Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving aerosol particle characterization and detection accuracy in clean room applications that includes an optical particle sizer that receives a particle containing aerosol sample at a higher flow rate which is operatively coupled to an inertial aerosol concentrator for concentrating particles received from the optical particle sizer and delivering a lower flow rate, particle enriched output. The system further includes an optical sensor for sensing of intrinsic particle fluorescence of the lower, particle-enriched flow, since intrinsic fluorescence is a useful indicator of biological particles and biological particle viability, including bacterial particles. The system as a whole provides a measure derived from a single inlet flow both of total particles and of viable microbial particles based on their spectroscopic properties.

Abstract: Various novel sampling heads and interface fittings are disclosed herein adapted for use with handheld RAMAN or other material evaluating devices or analyzers using radiation or electromagnetic energy to identify sampled materials. In particular, the interface fittings or members facilitate measurement of irregularly shaped or very small materials to be sampled.

Abstract: Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.

Abstract: There is disclosed a field calibratable particle sensor solution in a low-cost, very compact form factor. This makes a low-cost sensor more accurate for low-concentration pollution measurements and decreases the cost of pollution measurement systems having a wide geographic coverage. In a related embodiment, the invention illustrates a method and system to remotely and automatically calibrate one or more of the low cost sensors disclosed herein as well as other commercially available sensors (such as optical particle counters, photometers etc.) against a reference instrument (such as a beta attenuation monitor) which may or may not be physically located in the same place as the individual sensors. The method may require minimum (or no) user interaction and the calibration period is adjustable periodically.

Abstract: A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: A laser-based spectroscopy system that combines a distance/proximity standoff sensor, a high-repetition rate laser spectroscopy system, and software with a decision-making algorithm embedded in a processing unit which in combination performs selective firing of the laser when the target object is within an interrogation zone. In a related embodiment, the system provides selective sorting of spectroscopic signals based on information from the standoff signal and from information contained in the spectral signals themselves. The laser emission can be actively controlled while keeping the laser firing, thereby preserving the thermal stability and hence the power of the laser; and the standoff sensor information and the spectral information can be combined to determine the proper relative weighting or importance of each piece of spectral information.

Abstract: Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field.

Abstract: A novel device, method and systems disclosed managing the thermal challenges of LIBS laser components and a spectrometer in a handheld structure as well the use of simplified light signal collection which includes a bare fiber optic to collect the emitted light in close proximity to (or in contact with) the test material. In one example embodiment of the handheld LIBS device, a burst pulse frequency is 4 kHz is used resulting in a time between pulses of about 250 ?s which is a factor of 10 above that of other devices in the prior art. In a related embodiment, an active Q-switched laser module is used along with a compact spectrometer module using a transmission grating to improve LIBS measurement while substantially reducing the size of the handheld analyzer.

Abstract: A system and a method of measuring a particle's size in a select aerosol using the optical diameter of the particle to perform a mobility and/or aerodynamic diameter conversion without any knowledge about the particle's shape and its optical properties in the aerosol being characterized. In one example embodiment of the invention, the method includes generating a set of calibration data and finding the optimal refractive index and shape that best fits the calibration data. In addition, the method includes creating a new calibration curve that provides a mobility-equivalent or aerodynamic-equivalent diameter.

Abstract: A saturator block assembly that is adapted for use with a condensation particle counter is described. The saturator block assembly is comprised of a member that is at least partially formed from a porous material that is adapted to absorb a working fluid. The saturator block assembly also includes at least one open column formed through the porous member. The open column is parallel with a length of the member and is adapted to emit the working fluid in vapor form from the porous material. The saturator block assembly is further comprised of an outer surface, and is adapted to operate at low pressure or low pressure transient applications. A volume of the porous material is configured so as to reduce the amount of air capable of being trapped in the pores of the porous material during low pressure or low pressure transient applications.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are disclosed for detecting particle composition. In one aspect, a method performed by a detector to detect particles includes receiving particles at an aerosol inlet of the detector. The method includes carrying the received particles within a stream of gas and charging the particles within the stream of gas using a charger to have a charge. The method includes transporting the charged particles to a location of a collection electrode. The method includes biasing the collection electrode to a voltage using a high-voltage supply to attract either negatively or positively charged particles, and analyzing the particles.

Abstract: An improved nanoparticle sizing apparatus comprised of a unipolar charger operatively coupled to a radial differential mobility analyzer in combination with a condensation particle counter and powered by a power source such as a battery or solar cell, thereby providing a portable sizing device.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.

Abstract: A system and a method of measuring a particle's size in a select aerosol using the optical diameter of the particle to perform a mobility and/or aerodynamic diameter conversion without any knowledge about the particle's shape and its optical properties in the aerosol being characterized. In one example embodiment of the invention, the method includes generating a set of calibration data and finding the optimal refractive index and shape that best fits the calibration data. In addition, the method includes creating a new calibration curve that provides a mobility-equivalent or aerodynamic-equivalent diameter.

Abstract: A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system and apparatus for connecting remote and environmental sensors and other operating systems to a portable computing and communications device. The portable device configured to receive and process a set of data and transmit a response or message to at least the user on the quality of the data received. The portable device adapted to reconfigure the remote sensors or operating systems to produce a new set of data.

Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.

Abstract: Techniques and devices are disclosed for detecting particle composition. In one aspect, a method performed by a detector to detect particles includes receiving particles at an aerosol inlet of the detector. The method includes carrying the received particles within a stream of gas and charging the particles within the stream of gas using a charger to have a charge. The method includes transporting the charged particles to a location of a collection electrode. The method includes biasing the collection electrode to a voltage using a high-voltage supply to attract either negatively or positively charged particles, and analyzing the particles.

Abstract: A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.