Abstract: Methods and apparatus for an exhaust demand control system for measuring one or more contaminants at one or more exhaust locations within one or a plurality of exhaust ducts or plenums served by an exhaust fan system. Example systems and methods can include sensing the one or more contaminants within the one or more exhaust duct locations using a multipoint air sampling system having one or more sensors and flow control elements, comparing contaminant concentration measurements from the one or more of said exhaust duct or plenum locations against an action level to create a fan setback signal, and ensuring sensor accuracy and reliability by implementing a sensor protective mode when the contaminant concentration measurements from the one or more exhaust locations exceeds an action level.

Abstract: A station for measuring airborne molecular contamination includes: at least one gas analyser; a conditioning pump; and a sequencing unit including a sequencing program defining an order for the measurements to be performed for at least two sampling lines, the sequencing unit being configured to control the connection of a sampling line to be measured, the measurement of which is programmed to follow that of a sampling line being measured, with the conditioning pump, while controlling the connection of the sampling line being measured with the at least one gas analyser. A method for measuring airborne molecular contamination using such a station is also disclosed.

Abstract: A gas sample and conditioning device for sampling gas in storage or transport device and conditioning the gas while automatically switching between input lines based on a characteristic of the gas sample. Multiple input lines are provided within allows for flow between different input lines based on the characteristic of the gas sample.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling temperature of a MEMS sensor are disclosed. In a first aspect, the system comprises a MEMS cap encapsulating the MEMS sensor and a CMOS die vertically arranged to the MEMS cap. The system includes a heater integrated into the MEMS cap. The integrated heater is activated to control the temperature of the MEMS sensor. In a second aspect, the method comprises encapsulating the MEMS sensor with a MEMS cap and coupling a CMOS die to the MEMS cap. The method includes integrating a heater into the MEMS cap. The integrated heater is activated to control the temperature of the MEMS sensor.

Abstract: Validation systems and methods are described. Specifically, the disclosed validation system has the ability to simultaneously or sequentially analyze the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) or any other property of process samples taken from the same or different sources. The validation system is scalable to validate with multiple reference samples to one or multiple analyzers. The system is also scalable to operate multiple streams of a single or multiple fuels to multiple analyzers.

Abstract: A high-throughput auger includes a receiving end auger portion that has a first shaft. The receiving end auger portion also includes a first screw having a first pitch and a first diameter, and a first housing portion of a second diameter. The auger also includes a main auger portion coupled to a discharge end of the receiving end auger portion. The main auger portion includes a second shaft, a second screw having a second pitch and a third diameter, and a second housing of a fourth diameter. The first diameter is greater than the third diameter and the second pitch is greater than the first pitch.

Abstract: A soil sampling apparatus comprising a motorized vehicle may be used to remove soil samples at intervals over a field of interest. The apparatus comprises a sampling assembly that rotates and extends downwardly into the soil to collect a sample. The probe assembly is raised to dump the sample into a collection assembly, which transfers the sample to a bagging assembly, where the sample may be bagged for later analysis.

Abstract: A system for testing the efficiency of a test HEPA filter, the system comprises a dilution system and a sampling system. The dilution system processes samples collected upstream of the test HEPA filter. The dilution system has a test portion and a calibrated portion. The calibrated portion aids in determining the dilution ratio of the test portion thereby rendering the dilution system self-calibrating. The sampling system receives upstream samples via the dilution system, and downstream samples collected directly downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system incorporates a flow rate balancing system to ensure accurate counts with respect to samples collected upstream and downstream of the test HEPA filter. The sampling system works well with particle counters fitted with relatively weak fans to draw in samples for counting; this is achieved by connecting the sampling system to both the inlet and exhaust outlet of a particle counter.

Abstract: The automated sample extraction device is a device for the automatic extraction of chemical samples. The device includes a housing defining an open interior region. A rotating carousel is disposed within the housing, and a plurality of sample holders are mounted thereon. A plurality of sample storage tanks each contain a unique chemical sample, and a desired volume of at least one chemical sample is drawn from a respective one of the sample storage tanks to a respective at least one of the plurality of sample holders. The carousel is rotated so that the desired volume of the at least one chemical sample may be dispensed into a receptacle positioned adjacent the carousel. The at least one chemical sample may then be mixed, heated, cooled, shaken and/or vibrated within the receptacle prior to dispensing.

Abstract: A liquid collection device is provided. The device includes an input conduit, an output conduit, a plurality of product collection containers, and a valve block. The input and output conduits are connectable to a liquid processing line. The valve block has a valve block input in fluid communication with the input conduit, a valve block output in fluid communication with the output conduit, and a plurality of valves. The valves correspond in number to product collection containers and each valve places the input conduit in liquid communication with a different one of the product collection containers. An automated liquid collection workstation for use with the liquid collection device and a method of automatically collecting liquid from a processing line or vessel are also provided.

Abstract: A system for preparing biological sample contains a body including a proximal side and a distal side, a plurality of mandrels, a plurality of resilient elements, a plurality of fluid dispensers, and one or more samples. The mandrels are moveably positioned within the body, where each resilient element engages a respective one of the mandrels. Each of the fluid dispensers is configured to engage a distal end of a corresponding one of the mandrels. Each sample comprises a solution containing one or more nucleic acid sequences contained within at least one of the fluid dispensers.

Abstract: This invention provides a device for detecting an analyte in a liquid sample, comprising a cup body (7), a lid (1) and a base (15), wherein, said the cup body (7) comprises a liquid storage chamber (9) and a test strip groove locating in one side of liquid storage chamber, the storage chamber (9) and the test strip groove communicates each other through a small hole in the bottom of liquid storage chamber, the test strip groove is configured with a test strip plate, said lid being able to seal the opening of the cup tightly, said opening of cup being directly connected with the liquid storage chamber.

Abstract: Provided is a droplet discharging device that can precisely dispense large flow rate of droplets and small flow rate of droplets selectively. The droplet discharging device according to the present invention includes a pneumatic discharger for discharging a droplet having a first flow rate, and an electronic pipette for discharging or sucking a droplet having a second flow rate equal to or smaller than the first flow rate. The pneumatic discharger includes, i) a storage chamber for storing a liquid, ii) an air tank connected to the storage chamber through a first air pipe and supplying compressed air to the storage chamber to push the liquid of the storage chamber outside, and iii) a first nozzle connected to the storage chamber through the liquid pipe and receiving the liquid pushed out of the storage chamber to discharge droplets.

Abstract: An analytical system for solutions containing soluble solids or high concentrations of dissolved solids. The system includes a container having upper and lower portions; a lead an/or a tubing line extending into the upper portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a gas in the upper portion of the container; and a sampling probe extending into the lower portion of the container, for withdrawing a portion of a sample of a liquid or of a mixture of a liquid and a solid. The sampling probe is a probe support shaft which may be provided with a filter for separating liquid and solid phases from one another if the sample is a liquid-solid mixture. Gas in the headspace above the liquid or the liquid-solid mixture can be withdrawn through the lead and/or the tubing line.

Abstract: A portable multi-tube air sampler device for capturing samples of trace elements in a suspected contaminated environment which includes a plurality of sample tubes for collecting sample trace elements, parallel inlet and outlet manifolds which minimize the length of the sample inlet path while utilizing short straight sample tubes, a hinged retainer bar mechanism which allows for easy removal and replacement of the various sample tubes, and a removably attachable controller unit which can be installed on the exterior portion of the carrying case for controlling the operation of the sampling protocol. Other embodiments include heated inlet manifold and sample intake paths to prevent contamination accumulation and carryover, a clean cycle option with a filter valved into the inlet flow path to enhance the purging cycle, and a mechanism for converting the present device to a desorbing auto sampler configuration. The present system likewise incorporates a purging cycle prior to each sampling cycle.

Abstract: An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.

Abstract: The invention provides a security inspection system for inspecting persons, characterized in that it comprises: a passageway which provides an inspection space isolated or partially isolated from an ambient environment, in which at least one sub-passageway allowing persons to be inspected to pass is provided in the inspection space, and each of the sub-passageways is provided with at least one millimeter wave imaging device for millimeter wave imaging of persons being inspected; and an ion mobility spectrometer for ionizing particles of substance or gases that are released or volatilized from the inspected persons into the air in the passageway and then measuring a mobility rate thereof under the action of the electric field to effect identification of substances. At least one radioactive substance inspection device may also be provided in the passageway to detect whether the person being inspected carries radioactive substances.

Abstract: A detector for the detection for trace vapors and particles in the air that includes a housing; a well formed in the housing; a heated filter positioned across the well; a source delivering sampled air substantially perpendicular to the open end of the well on a first side of the filter; a source to supply dry air across the first side of the filter; a detector line in communication with the at least one well on a second side of the filter; and a second dry air source for supplying air to the second side of the filter at a pressure below atmospheric pressure. An automatic inspection station that includes a vibrator for vibrating articles to be inspected. An automatic inspection station that includes a heating element positioned below an upper surface of the floor and an inlet positioned above the floor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an analytical tool including a plurality of flow paths 21 each including a detection cell 26 for detecting a particular component contained in a sample and configured to move the sample by capillarity, and a common path 22 connecting the plurality of flow paths 21 to each other. Each of the flow paths 21 includes a water stopper 29 for preventing the sample from flowing into the common path 22. Preferably, the water stopper 29 suppresses the movement of the sample by differentiating a cross sectional area at a target portion in a direction perpendicular to the sample flow direction from a cross sectional area at a portion near the target portion.

Abstract: In order to enable supply of a sampling air to a smoke detection portion at a stable flow velocity, the present invention provides a smoke detector including: a black box (21) including a smoke detection portion (25) having an inflow port and an outflow port; a sampling pipe (30) laid in a monitor space; a gas flow pipe (P) connected to the sampling pipe and which houses a fan (3) therein; a flow path branching portion (33) provided to the gas flow pipe on a secondary side of the fan and connected to the inflow port of the smoke detection portion; and a flow path merging portion (32) which is provided to the gas flow pipe on the secondary side of the fan and connected to the outflow port of the smoke detection portion, and at which a pressure of a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe is lower than a fluid flowing through the gas flow pipe at the flow path branching portion.

Abstract: A particulate monitor includes a housing, an air-moving device coupled to the housing, and an air passageway disposed at least partially within the housing. The air-moving device is operable to create an airflow through the air passageway. The particulate monitor also includes a real-time measuring device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway and a particulate collection device positioned at least partially within the housing and in fluid communication with the air passageway. The collection device is positioned downstream of the real-time measuring device.

Abstract: A fresh air ventilation system in a building having an outside wall exhausts contaminants, such as stale or noxious air, through the outside wall and takes in fresh air. A remote switch sets a mode of operation of the ventilation system. One or more strategically placed air quality sensors are located within the building. The sensors may be connected wirelessly through a multiplexer interconnect system to operationally control the fan of the exhaust system. In response to the detection of a contaminant above a pre-selected level by a sensor, the relay controller for the sensors resets the remote switch for continuous high speed operation to evacuate the contaminants from the building through either special ducts or the conventional air ventilation ducts within the building.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for analyzing ion mobility data. In one embodiment, a method for analyzing ion mobility spectrometry data is disclosed. The method comprises conducting a number of ion mobility scans on a sample, generating an ion map comprising a first ion line, comparing the first ion line to a standard deviation, wherein the standard deviation is calculated from the system measurement noise, and determining if the sample is a contraband substance.

Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.

Abstract: A detector system that can analyze multiple samples with a single detector. The detector may contain a portal with a first opening and a second opening. A first sample is obtained from the first opening and a second sample is obtained from the second opening. The openings are coupled to a single detector that can analyze both samples.

Abstract: A capillary array electrophoretic device capable of securing a sample plate array and a buffer container three dimensionally on a tray of an autosampler. A tray (700) is provided with a guide groove (701) and a stopper (702) corresponding to guides (715, 716) of sample plate assemblies (710, 711) including a microtiter plate.

Abstract: An air monitoring system includes a tubing having a metallic inner layer and an outer jacket to provide optimal transport of air samples.

Abstract: The invention provides a device for use in sampling the exhaust emissions from a turbine engine. The device has a valve array in a manifold housing coupling multiple turbine exhaust lines to an emissions analyzer, such as used in CEMS. Each valve can be actuated by pilot air pressure to open or close off flow of one or more of the exhaust lines. Exhaust from various zones of the turbine combustor section can be selectively sampled thereby allowing emissions measurements to be taken and used for compliance monitoring and performance and diagnostic analysis of turbine combustor operation.

Abstract: A duct detector includes sampling tubes which slidably engage the detector with a fixed orientation to facilitate fluid flow. The tubes have a connector portion and a conduit portion. The connector portion and the conduit portion engage one another with a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: An apparatus for analyzing a measuring substance which is dissolved in a solvent, comprising a conduit (4) for transporting the dissolved measuring substance from a feed means (3) to a measuring location (12), wherein the feed means (3) is designed to optionally feed a solvent or dissolved measuring substance into the conduit (4), is characterized in that the conduit (4) is designed, at least partially, as a polycapillary area (9) which has N parallel connected capillaries (21a, 21b, 21c; 62a, 62b), such that the individual capillaries (21a, 21b, 21c; 62a, 62b) have identical flow times from the feed means (3) to the measuring location (12) and wherein N?2. The apparatus improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the analysis.

Abstract: An assembly for monitoring and locating leaks in an installation includes a collecting line formed of a material that is impermeable to a substance to be monitored. The collecting line has a multiplicity of openings spaced apart in its longitudinal direction. The openings are closed with a filter element of a sintered metallic material that is permeable to the substance and has been subjected to a heat treatment in an oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: An air monitoring system includes a tubing having a metallic inner layer and an outer jacket to provide optimal transport of air samples.

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: Apparatus and methods are provided for testing and analyzing a plurality of stream sources to monitor for an upset condition in one of the stream sources. A manifold is provided having a plurality of manifold inlets and a manifold outlet. A plurality of sampling devices for sampling the plurality of stream sources are coupled to the manifold inlets to provide stream samples to the manifold. A controller is in electronic communication with each of the plurality of sampling devices for providing test samples in the manifold. The controller alternately operates the sampling devices in (1) a sequencing mode in which each test sample is a stream sample from one of the plurality of sampling devices or (2) an averaging mode in which each test sample is representative of an average of the stream samples from the plurality of sampling devices. An analyzer is coupled to the manifold outlet to receive the test samples from the manifold and analyze each test sample for the presence of the upset condition.

Abstract: A fluid sampling system and a method thereof are provided. The fluid sampling system is provided with a plurality of sampling channels, each of the sampling channels comprising a sampling line having an inlet, a regulated outlet, and first and second calibrated flow orifices connected in series between the inlet and outlet. Each of the sampling channels also comprises a controllable derivation line connected between the first and second orifices, for deviating fluid from the sampling line. The fluid sampling system is also provided with a connecting line for connecting together the outlets of the sampling lines. The connecting line has a main regulated outlet for providing a fluid sample.

Abstract: A scanner and method of operation for inspecting high efficiency filters to detect the presence of pin-hole leaks. The scanner includes a plurality of funnel members movable along guide members and connected by tube members to a monitoring device for detecting any contaminants contained in gases entrained in the funnel members.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods are provided for monitoring a well and for obtaining fluid samples from below the ground. The apparatus includes a single-piece, extruded plastic well stock that extends from the surface of the ground to the lowest sampling depth. Plural sampling intervals are defined between the surface and the lowest sampling depth. Sampling intervals are defined by isolating sections of the borehole by using packers that seal the annular space between the well stock and the borehole. The well stock includes plural longitudinal chambers. Inlet holes are put into the well stock so that inlets for each interval admit fluid to only one longitudinal chamber. Inert sealant is injected below inlets to prevent fluid from spreading below a desired level. Instructions are placed into the longitudinal chambers to monitor fluids in the chambers or to retrieve samples, or alternatively, the well stock can be removed to obtain samples.

Abstract: Rapid and efficient production and examination of formulations for polyurethane foams using only small amounts of materials are achieved by allowing the foam-forming mixture to foam in a container, preparing disks from sections of the container in which the foam is present and removing a plurality of cylindrical samples having substantially the same density from the disk.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for extracting a representative sample of water, oil and sediment from a container. The apparatus is a container closure having a tube extending therethrough, such that fluids can be extracted from any closed container through the tube when closed by the closure. The tube has a first end and a second end. The first end is open to the flow of fluids and the second end is closed. Several radial inlet ports are position at spaced intervals along the tube between the closure and the second end of the tube. Fluids from the container enter the tube at several levels through different ones of the inlet ports, thereby providing a more representative sample.

Abstract: A portable lysimeter including a collection vessel having an inflatable bladder and a semi-permeable member assembly at least partially movable in response to inflation of the bladder, a sample conduit in fluid communication with the semi-permeable member and a reservoir in fluid communication with the sample conduit.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably varying the sample volume for each of a plurality of sample lines used with air monitoring equipment is disclosed. The sample volume is varied depending on the compound or compounds of interest sampled through each line. The flow volume from each sample line is determined and controlled by proportional time that an electrically actuated valve is open for that sampling line.

Abstract: A fluid sampling device or system for providing a fluid to a fluid processing apparatus. The system includes a plurality of sampling lines, each having an inlet line and an outlet line connected by a valve. The valve has a closed position preventing a fluid flow between the two lines and an opened position allowing such a fluid flow. A first and a second purge line are provided, respectively connected to the inlet and outlet lines for purging fluid therefrom. Rotometers or other similar devices are provided for controlling each of the purge lines. A connecting line is provided for connecting each of the outlet lines to each other and to the outlet. In operation, one of the valves is opened and the others are closed. Fluid flows from the selected valve to the apparatus and backwards through the outlet lines of the unselected sampling channels, providing a backpurge of these outlet lines through the second purge lines.

Abstract: A high precision system for adapting mass spectrometry for leak detection in high production applications is described. In one embodiment the system includes a plurality of sampling ports and a background port coupled to a console including a process controller. The console includes a vacuum maintenance manifold, and a separate sample manifold to which the sampling ports and background port are connected. The console further includes a helium mass spectrometer with a nitrogen purge supply, calibrated leak inputs, and a vacuum maintenance pump. The separate vacuum maintenance and sampling manifolds allow a constant flow from the gas sampling port to the sampling manifold, while continuous injection of the nitrogen gas into the sampling manifold prevents saturation of the mass spectrometer with helium from a tested part having excessive leakage.

Abstract: A system for detecting particles in a clean environment includes and ensemble manifold having a plurality of sample ports, a delivery port, and flow junction having no open-close valves or other flow selectors connecting all of said sample ports to said delivery port. In one embodiment, the ensemble manifold is mounted directly on a particle detector using a snap-on connector. A plurality of fluid sources are located in a clean environment, each of the fluid sources fluidically connected to one of the sample ports.

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 sampling apparatus that allows multiple uncontaminated samples to be taken from hydrothermal vents and the oceanic or limnological water column. The apparatus includes a sampling nozzle for taking in the sample. A sample collection unit is in fluid communication with the sampling nozzle and includes at least one sampling module for the collection of a predetermined type of sample. A fluid intake module is in fluid communication with the sample collection unit and the sampling nozzle. The fluid intake module includes at least one pump for drawing a sample fluid through the sampling nozzle and sample collection unit. A control module is in electrical communication with the fluid intake module. The control module includes a micro-controller for controlling the fluid intake module and a computer readable memory for storing sampling data for use by a user.

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.

Abstract: A blood analyzer has a sensor, a sample handler having a sample container station with a sample container bed adapted for holding a sample container, and a means for linearly moving a stirring element inside the sample container when the sample container is arranged in the sample container bed, and a means for transferring a sample from the sample container to the sensor. The blood analyzer is capable of stirring blood samples.

Abstract: A unit for sampling aldehydes and ketones contained in diluted exhaust gases from thermal combustion engines has a specific trapping circuit and a simulation circuit that simulates the specific trapping circuit. The specific trapping circuit and the simulation circuit are arranged in parallel so that the diluted gases can be passed for some time in the simulation circuit (5) before they are passed into the specific trapping circuit wherein aldehydes and ketones are trapped.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically analyzing a trace substance capable of automatic analysis of a trace substance in a short time with high accuracy is provided. This apparatus comprises (a) samplers for making samples each containing a desired substance at different sampling points, (b) concentrators for concentrating the substance contained in the samples to thereby produce concentrated samples, (c) a quantitative analyzer for analyzing quantitatively the substance contained in the concentrated samples, and (d) a controller for controlling the samplers, the concentrators and the analyzer to cause automatically operations of the samplers, the concentrators, and the analyzer repeatedly at specific intervals of time. Each of the concentrators receives alternatively the samples from at least two of the samplers. The analyzer receives alternatively the concentrated samples from the concentrators.