With A Continuously Flowing Sample Or Carrier Stream Patents (Class 436/52)
  • Patent number: 5004696
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for automatically monitoring or adjusting, or both, the concentration of total reducers (i.e. reduced sulfur-containing constituents which consume iodine) in an aqueous medium (e.g. waste water stream) whereby the time period for iodine titration of an untreated sample of the aqueous medium is automatically measured and this time measurement is automatically translated into an output signal to either a monitoring means or a process adjustment means (e.g. oxidant chemical feed pump) or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 2, 1991
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: Jack L. Clinkenbeard
  • Patent number: 4999305
    Abstract: A method for titration flow injection analysis by introducing a multicomponent sample into a carrier stream which flows into a mixing/sensing cell and titrating with a reactant more than one component of the sample by sensing a plurality of endpoints. The apparatus of the invention includes a stirring means within the mixing/sensing cell which generates helical flow within the cell so that bubbles are not retained in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Inventors: Duane K. Wolcott, Ernest D. Graves, Jr., David G. Hunt
  • Patent number: 4997627
    Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like for a constituent of interest comprises structure defining a sample inlet port, structure defining an analysis region, a measuring system connected in sensing relation to the analysis region, and structure defining a reaction chamber that has an immobilized enzyme capable of modifying the constituent of interest. Control means operates liquid flow means in a unidirectional sample flow mode to initially flow a sample of material to be analyzed from the sample inlet port to the reaction chamber and to the analysis region for a measurement of unmodified sample material, and then operates the liquid flow means in a bidirectional sample flow mode to oscillate the sample material in the reaction chamber and facilitate modification by the immobilized enzyme of the constituent of material in the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1991
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company
    Inventors: Carolyn Bergkuist, Yvonne Fraticelli, Theodore S. Geiselman
  • Patent number: 4978506
    Abstract: A corrosion product monitoring system and method are described using a recirculation loop including a sample line, a particulate collection vessel, a recirculating pump, a microporous membrane "cross-flow" filter, and valves to control the flow rate and pressure of a fluid sample taken from the secondary fluid system of a nuclear power plant. The liquid sample is processed at a constant flow rate and temperature. When a relatively short time has elapsed in a trial sample run to stabilize conditions in the sample line, an actual sample run is started by feeding sample into the loop. Non-soluble, particulate concentration increases in the filter and particulate collection vessel as the run progresses. The permeate of soluble contaminants is passed through an ion exchange column to concentrate soluble ions in the sample. The filter is backwashed on a timed cycle by filtered water pressurized by a pump, or gas pressure, by realigning the system valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Westinghouse Electric Corp.
    Inventor: Andrew S. Calderwood
  • Patent number: 4973561
    Abstract: One or more components are determined in a sample by bringing said sample, which can be a liquid or a gas, into contact with a medium for adsorbing or taking up the components in question. A light beam is led via an optical cable through the medium containing the adsorbed or taken-up compound sought for, is reflected against a reflector material back through the medium, and the emitted light beam is detected. In enzymatic reactions, inter alia, a membrane can be utilized between sample solution and reagent, said membrane enabling the actual component to diffund through the membrane and react with enzyme, avoiding thereby the measurements to be disturbed by strong coloration and/or a high content of impurities in the sample solution. The membrane thereby serves as a reflector material for the light beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 27, 1990
    Assignee: Bifok AB
    Inventors: Elo H. Hansen, Jaromir Ruzicka
  • Patent number: 4971912
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for the separation of immiscible liquids are provided, and comprise the use of separator means having a surface which is preferentially "wettable" by one of the liquids to the substantial exclusion of another of the liquids. In use, the liquids are flowed from a common liquid source onto said surface with the one liquid being sorbed thereby to the substantial exclusion of the other liquid to thus substantially separate the liquids. The separator means surface may be maintained essentially level to retain the substantially separated liquid thereon, or may be inclined to result in the flow of the same therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity. Alternatively, the separator means may be made of a liquid-permeable material to permit the flow of the substantially separated liquid therethrough and therefrom under the influence of the force of gravity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Steven N. Buhl, Syed I. Ahmad, Arden Grassick
  • Patent number: 4960711
    Abstract: An apparatus for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises a separation unit containing two channels in contact with each other via a microporous membrane that will not react with trihalomethanes, a reaction unit for heating a carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit, a cooling unit for cooling the carrier solution that has undergone complete reaction; and a detection unit for determining the quantity of a fluorescent substance in the carrier solution. A method for quantitative determination of trihalomethanes comprises flowing a sample solution or a mixture thereof with a reducing agent through one of the two channels in the separation unit, flowing the carrier solution through the other channel, heating the carrier solution that has passed through the separation unit and to which an alkaline nicotinamide or a derivative thereof has been added, cooling the carrier solution, and subjecting the cooled solution to fluorimetry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 2, 1990
    Assignee: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toyoaki Aoki, Kouji Kawakami, Yoshiharu Tanaka, Hiroshi Hoshikawa
  • Patent number: 4952372
    Abstract: In a flow injection analysis apparatus, the flow of reagent to a measuring apparatus is generated by means of a peristaltic pump. A sample liquid which is contained in a loop of tubing is introduced into the flow of reagent by a change-over valve with the loop being connected in a conduit of a carrier liquid. The measuring apparatus measures the reaction between sample liquid and reagent. The peristaltic pumps are driven by stepper motors. The stepper motors are controlled by control electronics such that nonuniformities of the delivery of the peristaltic pumps caused by geometry are compensated by inverse nonuniformities of the angular rates. For that purpose the frequencies of the switching pulses are varied depending on position sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 28, 1990
    Assignee: The Perkin Elmer Corporation
    Inventor: Bernhard Huber
  • Patent number: 4916079
    Abstract: The concentration of a gas such as hydrogen sulfide in a liquid such as crude oil or other hydrocarbon liquid is measured by conducting a flowstream of the liquid through a jet or eductor type pump for mixing a recirculating vapor stream with the liquid, separating the liquid and the vapor stream in a separator to provide equilibrium conditions between the vapor and the liquid and withdrawing the vapor flowstream for recirculation and remixing with the liquid flowstream while measuring the concentration of the gas in the vapor flowstream. A known flow rate of the gas is added to the combined liquid and recirculating vapor flowstream and the incremental change in concentration of the gas in the recirculating vapor flowstream is measured to determine the concentration of the gas in the liquid flowstream initially.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1988
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Lloyd A. Baillie, Frank H. Hsu
  • Patent number: 4912051
    Abstract: A system for detecting analytes in air or aqueous systems includes a permeation absorption preconcentrator sampler for the analytes and analyte detectors. The preconcentrator has an inner fluid-permeable container into which a charge of analyte-sorbing liquid is intermittently injected, and a fluid-impermeable outer container. The sample is passed through the outer container and around the inner container for trapping and preconcentrating the analyte in the sorbing liquid. The analyte can be detected photometrically by injecting with the sorbing material a reagent which reacts with the analyte to produce a characteristic color or fluorescence which is detected by illuminating the contents of the inner container with a light source and measuring the absorbed or emitted light, or by producing a characteristic chemiluminescence which can be detected by a suitable light sensor. The analyte can also be detected amperometrically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
    Inventor: Solomon Zaromb
  • Patent number: 4910151
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line monitoring of a characteristic of a process liquid stream includes a cell for isolating a precise volume of the liquid. A sample chamber is over filled and the excess removed from the chamber by using a downwardly extending drain line which terminates at a precisely positioned, downwardly facing inlet negative pressure is applied to the drain line to draw the excess liquid upwardly from the captured volume until the liquid level reaches the inlet and entry of air disrupts the liquid draining effect. The embodiment shown employs a closed volume, a vent, a conduit for delivery of process liquid into the cell under pressure and a syphon/drain line for removing excess liquid from the cell volume until there remains only a sample of accurately repeatable volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 20, 1990
    Assignee: Tytronics, Incorporated
    Inventor: Moses Platt
  • Patent number: 4900512
    Abstract: An apparatus for photometrically analyzing liquid samples comprises a capsule (1) in which a measuring cell (7) is housed. This cell is inserted in a flow circuit for liquid samples delivered from containers (R) travelling on a conveyor (17). Each sample is taken up by a pivoting arm (15) and with the aid of a pump (13). The volume of the measuring cell (7) is so calculated that the quantity of liquid sample contained in the containers (R) is sufficient firstly to rinse the cell with this liquid then for the measurement to be carried out. A particular application is the measurement of bioluminescence reactions produced in samples containing living organisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 13, 1990
    Assignee: Nivarox-Far S.A.
    Inventors: Pierre-Andre Meyrat, Alain Oppliger, Denis Steiner
  • Patent number: 4898829
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the degree of pollution, the degradableness, and the level of toxicity of aqueous liquids, for example, effluent. A partial stream is withdrawn from the liquid undergoing examination and diluted with biologically neutral water. The diluted partial stream is oxygenated and continuously flows through a biological bath in a reaction vessel having a constant living mass. The dilution of the partial stream is regulated in such a manner through measurement of the oxygen content upstream and downstream of the reaction vessel, that with constant volume flow through the reaction vessel, the difference between the measurement values obtained remains essentially constant at a predetermined value, so that the amount of dilution serves for the indication of the level of pollution. Additional reaction vessels connected in parallel or in series with the first reaction vessel and having associated oxygen electrodes allows measurement of the toxicity and degradableness of the pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1990
    Inventors: Friedrich W. Siepmann, Michael Teutscher
  • Patent number: 4886743
    Abstract: This invention provides a reagent capable of binding to T cells and having specificity for a unique sequence within the variable region of the .beta. chain of the T cell receptor, the presence of increased number of T cells carrying the unique sequence relative to the number of T cells carrying the sequence present in a normal subject being associated with a specific disease. Specific diseases such as human cancers, e.g. lymphomas; autoimmune diseases, e.g. rheumatoid arthritis; Alzheimer's disease; infectious diseases, e.g. those caused by bacteria, yeast or parasite; or allergies, may be diagnosed as follows. A suitable sample containing T cells is obtained from a subject. The sample is contacted under appropriate conditions with such a reagent. If the subject's cells contain the unique sequence, a detectable complex is formed between the reagent and T cells which contain the sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1989
    Assignee: California Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Leroy E. Hood, Irving L. Weissman, Michael S. McGrath
  • Patent number: 4872992
    Abstract: Ion chromatograms are prepared with a chromatograph including a separation column and a conductivity measuring ion detection unit which are adapted to be selectively placed in communication with separate reservoirs for diluted and undiluted samples of a fluid to be analyzed. A control unit switches the reservoirs into communication with an eluent pump for displacing fluid samples through the detection unit in timed relationship such that the most concentrated ion is measured in the diluted sample prior to measurement by the detection unit of the last of the lesser concentrated ions. A pump having a controllable flow rate is connected to a mixing conduit through control valves which switch the flow to and from the reservoirs so that the reservoirs may be simultaneously filled with diluted and undiluted samples of fluid. The diluted sample may be prepared by mixing the undiluted fluid with the eluent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 10, 1989
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventors: Javier N. Oquendo, Joseph A. Leone
  • Patent number: 4865993
    Abstract: Minimum carryover container for the successive containment of discrete liquids as are successively introduced thereinto, and minimum carryover discrete liquid analysis system utilizing the container, are disclosed and operate through use of container materials which are selectively wettable by an immiscible isolation liquid which is introduced to the container independently of the discrete liquids to form an independently flowing isolation liquid stream which covers the walls of the container from the container inlet to the container outlet thereby preventing contact by the discrete liquids with the container walls. The container can include wall portions enabling the transmission of light energy therethrough from the outside of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Michael M. Cassaday
  • Patent number: 4865811
    Abstract: A sample duct in a carrier line is isolated by three-way valves blocking the flow of carrier or flushing liquid from reservoirs. The sample duct may be connected to a loading syringe and to a sample reservoir respectively by the valves. When the sample duct is connected into the carrier line, pressurized carrier fluid may convey the sample for analysis through a manifold comprising valves through which reagents may be introduced from reservoirs. The sample then passes through a thermostatically controlled reaction tube to a valve which switches it between waste and an outlet leading to a detector for analysis. The carrier and flushing fluids and the reagents are pressurized by gas from an inlet which is conveyed via an overpressure vent to the reservoir by lines. Rigid inert tubing is used throughout the carrier line, sample duct, manifold and reaction tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: Biotec Instruments Limited
    Inventors: Raymond Newton, David Malcolm-Lawes
  • Patent number: 4859422
    Abstract: An analysis system includes sample insertion module structure with structure defining a reduced pressure reservoir, structure defining a sample region, and structure defining a reagent circuit that includes metering chamber structure in series with the reagent circuit. First transfer valve structure is arranged to couple the sample region to the reagent circuit on one side of the metering chamber structure, and second transfer valve structure is arranged to couple the reagent circuit to the reduced pressure reservoir structure on the side of the metering chamber structure remote from the first transfer valve structure for inserting an intact metered quantity of sample liquid into a reagent stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1989
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company
    Inventors: Humayun Qureshi, Stanley M. Liffmann, Milo E. Webster, Theodore S. Geiselman
  • Patent number: 4853336
    Abstract: A continuous flow system is disclosed in which successive liquid segments are established containing different related components of a fluid package, such as an analysis mixture, separated by at least one immiscible segment, passed along a first section of a conduit, combined in a second section of the conduit and mixed while passing along a third section of the conduit, so as to provide a completely mixed segment. This system permits the delayed on-line mixing of different components of an analysis mixture, such as samples with reagents or diluents, as well as mixing and interaction of such components in a single conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Saros, John L. Smith, Michael M. Cassaday, Rand E. Herron, Milton H. Pelavin
  • Patent number: 4844871
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus are described for determining the partial pressures of gases in blood, in which a membrane filter is used to separate plasma which passes to a blood gas analyzer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1989
    Assignee: Fresenius AG
    Inventor: Hans-Dietrich Polaschegg
  • Patent number: 4837161
    Abstract: An analytical chemistry apparatus and method for introducing a reagent into a flowing stream of liquid carrier in order to quantitatively analyze one or more components of a sample added into the carrier. The reagent is permeated across a short section of membrane having relatively large pores. The use of such a membrane: (a) allows the membrane to be protected from physical damage by covering it with a perforate structure; (b) significantly reduces bandspreading across the membrane reagent addition device; (c) reduces the pressure drop across the membrane reagent addition device; and (d) still allows for the permeation of an effective amount of the reagent into the carrier. The reagent is preferably pressurized to minimize leakage of carrier across the membrane and the reagent can be self-pressurized by essentially completely filling the reagent reservoir of the invention with reagent and then hermetically sealing the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Timothy S. Stevens, Nile N. Frawley, Daniel J. Swart, William C. Harris, Deborah E. Diedering, Lawrence W. Nicholson, L. David Rothman
  • Patent number: 4818348
    Abstract: A portable instrument for use in the field in detecting, identifying, quantifying, and monitoring gas, liquid or solid materials is disclosed. The instrument may analyze either liquids or gases depending upon the type of sensor array therein. The instrument also includes means for changing a gas, liquid or solid to a fluid material. The instrument further includes an array or small sensors which, upon exposure to the unknown material, form a pattern of electrical responses, a source of previously formed response patterns characteristic of various materials, and microprocessor means for comparing the sensor-formed response pattern with one or more previously-formed response patterns to thereby identify the material on a display. The number of responses may be increased by changing the operating voltage, temperature or other condition associated with one or more sensors to provide a plurality of responses from each of one or more of the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 4, 1989
    Assignee: Transducer Research, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph R. Stetter
  • Patent number: 4804519
    Abstract: An analysis system includes a sample inlet, a diluent inlet, and a mixing chamber that has an outlet through which a mixture of the sample and diluent is flowed and in which a mechanical mixing member is housed. Positive displacement pumps preferably concurrently flow diluent to the mixing chamber and draw diluted sample to be analyzed from the mixing chamber. Bubble separation apparatus has a first branch connected to a drain and a second branch connected to the analyzer input. In a particular embodiment, the analyzer apparatus includes a nebulizer that controls the flow rate of the bubble-free stream through the second branch, sample excitation apparatus in the form of an induction coupled plasma (ICP) torch for exciting the sample to spectroemissive levels, and means for spectroanalysis of the excited sample at the output of the torch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 14, 1989
    Assignee: Thermo Jarrell Ash Corporation
    Inventors: Mario A. Sainz, Richard C. Anderson, Jr., Richard J. Belmore, Stanley B. Smith, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4798803
    Abstract: A method for titration flow injection analysis by introducing a multicomponent sample into a carrier stream which flows into a mixing/sensing cell and titrating with a reactant more than one component of the sample by sensing a plurality of endpoints. The apparatus of the invention includes a stirring means within the mixing/sensing cell which generates helical flow within the cell so that bubbles are not retained in the cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 17, 1989
    Assignee: The Dow Chemical Company
    Inventors: Duane K. Wolcott, Ernest D. Graves, Jr., David G. Hunt
  • Patent number: 4786394
    Abstract: A clinical chemistry analyzer system for blood chemistry analysis is disclosed. Two major parts comprise the system. One part is a discardable sensor cartridge which contains a bank of sensors, calibration fluid containers, conduit means and an external peristallically pumpable tube section. The other part is an analysis machine which interfaces with the discardable cartridge and has means to drive the peristaltic pump as well as means to interface with the sensors of the cartridge to provide a readout therefrom. The system is adapted to be made part of a heart/lung machine sustaining a patient in order to sample and monitor the venous and arterial blood flow thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1987
    Date of Patent: November 22, 1988
    Assignee: Diamond Sensor Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Enzer, Bruce M. Burgess, Jack S. Wyman, Ricky Hendershot
  • Patent number: 4780182
    Abstract: A method and suitable apparatus for periodically analyzing pulp stock, including wood pulp and water, in a pulp digester, to determine the amount of cooking to which the pulp has been subjected. The method includes taking a sample of the pulp stock from the digester, diluting the sample to a predetermined range of consistency, and determining the exact consistency of the sample. Next, the sample is transferred to a reaction chamber. A reagent is then added to the sample and allowed to react with the sample at a predetermined temperature. The light absorbance of the reagent during the reaction is continuously monitored during the reaction. After the light absorbance has clearly passed a peak, the value of the peak is combined with the consistency of the sample, previously determined, to arrive at the amount of cooking to which the sample had been subjected prior to the test, from a known relationship thereof to the light absorbance of the reagent and the consistency of the sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 25, 1988
    Assignee: Paper Valley Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Clifford Baker
  • Patent number: 4778765
    Abstract: A method of continuous rapid determination of the J-value during the oxidative coupling reaction of phenols to form polyphenylene ethers. Solution of a defined temperature is withdrawn from the reaction mixture, the viscosity of the solution is measured in a Couette viscometer, and the J-value is determined using a calibration curve or mathematical means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 18, 1988
    Assignee: Huls Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Franz-Michael Bollenrath, Martin Bartmann
  • Patent number: 4765963
    Abstract: A sampled flow of water is extracted from a water conduit 1 carrying impure water by a sampling tube 2, the pressure at a point in the sampling tube is kept constant by a constant pressure maintaining valve 4, and the sampled water passed through a filter 7. The flow rate of sampled water passing through the filter 7 is measured by a flow meter 8. A value corresponding to the total amount or level of impurity in the sampled water is evaluated by an operation circuit 9 at a prescribed time interval, based on the time-dependent change in the result of measurement of the flow meter 8 and the total amount or level of impurities in pure water is thus measured indirectly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 23, 1988
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasukazu Mukogawa, Katsuhiko Tamura, Takaaki Fukumoto
  • Patent number: 4749657
    Abstract: A sample aqueous stream including one or more organic compounds capable of partial oxidation to acid form are flowed continuously through an ultraviolet light reactor in which the sample is exposed to ultraviolet light in the presence of oxygen under conditions to partially oxidize the organic compounds to convert at least a portion of them to their corresponding ionized organic acids. Thereafter, the sample stream continuously flows through a conductivity cell in which the changing conductivity of the sample is detected as an indication of the presence of organic compounds in the sample stream.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1988
    Assignee: Xertex Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Takahashi, Larry E. Maley
  • Patent number: 4748127
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for measuring the degree of pollution, the degradableness, and the level of toxicity of aqueous liquids such as effluent. A partial stream is withdrawn from the liquid undergoing examination and diluted with biologically neutral water. The diluted partial stream is oxygenated and continuously flows through a biological bath in a reaction vessel having a constant living mass. The dilution of the partial stream is regulated in such a manner through measurement of the oxygen content upstream and downstream of the reaction vessel, that with constant volume flow through the reaction vessel, the difference between the measurement values obtained remains essentially constant at a predetermined value, so that the amount of dilution serves for the indication of the level of pollution. Additional reaction vessels connected in parallel or in series with the first reaction vessel and having associated oxygen electrodes allows measurement of the toxicity and degradableness of the pollution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Inventors: Friedrich Siepmann, Michael Teutscher
  • Patent number: 4740473
    Abstract: The invention provides a method and apparatus for measuring the sodium sulfide content of liquid industrial process streams. According to this method, a sample of the liquid is passed through a heated filter to remove solids and reduce viscosity and a portion of the sample is then mixed with carbon dioxide to generate hydrogen sulfide gas. The hydrogen sulfide gas is separated from the reacted liquid sample, and a portion of the gas is mixed with dilution air and then analyzed quantitively for hydrogen sulfide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1988
    Assignee: Sampling Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert L. Tomlin
  • Patent number: 4721612
    Abstract: Methods and compositions are described for the preparation of lipid vesicles, the bilayers of which comprise a salt form of an organic acid derivative of a sterol such as the tris-salt form of a sterol hemisuccinate. The method is rapid, efficient, and does not require the use of organic solvents. The sterol hemisuccinate vesicles may be used to entrap compounds which are insoluble in aqueous solutions. Such preparations are especially useful for entrapping bioactive agents of limited solubility thus enabling administration in vivo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1985
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1988
    Assignee: The Liposome Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew S. Janoff, Mircea C. Popescu, Alan L. Weiner, Lois E. Bolcsak, Paul S. Tremblay
  • Patent number: 4705669
    Abstract: A gas analyzer for simultaneously measuring a plurality of ingredients of a sample gas has a sample gas-introducing passage, a sample gas, flow-divider connected to the gas-introducing passage for dividing the sample gas into a plurality of gas flows in a desired flow-dividing ratio, a sample gas-diluter connected to the flow-divider for diluting the plurality of divided sample gas flows, and a plurality of gas concentration detectors, one for each gas flow, and connected in parallel with each other to said sample gas-diluter for receiving the respective diluted gas flows from the sample gas-diluter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1986
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1987
    Assignee: Horiba, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsuya Tsuji, Masahiro Tanimoto, Akihiro Hirano, Takeshi Yamada
  • Patent number: 4695431
    Abstract: Apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated supply of sample and sheath stream fluids to a sheath stream flow cell, and comprise the use of positive displacement differential pumping means which are operable to insure consistent sample and sheath stream fluid diameters, velocity and volume flow conditions within the flow cell, thereby maximizing the accuracy and reproducibility of successive analyses.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: September 22, 1987
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory A. Farrell
  • Patent number: 4692308
    Abstract: Apparatus for, and a method of, automatic chemical analysis. The apparatus comprises a conveyor system for delivering vials containing samples for analysis through an entry gate and identification arrangement to a series of analytical modules where a succession of tests is effected on each of the samples. Each of the analytical modules comprises a sample probe, a reagent probe, a container for reagent adjacent to the conveyor means, a movable stop member arranged to hold a vial in an appropriate position adjacent to the module, means for moving the movable stop member so as to allow the vial to pass from one module to the next, and means for moving the sample and reagent probes between a first position where they are ready for insertion into a vial, and a second position where they are held clear of the vial. The apparatus also includes synchronizing means arranged to co-ordinate operation of the various elements of the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1986
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1987
    Assignee: Vickers, PLC
    Inventors: Clifford Riley, Christopher J. Mears
  • Patent number: 4683212
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for the precisely controlled and coordinated, concomitant supply at optimal flow rates, by differential pumping, of selected sample and sheath liquids from respective pluralities of different sources thereof, to the same sheath stream flow cell for successive different types of sample analyses, thereby maximizing sample analysis accuracy and reproducibility, and reducing apparatus complexity and costs. The apparatus and method are particularly useful in high-speed automated biomedical analytical systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Technicon Instruments Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth F. Uffenheimer
  • Patent number: 4683210
    Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuouly sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air and in which the slurry is kept at a temperature not lower than 70.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to the slurry to make the pH below 3, blowing air or nitrogen gas into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the container CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 produced by reaction of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 with the acid by entrainment with the air or nitrogen gas, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 and/or CaSO.sub.3 from the concentration of CO.sub.2 and/or SO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the flow rate of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air or nitrogen gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Atsushi Tatani, Takayoshi Hamada, Setsuo Omoto
  • Patent number: 4683211
    Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing a known flow rate of air into the slurry, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, further mixing the withdrawn gas with air for dilution while controlling a flow rate of the dilution air so that the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas is maintained constant, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the mixed gas, the flow rate of the mixed gas and the amount of the sampled slurry.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Atsushi Tatani, Takayoshi Hamada
  • Patent number: 4680271
    Abstract: A continuous process and apparatus for the analysis of a sample containing a peroxycompound in the presence of hydrogen peroxide using known colorimetric techniques, characterized in that a sample is taken continuously, is continuously mixed with a colorimetric reagent and is divided into two streams, and continuous differential colorimetric analysis of the two streams is effected to provided a differential signal, further characterized in that one such stream is heated to such a temperature that the peroxycompound reacts with the colorimetric reagent prior to effecting the differential colorimetric analysis, whereby the differential signal is a measure of the concentration of such peroxycompound. The process and apparatus may be modified in that a third stream is taken not containing any colorimetric reagent, and two differential colorimetric analyses are effected, whereby a further signal is obtained which is a measure of the concentration of the hydrogen peroxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 1985
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Interox Chemicals Limited
    Inventor: John Williams
  • Patent number: 4680270
    Abstract: A single sampling tube is inserted into a whole blood sample contained in a sample cup, and the blood introduced into a switch-valve and a first channel without being diluted. The switch-valve has a volumetric section. In the first channel are arranged a plurality of ion-sensing electrodes, and downstream from these electrodes, a sample position sensor. The blood is led up to where the sample position sensor is located, at which point it fills the volumetric section and the ion sensing electrode channels. The sample Na.sup.+, K.sup.+, Cl.sup.-, and Ca.sup.++ are detected in this state. After the switch-valve switches, the flow within the volumetric section is forced towards a photometer positioned in a second channel by a reagent solution. The blood is diluted while passing through a reaction coil, during which time enzymes in the blood give rise to enzyme reactions with the reagents. The absorbance of the reaction solution is measured by the photometer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 1983
    Date of Patent: July 14, 1987
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Mitsumaki, Nobuyoshi Takano, Naoya Ono
  • Patent number: 4678639
    Abstract: An apparatus for periodically monitoring the composition of a plurality of samples includes a plurality of stationary flow-through sample vials through which sample fluid is periodically passed. A sampling probe withdraws fluid from the vial for subsequent analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1987
    Assignee: The Perkin-Elmer Corporation
    Inventors: Michael W. Dong, Stanley K. Yarbro, Frank Vandermark
  • Patent number: 4677077
    Abstract: A method for continuously measuring the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in slurries comprising CaCO.sub.3 is described. The method comprises continuously sampling a given amount of the slurry, feeding the sampled slurry into an agitated continuous reactor container which is isolated from the outside air, keeping the slurry in the reactor container at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., adding sulfuric acid or hydrochloric acid to adjust the pH to below 4, blowing air into the slurry in the reactor container, withdrawing from the reactor container CO.sub.2, produced by the reaction between CaCO.sub.3 and the acid, by entrainment with the air, and calculating the concentration of CaCO.sub.3 in the slurry from the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the withdrawn gas, the amount of the sampled slurry and the flow rate of the blown air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1984
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Susumu Kono, Susumu Okino
  • Patent number: 4663724
    Abstract: A solution or slurry containing a carbonate or sulfite, or both is continuously supplied into a tightly closed vessel, while any excess of the liquid is allowed to overflow the vessel. Sulfuric acid is supplied into the vessel to maintain the pH level of the liquid in the vessel at a value not exceeding 3. Air is supplied into the vessel as a carrier gas for CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2 or both formed by the reaction of the carbonate or sulfite or both in the liquid with the sulfuric acid. The carrier gas is collected from the vessel, and the concentration of CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2 or both in the carrier gas is determined. The concentration of the carbonate or sulfite or both in the liquid is obtained by calculations from the concentration of CO.sub.2 or SO.sub.2 or both, the flow rate of the liquid and the flow rate of the carrier gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1984
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1987
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masakazu Onizuka, Naohiko Ukawa, Susumu Kono, Susumu Okino
  • Patent number: 4657027
    Abstract: For diagnosing bodily functions of a patient by analyzing individual, samples several blood samples are taken from the patient automatically in sequence at predetermined time intervals, collected together separately from one another, retained until the completion of all the samples, and then analyzed. The blood samples are fed into a single collecting container one after another in time sequence with the aid of a control valve and are held separated from one another by the introduction of a separating medium between them or they are fed individually in sequence into separate containers. An anti-coagulant prevents the blood samples coagulating before analysis, and so the patient can wear the apparatus for taking the blood samples and can move about and behave normally throughout the sampling sequence.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1987
    Assignee: Ferring Biotechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Otto Paulsen
  • Patent number: 4649028
    Abstract: A reagent and wash fluid supply system for a flow through analyzing system which includes a tubular fluid sampling probe (70), having a sampling port (63) which aspirates air, sample and liquid reagents through the analyzing system which cooperates with a slide valve (64) having a passageway (53) through which the probe reciprocates. The passageway contains a plurality of chamber ports (46, 47, 48) each of which is sealed from the other ports by the tube sampling probe when its sampling port is positioned within a chamber port. A reagent pouch having a plurality of chambers communicating with a separate chamber port in the slide valve (20, 21) contains liquid reagents and a wash solution. One chamber in the reagent pouch receives waste.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1985
    Date of Patent: March 10, 1987
    Assignee: Medica Corporation
    Inventors: Karl W. Kaltenbach, Stephen Rettew, John O. Rudy, Gabor L. Szakacs
  • Patent number: 4645647
    Abstract: A continuous flow analyzer of the type which introduces continuously a carrier liquid into a single tubular conduit to form a stable main carrier stream and injects predetermined volumes of reagent liquid and sample liquid in series into the main carrier stream. The analyzer reduces the consumption of the reagent and can form a stable continuous flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 24, 1987
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kasumi Yoshida, Hideo Uchiki, Tadafumi Kuroishi
  • Patent number: 4640821
    Abstract: A system for analyzing a biological fluid or the like includes a series flow loop that extends between an inlet valve array and an outlet valve array. The flow loop includes an analysis region to which a measuring system is connected in sensing relation and an accumulator chamber connected to the outlet of the analysis region. The inlet valve array is arranged to selectively and alternately connect a sample inlet port and an auxiliary fluid reservoir to the flow loop while the outlet valve array is arranged to selectively connect a controlled source of reduced pressure to the flow loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 3, 1987
    Assignee: Fisher Scientific Company
    Inventors: Dinesh I. Mody, James E. Rasmussen, Mikhail Y. Ryaboy
  • Patent number: 4594326
    Abstract: A method for obtaining a measurement of the time integral of concentrations of substances in a biological fluid, without the necessity to collect samples of that fluid, and a device useful in the practice of that method. The concepts accomplish time-integrated measurement of the freely-diffusable fraction of substances of interest by providing conditions under which the rate of accumulation of such substances by a device placed in intimate contact with the biological fluid is at all times proportional to their concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1983
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1986
    Inventor: Stephen E. Wade
  • Patent number: 4572830
    Abstract: A process for determining the composition of an aqueous solution of ammonia and carbon dioxide from which ammonium carbamate or ammonium carbonate crystallizes out upon cooling to below the saturation temperature. The density and the saturation temperature of the solution are measured, and the ammonia, carbon dioxide, and water composition is determined by reference to densities and saturation temperatures of aqueous solutions of ammonia and carbon dioxide of known composition. The composition thus determined can be used to effect control over the composition of such aqueous solutions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1983
    Date of Patent: February 25, 1986
    Assignee: Unie van Kunstmestfabrieken B.V.
    Inventors: Andreas J. Biermans, Henk C. Burks
  • Patent number: 4520108
    Abstract: A continuous flow analyzer of the type which introduces continuously a carrier liquid into a single tubular conduit to form a stable main carrier stream and injects predetermined volumes of reagent liquid and sample liquid in series into the main carrier stream. The analyzer reduces the consumption of the reagent and can form a stable continuous flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 1982
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1985
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kasumi Yoshida, Hideo Uchiki, Tadafumi Kuroishi