Abstract: The breath, body fluids or skin secretions of persons contain numerous volatile substances at concentrations permitting their chemical analysis directly from surrounding ambient gas. Based on the different odor patterns revealed by such analyses for different individuals, a non-contact method is taught that permits the identification of persons and is relatively immune to evasion.

Abstract: Methods and systems for passenger monitoring and system control is provided. The system includes at least one sensor system configured to monitor an environment immediately surrounding the respective passenger and biometrics of the respective passenger and generate sensor data indicative of a state of the passenger. The system also includes a processing system configured to receive the sensor data. The processing system includes an ontology and reasoning module configured to model at least one of the plurality of passengers, reason about the received sensor data associated with the at least one of the plurality of passengers. The processing system also includes a contextual analyzer configured to transmit the received sensor data to said ontology and reasoning module and to store the information into a contextual information database.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a sample collection apparatus which includes a pretreatment unit arranged in front of a sample collection section to remove moisture, a first Peltier trap positioned at the lower side of the pretreatment unit to perform cooling condensation and thermal desorption, a switching valve connected to the rear of the pretreatment unit to determine flow paths through first, second, third and fourth ports, a sample collection section arranged at the rear of the switching valve to collect samples, a second Peltier trap positioned at the lower side of the sample collection section to perform thermal desorption, a first air pump connected to the second port of the switching valve to intake air, a second air pump connected to the rear of the sample collection section to intake and exhaust air, and a sample analyzer connected to the fourth port of the switching valve to analyze the samples.

Abstract: An air monitoring system is disclosed having an air monitoring unit with at least one sensor for measuring data of an air quality parameter and a computer for storing the air quality parameter data received from the sensor. The air monitoring unit may use an installed or a portable system, or a combination of both, for measuring the air quality parameters of interest. A remote data center may be provided, and the data may be uploaded to the data center from the unit by a communications media such as the Internet. Information or instructions may also be downloaded from the data center to the unit via the communications media for controlling or modifying the function of the unit. An expert system may be provided with the air monitoring system for controlling the unit. The information or instructions downloaded to the unit may be generated by the expert system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sorbent collector material based on polyorganosiloxane for the microextraction of substances to be analysed, the collector material having an open-cell foam structure, and to a collector and a liner which include this collector material.

Abstract: Air sampler with integrated airflow sensing. The air sampler according to at least some embodiments includes an air mover that is operable to move air over a sampling media. An integrated airflow sensor is in fluid communication with the air mover. The air mover operating speed can be adjusted, in example embodiments, by either a feedback control mechanism that is connected to the air mover and the integrated airflow sensor, by user input, or by a combination of the two. The feedback control mechanism adjusts the operating speed of the air mover in response to signaling from the integrated airflow sensor in order to maintain an actual airflow in accordance with a stored, target value. The feedback can, in at least some embodiments, compensate for obstructions, environmental variables, variations in the power supplied to the air mover, and the like.

Abstract: A system for testing devices for detecting airborne particulate matter generates a first airflow and a second airflow. The second airflow is filtered to remove ambient airborne particulate matter from the second airflow, and particulate matter to be detected is aerosolized and introduced into the second airflow. The second airflow is sampled by an optical particle counter to determine an amount of particulate matter released into the second airflow. The first and second airflows are combined, and the combined airflows are sampled by one or more detecting devices to be tested. Detection results of the tested detecting devices are compared with the amount of particulate matter released into the second airflow as determined by the optical particle counter to assess the accuracy and functionality of the detecting devices.

Abstract: In a hydrogen gas station where a great number of sensors are installed, in case hydrogen leakage occurs, sensors in the vicinity of the leakage location start to transmit a warning to an access point all at once. This causes channel capacity saturation and failure to transmit a warning to the access point. Nodes and the access point are connected to each other by an uplink channel and a downlink channel. The access point detects congested/uncongested status of the uplink channel by using a wireless transmitter module and notifies the nodes of the congested/uncongested status of the channel by means for transmitting onto the downlink channel. Meanwhile, each node controls its transmission operation, according to the hydrogen concentration level detected by its hydrogen sensor and the uplink channel congested/uncongested status notified from the access point. In this way, channel overflow due to access congestion in case of hydrogen leakage can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for continuous real-time monitoring of ambient air. The device includes a receptacle, a liquid supply, and a pressure balancing system. The receptacle includes a gas inlet slit located such that the gas inlet slit is covered by liquid within the receptacle during use. The pressure balancing portion of the present device includes communication between a point within the receptacle above the liquid level in the receptacle, as well as a liquid inlet portion at the lowermost end of the receptacle, and an air space above a liquid supply portion and the liquid supply portion itself, respectively.

Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a refrigerator for storing foods at a low temperature. An avatar refrigerator and a method for sensing contamination of the same receive measurement values from various sensors installed around the refrigerator in a contamination sensing mode, decide kinds and degrees of contamination in each position by analyzing the measurement values of the sensors by a control means, decide contamination solving methods, and display the kinds and degrees of contamination in each position and the contamination solving methods through a display means formed at the refrigerator door side with avatars. As a result, the avatar refrigerator and the method for sensing contamination of the same maintain the clean air environment and improve health by notifying the air contamination in the peripheral regions of the refrigerator installed at the center of the residential space and the contamination solving methods as well as freshly maintain the foods by storing the foods at a low temperature.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the oxygen content in a closed target space, particularly for monitoring inertization levels in an inert gas device for fire prevention and/or fire extinguishing. Toward the aim of proposing a method for measuring the oxygen content in a target space with which an effective, certain, and representative determination of the oxygen concentration can be achieved for an optimally small expenditure in instrumentation and signal processing, the method provides that air samples are drawn from the target space and the oxygen concentration of the air samples is determined. An apparatus is equipped with a suction pipe system for sucking the air sample from the target space through various holes so that it can carry out the method.

Abstract: A flow-through monitor for detecting molecular contamination (MC) within a fluid flow. The monitor has a diffusion chamber having an inlet port and an outlet port, and a structure for supporting a fluid flow from the inlet port to the outlet port. The structure includes a flow gap causing a diffusion of molecular contaminants into the diffusion chamber, while substantially preventing, for a rate of the fluid flow above a predetermined magnitude, particulate contaminants within the fluid from entering the diffusion chamber. A SAW device detects molecular contamination interior to the diffusion chamber. Fluid input to the flow-through monitor may be diluted by a pure fluid for extended monitor life. A system for aggregate sampling connects an ensemble manifold upstream of the flow-through monitor. A system for triggered sampling connects a sample preconcentrator downstream of the flow-through monitor. A chemically selective membrane may be located between the flow gap and the SAW.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A residual life indicating system for a filter includes a main filter, a sampling filter, and a sensor. Both the main filter and the sampling filter receive an ambient gas meant to be filtered. The sensor connects to the sampling filter and senses the presence of a predetermined chemical in the gas that has been filtered by the sampling filter.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to mailpieces and more particularly, a hazardous material detector for detecting hazardous material in a mail stream. The present invention is directed, in general to detector for collecting sample (s) of hazardous materials from a mail processing device. The mailpiece generally comprises an envelope comprising a front side and a back side; holes formed in at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope; a hazardous material test strip for detecting the presence of hazardous material in contact with the test strip; whereby when hazardous materials are detected by the hazardous material test strip a physical change occurs to the hazardous material test strip and the physical change can be viewed through at least one hole formed in the at least one of the front side or the back side of the envelope. The detector helps to quickly determine whether hazardous materials are present in the mail stream.

Abstract: A gas analyzer system for analyzing samples of compressed or ambient gas such as breathing air within a scuba tank, SCBA or ambient air within an industrial plant and informing the user as to the results of the sample's gas purity without the gas sample having to be physically transported to an accredited laboratory. The system comprises a gas analyzer situated at a user facility for receiving the contents of a gas sample and detecting gas purity characteristics, and a server situated at a remote certified testing site and electrically coupled to the gas analysis module via data transmission, such as a wireless or a computer network connection, wherein the server, maintained by a qualified third party receives and stores the gas purity characteristics in the form of computer-readable data signals.

Abstract: The invention provides a portable gas detector which is equipped with filters for removal of interfering gases, high in convenience for use, easy to exchange the filters, and easy to confirm the time the filters are exchanged. The portable gas detector has a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand, and a foreside half portion in the interior of the housing is provided as functional part region, in which a plurality of gas sensors are arranged in a state fixed by a holder and a cap, in the interior of which a gas flowing path has been formed. At a position corresponding to at least one gas sensor in the sensor cap exposed to the back surface of the housing, a filter assembly for removal of an interfering gas component related to the gas sensor is detachably provided.

Abstract: A self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor that includes a carbon dioxide detector and a carbon dioxide gas generator. In some embodiments, the carbon dioxide gas generator includes a heating element and a carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material in thermal communication with the heating element. The carbon dioxide gas releasing solid material releases carbon dioxide when heated by the heating element. Methods of calibrating a self-calibrating carbon dioxide sensor are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for selective molecular recognition, the device comprising a sensing portion, wherein said sensing portion includes a substrate having coated thereon a layer comprising a non-volatile, small molecule compound having at least two pendant and terminal unsaturated groups, each being functionalized with at least one halogen substituted alcohol or phenol functional group. The compound of the invention preferably has one of the following general formulae: wherein A is a core moiety; B is a pendant and terminal unsaturated group; q is at least 1; r is at least 2; X is a linking group; and n is an integer designating the number of repeating units from 1 to 3, with the proviso that, if n is greater than 1, then the B groups differ from each other in at least two of the repeating units. The device is used to detect the molecules of a hydrogen bond accepting vapor such as an organophosphonate or nitroaromatic vapor.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a low volume PUF sampler is described. The adapter is affixed over the open end of a PUF (polyurethane foam) sample cartridge. Sample tubing is affixed to an aperture in the adapter, and the free end of the sample tubing is then positioned at a desired sample location such as within an aircraft interior. As a vacuum is applied to the PUF cartridge, the adapter allows air collected at the sample point to pass through the tubing and through the interior of the PUF cartridge while preventing air surrounding the PUF cartridge from being drawn into the PUF cartridge except through the sample tubing. In this manner the sample point of a desired air sample can be selected at a point remote from the PUF cartridge. Additionally, use of multiple PUF cartridges and adapters allows the simultaneous collection of separate air samples.

Abstract: An improved engine control system using a NOx sensor is disclosed. In one example, the NOx sensor structure and/or signals are modified to improve distance transmission of NOx sensor output signals so that at least some processing electronics can be relocated remote to the sensor and in an engine control unit, or other such control unit utilizing the NOx sensor signals, and controlling the NOx sensor heaters, if applicable.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing the security threat of a cargo container by sampling the air contained therein. The system is capable of analyzing the air disposed within the container for security threats including chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high explosive threats, as well as other types of contraband such as illegal substances, embargoed material or stowaways, without requiring the modification of the existing container, the movement of the container to a particular inspection site, and without opening the container. The system generally includes a detection system comprising a detector array, an air-moving device, and one or more air-sampling devices. The entire system is mounted upon a vehicle for mobility.

Abstract: The invention provides an explosion-proof portable gas detector that is easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use, and has explosion-proofness sufficient in a countermeasure against static electricity and high in reliability. The explosion-proof portable gas detector has at least gas sensors, a signal processing circuit, a display mechanism and a power source part within a housing in the form of a slim and flat box holdable by grasping with a hand. The whole or a part of the housing is formed of a static charge-controlling resin material having an insulating resistance value of at most 1 G? and a comparative tracking index of at least 90 V.

Abstract: A System and a Method of initializing and using that system are described in various embodiments all suitable for use remotely monitoring gas escapes on oil or gas well-sites, particularly as early warning technologies for use in preventing injury to workers or populations adjacent those well-sites. The system efficiently uses the Internet to securely transmit pre-processed data off-site for a range of different uses either directly to well-site operators or via a server for value-added handling of and convenient access by operators and others to information based on the data. The system conserves both IP addresses and communications bandwidth without compromising access to detailed data respecting well-site status.

Abstract: An automated method for suppressing fugitive dust dissemination is disclosed. The method provides for automated measurement of dust levels at remote locations, transmission of the measurements to a centralized monitoring and control system which sends a signal to remote dust suppression treatment application apparatus which apply the appropriate dust suppression treatment chemicals.

Abstract: A chemical agent detector utilizing surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors for detecting the presence of a multitude of chemical agents by sampling ambient air is provided. A pressure-differential manifold having an air intake port, an exhaust port, a valve and a pump is used to draw the ambient air into the manifold to be tested. A plurality of SAW sensors mounted on sensor driver boards which are in turn mounted on the manifold come into contact with the ambient air sample. Each SAW sensor is coated with a substance that has an affinity for detecting a particular chemical agent. Each SAW sensor driver board generates a continuous RF signal which emits a frequency shift if a particular chemical agent is detected. A power cycler module turns each sensor driver board on and off such that only one sensor driver board is powered-on at a given point in time.

Abstract: An ozone sensor has an ozone-sensitive layer containing an ozone-sensitive material which is encapsulated in a polymer or in a polymer mixture or is coated by at least one polymer or polymer mixture. Advantages result from a longer service life of the ozone-sensitive materials which, because of their high hygroscopic properties, would not be stable without encapsulation or coating. Furthermore, a polymer matrix can be selectively used as a filter or in order to eliminate interfering influences.

Abstract: Screening of items for the presence of contaminants, such as explosives residue, is accomplished by subjecting an item loaded into a pressure chamber to a pressure substantially in excess of atmospheric pressure conditions and rapidly decompressing the item to the ambient atmospheric pressure. The rapid decompression serves to scavenge vapors and particles from the exterior and interior of the item and any objects it contains. A sample of the vapors and particles removed from the item by the rapid decompression is sampled and is tested to determine whether a predetermined contaminant is present in the sample. Depending on the types of contaminants for which the sample is tested, it is possible to detect whether explosives, biological or chemical agents, and/or narcotics residues are present on or in the item being screened.

Abstract: A diffusion status prediction method and system for a diffused substance are disclosed. The diffused substance is replaced by particles, and positions which the particles generated from an emission source arrive at are found by computation. The arrival positions and a post-emission elapsed time are recorded in association with each other. Also, intensity data showing the intensities of the particles during the passage of the post-emission elapsed time are set. Then, the intensity of the particles at the point in time at which the particles were generated is found by reference to the intensity data based on the post-emission elapsed time. For each particle, the arrival position, the post-emission elapsed time, and the intensity are recorded in association with each other. The concentration of the diffused substance in a predetermined area after a lapse of a predetermined time can be determined by adding up the intensities of the particles present in the predetermined area.

Abstract: Device, in particular for use in a motor vehicle, having a sensor arrangement (21), which controls an air-conditioning unit, for determining the ambient-air quality, and an arrangement of ozone sensors (21, 22) upstream and downstream of a radiator (1), in particular of the motor vehicle, which is coated with a catalyst material for detecting the conversion rate of the conversion of ozone into oxygen which is effected by the catalyst.

Abstract: A vapor trap for detecting VOCs includes a housing, having a first end portion, a second end portion and at least one opening for receiving gas vapor. The housing is at least partially buried in ground with a vapor containment mechanism detachably connected to the first end portion of the housing. The vapor containment mechanism can be removed and replaced with a vapor sampling mechanism. An organic vapor analyzer can be connected in fluid relationship to the vapor sampling mechanism to measure VOCs. Optionally, a vacuum pump can be utilized to draw vapor into the vapor trap and then subsequently into the organic vapor analyzer. There can be a first selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the vacuum pump and a second selector valve located between the vapor sampling mechanism and the organic vapor analyzer. A preferred organic vapor analyzer is a photo-ionization detector.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the measurement of the amount of a component that is released from a gaseous atmosphere during the thermo-chemical treatment of metallic work pieces.

Abstract: An analytical system is provided which uses the kinetic energy of motion of the entire system to drive a fluid under analysis through the system. This is accomplished by use of a propulsion system which is attached to the analytical portion of the system. Various sensor detection systems may be used to analyze the sample collected within the confines of a sample isolation and concentration module contained within the system. Trace quantities of suspect materials may be detected or monitored by use of the instant system.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable gas alarm device easy to be fabricated as a small-sized one handy to carry and high in convenience for use. The portable gas alarm device comprises a gas alarm device body having a casing flat in whole and a fitting member provided on the casing to fit it to the human body. The gas alarm device body has a control circuit board extending to the direction of the flat plane of the casing, a display mechanism is arranged in a central area on the front surface side of the control circuit board, a gas sensor and an alarm buzzer are arranged on the right and left sides of the display mechanism, and a battery fitting chamber is provided on the back surface side of the circuit board. A vibration generator for alarm may be provided in the gas alarm device body. The fitting member may be one suitable for use in fitting the gas alarm device body to a person's wrist or a person's wear.

Abstract: A portable liquid collection electrostatic collection precipitator for analyzing air is provided which is a relatively small, self-contained device. The device has a tubular collection electrode, a reservoir for a liquid, and a pump. The pump pumps the liquid into the collection electrode such that the liquid flows down the exterior of the collection electrode and is recirculated to the reservoir. An air intake is provided such that air to be analyzed flows through an ionization section to ionize analytes in the air, and then flows near the collection electrode where ionized analytes are collected. A portable power source is connected to the air intake and the collection electrode. Ionizable constituents in the air are ionized, attracted to the collection electrode, and precipitated in the liquid. The precipitator may also have an analyzer for the liquid and may have a transceiver allowing remote operation and data collection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring buildings to detect harmful chemical or biological agents. Self-propelled harmful agent detectors are provided that can propel themselves using motors and self-contained power sources. On-board harmful agent sensors can detect the presence of harmful agents and transmit information for reception by a receiving unit. Some sensors can identify the type of agent and transmit the agent type. Some detectors can measure the intensity or concentration of the harmful agent presence and transmit that intensity. Some systems include locating devices for determining positions of the roaming detectors, as well as mapping software to map the location of the individual moving detectors. Systems may include software for plotting the relative concentrations of agents detected to locate the origination of the source within the building.

Abstract: The present invention is an interface between a piece of baggage and a preconcentrator. The baggage-preconcentrator interface is able be secured to the opening in the baggage, such as an opening created by a zipper. The baggage-preconcentrator interface provides a convenient entry point from which to extract air from the interior of baggage. The shape of such interface corresponds to that of the preconcentrator, which collects constituents of air. The preconcentrator is inserted into the baggage-preconcentrator interface and an air sample is extracted from the interior of the baggage and through both the interface and the preconcentrator. As the air is extracted, the constituents of air collect in the preconcentrator. After collecting the constituents, the preconcentrator is inserted into a testing unit capable of detecting trace amounts of explosives, such as an ion trap mobility spectrometer. The testing unit analyzes the constituents and determines whether any of them are explosive.

Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.

Abstract: An air-sampling carrier for sampling air from a clean room of a semiconductor processing facility, an apparatus and a method for analyzing the air, wherein the air-sampling carrier includes a container having an inner space, a door mounted at a front wall of the container, a discharging pipe for discharging the air sample out of the container, and at least one inlet tube for introducing purge gas into the inner space of the container from outside the container. The discharging pipe and inlet tube are respectively formed on an outer surface of the container and connected to an inner space of the container. The air in the unit process tools is effectively sampled using an unmanned carrying apparatus and the pollution level of the air sample is simply and easily measured.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the sensing of analytes and in particular, to methods of determining, resolving, identifying, or quantitating such analytes once detected. This invention provides systems and methods for identifying analytes, comprising using an importance index to give greater weight to the responses from sensors that measure characteristics most useful for identification of analytes. In other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for increasing the stability of electronic nose systems by prolonging the predictive capability of the training set of known analytes. In still other aspects, the systems and methods are useful for detecting and responding to events correlated with the presence of an analyte.

Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.

Abstract: A gas detector having a sample flow path assembly capable of providing a sample air flow rate to a sensing device in excess of about 300 SCCM. The sample flow path assembly also provides the gas detector with a short signal path between the sensing device and a printed circuit board, an efficient sample path, and ready access to and easy replacement of the sensing device as well as easy replacement of the probe, making the gas detector generally more reliable and cost effective. The sample path assembly requires a simple method of construction and sensing device replacement thereby reducing the difficulty and the time required for manufacturing the sample flow path assembly and, ultimately, reducing the cost of manufacturing the leak detector.

Abstract: A gas detector having a sample flow path assembly capable of providing a sample air flow rate to a sensing device in excess of about 300 SCCM. The sample flow path assembly also provides the gas detector with a short signal path between the sensing device and a printed circuit board, an efficient sample path, and ready access to and easy replacement of the sensing device as well as easy replacement of the probe, making the gas detector generally more reliable and cost effective. The sample path assembly requires a simple method of construction and sensing device replacement thereby reducing the difficulty and the time required for manufacturing the sample flow path assembly and, ultimately, reducing the cost of manufacturing the leak detector.

Abstract: A device for measuring a total concentration of impurities in a sample gas is provided which includes a housing having an inlet to allow the sample gas to enter the housing, an emitter to generate ions from the sample gas, a field gradient to accelerate the ions toward a collector, the collector adapted to measure total ions, and an outlet to allow the sample gas to exit the housing, whereby a change in total ions received by the collector indicates a change in the total concentration of impurities in the sample gas.

Abstract: An integrated mesopump-sensor suitable for disposition in two- and three-dimensional arrays having small dimensions is disclosed. One mesopump is formed of an electrostatically attractable flexible diaphragm disposed through cavities or pumping chambers formed between two opposing electrostatically chargeable material layers. Fluid is pumped through the chambers by sequentially moving the diaphragm toward the first chargeable layer, then towards the second chargeable layer, which can pull and push the fluid through a series of chambers, and past the sensor. One group of sensors utilizes multiple and varied chemoresistive sensors which can vary in resistance differently in response to the presence of various analytes. Another group of sensors utilizes chemo-fluorescent sensors that fluoresce in the presence of particular analytes.

Abstract: A fast mixing condensation nucleus counter useful for detecting particles entrained in a sample gas stream is provided. The fast mixing condensation nucleus counter comprises a detector and a mixing condensation device having a mixing chamber adapted to allow gas to flow from an inlet to an outlet, wherein the outlet directs the gas flow to the detector. The mixing chamber has an inlet for introducing vapor-laden gas into the chamber and at least one nozzle for introducing a sample gas having particles entrained therein into the chamber. The inlet and nozzle are arranged such that the vapor-laden gas and sample gas mix turbulently. The mixing chamber is configured such that the particles flow through the mixing chamber at a substantially uniform relative velocity.

Abstract: An airborne contaminant indicating device adapted for attachment to a person's nose for indicating the presence of a contaminant entrained in an air stream passing through the nose. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the device is a clip with a proximal “UU” shaped dilating portion adapted to be inserted within the nostrils; the “U's” being connected to one another medially by an elastically deformable extension portion, the extension portion being two straight parallel strips, one end of the strips being integral with the dilating portion and the opposing end of the strip integral with an arcuate septum attachment portion. The septum attachment portion spaces the distal ends of the strips of the extension portion so that the strips straddle and gently squeeze the nasal septum. The device has a contaminant-interactive coated surface in contact with a portion of the air passing through the nose. The design of the embodiment provides maximum air flow through the nostrils.

Abstract: A wind deceleration and protective shroud that provides representative samples of ambient aerosols to an environmental continuous air monitor (ECAM) has a cylindrical enclosure mounted to an input on the continuous air monitor, the cylindrical enclosure having shrouded nozzles located radially about its periphery. Ambient air flows, often along with rainwater flows into the nozzles in a sampling flow generated by a pump in the continuous air monitor. The sampling flow of air creates a cyclonic flow in the enclosure that flows up through the cylindrical enclosure until the flow of air reaches the top of the cylindrical enclosure and then is directed downward to the continuous air monitor. A sloped platform located inside the cylindrical enclosure supports the nozzles and causes any moisture entering through the nozzle to drain out through the nozzles.