Sieve, Filter, Or Semipermeable Membrane Patents (Class 73/863.23)
  • Publication number: 20030164051
    Abstract: A method and a device for sampling and storing a urine specimen capable of recovering a sampled urine specimen to a recovery container (5) through a filter (2) by the sucking pressure of the decompressed and enclosed recovery container (5); the device for sampling and storing the urine specimen, comprising a filter holder (3) having a space for storing the filter (2) for filtrating the urine specimen, the filter (2) stored therein, and the recovery container (5) decompressed and enclosed by a plug body (4), wherein hollow tubes (6) with a sharp tip communicating with a space (S) having the filter (2) stored therein is installed in the filter holder (3) on a specimen delivery side to the recovery container (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2003
    Publication date: September 4, 2003
    Inventors: Noriaki Kunimune, Shinichi Yokoyama, Shigeaki Baba, Yasuro Kameno
  • Patent number: 6607581
    Abstract: A passive air sampler is designed to facilitate emptying granular or particulate adsorbent from it directly into a thermal desorption tube or other vessel for use in an analytical instrument. The preferred form has an adsorbent container in a conical or funnel-like shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: SKC, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald Lee Smith, Peter M. Hall
  • Patent number: 6604406
    Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated. The screen can be positioned directly in front of the detector prior to heating to improve detection capability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Linker, Charles A. Brusseau, David W. Hannum, James G. Puissant, Nathan R. Varley
  • Publication number: 20030121336
    Abstract: A method of retrieving a liquid sample comprises providing a portable lysimeter including a semi-permeable membrane and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane; making a hole at a site from which a liquid sample is desired; evacuating the chamber by applying a vacuum to the chamber; lowering the portable lysimeter into the hole; obtaining a sample in the chamber; and retrieving the lysimeter from the bore; wherein it is not necessary to backfill the bore. A portable lysimeter includes a semi-permeable member and a chamber in fluid communication with the semi-permeable membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventors: Joel M. Hubbell, James B. Sisson
  • Patent number: 6584865
    Abstract: An absolute reference aerosol sampler system and method based on isokinetic and isoaxial sampling principles wherein the position of a collection inlet for an aerosol sampling head is adjusted relative to the actual wind direction in real time. In addition, flow rate of the air at a collection inlet within the absolute-reference sampler is matched to the real time actual wind speed. These adjustments and controls enable the absolute reference sampler system to obtain particulate samples from the immediate environment without biasing the size distribution in any manner, resulting in a fully unbiased, representative sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Robert W. Doherty, Paul J. DeLuca
  • Patent number: 6581454
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided comprising a first tubular having an inside surface and outside surface defining an outside diameter; a second tubular concentric with the first tubular, the second tubular having an inside surface defining an inside diameter greater than the outside diameter of the first tubular, an outside surface, and a longitudinal axis; a plurality of spacers between the first and second tubulars, each spacer having a longitudinal axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the second tubular, wherein at least one spacer is hollow; and at least one data sensing device and/or at least one data collecting device and/or at least one data transmitting device is carried within the at least one hollow spacer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: David Randolph Smith
  • Patent number: 6564657
    Abstract: A sampling device provides accurately repeatable samples for determination of consistency. A chamber is placed into the process line, and a piston in the chamber can be moved rearwardly to withdraw a quantity of process into the chamber. A sample container in communication with the chamber is also filled. The piston is moved forwardly to urge the process back into the process line, while the sample container remains full of process. The sample container has a known volume, and the piston in its forward position closes the sample container so the sample therein is limited to the known volume. The sample is transferred to a filter, and clean water assures that all solids are transferred to the filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Inventors: Markku Mustonen, Ted Quincy Cobb, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6561046
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus that allows multiple uncontaminated samples to be taken from hydrothermal vents and the oceanic or limnological water column. The apparatus includes a sampling nozzle for taking in the sample. A sample collection unit is in fluid communication with the sampling nozzle and includes at least one sampling module for the collection of a predetermined type of sample. A fluid intake module is in fluid communication with the sample collection unit and the sampling nozzle. The fluid intake module includes at least one pump for drawing a sample fluid through the sampling nozzle and sample collection unit. A control module is in electrical communication with the fluid intake module. The control module includes a micro-controller for controlling the fluid intake module and a computer readable memory for storing sampling data for use by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: McLane Research Laboratories
    Inventors: Craig D. Taylor, Kenneth W. Doherty
  • Publication number: 20030079555
    Abstract: A method for controlling the dilution air supply to a partial flow dilution tunnel in a gas sampling system is provided. The gas sampling system is capable of testing and certifying internal combustion engines under transient conditions and includes a partial flow dilution tunnel, master and slave mass flow controllers and a transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement. The transient dilution air flow controlling arrangement measures the transient changes in intake air and varies the flow of diluent air to the partial flow dilution tunnel. By controlling the diluent air in this manner ensures that a particle sample can be taken at any time that is at a constant proportion to the exhaust flow rate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2001
    Publication date: May 1, 2003
    Inventors: Richard R. Dickson, Russell R. Graze
  • Patent number: 6550347
    Abstract: The invention is an air sampler which utilizes a hydrophobic filter and an entrapment fluid contained within a sampler body. Air to be sampled is bubbled through the entrapment fluid, which traps and retains a selected air component for later testing. Air which is thus bubbled through the entrapment fluid passes through a hydrophobic filter before leaving the sampler body. A hydrophobic filter prevents aqueous liquids from exiting the sampler body. This allows a higher rate of air flow, because the sampling fluid does not diminish as quickly due to suspended droplets exiting the sampler body. The sampler body may also be inverted to rinse down the walls of the sampler body without losing any liquid, due to the presence of the hydrophobic filter. The entrapment fluid can be poured or drained out of the sampler body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Bruce J. Bradley
  • Patent number: 6543301
    Abstract: A orifice plate used in an impactor that has a large number of very small openings therein is made of a thin material, and has a plurality of projections that extend outwardly from one surface thereof. The orifice plate is mounted adjacent a plate surface, and the projections serve to support the orifice plate spaced from the surface when the orifice plate deflects under differential pressures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: MSP Corporation
    Inventors: Virgil A. Marple, Daryl L. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6523393
    Abstract: A preconcentrator system and apparatus suited to human portable use wherein sample potentially containing a target chemical substance is drawn into a chamber and through a pervious screen. The screen is adapted to capture target chemicals and then, upon heating, to release those chemicals into the chamber. Chemicals captured and then released in this fashion are then carried to a portable chemical detection device such as a portable ion mobility spectrometer. In the preferred embodiment, the means for drawing sample into the chamber comprises a reversible fan which, when operated in reverse direction, creates a backpressure that facilitates evolution of captured target chemicals into the chamber when the screen is heated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Linker, Francis A. Bouchier, David W. Hannum, Charles L. Rhykerd, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6520033
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, sampling and analyzing thermally-labile chemical species, comprises a quartz tube having a filter member positioned in the bore of the tube. The filter member comprises a plug of quartz beads having a layer of quartz frits on either side. A fluid (gas or liquid) carrying one or more chemical substances associated with particulate matter is passed through the tube, the particulate material being collected by the quartz beads. After sample collection, the material remaining/retained from the original sample is removed, as for example by thermal desorption, and the material is then analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: Her Majesty the Queen in right of Canada, represented by the Minister of the Environment
    Inventors: William H. Schroeder, Julia Lu
  • Publication number: 20030024329
    Abstract: A process of sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles comprising the steps of disposing a receptacle in fluid communication with the elucidate from the comestibles, transporting the elucidate in the receptacle, dispensing the sample of elucidate from the receptacle, and analyzing the sample. A device for sampling liquid elucidate from comestibles includes a fluid flow conduit having two ends where the first end is designed to communicate with the elucidate and the second end is disposed in fluid communication with the sampling means.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2001
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Kenneth W. McMillin, Jerry Mitchell, Brian S. Smith
  • Patent number: 6513397
    Abstract: A unit for sampling aldehydes and ketones contained in diluted exhaust gases from thermal combustion engines has a specific trapping circuit and a simulation circuit that simulates the specific trapping circuit. The specific trapping circuit and the simulation circuit are arranged in parallel so that the diluted gases can be passed for some time in the simulation circuit (5) before they are passed into the specific trapping circuit wherein aldehydes and ketones are trapped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Michel Pasquereau, Jean-François Papagni, Richard Levesque, Laurent Dayde
  • Patent number: 6511852
    Abstract: Described is apparatus and a process for collecting for subsequent analysis a volatile composition such as a perfume composition located on the surface and/or in the interstices of a planar pliable porous substrate such as a towel section. A planar surface of the substrate which contains the volatile composition is initially juxtaposed adjacent a solid wall (e.g., glass frit) porous to a nonreactive carrier gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and fully and tightly covers the porous section of the wall. The carrier gas is passed through the porous section of the wall and then through the pliable porous substrate section which is adjacent to the wall; after which the carrier gas contains each component of the volatile composition. The composition-carrier gas mixture is then passed through a trapping substance (e.g., TENAX® a polyphenylene oxide) which entraps the molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The thus-collected volatile composition may be subsequently analyzed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventor: Walter O. Ledig
  • Patent number: 6511606
    Abstract: A simple, economical acid rapid method for determining the contaminate particle size appearing in a fluid being filtered includes a filter housing that eliminates fluid bypass with a multi-layered laminated filter disposed therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Mechanical Manufacturing Corp.
    Inventor: Sidney Goldman
  • Publication number: 20030000318
    Abstract: An apparatus for, and a method of, sampling and analyzing thermally-labile chemical species, comprises a quartz tube having a filter member positioned in the bore of the tube. The filter member comprises a plug of quartz beads having a layer of quartz frits on either side. A fluid (gas or liquid) carrying one or more chemical substances associated with particulate matter is passed through the tube, the particulate material being collected by the quartz beads. After sample collection, the material remaining/retained from the original sample is removed, as for example by thermal desorption, and the material is then analyzed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2002
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: William H. Schroeder, Julia Lu
  • Patent number: 6497156
    Abstract: A sample of gaseous constituents, to be used in e.g. emissions testing, is collected within an inner bag 86 having a wall 92 that allows limited diffusion of at least one of the gaseous constituents therethrough. A control gas is then collected into an outer bag 82 that defines an auxiliary chamber 94 between the wall and the outside environment. The control gas controls the rate of diffusion of the at least one constituent through the wall and into the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: Horiba Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen F. Dageforde
  • Patent number: 6495375
    Abstract: Described is apparatus and a process for collection for subsequent analysis a volatile composition such as a perfume composition located on the surface and/or in the interstices of a planar pliable porous substrate such as a towel section. A planar surface of the substrate which contains the volatile composition is initially juxtaposed adjacent a solid wall (e.g., glass frit) porous to a nonreactive carrier gas such as air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, and fully and tightly covers the porous section of the wall. The carrier gas is passed through the porous section of the wall and then through the pliable porous substrate section which is adjacent to the wall; after which the carrier gas contains each component of the volatile composition. The composition-carrier gas mixture is then passed through a trapping substance (e.g., TENAX®) which entraps the molecules of each component of the volatile composition. The thus-collected volatile composition may subsequently be analyzed (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: International Flavors & Fragrances Inc.
    Inventor: Walter O. Ledig
  • Patent number: 6492183
    Abstract: This invention provides a one-piece multilayer article for use in solid phase extraction that includes at least two porous support layers and a solid phase extraction medium, wherein the porous support layers are thermo-mechanically attached at at least one thermo-mechanical attachment site. At least one of the porous support layers can be a prefilter layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2002
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Craig A. Perman, Taib K. Ansera, Eric E. Wisted, Michael R. Berrigan, Jason R. Jacobson, Glen H. Bayer, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6481301
    Abstract: A hand-held syringe-like device has needle containing a trap with a barrel and plunger to draw air into and out of the needle through the trap. In a method of operating the device, particulate matter in air is retained in the trap and subsequently analytes from the trap are desorbed in an analytical instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Janusz B. Pawliszyn
  • Patent number: 6477907
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting explosive-indicating compounds in subsurface soil. The apparatus has a probe with an adsorbent material on some portion of its surface that can be placed into soil beneath the ground surface, where the adsorbent material can adsorb at least one explosive-indicating compound. The apparatus additional has the capability to desorb the explosive-indicating compound through heating or solvent extraction. A diagnostic instrument attached to the probe detects the desorbed explosive-indicating compound. In the method for detecting explosive-indicating compounds in soil, the sampling probe with an adsorbent material on at least some portion of a surface of the sampling probe is inserted into the soil to contact the adsorbent material with the soil. The explosive-indicating compounds are then desorbed and transferred as either a liquid or gas sample to a diagnostic tool for analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: William B. Chambers, Philip J. Rodacy, James M. Phelan, Ronald L. Woodfin
  • Patent number: 6463815
    Abstract: A gas sampling assembly takes a sample of a gas and passes the gas through a monitoring unit. A material within the unit removes particulates from the gas and a port is provided for feeding into the unit a material for indicating the presence of particulates. A transparent portion of the unit allows the indication to be viewed. The unit can be used in sterile packaging apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Air Dispersions Ltd
    Inventors: Alan Tallentire, Colin Samuel Sinclair
  • Patent number: 6466637
    Abstract: A CRUD collection system for removing deposits from a nuclear reactor fuel rod submerged in pool water. The system includes a sealable collection head for containing a portion of the fuel rod. The collection head includes at least one seal positioned to receive the fuel rod. Also provided is a liquid inlet communicating with an interior portion of the collection head, the inlet is configured to inject a liquid into the interior to displace the pool water therefrom. At least one blade is provided that is positionable in scraping engagement with the fuel rod. Also included is a liquid outlet for eliminating a CRUD sample and the liquid to a filter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Framatome ANP Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Bowen, Leonard Van Swam
  • Patent number: 6458267
    Abstract: A filter device is described for obtaining a filtered sample of fluid for measuring purposes from a container or tube conduit. The device has a closed fluid circuit including a first filter element 4, a pump conduit having a pump 27 therein, and a second filter element 5 arranged so that a sample of fluid is suctioned from the container or tube conduit via the first filter element 4, through the pump conduit 26, 28 and then back to the container or tube via the second filter element 5 or vice versa. An optical probe 17 for measuring purposes can be arranged within the carrier tube 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2002
    Assignee: Bran + Luebbe GmbH
    Inventor: Holm Kaendler
  • Patent number: 6451201
    Abstract: In an apparatus for providing a continuous integrity test for suction driven filtering membrane assemblies 10, a monitoring line 32 diverts a portion of permeate to a monitoring device 30 (e.g. a turbidimeter). Both ends 34, 36 of the monitoring line are connected to the permeate pipe 20 upstream from the permeate pump 26 and at points of relatively higher and lower pressures respectively, to cause fluid to flow through the monitoring line. The relatively higher and lower pressures may be caused by a source of head loss 38 (e.g. a valve) in the permeate line. The source of head loss may be adjusted to provide a required flow through the monitoring device by a control 43 communicating with a flow meter 42 in the monitoring line. Membrane assemblies may be individually monitored although many of them may be connected to a common permeate pump (FIG. 2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Zenon Environmental Inc.
    Inventors: Jason Cadera, Nicholas Adams
  • Patent number: 6446514
    Abstract: An method of, and an apparatus for, collecting a sample of a substance of interest, utilizes an apparatus having a device for collecting a vapor sample and a device for retaining a substrate. A substrate, having a working portion and a mounting portion, is mounted by the mounting portion of the substrate, whereby the working portion of the substrate is exposed for use. The apparatus so that the working portion of the substrate traverses surfaces of interest, to collect a particulate sample. A device for sampling vapor is operated to obtain a vapor sample. The vapor and particulate samples collected are analyzed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Assignee: Barringer Research Limited
    Inventors: Ludmila Danylewych-May, John Henry Davies, Frank Kuja, Sabatino Nacson
  • Patent number: 6439027
    Abstract: The mass of particulate of an effluent gas flowing in a stack is measured with a mass measurement assembly in which sampling is isokinetically controlled by determining in real-time the molecular weight of the effluent gas, and in particular, determining the moisture content of water vapor in the effluent gas. Readings from a pair of flow sensors connected in series and separated by a dryer are compared to provide a real-time moisture measurement of the effluent gas. The moisture measurement is used to determine a total molecular weight of the effluent gas in real-time and the velocity of the effluent gas in real-time for isokinetic sampling during measurement of the mass of particulate flowing in the effluent gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Rupprecht & Patashnick Company, Inc.
    Inventor: John Hiss, III
  • Patent number: 6432265
    Abstract: The object of the invention is a sampling apparatus in a continuous industrial process for taking a sample of the substance to be monitored. The sampling apparatus is located on the wall of the pulp tank and it includes a sample chamber, which is equipped with a cover, and a filter. The sample chamber includes a closing device, by means of which the connection from the pulp tank to the sample chamber can be closed, as a result of which the filter remains in the sample chamber in the space between the cover and the closing device. The filter can be pulled out of the sample chamber for cleaning after the cover of the sample chamber has been opened. Another object of the invention is a sampling method and a cleaning method for the sampling apparatus presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: ABB Industry Oy
    Inventors: Petri Pursiheimo, Claes Zetter
  • Patent number: 6425296
    Abstract: Suction device to draw off sample liquids from filtration vessels to recipient vessels including an evacuable chamber, which has an upper opening with a continues circular sealing surface for marginally supporting at least one filtration vessel mountable in place from top and may be opened for the insertion and removal of at least one recipient vessel, and including a support parallel to the sealing surface to enable the recipient vessel to be positioned in the chamber below the filtration vessel wherein the upper opening including the circular sealing surface is disposed on a first chamber portion adapted to be displaced with regard to a stationarily disposed, second chamber portion including the support where the first and second chamber portions complement each other in a charging position to form a sealed chamber and the first chamber portion releases the support, in an access position displaced away from the second chamber portion, for the insertion and removal of the recipient vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2002
    Assignee: Eppendorf AG
    Inventors: Rüdiger Brust, Werner Lurz, Peter Koch, Peter Scheffler, Werner Flachsbarth
  • Patent number: 6418799
    Abstract: A sampling apparatus is described which contains a cylindrical member containing first and second annular recesses on opposing sides thereof and an opening therethrough. At least one resilient sealing member is disposed in each of the recesses. At least one foraminous support disposed in the cylindrical member over the opening adjacent the first recess. A porous medium is adjacent the foraminous support between the foraminous support and the sealing member. A compression housing is provided which contains first and second housing members for compressing the cylindrical member, sealing members, foraminous support and porous medium between the first and second housing members and a clamping means for compressing the sealing members to form a fluid tight seal. A fluid sample is fed by means of a fluid inlet in the first housing member which inlet is in flow communication with the opening, porous medium and foraminous support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: CSI Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bradley D. Pardue, Raymond E. Garvey
  • Patent number: 6420185
    Abstract: An apparatus and methods of utilizing a semi-permeable membrane to concentrate contaminants in a portion of an Ultra Pure Water stream to levels which are detectable by an on-line analyzer. This allows the use of analyzers that would not be able to accurately detect contaminant concentrations in the Ultra Pure Water stream. Thus, by knowing the concentration factor and the level of contaminants in the concentrated stream indicated by the analyzer the real level of contamination can be back calculated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory E. Carr
  • Publication number: 20020069709
    Abstract: A orifice plate used in an impactor that has a large number of very small openings therein is made of a thin material, and has a plurality of projections that extend outwardly from one surface thereof. The orifice plate is mounted adjacent a plate surface, and the projections serve to support the orifice plate spaced from the surface when the orifice plate deflects under differential pressures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Daryl L. Roberts, Virgil A. Marple
  • Patent number: 6401547
    Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for simultaneously monitoring the fluid flux, and the dissolved contaminants fluxes, in a flow field is provided comprising the use of a permeable unit containing an insoluble sorbent matrix that retains dissolved contaminants. The matrix may also contain tracers that can be displaced by the fluid flow. The method of monitoring comprises placing permeable units in contact with the contaminated flow field, thereby allowing contaminants to flow through the permeable unit and be sorbed on the insoluble sorbent matrix. Sufficient time is allowed for the contaminant concentrations in the flow field to reach equilibrium. The permeable unit is then removed from contact with the flow field and analyzed to determine cumulative contaminant fluxes and cumulative fluid fluxes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: The University of Florida
    Inventors: Kirk Hatfield, P. Suresh C. Rao, Michael David Annable, Timothy J. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20020066322
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for producing a predeterminable volume of components of solution mixtures with a metering device for the solution mixture, a separator that is downstream of said metering device and is intended to separate out undesired components contained in the solution mixture, and a vacuum unit for evaporating the solution mixture, which is precleaned in the separator, to the predetermined volume, whereby a conveyor having a predeterminable rate of flow is upstream of the separator and a device for preventing the flow rate of the conveyor from being affected by the vacuum present in the vacuum unit is upstream of the vacuum unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Baumann
  • Patent number: 6397689
    Abstract: A sampling probe for withdrawing and filtering a portion of material from a vessel having an inner chamber containing the material and a port for receiving a probe. The sampling probe comprises a casing having a sample inlet, a pumping chamber having a pump for drawing a portion of the material into the pumping chamber through the sample inlet, and a filter chamber downstream of the pumping chamber. The filter chamber includes a filter which divides the filter chamber into a retentate portion and a filtrate portion, wherein at least part of the withdrawn material passes through the filter into the filtrate portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2002
    Assignee: YSI Incorporated
    Inventor: Donald R. Moles
  • Publication number: 20020062701
    Abstract: An in-situ particle monitor in an exhaust controls a particle sampler so that when a predetermined particle threshold is detected, the particle sampler is caused to gather samples from the exhaust in real-time. Electrical control signals are monitored to correlate variations in the signals with particle excursions for both analysis and sample collection triggering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2001
    Publication date: May 30, 2002
    Inventors: Richard L. Guldi, J. Michael Grobelny
  • Patent number: 6383818
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of analyzing a blood component by filtering blood using a glass fiber filter to obtain a plasma or serum sample and measuring the sample, wherein some plasma or serum samples obtained by using the same type glass fiber filter and by a standard method have previously been measured to determine a and b of the formula Y=ax+b wherein Y is the analytical value obtained by the standard method and x is the analytical value obtained by using the glass fiber filter, and the analytical value of the blood is corrected by using the above formula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Film Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takaki Arai, Kenichiro Yazawa, Osamu Seshimoto
  • Patent number: 6378362
    Abstract: This invention provides saturated and unsaturated Vadose zone remote sample acquisition and in-situ contaminant character identification. The invention is addressed to the management of the Vadose zone. Matters of interest to the agricultural community may include, in addition to other factors, the quantity of nutrients in the saturated zone and the existence of contaminants and the potential for loss of nutrients to the unsaturated zone. Matters of interest to facilities engaging in pollution, toxic or other contaminant detection will be the presence of such contaminants in both the saturated and unsaturated zones and additionally of the transit of contaminants into the unsaturated zone having potential of interaction with the water table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Larry Dickinson
  • Patent number: 6370972
    Abstract: A chemical sampling sink and method. The chemical sampling sink typically includes an enclosure configured to contain a receptacle, and a chemical supply line extending into the enclosure, the chemical supply line including a dispenser configured to deliver a liquid chemical to the receptacle. The chemical sampling sink also includes an exhaust line attached to the enclosure, the exhaust line being configured to suction gases from the enclosure, and a filter positioned on the enclosure, the filter being configured to remove contaminants from air drawn into the enclosure as gases are suctioned from the enclosure out the exhaust line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: SEH America, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew J. Bomber, Michael A. Hamilton
  • Publication number: 20020040610
    Abstract: Instruments and processes according to the invention provide for the preparation of a fluid sample that has a substantially known concentration of a select particulate matter. In one aspect, the invention is understood as laboratory instruments for sample preparation. These instruments can include a filter that is submersible within a fluid suspension of particulate matter. To collect particulate matter from the fluid suspension, the instruments can cause a fluid flow that pulls fluid across the filter to trap particulate matter against one surface of the filter. The instruments can then remove the filter from the fluid suspension and dispose the filter above a collection vessel such that the side of the filter that is carrying particulate matter is positioned above the opening of the collection vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2001
    Publication date: April 11, 2002
    Inventors: Gail E. Radcliffe, Daniel C. Lapen, Charles A. Festel
  • Patent number: 6357304
    Abstract: A system for the retrieval and initial conditioning of sample gas for “on line” analyzers or filling of gas sample cylinders. The preferred embodiment of the present invention contemplates a system configured to obtain a representative gas phase sample from a process gas containing entrained liquid, or a process gas which generally is highly susceptible to partial condensation of some gas phase components. The preferred embodiment of the present invention teaches an assembly including a phase separation membrane and housing configured to facilitate the removal of entrained liquid from a sample gas stream. Accuracy of the sample is enhanced, and compositional changes are avoided by first extracting a sample from the process gas followed by removal of entrained liquid it may contain, with the entrained liquid removal being conducted at the prevailing process gas pressure and temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Donald P. Mayeaux
  • Patent number: 6354135
    Abstract: Aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source are obtained by an apparatus and process for obtaining the chemicals. The apparatus includes the use of one or more capillary tubes which have on their interior surfaces an absorbent material, a suction device for drawing the aroma chemicals through the capillary tubes, and a connecting tube which connects the capillary tubes and the suction device. A system for collecting and analyzing the aroma chemicals emitted from an aroma-emitting source is disclosed which has one or more capillary tubes, a suction device, a connecting tube, a thermal desorber which desorbs the aroma chemicals directly from the capillary tubes, a cryogenic focusing device, and a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Assignee: Givauden Roure (International) SA
    Inventors: Thomas McGee, Kenneth Leo Purzycki
  • Publication number: 20020023479
    Abstract: An automated computer controlled ground water system for monitoring and analysis for an analyte, has a sampling device in a well casing with a valve and sensor to provide a predetermined sample volume, a treatment assembly to prepare a calibration standard, a calibration assembly to provide a standard of known concentration and volume, an analytical assembly to analyze for analyte concentration, and a communication system to receive analysis data and transmit it to a cognizant agency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Inventors: Scott R. Burge, Russell W. Burge, David A. Hoffman
  • Patent number: 6345545
    Abstract: A device for concentrating particles from a high volume gas stream and delivering the particles for detection in a low volume gas stream includes first and second preconcentrators. The first preconcentrator has a first structure for retaining particles in a first gas flow path through which a first gas flows at a relatively high volume, valves for selectively stopping the first gas flow; and a second gas flow path through which gas flows at an intermediate flow volume for moving particles from the first structure. The second preconcentrator includes a second structure for retaining particles in the second gas flow path; a valve for selectively stopping the second gas flow; and a third gas flow path through which gas flows at a low volume for moving particles from the second structure to a detector. Each of the particle retaining structures is preferably a metal screen that may be resistively heated by application of an electric potential to release the particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Sandia Corporation
    Inventors: Kevin L. Linker, Charles A. Brusseau
  • Patent number: 6312591
    Abstract: A filtration cell for carrying out a tangential flow filtration of a sample liquid contains at least two blocks and at least two filtration elements arranged between each pair of two adjacent blocks. The filtration elements each include an outlet for filtrate, a sheet of support material and two generally flat ultrafiltration or microfiltration membranes, arranged on either side of the support material in a sandwich construction. Each of the blocks, at a side adjacent the membranes, is provided with a respective channel for feeding a flow of sample liquid tangentially over the membranes such that each channel is connected in parallel with the inlet for the flow of sample liquid to be filtered and with an outlet for a concentrated solution. Each channel includes in its longitudinal direction a number of subsequent channel sections separated by transitional zones and is constructed and arranged such that the main flow direction in subsequent sections changes abruptly in the transitional zones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Sartorius AG
    Inventors: Vincenzo Vassarotti, Colin Lanyi, Christopher Biddell
  • Publication number: 20010032519
    Abstract: A sampler for removing a sample of gas from a flue or stack utilizes virtual impactor principles, together with a gas jet ejector to insure that the surfaces are kept free of particles. The gas that is discharged from the sampler thus is not changed in character by contact with particles that may adhere to surfaces of the sampler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2001
    Publication date: October 25, 2001
    Inventors: Benjamin Y.H. Liu, Daryl L. Roberts, Virgil A. Marple, Francisco J. Romay
  • Patent number: 6306291
    Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring particulates in a liquid stream and the rate at which the particulates foul a filtering medium, generally a reverse osmosis membrane, to determine at what point in time the filtering medium should be cleaned or replaced. The apparatus includes a monitoring filter unit having a plurality of filter portions. The pressure drop across each filter portion, through which a sample of the feed stream is passed, is monitored. Fouling of a filter portion by accumulated particulate thereon causes an increase in the pressure drop across the filter unit. The increasing pressure drop is monitored as an indicator of the correlative or correspondent fouling of the main filtering medium to be protected. Different filter portions in the filter unit are successively used as each becomes fouled, allowing continuous monitoring for extended periods of time between filter media changes in monitoring filter unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Stanley R. Lueck
  • Patent number: 6295867
    Abstract: A sturdy tubular “sub” apparatus for collecting geological samples (Geological Sample-Sub or GSS) that may be entrained within a conventional drill string apparatus for conducting a drill-stem-test. The apparatus may be manufactured from conventional drill-collar stock and may be provided threads at each end of a standardized thread size so that it may be readily exchanged with or attached to other subs comprising the drill string apparatus. The drill string apparatus with the incorporated GSS may be lowered in a closed and empty state into a drilled hole whereupon it is packed off and the apparatus may be opened. A slit-like opening in the GSS permits entry of rock samples into the tubular apparatus, whereas baffles located within the apparatus near both ends prevent the escape of the samples as fluid in the hole rushes through the open drill string assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2001
    Inventor: Don F. Mahaffey