Sieve, Filter, Or Semipermeable Membrane Patents (Class 73/863.23)
  • Patent number: 9047996
    Abstract: A method of transferring a radioactive payload and a method of performing work within a cavity of a shielding container. In one embodiment, the invention is a method comprising a) positioning a shield-gate apparatus atop a first shielding container, the shield-gate apparatus comprising a body, a passageway extending through the body, and one or more movable shielding gates that are open; and b) lifting a removable shielding lid of the first shielding container through the passageway, wherein during closing of the one or more shielding gates the removable shielding lid is maintained in a position in which either: (1) a bottom surface of the removable shielding lid is disposed within the passageway at a height above the one or more shielding gates; or (2) the bottom surface of the removable shielding lid is substantially flush with the top surface of the body of the shield-gate apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Inventor: Stephen J. Agace
  • Publication number: 20150128732
    Abstract: A passive dry deposit (Pas-DD) air sampling device and method for sampling volatile, semi-volatile, or particulate matter in air. The Pas-DD device comprises a top cover plate, a bottom plate connected to and spaced a distance apart from the top cover plate, and at least one sampling media supported by the bottom plate and positioned within the device in an orientation accessible for collecting particles in the environment. The top cover plate and bottom plate may be oriented in parallel, and spaced apart a distanced that can be optimized for air sampling a broad size-range of depositing particles. The passive air sampling device and method disclosed are particularly useful for sampling air in regions where access to electricity is difficult, and for estimating atmospheric loadings of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and other semi-volatile compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2014
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Inventor: Tomasz Harner
  • Patent number: 9021899
    Abstract: A control device controls driving of a pulse motor to cause liquid that is sucked into a syringe in a single suction process to be discharged over a plurality of discharge processes. The control method of the control device is a method that controls driving of the pulse motor so that rotation of a ball screw for executing each discharge process starts from an identical rotational angle position relative to a slit of a coupling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: Shimadzu Corporation
    Inventors: Nobuhiro Namikawa, Takeaki Inoue, Akioki Nakamori, Shinsuke Inoue, Yasuhiro Takayama
  • Patent number: 8991239
    Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples for analyte testing. The sample preparation system can include a freestanding receptacle. The method can include providing a liquid composition comprising a source and a diluent, and positioning the liquid composition in a reservoir defined by the freestanding receptacle. The method can further include filtering the liquid composition to form a filtrate comprising an analyte of interest, removing at least a portion of the filtrate from the sample preparation system to form a sample, and analyzing the sample for the analyte of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Kurt J. Halverson, Stephen C. P. Joseph, Matthew T. Scholz
  • Patent number: 8986552
    Abstract: A filtration and monitoring system. An inlet pipe provides fluid to a filter block chamber and has an inlet valve located therein configured to shut off the flow of the fluid through the inlet pipe. A filtered fluid conduit fluidically connects the filter block with the monitoring device. The outlet axis of the outlet pipe in the filter chamber is offset from the inlet axis of the inlet pipe such that the fluid undergoes a change of direction while passing through the filter block chamber thereby causing turbulent flow within the filter block chamber to reduce the buildup of filter cake on the filter element. Closing the inlet valve block, results in a back-flushing flow of fluid through the filter element from a pressure accumulator located in the filtered fluid conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Mikhail Byalskiy, Brian Link
  • Publication number: 20150075302
    Abstract: A fluid flow sampling device comprises a housing and a sleeve disposed in the housing having openings corresponding to an inlet and an outlet of the housing. The sleeve is movable relative to the housing to an open position and a closed position. The open position aligns the openings of the sleeve with the inlet and the outlet to allow fluid to flow into the inlet, through the sleeve, and out of the outlet. The closed position blocks the inlet and/or the outlet with a portion of the sleeve such that fluid is prevented from flowing through the sleeve. A coalescent filter is disposed in the sleeve between the inlet and the outlet to allow some fluid to pass through the filter for sampling and to allow another portion of fluid to flow past the filter and out of the outlet to carry away coalescent material on the filter. Additionally, a sample outlet port facilitates removal of fluid from the sampling device for sampling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Michael Jenkins, Phil Harris, Ted Barben
  • Patent number: 8978490
    Abstract: An inertial filter is placed in a fluid flow path and equipped with a particle classifying sheet having a plurality of particle classifying holes uniformly arranged. The particle classifying sheet has a sheet area larger than a fluid passage area at a site where the sheet is placed. A part of the sheet is provided in the form of a partition wall dividing the fluid flow path in two sections in a fluid passage direction to allow for classification of particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nitta Corporation
    Inventors: Takuji Ikeda, Yoshio Otani, Masami Furuuchi, Takafumi Seto, Masato Mizuno
  • Publication number: 20150047441
    Abstract: Described is a biological sample carrier based on a rigid hydrophilic object fabricated from a non-absorbing inert porous material. A biological fluid sample applied to the surface of the object is absorbed into the pores and constituents of the biological fluid sample remain in the pores after drying. Unlike a disc punched from a conventional dried blood spot (DBS) card, the object is easily handled. In contrast to DBS cards containing glass fiber structures that interact with basic analytes and other DBS card having adsorbing fibers that tend to separate blood constituents as the sample spreads through the fibers, the biological sample carrier is substantially inert to drug analytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Xin Zhang, Pamela C. Iraneta, Moon Chul Jung, Pamela J. Longenbach, Frank Marszalkowski, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20150033879
    Abstract: A container consists of two external cylinders: bottom and top, between which a middle cylinder, designed for a sample, is situated. A method of collecting, preparing and analysing undisturbed soil samples to define soil hydraulic conductivity generally bases on measurement of volume of water flowing through the sample as a function of time and temperature at a defined hydraulic drop. An equipment consists of a base (6) with a perforated socket (7) to which a pressure column (10) is fitted disconnectedly. A lower edge of the column (10) turns into a flange (11) with holes for screws (12) corresponding to openings made in the base (6). In the base (6) there are horizontal deaeration ducts (8) connected to a vacuum pump. The ducts (8) reach the first grooves of the socket (7). The whole is situated in the external cylinder (17).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: UNIWERSYTET ROLNICZY IM. HUGONA KOLLATAJA
    Inventors: Jaroslaw Kucza, Anna Ilek
  • Publication number: 20150002842
    Abstract: A molecular sensing device includes a substrate; a well i) formed in a material that is positioned on a surface of the substrate or ii) formed in a surface of the substrate; a signal amplifying structure positioned in the well; and a molecular selective device removably positioned in operative contact with the well.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2012
    Publication date: January 1, 2015
    Inventors: Ansoon Kim, Zhiyong Li
  • Publication number: 20140373644
    Abstract: Described are sample carriers and methods of extracting a fluid sample from a dried sample on a sample carrier. The sample carrier has a first carrier portion that receives a fluid sample, and includes a material that adsorbs the fluid sample and dissolves upon application of a solvent. A second carrier portion is attached to the first carrier portion and includes a material that is indissolvable in the solvent. The first carrier portion having a dried sample is dissolved into a solution upon application of the solvent. The solution can be analyzed to determine constituents in the extracted sample. The sample carrier can conveniently be in the form of a card or a dipstick. In alternative embodiments, a carrier portion that includes the dried sample is indissolvable in the solvent but is released from another carrier portion through application of a solvent to an intervening dissolvable carrier portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Applicant: Water Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Pamela C. Iraneta, Kevin D. Wyndham, Moon Chul Jung
  • Patent number: 8911606
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriela S. Chirica, Gregory J. Fiechtner, Anup K. Singh
  • Patent number: 8881600
    Abstract: In a process for testing filters (4) and (13) of treatment fluid of a hemodiafiltration apparatus (1), each filter has a wet semipermeable membrane (5, 14) which separates a gas-filled first chamber (6 and 15) from a liquid-filled second chamber (7 and 16). The first chambers are pressurised by a pump (19) supplying air, while the second chambers are placed in depression by a drainage pump (17) of used dialysis fluid. A first closed system is formed which includes the first chambers and a second closed system is formed which includes the second chambers. Two pressure gauges (P1 and P2) monitor the pressure in the two closed systems for a predetermined time. The monitoring provides indications relating to the filter integrity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Gambro Lundia AB
    Inventors: Anna Puppini, Renato Pedrazzi, Mauro Suffritti
  • Publication number: 20140326080
    Abstract: A filter device having a sonotrode connected to a filtration assembly. The filtration assembly has a filter body having a fluid passage. The filter body has a filter across the fluid passage. The filter assembly has a resonant frequency and the sonotrode is adapted to vibrate the filter assembly at or near the resonant frequency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2014
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Applicant: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Day, Michael Burcher, Nathan Wrench, Marek Myszko, Matthew Hayes
  • Publication number: 20140326081
    Abstract: A replaceable filter integrated into the front panel accessory interconnect system of a gas sampling system includes a filter body mounted within a housing of the system. The filter body is insertable into a filter receptacle, and removable from the filter receptacle by a twist-lock mechanism. The filter body includes an integral accessory receptacle. An accessory connector is insertably connectable with the accessory receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventor: Anthony Pierry
  • Publication number: 20140318278
    Abstract: A multiple layer test card including an input channel formed in a layer of the test card, an output channel formed in another layer of the test card, and a filter coupled between the input channel and the output channel to receive fluid from the first channel and collect white blood cells such that the collected white blood cells are optically visible proximate a first surface of the filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Elizabeth Palaima, Kylin Hoehn, Steve Burris, Lynn Seifried, Pamela Wong
  • Patent number: 8863594
    Abstract: A sample container and filtration apparatus includes a sample container portion with an interior volume and a fluid path passing through a bottom wall. The sample container may also include a valve casing connected to and moveable relative to the sample collection portion between a first and second position. A valve secured to and moveable with the valve casing may close the fluid path of the sample collection portion when in a first position and open the fluid path when in a second position. The apparatus may also include a vacuum base coupling portion that is distal to the valve casing, and includes a filter membrane support surface for supporting a filter membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Foxx Life Sciences
    Inventors: Thomas Taylor, Jeffrey Kane, George W. Jordan
  • Publication number: 20140305228
    Abstract: A filter for filtering debris out of a fluid flowing along a fluid flow direction in a fluidic member of a sample separation device, the filter comprising a plurality of filter structures stacked along the fluid flow direction and each having pores with defined pore size, wherein the defined pore size of the stacked filter structures decreases along the fluid flow direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Inventors: Klaus Witt, Hans-Georg Haertl
  • Patent number: 8857279
    Abstract: Methods of concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and method of detecting an analyte in a liquid are disclosed. Methods of screening a liquid for the presence of an analyte are also disclosed. Processes comprising continuously collecting a sample of fluid throughout the process and analyzing the sample are disclosed as are processes comprising treating ultrafilter membranes. Devices and systems for concentrating an analyte that is in liquid and for screening a liquid for an analyte are disclosed as well as devices and systems for concentrating an analyte from a continuous sample are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Inventors: William P. Hanson, Maureen A. Dyer, Robert E. Hetrick, Jennifer A. Oberholtzer
  • Patent number: 8857280
    Abstract: An improved sediment trap is adapted for inline placement in a pipe. The sediment trap includes a housing body defining two chambers with an intermediate screen member disposed therebetween. The first chamber includes at least one sidewall coupled to a partial front wall wherein the partial front wall, which is disposed at an end opposite from the intermediate screen member. The second chamber includes at least one sidewall and a rear mesh screen. When placed in-line, the effluent stream deposits solids of a first size in the first chamber and deposits solids of a second size in the second chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: City of Portland
    Inventors: Jeremiah Bawden, Randy Christopher Belson, Matthew Joseph Sullivan
  • Patent number: 8857278
    Abstract: A sampling system that contains filter components for collecting and concentrating vapor and particles in high-volume flows. The sample is then vaporized and delivered to a detector at a low-volume flow. The invention also has a sampling probe that contains an air-jet to help dislodge particles from surfaces and a heating lamp to help vaporize compounds on surfaces or objects. The sampling system is especially useful for screening for explosives and other illicit chemicals and toxins on people, baggage, cargo, and other objects.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Morpho Detection, LLC
    Inventor: Jack A. Syage
  • Publication number: 20140298924
    Abstract: Sample preparation device for receiving in sealing relation one or more filter assemblies and one or more sample containers, each container uniquely positioned within the device to receive filtered sample from a designated filter. The device includes a body, a lid disposed on the body, a container tray, a base, an integrated seal on the body, a valve and a valve actuator. The tray can be disposed in a vacuum chamber defined by the lid and the body, and one or more sample containers can be disposed in the tray. When properly positioned in the tray in the vacuum chamber, each container is in fluid communication with a single respective filter assembly disposed in sealing relation in a respective aperture in the lid. A single actuation of a valve to place the vacuum chamber under vacuum causes the lid to seal to the base and drives the simultaneous filtration of a plurality of samples.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Chris Scott, Rob Colonna, Christopher Barmore, Todd Taylor, Daniel Morgan
  • Publication number: 20140290391
    Abstract: A diffusion sampler includes an elongated tubular support structure, a top end cap, a bottom end cap, a first coupling device, at least a first membrane and a reservoir mechanism. The support structure has an outer wall that defines an interior space therein. The outer wall defines a plurality of openings. A membrane is disposed around the outer wall at least in the area of the upper portion of the support structure and is configured to allow at least one first selected type of molecule to pass therethrough. A reservoir mechanism is coupled to a bottom portion of the support structure and is configured to define a reservoir in the lower portion of the support structure that prevents a selected liquid from flowing out of the lower portion of the support structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: EON PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventor: Bradley Varhol
  • Patent number: 8844385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for separation of proteins and other biomolecules. A preferred use is for sample preparation of crude as well as pre-fractionated samples. In a preferred embodiment, the device of the present invention is a pipette tip having dual channels, one for inlet of sample and one for outlet. The outlet, but not the inlet, channel is provided with sample separation media for separation of a desired biomolecule from a sample. The flow through the sample separation media is unidirectional.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: GE Healthcare Bio-Sciences AB
    Inventors: Nils Norrman, Ronnie Palmgren
  • Publication number: 20140287487
    Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a cap for obtaining a target analyte from a suspension. The cap introduces a magnetic field or a magnetic gradient to the tube to draw the target analyte bound to a particle to the cap. In one aspect, a cap includes a magnetic insert and a receiving piece. The magnetic insert includes a stopper and a magnet extending from the stopper; and, the receiving piece, which is configured to hold the magnetic insert, includes a receiving stopper and a sheath. The sheath may include imaging slides on opposite sides of the sheath. In another aspect, the cap may include a stopper and an embedded magnet. The cap may include an analysis piece on a bottom end of the stopper. In yet another aspect, the cap may include a fluid compartment and a filter at a bottom end of the stopper.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: RareCyte, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Campton, Jackie Lynn Stilwell, Arturo Ramirez, Jennifer Chow
  • Publication number: 20140283682
    Abstract: Methods and systems for predicting a filter lifetime include building a filter effectiveness history based on contaminant sensor information associated with a filter; determining a rate of filter consumption with a processor based on the filter effectiveness history; and determining a remaining filter lifetime based on the determined rate of filter consumption. Methods and systems for increasing filter economy include measuring contaminants in an internal and an external environment; determining a cost of a corrosion rate increase if unfiltered external air intake is increased for cooling; determining a cost of increased air pressure to filter external air; and if the cost of filtering external air exceeds the cost of the corrosion rate increase, increasing an intake of unfiltered external air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hendrik F. Hamann, Levente I. Klein, Dennis G. Manzer, Fernando J. Marianno
  • Publication number: 20140283626
    Abstract: A high-transmittance sampler of dissolved gases and volatile organic compounds (VOC) is described that is based upon a thin polymer membrane with tubular geometry. Very high hydrostatic pressures are maintained by surrounding the polymer tube or coating with sintered material. The sintered material can be surrounded by additional metal support, with holes for passage of molecules into the vacuum chamber of a sensor system such as a mass spectrometer. A method is described that uses the plastic behavior of the polymer to seal the ends of the sampler against leakage. Other features of the sampler are compact size, varied vacuum housing geometry, and provision for heat with regulation to the vacuum assembly of the sampler. The hydrodynamic design of fluid flow through the sampler and the compact and variable vacuum geometry allow greater response and sensitivity than previous samplers, and allow its operation to very high hydrostatic pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Inventors: Gary Michael McMurtry, Daniel N. Kokubun
  • Publication number: 20140260693
    Abstract: Sampling of a broad range of chemicals using a handheld sampler body, having a sample screen in a sampling cassette; where a sample screen housing further consists of a locking arm arrestor body, where, the locking arm arrestor body including a draw tube, and where the sampling screen can be positioned in either a retracted or extended positioned regarding a sample access face. When activated, the system executes collecting and sampling operations of chemicals, by exposing the extended sampling screen to a sampling environment, drawing through the draw tube, air from the sampling environment, further collecting, onto the surface of the sample screen solid particles and/or pressing the sample screen against the surface(s) of object in the sampling environment. Then, removing the sampling screen from the sampling environment and isolating the plurality of airborne chemical contaminants, by retracting a sample screen into the sample screen housing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: US Gov't Represented by Secretary of the Navy Chief of Naval Research Office of Counsel
    Inventors: Kenneth J. Ewing, Daniel J. Gibson, Jasbinder S. Sanghera, Robert E. Miklos
  • Publication number: 20140260692
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining indoor air contaminant levels independent of outdoor contaminant levels. In one embodiment, an infinite geometric series is used to compute a true indoor air contaminant level in a room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Aircuity, Inc.
    Inventor: Gordon P. SHARP
  • Patent number: 8806954
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a new laboratory apparatus for measuring the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at a single water potential. One or more embodiments of the invented apparatus can be used over a wide range of water potential values within the tensiometric range, requires minimal laboratory preparation, and operates unattended for extended periods with minimal supervision. The present invention relates to a new laboratory apparatus for measuring the unsaturated hydraulic conductivity at a single water potential. One or more embodiments of the invented apparatus can be used over a wide range of water potential values within the tensiometric range, requires minimal laboratory preparation, and operates unattended for extended periods with minimal supervision.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Department of Energy
    Inventor: Joel M. Hubbell
  • Publication number: 20140216176
    Abstract: The device comprises an apparatus (75) including a sampling sleeve (80) fixed around a sampling opening (53) provided in the duct (25) and a sampling head (81), introduced in the sampling sleeve (80) to be submerged in the circulating fluid, the sampling head (81) defining at least one fluid sampling opening (93). The device comprises a filtration member (85), having a filtration wall (99) arranged in the vicinity of the sampling opening (93) to filter the fluid introduced through the sampling opening (93), and a mobile member (87) rotatably mounted around an axis (C-C?) of rotation relative to the sampling head (81) to ensure at least partial cleaning of the filtration wall (99). The sampling apparatus (75) comprise a sealing assembly (87A) able to seal the sampling sleeve (80) around the sampling head (81) when the sampling head (81) is inserted in the sampling sleeve (80).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: GEOSERVICES EQUIPEMENTS
    Inventor: Farouk Kimour
  • 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: 8776621
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system including a filter for filtering solid particles from a liquid sample, the filter including a first filter member configured to filter solid media from a liquid sample, a second filter member fluidly connected to the first filter member, and a third filter member fluidly connected to a downstream end of the second filter member. The second filter member is configured to filter relatively smaller solid media from the liquid sample than the first filter member, and the third filter member is configured to filter relatively larger solid media from the liquid sample than the second filter member. In various aspects, the system includes a displacement-type plunger needle to draw sample fluid from a vial, a cantilevered carousel for rotatably supporting an array of sample holding vials, and a support for supporting the carousel. Method of using the fluid delivery system are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Dionex Corporation
    Inventors: Walter D. Modic, Michael McAdams, Lawrence T. McNary, Trung K. Huynh, Christopher A. Pohl, Frank Hoefler
  • Patent number: 8770047
    Abstract: A method for wear analysis. The method includes introducing a lubricant sample into a tube. The lubricant sample includes debris, wear, or other particles of different sizes. The tube includes a number of filter patches, each of a predetermined pore size. The method further includes centrifuging the tube for displacing the lubricant sample, and the wear particles thereof, along a length of the tube. The filter patches impede passage of wear particles of a size larger than their pore size therethrough, thereby separating the wear particles according to the sizes of the wear particles. The tube is attached to a handler of a centrifuge for centrifugation by the centrifuge. Multiple tubes can be attached to multiple handlers of the centrifuge for simultaneous centrifugation by the centrifuge. Centrifugation tubes (or tubes) are also provided by the present disclosure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignees: The Thailand Research Fund, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok
    Inventor: Surapol Raadnui
  • Publication number: 20140182398
    Abstract: Luer connector including a primary Luer male connector, having a secondary female section extending from a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector back towards a proximal part thereof, the primary Luer male connector including a first inner fluid flow channel extending from a proximal end thereof to the secondary female section, the first inner fluid flow channel having a diameter of approximately d1 increasing at a connection point between the first inner fluid flow channel and the secondary female section to form a neck N the secondary female section having an internal diameter of d2 at a top distal part of the primary Luer male connector, where d1 is smaller than d2, the primary Luer male connector being configured to mate with a primary Luer female connector having a secondary male section including a second inner fluid flow channel ex having an internal diameter of approximately d1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2014
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: ORIDION MEDICAL 1987 LTD.
    Inventor: Joshua Lewis Colman
  • Patent number: 8733185
    Abstract: A multi-filter chemical speciation sampler and a virtual impaction particle separation inlet therefore are provided. The inlet includes a housing having a bottom, a collection tube that extends through the bottom, and collection apertures formed in the bottom, arranged around the collection tube; a first plate disposed on top of the housing, having acceleration nozzles disposed at the perimeter thereof; a second plate disposed in the housing below the first plate, having a central aperture and separation apertures disposed around the central aperture. The sampler includes: an inlet; a virtual impaction separator to further fractionate the PM into a course fraction and a fine fraction; a first separation assembly to divide the course fraction into coarse aliquots, comprising first filters to collect the coarse aliquots; a second separation assembly to divide the fine fraction into fine aliquots, comprising second filters to collect the fine aliquots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
    Inventor: Paul Alan Solomon
  • Patent number: 8726744
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for concentrating a fluid sample. A portable or hand-held concentrator is used to draw the fluid sample through a filter into an internal chamber, capturing target particles on the filter. An elution cartridge containing an elution fluid is used to recover the captured particles into a reduced fluid volume. The hand-held concentrator includes a tip, which, when opened, allows the hand-held concentrator to draw the fluid sample into the tip and through the filter wall into the internal chamber. The drawing occurs due to a vacuum or wicking source in the internal chamber of the hand-held concentrator. The target particles are captured on the filter. The elution fluid contains a foaming agent and is held under a head pressure of gas soluble in the elution fluid. The target particles are eluted from the filter into the reduced fluid volume using an elution foam that is formed when the elution fluid is released from the elution cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: InnovaPrep LLC
    Inventors: David Scott Alburty, Andrew Edward Page, Alec D. Adolphson, Zachary A. Packingham
  • Patent number: 8714034
    Abstract: A passive sampling apparatus and method for measuring the cumulative mass of a selected gas being transported through a known cross-sectional area, for example, a soil surface, during a chosen period of time, using absorbent material, are described. Two quantities of absorbent material are disposed in a hollow container, such as a pipe section, and spaced apart such that they may be readily separated for analysis. The absorbent material closest to the soil captures the gas leaving the soil. Under reversed flow conditions, for example when the ambient air enters the ground because of fluctuations in atmospheric pressure, the upper absorbent material captures the component of interest entering the apparatus, thereby preventing this gas from entering the lower material and disturbing the measurement. The apparatus can therefore sequester the component of interest without being affected by the direction of gas transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignees: Colorado State University Research Foundation, Chevron U.S.A. Inc.
    Inventors: Julio A. Zimbron, Thomas C. Sale, Mark Lyverse
  • Patent number: 8707806
    Abstract: Apparatus for use in measuring properties of media formed from a particulate suspension. The apparatus includes a media sampler coupled to feed pipes to allow media to flowing therethrough to be sampled and a connector for coupling the media sampler to a sensor for sensing properties of the sampled media.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Bloomfield Collieries Pty Limited
    Inventor: Robert Booth
  • Patent number: 8712692
    Abstract: A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval ?t and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ?C is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval ?t. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: St. Francis Xavier University
    Inventors: David A. Risk, Hugo J. Beltrami, Nicholas R. Nickerson, Gordon McArthur
  • Patent number: 8702946
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for dielectrokinetic chromatography. As disclosed, the devices comprise microchannels having at least one perturber which produces a non-uniformity in a field spanning the width of the microchannel. The interaction of the field non-uniformity with a perturber produces a secondary flow which competes with a primary flow. By decreasing the size of the perturber the secondary flow becomes significant for particles/analytes in the nanometer-size range. Depending on the nature of a particle/analyte present in the fluid and its interaction with the primary flow and the secondary flow, the analyte may be retained or redirected. The composition of the primary flow can be varied to affect the magnitude of primary and/or secondary flows on the particles/analytes and thereby separate and concentrate it from other particles/analytes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Gabriela S. Chirica, Gregory J. Fiechtner, Anup K. Singh
  • Publication number: 20140076070
    Abstract: The present invention provides a monolithic silicone in the form of an aerogel or a xerogel having flexibility and capable of dissolving molecules of a substance. This silicone monolithic body having continuous through passages is synthesized by copolymerizing starting materials of both a bifunctional alkoxysilane and a trifunctional alkoxysilane or tri- or higher functional alkoxysilanes through a sol-gel reaction for forming a Si—O network while causing phase separation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Inventors: Kazuki Nakanishi, Kazuyoshi Kanamori, Gen Hayase, Masahiro Furuno, Yoshiyuki Takei
  • Patent number: 8671738
    Abstract: The invention relates to low flow rate cascade impactors for sampling aerosols, notably but not limited to pharmaceutical aerosols. The impactor stages serve as both orifice plate and collecting cup, simplifying collection and analysis. The impactor is designed to operate at flow rates approximating the inspiratory flow rates of young children and infants. Also presented is a method of and apparatus for applying a coating material to the collection surface of the stages after an impactor is assembled for use. The method entails generation of a polydisperse aerosol and sampling into the impactor. The coating substance improves the trapping of particles on the stages. The apparatus and method of application limit the amount of coating material applied and confines it to the regions of particle impact opposite the stage orifices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Inventor: Clyde L. Witham
  • Publication number: 20140047932
    Abstract: A method and system for locating subsurface ore bodies. Samples of near surface soil are collected over a predetermined geographical area. The samples are analysed to discover any chemical anomalies in the dust particles as a way of identifying possible subcropping mineralization. A tine (22) and collection tube (24) engage into subsurface soil and samples are drawn up the tube into a dust collection module (12). Sub 5 micron particles are captured on an electrostatically charged tape (40). Consecutive samples are indexed on the tape e.g. with a barcode. Collected dust samples are ablated by a laser ablation cell (72) and the ablated sample analysed by a mass spectrometer for presence of ions indicating presence of a resource body, such as a body of ore, minerals or hydrocarbons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: GLOBAL SCIENTIFIC SERVICES PTY LTD
    Inventors: Stephen Coote, John Watling
  • Patent number: 8652240
    Abstract: There is provided a fine particle sensor for detecting fine particles in exhaust gas, including an ion generating unit for generating ions by corona discharge, a charging unit for charging the fine particles by some of the generated ions, an ion trapping unit for trapping a remainder of the generated ions and a casing for accommodating therein the charging unit and the ion trapping unit in a given arrangement direction. The casing has a gas inlet hole and a gas outlet hole formed in a circumferential wall thereof so that the exhaust gas flows in the charging unit through the gas inlet hole and flows out of the ion trapping unit through the gas outlet hole. The gas inlet hole and the gas outlet hole are arranged in such a manner as to at least partially overlap each other when viewed in the given arrangement direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: NGK Spark Plug Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Sugiyama, Masayuki Motomura, Toshiya Matsuoka, Keisuke Tashima, Hitoshi Yokoi
  • Patent number: 8646341
    Abstract: A device for gas analysis includes a detector tube (2) and can be used in the area of explosive or combustible gases. A filter material, which consists of a granular, porous material and has an impregnation for absorbing toxic gases, is provided between the detector tube (2) and a pump (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Armin Schulten, Michael Rosert, Benjamin Brandenburg
  • Patent number: 8631714
    Abstract: A modified multi-function specimen box is provided. The modified multi-function specimen box includes a box body (1). A box cover (2) is disposed on an opening of the box body (1). A fixed rotary spindle (4) is disposed on the box cover (2). The fixed rotary spindle (4) is capable of freely rotating with respect to the box cover (2). A sampling spoon (5) is disposed at the bottom of the fixed rotary spindle (4). A filter screen (3) is disposed in an inner cavity of the box body (1) in a direction perpendicular to the box cover (2), and the filter screen (3) divides the box body (1) into a liquid addition cavity (11) and a liquid suction cavity (12). The present invention achieves the dilution, uniform mixing, and filtration of a specimen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Suzhou Halo Bio-Tech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Xianglong Li, Zhong Wang, Qin Wang
  • Patent number: 8629780
    Abstract: A method, a fire alarm, and a fire alarm system enable detection and localization of a fire in monitored rooms, having two detector units for detecting a fire parameter, wherein an evaluation unit connected to both detector units is used for evaluation. According to the invention, the air in the monitored rooms is fed to the first detector unit via a first pipe conduit and to the second detector unit via a second pipe conduit. Both pipe conduits are arranged in each monitored room and provided with suction intakes. The air is supplied to both detectors by means of at least one suction unit, and the air speed in each pipe conduit is different.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Siemens Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Goulet, Peter Stahl
  • Publication number: 20130312543
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method to obtain a bitumen or heavy oil sample from an oil reservoir sample, such as a core sample, to enable measurement of physical properties such as viscosity, API gravity, or chemical properties such as sulphur content of the obtained bitumen or heavy oil sample. The analyses performed on the samples obtained in accordance with the invention are effective in assisting oil field operators in making timely drilling and production decisions at the oil reservoir or for routine laboratory extraction of oils and bitumens. The invention also permits the collection of samples from simulated thermal recovery operations and also allows the collection of bitumens and oils for online analysis of live oil physical properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: GUSHOR INC.
    Inventors: Stephen Richard Larter, Chunqing (Dennis) Jiang, Thomas Bernhard Paul Oldenburg, Jennifer Jane Adams, Kimberley Jane Noke, Barry Bennett, Ian Donald Gates, Lloyd Ross Snowdon
  • Patent number: RE44906
    Abstract: A device for sampling drill cuttings includes a frame, an inclined having a perforated planar member mounted on the frame, a sprayer for washing cuttings down over the perforations, and a. A removable open-topped cuttings collector mounted under the perforated planar member, the. The perforated member cooperating cooperates with the downstream end of a vibratory screen over which the cuttings pass before translating onto the perforated screen. The frame mounts to the vibratory screen so that vibrations of the vibratory screen also vibrate the perforated planar member and cuttings collector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Inventor: Willy Rieberer