Abstract: The respirator fit monitor described herein can be worn continuously by users so as to provide an indication as to how well their masks are fitting during use, thereby providing quantitative, wearable fit testers available for continuous use in real-life situations. The monitor includes a low-cost optical particle sensor assembly and controller unit for performing mask fit tests by comparing particle concentrations inside and outside of the mask. The fit test monitor is low cost and wearable, capable of dual sampling, capable of fit factor ratios well above 100, is battery powered and provides near real time measurements with a means for indicating the fit of the mask. The system includes wired or wireless communications for data logging, analysis and display capabilities.

Abstract: The respirator fit monitor described herein can be worn continuously by users so as to provide an indication as to how well their masks are fitting during use, thereby providing quantitative, wearable fit testers available for continuous use in real-life situations. The monitor includes a low-cost optical particle sensor assembly and controller unit for performing mask fit tests by comparing particle concentrations inside and outside of the mask. The fit test monitor is low cost and wearable, capable of dual sampling, capable of fit factor ratios well above 100, is battery powered and provides near real time measurements with a means for indicating the fit of the mask. The system includes wired or wireless communications for data logging, analysis and display capabilities.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

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.

Abstract: A system for measuring the permeability of a material includes a light source for illuminating the material, and a stray light sensor for detecting stray light traveling through the material from the light source and outputting a stray light signal indicative of the stray light detected. The system further includes a direct light sensor for detecting direct light traveling through holes in the material from the light source and outputting a direct light signal indicative of the direct light detected. Finally, the system includes a digital processing device for receiving the stray light and direct light signals and calculating the permeability of the material.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a cigarette tipping paper perforation process includes supplying the paper in the form of a flexible web from a supply spindle that is mounted for powered angular rotation to a take-up spindle that receives a portion of the flexible web, and the take-up spindle also being mounted for powered angular rotation. A laser beam generator provides at least one laser beam through a series of optics that can include a laser beam expander or contractor, a rotating multi-faceted mirror, collimating lenses and downstream focusing lenses that focus the plurality of laser output beams received from the rotating multi-faceted mirror to burn a plurality of holes in the flexible web of cigarette paper. A control device controls the angular rotation of the supply spindle, the angular rotation of the take-up spindle, tension of the web, laser power and rotation of the multi-faceted mirror.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tunnel barrier and to uses thereof, particularly in conjunction with devices and integrated circuits fabricated with silicon substrates, and including the preparation of tunnel diodes, dielectric structures, transistors, memory cells and the products embodying one or more of the same. The tunnel barrier of the invention is designed to confer effective and reliable charge transfer performance, and is particularly well suited for the fabrication of nonvolatile memory cells. In an embodiment of the invention, with the barrier incorporated in a diode, the present evacuee facilitates over 109 bi-directional charge transfers across the barrier without destroying it. The multiple layer nature of the barrier, coupled with the use of direct tunnel oxides, provides desirable functionality, stability, and resistance to dielectric degradation, thus improving operating, storage and retention characteristics over conventional nonvolatile devices.

Abstract: A fast-response solenoid valve. A three-way form has a body with three successive separated openings interconnected by a linear fluid pathway having two chambers lying between successive pairs of openings, each with a movable ball and a ball seat in respective ball cages. Each cage has a cylindrical exterior wall in snug engagement with the wall of the linear fluid passageway, a seat at one end, and a tanged retainer portion at the other end, so that, each ball is retained in its cage for limited axial movement between its seat and its tanged portion. A cylindrical non-magnetic tube is aligned with the linear fluid pathway, one end of the tube abutting a portion of the body. A non-magnetic end plug is held at a fixed position at the distal end of the tube, and a magnetic guide plug is held at a fixed position in the tube spaced away from the end plug. A solenoid plunger is in said tube, movable in between the two plugs and in connection with a plunger pin that engages one of the balls.