Abstract: A resonant nanosensor apparatus associated with a functionalized monolayer for detecting carbon dioxide and a method of forming the same. A wafer including a sensing vibrating beam and a reference vibrating beam may be functionalized with a functional group in order to form a sensing self monolayer. The sensing self assembled monolayer may be configured by bridging oxygen or carbon atoms covalently bonded with respect to the vibrating beams. A liquid solution of hydrochloric acid may then be applied to the sensing self assembled monolayer at the surface of the reference beam by a direct printing process to obtain a reference monolayer. The liquid solution of HCl transforms the functional groups responsible for the carbon dioxide detection into protonated groups, which do not react with carbon dioxide, but possess visco-elastic properties similar to that of the sensing monolayer.

Abstract: A high electron mobility transistor (HEMT) capable of performing as a CO2 or O2 sensor is disclosed, hi one implementation, a polymer solar cell can be connected to the HEMT for use in an infrared detection system. In a second implementation, a selective recognition layer can be provided on a gate region of the HEMT. For carbon dioxide sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, PEI/starch. For oxygen sensing, the selective recognition layer can be, in one example, indium zinc oxide (IZO). In one application, the HEMTs can be used for the detection of carbon dioxide and oxygen in exhaled breath or blood.

Abstract: The invention is a method and system of screening the content of an enclosure, such as a cargo container, for the presence of one or more target substances, such as explosives or drugs, comprising drawing air from the enclosure and passing the drawn air across at least one sampling card having a coating configured to absorb/adsorb the one or more target substances and thereafter analyzing the sampling card to determine if the coating has absorbed/adsorbed one or more target substances. The system embodiment includes a vacuum source, a conduit coupled to the vacuum source and a sampling card holder disposed along the conduit. The sampling card holder removably holds at least one sampling card having a coating thereon configured to absorb/adsorb the one or more target substances, so that air drawn into the conduct from the enclosure passes across the at least one sampling card.

Abstract: A hotplate chemical trace detector comprising a heatable conducting plate with a heater element having a predetermined temperature-power characteristic. A balancing circuit comprises an adjustable resistor for tuning the heater element to a predefined resistor value. A processor is provided for adjusting the adjustable resistor so as to provide a stabilized temperature in said heatable conducting plate and a detection circuit is provided for detecting a change of resistance in the heatable conducting plate in accordance with the presence of a chemical trace reacting in the presence of the conducting plate. According to the invention a test circuit is provided for measuring a dissipated power in the heater element and for calculating a real temperature from the dissipated power in the heater element based on the predetermined temperature-power characteristic.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement of measuring acidity or other chemical or physical property of a gas. The invention comprises a membrane having optical indicator molecules bound to a microporous matrix arranged to be placed into contact with the gas to be measured, the optical indicator molecules changing their colour in response to the acidity or other chemical or physical property of the gas, a light source, and a detector. The light source is arranged to emit and direct light to the membrane, the light being transmitted through the membrane, whereby a part of the light is absorbed into the optical indicator molecules, and the rest of the light emitted is guided to the detector, where it is measured.

Abstract: A vapor sensor includes a non-conducting filament less than 2 millimeters in diameter and greater than 1 millimeters in length. The filament is coated with a resilient material. A layer of conducting particles is embedded in the resilient material and forms a conducting path between ends of the filament.

Abstract: An apparatus, according to one aspect, may include a chromatograph and a bulk acoustic resonator. The chromatograph may include a channel that is defined at least partially in a monolithic substrate. The channel may have an inlet to receive a sample and an outlet. A chromatography material may be included in the channel. The bulk acoustic resonator may have a first electrode and a second electrode that has a chemically functionalized surface. The chemically functionalized surface may be included in a chamber that is defined at least partially in the monolithic substrate and that is coupled with the outlet of the channel. Methods of making and using such apparatus, and systems including such apparatus, are also disclosed.

Abstract: An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly comprises an outer housing and an inner housing defining a chamber. A biased urging member is held at least partially within the outer housing and slidably biased toward a surface of the inner housing. When the biased urging member is at least partially retracted, a space is defined between the urging member and the surface of the inner housing for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip. A continuous fluid flow path is defined through the outer housing and through the space. The interchangeable preconcentrator assembly may further comprise at least one modular preconcentrator carriage.

Abstract: Sensors, sensing systems and sensing methods of the invention provide for detection of peroxides, including for example, vapor-phase H2O2 and organic peroxides such as di-tert-butyl peroxide. A sensor and sensing method of the invention uses at least two phthalocyanines, one of which exhibits an oxidation reaction with peroxides and the other of which exhibits a reduction reaction with peroxides. A peroxide is readily identified by a sensor of the invention when one of the at least two phthalocyanines exhibits increased resistance to current flow and the other of the at least two phthalocyanines exhibits decreased resistance to current flow.

Abstract: A layered adaptive membrane structure that has movable membranes is provided. The structure can change its gas, liquid and/or particulate permeability in response to surrounding environmental conditions. Applications include protective apparel that is comfortable to wear wherein the level of protection provided is based on conditions in the environment. Hence, the protective apparel is highly breathable and comfortable in a non-hazardous environment but impermeable or only semipermeable in a hazardous environment.

Abstract: A multi-tier approach for use in a mailroom for detecting bio-threats conveyed by mail. In a first tier procedure, mail entering the mailroom is continuously automatically screened at a mail screening station to detect a potential bio-threat contamination. If a potential bio-threat is detected, an alarm signal is generated, a sample of the potential bio-threat is collected, and a second tier procedure is initiated. The second tier procedure uses a manual test, such as a nucleic acid amplification and detection assay to detect any of a plurality of different specific bio-threats in the sample. If a specific bio-threat is found, appropriate steps are taken to limit spread of the bio-threat and exposure of personnel. A third tier procedure uses a manual assay to check for a specific toxin in background samples collected over a predefined time interval at each mail screening station and in the air handling system for the mailroom.

Abstract: Disclosed is a measurement device with which it is possible to quickly measure the carbon dioxide content of an absorbent solution circulating through a carbon dioxide recovery system.

Abstract: Improved preconcentrators, particularly MEMs scale preconcentrators which possess a coating comprising polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIMs). There is further provided devices comprising the preconcentrator, and methods of preparation and use. There is particular benefit directed to the use of a MEMs scale heater coated with the PIMs for use in hand-held or field portable chemical detection devices. The polymer of intrinsic microporosity comprises a polymer, with a monomer repeat unit of Formula I wherein A is one or more optionally substituted aryl, heterocyclic, cycloalkyl or bicycloalkyl rings, ? is greater than 5, preferably 5 to 10000, and X may be selected from CH, CH2, O, S, N or NH.

Abstract: Described are CO sensors, methods for making the CO sensors, and methods for using the CO sensors. An exemplary CO sensor includes a ruthenium oxide present in a form having one or more surfaces, a pair of conductive electrodes operatively connected to a surface of the ruthenium oxide, and an electrical device operatively connected to the pair of conductive electrodes. The gas mixture contacts at least one surface of the ruthenium oxide during operation of the sensor and the electrical device applies a constant potential (or current) and measures a current (or potential) between the pair of conductive electrodes, from which a resistance can be derived as the gas mixture contacts at least one surface of the ruthenium oxide. The ruthenium oxide may have varying levels of hydration. Furthermore, the sensor operates at a temperature range of from about 25° C. to about 300° C.

Abstract: The disclosure provides sensor for gas sensing including CO2 gas sensors comprising a porous framework sensing area for binding an analyte gas.

Abstract: Methods and devices for detecting a concentration of one or more element in hydrocarbon and/or natural gas in a oil and gas field application. The device including a microstructure having a low thermal mass suspended within a channel, the microstructure includes a supporting layer and a insulating layer; a controllable thermal device in communication with the supporting layer of the microstructure, wherein the controllable thermal device is controllably heated to one or more release temperature of the one or more element; a sensing layer arranged on the insulating layer to absorb molecules of the one or more element from hydrocarbon and/or natural gas; a detecting and measuring resistance device in communication with the sensing layer for measuring the resistance changes caused by absorption of molecules of the one or more element onto the sensing layer at a first temperature and a second temperature, and storing the data on a processor.

Abstract: A calibration tool for use in combination with a photoluminescent oxygen-sensitive working probe and an analytical instrument capable of reading the working probe. The calibration tool is effective for achieving two-point calibration of the analytical instrument, and includes at least first and second solid state compositions having different sensitivities to oxygen. The first composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the working probe, embedded within an oxygen-permeable carrier matrix that is the same as that in the working probe. The second composition is an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye that is the same as that in the first composition, embedded within a carrier matrix that is different from that in the first composition. The oxygen sensitivity of the second composition is less than the oxygen sensitivity of the first composition.

Abstract: A gas sensor includes zinc oxide nano-structures formed on a substrate, a plurality of metal islands coated on a surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure and separated from one another, a first electrode electrically connected to one end of each zinc oxide nano-structure through the substrate, a second electrode electrically connected to the other end of each zinc oxide nano-structure, and a current variation-measuring unit electrically connected to each of the first electrode and the second electrode so as to measure a variation in the amount of current flowing between the first electrode and the second electrode. In order to form the plurality of metal islands on the zinc oxide nano-structures, a solution of metal components of a metal material is coated on the surface of each zinc oxide nano-structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing at least one analyte in a gas. The apparatus includes a thermoelectric sensor having a layer of at least one analyte interactant that increases or decreases in temperature and at least one thermopile having a first contact pad and a second contact pad, wherein the analyte contacts the interactant and produces or consumes heat, which is transmitted to the thermopile, produces a voltage difference and measures the analyte.

Abstract: A sorbent media protective device includes an enclosure having a gas inlet, gas outlet and a thin-film multilayer indicator. The thin-film multilayer indicator is proximate sorbent media that can sorb a vapor of interest flowing from the gas inlet towards the gas outlet. The indicator includes a porous detection layer whose optical thickness changes in the presence of the vapor, located between a semireflective layer and a reflective layer permeable to the vapor. With equilibration at the applied vapor concentration between at least a portion of the media and the vapor, the vapor can pass through the reflective layer into the detection layer and change the detection layer optical thickness sufficiently to cause a visibly discernible change in the indicator appearance if viewed through the semireflective layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for selectively detecting and/or measuring gaseous SO2 at a temperature of at least 500° C.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and apparatus for analyzing, sensing and measuring information related to the concentrations of various gases, including NOx, hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and oxygen, in a multi-component gas system using chemical sensors and chemical sensor arrays. The sensors and sensor arrays use chemo/electro-active materials to analyze and detect the presence of gases.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting exposure to at least one hazardous substance is provided. The apparatus includes a body having a plurality of openings, and an attachment mechanism coupled to the body. Each opening is sized to receive a cassette for detecting the presence or absence of at least one hazardous substance. The cassette can include a colorimetric sensor having a base layer fabricated from a hydrophobic film, a colorimetric coating for covering the hydrophobic film, and at least one hydrophobic membrane for controlling the exposure of the specific substance to the colorimetric coating.

Abstract: Described is a copolymer of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate which does not have any specificity to general organic solvents, can thus adsorb wide variety of the organic solvents, shows almost no desorption-adsorption hysteresis and therefore, is excellent in desorption characteristics. Also described is a method for the preparation of the copolymer; an adsorbent or a concentrating medium comprising the copolymer; a loop used in an injector for chromatography which is packed with the adsorbent or concentrating medium; a needle for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) which is packed with the adsorbent or concentrating medium; a kit for the preparation of a sample comprising the needle for SPME; a method for concentrating a sample; and a method for analyzing an analyte present in a sample.

Abstract: An improved detection reaction for benzene in gas analysis with a gas detector tube formed of a carrier material impregnated with gold(III) oxide in a display layer.

Abstract: The present invention has a hydrogen detection portion composed of a semiconductor and a hydrogen absorber provided at least a part of a surface thereof, and pairs of electrodes provided at the semiconductor so as to sandwich the place at which the hydrogen absorber is provided and so as not to be electrically connected to each other with the hydrogen absorber, wherein the presence of hydrogen can be detected by the change in resistance of the semiconductor in response to hydrogen absorption into the hydrogen absorber, the change in resistance being measured between said pairs of electrodes.

Abstract: A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which is produced by applying the molecular imprinting method is disclosed. A molecular recognition polymer enabling the reconstruction of the recognition field for a target molecule which has a molecule interacting with the target molecule in the polymer and in which the recognition field for a target molecule has been constructed and the above-described molecule interacting with the target molecule is detachable and replaceable. This molecular recognition polymer can be produced by synthesizing a complex of the target molecule with a molecule capable of specifically and reversibly binding to the target molecule, copolymerizing this complex with a molecule interacting with the target molecule and a crosslinking agent to give a polymer, and then detaching the target molecule and the molecule interacting with the target molecule from the polymer thus obtained.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for analyzing gases such as carbon dioxide, and includes passing a gas stream containing impurities into a gas adsorption means for a length of time at ambient or higher temperatures to adsorb the impurities therein, stopping the flow of the gas stream, and desorbing and analyzing the impurities using a detector.

Abstract: A concentration measuring apparatus for hydrogen sulfide includes an absorbing liquid that can absorb gaseous hydrogen sulfide as sulfide ion; a hollow fiber membrane contactor that contacts a gas flow with a flow of the absorbing liquid through a membrane, so that the absorbing liquid absorbs gaseous hydrogen sulfide in the gas flow as sulfide ion; a pump for a first channel that feeds the absorbing liquid to the hollow fiber membrane contactor; an oxidizer that exothermically reacts with sulfide ion; a pump for a second channel that feeds the oxidizer to the absorbing liquid; a first thermometer that measures a temperature of the absorbing liquid before the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer; and a second thermometer that measures the temperature of the absorbing liquid after the sulfide ion that the absorbing liquid has absorbed exothermically reacts with the oxidizer.

Abstract: A gas analyzer apparatus includes a device or platform for supporting a predetermined quantity of a reagent capable of reacting with a predetermined gas to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent, a reservoir adapted to retain the reagent, a dispenser for dispensing a controlled quantity of the reagent from the reservoir to a predetermined position on the device for supporting the predetermined quantity of the reagent, and a detector that detects the presence of the predetermined gas upon the predetermined gas and the controlled quantity of reagent reacting to cause a detectable change in a characteristic of the reagent detectable by the detector, the detector adapted to detect a change in the controlled quantity of the reagent by detecting the change in the characteristic through the predetermined quantity of the reagent.

Abstract: Methods, processes and compositions are provided for a visual or chemochromic hydrogen-detector with variable or tunable reversible color change. The working temperature range for the hydrogen detector is from minus 100° C. to plus 500° C. A hydrogen-sensitive pigment, including, but not limited to, oxides, hydroxides and polyoxo-compounds of tungsten, molybdenum, vanadium, chromium and combinations thereof, is combined with nano-sized metal activator particles and preferably, coated on a porous or woven substrate. In the presence of hydrogen, the composition rapidly changes its color from white or light-gray or light-tan to dark gray, navy-blue or black depending on the exposure time and hydrogen concentration in the medium. After hydrogen exposure ceases, the original color of the hydrogen-sensitive pigment is restored, and the visual hydrogen detector can be used repeatedly.

Abstract: A system for analyzing a sample includes a strip of material, a first filter for capturing a biological particulate including a nucleic acid, and at least one reagent. Each of the first filter and the reagent are disposed and extend longitudinally on the strip.

Abstract: A novel, resistance-based porous silicon sensor with Pd nano structures as the hydrogen sensing layer is presented. The sensor operates at room temperature. The hydrogen sensor of the present includes a p-Type Si substrate that is subjected to porous Si etching to form a nanoporous substrate. The substrate is then coated with a thin layer of Pd and annealed at 900 degrees C. This results in some Pd getting oxidized on porous Si and a thin PdO layer forms on the surface of the substrate. The sensor in accordance with the present invention exhibits an inverse relationship between increased hydrogen concentration versus resistance.

Abstract: A device having an air sampler, an electrospray apparatus, and a fluorescence excitation and detection system. The air sampler is capable of moving air suspected of containing a biological or chemical aerosol particle into a chamber. The electrospray apparatus is capable of spraying a charged solution into the chamber to coat the aerosol particles with a coating. The solution has a fluorescent-labeled biological or chemical marker capable of specific binding to the aerosol particle. The fluorescence system is capable of detecting fluorescence of the fluorescent label in the coating. A method of detecting the aerosol particle by: moving air suspected of containing the aerosol particle into a chamber; spraying the charged solution into the chamber with an electrospray apparatus, such that a coating of the solution is formed around the particle; exciting the fluorescent label; and detecting fluorescence of the fluorescent label.

Abstract: A method for detecting the onset of ovulation in a female mammal is provided. The method includes contacting mouth air of the female mammal with an arylmethane test chromogen in an amount effective to undergo a rapid and detectable color change in the presence of one or more volatile sulfur compounds. The color of the test chromogen is compared to a control color that corresponds to a pre-ovulatory sulfur content. The difference in color between the test chromogen and the control color is correlated to the onset of ovulation.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting and differentiating chemical analytes includes a microscale body having a first end and a second end and a surface between the ends for adsorbing a chemical analyte. The surface includes at least one conductive heating track for heating the chemical analyte and also a conductive response track, which is electrically isolated from the heating track, for producing a thermal response signal from the chemical analyte. The heating track is electrically connected with a voltage source and the response track is electrically connected with a signal recorder. The microscale body is restrained at the first end and the second end and is substantially isolated from its surroundings therebetween, thus having a bridge configuration.

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: The measurement is conducted by means of thermogravimetric scales (10) bearing at one end of the beam (20) a catalyst body (30) for catalysing a coking reaction of the tars present in the gas state. Precautions are taken in order to ensure homogeneity and regularity of the sampled gas flow and to guarantee predominant catalysis on the catalytic body (30), the weight increase of which gives the weight of the deposited coke and indirectly the content of tars present in the gas state in the gas to be measured. A calorimetric device (34) for analyzing gases from the coking of the tars provides a complementary and/or additional measurement. The solid tars are filtered beforehand, but their content may be measured by an auxiliary device. Possible application to analyzing gases from biomass.

Abstract: Provided is a chemical sensor that may include a first electrode on a substrate, a sensing member covering the first electrode on the substrate, and a plurality of second electrodes on a surface of the sensing member exposing the surface of the sensing member. The chemical sensor may be configured to measure the change in electrical characteristics when a compound to be sensed is adsorbed on the sensing member. Provided also is a chemical sensor array including an array of chemical sensors.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials as a filtration material pervious to nitrogen dioxide and impervious to ozone. The invention also relates to the use of carbon nanomaterials having a specific surface, measured by the BET method, of 15 to 40 m2/g inclusive and a form factor, equal to the ratio (highest dimension/lowest dimension) of the nanomaterial, of 5 to 250 inclusive, as material for filtering a gas mixture containing nitrogen dioxide and ozone, being pervious to the nitrogen dioxide and impervious to the ozone. The invention can be used in the field of air pollution.

Abstract: A resonant nanosensor apparatus associated with a functionalized monolayer for detecting carbon dioxide and a method of forming the same. A wafer including a sensing vibrating beam and a reference vibrating beam may be functionalized with a functional group in order to form a sensing self monolayer. The sensing self assembled monolayer may be configured by bridging oxygen or carbon atoms covalently bonded with respect to the vibrating beams. A liquid solution of hydrochloric acid may then be applied to the sensing self assembled monolayer at the surface of the reference beam by a direct printing process to obtain a reference monolayer. The liquid solution of HCl transforms the functional groups responsible for the carbon dioxide detection into protonated groups, which do not react with carbon dioxide, but possess visco-elastic properties similar to that of the sensing monolayer.

Abstract: Among other things, from a wireless device, a command is transmitted to wearable monitors within range of the wireless device to update their states to a non disinfected state of the hands of users of the wearable monitors.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for detecting the presence of both ozone and carbonyl-containing compounds in air samples. Method and device for detecting the presence of ozone and carbonyl-containing compounds in an air sample, the method comprising: (a) contacting an air sample with an ozone-reactive adsorbent wherein if ozone is present in the air sample, the ozone reacts with the ozone-reactive adsorbent to form an aldehyde product; (b) contacting the air sample from Step (a) further with a carbonyl-reactive adsorbent wherein if a carbonyl-containing compound is present in the air sample, the carbonyl-containing compound reacts with the carbonyl-reactive adsorbent to form a first hydrazone product; (c) eluting with a solvent from the carbonyl-reactive adsorbent into the ozone-reactive adsorbent, wherein any aldehyde product of step (a) forms a second hydrazone product; and (d) analyzing eluate from Step (c) for presence of hydrazone products formed in Step (b) and Step (c).

Abstract: A system and method for identifying and making quantitative determinations of different deposits on a portion thereof, determining that the deposit is a contaminant and decontaminating at least the portion of the system is disclosed. The system comprises a controller, a sensing portion and a decontamination portion. The controller contains information about at least one noncontaminant. The sensing portion communicates with at least the controller and the portion of the system and is adapted to detect the deposit. The decontaminating portion communicates with at least the controller and is adapted to decontaminate the portion of the system.

Abstract: Analyzers are described that contain a detector for detecting a signal from an analyte; a heater for heating a fluid; a fluid supplier for supplying the fluid heated by the heater to the detector; and a controller for controlling the detector, the heater, and the fluid supplier. Methods for analyzing analytes are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus, process, coating, and filter for the accurate measurement of total mercury concentration in flue gas. In one aspect, the concentrations of both elemental and oxidized mercury are preserved by the apparatus for analysis. Accordingly, embodiments of the present apparatus and process can be used to determine regulatory compliance or for process control measurement.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for collecting and analyzing analytes. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for collecting analyte. The system comprises a sampling section disposed on a collection platform and an air source that provides an analyte to be sorbed by the sampling section.

Abstract: Provided are mixed ligand metal nanoparticle chemical sensors in which metal nanoparticles are encapsulated by at least two kinds of different molecule ligands having a relatively low conductivity and various composition ratios, and a chemical sensor array in which a film of the metal nanoparticle sensor is formed on the substrate. The metal nanoparticle sensor using the mixed ligand improves sensitivity and reaction speed with respect to an analyte, and selectivity with respect to various analytes, and a kind and a composition of a ligand of the mixed ligand constituting the metal nanoparticle sensor are adjusted to allow the high sensitivity nanoparticle sensor to be applied to the sensor array technology, thereby enabling a design of sensor properties as well as systematic access to a configuration of the sensor array the most efficient for the analytes.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring and analyzing particles within a gas feed stream. In one aspect, the system includes a particle counter and a particle capture filter that are arranged in parallel. In another aspect, the system includes a purifying device to remove trace molecular impurities from a gas feed stream to reduce the presence of impurities.

Abstract: A parameter value estimator is provided for a process performed primarily to control emission of a particular non-particulate pollutant, such as NOx and SO2, into the air. The process has multiple process parameters (MPPs) including a parameter representing an amount of the particular non-particulate pollutant emitted. The parameter value estimator includes either a neural network process model or a non-neural network process model. In either case the model represents a relationship between one of the MPPs, other than the parameter representing the amount of the emitted particular non-particulate pollutant, and one or more other of the MPPs. Also included is a processor configured with the logic, e.g. programmed software, to estimate a value of the one MPP based on a value of each of the one or more other MPPs and the one model.