Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for analyzing particles, such as coarse particulates, fine particulates (e.g., diesel particulate matter), and combustion aerosols, using light-scattering sensors and/or ionization-type sensors. In one disclosed embodiment, a particle monitor includes an ionization module and a controller adapted to receive an output signal from the ionization module. The controller is operable to translate the output signal into the mass concentration of particulate matter within the ionization chamber. In another embodiment, a particle monitor includes a light-scattering sensor and an ionization sensor. The monitor is configured to measure separate mass concentrations of sub-micrometer particles and larger dust particles in an atmosphere having both types of particles.

Abstract: A personal sampling method and apparatus for real time respirable dust dosimetry for dust exposure assessment is provided to aid in assuring the respiratory health of workers. An embodiment uses a low flow-rate gas sampling pump for differential pressure measurements across a glass fiber collection filter in a disposable detector tube (12) or dust detecting device coupled to the pump inlet. The dust detecting device includes an elongated tubular element (12) having the filter (30) positioned between proximal and distal ends of the tube (12) for trapping dust mass. A pressure transducer (16) at the proximal end (36) measures the pressure from the flow of gas. The pump draws the flow of gas through the dust detecting device from the distal end (38) towards the proximal end (36) trapping the dust mass at the filter (30).

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for the in situ biological conversion of coal to methane comprising culturing on a coal-containing substrate a consortium of microorganisms capable of degrading the coal into methane under suitable conditions. This consortium of microorganisms can be obtained from an underground cavity such as an abandoned mine which underwent a change from being supplied with sewage to where no sewage was present, since these conditions have favored the development of microorganisms capable of using coal as a carbon source and converting coal to methane. The consortium of microorganisms obtained from such abandoned coal mines can be isolated and introduced to hard-to-reach coal-containing substrates which lack such microorganisms and which would otherwise remain unrecoverable.

Abstract: A process of inerting the coal mine site formed by a coal cutting auger or continuous miner at a coal face to supress methane/coal dust explosion includes introducing an inert gas such as waste gases of combustion or nitrogen, for example, to a site downstream of the coal face in a sufficiently great volume to always replace the volume of coal carried from the coal face by a conveyor. The flow of coal by the conveyor is used to form the impetus to move inert gas from the introduction site to the coal face. The volume of inert gas at the introduction site is maintained sufficient to inhibit ingress of oxygen bearing atmospheric air to the coal face. A leaky seal may be used at the entrance to the coal face at the mining site. The inert gas may be introduced by a conduit arranged part way in the coal seam to form a separate duct extending in the coal seam to the mined cavity or by a duct formed as in integral part of the coal conveyor.

Abstract: A combined headpiece, light source, and protective face shield. The orienion of the emitted light beam from the light source remains the same whether the face shield is in a down protective position or a raised unprotective position for the user's face. This allows the user to use both hands while at the same time having the beam directed forward to illuminate the environment. A hinge and bracket assembly joining the face shield to the light source allow the source to maintain its desired orientation. A flexible power supply lamp cord rigidly attached to the headpiece supplies a retaining force to the lamp and its attached hinged bracket to act to maintain it in its moved position. Although this invention has application to many different types of end uses, its preferred embodiment was primarily designed and constructed for use by miner's underground.