Abstract: A vapor and/or gas concentration and temperature sensor includes a resonating structure having a first side with a functionalized surface and a second side opposite the first side, a first resonant frequency of a first vibration mode, and a second resonating frequency of a second vibration mode. Drive and sensing electrodes face the second side of the resonating structure. A direct current bias source is coupled to the resonating structure. A first AC voltage source provides the resonating structure with a first voltage having a frequency corresponding to the first resonant frequency. A second AC voltage source provides the resonating structure with a second voltage having a frequency corresponding to the second resonant frequency.

Abstract: A method for distinguishing a test gas escaping from a leak in a test object (21) from an interfering gas in the environment of the test object (21) during sniffing leak detection, having the steps: suctioning gas from the environment of the test object (21) in the region of the outer surface of the test object by means of a sniffing tip, which has a suction opening (14), which is connected, for gas conduction, to a sensor (18), which is designed to determine the test gas partial pressure of the test gas in the suctioned gas flow; varying, with periodic repetition, the flow intensity of the suctioned gas flow; setting a total pressure of the suctioned gas at the sensor (18) of at least 80 percent of the total pressure of the gas in the atmosphere (23) surrounding the test object (21); avoiding fluctuations of the total pressure of the suctioned gas at the sensor (18) of more than 10 percent; measuring the test gas partial pressure of test gas contained in the suctioned gas flow by means of the sensor (18); in

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include a method including receiving first impact data. The method includes receiving second impact data. The method includes applying a first filter to both the first impact data and the second impact data. The method includes applying a second filter to both the first impact data and the second impact data. Filtering includes time and frequency based discriminating filter to isolate specific signatures that representatively indicate impact signatures generated by the sand on the interrogator. The method includes comparing the first impact data and the second impact data for corresponding signatures. The method includes identifying a corresponding signature in both the first impact data and the second impact data. The method includes determining the corresponding signature meets a threshold criterion. The method includes determining one or more particulate properties based at least in part on the corresponding peak.

Abstract: A stack of vertically-connected, horizontally-oriented integrated circuits (ICs) may have electrical connections from the front side of one IC to the back side of another IC. Electrical signals may be transferred from the back side of one IC to the front side of the same IC by means of through substrate vias (TSVs), which may include through silicon vias. Electronic apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to test and/or replace defective TSVs. Additional apparatus, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A probe cleaning plate is configured to clean the probe plate of an ICT fixture. In particular, the probe cleaning plate is used to support a plurality of probes included as part of the probe plate and enable cleaning of the probe heads of each probe while maintaining support of the probes and minimizing, if not preventing, seepage of cleaning solution and contaminates from to the base of the probes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasively monitoring steam quality and flow and in pipes or conduits bearing flowing steam, are described. By measuring the acoustic vibrations generated in steam-carrying conduits by the flowing steam either by direct contact with the pipe or remotely thereto, converting the measured acoustic vibrations into a frequency spectrum characteristic of the natural resonance vibrations of the pipe, and monitoring the amplitude and/or the frequency of one or more chosen resonance frequencies, changes in the steam quality in the pipe are determined. The steam flow rate and the steam quality are inversely related, and changes in the steam flow rate are calculated from changes in the steam quality once suitable calibration curves are obtained.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring scale deposition in a water-containing industrial process are disclosed. In certain embodiments, the water-containing industrial process is an aqueous cooling system. In certain embodiments, the methods incorporate fluorometric monitoring and control techniques along with a piezoelectric microbalance sensor. A particular embodiment of a piezoelectric microbalance sensor is additionally disclosed, along with at least one method for using the particular embodiment that is independent of whether fluorometric monitoring and control techniques are utilized.

Abstract: A system for preventing icing in a conduit, as can occur in an aircraft's air conditioning system, includes at least one sensor for acquiring mechanical oscillations of the conduits, an electronic evaluation unit and an electronic control unit. The sensor is connected to the electronic evaluation unit, which knows characteristics relating to the oscillation behavior of the conduit and is equipped to compare the measured conduit oscillations with these characteristics, and through correlation to interpret them as conduit icing, and in the case of conduit icing to emit a signal to the control unit. If the operation-associated oscillations are inadequate, oscillations can be generated or amplified through an actuator. With this system an icing state within the conduit can be detected without the use of sensors located in the interior cross section of the conduit, which itself serves as a sensitive element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for estimating the air humidity within an oven cavity (14) by using ultrasound waves with at least two different frequencies (f1, f2). Said apparatus comprises at least one ultrasound transmitter (10) for generating the ultrasound waves, at least one ultrasound receiver (12) for receiving the ultrasound waves and at least one phase detecting device for detecting the phase (?1, ?2) of the ultrasound wave at the ultrasound receiver (12) relative to the same ultrasound wave with the same frequency (f1, f2) at the ultrasound transmitter (10).

Abstract: A thermal type fluid flow sensor includes an air flow detecting portion and a temperature detecting portion formed above the same substrate, capable of correcting a humidity, and having a high measuring accuracy at a low cost, and a heat generating resistor, a temperature measuring resistor for the heat detecting resistor, a temperature measuring resistor for detecting an air flow, and a heat generating resistor for detecting a humidity are arranged in a diaphragm formed above a semiconductor substrate, an air cavity layer, and a protecting film above the air cavity layer are formed above the heat generating resistor for detecting the humidity, and the protecting film is provided with plural holes reaching the air cavity layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for noninvasively monitoring steam quality and flow and in pipes or conduits bearing flowing steam, are described. By measuring the acoustic vibrations generated in steam-carrying conduits by the flowing steam either by direct contact with the pipe or remotely thereto, converting the measured acoustic vibrations into a frequency spectrum characteristic of the natural resonance vibrations of the pipe, and monitoring the amplitude and/or the frequency of one or more chosen resonance frequencies, changes in the steam quality in the pipe are determined. The steam flow rate and the steam quality are inversely related, and changes in the steam flow rate are calculated from changes in the steam quality once suitable calibration curves are obtained.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for estimating the air humidity within an oven cavity (14) by using ultrasound waves with at least two different frequencies (f1, f2). Said apparatus comprises at least one ultrasound transmitter (10) for generating the ultrasound waves, at least one ultrasound receiver (12) for receiving the ultrasound waves and at least one phase detecting device for detecting the phase (?1, ?2) of the ultrasound wave at the ultrasound receiver (12) relative to the same ultrasound wave with the same frequency (f1, f2) at the ultrasound transmitter (10).

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include devices and methods for humidity and temperature sensing. For example, in one embodiment, a sensing device can include a first surface acoustic wave (SAW) component, wherein the first SAW component is a temperature component, a second SAW component, wherein the second SAW component is a humidity component, a third SAW component, wherein the third SAW component is a reference component, and a piezoelectric layer, wherein the first SAW component, the second. SAW component, and the third SAW component are on a surface of the piezoelectric layer.

Abstract: An aircraft Ice Detection pitot-static tube is described which uses sensors integrated into the pitot-static tube to determine when and where the pitot-static tube is icing up. Temperature, thermal conductivity and impedance sensor measurements are combined with a mathematical transfer of the impedance sensor output into the complex dielectric plane to identify that the material accreating on the exterior and interior of the pitot-static tube is ice and only ice. Identification of ice realized when the trace in complex dielectric space has a distinctive semi-circular form, which only ice exhibits, with measured values in agreement with reference laboratory data stored in the onboard computer system.

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: A gas sensor with instant response uses one or more oscillators while no chemical reactions or other material modifications are involved. Sensor can be used in any application to measure a percent range of gas concentrations, or mass of the absorbed gas.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapour flux from a surface (10) e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin, which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier. It uses a closed cylinder (12), which is placed against the skin and by measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder by means of sensors (13, 14) positioned adjacent the wall of the cylinder, the water vapour flux can be determined.

Abstract: An ultrasonic sensor includes a transmitting device, a receiving device, and a circuit device. The circuit device determines that the receiving device receives an ultrasonic wave reflected from an object, when an output voltage of the receiving device is equal to or greater than a first threshold. The circuit device includes a humidity detection section configured to detect an ambient humidity of the transmitting and receiving devices and a threshold adjustment section configured to calculate, based on the detected ambient humidity, a sound pressure of the ultrasonic wave that is received by the receiving device after propagating over a round-trip distance between the ultrasonic sensor and the object. The threshold adjustment section reduces the first threshold, when the output voltage corresponding to the calculated sound pressure is less than a second threshold that is greater the first threshold.

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: A humidity sensor and a quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) therefor, for measuring low humidity levels, and a method for preparing same. The metallic surface of the QCM is electroplated with a hygroscopic layer. The hygroscopic layer preferably includes Manganese. A salt is formed on the hygroscopic layer. The salt is preferably salt of Manganese, and most preferably Manganese Chloride (MnCl2).

Abstract: A sensor senses an environmental condition. The sensor includes a film bulk acoustic resonator that includes a layer of material that causes resonant frequency and/or quality factor shifts of the film bulk acoustic resonator in response to changes in the environmental condition. The environmental condition may be relative humidity and the layer of material may be a moisture absorptive material.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element, a humidity sensor device and a method for manufacturing thereof are provided. The humidity sensor element includes a substrate having a nanocomposite film as sensing material, wherein said nanocomposite film consists of carbon nanotube/perfluorinated polymer with acid functional groups in weight ratio of 0.01-20; and at least a pair of electrodes, which contact with the sensing material at one or both side(s). The nanocomposite film increases the sensitivity of humidity sensor element such that even an infinitesimal amount of moisture can be detected with minimum detection limit of 15.76 ppmv.

Abstract: A deposition apparatus supplies a reactive gas obtained by vaporizing a liquid material at a vaporizer 30 into a chamber 10 via a processing-gas pipe 40 and forms a thin film on a semiconductor wafer W due to a thermal decomposition of the reactive gas. The deposition apparatus is provided, in the processing-gas pipe 40, with a crystal gauge 51 detecting a pressure Pq under the influence of mist in the reactive gas and a capacitance manometer 52 detecting a pressure Pg under no influence of the mist. The apparatus further includes a gasification monitor 50 detecting a quantity of mist in the reactive gas on the basis of a difference ?P between the pressure Pq and the pressure Pg measured by the crystal gauge 51 and the capacitance manometer 52 in order to prevent deposition defects due to the mist in the reactive gas.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 is provided that measures the speed of sound propagating in a multiphase mixture to determine parameters, such as mixture quality, particle size, vapor/mass ratio, liquid/vapor ratio, mass flow rate, enthalpy and volumetric flow rate of the flow in a pipe or unconfined space, for example, using acoustic and/or dynamic pressures. The apparatus includes a pair of ultrasonic transducers disposed axially along the pipe for measuring the transit time of an ultrasonic signal to propagate from one ultrasonic transducer to the other ultrasonic transducer. A signal process, responsive to said transit time signal, provides a signal representative of the speed of sound of the mixture. An SOS processing unit then provides an output signal indicative of at least one parameter of the mixture flowing through the pipe. The frequency of the ultrasonic signal is sufficiently low to minimize scatter from particle/liquid within the mixture.

Abstract: A gas sensor (10) including a measurement chamber (28) into which a gas GS is flown and a detection element main body (40) facing the measurement chamber (28). The detection element main body (40) includes an element case 42, and a protective film (48) is adhered to a bottom surface thereof. An acoustic matching plate (50) and a piezoelectric element (51) of a substantially columnar shape and a tube body (52) provided in a position surrounding the acoustic matching plate 50 and the piezoelectric element 51 are housed in the element case (42). A filler is then introduced into the element case (42), whereby the acoustic matching plate (50), the piezoelectric element (51), and the tube body (52) are sealed by a filled layer (99).

Abstract: A system and method for providing resonant movement about a first axis. A functional surface supported by a first pair of torsional hinges is driven into resonant oscillations about the first axis by inertially coupling energy through the first pair of torsional hinges. The resonant movement may be moved orthogonally on the target area by a gimbals portion of the functional surface pivoting about a second axis according to one embodiment. The resonant oscillation of the functional surface is monitored to detect changes in frequency due to mass changes of the functional surface.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of detecting the moisture in an apparatus for treating and preparing food, as well as to a method of treating and preparing food. In the method according to the invention, the current temperature values and speed values of the asynchronous motor driving a gas supply and circulation mechanism are compared to at least one characteristic line which is stored in a computer, and the current moisture in the gas mixture is determined from the deviation ?N of the measured speed from the speed of the stored characteristic line. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for treating and preparing food that, in particular, serves to carry out the method of determining the moisture in a gas mixture.

Abstract: Hydrogen gas sensors employ an epitaxial layer of the thermodynamically stable form of aluminum nitride (AlN) as the “insulator” in an MIS structure having a thin metal gate electrode suitable for catalytic dissociate of hydrogen, such as palladium, on a semiconductor substrate. The AlN is deposited by a low temperature technique known as Plasma Source Molecular Beam Epitaxy (PSMBE). When silicon (Si) is used the semiconducting substrate, the electrical behavior of the device is that of a normal nonlinear MIS capacitor. When a silicon carbide (SiC) is used, the electrical behavior of the device is that of a rectifying diode. Preferred structures are Pd/AlN/Si and Pd/AlN/SiC wherein the SiC is preferably 6H—SiC.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present method includes the steps of introducing a volume of a sample into a vapor delivery line and volatilizing at least a portion of the volume as it is carried through the vapor delivery line. At least a portion of the volatilized volume contacts a sensor element, which produces a signal that is monitored to reveal information about the sample. All components upstream of the sensor element are substantially free of sorbent materials so that the sample volume does not contact a substantially sorbent material before contacting the sensor element.

Abstract: Ice accretion on a probe is detected by determining the change of frequency of a vibrating type ice detector or sensor as ice starts to build up. The rate of change of frequency is determined and is combined with parameters including air velocity and air temperature for providing a signal that indicates liquid water content in the airflow as well as ice accretion on the ice detector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for ensuring effective and efficient vehicle vapor recovery performance, storage tank system integrity relative to both vapor and liquid containment and for reducing the probability that inaccurate information causes companies to undertake unnecessary, expensive and wasteful loss investigations at gasoline dispensing facilities. A fuel storage and delivery system is transformed from an “open system” communicating directly with the environment to a “closed system” which ensures capture, containment and accurate accounting of both hydrocarbon vapors and liquid phase product.

Abstract: A mechanical breathing aid has first and second inlets respectively connectable to a source of air and a source of oxygen. A mixing location is in gaseous communication with the first and second inlets, at which controlled amounts of air and oxygen from the respective inlets are mixed. An acoustic analyzer operates during a measurement procedure to access a moisture content value for air from the source of air, to generate acoustic velocity-related information from acoustic energy interaction with the breathing gas, and to determine therefrom an oxygen content. The analyzer operates during a calibration procedure to generate acoustic velocity-related information from acoustic energy interaction with air from the source of air, and to determine therefrom an oxygen content value for the air from which is determined a moisture content value for air.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method of detecting the moisture in an apparatus for treating and preparing food, as well as to a method of treating and preparing food. In the method according to the invention, the current temperature values and speed values of the asynchronous motor driving a gas supply and circulation mechanism are compared to at least one characteristic line which is stored in a computer, and the current moisture in the gas mixture is determined from the deviation &Dgr;N of the measured speed from the speed of the stored characteristic line. The present invention also comprises an apparatus for treating and preparing food that, in particular, serves to carry out the method of determining the moisture in a gas mixture.

Abstract: Ice accretion on a probe is detected by determining the change of frequency of a vibrating type ice detector or sensor as ice starts to build up. The rate of change of frequency is determined and is combined with parameters including air velocity and air temperature for providing a signal that indicates liquid water content in the airflow as well as ice accretion on the ice detector.

Abstract: An adsorbent deterioration determining apparatus can accurately determine a deterioration of an adsorbent in a relatively simple configuration. The adsorbent deterioration determining apparatus determines a deterioration of an adsorbent arranged in an exhaust system of an internal combustion engine for purifying exhaust gases. The adsorbent is capable of adsorbing hydrocarbons and moisture in exhaust gases. The adsorbent deterioration determining apparatus comprises a humidity sensor arranged at a location downstream of the adsorbent in the exhaust system for detecting the humidity of exhaust gases, and an ECU for determining a deterioration of the adsorbent in accordance with a detected output of the humidity sensor at the time a predetermined time has elapsed from a start of the internal combustion engine.

Abstract: Novel multilaminated nano-engineered devices and methods of forming multi-layer devices that exhibit quantum-confinement effects are disclosed. Benefits of multi-layer sensing, piezoelectric, photonic, biomedical, and thermal devices based on nanomaterials are disclosed. Quantum-confined device layer thickness can be in the range of 1 nm to 10 cm, a preferred thickness being less than 10 microns, and a most preferred thickness being less than 1 micron. Devices can be built using chalcogenides, oxides, nitrides, borides, phosphides, halides, silicates, hydrides, oxynitrides, oxycarbides, and other complex compositions. Sensors for monitoring environmental variables such as chemical composition are disclosed. These low-cost sensors comprise multiple layers in a laminated stack. Very high numbers of sensing layers (e.g., 500) may be incorporated into a single laminated sensor device. The sensors may be produced from nanostructured materials.

Abstract: A method and equipment for measuring vapor flux from a surface e.g. the rate of water loss from human skin which is useful in the evaluation of the efficiency of the skin/water barrier uses a closed cylinder which is placed with the open end against the skin and the closed end is cooled. By measuring the temperature and relative humidity within the cylinder the water vapor flux can be determined.

Abstract: An oil in air test apparatus measures the quantity of oil vapor entrained in the air stream from an air compressor used to generate compressed air for a vehicle air brake system. Testing is accomplished while the air compressor is in service and mounted onto the engine of the vehicle. The test apparatus creates back pressure to simulate an operating load on the air compressor, and passes an air stream through a disposable oil in air indicator cartridge to capture oil entrained in the air stream. Visual examination of the indicator cartridge is utilized to determine the operation condition of the air compressor. The test apparatus allows the operator to determine whether or not the quantity of oil vapor carried over in the compressed air is within acceptable warranty tolerances. As a result, unnecessary warranty calls for air compressors which are passing oil within normal tolerances are prevented.

Abstract: Provided is a process for measuring the amount of impurities in a gas sample filling a laser absorption spectroscopy analysis cell. The process includes calculating the value of a characteristic representative of the absorbance of the gas sample, from a measurement of the gas sample at a single given pressure, and quantifying the impurities on the basis of a predetermined law for the variation of the characteristic as a function of the amount of impurities. The characteristic is the ratio of the difference between the luminous intensity (Iana) of a light beam transmitted through the gas and the luminous intensity (Iref) of the incident beam to the luminous intensity (Iref) of the incident beam. The impurities are quantified on the basis of a value of the coefficient of proportionality between the amount of impurities and the characteristic, determined on the basis of a table of variation of the characteristic as a function of pressure, for a given amount of impurities.