Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies with remaining ones of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems to measure and calibrate an optical particle spectrometer for reporting mass concentration. In one embodiment, an optical particle spectrometer is used to measure a concentration of particulate matter in a sampled particle-laden airstream. A particle diverter, in fluid communication with the spectrometer, diverts at least a portion of the particle-laden airstream at predetermined intervals. In one example, a mass filter receives the portion of the particle-laden airstream and filters a fraction of the particles within the airstream that are above a predetermined particle size. A mass sensor measures a mass of the fraction of the particles received from the mass filter or from the particle diverter and uses a calibration communication loop to provide the measured mass to the spectrometer to apply a correction factor to report mass concentration from the optical particle spectrometer. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed configured to identify a location where current or predicted ride requests exceed a threshold within a time period. Driver location information for one or more drivers is used to identify a driver to satisfy the identified current or predicted ride requests at the location that exceed the threshold within the time period. In response to determining that a driver has at least a first likelihood of accepting a ride request at the location within the time period, item content is selected using a history of establishments frequented by the driver. The selected item of content, associated with a token, is provided for presentation on a display to the driver. In response to determining that the identified driver accepted the ride request at the location within the time period, the token is enabled to be utilized by the identified driver at an entity.

Abstract: Various embodiments include composite wicks for ultra-low noise condensation particle counters (CPCs). In one embodiment, a composite wick includes a first porous material having a first pore density, with the first porous material further having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A second porous material is in fluid communication with the first porous material and has a first surface with an area substantially the same as an area of the first surface of the first porous material. The first surface of the second porous material is substantially in contact with the first surface of the first porous material. The second porous material has a pore density that is dissimilar the first pore density of the first material. The first material and the second material are configured to provide vapor from a liquid to a fluid-based particle counter. Other apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed configured to receive a ride request from an application hosted on a device of a user. A vehicle is routed to a pickup location. A route is generated configured to navigate the vehicle to a destination. Sensor data indicative of ride quality is monitored while the vehicle is navigating the generated route, wherein the sensor data comprises data indicating at least how bumpy the ride is and/or whether a sudden braking event occurred. When an adverse ride condition is detected, a determination is made that a content item is to be transmitted to a display device. A geofence is generated about the destination using a user content interaction history. The first item of content is selected based at least in part on an identification of an establishments within the geofence. The selected item of content is transmitted to the display device and the user may be transported to the pickup location within the geofence.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed configured to receive a ride request from an application hosted on a device of a user. A vehicle is routed to a pickup location. A route is generated configured to navigate the vehicle to a destination. Sensor data indicative of ride quality is monitored while the vehicle is navigating the generated route, wherein the sensor data comprises data indicating at least how bumpy the ride is and/or whether a sudden braking event occurred. When an adverse ride condition is detected, a determination is made that a content item is to be transmitted to a display device. A geofence is generated about the destination using a user content interaction history. The first item of content is selected based at least in part on an identification of an establishments within the geofence. The selected item of content is transmitted to the display device and the user may be transported to the pickup location within the geofence.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed configured to identify a location where current or predicted ride requests exceed a threshold within a time period. Driver location information for one or more drivers is used to identify a driver to satisfy the identified current or predicted ride requests at the location that exceed the threshold within the time period. In response to determining that a driver has at least a first likelihood of accepting a ride request at the location within the time period, item content is selected using a history of establishments frequented by the driver. The selected item of content, associated with a token, is provided for presentation on a display to the driver. In response to determining that the identified driver accepted the ride request at the location within the time period, the token is enabled to be utilized by the identified driver at an entity.

Abstract: A system includes a first and second condensation particle counter, each counter having an inlet port, a growth column, and an optical element for counting particles detected at the respective inlet ports. The counters are configured to include a wick in which the wick is wetted by water. A differential pressure sensor is coupled to the first inlet port and coupled to the second inlet port. The sensor is configured to provide a pressure signal. A processor is coupled to memory and configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the pressure signal and generate an output corresponding to a ratio of the first signal and the second signal and correlate the ratio with the pressure signal. A housing is configured to receive the first counter, the second counter, the differential pressure sensor, the processor, and the memory.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: A system includes a first and second condensation particle counter, each counter having an inlet port, a growth column, and an optical element for counting particles detected at the respective inlet ports. The counters are configured to include a wick in which the wick is wetted by water. A differential pressure sensor is coupled to the first inlet port and coupled to the second inlet port. The sensor is configured to provide a pressure signal. A processor is coupled to memory and configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the pressure signal and generate an output corresponding to a ratio of the first signal and the second signal and correlate the ratio with the pressure signal. A housing is configured to receive the first counter, the second counter, the differential pressure sensor, the processor, and the memory.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal pump uses straight tubes or fluid channel members rather than expanding passages between the inlet and exit flow. In straight tubes a process occurs of building up of pressure faster than within the passages as the fluid attempts to expand due to the Coriolis force potentially acting against the centrifugal force to build up the pressure within and along the tube or fluid channel. Because the flow increases faster than increases in RPM a more compact pump is provided that can move more air and produce higher pressures than ordinary centrifugal pumps. Hence: 1) Flow increases proportional to tube area because a larger area means more air can be drawn into the tube; 2) Flow increases proportional to tube length because the exit pressure increases proportional to tube length; and 3) Flow increases faster than increases in RPM, thereby exhibiting a higher outflow pressure.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and systems to measure and calibrate an optical particle spectrometer for reporting mass concentration. In one embodiment, an optical particle spectrometer is used to measure a concentration of particulate matter in a sampled particle-laden airstream. A particle diverter, in fluid communication with the spectrometer, diverts at least a portion of the particle-laden airstream at predetermined intervals. In one example, a mass filter receives the portion of the particle-laden airstream and filters a fraction of the particles within the airstream that are above a predetermined particle size. A mass sensor measures a mass of the fraction of the particles received from the mass filter or from the particle diverter and uses a calibration communication loop to provide the measured mass to the spectrometer to apply a correction factor to report mass concentration from the optical particle spectrometer. Other methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include composite wicks for ultra-low noise condensation particle counters (CPCs). In one embodiment, a composite wick includes a first porous material having a first pore density, with the first porous material further having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A second porous material is in fluid communication with the first porous material and has a first surface with an area substantially the same as an area of the first surface of the first porous material. The first surface of the second porous material is substantially in contact with the first surface of the first porous material. The second porous material has a pore density that is dissimilar the first pore density of the first material. The first material and the second material are configured to provide vapor from a liquid to a fluid-based particle counter. Other apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal pump uses straight tubes or fluid channel members rather than expanding passages between the inlet and exit flow. In straight tubes a process occurs of building up of pressure faster than within the passages as the fluid attempts to expand due to the Coriolis force potentially acting against the centrifugal force to build up the pressure within and along the tube or fluid channel. Because the flow increases faster than increases in RPM a more compact pump is provided that can move more air and produce higher pressures than ordinary centrifugal pumps. Hence: 1) Flow increases proportional to tube area because a larger area means more air can be drawn into the tube; 2) Flow increases proportional to tube length because the exit pressure increases proportional to tube length; and 3) Flow increases faster than increases in RPM, thereby exhibiting a higher outflow pressure.

Abstract: A method of progressive response for invoking and suspending blocking measures that defend against network anomalies such as malicious network traffic so that false positives and false negatives are minimized. When an anomaly is detected, the detector notifies protective equipment such as a firewall or a router to invoke a blocking measure. The blocking measure is maintained for an initial duration, after which it is suspended while another test for the anomaly is made. If the anomaly is no longer evident, the method returns to the state of readiness. Otherwise, a loop is executed to re-applying the blocking measure for a specified duration, then suspend the blocking measure and test again for the anomaly. If the anomaly is detected, the blocking measure is re-applied, and its duration is adapted. If the anomaly is no longer detected, the method returns to the state of readiness.

Abstract: An approved method and apparatus for detecting partial discharge events within a transformer comprises asserting a MEMS acoustical probe through the wall of the transformer to optically measure partial discharge events. In an enhanced embodiment, temperature compensation is also possible, and detection may be confirmed via an independent electromagnetic or other sensor.