Abstract: An image processing system includes a lamp which emits light to a glass, an imaging device which captures light which is emitted from the lamp and reflected by the glass, and an optical filter, located between the glass and the imaging device, which transmits rays with a specific wavelength of the reflected light. A lens is provided in front of the imaging device, and a focus of the lens is adjusted to a point beyond the glass, and an image processor is provided which processes an image captured by the imaging device and detects moisture on the glass.

Abstract: A probe for determining the relative humidity and temperature of a substance such as a concrete floor. The probe is adapted to be inserted into a hole in the substance being tested. The probe has a head portion and a tail portion. A display is provided on the head portion to provide a user with a visual indication of the relative humidity and temperature within the substance. The entire probe structure is designed to be contained within the hole without the need for any components protruding out of the hole to cause an obstruction.

Abstract: A humidity-sensitive porous layer (13) of a humidity-sensitive element section (3) of a humidity sensor (1) is formed of a crystalline phase oxide grains such as Al2O3—SnO2—TiO2 and of a glass phase such as silicate glass covering the crystalline phase. The glass phase contains an alkali metal oxide and/or alkaline earth metal oxide such as Li2O. The humidity sensitive porous layer (13) assumes a skeletal structure that is formed of crystalline phase oxide grains covered or coated with the glass phase. A heater (17) of the humidity sensor is controlled to heat the humidity-sensitive element section (3) at a temperature ranging from 500° C. to 800° C. so as to clean off the humidity-sensitive element section while an internal combustion engine is running and exhausting fouling substances.

Abstract: An image processing system that detects foreign matter on a glass window of a vehicle and objects in front of the vehicle. The system includes an image processor, a first lamp, and a second lamp. On/off control of the first and second lamps is controlled by the image processor. Light from the first lamp is reflected from the outer sauce of the glass when raindrops are present on the outside of the glass. Light from the second lamp is reflected from the inner surface of the glass when moisture is present on the inside of the glass. Any reflected light goes through a lens and an optical filter with prescribed optical characteristics to an image device. The lens is focused to a point beyond the window so that the image processor an also detect objects in front of the vehicle.

Abstract: A sensor means is proposed to determine an interior humidity and/or an interior volume delimited by a wall, in particular, of a vehicle passenger compartment 3, and a fogging up tendency of an inner surface of the wall, in particular, of a window 5 of the vehicle passenger compartment 3, with a dew point sensor 10 having a humidity sensor element 1 and a temperature sensor 2, wherein the humidity sensor element 1 and the temperature sensor 2 a thermally coupled, and a surface temperature sensor 4, wherein the dew point sensor 10 is designed to measure the air humidity and the room temperature of the interior volume and the surface temperature sensor 4 is designed to measure the temperature of the inner surface.

Abstract: The moisture detector assembly includes a moisture detector having a probe extending into a housing bore to have fluid flow in contact with the probe and exiting through a housing bore orifice. A pressure regulator is mounted to the housing with its outlet opening to the housing bore. The regulator includes a cap closing the regulator bore opposite the outlet to provide a main chamber and has an inlet and a piston extending within the regulator bore to control fluid flow from the inlet to the outlet. The regulator outlet is an orifice for limiting fluid flow from the regulator bore to the housing bore. The piston enlarged head and the opening of outlet toward the head provides a control chamber in the regulator bore with the pressure therein controlling the movement of the piston between fluid flow blocking and fluid flowing positions.

Abstract: A capacitance type humidity sensor includes: a detection substrate including a detection portion on a first side of the detection substrate; and a circuit board including a circuit portion. The detection portion detects humidity on the basis of capacitance change of the detection portion. The circuit portion processes the capacitance change as an electric signal. The detection substrate further includes a sensor pad on a second side of the detection substrate. The sensor pad is electrically connected to the detection portion through a conductor in a through hole of the detection substrate.

Abstract: A humidity meter with non-contact temperature measurement capability, including a humidity meter contained at least partially in a housing and having outputs relating to measured humidity parameters including humidity and ambient temperature, an output display contained in the housing, for displaying measurements to a user, a non-contact optically-based temperature sensing device coupled to the housing, having an output related to sensed temperature, and circuitry contained in the housing for processing both the humidity meter outputs and the temperature sensing device output, and transmitting the processed output to the output display.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: An acoustic wave sensor apparatus is disclosed, which generally includes a piezoelectric substrate having a surface thereon. One or more interdigital transducers and a passivation layer can be formed upon the piezoelectric substrate. Additionally, an absorbent material can be formed upon the acoustic path (IDTs, electrodes, etc), such that the interdigital transducers respond to a plurality of acoustic waves propagating across the surface of the piezoelectric substrate, thereby providing data indicative of humidity in the vicinity of the piezoelectric substrate, along with the passivation layer and the interdigital transducers. Additionally, one or more heaters can be formed upon a side of the piezoelectric substrate opposite the side of the piezoelectric substrate upon which the interdigital transducers, the passivation and the absorbent material are located. The heater can be preferably configured from a material such as platinum.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring humidity may be suitable for determining the relative humidity in the high-humidity range. The device includes a sensor device, as well as a circuit connected to the same. The sensor device includes a capacitive humidity-sensor element, a temperature-sensor element, and a heating element, the humidity-sensor element being heated in at least one part of the humidity-measuring range. The ambient temperature is further ascertained by the circuit, from the heating power required in the heating mode, as well as from the measured, local sensor device temperature, in order to further determine the relative humidity.

Abstract: A system for monitoring water concentration in gaseous sample is disclosed. It is readily applicable in the synthesis of biopolymer arrays/microarrays involving the use of water-sensitive reagents. A flow cell is provided in which a capacitance sensor is placed separate from a production or synthesis environment. Sample and dry gas may be provided to the flow cell via conduits and valves or a manifold system. Dry gas, such as N2, is used to dry the sensor or simply to maintain it in a dried condition. The same gas may be used to drive an optional venturi pump to draw sample for measurement into the cell from the synthesis environment.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a detection portion and a reference portion. The detection portion includes detection electrodes and a moisture sensitive film. The reference portion includes reference electrodes and a moisture permeation film as a capacitance adjusting film. The capacitive humidity sensor detects humidity by converting a capacitance difference between a capacitance of the detection electrodes and a capacitance of the reference electrodes to an electric signal by using a capacitance-voltage conversion circuit. The moisture permeation film reduces offset voltage of the capacitive humidity sensor. Thus, an offset compensation circuit or the like is not required.

Abstract: A sensor arrangement is suitable for detecting if a windscreen of a motor vehicle is fogging. The sensor arrangement includes a heat conducting layer disposed on a supporting surface, the layer exhibiting good heat conducting properties. A support plate is arranged on top of the heat conducting layer, including a recess and several electrical conductor tracks. A moisture-sensitive sensor element is arranged in the region of the recess of the support plate. The sensor element is electroconductively connected to the conductor tracks on the support plate. The temperature difference between the sensor element and the supporting plate may not exceed a given limit when measurement occurs.

Abstract: An optoelectronic sensor device for detecting precipitation on an outer surface of a transparent pane. The sensor device includes a beam guide attached to an inner surface of the pane and a circuit board offset from the inner pane surface. A beam transmitter is arranged on the circuit board to transmit, along a transmission beam path, a light beam toward the pane via the beam guide. A beam receiver is arranged on the circuit board to receive, along a reception beam path, a light beam reflected from the outer surface of the pane via the beam guide. A circuit substrate, electrically connected to the circuit board, is arranged parallel to the pane between the pane and the circuit board. An installation space separates the circuit substrate from the inner pane surface. A heating device is arranged on the circuit substrate in an area lying outside of the beam paths.

Abstract: A humidity sensor element for a humidity sensing device includes a rigid, p doped silicon substrate, a non-porous terminal on one side of the substrate, a porous terminal on a second side of the substrate, and a layer of polyphenylsulfone between the porous terminal and the substrate. The sensor elements displays improved linear response with humidity changes and very low hysteresis.

Abstract: A humidity sensor including an insulating substrate, and a lower electrode formed from a noble metal, a moisture sensitive layer formed of a porous body predominantly containing alumina and containing predetermined amounts of TiO2 and SnO2 and an upper electrode formed of a noble metal porous body successively formed on the insulating substrate. The upper electrode is connected to the moisture sensitive layer and a portion of the insulating substrate. Preferably, the lower electrode is formed of a porous body. More preferably, the lower and upper electrodes are formed from Pt. Furthermore, preferably, a heater and a temperature measurement resistor are provided in the insulating substrate and are located directly below the moisture sensitive layer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever at least partially embedded within a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: An absolute humidity sensor for a microwave oven is disclosed. The absolute humidity sensor includes a substrate having a first hole and a second hole in a predetermined region, a membrane formed on the substrate, a humidity sensing element formed on the membrane where the first hole is formed, for detecting humidity exposed to the air, having a variable resistance value depending on the detected humidity, and a temperature compensating element formed on the membrane where the second hole is formed, for compensating for the resistance value of the humidity sensing element.

Abstract: A humidity sensor and fabrication method thereof. In the humidity sensor of the present invention, two comb-type electrodes with a plurality of teeth are disposed on a semiconductor substrate. A SiO2 sensing film is disposed between the teeth of the two comb-type electrodes on the substrate. A predetermined voltage is applied between the two comb-type electrodes, a leakage current between the two electrodes is detected, and the humidity in the environment is measured according thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes in a gaseous or liquid medium by monitoring the changes in impedance and thickness of a sensing element in the presence of the analyte is provided. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property of the sensing material to determine the presence and/or the amount of analyte present. An array of hybrid sensors dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: A sensing device formed upon a substrate, including a method of forming the sensing device. A substrate can be provided, which is formed from a polymer. A sensor circuit can then be patterned and formed upon the substrate. One or more carbonized filaments can also be formed upon the substrate for use with the sensor circuit. The sensor circuit itself can comprise a capacitive type sensor circuit. A polymer can be coated over the sensor circuit and circuit components thereof to form an all polymer sensor for use in detecting chemical agents. Such a hygrosensitive polymer can comprise, for example, HMPTAC (2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride). The all polymer sensor formed thereof can also be utilized as a humidity sensor. The polymer can be laser carbonized by an argon ion laser to form the plurality of carbonized filaments.

Abstract: A leak detector having a multi-stage concentrator, consisting of an array of heater elements which desorb analytes in a phased manner, in synch with the sample stream, to maximize sensitivity. The heater elements of the concentrator are coated with adsorber material on both sides of the heater elements, i.e., top and bottom sides, and have small anchor points to minimize power dissipation. The concentrated gas mixture output of the concentrator is electronically injected into a separator, which for separates the constituents of the detected analyte-fluid and recognizing the nature or source of the analyte.

Abstract: A capacitive humidity sensor includes a pair of opposed electrodes on a substrate. A humidity-sensitive film covers the electrodes. The electrodes are comb-shaped and interdigitated. Humidity is detected based on the capacitance between the pair of electrodes, which changes with changes according to the humidity in the atmosphere. The uniform width of each tooth in the pair of electrodes is L1, and the uniform distance between a tooth of one of the electrodes and a tooth of the other electrode is L2. When L1 is less than 3 micrometers, L2 is 5 micrometers. When L1 is greater than or equal to 3 micrometers, L2 is less than or equal to 5 micrometers.

Abstract: A method for determining an humidity in a xerographic printing machine with a corona generating device having a grid, a coronode, and a power supply for supply power to said grid and coronode, comprising: measuring a first temperature in a xerographic printing machine; setting the grid at a predefined voltage with the power supply; applying a charge output voltage and a charge output current to the coronode with the power supply; monitoring the charge output voltage and the charge output current to the coronode from the power supply until a predefined charge output voltage is reached; changing the first temperature in a xerographic printing machine to a second temperature; repeating said setting, said applying, and said monitoring for a second temperature; correlating the charge output current when said predefined charge output voltage is reached at said first temperature to the charge output current when said predefined charge output voltage is reached at said second temperature to an humidity value.

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: A humidity sensor has two detection electrodes located on a semiconductor substrate and a humidity sensitive film. The capacitance of the film changes in response to humidity. The sensor includes a reference capacitor and a feedback capacitor. An electrode of each capacitor is located beneath one of the detection electrodes to limit the size of the device.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2(g) to water vapor H2O(g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record, or display the process variable.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a modular performance indicator that is removably attached to a grill of the humidifier air outlet. The performance indicator generally includes at least one humidity sensing means and a display. The humidity sensing means is positioned within the airflow for measuring the exit-relative humidity of the airflow and the display is coupled to the humidity sensing means for indicating when the humidifier wick requires replacement and/or the humidifier water supply requires refilling based upon the measured exit-relative humidity reaching a predetermined value.

Abstract: A photosensitive media cartridge includes an ambient condition sensor mounted in the cartridge for sensing ambient conditions in the cartridge. When the cartridge is positioned at a media transfer position on an image-forming device that permits the conveyance of media from the cartridge to the image-forming device, image development or printing on the media in the image-forming device is controlled based on the sensed ambient conditions in the cartridge. The ambient condition sensor includes a cover layer and a conductive layer, wherein a rate of response to ambient conditions of the cover layer matches rate of response to ambient conditions of the photosensitive media to be developed. As a further option, the media itself can include a conductive layer so that the media can be the sensor.

Abstract: A improvement for high precision ultrasonic chilled surface dew point hygrometry for measuring the density of condensation and the temperature at the same location on the surface of the sensor. The improvement for high precision ultrasonic chilled surface dew point hygrometry includes a piezoelectric substrate, and further having a conventional thermoelectric cooler connected thereto and a plurality of spaced heat sinks conventionally depending from the surface. Conventional acoustic devices are used to propagate surface acoustic waves and surface skimming bulk waves across the surface of the sensor. A series of the surface acoustic waves is used to measure the density of the condensation at a particular location on the surface of the sensor.

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

Abstract: A porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid)-based humidity sensing element is disclosed which provides improved range of humidity measurement and response time with little or no hysteresis. It includes: (a) a non-conductive substrate which has a pair of electrodes formed thereon; (b) a porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film formed on said electrodes. The porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film is formed by first forming a non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film on the electrodes, then subjecting the non-porous poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film to a heat treatment at temperatures between about 170° C. and 240° C. such that a porous structure is formed in said poly(2-acryl-amido-2-methyl-propane sulphonic acid) film.