Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapour to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odour. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapour. The sample gas or vapour is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odour profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapour is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17,18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: Apparatus (10) is shown for providing a flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level, and a method is disclosed of monitoring olfactory parameters of a sample gas or vapor to provide a “finger print” or profile of an odor. The flow of humidified air is used to set a level of humidity in a sensor chamber (36) which is the same as the level of humidity in a sample chamber (44) containing the sample of gas or vapor. The sample gas or vapor is then introduced into the sensor chamber (36), where an array of olfactory sensors record the odor profile, without a sudden change of humidity level when the sample gas or vapor is admitted. The flow of humidified air at a selected humidity level is obtained from a generator (10) having a controllable valve 14 for directing a clean dry air stream along either of two paths (17, 18), one of which includes a humidifier 22.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for automatically collecting a sample of cow's breath. The apparatus comprises an inlet (5) in an animal stall, e.g. a cattle stall, which is connected to collecting or analysing apparatus. A sensor (16) is provided for sensing a flow of breath into the apparatus. A food incentive is automatically dispensed when the sensor is activated, thereby inducing the animal to provide a breath sample. A method for training an animal to use the apparatus is also described, comprising the distribution of food incentives in the locality of the apparatus at random time intervals, together with the gradual increasing of the length and/or strength of exhalation necessary to result in the dispensing of food incentive.