Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated. The screen can be positioned directly in front of the detector prior to heating to improve detection capability.

Abstract: There are provided an adsorption amount sensor which is capable of accurately detecting an amount of hydrocarbons or water adsorbed by a zeolite of a hydrocarbon adsorber, even during operation of an engine, as well as a coking sensor which is capable of accurately detecting an amount of coke deposition on inner surfaces of a pipe of an internal combustion engine, even during operation of an engine. The adsorption amount sensor has a plurality of electrodes arranged in the vicinity of the hydrocarbon adsorber in a manner opposed to each other and each carrying a zeolite thereon. The amount of hydrocarbons adsorbed is detected by using a parameter indicative of changes in at least one of a resistance value between the electrodes and an electrical capacitance between the electrodes. The coking sensor has a plurality of electrodes arranged within the pipe of the engine in a manner opposed to each other and each having a surface thereof coated with an insulating material.

Abstract: Disclosed are a closed heat-decomposing appliance comprising a heating section with one side closed and other side having common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring-mounted portion and a closed introducing section that allows to connect to this heating section and common ground portion, screw portion or O-ring via O-ring-mounted portion and has cock or valve as a mechanism for closing and introducing the absorbing liquid to absorb the testing components from outside after heat-decomposition, or has packing or septum to introduce the absorbing liquid with needle pipe as well, and a pretreatment method of sample using this appliance.

Abstract: Sensors and methods of monitoring for the presence of gas phase materials by detecting the formation of films based on the gas phase material are disclosed. Advantageously, some gas phase materials preferentially deposit on specific surfaces. As a result, selective detection of those gas phase materials can be obtained by detecting films deposited on those detection surfaces. Examples of gas phase materials that may be detected include RuO4, IrO4 and RhO4.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to embodiments of systems for measuring nitrate levels. The systems disclosed herein may include a sample inlet to permit introduction of a gas sample from which nitrate levels may be measured and a filter downstream from the sample inlet to trap particles. A first heating zone to volatilize the trapped particles may be coupled to the filter. Situated between the filter and the sample inlet may be a gas inlet to provide a secondary stream of gas to be passed over the trapped particles to minimize oxidation of low nitrogen containing compounds during heating. Downstream from the filter may be a second heating zone to heat a pathway adjacent to the filter to minimize particles depositing on internal surfaces of the pathway, and downstream from the second heating zone may be an analyzer to measure nitrate levels of the gas sample downstream from the filter. Also disclosed herein are methods for measuring nitrate levels.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hydrogen sensor including a thin film sensor element formed by metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) or physical vapor deposition (PVD), on a micro-hotplate structure. The thin film sensor element includes a film of a hydrogen-interactive metal film that reversibly interacts with hydrogen to provide a correspondingly altered response characteristic, such as optical transmissivity, electrical conductance, electrical resistance, electrical capacitance, magneto resistance, photoconductivity, etc., relative to the response characteristic of the film in the absence of hydrogen. The hydrogen-interactive metal film may be overcoated with a thin film hydrogen-permeable barrier layer to protect the hydrogen-interactive film from deleterious interaction with non-hydrogen species. The hydrogen permeable barrier may comprise species to scavenge oxygen and other like species.

Abstract: In a volumetric gas adsorption measuring method, an initial dead volume of the sample cell and an initial dead volume of a reference cell at the same time point are preliminarily determined. When the gas adsorption on the solid sample is to be measured, a change in the dead volume of the sample cell is calculated on the basis of an internal gas with the sample cell and reference cell immersed in a pressure of the reference cell measured at this time point cryogenic fluid temperature bath, the initial dead volume of the reference cell, and an initial gas pressure of the reference cell measured at a time point of the measurement of the initial dead volume of the reference cell. Then, the initial dead volume of the sample cell preliminarily measured is corrected on the basis of the change in the dead volume of the sample cell for the calculation of the amount of the gas adsorbed on the solid sample.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the instantaneous concentrations of a plurality of gas constituents of a gas, which contains a first zone in which the instantaneous concentration of oxygen is measured, a second zone in which the instantaneous concentration of NH3 is measured, and a third zone in which the instantaneous concentration of NO is measured.

Abstract: A method and device for determining the concentration of analytes in a sample. The device has a surface with an extraction coating thereon. The method is carried out while the sample is highly agitated to maintain a substantially constant boundary layer. The sample is brought into contact with the coating for a limited time so that all the analytes that pass through the boundary layer are adsorbed by the coating. The amount of analytes in the coating is determined and the concentration of those same analytes in the sample is then calculated from the diffusion coefficient of the analytes. The device is first calibrated using analytes of known concentration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for detecting mercury in a sample solution, the mercury being contained in the sample solution in cationic form and as an organic compound, by means of a detection device comprising an atomic spectroscope provided with a measuring cell which is suitable for detecting mercury gas, a noble-metal concentrator for concentrating the mercury and a control unit, the mercury being converted into the gas phase and being adapted to be concentrated by means of the noble-metal concentrator. The method according to the present invention is characterized in that the control unit controls the supply of the mercury gas to the measuring cell in such a way that, in addition to the measurement of the concentrated mercury, mercury gas of the same sample, which has not been subjected to the concentration step, is introduced in the measuring cell for the purpose of measurement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring the quantity of hydrogen in a hydrogen storage vessel of a hydrogen fuel cell using the Pressure, Composition, Temperature (PCT) relationship of the storage media is disclosed. The method of measuring the quantity of hydrogen involves, measuring the temperature 310 of the hydrogen storage media at one or more points on the hydrogen storage vessel 300, measuring the mechanical strain 320 at one or more points on the hydrogen storage vessel, computing the pressure 330 inside the vessel based on the strain measurements, referring to a lookup table 340 or an equation representing the discharge PCT curve for the particular composition of the hydrogen storage media at the measured temperature and computing the hydrogen concentration at the measured pressure.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the titration and circulation of gases to determine metal hydride storing properties, with improved response time, greater dynamic range in terms of the usable amount of powder and the maximum pressure accessible and increased sensitivity. The invention also concerns a circulating apparatus considerably reducing the time for analysing and determining the properties of absorbent and adsorbent materials during a large number of adsorption-desorption cycles. Both sets of apparatus are provided with a reference tube inside their oven, near the sample-holder. Said sample-holder tube and reference tube are connected on either side of the differential pressure sensor, thereby considerably enhancing the overall performance of the titration system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and a device for the determination of the transfer of a sample substance in the production of biopolymer fields or biopolymer arrays onto the surface (4) of a specimen slide (3). The surface (4) of a specimen slide (3) comprises a conductive material (14) whose electrical connection to the feed device (1) via the sample liquid (12) serves as acknowledgement signal (8).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for detecting the catalytic activity of solid materials, in which process one or more starting materials are brought to reaction in the presence of the solid materials, characterized in that the solid materials are present, spatially separated from one another, on a support, in that the starting materials are brought into contact with the solid materials and in that the resultant product or products are analyzed by a mass spectrometer, with resolution of location regarding the solid materials on the support. The advantages of the process according to the invention are essentially that a rapid serial or parallel detection of the catalytic activity of solid materials under identical conditions is now possible.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a method and apparatus for sensing nitroaromatics. The subject invention can utilize luminescent, for example fluorescent and/or electroluminescent, aryl substituted polyacetylenes and/or other substituted polyacetylenes which are luminescent for sensing nitroaromatics. In a specific embodiment, the subject invention can utilize thin films of flourescent and/or electroluminescent aryl substituted polyacetylenes and/or other substituted polyacetylenes which are fluorescent and/or electroluminescent. In a specific embodiment, the fluorescence from thin films of flourescent, substituted polyacetylene, such as—poly-[1-phenyl-2-(4-trimethylsilylphenyl)ethyne] (PTMSDPA) is strongly quenched by the vapors of a variety of nitroaromatic compounds present at levels ranging from parts-per-million to parts-per-billion in air.

Abstract: A method for preparing tungsten trioxide precursor and a hydrogen sulfide gas sensor made thereof. The method includes dissolving a soluble tungsten compound in a solvent to form a solution; and adding thickener to the solution to adjust the viscosity thereof. In the above method, the viscosity of the produced tungsten trioxide precursor is adjusted so that it can be coated onto a substrate by spin or screen coating. The substrate is then thermal processed to decompose the organic component to obtain tungsten trioxide. A conventional method is then applied to fabricate a hydrogen sulfide gas sensor.

Abstract: The presence of carcinogens in air, soils, and other areas is detected by combining liquid-assisted air sampling with means for testing liquid samples for mutagenicity. Hazardous or illicit substances or pathogens which may be buried in the ground or otherwise concealed or present in contaminated food at various stages of food processing are detected using a two-line probe such that one of the lines directs exhaust air from the sampler onto suspect surfaces so as to dislodge and blow off droplets, particles or insects therefrom while the other line draws some of them into the sampler. Variants of said two-line probe can also serve to collect lead, hexavalent chromium or other harmful substances and bacterial, fungal or viral pathogens from crumbling walls or floors. Liquid-assisted air sampling can also serve to capture disease-transmitting insects and detect and identify insect-borne pathogens.

Abstract: A method of forming a catalyst body by forming a first layer of hemispherical grain polysilicon over a substrate, and oxidizing at least a portion of the first layer to form a second layer of silica. Additionally, forming a third layer of nitride material over the second layer, and forming a catalyst material over the nitride layer, can be performed before annealing to form a catalyst body.

Abstract: A method and a device are described for producing and/or screening composite arrangements, especially of layer [laminated; coated] composite arrangements, with respect to one desired property, a plurality of composite arrangements (16a, 16b, . . . , 26a, 26b, . . . ) being produced in continuous form, in that on a substrate (10, 20) at at least two defined points (11a, and 11b, . . . , 21a, 21b, . . . ) at least one educt is applied in each case for at least two different materials and the latter are synchronously subjected to the same reaction conditions for the formation of the materials. In this context, one material along with one point (11a, the 11b, . . . , 21a, 21b, . . . ) of the substrate constitutes one composite arrangement (16a, 16b, . . . , 26a, 26b, . . . ). A change in one property of each composite arrangement (16a, 16b, . . . 26a, 26b, . . . ) is determined under the influence of an external stimulus, and the composite arrangement (16a, 16b, . . . , 26a, 26b, . . .

Abstract: An airborne contaminant indicating device adapted for attachment to a person's nose for indicating the presence of a contaminant entrained in an air stream passing through the nose. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is a clip with a proximal “UU” shaped dilating portion adapted to be inserted within the nostrils; the “U's” being connected to one another medially by an elastically deformable extension portion, the extension portion being two straight parallel strips, one end of the strips being integral with the dilating portion and the opposing end of the strip integral with an arcuate septum attachment portion. The septum attachment portion spaces the distal ends of the strips of the extension portion so that the strips straddle and gently squeeze the nasal septum. The device has a contaminant-interactive coated surface in contact with a portion of the air passing through the nose. The design of the embodiment provides maximum air flow through the nostrils.

Abstract: An airtight configuration for keeping down the permeation of corrosive gas from silicone adhesive, and for preventing corrosive gas from entering the case.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon sensor and collector. An element that is capable of absorbing and releasing hydrocarbons is positioned in the air intake system of a vehicle, upstream from the engine and wholly in the airflow. The element has a plurality of chambers defined in it that allow air to pass through the element. The hydrocarbon sensor and collector also includes a means for detecting the level of hydrocarbons absorbed by the element.

Abstract: A collector is provided which is capable of simultaneously capturing and collecting particulate and gaseous chlorinated organic compounds contained in a fluid. The collector 3 includes a housing 6 and a captor 7 disposed within the housing 6. The captor 7 includes a tubular porous core member 7a of a sintered glass having one end closed with a close member 7c, and a gas-permeable sheet 7b fitted around the core member 7a. The gas-permeable sheet 7b is, for example, a paper-like sheet having a fibrous activated carbon and inorganic fibers. The particulate and gaseous chlorinated organic compounds contained in a gas sample flowing into the captor through a sampling tube 2 are simultaneously collected and removed from the gas sample by the core member 7a and the gas-permeable sheet 7b, and the gas sample free from the chlorinated organic compounds is then discharged from an outlet port 6b.

Abstract: In a catalytic sensor, a bead is located within a can having an aperture in its front surface. The bead is surrounded by thermally insulating material such as glass fiber and a filter material is arranged between the bead and the aperture in the can. This acts to remove H2S or other inhibiting gases before they reach the bead and impair its performance. The thermally insulating material allows the filter material to be included whilst still permitting the bead to be operated at a high temperature.

Abstract: A QCM sensor including a sensor device, the sensor device having a crystal substrate, on both of front and rear surfaces of which a pair of electrodes are disposed so as to oppose with each other and the QCM sensor detecting and quantitatively analyzing components of a sample from either a variation in a fundamental resonant frequency or a variation in an impedance when a surface of one of the pair of electrodes is immersed into either a sample gas or a sample solution. The sensor device is arranged in a multi-channel structure such that four mutually opposing electrodes (11A through 14A, 12B through 14B) are disposed on both front and rear surfaces of the crystal substrate 10, each electrode being arranged to enable a fixation of a receptor which is different for each component of a sample to be detected and quantitatively analyzed, whereby the QCM sensor detects and quantitatively analyzes once the components of one sample different for different electrodes.

Abstract: A portable instrument for automatic collection and analysis of airborne lead concentrations in ambient air environments. Its improvements to the art of airborne lead detection and analysis permit the apparatus to analyze samples previously collected by personal monitors, for example, worn on the clothing of personnel working in contaminated sites. The apparatus also brings to the art of lead analysis a method of contaminant collection that ensures a greater capture efficiency of airborne contaminants, thereby increasing the accuracy of the instrument and its measurement capabilities while providing near real-time analysis and measurement in a portable self-contained battery-powered device. The apparatus also offers a remarkable improvement in the reduction of wastes incurred in the collection and analysis of airborne lead contaminants which is a novel method of concentrating the samples and recycling the analysis media used to concentrate and solubilize lead contaminants.

Abstract: A humidity sensor 10 with high assembling properties and environmental resistance comprises a detecting element 14 having electrodes 14a and 14b formed on a base, conducting wires 12 and 13 connected individually to the electrodes by means of resin conductors formed of an organic high-molecular resin having an electrically conductive material dispersed therein, and a holding member 11 of an organic high-molecular resin for holding the detecting element and the conducting wires. The holding member has a connecting aperture 11c through which junctions between the electrodes and the conducting wires are exposed.

Abstract: Process for the detection of a product in the discharge of a catalytic material of a plurality of catalytic materials which are exposed to a reaction gas, whereby an adsorbent selective for the product to be determined is disposed in the discharge of each catalytic material, which changes at least one of its properties through the contact with the product to be determined and the change in the property of the adsorbent is then ascertained. The process serves in particular to determine the selectivity and activity of catalytic materials.

Abstract: Sensor arrays, methods, and systems for detecting the presence of gas phase materials by the formation of films based on the gas phase material are disclosed. The gas phase materials preferentially deposit conductive films on receptor materials that can be detected. The invention may also provide for increased sensitivity to the deposition of conductive materials through the use of closely spaced conductive electrodes interconnected by lines of receptor material. Examples of gas phase materials that may be detected include RuO4, IrO4 and RhO4.

Abstract: A measuring transformer for detecting hydrocarbons in gaseous media with two resistive oxygen sensors whose electrical resistance is essentially independent of temperature with one of the two resistive oxygen sensors being catalytically activated for reducing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sensing chemical and/or biological analytes includes a deflectable arm of a microcantilever formed over and contacting a sensing element. A gaseous or liquid medium which may include the analyte being detected, is introduced to the sensing element. The sensing element undergoes volumetric expansion or contraction in the presence of the analyte sought to be detected, typically by adsorbing the analyte. The volumetric change of the sensing element causes the deflectable arm to deflect. The deflectable arm includes at least one measurable physical property which changes when the arm deflects. Detecting means are provided to measure the change in the physical property to determine the presence and amount of analyte present. An array of microcantilevers in which each microcantilever is dedicated to detecting a particular analyte which may be included in the medium, is also provided.

Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated.

Abstract: A method for calculating dew point comprises providing a signal representative of relative humidity of the ambient; calculating a temperature signal representative of a predetermined dew point; providing a signal representative of actual temperature of the ambient; determining the difference between the signal representative of actual temperature and the calculated temperature signal to provide a differential temperature; using the relative humidity signal, calculating the rate at which dew point changes as a function of temperature; and calculating dew point by multiplying the differential temperature by the calculated rate at which dew point changes as a function of temperature. An apparatus for calculating dew point includes digital or analog circuitry for performing similar calculations.

Abstract: Chemical reactions are monitored by a cantilever sensing arrangement in which the reaction is transduced into mechanical responses that may be detected with a high degree of sensitivity. Projecting fingers interdigitate and, based on the extent of reaction, bend in a manner that may be detected optically.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for testing an aqueous or gaseous environment for the presence of at least one chemical is provided in order to determine the toxicity of the chemical and optionally, the quantity and identity of the chemical.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein relate to the measurement of nitrate levels in a sample of gas, for example, air, exhaust, or other sources of gas. Moreover, the systems and methods described herein are capable of operating using short sample collection periods, permitting rapid data collection and finely time-resolved nitrate monitoring over a span of time. Additionally, ambient nitrate can effectively be distinguished from other airborne particles, such as sulfate and carbon.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for detecting and measuring volatile acidic or basic components including ammonia, ammonium, or volatile amines (compound) in a gas or liquid state fluid. Specifically, the present invention provides a PTFE-carrier solid phase indicator film having an ammonia-sensitive indicator dye embedded therein, such that the dye moiety changes color or spectral properties upon exposure to the compound to be detected.

Abstract: A sensor assembly can detect at least one target material in an environment. The sensor assembly comprises at least one sensor and an amorphous fluoropolymer material coating disposed on a surface of the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A plasma arcing sensor is used to increase the frequency of plasma arcing by way of neutralization of positive charges and negative charges. When the plasma arcing can be predicted, the process parameters to prevent from the plasma arcing can be carried out. The plasma arcing sensor comprises a top conductive layer formed over a substrate. A conductive layer is disposed between the top conductive layer and the wafer where the conductive layer and the top conductive layer are electrically isolated with dielectrics.

Abstract: A trace-level gas analysis apparatus having a diffusion scrubber 11 that captures atmospheric gas components and a sampling tube 10 that guides air into the diffusion scrubber 11 is provided with the cleaning means 2 for cleaning the diffusion scrubber 11 and the sampling tube 10, using a cleaning fluid 22.

Abstract: A sample gas is introduced into a collecting pipe filled with a collecting agent to collect odor components therein, and a gas, such as nitrogen gas, is introduced into the collecting pipe to remove moisture and so on. Then, a heater is heated to raise a temperature of the collecting pipe so that a part of the odor components adsorbed by the collecting agent is separated therefrom, and then, a carrier gas is supplied to the collecting pipe to send the separated odor components to a sensor. After a predetermined time has passed, the heater is further heated to send the separated odor components to the sensor. The heater may be further increased. Thus, an output information of the gas sensor in one cycle of measurement can be increased.

Abstract: Methods and devices for rapidly analyzing groups of reactions are disclosed. The method includes the steps of contacting a fluid sample from one of the reaction mixtures with a sorbent, trapping at least one component of the fluid sample on the sorbent, and detecting the at least one component of the fluid sample trapped on the sorbent. The contacting step, the trapping step, and the detecting step are carried out at least once for each of the reaction mixtures in rapid serial or parallel fashion. The present invention is useful for screening combinatorial libraries, especially libraries of catalysts made through parallel synthesis, but the disclosed methods and devices can be used to analyze a broad spectrum of chemical transformations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a simple thermal desorption gas introduction interface for sample introduction of volatile analytes into an atomic spectroscopic detector. An injector is connected to the atomic spectroscopic detector via a first port. The injector further comprises a sealed second port for inserting the volatile analyte bound to an extraction phase. A heating block surrounding the injector heats the injector to a predetermined temperature and keeps it substantially at the predetermined temperature. A carrier gas flow of inert gas is provided into the injector through a third port of the injector located in proximity to the second port. An auxiliary gas flow of inert gas is provided via forth port located between the third port and the atomic spectroscopic detector. The volatile analyte bound to an extraction phase is inserted into the injector, wherein the extraction phase is inserted through the seal of the second port for sealed exposure within the injector.

Abstract: A combination of a semi-soluble methacrylic polymer and a sulfonated naphthalene condensation product, optionally with a semi-soluble or insoluble ethyl methacrylate polymer of high molecular weight, provides improved resistance to staining by acid colorants of fibrous polyamide substrate.

Abstract: RD-2ems and methods are disclosed for evaluation of small amounts of materials of interest for their resistance to exposure to environmental parameters such as chemicals. The invention also enables analysis of multiple samples simultaneously. Embodiments of the invention include the use of acoustic-wave devices for evaluation of chemical resistance of materials to a chemical, where the materials are deposited on the acoustic-wave devices or are resident in a volume of the chemical used for the material evaluation.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting the presence of gas and methods for use. The sensor has a low sensitivity to relative humidity and high sensitivity to the presence of gases such as carbon monoxide. The sensor is comprised of ternary oxides of the formula Cr2−x(M1zM21−z)xO3 with M1=Fe or Mn, M2=Fe, Mn, or Al, 0.005≦x≦1.95, 0.005≦z≦0.995; ternary oxides of the formula Cr2−x(M1zM21−z)xO3 with M1=Fe or Mn, M2=Ti, 0.005≦x≦1.95, 0.005≦z≦0.45; or quaternary and quinternary oxides of the formula Cr2−x((M1aM2bM3c)zM41−z)xO3 with M1=Fe, M2=Mn, M3=Al, and M4=Ti, 0≦a,b,c≦1, 0.005≦x≦1.95, and 0.005≦z≦0.45.

Abstract: Detection of an evolving or diffusing gaseous substance emanating from an irradiated or thermolyzed layer of polymeric composition in semiconductor processing or similar processes is disclosed. The evolving or diffusing gaseous substance is detected by spatially disposing from the irradiated or thermolyzed layer a detector layer that includes a compound having leaving groups that are sensitive to the gaseous substance being detected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for collecting a sample gaseous mercury, to differentiate between different gaseous mercury components. A quartz denuder module is provided having a coated extended surface for adsorbing reactive gaseous mercury. After collection of a sample, the coating it is heated to desorb the mercury as elemental gaseous mercury, which can then be detected and measured in conventional analyzer. During the sampling phase, as reactive gaseous mercury is removed from the sample flow in the denuder, the sample can then be passed to the analyzer for detection of elemental gaseous mercury. Where particulate mercury may be present, a filter trap can be provided downstream from the denuder. Separate steps can be provided for heating and pyrolysis of particulate mercury, for separate measurement in the analyzer. The pump module can be configured to a past the gas sample through scrubbers, to generate zero air as a flushing gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a trace substance capable of automatic analysis of a trace substance in a short time with high accuracy is provided. This apparatus comprises (a) samplers for making samples each containing a desired substance at different sampling points, (b) concentrators for concentrating the substance contained in the samples to thereby produce concentrated samples, (c) a quantitative analyzer for analyzing quantitatively the substance contained in the concentrated samples, and (d) a controller for controlling the samplers, the concentrators and the analyzer to cause automatically operations of the samplers, the concentrators, and the analyzer repeatedly at specific intervals of time. Each of the concentrators receives alternatively the samples from at least two of the samplers. The analyzer receives alternatively the concentrated samples from the concentrators.

Abstract: A method for identifying a microorganism is described that includes abstracting gas or vapor associated with the microorganism from a detection region and flowing the same over an array of sensors of which an electrical property varies according to exposure to gases or vapors and observing the response of the sensors. An apparatus for detecting a microorganism is also disclosed having a detector means for detecting a gas or vapor associated with the microorganism which includes an array of sensors of which an electrical property varies according to exposure to the gases or vapors.