Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with aerosol collection devices (such as, but not limited to, breath-aerosol collector devices, breathalyzers) are provided. An example aerosol collection device includes a sample transfer adapter configured to receive a sample and a device body connected to the sample transfer adapter. In some examples, the device body defines a flow channel that guides the sample to a filter component, and the filter component contains a buffer solution.

Abstract: Various embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses and methods for detecting fluid particles and their characteristics. In various embodiments, a device for detecting fluid particles and their characteristics may comprise a fluid composition sensor configured to receive a volume of fluid. The fluid composition sensor has a collection media housing configured to receive a portion of a collection media, a pump for moving a volume of fluid over the collection media housing, an imaging device configured to capture an image of particles on the collection media, and a particle matter mass concentration calculation circuitry configured to calculate a total particle matter mass. The particle matter mass concentration calculation circuitry is connected with the imaging device and the pump. The particle matter mass concentration calculation circuitry is configured to adjust the volume of fluid over the collection media housing.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and systems associated with a sample testing device are provided. For example, an example sample testing device may include a substrate layer defining a bottom surface of the sample testing device, as well as a waveguide disposed on the substrate layer and includes at least one reference channel and at least one sample channel.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, devices, and computer program products are disclosed for improved sanitization. An example device includes a sanitizing element that outputs a sanitizing agent. The device also includes a scanning device that generates scanning data of the physical form of the object. The device further includes a controller operatively coupled to the sanitizing element and the scanning device. The controller determines the output of the sanitizing agent during operation of the scanning device, receives the scanning data generated by the scanning device, and determines one or more areas of the object failing to receive sufficient contact with the sanitizing agent based upon the scanning data and sanitizing agent output.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a particulate matter (PM) sensor assembly receiving a PM count value from an optical pulse counting sensor and selectively calibrating the sensor characteristics in response to recent published high-accuracy air-quality information within a local region that contains the sensor assembly. In an illustrative example, the air-quality information may be generated by various PM monitoring stations and published in data streams or collections, for example. The sensor assembly may select, for example, a specific regional PM mass density reference value from the received air-quality information associated with location information of the sensor assembly. Based on the published air-quality information, the sensor assembly may select a calibration curve from, for example, a set of predetermined calibration curves.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a particulate matter (PM) sensor assembly receiving a PM count value from an optical pulse counting sensor and selectively calibrating the sensor characteristics in response to recent published high-accuracy air-quality information within a local region that contains the sensor assembly. In an illustrative example, the air-quality information may be generated by various PM monitoring stations and published in data streams or collections, for example. The sensor assembly may select, for example, a specific regional PM mass density reference value from the received air-quality information associated with location information of the sensor assembly. Based on the published air-quality information, the sensor assembly may select a calibration curve from, for example, a set of predetermined calibration curves.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to an automatic ordering method including a network-connected machine-readable code scanner identifying a product, and a network-connected weigh scale identifying a current weight of the product, the method further triggering an automatic order process when the current weight crosses a predetermined threshold. In an illustrative example, the automatic order process may send a signal to a user's network-connected personal device containing a notification that the products current weight has crossed the predetermined threshold. The user may be presented one or more options, for example, regarding product purchase. In some examples, user setup selections may provide input to a function that determines the predetermined weight threshold. Various examples may include a network server. Online merchants providing online ordering of the product may also connect to the network server, for example.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to a particulate matter (PM) sensor assembly receiving a PM count value from an optical pulse counting sensor and selectively calibrating the sensor characteristics in response to recent published high-accuracy air-quality information within a local region that contains the sensor assembly. In an illustrative example, the air-quality information may be generated by various PM monitoring stations and published in data streams or collections, for example. The sensor assembly may select, for example, a specific regional PM mass density reference value from the received air-quality information associated with location information of the sensor assembly. Based on the published air-quality information, the sensor assembly may select a calibration curve from, for example, a set of predetermined calibration curves.

Abstract: Apparatus and associated methods relate to the determination of local environmental air quality by processing data from a local device sensing a user's respiration-vocalization. In an illustrative example, respiration-vocalization for a CPAP user may be sensed by an airflow and/or air pressure sensor. Respiratory disturbance events, such as coughing, for example, may be detected. The sensed events, converted to respiration-vocalization data, may be collected to estimate the environmental air quality and/or particle density around the user. Some examples may estimate specific allergen concentrations by correlating user respiration-vocalization data with the respiration-vocalization data from users/patients with known airborne particle sensitivities. In some embodiments, regional environmental air quality data may be compared with respiration-vocalization data to produce local environmental air quality results.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for assessing cognitive function limitations. A system may comprise a sensor module, wherein the sensor module comprises a gas detector; and a device, wherein the device is configured to: obtain data from the sensor module, wherein the data comprises environmental data; calculate a cognitive availability value based on the environmental data; and display the cognitive availability value on a user interface of the device.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound wave generator, a fluid cavity coupled to the ultrasound wave generator, an array of micro-machined ultrasonic-assisted electrospray nozzles coupled to the fluid cavity, an electrode configured to impart a charge onto the fluid output of the electrospray nozzles, and a carbon dioxide release unit configured to receive the ionic liquid after absorption of carbon dioxide by the ionic liquid and to remove carbon dioxide from the ionic liquid such that the regenerated ionic liquid can be recycled for additional carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: A magnetic bead assisted sampling system for a fluid sensor. Magnetic beads are dispersed in a sampling volume for collecting the analyte. The beads are packed into a small volume for pre-concentration of the analyte. A solvent may be applied to the beads to elute the analyte from the beads for movement to an analyzer.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring a chemical sample and modulating the chemical sample at a frequency greater than a drift frequency of a sensor. The method also includes determining at least one of a presence and a concentration of the analyte within the modulated chemical sample using the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could include alternately absorbing at least some of the analyte into a sorbent material and releasing at least some of the analyte from the sorbent material. Modulating the chemical sample could also include heating the sorbent material, absorbing part of the analyte into the sorbent material, and passing a remaining portion of the analyte into the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could further include stopping the heating of the sorbent material, releasing the part of the analyte from the sorbent material, and passing the sample with the released part of the analyte into the sensor.

Abstract: An air scrubber, system, and method of use are provided. The air scrubber includes an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume; an air sample intake positioned to provide an air sample interacting with the ionic fluid electrospray plume; and a counter electrode positioned to collect the electrospray plume. The selected chemicals in the air sample are captured by ionic fluid electrospray plume and accumulate on the counter electrode.

Abstract: A micro discharge device (MDD) capable of low voltage discharges in a variety of carrier gases for detection and/or ionization includes a sample introduction capillary having a first open end connected to a gas system and a second open end connected to a cylinder comprising a high dielectric constant material. A high voltage electrode can be placed in close proximity to the outer diameter of the cylinder and at a close linear distance to the second open end of the sample introduction capillary. A region can be formed inside the cylinder between the second end of the sample introduction capillary and the high voltage electrode wherein discharge can be located. An optical emission collector can be located through the flow manifold to a receiving location near the high voltage electrode within a region from inside the cylinder between the high voltage electrode and the manifold.

Abstract: A system includes an ultrasound wave generator, a fluid cavity coupled to the ultrasound wave generator, an array of micro-machined ultrasonic-assisted electrospray nozzles coupled to the fluid cavity, an electrode configured to impart a charge onto the fluid output of the electrospray nozzles, and a carbon dioxide release unit configured to receive the ionic liquid after absorption of carbon dioxide by the ionic liquid and to remove carbon dioxide from the ionic liquid such that the regenerated ionic liquid can be recycled for additional carbon dioxide capture.

Abstract: An approach for analyzing fluid samples. The approach provides for segregating a sample into groups of analytes in a sample before being passed on to an analyzer such as a detector or separator. The sample may be run through a number of collectors connected in series each of which may adsorb analytes having a certain property which is different from a property of any of the other collectors in the series. After the adsorption of analytes, the collectors may be reconnected by a valve or fluid control mechanism from their series connection to a parallel connection to their respective analyzers. The analytes may be desorbed into a pulse in each of the collectors, which goes to the respective analyzer.

Abstract: A micro discharge device (MDD) ionizer and a method for fabricating the MDD ionizer are disclosed. The MDD ionizer includes a dielectric barrier having a first open end connected to an electrically conductive capillary tube and a second open end connected to a sample collection capillary tube. A circular high voltage electrode can be positioned around the dielectric barrier in close linear proximity to the conductive capillary tube and sealed by a non-conductive epoxy. A plasma discharge can be formed in a flow path through the dielectric barrier when an AC potential is applied between the high voltage electrode and the electrically conductive capillary tube utilizing an electronic controller. Such a plasma discharge in the flow path of the sample achieves soft ionization of gaseous sample molecules. The high pressure region generally occurs in the plasma region (where the ionization occurs). The ions thus are drawn (i.e.

Abstract: A gas sampling canister has an electrospray nozzle for creating an ionic fluid electrospray plume. A gas sample intake is positioned to provide a gas sample flowing through the ionic fluid electrospray plume. A cooled counter electrode is positioned to collect the electrospray plume such that selected chemicals in the gas sample are captured by ionic fluid accumulating on the cooled counter electrode. A system and method for sampling gas are also described.

Abstract: A method includes acquiring a chemical sample and modulating the chemical sample at a frequency greater than a drift frequency of a sensor. The method also includes determining at least one of a presence and a concentration of the analyte within the modulated chemical sample using the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could include alternately absorbing at least some of the analyte into a sorbent material and releasing at least some of the analyte from the sorbent material. Modulating the chemical sample could also include heating the sorbent material, absorbing part of the analyte into the sorbent material, and passing a remaining portion of the analyte into the sensor. Modulating the chemical sample could further include stopping the heating of the sorbent material, releasing the part of the analyte from the sorbent material, and passing the sample with the released part of the analyte into the sensor.