A system can include a filter assembly with a filter and a substance in the filter assembly, and at least one optical computing device having an integrated computational element which receives electromagnetic radiation from the substance. A method can include receiving electromagnetic radiation from a substance in a filter assembly, the electromagnetic radiation from the substance being received by at least one optical computing device having an integrated computational element, and the receiving being performed while a filter is positioned in the filter assembly. A detector may receive electromagnetic radiation from the integrated computational element and produce an output correlated to a characteristic of the substance. A mitigation technique may be selected, based on the detector output.

An inspection method for a pillar-shaped honeycomb filter having a honeycomb-shaped first end face and a honeycomb-shaped second end face, including: allowing gas containing fine particles to flow into the first end face; imaging the entire second end face covered with the sheet-like light using a camera while the gas that has flowed into the first end face flows out of the second end face through the filter, and generating an image of the entire second end face covered with the sheet-like light; selecting an inspection area of the second end face and measuring information concerning a sum of luminance of each pixel in the inspection area; and determining quality of the filter based on at least the information concerning the concentration of the fine particles in the gas before the gas flows into the first end face and the information concerning the sum of luminance.

A method for inspecting a pillar-shaped honeycomb structure including the steps of: imaging a pattern of transmitted light from the second end face according to arrangement of the plugged portions of first cells and second cells, with a camera via a light diffusing film placed parallel to a second end face of the pillar-shaped honeycomb structure in a non-contact state with the second end face, which pattern is obtained by irradiating a first end face with light; and detecting a defective plugged portion(s) of the second cells based on an image of the pattern of transmitted light imaged with the camera.

Systems and methods for measuring air restriction in a vehicle are provided. In some aspects, a method includes providing an electrically operable, air restriction device configured to measure an air restriction in at least a portion of a vehicle's air system, and operating the electrically operable, air restriction device using power provided by a power system on the vehicle. The method also includes controlling power to the electrically operable, air restriction device using a hood switch that is connected to the power system.

A coupling device for a mask test means is disclosed. Provided according to an embodiment of the present invention is a coupling device for a mask test means, comprising: a pressing member which can receive a first member of a mask test means on one side thereof and can move up and down; and a support member which can receive a second member of the mask test means on one side thereof and is disposed below the pressing member, wherein the support member includes a lower member having a perforation means for forming a perforation in a mask, and the pressing member includes an upper member into which at least a portion of the perforation means can be inserted.

Provided is a method for detecting defects of separation membrane element, and an apparatus for detecting defects of a separation membrane element.

System that monitors and manages a network of smart filtering containers, such as water pitchers with integrated sensors. Measurements are collected from the containers and forwarded to a centralized system, such as an Internet server; data may be analyzed to determine performance modifications or recommendations for selected containers. Centralizing the data enables discovery of patterns and correlations across containers; for example, abnormal measurements from multiple pitchers in an area may suggest contamination of the area's water supply. The centralized system may automatically update settings of containers to optimize their performance. It may send messages to users suggesting different usage patterns or configurations. It may automatically order components such as replacement filters or upgrades. A water testing capability may also be provided; users may be sent water test strips that can be imaged using an associated mobile device app, and results may be forwarded to the central database for analysis.

A media sample holder includes a base and a plurality of retention assemblies including retaining tabs and opposing flexible release lever arms, configured to allow attachment of the base to an attachment adapter. The media sample holder can attach a media sample on or near a filter. The media sample holder held in the media sample holder can have a different removal efficiency curve than a removal efficiency curve of the filter. The media sample can be placed at or near the filter for a period of time, them tested to determine the status and/or life of the filter based on the relationship between the remaining life, exposure, or removal efficiency of the filter and the exposure or removal efficiency of the tested media sample.

The present disclosure provides a method of determining an optimal filter life cycle between replacements of a filter in a ventilation system. The method comprising performing the following steps in a processing device: receiving at least one filter hardware value, receiving at least one filter use value, receiving a plurality of measured data points, and determining the optimal filter life cycle by minimizing a total filter resource consumption composed of a first factor, a second factor, providing a plurality of predicted data points, grouping successive measured data points into windows, and assigning the identified maximum pressure drop as a maximum pressure drop for all measured data points of that window.

A control system for controlling a shut-off valve of an aircraft. The shut-off valve is configured to open a bypass circuit that is initially closed. This circuit makes it possible to feed air to an aircraft engine without going via an air filter associated with an air intake. The control system comprises: a manual control member for controlling the shut-off valve, this member being actuatable manually so as to cause the bypass circuit to open; and a computer configured to compute a current value of a level of clogging TC of an air filter. The control system further comprises a comparator for comparing the current value of the level of clogging TC with a first threshold value TC1 and with a second threshold value TC2, and an alerter for generating a first sensory signal and a second sensory signal.