Abstract: A dual mode transponder for engaging in RF communications with a roadside reader from a vehicle. The transponder includes an antenna, an electronic toll collection (ETC) component, and an external interface. The ETC component implements a pre-defined ETC communications protocol to detect and interpret received signals and generate response signals when operating in an ETC mode. The ETC component also includes a bypass port. The external interface is coupled to the bypass port and has an external port for receiving input signals. The ETC component includes a bypass module for receiving a bypass instruction and entering a bypass mode. In the bypass mode the ETC component refrains from implementing the ETC communications protocol. Instead, the ETC component transmits the input signals relayed from the external interface to the ETC component to the reader.

Abstract: Methods and systems for obtaining vehicle emissions data from on-board vehicle information systems under on-road or open-road conditions. The vehicle may be equipped with a transponder for relaying emissions data to a reader. The reader includes antennas defining a communications zone within a roadway. The transponder and reader are capable of engaging in RF communications as the vehicle-mounted transponder traverses the communications zone.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in atmospheric pressure ionization includes a sample receiving chamber, a sample droplet source communicating with the sample receiving chamber, an outlet conduit, and a boundary. The outlet conduit defines a sampling orifice that communicates with the sample receiving chamber. The boundary is interposed between the sample receiving chamber and the sampling orifice and comprises an opening. The opening defines a first passage through which a drying gas is flowable into the sample receiving chamber in an elongated flow profile, and a second passage through which sample material is flowable from the sample receiving chamber toward the sampling orifice. The first passage is positioned in non-coaxial relation to the second passage. The first passage is configured to introduce the elongated flow profile of the drying gas into a pathway of droplets of the sample material flowing toward the second passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an ion source for mass analysis includes a nebulizing device, a vaporizing device, a chamber, an ion sampling structure, and an ionizing device. The vaporizing device includes a vaporizing interior that terminates at a vaporizing device outlet. The chamber fluidly communicates with the vaporizing device outlet. The ion sampling structure has an ion sampling inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber and spaced from the vaporizing device outlet. The ionizing device includes first and second electrodes positioned to produce an electrical discharge therebetween a location closer to the vaporizing device outlet than to the ion sampling inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for use as an ion source for mass analysis includes a nebulizing device, a vaporizing device, a chamber, an ion sampling structure, and an ionizing device. The vaporizing device includes a vaporizing interior that terminates at a vaporizing device outlet. The chamber fluidly communicates with the vaporizing device outlet. The ion sampling structure has an ion sampling inlet fluidly communicating with the chamber and spaced from the vaporizing device outlet. The ionizing device includes first and second electrodes positioned to produce an electrical discharge therebetween a location closer to the vaporizing device outlet than to the ion sampling inlet.