Abstract: A valve actuation system comprises a first arm having a first arm contact surface and operatively connected to a valve actuation motion. A second arm having a second arm contact surface is operatively connected to the at least one engine valve. A discrete lost motion device is provided that is controllable between a first, motion conveying state and a second, motion absorbing state. The discrete lost motion devices comprises a plunger contact surface and a housing contact surface. The housing contact surface is configured to engage one of the first or second arm contact surfaces, and the plunger contact surface is configured to engage another of the first and the second arm contact surfaces. The first and second arm contact surfaces, the housing contact surface and the first plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first arm and the second arm.

Abstract: A discrete lost motion device for use in a valve train of an internal combustion engine comprises a housing having a housing bore extending longitudinally into the housing and a second end having a housing contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a first valve train component. A plunger slidably is disposed in the housing bore is controllable between a first state in which the plunger rigidly extends out of the housing bore and a second state in which the plunger is permitted to reciprocate within the housing bore, the plunger further comprising an end having a plunger contact surface configured to engage a corresponding contact surface of a second valve train component. The housing contact surface and the plunger contact surface are configured to support the discrete lost motion device between the first and second valve train components.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an aerosolized agent. A method for identifying an aerosolized agent includes the steps of providing a sample potentially containing an aerosolized agent, concentrating the sample with an aerosol collector, analyzing the concentrated sample on a collection substrate using spectroscopy to produce an aerosolized agent analysis output, comparing the analysis output to a database of known agent analysis outputs; identifying the aerosolized agent based on the comparison; and alerting a user to the presence of an aerosolized agent in the sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to an aerosol and vapor sampling device that has a nozzle capable of focusing/concentrating the sampled particles by accelerating them in a narrow jet and driving the particles into an impaction well containing a collection substrate. The aerosolized particles, aerosolized droplets, and chemical vapors are retained by using a porous collection substrate, having substantial depth and mounted on a porous backing, such as a screen. This configuration allows a minor air flow through the collection substrate. This minor flow allows a well impactor to retain intercepted aerosolized particles. It also improves the inlet's ability to collect and retain chemical vapors or liquid aerosol droplets that are partially filtered and captured in the substrate's matrix.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an aerosolized agent. A method for identifying an aerosolized agent includes the steps of providing a sample potentially containing an aerosolized agent, concentrating the sample with an aerosol collector, analyzing the concentrated sample on a collection substrate using spectroscopy to produce an aerosolized agent analysis output, comparing the analysis output to a database of known agent analysis outputs; identifying the aerosolized agent based on the comparison; and alerting a user to the presence of an aerosolized agent in the sample.

Abstract: Various embodiments and implementations herein are directed to an aerosol and vapor sampling device that has a nozzle capable of focusing/concentrating the sampled particles by accelerating them in a narrow jet and driving the particles into an impaction well containing a collection substrate. The aerosolized particles, aerosolized droplets, and chemical vapors are retained by using a porous collection substrate, having substantial depth and mounted on a porous backing, such as a screen. This configuration allows a minor air flow through the collection substrate. This minor flow allows a well impactor to retain intercepted aerosolized particles. It also improves the inlet's ability to collect and retain chemical vapors or liquid aerosol droplets that are partially filtered and captured in the substrate's matrix.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an aerosolized agent. A method for identifying an aerosolized agent includes the steps of providing a sample potentially containing an aerosolized agent, concentrating the sample with an aerosol collector, analyzing the concentrated sample on a collection substrate using spectroscopy to produce an aerosolized agent analysis output, comparing the analysis output to a database of known agent analysis outputs; identifying the aerosolized agent based on the comparison; and alerting a user to the presence of an aerosolized agent in the sample.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for analyzing a sample using spectroscopy. The system includes a spectroscope, a sample vial with a swab removably sealable within a transparent enclosure, the swab including an absorbent collection substrate. The system further includes a sample vial adaptor configured to affix to the spectroscope, and a sample vial receptacle that receives the sample vial. The adaptor is configured to position the sample vial such that the transparent portion of the enclosure is between the swab and the laser of the Raman instrument, and such that the swab is positioned at the focal distance of the laser.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for analyzing a sample using spectroscopy. The system includes a spectroscope, a sample vial with a swab removably sealable within a transparent enclosure, the swab including an absorbent collection substrate. The system further includes a sample vial adaptor configured to affix to the spectroscope, and a sample vial receptacle that receives the sample vial. The adaptor is configured to position the sample vial such that the transparent portion of the enclosure is between the swab and the laser of the Raman instrument, and such that the swab is positioned at the focal distance of the laser.

Abstract: Methods and systems for identifying an aerosolized agent. A method for identifying an aerosolized agent includes the steps of providing a sample potentially containing an aerosolized agent, concentrating the sample with an aerosol collector, analyzing the concentrated sample on a collection substrate using spectroscopy to produce an aerosolized agent analysis output, comparing the analysis output to a database of known agent analysis outputs; identifying the aerosolized agent based on the comparison; and alerting a user to the presence of an aerosolized agent in the sample.