Abstract: A disposable, self-contained, light weight integral device for detecting, by means of activating an indicator, the presence of a predetermined substance in a sample fluid which is introduced into a test chamber. The device has a deformable housing which forms a test chamber for interacting the indicator material with the sample fluid, wherein a rupturable vessel of reagent is contained adjacent the test chamber, which vessel can be ruptured by application of a predetermined pressure through the walls of the deformable housing. Upon rupturing the vessel, the contents thereof are exposed to the sample fluid introduced into the chamber. In the presence of the predetermined substance in the sample fluid, the indicator undergoes the indicated change. The device can contain more than one vessel and a receptacle. One or more of the vessels can contain more than one indicator substance.

Abstract: A rapid response device for the detection of carbon dioxide in a concentration of more than 2% in a gas mixture comprising an indicator component mounted within an enclosure with a transparent window, the component comprising a carrier having fixedly attached thereto an indicating element formed from an aqueous solution of a colorless Lewis base, a hygroscropic, high boiling, transparent, colorless, water-miscible liquid and a pH-sensitive indicator, the enclosure being sealed for storage under a carbon-dioxide free atmosphere; and a method for determining the correct placement of an endotracheal catheter using the device.

Abstract: Apparatus for immunoassay of biological fluids, e.g. for AIDS antibodies, comprising an enclosed channel with fittings at the ends and a transparent top, together with a strip of nitrocellulose paper or other suitable material impregnated with antigens to the antibodies which are to be defected. The apparatus may have a single channel or it may have multiple channels.

Abstract: Means are provided for the monitoring of a sterilization procedure employing alkylene oxide, particularly ethylene oxide, to sterilize medical equipment, especially heat-sensitive equipment, and especially for monitoring the aeration of the so-sterilized goods and articles to desorb the retained alkylene oxide, which means employ interaction of the alkylene oxide with a cation-exchange resin and subsequent aeration of the cation exchange resin coupled with pH indicator means sensitive to changes in the ion exchange resin effected by the alkylene oxide employed in the sterilization and subsequently by the air employed in the desorption step.

Abstract: A novel colorimetric reagent for the selective determination of formaldehyde in solution or in air is described. The reagent comprises at least two chemicals: rubeanic acid or a rubeanic acid derivative, and a cyano complex of a metal. Upon addition of formaldehyde, a color is formed which is quantitatively related to the number of formaldehyde molecules reacted. The chromophoric reagent can be mixed with other inactive ingredients such as stabilizers, buffers, polymers, etc. and used in solutions as a coating on a flat surface, or on beads to detect and determine formaldehyde colorimetrically. One particular application of the colorimetric reagent is in a direct reading colorimetric gas dosimeter for formaldehyde.

Abstract: A gas sensor comprising a device by which photo absorption is changed in the presence of hydrogen gas or hydrogen containing compound gas and an optical detecting means for detecting the change of photo absorption. The device is provided in the form of a laminate made of a metal adsorbing and dissociating hydrogen or hydrogen containing compound gas and a solid compound which is reduced by hydrogen atoms produced in the metal to change photo absorption.

Abstract: An alcohol breath testing device comprising a conduit through which human breath air is passed. The conduit contains a chemical material which changes appearance upon being contacted by alcohol vapor. An air float chamber is operably connected to said conduit and has an air valve. The air chamber, air valve, and conduit are designed so that in a predetermined period of time a predetermined amount of breath air is permitted to pass through said device. The linear extent of color change in the chemical material in said predetermined period of time correlates to the concentration of alcohol in said breath air.

Abstract: An indicating tube for detecting gas type and characteristics comprises a hollow transparent tube having a passage therethrough for the passage of a gas to be detected and with a first material in the passage giving a visual indication of the gas characteristic and a second material in the passage which gives a visual indication of the temperature characteristic of the gas.

Abstract: Organic isocyanates are detected with an indicator comprising bis-4-(dimethylamino)-phenyl-methylenimine-hydrochloride provided on a carrier along with a catalyst for its reaction with the organic isocyanates contained in a tested gas. Through an acid developer brought subsequently into contact with the indicator, this reaction occurs and thus the concentration of the organic isocyanates is made evident by a red coloration of the indicator.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for generating an anaerobic or microaerophilic atmosphere. A package consisting of a foil envelope has internal compartments for a hydrogen generating material, for a catalyst and for receiving water. The catalyst compartment is provided with a flash arrestor. Water, on being added to the envelope, reacts with the hydrogen generating material. The liberated hydrogen then reacts catalytically with oxygen in the atmosphere external to the package.

Abstract: A highly sensitive test tube according to the invention increases the sensitivity of detection of a component in a gas substantially and thus enlarges the area of use of the test tube. It possesses a reagent strip impregnated according to the gas to be detected, which strip is held by a granular fill material between holding elements. The test gas, conveyed by a pump through the test tube, from which test gas the gas to be detected is removed at the reagent strip, is continually moved through the granular fill material and thoroughly mixed, so that the actual continually decreasing concentration of the gas component is available at the reagent strip. Upon complete removal of this gas component by reaction with the reagent strip, the concentration can then be read at the reagent strip. The narrow reagent strip, which takes up the entire gas component, evidences even small admixtures.

Abstract: A gas monitor for measuring a test gas equipped with an indicator band comprises a foretube for chemically converting a gas to be measured contained in the test gas, the foretube comprising a glass tube having a tip at each end to be broken away for the passage of the gas therethrough and including a conversion effecting filling in the glass tube and a capillary tube defining a conduit parallel to the filling. In a gas monitor, an indicator band impregnated with an agent reacting with the special gas to be measured and contained in the tested gas, is moved to be exposed to a gas sample. For some gases, for example vinyl chloride, no chemically reacting indicators are known. In such instances, the sample to be tested is first directed through a foretube where the gas to be measured is converted to obtain a gas reacting with the indicator and thus measurable. In the inventive foretube, aside from the filling effecting the conversion, a capillary tube is mounted forming a parallel conduit.

Abstract: A housing contains a diffusion indicator tube provided with a predetermined breaking point and the housing has an upper part and a lower part joined together by a film hinge. To open the inserted diffusion indicator tube its predetermined breaking point is positioned opposite the film hinge. By bending the housing parts, the break-off end breaks off the test tube at the predetermined breaking point, thereby opening the reaction section. The parts of the test tube are removed, and then the reaction section is pushed into the upper part, now with its closed end first, whereupon it is snapped into the lower part. Its opening at the bottom shoulder of the lower part is exposed to the ambient atmosphere which diffuses into it. In the presence of the gas to be monitored there will be discoloration due to reaction. The discoloration can be observed continuously through the open side of the holding means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring minute quantities of moisture and other contaminants within sealed enclosures such as electronic assemblies which may be subject to large external atmospheric pressure variations.An array of vacuum quality valves (20 thru 32) is arranged to permit cleansing of the test apparatus of residual atmospheric components from a vacuum source (13). This purging operation evacuates a gas sample bottle (36), which is then connected by valve settings to provide the drive for withdrawing a gas sample from the sealed enclosure under test into the sample bottle through a colometric detector tube (Drager tube) (19) which indicates moisture content. The sample bottle (36) may be disconnected and its contents (drawn from the test enclosure) separately subjected to mass spectrograph analysis. The use of an inert reference gas (12) admitted during the test, facilitates the determination of free volume and internal pressure within the test unit.

Abstract: A device for detecting small amounts of a chemical such as ammonia, and other ammonia-like molecules such as hydrazine or pyridine, in air and in other gases is disclosed. A capillary tube serves as a multiple total reflective medium for an optical beam from a light-emitting diode. The outer surface of the capillary tube is coated with a dye which, when exposed to the chemical, changes color so that the multiply reflected light is modified. The resultant change in the output light intensity from the capillary tube is photodetected and recorded to sense the presence of the chemical. When the chemical is removed, the dye returns to its original color so that the device can be reused.

Abstract: A transparent glass detection tube contains a bed of silica gel which has been impregnated with sulfuric acid. One end of the tube is open to the outside air while the other end is connected to a sampling pump. Outside air is drawn through the tube and aldehydes and moisture in the air are separated and adsorbed on sequential lengthwise portions of the gel bed. At the end of the sampling period, xylene vapors are drawn through the silica gel forming a brownish tint stain on that portion of the bed that has adsorbed aldehydes. The length of the stain is a measure of the amount of aldehydes present in the air sample, i.e. the dosage exposure to aldehydes during the sampling period.

Abstract: There are disclosed an improved CO indicating composition consisting essentially of fumed silica having dispersed thereon dry residues of impregnation with a solution of palladium sulfate, sulfuric acid and ammonium molybdate, a CO indicator comprising a strip of a composite of expanded, amorphous-locked tetrafluoroethylene polymer and fumed silica having dried residues of impregnation with the aforesaid solution, an improved detector containing said indicating composition or said indicator, and improved process for detecting CO comprising exposing pre-dried air to the indicating composition or said indicator to effect a color change, extracting colored material with distilled water or an aqueous buffer solution, and measuring the depth of color in the resulting extract.

Abstract: A gas dosimeter comprises a stack of porous sheets, impregnated with a reagent that changes color on contact with the gas to be determined, contained in a housing which has an opening to expose one end of the stack to the atmosphere to be tested. The gas to be determined penetrates by diffusion the layers of porous sheets, causing the sheets in the stack to change color sequentially from the end of the stack exposed to the atmosphere. The degree of penetration through the layers of porous sheets is a function of dosage exposure. The housing may be transparent with each superposed sheet in the stack being larger than the adjacent underlying sheet, so that each sheet is visible through the housing endwall.

Abstract: A gas detector badge for detecting harmful gases, including a gas sensitive tape positioned behind a front panel, having an indicator window, a reference window and a control window. The control window is provided with a gas filter, whereas the indicator window is open to the atmosphere to permit harmful gas to pass through the indicator window to the gas sensitive tape; the reference window includes a gas impermeable member to protect the tape from the atmosphere. Harmful gases contacting the badge pass through the indicator window and the control window, passing through the latter at a slower rate, to chemically react with the tape to develop color as a measure of the harmful gases in the atmosphere.

Abstract: An abnormal condition detector detects an abnormal condition of an electric apparatus by sampling an insulating fluid filled in the electric apparatus under a pressurized condition and detecting a change of the condition of an indicator induced by an acidic gas in the sampled insulating fluid.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of oil mists in a test gas comprises a glass tube which has ends which are openable such as by breaking off to permit a test gas to be directed therethrough. The glass tube contains in order in the direction of flow: a breakable ampoule filled with sulfuric acid, a particulate air filter, a distributor layer of quartz glass grit, and an indicator layer of deactivated silica gel. To effect a testing of a test gas it is directed through the glass tube after the tube ends have been broken off. Any oil mist and gas will be engaged with the filter layer. Thereafter, the ampoule is broken and sulfuric acid flows to the filter where it reacts with the mist and causes a defined color reading. In comparison with a color standard shows the oil concentration of the test gas.

Abstract: A system for detecting specific contaminants in a gas such as compressed air and automatically indicating the degree of detected contamination. The system is selectively operable in either a PURGE mode or a TEST mode. During the PURGE mode, air flow rate is adjusted to a selected level by reference to a flow indicator. The system includes automatic timing control, operable in the TEST mode, to cause an air sample of prescribed volume to flow through a detection chamber. The system uses commercially available detector tubes which are specific to the particular contaminant suspected and which provide a positive indication of the degree of detected contamination for the volume of air in the sample. The system performs automatically in response to the operation of selected switches in a prescribed sequence, without any need for instrument calibration, thus permitting its use by virtually anyone inclined to use it.

Abstract: The invention provides a detector for detecting air components, e.g. contaminations, and in particular noxious or poisonous contaminations, which device comprises a housing in which an air pervious carrier containing a first reagent is arranged, this detector being adapted to draw air to be tested through said carrier so as to expose this reagent to the air, this reagent being influenced by the components to be detected, which carrier is to be contacted with a second reagent which, together with the first one, can bring about a color reaction depending on the fact whether the first reagent has been influenced or not.

Abstract: For use in a system for analyzing sample constituents by metastable transfer emission spectroscopy, an improved apparatus for mixing a sample gas with a metastable gas. The apparatus provides an unobstructed path for the flow of sample gas so as to minimize deposition of the sample on walls of the apparatus. The apparatus may comprise an annular manifold coaxially mounted around a conduit through which flows the sample, or it may comprise a collar detachably connected in line with such a conduit.

Abstract: A small stream of an absorbent material is exposed to a gas flow of which the concentration of a given component is to be determined. Heat is released during the resulting absorption process, and the stream of absorbent material will exhibit an overtemperature in relation to the surrounding gas flow. An indication of the concentration of the absorbed component is provided by the overtemperature.The temperature of the stream of absorbent material is adjusted before it comes into contact with the gas flow in such a way that the quantity of heat which is released during the absorption process will be transferred in its entirety to the surrounding gas flow by convection.This method makes possible the precise and continuous determination of the concentration, which is insensitive to variations in temperature and pressure and to changes in the speed of the gas flow past the point of measurement and in the magnitude of the stream of absorbent material.

Abstract: A portable holder assembly in combination with one or more gas detection tubes each of which contain chemical sorbent material. Each sorbent tube has a tapered neck at each opposite end with an opening adapted for drawing ambient gas through the sorbent material. The holder assembly comprises an open ended hollow tubular shell surrounding each gas detection tube, end fitting means for closing the open ends of each shell to form a closed chamber between each shell and each gas detection tube and an O-ring mounted in each end fitting means in surrounding engagement with the tapered neck of each tube for suspending each tube within each shell and for sealing off the open ends of each tube from the closed chamber.

Abstract: Colorimetric measuring arrangement comprising a reaction chamber in which the gas to be measured is absorbed in a reaction liquid and enters into a color reaction. The reaction chamber is in the form of an atomizer in which the reaction liquid is atomized into very fine droplets and thus provides a large surface for the adsorption of gas. The reaction chamber is adjoined by a separation pipe in which the gas phase is re-separated from the reaction liquid. The separation pipe communicates through a liquid guide with an inlet funnel which opens into a micro-throughflow cell. The outlet of the micro-throughflow cell is connected to a siphon. These measures avoid troublesome pulsations in the micro-throughflow cell.

Abstract: A testing device for measuring for nickel-aerosols includes a glass tube having breakable end tips for opening the tube for the passage of a test gas therethrough and a filling in the tube which includes a closed ampoule of hydrochloric acid, a filter layer for entrapping nickel particles of the gas being tested, a reaction layer of a material impregnated with a color reagent for nickel, a granular buffer layer and a second breakable ampoule of ammonia water arranged in the direction of flow of the test gas through the tube. The testing is carried out by breaking the first ampoule to release hydrochloric acid which flows through the filter and reacts with the nickel particles which pass to the reagent layer, subsequently breaking the second ampoule so that its contents will be directed into the granular buffer layer and in the reagent layer.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing copper concentration of a test gas comprises a glass tube having breakoff points at each end with an ampoule filled with a nitric acid arranged upstream of a filter which is followed downstream by a reaction layer of silica gel impregnated with a reagent for copper. The glass tube is opened by breaking off breakoff points at each end and the gas to be tested is pumped through the tube so that any suspended particles including copper particles will be deposited on the filter layer too. Thereafter, the ampoule within the glass tube is broken to release the nitric acid which is directed through the filter layer to the reaction layer. The nitric acid which reacts with the copper deposited on the filter layer moves to the reaction layer and produces a discoloration which is proportional to the amount of copper filtered out from the test air.

Abstract: Indicator material for monitoring personal exposure to hazardous substances in ambient air comprising a pigment material, a binder and a sensitizer coated upon a transparent support member as a porous coating which permits gaseous diffusion throughout the coating is disclosed. Detection or monitoring is effected when the indicator material undergoes a visually observable reaction with hazardous material in the atmosphere at room temperature.

Abstract: A device is used in a chemical analysis of substances containing volatile components wherein the volatile component sought to be identified is volatilized off for reaction with a reagent to produce a color change or the like which indicates the presence of the volatile component.

Abstract: A method of testing a person's breath for the purpose of determining the alcohol content of the breath as an indication of the alcohol in the person's blood and using a carbon monoxide gas detector comprises treating the breathing air to oxidize the alcohol of the person's breath-air into carbon monoxide, collecting a predetermined quantity of the carbon monoxide with the treated breathing air and passing the treated quantity through the carbon monoxide detector to determine the quantity of carbon monoxide as an indicator of the alcohol content. The apparatus advantageously include a pyrolysis oven through which the breathing air is directed to oxidize the alcohol into carbon monoxide. The oven is connected to a collector to collect the predetermined quantity of the breathing air and the collector in turn is thereafter connected to a carbon monoxide testing tube.

Abstract: A gas generating package includes tablets or other material, which when contacted with water generates both hydrogen and carbon dioxide. A catalyst for the hydrogen-oxygen reaction is applied to the exterior of the package, with the exterior of the package preferably also having applied thereto carbon dioxide and anaerobic indicators. In this manner fresh material is employed during each run requiring an anaerobic atmosphere.

Abstract: A food spoilage indicator comprising a liquid crystal disposed in a carrier of plastic tape, at least one portion of which is semi-permeable to gases generated in food spoilage.

Abstract: A device for monitoring for the presence of ethylene oxide gas comprising indicator which undergoes color change in the presence of ethylene oxide and a scrubber system to keep the device from being too sensitive. The scrubber system preferably employs activated charcoal coated with silicotungstic acid as the scrubber material.

Abstract: A method of testing air for measuring the chromate and chromic acid aerosols therein, comprises, passing the air through a testing tube after each end of the tube has been broken to cause the particles in the air to become entrained on a filter in the tube and, thereafter, breaking an ampoule of sulfuric acid in the tube so that it flows through the filter and dissolves the entrained particles and brings them into contact with a filling material which is also arranged in the tube and which produces a reaction with the particles of chromate and chromic acid which are deposited on the filter. The reaction produces a violet dye, the intensity of the discoloration being directly proportional to the mass of the deposited chromate or chromic acid.

Abstract: An indicator device for the quantitative determination of aerosol-type metal cyanides, including a tube provided with a bore extending therethrough, a front layer of a substrate material impregnated with sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid and a following indicating layer of a substrate impregnated with mercuric chloride and methyl red.

Abstract: A personal dosimeter for measuring the average concentration of a gaseous contaminant over a given period of time is provided. The dosimeter comprises a sealed pouch having a reaction chamber, which contains a gas-collecting medium, and at least one compartment. Each compartment can be separately sealed and can contain a different reagent, the seals being individually breakable such that the reagents can be separately released into the reaction chamber. Into the pouch is sealed a gas diffusion device that permits the contaminant to diffuse into the reaction chamber where it is collected in proportion to its ambient concentration.

Abstract: Method of determining discontinuites in the heat exchanger of a warm air furnace directed to spraying the burner within the furnace with a non-corrosive solution of sodium carbonate. The solution is sprayed on the burner after it is heated and in operation but with the blower fan inoperative. Thereafter a blue flame from a gas torch is played adjacent to or into a register or opening in the plenum of the furnace or an opening in the piping or duct work leading from the plenum. If the blue flame turns yellow this indicates there is a deleterious leakage of combustion gases from the heat exchanger of the furnace.

Abstract: Colorimetric indicator material comprising alumina impregnated with permanganate ion and silver ion which changes color from purple to brown in the presence of carbon monoxide is disclosed. A personal monitor containing permanganate ion and silver ion impregnated alumina which changes color completely when the carbon monoxide exposure over a given period of time exceeds a predetermined concentration is disclosed.

Abstract: A device and method for measuring the concentration of a gas carried in a medium such as air comprising, an indicator tube having material therein which progressively changes color along its length as it is exposed to the gas to be measured. A flow device is connected to the indicator tube for drawing or pushing the carrier with gas therethrough to cause the progressive change in color in the indicator tube material. A light barrier in the form of a light source and detector facing each other and on either side of the indicator tube is provided and mounted to slide along the axis of the indicator tube and in a direction of propagation of the progressive color change. A reference light barrier is provided in the area of the indicator tube which is not exposed to the progressive color change to produce a reference signal which is compared to a signal produced by the movable light barrier.

Abstract: A device for measuring gases and aerosols with a detector tube, comprises, a duct or test tube for the passage of a test gas therethrough which includes a forelayer in the duct through which the test gas is passed, and which has a substance which will react with the test gas to form a new gas substance. The gas-permeable forelayer advantageously acts as a filter for the aerosol and comprises a substrate, such as a silica gel or a glass fiber, which is impregnated with a material, such as zinc dust and arsenic trioxide which is saturated with water. The aerosol which contains a sulfuric acid in the gas will react after deposit in the forelayer with the zinc forming a nascent hydrogen which reduces the arsenic trioxide immediately to arsenic hydride. The test tube also contains an indicating layer with a material which is known for producing an indication of the newly formed gaseous substance.

Abstract: A personal dosimeter for measuring the average concentration of a gaseous contaminant over a given period of time is provided. The dosimeter comprises a sealed pouch having a reaction chamber, which contains a gas-collecting medium, and at least one compartment. Each compartment can be separately sealed and can contain a different reagent, the seals being individually breakable such that the reagents can be separately released into the reaction chamber. Into the pouch is sealed a gas diffusion device which consists of a formation of parallel, potted, hollow fibers or filaments. The diffusion device is oriented such that one end of the fibers is open to the atmosphere and the other end communicates with the interior of the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Portable gas detection tube holder which comprises a hollow cylindrical main body, a flanged tubular gas detection tube mounting member received in said main body, a hinge-type clip rotatably attached to the side of said main body, a hollow suction pipe connection member connected at one end to one end of said main body and adapted to be connected at the other end to the suction pipe of a small portable metering pump worn by a worker, said suction pipe connection member being in communication with the main body and said gas detection tube mounting member, and a tubular transparent gas detection tube protection member received at one end in the other end of said main body and having a bored end member fitted on the other end of said protection member.

Abstract: Providing visual means for indicating when vapor/gas respirator cartridges have exhausted their capacity to provide respiratory protection at or below a hazardous concentration level. In combination with a vapor/gas indicator adapted to undergo a change in color with contact by an organic vapor or gas, there is provided a catalytic agent for enhancing activation and reaction of the indicator agent.

Abstract: A hand held gas detector comprises a flexible, transparent, resilient container provided with inlet and outlet valves at opposing ends for controlling flow through inlet and outlet ports, the valves being controlled by the pressure within the container relative to the ambient pressure so that one valve is closed as the other is opened. The container is partially filled with a detector fluid which changes color upon being contacted by the gas being tested for. The container is repetitively squeezed and released to alternately draw ambient atmosphere through the inlet valve into the detector fluid, and exhaust gases in the container back into the atmosphere. The detector liquid returns to its original color in the absence of contact with the gas being detected, hence the device is reusable.

Abstract: Organophosphine copper(I) mercaptide complexes are useful as convenient and semiquantitative visual sulfur dioxide gas indicators. The air-stable complexes form 1:1 adducts in the presence of low concentrations of sulfur dioxide gas, with an associated color change from nearly colorless to yellow-orange. The mercaptides are made by mixing stoichiometric amounts of the appropriate copper(I) mercaptide and phosphine in an inert organic solvent.

Abstract: In measuring the dose of sterilant delivered to an enclosed space, a mixture of a salt of a strong acid and a weak base and an acid-alkali indicator dye is disposed within a container element impermeable to the sterilant. The container has an opening, and the sterilant passes through the opening into the container where it reacts with successive moieties of the mixture to effect a color change relative to the unreacted mixture. The reaction progressively advances away from the opening as the dose of the sterilant increases, whereby the extent of the advancing color change indicates the integration of time, temperature and sterilant concentration delivered to the enclosed space.

Abstract: Process and device for detecting impurities in the atmosphere by an inteny-time rate technique whereby chemiluminescent reaction curves are developed and found to be representative of specific materials. Hence, by comparing known intensity-time rate curves with curves had by actual measurings, the invention enables the user to discern many more materials never before detected.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for measuring the concentration of gases in a sample includes the generation of a monochromatic light beam having predetermined color characteristic. An indicator generates light signals indicative of the concentration of the gases in a sample to be measured and includes a light-transmissive surface positioned to be impinged by the monochromatic light beam, a diffusion membrane adapted to be placed in the proximity of a sample and being permeable to a selected gas component thereof, and an indicating substance positioned to be impinged by the monochromatic light beam penetrating the light-transmissive surface and by the gas component penetrating the diffusion membrane. The indicating substance reacts when illuminated by the incident monochromatic light by emitting a resultant light beam having an emitted component which has a color characteristic different from the predetermined color characteristic of the monochromatic light beam.