Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: A target odor detecting method for screening odor emitters in a relatively confined space using an animate and/or inanimate odor detector to detect one or more target odors.

Abstract: A method is provided that identifies the compounds contributing to fishy water odor from an air conditioner, reproduces the fishy water odor, and prepares a corresponding fishy water odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the fishy water odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The fishy water odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced fishy water odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method that can be used to scientifically fabricate pseudoscents of narcotics, which, in their entirety, are comprised of non-narcotic materials. It also discloses specific compositions of such pseudoscents, which can be used as narcotic-free-but-odoriferously-identical simulants for a range of narcotics and are comprised of non-narcotic components of the scent signature of a narcotic and/or scent components of the same headspace scent signature that have narcotic qualities but have been rendered non-narcotic. The scents achievable by the groups of formulations generated by this method include the different types of prohibited and controlled narcotics, and the components within the pseudoscents can be further tuned to generate simulants representative of different qualities and quantities of such narcotics.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying compounds contributing to a sour odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected sour odor and preparing a corresponding sour odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the sour odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected sour odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced sour odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odors.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying the compounds contributing to urine odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected urine odor, and preparing a corresponding urine odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the urine odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected urine odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced urine odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: An apparatus is presented including an input unit for receiving initial breath samples; a breath analysis module for analyzing the initial breath samples; a comparison module for comparing the initial breath samples to subsequent breath inputs; and a breath authorization module for locking and/or unlocking the apparatus in response to results received from the comparison module. The apparatus may also include a storage unit for storing the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs. The breath analysis module is a chemical breath component analyzer configured to: (i) count each of a plurality of select volatile organic compounds from the initial breath samples and the subsequent breath inputs received from the input unit and (ii) determine a concentration of each of the plurality of the select volatile organic compounds.

Abstract: In some aspects, olfactory devices include a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet, an ambient air inlet cartridge defining a channel in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a position sensor. The ambient air inlet cartridge includes a first member defining a first orifice, and a second member moveable relative to the first member, the second member defining a second orifice, where a degree of overlap between the first orifice and the second orifice controls a flow capacity of the channel. The position sensor signals the degree of overlap between the first orifice and the second orifice.

Abstract: A target odor detecting apparatus and method, the apparatus including a rotatable door assembly is disclosed for screening odor emitters for target odors. A screening zone is defined within the rotatable door assembly wherein air is moved to an observation room for screening by an animate odor detector to detect one or more target odors.

Abstract: A method that identifies the compounds contributing to a fish-like odor from an air conditioner and artificially reproduces the fish-like odor, and prepares a corresponding fish-like odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the fish-like odor from an air conditioner are identified and quantified. The fish-like odor is reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced fish-like odor provides significant data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odor.

Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for detecting and analyzing materials contributing to a detected odor from an air conditioner. The method includes analyzing the detected odor using a sensory evaluation of the detected odor. A first gas sample is then collected and instrumental analysis is performed to determine a plurality of contributing materials of the detected odor.

Abstract: The invention provides a light weight analyzer, e.g., detector, capable of locating clandestine graves. The detector utilizes the very specific and unique chemicals identified in the database of human decompositional odor. This detector, based on specific chemical compounds found relevant to human decomposition, is the next step forward in clandestine grave detection and will take the guess-work out of current methods using canines and ground-penetrating radar, which have historically been unreliable. The detector is self contained, portable and built for field use. Both visual and auditory cues are provided to the operator.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for measuring mass change under high pressure, comprising: a high pressure cell comprising a reference quartz crystal microbalance sensor and a sample quartz crystal microbalance sensor, wherein the sample quartz crystal microbalance sensor is coated with a test sample selected from the group consisting of nanoporous materials and metal-organic frameworks; a pressure sensor operatively connected to the high pressure cell; a thermocouple operatively connected to the high pressure cell, wherein the high pressure cell is maintained at a pre-selected temperature; a gas inlet fluidly connected to the high pressure cell; and a gas outlet fluidly connected to the high pressure cell. Also described are methods of making and using the apparatus.

Abstract: A target odor detection apparatus and system configured to house one or more inanimate odor detectors for screening air passed across odor emitters or conveyances that pass through the target odor detection apparatus. Various communication technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide enhanced control over an apparatus or system located in multiple and, in some cases, very distant, geographic locations.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a mobile electronic system that gathers and analyzes odors, airborne chemicals and/or compounds. The system includes a sample delivery component that can gather airborne substances and/or gaseous substances. A detection component can detect the presences of chemicals, substances, and/or visual gases in a sample. Analyzed samples can be compared with known substance and/or odor analysis. In addition, the source of the sample can be determined. Accordingly, odor, gas, and/or airborne substance identification can be accomplished.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for identifying compounds contributing to a sour odor emitting from an air conditioner, a method for artificially reproducing the detected sour odor and preparing a corresponding sour odor composition. Through the analysis method of the present invention, the compounds contributing to the sour odor emitted from an air conditioner may be identified and quantified. The detected sour odor may be reproduced from a combination of the compounds identified by the analysis method of the present invention. The reproduced sour odor may provide meaningful data required for development of an apparatus and a method for removing specific odors.

Abstract: A target odor detection apparatus and system configured to temporarily house one or more animate odor detectors for screening air passed across odor emitters or conveyances that pass through the target odor detection apparatus. Various types of sensor technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide consistent detection results by, inter alia, consistently interpreting trained signals from animate odor detectors. Various communication technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide enhanced control over an apparatus or system located in multiple and, in some cases, very distant, geographic locations.

Abstract: A device is provided which includes an activity sensor, a communication portion, and a route suggesting portion. The activity sensor can detect physical activity of a user of a device. The communication portion may provide access one or more social networks via a communication network, in which the device may communicate with a social network of contacts. The route suggesting portion may provide an alternate route to travel such that the predicted odor may not offend others that are socially connected to the user and that travel the same routes as the user.

Abstract: A detection and identification system includes a sensor unit (100) having a sensor array that detects and identifies at least one chemical included in an air flow. The system also includes a pump (120) that drives the air flow through the detection and identification system, in which the pump receives the air flow that has passed out of the sensor unit. The system further includes an adsorption unit (130) that dries and cleans the air flow within the detection and identification system, to obtain a substantially dry and clean air flow, in which the adsorption unit receives the air flow that has passed out of the pump. The system also includes at least one valve (140) that receives the substantially dry and clean air flow that has passed through the adsorption unit. The valve provides the substantially dry and clean air flow to the sensor unit in a close-loop circulation operation to thereby clean a sensor array.

Abstract: Methods and systems for analyzing soybeans and, more particularly, for analyzing soybeans at the point of delivery such as a grain elevator or processing plant for a characteristic of the soybeans such as the ?-conglycinin protein content or the intensity of flavor of the soybeans.

Abstract: A method is provided that monitors the odor within the physical enclosure of a computing device that includes one or more components. The method includes determining whether the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component that is overheating within the physical enclosure of the computing device. Determining whether the odor within the physical enclosure may include an artificial neural network (“ANN”) to determine whether the odor is indicative of an overheating component. The method includes initiating an overheating protocol in response to determining that the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component. The method may, for example, alert the user and/or applications that a component is overheating.

Abstract: Chemical field effect sensors comprising nanotube field effect devices having biopolymers such as single stranded DNA or RNA functionally adsorbed to the nanotubes are provided. Also included are arrays comprising the sensors and methods of using the devices to detect volatile compounds.

Abstract: An oral aroma sampling device includes a mouthpiece which defines an in-mouth surface and an external surface, the in-mouth surface bearing a delivery conduit, and the external surface bearing a manifold in communication with the delivery conduit, the manifold bearing a plurality of capillaries, each of which capillary is the conduit for an aroma substance, the mouthpiece additionally comprising a breathing conduit passing from the external surface to the in-mouth surface. The device is useful as part of a retronasal testing apparatus, which allows a large variety of flavor combinations to be tested quickly and efficiently.

Abstract: Pathogen and chemical detection systems for use with a patient support apparatus and related methods are disclosed. A fluid or biologic sample from the vicinity of a person supported by a person support apparatus is acquired and transmitted to a pathogen detection sensor. A graphical caregiver interface is supplied output from the pathogen detection sensor and detects the presence of a chemical. The graphical caregiver interface communicates with an electronic medical records database, and alarm and a nurse call system.

Abstract: A sensor module is provided that monitors the odor within the physical enclosure of a computing device that includes one or more components. A recognition module determines whether the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component that is overheating within the physical enclosure of the computing device. The recognition module may use an artificial neural network (ANN) to determine whether the odor is indicative of an overheating component. An alert module initiates an overheating protocol in response to determining that the odor within the physical enclosure is indicative of an overheating component. The alert module may, for example, alert the user and/or applications that a component is overheating.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection of body parts, such as hands, and or their coverings, such as clean room suits or gloves, and small objects. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from the objects and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles. Also included is a system and method for monitoring an individual's hand hygiene or an object's cleanliness using a washing substance containing one or more chemical odor markers and a touchless detector for detecting the odor markers and generating a signal based on such detection. The detector may be handheld or portable. The system may also employ a mechanism for identifying the individual, and may employ one or more remote devices for monitoring or indicating the results of the detection.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a creature-machine hybrid detector system capable of autonomously detecting illicit and hazardous materials. This hybrid detector comprises of an explosives detecting creature trained in the art of detecting illicit and hazardous materials that is additionally outfitted with a battery operated lightweight and portable electronics-based detector machine ensemble capable of real-time characterizations of vapor, liquid and gaseous phase materials towards which the creature displays a positive alert response, two-way wireless video, data, voice, location and image connectivity, a creature-heartbeat detector, and the capacity for interaction to remote personnel within the field of operations through a hand-held display or to a central control unit.

Abstract: In some aspects, olfactory devices include a housing having a first inlet and a second inlet, an ambient air inlet cartridge defining a channel in fluid communication with the first inlet, and a position sensor. The ambient air inlet cartridge includes a first member defining a first orifice, and a second member moveable relative to the first member, the second member defining a second orifice, where a degree of overlap between the first orifice and the second orifice controls a flow capacity of the channel. The position sensor signals the degree of overlap between the first orifice and the second orifice.

Abstract: Methods for enhancing a preference for a product by repetitive use. The method involves formulating a perfume composition into a product, the perfume composition including (I) allyl caproate and (II) ambroxan or geranium oil.

Abstract: Olfactory identification of the contents of a bottle, in particular wine, or any food container, intended to facilitate the choice of the product by a novice consumer making a purchase is enabled. A support, such as an enclosure attached to a bottle and, inside, a substance aromatized with the aromas representative of the contents of the bottle, make it possible to assist with the selection.

Abstract: A cartridge-like chemical sensor is formed by a housing having a base and a cover fixed to the base and provided with an input opening, an output hole and a channel for a gas to be analyzed. The channel extends in the cover between the input opening and the output hole and faces a printed circuit board carrying an integrated circuit having a sensitive region open toward the channel and of a material capable to bind with target chemicals in the gas to be analyzed. A fan is arranged in the housing, downstream of the integrated device, for sucking the gas after being analyzed, and is part of a thermal control system for the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: An electronic microbalance made in a semiconductor body accommodating an oscillating circuit adjacent to a diaphragm. A stack formed by a first electrode, a second electrode, and a piezoelectric region arranged between the first and the second electrode extends above the diaphragm. Any substance that deposits on the stack causes a change in the mass of the microbalance and thus in the resonance frequency of a resonator formed by the microbalance and by the oscillating circuit and can thus be detected electronically. A chemical sensor is obtained by forming a sensitive layer of a material suitable for binding to target chemicals on the stack. The sensitivity of the microbalance can be increased by making the first electrode of molybdenum so as to increase the piezoelectric characteristics of the piezoelectric region.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a heating element for selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time.

Abstract: An apparatus for sensing analyte is provided. The apparatus may include a plurality of sensor array columns, each sensor array column including a plurality of sensors, each sensor being adapted for sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and output a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter, a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) array including a plurality of VCOs, each VCO adapted to receive an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays and for and generating an output oscillation frequency in accordance with the level of the received output current, and a counter array including a plurality of counters, each counter adapted to receive an output from a corresponding VCO and count a number of oscillations over a predetermined time.

Abstract: A method for sensing analyte. The method includes the steps of sensing one or more parameters in reaction to the presence of one or more analytes and outputting a current therefrom in accordance with level of the sensed parameter by each of a plurality of sensors, each of the plurality of sensors being provided in one or more sensor array columns, selectively heating one or more of the sensor array columns by a heating element, and receiving an output current from one of the plurality of sensors from each of the plurality of sensor arrays by a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO) arranged in a VCO array. The method further includes the steps of generating an output oscillation frequency by each VCO in accordance with the level of the received output current, and counting a number of oscillations over a predetermined time received from each of the plurality of VCOs in the VCO array by a plurality of counters arranged in a counter array.

Abstract: A field olfactometer includes a mixing chamber connected to a mask. A sample flow path is defined through the olfactometer as is a diluent flow path. The sample flow path extends from a sample air inlet to a sample air outlet which is open to the mixing chamber. The diluent flow path extends from a diluent air inlet to a diluent air outlet which is also open to the mixing chamber. The sample flow path and diluent flow path are isolated from one another so that the sample air flowing through the sample flow path and diluent air flowing through the diluent flow path cannot mix until the two streams of air exit their respective flow path and enter the mixing chamber where the two streams mix thoroughly prior to reaching the mask. The diluent flow path includes a filter medium to remove odor-causing chemicals from ambient air drawn through the diluent flow path.

Abstract: The present invention provides a class of sensors prepared from regions of conducting organic materials and conducting materials that show an increase sensitivity detection limit for amines. The present class of sensors have applications in the detection of spoiled food products and in testing for diseases, such as cholera and lung cancer, which have amines as biomarkers.

Abstract: An oscillation circuit includes: a first oscillation circuit and a second oscillation circuit, wherein the first oscillation circuit includes a first input side electrode electrically connected to a first oscillator and a first output side electrode electrically connected to the first oscillator, and the second oscillation circuit includes a second input side electrode electrically connected to a second oscillator and a second output side electrode electrically connected to the second oscillator, wherein the distance between the first output side electrode and the second input side electrode is greater than the distance between the first input side electrode and the first output side electrode.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods in which one or more miniature synthetic jet actuators are integrated with a chemical fluidic sensor (ChemFET) to effect inhalation and exhalation of ambient gas samples and induce small scale mixing at the surface of the sensor. The fluidically integrated jet transports ambient gas or liquid into the jet/sensor assembly through integrated gas or liquid channels, impinges the sample gas or liquid on the sensing element, and finally ejects the sample gas or liquid back into the ambient gas or liquid. The response of the sensor in the presence of the active jet is compared to its response when the jet is inactive. The jet actuator directs entrained ambient gas or liquid toward the active surface of the sensor, and the impingement of sample gas or liquid onto the surface of the sensor results in faster response time. Other embodiments are also claimed and described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kit for assessing the fragrance intensity of a fabric care product and a method for assessing the fragrance intensity imparted by a fabric care product comprising perfume microcapsules. The kit works instantly and ensures steady assessing conditions without requiring complicated instruments or professional operators.

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 self-contained mobile apparatus which replicates the evaluation of scents, fragrances, aromas and odors in controlled and home environments. The apparatus simulates various stages of the consumer experience and has adjustable settings for dosing, air flow, and room size. The scented compound sample is placed within a cabinet having an enclosed sample chamber which is connected to an upward facing sample tube. An air fan is mounted within the sample chamber which circulates and controls sample air flow upward to a testing station wherein the sample air flow is tested for the identification and the concentration of the scent contained therein. A return air chamber and filter are mounted below the testing station. The filtered return air is controlled downward by a return air blower to provide an exhaust out through the bottom of the apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for contaminant detection in the food industry. Particularly, the method and apparatus involve collecting air samples containing aerosolized contaminate particles from a foodstuff and analyzing the sample for presence of a contaminate. Aerosol lab-on-a-chip and/or electronic nose devices are utilized for the detection of contaminant particles.

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: 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: An Aromas kit uses containers of certain discrete molecules to provide odors suitable for an olfactory education of wine properties. The disclosed molecules may be found within certain wines and provide a useful olfactory reference when smelling a finished wine sample, even when the wine sample contains a myriad of other conflicting or competing molecule smells.

Abstract: A target odor detection apparatus and system configured to house one or more inanimate odor detectors for screening air passed across odor emitters or conveyances that pass through the target odor detection apparatus. Various communication technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide enhanced control over an apparatus or system located in multiple and, in some cases, very distant, geographic locations.

Abstract: A target odor detection apparatus and system configured to temporarily house one or more animate odor detectors for screening air passed across odor emitters or conveyances that pass through the target odor detection apparatus. Various types of sensor technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide consistent detection results by, inter alia, consistently interpreting trained signals from animate odor detectors. Various communication technologies are incorporated in certain embodiments to provide enhanced control over an apparatus or system located in multiple and, in some cases, very distant, geographic locations.