The United States of America, As Represented by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services

The United States of America As Represented by the Secretary of

Jon C Volkwein

Charles D Litton

William H Schiffbauer

Steven J Page

Andrew B Cecala

Harry DoBroski, Jr

Apparatus and methods are disclosed for analyzing particles, such as coarse particulates, fine particulates (e.g., diesel particulate matter), and combustion aerosols, using light-scattering sensors and/or ionization-type sensors. In one disclosed embodiment, a particle monitor includes an ionization module and a controller adapted to receive an output signal from the ionization module. The controller is operable to translate the output signal into the mass concentration of particulate matter within the ionization chamber. In another embodiment, a particle monitor includes a light-scattering sensor and an ionization sensor. The monitor is configured to measure separate mass concentrations of sub-micrometer particles and larger dust particles in an atmosphere having both types of particles.

Apparatus and methods for analyzing particles using light-scattering sensors and ionization sensors

A personal sampling method and apparatus for real time respirable dust dosimetry for dust exposure assessment is provided to aid in assuring the respiratory health of workers. An embodiment uses a low flow-rate gas sampling pump for differential pressure measurements across a glass fiber collection filter in a disposable detector tube ( ) or dust detecting device coupled to the pump inlet. The dust detecting device includes an elongated tubular element ( ) having the filter ( ) positioned between proximal and distal ends of the tube ( ) for trapping dust mass. A pressure transducer ( ) at the proximal end ( ) measures the pressure from the flow of gas. The pump draws the flow of gas through the dust detecting device from the distal end ( ) towards the proximal end ( ) trapping the dust mass at the filter ( ). A differential pressure across the filter ( ) determined using the pressure from the flow of the gas in the proximal end ( ) of the tubular element measured by the pressure transducer ( ) is indicative of cumulative dust mass trapped at the filter ( ).

Dust detector tube

A combined headpiece, light source, and protective face shield. The orienion of the emitted light beam from the light source remains the same whether the face shield is in a down protective position or a raised unprotective position for the user's face. This allows the user to use both hands while at the same time having the beam directed forward to illuminate the environment. A hinge and bracket assembly joining the face shield to the light source allow the source to maintain its desired orientation. A flexible power supply lamp cord rigidly attached to the headpiece supplies a retaining force to the lamp and its attached hinged bracket to act to maintain it in its moved position. Although this invention has application to many different types of end uses, its preferred embodiment was primarily designed and constructed for use by miner's underground.

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Canonsburg, PA, United States of America

Jon C Volkwein