Abstract: Systems and methods for lubricant dilution detection are disclosed. A method for detecting lubricant dilution for a lubrication system includes detecting a low idle condition. The method includes receiving sensed values indicative of lubricant pressure and lubricant temperature during the low idle condition. The method also includes determining a lubricant pressure threshold based on the sensed value indicative of lubricant temperature. The method further includes determining lubricant dilution based on the sensed value indicative of lubricant pressure and the determined lubricant pressure threshold during the low idle condition. In accordance with a determination that there is lubricant dilution, the method includes outputting an indication of the lubricant dilution.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring a drilling process that uses a drilling fluid are described. The methods include measuring an initial salinity of a water phase of the drilling fluid, diluting the drilling fluid with a known amount of water to form a diluted drilling fluid, measuring a salinity of a water phase of the diluted drilling fluid, determining an initial relationship between a salt content and a water content in the drilling fluid using the initial salinity of the water phase of the drilling fluid, calculating an initial water content of the drilling fluid using the measured salinity of the diluted drilling fluid and the initial relationship between the salt content and the water content in the drilling fluid, and adjusting one or more drilling parameters in response to the calculated initial water content.

Abstract: A system for measuring frying oil acid value and providing frying oil acid value information in real time according to the present invention includes a fryer provided in a branch shop, configured to cook fried food, and having a function of measuring TPM value of frying oil, a POS terminal configured to manage frying oil information and customer information including phone numbers of customers of the branch shop, an integration server configured to collect and analyze the frying oil information and the customer information, and a customer terminal configured to make an order of the fried food via a communication with the POS terminal or the integration server. According to the present invention, a sanitary dining environment can be provided since shops cannot arbitrarily reuse frying oil, and a brand image can be improved by providing a real-time information service to customers.

Abstract: A technique for detecting spills is disclosed. A number of electrodes within a portion of a surface are connected to a resistance meter. The resistance meter detects a spill by measuring a change in resistance between two or more electrodes when a fluid is spilled over the two or more of the electrodes. The location of the spill can also be determined based on a known location for each of the electrodes. The size of the spill can further be determined based on a number of electrodes which measured a change in resistance due to the spilled fluid.

Abstract: A method of adjusting and displaying urea solution level measurement value may include measuring urea solution concentration injected into a urea solution tank by a urea solution quality sensor, determining whether unclean urea solution is injected into the urea solution tank by the measured urea solution concentration, adjusting urea solution level value according to the urea solution concentration when the unclean urea solution is injected into the urea solution tank, comparing urea solution level measurement value with reference urea solution level measurement value, and lighting up a warning lamp when the urea solution level measurement value is lower than the reference urea solution level measurement value.

Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a reductant storage tank and a SCR system fluidly coupled thereto. A reductant physical level sensor and a tank temperature sensor are operatively coupled to the reductant storage tank. A controller is communicatively coupled with each of the sensors and configured to: interpret a first level output value from the physical level sensor and a first temperature output value from the tank temperature sensor. If the first level output value is below a first threshold, the controller determines if the first temperature output value is below a second threshold. If the first level output value is below the first threshold and the first temperature output value is below the second threshold, the controller determines a virtual reductant level in the reductant storage tank and indicates the virtual reductant level in lieu of a physical reductant level in the reductant storage tank to a user.

Abstract: This application relates to a method and a system for determining aging of a liquid. The method includes steps for measuring a relative water content (rS1) of the liquid in a first measurement step at a first temperature (T1), measuring the relative water content (rS2) at a second temperature (T2) in a second measurement step, the first and second measurement step are performed such that absolute water content (w) stays essentially unchanged between these two measurements, and based on these at least two measurement values (rS1, T1, rS2, T2), determining a first water in oil solubility coefficient (B) for the liquid. In accordance with the invention the first water in oil solubility coefficient (B) is monitored essentially continuously in order to determine the liquid quality.

Abstract: A reductant dosing system is disclosed as having a pump, and suction, discharge, and return passages. The system may also have a return valve, an air passage, and an air valve. The system may additionally have an air passage pressure sensor, a discharge passage pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller may be configured to calculate a first average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is closed; and calculate a second average pressure inside the discharge passage while the pump is off, the air valve is open, and the return valve is open. The controller may also be configured to determine a pressure drop inside the discharge passage based on the first and second average pressures, and to determine that priming is successful based on the pressure drop and pressures of the discharge and air passages.

Abstract: An aftertreatment system comprises a reductant storage tank and a SCR system fluidly coupled thereto. A reductant physical level sensor and a tank temperature sensor are operatively coupled to the reductant storage tank. A controller is communicatively coupled with each of the sensors and configured to: interpret a first level output value from the physical level sensor and a first temperature output value from the tank temperature sensor. If the first level output value is below a first threshold, the controller determines if the first temperature output value is below a second threshold. If the first level output value is below the first threshold and the first temperature output value is below the second threshold, the controller determines a virtual reductant level in the reductant storage tank and indicates the virtual reductant level in lieu of a physical reductant level in the reductant storage tank to a user.

Abstract: A method for monitoring oil based mud filtrate contamination is provided including steps of analytically dividing a fluid stream into two parts, determining a gas/oil ratio for a native fluid determining an apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid and determining on a volume fraction, an oil based contamination level based upon the gas/oil ratio for the native fluid and the apparent gas/oil ratio for the contaminated fluid.

Abstract: A device for storing or supplying an operating fluid includes a tank with an interior space and a protrusion which protrudes into the interior space and has a circumferential surface. At least one electrode for determining a filling level is disposed radially, running around the circumferential surface. Methods for mounting such a device and for monitoring a reserve filling level as well as a motor vehicle are also provided.

Abstract: The invention concerns a method and a device for testing the function capacity of an NO oxidation catalyst (5) which is used to reduce nitrous oxides (NOx) contained in the exhaust gas flow of an internal combustion engine (1) operated with air surplus. In the exhaust gas flow which is supplied to the NO oxidation catalyst (5), a change is made in the concentration of a reducing agent and the resulting change in NOx concentration in the exhaust gas flow within the NO oxidation catalyst (5) and/or downstream after the NO oxidation catalyst (5) is determined and used to test its function capacity.

Abstract: The safety and proper performance of jet aircraft engines requires that any contamination of jet fuel, for example by water or by improper contaminants, be filtered (removed) before delivery of the fuel, through hoses, to the fuel tanks of the aircraft. Coalescing devices and filters in the fuel delivery system are used to attain this result. A typical problem is that filter materials chemically react with surfactants, and this causes the filter subsequently to “disarm” or fail to perform its function of removing water, which can lead to delivery of fuel containing excessive water. A solution to this problem is to pre-test the fuel for such surfactants by feeding a small fuel sample that has been mixed with “challenge water” through a smaller ‘representative’ test filter and monitor the performance. Using a fluorescent dye in the “challenge water,” the amount of water that passes the test filter is detected, compared with a baseline data and fuel quality determination is made.

Abstract: A method of measuring multiphase flow of components in a wellbore fluid mixture by selectively heating components (e.g. oil and water) in the flow with electromagnetic energy, and detecting the heated components at a known distance downstream. The flow and velocity of components in the flow stream can be estimated with the present method. Example types of electromagnetic waves include infrared, microwaves, and radio waves. The different components can be heated simultaneously or at different times. The heated components can be detected with one or more temperature probes, and oil wet or water wet probes can be used to improve thermal contact to the corresponding components in the fluid stream.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the mass fractions of water and oil in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes a sensor portion that measures sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time and at a second time. The apparatus includes a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid which changes the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount between the first time and the second time. A method for measuring water mass fraction in a flowing mixture of oil and water through a pipe includes the steps of measuring sound velocity and temperature of the flowing oil water mixture at a first time with a sensor portion. There is the step of changing the temperature of the flowing oil water mixture by a measurable amount with a temperature changer in thermal communication with the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A fuel property sensor has an external electrode, an internal electrode, a temperature detecting device, a holder portion, a sealing portion, and a calculation unit. The external electrode includes a passage portion and a projecting portion. The internal electrode is disposed in the passage portion of the external electrode at a predetermined distance from an inner wall of the passage portion and the internal electrode. The temperature detecting device detects a fuel temperature. The holder portion is disposed in the projecting portion of the external electrode and holds the temperature detecting device therein, and the holder portion and the projecting portion define a transfer passage. The sealing portion insulates the external electrode and the holder portion from each other, and prevents fuel flowing in the transfer passage from leaking outside. The calculation unit calculates fuel properties and electrical characteristics of fuel flowing between the external electrode and the internal electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining the composition of medical liquids with regard to their fraction of electrolytes and non-electrolytes, comprising the steps of: determining at least one first physical parameter of the medical liquid for unambiguously determining the fraction of non-electrolytes in the medical liquid; simultaneously determining at least a second physical parameter of the medical liquid for determining the fraction of electrolytes in the medical liquid; and determining the fraction of electrolytes and non-electrolytes in the medical liquid based on the first and second physical parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) for measuring quality of a urea solution is operated with at least a portion of the apparatus inserted into the urea solution. The apparatus (100) includes a configuration of sensors (180, 190, 200) for measuring mechanical and electrical properties within a volume of the urea solution, the measurements of mechanical and electrical properties being mutually differently influenced by components present in the urea solution. A data processing arrangement (230) of the apparatus (100) is operable to process the measurements of mechanical and electrical properties for generating output data (120) indicative of a quality of the urea solution. The apparatus (100) is also capable of being adapted to measure qualities of other types of solution.

Abstract: The flow of a fluid of unknown composition is measured by leading the fluid over a first temperature sensor, a heater and a second temperature sensor. The temperature difference DTP between the temperature sensors is measured, as well as the temperature T of at least one of them. In addition, calibration data is used to store the temperature Tref of a known reference fluid. The offset T?Tref at a given temperature difference DTP is a direct measure of the composition of the fluid and allows to retrieve any parameter depending on the same.

Abstract: A method in a separation system (31) comprising parallel fluid paths (F1?,F2?, . . . Fn?) each comprising a separation module (M1?,M2?, . . . Mn?). According to the invention said method comprises the steps of: providing a sensor (S1,S2, . . . Sn) of the same type in at least each of said parallel fluid paths except one; measuring a characteristic fluid property with at least one of said sensors in the parallel fluid paths; possibly measuring the same characteristic fluid property with a system sensor (45) positioned in the outlet of the separation system (31); and comparing measured characteristic fluid properties to evaluate and/or qualify the performance of the separation system.

Abstract: Manifold and probe assembly for use a bioprocessing vessel. The manifold has a chamber which communicates with the interior of the vessel and a plurality of ports which communicate with the chamber. Elongated sensing probes are threadedly connected to the ports with end portions of the probes extending into the chamber. Gaskets having generally annular bodies with conically inclined beveled faces are mounted on the end portions of the probes, with the beveled faces engaging conically inclined surfaces of seats in the ports and the gaskets being axially compressed and radially expanded into sealing engagement with the probes. The seating surfaces have inner and outer sections with different angles of inclination which produce greater radial expansion and tighter sealing with the probes.

Abstract: A detector for detecting the presence of a liquid comprising a probe sensitive to the presence of the liquid on contact with it, and a casing surrounding the probe comprising: a) an opening for receiving the liquid in the casing; b) an inlet distinct from the opening for the admission of a test liquid into the casing in contact with the probe, the placing of the test liquid in contact with the probe in the casing causing the presence of the test liquid to be detected if the probe operates correctly and causing no detection in the contrary case; and c) an outlet for the discharge of a portion of the test liquid from the casing after the test liquid has been placed in contact with the probe, the discharge being sufficient for the probe to no longer detect the test liquid remaining in the casing.

Abstract: To provide a mercury measuring apparatus of a closed system capable of performing automatically a process ranging from collection to injection of the sample composed mainly of hydrocarbon, which is effective to accomplish a highly reliable measurement. The mercury measuring apparatus 100 includes a column 1 filled with a first adsorbent 11 and a reducing agent 13, an injecting unit 3 for injecting a sample into the column 1, a first heating unit 12, a second heating unit, a mercury collecting tube 18 filled with a second adsorbent 17, a third heating unit 19, a mercury measuring unit 2, gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, flow switching valves V1 to V3, V5 and V6 for selecting one of the gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, and a control unit 4.

Abstract: A liquid state detecting apparatus including a detecting element having a heating resistor which generates heat when energized and being disposed in a liquid container for containing a liquid, the apparatus calculating a first difference between a first corresponding value corresponding to a first resistance of the heating resistor acquired after energization of the heating resistor is started and a second corresponding value corresponding to a second resistance of the heating resistor acquired after the heating resistor is energized for a predetermined detection time and obtaining a first concentration of a particular component included in the liquid, the first concentration being associated with the first difference, the apparatus including: an abnormality determination unit, a determination concentration acquiring unit, a concentration difference calculation unit, and a static state determination unit, all as defined herein.

Abstract: A test sensor includes a body, a first conductive trace, a second conductive trace, and a third conductive trace. The body includes a first region that has a fluid-receiving area, a second region separate from the first region, and a first temperature sensing interface disposed at or adjacent to the fluid-receiving area. The fluid-receiving area receives a sample. The first trace is disposed on the body, and at least a portion of the first trace is disposed in the first region. The second and third traces are disposed on the body. The third trace extends from the first to the second regions. The third trace is connected to the first trace at the first temperature sensing interface. The third trace includes a different material than the first trace. A first thermocouple is formed at the first temperature sensing interface. The thermocouple provides temperature data to determine an analyte concentration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining in a pharmaceutical test formulation the presence or absence of a peptide compound PYY3-36 represented by the following amino acid sequence: H-Ile-Lys-Pro-Glu-Ala-Pro-Gly-Glu-Asp-Ala-Ser-Pro-Glu-Glu-Leu-Asn-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Ala-Ser-Leu-Arg-His-Tyr-Leu-Asn-Leu-Val-Thr-Arg-Gln-Arg-Tyr-X (SEQ ID NO: 1), wherein X is OH or a carboxy acid-protecting group, the method comprising (1) preparing a solution by mixing the pharmaceutical test formulation with cucurbit[7]uril in a solvent; and (2) thermally analyzing the solution prepared in Step (1).

Abstract: A device with micromachined (a.k.a. MEMS, Micro Electro Mechanical Systems) silicon sensor to measure gas or liquid concentration in a binary mixture formality is disclosed in the present invention. A process for fabricating the said MEMS silicon concentration sensor, which thereby can greatly reduce the sensor fabrication cost by a batch production, is revealed as well. This MEMS process can mass-produce the sensors on silicon substrate in the ways of small size, low power, and high reliability. In addition to the gas or liquid concentration measurement, the present invention further discloses that the said sensor can also readily measure gas or liquid mass flow rate while record the concentration data, which is not viable by other related working principle.

Abstract: A urea concentration identification device comprising a concentration identification sensor unit (2) and a support unit (4) attached at the bottom end thereof with this sensor unit and provided at the top end thereof with a mounting unit (4a) to a urea solution tank opening. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) has an indirectly-heated concentration detector and liquid temperature detector provided with metal fins (21c),(22c), respectively, for heat-exchanging with urea solution. The concentration identification sensor unit (2) is provided with a cover member (2d) that forms an opposite-ends-opened urea solution induction passage so as to surround the metal fins (21c), (22c).

Abstract: A method for measuring the temperature dependency of a sensor element for a variable, the value of which varies with the temperature, for any liquid. The method includes the steps of changing the temperature of the liquid over time, simultaneously collecting the data produced by the sensor element, and thereafter using the data produced by the sensor element at the different temperatures to determine coefficients for compensation algorithms of the temperature dependencies of the sensor element, thus producing a correlation between the change in temperature and the other measured variables.

Abstract: A liquid state detecting apparatus including a detecting element which outputs a signal associated with a concentration of a particular component of a liquid contained in a liquid container; an abnormality determination unit which determines whether or not the liquid is in a particular abnormal state based on the output signal of the detecting element, a level detecting part which outputs a signal according to a level of the liquid contained in the liquid container; and a static state determination unit which determines whether or not the liquid in the liquid container is in a static state based on the output signal from the level detecting part, wherein the determination made by the static state determination unit is reflected in the determination made by the abnormality determination unit.

Abstract: A concentration sensor for detecting a concentration of a liquid reducing agent through heat transfer characteristics between separate two points is provided in a storage tank for storing a liquid supplied to an NOx reduction catalyst. When the concentration read from the concentration sensor is 0% or less, the liquid is discriminated to be water, that is, it is utilized that when water is converted to the concentration of a liquid reducing agent, it is 0%, and it is also 0% even when the concentration is reduced by convection. When the concentration is greater than a predetermined value, it is discriminated that no liquid is present, since it is considered that the output of the sensor is abnormal because of the absence of a liquid in the tank. On the other hand, when the concentration is greater than 0% and less than a predetermined value, the liquid is discriminated to be the liquid reducing agent, provided that the concentration value may include an error.

Abstract: A liquid state detection sensor in which temperature information of a urea aqueous solution is obtained on the basis of a voltage value acquired after the start of energization of a heating resistor corresponding to a resistance value of the heating resistor (S1-S6). Damage to the heating resistor is prevented by suspending the energization if the thus-obtained temperature is lower than or equal to the freezing point (S7: yes and S8). If the temperature is higher than the freezing point (S7: no), a voltage value corresponding to a resistance of the heating resistor after a lapse of 700 ms (S10 and S11) and a urea concentration of the urea aqueous solution are determined from a difference ?V from the previously acquired voltage value. A more accurate urea concentration can be detected by making a correction using the previously obtained temperature information of the urea aqueous solution (S13-S18).

Abstract: A probe or sonde (1) comprising a plurality of sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10) for sensing different parameters, at least one sensor being mounted on or at one end of the probe or sonde (1), and at least one sensor being mounted on or at the, or one, side of the probe or sonde (1). The probe or sonde further comprises a centrally positioned stirrer (7) and in constructed from plastics discs bonded together or separated by gaskets. Sensors are used for measuring different water quality parameters, flow and temperature.

Abstract: A liquid type identifying method and device for correctly and quickly determining whether or not a liquid is a predetermined one. An identifying sensor unit (2) so disposed as to face a flow passage (24) of a liquid to be measured has an indirect-heating liquid type detecting section (21) including a heater and a heat sensor and a liquid temperature sensing section (22). A single pulse voltage is applied to the heater of the liquid type detecting section to allow the heater to generate heat, and an identification calculation section makes an identification according to the output of the liquid type detecting circuit including the heat sensor of the liquid type detecting section and the liquid temperature sensing section.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device and a method for the rapid detection of a low molecular substance in a liquid flow.

Abstract: A heat sensor activated detector having a housing, which accommodates a heat sensor, a logic device that compares the heat signal read by the heat sensor to a predetermined level and transmits an enable signal to an audible signal generator where the heat signal is outside of the predetermined level, an audible signal generator, and a power source. The heat sensor may be tuned to the body heat of the user. Also, the predetermined level may be set to a specific distance, such as three meters. Further, the detector may be attached, temporarily or permanently, to an object the user wants to protect against loss or misplacement.

Abstract: The process comprises the operations of: effecting heating of a predetermined quantity of water/alcohol solution until it partly or completely evaporates, detecting the change in its temperature over time during heating and evaporation of the said quantity of solution, and, determining the total energy necessary to bring about partial or complete evaporation of the said quantity of solution, or the time necessary for partial or complete evaporation, or the integral of that temperature over time during partial or complete evaporation, the value of each of these quantities being indicative of the alcohol concentration by volume in the water/alcohol solution.

Abstract: A flow rate/liquid type detecting method for detecting the flow rate of a fluid and, at the same time, detecting any one of or both the type of the fluid and the concentration of the fluid, characterized in that: by using a flow rate/liquid type detecting apparatus comprising a main passage through which a fluid to be detected flows, an auxiliary passage branched from the main passage, and a flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device provided in the auxiliary passage, is provided, and in conducting any one of or both the detection of the type of the fluid to be detected and the detection of the concentration of the fluid to be detected, an auxiliary passage opening/closing valve is closed, and the fluid to be detected is allowed to temporarily stay within the flow rate/liquid type detecting sensor device to conduct any one of or both the detection of the liquid type and the detection of the concentration, and in detecting the flow rate of the fluid to be detected, the auxiliary passage opening/closing valv

Abstract: Apparatus and method for identifying type and distillation properties of light oil. A pulse voltage is applied for a predetermined period of time to a liquid type identification sensor heater comprising a heater and an identification liquid temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the heater; the light oil to be identified is heated by the heater; and the liquid type is identified with a voltage output difference V0, corresponding to a temperature difference between the initial temperature and the peak temperature of the identification liquid temperature sensor.

Abstract: The types of gasolines having different distillation characteristics and various compositions are identified accurately and rapidly. A pulse voltage is applied for a predetermined time to a liquid type identifying sensor heater including a heater and an identifying liquid temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the heater and an identified gasoline is heated by the heater and the liquid type is identified with a voltage output difference V0 corresponding to a temperature difference between an initial temperature and a peak temperature in the identifying liquid temperature asensor. Furthermore, a gasoline is introduced between electrodes of an alcohol concentration detecting sensor, and a change in a specific inductive capacity of the gasoline between the electrodes is measured with an oscillation frequency thereby detecting an alcohol concentration in the gasoline.

Abstract: The types of gasolines having different distillation characteristics and various compositions are identified accurately and rapidly. A pulse voltage is applied for a predetermined time to a liquid type identifying sensor heater including a heater and an identifying liquid temperature sensor provided in the vicinity of the heater. Then, a gasoline to be identified is heated by the heater, and a liquid type is identified with a voltage output difference V0 corresponding to a temperature difference between an initial temperature and a peak temperature in the identifying liquid temperature sensor.

Abstract: Ultrasonic apparatus and associated methods for the in-line monitoring of melting, mixing and chemical reaction processes of materials inside an enclosed chamber having rotating elements associated therewith are presented. The chamber may be heated and the rotating elements may be blades and/or screws. The chamber may be a heating barrel and the materials may be polymer and polymer composites pellets, metal pellets and chemical compounds. Ultrasonic sensors, which are preferably coupled to a wall of the chamber, may be high temperature ultrasonic transducers attached to the external surface of the chamber or ultrasonic buffer rods embedded into the chamber and coupled to cooled ultrasonic transducers. These sensors are operated in the reflection mode and are placed over the rotating elements. The number and locations of the sensors depend on applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measurement of total water content in a liquid. According to the method, the relative water content (aw) of the liquid is measured in a first measurement step at a first temperature (T1). According to the invention, the temperature of the liquid under measurement is altered from the first temperature (T1) and the relative water content is measured in a second measurement step at the second, altered temperature (T2), whereby, based on these at least two measurement values (aw(1)T1, aw(2)T2), the total water content is determined from the temperature dependence of water dissolution into the liquid under measurement.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for determining the quality of a medium, particularly of a lubricant and/or cutting oil, comprising a number of sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) that output an electric output signal according to the respective sensor-specific input variable. One sensor is a temperature sensor (7) that outputs an output signal, which is essentially only dependent on the temperature (T) of the medium and is essentially independent of, in particular, the quality of the medium. At least one other sensor (3, 4, 5, 6) outputs an output signal that is dependent on both the quality of the medium as well as the temperature (T) of the medium. The sensors (3, 4, 5, 6, 7) are placed on a shared substrate (2) that can be immersed in the medium. The invention also relates to an associated method.

Abstract: An oil content measuring device measures the oil content of a refrigerant in a supercritical or a vapor phase state. A refrigeration system uses the oil content measuring device. The oil content measuring device has an electrostatic capacity measuring device for measuring an electrostatic capacity of the refrigerant containing a refrigerating machine oil, a density measuring device for measuring a density of at least one of the refrigerant and the refrigerating machine oil, a computing device for performing a computation on correlation characteristics between the electrostatic capacity and an oil content which indicates the ratio of the amount of the refrigerating machine oil to the amount of the refrigerant containing the refrigerating machine oil, using the density measured by the density measuring device. An oil content determining device determines an oil content at the measuring time from an electrostatic capacity using the correlation characteristics obtained by the computing device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for measurement of total water content in a liquid. According to the method, the relative water content (aw) of the liquid is measured in a first measurement step at a first temperature (T1). According to the invention, the temperature of the liquid under measurement is altered from the first temperature (T1) and the relative water content is measured in a second measurement step at the second, altered temperature (T2), whereby, based on these at least two measurement values (aw(1)T1, aw(2)T2), the total water content is determined from the temperature dependence of water dissolution into the liquid under measurement.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A comparator for use with a time-temperature indicator wherein the time-temperature indicator includes an active portion having an initial color and which undergoes chemical changes as time elapses and at a rate related to the temperature of the surrounding environment and wherein the chemical changes produce changes in the color of the active portion. The comparator comprises a substantially planar support member, and a plurality of comparator stages located on the support member. Each comparator stage comprises a first portion having a reference color and a second portion having a predetermined color that is the same as one of the colors to which the active portion of the time-temperature indicator changes.

Abstract: A sensor probe and method of use for determining the temperature, velocity, and/or liquid volumetric fraction of gas laden with droplets. In one variation, the probe includes a single heating element used in a well-characterized flow. The heating element is maintained above the Leidenfrost transition for the droplets, which prevents cooling effects from the droplets from impacting the temperature measurement. In another variation, the probe includes two or more heating elements arranged in similar flow environments. The property of interest is derived by relying on thermodynamic and heat transfer principles, which are not usable in conjunction with conventional devices.

Abstract: A correlation is derived between a variable, defined as “virtual age,” indicative of brake fluid's service age and/or mileage and the concentration of copper in the fluid. Virtual age is utilized to estimate the degree of degradation of the fluid. A reactive test strip is used to measure the concentration of copper ions in the brake fluid in terms of a readily visible color change. The strip is immersed in the fluid and any resulting color change is compared to a color chart and a standard representative of the maximum concentration determined empirically to correspond to the desirable “virtual-age” threshold for fluid replacement. An automated embodiment of the invention includes an optical instrument to compare the color obtained from the test to a predetermined standard and determine whether a fluid change is recommended.