Abstract: A permeation standard is provided. The permeation standard may include a substrate that is impermeable to an analyte, an orifice disposed in the substrate, and a permeable material filling the orifice. The orifice and the permeable material are configured to provide a predetermined transmission rate of the analyte through the permeation standard. Also provided herein are methods for forming the permeation standard.

Abstract: A drifting buoy sampler system for a stormwater discharge plume formed from stormwater discharged into coastal waters. The system compresan electronics sampling pod for collecting integrated water samples within the stormwater plume as the buoy system drifts with the stormwater plume near the water surface as the plume travels out to sea. The pod includes a watertight section including a GPS/radio module for providing GPS (geo-position) location information and a processor for monitoring and controlling the sampling rate, a pump module and a battery module; a passive sampler bag for collecting the integrated water samples; a free flooding section including a composite sample bag module such that the pump module pumps collected samples from the passive sampler bag to the composite sample bag module at a predetermined sampling rate and a ballast module for providing ballast to the system when drifting within the plume.

Abstract: A concentrator that is operable to concentrate particles of target material from a high flow rate sampled airflow into a low flow rate secondary airflow. The concentrator may have an array of radially arranged blades. Each blade may have a sampled airflow inlet that uses centrifugal force to concentrate the particles into a central portion of the sampled airflow passing through it. Downstream, the blade may also have primary airflow outlets and knife-edged secondary airflow inlets that divide the sampled airflow into a pair of lateral, high flow rate primary airflows from which the particles have been depleted, and a central, low flow rate secondary airflow which carries the concentrated particles.

Abstract: There is provided an alignment aid method of an ultrasonic transmitter implemented by means of an alignment aid system. The alignment aid system includes a receiver including a plurality of transducers each configured to receive an ultrasonic wave and convert it into a respective signal, and a processing unit configured to digitally process all the signals coming from the transducers, at least part of the transducers being arranged so as to form a first continuous row of transducers. The system also includes an alignment control device communicating with the processing unit, the alignment control device being configured to supply an indication about the transducer(s) receiving a single ultrasonic wave transmitted by said transmitter along the first row of transducers so as to enable the transmitter to be aligned in relation to the receiver.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for adjusting a position of an aspirator in a sample processing apparatus, the sample processing apparatus comprising the aspirator configured to aspirate a sample or a reagent from a container and a capacitance sensor connected to the aspirator to detect change in capacitance, the method comprising: moving the aspirator above a position adjustment part which is electrically conductive and which is disposed at a predetermined position; obtaining capacitance detected by the capacitance sensor while moving the aspirator; and setting reference position information indicating a reference position of the aspirator based on change in the obtained capacitance.

Abstract: A method is presented for diagnosing a particulate matter sensing system, where the system includes a sensing element having two electrodes spaced from one another. The method determining at a first time during a cool-down event a first sensing element temperature and a resistance of the sensing element, and determining at a later second time during the cool-down event a second sensing element temperature and the resistance of the sensing element. The method further includes calculating a predicted sensing element resistance at the second sensing element temperature, based on the first sensing element temperature, the resistance of the sensing element determined at the first time, and a predetermined model of the resistance vs. temperature characteristics of the sensing element. A fault condition for the system may be indicated based on a comparison of the predicted sensing element resistance at the second sensing element temperature and a measured sensing element resistance.

Abstract: There is a testing device for testing a sensor. The testing device includes a rotating mechanism; a first rotating plate connected to the rotating mechanism so that the first rotating plate rotates around an orbital axis (Z1); a second plate rotatably attached to the first rotating plate at a rotating point, the second plate having a rotational axis (Z2) offset from the orbital axis (Z1) by a predetermined distance R; and a gripping mechanism attached to the second plate and configured to receive and fix the sensor relative to the second plate. The second plate follows a circular trajectory with constant attitude around the orbital axis (Z1).

Abstract: A calibration control device for being coupled to a measuring device such as a caliper, micrometer, or gauge is provided. The calibration control device includes a circuit portion and couples to a coupling feature on the measuring device. A calibration limit portion defines a parameter limit as related to a usage limit for which the measuring device is certified as calibrated. A controller operates a host-side data connection portion of the calibration control device to output measuring data in a first mode when the usage limit is not exceeded, and operates the calibration control device to perform a calibration limit function when the usage limit is exceeded. The calibration limit function may include stopping the output of the measuring data through the host-side data connection or providing an out-of-calibration warning to the host, or the like.

Abstract: A laminar air flow development device for use with stationary web material testing equipment is disclosed. The laminar air flow development device has a machine direction, a cross-machine direction orthogonal thereto, and a Z-direction orthogonal to both the machine and cross-machine directions. The stationary web material testing equipment has a first web material support having a Z-direction thickness, D. The device has first and second surfaces contactingly and matingly engaged to form an airfoil having a machine direction length, L, a cross-machine direction width, a leading edge, and a trailing end. The airfoil has a chord disposed between the first and second surfaces. The trailing end has a width equal to the Z-direction thickness, D. The device has a ratio of L/D ranging from about 1 to about 70 and provides machine direction laminar air flow to at least one surface of the first web material support.

Abstract: A flexible storage container may have a first footprint when empty, and retracts to a second footprint when filled with a substance. A load sensing apparatus used for determining the volume of the substance in the flexible storage container can include a first set of load-sensitive sensors arranged in at least a region of the first footprint external to the second footprint, and a second set of load-sensitive sensors arranged within the second footprint. The sensor data from the load-sensitive sensors can be used to create a pressure level profile, and the volume of the substance contained in the flexible storage container can be calculated from the pressure level profile.

Abstract: A method of using a dual-port measurement system to measure acoustic impedance is used to measure an acoustic impedance Z of a tested object. The tested object includes an input end and an output end opposite to the input end. The dual-port measurement system comprises a first impedance tube and a second impedance tube. The first impedance tube includes a first inlet where a plane wave of a sound source is input, and a first outlet connected with the input end. The second impedance tube includes a second inlet connected with the output end, and a second outlet where the plane wave is output. The method uses the dual-port measurement system and a two-boundary method to obtain the acoustic impedances Z, whereby the dual-port measurement system is conveniently applied to various fields, such as the design of earphones, muffler tubes, sound absorption materials, and artificial ears.

Abstract: A sensor controller is applied to a particulate matter detection sensor that includes an attachment portion to which conductive particulate matter contained in gas is attached, and a pair of opposed electrodes spaced from each other at the attachment portion. The particulate matter detection sensor is adapted to output a detection signal corresponding to a resistance between the pair of opposed electrodes, and the sensor controller is adapted to calculate an amount of attached particulate matter based on a sensor detection value from the particulate matter detection sensor. The sensor controller includes a heater for heating the attachment portion so as to burn and remove the particulate matter attached to the attachment portion, and an abnormality diagnosis portion for obtaining the sensor detection value during a heating of the heater and for performing diagnosis of abnormality of the particulate matter detection sensor based on the obtained sensor detection value.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for monitoring of a pipe inspection tool in a pipeline, the apparatus comprising at least one sensor carrier apparatus being locatable along and in close proximity to a pipeline, a plurality of acoustic sensors being locatable on the sensor carrier apparatus, a pipeline inspection tool which is moveable through the pipeline being detectable by means of the acoustic sensors, and the location of the pipeline inspection tool being able to be determined by means of the acoustic sensors.

Abstract: A fastening arrangement of a sensor element, in particular a camera, on a fastening element of a motor vehicle involves holding the sensor element on a holding element of the fastening element by means of a force generated by a spring region of a spring element and orientated in one direction. The spring element has a second spring region connected at least indirectly to the first spring region and running at angle to the first spring region, which the sensor element adjoins in a second direction that runs at an angle to the first direction.

Abstract: A control system and associated methods for an air treatment system. In one aspect, the present invention provides a control system and method for controlling blower speed as a function of separately determined smoke and dust concentrations. In one embodiment, the control system and method provides a variable delayed between changes in motor speed to address undesirable rapid changes between speeds. In another aspect, the present invention provides a system and method for calibrating a sensor to provide more uniform operation over time. In yet another aspect, the present invention provide a system and method for calibrating motor speed to provide more consistent and uniform motor speed over time. The present invention also provides a system and method for tracking filter life by as a function of time, motor speed and/or a sensed variable, such as particulate concentration in the environment.

Abstract: A device is provided for checking a probe for measuring the pressure of a flow, the probe comprising an internal volume and at least one orifice communicating with the outside of the volume. The device comprises: an acoustic transmitter and an acoustic receiver; connection means to connect the device to the probe, such that the transmitter transmits an acoustic signal propagated in the internal volume, and such that the receiver picks up an acoustic signal observed in the internal volume; processing means suitable for comparing the observed signal to a reference signal. The connection means are configured in such a way that an incorrect connection of the probe disturbs the propagation in the internal volume of an acoustic signal transmitted by the transmitter. The processing means are configured to detect an incorrect connection of the probe by comparing the acoustic signal observed in the internal volume with the reference signal.

Abstract: A measuring device for in-process measurement of test pieces during a machining operation on a machine tool, in particular a grinding machine, has a base body, and a measuring head movable between a neutral position and a measuring position and which is connected to the base body via a rod assembly which is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring head in the measuring position follows orbital rotations of a test piece about a rotational axis. The measuring head has a measuring sensor which is deflectable along a linear axis for recording measured values during a measuring operation. A control apparatus is provided for controlling the measuring operation. The control apparatus is configured and set up in such a way that the measuring device may be calibrated in a calibration mode.

Abstract: The invention relates to low flow rate cascade impactors for sampling aerosols, notably but not limited to pharmaceutical aerosols. The impactor stages serve as both orifice plate and collecting cup, simplifying collection and analysis. The impactor is designed to operate at flow rates approximating the inspiratory flow rates of young children and infants. Also presented is a method of and apparatus for applying a coating material to the collection surface of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The method entails generation of a polydisperse aerosol and sampling into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatus and method of application limit the amount of coating material applied and confines it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices.

Abstract: Methods for evaluating and providing selections of recommended golf balls, golf ball constructions, and configurations of golf ball construction components are provided. Such methods may involve obtaining or measuring spin measurements for a plurality of golf clubs for each of a plurality of golf balls. A linear relationship may be used to determine a spin slope for each golf ball on the basis of the set of spin measurements associated with that golf ball. In turn, a selection of a recommended golf ball, golf ball construction, or configuration of a ball construction component may be made based upon which golf ball has the larger spin slope.

Abstract: A technique for calibrating a fluid flow sensor includes generating fluid flow at a first speed. A first temperature of the fluid flow is determined using a first temperature sensor that is positioned upstream of the fluid flow sensor. A first power is supplied to a main heater of the fluid flow sensor to adjust a second temperature of a first plate of the fluid flow sensor to be substantially equal to the first temperature, A second power is supplied to a guard heater of the fluid flow sensor to adjust a third temperature of a second plate of the fluid flow sensor to be substantially equal to a fourth temperature of the first plate. The first and second plates are separated by a spacer and the first speed and the third temperature provide a calibration point on a calibration curve for the fluid flow sensor.