Abstract: A method and a device for measuring density properies of a particle distribution, in which method a first parameter relating to the particle distribution is measured at a first measuring point (302), at least part of the flow that passed through the first measuring point is guided to the second measuring point (304), a second parameter relating to the particle distribution is measured at a second measuring point (305), and said first and second parameters relating to the particle distribution are used to determine at least one density property of the particle distribution of the original flow (306).

Abstract: System and method of aerosolized agent detection. Multi-part collection tape is employed for capturing particles of interest for immediate analysis and optional forensic preservation and recording information related to capture and subsequent real-time analysis. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopic processing is employed and spectra attributable to known collection tape materials is subtracted to derive particle spectra for comparison to known hazardous agent spectra.

Abstract: An apparatus for inspecting rubbing inferiority of an alignment film of a liquid crystal display device by spraying moisture particles, the apparatus including a moisture storing unit for storing moisture, and a moisture particle generating unit for pelletizing moisture ejected from the moisture storing unit and spraying on a substrate.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring properties of a particle distribution, in which a parameter relating to the mobility of the particles is measured at one measuring point (302) and a parameter relating to the aerodynamic size of the particles is measured at a second measuring point (305). By means of the measured parameters, at least one property of the particle distribution of the original flow is determined (306).

Abstract: An electrolyte solution for a particle measuring apparatus which comprises an inorganic salt, such as sodium chloride or calcium chloride, dissolved in an organic solvent. A substance that promotes dissolution of inorganic salts is added to provide the organic solvent with sufficient electric conductivity for electrical particle measurement. Such substances include either or both: Compound (a): a zwitterionic compound or compounds, and Compound (b): a compound or compounds including a hydroxyl group and a carboxyl or an amino group in the same molecule.

Abstract: A novel measuring method which allows measurement of fine particles which are extremely fine and contained in a very small amount in ultrapure water is provided. The number frequency with respect to the fine particles having a particle diameter of 0.1 ?m or more is measured based on the finding that the fine particles contained in the ultrapure water at the use point of an ultrapure water production system exhibits a logarithmic normal distribution to determine the logarithmic normal distribution of the fine particles contained in the ultrapure water, and the number of the fine particles having a particle diameter of less than those of the measured particles contained in the ultrapure water is obtained from the distribution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the gas amounts adsorbed on a powder which directly measures pressure changes in a gas supply chamber with the use of differential pressure sensors between the gas supply chamber and a reference chamber which gas amount is maintained constant. Calculations of the gas amounts adsorbed are based on the pressure changes in a sample cell and the pressure changes in the gas supply chamber or a gas reference chamber. The method and apparatus of this invention measures the adsorption or desorption isotherm or gas uptake at constant pressure curve of a powder with, as compared with presently available measurement techniques, increased accuracy and resolution. The experimental data can be analyzed to obtain information on the surface area, pore size distribution, pore volume, pore structure and diffusion coefficient of the powder.

Abstract: A method is provided of detecting contamination of engine fluid in an engine. Engine fluid is provided to a particle counter, and the cleanliness of the engine fluid is measured with the particle counter during operation of the engine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for characterizing cells in a biological liquid sample and operating according to the Coulter principle. The apparatus has a disposable sensor unit and a docking station for removably receiving the sensor unit. The sensor unit housing contains electrodes in each of two chambers separated by a wall containing an orifice. The housing is adapted to contain and retain for disposal liquid pumped through the orifice during particle characterization operations.

Abstract: Integrated sensors are described using lasers on substrates. In one embodiment, a first sensor forms a laser beam and uses a quartz substrate to sense particle motion by interference of the particles with a diffraction beam caused by a laser beam. A second sensor uses gradings to produce an interference. In another embodiment, an integrated sensor includes a laser element, producing a diverging beam, and a single substrate which includes a first diffractive optical element placed to receive the diverging beam and produce a fringe based thereon, a scattering element which scatters said fringe beam based on particles being detected, and a second diffractive element receiving scattered light.

Abstract: A method for evaluating particle concentrations in the atmosphere of a clean room or of a machine mini-environment is described. The method includes exposing a test surface of a test substrate to the atmosphere for a test time, capturing an amount of particles at the test surface of the substrate at the end of the test time, analyzing the amount of captured particles, and comparing the analyzed amount of particles with a reference amount of particles from a reference substrate. An evaluation of the atmosphere of the room or environment can thus be accomplished in a relatively short time.

Abstract: A system for analyzing particles including: a source of solid particles; a sampler apparatus attached to and integral with the source of solid particles which apparatus is adapted to enable removal of small amounts of sample material from the source; a sonication cell connected to the sampling apparatus which sonication cell receives, optionally conditions, and sonicates the small amounts of sample material; a sample analysis apparatus connected to the sonication cell which sample analysis apparatus is adapted to receive, optionally further condition, and analyze the resulting sonicated sample received from the sonication cell; and a liquid pump and liquid carrying lines adapted to: withdraw aliqouts from the source; convey a withdrawn aliqout to the sonication cell and sample analysis apparatus; and flush the system free of residual aliqout contamination.

Abstract: A method is described which applies the combination of Electroacoustic and Complex Conductivity measurements to characterize particle electric surface properties, such as ?-potential, and bulk properties, such as the dielectric permittivity, in systems where conductivity data is required for applying an appropriate theoretical model for calculating output parameters from the measured data. In particular, this is important in low conducting systems for which the double layer thickness exceeds the particle radius or in the systems where particles have either high bulk dielectric permittivity or high conductivity.

Abstract: A method is described which applies Acoustic Spectrometry to characterize both the particle size distribution and micro-rheological properties of the structured concentrated dispersions. It suggests to model the structured dispersion as a collection of the spherical particles which are connected together with flexible strings. Oscillation of these strings creates an additional energy dissipation which contributes to the total attenuation. This dissipation is dependent on the second virial coefficient characterizing the flexibility of the strings. It is shown that the value of the second virial coefficient can be calculated from the measured attenuation spectra either for known particle size or together with particle size as adjustable parameter.

Abstract: An apparatus for making pulsed acoustic measurements to determine particle size in a sample (1) such as a colloid. The apparatus includes two electrodes (2) between which an electric voltage is applied to the sample. The voltage is applied in short pulses. The applied voltage generates an acoustic signal, such as a sound wave (5), in the sample which is detected with a transducer (3) after the wave (5) has passed through a delay element (4). The delay element (4) is used to introduce enough of a time delay between the application of the voltage pulse and sound wave (5) reaching the transducer so that the received wave's signal can be isolated from any signal generated in the transducer (3) by the applied voltage. The delay element (4) and the transducer (3) are arranged into a geometry, or, alternatively, the delay element (4) is shaped, so that any reflections of the sound wave (5) from the sidewalls of the delay element (4) are deflected away from the transducer (3).

Abstract: A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain first measured characteristics of a first sample and second measured characteristics of a second sample, the first sample having a substantially different characteristic than the second sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the first and second measured characteristics; a corrective action database to define and select actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the first and second measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signal to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A sort block for use with sorting flow analysis system. The sort block includes a fin extending into a sort stream in the sort block. Unsorted particles and aerosol are aspirated into the open top of the fin. When error is detected, collection baskets associated with the fin extend into the sort stream, block passage of particles to the collection containers and aspirate all droplets and aerosol to a waste or retrieval container. This sort block may include error monitors, such as a laser and camera combination, which monitor the flow stream and control the extension of the fin and basket type collector.

Abstract: An apparatus and method in which a still image, or still images, are obtained of a plurality of particles suspended in a fluid medium. Each still image is transferred to an image analyzing unit that measures a set of dimensional characteristics per particle for particles appearing in the image and determine an occurrence characteristic for particles having a matching set of dimensional characteristics. Preferably, a three dimensional representation of the characteristics is displayed in real time. More preferably, the displayed three-dimensional representation is continuously updated and further entries are accumulated on the display as image analysis is performed. The display provides information to a viewer enabling the viewer to determine a shape distribution of the particles within the suspension even when multiple particle shapes are present.

Abstract: Measuring systems and methods measure particle velocity and/or particle velocity distribution and/or particle size or particle size distribution. The measuring system includes a filter for filtering collected signals which is arranged to pass signals at a relevant frequency band or at relevant frequency bands. The relevant frequency band or frequency bands are arranged to correspond to a frequency band or frequency bands defined by frequencies which exist in consequence of one or more process equipment or a process occurrence affecting to the medium flow.

Abstract: There is described a particle size distribution analysis apparatus comprising an oscillatory assembly, the oscillatory assembly comprising a receptacle for receiving a powder sample and having an opening through which powder may be discharged, the opening being variable in size, and support means allowing the receptacle to reciprocate along an arcuate path, entry means for introducing the sample into the receptacle, adjusting means for varying the size of the opening, bias means to urge the oscillatory assembly towards a datum position, and drive means to induce oscillations of the oscillatory assembly. Detector means may be provided to determine a characteristic of the oscillations of the oscillatory assembly and hence determine the mass of powder remaining in the receptacle.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring properties of a particle distribution, in which a parameter relating to the mobility of the particles is measured at one measuring point (302) and a parameter relating to the aerodynamic size of the particles is measured at a second measuring point (305). By means of the measured parameters, at least one property of the particle distribution of the original flow is determined (306).

Abstract: A fine-particle classification apparatus includes an aerosol generation section which generates an aerosol containing fine particles in a medium background gas, a fine-particle classification section which classifies the fine particles contained in the aerosol in a sheath gas, and an introduction section, between the aerosol generation section and the fine-particle classification section, which introduces the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section into the fine-particle classification section. The introduction section uses a carrier gas with an adequately high velocity to introduce the aerosol generated in the aerosol generation section to the classification section using a pressure difference.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: A differential mobility analyzer (DMA) for separating charged particles or ions suspended in a gas and a method of using the DMA for separating such particles. The invention includes various means for increasing the resolution of the DMA by stabilizing the laminar flow within the DMA and by allowing unusually large flow velocities.

Abstract: An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for investigating the behavior of particles or droplets in a gas-vapor mixture inside a flow device, which is useful for studying cloud dynamical and microphysical processes. The invention allows adjustment and/or control of the thermodynamic system parameters based on the observed behavior of an internal standard with known properties, thus achieving a well-defined vapor concentration and saturation field inside the flow device. By injecting particles or droplets to be investigated into this well defined flow device, and measuring the size of the particles or droplets, the activation and growth or shrinking behavior of the particles or droplets may be determined using a mathematical model of the fluid, thermodynamic, and chemical conditions of the flow device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the gas amounts adsorbed on a powder which directly measures pressure changes in a gas supply chamber with the use of differential pressure sensors between the gas supply chamber and a reference chamber which gas amount is maintained constant. Calculations of the gas amounts adsorbed are based on the pressure changes in a sample cell and the pressure changes in the gas supply chamber or a gas reference chamber. The method and apparatus of this invention measures the adsorption or desorption isotherm or gas uptake at constant pressure curve of a powder with, as compared with presently available measurement techniques, increased accuracy and resolution. The experimental data can be analyzed to obtain information on the surface area, pore size distribution, pore volume, pore structure and diffusion coefficient of the powder.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for displaying, measuring the size of and counting individual inclusions in suspension in moving liquid metal using an ultrasound sensor including emission and reception devices. Using the emission device, a series of ultrasound beam pulses is emitted within the liquid metal, and echoes reflected by the inclusions are received using the reception device. The reflected echoes are successively acquired and processed, and displayed as images which are analyzed to count and measure the diameter of inclusions. The sensor is calibrated by selectively placing in a path defined by the beam pulses at least one control reflector having predetermined dimensions and a geometry stable over time, successively acquiring and processing reflected echoes from the control reflector, displaying the reflected echoes from the control reflector as images, and analyzing the control reflector echo images to determine a relationship between amplitude of the images and the control reflector dimensions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: An impactor inlet for a system for monitoring an aerosol including a plurality of particles is provided. Each of the particles has a size. The inlet includes a housing defining a chamber to receive and direct a flow of the aerosol. A high flow rate nozzle receives the aerosol at a flow rate of greater than 20 liters per minute (lpm) and accelerates and directs the aerosol flow toward a impaction plate. The aerosol flow separates into a minor flow including particles having a size greater than about 10 um, and a major flow including the remaining particles. The minor flow impacts on the impaction plate, and the major flow is emitted from an outlet.

Abstract: A particle size distribution monitor, comprising: a transducer adapted to be a source of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with a suspension containing a percent by volume of particles in a liquid, the transducer transmitting ultrasonic energy through the suspension wherein the energy comprises a wideband pulse containing a range of frequency components; a transducer adapted to be a receiver of ultrasonic energy and positioned in contact with said suspension to receive said wideband range of ultrasonic energy which has passed through the suspension; a first means adapted to accept a signal from said receiver and make an instantaneous determination of the attenuation of the wideband ultrasonic energy in passing through the suspension.

Abstract: An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.

Abstract: Fabrication of a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium includes depositing such particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure onto a substrate with the transparent medium.

Abstract: This invention concerns the measurement of particle size of particles entrained in a gas. The apparatus (5) includes an acoustic sensor (10) used to monitor the acoustic signals produced by collisions of pneumatically conveyed particles with the sensor (10). Signal processing electronics and software (15) are used to determine, for each impact, the peak height of the acoustic signal. The particle size is calculated from the peak height distribution and either the signal (pulse) duration distribution or the airstream (impact) velocity, according to Hertzian Impact Theory.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus for measuring the size, concentration and size distribution of particles in a fluid by determining the characteristics of an acoustic speckle signal of the particles and relating these characteristics to the size and concentration characteristics of the particles. The method and the apparatus are especially useful for the measurement of the size distribution of small particles in optically opaque liquids.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for maintaining differential test probes in a predetermined configuration relative to each other are presented. The apparatus includes a compliant test probe retainer for maintaining at least two test probes in close proximity with each other without either probe twisting about a z-axis, which runs along the shafts of the two test probes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to preventing calibration of a device to exceed the full design travel, for instance, during aggressive operation or play. A limiter is coupled to the rotational sensor to limit the full travel output signal to a fixed and repeatable maximum value no matter how aggressive the operation or play becomes. The limit is desirably set at such a point as normal operation or play will always reach. In this way, the automatic calibration of the device will not exceed the full design travel. In one embodiment, an input device comprises a user manipulable object configured to rotate around a rotational axis relative to a base. A rotational sensor includes a sensor body coupled with a sensor shaft which is rotatable relative to the sensor body around the rotational axis. The sensor shaft is connected with the user manipulable object to rotate with the user manipulable object around the rotational axis.

Abstract: The present invention is to fabricate a quantum dot functional structure having ultra-fine particles homogeneously distributed in a transparent medium by efficiently fabricating high-purity ultra-fine particles having a single particle diameter and uniform structure and depositing the ultra-fine particles onto a substrate in conjunction with the transparent medium. For these purposes, an apparatus for fabricating a quantum dot functional structure is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a particulate sensor system, comprising a first sensing electrode and a second sensing electrode in thermal and electrical communication with a heater wherein the first sensing electrode and the second sensing electrode are disposed on the same side of an electrode substrate.

Abstract: A control feedback system and method for industrial processes using automated particle or object analysis is disclosed. The control feedback system and method includes a particle characteristic measuring unit to obtain measured characteristics of a bulk material sample; an optimal characteristic definition for comparison with the measured characteristics; a corrective action database for defining and selecting actions to be taken in response to a comparison of the measured characteristics with the optimal characteristic definition; and a control line network to transfer control signals to a plurality of processing units in response to a selected action to be taken.

Abstract: An improved nozzle system for a flow cytometer and accompanying methods have been invented for a high efficiency orientation and sorting process of a flat sample and dedicates items such as equine or bovine sperm cells. This improved nozzle system comprises a nozzle with a novel interior surface geometry that can both gently accelerate the cells and can include an elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element within the nozzle, i.e., a single torsional orientation nozzle. The elliptical-like, single torsional interior surface element may have a laminar flow surface and may produce the simplest flow path for applying minimal forces which act in either an accelerative nature or orienting hydrodynamic forces, namely, the single torsional orientation forces, to orient a flat sample such as animal sperm cells into a proper direction for an analyzing and efficiently sorting process in clinical use, for research and for the animal insemination industry.

Abstract: A particle momentum detector has a massive support with a flat surface on which is mounted a piezoelectric member supporting a flat low mass plate resistant to deformation by impinging particles. The low mass plate has a rigidity suppressing multiple mode vibration of the plate. The piezoelectric member generates a damped oscillating electrical signal when a particle impinges upon the plate. A circuit integrates a portion, such as the first half cycle, of the damped oscillating electrical signal to determine momentum of the particle.

Abstract: A dry particle-size distribution measuring apparatus and method is applied to powdery and particulate samples that are conventionally known as having a dispersion limit of 1 &mgr;m and are dispersed to a state of fine particles or a submicron particle size, and which therefore can be accurately measured. The sample is subjected to primary dispersion by a primary dispersion flow that reaches a critical pressure and a subsonic speed, and the sample is then subjected to a secondary dispersion by a secondary dispersion flow that is different in direction from the primary dispersion flow and that reaches a critical pressure and a subsonic speed. The dispersed primary size powdery and particulate sample is supplied to a flow cell in which air flows, the flow cell 2 is irradiated with a laser beam 6, and the particle-size distribution of the sample is measured on the basis of a detection output of scattered light and/or diffracted light caused by the sample.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for the titration and circulation of gases to determine metal hydride storing properties, with improved response time, greater dynamic range in terms of the usable amount of powder and the maximum pressure accessible and increased sensitivity. The invention also concerns a circulating apparatus considerably reducing the time for analysing and determining the properties of absorbent and adsorbent materials during a large number of adsorption-desorption cycles. Both sets of apparatus are provided with a reference tube inside their oven, near the sample-holder. Said sample-holder tube and reference tube are connected on either side of the differential pressure sensor, thereby considerably enhancing the overall performance of the titration system.

Abstract: A system for analyzing particles including: a source of solid particles; a sampler apparatus attached to and integral with the source of solid particles which apparatus is adapted to enable removal of small amounts of sample material from the source; a sonication cell connected to the sampling apparatus which sonication cell receives, optionally conditions, and sonicates the small amounts of sample material; a sample analysis apparatus connected to the sonication cell which sample analysis apparatus is adapted to receive, optionally further condition, and analyze the resulting sonicated sample received from the sonication cell; and a liquid pump and liquid carrying lines adapted to: withdraw aliqouts from the source; convey a withdrawn aliqout to the sonication cell and sample analysis apparatus; and flush the system free of residual aliqout contamination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting particles are provided. In one embodiment, capillary electrophoresis is used to separate particles that may be detected by methods including, for example, laser induced fluorescence. The systems and methods are useful for separating and evaluating individual particles including, for example, subcellular particles.

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: The present invention provides methods and apparatuses for determining at least one of a plurality of particle physical characteristics. The particle physical characteristics include particle size, shape, magnetic susceptibility, magnetic label density, charge separation, dielectric constant, and derivatives thereof. The method includes generating a region of space having a substantially constant force field, determining the velocity of at least one particle within the region by identifying and locating the particle and its coordinates in at least two temporally defined digital images, and determining the particle physical characteristics from the determined velocity and a predetermined force field magnitude and direction.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the particle size distribution of a plurality of particles in a sample, the apparatus comprising a particle charging chamber for charging the particles in proportion to a dimension of the particle, such as surface area, and from which charged particles exit primarily one-at-a-time, a collector electrode for catching the exiting particles, and a charge-measuring device that produces an output with a value representing the measured particle charge. The particle charging chamber may comprise a number of electrodes and a DC voltage source connected to the electrodes. A conversion device, such as a computer, may receive the output from the charge-measuring device and convert measured individual particle charge data to a particle surface area distribution. The apparatus may further comprise light beams and light detecting means between the exit of the charging chamber and the collector electrode, for determining particle terminal velocity as it exits the charging chamber.