Abstract: A system for facilitating travel includes a handheld device for weighing luggage that is electronically linked with an application server via a smart device. The device includes electronics disposed within a housing configured to conform to a luggage handle. Lifting the luggage with the device disposed against its handle causes the luggage weight to impart a force onto the housing. This force is sensed by the electronics and converted into a weight measurement that is displayed on the smart device and sent to the application server. Weight measurements stored on the application server can be integrated with airline flight information, such as baggage restrictions, to provide certain advantages. For instance, weight measurements can be retrieved by a traveler to ensure baggage compliance. Additionally, historical luggage data can reviewed by an airline on a flight-based level to prepare for atypical cargo loads or on a traveler-basis to incentivize light baggage travel.

Abstract: Disclosed is an inspection probe of an inspection system that includes an ultrasonic probe that is freely movable on a test object and irradiates the test object with an ultrasonic wave to detect a reflected wave, and a calculation unit that executes arithmetic processing according to a detection result according to the ultrasonic probe to acquire a flaw detection result of the test object. The inspection probe includes a chassis that is freely movable on a sheet material where a two-dimensional pattern disposed on the test object and indicating a position on the test object is drawn. The ultrasonic probe is fixed to the chassis so that an incident point of an ultrasonic wave that is incident onto an opposing surface of the test object from the ultrasonic probe is within an angle of view of the reader which reads the two-dimensional pattern.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an optical imager and a method for imaging electromagnetic radiation. In one aspect, the optical imager includes an object array substantially located at an object plane, a first catadioptric element configured to substantially collimate, at a central plane, electromagnetic radiation emanating from the object array, a second catadioptric element configured to image the substantially collimated electromagnetic radiation from the central plane onto an image plane, and a detecting element substantially located at the image plane. The first catadioptric element includes at least one refractive surface and at least one reflective surface, and the second catadioptric element includes at least one refractive surface and at least one reflective surface.

Abstract: A signal barrier for a sensor device can include at least one wall that forms an inner space, wherein the at least one wall comprises a material for reducing an amount of a signal from entering the inner space, wherein the at least one wall is configured to be disposed adjacent to a transceiver element of the sensor device, wherein the transceiver element is directed to the inner space.

Abstract: A process for improving sensitivity of a film base, coated with a dispersion of a normally crystalline polyacetylenic compound in a non-solvating liquid which is dried on the film surface, to particular photon energy band, specifically, long wavelength UV; the polyacetylenic compound preferably having at least two conjugated acetylenic linkages and containing from 12 to 60 carbon atoms. The sensitization of the film to long wavelength UV is achieved via the addition of photoinitiator(s) capable of absorbing UV energy and converting it to free radicals. The process comprises dispersing the normally crystalline polyacetylenic compound in the non-solvating liquid to a concentration of from about 2 to about 50% polyacetylene crystalline solids and a photoinitiator or combination of photoinitiators to a concentration of from 0.01 to 10%. The resultant dispersion is then coated and dried on a substrate. Additionally, applications using this film as a UVA illumination indicator and dosimeter are disclosed as well.

Abstract: System for calculating the exposure to sun radiation received on the different parts of the body by a person, comprising a wearable device (1) that communicates with a telecommunication mobile device (2) and a remote computing unit (3) operatively connected to satellites (4) to receive georeferenced data related to solar irradiation over time and set to associate the solar irradiance data to the geographical position, the posture and the orientation of the person (P) or of parts of the person's body.

Abstract: A wearable or attachable device comprising a UV sensor configured to provide user-specific burn rate times providing an indication to the user when they are exposing themselves to harmful levels of UV radiation.

Abstract: Disclosed are examples of hyperspectral imager-equipped lighting devices that provide general illumination supplied by artificial or natural light, and that also detect environmental conditions in the environment around the lighting device. The hyperspectral imager detects light within a contiguous data from the environment in the vicinity of the lighting device. In response, the hyperspectral imager generates image data representative of the spectral intensity distribution (e.g. intensities of a continuous range wavelengths in the optical spectrum) of the detected light. A controller may analyze the image data generated by the hyperspectral imager and may initiate action based on, or outputs a report indicating, an environmental condition detected by the analysis of the generated image data.

Abstract: A spectral imaging device (12) includes an image sensor (28), an illumination source (14), a refractive, optical element (24A), a mover assembly (24C) (29), and a control system (30). The image sensor (28) acquires data to construct a two-dimensional spectral image (13A) during a data acquisition time (346). The illumination source (14) generates an illumination beam (16) that illuminates the sample (10) to create a modified beam (16I) that follows a beam path (16B) from the sample (10) to the image sensor (28). During the data acquisition time (346), the control system (30) controls the illumination source (14) to generate the illumination beam (16), and controls the image sensor (28) to capture the data. Further, during the data acquisition time (346), an effective optical path segment (45) of the beam path (16B) is modulated.

Abstract: A spectrometer system comprises a scanning interferometer; a drive system mechanically coupled to a movable reflector element of the scanning interferometer and operable to effect reciprocation of the movable reflector element at a plurality, preferably more than two, for example three, different scan speeds; a detector arrangement configured to sample at equidistant time intervals an interferogram formed by the scanning interferometer to generate a sampled interferogram; and a data processor is adapted to acquire a sampled interferogram at each of the plurality of different scan speeds and to perform a relative comparison of the content of the so acquired plurality of sampled interferograms.

Abstract: Provided is a spectrum measurement apparatus including a light source configured to emit light to a sample; a light detector configured to receive light, which is reflected or scattered from, or transmitted through the sample, and to measure an intensity of the received light, and a processor configured to reconstruct a spectrum of the sample for calibration while adjusting a value of a spectrum reconstruction parameter in response to the light detector receiving the light and measuring the intensity of the received light, and to determine an optimal value of the spectrum reconstruction parameter based on a similarity between the reconstructed spectrum of the sample for calibration and an original spectrum of the sample for calibration.

Abstract: A method for aligning a projected beam on a reflector in a reflective-type beam detector, the method including adjusting the projected beam so as to: project on to substantially all, if not all, of a reflective surface of the reflector; or project on to at least a portion of a reflective surface of the reflector until a constant, or within a predetermined threshold of a constant, signal is received from the reflector; and detecting one or more edges of the reflective surface of the reflector and thereby: centering the projected beam, so as to align an approximate center of the projected beam on, or within a predetermined threshold of, an approximate center of the reflective surface of the reflector; and/or determining a shape or profile of the reflector.

Abstract: A laser wavelength detector includes first and second sensors having a common field of view. A filter having two or more monochromatic attenuation coefficients optically couples the second sensor to the field of view. The filter attenuates incident monochromatic laser illumination detected by the second sensor more heavily than incident monochromatic laser illumination detected by the first sensor such that wavelength of incident laser illumination can be identified according to a ratio of first and second sensor intensities.

Abstract: A metrology system is presented for measuring parameters of a structure. The system comprises: an optical system and a control unit. The optical system is configured for detecting light reflection of incident radiation from the structure and generating measured data indicative of angular phase of the detected light components corresponding to reflections of illuminating light components having different angles of incidence. The control unit is configured for receiving and processing the measured data and generating a corresponding phase map indicative of the phase variation along at least two dimensions, and analyzing the phase map using modeled data for determining one or more parameters of the structure.

Abstract: When an optical system is illuminated with illumination light fluxes emitted from respective input image points, an interference image generated by superimposing output light fluxes output from the optical system and a reference light flux coherent with the output light fluxes is imaged to acquire interference image data collectively including information of an interference image about all input image points. Diffractive optical light propagation simulation is performed to acquire a phase distribution associated with only light emitted from a single input image point at a position where reconstructed light fluxes to the respective output light fluxes are separated into each light flux. In each input image point, this simulation is performed to acquire a phase distribution on an exit pupil plane.

Abstract: A thermocouple assembly for measuring the temperature of a pipe, comprises a pipe clamp having a pair of dissimilar metal strips mounted therein to contact a pipe held in the pipe clamp. A thermocouple reading instrument is connected to the metal strips to indicate the temperature of the pipe.

Abstract: An environmental parameter sensor for a mobile device is described comprising a first acoustic transducer; a second acoustic transducer arranged at a predetermined distance from the first acoustic transducer; a controller coupled to the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer; wherein the controller is configured to determine at least one of a time-of-flight value and an attenuation value of an acoustic signal between the first acoustic transducer and the second acoustic transducer and to determine at least one environmental parameter from the at least one of the time-of-flight value and the attenuation value The environmental parameter sensor may determine environmental parameters such as temperature, wind speed, and humidity from acoustic measurements.

Abstract: A fiber grating temperature sensor includes a hollow tube, an optical fiber disposed in the hollow tube such that a gap exists between at least a portion of an internal surface of the hollow tube and an exterior surface of the optical fiber. The optical fiber includes at least one Bragg grating. A lubricant is disposed within the hollow tube, between the exterior surface of the fiber and the interior surface of the hollow tube.

Abstract: An electronic device detachable from and attachable to a user and a method of determining a temperature in the electronic device are provided. The electronic device includes a housing, a battery mounted in the housing, a coupling member connected to a part of the housing and configured to detachably couple the electronic device to a part of the user's body, a conductive member disposed on one surface of the housing or on one surface of the coupling member and exposed externally, in electrical connection to the battery, a temperature sensor electrically connected to the conductive member, and a circuit electrically connected to the battery, the conductive member, and the temperature sensor, wherein the circuit is configured to monitor a value of a current or a voltage received through the conductive member, and to charge the battery using the current or operate the temperature sensor, based on at least a part of the monitored value.

Abstract: Techniques for calibrating both temperature sensor circuitry and voltage sensor circuitry of temperature/voltage sensor circuitry by trimming variation in a bandgap reference voltage, which is common between the temperature sensor circuitry and the voltage sensor circuitry, to zero or approximately zero using a single trim value.

Abstract: A method indicates to a user the fuel consumption and/or efficiency of a heating installation having a heat pump with a thermal compressor, a heating fluid distribution circuit and radiators receiving a first quantity of energy Q1. The method includes the steps: A—of determining, over a predetermined time period a second quantity of energy Q2, corresponding to the supply of heat energy used to drive the compressor, B—of determining, over the same predetermined time period, a third quantity of energy Q3 corresponding to free energy taken from the external environment, C—of displaying the quantities Q2 and Q3, in relation to the predetermined time period, on a display screen and/or in a document for invoicing the customer.

Abstract: Provided is a capacitive sensor sheet for use in measuring at least one of an amount of strain due to elastic deformation and a distribution of strain due to elastic deformation, and the capacitive sensor sheet comprises: a dielectric layer; a top electrode layer laminated on the obverse surface of the dielectric layer; and a bottom electrode layer laminated on the reverse surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is composed of an elastomer composition containing a urethane elastomer, and each of the top electrode layer and the bottom electrode layer is composed of an electroconductive composition containing carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A tactile sensor includes: a first sheet having at least either flexibility or elasticity; and a second sheet having at least either flexibility or elasticity and having a first surface facing the first sheet and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The second surface includes a plurality of protruding shapes. Each of the plurality of protruding shapes includes an enclosed space inside, the enclosed space being defined by the first surface of the second sheet and the first sheet. At least one first electrode pattern is disposed on the first sheet in the enclosed space of each of the plurality of protruding shapes. At least one second electrode pattern is disposed on the first surface in the enclosed space of each of the plurality of protruding shapes.

Abstract: A signal processing circuit with a pressure-sensitive sensor array includes a pressure-sensitive sensor array with M rows and N columns, and an excitation source adapted for outputting positive and negative excitation voltages, wherein: the positive output terminals of the sensing units at a same row of the pressure-sensitive sensor array are connected with each other and act as an output of the row; the negative output terminals of the sensing units at a same column of the pressure-sensitive sensor array are connected with each other and act as an output of the column; so that the whole pressure-sensitive sensor array has a positive excitation input end, a negative excitation input end, M row output signals and N column output signals. The signal processing circuit and method are capable of significantly decreasing an amount of output signal wires of the sensor, reducing connection areas, and improving reliability.

Abstract: A load detection apparatus includes an input member for receiving input of a load, a tubular body having a strain element configured to generate a strain due to the load inputted to the input member, a strain detection element fixed to a face of the strain element opposite its face that comes into contact with the input member, the strain detection element being configured to detect the strain generated in the strain element, a circuit board mounted to oppose the strain detection element in a tube axis direction of the tubular body, the circuit board being configured to input detection information of the strain detection element, and a connection member having a first connection portion to be electrically connected to the strain detection element and a second connection portion to be electrically connected to the circuit board.

Abstract: A surface pressure measuring device includes an abutting plate, a lift, a probe, a piezo actuator and a controller. A pinhole is formed in the abutting plate at an abutting surface that abuts a target. The lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface such that the target is compressed to a predetermined thickness. The probe is inserted through the pinhole to be movable in an axial direction of the pinhole. The piezo actuator holds a state in which a tip surface is flush with the abutting surface as the probe resists a repulsive force received from the target while the lift causes the target to abut the abutting surface. The controller calculates a local surface pressure of the target from a load applied to the probe and an area of the tip surface of the probe.

Abstract: A pressure test method, device, and system of using the same are described herein. One method includes an inflatable with an internally mounted pressure sensor assembly, measuring pressure values, associating the sensor to an identification reader to receive the pressure values from the pressure sensor, and notifying a user of the measured pressure.

Abstract: A calibration system includes a housing, a drive shaft within the housing, a load application apparatus operatively connected to the drive shaft to apply a force to the drive shaft, and a plurality of housing transducers operatively connected to the drive shaft to measure at least one of an in-line torque or a prevailing torque of the drive shaft. A method for calibrating a tool includes generating at least one of a pass or fail output from a processing unit based on whether a variance between a prevailing torque from a tool transducer and a prevailing torque from an external tool is within a predetermined variance threshold. A method for measuring prevailing torque in a tool includes determining whether a prevailing torque value is within a predetermined prevailing torque range and adjusting a shut-off threshold torque based on the prevailing torque.

Abstract: A leak detection system including a sensor having a first condition when dry and a second condition when wet; a communication device operatively coupled to the sensor; and an attachment element adapted to attach the leak detection system to an area for monitoring fluid leakage, wherein the attachment element is removable, reusable, or both.

Abstract: A method for testing tightness of container includes placing a bell-shaped test head over a mouth of the container, sealing the container against the test head, accommodating at least a portion of the container in a testing chamber within the test head, increasing a pressure difference between a pressure within the testing chamber and an internal pressure of the container, identifying evidence of matter exiting the container and entering the testing chamber. Typical evidence includes emergence of filling substance into the testing chamber and/or foaming of the filling substance in the testing chamber. Identifying such evidence includes using a camera to monitor either the region of the container or the test chamber for the evidence.

Abstract: Testing of vacuum bags used in manufacturing of complex co-cure composite structures provides leak detection that allows an operator to identify leaks within a custom vacuum bag without further damaging the bag, such as by cutting vacuum ports into the bag. Such leak detection can allow the operator to find and repair the leak or, if not repairable or at a location of the bag for which repair is not feasible, take other corrective action.

Abstract: The three-dimensional standard vibrator based on leaf-spring-type decoupling device contains a base set with three single-dimensional vibrators (along X, Y and Z axes, respectively) and a three-dimensional vibration platform. The X axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through X axis decoupling device, the Y axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through Y axis decoupling device, and the Z axis vibrator is connected with the three-dimensional vibration platform through Z axis decoupling device. The properties of the three-dimensional vibrator are as follow. X axis decoupling device, Y axis decoupling device and Z axis decoupling device are all comprised of supporting-spring units. Each of the supporting-spring units contains a pair of leaf springs mounted parallel with each other and the first and second connecting components mounted on the two edges of the leaf springs.

Abstract: A method for performing vibration detection on a feed system of a machine tool is implemented by a detecting device, and includes: calculating a target frequency range associated with a rotation speed of the machine tool; detecting vibration of the feed system in a static state; calculating a smoothed signal according to detected result, the smoothed signal including a plurality of noise amplitude values distributed across the target frequency range; identifying a measurement frequency that corresponds with a smallest one of the noise amplitude values; calculating a suggested rotation speed based on the measurement frequency; and detecting vibration of the feed system rotating at the suggested rotation speed.

Abstract: The abnormality diagnosis system of an air-fuel ratio sensor comprising an exhaust purification catalyst, an upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor provided at an upstream side of the exhaust purification catalyst, a downstream air-fuel ratio sensor provided at a downstream side of the exhaust purification catalyst, and a diagnosis device diagnosing the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor for abnormality based on outputs of these air-fuel ratio sensors. The diagnosis device judges that the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor suffers from an abnormality if the output air-fuel ratio of the upstream side air-fuel ratio sensor has become a rich air-fuel ratio richer than a stoichiometric air-fuel ratio, and the output air-fuel ratio of the downstream air-fuel ratio sensor air-fuel ratio has changed from an air-fuel ratio richer than a lean judged reference air-fuel ratio to an air-fuel ratio leaner than the lead judged reference air-fuel ratio.

Abstract: An electrical discharge testing system for detecting electrical discharge rate failure in an electrical-based tire defect tester. The electrical discharge testing system generally includes a probe which is connected to a power source such that the probe periodically discharges electricity for the purpose of testing a tire for defects. A sensor detects each electrical discharge of the probe. To ensure that the probe is discharging at an appropriate rate for efficient coverage of the tire, a timer is preset to a threshold period of time between electrical discharges. The timer is reset each time an electrical discharge from the probe is detected by the sensor. If the timer reaches zero before a subsequent electrical discharge after a reset, an indicator is activated to indicate a fault in the tire defect tester.

Abstract: Methods to use a tool for dimensional verification of a vehicle frame suspension system bracket pocket having first and second cam slots, the tool including a first sub-assembly configured for insertion through and registration of the first cam slot; a second sub-assembly configured for insertion through and registration of the second cam slot; and an intermediate sub-assembly disposed between and attachable to the first and second sub-assemblies via a shaft, the intermediate sub-assembly including an extension rod receiving feature defining at least one extension rod receiving aperture; wherein the sub-assemblies lock against the bracket walls to define a horizontal center axis and are adjustable to determine and register a center point along an intersecting vertical center axis between the first and second cam slots that is alignable with the at least one extension rod receiving aperture.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for determining an out-of-roundness on wheels of rail vehicles within a specified measuring section, comprising a plurality of force sensors, which are designed to determine forces acting on them and are connected to an evaluating device, wherein the evaluating device is provided for determining the out-of-roundness by integrating a force signal F, which is forwarded by the force sensors over time in order to determine an impulse. A method is also provided for determining an out-of-roundness on wheels of rail vehicles within a specified measurement section, wherein the force signals of at least one force sensor are fed to an evaluating device, the evaluating device detects an impulse, and the evaluating device integrates a force signal over a defined time interval and thereafter uses said force signal to output a result.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for rapid and precise manipulation and transfer of tiny liquid droplets. by dynamically introducing microstructures with relatively high surface energy to a non-wettable surface, which surface has in-situ switchable adhesion to liquid droplets. By penetrating microstructures on the background surface, the chemical property of the surface is locally modified. Capillary bridges will form between microstructures and liquid droplets which lead to high adhesive forces. When the microstructures are retracted, the capillary bridges either pinch-off or recede, which drastically reduces the adhesion. With proper chemical modification, the surface can either manipulate a liquid droplet in air or in an immiscible carrier liquid. Tiny droplets with volumes down to nanoliter scale can be prepared and dispensed by using the surface.

Abstract: Microfluidic devices and methods for investigating crystallization and/or for controlling a reaction or a phase transition are disclosed. In one embodiment, the microfluidic device includes a reservoir layer; a membrane disposed on the reservoir layer; a wetting control layer disposed on the membrane; and a storage layer disposed on the wetting control layer, wherein the wetting control layer and the storage layer define a microfluidic channel comprising an upstream portion, a downstream portion, a first fluid path in communication with the upstream and the downstream portions, and a storage well positioned within the first fluid path, wherein the wetting control layer includes a fluid passageway in communication with the storage well and the membrane, and wherein the wetting control layer wets a first fluid introduced into the microfluidic channel, the first fluid comprising a hydrophilic, lipophilic, fluorophilic or gas phase as the continuous phase in the microfluidic channel.

Abstract: A single dissolving compound forms plural azeotropes, which can be azeotropically vaporized off at various stages of the treatment process, thus maintaining predictable concentrations of the chemicals present. The treatment process can be performed in the absence of formalin or related compounds which can interfere with the preservation of genetic material. A process for preserving a specimen includes using a dissolving compound that can form a plural number of azeotropes, at least one azeotrope being formed between one or more components of the dissolving compound and specimen-supplied water, and at least one azeotrope being formed between different components of the dissolving compound; successively and azeotropically vaporizing off formed azeotropes; and impregnating the specimen with a support medium.

Abstract: Methods and systems for processing samples fixed to a porous substrate generally comprising, a compressor defining one or more fluid isolation areas, a support, for the porous substrate, having an opening corresponding to one or more of the fluid isolation areas of the compressor, an actuator that causes at least a portion of the compressor to press against the porous substrate, a fluid inlet having access to the fluid isolation area at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate, and a fluid outlet to receive fluid, through the opening in the support corresponding to the fluid isolation area of the compressor, at least when the compressor is pressed against the porous substrate.

Abstract: A method for treating a biological sample, preferably a food sample which may contain one or more species of interest, including a step of decomplexification by acoustophoresis.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for rapid screening of material properties in a plurality of additively manufactured test specimens. The apparatus includes a build plate having the plurality of additively manufactured test specimens disposed on a first substantially planar surface. The plurality of additively manufactured test specimens are coupled to at least one actuator to one of individually or simultaneously translationally displace each of the test specimens along an axis “z”, and perpendicular to the build plane of the build plate to test material properties of each of the plurality of additively manufactured test specimens. A sensor is coupled to each of the plurality of additively manufactured test specimens. Load vs. displacement data may be used to monitor the progression of monotonic and/or cyclic tests of the plurality of additively manufactured test specimens.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining time-dependence failure under constant temperature through high pressure true triaxial loading for hard rock, includes a pressure chamber and four actuators, wherein a sample bearing platform is arranged in a center of the pressure chamber, a sample bearing and containing chamber is arranged in a center of the sample bearing platform, and a confining pressure loading oil supply hole is formed in the sample bearing platform, and communicates with a confining pressure loading injection pump; each actuator includes a sealing cover, an annular end cover, a counter-force cylinder barrel, a piston, a piston rod, a sealing flange and a stress loading injection pump; a heating coil is arranged in the pressure chamber; a force sensor is fixedly mounted at the end part of the piston rod; and a pressure sensor is mounted in the sample bearing platform.

Abstract: A method for measuring two-phase mixture quality in a fluid may include providing a densitometer with a densitometer body, a resonator tine, a drive transducer, and a pickup transducer. The method may also include exposing the resonator tine to the fluid and oscillating the resonator tine with the drive transducer. In addition, the method may include measuring the oscillation of the resonator tine with the pickup transducer, and determining a density of the fluid based on the measured oscillation of the resonator tine. The method may also include determining a two-phase mixture quality based on the determined density.

Abstract: The invention provides a method, and apparatus, for determining the degree of separation (DOS) of a polymer solution into a polymer-rich stream and a solvent-rich stream, said method comprising the following: adding to a liquid-liquid separation vessel the polymer solution, which comprises a polymer, a solvent and an anti-solvent; separating the polymer solution into a polymer-rich stream and a solvent-rich stream; removing at least some the polymer-rich stream from at least one outlet P on the vessel, and measuring the actual solution density of this polymer-rich stream using at least one flow meter; removing at least some of the solvent-rich stream from at least one other outlet S on the vessel, and measuring the actual density of the solvent-rich stream using at least one flow meter; and wherein the degree of separation (DOS) is determined by the following equation (Eqn.

Abstract: The present invention provides a water tension sensor with a non-sintered core that allows batches of similar and standard sensors to be manufactured in a simple manner, for operation with air and with an air flow outlet, which sensor can be used to read water tension and trigger dripping. The sensor according to the invention is ideal for manually reading soil water tension and for automating irrigation systems based on a static pressure or gas propulsion mechanism.

Abstract: An optical particle sensor has at least first and second threshold settings applied to an optical sensor or a sensor signal to obtain first and second optical sensor readings. The first and second optical sensor readings are processed to determine a parameter which is dependent on a type of pollution event. The parameter is used to determine from at least one of the first and second optical sensor readings a mass of all particles below a first particle size. In this way the mass of all particles below a desired size can be evaluated, even though the optical sensor may not be responsive to the smallest particles.

Abstract: A particle characterization apparatus comprising: a light source for illuminating a sample with a light beam; a detector arranged to detect scattered light from the interaction of the light beam with the sample; and a focus tuneable lens arranged to collect the scattered light for the detector from a scattering volume and/or to direct the light beam into the sample.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising one or more pairs of analyzers measures light absorbing particulates, including black, brown, and ultraviolet light absorbing organic aerosols, suspended in gaseous samples, such as air. One analyzer receives an ambient gas sample, while the other analyzer is coupled to a dilution inlet that mixes ambient gas with a proportion of clean gas, whereby the two received samples have different particulate concentrations. Filters with identical filter areas accumulate particulates as the respective samples flow through with equal flow rate and velocity. An optical source and detector for each filter measures a changing property (e.g. attenuation at one or more wavelengths) as particulates accumulate. A computer uses the differential particulate accumulation from the ambient and diluted samples to compensate for filter loading effects upon the measurement to provide an accurate indication of particulate concentration in the ambient sample.