Impurity Patents (Class 73/31.02)
  • Patent number: 11953223
    Abstract: Detector (300) detects information regarding air quality. First communicator (330) is compatible with a first system for controlling equipment. Second communicator (340) is compatible with a second system for accumulating the information regarding the air quality. Controller (310) transmits the information regarding the air quality to the second system based on a state of the information regarding the air quality having been detected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kazuyuki Kobayashi
  • Patent number: 11913660
    Abstract: An air conditioning device includes an air purifier, a sensor, a communicator, and a processor. The sensor is configured to measure an air pollution level. The communicator comprises circuitry and configured to communicate with a server. The processor is configured to activate the sensor in a state where the air purifier is not driven, in response to receiving a first signal requesting an air pollution level state information from the server based on a location of a mobile terminal, transmit a second signal indicating that the air conditioning device needs to be driven to the server based on the air pollution level measured by the sensor, and drive the air purifier in response to a driving instruction received from the server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mooserk Park, Ara Cho, Jeahwan Go, Mingyu Kim, Byul Namkoong, Jieun Yeon
  • Patent number: 11837074
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for an aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive operational information associated with an aspirating smoke detector device and generate, using the received operational information, an aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis including a real-time operational parameter associated with the aspirating smoke detector device, and a user interface configured to display the aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Clement Dourval, Daniele Sbardellini, Mauro Miheli, Sandesh Hemmuru Devaraja, Simone Gasparella, Domenico Piro, Erika Simeoni, Reet Kaur
  • Patent number: 11610472
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for an aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis are described herein. One device includes a memory, and a processor to execute executable instructions stored in the memory to receive operational information associated with an aspirating smoke detector device and generate, using the received operational information, an aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis including a real-time operational parameter associated with the aspirating smoke detector device, and a user interface configured to display the aspirating smoke detector device operational analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Clement Dourval, Daniele Sbardellini, Mauro Miheli, Sandesh Hemmuru Devaraja, Simone Gasparella, Domenico Piro, Erika Simeoni, Reet Kaur
  • Patent number: 11472260
    Abstract: An air purification system includes an air purifier with a control unit and a filtration unit, at least one human-machine interface, at least one nomadic air sensor designed to be able to be coupled to the air purifier, or uncoupled from the air purifier, the control unit being designed to control the filtration unit according to at least one coupled operating mode taking into account measurement feedback from the air sensor, and one uncoupled operating mode not taking into account measurement feedback from the air sensor, wherein in the uncoupled operating mode of the air purifier, the human-machine interface is designed to display measurements from the nomadic air sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: SEB S.A.
    Inventors: Mathias Ganem, Sébastian Gauthier
  • Patent number: 11468761
    Abstract: A sensor device, system and method can generate a profile of one or more detected substances in an environment, receive monitoring data from one or more of a group of sensors, and assess whether a heat-not-burn device activity event has been detected. In various embodiments, the sensor device includes a particle detection sensor and a gas detection sensor and a profile for heat-not-burn device activity is established with a threshold of detected particles and/or gases. In various embodiments, the profile for heat-not-burn activity is established with a threshold of gases that is not to be met or exceeded in order to generate a positive heat-not-burn detection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Halo Smart Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: David Antar, Frank L. Jacovino, Paul Galburt, John B. Plunkett
  • Patent number: 11412903
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a detection system whereby a virus or the like can be effectively detected in order to suppress the spread of infectious disease by the virus or the like. The detection system according to the present disclosure includes an autonomous collection device that is capable of moving on a floor surface and for collecting an object on the floor surface, and a station device for detecting an analyte from the object collected from the floor surface by the autonomous collection device. The autonomous collection device includes a moving part for moving on the floor surface, a primary electric blower for sucking the object on the floor surface, and a dust container for storing the sucked object.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: PANASONIC INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY MANAGEMENT CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Nakayama, Mikiya Nakata
  • Patent number: 10996206
    Abstract: A method obtains a pollution condition of at least one component of a gardening and/or forestry apparatus. The method includes the steps of: obtaining at least one pollution parameter which describes at least one source of pollution prevalent during an operation of the gardening and/or forestry apparatus; obtaining the pollution condition of the component based on the obtained pollution parameter; and outputting and/or transmitting information based on the obtained pollution condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2021
    Assignee: Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Andreas Eppinger, Benjamin Frey, Friedrich Hollmeier, Antonio Kraemer Fernandez, Michael Reinert
  • Patent number: 10724978
    Abstract: A portable communication device includes one or more sensors, a pair of electrodes associated with each sensor, and a processing circuit configured to apply a bias supply voltage to the pair of electrodes and to process output signals from the sensors. Each sensor is an ionic liquid sensor tuned for sensing a smell associated with a chemical species. The processing circuit further includes an artificial intelligence engine to enhance smell recognition capabilities of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: Apple Inc.
    Inventors: Saroj K. Sahu, Karthik Kadirvel
  • Patent number: 10705003
    Abstract: A measuring assembly for detecting particles of a particle flow in a gas flow path, including an ionization stage which has an ionization device by which the particles to be detected can be ionized or are ionized. The measuring assembly further has measuring stage with a detector which detects the ionized particles of the particle flow, the detector has at least one electrode to which particles release the charge received at the ionization device. The released charge can be measured via an electric resistor connected to the at least one electrode. This provides an inexpensive and reliable measuring assembly which has a low susceptibility to errors in that the at least one electrode of the detector is designed as a microsystem. In order to improve the measurement of the charge carried by the ionized gas, the pores of a filter substrate are metallized and electrically connected to the resistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Testo SE & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Rolf Merte, Ralf Stich
  • Patent number: 10684146
    Abstract: A gas detection system that can parasitically utilize a mobile computing device to measure the presence and amount of gasses in a gas sample. The gas detection system can have a gas detection housing that has a local controller and at least one sensor. One or more mobile computing devices, which may be utilized as a remote controller, can be physically and electrically connected to the gas detection housing. The local controller can utilize a remote controller resident in the mobile computing device to detect one or more gasses in a gas sample with the at least one sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: IBall Instruments LLC
    Inventor: Carl Bright
  • Patent number: 10663367
    Abstract: A method, a system and an apparatus for adaptively sensing a gas leak. The method includes: obtaining wind data from a wind sensor, identifying at least one wireless mote in a plurality of wireless motes that is most likely to detect a gas plume from the wind data, activating the identified at least one wireless mote to trigger measuring gas concentration of the gas plume, and identifying the location of the gas leak if the gas concentration is above a predetermined threshold. Also included is a system for adaptively sensing a gas leak having a wind sensor, a plurality of wireless motes and a server in communication therewith. An apparatus for adaptively sensing a gas leak in an industrial site is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Matthias Dittberner, Levente Klein
  • Patent number: 10617985
    Abstract: A gas detection device includes a gas sensor module, configured to detect a gas, and a filter assembly. The gas sensor module includes a gas sensor disposed within a gas sensor housing and circuitry coupled to the gas sensor housing. The circuitry is configured to provide an indication of the gas. The filter assembly is configured to couple to the gas sensor housing and protect the gas sensor from particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Rosemount Inc.
    Inventors: Mark B. Morris, Greg E. Gindele, Hun Chhuoy
  • Patent number: 10549311
    Abstract: A device for manufacturing an organic semiconductor film, including a coating member disposed to face a substrate surface while spaced therefrom for forming the film, and forming a liquid reservoir of an organic semiconductor solution between the coating member and the substrate; a supply portion that supplies the solution; and a cover portion that covers at least a crystal growth portion of the solution. The cover portion includes a guide that guides a deposit formed of an evaporated solvent of the solution to a film-unformed region of the organic semiconductor film. While the solution is supplied between the coating member and the substrate surface by the supply portion, the coating member is moved in a first direction parallel to the substrate surface in a state of being in contact with the solution, to form the film with the crystal growth portion as a starting point.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignees: FUJIFILM Corporation, THE UNIVERSITY OF TOKYO
    Inventors: Seigo Nakamura, Yoshiki Maehara, Yuichiro Itai, Yoshihisa Usami, Junichi Takeya
  • Patent number: 10529215
    Abstract: Various technologies for monitoring operation of an air contaminant mitigation system, such as a vapor intrusion and/or radon gas mitigation system, are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a monitoring system includes an air contaminant mitigation system to exhaust vapors from a contaminated area to a designated area and a sensor module coupled to the air contaminant mitigation system to generate sensor signals indicative of a sensor condition of the air contaminant mitigation system. The system may also include a sensor controller to receive the sensor signals from the sensor module and generate sensor data indicative of the sensor signals. Additionally, the system may include a data server to receive the sensor data from the sensor controller, store the sensor data in a local database, and transmit information based on the sensor data to a remote computing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: VAPOR PRODUCTS GROUP, LLC
    Inventor: Craig D. Brown
  • Patent number: 10330555
    Abstract: In some embodiments, at least one processor is employed to determine a boundary of a survey area. Data representative of the locations of measurement points adjacent to or outside of the survey area is received, as well as data representative of wind direction at the measurement points. The boundary of the survey area is determined according to the data representative of wind direction and a maximum detection distance value representative of an estimated maximum distance from a potential gas leak source at which a gas leak from the potential source can be detected. The boundary is determined such that if the potential gas leak source is located in the survey area and has a rate of leakage meeting a minimum leak rate condition, then an estimated probability of detection of the gas leak at one or more of the measurement points satisfies a probability condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: Picarro Inc.
    Inventors: Sze M. Tan, Chris W. Rella
  • Patent number: 9928726
    Abstract: A programmable interface module includes a linear power regulator to control and provide power to interfaced components on an as needed basis. The interface module is implemented in, for example, a sensor pack and multiplexed to a plurality of sensor modules. In a first mode, the linear voltage regulator provides a relatively small amount of power which allows a sensor module to output a signal responsive to detecting an environmental condition (e.g., gamma or x-ray radiation, extreme temperatures, etc.). The interface module can switch the linear voltage regulator to a second mode in which the linear voltage regulator ramps up the amount of power provided to a detecting sensor module. The sensor module can then provide a level indicative of a concentration or intensity of the environmental condition. If the level surpasses a predetermined threshold, the sensor pack can output an alert signal to security server.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2018
    Assignee: FTC Sensors, LLC
    Inventors: Francis S. Zajac, James Peverill, Tony Bachta
  • Patent number: 9784658
    Abstract: A device for detecting a concentration of tiny particulates in an air sample is provided. The device comprises: a container that contains the air sample and has an opening; a sealing mechanism that opens or seals the opening; a sensor provided in the container and operative to sense a total concentration of particulates in the air sample within the container; and a controller connected to the sensor and operative to control the sealing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tong Zhang, Yu Liu, Haopeng Li
  • Patent number: 9719879
    Abstract: In some embodiments, at least one processor determines a range of search directions to a suspected gas leak source by receiving data representative of a plurality of wind direction measurements relative to a geo-referenced location of at least one gas concentration measurement point. The range of search directions extending from the location of the gas concentration measurement point is calculated according to a variability of the wind direction measurements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sze Meng Tan, Eric R. Crosson, Chris W. Rella
  • Patent number: 9645039
    Abstract: In some embodiments, content is generated that includes a street map, at least one path on the map indicating a route of travel by a mobile gas measurement device, and at least one indicator on the map that indicates a survey area for a potential gas leak source. The survey area adjoins the path and extends in a substantially upwind direction from the path. The survey area has a boundary determined such that if the potential gas leak source is located in the survey area and has a rate of leakage meeting a minimum leak rate condition, then an estimated probability of detection of a gas leak from the potential source at one or more measurement points along the path satisfies a probability condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: Picarro, Inc.
    Inventors: Sze Meng Tan, Chris W. Rella
  • Patent number: 9557308
    Abstract: Methods and systems for detecting ambient aerosols are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving an air sample comprising aerosol particles. A method can comprise determining at least one of concentration of the aerosol particles and size of an aerosol particle from the aerosol particles. A method can also comprise determining a composition of the air sample if at least one of the concentration exceeds a first predetermined threshold and the size exceeds a second predetermined threshold. A method can further comprise providing a notification indicating the presence of volcanic ash based on the determined composition of the aerosol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS
    Inventor: Catherine Cahill
  • Patent number: 9377380
    Abstract: Various environmental systems are disclosed. In accordance with one of the systems, a first and second valve are provided. The valves provide a first air flow path from an air pump to a photo-ionization detector is provided through a pre-filter. The valves also provide a second air flow path from the air pump to the photo-ionization detector so that the pre-filter is isolated from its environmental surroundings. Various other arrangements of environmental monitoring systems with one or more pre-filters are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Inventor: Bruce D. Groves
  • Publication number: 20150096352
    Abstract: In an embodiment, a method determines one or more sources of carbon monoxide (CO) in a smart-home environment that includes a plurality of smart devices that have at least measurement and communication capabilities. The method includes measuring a level of CO in the smart-home environment to generate a CO measurement, and providing the CO measurement and one or more current characteristics of the smart-home environment, from one or more of the smart devices to an analyzing device. The method further includes evaluating, by the analyzing device and with the CO measurement and the current characteristics of the smart-home environment, a set of CO correlation scenarios that attribute generation of CO to a corresponding one of a set of specific sources, and selecting one or more of the specific sources as the most likely source of the CO, by aggregating results of the correlation scenarios.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: KEVIN PETERSON, David Sloo, Yoky Matsuoka, Nicholas Unger Webb
  • Publication number: 20150052975
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for continuously monitoring residential air quality and providing a trend based analysis regarding various air pollutants are presented herein. The system comprises an air quality monitor located in a residential house, wherein the air quality monitor is configured to measure the level of an air pollutant. The system also includes a server that is communicatively coupled to the air quality monitor, wherein the server is configured to generate a unique environmental fingerprint associated with the residential house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: David Martin
  • Patent number: 8956571
    Abstract: A miniature lower cost optical sensing apparatus and method are provided for determining the concentration and/or hazard from a target gas by means of IR or visible photon monitoring one or more sensors that responds to carbon monoxide. The apparatus comprises a photon source optically coupled to the sensor and at least a portion of the photon intensity passing through the sensor is quantified by one or more photodiode(s) in a system, so that the photon flux is a function of at least one sensor's response to the target gas, e.g., transmits light through the sensor to the photodiode. The photo current from the photodiode is converted to a sensor reading value proportional to the optical characteristics of the sensors and is loaded into a microprocessor or other logic circuit. In the microprocessor, the sensor readings may be differentiated to determine the rate of change of the sensor readings and the total photons absorbed value may be used to calculate the CO concentration and/or dose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: Quantum Group Inc.
    Inventors: Mark K. Goldstein, Michelle S. Oum
  • Patent number: 8938973
    Abstract: An aircraft air system includes a gas turbine engine, a bleed air duct directing compressed air bled from a compressor to an inner compartment within the aircraft, and an air contamination detector located downstream of the gas turbine engine compressor. The air contamination detector includes a visual indicator which detects the presence of a fluid contaminant within the bleed air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Pratt & Whitney Canada Corp.
    Inventors: Kevin Allan Dooley, Kiritkumar Patel
  • Publication number: 20140375464
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to systems and methods to monitor the presence of gases and particularly hazardous gases in and around equipment including drilling rigs. The system includes a gas detection system having at least one gas sensor for detecting hazardous gases around the equipment, individual conduits connected to each gas sensor for conveying gases from around the equipment to each gas sensor and a gas flow system to draw gases through the system. The system provides improved flexibility in the installation and adaptation of gas sensors to equipment such that hazardous gas detection and warning to personnel is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventor: John Paul CARAGATA
  • Patent number: 8915119
    Abstract: A detection apparatus includes a particulate matter (PM) detection unit, a temperature detection unit, and a correction unit. The PM detection unit includes an insulator, a pair of electrodes, and a detector. The insulator is disposed in an exhaust path of an internal combustion engine through which an exhaust gas flows. The pair of electrodes are arranged in contact with at least a part of the insulator. The detector detects a PM detection value which is a value correlated to an amount of PM in the exhaust gas. The temperature detection unit detects at least one of an exhaust temperature of the exhaust gas passing through the PM detection unit and an insulator temperature of the insulator. The correction unit corrects the PM detection value detected by the PM detection unit based on at least one of the exhaust temperature and the insulator temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Denso Corporation
    Inventors: Tomohiro Ueno, Shigeto Yahata
  • Patent number: 8904851
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods and devices for sensing air quality. In some embodiments, materials from mitochondrial membranes, and/or material that is present in mitochondrial membranes can be used as a detection system to optically detect the presence and/or absence of various materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Empire Technology Development LLC
    Inventor: Michael Keoni Manion
  • Publication number: 20140298890
    Abstract: An airborne substance detector includes an air intake that sweeps through a fixed area, and a fan that draws air toward a effluence detection device that analyzes the air for one or more substances, such as explosives. The air intake may be a series of tubes of a rotary gate, with multiple sets of tubes that rotate about a central axis. The fan or blower draws air through holes in the tubes, and through a manifold that directs air to the effluence detection device from a single set of tubes at a time. In addition the detector may include a heater that may enhance vaporization of substances to be detected. The effluence detection device, the manifold, and the fan may be located in an enclosure at the top of the rotary gate. After detection, a decontamination procedure may be initiated to purge the system of the substance that was detected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2012
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: James A. Pruett, Jeffery L. Williams, Gary Schwartz
  • Publication number: 20140245817
    Abstract: The present application is directed to a computer-based application and corresponding method and apparatus of analysing air quality inside a motor vehicle. One example may provide conducting an air sampling procedure of air inside the motor vehicle to obtain samples of air from inside the vehicle for comparison to a baseline or air outside the vehicle. The operation may also include identifying an existence of one or more substances within that air sampled inside the motor vehicle via one or more sensors and calculating densities of the one or more identified substances via a processor. The air may contain one or more of the substances in a particular quantity of interest to the user. The calculated densities may then be compared to corresponding threshold density values stored in memory, and an electronic report identifying the findings of the calculations may be generated to present to the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Inventors: H. Johnny Gainey, JR., Randy Hardee
  • Patent number: 8776622
    Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Briscoe, Brent Rardin, Dennis Barket, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140109649
    Abstract: A gas sensor, for example for use in air conditioning systems, has a gas-sensitive layer that includes a material that is sensitive to carbon dioxide. The material has a cross-sensitivity to air humidity. This is compensated for by measurement at two different temperatures. The measured gas values are calculated together, with the assumption that the sensitivity of the gas sensor to carbon dioxide exhibits a different curve with the temperature of the gas sensor than the sensitivity to water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Maximillian Fleischer, Roland Pohle, Stefan Stegmeier, Oliver Von Sicard
  • Patent number: 8706320
    Abstract: A measuring device for an aircraft is provided in order to determine physical properties of aerosol particles in real time. The device includes a heating device that separates volatile and solid aerosol particles, and a particle sensor that measures acquired data. The physical properties of the solid aerosol particles are determined with an analyzer. The determined analytical data is forwarded to other internal aircraft systems via a communication interface. Due to the formation of a measuring data or analytical data network with several airliners equipped with the measuring device, accurate and up-to-date information on the particle pollution, for example, along flight paths, can be obtained and used for defining no-fly zones, if so required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventor: Roland Kelm
  • Publication number: 20140102176
    Abstract: Various environmental systems are disclosed. In accordance with one of the systems, a first and second valve are provided. The valves provide a first air flow path from an air pump to a photo-ionization detector is provided through a pre-filter. The valves also provide a second air flow path from the air pump to the photo-ionization detector so that the pre-filter is isolated from its environmental surroundings. Various other arrangements of environmental monitoring systems with one or more pre-filters are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventor: Bruce D. Groves
  • Patent number: 8666666
    Abstract: Disclosed are means for monitoring the levels of air pollution in urban areas for the purpose of optimizing the conditions of airflow ventilation of buildings according to air pollution levels in their area. The invention supplies data in real time regarding local air pollution levels or relative levels, i.e. current air pollution levels in relation to previous ones. The disclosed system and method makes use of the fluctuations in air pollution levels in order to achieve optimal reduction of air pollution levels inside buildings. The system defines optimal times for ventilation in order to achieve a significant and persisting improvement of indoor air quality, in a routine manner, by using measurements of nondeterministic, continuous and effective fluctuations in air pollution levels at the surroundings of each building, specifically in locations which don't include monitoring stations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: URECSYS—Urban Ecology Systems—Indoor Air Quality Management Ltd.
    Inventor: Nir Bassa
  • Patent number: 8629780
    Abstract: A method, a fire alarm, and a fire alarm system enable detection and localization of a fire in monitored rooms, having two detector units for detecting a fire parameter, wherein an evaluation unit connected to both detector units is used for evaluation. According to the invention, the air in the monitored rooms is fed to the first detector unit via a first pipe conduit and to the second detector unit via a second pipe conduit. Both pipe conduits are arranged in each monitored room and provided with suction intakes. The air is supplied to both detectors by means of at least one suction unit, and the air speed in each pipe conduit is different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Goulet, Peter Stahl
  • Patent number: 8614582
    Abstract: A detector system with a portal including a plurality of output ports that direct a plurality of output airstreams in an essentially horizontal direction, and a plurality of intake ports that pull in air. The system also includes at least one concentrator coupled to at least one of the intake ports, and a detector coupled to the concentrator. The horizontally oriented output airstreams and multiple intake ports provide a system that can rapidly screen multiple people for explosives and other substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Jack A. Syage, Karl A. Hanold
  • Publication number: 20130237139
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for testing and/or monitoring the air quality in an operating room (100) with an operating table (110) arranged in it. In order to achieve conclusions about the air quality with simple measures it is suggested that at least one measured value recorder (118, 120, 122, 123) is arranged in, on and/or in the range of the operating table by means of which the air quality of the air is measured in the area of the operating table and during the activities.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Rupert MACK
  • Publication number: 20130213116
    Abstract: A land mine detection device that includes an air analysis sensor which measures the air in the environment in which it is located and determines the amount of inorganic nitrogen found in the environment, and a processor unit which controls the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Publication date: August 22, 2013
    Inventor: Ahmet Zengin
  • Publication number: 20130186331
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for testing and inspecting containers coated by means of a plasma treatment, e.g. plastic bottles, which are coated for instance with amorphous silicon oxide or carbon compounds. The containers are tested by a measuring device trace-gas-analytically, e.g. mass-spectrometrically, for undesired foreign substances, such as acetaldehyde and/or antimony, escaping from the container material after a plasma coating treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: KRONES AG
  • Publication number: 20130174646
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable media for continuously monitoring residential air quality and providing a trend based analysis regarding various air pollutants are presented herein. The system comprises an air quality monitor located in a residential house, wherein the air quality monitor is configured to measure the level of an air pollutant. The system also includes a server that is communicatively coupled to the air quality monitor, wherein the server is configured to generate a unique environmental fingerprint associated with the residential house.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2013
    Publication date: July 11, 2013
    Inventor: David Martin
  • Patent number: 8424365
    Abstract: A method of operating a screening system includes applying an electromagnetic field to a subject in a region at least partially enclosed by electromagnetic shielding, and measuring an output from a sensor. The output is representative of an interaction of the electromagnetic field and the subject. A trace vapor is collected from the subject within the region, and the trace vapor is identified. Based on the measured sensor output and the identified trace vapor, whether a target material is associated with the subject is determined.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Crowley, Erik Edmund Magnuson, Hacene Boudries
  • Publication number: 20130047704
    Abstract: Provided is a multi-functional vehicle including: a sampling unit through an external air flows in, the sampling unit having a particle sampling inlet tube and a gas sampling inlet tube; a flow distribution unit for supplying the air flowing in through the particle sampling inlet tube to a particle measuring device; a manifold for supplying the air flowing in through the gas sampling inlet tube to a gas measuring device; a particle measuring device for measuring particles in the air supplied from the flow distribution unit; a gas measuring device for measuring gas in the air supplied from the manifold; an animal exposure chamber system for receiving the air from at least one of the flow distribution unit and the manifold and performing an animal exposure experiment; and a data management unit for storing and monitoring air pollution data measured by the particle measuring device and the gas measuring device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KOREA INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Gwi Nam Bae, Seung Bok Lee, Hyoun Cher Jin, Seung Jae Lee, Dong Hun Lee, Dong Chun Shin, Seok Hwan Lee, Chang Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8336402
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Georgia Tech Research Corporation
    Inventors: Ari Glezer, Isao Sasaki, Jiri Janata
  • Patent number: 8276433
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device that measures at least one property of the liquid or gas, where the invention is a CMUT sensor that includes a substrate, a first layer disposed on the substrate, where the first layer includes a cavity, and a compound plate, where the compound plated includes a bottom plate, an intermediate plate and a top plate. According to the invention, the intermediate plate has at least one sample inlet, a sample cavity and at least one sample outlet, where the bottom plate is disposed on the first layer, and the cavity in the first layer is sealed by the compound plate. The cavity in the first layer can be a vacuum or contain a gas. The CMUT sensor can be disposed in an array of two or more sensors and connected electrically in parallel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the Leland Stanford Junior University
    Inventors: Mario Kupnik, Butrus T. Khuri-Yakub
  • Patent number: 8278617
    Abstract: A cargo shipment security system includes a flexible body configured to completely enclose and contain cargo within an internal environment having a predetermined pressure. The system includes a sealable vacuum port disposed on and through the body and configured to couple with a vacuum source for creating a vacuum within the internal environment. The system includes one or more sealable ports disposed on and through the body, positioned to cause a turbulent flow through a predetermined volume of the internal environment of the body when the vacuum source is applied at the vacuum port and fluid is caused to enter the internal environment. The system includes one or more detectors positioned to intercept fluid flowing from the internal environment to an external environment outside the body, in such a way as to enable detection of the presence of a substance exiting from the internal environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Sentina, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey J. Garfinkle, John P. Lock
  • Patent number: 8272280
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Inventor: Arthur T. Jones, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8266945
    Abstract: A device for removing liquid or solid contaminants such as oil or dust dispersed in air in which an air flow is directed through a space formed by a spiral wall in a cyclonic chamber condenses the particles or droplet which drops down into a collection chamber below the cyclonic chamber while the cleaned air passes out through an outlet extending back up through the cyclonic chamber. A baffle plate array is located at the bottom of the collection chamber composed of spaced apart shallowly inclined partially overlapping plates which captures any cyclonic air flow at the bottom of the collection chamber. This removes contaminants which would otherwise accumulate at the center of the bottom of the collection chamber and be entrained in the air exiting the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Inventor: Bryn Hartshorne
  • Patent number: 8245564
    Abstract: A system for remote detection of a chemical is disclosed. The system includes a sample collection module that collects a sample and produces a sample vapor at a first location; a sample delivery module that delivers the sample vapor from the first location to a second location; a sample storage and concentration module that collects the sample vapor at the second location; and a sample analysis module that analyzes the sample collected in the sample storage and concentration module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ewing, Fred Whiton, Jr., Paul G. Kahl, Jr.