Abstract: Systems and methods are described herein including a system, comprising a thermal camera, a processor and a non-transitory processor-readable medium. The thermal camera comprises one or more thermal image sensor operable to convert infrared radiation into a thermal image. The thermal image having pixels in an array of numerical pixel values having i rows and j columns. The non-transitory processor-readable medium stores processor-executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to: determine a dynamic range of the thermal image; and apply a kernel to numerical pixel values of the array to produce an enhanced thermal image, the kernel having a strength factor based at least in part on the dynamic range of the thermal image.

Abstract: A closed-loop current controller for regulating a current consumption of a load, comprising a current sensor for detecting a present current consumption of the load, a PWM modulator for modulating a PWM signal sent to the load and a controller for receiving an original reference signal representing a target current, the controller calculating an error signal based on a difference between the target current and the present current, the controller using an error-integrating algorithm that adjusts the original reference signal to produce a revised reference signal. The PWM modulator receives the revised reference signal and modulates the PWM signal sent to the load based in part on the revised reference signal.

Abstract: Analyte survey systems (100) and related techniques are provided to improve the operation of handheld or unmanned mobile sensor or survey platforms. An analyte survey system includes a logic device (112) configured to communicate with a communication module (164) and a sensor assembly (166) of a modular sensor core (160), where the communication module is configured to establish a wireless communication link with a base station (130) associated with the modular sensor core and/or a mobile sensor platform (110) and the sensor assembly is configured to provide analyte sensor data as the modular sensor core is maneuvered within a survey area.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement, operate, and manufacture a chemical detection device. In one embodiment, a device includes a flow path comprising an analyte reporter configured to receive samples passed by the flow path. The device also includes an excitation source configured generate a response from the analyte reporter. The device also includes a detector configured to receive the response from the analyte reporter to determine whether the samples comprise a material of interest. The device also includes a support structure configured to position the flow path relative to the excitation source and the detector, wherein the support structure comprises a carbon filled polymer material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement, operate, and manufacture a chemical detection device. In one embodiment, a device includes a flow path comprising an analyte reporter configured to receive samples passed by the flow path. The device also includes an excitation source configured generate a response from the analyte reporter. The device also includes a detector configured to receive the response from the analyte reporter to determine whether the samples comprise a material of interest. The device also includes a support structure configured to position the flow path relative to the excitation source and the detector, wherein the support structure comprises a carbon filled polymer material. Additional devices, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to permit location agnostic playback of local video files on mobile devices used in the field. For example, such local video files may include recordings of real world human interactions with the mobile device demonstrating a plurality of tasks using the mobile device. The local video files may be used, for example, for in field training of the users without requiring access to communication resources while in the field. In some cases, the local video files may be implemented in a language agnostic manner to permit users to be trained effectively in the field without requiring language translation.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyte detector with a light blocking assembly. The light blocking assembly includes a light blocking cartridge positioned within the bore of a sampling tip. The light blocking assembly provides fluid communication between the environment and a sensor assembly in an analyte detector while substantially precluding the passage of light.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes providing a memory component in a rest state, performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state, inserting the component into a flow path defined by interior side walls of a structure, and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the side walls to secure the component in the flow path. Additional devices, systems, and related methods are also provided.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement a desorber of a sensor detector device that permits manual operation and is completely detachable from a main body of the sensor detector device. In one example, a device includes a desorber. The desorber includes an inlet comprising a fluid path configured to receive samples vaporized from sample media. The desorber also includes a cap configured to slide toward the inlet in response to a manual actuation of the cap performed by a user to transition the desorber from an open position to a closed position. The desorber further includes a heater configured to slide with the cap toward the inlet in response to the user actuation and vaporize the samples while the desorber is in the closed position.

Abstract: An optical barrel assembly includes a barrel having an inner bottom surface and an inner lateral surface extending from the inner bottom surface, the inner bottom and lateral surfaces defining a cylindrical housing, and a first element surrounded by the inner lateral surface of the barrel, wherein an outer perimeter of the first element has a different shape than a perimeter defined by the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: Disclosed is an analyte detector with a light blocking assembly. The light blocking assembly includes a light blocking cartridge positioned within the bore of a sampling tip. The light blocking assembly provides fluid communication between the environment and a sensor assembly in an analyte detector while substantially precluding the passage of light.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to implement a desorber of a sensor detector device that permits manual operation and is completely detachable from a main body of the sensor detector device. In one example, a device includes a desorber. The desorber includes an inlet comprising a fluid path configured to receive samples vaporized from sample media. The desorber also includes a cap configured to slide toward the inlet in response to a manual actuation of the cap performed by a user to transition the desorber from an open position to a closed position. The desorber further includes a heater configured to slide with the cap toward the inlet in response to the user actuation and vaporize the samples while the desorber is in the closed position.

Abstract: Various techniques are provided to permit location agnostic playback of local video files on mobile devices used in the field. For example, such local video files may include recordings of real world human interactions with the mobile device demonstrating a plurality of tasks using the mobile device. The local video files may be used, for example, for in field training of the users without requiring access to communication resources while in the field. In some cases, the local video files may be implemented in a language agnostic manner to permit users to be trained effectively in the field without requiring language translation.

Abstract: An optical barrel assembly includes a barrel having an inner bottom surface and an inner lateral surface extending from the inner bottom surface, the inner bottom and lateral surfaces defining a cylindrical housing, and a first element surrounded by the inner lateral surface of the barrel, wherein an outer perimeter of the first element has a different shape than a perimeter defined by the cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.

Abstract: A system for providing secure access to mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger associated with the concrete mass and having at least one sensor adapted to measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate sensor data indicative of the physical properties of the concrete mass. The logger also has a microprocessor adapted to receive the sensor data and calculate mechanical data associated with the concrete mass and an outbound data transfer device. The system includes a reader adapted to receive the mechanical data associated with the concrete mass from the outbound data transfer device of the logger. Lastly, the system includes a computer receiving the mechanical data from the reader and distributing the mechanical data to one or more users via the Internet, a world-wide network of information sharing computers, or using the world-wide web.

Abstract: A system for providing secure access to mechanical data associated with the mechanical properties of a concrete mass. The system includes a logger associated with the concrete mass and having at least one sensor adapted to measure physical properties of the concrete mass and generate sensor data indicative of the physical properties of the concrete mass. The logger also has a microprocessor adapted to receive the sensor data and calculate mechanical data associated with the concrete mass and an outbound data transfer device. The system includes a reader adapted to receive the mechanical data associated with the concrete mass from the outbound data transfer device of the logger. Lastly, the system includes a computer receiving the mechanical data from the reader and distributing the mechanical data to one or more users via the Internet, a world-wide network of information sharing computers, or using the world-wide web.

Abstract: A method for transmitting data generated by a logger within a concrete mass and for displaying mechanical data to a device for outside the concrete mass. The method includes the step of sensing, processing, and recording the mechanical data generated by the logger within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is protected from alteration while the mechanical data is within the concrete mass. The mechanical data is transferred to an external device with a first protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is transferred to a computer with a second protected transference protocol. The mechanical data is decoded in the computer and displayed on a user interface.

Abstract: A detector for detecting vapors emitted from analytes includes a housing, a pump and a sensing assembly. The housing has an inlet, an outlet and an enclosed sensing volume therebetween. The pump communicates with the housing for moving a carrier sequentially through the enclosed sensing volume at a predetermined flow rate. The sensing assembly senses the vapors of the analyte delivered by the carrier as the carrier passes through the housing. The sensing assembly includes a sensing unit constructed of an amplifying fluorescent polymer, a source of excitation, a detector, and a convertor assembly.