Abstract: A novel label may be used in a novel sterilization tracking system. The label preferably has first and second portions and a first and second liners. Perforations may preferably attach the first portion to the second portion. The label is particularly suitable for use in monitoring and/or tracking hydrogen peroxide sterilization procedures.

Abstract: An airborne hazardous material reader device capable of receiving a collection element. The reader device has a body forming a slot area for receiving the collection element. The body has a crushing mechanism located within the slot area for breaking ampules attached to the collection element containing chemical testing reagents, a micro-pump positioned proximate to the slot area for controlling the temperature next to the collection element, a diode reading component incorporated within the body for distinguishing color changes from the release of chemical testing reagents from the broken ampules, an indicator for indicating the presence of a hazardous material when the diode reading component distinguishes color changes and a microprocessor that coordinates the sequence of the reader device. A method for airborne hazardous material detection also is disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of detecting ozone expediently and with high sensitivity. The invention, therefore, is directed to an ozone indicator comprising (1) at least one color-change layer comprised of an ozone sensor ink and (2) at least one non-color change layer both formed on a substrate, said color-change and non-color-change layers being formed in such a manner that at least a part or the whole of at least one color-change layer can be exposed to an ozone-containing atmosphere when the ozone indicator is put to use. The invention is further directed to an ozone sensor ink containing an anthraquinone dye having at least one amino group selected from primary and secondary amino groups.

Abstract: A sterilization indicator includes a substrate and indicator composition. The indicator composition contains a colorant, such as acid fuchsin, that undergoes a distinct color change if exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor. The sterilization indicator can be used to monitor a sterilization process involving hydrogen peroxide vapor.

Abstract: A detector tube with a rod-shaped reagent carrier placed into a transparent tube, which reagent carrier is provided with a detection substance, such that the reagent carrier can be placed into the detector tube in a simple manner and that defined flow conditions become established around the reagent carrier. The cross-sectional contour of the reagent carrier is designed as a polygon in such a way that at least some of the outer edges of the reagent carrier are in contact with the inner side of the tube.

Abstract: An ozone detector in the form of two basic embodiments which can measure ozone concentration in ambient air at 0.001-1 ppm. The first embodiment includes a stretched elastic material and a standard which can give ozone concentration in response to degree of microcracking or frosting of the elastic material. The second embodiment includes a chamber containing a long strip of elastic material wound on a spool, a small amount of manganese dioxide in the chamber to neutralize any ozone therein so that the ozone does not attack and frost the elastic material, a take-up spool mounted away from the chamber and adapted to wind the material from the chamber, a component for stretching the material, a light source for generating a light beam and illuminating the film between the chamber and the take-up spool and a detector for the light beam after the light beam passes through the material.

Abstract: Provided is a system for indicating exposure to a chemical vapor sterilization process. This system comprises a composition applied to a suitable support, which composition comprises a component which is chromatically transformed by the action of a vapor phase sterilant. In particular, the present invention is applicable to a system for indicating exposure to a hydrogen peroxide vapor sterilization process, with the component which is chemically transformed being so transformed in the presence of vaporous hydrogen peroxide. The composition comprises at least the component which is chemically transformed by the action of the hydrogen peroxide, but may also contain additional ingredients or components. For example, the composition also generally comprises a binder to aid in applying the composition to a suitable support or substrate.

Abstract: A test pack for evaluating an ethylene oxide sterilization process, comprising an open ended fiber board tubular member, an end cap enclosing each end of said tubular member, said end caps defining a test chamber within the tubular member, one of said end caps having an opening to permit the egress of ethylene oxide into the test chamber. A fiber ball is inserted into the test chamber at a location remote from the end cap having the opening therein, and a chemical type sterilization indicator is placed within the test chamber.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for determining the portion of a gaseous or vaporous component in a gas mixture utilizing a detecting substance which can enter into a chemical reaction with the component to produce a coloration of the detecting substance and utilizing a device for evaluating the coloration. The method includes the steps of: passing the gas mixture at a constant volume flow through a channel containing the detecting substance; detecting a reflectance signal I(t) within a defined spatially fixed length segment of the channel; determining a slope .DELTA.I/.DELTA.t at the start of the chemical reaction during a time interval .DELTA.t in which the detecting substance is present in excess; determining a saturation reflectance signal I.sup.100% toward the end of the chemical reaction which corresponds to an almost complete chemical conversion of the detecting substance within the length segment; and, determining a normalized slope in correspondence to the formal relationship: .DELTA.I/(I.sup.

Abstract: A sheet of chemically sensitive paper (54) that exhibits a measurable change in a physical property, such as color, when exposed to a chemical environment is inserted between two sections (20, 22) such that an area of the paper is exposed to the chemical environment through an opening (46) in the upper section. The lower section is connected to a piston (14) that is located in a chamber (10) such that an area at the top of the chamber is sealed by the piston. The piston responds to changes in pressure by moving within the chamber. As it does so, a ratchet mechanism (30) causes the upper and lower sections to rotate one step relative to each other. With each rotational step, a new area of the chemically sensitive paper is exposed to the chemical environment through the opening in the upper section. In this manner, a record of a series of chemical exposures is obtained.

Abstract: An end of life monitor apparatus for a filter that removes an undesirable gas including: (a) an elastic material, which degrades in the presence of the undesirable gas; (b) a support member coupled to the elastic material; and (c) an indicator component movable to a filter end life position, coupled to the elastic material, whereby the elastic material is stretched between the support member and the indicator component, wherein the indicator component is biased to move to the filter end life position but is restrained by the elastic material from moving to the filter end life position, wherein degradation of the elastic material allows the indicator component to move to the filter end life position.

Abstract: In a method of testing a function of at least one detector at an inspection station (S) for containers, particularly in an inspection unit (R) for multi-trip bottles, a test gas is fed from a source (10) to the inspection station, or as the case may be to the detector(s), at periodic intervals.

Abstract: A diffusive sampler for effectively determining chemical vapor levels, the ampler having a thin pouch-like container made up of an impermeable back sheet and a selectively permeable front membrane attached thereto along its peripheral edges. The front membrane is made of a material capable of passing preselected vapors therethrough and for preventing other preselected vapors from passing therethrough and preferably has substantially the same permeation rate as human skin. Located within the pouch-like container is an adsorbent substance for adsorbing the chemical vapor and for providing information with respect to the chemical vapor levels adsorbed thereby. In use a plurality of the samplers are adhered to the skin of an individual wearing a protective garment to establish the effectiveness of the garment when subjected to specific chemical vapors.

Abstract: A tracking and identification card for an air filter specimen, the card having a sheet-like base with a substantially flat support surface for supporting the specimen, the base having a substantially uniform thickness of from about 3 to about 20 mil, and having a focus axis oriented substantially normal to the support surface, a locator area on the support surface and provided with contact adhesive for adhesively holding the specimen in a particular position on the support surface upon contact of the specimen with the adhesive, a sheet-like cover in contact with and substantially overlying the adhesive, the cover being readily removable for exposing the adhesive and allowing the specimen to be placed in contact therewith, and indicia markings on the base for interfacing with an indicia reader for tracking the location and identity of the card within an air monitoring system.

Abstract: Devices useful to monitor whether or not an article has been exposed to sterilizing conditions are provided and comprise a package and an indicator associated with the package. The package is sufficiently permeable to admit sterilizing gas or vapor into the package. The indicator associated with the package changes color from a first color (indicating ambient conditions) to a second color (indicating exposure to acidic gas or vapor). Both the first and second colors of the indicator are stable and preferably substantially maintain their colors under ambient conditions. Particularly, preferred embodiments are adapted for use with peracetic acid sterilization processes.

Abstract: A test strip for determining blood glucose levels comprising a reagent which incorporates a dye color. Whole blood reacts with the reagent of the test strip resulting in a color change on the reagent portion of the strip which is controlled by the dye color, indicating the blood glucose level by visual comparison with a color chart, or by the use a photometer. The use of a copolymer in the reagent which provides complete coalescence and a resulting smooth surface particle structure provides accurate readings of the reacted test strip by the photometer.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for detecting carbon dioxide in exhaled gas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an indicating element (10) for changing color when exposed to carbon dioxide and a carbon dioxide shield (12) for absorbing a predetermined level of carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas before exposing the indicating element (10) to the exhaled gas.

Abstract: The detector which provides a detectable indication of the presence of an elevated proportion of carbon dioxide compared to that in normal ambient air, comprises a substrate coated by an intimate mixture of a transparent plasticised polymer vehicle, and an indicator material which undergoes a color change on exposure to carbon dioxide. The indicator material comprises an anionic fluorimetric dye and a lipophilic organic quaternary cation.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: A detector, which is source specific, for detecting a fugitive emission from a component containing a gaseous or volatile analyte, and is adaptable for adjacent disposition to the component. The device includes (a) a substrate for disposition adjacent the component from or through which the analyte is emitted, said substrate being substantially inert to the analyte, (b) an analyte-reactive reagent, and optionally (c) an indicator. The substrate is isolated from the ambient air or atmosphere, and no exogenous reagent is utilized by the detector or in the process of detection. When the detector is applied adjacent the component, a detectable reaction occurs (e.g., color-forming reaction or signal) with the analyte emitted.

Abstract: Apparatus employing vapochromic materials in the form of inorganic double complex salts which change color reversibly when exposed to volatile organic compound (VOC) vapors is adapted for VOC vapor detection, VOC aqueous matrix detection, and selective VOC vapor detection. The basic VOC vapochromic sensor is incorporated in various devices such as a ground probe sensor, a wristband sensor, a periodic sampling monitor, a soil/water penetrometer, an evaporative purge sensor, and various vacuum-based sensors which are particularly adapted for reversible/reusable detection, remote detection, continuous monitoring, or rapid screening of environmental remediation and waste management sites. The vapochromic sensor is used in combination with various fiber optic arrangements to provide a calibrated qualitative and/or quantitative indication of the presence of VOCs.

Abstract: A gas indicator (11) for a modified atmosphere food package (19) comprises a series of strips (12, 13, 14, 15, 16) which progressively change colour as the proportion of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere progressively changes in magnitude due to absorption of the carbon dioxide by the food product (17) over time. The indicator (11) thus is "tuned" to indicate changing atmospheric conditions inside a see-through envelope (10) and thus the condition of the product (17) can be monitored and the package (19) is tamper evident.

Abstract: One or more reaction zones are formed as channels in a carrier. Each reaction zone is lined with a color indicator and the carrier is improved in that a coating of the reaction zone is realized wherein the coatings are individually changeable and the coating is easily carried out with uniform coating density and, if required, with different indicators. This is achieved with a carrier which is configured as a sandwich-like composite foil which includes a reagent carrier foil which, in turn, is made of a special plastic material. This plastic material can be perfluoroethylene propylene (FEF) which is surface treated by a corona discharge and is then known as FEPc. An especially advantageous embodiment for the reaction zones on the reaction carrier foil is that the reaction partners are applied to the reagent carrier foil in the form of a point matrix applied by a microdrop generator.

Abstract: A diagnostic device in the form of a blood glucose monitoring strip of the dip-and-read variety, and which has a first, outer test area which is chemically identical with a second, interior test area. A blood sample is tested in the first area. The first area is torn off and discarded. Then, another, similar test is conducted employing the remaining, second, interior test area. A line of perforation divides the first and second areas. Notches may be defined in the outer ends of both test areas to facilitate reading of the blood impregnated samples with the use of a suitable photometric machine, for example.

Abstract: For quality control of packaged organic substances, preferably packaged foods and drugs, the materials to be examined are brought into contact with a planar optical sensor element which is applied on the inside of the wrapping and responds to a change in the gas composition in the gas space above the sample by a change in color or fluorescence. The change of one of the optical properties of the sensor element is detected visually or opto-electronically.

Abstract: A porous cellulose tape impregnated with powdered silica or other gas adsorbent carries a coloring reagent of silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate and a light-resistance enhancer of para-toluenesulfonic acid which are dissolved in glycol. When the tape is exposed to a sample gas, the silane contained in it dissolves in the glycol. The resulting reduction of the silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate forms a colloid of silver as a trace of their reaction. The concentration of silane, which is proportional to the colloid of silver formed, can be determined by measuring the optical concentration of the reaction trace. The absence of strong acid detrimental to cellulose assures the determination of silane concentration with a high degree of sensitivity, without impairing the mechanical strength in the cellulose tape.

Abstract: An apparatus (14) for detecting carbon dioxide in exhaled gas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an indicating element (10) for changing color when exposed to carbon dioxide and a carbon dioxide shield (12) for absorbing a predetermined level of carbon dioxide from the exhaled gas before exposing the indicating element (10) to the exhaled gas.

Abstract: Hemiacetals are disclosed which correspond to the following formula II ##STR1## in which R' is an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic residue,Ar is an unsubstituted or substituted monocyclic or polycyclic aromatic or heteroaromatic residue andX.sup.1, X.sup.2 and X.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, fluoro, chloro, bromo and nitro, wherein however at least one of said substituents has to be selected from the stated halo atoms or nitro. The hemiacetals are formed reversibly from an alcohol and a corresponding keto compound and the hemiacetals of formula II differ from the corresponding keto compounds as to their light absorption in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared range, or a fluorescence or luminescence is created or quenched when the keto compound is converted into the hemiacetal of formula II. Said reaction can be performed in sensors which are used for the optical determination of alcohols.

Abstract: A direct-read exposimeter for providing a visual, graded measurement of color variation corresponding to different ranges of dosage exposure to a polluting gas in the atmosphere over a given time period. The exposimeter includes a color-forming member and at least one gas-diffusion control member within an enclosure formed between a base and a cover. The cover has a number of openings exposed to the atmosphere in alignment with a number of separate diffusion zones formed in the gas-diffusion control member.

Abstract: The invention provides an analytical device, and method of using same, for detecting a gaseous or volatile analyte and adaptable to be applied directly to the surface of a solid material from which said analyte is emitted. The device comprises a substrate for disposition adjacent a surface of the solid material, and applied to the substrate are (a) an analyte-reactive component which reacts with said analyte, and (b) an indicator in sufficient quantity to produce a detectable signal selective to the reaction thereby detecting said analyte. The analytical device has no exogenous reagent.

Abstract: A device of the type which uses a moving boundary for detecting a fluid analyte. The device includes an impervious container (10, 12, 14) having a fluid entry aperture (20) and containing two contiguous layers. One of the layers is a detection layer (16) in the form of a sheet comprising a reagent to generate a signal by a reaction initiated by the analyte. The other layer (18) is a spreading layer permeable by the analyte position such that analyte entering the container spreads within the spreading layer. The device can be used, for example, as a gas monitor for indicating exposure to hazardous gases or vapours.

Abstract: Payload customers for the Space Shuttle have recently expressed concerns about the possibility of their payloads at an adjacent pad being contaminated by plume effluents from a shuttle at an active pad as they await launch on an inactive pad. As part of a study to satisfy such concerns a ring of inexpensive dosimeters was deployed around the active pad at the inter-pad distance. However, following a launch, dosimeters cannot be read for several hours after the exposure. As a consequence factors such as different substrates, solvent systems, and possible volatilization of HCl from the badges were studied. This observation led to the length of stain (LOS) dosimeters of this invention. Commercial passive LOS dosimeters are sensitive only to the extent of being capable of sensing 2 ppm to 20 ppm if the exposure is 8 hours. To map and quantitate the HCl generated by Shuttle launches, and in the atmosphere within a radius of 1.

Abstract: A tape for detecting the presence of hydride gases by taking advantage of coloring reactions whose light sensitivity is lowered to a minimum without impairing the inherent mechanical strength of the reagent holder. The detection tape is prepared by impregnating a tape of porous cellulose fibers containing a gas adsorbent such as a powder of silica and a moisture keeper of glycerin with a coloring reagent of silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate and a light resistance enhancer of para-toluenesulfonic acid. When the detection tape is exposed to a hydride gas contained in the sampled gas, silver perchlorate or silver para-toluenesulfonate is reduced by the hydride gas to form a colloid of silver that remains as a trace of reaction. As the amount of the colloid of silver is proportional to the concentration of the gas, the concentration of hydride gas can be determined by measuring the optical density of the trace of reaction.

Abstract: A prevacuum steam sterilization test pack, for testing the efficiency of the vacuum system of a steam sterilizer apparatus to create a vacuum, comprises a bundle of layers and a porous overwrap folded about the bundle to maintain the integrity thereof. The bundle includes a porous test sheet with a steam sensitive indicator ink printed thereon positioned between layers of the bundle to indicate the efficiency of the vacuum system of a sterilizer, a plurality of selectively porous layers within the bundle above and below said test sheet, and at least one pair of non-porous gas-impermeable layers disposed intermediate the test sheet and one of the bundle end surfaces. The pair of non-porous layers is spaced from both the test sheet and the one bundle end surface by at least one of the porous layers, and the non-porous layers are spaced apart by at least one and no more than two of the porous layers.

Abstract: A double face safety badge having indicia on its first face regarding the personal and medical history of the user, and labelled on the second face that has indicia thereon pertaining to the emergency site attended by the user. Removal of the label from the second face exposes a plurality of toxic gas indicator strips. The strips indicate to the user, or other person, an exposure to toxic gas. The label, when placed in a predetermined place, indicates the general location of a firefighter at an emergency site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are is disclosed for determining whether respiratory gas is present in a gaseous sample. The sample is brought into contact with an indicator which yields an indication within a diagnostically effective period of time of the presence in the sample of carbon dioxide in concentration of at least 2% while an indication of the presence of carbon dioxide or other trace acidic gas in a sample of ambient air is delayed beyond a predetermined period of time. The method and apparatus of the present invention have particular utility in determining the correct placement of an endotracheal catheter in a patient or in the direction of apnea.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a testing and measuring device for colorimetrically detecting gases on a carrier which is impregnated with a solution of a moisture store and a detecting indicator. The testing and measuring device is improved in that the moisture on the indicator carrier needed for the detecting reaction is maintained over a longer time span during storage in the unused condition as well as during measurement under the action of the gaseous substance to be detected. For this purpose, the impregnating solution is composed of the detecting indicator and a mixture of sulfolane and diethylphthalate as a moisture store. For measuring hydride gases, the indicator comprises a palladium tetramine chloride. The impregnating solution is applied to a paper carrier or to a granular silica gel carrier.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining whether respiratory gas is present in a gaseous sample by which the sample is brought into contact with an indicator which yields an indication within a diagnostically effective period of time of the presence in the sample of carbon dioxide in concentration of at least 2% while an indication of the presence of carbon dioxide in a sample of ambient air would be delayed beyond a predetermined period of time. The method has particular utility in determining the correct placement of an endotracheal catheter in a patient or in the detection of apnea.

Abstract: An oxygen detector for use in a double envelope lamp is described. The detector may be formed by nitriding a metal surface to produce a metal piece with a first visual color or state. The surface thickness is sufficient to exclude oxygen during normal assemble, but thin enough to change colors during lamp operation if oxygen is present.

Abstract: A method and device involving use of the reaction product of an aldehyde acidified with sulfuric acid in acetone for sensing moisture. The reaction product is used as a coating for colorimetric detection of humidity, the color of the coating changing as a function of the humidity level. The coating is applied to a thin layer chromatography plate which is received in a badge housing to provide a real-time colorimetric dosimeter for monitoring humidity and indicating its presence.

Abstract: A personal dosimeter for measuring the average concentration of undesirable contaminants gases such as nitrogen oxide includes a gas permeable web-like wafer formed of a material inert to polyamine. The wafer has a surface area having a numerical value at least one thousand times the value of the axial width of the wafer. The wafer is soaked in an absorptive medium not containing the ambient contaminant gas to be measured. The wafer, so soaked, is inserted within a gaseous impermeable housing from which the wafer may be selectively release and re-inserted. During an interval of release of the wafer, it is exposed for a predetermined interval of time to the ambient atmosphere. After re-insertion, the dosimeter is taken to an analysis site at which the wafer is removed and the molar concentration of products reaction with the atmospheric contaminant is measured.

Abstract: A monitor for the detection of a target gas by sensing the color change of a colorimetric indicator material. The monitor includes a light detector positioned and having a surface oriented to receive light reflected from the colorimetric indicator material and a light source positioned between the colorimetric indicator material and the light detector and oriented to provide illumination to the colorimetric indicator material but not to the light detector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a testing and measuring device for colorimetrically detecting hydride gases on a carrier which is impregnated with a solution of glycol and with a salt as an indicator. This measuring device is improved in that its long-term stability is increased and the detection of especially the smallest quantities is made possible by a clearly recognizable color change. For this purpose, only a salt, palladium chloride or palladium tetramine chloride, is present in the solution in addition to the glycol.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an arrangement for detecting gaseous components in air wherein an air pumping device pumps a sample quantity through the testing tube. The air pumping device includes a receiver for the testing tube and the charge in the testing tube is evaluated. The arrangement is improved in that the detection of different components with the corresponding testing tubes is conducted automatically in that the data characteristic for the measurement is automatically considered and processed to a display of the measured values. For this purpose, the testing tube is provided at its outer periphery with a machine-readable memory whose data is detected by a read unit when the testing tube is introduced into the receiver of the pumping device. The data from the machine-readable memory is conducted to an evaluation unit.

Abstract: A Bowie and Dick type prevacuum steam sterilization test pack for insertion into a sterilization chamber for indicating the presence of unacceptable levels of uncondensable gas comprises a housing, a heat sink and an indicator. The housing defines a single chamber having a large open end, a relatively small closed end opposite the open end, and a sidewall smoothly tapering from the open end to the closed end. The heat sink is disposed in the chamber and extends substantially from the open end to the closed end to define a path through which the steam travels from the open end toward the closed end, the path being adapted to provide sufficient exposure of the steam to the heat sink so that the steam condenses within the path, releasing any noncondensable gas associated with the steam, forcing the noncondensable gas so released toward and concentrating such noncondensable gas within the closed end.

Abstract: A gas measuring and warning device includes a test tube which is traversed by the gas to be detected and with a photoelectric sampling means which contains an imaging optical system by which the test tube reaction image is projected onto the photo-sensitive row of the sensor elements. The imaging optical system contains a cylindrical lens having a cylinder axis which is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the test tube and to a row of sensor elements. Advantageously an achromatic lens as well as of an interference filter and of a pulse light source as used.

Abstract: A thin film environmental monitor for monitoring a person's exposure to an analyte in an environment, comprising a portable casing for housing the monitor, a pump in the casing for obtaining an air sample, and a sensor in the casing for sensing the concentration of the analyte in the air sample obtained by the pump. The sensor includes an active film portion coated with a dry coating adapted to cause a chemical reaction with the analyte, and a reference film portion for transmitting incident light independently of the concentration of analyte in the air sample. The sensor generates an active signal representing the amount of light transmitted by the active film portion and a reference signal representing the amount of light transmitted by the reference film portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable detection kit including a number of detection strips and at least one device for breaking reservoirs within the detection strips. The detection strips detect and identify chemical air contaminants and comprise a holder. The holder has a plurality of spaced carriers which are capable of absorbing the air contaminants and optionally comprise reagents which can be influenced by the air contaminants. The holder further has a plurality of color-producing agents opposite to the carriers. The agents, in contact with the absorbed air contaminants or with the reagents, can cause a color reaction in the presence of a liquid. The color-producing agents, which are dissolved in the quantities of liquid required for the color reaction, are held in closed reservoirs having easily breakable walls.

Abstract: A heat treatment device for the conversion of gaseous test samples into constituents determinable by a detector provides the possibility of obtaining the desired pyrolysis products even during the sampling, then feeding them directly to the detector. The device has a small structural shape, and is able to be carried and used easily and operated independently of an external energy supply. The heat treatment device is connectable to a number of different detectors. A container 1 through which the test gas can flow is provided with a chemical filler 5, 7, 8 capable of an exothermic reaction, and with a starter 4 initiating the reaction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and materials for the detection of ketone and aldehyde analytes in fluid samples by means of reacting analyte containing samples with a first solid matrix material to which a nitroprusside salt is coupled and a second solid matrix material to which an amine is covalently coupled. Methods and devices are also provided for ascertaining the fat catabolism effects of a weight loss dietary regimen comprising determining the breath acetone concentration of the subject.