Conduit Or Passageway Section Capture Chamber Patents (Class 73/863.71)
  • Patent number: 11828686
    Abstract: Liquid sampling apparatus and methods enable hands free collection of samples from surface waters via drone or other remote delivery systems. The liquid sampling apparatus includes a frame configured to support a plurality of groundwater sampling bailers in circumferential spaced apart relationship around a central axis of the frame, each bailer comprising an elongate tubular housing configured to collect and store a liquid sample from a body of liquid. A weight is movably secured to the frame and is configured to move between a retracted position and a downwardly extended position. When in the downwardly extended position, the weight is configured to maintain the liquid sampling apparatus and the plurality of groundwater sampling bailers in a generally vertical orientation during liquid sample collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Duke Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Maverick James Raber, Jason Chadwick Green, Isaac John Medford
  • Patent number: 11788937
    Abstract: Methods and systems for collecting, transporting and extracting high quality fluid samples for laboratory analyses are disclosed. The systems and methods disclosed are especially important for collecting fluid samples in a manner that most closely resembles the fluids as captured and safely maintains the samples during transportation and extraction at the laboratory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Inventor: Todd Matthew Coleman
  • Patent number: 11733132
    Abstract: Liquid sampling apparatus and methods enable hands free collection of samples from surface waters via drone or other remote delivery systems. The liquid sampling apparatus includes a frame configured to support a plurality of groundwater sampling bailers in circumferential spaced apart relationship around a central axis of the frame, each bailer comprising an elongate tubular housing configured to collect and store a liquid sample from a body of liquid. A weight is movably secured to the frame and is configured to move between a retracted position and a downwardly extended position. When in the downwardly extended position, the weight is configured to maintain the liquid sampling apparatus and the plurality of groundwater sampling bailers in a generally vertical orientation during liquid sample collection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Assignee: Duke Energy Corporation
    Inventors: Maverick James Raber, Jason Chadwick Green, Isaac John Medford
  • Patent number: 11017980
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manipulating a sample in an evacuated chamber of a charged particle apparatus, the method performed in said evacuated chamber, the method including: providing a sample on a first substrate; bringing an extremal end of a manipulator in contact with the sample; attaching the sample to said extremal end, the attaching being a removable attaching; lifting the sample attached to the extremal end of the manipulator from the first substrate and transport the sample to a second substrate; attaching the sample to the second substrate; and detaching the sample from the extremal end of the manipulator. At least one of the steps of attaching the sample being performed solely by bringing the sample into contact with a bundle of carbon nanotubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Tomá{hacek over (s)} Vystav{hacek over (e)}l, Petronella Catharina Maria Baken, Ernst Jan Ruben Vesseur, Pavel Poloucek
  • Patent number: 10648685
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a piece of network access apparatus for indoor environment monitoring and a method for indoor environment monitoring of the network access apparatus. The present disclosure also relates to a network access apparatus for indoor environment monitoring and a method for indoor environment monitoring of the network access apparatus so that network access apparatus installed indoors (e.g. in the house, in the office, in a building) additionally take an action of monitoring indoor environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: CENTER FOR INTEGRATED SMART SENSORS FOUNDATION
    Inventors: Hyun Tae Cho, Chong Min Kyung
  • Patent number: 10612356
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that may be used for laboratory evaluation of the effectiveness of fluids and/or proppants such as those for hydraulic fracturing of oil and gas wells using a test system network. A test system network may include a reconfigurable network of conductor segments that may be arranged to simulate a fracture network matrix that exists downhole within an underground formation during a hydraulic fracturing treatment. Test fluids, including proppant-less as well as proppant-laden test fluids, may be flowed through the conductor segment network of a test system to measure, among other things, fluid and/or proppant distribution and proppant volume (or mass) during and after treatment within various parts of the test system network after the proppant is transported into the network by the introduced test fluid/s.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: PropTester, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald A. Anschutz, Ian J. Renkes, Kimberly Schill
  • Patent number: 10578519
    Abstract: A liquid sampling device including a cylindrical body having a first plurality of grooves formed with irregular spacing near a first end of the cylindrical body, and a second plurality of grooves formed with irregular spacing near a second end of the cylindrical body, a top cap having an insertion portion to fit inside the cylindrical body and having a plurality of ridges formed thereon to correspond to the first plurality of grooves, and a cap portion having a suspension member, and a bottom cap having an insertion portion to fit inside the cylindrical body and having a plurality of ridges formed thereon to correspond to the second plurality of grooves, and an external annular flange forming an opening in the bottom cap to pass liquid therethrough, wherein the ridges of the top and bottom caps are configured to form snap fits with the corresponding grooves of the cylindrical body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Aqua Bailers, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael A. Breidenbach
  • Patent number: 10494717
    Abstract: Showerheads for semiconductor processing equipment are disclosed that include various features designed to minimize or eliminate non-uniform gas delivery across the surface of a wafer due to gas flow transients within the showerhead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Edward Sung, Colin F. Smith, Shawn M. Hamilton
  • Patent number: 10124270
    Abstract: Provided is a gas-blowing vaporizing and drying device for blowing gas at a solution containing a target component, and thus nebulizing the solution to promote vaporization of the solvent while dropping the solution into the collection container, in which contamination does not occur even if different solutes are successively powderized. In the gas-blowing vaporizing and drying device according to the present invention, a cap 20 to be fitted to the upper opening of a collection container body 19 includes: a solution-introducing tube 20A for introducing a solution supplied from a passage 14, into a collection container 21; a gas-introducing tube 20B for introducing a gas supplied from a passage 22, into the collection container 21; and an exhaust port 20C. Further, the exhaust port 20C includes a filter 20D for preventing the powderized solute from passing therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Assignee: SHIMADZU CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Yamazaki, Przemyslaw Stasica, Bob Boughtflower
  • Patent number: 9410541
    Abstract: In combination, a liquid sample pump and an integral self-cleaning filter element will elongate the maintenance interval for the pump which saves on time and labor costs. The filter element itself is small, economical to make and forms an integral part of the liquid sample pump. A flow passageway continuously directs turbulent liquid to the underside of the filter element to sweep debris from the filter element and return such debris to the pipeline. When it is necessary to service the liquid sample pump, it is quick and easy to remove and replace the filter element, which also saves on time and labor costs. A bleed valve assembly allows air to be bled from the sample pump prior to operation, enhancing seal life. An optional muffler assembly excludes insects from the inside of the sample pump, again elongating maintenance intervals. An optional return valve assembly allows unused sample to be returned to the pipeline, thus benefitting the environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: Welker, Inc.
    Inventor: James T. Klentzman
  • Patent number: 9176086
    Abstract: A sensing apparatus for detecting fluid quality change using signals obtained from a fluid quality sensor for exposure to a fluid and a reference sensor positioned in a reference sensing means having a fluid trap section holding a part of the fluid. Sensing values obtained from the fluid quality sensor and the reference sensor are compared in determining an aging factor. An application of the sensing apparatus is an apparatus for detecting engine oil quality change in an engine system. With the sensing apparatus, a first aging factor can be calculated after an engine cold soak and a second one can be obtained during engine operation. With these two aging factors, in addition to oil quality change, failures in the engine system and sensors, and oil change events can also be detected. Additionally, since reference sensing values are provided by the reference sensor, power disconnections have least effects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Inventor: Baohua Qi
  • Patent number: 9125989
    Abstract: Device for determining the characteristics of peritoneal membrane comprising means for measuring glucose in the fluid drainage and a processing unit comprising means for determining the characteristics of the membrane as a function of that rate of glucose measured at different times. The invention also relates to a method for determining the characteristics of peritoneal membrane including the consideration of glucose measured at different moments in the liquid drainage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: DEBIOTECH S.A.
    Inventor: Frédéric Neftel
  • Patent number: 9116083
    Abstract: A sampling system for use in a sampling station that includes a sampling device that is releasable connectable to a branch line so that it may be removed when not needed at that site via a releasable coupling. The device has a main tube connected to the releasable coupling via a valve that is manually operated through an operating tube that is connected to the main tube so that it also functions to clear the main tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2015
    Inventor: Daniel Leigh Roe
  • Patent number: 8925375
    Abstract: A multiple loop sample introduction system comprises a valve assembly including a sample collection valve and a sample introduction valve. First and second sample loops are in fluid communication with the sample collection valve and the sample introduction valve to receive aliquots of liquid samples to be introduced into a nebulizer. The valve assembly is operable to port a first aliquot into the first sample loop, while porting a second aliquot received in the second sample loop for introduction into the nebulizer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Publication number: 20140366653
    Abstract: The invention provides a sample container arrangement for collecting multiphase samples of gas and liquid, particularly oil in water samples that are representative with respect to oil concentration, oil droplet size and oil droplet size distribution, the sample container arrangement comprises a sample container with an upper end, a lower end and a container volume for sample collection, such as a standing cylinder, distinctive in that the container arrangement further comprises: one inlet connected to the upper end or part of the container volume, one outlet with a valve with bleeding function, connected to the upper end or part of the container volume, and one outlet connected to the lower end of the container volume.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventor: Trygve Husveg
  • Publication number: 20140290340
    Abstract: There is provided a monitoring apparatus including a gas sampling apparatus and a sensor that detects a chemical substance included in gas obtained by the gas sampling apparatus. The gas sampling apparatus includes: an air supplying unit that forms an air curtain to form a space that covers a region to which an object to be monitored is included and which is separated from the outside environment; a sampling unit that extracts the gas inside the separated space; and a diffusion gas supplying unit that supplies, into the separated space, an amount of diffusion gas that is at least equal to the sampled amount of the sampling unit, wherein the sampling unit includes a plurality of sampling nozzles disposed at three-dimensionally different positions inside the separated space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: ATONARP INC.
    Inventors: Prakash Sreedhar Murthy, Akira Imai
  • Patent number: 8789431
    Abstract: An sampling device for capturing a material sample and a method of using said device to process said material sample in situ within the device. Embodiments of the invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof for capturing and trapping a sample of material. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element to allow for the in situ processing of a material sample, and the subsequent discharge of the sample to an analyzer or another downstream location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Peter Alfred Blacklin, Wayne Fowler, Jr., Joel Michael Hawkins, Howard William Ward, II
  • Publication number: 20140202234
    Abstract: In one example, a sample gas analyzer includes a sample cell configured to receive a gas sample, a sample tube including a passageway that is in communication with the sample cell, and an intake portion. A cleaning element is disposed between, and arranged for fluid communication with, the sample tube and the sample cell, and includes a body having a chamber configured to aid in imparting a rotational motion to a fluid stream entering the chamber. The cleaning element also includes an inlet port that is in communication with the chamber and that is configured and arranged for communication with the atmosphere. Finally, the cleaning element includes an outlet port in communication with the chamber and the sample cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Campbell Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Rex P. Burgon, Steven D. Sargent
  • Patent number: 8776622
    Abstract: Portable devices and related methods for collecting and storing atmospheric samples for subsequent chemical analysis are provided. A sample cartridge according to one implementation includes self-sealing inlet and outlet ports configured to close automatically when not in use, and a sample retention portion between the inlet and outlet ports that is adapted to trap an atmospheric sample. The sample cartridge may also include a memory device for recording data regarding the sample. Another embodiment provides a portable sampler configured to removably secure a self-sealing sample cartridge. A portable sampling device may also be used with an analytical instrument. The analytical instrument may analyze the sample and read the data recorded on the sample cartridge's memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: FLIR Detection, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Briscoe, Brent Rardin, Dennis Barket, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8770048
    Abstract: The invention provides a liquid storage installation which includes a tank (70) containing a liquid and a device (10) for measuring and sampling the liquid. The device (10) includes an elongate hollow body (12) having a closed bottom and a plurality of spaced apart sampling ports (20, 22, 24) at spaced apart positions. The device (10) further includes a sleeve (14) which extends around the sampling port and in which corresponding sampling ports (26, 28, 30) are provided at spaced apart positions. The body (12) and sleeve (14) are displaceable relative to one another between an open position in which the sampling ports are in register permitting liquid flow between the tank and the interior of the body and a closed position in which the ports are out of register and flow between the tank and the interior of the body (12) is prohibited.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Inventor: Simphiwe Lionel Khuzwayo
  • Publication number: 20140174208
    Abstract: A gas sample extraction assembly for controllably accessing gas in a gas sample container includes a coupler body having a coupler bore and a coupler end for engaging the gas sample container; an upper member having an upper member bore; a biasing member disposed between the upper member and the coupler body; and a stem having a first portion coupled to the upper member bore and a second portion disposed in the coupler bore, the stem being movable relative to the coupler body between a first axial position and a second axial position, wherein the biasing member is configured to bias the stem in the first axial position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2014
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: Isotech Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis D. COLEMAN, Todd M. COLEMAN
  • Patent number: 8701509
    Abstract: A sampling device allows samples to be taken from a fluid that is pressurized and/or contains volatile components. The sampling device has a sampling housing (121, 521), an inlet (10, 110, 510), an outlet (11, 111, 511), a measuring cell (17, 317, 517) and a valve unit (118, 534). The valve unit has a valve which, in a first position, connects the inlet to the outlet by way of the measuring cell. In a second position, the valve connects the inlet directly to the outlet, while also disconnecting the measuring cell from both the inlet and the outlet. The valve unit also has at least one adjustable flow restrictor, through which the flow of the fluid through the sampling device is regulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Klaus-Dieter Anders, Dragan Radanovic
  • Patent number: 8673238
    Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Douglas Dority, Ronald Chang
  • Patent number: 8584535
    Abstract: Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. All conduits by which the disposable tip attaches to the instrument are combined into a single connection point on the upper end of the tip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Innova Prep LLC
    Inventors: Andrew Edward Page, Zachary A. Packingham, David Scott Alburty, Alec D. Adolphson
  • Patent number: 8584513
    Abstract: Disclosed are methods of determining the effectiveness of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor in oilfield applications. Such methods typically comprising the steps of introducing an oil well fluid into a microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a mixture of an asphaltene deposition inhibitor and carrier into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; introducing a precipitating agent, typically comprising heptane, into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; and optionally introducing toluene into the microfluidic/millifluidic system; then observing the presence or absence of asphaltene aggregation within the microfluidic/millifluidic system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Rhodia Operations
    Inventors: Lawrence A. Hough, Jean-Christophe Castaing, Gary Woodward, Ruela Talingting Pabalan, Floryan De Campo
  • Patent number: 8528424
    Abstract: In a gas analyzer 3 and a gas analyzing system 100 adapted to introduce and analyze a part of a measurement target gas flowing through a measurement target gas flow passage 12, in order to ensure accuracy in controlling the measurement target gas flowing through the measurement target gas flow passage 12 and accuracy in its own and other measurements, there are provided an object measurement device 35 adapted to acquire a part of the measurement target gas introduced from the measurement target gas flow passage 12 so as to measure a quantity etc. of a measurement object contained in the measurement target gas, an acquired gas flow rate measurement device 34 adapted to measure a flow rate of the measurement target gas acquired by the object measurement device 35, and a gas supply device 36 adapted to supply another gas of a flow rate equal to the gas flow rate measured by the acquired gas flow rate measurement device 34 to a portion downstream of a shunt point in the measurement target gas flow passage 12.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshinori Otsuki, Masayoshi Shinohara, Kazuo Hanada
  • Patent number: 8505395
    Abstract: A partial dilution exhaust sampling system has an expanded ability to simultaneously perform two different evaluations on exhaust from a power source. Beyond testing for particulate matter production, the system may simultaneously evaluate exhaust for undesirable gaseous emissions such as NOx and carbon dioxide and/or concurrently evaluate particle size and distribution in the exhaust sample. After extracting sample flow from the exhaust stream of the power source and adding diluent to the sample flow, the diluted sample flow is divided into a first portion flow and a second portion flow. Depending upon whether the additional exhaust evaluation device is in parallel with the particulate measurement gravimetric filter or in series with the filter, a dilution flow actuator and/or an exit actuator may be adjusted to account for a fraction of diluted sample flow directed to the auxiliary exhaust evaluation device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventor: Russell R. Graze, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20130192339
    Abstract: Composite sampling of a fluid flowing through a conduit includes collecting, in a vessel coupled to the conduit through which the fluid is flowing, a first discrete sample of fluid from the conduit, the first discrete sample having a first selected volume, and collecting, in the vessel and at a first interval from the first sample, a second discrete sample of the fluid from the conduit, the second discrete sample having a second selected volume, thereby forming a composite sample in the vessel while the vessel is coupled to conduit. The composite sample includes the first discrete sample and the second discrete sample, and may include one or more additional discrete samples. An apparatus for collecting the composite sample includes a gas chromatograph, and is arranged such that the composite sample is provided to the gas chromatograph without removing the composite sample from the apparatus or transporting the composite sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventors: Wayne A. Kriel, Mario A. Ibarra, Sven Lataire
  • Publication number: 20130160532
    Abstract: Various medical systems and methods are described, including a medical monitoring system. The medical monitoring system can have a fluid system configured to receive bodily fluid and optically analyze said fluid to determine analyte concentration. The fluid system can have a removable portion. The removable portion can have an opening with a port. The system can also have a container configured to contain anticoagulant. The container can have a portion configured to mate with the port of the removable portion. The container can be further configured to not fit into a conventional luer fitting. An anti-coagulant insertion apparatus is also described. The apparatus can have a syringe, a dock with a port, and an adapter configured to connect the syringe to the port. The dock can also have a tab configured to move with the port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 27, 2013
    Applicant: OptiScan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Gil Rivas, Michael Butler, Jeffrey T. Chiou, Eugene Lim
  • Patent number: 8431413
    Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dority, Ronald Chang
  • Patent number: 8420014
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a liquid droplet monitoring and measuring apparatus for use with a liquid dispensing system of the type comprising a nozzle having a liquid dispensing tip and means for delivering the dispensed liquid through the nozzle onto a receiving substrate. Further, the invention provides a method of monitoring and measuring the volume of a liquid droplet as it is being dispensed from a liquid dispensing system comprising a nozzle having a dispensing tip. The main use for the invention is in the fields of drug discovery, genomics, medical diagnostics and other life science-related applications. The invention could also be used in other areas for example in the food industry, cosmetic industry or the chemical industry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Allegro Research Limited
    Inventors: Igor V. Shvets, Cecilia Franken, Tomasz P. Zawada
  • Patent number: 8408045
    Abstract: An instrument for measuring density, with a housing (1) and a measurement cell (2) arranged therein. The housing has an inlet opening and an outlet opening for a fluid sample, with a first adapter (12) for connecting the inlet opening to a sample reservoir (14), with a second adapter (11), for connecting the outlet opening to a waste container (15), and with an adapter housing (13), which is attached to the housing. The adapter housing comprises a feed-through for the first and second adapters, characterized in that the adapter housing is designed in one piece, and the adapters can each be affixed in the adapter housing first fastening means without tools.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventor: Christian Forrer
  • Patent number: 8371181
    Abstract: A continuous flow syringe pump includes a first syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing at least one fluid, a second syringe configured for at least one of loading or dispensing the at least one fluid, and a first valve connected to the first syringe and the second syringe. The continuous flow syringe pump also includes a second valve connected to the first valve. The continuous flow syringe pump further includes at least one outlet connected to the first valve. The at least one outlet is configured to alternate output of the at least one fluid between the first syringe and the second syringe in a substantially continuous operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Elemental Scientific, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel R. Wiederin
  • Patent number: 8365617
    Abstract: An in situ sampling device for capturing a material sample from a vessel. Embodiments of the present invention may be disposed as elongate probes having extendable sample capture elements. A sample capture element of such a device may include a concave sample capture pocket located near a distal end thereof. The sample capture pocket is adapted to capture a known volume of material when the sample capture element is extended into said material. The material sample remains trapped in the sample capture pocket upon sample capture element retraction. The sample capture pocket may be provided with a port for receiving material therein and a port for expelling material therefrom. These ports may be placed in communication with corresponding material transfer channels extending through the sample capture element. A device of the present invention provides for substantially contemporaneous sample capture and sample processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Peter Alfred Blacklin, Wayne Fowler, Jr., Joel Michael Hawkins, Howard William Ward, II
  • Patent number: 8337283
    Abstract: A system for presenting a crop sample to a crop property sensor is in particular suited for a harvesting machine and comprises a bypass line branching off from a crop feeding assembly, a conveyor for feeding the branched-off crop through the bypass line without damaging the crop, and a crop property sensor for sensing one or more properties of the crop in the bypass line. The bypass line is upwardly angled or extends vertical, such that the conveyor elevates the material from the crop guiding channel to the crop property sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Georg Kormann, James J. Phelan, Andrzej Kozicki, Thomas Herlitzius, Jens Teichmann, Andi Günther
  • Patent number: 8272279
    Abstract: Chemical sampling systems and methods that can inexpensively and efficiently provide accurate chemical sampling in dusty environments are disclosed. The system can include a chemical detector, an elastomeric membrane, and a support structure for the elastomeric membrane. The gas chromatograph can have a sample inlet through which chemicals from the gaseous environment can enter the gas chromatograph. The sample inlet can be covered with the elastomeric membrane, the elastomeric membrane being configured to extract chemicals from the gaseous environment while excluding dust and other particles from passing into the gas chromatograph. The support structure can be disposed between the elastomeric membrane and the sample inlet and can provide mechanical support to the elastomeric membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2012
    Assignee: Seer Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary R. Bodily, Neil Arnold, Jed W. Bodily, Daniel C. Maxwell
  • Publication number: 20120236312
    Abstract: A microchip which includes, a liquid flow path through which a liquid sample including a sample flows; and a gas flow path in which compressed gas flows, wherein liquid sample inlet which communicates with the starting end of the liquid flow path and a gas supply port which communicates with a terminal of the gas flow path are formed on the same plane, and a sealing material is disposed so as to enclose the liquid sample inlet and the gas supply port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: September 20, 2012
    Applicant: Sony Corporation
    Inventor: Toru Takashimizu
  • Patent number: 8246909
    Abstract: A method measures a property of a germicidal solution in an endoscope processor spectroscopically by placing a quantity of the solution into a cuvette and passing a light therethrough. A reservoir receives a quantity of the solution and bubbles are filtered out via a cross-flow filter prior to putting a sample therefrom into the cuvette for measuring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2012
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Hal Williams, Yan Fang, Richard Jackson
  • Patent number: 8220347
    Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to a device and method of use thereof for facilitating the analysis of samples of sub-slab soil gas that comprise an adapter body that includes, a first barbed portion, an external engaging portion, a threaded collar portion, a second barbed portion, and an internal cavity that axially passes through the length of the adapter body. The device may further include a tubular body with an interior cavity adapted to receive at least a portion of the second barbed portion of the adapter body to produce a mating engagement therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Assignee: Cox-Colvin & Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Craig A. Cox
  • Patent number: 8210035
    Abstract: The present invention precisely measures characteristic values (such as the absorption coefficient) of an electromagnetic wave when a density of a PM in a DPF which collects the PM in an exhaust gas. The DPF receives the exhaust gas, and collects the PM in the exhaust gas. The DPF includes first hole portions which are open at a first end on a side for receiving the exhaust gas, and are closed at a second end on a side opposite to the first end, second hole portions which are closed at the first end and are open at the second end, and third hole portions which are closed at the first end. The first hole portion and the second hole portion are adjacent to each other. The third hole portions are adjacent to each other. The PM in the exhaust gas passing through partition walls which partition the first hole portion and the second hole portion adjacent to each other is collected by the partition walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Advantest Corporation
    Inventors: Motoki Imamura, Shigeki Nishina
  • Patent number: 8205513
    Abstract: A closure device including a fill chamber housing, which forms an edge for a hollow cross-section of a fill chamber, and at least one shut-off valve having a through-passage, the valve being displaceable between an open position and a closed position by a guide gap transversely to a filler chamber longitudinal direction. In the open position, the shut-off valve with the through-passage thereof forms a passage of a fill chamber cross-section, and in the closed position the shut-off valve closes the fill chamber cross-section. A cleaning chamber is formed, the chamber height of which is greater than the gap height of the guide gap, and the position of the chamber is associated with the shut-off valve such that the edge of the through-passage is located in the cleaning chamber in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: FLSmidth A/S
    Inventor: Manfred Pottmann
  • Patent number: 8192689
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for taking out and analyzing a sample from a polymerization reactor comprising one or more sample conduits (2), for taking a sample out of said reactor and for conducting said sample to one or more sample flash tanks (3), whereby said conduits each are in communication with said reactor (19) and each are provided with at least two sampling valves (4, 5); comprising one or more sample flash tanks (3), for separating said solid particles and evaporated gas, whereby said sample flash tanks are connected to said conduits (2) and provided with means for analyzing said evaporated gas (7), and comprising one or more sample receivers (6), for purifying said solid particles, whereby said receivers are connected to said sample flash tanks (3) and provided with means (8) for analyzing said solid particles. The invention further relates to a method for improving a polymerization reaction in a polymerization reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: Total Petrochemicals Research Feluy
    Inventor: Hugo Vandaele
  • Patent number: 8151630
    Abstract: A quantitative fit test (QNFT) system and method for assessing the biological fit factor (FF) performance of respiratory protective devices. The biological QNFT system includes the following three main elements: an aerosol generation system; an exposure chamber; and an aerosol sampling subsystem. The aerosol sampling subsystem includes an aerosol spectrometer that counts particles in discrete size units ranging from 0.5 to 20 micrometers (?m) making it possible to obtain several size-specific FF measurements from a single respirator fit test. A virtual impactor in the aerosol generation system increases the number of challenge particles in the primary target size of interest (1 to 5 ?m) and increases the sensitivity of the method allowing FF values of up to one million to be measured without the need to correct for in-mask background particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Paul D. Gardner, Jonathan P. Eshbaugh
  • Patent number: 8141440
    Abstract: A closed loop system for obtaining a sample of a fluid from a source of fluid is disclosed, the system including a collection vessel having a fluid chamber disposed therein. A valve assembly is disposed within the collection vessel and adapted to selectively open and close a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and an associated fluid receptacle. An inlet provides a fluid communication path between the source of fluid and the fluid chamber, and an outlet provides a fluid communication path between the fluid chamber and a fluid recovery system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Gammon Technical Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Howard M. Gammon, James H. Gammon
  • Patent number: 8048386
    Abstract: A fluid control and processing system for controlling fluid flow among a plurality of chambers comprises a body including a fluid processing region continuously coupled fluidicly with a fluid displacement region. The fluid displacement region is depressurizable to draw fluid into the fluid displacement region and pressurizable to expel fluid from the fluid displacement region. The body includes at least one external port. The fluid processing region is fluidicly coupled with the at least one external port. The fluid displacement region is fluidicly coupled with at least one external port of the body. The body is adjustable with respect to the plurality of chambers to place the at least one external port selectively in fluidic communication with the plurality of chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2011
    Assignee: Cepheid
    Inventors: Douglas B. Dority, Ronald Chang
  • Patent number: 8020426
    Abstract: An apparatus determines gas sorption properties of a large number of material samples simultaneously. The apparatus includes a switchable manifold of low-volume conduits and an array of sensors, where each low-volume conduit fluidly couples a single sample of gas-sorbing material to a dedicated detector. The switchable manifold is also configured to fluidly couple the samples to a vacuum source or a dosing gas source. Because of the very low internal volume of the conduits, essentially all gas released from a particular sample is accurately detected by the corresponding detector, either through sorption of the released gas, by measuring pressure, or by other means. In this way, a very accurate measurement of the quantity of gas released by the sample is made. In one embodiment, the array of sensors includes hydride-based sensors, which contain a material that forms an optically and/or electrically responsive hydride upon exposure to hydrogen-containing gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Hy-Energy, LLC
    Inventor: Karl J. Gross
  • Publication number: 20110219889
    Abstract: An improved immersible oxygen probe for molten metals has a gas permeable body including an immersion end and a support end adapted for being supported by a lance. An oxygen cell and a thermocouple are supported in the immersion end of the body. An unobstructed gas flow passageway is provided through the gas permeable bodies and through the probe body from the immersion end to the support/connector end whereby gases released from the molten metal and sensor body during immersion readily pass through the probe and can escape from within the probe. Thus rapid analysis of the molten metal with improved accuracy within a few seconds after immersion is achieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2009
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: MIDWEST INSTRUMENT COMPANY
    Inventors: Ascencion Z. Villarreal V, Paul A. Turner
  • Patent number: 8003403
    Abstract: A chemical sensor for detecting organic or inorganic target vapors and comprising a silicon member having a silicon surface with semiconductor pores therein, at least one luminescent sensory material entrapped in the semiconductor pores. The luminescent spectral material is exposed to the target vapors, wherein an excitation of the at least one luminescent sensory material results in a luminescent spectral response due to emission interference. The change in the luminescent spectral response is measured during this exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: Emitech, Inc
    Inventor: Igor A. Levitsky
  • Patent number: 7955843
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for an aseptic fluidic interface between bioprocess systems is provided. The apparatus includes an inlet valve, adapted for automatic control, that is coupled to a biofluid source site. A sampling conduit extends from the inlet valve to an outlet valve. The outlet valve is adapted for automatic control and is coupled to a biofluid process site. A trap is at the sampling conduit. A waste valve, adapted for automatic control, is located at a waste conduit extending from the sampling conduit to a waste site. Also included is a wash fluid source that is coupled to at least one of the inlet or outlet valves. In the method, the sample is automatically directed to the biofluid process site by opening the outlet valve, and closing the waste valve. Also included is isolating the biofluid sites by closing the inlet and outlet valves, and opening the waste valve to drain biofluid from the trap to the waste site.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Groton Biosystems, LLC
    Inventor: George E. Barringer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7921739
    Abstract: A method for in situ sampling and monitoring of a fluid flowing in a flow path, whereby the fluid is to be directed to a chamber a first valve may provide a connection between an inlet to the chamber and the flow path and a second valve may provide a connection between an outlet from the chamber and the flow path, comprising the following steps: a) opening the first valve and the second valve to let the incoming fluid flow through the inlet to the chamber and from the chamber through the outlet into the continuation of the fluid path, thereby allowing fluid to circulate through the chamber for a certain time, b) trapping the fluid in the chamber by closing the second valve and thereafter closing the first valve, c) opening a valve 9 for reducing pressure, to obtain a pressure in the chamber suitable for monitoring the fluid, d) opening an access valve 11 and leading the fluid trapped in the chamber into a monitor system wherein the fluid is analyzed, and thereby providing the data representing the fluid chara
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Inventors: Sølve J. Fjerdingstad, John F. Reintjes, John E. Tucker, Lawrence L. Tankersley