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.
G01F 1/88 - Débitmètres massiques indirects, p.ex. mesurant le débit volumétrique et la densité, la température ou la pression avec mesure de la différence de pression pour déterminer le débit volumétrique
E21B 43/12 - Procédés ou appareils pour commander l'écoulement du fluide extrait vers ou dans les puits
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
G01F 1/37 - 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 la pression ou la différence de pression étant mesurée au moyen de tubes ou de vases communiquants avec des niveaux variables de fluide, p.ex. tubes en U
G01F 1/38 - 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 la pression ou la différence de pression étant mesurée au moyen d'un élément mobile, p.ex. une membrane, un piston, un tube de Bourdon ou une capsule déformable
G01F 1/48 - 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 un élément capillaire
G01F 1/76 - Dispositifs pour mesurer le débit massique d'un fluide ou d'un matériau solide fluent
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
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 1/22 - Dispositifs pour prélever des échantillons à l'état gazeux
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
3.
FLOW CONTROL AND MEASUREMENT THROUGH PARTICLE COUNTERS
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.
A seed dispensing system is provided with a photoelectric sensor for monitoring the dispensing of seeds from a seed dispenser comprising a discharge conveyor with conveyor flights that transport seeds through the seed dispenser. The sensor outputs a signal representative of obstructions to the flow of light in an optical path of the sensor, and a computing unit is adapted to distinguish portions of the output signal that are attributable to the passage of one or more seeds from portions of the output signal that are attributable to the passage of a conveyor flight.
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
H01L 31/00 - Dispositifs à semi-conducteurs sensibles aux rayons infrarouges, à la lumière, au rayonnement électromagnétique d'ondes plus courtes, ou au rayonnement corpusculaire, et spécialement adaptés, soit comme convertisseurs de l'énergie dudit rayonnement e; Procédés ou appareils spécialement adaptés à la fabrication ou au traitement de ces dispositifs ou de leurs parties constitutives; Leurs détails
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 25/00 - 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
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
6.
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.
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 p article- 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.
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.
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.
C23C 16/448 - Revêtement chimique par décomposition de composés gazeux, ne laissant pas de produits de réaction du matériau de la surface dans le revêtement, c. à d. procédés de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur (CVD) caractérisé par le procédé de revêtement caractérisé par le procédé utilisé pour produire des courants de gaz réactifs, p.ex. par évaporation ou par sublimation de matériaux précurseurs
C23C 16/52 - Commande ou régulation du processus de dépôt
C23C 16/455 - Revêtement chimique par décomposition de composés gazeux, ne laissant pas de produits de réaction du matériau de la surface dans le revêtement, c. à d. procédés de dépôt chimique en phase vapeur (CVD) caractérisé par le procédé de revêtement caractérisé par le procédé utilisé pour introduire des gaz dans la chambre de réaction ou pour modifier les écoulements de gaz dans la chambre de réaction
10.
APPARATUS, SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING A FLOW DIRECTION, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING A FLOW DIRECTION SENSOR
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 1/684 - Dispositions de structure; Montage des éléments, p.ex. relativement à l'écoulement de fluide
G01F 1/69 - Dispositions de structure; Montage des éléments, p.ex. relativement à l'écoulement de fluide utilisant un élément de chauffage, de refroidissement ou de détection d'un type particulier du type à résistance
G01F 1/72 - Dispositifs pour la mesure des débits pulsatoires
G01P 13/00 - Indication ou enregistrement de l'existence ou de l'absence d'un mouvement; Indication ou enregistrement de la direction d'un mouvement
G01F 15/00 - MESURE DES VOLUMES, DES DÉBITS VOLUMÉTRIQUES, DES DÉBITS MASSIQUES OU DU NIVEAU DES LIQUIDES; COMPTAGE VOLUMÉTRIQUE - Détails des appareils des groupes ou accessoires pour ces derniers, dans la mesure où de tels accessoires ou détails ne sont pas adaptés à ces types particuliers d'appareils, p.ex. pour l'indication à distance
H01L 29/00 - DISPOSITIFS À SEMI-CONDUCTEURS NON COUVERTS PAR LA CLASSE - Détails des corps semi-conducteurs ou de leurs électrodes
G01F 25/00 - 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
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 15/00 - 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
12.
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.
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
G01N 15/14 - Recherche par des moyens électro-optiques
G06T 7/70 - Détermination de la position ou de l'orientation des objets ou des caméras
G06F 17/17 - Opérations mathématiques complexes Évaluation de fonctions par des procédés d'approximation, p.ex. par interpolation ou extrapolation, par lissage ou par le procédé des moindres carrés
13.
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 15/06 - 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
Various embodiments include methods and systems to calibrate a gain of a photodetector. A method can include providing, by a reference light source, first light to a reference photodetector, determining, by controller circuitry, whether a first value from the reference photodetector produced in response to the first light is within a range of acceptable reference photodetector values, in response to determining the first value is within the range of acceptable reference photodetector values, providing, by the reference light source, second light to a measurement photodetector, determining, by the controller circuitry, whether a second value from the measurement photodetector produced in response to the second light is within a range of acceptable measurement photodetector values, and in response to determining the second value is not within the range of acceptable measurement photodetector values, adjusting a gain of the measurement photodetector.
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 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 15/02 - Recherche de la dimension ou de la distribution des dimensions des particules
G01N 21/25 - 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
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.
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.
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.
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.
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
G01N 21/85 - Analyse des fluides ou solides granulés en mouvement
G01N 7/10 - Analyse des matériaux en mesurant la pression ou le volume d'un gaz ou d'une vapeur en permettant la diffusion des constituants à travers une cloison poreuse et en mesurant une différence de pression ou de volume
20.
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
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.
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
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 250µs 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
23.
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.
G01J 1/42 - Photométrie, p.ex. posemètres photographiques en utilisant des détecteurs électriques de radiations
B07C 5/342 - Tri en fonction d'autres propriétés particulières selon les propriétés optiques, p.ex. la couleur
G01J 3/02 - Spectrométrie; Spectrophotométrie; Monochromateurs; Mesure de la couleur - Parties constitutives
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
F01N 3/02 - Silencieux ou dispositifs d'échappement comportant des moyens pour purifier, rendre inoffensifs ou traiter les gaz d'échappement pour refroidir ou pour enlever les constituants solides des gaz d'échappement
F01N 11/00 - Dispositifs de surveillance ou de diagnostic pour les appareils de traitement des gaz d'échappement
G01N 15/10 - Recherche de particules individuelles
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.
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
B05B 7/24 - Appareillages de pulvérisation pour débiter des liquides ou d'autres matériaux fluides provenant de plusieurs sources, p.ex. un liquide et de l'air, une poudre et un gaz avec des moyens, p.ex. un récipient, pour alimenter en liquide ou autre matériau fluide un dispositif de décharge
A61B 5/097 - Dispositifs pour faciliter la collecte du gaz respiré ou pour le diriger vers ou à travers des dispositions de mesure
A61M 11/00 - Pulvérisateurs ou vaporisateurs spécialement destinés à des usages médicaux
A61M 16/00 - Dispositifs pour agir sur le système respiratoire des patients par un traitement au gaz, p.ex. bouche-à-bouche; Tubes trachéaux
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.
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
33.
PARTICLE SURFACE TREATMENT FOR PROMOTING CONDENSATION
A system (42) 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 (54), 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.
brevets
