Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring and controlling a flow rate through a particle counter or active air sampler. As disclosed herein, a fluid flows through a venturi tube and an orifice in the system at a predetermine velocity. A pressure differential between an inlet of the instrument and a throat section of the venturi tube is measured. The flow rate through the system can be determined based on the pressure differential and an intensive property of the fluid. An alarm can be activated when the flow rate is outside of a flow rate range.
G01F 1/36 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en mesurant la pression ou la différence de pression la pression ou la différence de pression étant produite par une contraction de la veine fluide
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for measuring and controlling a flow rate through a particle counter or active air sampler. As disclosed herein, a flow is created within a conduit fluidly connected to an instrument at a first velocity. An inlet pressure at an inlet of the instrument and an ambient pressure proximate the instrument are measured. The flow rate through the instrument is determined based on a pressure differential between the inlet pressure and the ambient pressure. The flow rate is increased or decreased when the flow rate is outside a flow rate range.
A fluid system includes a capillary and a first and second temperature sensor, a first and second pressure sensor, and a processor coupled to the sensors. The processor is configured to execute instructions to determine an output using the sensor data and using fluid parameter data received via an interface coupled to the processor. The processor is coupled to a control in fluid communication with the capillary.
Disclosed are systems and methods for measuring flowrates. The systems and methods may include passing a fluid from a unit under test into a cavity. The pressure of the fluid within the cavity may be measure and a slidable element located within the cavity may be repositioned to maintain a desired pressure within the cavity. The distance traveled by the slidable element in order to maintain the desired pressure may be determined along with a time for the slidable element to travel the distance. Using the distance traveled by the slidable element, a crosssectional area of the slidable element in contact with the fluid, and the time for the slidable element to travel the distance the volumetric flowrate for the fluid may be determined.
G01F 25/10 - Test ou étalonnage des appareils pour la mesure du volume, du débit volumétrique ou du niveau des liquides, ou des appareils pour compter par volume des débitmètres
G01F 3/16 - Mesure du débit volumétrique des fluides ou d'un matériau solide fluent dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers le compteur par quantités successives et plus ou moins séparées, le compteur étant entraîné par l'écoulement avec des chambres de mesure qui se dilatent ou se contractent au cours du mesurage ayant des parois rigides mobiles comprenant des pistons animés d'un mouvement alternatif, p.ex. se déplaçant d'un mouvement alternatif dans un corps tournant dans des cylindres fixes
Various embodiments include an exemplary design of a high-temperature condensation particle counter (HT-CPC) having particle-counting statistics that are greatly improved over prior art systems since the sample flow of the disclosed HT-CPC is at least eight times greater than the prior art systems. In one embodiment, the HT-CPC includes a saturator block to accept directly a sampled particle-laden gas flow, a condenser block located downstream and in fluid communication with the saturator block, an optics block located downstream and in fluid communication with the condenser block, and a makeup-flow block having a concentric-tube design located in fluid communication with and between the condenser block and the optics block. The makeup-flow block being configured to reduce volatile contents from re-nucleating in the optics block. Other designs and apparatuses are disclosed.
A measurement system includes an atomizer, an impactor, a particle counter, and a discharge reservoir. The atomizer has a liquid intake port and a gas intake port configured to aerosolize a liquid received at the liquid intake port. The impactor has an inlet coupled to the atomizer and has a first output port and a second output port. The impactor is configured to separate droplets wherein those droplets smaller than a selected cut point are directed to the first output port and those droplets larger than the selected cut point are directed to the second output port. The particle counter is coupled to the first output port and is configured to count particles larger than at least one particle size cut point. The discharge reservoir is coupled to the second output port.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
B01D 39/20 - Autres substances filtrantes autoportantes en substance inorganique, p.ex. papier d'amiante ou substance filtrante métallique faite de fils métalliques non-tissés
G01F 23/263 - Indication ou mesure du niveau des liquides ou des matériaux solides fluents, p.ex. indication en fonction du volume ou indication au moyen d'un signal d'alarme en mesurant des variables physiques autres que les dimensions linéaires, la pression ou le poids, selon le niveau à mesurer, p.ex. par la différence de transfert de chaleur de vapeur ou d'eau en mesurant les variations de capacité ou l'inductance de condensateurs ou de bobines produites par la présence d'un liquide ou d'un matériau solide fluent dans des champs électriques ou électromagnétiques en mesurant les variations de capacité de condensateurs
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
7.
Mirror calibration of multiple flow-measurement devices
Various embodiments include an exemplary apparatus and method for insitu calibration of multiple flow-sensing devices within a dilution system. In one example, a calibration and dilution system includes a first mass-flow device to serve as a global reference, a second mass-flow device configured to be coupled to and provide a supply of clean gas to a primary diluter, and a third mass-flow device configured to be coupled to and provide a supply of clean gas to a secondary diluter, where the diluters are pneumatically coupled to one another through a gas-supply line. Multiple valves are coupled to at least the mass-flow devices and the diluters. The calibration and dilution system is arranged so that the mass-flow controllers can be calibrated in-situ without having to remove any of the mass-flow controllers from the calibration and dilution system. Other apparatuses, designs, and methods are disclosed.
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes ; Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
G01N 1/38 - Dilution, dispersion ou mélange des échantillons
G01N 1/20 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état liquide ou fluide pour matériau coulant ou s'éboulant
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
Various embodiments include systems and apparatuses for reducing contamination levels within optical chambers of particle-detection instruments. In one embodiment, an apparatus to reduce contamination within an optical chamber of a particle-detection instrument is described. The apparatus includes a plenum chamber to at least partially surround an aerosol-focusing nozzle of the particle-detection instrument and accept a filtered gas flow. A curtain-flow concentrating nozzle is coupled to the plenum chamber to produce a curtain flow into the optical chamber to substantially surround an aerosol flow. Other methods and systems are disclosed.
F15D 1/02 - Action sur l'écoulement des fluides dans les tuyaux ou les conduits
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
A system includes a polymer bag, a fluid network, a saturation block, and a wick. The polymer bag has a sealed envelope and a fitment. The fluid network is coupled to the fitment. The saturation block has a fluid inlet coupled to the fluid network and has a wick chamber. The wick is configured for disposition in the wick chamber.
G01N 27/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la capacité
G01N 27/12 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la résistance d'un corps solide dépendant de la réaction avec un fluide
Various embodiments include an exemplary design of an apparatus and related process to reduce or eliminate de-gassing from a liquid precursor during dispensing of the liquid precursor under vacuum. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a liquid-flow controller configured to be coupled to a liquid-supply vessel containing the liquid precursor, and at least one valve hydraulically coupled downstream of and to the liquid-flow controller by a liquid line. The at least one valve is to be opened and closed to maintain a minimum pressure that is sufficiently high enough to reduce or prevent degassing of the liquid precursor throughout the liquid line. An atomizer is hydraulically coupled downstream of and to the at least one valve. The atomizer can produce droplets of the liquid precursor and is further to be coupled on a downstream side to a vacuum source. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies with remaining ones of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes ; Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
Various embodiments include an exemplary design of a high-temperature condensation particle counter (HT-CPC) having particle-counting statistics that are greatly improved over prior art systems since the sample flow of the disclosed HT-CPC is at least eight times greater than the prior art systems. In one embodiment, the HT-CPC includes a saturator block to accept directly a sampled particle-laden gas flow, a condenser block located downstream and in fluid communication with the saturator block, an optics block located downstream and in fluid communication with the condenser block, and a makeup-flow block having a concentric-tube design located in fluid communication with and between the condenser block and the optics block. The makeup-flow block being configured to reduce volatile contents from re-nucleating in the optics block. Other designs and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
A system includes a first and second condensation particle counter, each counter having an inlet port, a growth column, and an optical element for counting particles detected at the respective inlet ports. The counters are configured to include a wick in which the wick is wetted by water. A differential pressure sensor is coupled to the first inlet port and coupled to the second inlet port. The sensor is configured to provide a pressure signal. A processor is coupled to memory and configured to receive the first signal, the second signal, and the pressure signal and generate an output corresponding to a ratio of the first signal and the second signal and correlate the ratio with the pressure signal. A housing is configured to receive the first counter, the second counter, the differential pressure sensor, the processor, and the memory.
A62B 27/00 - Méthodes ou dispositifs pour tester des appareils respiratoires
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
14.
System and method for three dimensional particle imaging velocimetry and particle tracking velocimetry
A particle velocimetry system and algorithm are provided for executing a particle reconstruction to determine three-dimensional positions of particles in a particle laden fluid flow from two-dimensional flow images generated by two-dimensional image sensors; generate a three-dimensional particle distribution from the three-dimensional position; and execute a recursive loop for performing further iterations of particle reconstruction and generation of three-dimensional particle distributions, with recursive iterations of particle reconstruction executed with the use of particle property data obtained from the prior executed iteration of particle reconstruction.
G06T 7/246 - Analyse du mouvement utilisant des procédés basés sur les caractéristiques, p.ex. le suivi des coins ou des segments
G01P 5/00 - Mesure de la vitesse des fluides, p.ex. d'un courant atmosphérique; Mesure de la vitesse de corps, p.ex. navires, aéronefs, par rapport à des fluides
G06T 7/73 - Détermination de la position ou de l'orientation des objets ou des caméras utilisant des procédés basés sur les caractéristiques
15.
Air and gas flow velocity and temperature sensor probe
There is disclosed a handheld air flow velocity measurement probe that includes a bridge circuit assembly having an airflow velocity sensor that is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and a digitally controlled resistive element to dynamically adjust and maintain the resistance of the velocity sensor within the overheat temperature predefined range. The velocity measurement also uses a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the air or gas flow. A humidity sensor is also included remote from the other sensors to measure humidity in the gas flow to be measured. All of the above described components are housed at a probe tip instead of a base as in most standard handheld probes and the digital interface at the probe tip allows the user to replace a bulky, expensive telescoping antenna with stackable extender scheme.
G01K 13/02 - Thermomètres spécialement adaptés à des fins spécifiques pour mesurer la température de fluides en mouvement ou de matériaux granulaires capables de s'écouler
G01P 5/12 - Mesure de la vitesse des fluides, p.ex. d'un courant atmosphérique; Mesure de la vitesse de corps, p.ex. navires, aéronefs, par rapport à des fluides en mesurant des variables thermiques en utilisant la variation de la résistance d'un conducteur chauffé
F01D 17/08 - Aménagement des éléments sensibles sensibles aux conditions de fonctionnement du fluide énergétique, p.ex. à la pression
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Dispositifs de fixation; Dispositions pour le montage de thermomètres en des endroits particuliers
G01K 13/024 - Thermomètres spécialement adaptés à des fins spécifiques pour mesurer la température de fluides en mouvement ou de matériaux granulaires capables de s'écouler de gaz en mouvement
Various embodiments include methods and systems to dilute a sampled particle-laden aerosol stream in a recirculating type of aerosol diluter system. In one embodiment, a system to dilute a sampled aerosol stream includes an aerosol sample inlet. A primary diluter device includes a first inlet to receive the aerosol stream and a second inlet to receive a filtered portion of the aerosol stream and combining the filtered portion with an additional sampled aerosol stream. A flow diverter device splits at least the sampled aerosol stream into a first portion of the sampled aerosol stream and a remaining portion of the sampled aerosol stream. A filter receives the remaining portion of the sampled aerosol stream and provides a filtered aerosol stream to the second inlet of the primary diluter device. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 1/38 - Dilution, dispersion ou mélange des échantillons
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
The respirator fit monitor described herein can be worn continuously by users so as to provide an indication as to how well their masks are fitting during use, thereby providing quantitative, wearable fit testers available for continuous use in real-life situations. The monitor includes a low-cost optical particle sensor assembly and controller unit for performing mask fit tests by comparing particle concentrations inside and outside of the mask. The fit test monitor is low cost and wearable, capable of dual sampling, capable of fit factor ratios well above 100, is battery powered and provides near real time measurements with a means for indicating the fit of the mask. The system includes wired or wireless communications for data logging, analysis and display capabilities.
A62B 27/00 - Méthodes ou dispositifs pour tester des appareils respiratoires
A62B 9/00 - DISPOSITIFS, APPAREILS OU PROCÉDÉS DE SAUVETAGE - Parties constitutives des appareils respiratoires
G01M 3/20 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par détection de la présence du fluide à l'emplacement de la fuite en utilisant des révélateurs particuliers, p.ex. teinture, produits fluorescents, produits radioactifs
G01M 3/38 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation de la lumière
G01M 3/28 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit pour soupapes
G01M 3/04 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par détection de la présence du fluide à l'emplacement de la fuite
G01M 3/32 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit pour récipients, p.ex. radiateurs
G01M 3/26 - Examen de l'étanchéité des structures ou ouvrages vis-à-vis d'un fluide par utilisation d'un fluide ou en faisant le vide par mesure du taux de perte ou de gain d'un fluide, p.ex. avec des dispositifs réagissant à la pression, avec des indicateurs de débit
18.
Reducing false counts in condensation particle counters
Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses to reduce false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). In one embodiment, a cleanroom CPC has three parallel growth tube assemblies. A detector is coupled to an outlet of each of the three parallel growth tube assemblies, and is used to compare the particle concentrations measured from each of the three growth tube assemblies. An algorithm compares the counts from the three detectors and determines when the particles counted are real and when they are false counts. Any real particle event shows up in all three detectors, while false counts will only be detected by one detector. Statistics are used to determine at which particle count levels the measured counts are considered to be real versus false. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 35/00 - Analyse automatique non limitée à des procédés ou à des matériaux spécifiés dans un seul des groupes ; Manipulation de matériaux à cet effet
Various embodiments include methods and systems for reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into multiple wicks used for transporting separate portions of an aerosol sample flow, with the wicks extending from a wick stand on a first end to a flow joiner on a second end, combining particles from the separate portions of the aerosol sample flow into a single aerosol stream within the flow joiner prior to transporting the combined aerosol sample stream into a particle detection chamber within the CPC, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water in a collection reservoir, and after receiving a signal corresponding to the excess volume of water, draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed.
An apparatus and method for use in determining one or more fluid flow properties of a fluid in a conduit is disclosed. The apparatus includes a substrate including a barrier, a first flow sensor coupled to the substrate and a second flow sensor coupled to the substrate. The first flow sensor is located at a first sensor distance from a first barrier surface, and the second flow sensor is located a second sensor distance from the second barrier surface. The first sensor distance is substantially equal to the second sensor distance. In operation, the first flow sensor produces a first sensor signal, and the second flow sensor produces a second sensor signal. The direction of flow for the fluid is determined by comparing the first sensor signal to the second sensor signal.
G01F 1/68 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets thermiques
G01F 1/684 - Dispositions de structure; Montage des éléments, p.ex. relativement à l'écoulement de fluide
F15D 1/02 - Action sur l'écoulement des fluides dans les tuyaux ou les conduits
G01F 1/075 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en utilisant des aubes tournantes avec admission tangentielle avec accouplement magnétique ou électromagnétique au dispositif indicateur
G01F 1/11 - Mesure du débit volumétrique ou du débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent, dans laquelle le fluide passe à travers un compteur par un écoulement continu en utilisant des effets mécaniques en utilisant des aubes tournantes avec admission axiale avec accouplement mécanique au dispositif indicateur
G01F 1/325 - Moyens de détection de quantités utilisées comme variables de substitution corrélées à l’effet des tourbillons
Various embodiments include methods and systems to measure and calibrate an optical particle spectrometer for reporting mass concentration. In one embodiment, an optical particle spectrometer is used to measure a concentration of particulate matter in a sampled particle-laden airstream. A particle diverter, in fluid communication with the spectrometer, diverts at least a portion of the particle-laden airstream at predetermined intervals. In one example, a mass filter receives the portion of the particle-laden airstream and filters a fraction of the particles within the airstream that are above a predetermined particle size. A mass sensor measures a mass of the fraction of the particles received from the mass filter or from the particle diverter and uses a calibration communication loop to provide the measured mass to the spectrometer to apply a correction factor to report mass concentration from the optical particle spectrometer. Other methods and systems are disclosed.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
Various embodiments include composite wicks for ultra-low noise condensation particle counters (CPCs). In one embodiment, a composite wick includes a first porous material having a first pore density, with the first porous material further having a first surface and an opposing second surface. A second porous material is in fluid communication with the first porous material and has a first surface with an area substantially the same as an area of the first surface of the first porous material. The first surface of the second porous material is substantially in contact with the first surface of the first porous material. The second porous material has a pore density that is dissimilar the first pore density of the first material. The first material and the second material are configured to provide vapor from a liquid to a fluid-based particle counter. Other apparatuses are disclosed.
B01D 47/00 - Séparation de particules dispersées dans l'air, des gaz ou des vapeurs en utilisant un liquide comme agent de séparation
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
B01D 5/00 - Condensation de vapeurs; Récupération de solvants volatils par condensation
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
B05C 3/00 - Appareillages dans lesquels un ouvrage est mis en contact avec une grande quantité de liquide ou autre matériau fluide
B05C 3/02 - Appareillages dans lesquels un ouvrage est mis en contact avec une grande quantité de liquide ou autre matériau fluide l'ouvrage étant immergé dans le liquide ou autre matériau fluide
23.
Condensation particle counter efficiency compensation for altitude
The disclosed subject matter compensates or corrects for errors that otherwise would be present when a measurement is made on a condensation particle counting system with the only difference causing the errors being absolute pressure. The difference in absolute pressure may be due to, for example, a change in altitude in which the condensation particle counting system is located. Techniques and mechanisms are disclosed to compensate for changes in particle count, at a given particle diameter, for changes in sampled absolute pressure at which measurements are taken. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 15/08 - Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle des matériaux poreux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
24.
Air and gas flow velocity and temperature sensor probe
There is disclosed a handheld air flow velocity measurement probe that includes a bridge circuit assembly having an airflow velocity sensor that is a resistance temperature detector (RTD) and a digitally controlled resistive element to dynamically adjust and maintain the resistance of the velocity sensor within the overheat temperature predefined range. The velocity measurement also uses a separate temperature sensor to sense the temperature of the air or gas flow. A humidity sensor is also included remote from the other sensors to measure humidity in the gas flow to be measured. All of the above described components are housed at a probe tip instead of a base as in most standard handheld probes and the digital interface at the probe tip allows the user to replace a bulky, expensive telescoping antenna with stackable extender scheme.
G01K 13/02 - Thermomètres spécialement adaptés à des fins spécifiques pour mesurer la température de fluides en mouvement ou de matériaux granulaires capables de s'écouler
G01P 5/12 - Mesure de la vitesse des fluides, p.ex. d'un courant atmosphérique; Mesure de la vitesse de corps, p.ex. navires, aéronefs, par rapport à des fluides en mesurant des variables thermiques en utilisant la variation de la résistance d'un conducteur chauffé
F01D 17/08 - Aménagement des éléments sensibles sensibles aux conditions de fonctionnement du fluide énergétique, p.ex. à la pression
G01K 1/14 - Supports; Dispositifs de fixation; Dispositions pour le montage de thermomètres en des endroits particuliers
Various embodiments include methods and systems to dilute a sampled particle-laden aerosol stream. In one embodiment, a system to dilute a sampled aerosol stream includes an aerosol sample inlet. A filter is coupled in fluid communication with and in parallel with a flow-monitoring device to receive the sampled aerosol stream from the aerosol sample inlet. The flow-monitoring device is configured to allow for a passage of particles contained in the sampled aerosol stream. A pressure sensor and a temperature sensor monitor the filter and the flow-monitoring device. An output from the filter and the flow-monitoring device may be directed to particle measurement or particle sizing instrumentation. An actual dilution ratio of the output sent to the particle measurement or particle sizing instrumentation is determined based on a nominal flowrate of the flow-monitoring device and thermodynamic properties of a gas comprising the aerosol stream. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
G01N 1/38 - Dilution, dispersion ou mélange des échantillons
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
A microwave moisture sensor for agricultural materials, such as grains and nuts, is disclosed herein that includes a material sample holder having a substantially cylindrical cavity formed therein. The meter assembly further includes a transmitting antenna on a side of the sample holder and a receiving antenna on a side of sample holder directly opposite the transmitting antenna wherein the sample holder is located between the two antennas, the receiving antenna configured to receive a transmitted microwave through the sample holder.
G01N 24/08 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de la résonance magnétique nucléaire, de la résonance paramagnétique électronique ou d'autres effets de spin en utilisant la résonance magnétique nucléaire
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
G01N 22/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de micro-ondes ou d'ondes radio, c. à d. d'ondes électromagnétiques d'une longueur d'onde d'un millimètre ou plus
G01N 24/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de la résonance magnétique nucléaire, de la résonance paramagnétique électronique ou d'autres effets de spin
27.
System and method of conducting particle monitoring using low cost particle sensors
There is disclosed a field calibratable particle sensor solution in a low-cost, very compact form factor. This makes a low-cost sensor more accurate for low-concentration pollution measurements and decreases the cost of pollution measurement systems having a wide geographic coverage. In a related embodiment, the invention illustrates a method and system to remotely and automatically calibrate one or more of the low cost sensors disclosed herein as well as other commercially available sensors (such as optical particle counters, photometers etc.) against a reference instrument (such as a beta attenuation monitor) which may or may not be physically located in the same place as the individual sensors. The method may require minimum (or no) user interaction and the calibration period is adjustable periodically.
There is disclosed a system and apparatus for connecting remote and environmental sensors and other operating systems to a portable computing and communications device. The portable device configured to receive and process a set of data and transmit a response or message to at least the user on the quality of the data received. The portable device adapted to reconfigure the remote sensors or operating systems to produce a new set of data.
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
G01L 19/08 - Moyens pour l'indication ou l'enregistrement, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
G01D 1/18 - Dispositions pour la mesure donnant des résultats autres que la valeur instantanée d'une variable, d'application générale avec dispositions pour signaler le dépassement d'une valeur prédéterminée d'un paramètre non spécifié
F24F 3/16 - Systèmes de conditionnement d'air dans lesquels l'air conditionné primaire est fourni par une ou plusieurs stations centrales aux blocs de distribution situés dans les pièces ou enceintes, blocs dans lesquels il peut subir un traitement secondaire; Appareillage spécialement conçu pour de tels systèmes caractérisés par le traitement de l'air autrement que par chauffage et refroidissement par ozonisation
F24F 11/30 - Aménagements de commande ou de sécurité en relation avec le fonctionnement du système, p.ex. pour la sécurité ou la surveillance
F24F 11/83 - Aménagements de commande ou de sécurité - Détails de construction de tels systèmes pour la commande de la température de l’air fourni en commandant l’apport en fluides échangeurs de chaleur aux échangeurs de chaleur
F24F 110/50 - Propriétés liées à la qualité de l’air
F24F 11/52 - Aménagements pour l’indication, p.ex. écrans
In one example embodiment, a seed sensor is disclosed adapted to fit a conventional mounting location in existing seed tubes that provides improved performance by providing a wide light source (more LEDS), a wide photodetector and a current profiling scheme for the LEDs that provides more light at the opposite ends of the LED array. A result of such an arrangement is to improve seed resolution and to reduce seed spatial variability within the seed tube.
A01C 7/10 - Dispositifs de réglage de la caisse à semences
A01C 7/20 - Eléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
Various embodiments include methods of reducing false-particle counts in a water-based condensation particle counter (CPC). One embodiment of a method includes delivering water into one or more wicks, sensing an excess volume of water delivered to the wicks, collecting the excess volume of water into a collection reservoir, and draining the excess volume of water from the collection reservoir. Other methods and apparatuses are disclosed.
Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field.
G01N 22/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de micro-ondes ou d'ondes radio, c. à d. d'ondes électromagnétiques d'une longueur d'onde d'un millimètre ou plus
G01N 27/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la capacité
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
A01C 7/10 - Dispositifs de réglage de la caisse à semences
32.
System and method of conducting particle monitoring using low cost particle sensors
There is disclosed a field calibratable particle sensor solution in a low-cost, very compact form factor. This makes a low-cost sensor more accurate for low-concentration pollution measurements and decreases the cost of pollution measurement systems having a wide geographic coverage. In a related embodiment, the invention illustrates a method and system to remotely and automatically calibrate one or more of the low cost sensors disclosed herein as well as other commercially available sensors (such as optical particle counters, photometers etc.) against a reference instrument (such as a beta attenuation monitor) which may or may not be physically located in the same place as the individual sensors. The method may require minimum (or no) user interaction and the calibration period is adjustable periodically.
A microwave moisture sensor for agricultural materials, such as grains and nuts, is disclosed herein that includes a material sample holder having a substantially cylindrical cavity formed therein. The meter assembly further includes a transmitting antenna on a side of the sample holder and a receiving antenna on a side of sample holder directly opposite the transmitting antenna wherein the sample holder is located between the two antennas, the receiving antenna configured to receive a transmitted microwave through the sample holder.
G01N 24/08 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de la résonance magnétique nucléaire, de la résonance paramagnétique électronique ou d'autres effets de spin en utilisant la résonance magnétique nucléaire
G01N 22/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de micro-ondes ou d'ondes radio, c. à d. d'ondes électromagnétiques d'une longueur d'onde d'un millimètre ou plus
G01N 24/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de la résonance magnétique nucléaire, de la résonance paramagnétique électronique ou d'autres effets de spin
A LIBS measurement system is described herein that provides an orifice, aperture or opening in a substantially V-shaped chute or sleeve that allows access to the material to be analyzed from the underside of the chute. The laser beam is aimed through the hole and return light (signal) is collected through the hole by a photodetector assembly. A diverter device, which is located at an output end of the chute, diverts certain particles away from the chute upon receipt of an actuation signal.
B07C 5/00 - Tri selon une caractéristique ou une particularité des objets ou du matériau à trier, p.ex. tri commandé par un dispositif qui détecte ou mesure cette caractéristique ou particularité; Tri à l'aide de dispositifs manœuvrés à la main, p.ex. d'aiguillages
G01N 21/71 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité thermiquement
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
B07C 5/36 - Appareils trieurs caractérisés par les moyens qu'ils utilisent en vue de la distribution
Seed sensors that surround the conventional mounting location on existing seed tubes. The seed sensors sense seeds using electromagnetic fields, including RF and microwave fields. In one embodiment, a first seed sensor has a coaxial Fabry-Perot resonant cavity which is formed between two coaxial portions of a conduit that surround the seed tube. Another seed sensor uses a capacitive design. In one embodiment, the driving signals are applied 180 degrees out of phase. The detected phase shift between the reference and reflected signals provides reliable seed counting. Electronics extract the signal from the sensing field.
G01N 22/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de micro-ondes ou d'ondes radio, c. à d. d'ondes électromagnétiques d'une longueur d'onde d'un millimètre ou plus
G01N 27/22 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant l'impédance en recherchant la capacité
In one example embodiment, a seed sensor is disclosed adapted to fit a conventional mounting location in existing seed tubes that provides improved performance by providing a wide light source (more LEDS), a wide photodetector and a current profiling scheme for the LEDs that provides more light at the opposite ends of the LED array. A result of such an arrangement is to improve seed resolution and to reduce seed spatial variability within the seed tube.
A01C 7/10 - Dispositifs de réglage de la caisse à semences
A01C 7/20 - Eléments de semoirs pour guider et déposer les graines
G01B 11/14 - Dispositions pour la mesure caractérisées par l'utilisation de techniques optiques pour mesurer la distance ou la marge entre des objets ou des ouvertures espacés
37.
System and method for converting optical diameters of aerosol particles to mobility and aerodynamic diameters
A system and a method of measuring a particle's size in a select aerosol using the optical diameter of the particle to perform a mobility and/or aerodynamic diameter conversion without any knowledge about the particle's shape and its optical properties in the aerosol being characterized. In one example embodiment of the invention, the method includes generating a set of calibration data and finding the optimal refractive index and shape that best fits the calibration data. In addition, the method includes creating a new calibration curve that provides a mobility-equivalent or aerodynamic-equivalent diameter.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
38.
High speed spectroscopic sensor assembly and system
A laser-based spectroscopy system that combines a distance/proximity standoff sensor, a high-repetition rate laser spectroscopy system, and software with a decision-making algorithm embedded in a processing unit which in combination performs selective firing of the laser when the target object is within an interrogation zone. In a related embodiment, the system provides selective sorting of spectroscopic signals based on information from the standoff signal and from information contained in the spectral signals themselves. The laser emission can be actively controlled while keeping the laser firing, thereby preserving the thermal stability and hence the power of the laser; and the standoff sensor information and the spectral information can be combined to determine the proper relative weighting or importance of each piece of spectral information.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01J 3/02 - Spectrométrie; Spectrophotométrie; Monochromateurs; Mesure de la couleur - Parties constitutives
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
G01N 21/71 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité thermiquement
G01D 5/26 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens optiques, c. à d. utilisant de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01D 5/48 - Moyens mécaniques pour le transfert de la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible; Moyens pour convertir la grandeur de sortie d'un organe sensible en une autre variable, lorsque la forme ou la nature de l'organe sensible n'imposent pas un moyen de conversion déterminé; Transducteurs non spécialement adaptés à une variable particulière utilisant des moyens à base de radiation d'ondes ou de particules
G01J 3/12 - Production du spectre; Monochromateurs
39.
System and method of conducting particle monitoring using low cost particle sensors
There is disclosed a field calibratable particle sensor solution in a low-cost, very compact form factor. This makes a low-cost sensor more accurate for low-concentration pollution measurements and decreases the cost of pollution measurement systems having a wide geographic coverage. In a related embodiment, the invention illustrates a method and system to remotely and automatically calibrate one or more of the low cost sensors disclosed herein as well as other commercially available sensors (such as optical particle counters, photometers etc.) against a reference instrument (such as a beta attenuation monitor) which may or may not be physically located in the same place as the individual sensors. The method may require minimum (or no) user interaction and the calibration period is adjustable periodically.
The electrospray generator system described herein uses a soft X-ray source instead of a radioactive source to generate bipolar ions for the neutralization of the initially charged particles. In one example, the soft X-ray source is directed at an orifice from which the charged particles emanate, thereby allowing the neutralization of the particles to happen faster than in prior art configurations and, in some instances, even neutralization occurring immediately on a droplet before it passes through the electrospray orifice.
B05B 5/00 - Pulvérisation électrostatique; Dispositifs de pulvérisation comportant des moyens pour charger électriquement le pulvérisat; Pulvérisation de liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides par voies électriques
B05B 5/03 - Appareillages pour délivrer le matériau, p.ex. pistolets de pulvérisation électrostatique caractérisés par l'utilisation de gaz
41.
Detection system for determining filtering effectiveness of airborne molecular contamination
G01N 15/08 - Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle des matériaux poreux
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
B01D 53/04 - SÉPARATION Épuration chimique ou biologique des gaz résiduaires, p.ex. gaz d'échappement des moteurs à combustion, fumées, vapeurs, gaz de combustion ou aérosols par adsorption, p.ex. chromatographie préparatoire en phase gazeuse avec adsorbants fixes
42.
Apparatus and method for improving particle count accuracy in low pressure applications
A saturator block assembly that is adapted for use with a condensation particle counter is described. The saturator block assembly is comprised of a member that is at least partially formed from a porous material that is adapted to absorb a working fluid. The saturator block assembly also includes at least one open column formed through the porous member. The open column is parallel with a length of the member and is adapted to emit the working fluid in vapor form from the porous material. The saturator block assembly is further comprised of an outer surface, and is adapted to operate at low pressure or low pressure transient applications. A volume of the porous material is configured so as to reduce the amount of air capable of being trapped in the pores of the porous material during low pressure or low pressure transient applications.
A novel device, method and systems disclosed managing the thermal challenges of LIBS laser components and a spectrometer in a handheld structure as well the use of simplified light signal collection which includes a bare fiber optic to collect the emitted light in close proximity to (or in contact with) the test material. In one example embodiment of the handheld LIBS device, a burst pulse frequency is 4 kHz is used resulting in a time between pulses of about 250 μs which is a factor of 10 above that of other devices in the prior art. In a related embodiment, an active Q-switched laser module is used along with a compact spectrometer module using a transmission grating to improve LIBS measurement while substantially reducing the size of the handheld analyzer.
G01N 21/71 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité thermiquement
An apparatus and method for improving aerosol particle characterization and detection accuracy in clean room applications that includes an optical particle sizer that receives a particle containing aerosol sample at a higher flow rate which is operatively coupled to an inertial aerosol concentrator for concentrating particles received from the optical particle sizer and delivering a lower flow rate, particle enriched output. The system further includes an optical sensor for sensing of intrinsic particle fluorescence of the lower, particle-enriched flow, since intrinsic fluorescence is a useful indicator of biological particles and biological particle viability, including bacterial particles. The system as a whole provides a measure derived from a single inlet flow both of total particles and of viable microbial particles based on their spectroscopic properties.
G01N 21/53 - Dispersion, c. à d. réflexion diffuse dans un corps ou dans un fluide dans un courant de fluide, p.ex. dans la fumée
G01N 21/27 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en utilisant la détection photo-électrique
G01N 21/94 - Recherche de souillures, p.ex. de poussières
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 21/3504 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge pour l'analyse des gaz, p.ex. analyse de mélanges de gaz
G01N 21/35 - Couleur; Propriétés spectrales, c. à d. comparaison de l'effet du matériau sur la lumière pour plusieurs longueurs d'ondes ou plusieurs bandes de longueurs d'ondes différentes en recherchant l'effet relatif du matériau pour les longueurs d'ondes caractéristiques d'éléments ou de molécules spécifiques, p.ex. spectrométrie d'absorption atomique en utilisant la lumière infrarouge
G01N 21/67 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité électriquement, p.ex. par électroluminescence en utilisant des arcs électriques ou des décharges électriques
G01N 21/71 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité thermiquement
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
45.
Instrument for sizing nanoparticles and a component therefor
An improved nanoparticle sizing apparatus comprised of a unipolar charger operatively coupled to a radial differential mobility analyzer in combination with a condensation particle counter and powered by a power source such as a battery or solar cell, thereby providing a portable sizing device.
H01J 49/24 - Systèmes à vide, p.ex. maintenant des pressions voulues
G01N 27/62 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'emploi de moyens électriques, électrochimiques ou magnétiques en recherchant les décharges électriques, p.ex. l'émission cathodique
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
46.
Method and system for significantly improving charge probabilities of nanometer aerosol particles
The various embodiments described herein significantly increase charge probabilities of nanoparticles by first growing them to larger droplets using a diethylene glycol-based preconditioner, neutralizing the droplets with a bipolar charger, and then removing the condensed liquid to recover the original aerosol particles. The small droplet size is an important element in reducing the amount of aerosol particles with more than one charge. The high single-charge particle probability significantly enhances the monodisperse aerosol throughput of a DMA, while the reduced multiple charge probabilities ensure high monodispersity of DMA-classified aerosols and good data quality of SMPS measurements.
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
B05B 5/03 - Appareillages pour délivrer le matériau, p.ex. pistolets de pulvérisation électrostatique caractérisés par l'utilisation de gaz
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
47.
System and method for converting optical diameters of aerosol particles to mobility and aerodynamic diameters
A system and a method of measuring a particle's size in a select aerosol using the optical diameter of the particle to perform a mobility and/or aerodynamic diameter conversion without any knowledge about the particle's shape and its optical properties in the aerosol being characterized. In one example embodiment of the invention, the method includes generating a set of calibration data and finding the optimal refractive index and shape that best fits the calibration data. In addition, the method includes creating a new calibration curve that provides a mobility-equivalent or aerodynamic-equivalent diameter.
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
A head form for testing a variety of respirators. The head form can prevent false leak failures by having a mask registration member upon which the mask under test is mounted, the mask registration member being self lubricating. In one embodiment, the registration member is an inflatable bladder. The bladder can be configured to limit lift away of the inflatable bladder from the recess, thereby mitigating leaks in the head form assembly. The bladder may be configured to limit roll away of portions of the bladder that register against the head form, thereby reducing or eliminating leaks between the inflatable bladder and the mask under test.
A system and a method is described herein for the collection of small particles in a concentrated manner, whereby particles are deposited onto a solid surface or collected into a volume of liquid. The collected samples readily interface to any of a number of different elemental, chemical, or biological or other analysis techniques.
G01N 15/00 - Recherche de caractéristiques de particules; Recherche de la perméabilité, du volume des pores ou de l'aire superficielle effective de matériaux poreux
G01N 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
50.
System and apparatus for using a wireless smart device to perform field calculations
There is disclosed a system and apparatus for connecting remote and environmental sensors and other operating systems to a portable computing and communications device. The portable device configured to receive and process a set of data and transmit a response or message to at least the user on the quality of the data received. The portable device adapted to reconfigure the remote sensors or operating systems to produce a new set of data.
G01N 33/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par des méthodes spécifiques non couvertes par les groupes
F24F 11/00 - Aménagements de commande ou de sécurité
G01L 19/08 - Moyens pour l'indication ou l'enregistrement, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
G01D 1/18 - Dispositions pour la mesure donnant des résultats autres que la valeur instantanée d'une variable, d'application générale avec dispositions pour signaler le dépassement d'une valeur prédéterminée d'un paramètre non spécifié
F24F 3/16 - Systèmes de conditionnement d'air dans lesquels l'air conditionné primaire est fourni par une ou plusieurs stations centrales aux blocs de distribution situés dans les pièces ou enceintes, blocs dans lesquels il peut subir un traitement secondaire; Appareillage spécialement conçu pour de tels systèmes caractérisés par le traitement de l'air autrement que par chauffage et refroidissement par ozonisation
Techniques and devices are disclosed for detecting particle composition. In one aspect, a method performed by a detector to detect particles includes receiving particles at an aerosol inlet of the detector. The method includes carrying the received particles within a stream of gas and charging the particles within the stream of gas using a charger to have a charge. The method includes transporting the charged particles to a location of a collection electrode. The method includes biasing the collection electrode to a voltage using a high-voltage supply to attract either negatively or positively charged particles, and analyzing the particles.
G01J 3/30 - Mesure de l'intensité des raies spectrales directement sur le spectre lui-même
G01N 21/67 - Systèmes dans lesquels le matériau analysé est excité de façon à ce qu'il émette de la lumière ou qu'il produise un changement de la longueur d'onde de la lumière incidente excité électriquement, p.ex. par électroluminescence en utilisant des arcs électriques ou des décharges électriques
G01N 15/06 - Recherche de la concentration des suspensions de particules
F01N 11/00 - Dispositifs de surveillance ou de diagnostic pour les appareils de traitement des gaz d'échappement
A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.
A test accessory for testing a variety respirators. The accessory is designed to compliment existing equipment to provide a robust assessment of respirator performance. The accessory may include a head form having an inflatable bladder capable of fitting a variety of sizes of respirator masks. In some embodiments, the inflatable bladder does not rely on adhesives to effect a seal, thereby eliminating manufacturing and quality assurance steps. The test accessory may also include a detachable instrumentation module that may be removed from the accessory, enabling calibration and maintenance at a remote facility without need for transporting the entire unit. The module may also house a memory device that may be upgraded with calibration data and firmware during the calibration process.
Methods and apparatuses for the removal, analysis and/or detection of harmful airborne molecular contaminants (AMCs). In one embodiment, an ionizing radiation source is utilized to remove the harmful AMCs from a flow stream via radiolytic particle generation and subsequent capture by filtration. The captured particles may be released, for example, by re-gasification for analysis at much higher concentrations. In another embodiment, the ionizing radiation source is utilized with a particle detector to sense when harmful AMCs are present. In one embodiment, a solid optical medium is exposed to a monitored environment so that the AMCs are in contact with a surface of the solid optical medium. A focused light beam is arranged to emerge from a solid optical medium at an energy density sufficient to cause the AMCs to form deposits on the exposed surface of the solid optical medium, which can be detected using an interferometric technique.
A respirator leak detection system and method for increasing the sensitivity and accuracy of leak detection through the fit seal of a respirator. A charged particle separator is used to separate charged particles that pass therethrough and to draw charged particles away from an aerosol flow into a clean gas flow. The separator may also be configured as an aerosol concentrator that takes in a major aerosol flow and outputs a minor flow of higher particle concentration. Neutral particles having no charge, which may have passed through the filtering medium respirator and which are not indicative of fit seal leaks are not entrained in the output flow for subsequent detection, thus increasing the accuracy of the filter leak detection system.
B03C 3/34 - Séparation par effet électrostatique des particules dispersées des gaz ou de la vapeur, p.ex. dans de l'air - Parties constitutives ou accessoires, ou leur fonctionnement
A system for measuring size segregated mass concentration of an aerosol. The system includes an electromagnetic radiation source with beam-shaping optics for generation of a beam of electromagnetic radiation, an inlet sample conditioner with adjustable cut-size that selects particles of a specific size range, and an inlet nozzle for passage of an aerosol flow stream. The aerosol flow stream contains particles intersecting the beam of electromagnetic radiation to define an interrogation volume, and scatters the electromagnetic radiation from the interrogation volume. The system also includes a detector for detection of the scattered electromagnetic radiation an integrated signal conditioner coupled to the detector and generating a photometric output, and a processor coupled with the conditioner for conversion of the photometric output and cut-size to a size segregated mass distribution.
B01D 59/44 - Séparation par spectrographie de masse
G01N 21/00 - Recherche ou analyse des matériaux par l'utilisation de moyens optiques, c. à d. en utilisant des ondes submillimétriques, de la lumière infrarouge, visible ou ultraviolette
B05C 1/00 - Appareillages dans lesquels un liquide ou autre matériau fluide est appliqué à la surface de l'ouvrage par contact avec un élément portant le liquide ou autre matériau fluide, p.ex. un élément poreux imprégné du liquide à appliquer sous forme de revê
An attenuated soft x-ray neutralizer for neutralizing aerosols. The apparatus includes a soft x-ray emitter that emits soft x-rays into an aerosol conditioning chamber. An attenuating window may be included that reduces the intensity of the soft x-rays that bombard the aerosol, thus generating fewer radiolytically generated particles. Another way to reduce or control the intensity of the soft x-rays is to control emission of the cathode in the soft x-ray emitter. The reduced intensity of the soft x-rays was found by experiment to satisfactorily condition an aerosol stream without substantial radiolytic generation of particles precipitation.
A High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) system including a pressure reducer assembly for reducing pressurized streams to ambient pressure. The pressure reducer assembly includes first and second flow restrictors, each coupled to a common chamber that acts as a surge suppressor that mitigates pressure spikes in the discharge lines. The flow restrictors may comprise tubes having a high length-to-diameter ratio. The pressure losses through the flow restrictors, in combination with transition losses as the flow stream enters and exits the chamber, are sufficient to reduce a discharge stream from a specified inlet pressure to substantially ambient pressure, thus eliminating the need for pressurized waste containers.
A hand-held, automated qualitative fit tester (QLFT) for establishing gas mask fit integrity. The automated QLFT may be configured to utilize a pressure source in combination with a cartridge and a nebulizer to generate aerosols having size distributions and concentrations that are substantially the same as OSHA-approved manual units. The QLFT may further include a cartridge that contains the aerosol solution used to test mask integrity. The cartridge may be configured to recapture solution that collects on the interior walls of the nebulizer. The automated QLFT may also be equipped with a microprocessor for executing sequences that are in substantive compliance with 29 CFR 1910.134 and for writing to a data storage device. The automated aspects of the invention can reduce or negate the need for operating personnel to repeatedly and manually actuate a squeeze ball and record results manually, as is required with present OSHA-approved hand-held aerosol generators.
An apparatus and method for estimating size segregated aerosol mass concentration in real time and using a single detector. A beam of electromagnetic radiation is passed through a particle stream made of a test or field aerosol. The single detector outputs an electrical signal proportional to the electromagnetic radiation scattered thereupon. The electrical signal may be conditioned to produce an integrated signal for measuring radiation scattered from all the particles in the interrogation volume, a pulse height from an individual particle within the volume, and/or a time-of-flight measurement from the individual particle. The integrated signal can be correlated to particle mass concentration. The pulse height signal and the time-of-flight signal may be converted to infer the size of the individual particle. Attendant size distributions for the particle sizes may also be obtained. Using known or assumed particle properties, the mass concentration may be estimated from the size distribution.
An instrument for non-invasively measuring nanoparticle exposure includes a corona discharge element generating ions to effect unipolar diffusion charging of an aerosol, followed by an ion trap for removing excess ions and a portion of the charged particles with electrical mobilities above a threshold. Downstream, an electrically conductive HEPA filter or other collecting element accumulates the charged particles and provides the resultant current to an electrometer amplifier. The instrument is tunable to alter the electrometer amplifier output toward closer correspondence with a selected function describing particle behavior, e.g. nanoparticle deposition in a selected region of the respiratory system. Tuning entails adjusting voltages applied to one or more of the ion trap, the corona discharge element and the collecting element. Alternatively, tuning involves adjusting the aerosol flow rate, either directly or in comparison to the flow rate of a gas conducting the ions toward merger with the aerosol.
A system is disclosed for condensation particle counting in conjunction with modifying an aerosol to enhance the formation and growth of droplets of a selected working fluid, preferably water. Before saturation with the working fluid, the aerosol is exposed to an aerosol modifying component, preferably a vapor including molecules that are adsorbed onto surfaces of the particles or other elements suspended in the aerosol. Adsorption alters the surface character of the suspended elements towards increased affinity for the vapor of the working fluid, to promote the formation and growth of working fluid droplets. The droplets are optically detected to indicate numbers and concentrations of the suspended elements.
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