Abstract: In downhole drilling tools, a first set of inexpensive and/or relatively small sensors that typically have lower accuracy and higher drift than conventional downhole sensors are located in the drill string adjacent to the bit. A second set of highly accurate sensors is located in a more protected location higher in the drill string away from the drill bit. As drilling progresses these sensors pass through the same portion of the formation measured by the first set of sensors. Key properties are measured by the second set of sensors which allow a calibration offset to be applied the data measured by the first set of sensors.

Abstract: The invention is a system (10) and method for determining a gas composition within a fuel cell (12) of a shut down fuel cell power plant. The system (10) includes at least one fuel cell (12), a sensor circuit (86) secured in electrical connection with the fuel cell (12), wherein the circuit (86) includes a power source (88), a voltage-measuring device (90), and a sensor circuit switch (92). The circuit (86) is secured so that the power source (88) may selectively deliver a pre-determined sensing current to the fuel cell (12) for a pre-determined sensing duration. The system (10) selectively admits the reducing fluid into an anode flow field (28) of the cell (12) whenever the sensor circuit (86) senses that a shut down monitoring voltage of the fuel cell (12) is the same as or exceeds a calibrated sensor voltage limit of the fuel cell (12).

Abstract: A pneumatic thermostat calibration device with a removable cover to protect the sensor needle from clogging and/or damage and the user from needle induced injury. The pneumatic thermostat calibration device should also be sized to fit in the pocket of a user. The pneumatic thermostat calibration device should also include a thermostat adjustment tool. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Sensor arrays and sensor array systems for detecting analytes in fluids. Sensors configured to generate a response upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more analytes can be located on one or more surfaces relative to one or more fluid channels in an array. Fluid channels can take the form of pores or holes in a substrate material. Fluid channels can be formed between one or more substrate plates. Sensor can be fabricated with substantially optimized sensor volumes to generate a response having a substantially maximized signal to noise ratio upon introduction of a fluid containing one or more target analytes. Methods of fabricating and using such sensor arrays and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for acquiring environmental information measurements. The 5 system (100) utilize a sensor, (205) a front-end circuit, (310) a loop filter (315), a switch controller (206), and a reduced-order loop control circuit to provide reliable data measurements while providing robust system behavior. The system further includes a sensor simulator (330) for simulating the operation of the sensor (205) and testing the operation of the front-end circuit (310) and the loop filter (315).

Abstract: A chemiresistor sensor probe for detecting target analytes. The probe includes a body having a first control surface and a second control surface recessed within the first. A sensor film comprises numerous conductive particles disposed upon the second surface. The film swells upon absorbing one or more analytes for which it has an affinity, thus causing the conductive particles to become more dispersed and increasing the resistance between the particles. The thickness of the film is equal to the distance between the first surface and the second surface, thus permitting the thickness to be controlled by varying the distance between the control surfaces. The robustness of the sensor probe is enhanced by placing a porous or mesh electrode along with, or in place of, a chemical binding agent between the film and the terminals. The robustness is also improved by placing a diode in series with the sensor circuit.

Abstract: A detector for smoke, heat or the like, which has test function circuitry capable of initiating verification of the detector operation, including testing of a communication path between the detector and a central control unit. The test is actuated on receipt of a signal initiated at the detector, which indicates success by illuminating the detector's LED. An operator is able to initiate the test by means of a laser pointer.

Abstract: A process and system for purifying an impure gas to produce a purified gas in a gas purification system and protecting the system from damage by a) passing a portion of a first gas stream into a reactor vessel, which exits as a second purified gas stream; b) combining a portion of the second purified gas stream with another portion of the first gas stream to form a combined gas stream; and c) passing the combined gas stream into a sensing device to regulate the flow of the first and second gas streams into the reactor vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for determining the molecular weight and diffusivity of a sample solute by providing a plus shaped microchannel network on a microfluidic chip, having at least four microchannels intersecting at a cross point; flowing a sample stream comprising a sample solute of unknown diffusivity and a blank stream from separate microchannels through the cross point and out to separate microchannels; creating a sample curve measuring the concentration of the sample solute that diffuses from the sample stream to the blank stream at the cross point while altering the flowrate of one of the blank stream or the sample stream; and determining a diffusion coefficient of the sample solute by extrapolating data from similar curves of at least two solutes having known molecular weights and/or diffusion coefficients created under similar conditions as those generated by the sample solute.

Abstract: Taste recognition is performed by letting a solvent flow through a holding section which holds an object to be recognized and measuring the solvent which has flowed through the holding section by a taste sensor. If the flow rate of the solvent is set at about 1 ml/min, the solvent whose quantity is almost equal to that of saliva secreted in a mouth can be supplied to the object to be recognized, and hence the taste recognition can be performed by the taste sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of testing seed singulation of a seed meter. The apparatus includes a frame which supports the seed meter to be tested above a track within which is disposed a continuous flighted belt. A drive system is provided to drive the flighted belt and the seed meter at a preselected speed and seed discharge rate, respectively. In operation, seeds supplied to the seed meter are dispensed by the seed meter in its normal mode of operation onto the moving flighted belt. A sensor disposed along the path of travel of the belt detects the seeds within each passing cell. A computer records and registers data relevant to the singulation accuracy and efficiency of the seed meter.

Abstract: The invention herein provides for the detection of certain organic halogen-containing agents or toxicants such as sarin, chloropicrin, mustard gas, mustard chlorohydrin, phosgene, chlorine, soman, lewisite, diphosgene and others by, in one embodiment, first reacting the agents with superoxide free radical anion (.O{overscore (2)}) to produce light pulses which can be detected by a standard photon counter. The superoxide may be available from a dimethyl sulfoxide superoxide (.O{overscore (2)}) liquid solution, from lecithin coated beads charged with superoxide (.O{overscore (2)}) in a reaction vessel or from a quarternary ammonium ion exchange resin charged with superoxide anion (.O{overscore (2)}) in a reaction vessel.

Abstract: A multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve is disclosed. The integration of the sample shut off function eliminates extra plumbing and labor costs associated with a separate sample shut off valve. Additionally, the multiple port valve integrated with the function of the sample shut off valve provides a shorter equilibration time and less tubing volume.

Abstract: A liquid electrode mixture for use in a gas sensor having from about 60 to about 240 milligrams of platinum black catalyst; from about 900 to about 1100 milligrams of water; from about 300 to about 400 microliters of 1-propanol; and from about 100 microliters to about 150 microliters of a polymer mixture comprising from about 40% to about 80% PTFE by weight and water.

Abstract: A method of calibrating a detector using a calibration object having a rounded surface and indicia is disclosed. The calibration object, when coupled with a detector and analyzer, assists in minimizing image distortion caused by misalignment of the detector relative to the calibration object. A calibration object is also disclosed.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor and collector. An element that is capable of absorbing and releasing hydrocarbons is positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The element has a plurality of chambers defined in it that allow air to pass through the element. The hydrocarbon sensor and collector also includes a means for detecting the level of hydrocarbons absorbed by the element.

Abstract: A poison resistant combustible gas sensing element, a method for its production and a method for determining poisoning of the element. The element includes an electric heating element, an inner layer coated on the electric heating element and containing a precious metal catalyst supported on a porous oxide, the precious metal catalyst catalyzing combustion of a combustible gas to be detected by the element, and an outer layer overlaying the first layer, and containing a catalytic compound capable of trapping gases which poison the precious metal catalyst, the catalytic compound being supported on a porous oxide.

Abstract: A sensor includes a piezoelectric hydrophone and at least one accelerometer. In calibration mode, the hydrophone is connected to a source of a known electrical signal and outputs a mechanical/acoustic signal that the accelerometer detects. Comparison of the known electrical signal to the output of the accelerometer allows calibration of the accelerometer. In operation mode, both the hydrophone and the accelerometer are connected to a data acquisition unit.

Abstract: A portable calibration unit for calibrating test equipment is disclosed that may incorporate a communication interface for connecting to a computer embedded within the test equipment, a variable signal source for producing a test signal, a processor in communication with the computer for controlling the variable signal source, and a test interface for communicating the test signal to the test equipment.

Abstract: A more efficient method for combustion or oxidation of samples containing nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur to their corresponding oxides is disclosed, where method uses multi-staged addition of an oxidizing agent to enhance oxidation and liberation of nitrogen, phosphorus and/or sulfur oxides for subsequent detection. The method of the present invention allows for the injection of larger samples or the introduction of a greater amount of sample per unit of time which results in a larger amount of analyte being delivered to the detector per unit of time, thereby improving detection limits and detection efficiency.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to methods, processes and decisions on test outcomes for testing for faulty, therefor dangerous, performance of zero speed indicators that are used to control the opening of barriers guarding moving machine components. The indicators may be tested by removing them from the components during operation without shutting down production or in certain situations the indicators may be tested during the run down phase of the components caused by machine stop initiations. The tests allow to anticipate and hence prevent hazardous opening of barriers due to a faulty zero speed indication. Additionally, the invention is directed to testing of the insertion of motion interference devices in conjunction with zero speed indicators, both of which must perform correctly in order to permit the unlocking and opening of the protective barrier. There are included various exemplary devices for effecting the testing function.

Abstract: A poison resistant combustible gas sensing element, a method for its production and a method for determining poisoning of the element. The element includes an electric heating element, an inner layer coated on the electric heating element and containing a precious metal catalyst supported on a porous oxide, the precious metal catalyst catalyzing combustion of a combustible gas to be detected by the element, and an outer layer overlaying the first layer, and containing a catalytic compound capable of trapping gases which poison the precious metal catalyst, the catalytic compound being supported on a porous oxide.

Abstract: Provided is a solid phase array of electrical sensors, each comprising a channel and electrical leads for attaching to a voltage, current or resistivity meter for measuring the voltage, current or resistivity through the pore, wherein the channels are formed of a single substrate.

Abstract: An inverse analysis method for characterizing diffusion of vapor from an underground source of volatile contaminant using data taken by an in-situ sensor. The method uses one-dimensional solutions to the diffusion equation in Cartesian, cylindrical, or spherical coordinates for isotropic and homogenous media. If the effective vapor diffusion coefficient is known, then the distance from the source to the in-situ sensor can be estimated by comparing the shape of the predicted time-dependent vapor concentration response curve to the measured response curve. Alternatively, if the source distance is known, then the effective vapor diffusion coefficient can be estimated using the same inverse analysis method. A triangulation technique can be used with multiple sensors to locate the source in two or three dimensions. The in-situ sensor can contain one or more chemiresistor elements housed in a waterproof enclosure with a gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: A controller for a gradient sequential compression system is provided for inflating a plurality of inflatable chambers of one or more compression sleeves according to several different modes of operation. A mode of operation may define the number and selection of chambers to be inflated, the pressurization levels, the pressurization time, or the sequence of chamber inflation. To enable the controller to automatically perform a designated mode of operation based on the type of compression sleeve connected, a new and improved connecting device is provided. An indicator on an interface connector associates a predetermined mode of operation with the interface connector. A sensor associated with a complementary connector identifies the mode of operation associated with the interface connector. It is contemplated that the universal connecting device can be used for any type of system, not just controllers for a gradient sequential compression system.

Abstract: A sensor monitoring system and associated methods are provide that preferably include a plurality of sensors connected in parallel across a single pair of wires that include resistances of equal value placed in series between each sensor. This allows each sensor to measure the voltage dropped between itself and the monitoring system to determine its relative placement on the bus to autonomously assign itself a number to delineate to the monitoring system its relative location on the equipment or item being monitored. The sensors modulate their internal resistance to change the current on the bus to transmit their status to the monitoring system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for analyzing, sensing and measuring the concentrations of various gases, including NOx, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxygen, in a multi-component gas system using chemical sensors and chemical sensor arrays. The sensors and sensor arrays use chemo/electro-active materials to analyze and detect the presence of gases.

Abstract: The optical sensor contains an optical waveguide (1) with a substrate (104), waveguiding material (105), a cover medium (106) and a waveguide grating structure (101-103). By means of a light source (2), light can be emitted to the waveguide grating structure (101-103) from the substrate side and/or from the cover medium side. (101-103). With means of detection (11), at least two differing light proportions (7-10) radiated from the waveguide (1) can be detected. For carrying out a measurement, the waveguide can be immovably fixed relative to the light source (2) and the means of detection (11). The waveguide grating structure (101-103) itself consists of one or several waveguide grating structure units (101-103), which if so required can be equipped with (bio-)chemo-sensitive layers. The sensor permits the generation of absolute measuring signals.

Abstract: An array of piezoelectric resonators used in a sensor device in order to identify chemical and biological agents. The resonators can operate as bulk acoustic wave (BAW), surface acoustic wave (SAW), or Love mode devices. The sensor device integrates gravimetric, calorimetric, thermal gravimetric, voltage gravimetric and optical detection methods into one sensor system, improving the accuracy of identifying hazardous agents. For gravimetric detection, dual-mode resonators provide simultaneous calorimetric and gravimetric data, one type from each mode. Resonators with heaters on the surfaces will provide thermal gravimetric data. An optical detector can be used to analyze the optical signal from the surface of a coated resonator. Additionally, voltage gravimetric measurements can be made with an electric field set up between the resonator and an external electrode. Thermal voltage gravimetric measurements can be made by adding an integrated heater on the resonator with an external electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vehicle passenger detecting apparatus capable of detecting an unoccupied-seat state through the use of existing signals in a vehicle and correcting an unoccupied-seat reference value with a simple configuration. In a case in which an ignition key switch and a buckle switch are in off conditions and a load detecting value, which is the sum of measurement data from load sensors in these conditions, falls below a predetermined unoccupied-seat load value, an occupied-seat reference value serving as a load measurement standard for detection of a state of a vehicle passenger is corrected using the load detection value. This eliminates the influence of vibrations stemming from engine revolutions and electrical noises and enables the reference value to be corrected using a stabler load detection value.

Abstract: Intended for application on ducts through which flow a fluid at a high temperature, and particularly at a high pressure, comprising two bodies (4) and (8) which axially screw onto each other, one body (4) provided with a threaded neck (5) for attachment to the orifice of duct wall (3), which body (4) houses within it sensor element (2) of the probe which is thus placed inside the duct, with second body (8) screwed onto first body (4) and exerting on sensor element (2) the pressure required to secure it in its housing, with second body (8) further provided with an axial orifice through which passes a metallic tube (9) open to the exterior and which is provided with a metallic washer (10), soldered to said tube (9), which is separated from second body (8) by an electrically insulating washer (12).

Abstract: A combustible gas sensor includes an active element in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a thermistor network to compensate for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element. Another combustible gas sensor includes an active element having a geometric surface area no greater than approximately 0.5 mm2 in electrical connection with a measurement circuit. The measurement circuit includes a compensator that compensates for the effect of changes in ambient temperature to the resistance of the active element without compensating for heat lost by thermal conduction from the active element.

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 modifiying 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: An injection pump assembly 10 in a chemical delivery system for simultaneously delivering reagents into a combinatorial reactor system having multiple injectors. The assembly 10 has a plurality of injectors 12, each injector 12 being in fluid communication with one of the multiple reactors. Each injector 12 has (1) a pump 14 in which a plunger 18 sealingly moves to ingest, store and discharge a flushing solvent 20; (2) a pipette assembly 22 for loading, storing, and discharging one or more reagents into one of the reactors in the combinatorial reactor system, first and second reservoirs for retaining some of the reagents; (3) one or more hollow needles 32, each for selectively delivering a reagent 24 to the first 28 or the second 24 reservoir; (4) a first valve 34 positioned downstream of the first 28 reservoir; and (5) a second valve 36 positioned downstream of the second 30 reservoir. When each valve 34, 36 is in a closed position, the reagents 24, 48 can be stored in isolation from each other.

Abstract: A chemical-sensing apparatus is formed from the combination of a chemical preconcentrator which sorbs and concentrates particular volatile organic chemicals (VOCs) and one or more chemiresistors that sense the VOCs after the preconcentrator has been triggered to release them in concentrated form. Use of the preconcentrator and chemiresistor(s) in combination allows the VOCs to be detected at lower concentration than would be possible using the chemiresistor(s) alone and further allows measurements to be made in a variety of fluids, including liquids (e.g. groundwater). Additionally, the apparatus provides a new mode of operation for sensing VOCs based on the measurement of decay time constants, and a method for background correction to improve measurement precision.

Abstract: Method for operating and testing a sensor assembly (210). The sensor assembly (210) preferably includes accelerometers with axes of sensitivity orthogonal to each other. The method preferably includes determining sensor tilt angle, determining the position of the sensor, and synchronizing the operation of the sensor.

Abstract: Fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel of a microfluidic device using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, fixed volumes of samples are metered into the reaction channel using one or more slidable blocks having at least one fixed-length sample metering channel. In another aspect of the present invention, a sample injection scheme based on injection time is implemented using relatively sliding blocks of separation channels and sample channels. In a further aspect of the present invention, separation channels are configured in relation to the slidable block in a manner that enables separations to be conducted continuously for high-throughput assays.

Abstract: An A/F signal proportional to an oxygen concentration in the exhaust gas from an internal combustion engine is output upon application of a voltage based on an instruction from a microcomputer. At the time an element resistance is detected, a bias instruction signal Vr from the microcomputer is converted by a D/A converter 21 to an analog signal Vb. An output voltage Vc obtained by removing high frequency components from the analog signal Vb through an LPF 22 is input to a bias control circuit 40. During this time period in which the element resistance is detected, an accurate A/F signal is not output. Therefore, the A/F signal that has theretofore prevailed is held by a Sample/Hold circuit 70 to thereby prevent the use of an erroneous A/F signal. Namely, at the time of detecting the element resistance, the detected value of the oxygen concentration is prevented from becoming abnormal. As a result, an accurate A/F control can be executed using the detected element resistance.

Abstract: A calibration tool for centering an inner tube with respect to an outer tube of a vertical furnace for semiconductor manufacturing including a first alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance for engagement with a base structure of a vertical furnace to center the calibration tool with respect to the base structure and the outer tube; a second alignment member having a plurality of engagement surfaces simultaneously movable radially outward an equal radial distance to engage the inner tube and to move the inner tube to a position centered with respect to the outer tube of the vertical furnace.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a target matter includes a chemical sensitive layer that is operable to react when exposed to the target matter and a piezoresistive material coupled to the chemical sensitive layer. The chemical sensitive layer is configured such that the reaction of the target matter with the chemical sensitive layer creates an interfacial tension at the interface of the chemical sensitive layer and the piezoresistive material that changes the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material. However, the chemical sensitive layer is configured such that the reaction of the target matter with the chemical sensitive layer does not affect the bulk properties of the chemical sensitive layer enough to change the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material. The sensor also includes an electrical circuit coupled to the piezoresistive material that is operable to detect the change in the electrical resistance of the piezoresistive material due to the interfacial tension.

Abstract: The invention determines density of a sample while the sample is immersed in a gaseous medium having variable density. The apparatus includes a chamber for containing the gaseous medium and the sample, means for selectively varying the density of the gaseous medium over a range of densities, and means for producing electrical signals related to the density of the gaseous medium. In the chamber is a balance beam having a sample pan at a first end and a coil assembly at an opposing second end. Also at the second end of the beam is a first counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of sample pan, and which creates a moment that is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the sample pan. At the first end of the beam is a second counter-weight having a volume and mass which is substantially equivalent to the volume and mass of the coil assembly, and which creates a moment which is substantially equivalent to the moment created by the coil assembly.

Abstract: A check rod (1) for apparatus for measuring properties of longitudinally permeable rods, the check rod (1) comprising a hollow cylindrical body (2) having first, second and third transverse walls (4, 5, 6); a first chamber (17) defined by body (2) and the first and second transverse walls (4, 5); a second chamber (8) defined by body (2) and the second and third transverse walls (5, 6); at least one first ventilation window for air to flow laterally into chamber (7); at least one second ventilation window for air to flow laterally into chamber (8); and tubes (9, 10, 11) which are open at each end and provide for laminar air flow therethrough which is the only flow of air through the transverse walls, said tubes comprising at least one short tube (9) which passes through wall (4) and opens into chamber (7); at least one intermediate length tube (10) which passes through walls (5, 6) and opens into chamber (8), and at least one long tube (11) which passes through all walls (4, 5, 6) to allow passage of air throu

Abstract: The measuring sensor, particularly a lambda probe, has a ceramic sensor member retained at a high temperature during measuring operation. It is shielded from water droplets, carried along in the gas to be analyzed, by a heated protective housing, permeable for the gas to be analyzed, by which water droplets carried along in the direction of the sensor member are evaporated before reaching the sensor member. In this way, the water droplets are unable to cause any shock-like temperature drops at spots on the surface of the sensor member or material flaking.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for analyzing, sensing and measuring information related to the concentrations of various gases, including NOx, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxygen, in a multi-component gas system using chemical sensors and chemical sensor arrays. The sensors and sensor arrays use chemo/electro-active materials to analyze and detect the presence of gases.

Abstract: The adsorption rate of proteins from solutions on surfaces in the region of interface layers is often so large that a depletion of the protein in the interface layer results. Due to this, the total reaction becomes transport-dependent, sensitively disrupting the determination of the rate constants. In known TIRF-analysis chambers or bio-sensor systems with a liquid interface layer of ˜10 ?m thickness and mass transport coefficients of 10?6-10?5 m/s it has up limitation. With the help of a TIRF-flow-through shear analyzer in which a certain volume unit of an immiscible fluid, for example an air bubble, is fed into the buffer flow, an ultra-thin liquid layer arises on the surface with a thickness of 100-200 nm, wherein interface surfaces below 10 nm thickness are technically possible.

Abstract: An integrated circuit device has a device main body 1 having a predetermined circuit function of providing an output corresponding to an input thereto, and is provided with a power supply section 4 for receiving through a coil 3 electromagnetic wave energy applied from outside to generate predetermined internal electric power required to operate the integrated circuit device. The integrated circuit device further includes a calibration data acquisition circuit (operation control section 5) for detecting the output of the device main body 1 operated in a predetermined operating environment to obtain calibration data on the device main body, and a nonvolatile memory 6 for storing the calibration data.

Abstract: An improved, affordable, and rapid fluid mixture composition or process monitor based on a thermal microstructure sensor. This is preferably accomplished with a microbridge sensor design that has reduced susceptibility to interfering components of the mixture. The sensor described herein is therefore suitable for monitoring the concentration of at least one component in a fluid mixture when the fluid mixture consists of either (1) two components with very different thermal conductivities; or (2) three or more components wherein at least one component has a very different thermal conductivity and the effects of the other components can be largely eliminated, especially if the component of interest is hydrogen and the interference is from the variability in the concentrations of CO2 and H2O.

Abstract: To calibrate a tool evaluator having a first sensor, where this first sensor is operable to sense a force and transmit a first signal associated with the sensed force, a second sensor is disposed within the tool evaluator. This second sensor is operable to sense the force and transmit a second signal associated with the sensed force. In addition; the tool evaluator is controlled to apply the force to the second sensor and a calibration factor is determined in response to the first signal and the second signal.

Abstract: A process for testing an impregnated insert of a Hollow Cathode Assembly (HCA) subsequent to every exposure of the HCA to air, and prior to ignition, using a heater and an oil-free assembly having a base pressure of less than 5.0×10−6 torr. The process comprises the steps of: installing the HCA in a vacuum; energizing the heater to a particular current level; de-energizing the heater after one-half hour; again energizing the heater to a particular current level; and de-energizing the heater for at least one-half hour.

Abstract: An intelligent sensor platform is provided with an architecture that takes advantage of a low cost microcontroller for overall sensor control. Outputs are all controlled directly by the microcontroller as are gains of signal processing amplifiers and thresholds for threshold detectors. The sensor can be remotely programmed using a remote control device or simple push button programming can be implemented. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.