Abstract: A relative angle detecting system permitting a wider range of detectable angles and offering a small detection error by using polarization and a virtual reality providing system using the same are disclosed. The relative angle detecting system includes a light source having a given polarizing direction and a light reception unit in which a plurality of polarization filters having different polarizing directions other than 90 degree and a plurality of light-receiving devices for receiving light passing through the filters are incorporated, and a relative angle is calculated on the basis of a combination of strengths of output signals of the plurality of light-receiving devices.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining the speed and acceleration of a motor vehicle in which the speed and acceleration are used in combination with exhaust emissions data obtained from the motor vehicle to analyze information about the pollutants being dispersed into the air by the motor vehicle. The apparatus includes a first radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a first detector and a second radiation source producing a visible laser beam received by a second detector. The first and second radiation sources are arranged along the roadway with a known spacing and at a height so that the visible laser beams are interrupted by the front and rear wheels of the motor vehicle as it passes along the roadway. The detectors provide output pulses indicating whether the visible laser beams are interrupted and the time of the occurrence of each of the pulses is measured and recorded. An analyzer then calculates the speed and acceleration from the known spacing distance and the stored time measurements.

Abstract: A design for a fast absorption optical tomography instrument is disclosed. The subject invention is capable of generating 100 projections of 100 elements each in less than 200 ns. It comprises and optical pulse generator, a tomography ring with temporally multiplexed fiber-optic fan-beam sources and fast detectors, and data acquisition electronics. A single short pulse (<10 ns) of radiation tuned to an absorption transition of the chemical species of interest produces a cross sectional image of concentration. Supplying two such pulses to the instrument can yield simultaneous quantitative images of temperature and absolute concentration in fields with temperature inhomogeneities. Additional pulses lead to concentration images of additional species.

Abstract: An optical detector for determining the degree of translucency of a medium includes an elongate collector that gathers radiant energy along its length and transmits the gathered energy to its ends. A sensor is positioned in proximity to at least one of the collector ends to detect the amount of radiant energy received by the collector. The amount of radiant energy received by the collector and transmitted to the sensor is proportional to the degree of average translucency of the medium. In one embodiment, the medium is a filter and the degree of detected translucency is directly proportional to the degree of filter contamination. In another embodiment, the medium is a liquid and the degree of detected translucency is directly proportional to liquid level. The collector is preferably formed from one or more fluorescent-doped fiber optics.

Abstract: An arrangement is proposed for determining the density and concentration of visible constituents in fluids, particularly for measuring the turbidity of motor vehicle exhaust gases. A measuring chamber (10) which can receive the fluid to be measured is provided at two oppositely disposed points a first light detector (16) and a light source (15) which directs a light beam at the light detector (16). This arrangement allows the opacimetric measuring method in which the light attenuation is evaluated as a function of the turbidity. In addition, a second light detector (19) is arranged outside of and lateral to the radiation path through the measuring chamber (10) for capturing scattered light. This allows use of the scattered light method in which the scattered light portion is captured as a measure for the concentration of the light-scattering particles in the investigated medium. In an evaluation arrangement, the measuring signals (turbidity and scattered light) can be evaluated simultaneously or selectively.

Abstract: A gas detection and measurement system includes a light source, a light sensor, a test cell body having a first fluid port and a second fluid port, and first and second optical paths from the light source to the light sensor through the test cell. The first and second optical paths have different lengths. As fluid flows through the test cell body, light intensity measurements are taken along the first and second optical paths so that the concentration of a target gas within the fluid can be calculated.

Abstract: A laser diode gas sensor for the spectroscopic measurement of a gas sample, with a retroreflector and a concave mirror, which define between them an open measuring path with the gas to be analyzed. Laser light passes through the measuring path, is reflected at the retroreflector, and is directed toward a detector via a concave mirror in order to determine the mean concentration of the gas component to be analyzed in the optical measuring path. Optical elements, such as beam splitters, lenses, etc., which lead to losses of intensity, were used before to couple the laser light into the beam path onto the retroreflector, and to decouple the reflected light to the detector. An improved optical imaging array, which minimizes losses, is provided. The concave mirror is provided centrally with an opening transparent to the laser light, through which a weakly divergent bundle of laser light is directed onto the retroreflector, so that the retroreflector is illuminated essentially over its entire surface.

Abstract: A device (10) and method for monitoring particulate (22) flowing through a conduit (20) has a transmitter (16) and a receiver (18) positioned in optical alignment on opposite sides of the conduit (20). A light beam (50) is transmitted across conduit (20) from the transmitter (16) to the receiver (18). Particulate (22) flowing through conduit (20) interrupts light beam (50) causing a signal to be generated from which particulate concentration is determined. A calibrator assembly (40) has a motor (64) adapted to move a filter (100) having a selected percentage opacity within the path of light beam (50). Movement of the filter (100) modulates light beam (50) and a signal corresponding to the concentration associated with the percentage opacity is generated.

Abstract: A projected beam-type smoke detector and receiving unit includes in its light receiver data output unit 118 for outputting serially status information and status signal output units 85, 86 for sending the status information to the receiving unit, and in its receiving unit 30 data examining unit 113 for examining sequentially the status information. The light receiver 31 also includes a pulse generator unit 82 for generating pulses having different pulselengths according to the type of alarm information, and photoelectric converter units 83, 84 for sending to the receiving unit 120 the pulses of different pulselengths generated by the pulse generator unit 82. The receiving unit 120 includes a pulselength determining unit 108 for determining the type of alarm information from the pulselength of the pulse sent by the projected beam-type smoke detector and display units 110, 111 for displaying the alarm information type determined by the pulselength determining unit 108.

Abstract: Self-contained smoke detector systems each have internal self-diagnostic capabilities and function as components of an automatic fire alarm communication system implemented with a conventional two-wire alarm initiating circuit. Each system includes a microprocessor-based self-diagnostic circuit that periodically checks sensitivity of radiation sensor electronics to smoke obscuration level. By setting tolerance limits on the amount of change in voltage measured in clean air, the system can provide an indication of when it has become either under-sensitive or over-sensitive to the ambient smoke obscuration level. An algorithm implemented in software stored in system memory determines whether and provides a sensitivity fault condition signal indicating that for a time (such as 27 hours) the clean air voltage has strayed outside established sensitivity tolerance limits.

Abstract: An LD light-emitting circuit 2 comprises an analog multiplexer MP having a plurality of switches, and resistors R7, R8, R9 and R10 connected to these switches. When the temperature is not higher than a normal temperature, the resistor R7 is connected so that the amount of light emitted from the LD 1 is maintained constant. As the temperature rises, however, the resistor R8, R9 or R10 having increasing resistance is connected in response to a signal from a control circuit, in order to decrease the driving current that flows into the LD 1. This enables the LD 1 to suppress its own heating and to lengthen its life.

Abstract: A fire detector capable of readily and accurately adjusting the sensitivity thereof and of not erroneously outputting any fire signal is provided with a first-stage amplifying circuit having an output adjusting variable resistor and a fire discriminating section having a reference voltage adjusting variable resistor. As a result, it is possible to adjust the amplified output to a predetermined value by the switching level of the fire discriminating section to a predetermined value by the reference voltage adjusting variable resistor.

Abstract: An allergen particle detecting apparatus has a passageway through which environmental air is directed. A light beam is directed across the passageway so that portions of the beam will be scattered if any particles are present in the path of the beam. A beam blocking device on the opposite side of the passageway blocks any non-scattered portion of the beam while transmitting any scattered portions of the beam along a light path in the apparatus. Any light scattered by allergen size particles will be traveling in a predetermined angular range, and a pinhole device is positioned in the light path so as to transmit only light traveling in that angular range. Light transmitted through the pinhole device is detected by a light detector and an alarm output signal is produced if the detected amount of light is above a predetermined level.

Abstract: A mechanical optical system scans a light beam that has passed through an automobile exhaust plume onto a plurality of detectors by using fiber optic tubes in an array that is mounted close to a rotating mirror. First ends of the fiber optic tubes are in an array adjacent the mirror and second ends of the fiber optic tubes feed the scanned light beam onto respective detectors that detect various gaseous components in the vehicle exhaust. Using the fiber optic tubes eliminates the need for secondary mirrors and reduces the requirement for highly accurate optical alignment among the components of the system.

Abstract: A light scattering type smoke detector arranged such that even if the range in which light from an LED is emitted has a dispersion, a labyrinth member 90 in the light emitting range has no edge or only a predetermined labyrinth member exist therein. The labyrinth member 90 is preferably formed by a single plate larger than the other labyrinth members 9. The edges of the labyrinth members 9 are preferably formed to a curved surface or chamfered, and the dispersion of the 0 point of a detection output is reduced and the level of the 0 point of the detection signal is lowered to thereby accurately detect light scattered by smoke.

Abstract: A stack gas monitor system has an optimized gas flow portion which is permanently installed in a fossil fuel burning facility, and to which a spectrophotometric portion can be readily coupled for real-time determination in the system of a concentration of a first gas having a characteristic absorption spectrum and which is selectably introducible as a measured amount into a stack gas stream. A sample of the stack gas stream is flowing through the gas flow portion, with at least one gas of the sample stream having an absorption spectrum extending within an ultraviolet range of wavelengths of radiation and having absorbance values within this range which are higher than absorbance values of the first gas. The system can be purged and can be calibrated with the first gas. Stack gas blank data are obtained in the absence of the first gas. Composite gas data are provided upon introduction of the first gas into the stack gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus for open-path gas monitoring and is particularly concerned with measuring the opacity of stack gases. Single and double pass systems to provide an optical across the stack, are known, but to provide meaningful data, gain compensation is required to deal with temperature variations and the possibility of ageing of electronic components.

Abstract: A long-range, wide-area remote sensor system(s) to detect trace levels of atmospheric constituents using bistatic configurations to measure differential absorption (BDIAL) of source beams tuned to the absorption line center and off-peak "wing" in the spectra of species of interest. Potential platforms for the probe beam and detector subsystems include satellites and airborne vehicles, and mapping of large geographical regions is accomplished by tomographic reconstruction of recorded columnar absorption data. The use of bistatic geometries reduces power requirements on the probe beam, as compared to standard backscatter DIAL, and allows detection with platforms at large stand-off ranges, subject to atmospheric conditions. Operation in spectral regions including UV, visible and IR is feasible, provided that there are no overlapping absorption lines when many substances are present. Use of multiple frequency sources and multi-spectral detectors will reduce identification ambiguities.

Abstract: A light source radiates an infrared beam that passes through a chopper, a calibration cell and the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle passing in front of the source. A photosensor assembly includes a plurality of photodetectors which are spaced closely adjacent to each other and simultaneously sense the beam after it propagates through the plume. An optical beam homogenizer or integrator disposed between the plume and the photosensor unit causes the light incident on the photodetectors to have uniform intensity. The photodetectors are sensitive to different wavelengths corresponding to spectral absorption peaks of constituents of the composition of the plume, including carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO.sub.2), hydrocarbon (HC), water vapor (H.sub.2 O) and nitric oxide (NO). A computer computes the composition of the plume as the percentages of the constituents based on the sensed transmittances of the respective wavelengths through the plume.

Abstract: In a exhaust smoke sensor a light emitter generates a light beam which passes through a region containing the exhaust gas to a first light sensor. To reduce interference the light emitter is driven by a near square wave signal produced by passing a square wave through a low pass filter.

Abstract: A fire alarm system comprises a first light emitting device (11), a first polarizing filter (31), a first light receiving device (21), a second light emitting device (12), a second polarizing filter (32), and a second light receiving device (22). With the above arrangement, the amount of the parallel polarized component to the scattering plane as well as the amount of the perpendicular polarized component to the scattering plane is detected. The ratio between these amounts of light has a correlation with the type of smoke. A calculation section (4) calculates this ratio from the outputs of the light receiving devices (21, 22). A decision section (6) compares the above-described ratio with a reference value which has been preset according to the type of smoke to be detected, whereby the judgement of whether there is a fire or not is performed depending on the type of smoke. Thus, the detection of a fire can be performed from the light scattered by smoke taking into account the type of smoke.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method and apparatus for monitoring the status of particle filtration devices found in various filter units. The invention employs one or more light sources aimed across the filter units and one or more corresponding detectors that detect changes in light intensity from the light source. When a leak occurs whereby dust is released into the atmosphere around any given filter, the detectors will note a decrease in light intensity and will signal a problem. By using multiple light sources and detectors, or by getting signals from different angles from a single light source and detector, the present invention allows for quick and accurate pin-pointing of leakage problems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting whether an alarm circuit is operating outside its sensitivity range, the alarm circuit having a background signal and a preset alarm threshold signal. The method involves: a) multiplying the background signal by a first gain factor to produce a first test signal; b) comparing the first test signal against an alarm threshold signal; c) multiplying the background signal by a second gain factor less than the first gain factor to produce a second test signal; and d) comparing the second test signal against the alarm threshold signal. The alarm circuit is operating outside its sensitivity range when the first test signal is less than the alarm threshold signal or the second test signal is greater than the alarm threshold signal.

Abstract: Optical analysing equipment includes a light source, a light receiver and an optical arrangement for producing a measuring beam and a calibrating beam from the light of the light source. A calibrating channel and a measuring channel extend form the light source to the light receiver. The light source and the light receiver can be arranged on opposite sides of the duct. In this case, the calibrating channel and the measuring channel include two tubes extending in parallel across the duct between the light source and the light receiver. The light source and the light receiver can alternatively be arranged on the same side of the duct. In this case, the measuring channel extends partially into the duct. The calibrating channel may then extend into the duct or be positioned entirely outside the duck. By light control means, the light receiver receives either the measuring beam or the calibrating beam.

Abstract: A gas analysis device for the remote detecting, measuring and recording of NO, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O levels from the exhaust (30) of moving motor vehicles (28) utilizes a source (11) of collimated infrared and ultraviolet radiation (15) and includes a detector unit (16) positioned on the opposite side of the roadway for receiving and measuring the infrared and ultraviolet radiation from the source (11) tranmitted through the vehicle exhaust. The detector unit splits the combined infrared and ultraviolet radiation into separate infrared and ultraviolet beams (42) and (40). The ultraviolet beam is diffracted onto a photodiode array in a spectrometer that generates a signal indicative of NO in the vehicle exhaust. A rotating reflector (27) time-multiplexes the infrared beam to a plurality of infrared sensors that generate electrical signals indicative of, for example, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O in the vehicle exhaust. A computer (17) then computes the relative concentrations of CO, CO.sub.

Abstract: A photoelectric sensor of the present invention includes a light emitting device and a light receiving device for detecting scattered light due to smoke, a light emitting confirming device which lights up when a quantity of light received by the light receiving device is greater than or equal to a threshold and a test light emitting device for emitting light to the light receiving device during the test, wherein a blinking of the light emitting confirming device is started at a time of a test start, and a quantity of light received by the light receiving device is increased in steps so that the blinking is stopped when the quantity is greater than or equal to the threshold. Accordingly, the sensitivity test can be performed by visually counting the number of blinkings of the light emitting device.

Abstract: A weather identification system is provided which employs a first photosensitive receiver positioned directly in the path of a beam of light a predetermined distance from a partially coherent light beam source. The first photosensitive receiver is in direct optical communication with the light beam source to produce electronic signals in response to scintillations caused by particle movement between the source and the first receiver. Signals from the detected scintillations are filtered to provide an output having a frequency range above one kilohertz indicative of rain intensity, and a second output having a frequency range lower than two hundred fifty hertz indicative of snow intensity. A second photosensitive receiver is positioned out of the path of the beam of light and is oriented at an oblique angle relative thereto to provide an output indicative of forward scattering of light from scintillations that occur in the beam of light.

Abstract: A pollution/smoke detector apparatus is disclosed having a sample chamber of two part molded plastic construction having a pair of matching interlocking pairs including a series of interfitting baffles forming a series of irises spaced along the chamber, the apparatus including at one end a light receptor and a light absorber at the other end, and an air sample area between the subject of a flash light emitted from a light source module having a novel reflector element. The overall construction is easily assembled and disassembled for maintenance and yet provides effective and efficient operation.

Abstract: A self-cleaning smoke-monitoring system that is used in measuring opacity of exhaust from an internal combustion engine. The invention includes a pair of air passages that supply a flow of filtered air over the optic elements of the smoke-monitoring system. The flow of particulate-free air is the result of a venturi effect created in the exhaust flow such that ambient air is continuously drawn in through the air ducts.

Abstract: An obscuration type optical smoke monitor is provided for use particularly in dusty and dirty environments. The smoke monitor comprises a housing enclosing a smoke monitoring chamber; two access ports located opposite each other on the housing; a shunt air flow path located between said two access ports; means to conduct air from said access ports through an optical chamber; a light emitting diode at the first end of said optical chamber, which light emitting diode produces a light beam axially through the center of said optical chamber; a photo transistor at the second end of said optical chamber to receive the light bean and issue an electrical signal proportional to the received light intensity; and an electronic module which provides variable electronic output, generating an analog output essentially proportional of the optical obscuration caused by the smoke.

Abstract: A system (10) for detecting nitric oxide (NO) within an exhaust plume (14) includes a source (18) for generating an optical beam (20) and for directing (22, 24) the optical beam through the exhaust plume, the optical beam having wavelengths within a predetermined band of wavelengths within the infrared (IR) radiation spectrum. The system includes a sensor (32)/filter (30) assembly having a first channel for determining a measured NO transmission value for a first predetermined band of wavelengths; a second channel for determining a measured water transmission value for a second predetermined band of wavelengths; a third channel for determining a measured reference transmission value for a third predetermined band of wavelengths selected so as not to be significantly absorbed by the exhaust plume; and a fourth channel for determining a measured combustion by-product transmission value for a fourth predetermined band of wavelengths.

Abstract: In accordance with this invention, a misalignment detector apparatus is provided for a transmissometer with an underfilled reflector. The transmissometer has a transceiver that projects a collimated beam of light of small diameter across a smokestack to a circular reflector of substantially greater diameter than the collimated beam of light so that the reflector is underfilled. The reflector includes apparatus for sensing the position of the collimated beam of light with respect to the center of the reflector and its position on the reflector when it is not on center which allows operator notification of when the beam is on the reflector and when the beam is off the reflector thereby requiring maintenance/realignment.

Abstract: A gas analysis device for the remote detecting, measuring and recording of NO, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O levels from the exhaust (30) of moving motor vehicles (28) utilizes a source (11) of collimated infrared and ultraviolet radiation (15) and includes a detector unit (16) positioned on the opposite side of the roadway for receiving and measuring the infrared and ultraviolet radiation from the source (11) tranmitted through the vehicle exhaust. The detector unit splits the combined infrared and ultraviolet radiation into separate infrared and ultraviolet beams (42) and (40). The ultraviolet beam is diffracted onto a photodiode array in a spectrometer that generates a signal indicative of NO in the vehicle exhaust. A rotating reflector (27) time-multiplexes the infrared beam to a plurality of infrared sensors that generate electrical signals indicative of, for example, CO, CO.sub.2, HC, and H.sub.2 O in the vehicle exhaust. A computer (17) then computes the relative concentrations of CO, CO.sub.

Abstract: In a scattered-light smoke detector, for preventing false alarms due to extraneous matter in a measurement chamber (1), a radiation source (2) and two radiation detectors (7, 8) are included. An evaluation circuit is provided for comparing the two detector signals, and an alarm signal is triggered if at least one of the detector signals exceeds a predetermined threshold, and if the two detector signals are at least approximately equal. In another embodiment, a scattered-light smoke detector includes two radiation sources (2, 22), a radiation detector (7), and circuitry for alternatively activating one (2) or the other (22) radiation source. For comparison, corresponding detector signals are stored in sample-and-hold circuits, and an alarm signal can be triggered depending on the same tests. Furthermore, in both cases, a trouble signal can be produced if the two signals are significantly different.

Abstract: A multiple angle and redundant visibility sensor includes a plurality of optical transmitter/receiver pairs, each pair cooperatively coupled so as to transmit and receive in conically controlled beams along a common optical axis such that each transmitter faces, and directs optical energy directly into, its receiver pair. The plurality of pairs are staggered in angular orientation with respect to each other, with a common volume of intersection through which the approximate center of each optical axis passes. Each transmitter propagates a substantially conical beam of light which passes through an aerosol media which causes molecular scattering of the light. A single transmitter outputs optical energy at any given time, and the receiver intercept the appropriate scattered energy at different scattering angles depending on the relative axial orientation with respect to the scattering volume and the incident radiation.

Abstract: A two dimensional light beam array from which a plume of smoke, such as from a diesel engine, passes. Beams of light are projected across the array by light sources for detection by light detectors in order to measure the transmittance or opacity of the beam of smoke between any given source and detector. By projecting beams of light in two dimensions across the array, the diameter and length of intersection of the light beam which projects through the diameter may be determined. To determine this length enables a calculation of a smoke density value for that plume of smoke. Also, by projecting beams of light in two dimensions across the array the position of the smoke plume within the array may be determined.

Abstract: A dry particle analyzer includes a vibrating sieve cup drizzling particles downwardly with first and second sheath air flows provided to separate the particles from boundary walls and to form the drizzling particles into a curtain for optical analysis. The particles drop vertically as a drizzle with gravitational assistance from a bulk sample to the analysis passage, after which their direction of movement is changed to horizontal and then upward for removal from the analyzer.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting and measuring relative concentrations of pollutants such as HC, CO and CO.sub.2 in the exhaust emissions from passing vehicles includes an infrared (IR) beam source for directing an IR beam through a vehicle's exhaust plume and a detector disposed on one side of a roadway and a lateral transfer mirror (LTM) disposed on the other side of the roadway for lateral reflecting of the IR beam back through the vehicle's exhaust plume and onto the detector. The LTM allows for close spacing and precise alignment between the emitted and reflected beam paths and permits the IR beam source and detector to be disposed in a single module. Compensation for variation in a range of vehicle operating conditions is provided by adjustable, computer-controlled potentiometers, while audio and/or visible light feedback of the detected IR signal allows a single operator to precisely align the optical components of the apparatus.

Abstract: A fire fighting trainer for use in training fire fighters is provided. The fire fighting trainer includes a structure having a plurality of chambers having concrete or grating floors. Each chamber contains one or a series of real or simulated items, which are chosen from a group of items, such as furniture and fixtures and equipment. The trainer also includes a smoke generating system having a smoke generator having a smoke line with an outlet for each chamber. The trainer also includes a propane gas flame generating system having at least one propane gas pressure controller and a gas line with a burner control and one or more single element or multi-element burners for each chamber. The trainer has a main control panel for regulating the flame generating system and the smoke generating system and for controlling the fire, or fires, and smoke in each chamber.

Abstract: An electrostatic precipitator (ESP) intermittent energization controller is included with a CPU that adaptively controls the DC power used to energize the ESP. An opacimeter is mounted to the ESP for detecting the opacity of dust particles flowing through the same. The CPU searches through a table consisting of a predetermined number of charge-pause parameter sets until one charge-pause parameter set is found to cause the difference between the detected opacity level and the preset opacity level to be within a predetermined tolerable range.

Abstract: A device for sensing the amount of dust, refuse, etc., flowing into a dust suction tubular member of a vacuum cleaner. The device comprises a light emitting element and photoreceptor, the light emitting element and photoreceptor facing each other with a dust path between them provided in the inside of the dust suction tubular member, a detector for detecting the amount of the light supplied from the light emitting element and photoreceptor from being flush with the inside of the dust suction tubular member, a ring-shaped projection formed in the inside of the dust suction tubular member for increasing the inflow speed of the air including dust, refuse, etc., through the space between the light emitting element and photoreceptor.

Abstract: A gas analysis device (10) for the remote detecting, measuring and recording of NO.sub.x, CO, CO.sub.2, HC and H.sub.2 O levels from the exhaust (30) of moving motor vehicles (28) utilizes a source (11) of collimated infrared and ultraviolet radiation (15) and includes a detector unit (16) positioned on the opposite side of the roadway for receiving and measuring the infrared and ultraviolet radiation from the source (11) tranmitted through the vehicle exhaust. The detector unit splits the combined infrared and ultraviolet radiation into separate infrared and ultraviolet beams (42) and (40). An ultraviolet sensor (44) receives the separate ultraviolet beam and generates a signal indicative of NO.sub.x. A rotating reflector (27) time-multiplexes the infrared beam to a plurality of infrared sensors that generate electrical signals indicative of, for example, CO, CO.sub.2, HC and H.sub.2 O in the vehicle exhaust. A computer (17) then computes the relative concentrations of CO, CO.sub.2, HC, NO.sub.x, and H.sub.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus (10) for, and a method of, collecting and analyzing a sample of exhaust gases (16) from a mobile exhaust source. A funneling member (18) is attached to a vehicle (12) for concentrating exhaust gases (16) discharged by a moving exhaust source. The vehicle (12) is positioned behind the mobile exhaust source such that the funneling member (18) is within a stream of exhaust gases (30) being discharged by the mobile exhaust source. As the exhaust gases (16) pass through the funneling member (18), a sampling tube (22) extracts a sample of the concentrated exhaust gases (16) and routes them to an analyzing means (26) for analysis of the sample.

Abstract: An air treatment apparatus includes a chamber designed to provide infrared radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Atmospheric air is passed through the chamber such that carbon dioxide molecules in the chamber achieve a higher energy state. Atmospheric air containing the higher energy state carbon dioxide molecules is discharged from the apparatus into the atmosphere. The atmospheric air containing higher energy or activated carbon dioxide may be used in a given space to overcome lethargic conditions produced by prior art air treatment devices such as air conditioners. The atmospheric air may be filtered prior to entering and after discharging from the treatment chamber for further air treatment. Heat may also be provided in the chamber to oxidize impurities in the air for further purification and air treatment. A method is provided whereby atmospheric air passes through the infrared radiating chamber to activate carbon dioxide molecules therein.

Abstract: A device is proposed for measuring the composition of fluids, in particular of constituents of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines, in which a light ray (32, 31) is used to irradiate the exhaust gas to be measured over the length of a measuring section (29) and is weakened or changed more or less, depending on the content of constituents. The light signal being received is advantageously registered by a measured length light receiver (18) which is shielded light-tight against the light emitting light source (14) and is evaluated in relation to the original light emission, in an evaluation circuit (26). In this simple way, accurate information is obtained of the exhaust gas clouding and of the loading of a fluid or gas with constituents which are optically active.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for differentiated measurement of smoke and/or vapor in the outgoing air of a device, especially a microwave unit for disinfection and sterilization of goods includes the steps of deriving a signal commensurate with the presence of vapor in accordance with the intensity increase of refracted and/or reflected light, and deriving a signal commensurate with the presence of smoke in accordance with the pulsed intensity decrease of light passing through the outgoing air.

Abstract: Radiations of two different frequencies are transmitted through a fluid comprising a mixture of materials, wherein a radiation is absorbed in the range of the radiation absorption by one of the materials, and another radiation is not absorbed, and wherein the radiations operate with pulses of identical pulse repetition frequency and identical pulse intervals. The detected electrical signal from the monitored radiations passed through the fluid, the center frequency of which corresponds to the reciprocal value of the pulse interval, is filtered out with the aid of a filter. The concentration of the absorbing material in the fluid is measured from the amplitude changes of the filtered-out signal. By the use of filters, the bandpass ranges of which are respectively adapted to the occurring pulse repetition frequencies, and based on the interpretation of the measuring signal as a modulated signal, a high safety against noise signals is attained.

Abstract: A dust detector in a vacuum cleaner includes a light-emitting element exposed into a dust suction passage for emitting a light beam into the dust passage, and a light-detecting element exposed into the dust suction passage for detecting the light beam emitted from the light-emitting element. A detector unit detects the amount of dust flowing through the dust suction passage based on the intensity of the light beam transmitted from the light-emitting element across the dust suction passage to the light-detecting element. The light-emitting element and the light-detecting element are covered respectively by a pair of light-transmissive covers having respective end faces exposed into the dust suction passage and lying flush with an inner wall surface of the dust suction passage.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for indicating how dirty an air filter is that is disposed in an air stream for removing dirt therefrom. The apparatus includes an arrangement in the form of a light unit for measuring how dirty the air filter is. The apparatus also includes an indicator that is connected to the light unit.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner with a dust sensor comprising a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element for receiving light emitted from the light-emitting element. The dust sensor is provided in a suction passage between a suction nozzle and a dust collector of the vacuum cleaner for detecting dust in air drawn through the suction nozzle to generate a current corresponding to the detection result. A manual switch decreases sensitivity to dust detection while a rotatable member cleans a carpet. This prevents variations in dust detection from influencing operation of the rotatable cleaning member.