Abstract: A degassing system includes a vessel. A liquid inlet lets liquid into the vessel. A liquid outlet lets liquid out of the vessel. A liquid receiving chamber receives the liquid that enters the vessel through the liquid inlet. The liquid receiving chamber is open on one side. The degassing system further includes a motor having a shaft and a pump coupled to the shaft. The pump has the shape of a cone. The cone has an axis, a narrow end and a wide end. The pump is positioned so that its narrow end is inserted into the open side of the liquid receiving chamber and so that its wide end is close enough to a wall of the vessel so that fluid ejected from the wide end when the pump is spinning will strike the wall. The degassing system includes a gas outlet for releasing gas from the vessel.

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

Abstract: A method for tracking the deterioration of the insulators in a rotating machine, a method for preventive maintenance of these machines using this tracking and devices using the tracking method is presented.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting CO2 from air, and for delivering that extracted CO2 to controlled environments, such as a greenhouse, or to open-air agricultural fields. The present disclosure allows the delivery of CO2 to be made at times of highest demand. The present disclosure contemplates several geometric configurations to enhance the CO2 extraction process. The present disclosure also provides a method of delivering the CO2 to the controlled environment in response to demand, such as for example, by using a secondary sorbent as a buffer to store extracted CO2.

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

Abstract: 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 LASER based system for analysis of fluids utilizing frequency shift analysis. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid for analysis is reduced to a gaseous state so that it can be injected into an extended LASER cavity, so as to detect minute frequency shifts caused by the various gases in the cavity via sensors associated with the cavity. The present invention thereby provides stable detection system, with microprocessor-based electronics, which can be used to provide analyses of the gases, and thus the input liquids and its markers.

Abstract: Methods for using modified single wall carbon nanotubes (“SWCNTs”) to detect presence and/or concentration of a gas component, such as a halogen (e.g., Cl2), hydrogen halides (e.g., HCl), a hydrocarbon (e.g., CnH2n+2), an alcohol, an aldehyde or a ketone, to which an unmodified SWCNT is substantially non-reactive. In a first embodiment, a connected network of SWCNTs is coated with a selected polymer, such as chlorosulfonated polyethylene, hydroxypropyl cellulose, polystyrene and/or polyvinylalcohol, and change in an electrical parameter or response value (e.g., conductance, current, voltage difference or resistance) of the coated versus uncoated SWCNT networks is analyzed. In a second embodiment, the network is doped with a transition element, such as Pd, Pt, Rh, Ir, Ru, Os and/or Au, and change in an electrical parameter value is again analyzed. The parameter change value depends monotonically, not necessarily linearly, upon concentration of the gas component.

Abstract: There is provided a gas sensor, including a gas sensing film formed of an oxide semiconductor material and a gas-permeable protection layer formed of oxide particles and arranged on the gas sensing film. The oxide particles of the protection layer have an average particle size of 500 nm or smaller.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for stabilizing an emissions instrument. The emissions instrument includes an emissions sensor. The emissions sensor may be coupled to a gyro stabilizer. The gyro stabilizer may stabilize the emissions sensor, thus resulting in a more accurate and reliable emissions instrument.

Abstract: The hydrogen gas sensor is a catalytic combustion hydrogen gas sensor with a detection element 1, and is characterized by comprising a measuring circuit configured to selectively provide a normal voltage mode for applying a normal voltage to the detection element 1 and a high voltage mode for applying a high voltage higher than said normal voltage to said detection element 1. Thereby, upon energization of the hydrogen gas sensor, the detection element 1 can be first applied the high voltage to be rapidly heated to raise a temperature of the detection element 1 immediately. And then, the detection element 1 can be applied the normal voltage to be heated to be kept at a predetermined temperature at which the hydrogen gas is detected.

Abstract: A biological agent detector detects the presence of any biological agents, such as anthrax or other biological warfare agents, in a sample of air. The biological agent detector includes a bio-concentrator that concentrates an aerosol and a pyrolyzer portion including two detecting devices. One detecting device operates in a sample collection mode and collects a sample of air when the other detecting device operates in a sample analysis mode and analyzes a sample of air. After a predetermined amount of time, the detecting devices switch functions, providing continuous sampling of air.

Abstract: A sensor element is used to detect a physical property of a measuring gas, preferably to determine the oxygen content or the temperature of an exhaust gas of an internal combustion engine. The sensor element contains a first solid electrolyte layer and a second solid electrolyte layer. A first printed conductor and a second printed conductor are provided on opposite sides of the first solid electrolyte layer, the first printed conductor including a first electrode and a feed line to the first electrode, and the second printed conductor including a second electrode and a feed line to the second electrode. A third printed conductor, which includes a third electrode and a feed line to the third electrode, is provided on the second solid electrolyte layer. The second printed conductor is positioned between the third electrode and the first printed conductor.

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

Abstract: In a hand drying apparatus, an infrared light absorber absorbs infrared light, when a hand is not present, emitted from an infrared light emitter provided on an inner surface of a drying space.

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 device is disclosed for sensing the contents of a fluid flowing in a duct system, such as in a ventilation duct. In at least one embodiment of the invention, the device includes a sensing element and a tubular body extending over a cross-sectional portion of the duct at issue and a supply duct with an inlet facing the main flow direction of the fluid and a discharge duct with an outlet located downstream of the inlet, to divert from the flowing fluid a partial flow which is made to pass the sensing element and then re-enter the duct. The outlet is located upstream of the downstream boundary of the tubular body.

Abstract: The application is directed to methods, systems, procedures, networks and storage apparatus used to conduct conversions of data using remote conversion servers. In one embodiment of the present invention, recent query results may be stored and then used to solve subsequent conversions rather than querying a remote conversion server when the same conversion was previously completed. A counter may be referenced to determine if too much time has passed since the original query was stored in the buffer and, if too much time has passed, the buffer may be cleared and the remote conversion server may be queried to convert the pending data. The resulting conversion may be stored for subsequent use.

Abstract: A purge and trap concentrator system that includes a sparge vessel, and includes a variable gas flow valve for controlling the gas pressure in an analytic trap or the sparge vessel; a sensor that detects both a foaming sample state and a high liquid level in the sparge vessel, using one optical sensor; a control scheme that re-directs the purge gases to a second inlet of the sparge vessel during a foaming condition; a control scheme that uses a split flow to enhance the quantity of sample gases passed from an analytic trap; an electrically powered thermal energy source with a fan raising the sparge vessel temperature via thermal convection.

Abstract: A chemical agent detector with a a lesser demand sensor, a greater demand sensor, an inlet; and a manifold; and methods associated therewith. The manifold is positioned between the inlet and the sensors, and includes a first intake associated with the lesser demand sensor, a second intake associated with a greater demand sensor, and at least one restrictor. The first intake is placed closer to the inlet than the second intake, and the second intake is isolated from the inlet by at least one restrictor within the manifold. The intakes and restrictor are sized and positioned such that the ratio between: the conductance of the path from the inlet to the greater demand sensor to the conductance of the path between the sensors effectively isolates the lesser demand sensor from the effects of the greater demand sensor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate a gas sensor system comprising a gas generating device adapted to generate a test gas, a target gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device, a test gas sensor positioned near the gas generating device and in communication with the target gas sensor and wherein the test gas sensor is sensitive to the test gas.

Abstract: An exhaust gas analyzer of the present invention includes a sensor unit 11 installed in an exhaust path from an engine, applies laser light to exhaust gas emitted from the engine and receives laser light that has passed through the exhaust gas so as to measure the concentration of a component contained in the gas based on the received laser light. To an aperture 16 formed in a sensor base 15 of the sensor unit 11, an adjustment ring 40 in a circumferential face of which small holes 41 serving as a laser light passage portion is formed and whose inner circumferential face serves as an exhaust gas passage opening 21 is detachably fitted, whereby the sensor unit can be attached so as to conform to different inner diameters of exhaust tubes.

Abstract: Methods for testing the integrity of spiral wound modules including the introduction of pressurized gas within a sealed permeate collection tube and the detection of gas exiting at least one of the scroll faces of the module. The location(s) of gas exiting the scroll face can be correlated to defects in the module. In preferred embodiments, the subject test methods are non-destructive and can be applied to modules in either a dry or wet condition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a magnetic disk drive that can estimate the amount of gas filled in a housing precisely and simply. According to one embodiment, a magnetic disk drive including a housing in which a magnetic disk and a magnetic head are accommodated and gas having lower density than air is filled, a heating body provided in the housing, and means for holding a reference value of a parameter representing the temperature change speed of the heating body when the heating body is heated in the housing filled with a predetermined reference amount of the gas.

Abstract: A gas sensor has at least one gas sensitive layer, which has at least one surface area in which the work function is dependent upon the concentration of a target gas capable of being brought into contact with the surface zone. At least one electric potential sensor is capacitatively coupled to the surface zone over an air gap. The surface zone of the gas sensitive layer is covered with an electrically insulating coating which is inert to the target gas and which is adhesively bound to the gas sensitive layer. The coating is configured so that it is permeable to the target gas and so that when the target gas contacts the surface zone of the gas sensitive layer, it prevents or at least impedes an alteration of the bound state of atoms and/or molecules bound to the surface zone and differing from the target gas.

Abstract: A duct detector housing includes a housing cover and a housing body defining a midline between the center of a detector and a printed circuit board within said body. Gas inlet and outlets are off axis of the midline to allow water that collects in conventional housing to drain from the housing. A maintenance mode button associated with a duct detector housing cover that is secured to a housing body of the housing provides a preselected time period during which removal of the cover is independent of a cover removal alarm. A printed circuit board within the housing has dedicated terminal blocks providing grouped connections with each of the groups segregated from another. An improved duct detector terminal has a hole in the terminal adapted to receive a test meter probe therethrough to provide an electrical contact between the wire.

Abstract: A gas sensor assembly detects a constituent in a gaseous stream. The assembly comprises: (a) a mounting surface, (b) a sensor mounted on the mounting surface and sensor capable of generating a detectable signal in the presence of the constituent, and (c) an enclosing structure. The enclosing structure comprises: (i) a walled component having a pair of vertically spaced ends and mounted at one end on the mounting surface so as to circumscribe the sensor, and (ii) a gas-permeable membrane attached at the other end of the walled component, thereby defining an interior volume within said enclosing structure. Flowing the gaseous stream across the membrane infuses a portion of the gaseous stream into said interior volume containing the sensor.

Abstract: Electrodes comprising ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are disclosed. The ruthenium oxide nanoparticles are located within the electrode or as a coating thereon. The electrode is especially suited for measuring the presence and/or concentration of nitric oxide in a sample.

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: Disclosed is an integrated multi-measurement system for measuring physical properties including thickness, electrical resistance and differential pressure of a gas diffusion layer for a polymer electrolyte fuel cell with respect to compression. The integrated multi-measurement system simultaneously measures changes in the physical properties of the gas diffusion layer depending on pressure upon measurement of the physical properties of the gas diffusion layer of the fuel cell and also measures through-plane permeability in which a gas is passed through a sample in a direction perpendicular to the sample and in-plane permeability in which a gas is passed through a sample in a direction parallel to the sample.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a concentration of carbon dioxide in an unsaturated zone of a site in which carbon dioxide should be stored underground is provided which includes: a plurality of apparatuses for detecting the concentration of carbon dioxide in the unsaturated zone, each including a cylindrical chamber buried in an unsaturated zone under the earth surface, gas introduction holes formed in the side surface of the chamber, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor formed through the top of the chamber for measuring the concentration of carbon dioxide contained in the gas in the chamber; a plurality of communication devices transmitting the carbon dioxide concentration from the carbon dioxide concentration sensor; and a monitoring server storing a reference carbon dioxide concentration every time zone and comparing the reference carbon dioxide concentration with the measured carbon dioxide concentrations transmitted from the communication devices to output a normal or abnormal signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.

Abstract: During the measurement of the oxygen storage capacity of an oxygen storage system, which is assigned to a catalytic converter, a switchover operation from lean to rich exhaust gas or vice versa is effected. The measurement signals of a lambda probe are recorded; and an integral calculation is carried out over a time interval on the basis of the measurement values. Whereas in the past the start of the time interval was the point in time of the switchover operation, the present invention provides that the start of the second time interval is determined on the basis of the measurement signals of the second lambda probe i.e., the point in time is preferably fixed at the time at which these measurement values reach an extreme value. This design allows the oxygen storage capacity to be measured even if the lambda probe is not fully functioning totally correctly.

Abstract: A multi-sensor gas detector includes circuitry to evaluate if the detector is in compliance with predetermined safety requirements. Where the detector is in compliance, then a confidence indicator is intermittently activated at a predetermined frequency. Where the detector is out of compliance, the indicator is not activated providing indicia that the detector needs maintenance.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for monitoring and controlling the regeneration of a particle filter in an exhaust gas duct of an internal combustion engine, wherein said regeneration of the particle filter takes place by means of an oxidative burning off of particles during a regeneration phase. Provision is made according to the invention for the internal combustion engine to be operated at a lean operating point at least intermittently during lean operating phases or during a mixture oscillation and for the regeneration of the particle filter to be monitored during the lean operating phases or during the mixture oscillation via the temporal course of a second signal of a second lambda probe disposed in the exhaust gas direction downstream of said particle filter or of a second parameter derived therefrom in comparison to the temporal course of a first signal of a first lambda probe disposed in the exhaust gas direction upstream of said particle filter or of a first parameter derived therefrom.

Abstract: The gas sensor includes: a cylindrical member which includes a gas detection chamber therein and extends along an axial thereof; a base member which closes an opening of a first axial end of the cylindrical member; a status sensor which is disposed at a substantially central portion of the base member, and detects at least the temperature or the humidity in the gas detection chamber; a gas detection element disposed around the status sensor on the base member; a lid member which closes an opening of a second axial end of the cylindrical member; and a gas inlet port which penetrates the lid member at a location not coinciding with the status sensor and the gas detection element when seen from the axial direction, and enables the introduction of an inspection target gas from an outside into the gas detection chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a hydrogen sensor using Pd nano-wires. The method includes steps of forming an external electrode pattern on a substrate applying a first resin layer to the substrate and forming a resin layer nano-channel pattern; depositing Pd on the substrate having the nano-channel pattern, by sputtering, and removing the first resin layer to form Pd nano-wires; applying a second resin layer to the substrate having the Pd nano-wires, and forming a resin layer pattern on the external electrode pattern, at opposing ends of the Pd nano-wires, and at predetermined positions between the external electrode pattern and the opposing ends of the Pd nano-wires; and depositing conductive metal on the resin layer pattern and removing the resin layer pattern, thereby electrically connecting the external electrode pattern to the Pd nano-wires.

Abstract: A gas sensor has shock resistance and temperature resistance attributes. The gas sensor includes at least one catalytic measuring element (3), which is arranged in a sensor housing (1) forming a combustion chamber (2). The sensor housing (1) has at least one gas-permeable housing opening (4) for the gas exchange between the environment and the combustion chamber (2). The catalytic measuring element (3) is arranged between at least two disk-shaped support elements (5) made of a heat-insulating and temperature-resistant material.

Abstract: A gas sensor having an axis including a detecting element; a metal shell; an outer cylinder; and a plug member, as defined herein, and the gas sensor includes a first protective member that covers an air vent of the plug member so as to protect the filter member, the protective member having a ventilation portion having an opening smaller than an opening of the air vent and at least partially overlapping the air vent in the axial direction, and at least one of the outer cylinder and the plug member is provided with a locking portion that limits rotation of the protective member around the axis.

Abstract: The present invention of collecting a gaseous sample employs a sealable container, an inlet mounted at a part of the container, an outlet mounted at another part of the container, an atomizing electrode mounted in the container, a primary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the atomizing electrode, an opposite electrode mounted in the container, an acicular capture electrode mounted adjacent to the opposite electrode, and a secondary refrigerator mounted adjacent to the capture electrode. Charged microparticles are prepared by chilling the gaseous sample and producing condensate of the same. Such charged microparticles are collected by the capture electrode with static electricity, and they are condensed by chilling them. This method prevents the capture electrode from spreading solution thereon.

Abstract: A hollow container defining a sample chamber is formed of at least two parts which fit together and have apertures therein. One of the parts is displaceable relative to the other part between a first relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are open so as to provide a clear path for air to pass through the container and a second relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are closed so that there is no path for air to pass through and a volume of air is trapped in the chamber. In one embodiment part is axially moveable relative to the other part. In another embodiment where the parts are tubular, one of the parts is rotatable relative to the other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for maintaining pressure inside a closed chamber equal to the changing outside pressure, detecting leaks in the plumbing (i.e., air handling system) of a trace gas flux measurement system, and estimating the kinetic volume, e.g., of such a system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting the presence of submicron sized particles in a sample taken from the environment. More particularly, the system may be used to detect and identify bacteria by detecting the presence of bacterial pili which have been separated from bacterial cells in the sample. The system includes means for collecting a sample from the environment, separating pili from bacteria in the sample, and purifying and concentrating the submicron sized pili in the sample based on the size of the pili. The purified and concentrated pili are detected with an apparatus which includes an electrospray assembly having an electrospray capillary, a differential mobility analyzer which receives output from the capillary, and a condensation particle counting device for counting the number of pili sized particles that pass through the differential mobility analyzer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid analysis device that comprises an analyzer and a system for supplying an instrumentation gas to said analyzer, characterized in that the supply system includes at least one mixer generating said instrumentation gas, and at least one purifier located downstream from said at least one mixer and upstream from said analyzer.

Abstract: An arrangement is disclosed for monitoring an installation for thermal loading, having at least one sensor and having evaluation electronics which are connected to the at least one sensor. An indicator substance is arranged at least one point or on at least one component in the installation. The amount of the indicator substances released into the environment is temperature-dependent. The indicator substance can be detected by the at least one sensor.

Abstract: Methods for processing a vessel, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other vessel processing stations or devices and a vessel holder comprising a vessel port are provided. An opening of the vessel can be seated on the vessel port. The interior surface of the seated vessel can be processed via the vessel port by the first and second processing stations or devices. Vessel barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated vessels, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A vessel processing system and vessel inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fully integrated portable screening system includes a main housing and a contact pad. The contact pad is removably positioned in the main housing and covered by at least one sample sheet. The contact pad is preferably constituted by a cylindrical baton which carries a roll of sample collection sheets. A test subject interacts with the contact pad, leaving a trace sample on the sample collection sheet. The contact pad is then placed within the main housing and the trace sample is exposed to a test medium designed to interact with a specific analyte of interest potentially present in the trace sample. After exposure to the test medium, the sample sheet is subjected to a testing mechanism which exposes any interaction between the test medium and the analyte of interest to produce a test result.

Abstract: A structure includes a substantially non-conductive frame having an exterior surface. The structure defines a plurality of passages that open to the exterior surface. Mesoporous material is disposed in the plurality of passages and is supported therein by the frame. In a method for making a mesoporous nanocrystalline titania hybrid material, a templating agent, an acid, and a titania precursor is mixed into a template liquid. A frame that defines a plurality of passages is placed into the template liquid. A solvent is evaporated from the template liquid, thereby forming a titania gel encapsulating the templating agent. The gel is heated to remove substantially the templating agent from the non-conductive frame and the titania, thereby leaving a mesoporous titania material.

Abstract: A gas sensor (1) including a protector (100) for protecting a detection portion (11) of a sensor element (10). The protector (100) has an inner protector (120) and an outer protector (110). A diameter r of an exhaust hole (160) formed in the inner protector (120) and an axial distance h between a front end 10a of the sensor element 10 and the exhaust hole (160) satisfy a relation r?2h/15+?.

Abstract: Generally, this invention relates to the development of field monitoring methodology for new substances and sensing chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and terrorist substances. It also relates to a portable test kit which may be utilized to measure concentrations of halogenated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the field. Specifically it relates to systems for reliably field sensing the potential presence of such items while also distinguishing them from other elements potentially present. It also relates to overall systems and processes for sensing, reacting, and responding to an indicated presence of such substance, including modifications of existing halogenated sensors and arrayed sensing systems and methods.