Abstract: A method of operating a sensing element including a heating element in operative connection with electronic circuitry, wherein the sensing element forms a resistive element in a circuit of the electronic circuitry, includes, in at least a first phase, activating the electronic circuitry to heat the sensing element to a temperature at which the sensing element is responsive to an analyte gas via energy input to the heating element in a pulsed manner. A constant resistance setpoint is set for the sensing element and energy through the circuit is variably controlled via the pulsed energy input toward achieving the constant resistance setpoint. The method further includes measuring a response of the sensing element over time to the pulsed energy input.

Abstract: A technique facilitates the detection of moisture. The technique utilizes distributed sensor lines deployed along an insulated vessel, such as an insulated pipe. The sensor lines are used to measure temperature and to determine a differential temperature across the insulation between the sensor lines. Changes in the differential temperature can be detected, and those changes are used to determine whether moisture has intruded into a specific region of the insulation.

Abstract: A cast iron brake caliper with improved fatigue life, and a process and process equipment for pre-stressing a cast iron brake caliper to provide improved fatigue life, is provided. In the process, a load is applied to a cast iron caliper, where the load is high enough to locally yield and plastically deform the cast iron material, but not high enough to cause material failure, such as cracking. Upon load removal, residual compressive stresses in the cast iron caliper lower the mid-point of the stress range the plastically-deformed region of the caliper sees during in-service use, and thereby lowers the peak stress seen in this region, increasing fatigue life. The process permits a cast iron brake caliper to be designed to use less material and thus fit within constrained wheel rim envelopes, without the need to resort to high cost materials or other alternative design strategies.

Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes. The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes at least partly bordering said receiving area. Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes used for measuring conductance in a drier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and process for measuring a property of a material such as the moisture content of cotton fibre. An embodiment is specifically adapted for determining an absolute value of the moisture content of the cotton fibre while being conveyed through ducts such as the ducts of the ginning machine. The embodiment combines large area capacitor plates with light detectors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the water content of a medium, particularly of soils and the like, in which a probe or sensor (8) located in the medium is heated. A temporary change in temperature is effected by dissipating the thermal energy through the moisture in the area surrounding the probe, this change in temperature being used for determining the moisture content of the medium. An intermediate layer (13) is placed between the probe and the surrounding medium and is absorbent and mechanically deformable for mechanically coupling the probe to the surrounding medium and for decoupling the probe and the surrounding medium thereby enabling a precise measurement of moisture content to ensue while being subjected to the least possible thermal influence by the largely undetermined surrounding medium.

Abstract: A device for determining the conductance of laundry in a drier. The device comprises at least two electrodes (2) and means for dissipating heat from at least one part of at least one of said electrodes (2). The invention further relates to a drier comprising at least one area (5) for receiving laundry and at least two electrodes (2) for measuring the conductance of the laundry, at least one of the electrodes (2) at least partly bordering said receiving area (5). Means for cooling at least one part of at least one of the electrodes (2) are also provided inside the drier. Also disclosed is a method for preventing the formation of layers on electrodes (2) used for measuring conductance in a drier.

Abstract: A transparency, e.g. an aircraft laminated windshield, includes one or more sensors to monitor performance of one or more properties, e.g. a heating arrangement of the windshield, and to generate signals representative of the performance of the properties. One part of a connector, external of the transparency and connected to the sensors is connected to a system positioned in the aircraft. The system receives a signal from each of the sensors, and processes the signals to determine difference between performance of the property as indicated by the signal received and a preferred performance of the property to provide real time monitoring of the performance of the windshield. With this arrangement information regarding the performance of the windshield is available to schedule timely repair or replacement of the windshield that is performing outside of acceptable limits.

Abstract: Hotwire element for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises one or two individual nickel filaments each having resistance of above 200 ohm at 20° C. and an insulation coating of polytetrafluoroethylene with a thickness less than 5 micrometers, that are wound into a uniformly filled spherical or cylindrical body that has at least 33% gas-permeable hollow volume. Relevant hotwire sensor for thermal conductivity detectors, that comprises a wound on a centering holder filled element enveloped by fixed fillers forming a symmetric to it built-in cavity with an inlet and a gas outlet surrounding the centering holder. Radii of the filled elements and their cavities are in proportion, at which minimum electric current is needed for heating the elements to desired temperature.

Abstract: An apparatus for marking a bale of bulk material, such as a bale of fodder having a frame defining a gap through which passes the baled material. A marking system, typically comprising of at least one spray can operates to mark the bale. One specific use of the invention is where the moisture of a bale of fodder is measured and if it exceeds a predetermined level the bale is sprayed with a can of spray paint to indicate to a person that the moisture content of the bale is higher then a set threshold.

Abstract: An instrument for gravimetrically determining the moisture content of a sample has a housing with a weighing device therein. The weighing device has a load-receiving portion and a sample receiver, the latter designed for connection to the load-receiving portion. The housing also contains a test compartment. When set in position to perform a measurement, the sample receiver is disposed inside the test compartment. One embodiment of a means arranged in the test compartment for heating a sample placed on the sample receiver has first and second radiation sources, with the sample receiver arranged therebetween.

Abstract: A measuring instrument for gravimetric moisture determination of a sample includes a radiator, a weighing cell, and a sample receiver which can be connected to the weighing cell. The sample receiver is configured to allow the sample to be placed on or removed from the sample receiver. The radiator has a radiation-releasing surface directed at the sample and that covers substantially the entire surface of the sample with a uniform radiation intensity. The radiator is arranged above the sample, relative to the direction of the load, and spans over the entire sample. The measuring instrument also includes a means for removing the moisture emitted from the sample during the operation of the instrument device from the space between the sample and the radiation-releasing surface.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method that relates to determining water content of a solid insulation at a specific location within a transformer. The method comprising, determining a temperature of the solid insulation at a specific location, calculating a relative moisture saturation of the oil at the specific location, calculating the ultimate water content in the solid insulation at the specific location, and calculating an actual water content in the solid insulation at the specific location.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to determine water activity and weight of a sample. The apparatus may comprise a chamber configured to at least partially enclose a sample. The apparatus may also comprise a sensor configured to measure water activity of a sample in the chamber. Additionally, the apparatus may comprise a moisture content adjustment device connected to the chamber and configured to change moisture content in the chamber. An isotherm generation module is also disclosed. The isotherm generation module may be configured to receive water activity measurements from a sensor device and weight measurements from a weighing device, the isotherm generation module being configured to generate an isotherm for a sample based on the water activity measurements and the weight measurements.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for determining the water content of a medium, particularly of soils and the like, in which a probe or sensor (8) located in the medium is heated. A temporary change in temperature is effected by dissipating the thermal energy through the moisture in the area surrounding the probe, this change in temperature being used for determining the moisture content of the medium. An intermediate layer (13) is placed between the probe and the surrounding medium and is absorbent and mechanically deformable for mechanically coupling the probe to the surrounding medium and for decoupling the probe and the surrounding medium thereby enabling a precise measurement of moisture content to ensue while being subjected to the least possible thermal influence by the largely undetermined surrounding medium.

Abstract: A thermal effect switch in accordance with a preferred embodiment includes a thermal chamber and an effect switch mounted on the thermal chamber. The thermal chamber has a sealed chamber and working fluid filled therein. The sealed chamber has a vacuum chamber. The effect switch is a flexible structure configured for turning inwards and outwards, and is operated by changing inner pressure of the thermal chamber produced by heating the thermal chamber. The thermal effect switch can drive the effect switch according to the heat condition of the thermal chamber.

Abstract: A moisture detector of closed case type according to a heat capacity method is realized by a relatively simple constitution. The moisture detector includes a first temperature sensor for sensing temperature of a detection target; a second temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of the detection target; a small heater for heating the second temperature sensor; and a processing unit for obtaining information relating to moisture percentage in the detection target on the basis of a signal outputted from the first temperature sensor and a signal outputted from the second temperature sensor heated by the small heater.

Abstract: A moisture sensing apparatus, system and method. In general, a surface can be provided, and one or more conductor pairs located in a plane of the surface. Each conductor of the conductor pair(s) is insulated from one another. Water droplets forming on the conductor pair(s) thereby provide a quantifiable measurement of water on the surface. A controller can be electrically connected to the conductor pair(s), wherein the controller provides data indicative of whether or not the conductor pair is shorted.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more control components that regulate one or more thermal test components to adjust one or more emulated operational characteristics for one or more electronic devices. The thermal test components are coupled with one or more rack-mount frames. The thermal test components create the emulated operational characteristics for the one or more electronic devices to generate one or more emulated environmental effects. The one or more control components obtain one or more measurements of one or more of the one or more emulated operational characteristics and the one or more emulated environmental effects. The one or more control components make a prediction of one or more of one or more actual operational characteristics and one or more actual environmental effects of the one or more electronic devices through employment of one or more of the one or more measurements.

Abstract: An apparatus in one example comprises one or more control components that emulate one or more operational characteristics of one or more electronic devices through employment of one or more thermal components coupled with a frame.

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: An apparatus for wet cleaning a substrate includes a clean air supplier for supplying the clean air into a cleaning draft, a humidifier for supplying steam or mist like water drops into the cleaning draft, a hygrometer, connected to the humidifier and positioned at the level of the cleaning solution, an exhaust piping and an exhaust rate control means.

Abstract: A gravimetric moisture-determination instrument which is cooled by an air stream includes a housing containing a balance and a radiant heater. The moisture content of a sample placed on the balance pan is determined by measuring the weight loss of the sample while it is being dried under the heater. The gravimetric moisture-determination instrument further includes a heat source located above the balance for heating the sample in order to evaporate the moisture from the sample, so that the moisture content can be determined from the weight loss of the sample. Between the heat source and the weighing cell of the balance, the instrument contains a device for conducting an air stream.

Abstract: A sensor to detect the presence of water or moisture in bulk materials includes a standard circuit board and a three element transmission line. The sensor electronics include an oscillator responsive to a direct current voltage supply which provides a square wave voltage signal. The sensor electronics further include a phase detector which detects the difference in phase between the reference square wave voltage signal and a signal provided to the transmission line buried in a medium. The phase difference is proportional to the dielectric constant of the medium surrounding the transmission line.

Abstract: A method and device for monitoring moisture content level of a solid dielectric material, or paper, immersed in a dielectric fluid, or oil, both of which having respective moisture content, and known water solubility properties varying with temperature. The device includes a moisture detector and a temperature detector for measuring moisture content level and temperature level of the oil, respectively. A microprocessor, electrically connected to both the moisture and the temperature detectors, computes the moisture content level of the paper. The microprocessor has the known water solubility properties of the paper and the oil stored therein and processes the oil moisture content level and the oil temperature level so as to determine the paper moisture content level. The latter being displayed on a display connected to the microprocessor.

Abstract: Method and system for monitoring and identifying moisture intrusion in soil such as is contained in landfills housing radioactive and/or hazardous waste. The invention utilizes the principle that moist or wet soil has a higher thermal conductance than dry soil. The invention employs optical time delay reflectometry in connection with a distributed temperature sensing system together with heating means in order to identify discrete areas within a volume of soil wherein temperature is lower. According to the invention an optical element and, optionally, a heating element may be included in a cable or other similar structure and arranged in a serpentine fashion within a volume of soil to achieve efficient temperature detection across a large area or three dimensional volume of soil. Remediation, moisture countermeasures, or other responsive action may then be coordinated based on the assumption that cooler regions within a soil volume may signal moisture intrusion where those regions are located.

Abstract: A sensing and measuring circuit, employing a positive-temperature-coefficient sensing device, for detecting the presence and approximately measuring the quantity or concentration of heat-absorptive substances such as water. May be used for sensing a quantity of rainfall or irrigation water, or for detecting and giving an alarm or initiating remediation for leakage of water, oil, or other fluids from confinement to an unauthorized location.

Abstract: A sensor and associated circuitry for sensing and reacting to the presence of a fluid or other material having heat capacity. A positive-temperature-coefficient device initiates a switching step when the amount of heat-capacity material reaches a certain level, or is totally absent. The switching step may trigger an alarm or control circuit to rectify the fluid level.

Abstract: An on-line moisture analyzer and method of analyzing the moisture content of an ore concentrate. A sample conveyor moves a sample of the concentrate to be analyzed to an aluminum pan that receives and holds the sample of the concentrate. A horizontal linear slide having a pneumatic vertical lift mounted to rotary arm is detachably connected to the aluminum pan by gripping fingers that detachably engage the pan. A scale is accessible by the conveyance member for weighing the sample. An oven also accessible by the conveyance member has a door that has a complimentary shape relative to a cross section of the sample container and conveyance member is used for heating the sample. A programmable logic controller controls the conveyance member and the oven door. A data processing unit receives data from the scale and determines a moisture content based on the data.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are proposed for determining and/or monitoring the quantity and quality of a fluid in which a lowering of the boiling temperature is symptomatic of a deterioration in quality. For this, the filling level and the condition of the fluid—in particular a hygroscopic fluid—are determined successively one after the other by a single sensor of a measuring instrument.

Abstract: A manufacturing method of an LED of a type of round concave cup with a flat bottom comprises two manufacturing steps. At first stage of concave cup printer circuit board, a printed circuit board is placed in a CNC computer driller, and a special miller cutting is used to drill a concave cup with a round flat bottom at the speed of 12000 to 25000 rps (the depth of the cup must be set). After drilling process is complete, a sand ejector serves to polish the interior of the concave cup. Then, plating with copper ions (which is similar to the penetrating process of guide holes in a general printed circuit board), after plating nickel step and plating metal step are completed, the first stage is finished. In the second stage, a manufacturing method of concave cup type LED is performed. The concave cup type LED in the first stage is processed through the steps of point gluing, fixing chip, baking, bonding, quality controlling, filling glue, and baking again. Then a multiple usage concave cup type LED is fabricated.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for measuring the sorbate content in substrates, using a sensor with a measuring chamber. Said chamber contains a support medium whose partial pressure of sorbate is determined in order to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the first method, the temperature of the support medium is varied up to a value at which the partial pressure of sorbate in the measuring chamber no longer varies with the temperature of the support medium, and slightly over this value. This partial pressure of sorbate is then used to determine the sorbate content of the substrate. According to the second method, the temperature of the support medium is kept essentially constant and the speed at which the partial pressure of sorbate of the support medium approaches the stable end value is determined.

Abstract: A condensation sensor according to the invention detects condensation at a level of concern on a surface of interest. It has a thermally passive test surface that emulates the condensation-forming characteristics of the surface of interest, and has thermal conductivity, thermal capacity, and surface heat density sufficiently high that a detectable quantity of condensation forms on the test surface no later than formation of condensation at the level of concern on the surface of interest; and a sensor at the test surface that provides a signal in response to the presence of a detectable quantity of condensation on the test surface. The sensor may comprise two electrodes separated by an effective gap, the presence of a droplet of condensation at the gap closing a circuit between the two electrodes, and may further comprise a gathering mechanism for bringing droplets condensing on the test surface to the effective gap.

Abstract: A low-cost and quick-response type gas-density sensing element is free from positioning error of sensing ambient temperature and gas density and can accurately sense the gas flow even if the environmental conditions sharply change. An output voltage V.sub.1 proportional to an ambient temperature is obtained by heating a sensing element at low temperature and an output voltage V.sub.2 proportional to the ambient temperature and humidity is obtained by heating the sensing element at a high temperature. An output voltage which is proportional to the humidity is obtained by subtracting the voltage value V.sub.1 from the voltage value V.sub.2.

Abstract: To improve the detection precision and detection efficiency and further to automatize the detection process, moisture in a honeycomb panel is detected as follows: the honeycomb panel is heated by a lamp; the surface temperature of the heated construction is measured by an infrared radiation thermometer; the measured temperature is displayed to roughly discriminate an abnormal portion (i.e., a portion containing moisture); the honeycomb panel is further heated continuously to detect temperature-change-rates at both abnormal and normal portions (i.e., a portion not containing moisture); and the two temperature-change-rates are compared with each other to discriminate a presence of moisture.

Abstract: A sensor device is shown for detection of soil moisture levels using thermal diffusivity techniques. The sensor device has a porous media in a first zone, a heated temperature sensor arranged within the first zone, a second zone of a thermally conductive dense media containing a second reference temperature sensor, and leads connecting the sensors to a circuit to provide power to the heated temperature sensor and to the second reference temperature sensor. The circuit includes a comparator to compare outputs from the heated temperature sensor to the second reference temperature sensor so as to provide a signal indicative of soil moisture levels when the sensor device is operationally placed to receive soil moisture into the first zone.

Abstract: Moisture content measurements are accomplished as a function of temperature by measuring the temperature-difference versus natural-logarithm-of-heating-time response of a sample of a predetermined material during a predetermined interval of application of a predetermined quantity of heat, determining the slope of that response at a portion thereof of substantially maximum slope, determining the mean sample temperature through the duration of that response portion, and calculating the moisture content of the sample as a function of that slope and that mean temperature. A thermal probe is used for both applying controlled heat to a material sample and sensing resulting temperature changes within the sample. The probe includes a line heat source and either a thermocouple sensing element or a thermistor sensing element. Sample holders are employed which limit diversion of heat from the heater via paths other than through the sample material.

Abstract: A probe assembly for the measurement of moisture within a medium by indirect contact with the medium. The probe comprises an apparatus at the leading end of the probe to enable measurement of the moisture level within the medium. The apparatus comprises a thermal conductor linked to a heating source, a temperature sensor for enabling measurement of the heat dissipation rate in the thermal conductor upon isolation of the heating source and a heater for delivering energy from a power source to heat the thermal conductor via the heating source. The probe is surrounded by a controlled environment eliminating the need for pre-calibration of the probe. When the probe is inserted in the medium and the heater is isolated from the power source the heat dissipation rate is measurable and commensurate with the level of moisture in the medium.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the print quality of a porous material which includes contacting a porous surface with a source of ink, and then providing a known relative acceleration between the ink source and the porous surface. In this manner, a predetermined volume of ink is transferred from the ink source to a known area of the porous surface. Then, the amount of ink transferred into the porous surface area per unit of time is measured to thereby determine the time between initial ink contact and the initial ink penetration, referred to as the wetting delay, the penetration rate of ink into the porous surface, and the volumetric roughness of the porous material. All of these latter parameters are closely correlated to print quality.

Abstract: A probe for determining moisture content of a medium includes a heating element and a temperature sensing element which is spaced from the heating element. The heating element within a tube is energized for a period of time, and the temperature change of the sensing element after that time is a function of moisture content within a range of tolerance which is acceptable for agricultural and most other purposes. Temperature readout means are coupled to the probe to identify the temperature at that time and identify moisture content of the medium as a function of temperature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining the moisture content in a moist material in the form of particles or pieces, such as sand, gravel, dry mortar, coal, chips, and the like. In accordance with the invention, partly the cooling effect of the material on a measuring body (1, 35, 41, 50), performing in the material, at a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid, is recorded, the material and the measuring body moving in relation to each other, and partly the cooling effect of the material on a measuring body (2), performing in the material, at a temperature below the boiling point of the liquid, is recorded. The comparison between the two recordings results in a relation, which gives a measure as to the moisture content.

Abstract: A humidity detector includes a first heat-sensing element for an electric signal corresponding to the temperature of steam to be detected and a second heat-sensing element for an atmosphere temperature whose vapor is to be detected or a temperature close to it. A comparator compares the electric signals from the first and second heat-sensing elements. The vapor detection characteristics may be adjusted through variation in the heating temperature of the first heat-sensing element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for rapidly determining the moisture content of a substance. An area of one surface only of the substance is subjected to a predetermined intensity of radiant energy for a selected period of time and the temperature rise is measured. The rise in the surface temperature of the substance such as pieces of wood, is approximately inversely proportional to the moisture content of the wood and thus is easily determined. This is obtainable by transporting the substance on a fixed speed conveyor past a heat source, variations in the rise and fall in the surface temperature readings immediately following the application of heat are representative of its moisture content; low readings indicating high moisture content while high readings being indicative of low moisture content.

Abstract: Instrumentation for sensing moisture content of material using a transient thermal pulse is comprised of a sensing probe (12) having a sensing element (14) in the form of a ribbon excited by a constant current pulse from a source (16) to increase the temperature, and therefore the resistance, of the ribbon linearly. Moisture in web material (10) will limit the increase of temperature during the pulse in proportion to the moisture content. This increase in temperature produces a proportional increase in resistivity which is measured with a Wheatstone bridge (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, 14) as a change in voltage displayed by a measurement display unit (20). The probe (12) is glued in a shallow groove of a Lucite bar (15c) and connected to copper pins (15a, 15b) embedded in the bar. A cylindrical Lucite block (21) may be used to hold the sensing element (14) connected to axial pins (22a, 22b) in order for the probe to roll and thus reduce its wear.

Abstract: A method, for the determination of moisture content of fibrous and granular materials, comprising bringing a sensitive element in contact with a fibrous or granular material under study. During the time of contact of the sensitive element with the material under study the sensitive element is subjected to preliminary pulse heating to between 40.degree. and 90.degree. C., with subsequent main pulse heating to between 90.degree. and 140.degree. C. The moisture content of the material under study is evaluated by the time for the main heating of the sensitive element. An apparatus for carrying out the above method comprises main and auxiliary measuring bridge circuits having arms in which are inserted resistors and a sensitive element comprising a pulse heat emitter which forms a common arm of both bridge circuits. A selector switch is inserted in the common arm of the bridge circuits.

Abstract: A temperature sensitive resistor is immersed in a bath of quench oil and is supplied with electrical power sufficient to keep the resistor at a predetermined and substantially constant temperature above the vaporization point of water. When water is present in the oil, the water is vaporized by the resistor with the vaporization acting to cool the resistor and lower its resistance value. A signal which varies as a function of the drop in the resistance value of the resistor is produced and causes an increase in the power supplied to the resistor so as to keep the resistor at its predetermined temperature. In addition, transient pulses in the signal are detected and an alarm signal is produced when there is sufficient water present in the oil bath to cause the time-average value of the pulses to exceed a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Periodically, the soil moisture sampler and controller automatically activates in-ground probe(s) to measure the soil moisture. The resulting output signal indicative of the soil moisture is adjusted for soil ambient temperature and compared to a pre-set soil moisture value. When the signal indicates that the soil moisture is less than a pre-set value, an irrigation timer is activated which causes the soil to be irrigated for a preselected time interval.