Abstract: A method for determining the temperature of a measurement sensor for determining an oxygen concentration in gas mixtures, in particular in exhaust gases of internal combustion engines, wherein a detection voltage which corresponds to the oxygen concentration and is provided by a Nernst measuring cell is evaluated, and the measurement sensor is regulated to an operating temperature using a heating device, is characterized in that the internal resistance of the Nernst measuring cell is determined in a first temperature range and is used to infer the temperature of the Nernst measuring cell, and in that the internal resistance of the heating device is determined in a second temperature range and is used to infer the temperature of the Nernst measuring cell.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a composition having: a polymer having a carbosilane or siloxane backbone and pendant hydrogen-bond acidic groups; and a filler material having polar groups. The polymer is not covalently bound to the filler material.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas sensor and/or switch fabricated from arrays nanowires composed of metal or metal alloys that have stable metal hydride phases. The sensor and/or switch response times make it quite suitable for measuring the concentration of hydrogen in a flowing gas stream. The sensor and/or switch preferably operates by measuring the resistance of several metal nanowires arrayed in parallel in the presence of hydrogen gas. The nanowires preferably comprise gaps or break junctions that can function as a switch that closes in the presence of hydrogen gas. Consequently, the conductivity of the nanowires of the sensor and/or switch increases in the presence of hydrogen.

Abstract: A distributed analysis system may include at least one analysis instrument for generating sample data from a sample at a local site. A storage device may hold a library of calibration models at a site remote from the local site). A data processor, which may be integral with or separate from the analysis instrument, may determine a trait of the sample using a calibration model selected from the library and the sample data. The data processor may be located at the local site and may be connectable to the storage device via a telecommunications link. The data processor may temporarily retain the selected calibration model received via the telecommunications link.

Abstract: A gas analyzing system is disclosed, the system including a gas analyzer and a reduced pressure chamber in which interior the gas analyzer is arranged, the reduced pressure chamber having an inlet configuration for a gas mixture inflow and an outlet configuration for a gas mixture outflow, wherein the outlet configuration during operation is connected to a pump system to facilitate the gas mixture outflow, the outlet configuration having a channel section and a flow section, the flow section having a cross-sectional area that is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the channel section.

Abstract: A sterilization system that includes a sensor for determining the concentration of a liquid sterilant in a sterilant fluid. The sterilant fluid is comprised of a blend of sterilant fluids from a plurality of sterilant supplies. The concentration of the liquid sterilant differs in each of the sterilant supplies. The sensor allows a controllable concentration of liquid sterilant to be supplied to a vaporizer.

Abstract: Highly sensitive devices for detecting nitric oxide and/or other gaseous analytes in gaseous samples are improved by the incorporation of a carbon monoxide scavenger in the interior of the device or in the device packaging. The release of carbon monoxide within the housing of the device by the plastic used in the construction of the housing or by anything within the device that releases carbon monoxide causes a loss in sensitivity due to competition between the carbon monoxide and the nitric oxide for the binding sites on the device sensor. The scavenger corrects this by either catalyzing the oxidation of carbon monoxide to the less competitive carbon dioxide or immobilizing the carbon monoxide by affinity-type or covalent binding. Analogous effects are achieved for analytes other than nitric oxide but that likewise encounter interference from carbon monoxide in binding to sensors.

Abstract: A Computer Vision Chemical Detector has been developed that uses invertebrate organisms trained to respond to targeted chemical odors.

Abstract: One embodiment relates to a method for determining a concentration of a molecular species of interest. In this method, electromagnetic radiation is transmitted into a volume of gas within an output exhaust system. The transmitted electromagnetic radiation has a first intensity at a characteristic frequency that is associated with a transition of the molecular species of interest. Electromagnetic radiation is then received from the volume of gas at a second intensity. The method then correlates the first intensity to the second intensity to determine the concentration of the molecular species of interest within the volume of gas. Other methods and systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A breath alcohol-measuring device for breathing gas sampling has a mouthpiece (2), for receiving the exhaled breathing air (1) of a test subject, provided with a first flow diaphragm (3). A first pressure sensor (6) is connected to the mouthpiece via a first gas line upstream of the flow diaphragm (3). An alcohol sensor (4) is connected to the mouthpiece (2) via an inlet channel downstream of the flow diaphragm (3) and to a sampling system (5) for a breathing gas sample from the breathing air (1) via a second gas line. The second gas line between the alcohol sensor (4) and the sampling system (5) has a second flow restriction (diaphragm 7) and is connected to a second pressure sensor (9). An evaluating and control unit (8) receives the measured signals of the pressure sensors (6, 9) and of the alcohol sensor (4) and actuates the sampling system (5).

Abstract: A system and method for measuring an agent in an environment is disclosed. The method includes providing a substrate, coating the substrate with noble metallic nanoparticles, exposing the coated substrate to the environment, and determining the existence of the agent from variation in the hybrid plasmon extinction peak of the metallic nanoparticles.

Abstract: A gas sensor for determining a physical characteristic of a measurement gas, in particular its temperature or the concentration of a gas component in a gas mixture, having a sensor element that has end segments at the side of the measurement gas and at the side of the connection, a sheath that surrounds the sensor element with a radial distance and that has a protective tube, a housing, and a holding cap, and a sealing element that seals the sensor element against the sheath and that is situated on the sensor element between the measurement gas-side end segment and the connection-side end segment of the sensor element.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve body having an inlet port and an outlet port, the valve body also having a valve chamber extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, a pair of seals each being located on opposing ends of the valve chamber; and a reciprocating piston extending into the valve chamber and movable between a closed position extending through the pair of seals and an open position extending only through one of the pair of seals, wherein the inlet port is fluidly connected with the outlet port when the piston is in the open position. A method of using the valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus is described for measurement of the dew point, and thus the vapor pressure of various gases and gas mixtures. In this method an optical element which is exposed to a gas atmosphere is cooled while its temperature is being monitored. At the same time an optical signal is sent through the back of the optical element. The optical signal goes through internal reflections. As soon as dew forms on the surface of the element, the optical signal will exhibit selective absorption due to the interaction of the evanescent tail of the optical signal and based on the chemical nature of the condensate. This invention can also be used to characterize condensable content of gas mixtures. The method allows for the spectral characterization and determination of the condensed vapor. It offers several advantages over existing methods.

Abstract: A system and method for sensing and reporting atmospheric analyte levels in a workspace. The system includes (i) a remotely located gas analyte sensor, (ii) a tube attached to the sensor and defining a lumen through which the sensor is placed in fluid communication with a workspace, and (iii) a fan in sealed fluid communication with the lumen of the tube for continuously moving gaseous content from the workspace through the lumen and into operative engagement with the sensor. The method includes the steps of (a) placing the distal end of the tube within a workspace, (b) activating the fan so as to continuously move gaseous content from the workspace through the tube and into operative engagement with the sensor, and (c) sensing and reporting analyte levels in the workspace with the sensor.

Abstract: An oxygen analyzer system includes first and second internally calibrated sensors each for detecting oxygen levels, and a processing subsystem responsive to the sensors. The processor is configured to calibrate the first sensor while the second sensor detects oxygen levels, and to calibrate the second sensor while the first sensor detects oxygen levels. The processor is further configured to compare the oxygen level detected by the first internally calibrated oxygen sensor and the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor, to output an error signal if the oxygen levels detected by the first internally calibrated sensor differ from the oxygen level detected by the second internally calibrated oxygen sensor by a predetermined amount, and to output the oxygen level detected by either the first or second internally calibrated oxygen sensor if the oxygen levels detected thereby do not differ by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Airborne particles are impacted on a collection surface, analyzed, and then the collection surface is regenerated. Thus, the same collection surface can be used in numerous cycles. The analysis can be focused on one or more properties of interest, such as the concentration of airborne biologicals. Sensors based on regenerative collection surfaces may be incorporated in many networks for applications such as building automation.

Abstract: Highly sensitive sensor platforms for the detection of specific reagents, such as chromate, gasoline and biological species, using microcantilevers and other microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) whose surfaces have been modified with photochemically attached organic monolayers, such as self-assembled monolayers (SAM), or gold-thiol surface linkage are taught. The microcantilever sensors use photochemical hydrosilylation to modify silicon surfaces and gold-thiol chemistry to modify metallic surfaces thereby enabling individual microcantilevers in multicantilever array chips to be modified separately. Terminal vinyl substituted hydrocarbons with a variety of molecular recognition sites can be attached to the surface of silicon via the photochemical hydrosilylation process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas permeable membrane for the optical measurement of the partial pressure and/or the concentration of a gas species, the membrane comprises a porous light-transmissible membrane matrix containing a metal oxide wherein the membrane matrix is at least partially charged with at least one gas-selective compound whose optical characteristics change upon an interaction with a corresponding gas species. The average pore diameter of the pores of the membrane matrix ranges from 1 to 50 nanometers, the total pore volume from 1 to 30 mL/m2 and the metal oxide is pseudo-boehmite with the general formula AI2O3·n*H2O, wherein n ranges from 1 to 1.5, or an alumina oligomer. Further, the invention relates to the use of the membrane for the measurement of the presence, the partial pressure and/or the concentration of a gas, for example in cultivation flasks and bags, in gas atmospheres, incubators, medical devices, solutions, vapors and exhaust gases.

Abstract: A gas sensor disposed on a wall of a gas passage, the gas sensor including: a gas detector detecting a target gas contained in the gas flowing in the gas passage; a detector which houses therein the gas detector and has a gas chamber into which the gas is introduced; and a cutoff valve controlling the introducing of the gas into the gas chamber from the gas passage.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are detectable refrigerant compositions, comprising from about 0.001 to about 5 weight percent tracer compositions, which are useful to identify leaking in a vapor compression refrigeration and/or air conditioning system. The presence of the tracers make the refrigerant compositions detectable by chemo/electro-active array, corona discharge, heated diode, electrochemical, photoionization, infrared, ultrasonic and electron capture detectors.

Abstract: A device for reproducing information on a vehicle is provided, wherein a portable transponder unit is part of a keyless access and/or travel authorization system, transmitting a code to a control device, which is arranged in the vehicle, via a transceiver. A display, gas sensor and analysis device are located in the transponder device, the analysis device controlling the display so as to output a warning signal if the measured concentration of gas exceeds a critical threshold.

Abstract: A gas sensor is disclosed as having a gas sensor element, supported with a cylindrical housing, which is covered with an atmosphere-side cover fixedly secured to the cylindrical housing. The atmosphere-side cover fixedly supports a seal member having a ventilation bore and a plurality of lead wire inserting bores formed around the ventilation bore. A filter member is fusion bonded to the seal member in a fusion-bonded area at temperatures above 300° C. The fusion-bonded area is formed in an entire circumference in gastight effect at an area outside an outer periphery of the ventilation bore and has no clearance, wherein suppose that the ventilation bore has an opening surface area A at the end face of the seal member and a region surrounded with the fusion-bonded area has a surface area B, the relationship is established as A<B?9A.

Abstract: A water-repellent filter member formed from a resin sheet of a porous, fibrous structure having air permeability and water repellency; a waterproof instrument and gas sensor having air permeability; and a method of manufacturing the same. A water-repellent filter member (19) is formed from a resin sheet (54) of a porous, fibrous structure having air permeability and water repellency by subjecting the resin sheet to forming work, and includes an axially extending tubular side wall portion (19s) and a bottom wall portion closing one end of the tubular side wall portion. At least a portion of the bottom wall portion (19t) retains the porous, fibrous structure of the resin sheet and thereby has air permeability.

Abstract: A sensor comprising a sensor element, a metallic housing holding therewithin the sensor element, an inner tubular member fixed to an axially rearward end of the metallic housing, and an outer tubular member radially surrounding the inner tubular member and having a radially inward crimping section for contact with an outer surface of the inner tubular member, wherein an axially forward end of the crimping section is disposed axially apart from an axially forward end of the outer tubular member by a distance of 1.5 mm or less.

Abstract: A gas sensor and a related method operating are disclosed as having a concentration sensing element for detecting a concentration of a specified gas component in the measuring gases. A housing supports the concentration sensing element and a cover body structure, which includes an inner shell and an outer shell for surrounding a leading end portion of the concentration sensing element in an area exposed to a measuring gas flow passage. An annular sideways clearance is defined between the inner shell and the outer shell. The inner shell has a sidewall whose upper area is formed with inner-shell sidewall openings and a bottom wall formed with an inner-shell bottom wall opening. The outer shell has a sidewall formed with outer-shell sidewall openings and a bottom wall having outer-shell bottom wall openings formed in an outer circumferential area radially outside the inner-shell bottom wall opening.

Abstract: Sidestream gas sampling assembly that does not substantially degrade the waveform of expired gases. The gas sampling assembly includes a sample cell portion integrated with a filter portion for separating undesired liquid condensate from respiratory gases to be monitored. The gas sampling assembly is configured to receive expired gases through a gas sampling line, filter undesired liquid condensate from the expired gases through hydrophobic fiber elements and communicate the filtered gases to a sample chamber which is in close proximity to the filter where measurements may be taken thereof e.g., optical or infrared sensing mechanisms. The gases that are substantially free of liquid condensate are then exhausted from the sample chamber.

Abstract: A detecting and measuring device includes a base member, a circuit board secured on the base member, and a covering member secured on the base member to cover the circuit board; the circuit board has a detecting and measuring component fitted on a middle portion thereof; the detecting and measuring component is easily replaceable, and it is used to detect and measure oxygen concentration and other data; a power supply and a wireless communication module are connected to the detecting and measuring component; in use, the detecting and measuring component will continue detecting and measuring oxygen concentration and other data in the surroundings, and the wireless communication module will continue transferring the data obtained through the detecting and measuring component so that a person can receive the data by means of internet in other places or with a wireless communication device such as a cellular phone at a distance away.

Abstract: An anti-corrosion structure of a gas sensor is provided. The gas sensor includes a hollow cylindrical air cover assembly made up of an inner and an outer cover. The air cover assembly has formed therein air inlets through which air is admitted into the gas sensor. The inner and outer covers are joined together through at least one crimped portion which defines a water drain path extending from the air inlets to outside the air cover assembly, thereby draining the water entering at the air inlets out of the gas sensor. This avoids accumulation of the water between the inner and outer covers to minimize gap corrosion therebetween.

Abstract: This invention is related a biosensor for bone mineral density measurement, comprising a stimulating source; a transducer having antibodies against TRAP 5a, TRAP 5b or total TRAP (i.e. TRAP 5a+TRAP 5b) immobilized thereon; a signal detecting unit; and a signal processing unit; wherein the TRAP refers to tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The method for bone mineral density measurement disclosed in this invention is detecting the concentration or activity of TRAP, TRAP 5a and TRAP 5b in blood by using the biosensor described above. Accordingly, the method can monitor changes of the bone mineral density to prevent osteoporosis.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, an apparatus includes an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS) includes a thermocouple, a first nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a first gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, a second nozzle configured to direct heat from combustion of a second gas, liquid, or combination thereof to the thermocouple, and a first igniter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the monitoring of gas concentrations possible in very low ranges (i.e., low ppb and even ppt ranges) and especially use thereof in environmental monitoring, exposure assessment, bomb detection, and health studies. The invention can use a spatial and temporal assessment of gas concentrations that enables the sources of the gas in question to be located and identified which is useful in environmental and health field but can also be applied to other fields an example of which is detecting and locating explosives. This technology can uses small, light weight, and low power components that allow for the monitor to be portable and even worn on a person as a personal monitor. This technology can be used in a stationary monitors as well.

Abstract: Provided is a method of monitoring a device to ascertain leakage of the gas there from. An area in the vicinity of the gas is illuminated with ultraviolet light, thereby causing the gas or its residue to fluoresce. A gas sensor is exposed to the gas whereby it generates the gas detection input signal, which is then processed to produce at least one output signal in response thereto.

Abstract: An installation structure for a gas sensor capable of detecting gas concentration in a highly accurate manner is provided. The installation structure for a gas sensor which detects concentration of gas circulating inside an outlet-side piping comprises a through hole 18 in an inner wall of the outlet-side piping and the gas sensor comprises a gas inlet portion with one face open within the outlet-side piping 14, and the gas sensor is installed to the outlet-side piping in a condition where the gas inlet portion does not protrude from the inner wall of outlet-side piping.

Abstract: A method for determining the concentration of a target gas in an environment which utilises a metal oxide gas sensor having a sensitivity to a background stimulus present in the environment, said sensitivity being variable according to the concentration of the target gas, comprises the following steps: (1) calibrating the sensitivity of the first sensor to the background stimulus as a function of the concentration of the target gas; (2) determining a change in the sensitivity of the first sensor to the background stimulus in the environment, caused by the presence of the target gas in the environment; and (3) using the change in sensitivity to the background stimulus determined in step (2) and the step of calibrating the sensitivity of the first sensor in step (1) to determine the concentration of the target gas in the environment.

Abstract: The application relates to a chemical sensor device comprising a substrate (1), a sensor medium (3) formed on the substrate, the sensor medium comprising one-dimensional nanoparticles, wherein the one-dimensional nanoparticles essentially consist of a semiconducting AxBy compound, e.g. V2O5 and detection means (2) for detecting a change of a physical property of the sensor medium e.g. conductivity. The porosity of the sensor medium supports a fast access of the analyte to the sensing material and therefore a fast response of the sensor. The selectivity and sensitivity of the sensor can be tailored by doping the one-dimensional nanoscale material with different dopants or by varying the dopant concentration. Sensitivity of the sensor device to an analyte, preferably an amine, can be increased by increasing relative humidity of the sample to at least 5%.

Abstract: A sensor is integrated with a field instrument in a process control system. For example, the sensor can be at least partially housed in a housing of the field instrument. The sensor could also receive operating power from a power source in the field instrument. The sensor could further communicate using a wired interface and/or a wireless interface of the field instrument. Multiplexing techniques could be used to allow normal communications for the field instrument and information associated with the sensor. For instance, field instrument data and sensor data could be transmitted over different interfaces or multiplexed in time for communication over a single interface. Sensor data could also be included as at least one diagnostic or configuration variable along with the field instrument data. The field instrument could represent a gas meter associated with a gas distribution network, and the sensor could represent a gas sensor.

Abstract: A method to measure exhaust-gas components are determined by exposing a surface of a part to exhaust gas, cleansing the surface exposed to the exhaust gas with a solvent, and measuring the pH of the solvent obtained in the cleansing process. Alternatively, the electric conductivity of the solvent after the exposure is measured. The acidic matter, selectively at least one of NOx or SOx in the exhaust gas can be quantified. The larger the pH value or conductivity, the higher the density of electrolytes, selectively SOx or Nox in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: A method for determining fractions of coolants emitted into the atmosphere in processes using coolants, in particular in the metal processing industry. Here, samples of the atmosphere polluted with fractions of coolants in droplet and vapor form are fed to an evaporator. In the evaporator, the fractions of coolants in droplet form contained in the samples are evaporated and subsequently the vapor resulting from the fractions of coolants in droplet form is fed to an analysis unit, in particular a flame ionization detector, together with the fractions of coolants in vapor form contained in the samples. In the analysis unit the concentrations of the coolants contained in the samples are ascertained.

Abstract: A System and Method of Molecule Counting Using Fluctuation Enhanced Sensors includes processes for improved chemical analyte detection and quantification through the measurement and generation of an amplitude density histogram of the measured time series of frequency fluctuations in the instantaneous frequency of a chemical sensor arranged to produce an oscillatory output signal when exposed to chemical substances. The system and method may use a chemical sensor, such as a surface acoustic wave (SAW) device. Statistical analysis produces the amplitude density of the frequency fluctuations, which are represented as a pattern that includes information about the quantity of the analyte on the surface of the sensor. Patterns in the measured amplitude density are then correlated to theoretical amplitude density functions in order to determine the number of analyte molecules on the surface of the sensor.

Abstract: According to a process for treating perfluorides in which a perfluoride treatment undertaker carries out decomposition treatment of perfluorides discharged from a manufacturing plant by using a perfluoride treating apparatus connected to said manufacturing plant, and the cost of treatment of perfluorides calculated according to the amount of perfluorides treated by said perfluoride treating apparatus is communicated to the owner of said manufacturing plant, it is possible to reduce the cost required for the decomposition treatment of perfluorides which cost is to be defrayed by the product manufacturer.

Abstract: A portable diesel fuel tester and a method of its use are provided. A sample of diesel fuel is placed in a sample tray of the tester. The diesel fuel is heated to a gas state and circulated to a SO2 sensor by an air pump. The SO2 sensor determines the level of sulfur in the diesel fuel based on the SO2 levels. The sulfur level is displayed on an LCD screen for viewing by the user.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a gas sensor configured to detect a specific gas which is a subject for detection, and inspection gas introduction piping configured to lead an inspection gas to the gas sensor, wherein at least a portion of the inspection gas introduction piping serves as ventilating piping configured to ventilate an inside of a ventilation-requiring device.

Abstract: Provided are an evaporating jig by which a thin film, especially an organic EL film, can be uniformly formed over a long time, and a film forming apparatus including the evaporating jig. The evaporating jig is provided with an evaporating pan, having a bottom plane and side planes arranged to stand from the bottom plane, for defining a material containing space opened inside the side planes; and partitioning plates for partitioning the material containing space into a plurality of partial spaces. The partitioning plates are provided with locking pieces having a height which permits the partial spaces to be continuous on a bottom plane side of the evaporating pan.

Abstract: A gas measuring device for measuring a presence of a target gas in a fluid medium includes a sensor case defining a sensor cavity extending from an open end of the sensor case, wherein the fluid medium flows into the sensor cavity through the open end. A sensor is positioned within the sensor cavity for sensing the presence of the target gas, wherein the sensor has a sensing element on one side of the sensor, and the sensing element is positioned within the sensor cavity such that the sensing element faces away from the open end.

Abstract: An air sampler module is provided for use with a detection device that monitors liquids and/or solids on a surface using spectroscopy techniques. The air sampler module comprises a housing, an intake port for collecting air containing airborne threats to be analyzed by the detection device, and a port to permit communication of an optical transceiver of the detection device into the housing to permit analysis of the collected air. Thus, the capabilities of a spectroscopy detection system are expanded to include the ability to analyze airborne threats.

Abstract: A method and system for groundwater contaminant monitoring is described. Groundwater is pumped to a stage above the groundwater table where at least a portion of the groundwater is vaporized. The vapor is sampled using cavity ring down spectrometer and the measured vapor concentration of a contaminant is converted to a liquid contaminant concentration.

Abstract: Method, apparatus, and system are utilized for testing the performance of a gas monitor against predetermined monitor characteristics to determine if performance of the gas monitor is validated in a manner whereby testing gas is directly delivered to the gas sensor.

Abstract: A gas sensing material includes a nonphotosensitive organic silver salt. A gas inspecting method includes adhering a gas sensing material to a surface of an inspection object, wherein the gas sensing material includes a nonphotosensitive organic silver salt; and heat developing the gas sensing material.

Abstract: A pair of identical humidity sensors (S1) and (S2) are in the same environment, so that they identically react to humidity effects; a sensing circuit includes an operational amplifier (10), its input (15) receiving from the first sensor (Si) a signal changing with humidity according to a logarithmic law, while the second sensor (S2), inserted in the amplifier feedback, reacts to humidity changes in the same way as the first sensor (Si) and consistently modifies the gain. The output signal (V0) is compensated, and has a substantially linear progression with humidity.