Sieve, Filter, Or Semipermeable Membrane Patents (Class 73/863.23)
  • Patent number: 11896366
    Abstract: A sample collection device collects Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath in the outlet of a breathing assisted ventilator. The sample collection device is attached to the ventilator outlet line through a coupler containing either two check valves, or a check valve and a restrictive outlet flow path. During sampling, the exhaled air flows through a sorbent contained in the sample collection device as the ventilator pressure increases and decreases during the assisted breathing process. The flow of the exhaled air through the sample collection system is driven by the alternating pressure in the ventilator line without the need for an additional pump or power supply separate from the ventilator pump and power supply. The sample collection device can be used to monitor levels of bacteria-produced VOCs as an early detection of pneumonia and to allow feedback on the effectiveness of antibiotic treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Entech Instruments Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel B. Cardin
  • Patent number: 11892429
    Abstract: A detector for, and a method of, detecting analytes in gases in described. The detector comprises a sorbent for sorbing therein and/or thereon and/or desorbing therefrom, an analyte included in a gas exposed thereto, at a zeroth temperature, pressure (T0,P0), a controller arranged to change the zeroth temperature, pressure (T0,P0) to a first temperature, pressure (T1,P1) according to a first equation, to desorb and/or sorb at least some of the analyte; and a sensor arranged to sense at least some of the analyte and to output a response corresponding to the sensed analyte. The response comprises and/or is a characteristic response of the analyte. The first response is modified based on a first baseline response at the zeroth temperature, pressure (T0,P0).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: SENSORHUT LTD
    Inventors: Tanya Hutter, William Thomas Winter
  • Patent number: 11885798
    Abstract: A centrifuge for cleaning a reaction vessel unit, having a rotor for holding at least one reaction vessel unit with its opening(s) directed outwardly, a motor for rotating the rotor around a rotation axis, and a loading mechanism with a beam for loading and unloading the centrifuge with the at least one reaction vessel unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: YANTAI AUSBIO LABORATORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaoqiang Wang, Wolfgang Mann, Wolfgang Heimberg
  • Patent number: 11885799
    Abstract: A centrifuge for cleaning a reaction vessel unit, having a rotor for holding at least one reaction vessel unit with its opening(s) directed outwardly, a motor for rotating the rotor around a rotation axis, a housing having a substantially cylindrical inner surface, wherein a drain is provided for discharging fluid expelled from the reaction vessel unit, wherein a gap is provided between the inner surface and the rotor so that by rotating the rotor a wind is generated which drives the expelled fluid on the inner surface to the drain wherein an aspiration pump is connected to the drain for discharging fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: YANTAI AUSBIO LABORATORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaoqiang Wang, Wolfgang Mann, Wolfgang Heimberg
  • Patent number: 11733217
    Abstract: The present invention relates to detection systems for detecting an opioid compound by use of pyrolysis, as well as methods thereof. In particular, the systems are configured to detect the presence of a backbone fragment indicative of a class of opioid compounds, including opioid analogues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: National Technology & Engineering Solutions of Sandia, LLC
    Inventors: Matthew W. Moorman, Joshua J. Whiting, Curtis D. Mowry
  • Patent number: 11618026
    Abstract: A biological false bottom transport tube system includes a top section manufactured from a top section material and a bottom section below an interior floor. The top section material is transparent to both visible and infrared light, the bottom section fits within the bottom of the top section. The bottom section material is not transparent to either visible or infrared light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Inventor: Michelle Nicole Steiner
  • Patent number: 11519809
    Abstract: A system, device, and method for leak detection and monitoring. The system includes a plurality of gas sensors with wireless connectivity adapted to be distributed over an area of interest that contains a suspected gas leak. An aggregator aggregates leak detection data obtained from the plurality of gas sensors. At web-based user interface allow viewing of the data on any of various non-specific electronic devices. The user interface is simultaneously accessible on a plurality of wireless mobile devices. A wireless local area network, such as a mesh network with the sensors as nodes, interconnects each of the plurality of gas sensors and the aggregator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: OPERATIONS TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, NFP
    Inventor: Chris Ziolkowski
  • Patent number: 11385212
    Abstract: Smoke detection sample points and systems are described herein. One smoke detection sample point includes a body; a chamber formed within the body, the chamber having a first aperture, to allow air to pass between an area to be sampled and the chamber, and a second aperture, to allow air to pass between the chamber and a space within a second enclosure; a valve positioned within the chamber; a first enclosure surrounding the body, but allowing the first aperture to pass air between the area to be sampled and the chamber and the second aperture to pass air between the chamber and the space within the second enclosure; and the second enclosure surrounding the first enclosure and having a third aperture, the third aperture allowing the air in the space within the second enclosure to pass between the second enclosure and a tube connected to the second enclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventor: Kemal Ajay
  • Patent number: 11371915
    Abstract: In order to detach substances stably from an inspection object, an adhering substance collecting device includes: ejection openings configured to eject gas; a housing on which the ejection openings are provided; and supporting portions which are installed on a surface of the housing on which the ejection openings are provided, and have a prescribed height. The supporting portions include protruded portions formed on the housing. The supporting portions each have a cuboid shape, and are installed such that a distance therebetween becomes smaller toward a direction of a recovery opening that is configured to collect substances having been detached from an inspection object, from the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shun Kumano, Masuyuki Sugiyama, Hisashi Nagano, Makoto Namai, Takahiro Itou
  • Patent number: 11268902
    Abstract: The invention provides differential refractive index detectors and methods for the use of differential refractive index detectors. In an exemplary embodiment, a differential refractive index detector includes a flow cell body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a flow axis extending between the proximal and the distal end. The flow cell body includes a first chamber and a second chamber and the fluid conduits coupled to the flow cell body can be tapered to reduce dispersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2022
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Anthony C. Jeannotte, Mark Basile, Senthil Bala, Colin Fredette
  • Patent number: 11209395
    Abstract: A fluidic device incorporating at least one BAW resonator structure (e.g., a biosensing device) and a fluidic passage includes one or more features that provide filtration capability. Certain embodiments include at least one group of pillars extending into the fluidic passage which are arranged between an active region of the at least one BAW resonator structure and at least one fluidic port. Individual pillars are separated from one another by inter-pillar spaces that provide redundant fluid flow paths while preventing passage of obstruction media such as particulate matter, cells, and/or bubbles. Certain embodiments provide porous material arranged in fluid communication with at least one fluidic port and configured to filter contents of fluid supplied thereto. Porous material (e.g., porous membranes) may be provided in a cover structure of a fluidic device or within a filtration cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: Qorvo US, Inc.
    Inventors: Rio Rivas, Vincent K. Gustafson
  • Patent number: 11156534
    Abstract: A the quick extraction kit includes a column and a cap. The column has an interior space to be filled with materials for extraction and cleanup. The column has at its top an opening and a flange, and at its bottom an lower tube. The lower tube has an outlet at its bottom. The cap has a base plate, an upper tube on the base plate, and a pair of reinforcing ribs. In particular, the base plate of the cap and the flange of the column together creates a sealing joint there between by spin welding. The upper tube of the cap is in communication with the column and has an inlet. Each of the reinforcing ribs has a bottom surface bonded with the top surface of the base plate, and an inner side surface adjacent to the bottom surface and bonded with a peripheral side surface of the upper tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: GREAT ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: Chin-Shan Lee, Wen-Jui Hsiao
  • Patent number: 11029295
    Abstract: A low weight portable air sampling device comprising a housing at least partially enclosing an inlet for receiving an air or breath sample; a removable liner coupled to the inlet containing sorbing materials; a micro-pump for regulating air flow within the device; and an outlet for emitting the air or breath sample from the device is described. The device may be used to collect Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of both biotic and abiotic origin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2021
    Assignee: TINTORIA PIANA US, INC.
    Inventors: Massimo Maffei, Andrea Piana
  • Patent number: 10967106
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2021
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudspeth, Kenneth M. Breitweiser, Ricky A. Sisk, Michael C. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 10928387
    Abstract: A centrifuge for washing magnetic beads in a reaction vessel unit that includes at least one opening, having a housing including an inner surface and a drain, a rotor disposed within the housing, the rotor being configured to hold a reaction vessel unit with its opening(s) directed outwardly toward the inner surface of the housing, a motor coupled with the rotor to rotate around a horizontal rotation axis, and a magnetic element arranged in the rotor to apply a magnetic field to one or more reaction vessels of a reaction vessel unit held by the rotor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: YANTAI AUSBIO LABORATORIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhaoqiang Wang, Wolfgang Mann, Wolfgang Heimberg
  • Patent number: 10874965
    Abstract: An off-gas conditioning system includes a source of off-gas, at least one testing port, in communication with the source of off-gas wherein the testing port is connected to a meter capable of testing at least one metric selected from the group consisting of temperature, pressure, flow rate, and humidity. A first vapor-liquid separator in communication with and downstream of the source of off-gas, a second vapor liquid separator in communication with and downstream of the first vapor liquid separator, wherein at least one of the first or second vapor-liquid separators includes a heat-exchanger for cooling the off-gas, and wherein at least one of said first or second vapor liquid separators includes a particulate filter for removing particulates from the off-gas. at least one testing port, downstream of the second vapor-liquid separator in communication with at least one analyzer for analyzing said off-gas for specific chemical compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Geo-Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Gordon Kirkland, Elgin Kirkland, Phil Lamori, Don Clift, Victor San Agustin
  • Patent number: 10857538
    Abstract: A sample preparation cartridge for use with a sample preparation device, the cartridge includes a housing defining plural separate segments, at least one of said segments comprising a fixed section of a pipette component; and a moveable head comprising a pipette tip, the head being configured, in use, to be moved between a position in which the pipette tip is in sealed engagement with the fixed section of pipette component and a position in which pipette tip is positioned adjacent to another of said plural segments. With the present invention a disposable sample preparation cartridge and corresponding analytical reader can be provided in a very cost effective and simple manner whilst still ensuring high quality sample preparation for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: TTP Plc
    Inventors: Piers Sebastian Harding, Gary Stephen Howard, Gary Keith Jepps
  • Patent number: 10852248
    Abstract: One aspect is an apparatus for analyzing particles a capillary as a measuring cell with a hollow channel for receiving or passing through a test sample containing the particles includes a light source for generating a light beam, an optical device for coupling the light beam into the hollow channel at an input point for the purpose of illuminating the test sample, and a detector for detecting scattered light exiting the hollow channel. In one aspects, the hollow channel has an internal diameter DH in the range of 10 ?m to 60 ?m, that the light beam has a radial light intensity distribution with a minimum beam diameter DL, wherein the following applies to the diameter ratio DL/DH: 0.05<DL/DH<2.00, and that the light beam has an angle of incidence of less than 2 degrees in relation to the hollow channel's longitudinal axis on entering the hollow channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: Heraeus Quarzglas GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Stefan Weidlich, Markus Schmidt
  • Patent number: 10794877
    Abstract: A sorbent tube apparatus (10) for high-pressure fluid sample analysis, the sorbent tube apparatus (10) comprising a pressurisable housing (32) having first and second fluid ports (48a, 48b) and defining a fluid chamber (34) therein; and a sorbent tube (12) mountable within the pressurisable housing (32), the sorbent tube (12) extending from one of the first and second fluid ports (48a) and spaced apart from the other of the first and second fluid ports (48b) to be in fluid communication with the fluid chamber (34), thereby enabling in use pressure equalisation between the sorbent tube (12) and fluid chamber (34). A method of analysing high-pressure fluid, an analytic probe apparatus, a further sorbent tube apparatus and method of preventing or limiting damage to a sorbent tube during high-pressure fluid sampling are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: EnDet Limited
    Inventor: Jeremy Knight
  • Patent number: 10788470
    Abstract: A microelectromechanical gas sensor including a fixed part, at least one suspended part in relation to fixed part, at least one sensitive zone carried on the suspended part, the sensitive zone being able to adsorb/absorb and desorb gaseous species or families of gaseous species, a heater for heating at least the sensitive zone, a detector for detecting the adsorption/absorption and desorption of gaseous species or families of gaseous species on the sensitive zone, a controller of controlling the heater so that the heating is applied to at least the sensitive zone with one or more temperature profiles ensuring the adsorption/absorption and desorption of the gaseous species in a controlled manner so as to obtain an individual desorption of each species or families of gaseous species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: COMMISSARIAT A L'ENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES
    Inventors: Valeria Toffoli, Thomas Alava, Bertrand Bourlon, Eric Ollier
  • Patent number: 10676164
    Abstract: A marine apparatus for collecting waste, including a vessel frame; at least one float or ballast tank mounted on the vessel frame; a removable frame configured to receive a waste collector; at least one guide mounted on either the vessel frame or the removable frame; and at least one slide mounted on the other of the vessel frame or the removable frame, said at least one slide including a channel closed at one end and open at an opposite end, the open end forming a receiving end for receiving a respective guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: IADYS
    Inventor: Nicolas Carlési
  • Patent number: 10578525
    Abstract: A method for detection and identification of a chemical using a preconcentrator to collect a sample of the chemical, process said sample of the chemical, and introduce said processed chemical into a chemical analysis instrument for the detection of and identification of the chemical. A system for detecting and identifying a chemical comprising a preconcentrator having at least dual concentrating elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Bowers, II, John E. King, Tadd C. Kippeny
  • Patent number: 10557776
    Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer-program products for fluid analysis and monitoring are disclosed. Embodiments include a removable and replaceable sampling system and an analytical system connected to the sampling system. A fluid may be routed through the sampling system and data may be collected from the fluid via the sampling system. The sampling system may process and transmit the data to the analytical system. The analytical system may include a command and control system to receive and store the data in a database and compare the data to existing data for the fluid in the database to identify conditions in the fluid. Fluid conditions may be determined using machine learning models that are generated from well-characterized known training data. Predicted fluid conditions may then be used to automatically implement control processes for an operating machine containing the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: Virtual Fluid Monitoring Services, LLC
    Inventors: Dustin Young, Mark Chmielewski, Chris Morton, Michael Siers, Scott Rudder
  • Patent number: 10549228
    Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure are directed to apparatuses and methods involving filters and detection of operation thereof. As may be consistent with one or more embodiments, an apparatus includes a fixture having mechanical components that hold a filter. Gas flow componentry operates with the fixture to eject particles from the filter by subjecting the filter to gas flow. A flow metering circuit meters the gas flow, and a particulate counter detects the ejected particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Brian T. Dahl, Paul A. Beatty, Sumit Chandra, Jeffrey James Croxall
  • Patent number: 10529209
    Abstract: The present invention provides a dust sensor comprising an impactor assembly for passing only relatively small particles among particles contained in air; a light emitting unit for radiating light in a path through which the air introduced through the impact assembly passes; and a light receiving unit for receiving light scattered from particles included in the air passing through the path. The impact assembly may comprise an upper case, a first impactor, and a second impactor. The upper case may include an inlet and an outer downward protruding portion. The first impactor may include a central downward depression and a plurality of slots. The second impactor may include an outlet, a central upward protruding portion, a double-bent portion, an outer upward protruding portion and a guide portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: HITACHI-LG DATA STORAGE KOREA, INC.
    Inventor: Inwoo Lee
  • Patent number: 10520402
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of safety detection, and in particular to a sample collecting and introducing device and a detection system. The sample collecting and introducing device provided by the present disclosure includes a sampling device for collecting a sample, and a semipermeable membrane device for extracting the sample collected by the sampling device and conveying the extracted sample to detection equipment, wherein the sampling device is provided with an air guide cavity, the air guide cavity is configured to guide airflow carrying the sample to flow to the semipermeable membrane device, the semipermeable membrane device is provided with a semipermeable membrane which is arranged outside the sampling device. In the present disclosure, the size of the semipermeable membrane is no longer limited by the sampling device, and therefore the difficulty of increasing the area of the semipermeable membrane is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2019
    Inventors: Qingjun Zhang, Yuanjing Li, Zhiqiang Chen, Ziran Zhao, Yinong Liu, Yaohong Liu, Ge Li, Biao Cao, Jingli Xie, Xiaolin Zhao, Qiufeng Ma
  • Patent number: 10466718
    Abstract: Systems and methods for obstacle detection and state information determination are provided. In some embodiments, a movable object may carry one or more imaging devices. The imaging devices may be arranged on the movable object so as to have a field of view oriented vertically relative to the movable object. The arrangement of the imaging device may complement or supplant existing arrangement schemes and provide efficient, multi-functional and cost-effective means of arranging imaging devices on movable objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2019
    Assignee: SZ DJI TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ketan Tang, Honghui Zhang, Cong Zhao
  • Patent number: 10416049
    Abstract: This application relates generally to a method and apparatus to deposit particles onto one or more coupons, and harvest particles from one or more coupons, which may beneficially provide a more uniform or localized distribution of particles over a specified area on each coupon. The application relates to a method and apparatus for depositing particles onto one or more coupons using a sieve. The application also relates to a method and apparatus for depositing particles onto one or more coupons using a dust storm. The particle loadings achieved on each coupon or across an individual coupon may be substantially uniform. The application further relates to a laser-based method and apparatus for transferring particles deposited at localized points on a source coupon to a different substrate for further use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Robert Furstenberg, Thomas Fischer, Viet K. Nguyen, R Andrew McGill, Chris Kendziora, Michael Papantonakis
  • Patent number: 10416048
    Abstract: A collecting apparatus comprises: a housing which is long and includes a housing space capable of housing a collecting member, the housing having formed therein an inflow port and an outflow port; a gas flow generator that generates a gas flow within the housing space; and a holding portion that holds the collecting member in a position that the gas flow flows, the inflow port being formed on a more upstream side than the collecting member held by the holding portion, and the outflow port being formed on a more downstream side than the collecting member held by the holding portion, and the outflow port opening toward the downstream side such that air that has flowed out from the outflow port flows along a housing outer surface on a more downstream side than the outflow port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignees: Sibata Scientific Technology Ltd., Veritas System Ltd.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Shibata, Yoshihiro Suzuki
  • Patent number: 10379013
    Abstract: A system for sampling sub-slab soil gas having an adaptor body that includes a first barbed portion, a collar portion, a second barbed portion, an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion. The system further includes one or more extensions such as a fitting extension, a filter extension, a sieve extension and a length extension, each of which are threadably retainable with the coupling portion of the adaptor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: VAPOR PIN ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Craig A. Cox
  • Patent number: 10337968
    Abstract: Provided is an automatic reduction apparatus for pre-treating a sample for radiocarbon dating, and more particularly, an automatic reduction apparatus for pre-treating a sample for radiocarbon dating capable of preventing peripheral devices of a liquid nitrogen container from being cooled due to scattering of liquid nitrogen supplied to the liquid nitrogen container of a carbon dioxide collector and preventing the peripheral devices from being heated by heat of a reaction furnace at the time of heating the reaction furnace of a reduction reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2019
    Assignee: KOREA INSTITUTE OF GEOSCIENCE AND MINERAL RESOURCES
    Inventors: Wan Hong, Jung Hun Park
  • Patent number: 10132727
    Abstract: Method for monitoring the odorous emissions of a plurality of zones (2, 3, 4, 5) of a given site (6); the method provides for the use of an electronic nose, and comprises a plurality of selective feeding steps, during each of which a respective sample coming from a relative zone is selectively conveyed to the electronic nose so as not to convey other gas samples coming from other zones to the electronic nose; according to some aspects of the invention, the selective feeding steps are repeated several times and the order of succession of the selective feeding steps is modified so as to control zones of particular interest more often.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2018
    Assignee: SACMI COOPERATIVA MECCANICA IMOLA SOCIETA' COOPERATIVA
    Inventor: Marco Remondini
  • Patent number: 10126212
    Abstract: A hose or tube for transporting a gas specimen has an inner envelope, forming a diffusion barrier and containing a plurality of perforation holes, and an outer envelope, forming a diffusion layer and resting on the inner envelope. The object is to develop a hose or tube so as to ensure transport of a gas specimen over as great a distance as possible without substantial weakening of the concentration, and at the same time without impairing the ability of the gas to be detected to diffuse into the hose or tube. For this purpose, the outer envelope contains diffusion-inhibiting sealing zones on its inner surface, which zones overlap the perforation holes in the inner envelope.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: AREVA GmbH
    Inventor: Walter Knoblach
  • Patent number: 10101298
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a photoionization detector (PID) system that can perform calibrations automatically. The PID system comprises a measurement gas chamber and one or more calibration gas chambers. The one or more calibration gas chambers each hold a type of calibration gas. In one embodiment, a volatile organic compounds (VOCs) measurement and a calibration measurement are conducted in the same gas chamber. In another embodiment, VOCs and calibration measurements are conducted in different gas chambers either simultaneously or at different times.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Inventors: Chang Zhang, Lei Liu
  • Patent number: 10016149
    Abstract: A handle component of the present invention into which atmospheric air is inhaled and breath is exhaled in the analysis of breath comprises inhalation holes, an inhalation inlet, an inhalation path, a breath discharge component, and an exhalation path. The inhalation holes are disposed near the tube connected for conducting exhaled breath to an analysis device main body for analyzing this breath, and are holes through which atmospheric air is inhaled into the interior of the handle component. The inhalation inlet is a place where the atmospheric air inhaled from the inhalation holes is sent into the body. The inhalation path is disposed between the inhalation inlet and the inhalation holes. The breath discharge component is a place where breath discharged from the body is taken in. The exhalation path is disposed between the breath discharge component and the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignees: PHC Corporation, Circassia AB
    Inventors: Masayoshi Yano, Takashi Kimura, Peter Hans Starck-Johnson
  • Patent number: 10018625
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for determining the gender of a fetus by assaying the sex hormones, evaluating the overall reducing/oxidizing (redox) activity, and/or evaluating the radical scavenging capacity of the maternal urine or other body fluid. The method can be used to determine fetal gender at any time point during the entire pregnancy. The body fluid may be processed before assaying. Processing may involve aging the body fluid, or purification of various fractions. The methods of the present invention also provide for a means for pre-conception offspring gender planning by assaying the sex hormones, evaluating the overall reducing/oxidizing (redox) activity, and/or evaluating the radical scavenging capacity of the urine or other body fluid from a non-pregnant female. The sex hormone profiles, the overall redox activity, and/or the radical scavenging capacity of a urine sample correlates with the gender specific compatibility of the ovum being released during a particular menstrual cycle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Urobiologics LLC
    Inventor: Kuldeep C. Verma
  • Patent number: 10012571
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a system for sampling sub-slab soil gas having an adaptor body that includes a first barbed portion, a collar portion, a second barbed portion, an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adaptor body, and a coupling portion. The system further includes one or more extensions such as a fitting extension, a filter extension, a sieve extension and a length extension, each of which are threadably retainable with the coupling portion of the adaptor body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Vapor Pin Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Cox
  • Patent number: 9989445
    Abstract: A device comprises a main body equipped with at least one handle, three sampling chambers that are mounted outside the main body and a control unit. The three sampling chambers are independent of each other and protrude radially from a predefined portion of the main body. The control unit is device can effect multiple environment to be controlled programmed so that the samplings from an in one, two or three different positions in the space, remaining stationary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: ORUM INTERNATIONAL S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberto Ligugnana, Sandro Ligugnana
  • Patent number: 9986944
    Abstract: Specially designed collection strips and their processing. By using specially designed collection strips, having a backer and one or more absorbent pads, in conjunction with a unique processing method, the processes of analyzing biological samples such as blood, or the like, may be done efficiency with the elimination of cross contamination risk. Identification of the sample stays with the sample throughout the process as it resides on the collection strip. The strip absorbs a known volume. The sample with identification is placed directly in an elution solution, without mechanically separating the sample from its identification information. Elimination of the need for mechanical separation tends to reduce cross contamination, as well as reducing sample processing time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: Sedia Biosciences Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Carl Piacentini, Ronald William Mink, Paul Robert Smith
  • Patent number: 9974890
    Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Assignee: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael D. Hudspeth, Kenneth M. Breitweiser, Ricky A. Sisk, Michael C. Dorsey
  • Patent number: 9702794
    Abstract: A replaceable filter integrated into the front panel accessory interconnect system of a gas sampling system includes a filter body mounted within a housing of the system. The filter body is insertable into a filter receptacle, and removable from the filter receptacle by a twist-lock mechanism. The filter body includes an integral accessory receptacle. An accessory connector is insertably connectable with the accessory receptacle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2017
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips N.V.
    Inventor: Anthony Pierry
  • Patent number: 9677976
    Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2017
    Assignee: CHRINTEC, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory R. Chrin, II
  • Patent number: 9568455
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a corrosive environment monitoring apparatus and a corrosive environment monitoring method for evaluating the corrosiveness of an ambient environment simply and accurately in a short time period. The corrosive environment monitoring apparatus (1) of this invention has at least one vent duct (3a, 3b, 3c) in which specimens (2a, 2b, 2c) are installed so that the corrosiveness of the ambient environment is measured from the corroded conditions of the specimens (2a, 2b, 2c). The regions of the specimens (2a, 2b, 2c) in one vent duct (3a, 3b, 3c), which are subject to measurement, are made of the same metallic material. If a plurality of vent ducts (3a, 3b, 3c) are provided, these vent ducts (3a, 3b, 3c) are arranged in parallel with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: HITACHI, LTD.
    Inventor: Rintaro Minamitani
  • Patent number: 9546931
    Abstract: A gas monitoring and control system including a gas sampling chamber, sampling inlet and outlet valves, a pump and a controller. Sensors are disposed within the interior chamber that sense characteristics of a gas from a gas source and generate representative signals. The sampling inlet and outlet valves i) allow the gas into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a gas sampling state, and ii) allow ambient air into the gas sampling chamber while operating in a purge state. The pump i) causes the gas to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the gas sampling state or ii) causes ambient air to flow through the gas sampling chamber while operating in the purge state. The controller causes the sampling inlet and outlet valves, and the pump to alternate operating in the gas sampling or purge state to selectively expose the sensors to the gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2017
    Assignee: CHRINTEC, LLC
    Inventor: Gregory R. Chrin, II
  • Patent number: 9488551
    Abstract: Described are sample carriers and methods of extracting a fluid sample from a dried sample on a sample carrier. The sample carrier has a first carrier portion that receives a fluid sample, and includes a material that adsorbs the fluid sample and dissolves upon application of a solvent. A second carrier portion is attached to the first carrier portion and includes a material that is indissolvable in the solvent. The first carrier portion having a dried sample is dissolved into a solution upon application of the solvent. The solution can be analyzed to determine constituents in the extracted sample. The sample carrier can conveniently be in the form of a card or a dipstick. In alternative embodiments, a carrier portion that includes the dried sample is indissolvable in the solvent but is released from another carrier portion through application of a solvent to an intervening dissolvable carrier portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Pamela C. Iraneta, Kevin D. Wyndham, Moon Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 9329162
    Abstract: A fiber testing instrument having a fiber loading station that is sized to accommodate a fiber sample within a desired size range, a fiber extraction device for extracting a portion of the fiber sample for a first battery of fiber tests, a fiber transport device for conveying at least the remaining portion of the fiber sample, and a micronaire chamber for receiving the conveyed fiber sample, where the micronaire chamber is sized to test any fiber sample within the desired size range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Uster Technologies AG
    Inventors: James T. Wender, Youe-Tsyr Chu, Michael E. Galyon, Hossein M. Ghorashi
  • Patent number: 9157842
    Abstract: A molecular concentrator comprising a thermal ratchet for driving molecules from one place to another. A plurality of linear, two-dimensional, and/or three-dimensional arrangements of heater structures are arranged on or suspended above a substrate. Each of the heater structures is configured to strongly sorb a vapor of interest when the heater structure is at room temperature and to rapidly desorb the vapor when the heater structure is at an elevated temperature. The vapor sorption of the individual heater structures is made selective by surface treatments, by monomolecular film depositions or by thicker absorbent polymer depositions. By selectively heating and cooling the heater structures, vapor molecules incident on the heater structures can be directed in a desired manner, e.g., from heater structures closest to a vapor-containing environment to a sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: The United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Mario Ancona, Arthur W. Snow, F. Keith Perkins
  • Patent number: 9144419
    Abstract: Contemplated diagnostic test containers and methods include an adapter configured to sealingly receive and retain a positive displacement pipette tip to so form a fluid-tight seal for the container during at least part of the diagnostic test. Most preferably, the entire container is flexible and the container and adapter are single-use disposable and are usable with known commercially available positive displacement pipette tips.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: Qualigen, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Scot Poirier, Andrew Moulds
  • Patent number: 9075016
    Abstract: A new and improved environmental field monitor station is disclosed. A novel and analytical sampling control device with a removable analytical sample collection device is described. Also a novel field station having the analytical sampling control device with the removable analytical sample collection device is described. Methods of using and controlling the analytical sampling control device, both within in a field station and from a base station, are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: EMILCOTT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventor: Bruce D. Groves
  • Patent number: 9063120
    Abstract: A device for measuring blood alcohol concentration for detecting the alcohol concentration from the blood of the unconscious driver as well as the driver's breath, comprises a first body including a coupling recess into which the blood collection module is coupled and a heater for heating the coupled blood collection module, and a second body including a detection probe to penetrate the blood collection module to suck the alcohol gas in the blood collection module, and an alcohol detection sensor to detect the alcohol concentration through the alcohol gas introduced through the detection probe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: DATECH CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Kwang Hee Park