Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: An apparatus for receiving an analyte comprises two opposing housings that clamp onto a substrate. One of the housings includes passageways that deliver the analyte and optical signals to the substrate. Another one of the housings includes passageways that allow optical signals, which have passed through the substrate, to travel to photometric sensors which may be used to study the analyte or its effects. The apparatus may include a light guide that uniformly distributes light from a plurality of point emitters to multiple areas of the substrate. The apparatus may include an actuator assembly that opens and closes the two housing to allow for installation and removal of the substrate. The substrate may be carried in a cartridge that is removable from the two housings.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing the operation of a photometric particle analyzer. The method may determine when the operation is degraded from normal operating conditions, automatically, and the result displayed locally as well as being transmitted to a remote observer. The present invention may be used by optical photometric particle analyzers, or by analyzers that measure other properties of particles collected on filters.

Abstract: An improved analyzer and method of analyzing the content of carbon-containing particles in samples filtered from an air stream is presented. The air stream may be, for example and without limitation, ambient air impacted by pollution; air breathed in an occupational situation such as the atmosphere in a factory or mine; or a combustion exhaust stream such as an engine tailpipe, a chimney, or a smoke plume. The analyzer may operate without the use of bottled gases, such as unfiltered air, and may be operated to provide a very large dynamic range.