Abstract: A discharge ionization detector includes: a gas passage (104, 120) through which an electric-discharge gas is to be passed; a plasma generation electrode (106-108) configured to generate an electric discharge in the gas passage so as to generate plasma from the electric-discharge gas; a sample-gas introduction section (124) through which a sample gas is introduced into the gas passage; a collection electrode (117) configured to collect ions generated from a sample with the plasma; a bias electrode (113) located between the plasma generation electrode and the collection electrode, and configured to create an electric field for guiding the charged particles to the collection electrode; and a DC power unit (131, 133) capable of independently controlling a voltage applied to the bias electrode and a voltage applied to the collection voltage. A peak-shape abnormality in a signal output can be suppressed by appropriately adjusting the voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing hydrogen permeation of a mask is provided when generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. The apparatus includes a mask stage configured to hold the mask, a hydrogen dispensing nozzle configured to eject hydrogen below the mask, and a trajectory correcting assembly. The trajectory correcting assembly includes a correcting nozzle and a gas flow detector. The correcting nozzle is configured to dispense at least one flow adjusting gas to adjust a trajectory of the hydrogen away from the mask to reduce hydrogen permeation at an edge of the mask. The gas flow detector is configured to measure a variation of an airflow of the hydrogen adjusted by the at least one flow adjusting gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing hydrogen permeation of a mask is provided when generating extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation. The apparatus includes a mask stage configured to hold the mask, a hydrogen dispensing nozzle configured to eject hydrogen below the mask, and a trajectory correcting assembly. The trajectory correcting assembly includes a correcting nozzle and a gas flow detector. The correcting nozzle is configured to dispense at least one flow adjusting gas to adjust a trajectory of the hydrogen away from the mask to reduce hydrogen permeation at an edge of the mask. The gas flow detector is configured to measure a variation of an airflow of the hydrogen adjusted by the at least one flow adjusting gas.

Abstract: A particle detecting device is provided. The particle detecting device includes an impactor, a resonator and a piezoelectric actuator. A gas containing a plurality of suspended particles is transported into the impactor and is impacted by the impactor for performing separation and screening based on different diameters of the suspended-particles. Moreover, screened and required-diameter particles from the impactor are collected by the resonator to detect a mass and a concentration of the screened and required-diameter particles. Thus, the air quality can be monitored anytime and anywhere.

Abstract: A particle detecting device is provided. The particle detecting device includes a resonator and a piezoelectric actuator. The piezoelectric actuator is used to transport a gas into the resonator, and a mass and a concentration of the screened and required-diameter particles are detected through the resonator. Thus, the air quality can be monitored immediately anytime and anywhere.

Abstract: The following is an apparatus and a method that enables the automated collection and identification of airborne particulate matter comprising dust, pollen grains, mold spores, bacterial cells, and soot from a gaseous medium comprising the ambient air. Once ambient air is inducted into the apparatus, aerosol particulates are acquired and imaged under a novel lighting environment that is used to highlight diagnostic features of the acquired airborne particulate matter. Identity determinations of acquired airborne particulate matter are made based on captured images. Abundance quantifications can be made using identity classifications. Raw and summary information are communicated across a data network for review or further analysis by a user. Other than routine maintenance or subsequent analyses, the basic operations of the apparatus may use, but do not require the active participation of a human operator.

Abstract: A miniaturized particulate matter detector that includes a filter and a concentration detector is provided. The filter has a plurality of holes, and the concentration detector is correspondingly disposed under the filter. The concentration detector has a detected area used to detect a concentration of at least one miniaturized particulate matter. A manufacturing method of the filter is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particle sensor (20) for determining a particle content in a gas flow, wherein the particle sensor (20) has, on the surface thereof, at least two interlocking interdigital IDE electrodes (23) and a heating element (26), separated from the IDE electrodes (23) by an insulating layer (21), by means of which heating element the particle sensor (20) can be heated in a regeneration phase and a soot load on the particle sensor can thus be removed, and by means of which particle sensor, in a diagnostic phase during the regeneration phase, a current is measured by intermittently applying a measurement voltage to the IDE electrodes (23) and, based on the chronological progression and size thereof, a functional inspection of the particle sensor (20) is carried out.

Abstract: An ion generation device is provided, which includes: a heater; a counter electrode arranged on one side of the heater; at least one electric member arranged between the heater and the counter electrode, the electric member being made of a pyroelectric element or a piezoelectric element; an electrode arranged between the heater and the electric member to be in contact with the electric member; and a temperature control circuit to control a temperature of the heater. An ion detection device is provided, which includes the above-described ion generation device, an ion filter to sort ions generated at the ion generation device, and a detector to detect the ions sorted in the ion filter.

Abstract: A device for collecting electrically charged particles comprising a first shell and a second shell disposed concentrically around the first shell is provided. Each of the shells is divided respectively into a first half-shell and a second half-shell. A first switch is disposed between the first half-shell of the first shell and the second half-shell of the first shell. A second switch is disposed between the second half-shell of the first shell and the first half-shell of the second shell. The first half-shell of the second shell has a through opening.

Abstract: An amount of aggregation of particulate matter is estimated with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.

Abstract: A system for improving operation of an engine having a particulate matter sensor is presented. The system may be used to improve engine operation during cold starts especially under conditions where water vapor or entrained water droplets are present in vehicle exhaust gases. In one embodiment, particulate sensor degradation is indicated in response to an output of said particulate matter sensor staying below a threshold as engine temperature increases past the dewpoint temperature.

Abstract: A particulate matter sensor unit may include a sensor portion of an electrostatic induction type that may be reacted when a particulate matter having electric charge may be passing the vicinity thereof, a protection pad that the sensor portion may be bonded on one side thereof through a conductive paste, an heater electrode that may be formed on the protection pad and burns the particulate matters that may be disposed on the sensor portion to eliminate them, and a sensor electrode that may be formed on the protection pad to transfer a signal that may be generated by the sensor portion to an outside.

Abstract: A new instrument for electrical-mobility based size segregation of particles at high resolution is described. The instrument called the high-flow dual-channel differential mobility analyzer (HD-DMA) comprises of five flows: a polydisperse aerosol flow, a clean sheath flow, two monodisperse sample flows and a residual excess flow. High resolution measurements are possible because of the large sheath flowrates that are permissible in this instrument.

Abstract: The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.

Abstract: A technique for reducing an electromagnetic noise entering an electrode or a drift of a signal due to a fluctuation in the ambient temperature is provided to improve the S/N ratio of a signal originating from a component of interest. A dummy electrode having the same structure as an ion-collecting electrode is provided within a lower gas passage at a position where dilution gas with no sample gas mixed therein flows. A differential amplifier is provided to perform differential detection between output A of a current amplifier connected to the ion-collecting electrode and output B of a current amplifier connected to the dummy electrode. The differential signal is free from a common mode noise or drift and hence accurately reflects the amount of the component of interest.

Abstract: This invention relates to volcanic ash sensing techniques for aircraft, and to related sensing apparatus and methods. We thus describe a volcanic ash sensor for an aircraft, the sensor comprising: an electrically conducting ash charge collection device; an electrically insulating support for mounting said collection device in an air duct; and a charge measurement system having an input electrically coupled to said ash charge collection device; wherein said electrically conducting ash charge collection device is configured such that an air flow over said ash charge collection device is a turbulent flow; and wherein said charge measurement system is configured to determine a level of charge in said ash charge collection device to determine the presence of volcanic ash in said air flow.

Abstract: The Portable Ultrafine Particle Sizer (PUPS) invention is provided. The PUPS is an instrument which can measure particle number concentration for particle sizes under 200 nanometers in-situ. The PUPS is a compact design for quick mounting on vehicles. Size discrimination is accomplished using a compact reverse Differential Mobility Analyzer (rDMA). Particle charging is accomplished using corona ionization. Concentration measurements are completed using a unique flexible printed circuit board electrode which can be removed for cleaning, disposal or chemical analysis of collected particles at the end of its in situ measurement life.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a voltage source, a sensor electrode, a grounded assembly, an integration capacitor, and a current meter. The sensor electrode is coupled to the voltage source to receive a voltage. The sensor electrode is disposed within a directed and controlled exhaust flow to facilitate particle agglomeration into particulate matter structures at a surface of the sensor electrode. The grounded assembly is coupled to a ground reference and disposed at a distance from the sensor electrode. The integration capacitor is coupled to a negative side of the voltage source to integrate in time current pulses from charge transfers from the sensor electrode of the particulate matter structures. The current meter is coupled to the voltage source to measure an integrated value of current supplied to the voltage source in response to charge transfers from the sensor electrode to the particulate matter structures in the exhaust flow.

Abstract: A device is presented that is capable of recording the evolution over time of the characteristics of a size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles in an airflow. The device comprises an air inlet, a particle charging unit, a concentration variation section, a particle sensing section and a data evaluation unit. Specifically, the particle sensing section of the device generates at least two serially obtained measurement signals I1 and I2 from which the data evaluation unit can infer values for both the average particle diameter dp,av and the number concentration N of the size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles. Reliable values can be obtained for N and dp,av under both stationary conditions and transient conditions with respect to the characteristics of the particle size distribution due to the condition that the change of the inferred average particle diameter dp,av with respect to a reference particle diameter dp,ref is bounded by a set maximum change.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for sampling and measuring air born particulate matter includes an inlet for the particulate containing gas to enter. A mechanism then removes coarse particles larger than a selected size while permitting filtered particles of less than the selected size to pass through. A chamber containing a quartz crystal sensor permits the filtered particles that have passed through to deposit to create an output signal in response to the deposited particle mass.

Abstract: A method of detecting particulate matter on a particulate matter sensor includes the steps of measuring an electrical characteristic associated with the sensor, determining a value corresponding to the impedance across the sensor, and compensating the impedance for the temperature at which it was determined. The method further includes determining an estimate of the total amount of particulate matter accumulated while limiting the effects of large particles captured on the sensor or blown off the sensor. The information produced by the method may be used to provide diagnostic information regarding a particulate control system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (1) for monitoring particles in a channel (11) or a space comprising aerosol and to an ion trap arrangement in the apparatus. The apparatus (1) comprises an ejector (24), gas supply (6, 16, 18, 19) arranged to feed an essentially particle free ionized gas flow (C) to the ejector (24), a sample-inlet arrangement (2) arranged to provide a sample aerosol flow (A) from the channel (11) into the ejector (24) by means of suction provided by the gas supply (6, 16, 18, 19) and the ejector (24) for charging at least a fraction of the particles of the sample aerosol flow (A), and an ion trap (12) extending at least partly into ejector (24) for removing ions not attached to the particles. According to the invention the ion trap (12) is a provided as a metal trap wire.

Abstract: There is provided a fine particle sensor for detecting fine particles in exhaust gas, including an ion generating unit for generating ions by corona discharge, a charging unit for charging the fine particles by some of the generated ions, an ion trapping unit for trapping a remainder of the generated ions and a casing for accommodating therein the charging unit and the ion trapping unit in a given arrangement direction. The casing has a gas inlet hole and a gas outlet hole formed in a circumferential wall thereof so that the exhaust gas flows in the charging unit through the gas inlet hole and flows out of the ion trapping unit through the gas outlet hole. The gas inlet hole and the gas outlet hole are arranged in such a manner as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the given arrangement direction.

Abstract: A particle sensor is disclosed capable of sensing airborne particles larger than about 10 nm in an airflow passing through a passage inside the sensor. The sensor comprises a high-voltage discharge electrode for generating airborne unipolar ions that charge the airborne particles in the airflow. The generated ions are furthermore used to set-up an ionic wind between the discharge electrode and a counter electrode inside the sensor. The ionic wind is the driving force for maintaining the airflow through the sensor and allows sensor operation to occur free of audible noise. The presence of charged particles in the airflow is measured by an electrical current meter in the particle sensing section which measures the particle-bound charge that precipitates per unit time on the surface of a precipitation electrode after all airborne ions have been removed from air by a separate screening electrode positioned upstream of the particle sensing section.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device includes a plate-like element base material including, on one surface thereof, a formed recess portion to collect a particulate matter; a pair of measurement electrodes arranged on the bottom surface side of the recess portion of the element base material; and a high-voltage dust collection electrode embedded in a wall which forms the recess portion of the element base material on the one surface side of the element base material from a position where the pair of measurement electrodes are arranged. An electric field is generated from the high-voltage dust collection electrode to the pair of measurement electrodes, to collect, on the bottom surface side of the recess portion, the particulate matter flowing along the element base material, and a change of electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes is measured to detect the particulate matter collected on the recess portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a controlling system for controlling an air handling system that is arranged to handle air in an enclosure such as a cabin of a vehicle. The controlling system comprises a first sensing unit, a second sensing unit, and a controller. The first sensing unit is arranged to generate a first output signal based on a measurement of the 5 concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the upstream side of an air cleaning unit that is comprised in the air handling system. The second sensing unit is arranged to generate a second output signal based on a measurement of the concentration of certain airborne pollutants at the downstream side of the air cleaning unit. The first output signal and the second output signal are used for specific purposes in a decision-making process that can be 10 performed by the controller. The controller is arranged to switch the air handling system into recirculation mode when the first output signal exceeds a predetermined threshold value.

Abstract: A PM sensor is provided having high responsiveness and capable of long term detection. A PM sensor includes a sensor element that has particulate collection electrodes to which a particulate collection voltage for causing particulate matter contained in exhaust to adhere to a sensor element is applied, and measurement electrodes to which a measurement voltage for measuring an electrical characteristic of the sensor element is applied, in which, after a particulate collection voltage is applied to the particulate collection electrodes application of the particulate collection voltage is stopped in response to a predetermined condition being satisfied, the measurement voltage is applied to the measurement electrodes and the electrical characteristic of the sensor element is measured.

Abstract: A system having a particulate matter sensor in an exhaust stream of an engine upstream from a particulate filter and another such sensor downstream from the filter. There may also be an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control on the engine. The amount of particulate matter in or loading of the filter may be determined by the upstream filter. The working condition of the filter may be determined by the downstream sensor. The filter may have a heater and control for providing operational and particulate matter burn-off temperatures to the filter. A processor may be connected to the sensors, the EGR control and the filter heater control.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device includes a plate-like element base material including, on one surface thereof, a formed recess portion to collect a particulate matter; a pair of measurement electrodes arranged on the bottom surface side of the recess portion of the element base material; and a high-voltage dust collection electrode embedded in a wall which forms the recess portion of the element base material on the one surface side of the element base material from a position where the pair of measurement electrodes are arranged. An electric field is generated from the high-voltage dust collection electrode to the pair of measurement electrodes, to collect, on the bottom surface side of the recess portion, the particulate matter flowing along the element base material, and a change of electric characteristics between the pair of measurement electrodes is measured to detect the particulate matter collected on the recess portion.

Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).

Abstract: To enable an air velocity of sampling air to be precisely measured, a smoke detector (S) includes: a smoke detection part (22) connected to a sampling pipe (11); a fan (12) that sucks sampling air (SA) into the sampling pipe; and an air velocity sensor (15) that measures an air velocity of the sampling air within the sampling pipe. The air velocity sensor (15) is disposed at a primary side of the fan (12), and a straightening vane (25) is disposed between the air velocity sensor (15) and a suction port (12a) of the fan (12).

Abstract: A method is described for controlling the soot deposition on sensors. A sensor element is provided, which includes a first electrode and a second electrode. Different measuring voltages U1 and U2 can be applied to the sensor element. During a first time period t1, the sensor element is operated at a higher voltage U1 until a triggering threshold AP of the sensor element is exceeded, while it is operated at a voltage U2, which is different from higher voltage U1, U2 being lower than voltage U1, during a second time period t2.

Abstract: A device is presented that is capable of recording the evolution over time of the characteristics of a size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles in an airflow. The device comprises an air inlet, a particle charging unit, a concentration variation section, a particle sensing section and a data evaluation unit. Specifically, the particle sensing section of the device generates at least two serially obtained measurement signals I1 and I2 from which the data evaluation unit can infer values for both the average particle diameter dp,av and the number concentration N of the size distribution of electrically-charged airborne particles. Reliable values can be obtained for N and dp,av under both stationary conditions and transient conditions with respect to the characteristics of the particle size distribution due to the condition that the change of the inferred average particle diameter dp,av with respect to a reference particle diameter dp,ref is bounded by a set maximum change.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for detecting easily and efficiently a chemical substance contained in a gas sample at an ultralow amount. The present invention is directed to detecting method of a chemical substance contained in a gas sample, using an analyzing device with electrostatic atomizer. The analyzing device comprises a vessel, a inlet, a cooling part, an atomizing electrode, a counter electrode, an intermediate electrode, a liquid detecting part, and a detecting electrode. According to a detecting method of the present invention, the gas sample is condensed as a first condensate liquid at the surface of the atomizing electrode. The first condensate liquid is configured to be electric-charged fine particles to obtain a second condensate liquid at the surface of the counter electrode. The resulted second condensate liquid is brought in contact with the detecting electrode and a current voltage is applied between the counter electrode and the detecting electrode.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the self-diagnosis of a particle sensor used for determining a particle content in a gaseous stream, wherein the particle sensor includes on its surface at least two interlocking, interdigital electrodes and a heating element separated from said electrodes by an insulation layer. Said particle sensor can be heated by said heating element in a regeneration phase, and a soot concentration can thereby be removed from the same. Provision is made according to the invention for a semiconductive layer to be formed in the insulation layer directly beneath the electrodes by means of external doping or auto-doping and in order to perform the self-diagnosis for a measurement voltage to be applied at least periodically between the electrodes and a self-diagnostic current to be measured.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultra fine particle sensor (1) for sensing airborne particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 1-500 nm. The sensor comprises an air inlet (2) for entry of a flow of ultra fine particles and a concentration variation section (4) capable of causing a variation of the concentration of ultra fine particles between at least a first concentration level and a second concentration level during at least one time interval. A particle sensing section (5) is provided capable of producing a measurement signal (I) varying in dependence of said variation between said first concentration level and said second concentration level. An evaluation unit (6) is provided capable of deriving data relating to said ultra fine particles form said varying measurement signal.

Abstract: A particulate matter detection device (100) includes a detection device body (1) that has at least one through-hole (2) that is formed at one end of the body (1), a high-voltage electrode (11) and a low-voltage electrode (12) that are buried in the wall of the body (1), a high-voltage takeout lead terminal (11a) that is disposed on the surface of the body (1), a high-voltage takeout lead terminal insulating member (20) that is disposed to cover at least an area in which the lead terminal (11a) is disposed, and a detection device outer tube (30) that is disposed to cover the lead terminal insulating member (20), the device (100) being configured so that particulate matter can be electrically adsorbed on the wall surface of the through-hole (2), and this particulate matter can be detected by measuring a change in electrical properties of the wall that defines the through-hole (2).

Abstract: A system having a particulate matter sensor in an exhaust stream of an engine upstream from a particulate filter and another such sensor downstream from the filter. There may also be an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) control on the engine. The amount of particulate matter in or loading of the filter may be determined by the upstream filter. The working condition of the filter may be determined by the downstream sensor. The filter may have a heater and control for providing operational and particulate matter burn-off temperatures to the filter. A processor may be connected to the sensors, the EGR control and the filter heater control.

Abstract: A surface comprises a surface member and a plurality of components thereon. Such heterogenous surface compositions and configurations, related systems and methods for sensing particle or analyte interaction therewith can selectively and/or differentially interact with a range of particles/analytes, in lieu of specific molecular sensor-analyte interactions for each particle.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ultra fine particle sensor (1) for sensing airborne particles with a diameter in a range of approximately 1-500 nm. The sensor comprises an air inlet (2) for entry of a flow of ultra fine particles and a concentration variation section (4) capable of causing a variation of the concentration of ultra fine particles between at least a first concentration level and a second concentration level during at least one time interval. A particle sensing section (5) is provided capable of producing a measurement signal (I) varying in dependence of said variation between said first concentration level and said second concentration level. An evaluation unit (6) is provided capable of deriving data relating to said ultra fine particles form said varying measurement signal.

Abstract: A particle measuring system and method is capable of separating particles on a size-by-size basis and measuring the number and size of the particles one by one on a real time basis. The particle measuring system includes a sampling device for guiding a stream of an aerosol containing particles suspended in a gas, an analysis device for separating one by one the particles contained in the aerosol, a filter for filtering out the particles contained in the aerosol to produce a filtered gas, a saturating device for saturating the filtered gas with working liquid to thereby produce a saturated gas, a condensing device for condensing the saturated gas to produce liquid droplets each having a nucleus formed of one of the particles, and an optical particle counter for calculating the number and size of the particles contained in the liquid droplets.

Abstract: According to the invention, particles of an aerosol are firstly charged in a unipolar manner in a diffusion charger (10). They are subsequently led through a diffusional precipitator (20) in which a part of the particles is precipitated. The diffusional precipitator current is measured and a value for the number concentration is evaluated from the current. A single diffusional precipitator may be used for this. According to preferred embodiment, a means for measuring the influence current and/or an aerosol electrometer are additionally present, by way of which one may measure a complete current. The latter additionally permits the evaluation of the average particle size. Additionally, one may determine an elementary carbon total quantity from the average particle size with the help of a measurement of the photoelectric charging carried out in parallel.

Abstract: A fluid conveyance apparatus having more than one particulate matter sensing probe situated at two or more locations on the apparatus. Signals from the probes from at least two locations may indicate particulate matter flowing within a fluid through the conveyance apparatus. The times between signals may be indicated the rate of movement of the particulate matter in the conveyance apparatus and also a flow rate and direction of the fluid. The sensing probe signals may be processed into control signals that may go to a flow control mechanism. An example application of the flow control mechanism may be for an exhaust gas recirculation system of an engine.

Abstract: A particle detector (10) has a particle sensing surface (12) and a detecting layer (13). Provided on the particle sensing surface (12) is a random arrangement of projecting dactyls (15) which form boundaries to confinement cages (14). Only those particles having a size and shape that permits them to fit into the confinement cages between the dactyls are detected. The particle detector (10) advantageously is adapted to identify a large variety of different particles using the same detector.

Abstract: A ceramic particulate matter sensor to measure particulate matter within an exhaust stream. The particulate matter sensor includes a high voltage electrode on a first conductive layer and a detection electrode on a second conductive layer within a stack of ceramic layers. The stack of ceramic layers is bonded as a single rigid structure. The detection electrode generates a measurement of particulate matter within an exhaust stream. The particulate matter sensor also includes an insulating material positioned adjacent to the second conductive layer to insulate the detection electrode from another conductive layer within the stack of ceramic layers. The particulate matter sensor also includes an electrical heater to burn off an accumulation of contaminating particulate matter from at least one electrode of the high voltage and detection electrodes. The particulate matter sensor also includes means for substantially preventing electrical leakage through the insulating material to the second conductive layer.

Abstract: A sampling device, for example a sampling valve, is disclosed for introduction of samples into an analysis system. The sampling device comprises a turning element provided with a sampling area. The sampling area is configured to retain samples to be analysed. The turning element is arranged for movement between a first position where the sampling area is exposed to material to be sampled for collection of samples and a second position where samples are released for use by the analysis system.

Abstract: A particle counter has a saturator inhaling air in an atmosphere and vaporizing a working liquid therein; and an electrical detection unit electrically shielding an internal space thereof to maintain a temperature of the space to be constant, the air and vaporized working liquid flowing into the electrical detection unit through a side thereof from the saturator, condensing the vaporized working liquid on surfaces of ultrafine particles contained in the air, and charging the particles to measure a current of the charged particles, thereby measuring the number of the particles included in the air. According to the invention, it is possible to measure the number concentration of the ultrafine particles included in the air, and it is easy to move the counter depending on the measurement locations.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrostatic collector for low cost, high throughput, high efficiency sampling and concentration of bioaerosols. The device is small enough to be portable and can be contained within or placed on the wall of a typical office or hospital building. The collector comprises one or more collector modules, each having an ionizing electrode, a conical outer electrode, a wet collection electrode, and a liquid collection system. Airflow through a collector module may be partially blocked to enhance the collection of smaller particles and the collection electrode may comprise multiple, programmable electrodes to focus particle deposition onto a smaller area. Particles are collected into a small volume of liquid to facilitate subsequent analysis by an attached analyzer or at a remote site.