Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for conducting reactions and screening for reaction products.

Abstract: Luminescent particles with a maximum diameter of less than 100 ?m are produced by stirring an emulsion material, including a host material, an organic luminescent material containing no heavy metal element, a surfactant and water, under conditions that melt the host material, thereby forming an emulsion, and then cooling the emulsion. This method can provide luminescent particles which are highly safe and which exhibit high luminous efficiency in water.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for conducting reactions and screening for reaction products.

Abstract: A transport device with an occupant compartment includes a control apparatus, a transport device door, a transport device roof, a safety belt, a transport device seat, a headset, a headrest, a rearview mirror, a sun visor, and/or a dashboard, as well as a sensor for breath gas analysis, a position locating device for determining the distance between the sensor and the front side of the head of a compartment occupant, a data processing device, and in some cases a sensor for measuring at least one vital sign. The sensor or sensors are present on or in the control apparatus, the transport device door, the transport device roof, the safety belt, the transport device seat, the headset, the headrest, the rearview mirror, the sun visor, and/or the dashboard, and the data processing device is in operative connection with a device for blocking the transport device and/or with an information output unit.

Abstract: An optical waveguide includes a core layer which extends along a longitudinal direction and through which light can propagate; and a protective film that is formed on at least a portion of a surface of the core layer and has a smaller refractive index than the core layer. At least a portion of the protective film is provided in a manner allowing contact with a gas or a liquid. In a cross-section of at least a portion perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the core layer, the protective film is formed around the entire surface of the core layer.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods for conducting reactions and screening for reaction products.

Abstract: A sorbent tube holder (100) for securing a sorbent tube (10) in position in a fluid-flow system, the sorbent tube holder (100) comprising: an mounting element (126) having first and second opposed ends (126a, 126b) which define a tube mounting axis (A-A); at least one fastener (128) in communication with the mounting element (126) for providing a releasable tube retaining force; at least one sorbent tube (10) engaged with the mounting element (126); and a holder frame (130) to which the mounting element (126) is attached to prevent or limit movement of the mounting element (126) perpendicular to the tube mounting axis. A method of preventing or limiting unintentional damage to a sorbent tube, and a portable tube holder are also provided.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide means and method of monitoring target gas content in gas tight membrane enclosing a volume containing an object. The visible gas indicator comprises means for being fastened to a gas tight membrane enclosing a volume containing an object, where the gas indicator comprises a chamber having a transparent window. The chamber is in gas communication with the interior of the volume. The window is arranged outside said volume, and a substrate is arranged inside said chamber and visible from outside said volume, where said substrate changes colours when exposed to a target gas.

Abstract: In an apparatus for collecting aerosolised respirable particles of an inhalable medicinal formulation, aerosolised formulation is drawn pneumatically through a dose collection section comprising an inlet orifice (201) and an air-permeable filter (206), the filter being positioned opposed to said orifice, and extending across the pathway (4) for filtering the pneumatic flow so as to retain particulate material therein on the filter, and the orifice (201) being so dimensioned and configured that it has an unimpeded area that is no less than 75% of the area of the filter (201) on which the dose will be collected. In a method using the apparatus, particles (209, 210) collected on the filter may optionally be subjected to a dissolution test. A good correlation is obtainable between in vitro and in vivo doses with improved independence of loading.

Abstract: Instruments, systems, and methods for measuring optical density of microbiological samples are provided. In particular, optical density instruments providing improved safety, efficiency, comfort, and convenience are provided. Such optical density instruments include a handheld portion and a base station. The optical density instruments may be used in systems and methods for measuring optical density of biological samples.

Abstract: Gas detector tube templates are described. Gas detector tubes may be used to determine the concentration of target gases in a sampled gas either visually or electronically. Gas detector tubes for visual reading have the length-of-stain demarcations printed or etched on the transparent tube. However, the demarcations may interfere with electronic reading of gas detector tubes. Embodiments of a gas detector tube template may be used to accurately and reliably read gas detector tubes that do not have concentration demarcations printed on the tube in the working area adjacent to the chemical reagent. The gas detector tube template may have a gas detector tube holder capable of reversibly receiving a gas detector tube and two scale card holders. The gas detector tube template could have a left and right scale holder hingedly connected to the gas detector tube holder. The gas detector tube template may be used with scale cards capable of being, reversibly received in the scale rockets.

Abstract: A gas separation cartridge including a housing comprising an inlet port for an air sample to enter; a top cover attached to the housing; an upper cavity comprising individual chambers comprised of a chemical or an absorbent or a mixture thereof attached to the top cover wherein each end of each chamber has an opening; a bottom cover attached to the upper cavity, wherein the bottom cover comprises a lower cavity, a separate opening for an air sample traveling from an individual chamber to pass through, and a separate opening for an air sample that does not pass through an individual chamber; and a base upon which the bottom cover of the cartridge is seated, wherein the base has an exit port.

Abstract: An apparatus for preparing aqueous chlorine dioxide solutions is described, comprising (a) a reactor (1), (b) a first reservoir unit (8) comprising a first reactant for preparation of chlorine dioxide, the first reactant being in solid form, having an inlet (15) for water and a separate outlet (21), the first reservoir unit (8) being exchangeable, (c) a second reservoir unit (4) for storing a second reactant for preparation of chlorine dioxide. Additionally described are an exchangeable reservoir unit for such an apparatus, a kit comprising or consisting of one or more exchangeable reservoir units and a process for preparing a chlorine dioxide-containing solution usable directly for water treatment.

Abstract: A sensor includes, in part, a multitude of splitters/couplers and optical couplers. One of the splitter/couplers splits an incoming optical signal into first and second optical signals. A first optical coupler includes, in part, a through path receiving the first signal, a coupled path, and an exposure window receiving a sample undergoing sensing by the sensor. The second optical coupler includes, in part, a through path receiving the second signal, and a coupled path. A first output port of the sensor supplies the optical signal travelling in the through path of the first optical coupler. A second splitter/coupler combines the optical signals travelling in the coupled paths of the first and second optical couplers to generate a second output signal delivered to a second output port. An optional third output port supplies the optical signal travelling in the through path of the second optical coupler.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting moisture are disclosed. Embodiments detect the existence and/or level of moisture in electronic devices, such as by using one or more moisture sensors that removably connect to a pre-existing port in the electronic device (such as a headphone jack or similar port). Some embodiments detect a component of the ambient air (such as moisture level) to improve the accuracy of the moisture detector. Some embodiments decrease pressure at the port using a pneumatic pump and move gas from the electronic device into the moisture detector. Some embodiments detect the movement of air in the vicinity of at least one moisture sensor (such as by measuring pressure) and use this information to improve the accuracy of the moisture detector. Some embodiments display information related to the moisture in the electronic device and/or the ambient air.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing and monitoring samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analysis module situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas impurity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certification and monitoring center and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via a bi-directional communications link such a computer network connection. The remote server receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of computer-readable gas impurity data obtained from the analysis module. The server compares the impurity data with the contents of a database containing threshold gas purity parameters and provides the test results to the user facility by electronic messaging.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting substances in an air sample, the apparatus including: a source of air pressure differential; a cyclone connected to the source of air pressure differential; an air input port connected to the cyclone, to receive the air sample; a substance output port connected to the cyclone, to receive the substances; an input port configured to disperse a finely separated material so that it mixes with said sample; and a detector located at the substance output port, to detect a chemical change in at least one of the substances and the finely separated material.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection, transportation and analysis of gas samples which may be required in various scientific, environmental and natural resource contexts is provided. The apparatus comprises a sampling container assembly for sampling a fluid. The container assembly comprises a body defining a sampling chamber having a first end and a second end, a first valve assembly fluidly coupled with the first end and a reactant material positioned within the sampling chamber for reacting with the fluid. After collection of the sample in the sampling container assembly, hazardous fluids are converted to non-hazardous materials that can be transported without additional hazardous material restraints. Further, the flow through design of the sampling container assembly allows for the collection of gases such as H2S at low concentrations by flowing the gas over the reactant materials for longer periods of time.

Abstract: A reliable, low cost device for determining when dangerous levels of hydrogen gas have been generated in a transformer is disclosed. The hydrogen indicator is defined by a module assembly that threads into either the headspace or into the oil-filled body of a transformer. The module has an open interior that contains a film that incorporates a hydrogen-sensitive chemochromic indicator. The indicator film is visible through a lens. When the film has been exposed to hydrogen, chemical changes in the chemochromic indicator cause the film to change color—the color change is immediately visible through the lens.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of reversible dimerization of methylene blue (MB) for sensing humidity. The invention preferably uses titanate nanowires coated with MB. The self-organizational properties of MB on the surface of this nanostructured material studied by spectroscopic means revealed that the light absorption properties of the MB molecules are humidity dependent. Based on the observed humidity dependent metachromasy, we fabricated a humidity sensor using optical fiber technology which is adapted for medical, industrial or environmental applications. The sensor operates with excellent linearity over the relative humidity (RH) levels ranging from 8 to 98%. The response and recovery time can be reduced to 0.5 s while the device exhibits excellent reproducibility with low hysteresis. These performances allow the implementation of the sensor in a breathing monitoring system. Furthermore, the metachromasy was observed for other dyes.

Abstract: A sensor 40 that detects a chemical such as an organic vapor. The sensor 40 includes a film that has a film body 58 that includes a detection layer 48 and that is responsive to the presence of a chemical by providing a color change. The film also includes an occluding layer 54 that has a first major surface 59 and that is bound to the film body 58 but is inert to the detection layer 48 to preclude the occluding layer 54 and the chemical from causing a color change in the film body 58 in an area 42 normal to the first major surface 59 of the occluding layer 54. A sensor having this construction can provide a distinctly visible image on the sensor, which may be helpful in evaluating the remaining life of a filter cartridge.

Abstract: A chemochromic sensor for detecting a combustible gas, such as hydrogen, includes a chemochromic pigment and a textile polymer. The textile material includes a chemochromic pigment operably responsive to a combustible gas. The combustible gas sensing textile material can be made by melt spinning, solution spinning, or other similar techniques. In a preferred embodiment carbon nanotubes are used with the textile material which will increase the material strength and alter the thermal and/or electrical properties. These textiles woven into fabrics can provide garments not only with hydrogen sensing capabilities but the carbon nanotubes will allow for a range of sensing capabilities to be embedded (i.e. gas, health, and electronic monitors) within the garments.

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: Herein are disclosed methods and devices for detecting the presence of an analyte. Such methods and devices may comprise at least one sensing element that comprises at least one optically responsive layer that comprises at least a highly analyte-responsive sublayer and a minimally analyte-responsive sublayer. Methods of making and using such sensing elements are also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to a gas-monitoring assembly (100) and method for selectively determining the presence of a target gas in a gaseous environment that potentially comprises one or more interfering gases. Such gas-monitoring assembly and method specifically employ one or more gas sensors (S1) one or more getters (G1) arranged and constructed to reduce cross-interference caused by potential presence of the interfering gases in such gaseous environment to be monitored. The gas-monitoring assembly and method of the present invention are capable of monitoring a gaseous environment with respect to potential presence of multiple target gases that may interfere with one another.

Abstract: A biological sterilization indicator (BI) and method of using same. The BI can include a housing, and a container positioned in the housing. The container can contain a liquid and at least a portion of the container can be frangible. The BI can further include a first chamber and a second chamber. The second chamber can include at least one source of biological activity. The BI can further include a first fluid path positioned to fluidly couple the first chamber and the second chamber, and a second fluid path positioned to allow displaced gas to move out of the second chamber. The method can include moving displaced gas out of the second chamber via the second fluid path as a sterilant is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path and/or as the liquid is moved into the second chamber via the first fluid path.

Abstract: A chemochromic indicator is provided that includes a hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment that change from a first color to a second color in the presence of a hypergolic fuel. In a first embodiment, a chemochromic indicator is provided for detecting the presence of a hypergolic fuel such that the irreversible hypergolic fuel sensing chemochromic pigment includes potassium tetrachloroaurate (KAuCl4). There are several types of chemochromic indicators, for example, the article used to form the chemochromic indicators include, but are not limited to, wipe materials, silicone/TEFLON tape, manufactured parts, fabrics, extruded parts, and paints.

Abstract: A chemical indicator having a particulate inorganic substrate, and at least one reactive dye or ink coated on and/or impregnated within the particulate inorganic substrate. Coating and/or impregnating at least one reactive dye or ink on or within a particulate inorganic substrate improves the storage stability and/or thermal stability of the at least one reactive dye or ink, which typically includes relatively unstable compounds. This allows the present indicators to be incorporated into thermoplastic polymer materials and processed conventionally while maintaining the efficacy and stability of the new indicators. The indicators provide simple, reliable, and cost effective detection means for detecting analytes such as ammonia, carbon dioxide, and oxygen, and may find use in applications such as food packaging and medical applications.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator having a compound that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye, in thermal contact with the compound.

Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sensing an analyte in a fluid.

Abstract: The invention provides a sterilization indicator (17), characterized in that it comprises: a compound (21) that is of the heating type when put into contact with atoms of oxygen O and/or nitrogen N; and a thermochromic dye (19), in thermal contact with the compound (21).

Abstract: An arrangement for detecting hydrogen peroxide includes a sample space configured to receive a hydrogen-peroxide-containing gas. The sample space is fluidically connected to a hydrogen-peroxide-selective colorimetric detection reagent. The arrangement also includes at least one radiation source configured to irradiate the detection reagent and at least one detector configured to detect at least one optical property of the colorimetric detection reagent. This arrangement enables detection of hydrogen peroxide in the gaseous phase without the need to transfer hydrogen peroxide to the liquid phase. As a result, a simplified measurement behavior and additionally a highly sensitive measurement are attained.

Abstract: The current invention provides a detector and method suitable for sensing vapor-phase hydrogen peroxide. The detector utilizes a chemiluminescent material comprising a peroxide reactive compound, a dye and a solvent. Upon reaction with hydrogen peroxide, the chemiluminescent material will generate detectible light.

Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.

Abstract: A carbon dioxide detector including a sensor component, where the sensor component has a colorimetric indicator salt of a colorimetric pH indicator and a lipophilic phosphonium quaternary cation, a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer not being in a mixture with the colorimetric indicator salt; and a porous memory, a porous polymer membrane in one instance, the colorimetric indicator salt being deposited on a surface of the porous polymer membrane; the colorimetric indicator salt deposited on the porous polymer membrane does not include a transparent polymer vehicle or a plasticizer, and carbon dioxide detection systems using the detector.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multifunctional detector for gaseous compounds, or mixtures of gaseous compounds, selected from NH2Cl, NHCl2, NCl3, total chlorine, NOx, where x=1 or 2, O3, and X2, where X?Cl, Br, or I, in a sample, said detector including a first sensor including an iodide and a reactive compound selected from starch, amylose, amylopectin, xyloglucan, xylan, chitosan, glycogen, polyvinyl alcohol, cellulose or a cellulose compound, ?-cyclodextrin, theobromine, and polypropylene block polymers and polyethylene oxide block polymers, included in a block of sol-gel material that is absorbent in the UV spectrum but not in the visible spectrum. The invention also relates to the uses of said detector.

Abstract: Devices and methods for measuring the acidity of airborne matter are provided. A filter can be impregnated with an indicator dye which changes color in response to changes in acidity. After the sample passes through the filter, the filter can be analyzed using UV-visible spectrometry.

Abstract: A chemical sensor having a sol-gel material affixable to a predetermined surface, and an indicator within the sol-gel, for detecting and signaling the presence of at least one chemical is provided. Also provided is an indicator for detecting and indicating a presence of at least one chemical. The indicator includes a sol-gel material affixable to a predetermined surface and an indicator within the sol-gel, for detecting and signaling the presence of at least one chemical. There is provided a method of detecting at least one chemical by applying the indicator from above to a predetermined surface of an object and indicating the presence of a chemical. A method of making a chemical sensor encapsulating within a sol-gel a detector capable of detecting and signaling a presence of at least one chemical.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a respiratory stream can be provided by monitoring color change of a color change material to determine a CO2 level of the respiratory stream in contact with the color change material by emitting visible light onto the color change material. Related devices, systems, and compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Gas detector tubes may be used to determine a concentration of target gases in air. The gas detector tubes described may be read either by and optical reader or visually by the user. A gas detector tube reader having an optical reader capable of reading a length of stain, a color change and color density of a reagent in a gas detector tube. The gas detector tube may further comprise sensors for measuring the environmental conditions during sampling.

Abstract: A police tester to detect the presence of a target substance includes a housing adapted to be mounted in a police cruiser; a chemical reservoir insertable into the housing; a test swipe in a disc or an automated cartridge, the test swipe adapted to receive a chemical from the chemical reservoir, the test swipe including one or more chemically treated pads; a camera to capture an image from the test swipe; a processor coupled to the camera to process the image to detect the target substance; and a transmitter coupled to the processor to transmit a test result to a remote computer at a police headquarter.

Abstract: A detector detects the color of a medium after a gas to be identified and a reagent have chemically reacted with each other on the medium. A controller identifies color information, which is most similar to the color detected by the detector, from color information stored in a spectral database, and reads gas identifying information related to the identified color information, as gas identifying information representing the gas to be identified, from the spectral database.

Abstract: A portable chemical analytical apparatus to analyze a test swipe includes a heater to warm the test swipe to a predetermined temperature; a clamp to secure the test swipe to the heater; one or more pumps to dispense one or more chemicals onto the test swipe from a disposable cartridge; a fan to remove chemical vapors rising a predetermined distance from the test swipe; and a camera to capture an image of the test swipe for automated analysis.

Abstract: Methods, compositions, and systems for detecting explosives is disclosed and described. A sensor for detecting explosives can comprise a porous hydrophilic material modified with a titanium oxo compound having the following structure (I) where L is a ligand. Additionally, the porous hydrophilic material can be capable of detecting hydrogen peroxide vapor by complexing the titanium oxo compound and the hydrogen peroxide to provide a color change.

Abstract: An ammonia gas sensing device includes a housing defining a fluid flow path. The fluid flow path includes a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, and an access port. A gas permeable/liquid impermeable membrane is mounted on and sealed against the housing at the access port such that the membrane is exposed to the fluid flow path but fluid is blocked from flowing outward of the access port around rather than through the membrane. An ammonia sensor is mounted on the housing at the access port in a position outward of the membrane. A system for using the ammonia sensing device includes the ammonia gas sensing device, a light source directed at the ammonia sensor, a photo detector to measure the light reflected off the ammonia sensor from the light source, and a controller for controlling the light source and optical sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensor cell using a liquid crystal composite material is provided. The gas sensor cell has recovery capability and can be reused. Upon gas adsorption, the liquid crystal composite material has visually detectable color changes and changes in electrical properties to facilitate the measurement of gas concentration from low to high.

Abstract: A neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes colorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the colorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The internal volume of the neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector is reduced to properly function with low-birth-weight (neonatal) infants.

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.