Abstract: A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.

Abstract: An acetone gas sensor apparatus, including: a chamber, used for containing a gas sample taken from a breath of a person; and an acetone gas sensor, placed in the chamber for generating an output current in response to an acetone concentration of the gas sample, the acetone gas sensor including: a substrate; a buffer layer, deposited on the substrate; an InN epilayer, deposited on the buffer layer for providing a current path for the output current; a first conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a drain contact; and a second conductive contact, deposited on the InN epilayer for providing a source contact.

Abstract: An aircraft air system includes a gas turbine engine, a bleed air duct directing compressed air bled from a compressor to an inner compartment within the aircraft, and an air contamination detector located downstream of the gas turbine engine compressor. The air contamination detector includes a visual indicator which detects the presence of a fluid contaminant within the bleed air.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and apparatus for treating and analyzing a gas stream to determine the effectiveness of urea gasification. The apparatus will be capable of performing the method and will include: means for introducing an aqueous solution of urea into a reactor having hot gases therein and subjecting the aqueous to temperatures for a time to assure the gasification of the aqueous urea and form a thermal gasification product stream containing NH3 and HNCO; means for taking a sample stream from the gasification product stream; means for contacting the sample stream with a hydrolysis catalyst in the presence of sufficient water to convert HNCO to NH3 and form an ammonia sample stream; and means for analyzing the ammonia sample stream for NH3. The methods and apparatus can also be used to control a urea gasification process and/or to signal anomalous operation.

Abstract: A system for a vehicle includes a first ozone sensor that generates a first sensor signal indicating a first amount of ozone in air flowing into a radiator. A second ozone sensor generates a second sensor signal indicating a second amount of ozone in air flowing out of the radiator. A control module receives the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal and determines an ozone conversion rate based on the first sensor signal and the second sensor signal.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for sample analysis. In certain embodiments, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes a probe including a material connected to a high voltage source, a device for generating a heated gas, and a mass analyzer.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus for characterizing an analyte in breath and related method. The apparatus comprises an interactant that is configured to interact with the analyte in breath to generate a change in thermal energy relative to a base thermal energy. The apparatus further comprises a piezoelectric system that is coupled to the interactant, comprises at least one piezoelectric material having a material property, and generates a signal that comprises information useful in characterizing the analyte in breath. The signal is in response to a change in a material property of the piezoelectric material. The change in the material property is in response to the change in thermal energy. The apparatus may be used for a variety of applications such as, for example, personal health monitoring, clinical diagnostics, safety and law enforcement monitoring, and others.

Abstract: A chemical gas sensor formed from a nonwoven material is described. The gas sensor includes a flexible, gas-permeable, nonwoven web-based material substrate having a matrix that is composed of a plurality of inert thermoplastic, pulp, cellulose or staple fibers as either a major or minor portion, with a plurality of gas-sensitive fibers formed from a polymer that can absorb volatile organic compounds (VOC), and a plurality of electrically conductive fibers. The gas-sensitive fibers are intermixed with and associated spatially among a network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers, such that a change in physical morphology of said gas-sensitive fibers as a result of interacting with volatile organic compounds, causes a change in dielectric properties that disrupts said network of adjacent electrically conductive fibers. The sensor can be configured as either a resistive or a capacitive chemisensor.

Abstract: An array of sensors arranged in matched pairs of transistors with an output formed on a first transistor and a sensor formed on the second transistor of the matched pair. The matched pairs are arranged such that the second transistor in the matched pair is read through the output of the first transistor in the matched pair. The first transistor in the matched pair is forced into the saturation (active) region to prevent interference from the second transistor on the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken of the output. The first transistor is then placed into the linear region allowing the sensor formed on the second transistor to be read through the output of the first transistor. A sample is taken from the output of the sensor reading of the second transistor. A difference is formed of the two samples.

Abstract: In general, the present disclosure is directed toward a novel hybrid spintronic device for converting chemical absorption into a change in magnetoresistance. This device uses a novel magnetic material which depends on the attachment of an organic structure to a metallic film for its magnetism. Changes in the chemical environment lead to absorption on the surface of this organometallic bilayer and thus modify its magnetic properties. The change in magnetic properties, in turn, leads to a change in the resistance of a magnetoresistive structure or a spin transistor structure, allowing a standard electrical detection of the chemical change in the sensor surface.

Abstract: Methods and devices for determining a preferred composition of anions in a liquid crystal device, and methods and devices for detecting a targeted agent in a sample using such preferred compositions, are disclosed. Such methods include the steps of preparing a liquid crystal device including a liquid crystal, a metal cation, a strongly coordinating anion, and a weakly coordinating anion, contacting the liquid crystal device with a sample suspected of including the targeted agent, and observing the orientational ordering of the liquid crystal at the surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for continuously determining the concentration of at least one CN compound in an aqueous solution, wherein a carrier gas, for example compressed air, is introduced into the aqueous solution and the introduced carrier gas is fed at least partially to a gas analyzer, for example an HCN gas analyzer, the analysis data of which are considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound in the aqueous solution. In order to create advantageous method conditions, the temperature of the aqueous solution exposed to carrier gas is considered in the determination of the concentration of the CN compound.

Abstract: A stationary gas monitoring and testing system includes one or more gas monitoring stations 20, each of which includes at least one gas sensor. The system also includes a supply of testing span gas, a supply of testing zero gas, a gas distribution network connecting each gas sensor to the span gas supply and the zero gas supply through substantially separate conduits, and a controller for enabling the delivery of gas from the supply into the network for delivery to the one or more sensors. A one-way poppet valve at each gas monitor allows the supply conduits to be pressurized in advance. Pre-pressurized separate supply conduits minimize or eliminate the delay in delivering gas to each sensor for testing and calibration.

Abstract: An ammonia compound concentration measuring device includes: a pipe unit through which the circulating gas flows; a converter which is disposed in the pipe unit and converts an ammonia compound into ammonia; a measurement device which measures a first measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a first circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit and a second measurement value as a concentration of ammonia contained in a second circulating gas flowing inside a pipe line not passing through the converter in the circulating gas flowing inside the pipe unit; and a controller which controls operations of the pipe unit and the measurement device and calculates the concentration of the ammonia compound of the measurement subject contained in the circulating gas from a difference between the first measurement value and the second measurement value.

Abstract: A method for recognizing sensor poisonings in portable gas-measuring devices with a test station having a main unit with a control and analysis unit and test modules connected with the main unit for data exchange with an connected device. The test station recognizes device model and/or gas sensor model of the connected device. The main unit has gas inlets for different test gases and there is a first gas feed line for sending test gas to the test modules and a second gas feed line for sending purging gas to the test modules and a gas drain line to return gas from the test modules to the main unit. The method includes detection of a first measured value and of a second measured value and determination of sensor poisoning on the basis of the two values. The test station control and analysis unit carries out the method.

Abstract: A photoconductive sensor compound for detecting explosives can have a structure I: where R is a morphology control group, A is a linking group, B is a electron donor that is selective for transferring electrons to PTCDI backbone upon irradiation to make the resulting nanostructures conductive, and R1 through R8 are side groups.

Abstract: The present disclosure may include a method for preparing gas mixtures of use in testing catalysts, where the method may include using separate banks of mass flow controllers for mixing the gas composition to the desired composition and for controlling the flow of the gas composition through the heater. A separate bank may be used for controlling any suitable mix of reducing agents while another separate bank may be used for controlling any suitable mix of oxidizing gases.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of separating variations in the mass flow of gas through a catalyst from the thermal load observed by the temperature control system in a test bench. The method may include separating the temperature control component from the mass flow control component.

Abstract: Device (10) for rapid detection of biological oxygen consumption and method of classifying biological samples (e.g., positive and negative samples) (5) by detecting biological oxygen consumption. Each well (29) on a multi-well plate (20, 30) is hermetically sealed from the surrounding environment and other wells after deposit of a biological sample within the well by a cover plate (30) and an adherent gasket (40) sandwiched between the plates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sensor for detecting explosive devices. The sensor includes a ferromagnetic metal and a molecular recognition reagent coupled to the ferromagnetic metal. The molecular recognition reagent is operable to expand upon absorption of vapor from an explosive material such that the molecular recognition reagent changes a tensile stress upon the ferromagnetic metal. The explosive device is detected based on changes in the magnetic switching characteristics of the ferromagnetic metal caused by the tensile stress.

Abstract: A probe for use in determining the amount of a first gas component in a combustion gas containing the first gas component and a second gas component which is obtainable from the first gas component by reduction or oxidation, the probe comprising: a first component probe for taking a first sample of the gas and converting the first gas component present in the first sample to the second gas component, the first component probe including a first passage for conveying the first sample, the wall of the first passage in contact with the first sample being made of a material that converts the first gas component to the second gas component; and a second component probe for taking a second sample of the gas, the second component probe including a second passage for conveying the second sample.

Abstract: Properties, such as concentrations, of gas phase bases or acids of a gas sample are determined by providing a sample gas flow, which includes the bases or acids to be determined as sample constituents, as well as also interfering constituents, which are other constituents than the sample constituents. Reagent ions are provided and introduced into the sample gas flow to arrange proton transfer reaction and thereby forming sample ions. Also a dopant is introduced into the sample gas flow to arrange proton transfer reaction between the dopant and the interfering ions thereby forming dopant ions and electrically neutral interfering constituents. For determination the gas flow with the sample ions to be determined is introduced together with the dopant ions to a mass spectrometer in order to determine the properties of the gas phase bases or acids.

Abstract: A sensor element for a sensor or measuring device for measuring fluids, with a housing, the interior of which is sealed toward the outside and through which the fluid to measured can flow, and with at least one electrode arrangement in the housing interior, the electrode arrangement having at least one electrode and forming at least one measuring path.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for packaging integrated circuit (IC) gas sensor systems that employ at least one gas sensor that is formed as part of an integrated circuit and configured to sense the presence and/or concentration of a target gas or other gas characteristics that may be present in the ambient gaseous environment surrounding the packaged IC gas sensor system.

Abstract: The problem is to provide a multilayer analysis element for analyzing liquid samples, having improved adhesive force between a transparent support and a detection layer even by handling at the time of processing, while maintaining basic performances such as sensitivity and storage performance. The multilayer analysis element for analyzing liquid samples is characterized in that at least a detection layer containing a substance that generates a detectable change by a gaseous substance, a liquid blocking layer that selectively permeates the gaseous substance, and a spreading layer are integrally adhesion laminated in this order on a transparent support, and the detection layer contains an adhesive polymer and a water-insoluble vinyl polymer.

Abstract: A method and device for detecting explosive compounds in an air sample in which the air sample is filtered with activated carbon treated with a weakly basic solution, after which the air sample is divided into two parts, with one part being heated at lower temperatures to decompose non-explosive nitrogenous compounds and the second part being heated at higher temperatures to decompose explosive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen dioxide is measured in both portions of the air sample with a spectrographic detector, and the presence or absence of explosive nitrogenous compounds in the air sample is determined.

Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring device, more particularly for a tubular bag packaging machine 1, to determine the concentration of at least one gas within a package 2 to be sealed, wherein it is possible to introduce a protective gas via a gas lance 3 into the package 2 to be sealed. The measuring device comprises an indicator 4, a light conductor 5, and an evaluation unit 6, wherein the indicator 4 is comprised of a fluorescent material, preferably a polymer material and arranged at the end of the light conductor 5 and within the package 2 to be sealed, wherein the evaluation unit 6 takes-up and evaluates an optical signal from the indicator 4 via the light conductor 5 to determine the concentration of the at least one gas.

Abstract: Described herein is a gas meter system (5) for detecting toxic gas combinations including a housing (10) having an opening (20), a measuring cell (15) enclosed by the housing and comprising a plurality of gas sensors (17) in fluid communication with the environment via the opening in the housing, and an evaluating circuit (32). The gas sensors detects a concentration of a first gas and a concentration of a second gas so the evaluating circuit can identify a hazard due to an additive or synergistic toxic effect upon combined exposure to the first gas and the second gas. Related apparatus, systems, methods and/or articles are described.

Abstract: There is provided an analysis device comprising a gas phase and a liquid phase and at least one sensor, said sensor having at least one point where an analyte is detected, said at least point being in contact with the liquid phase, characterized in that the device comprises a membrane with a first and a second side, which membrane is in contact with the gas phase on at least a part of one side of the membrane and which membrane is in contact with the liquid phase on at least a part of the other side of the membrane, wherein the membrane comprises openings, and wherein the largest possible distance between any two openings in the membrane is larger than the distance between the membrane and the point where an analyte is detected, moreover there is provided a method for analyzing an analyte in a gas phase.

Abstract: Chemical sensors such as carbon dioxide sensors and methods for making such sensors are disclosed. An example carbon dioxide sensor may include a substrate, with a sensing beam supported by the substrate. The sensing beam may be configured to resonant. A sensing layer may be disposed on the sensing beam, wherein the sensing layer may include an amino group and is configured to sense carbon dioxide. In some instances, a reference beam may also be supported by the substrate, and may be configured to resonant. A reference layer may be disposed on the reference beam, wherein the reference layer may includes an amino group that has been poisoned so that it will be substantially non-sensitive to carbon dioxide.

Abstract: Provided are a nitric oxide detection element capable of detecting NO gas contained in a mixed gas at a high speed even when the amount thereof is a super trace amount of ten and several parts per billion; and a process for producing the element. In a nitric oxide detection element having a substrate 12 and a sensing film 11 formed on a surface of the substrate, the sensing film is composed of nitric oxide sensing particles and a polymer adhesive. The nitric oxide sensing particles are produced by adsorbing a dye having a porphyrin skeleton and having, as a central metal, divalent cobalt onto surfaces of inorganic particles.

Abstract: A method is provided for the measurement of parameters of a gas present in a gas turbine combustion chamber. The method includes tuning a laser to a range containing the absorption lines of species to be analyzed in the gas, and directing the laser light through the combustion chamber and detecting laser light reflected off boundary walls of the combustion chamber. In order to analyze the absorption spectrum measured at high temperatures and pressures, a signature recognition algorithm is applied to the spectrum. The measured absorption spectrum is cross-correlated with a calibration absorption model spectrum for the absorption lines at several temperatures, pressures, and concentrations generated prior to the measurement. Values for pressure, temperature, and concentrations of selected species in the gas are determined simultaneously allowing direct control of the combustion chamber process. An apparatus for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: A hydrogen detection system can include an exposed detection element made of a catalytic metal which burns hydrogen so as to generate combustion heat. A hydrogen sensor can detect a hydrogen concentration based on a detected value of the detection element. A heating unit can heat the detection element. A hydrogen storage unit is included, and a hydrogen guiding pipe can guide the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit to the detection element. A flow rate adjusting device is attached to the hydrogen guiding pipe, and adjusts a flow rate of the hydrogen. A first dilution unit can dilute the hydrogen from the hydrogen storage unit with a dilution gas, and a controller can control the heating unit and the flow rate adjusting device.

Abstract: A sample preparation assembly includes a torch configured for use with an inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The torch includes at least two approximately cylindrical tubes arranged substantially concentrically. The sample preparation assembly also includes an injector configured for use with the inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy instrument. The injector includes an injection nozzle and a spray chamber. The sample preparation assembly further includes a heat sink element. The heat sink element includes a securing element. The securing element is configured to mate with a mounting element of the torch to mechanically support the heat sink element.

Abstract: A filter element having filter media for filtering air passing therethrough and a detection strip attached thereto comprising a chemical compound that generates a chemical reaction with certain molecules that contact the detection strip.

Abstract: A gas-sensing element configured to measure a concentration of a specific component of a gas is mounted to a first circuit board which includes a driving circuit configured to drive the gas-sensing element. A moisture-proof material is disposed over at least one side of the first circuit board disposed in a tubular gas-sensing element case fixed to a sensor case. A gas-sensing chamber is defined by the first circuit board and an inner tubular surface of the gas-sensing element case, and opens at an open end of the gas-sensing element case to receive the gas to be monitored. A second circuit board which includes a control circuit configured to control the gas-sensing element via the driving circuit is fixed to a sensor case, and disposed in a position separate from the gas-sensing chamber such that the second circuit board is kept out of contact with the gas to be monitored.

Abstract: A vapor sensor is constructed from a single glass filament less than 2 millimeters in diameter and greater than 1 millimeters in length, the filament having a first end and a second end separated by a long axis and comprising electrodes at each end, coated with a resilient material, and a first layer of conducting particles embedded in the resilient material and forming a conducting path between ends of the filament.

Abstract: A microchannel chip having a microchannel formed in a substrate and a gas-liquid phase separation microchannel whose upper part is covered with a porous film, the gas-liquid phase separation microchannel being connected to the downstream end of the microchannel and having a depth of 10 ?m to 100 ?m. Also, a gas-liquid phase separation method which is a method for separating a liquid-phase flow from a two-phase flow flowing through a microchannel by removing a gas phase, the two-phase flow composed of the gas phase and the liquid phase, which liquid phase flows in the periphery of the above-described microchannel and which gas phase flows interiorly of the liquid-phase flow.

Abstract: A fluorescence based sensor (10) is disclosed and described. The sensor (10) can include nanofibril materials (12) fabricated from a linear carbazole oligomer and a fluorescence detector (14). The linear carbazole oligomer can have the formula (I) wherein n is 3 to 9, R are independently selected amine sidegroups, and at least one, but not all, R is a C1 to C14 alkyl. The carbazole-based fluorescence based sensors (10) can be particularly suitable for detection of explosives and volatile nitro compounds.

Abstract: A capillary absorption spectrometer and process are described that provide highly sensitive and accurate stable absorption measurements of analytes in a sample gas that may include isotopologues of carbon and oxygen obtained from gas and biological samples. It further provides isotopic images of microbial communities that allow tracking of nutrients at the single cell level. It further targets naturally occurring variations in carbon and oxygen isotopes that avoids need for expensive isotopically labeled mixtures which allows study of samples taken from the field without modification. The method also permits sampling in vivo permitting real-time ambient studies of microbial communities.

Abstract: The present invention is mainly intended to provide a reaction apparatus that can prevent a problem due to heat generated by heat treatment in a reaction part, and accurately perform detection, and the reaction apparatus is provided with: a reaction part that is introduced with sample gas having passed through a column and reaction gas, and as a result of a reaction between the sample gas and the reaction gas, produces measurement gas containing a predetermined compound; a protruding pipe that is integrally protruded from the reaction part; and a connecting part that is disposed separately from the reaction part and removably fitted with the protruding pipe.

Abstract: A method of detecting hydrate formation includes monitoring a gas phase of interest. The gas phase is a mixture of gases comprising at least one hydrate forming gas. The monitoring includes determining the concentration of at least one component of the mixture of gases, or determining a ratio of concentration between two components of the mixture, at least one of which is the hydrate forming gas. When a change in the determined concentration or in the determined ratio of concentration is detected, relative to an earlier determination or relative to a pre-established base level concentration or base level range of concentration then formation of a hydrate is indicated. Apparatus for carrying out the method and methods for estimating the location of hydrate formation in a pipeline are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and controlling the NOx content of a NOx-containing gas stream such as, for example, a combustion engine exhaust stream discharged from a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The apparatus includes an analyzer container which holds an ammonia slip catalyst element and has a NOx sensor positioned therein. The NOx sensor is positioned in the container between the ammonia slip catalyst and the container outlet. The apparatus is heated by positioning the container in the gas stream and can draw a representative gas sample from any size conduit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas sensor (1) for detecting gases, with at least one gas-sensitive layer which is applied to a substrate (2), wherein at least one conductor track (3) for contact-connecting the layer is also provided on the substrate (2), and wherein the conductor track (3) is formed from a doped metal oxide material with non-catalytic properties in order to avoid the conductor track (3) influencing the detection of the gas. This avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and provides contact-connection of the gas-sensitive layers which does not influence the sensitive properties when detecting the gas by means of the layer.

Abstract: A handheld, small but accurate and reliable device for diagnostic NO measurements using a NO sensor, where the parameters governing the taking of the sample are different from the parameters optimal for the accuracy of said NO sensor. By temporarily storing a portion of the exhaled air, and feeding this to the sensor at a flow rate adapted to the NO sensor, the accuracy and sensitivity of a system/method involving NO sensors, in particular electrochemical NO sensors, can be increased. The method for diagnostic NO measurements comprises steps for controlling the inhalation of NO free air, as well as the exhalation, both by built-in means and by audible and/or visual feedback to the patient.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for determining the type and/or concentration a gaseous analyte from a set of analytes in a gaseous carrier. It comprises a housing having a passage to a cavity. A gas sensor with a heated metal-oxide sensing layer is arranged in the cavity. In order to gain a better understanding of the type of the analyte, diffusion effects are exploited by taking into account that the diffusion process through the passage as well as the catalytic reaction rate at the metal-oxide sensing layer depend on the type of the analyte. These material parameters can be determined by taking several measurements in a non-steady state of the concentration of the analyte within the cavity or while varying the reaction rate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide micro-fluidic systems and devices for use in performing various diagnostic and analytical tests. According to one embodiment, the micro-fluidic device includes a sample chamber for receiving a sample, and a reaction chamber for performing a chemical reaction. A bubble jet pump is structured on the device to control delivery of a fluid from the sample chamber to the reaction chamber. The pump is fluidically coupled to one or more chambers of the device using a fluidic channel such as a capillary. A valve may be coupled to one or more chambers to control flow into and out of those chambers. Also, a sensor may be positioned in one or more of the chambers, such as the reactant chamber, for sensing a property of the fluid within the chamber as well as the presence of a chemical within the chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems configured to determine an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of the alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, drinking vessels configured to measure alcohol content or other property of an alcohol-containing liquid held therein, other related components such as mat devices that facilitate determining the amount, and related methods. The systems, drinking vessels, and methods disclosed herein facilitate determination of an amount of alcohol in an alcohol-containing liquid discharged from a drinking vessel or an amount of alcohol-containing liquid discharged from the drinking vessel, which may be indicative of an amount of alcohol consumed by a drinker.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring and controlling the NOx and ammonia slip content of a NOx-containing gas stream such as, for example, a combustion engine exhaust stream discharged from a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) system. The apparatus includes an analyzer container which preferably has an ammonia slip catalyst element and a pair of automotive type NOx sensors positioned therein. One of the NOx sensors is positioned before and the other is positioned after the ammonia slip catalyst. The apparatus is heated by positioning the container in the gas stream and can draw a representative gas sample from any size conduit.

Abstract: A fluorescence based oxygen sensor can be prepared comprising a polyaniline polymer doped with one or more pyrene carboxylic acids. The polyaniline has the formula: and the pyrene carboxylic acids have the formula: Pyrene-R—COOH??(II); wherein R is an aliphatic linking group having 1 to 11 carbon atoms, n represents half the degree of polymerization, x is about 0.5, and (1?x) is about 0.5. The sensor can be coated onto a support. Upon excitation with an appropriate wavelength, the polyaniline/pyrene coating fluoresces. Upon exposure to oxygen the fluorescence rapidly decays.