Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting and classifying individual airborne biological and non-biological particles, in real time, based on particle size and polarized elastic scatter. Auto-fluorescence content may also be used along with particle size and polarized elastic scatter for further orthogonal classification. With polarized elastic scattering, the degree of linear or circular depolarization produced from particle morphology, refractive index, internal asymmetric structures and molecular optical activity can be used for classifying individual airborne particles. Alternatively, circular intensity differential scattering (CIDS) or linear intensity differential scattering (LIDS) can be used to discriminate individual particles.

Abstract: A test unit having a light source (e.g., a laser) for illuminating an aerosol sample directed into a test chamber and a removable insert for the test unit. The test unit includes at least one detector for detecting the effect of the aerosol sample on light, i.e., the detector detects at least one property of light after the light has illuminated the aerosol sample. The removable insert may take a number of different forms. For example, the removable insert can form at least a portion of an unsealed or sealed test chamber when installed in an operating position. Further, the removable insert may include a removable support and at least one film or collection substance connected or applied to the removable support. The at least one film could be a filter or a non-filter. The filter could be a polarization filter (i.e., horizontal or vertical) or a fluorescence filter.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems for detecting and classifying individual airborne biological and non-biological particles, in real time, based on particle size and polarized elastic scatter. Auto-fluorescence content may also be used along with particle size and polarized elastic scatter for further orthogonal classification. With polarized elastic scattering, the degree of linear or circular depolarization produced from particle morphology, refractive index, internal asymmetric structures and molecular optical activity can be used for classifying individual airborne particles. Alternatively, circular intensity differential scattering (CIDS) or linear intensity differential scattering (LIDS) can be used to discriminate individual particles.

Abstract: A preferred form of the invention is directed to a system and method used to test filters. The system preferably includes a base unit and a probe operably associated with the base unit. The probe is configured to be deployed adjacent the filter being tested while the filter is located in an operating position. The probe is further configured to allow an operator to vary the mode of operation of the base unit from the probe. The system is configured to automatically exhaust any residual test sample from the base unit and the probe when the system changes between testing a sample upstream and downstream of the filter. The system further includes noise suppression on at least one of the upstream test sample and downstream test sample. The system further is configured to detect when the probe is connected to the base unit.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing protective masks for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding, mounted directly on a mask tester or integral with the mask tester. The test head assembly includes a body and a cover. The body includes a head section simulating at least a portion of a human head. The cover is mounted on the body to cover at least a portion of the head section. The test head assembly is preferably configured such that a portion of the cover can be inflated while the remaining portion of the cover remains in a relaxed state and in contact with the corresponding portion of the body.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in testing protective masks for leaks. The apparatus includes a test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. The test head assembly may be freestanding, mounted directly on a mask tester or integral with the mask tester. The test head assembly includes a body and a cover. The body includes a head section simulating at least a portion of a human head. The cover is mounted on the body to cover at least a portion of the head section. The test head assembly is preferably configured such that a portion of the cover can be inflated while the remaining portion of the cover remains in a relaxed state and in contact with the corresponding portion of the body.

Abstract: A test head assembly for supporting at least a portion of a protective mask to be tested for leaks. Preferably, the test head assembly includes a test head having a test space that is generally coextensive with an inner surface of the protective mask being tested. Although the test space is generally coextensive with the inner surface of the protective mask being tested, it is designed such that it has minimal volume to enhance the testing process by expediting test response time, reducing the time period it takes for a mask tester to reach one or more prerequisite test conditions, eliminate or greatly reduce lag time when the mask tester is operating in the probe mode and prevent dilution of challenge concentration. Preferably, the test head is formed from two or more removable sections to allow the size of the test head to be readily modified.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing a protective mask. The apparatus includes a testing unit for testing a protective mask. The testing unit includes a headform upon which a protective mask to be tested is mounted. The testing unit is configured to take a sample of the challenge from two different locations about the protective mask. The testing unit may also be configured to inflate and deflate a neck seal protective mask when mounted on the headform prior to performing a mask leakage test to eliminate or significantly reduce pockets or folds that may hide a leak.

Abstract: The preferred form of the present invention is directed to systems and methods used to test objects including but not limited to filters, respirator cartridges and filter media. The object to be tested is subjected to an aerosol challenge while the penetration percentage and resistance at a given flow are monitored to ensure that the object will function as desired. Preferably, the test object is challenged with a salt aerosol. However, any suitable aerosol may be used. A replenishment member is provided for automatically and continuously replenishing the reservoir of an aerosol generator. The replenishment member is configured such that there is no need for an operator to monitor the liquid level in the aerosol generator reservoir either during replenishment or at anytime while the apparatus is operated. The replenishment member of the preferred form of the present invention does not require interruption of the filter testing process to replenish the aerosol generator reservoir.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: An analyzing probe for insertion into numerous different environments to determine at least one characteristic of particulate matter suspended in a fluid stream of a test sample. Preferably, the analyzing probe includes a minimal amount of optical elements such as lenses that are subjected to the conditions of the environment of the fluid stream to be tested. Further, the analyzing probe is preferably designed so that it can be readily manufactured, operated and installed by relatively unskilled laborers.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.

Abstract: An analyzing probe for insertion into numerous different environments to determine at least one characteristic of particulate matter suspended in a fluid stream of a test sample. Preferably, the analyzing probe includes a minimal amount of optical elements such as lenses that are subjected to the conditions of the environment of the fluid stream to be tested. Further, the analyzing probe is preferably designed so that it can be readily manufactured, operated and installed by relatively unskilled laborers.

Abstract: A multi-function device for testing masks such as NBC masks used in civilian and military applications. In its preferred form, the device is self-contained and can be readily transported to field sites by one or two individuals. The device includes a protective storage and transport case. The case includes an upper portion and a lower portion. The upper portion of the case houses the power unit assembly and includes sufficient storage space to store such things as an aerosol generator reservoir, various headform accessories, a containment shroud, manuals (e.g. installation, operation and maintenance manuals) and nominal tools. The lower portion of the case houses the head assembly and controller unit which are preferably mounted on a cover or top panel. Underneath the top or cover panel of the lower portion of the case are stored the light scattering chamber, flow sensor, pressure transducer, circuit boards and valves.