Abstract: An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet, an outlet and a sampling unit positioned such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet such that one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.

Abstract: An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet, an outlet and a sampling unit positioned such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet such that one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.

Abstract: An active sampler for detecting contaminants in liquids comprises an inlet tube, and outlet tube and a sampling unit positioned between said paths such that the liquid flows along a path from the inlet, through the sampling unit, to the outlet. The sampling unit has a plurality of sampling chambers that are substantially fluidly sealed relative to one another, wherein one of the sampling chambers is selectively positioned in the flow path. The active sampler also comprises an actuator, which relatively moves the sampling unit and the inlet and outlet tubes such that said one sampling chamber is positioned out of the flow path while another of the sampling chambers is positioned in the flow path.

Abstract: The invention provides an electrophoresis cassette to cast electrophoresis gels and to separate and analyze molecular components by electrophoresis. The electrophoresis cassette comprises a top plate assembly, a spacer and a bottom plate. The top plate assembly is seated to the bottom plate with the spacer there between to define a thickness of the electrophoresis cassette and to seal an outer perimeter of the assembly. The top plate assembly includes a cathode reservoir connected to a first terminal end of a central plate, and an anode reservoir connected to a second terminal end of the central plate. When the electrophoresis cassette is assembled, the cathode and anode reservoirs are in alignment with the first and second terminal ends of the central plate to facilitate formation of leak-proof seals between the reservoirs and the assembly components.

Abstract: A device samples chemicals adsorbed to a surface by applying a pulse of fluid to desorb the particles adhered to the surface. After the pulse of fluid, the region above the surface is enriched with particles dislodged from the surface. Suction is applied in the region above the surface to collect these dislodged particles, which are then transferred to a chemical detector for detection, identification, and quantification. A pulsed air sampler collects particles adhered to a surface and delivers the particles to a chemical sensor. An outlet ejects a fluid, preferably gas, pulse to dislodge particles from the surface and thereby enrich the density of particles above the surface. An inlet collects the dislodged particles for delivery to the chemical sensor.

Abstract: A real time nonvolatile residue (NVR) monitor operates to efficiently detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The present NVR monitor utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators in a controlled environment which efficiently promotes deposition of NVR on the sensor surface. The SAW resonators preferably operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10−11 g-cm−2 to 10−13 g-cm−2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency and to thermally separate NVR from a sample fluid contacting the SAW. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a preset temperature in accordance with optimal environmental conditions for separating NVR from the sample fluid.

Abstract: A device for detecting chemical substances includes a plurality of sensors arranged in an array. The sensors are connected to respective oscillator circuits which drive the sensors, and the oscillator circuits are coupled to a power multiplexer which provides the circuits with power according to a timing pattern such that not all of the oscillator circuits are activated at any one time. Preferably, only one oscillator circuit is activated at any given time. This multiplexing arrangement saves power and substantially eliminates cross talk between the oscillator circuits. The oscillator circuits are preferably application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and the sensors are preferably surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices. In use, the SAW sensors are exposed to a gas, such as air, containing the chemical substance to be detected. Signals from the SAW sensors are analyzed to identify the chemical substance.

Abstract: A device samples chemicals adsorbed to a surface by applying a pulse of fluid to desorb the particles adhered to the surface. After the pulse of fluid, the region above the surface is enriched with particles dislodged from the surface. Suction is applied in the region above the surface to collect these dislodged particles, which are then transferred to a chemical detector for detection, identification, and quantification. A pulsed air sampler collects particles adhered to a surface and delivers the particles to a chemical sensor. An outlet ejects a fluid, preferably gas, pulse to dislodge particles from the surface and thereby enrich the density of particles above the surface. An inlet collects the dislodged particles for delivery to the chemical sensor.

Abstract: A real time nonvolatile residue (NVR) monitor operates to efficiently detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The present NVR monitor utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators in a controlled environment which efficiently promotes deposition of NVR on the sensor surface. The SAW resonators preferably operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10.sup.-11 g-cm.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-13 g-cm.sup.-2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency and to thermally separate NVR from a sample fluid contacting the SAW. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a preset temperature in accordance with optimal environmental conditions for separating NVR from the sample fluid.

Abstract: A real time nonvolatile residue (NVR) monitor operates to efficiently detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The present NVR monitor utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators in a controlled environment which efficiently promotes deposition of NVR on the sensor surface. The SAW resonators preferably operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10.sup.-11 g-cm.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-13 g-cm.sup.-2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency and to thermally separate NVR from a sample fluid contacting the SAW. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a preset temperature in accordance with optimal environmental conditions for separating NVR from the sample fluid.

Abstract: A real time non-volatile residue (NVR) monitor, which utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators to detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The SAW resonators operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10.sup.-11 g-cm.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-13 g-cm.sup.2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a present temperature independent of the environmental conditions. In order to enable the direct heating and cooling of the SAW resonators, the SAW resonators are operatively mounted to a heat sink.

Abstract: A real time non-volatile residue (NVR) monitor, which utilizes surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators to detect molecular contamination in a given environment. The SAW resonators operate at a resonant frequency of approximately 200 MHz-2,000 MHz which enables the NVR monitor to detect molecular contamination on the order of 10.sup.-11 g-cm.sup.-2 to 10.sup.-13 g-cm.sup.-2. The NVR monitor utilizes active temperature control of (SAW) resonators to achieve a stable resonant frequency. The temperature control system of the NVR monitor is able to directly heat and cool the SAW resonators utilizing a thermoelectric element to maintain the resonators at a preset temperature independent of the environmental conditions. In order to enable the direct heating and cooling of the SAW resonators, the SAW resonators are operatively mounted to a heat sink.

Abstract: A device for gas detection through ion mobility segregation by mobility ranges includes a flow tube through which a sample of atmospheric air with possible contaminant gases flow. Ions formed of gases in the air and the possible contaminant gases are segregated by ion mobility range in either a first, second or subsequent electric field positioned along the flow tube. The ions are collected on an anode or cathode of each electric field. The ions of the gases striking an anode or cathode by charge transfer induce a detection current, the measure of which indicates the presence of gases of interest. A method for detecting a gas by ion mobility segregation is also described.

Abstract: There is disclosed a quick-connect-disconnect coupling for attaching a flexible dirt-receiving bag to the handle of an upright vacuum cleaner. The coupling includes first and second coupling members, respectively, which are rigidly attached to the handle and to the bag, with the second member rigidly supporting at least a major portion of a bag-supporting casing as a cantilever. The first coupling member defines a pocket in which there is provided a fixed member and a movable member. The movable member is biased toward the fixed member, and the second coupling member is adapted to be releasably inserted between the fixed and movable members. The movable and fixed members cooperate with the second coupling member to define a one-way ratchet which is releasable upon movement of the movable member away from the fixed member.

Abstract: There is disclosed a vacuum cleaner bag assembly for an upright vacuum cleaner comprising a flexible, air-permeable, outer bag having an upper end adapted to be attached to a handle of a vacuum cleaner. The other end of the outer bag has an open mouth attached to an open mouth of a dirt-collecting box. The dirt-collecting box has a suction inlet opening and also a suction outlet opening which comprises its open mouth. A tube closes the open mouth of the box and is in fluid communication with the box and extends toward the top of the outer bag. A disposable inner bag is provided within the outer bag and has an inlet opening in fluid communication with the tube. A vacuum cleaner provided with the bag assembly may be operated as a vacuum cleaner with a disposable bag with all of the foregoing elements in place, or as an air-permeable outer bag filter vacuum when the tube and disposable bag are removed.