Abstract: This gas sensor is provided with: a detection element that measures a gas concentration of a detection target gas contained in an examination gas; a substrate having a heating element; and a supporting member that is fixed to the substrate, protrudes from the heating element, and supports the detection element.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for sensing a fluid, such as in a ventilation duct. In at least one embodiment, the device includes a sensing element, a housing accommodating the sensing element, and a supply duct and a discharge duct, which ducts at one end commucicate with the housing and which ducts at the other end communicate with an object that is to be sensed. In at least one embodiment, the housing is formed with a first passage portion for the fluid that is to be sensed; that the sensing element is positioned in the first passage portion; and that the supply duct opens into said first passage portion and that the discharge duct is connected to a discharge opening formed in the first passage portion and positioned at a considerable peripheral distance from the mouth of said supply duct in the first passage portion, so that the fluid that is to be sensed is actively made to pass the sensing element.

Abstract: A system and method for operating a mass flow controller is described. One embodiment validates the operation of a mass flow controller thermal sensor, including detecting zero drift and span drift in the sensor by comparing the thermal sensor output to a pressure sensor output. In one embodiment, each sensor provides a signal to a digital controller or other processing unit and the controller calculates the mass flow rates of a gas flowing through the unit as measured by the sensors. The mass flow rates may then be compared to determine if one of the thermal sensor is operating properly.

Abstract: Provided is a sensor structure comprising a heater and a temperature sensor at the center of a membrane having a well structure, allowing a temperature to be rapidly controlled with low power, and the object is analyzed using a conductivity change measured at two or more substrate temperatures with a pair of detecting electrode and a detecting layer implemented on the heater, wherein the sensing layer can include a conductive particle and a non-conductive organic composite.

Abstract: A control apparatus for a gas sensor with a built-in heater is provided which can prevent damage to, deterioration of, and reduction in accuracy of detection of, a gas sensor. When an ignition switch is turned ON, supply of electricity to a heater 27 starts, and when the temperature in the vicinity of a gas sensor 15 (gas temperature of gas detection chamber 24) Ts becomes greater than a predetermined temperature #Ti at start, or when a predetermined electricity supply time after start of supply of electricity to the heater 27 has elapsed, the gas sensor 15 is started. The flow of off-gas is started simultaneously with starting of the gas sensor 15, or after starting. When the ignition switch is turned OFF, the flow of off gas is stopped, and the supply of electric power to the gas sensor 15 is stopped.

Abstract: Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are decorated with metal nanoparticles to form high-performance flexible hydrogen sensors. The special process to form the high-performance flexible hydrogen sensors can combine a dry transfer printing technique and modification of SWNTs with palladium (Pd) nanoparticles to provide high-performance hydrogen sensors with excellent mechanical flexibility on plastic substrates. Two approaches can be used to decorate the SWNTs. One is physical deposition, such as electron beam evaporation (EBE) and the other is electrochemical deposition which can selectively grow palladium nanoparticles on the surface of the SWNTs, resulting in significantly decreasing the use of palladium. Preferably, the Pd nanoparticles are deposed on the SWNTs in a discontinuous arrangement so that the Pd nanoparticles are spaced away from each other to form individual discontinuous Pd nanoparticles rather a continuous Pd film.

Abstract: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method and apparatus for monitoring drug compliance by detecting markers, such as odors, upon exhalation by a patient after medication is taken, wherein such markers result either directly from the medication itself or from an additive combined with the medication. In the case of olfactory markers, the invention preferably utilizes electronic sensor technology, such as the commercial devices referred to as “artificial noses” or “electronic noses,” to non-invasively monitor compliance. The invention further includes a reporting system capable of tracking compliance (remote or proximate) and providing the necessary alerts.

Abstract: A method for collecting and sensing a column of air in near real-time to detect one or more agents dispersed within the air column is described. The method includes passing the column of air through a port in a parafoil, the parafoil configured with a flow-through sensor suite located in the port and operable such that the column of air passes through the sensor suite, operating the sensor suite to test the column of air for the one or more agents, and receiving test results from the sensor suite.

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, infra red, ultrasonic and electron capture detectors.

Abstract: A penetration and removal efficiency calibration unit for a volatile particle remover in a solid particle counting system provides an accurate and efficient approach to calibration. The calibration unit includes an aerosol inlet, a flow meter downstream of the aerosol inlet, and a mixer. The flow meter receives the aerosol flow from the aerosol inlet and provides an output flow to the mixer. The mixer receives the output flow from the flow meter and also has a dilution gas inlet. The mixer provides a mixer output flow for reception by the volatile particle remover or particle counter. A first flow controller controls flow into the dilution gas inlet. The calibration unit also includes a bypass inlet. A second flow controller controls flow into the bypass inlet, and a control loop controls the bypass flow such that the aerosol flow tracks a reference value.

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: 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: A selective gas sensor is for determining the presence of a test gas, for example, helium includes an evacuated housing, sealed by a selectively gas-permeable membrane. The membrane is part of a sight glass, whereby the glass pane is provided with a hole, sealed by the membrane made from a silicon material. The frame of the membrane wall is connected to the housing by means of a high-vacuum soft-metal seal. The housing can also form one of the electrodes of the gas pressure sensor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a semi-conductor transducer, and to the use thereof in an electron donor or electron acceptor space sensor. Said transducer consists of an insulating substrate on the surface of which two electrodes and a semiconductor sensitive element are provided. The sensitive element consists of a layer of a semiconductor molecular material M1 having a conductivity C1 and a layer of a semiconductor molecular material M2 having a conductivity C2 and a forbidden bandwidth Eg2<1 eV. The material layer M1 is in contact with the electrodes. The material layer M2 is deposited on the material layer M1 and is not in contact with the electrodes. The conductivities are such that C2/C1?1.

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 gas detection system is configured to detect a preset gas in a predetermined space. The gas detection system includes a gas concentration detector constructed to detect a gas concentration of the preset gas, a recording assembly, a notification module, and a decision module. When the gas concentration detected by the gas concentration detector is higher than a preset first reference value, the decision module controls the notification module to give notice. When the detected gas concentration is higher than a preset second reference value but is lower than the preset first reference value, on the other hand, the decision module controls the notification module to give no notice but record a specific piece of information into the recording assembly. This arrangement of the gas detection system enables the user to readily detect deterioration of a device utilizing a fuel, for example, fuel cells.

Abstract: A medical gas alarm system for use in a healthcare facility having a medical gas system and having a network of computer devices is provided. The alarm system includes at least one area alarm controller adapted to receive a first signal indicative of a condition of a first portion of the medical gas system. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The alarm system also includes at least one master alarm controller adapted to receive a second signal indicative of a condition of a second portion of the medical gas system. The master alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the network. The area alarm controller is adapted to communicate with the master alarm controller through the network.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for use in the detection of a fault in an electrical apparatus, especially transformers that have electrical windings immersed in electrical insulating oil with a headspace above the oil. The device comprises a housing defining a chamber with a mouth adapted to receive a pressure relief valve on the oil tank. The device creates a fluid tight seal around the pressure relief valve and operates the pressure relief valve to extract a gas sample from the headspace into the chamber. The device may include a gas analyzer for analyzing the gas sample for the presence of acetylene, which is indicative of a fault in the apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing concentrated spots of collected particulates from an impact collection surface, and transferring those particulates into a container suitable for preparing a liquid sample. A jet of fluid can be utilized to remove and transfer the particulates. If a liquid jet is employed, care is taken to minimize the quantity of liquid to avoid unnecessarily diluting the sample. A mechanical scraper can alternatively be employed to remove and transfer the particulates into the container. The scraper can be rinsed with liquid or vibrated to remove the particulates. Alternatively, the portion of the surface containing a specific spot of particulates can be removed and placed into a container.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a gas specimen mixture includes measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture and the pressure and temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A number of sample gas mixtures are generated with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations. For each generated sample gas mixture, the method includes calculating the speed of sound therein based on the measured pressure and temperature and the particular percentages of hydrocarbon gases therein, measuring the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and iteratively comparing the measured speed of sound with the calculated speed of sound in different sample gas mixtures until convergence for a particular sample gas mixture. The molecular weight of the particular sample gas mixture is calculated, and set the molecular weight of the gas specimen mixture to the calculated molecular weight.

Abstract: A gas specimen mixture analysis system includes at least one sensor for measuring the concentrations of inert components in the gas specimen mixture, a pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of the gas specimen mixture, and a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the gas specimen mixture. A subsystem measures the speed of sound in the gas specimen mixture, and a processing subsystem, responsive to the at least one inert component sensor, the pressure sensor, the temperature sensor, and the subsystem for measuring the speed of sound, is configured to generate a number of sample gas mixtures with varying percentages of hydrocarbon gases, each including the measured inert component concentrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanostructured composites comprising a nanotube network which is at least partially embedded within a carbon layer. The present invention particularly relates to conducting nanostructured composites for use in the fields of energy conversion, energy storage and also the biomedical field. The present invention also relates to a process via CVD of carbon onto a catalyst layer on a substrate. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: Selecting a stationary phase for a fluid analyzer using certain criteria to determine an appropriate material for use in, for instance, a micro fluid analyzer. High absorption of an analyte or sample, low water sorbency and high porosity or permeability of the material may be sought. A selected material may incorporate a toughening agent using a neutral leaving group. A selected material may have a capping agent to promote hydrophobicity. A selected material may be a hydrophobic polymer. The selection of a stationary phase may involve molecular modeling.

Abstract: A flow head for a gas sensor having a sensing element is provided. The flow head includes a body at least partially defining a cavity in thermal communication with the sensing element. The body includes an inlet port located within an annular surface of the body and an outlet port located within the annular surface of the body. The body also includes an inlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the inlet passage configures the inlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another. The body further includes an outlet passage offset from and parallel to the cavity, wherein the outlet passage configures the outlet port and the cavity to be in fluid communication with one another.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one gas variable by way of a gas sensor system, and at least one system variable of that gas sensor system, in which:—the gas variable is measured at least twice, the at least two measurements differing because two different values are set for a parameter of the gas sensor system, and—based on the at least two measurements, the at least one system variable and the at least one gas variable are determined.

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

Abstract: The invention concerns a sensor with silicon-containing components from whose sensitive detection element electrical signals relevant to a present analyte can be read out by means of a silicon semiconductor system. The invention is characterized in that the silicon-containing components are covered with a layer made of hydrophobic material in order to prevent unwanted signals caused by moisture.

Abstract: An electrochemical suspended element-based sensor system includes a solution cell for holding an electrolyte comprising solution including at least one electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species. A working electrode (WE), reference electrode (RE) and a counter electrode (CE) are disposed in the solution. The CE includes an asymmetric suspended element, wherein one side of the suspended element includes a metal or a highly doped semiconductor surface. The suspended element bends when current associated with reduction or oxidation of the electrochemically reducible or oxidizable species at the WE passes through the suspended element. At least one measurement system measures the bending of the suspended element or a parameter which is a function of the bending.

Abstract: A garage monitoring system is provided that determines if the garage door is opened or closed, and will not issue a move door command if the garage door is already opened and it will not issue a move door command if smoke is detected first. The system's sequence of operation is can thus be described as follows: a. If CO is detected first, high concentration, sound alarm and open door immediately. b. If CO is detected first, low concentration, sound alarm and wait a time period to see if smoke alarm activates. If smoke alarm does not activate, open garage door, otherwise do not change the position of the garage door. c. If smoke is detected first, sound alarm and do not change the position of the garage door.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting tobacco-specific nitrosamines. The method includes exposing at least one microcantilever beam to a medium, which may contain tobacco-specific nitrosamines, and measuring a deflection of the microcantilever beam, wherein the deflection indicates a presence of tobacco-specific nitrosamines in the medium. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a gold-coated receptor layer with a plurality of thiol molecules having a sulfur head and carboxyl-terminated group. The at least one microcantilever beam can include a silicon base layer and a metal or metal oxide coated receptor layer. Alternatively, the microcantilever beam can be formed by co-absorbing tobacco-specific nitrosamines and silane molecules on a silicon microcantilever surface, wherein the template molecules of tobacco-specific nitrosamines physically co-adsorb between the silane molecules.

Abstract: A differential absorption spectrum for a reactive gas in a gas mixture can be generated for sample absorption data by subtracting background absorption data set from the sample absorption data. The background absorption data can be characteristic of absorption characteristics of the background composition in a laser light scan range that includes a target wavelength. The differential absorption spectrum can be converted to a measured concentration of the reactive gas using calibration data. A determination can be made whether the background composition has substantially changed relative to the background absorption data, and new background absorption data can be used if the background composition has substantially changed. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A method for determining a physical property of an object in a multi-path clutter environment comprises transmitting an RF interrogation signal to a wireless sensor physically coupled to the object or the fluid in the 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 transmit the reference signal and the measurement signal in the 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 transmitted reference signal and the transmitted measurement signal and comparing them in the time domain in order to determine the unknown physical property of the object or the fluid.

Abstract: A method and system for detecting, quantifying or characterizing emitting sources. According to an embodiment, an emission source is located by monitoring an area with one or more sensors, determining a plume, generating one or more candidates for the emission source, and using the plume to derive one or more characteristics associated with the emission source, and then locating the emission source based on agreement or convergence of the one or more characteristics.

Abstract: Modified graphite particles obtained from graphite or based on graphite, the said particles having impurities in their internal structure and having on the surface a low, even nil, rate of an impurity or several impurities. In addition, these particles have at least one of the following characteristics: a tab density between 0.3 and 1.5 g/cc; a potatolike shape; and a granulometric dispersion such that the D90/D10 ratio varies between 2 and 5 and the particles have a size between 1 and 50 ?m. These particles can be used for fuel cells, electrochemical generators, or as moisture absorbers and/or oxygen absorbers and they have important electrochemical properties. The electrochemical cells and batteries thus obtained are stable and safe.

Abstract: Described herein is a composite exhibiting a change in electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of a reducing gas present in a gas mixture, detector and sensor devices comprising the composite, a method for making the composite and for making devices comprising the composite, and a process for detecting and measuring a reducing gas in an atmosphere. In particular, the reducing gas may be carbon monoxide and the composite may comprise rutile-phase TiO2 particles and platinum nanoclusters. The composite, upon exposure to a gas mixture containing CO in concentrations of up to 10,000 ppm, exhibits an electrical resistance proportional to the concentration of the CO present. The composite is useful for making sensitive, low drift, fast recovering detectors and sensors, and for measuring CO concentrations in a gas mixture present at levels from sub-ppm up to 10,000 ppm. The composites, and devices made from the composites, are stable and operable in a temperature range of from about 450° C.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas visualization device comprises a hydrogen sensor having a thin film layer formed on the surface of a substrate and a catalyst layer formed on the surface of the thin film layer which, when contacted by hydrogen gas contained in an atmosphere, hydrogenates the thin film layer and thereby changes the optical reflectance of the thin film layer, and one or more sensor faces provided with the hydrogen sensor. The hydrogen gas visualization device visualizes, on the sensor faces, the distribution of hydrogen gas contained in the atmosphere contacting the hydrogen sensor and thereby visualizes the existence and flow of the hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A vapor detection system adapted to detect vapor from an object at a remote distance therefrom, said vapor detection system comprising a heat source adapted to heat an upper surface of the object so as to increase evaporation and vapor concentrations of substances from the object.

Abstract: A process measuring device configured to identify malfunctions due to hardware and/or software errors is provided. The process measuring device includes a measuring unit for converting a non-electric variable to an electric variable with a modulation facility modulating the conversion, a signal processing device for processing the electric variable, or an electric raw signal obtained from the electric variable by signal preprocessing, by a signal processing software to produce a measured value, and means for obtaining a test signal corresponding to the modulation. Further, the device includes means in the form of the signal processing device for processing the test signal by the signal processing software to produce a diagnosis value and means for monitoring the signal processing device by comparing the diagnosis value with an expected value.

Abstract: A System and Method for Gas Recognition by Analysis of Bispectrum Functions is based on the Higher-Order Spectral analysis of time series measurements of resistance fluctuations in Metal Oxide Semiconductor (MOS) gas sensors, such as Taguchi-type sensors. A two-dimensional contour plot module of the bispectrum function is treated as a pattern. These patterns include information about the analyte(s) whereby characteristics of the gas can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and accompanying device for separating a known or unknown sample into one or more subsamples. By comparing the subsample's measurement profile data to the sample measurement profile data, the performance of the separation can be determined. The separation could be chromatography [such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC), or the like], electrophoresis [such as capillary electrophoresis (CE) or the like], or another separation technique. The measurement profile data could be ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) spectra, mass spectra (MS), or another measurement technique.

Abstract: The present invention is a biogas processing system having a compressor having a biogas input and output, a pump having a water input and output, a scrubber tower having a mixing chamber connected to a biogas input, a water pump input, a water output, and a processed biogas output, and a filtration member connected to the water output to remove contaminants from the water exiting the first scrubber tower. The system also includes devices for heating and cooling the recycled flow of water to enhance the ability of the water to absorb contaminants from the biogas and the ability of a stripper to remove absorbed contaminants from the water in a closed loop water system, and a controller for closely controlling the operating parameters of the system to achieve safe an optimal operation of the system.

Abstract: A robotic sensor measures air quality characteristics as experienced by a toddler, such as a child of six to twelve months in age. The robot includes an air quality sensor, a terrain drive train, a sensor drive train and a control circuit that controls the terrain drive train and the sensor drive train. The control circuit directs the terrain drive train to traverse an area at a speed and a start and stop rate consistent with that of a child and directs the sensor drive train to control the monitoring height at which the air quality sensor measures the air quality characteristic in a manner consistent with that of the child.

Abstract: A gas analyzing apparatus for analyzing gas composition in a multi-gas stream is disclosed. The gas analyzing apparatus includes a plurality of sensors adapted to sense a characteristic of the gases and a microprocessor connected to the plurality of sensors and adapted to determine actual rates of flow of the gases. A method of analyzing a composition of a gas stream and a fuel cell system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus of the present invention dilutes a sample gas by mixing the sample gas with nitrogen gas and measures the concentration of IPA gas contained in the diluted sample gas in a concentration measuring part. Then, the substrate processing apparatus calculates the concentration (C0) of IPA gas contained in the sample gas before being diluted by multiplying the measured concentration value (C1) by the reciprocal (1/P) of a dilution rate which is obtained on the basis of the amount of flow of the sample gas and that of the diluent gas, as C0=C1×(1/P). Therefore, even if IPA gas of high concentration is used, it is possible to accurately measure the concentration of the IPA gas.

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 gas-measuring system contains at least one gas sensor (1) and at least one gas generator (4). The gas sensor (1) has at least one measuring surface (3), at which a target gas concentration can be measured. The gas generator (4) has at least one discharge surface (5), from which a current-proportional quantity of test gas can be discharged. The measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are designed and the gas sensor (1) and the gas generator (4) can be arranged such that the measuring surface (3) and the discharge surface (5) are in direct contact with the ambient atmosphere and the distance between the two surfaces is shorter than the extension of the smaller of the two surfaces.

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 system and method for detecting contaminants in or on objects, having a movably mounted container for holding objects and having a plurality of perforations and an entrance opening through which objects may be placed into the container. A housing encloses the container and forms a barrier to ambient air. There is a sealable opening for inserting and removing objects from the container. A drive assembly moves the container within the housing to move objects therein for emitting particles which are in or on such object. There is an air stream for moving air through the housing and container to entrain any emitted particles into the air stream and a sensor for sensing contaminants in the air stream and providing a signal when a contaminant is sensed. The container can be a rotatable cage or a vibrating box. In the method, there is a chamber provided which may be sealed with respect to ambient air to create an enclosed atmosphere.