Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system is provided with NOx detection capability. First, a reading of the ambient NOx concentration is taken just prior to each vehicle passing through the system. This measurement accounts for any ambient NOx concentration that may be lingering from the exhaust of a previous vehicle. Next, the system takes a blocked reading when the vehicle is located in the path of the beam. This reading accounts for any ambient or system noise that may exist. Finally, the system takes a reading of the exhaust plume as the beam passes through the plume. A processor determines the portion of the reading due to the exhaust plume by subtracting the ambient and blocked readings from the exhaust plume reading. As a result, a more accurate exhaust concentration reading is provided.

Abstract: A system for processing sensed vehicle data includes a sensor for sensing data related to at least one characteristic of a passing vehicle and a host unit that receives sensed data from the sensor. The sensor and the host unit are integrated into a single housing. The host stores data and communicates with peripheral devices and/or with a central processing facility.

Abstract: A device for measuring particulate matter includes a light source that emits light, a receiver positioned to receive light emitted from the light source, and a detection unit in communication with the receiver. The detection unit detects an amount of particulate matter based upon the light received by the receiver.

Abstract: A method and system detects the function of a catalytic converter in a vehicle using data received from an open path emissions sensor. The factors considered include whether the vehicle moving on a road is operating in a closed loop operating condition, whether the vehicle is operating in a cold start mode, and the hydrocarbon and other tailpipe emissions concentrations in an exhaust stream of the vehicle as measured by the open path sensor.

Abstract: An optical system for a gas component analysis includes an emitter for emitting first light beam having a first spectrum, a second emitter for emitting a second light beam at a second spectrum, a first receiver for receiving the first light beam, and a second receiver for receiving the second light beam.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring hydrocarbon content in a gas sample measures individual hydrocarbon concentrations in the gas sample and determines a total concentration based on the individual concentrations. The total concentration is validated and/or scaled by determining whether water interference may be occurring and either adjusting the total concentration or flagging the total concentration as invalid. The total concentration may also be adjusted to account for ambient conditions, such as temperature, pressure or relative humidity, as well as for potential double-counting of individual hydrocarbon species.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the speed and/or acceleration of a vehicle traveling on a vehicle path includes at least one radiation emitting device and at least two radiation receiving devices. Mirrors and/or beam splitter are used to direct at least one beam across the vehicle path. A controller calculates speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle in response to interruption of the at least one beam by a passing vehicle. The system can also include a mass sensor that detects the mass of the vehicle.

Abstract: An audit vehicle and audit method are provided for testing the performance of a remote emissions sensing system. The vehicle emits known gases. The vehicle includes a gas delivery system and senses and records telemetry information such as vehicle speed read by a sensor on a non-driven wheel, GPS information, atmospheric information, IR light information, road temperature sensing information, and gas flow rate information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the speed and/or acceleration of a vehicle traveling on a vehicle path includes sender/detector units on one side of the vehicle path and corresponding retro-reflector matrix units on the other side of the vehicle path. A controller calculates speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle in response to interruption of the beam by a passing vehicle.

Abstract: A method for determining the type of fuel used by a vehicle includes receiving hydrocarbon speciation and nitrogen-oxygen compound data from an emissions sensor. The hydrocarbon speciation data is compared to one or more hydrocarbon threshold levels, and each threshold level corresponds to an anticipated fuel type. The nitrogen-oxygen compound data is compared to one or more nitrogen-oxygen compound threshold levels, and each threshold level corresponds to an anticipated fuel type. Based on the comparison of the hydrocarbon speciation and nitrogen-oxygen compound data to threshold levels, an anticipated fuel type is determined.

Abstract: A gas component analysis system transmits, reflects, and detects light using infrared light source; a reflector unit; and a light detector. The light is transmitted through a gas, such as air containing vehicle emissions, reflected, and detected for analysis and measurement of the amount of absorption that has occurred at known wavelengths. The amount of absorption may be used to determine concentrations of reference gases corresponding to specific wavelengths.

Abstract: An optical system for a gas component analysis includes an emitter for emitting first light beam having a first spectrum, a second emitter for emitting a second light beam at a second spectrum, a first receiver for receiving the first light beam, and a second receiver for receiving the second light beam.

Abstract: A system and method for remote emissions detection that uses a composite beam of ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation. The composite beam is used to perform spectroscopic measurements on an emissions source plume. The composite beam is not split during detection, and may, among other things, be used to detect NOx in the emissions plume.

Abstract: A fire retardant/extinguishant guidance gun that propels ammunition that contains a water-based foam which explodes upon impact onto an intended target. This fire fighting system provides an added measure of safety when fighting a fire, by allowing fire fighters a greater distance from the fire, yet providing an accurate means of directing effective fire fighting materials to retard the advancement of a fire. Furthermore, the ammunition of this system obviates any direct contact with the chemicals used to generate the water-based foam. Lastly, the ammunition is environmentally friendly, by decomposing relatively quickly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the speed and/or acceleration of a vehicle traveling on a vehicle path includes sender/detector units on one side of the vehicle path and corresponding retro-reflector matrix units on the other side of the vehicle path. A controller calculates speed and/or acceleration of the vehicle in response to interruption of the beam by a passing vehicle.

Abstract: A remote emissions sensing system and method for sensing exhaust emissions from motor vehicles is provided where the system determines the opacity of an exhaust plume. The system comprises a radiation source that emits radiation which is passed through the exhaust plume of a motor vehicle to one or more detectors arranged to receive the radiation. A processor calculates the difference between the intensity of source radiation and the intensity of the radiation received by the detectors in first and second detection bands. The intensity difference in the second detection band measures exhaust opacity. If the exhaust opacity exceeds a predetermined level, the emissions data from other detection bands may be flagged as suspect or discarded. Alternatively, for a diesel powered vehicle, the exhaust opacity determination can be validated by a measurement of carbon monoxide in the exhaust plume.

Abstract: A support for supporting two or more units used in a system for measuring a speed and or acceleration of a vehicle, with the support able to rest on a surface, has an elongated bar on which the units are mounted. A first leg and a second leg are both mounted to the bar. A third leg is mounted to a rear portion of the bar. The legs are height-adjustable.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring hydrocarbon content in a gas sample measures individual hydrocarbon concentrations in the gas sample and determines a total concentration based on the individual concentrations. The total concentration is validated and/or scaled by determining whether water interference may be occurring and either adjusting the total concentration or flagging the total concentration as invalid. The total concentration may also be adjusted to account for ambient conditions, such as temperature, pressure or relative humidity, as well as for potential double-counting of individual hydrocarbon species.

Abstract: An optical system for a gas component analysis includes an emitter for emitting first light beam having a first spectrum, a second emitter for emitting a second light beam at a second spectrum, a first receiver for receiving the first light beam, and a second receiver for receiving the second light beam.

Abstract: An optical system for a gas component analysis includes an emitter for emitting first light beam having a first spectrum, a second emitter for emitting a second light beam at a second spectrum, a first receiver for receiving the first light beam, and a second receiver for receiving the second light beam.