Abstract: In representative embodiments, a system includes an acoustic emitter, a controller, an optical sensor, and an indicator for indicating a detection of a predetermined trace chemical vapor by the optical sensor. The acoustic emitter is positioned at a predetermined distance above the ground surface and configured to project a beam of acoustic energy toward the ground surface with a variable angle of incidence ?. The controller is configured to control the acoustic emitter to vary the angle of incidence of the acoustic beam within the variable angle of incidence ?, while the optical sensor is configured for standoff sensing of a trace chemical vapor proximate the ground surface. Excitation of the ground surface, particularly at a critical angle of incidence ?, causes the release of trace chemical vapors from a buried source and the soil into the air above the buried source.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the proportion of gases in a gas mixture, has a measurement chamber having a chamber defining structure, a gas inlet and a gas outlet, an ultrasound source and an ultrasound detector mounted such that the ultrasound source is capable of transmitting ultrasound through the chamber to the ultrasound detector; a temperature sensor mounted such that the sensor is capable of sensing the temperature in the chamber. The chamber defining structure is adapted to amplify thermal exchange with a gas content in the chamber so as to suppress a temperature change in the chamber.

Abstract: To achieve gas detection in a precise and reliable way, but at the same time without consuming too much energy, a gas detection system is provided which generally comprises a pair of two different gas detectors. The first detector (DLP) is active continuously and sense substantially for an unspecific change in the local gas mixture. As a reaction upon the change, the second detector (DHP) of the pair is activated. This detector (DHP) performs the determination of the concentration of a specific gas or several specific gasses. The second detector (DHP) may be of a type which consumes more power, but will be active for a short period of time before returning to an inactive state where only the first detector (DLP) is active. The first detector (DLP) however is of a type using little power.

Abstract: A detector includes a component having a surface. The surface includes, or is at least partially coated with, a contaminant-resistant or self-cleaning material. This allows the detector to remain clean without manual cleaning.

Abstract: Provided are a suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus capable of automatically measuring a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the atmosphere, and a suspended particulate matter measurement method using the same. The suspended particulate matter measurement apparatus includes a filter, suction part, extraction part, measurement part, and a recording part. The suction part suctions air in the atmosphere at a constant flow rate to cause particulate matter contained therein to be adsorbed onto the filter. The extraction part extracts components of the particulate matter adsorbed onto the filter, by dissolving the particulate matter into a solvent, and collects a resultant solution. The measurement part measures at least one of a nitrate ion content and a sulfate ion content in the solution collected by the extraction part, and outputs the measurement result. The recording part records the measurement result outputted from the measurement part.

Abstract: A gas measurement system is provided that includes a mechanism for customizing gas supplied to the system. The system further includes a plurality of test locations that can be serviced by a common vessel portion and common sampling and testing infrastructure. The system further includes a controller that is able to control the customization of the supply gas and the location of the common vessel portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for mitigating the deleterious effect on a gas-detection sensor of exposure to ozone, which system comprises a sensor capable of detecting one or more select gas species, the performance of which sensor is degraded by contact with ozone, and a scrubber capable of absorbing ozone or otherwise converting ozone to one or more other substances so as to mitigate degradation of the sensor's performance; and a method for mitigating such deleterious effect as well.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a gas is disclosed. This method may include applying a voltage pulse to electrodes exposed to the gas, and determining an actual current between electrodes during application of the voltage pulse. The method may further include determining a concentration of a constituent in the gas based on the actual current and an expected identity of the constituent.

Abstract: A gas monitoring system is disclosed. The gas monitoring system may have a first electrode, a second electrode spaced apart from the first electrode to receive a gas between the first and second electrodes, and a pulse generator configured to apply a voltage pulse, tuned to a particular constituent of the gas, to the first and second electrodes and create a non-thermal plasma between the first and second electrodes. The gas monitoring system may also have a detection controller in communication with the pulse generator. The detection controller may be configured to determine an actual current between the first and second electrodes during application of the voltage pulse, and to determine a concentration of the constituent based on the actual current and an expected identity of the constituent.

Abstract: Provided is a gas sensor in which a connection terminal can be favorably fitted onto a cylindrical sensor element without causing a breakage of the connection terminal. An oxygen sensor (1) includes an outer connection terminal (29) having an outer fitting portion (53), an extension portion (55) extending inwardly from an axially intermediate point of the outer fitting portion (53) and pulling prevention portions (75) and (77) formed on rear end parts of the outer fitting portion (53) at positions adjacent to the extension portion (55). When the extension portion (55) of the outer connection terminal (29) is inserted in and pulled out from a through hole (23) of a separator (27), the extension portion (55) can be prevented from further pulling in the through hole (23) by contact of the pulling prevention portions (75) and (77) with a front end surface of the separator (27).

Abstract: Fluid analyte sensors include a photoelectrocatalytic element that is configured to be exposed to the fluid, if present, and to respond to photoelectrocatalysis of at least one analyte in the fluid that occurs in response to impingement of optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. A semiconductor light emitting source is also provided that is configured to impinge the optical radiation upon the photoelectrocatalytic element. Related solid state devices and sensing methods are also described.

Abstract: A device for sensing a gas comprises a plastics housing (106, 107) moulded in situ around at least one portion of a conducting lead frame (100), the housing defining an enclosure (113) and being provided with means for enabling gas flow into the enclosure. A gas sensitive element (114) within the enclosure (113) is mounted to the conducting lead frame (100). The conducting lead frame (100) comprises connection leads which are accessible through, and at least partially encapsulated by, the wall of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus or method for removing water and concentrating an analyte in solution, wherein the concentrated analyte sample is delivered directly to a vial, such as an autosampler vial that is capable of use in a gas chromatography autosampler.

Abstract: The invention provides a measuring device for measuring soot deposition, said device having a measuring probe (3) for measuring the quantity of soot deposited on a collection surface (2) of an elongate dielectric substrate, said probe including detection electrodes (6, 7) that are arranged in adjacent manner and that are for connecting to an electronic system that is capable of evaluating the quantity of soot deposited on the collection surface. In the invention, the device includes, for at least one detection electrode (6, 7), a measurement loop (B1) that includes said at least one detection electrode (6, 7) and that is connected to a detection system for detecting the variation in the electric resistance of said measurement loop, so as to determine the operating state of said detection electrode.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting particulate and a correction method of the apparatus for detecting particulate matter that detects particulate matter within a gas to be measured are provided. The correction method corrects the individual differences inevitably occurring during the manufacturing process of particulate matter detection sensors. The apparatus for detecting particulate matter includes an applied voltage correction means. The applied voltage correction means applies correction information acquired by the correction method to detection control.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are formed on projections on a substrate. A metal, such as nickel is deposited on the substrate with optional platforms, and heated to form the projections. Carbon nanotubes are formed from the projections by heating in an ethylene, methane or CO atmosphere. A heat sensor is also formed proximate the carbon nanotubes. When exposed to IR radiation, the heat sensor detects changes in temperature representative of the IR radiation. In a gas sensor, a thermally isolated area, such as a pixel is formed on a substrate with an integrated heater. A pair of conductors each have a portion adjacent a portion of the other conductor with projections formed on the adjacent portions of the conductors. Multiple carbon nanotubes are formed between the conductors from one projection to another. IV characteristics of the nanotubes are measured between the conductors in the presence of a gas to be detected.

Abstract: In a plasma processing chamber, a method and an arrangement to stabilize pressure are provided. The method includes providing coarse pressure adjustments in an open-loop manner and thereafter providing fine pressure adjustments in a closed-loop manner. The coarse pressure adjustments are performed by rapidly re-position confinement rings employing an assumed linear relationship between the conductance and the confinement rings position to bring the pressure in the plasma generating region quickly to roughly a desired set point. The fine pressure adjustments are performed by at least employing mechanical vacuum pump(s), turbo pump(s), confinement ring positioning and/or combinations thereof to achieve a derive pressure set point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a device for a fluid enclosure. The device includes a sensing device that responds to a change in distance relative to a fluid enclosure. The change in distance is a function of at least one dimension of the fluid enclosure.

Abstract: Provided are an environmental gas sensor and a method of manufacturing the same. The environmental gas sensor includes an insulating substrate, metal electrodes formed on the insulating substrate, and a sensing layer in which different kinds of nanofibers are arranged perpendicular to each other on the metal electrodes. Thus, the environmental gas sensor can simultaneously sense two kinds of gases.

Abstract: A method for reducing the effects of background radiation introduced into gaseous plume spectral data obtained by an aerial imaging sensor, includes capturing spectral data of a gaseous plume with its obscured background along a first line of observation and capturing a second image of the previously obscured background along a different line of observation. The parallax shift of the plume enables the visual access needed to capture the radiometric data emanating exclusively from the background. The images are then corresponded on a pixel-by-pixel basis to produce a mapping. An image-processing algorithm is applied to the mapped images to reducing the effects of background radiation and derive information about the content of the plume.

Abstract: A removable sensor housing for connection to a structure in a fluid system such as a quick connector body. The sensor housing removably attaches to a mating portion on the other structure. It includes a shaft inserted in a bore on the other structure with an interposed seal. An attachment mechanism is used to secure the sensor housing to the structure. Alternative mechanisms are disclosed. In certain forms, the sensor housing is configured to be positioned in fixed relation to the other structure.

Abstract: Device for the selective detection of benzene gas, which comprises, on a base substrate, a combination of at least one functionalised multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with rhodium clusters, and at least one functionalised multi- or single-wall carbon nanotube sensor decorated with metal clusters selected from gold, palladium, nickel and titanium, and/or undecorated, where said substrate additionally comprises means for measuring the variation in the resistance of said sensors. The device is useful at ambient temperature in the presence or absence of oxygen and easy to handle. It also relates to a method for the manufacturing thereof and for detecting the gas in the chemical industry, the petrochemical industry, petrol stations, or household, aeronautical or research applications.

Abstract: A transport pod interface in one example including a sampling probe connected to a gas analyzer and an actuator coupled with an access door on the transport pod in the coupling position, and that moves said door towards the base of the interface in an retracted position in which the volume of gas to be analyzed contained within the transport pod is accessible by the sampling probe, characterized in that it includes at least one sealing joint configured such that at least when the interface is in the retracted position, the space between the actuator and said base is sealed in such a way as to isolate the volume of gas to be analyzed.

Abstract: An emission test system may include at least one controller configured to determine, directly or indirectly, a quantity of diluted exhaust sample in a container at the completion of an emissions test, and to cause additional diluent gas to be added to the container based on the determined quantity.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing macroscale 3D heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials (such as boron doped carbon nanotube materials) and compositions thereof. Macroscopic quantities of three-dimensionally networked heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube materials are directly grown using an aerosol-assisted chemical vapor deposition method. The porous heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material is created by doping of heteroatoms (such as boron) in the nanotube lattice during growth, which influences the creation of elbow joints and branching of nanotubes leading to the three dimensional super-structure. The super-hydrophobic heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube sponge is strongly oleophilic and an soak up large quantities of organic solvents and oil. The trapped oil can be burnt off and the heteroatom-doped carbon nanotube material can be used repeatedly as an oil removal scaffold.

Abstract: Methods for detection of acetylene, acetylene concentration and changes in acetylene concentration in a mixture of gases are provided. The gas mixture includes acetylene and hydrogen and may be a hydrogen gas stream or a gas stream also including ethylene. The methods of the invention can also detect acetylene in a gas mixture dissolved in a liquid. The methods of the invention rely on the use of metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) sensors in which the metal layer is a continuous layer of a binary alloy selected to facilitate acetylene detection such as alloys of palladium with a second metal such as silver, gold or copper.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the amount of a selected gas in a gas flow is provided comprising a gas sensor for sensing the selected gas in the gas flow and producing a corresponding electrical signal; at least one pressure regulator to adjust a pressure of the gas flow to a standardized pressure before the gas flow reaches the gas sensor; a flow adjustment device to adjust a flow rate of the gas flow to a standardized flow rate before the gas flow reaches the gas sensor; and a controller for receiving the electrical signal from the gas sensor and processing the electric signal to calculate the concentration of the selected gas in the gas flow.

Abstract: A biometrics sensor includes a portion for sucking air, a molecular sieve portion for selectively passing or adsorbing specific gas contained in the air, a gas detecting section for detecting the concentration of gas passed through the molecular sieve or the remaining gas, and a data processing section for comparing the detection result with a prestored detection result, wherein the gas detecting section selectively detects predetermined gas, and the data processing section performs determination or probabilistic determination on an authentication object person by comparing the composition ratio of gas for each authentication object person with a prestored composition ratio.

Abstract: Systems and methods for scanning and analyzing characteristics of a gas sample utilizing electromagnetic radiation are disclosed. More particularly, the systems and methods utilize an electromagnetic radiation source connected to a transmitter and an analyzer connected to a receiver. A sample gas volume to be analyzed is placed between the transmitter and receiver and a frequency sweep of electromagnetic radiation is transmitted through the sample to create a series of spectral data sets, which are developed into a composite spectrogram by the analyzer and processed to determine the one or more characteristics of the sample. A magnetic field can alternatively be applied around the transmitter, receiver and sample to enhance some characteristic analysis applications and to make other characteristic analysis applications possible.

Abstract: A system and method for closed-loop testing of a biological or chemical sensor is disclosed. The tester is fluidically coupled to the input port and exhaust port of a sensor. A mixture of a chemical or biological simulant and air is generated by the tester and is delivered to the sensor. The mixture of simulant and air exiting the sensor is delivered to a collection device.

Abstract: Hand held Remote Transponder Breathalyzer comprises of a portable breathalyzer device having a breath sensor circuitry used for converting given breath sample content into electronic signals; and a processor for storing a toxic breath setting and processing received conditioned electronic signals, and for comparing the received electronic conditioned signals with a preset threshold setting stored in the memory storage of the processor, and accordingly controlling the functional operation of a uniquely coded transponder circuitry. If given breath sample into the transponder breathalyzer sensor generated electronic conditioned signal is below toxic breath setting threshold. The processor upon receipt of the non-toxic electronic signal transmits a signal to activate for a preset time the functional operation of the transponder circuitry.

Abstract: An actual intake air quantity at the time when the intake air quantity is changed compulsorily with an EGR valve is measured with an airflow meter. An oxygen concentration of exhaust gas after combustion in a diesel engine is estimated based on the measured actual intake air quantity and a fuel injection quantity of the diesel engine. The estimated oxygen concentration is compared with an actual oxygen concentration sensed with an A/F sensor, thereby sensing response of the A/F sensor. Even if a response time for causing a change in the intake air quantity with the EGR valve changes, the change of the response time does not affect the estimate of the oxygen concentration since the oxygen concentration is estimated based on the actual intake air quantity. Therefore, the response of the A/F sensor can be sensed with high accuracy.

Abstract: The invention provides a novel method for the fabrication of nanomaterials, especially nanostructures arranged on a substrate with nanoparticles deposited thereon. The methods of the present invention can be used to fabricate a novel ambient-temperature gas sensor that is capable of detecting a variety of specific gasses over a range of concentrations.

Abstract: Hierarchical nanostructures and methods of fabrication. The structures include particles having a metal oxide outer shell with metal oxide wires extending from the outer shell. A multiscale structure according to the invention has particles above and below a critical size wherein the particles above the critical size have wires extending from the surface. These structures may be fabricated from a mixture prepared of relatively smaller metal particles having a size threshold below a threshold for nanowire formation and of relatively larger metal particles having a size above the threshold for nanowire formation. The mixture is oxidized at a selected temperature and for a selected time whereby the relatively smaller particles sinter and nanowires grow on the relatively larger particles thereby creating tunable hierarchical structures with metal-to-metal contact between the particles.

Abstract: A system for remote detection of a chemical is disclosed. The system includes a sample collection module that collects a sample and produces a sample vapor at a first location; a sample delivery module that delivers the sample vapor from the first location to a second location; a sample storage and concentration module that collects the sample vapor at the second location; and a sample analysis module that analyzes the sample collected in the sample storage and concentration module.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a gas sensitive apparatus that is useful in view of its applicability to the detection or quantitative determination of individual gases present in a gas mixture, and is advantageous in view of its compact size, and its low power consumption.

Abstract: GC-MS analysis apparatus has an interface section between GC and MS sections, which is located with respect to the direction of an analyte flow downstream of the GC section and upstream of the MS section. The interface section comprises at least one membrane with at least one orifice capable of establishing a molecular flow condition in the analyte passing between the GC and MS sections through the membrane. The membrane is subjected to a pressure differential such that the pressure pa in a region located upstream of the membrane is higher than the pressure pb in a region located downstream of the membrane.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of an object or fluid in a dynamic multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or fluid (gas or liquid) in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment, wherein the wireless sensor is operable to receive the RF interrogation signal, produce a reference signal and a measurement signal, and retransmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the dynamic multi-path clutter environment. The reference signal and measurement signal are delayed by the wireless sensor by an amount of time that may be a function of the unknown physical property. The method also comprises receiving the retransmitted reference signal and the retransmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or fluid.

Abstract: Materials and methods for detecting the early onset of shock and multi-organ failure by production of tissue breakdown products in biological samples (e.g., expired air).

Abstract: A high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell stack has at least two high-temperature polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT-PEFC), which comprise at least one means for determining the CO2 concentration of the cathode waste gas. A method for checking this fuel cell stack is thus possible, wherein at least the CO2 concentration of the cathode waste gas is determined. Optionally, the CO2 concentration of the oxidizing agent that is supplied can also be determined. The CO2 concentration is advantageously conducted in the region of individual cells or cell sections. This can be done, for example, by way of a displaceable lance in the cathode waste gas channel or a plurality of outlets (valves) in the cathode waste gas channel. If a threshold value defining the normal state of functional individual cells is exceeded, appropriate measures can be initiated, such as switching off the entire stack and optionally replacing cells or cell blocks.

Abstract: The construct of a specially designed air sampler and its function in order to carry out the Effortless Recalibration (ERB) procedure to an Absorption Biased (AB) designed NDIR gas sensor with the use of a Calibration Master is described.

Abstract: To provide a mercury measuring apparatus of a closed system capable of performing automatically a process ranging from collection to injection of the sample composed mainly of hydrocarbon, which is effective to accomplish a highly reliable measurement. The mercury measuring apparatus 100 includes a column 1 filled with a first adsorbent 11 and a reducing agent 13, an injecting unit 3 for injecting a sample into the column 1, a first heating unit 12, a second heating unit, a mercury collecting tube 18 filled with a second adsorbent 17, a third heating unit 19, a mercury measuring unit 2, gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, flow switching valves V1 to V3, V5 and V6 for selecting one of the gas flow passages FP1, FP2 and FP4, and a control unit 4.

Abstract: The lifetime of aerosol monitoring, concentration and collection equipment is extended by acoustic cleaning of accreted particle deposits from internal surfaces where fouling occurs by application of acoustic energy to the particle accretion surface, optionally in combination with a liquid wash or sampling volume. In one application, acoustic cleaning or sampling of particle deposits for analysis is triggered by a signal indicating changes in gas flow associated with particle loading. In another application, electro-acoustic transducers may be used to prevent particle buildup without interruption of particle monitoring.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and a method for measuring a protective gas (8) used in an arc-welding process by analyzing the protective gas (8) escaping from a gas nozzle (27) of a torch (10), wherein at least one sensor (31) is arranged in an external measuring device (30) for protective-gas analysis. For rapid, exact and practical determination and correspondingly effective evaluation of the protective effect of the protective gas, at least one sensor (31) is arranged in an external measuring device (30) for protective-gas analysis, which sensor (31) is positioned at a distance (38) from the torch (10) which substantially equals the distance (38) between the torch (10) and a workpiece (16) in a welding process so that the escape and effect of the protective gas (8) of an actual welding process can be simulated, and that at least one sensor (31) is connected to an evaluation unit (32) and via the latter to a welding device (1).

Abstract: Various systems, devices, NO2 absorbents, NO2 scavengers and NO2 recuperator for generating nitric oxide are disclosed herein. According to one embodiment, an apparatus for converting nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide can include a receptacle including an inlet, an outlet, a surface-active material coated with an aqueous solution of ascorbic acid and an absorbent wherein the inlet is configured to receive a gas flow and fluidly communicate the gas flow to the outlet through the surface-active material and the absorbent such that nitrogen dioxide in the gas flow is converted to nitric oxide.

Abstract: A gas sensor including a detecting element; and a protector having a tube portion surrounding the detecting portion, and a bottom portion the protector having a first opening disposed at the tube portion and a second opening at the bottom portion. The bottom portion includes first and second bottom wall portions, the second bottom wall portion protrudes toward the leading end side, and at least a part of the inner face thereof is located at the leading end side with respect to the outer face of the first bottom wall portion. The second opening is provided on a side opposite the inner space of the tube portion in a communication passage formed by the inner face of the second bottom wall portion, and an opening area of the second opening is larger than an area of the largest imaginary circle that can be placed inside the first opening.

Abstract: A method for conducting a treatment program in a preparation chamber of a food preparation appliance comprises: (a) determining at least one first value of the preparation chamber atmosphere and/or of the atmosphere surrounding the food preparation appliance before selection and/or beginning of the treatment program, (b) storing the first value, (c) determining at least one second value of the preparation chamber atmosphere and/or of the atmosphere surrounding the food preparation appliance after loading the cooking product into the preparation chamber or after introduction of a lime removal and/or cleaning agent into the preparation chamber and/or after beginning of the treatment program, (d) determining at least one third value from the first and second value, (e) comparing the third value with the stored values, and (f) conducting the treatment program as a function of the result of the comparison of the third value with stored values.

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: The present invention relates to a gas-monitoring assembly (100) and method for selectively determining the presence of a target gas in a gaseous environment that potentially comprises one or more interfering gases. Such gas-monitoring assembly and method specifically employ one or more gas sensors (S1) one or more getters (G1) arranged and constructed to reduce cross-interference caused by potential presence of the interfering gases in such gaseous environment to be monitored. The gas-monitoring assembly and method of the present invention are capable of monitoring a gaseous environment with respect to potential presence of multiple target gases that may interfere with one another.