a load regulator or switch that is sensitive to changes in ambient temperature. At least one of the first resistor and the second resistor is a sensing element having a resistance that changes in response to the presence of one or more of the analytes. The switch manages an electrical load across the first resistor and the second resistor. The switch prevents passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a first value. The switch permits passage of the electrical load across the first and/or second resistor when the ambient temperature is at a second value.

Abstract: Carbon monoxide sensors suitable for use in hydrogen feed streams and methods of use thereof are disclosed. The sensors are palladium metal/insulator/semiconductor (Pd-MIS) sensors which may possess a gate metal layer having uniform, Type 1, or non-uniform, Type 2, film morphology. Type 1 sensors display an increased sensor response in the presence of carbon monoxide while Type 2 sensors display a decreased response to carbon monoxide. The methods and sensors disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

Abstract: A microfluidic device comprises pumps, valves, and fluid oscillation dampers. In a device employed for sorting, an entity is flowed by the pump along a flow channel through a detection region to a junction. Based upon an identity of the entity determined in the detection region, a waste or collection valve located on opposite branches of the flow channel at the junction are actuated, thereby routing the entity to either a waste pool or a collection pool. A damper structure may be located between the pump and the junction. The damper reduces the amplitude of oscillation pressure in the flow channel due to operation of the pump, thereby lessening oscillation in velocity of the entity during sorting process. The microfluidic device may be formed in a block of elastomer material, with thin membranes of the elastomer material deflectable into the flow channel to provide pump or valve functionality.

Abstract: A device and method for quantifying an impurity in an input gas stream. The device and method employ a catalyst to convert the impurity to a detectable species in an output gas stream, and the concentration of the detectable species is then measured by means of a detector.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a physical property of a measuring gas, in particular the oxygen concentration or the temperature in the exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine in a motor vehicle, has a housing, a measuring element whose end section protrudes from the housing, a connector plug mounted on the end section, and a housing shell covering the end section and connector plug with a radial clearance, one shell end of the housing shell being attached to the housing and the other shell end being sealed. To prevent electromechanical breakage in the sensor in the event of extreme vibration stresses or accelerations of the vehicle, the free space within the housing shell is completely filled with a non-conductive granulate.