Sample Meter Or Pump Patents (Class 73/864.34)
  • Patent number: 12239778
    Abstract: Disclosed is a canister for a mobile negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) device, specifically adapted for ensuring prolonged uninterrupted use of the NPWT device. The canister has an inlet port and a filter member. The canister also includes a bypass member adapted to at least partly allow passage of air from the inlet port to the filter member. Also disclosed is a corresponding NPWT device that includes the canister.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2025
    Assignee: Mölnlycke Health Care AB
    Inventors: Ulf Johannison, Niclas Flach, Fredrik Sahle
  • Patent number: 12140575
    Abstract: A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ortmann, Daniel Thielsch
  • Patent number: 12140583
    Abstract: A lysimeter device used for monitoring and measuring the concentration of water soluble compounds in the soil without disturbing the natural flow pattern of water in the soil and constructed of two tubes, the first tube inserted into the second tube, a sealing plate and a clogging prevention component (CPC). A lysimeter device for monitoring the concentration of soluble fertilizer' compounds, total salinity and pesticides commonly used in agriculture and gardening and their uptake by plants while not disturbing the plants roots soil environment and with no need for an external power/energy source for functioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Inventor: Asher Azenkot
  • Patent number: 12117376
    Abstract: Embodiments provide a system for monitoring an environment and a monitoring method based on a system for monitoring an environment. The system for monitoring the environment includes: a sampling device, configured to collect environmental samples from the process areas and including a system sampling pipeline, the environmental sample containing air; an analysis device, connected to an output end of the system sampling pipeline and configured to analyze the collected environmental samples; and an air supply device, connected to the system sampling pipeline and configured to provide a purge gas and purge the system sampling pipeline using the purge gas. In a period for a single sampling, a ratio between a time period for purging the system sampling pipeline using the air supply device and a time period for sampling by the sampling device is controlled to be 1:5.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2024
    Assignee: CHANGXIN MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Xubao Wang, Yunxiao Ding
  • Patent number: 12092556
    Abstract: Systems and processes for collecting and transporting a fluid sample. In one embodiment, the system can include at least one apparatus that can include a rotatable shaft, one or more other moving parts, and at least one fluid path containing a lubricating fluid. The system can also include at least one sample container and at least one unmanned aerial vehicle configured to transport the at least one sample container. The system can also include at least one valve that can be configured to open and discharge a sample of the lubricating fluid from the at least one fluid path into the at least one sample container. At least one unmanned aerial vehicle station can be configured to receive the at least one unmanned aerial vehicle. At least one retention and loading mechanism can be configured to move the at least one sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Samuel C. Bainbridge, Eric B. Senzer
  • Patent number: 12066413
    Abstract: Disclosed is a chromatographic separation column assembly (100) comprising a column cylinder (120) having a cylinder wall (126) including an inner wall surface (124) partially defining a column volume (50), and a column component (110/130) insertable into to the cylinder (120), wherein at least an edge region (113/133) of the column component is intended to be in contact or adjacent a part of the inner wall surface (124) in use, the edge region and the contacting or adjacent part of inner wall surface each being formed from a compatible heat fusible material or materials, and wherein at least the cylinder wall in the area of the contacting or adjacent part of the inner wall is formed from a material which allows transmission of the light energy needed to cause said fusing of the adapter plate edge region to the inner wall surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2024
    Assignee: Cytiva Sweden AB
    Inventors: Daniel Salomonsson, Mats Lundkvist
  • Patent number: 12037220
    Abstract: An integrated monitoring panel for an elevator hoistway fire detection system is provided. The system includes a power supply, fault indicators for power and smoke detection, and alarm indicators for smoke and linear heat detection. The panel is configured to receive a terminus of a linear heat detection cable and a terminus of a smoke alarm detection piping. The panel includes a smoke detection test port that may receive simulated smoke and is connected to another terminus of the smoke alarm detection piping. A linear heat detection test switch triggers a test mode and interacts with the linear heat detection cable. During the test mode, the system circulates simulated smoke, analyzes air quality and electrical conditions, and activates corresponding alarm indicators. The performance of these functionalities helps determine whether the system meets operational criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: The ADT Security Corporation
    Inventors: Martin Smith, Ryan Sandler, Jeffrey Smith
  • Patent number: 12007302
    Abstract: A gas sensor includes a housing having an open portion at one side of the housing, a circuit board securely provided inside the housing, the circuit board defining a gas sensing space in the housing that communicates with the open portion of the housing, the circuit board having a sensing element located in the gas sensing space and configured to sense a specific gas, a holder provided inside the gas sensing space, and fixed to the housing, the holder having a through hole communicating with the open portion of the housing, and a filter provided inside the gas sensing space, and coupled to the holder or the housing so as to cover the through hole or the open portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: Hyundai Kefico Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Tae Lee, Dae Gun Lee, Kyeong Hyeon Kim
  • Patent number: 11946034
    Abstract: A sterile sampling apparatus includes a first to seventh flow paths, a sampling section, a first and second pumps, and a first to sixth opening/closing mechanism. The sampling section is disposed in the seventh flow path. The first pump is disposed in the sixth flow path. The second pump is disposed in the seventh flow path. The second flow path includes a first opening/closing mechanism. The third flow path includes a second opening/closing mechanism. The fourth flow path includes a third opening/closing mechanism. The first flow path includes a fourth opening/closing mechanism. The sixth flow path includes a fifth opening/closing mechanism. The seventh flow path includes a sixth opening/closing mechanism. The rate of the second pump is higher than that of the first pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Assignee: Nihon Kohden Corporation
    Inventors: Hodaka Makino, Hirotsugu Kubo
  • Patent number: 11906401
    Abstract: The invention provides a sampling device for geological fluid detection, relates to the technical field of fluid detection. The sampling device comprises a support frame, the support frame is of an L-shaped structure, and a second support plate is arranged at an upper portion of the support frame; the protection cover is mounted at the corner of a bottom portion of the support frame. The water fixing member is clamped above the bottom portion of the support frame; the locking inclined block is mounted at the bottom portion of the; and the detector is provided with a water inlet pipe. Fluid at different depths is detected through cooperation of the mounting sleeve and the lifting frame, a fluid drainage tube is wound around the winding wheel, the mounting sleeve is driven by the lifting frame to adjust the position through the arrangement of the gear and the rack, the fluid is sampled through the sampling test tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2023
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Chengdu University of Technology
    Inventors: Chen Zhang, Huaguo Wen, Chao Ma, Jintong Liang, Yiquan Ma, Yixin Dong, Shaohui Wang, Gang Zhou, Yuan Zhong, Wenbin Tang, Bolin Zhang, Yiting Sun, Yunchuan Zeng
  • Patent number: 11867579
    Abstract: A method for detecting an error state when aspirating a liquid to identify whether a pre-determined volume of liquid was aspirated. The method including: immersing a tip of an aspiration needle in the liquid, aspirating a predetermined partial volume of the liquid in the aspiration needle, continuously acquiring a sensor signal curve, which indicates a pressure in the aspiration needle, during an overall time period, detecting the error state in the case that the sensor signal falls below a first threshold value during the predetermined time period, characterized by providing a reference signal curve, determining a deviation measure, which indicates a deviation of the sensor signal curve from the reference signal curve during the further time period, providing a predetermined second threshold value, detecting the error state as a function of the deviation measure and the second threshold value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: EUROIMMUN Medizinische Labordiagnostika AG
    Inventors: Danny Farell, Anna Katharina Laarmann
  • Patent number: 11808748
    Abstract: A method of detecting radon may include starting a first timer at a radon detection device in response to a first triggering action. A seal of the radon detection device may transition to a seal position from an open position in response to the first timer being equal to a measurement interval. The open position may facilitate the introduction of ambient air to a vent of the radon detection device. The seal position may discourage introduction of the ambient air to the vent. The vent may be in fluid communication with a test material. The test material may collect radon from the ambient air introduced to the radon detection device. A second timer may be started in response to the seal transitioning from the open position to the seal position. The seal remains in the sealed position following the transition from the open position to the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: FORMATIVE HOLDINGS, LLC
    Inventor: Travis A. Jewell
  • Patent number: 11745198
    Abstract: The invention relates to a set of dispensing containers (100) for liquid and semi-liquid substances, comprising a main dispening container (1) and a secondary dispensing container (4). The main dispensing container (1) comprises an outlet (2) and a main pump (3) and is suitable for placing more substance therein and for filling of the secondary dispensing container (4), and the secondary dispensing container (4) is suitable for containing a smaller amount of substance and comprises a pumping mechanism, wherein during filling the secondary dispensing container (4) is connected to the main dispensing container (1). A sliding mechanism (7) is located at the outlet (2) of the main dispensing container (1), and the main pump (3) is mounted in the outlet (2) of the main dispensing container (1), said main pump (3) being connected to the atomizer (8) at the outside of the main dispensing container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Inventor: Anna Pawluszek
  • Patent number: 11698333
    Abstract: [Solving Means] A sample liquid-sending apparatus includes a placement portion, a suction mechanism, and a vibrator. A sample container is placed in the placement portion, the sample container containing a suspension of a sample. The suction mechanism includes a nozzle configured to be inserted into the sample container placed in the placement portion, and suctions the sample through the nozzle. The vibrator vibrates the nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: SONY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Katsutoshi Tahara
  • Patent number: 11561154
    Abstract: A method and a device for measuring an oxygen content of a headspace gas in a beverage can. The beverage can is oriented upside down to allow the headspace gas to collect at the bottom. A hollow piercer on a piercing head forms a sampling opening in the bottom of the can through which the sampling tube penetrates. The liquid level in the beverage can is lowered to establish a direct connection of the gas-filled headspace and the sampling opening. Then the headspace gas is transported from the headspace to a sensor unit via the sampling tube and/or the hollow piercer or the piercing head. The oxygen content and/or an oxygen partial pressure and/or a headspace volume of the headspace gas are determined by the sensor unit. The sampling opening is closed off airtight by sealing elements arranged on the piercer or the piercing head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Anton Paar GmbH
    Inventor: Christof Umfer
  • Patent number: 11433388
    Abstract: For simplified dismantling of manual metering devices (1), the manual metering device (1) proposed is one which comprises the component carrier (5). This component carrier (5) can be pushed into its use position in the housing (4) through the insertion opening (10) present in the housing (4). The releasable connection (11), which can be released in particular from the outside, is provided for the releasable fastening of the component carrier (5) in its use position within the housing (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: IKA-Werke GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Philip Döbele
  • Patent number: 11428619
    Abstract: Provided herein is a particle analyzer that is operably connected to a probe unit that is capable of both dislodging particles from a surface and sampling the particles after they have been dislodged. The devices and methods described herein may be lightweight and/or handheld, for example, so that they may be used within a cleanroom environment to clean and sample permanent surfaces and tools. The devices may include optical particle counters that use scattered, obscured or emitted light to detect particles, including condensation particle counting systems or split detection optical particle counters to increase the sensitivity of the device and thereby facilitate detection of smaller particles, while avoiding the increased complexity typically required for the detection of nanoscale particles, such as particles less than 100 nm in effective diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Particle Measuring Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian A. Knollenberg, Daniel Robert Rodier
  • Patent number: 11371968
    Abstract: A sample management device which comprises a source flow path in which a fluidic sample can flow, a volume flow adjustment unit configured for adjusting a volume flow of the fluidic sample to be branched off from the source flow path at a fluidic coupling point, and a fluidic valve fluidically coupled with the source flow path and with the volume flow adjustment unit, wherein the fluidic valve is switchable into a branch off state in which the fluidic coupling point is established within the source flow path to branch off an adjustable volume of the fluidic sample from the source flow path via the fluidic coupling point while a flow of the fluidic sample in the source flow path continues.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Ortmann, Daniel Thielsch, Dominik Ruf
  • Patent number: 11333585
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an ocean surface water continuous sampling device, the device comprises a support that ascends and descends along the stern, on the support a sampling pipe for drawing and sampling the surface water, and hydraulic tanks for driving the support up and down to send the sampling pipe to where the surface water is are provided, and a buffer mechanism for avoiding damage due to constant water resistance to the sampling pipe during sailing is provided on the support too. Configuration of the depth transducer, control unit and hydraulic tanks, promises surface water accurate and continuous collection during research vessel travelling; the buffer mechanism works effectively in avoiding radial and axial damage to the sampling pipe due to continuous water current resistance, which successfully relieves the resistance, and prolongs sampling pipe life; and automatic surface water collection is realized with the automatic control design.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: THE FIRST INSTITUTE OF OCEANOGRAPHY
    Inventors: Zhiping Zhang, Haoran Zhang, Yang Li
  • Patent number: 11237145
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring and control of soil conditions. In one example, among others, a method includes obtaining one or more aqueous sample from at least one suction probe within a soil substrate and analyzing the one or more aqueous sample to determine a chemical composition of the soil substrate. Amounts of an additive may be determined to adjust the chemical composition of the soil substrate. In another example, a method includes installing at least one suction probe within a soil substrate; drawing a vacuum to induce hydraulic conduction of at least one aqueous solution from the soil substrate; extracting one or more aqueous sample; and analyzing the one or more aqueous sample to determine a chemical composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: AGQ Technological Corporate S.A.
    Inventor: Estanislao Martinez Martinez
  • Patent number: 11169060
    Abstract: A filtering device is provided to an analyzing instrument to block the passage of oversized particles that may otherwise clog the aperture of a sample analyzing device. The filtering device can be arranged to be proximate to the mixing chamber. In certain examples, the filtering device is placed at or adjacent an output port of the mixing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: Beckman Coulter, Inc.
    Inventors: Gabriel Santos, Janet F. Reyes, Gregory M. Colella
  • Patent number: 10974290
    Abstract: A foreign object inspection device determines the position and the shape of foreign objects remaining on a workpiece. The foreign object inspection device for inspecting foreign objects at inspection spots of a workpiece includes a nozzle including a suction port that sucks a foreign object, an exhauster, and a suction channel connecting the nozzle to the exhauster, and a detector installed on the suction channel to detect foreign object information about the shape of the foreign object sucked through the suction port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: SUGINO MACHINE LIMITED
    Inventors: Toyoaki Mitsue, Tomio Sawasaki, Chieko Kanayama
  • Patent number: 10670005
    Abstract: A process fluid pump can include a pump chamber, an inlet valve, and an outlet valve. Diaphragm regions can define at least a portion of each of the pump chamber, the inlet valve, and the outlet valve. The diaphragm regions can each have an actuation region with a surface that is convexly shaped when the formed actuation region is in a natural unstressed first state, and each formed actuation region can be actuated by a motive fluid to transition to a second state in which the surface is non-convexly shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Troy J. Orr
  • Patent number: 10590924
    Abstract: A medical fluid pumping system includes (i) a medical fluid pump including a pump chamber, inlet and outlet valve chambers in fluid communication with the pump chamber, the pump chamber associated with a pumping chamber motive fluid connection, the inlet valve chamber associated with an inlet valve motive fluid connection, and the outlet valve chamber associated with an outlet valve motive fluid connection; and (ii) a medical fluid chassis including a motive fluid source, and a first motive fluid connecting structure, a second motive fluid connecting structure, a third motive fluid connecting structure. The pumping chamber motive fluid connection, the inlet valve motive fluid connection, and the outlet valve motive fluid connection are translated simultaneously to mate respectively with the first motive fluid connecting structure, the second motive fluid connecting structure, and the third motive fluid connecting structure for fluid communication with the motive fluid source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2020
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare SA
    Inventor: Troy J. Orr
  • Patent number: 10359341
    Abstract: Sampling devices are used to obtain samples of fluids to be analyzed and to determine the composition of the fluid in the sampled environment. A sampling apparatus with an inflatable sample bag used to collect and store liquid, air, vapor, and or gas samples by drawing the sample into the bag through an inlet, a sorbent tube, cassette, and/or other collection media is described. The means for extracting the sample and moving it into the sample bag comprises means for expanding the volume of a sample bag and creating a vacuum or reduced pressure within the sample bag. The means for expanding the include separating walls of a sample bag by use of gravity, pneumatic pressure, a biasing force, hydraulic force, for example or increasing the volume of a sample bag retaining container by such forces. Such sampling apparatuses do not require use of a sampling pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2019
    Assignee: Nextteq LLC
    Inventors: Gueorgui M. Mihaylov, Bryan I. Truex
  • Patent number: 10254201
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention can sample particulates, aerosols, vapors, and/or biological components of ambient air utilizing spherical air-sampling filters. Components of the embodiments may include a hopper for holding spherical air-sampling filters, an air-sampling manifold configured to deliver an air-sampling filter from the hopper to a sampling location, and an air compressor to perform an air sampling operation and to transport a used air-sampling filter away from the sampling location. Operation of some embodiments may begin by rotating a slotted drum within the air-sampling manifold to deliver an air-sampling filter from the hopper to the sampling position. Operation may continue by using the air compressor to draw air from an ambient environment through the air-sampling filter. After sampling is complete, the air compressor may be utilized to pneumatically transport the used air-sampling filter away from the sampling position to a filter retrieval location via an output tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Inventor: Brian J. David
  • Patent number: 10088393
    Abstract: A water sampling device for obtaining a water sample within an environment isolated from adverse weather conditions, such as rain or a debris filled atmosphere. The water sampling device includes a chamber having a base, one or more sidewalls, and an upper end. The interior of the chamber includes a faucet disposed on a sidewall and connected to a hose that extends through the sidewall to the exterior of the chamber, wherein the hose can collect water from a water source. A valve is disposed within the faucet in order to control the flow of water therethrough. The water sampling device further includes a pair of gloves disposed on opposing sidewalls, wherein the gloves extend into the chamber so as to allow a user to manipulate the water sample therein. A stand is secured to the exterior of the chamber in order to support the chamber in an upright position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Inventor: Russ Dehaven
  • Patent number: 9846109
    Abstract: A fluid sampling device having a first conduit configured to couple an outlet of a fluid source to a sample inlet port; a second conduit configured to couple a sample outlet port to an inlet of the fluid source; an expansion chamber including an inlet and an outlet coupled to the first and second conduits by a valve assembly; and a pressure relief valve configured to couple the outlet of the expansion chamber to the inlet of the fluid source. The fluid sampling device facilitates acquisition of a fluid sample and subsequent purging of its internal components while inhibiting the release of sample fluid to the surrounding environment, thereby protecting the environment and sampling personnel from harmful chemical release. The fluid sampling device may facilitate a sample acquisition process that provides closed-loop flush and expansion operations for obtaining a representative sample at the appropriate fill density of the sample vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2017
    Assignee: SGS North America Inc.
    Inventors: Jim Hall, Sven Lataire
  • Patent number: 9689781
    Abstract: Sample taking device for extracting a fluid sample from a vessel comprising: a cover portion for closing the vessel such that, in use a headspace is defined between the cover portion and fluid held in the vessel, a sampling chamber comprising a sampling inlet and a sampling outlet, a cannula adapted to provide, in use, fluid communication between the fluid held in the vessel and the sampling chamber through the sampling inlet, and ports to operate the device in at least two operating conditions: a sample preparing condition in which a pressure in the headspace is greater than that of the sampling chamber such that fluid flows through the cannula towards the sampling chamber and can be retained therein, and a sample dispensing condition in which fluid retained in the sampling chamber can be delivered through the sampling outlet and fluid remaining inside the cannula can return to the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: RUAG SCHWEIZ AG
    Inventors: Andreu Fontova Sosa, Enric Sarró Casanovas
  • Patent number: 9568399
    Abstract: Sampling devices are used to obtain samples of fluids to be analyzed and to determine the composition of the fluid in the sampled environment. A sampling apparatus with an inflatable sample bag used to collect and store liquid, air, vapor, and or gas samples by drawing the sample into the bag through an inlet, a sorbent tube, cassette, and/or other collection media is described. The means for extracting the sample and moving it into the sample bag comprises means for expanding the volume of a sample bag and creating a vacuum or reduced pressure within the sample bag. The means for expanding the include separating walls of a sample bag by use of gravity, pneumatic pressure, a biasing force, hydraulic force, for example or increasing the volume of a sample bag retaining container by such forces. Such sampling apparatuses do not require use of a sampling pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2017
    Assignee: NEXTTEQ LLC
    Inventors: Gueorgui M. Mihaylov, Bryan I. Truex
  • Patent number: 9322749
    Abstract: A sample can be collected from an enclosed container by opening a sample collection valve and drawing the sample from the enclosed container. After delivery of the sample out of a fluid flow path, a sanitizing fluid can be directed along the fluid flow path to sanitize the fluid flow path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Bend Research, Inc.
    Inventors: David Dixon Newbold, Douglas Lee Millard, George Lewis Ellis, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9188509
    Abstract: Sampling devices are used to obtain samples of fluids to be analyzed and to determine the composition of the fluid in the sampled environment. A sampling apparatus with an inflatable sample bag used to collect and store liquid, air, vapor, and or gas samples by drawing the sample into the bag through an inlet, a sorbent tube, cassette, and/or other collection media is described. The means for extracting the sample and moving it into the sample bag comprises means for expanding the volume of a sample bag and creating a vacuum or reduced pressure within the sample bag. The means for expanding the include separating walls of a sample bag by use of gravity, pneumatic pressure, a biasing force, hydraulic force, for example or increasing the volume of a sample bag retaining container by such forces. Such sampling apparatuses do not require use of a sampling pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Nextteq LLC
    Inventors: Gueorgui M. Mihaylov, Bryan I. Truex
  • Patent number: 9107341
    Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for monitoring and control of soil conditions. In one example, among others, a method includes obtaining aqueous samples from suction probes within a soil substrate and analyzing the aqueous samples to determine a chemical composition of the soil substrate. Amounts of an additive may be determined to adjust the chemical composition of the soil substrate. In another example, a method includes installing a suction probe within a soil substrate; drawing a vacuum to induce hydraulic conduction of aqueous solutions from the soil substrate; extracting an aqueous sample; and analyzing the aqueous sample to determine a chemical composition of the soil substrate. In another example, a method includes obtaining a composition of a fertilizer solution (FS) supplied to a soil substrate and a chemical composition within the soil substrate; determining nutrient utilization, and providing an amount of additive to produce a subsequent FS for supply.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2015
    Assignee: AGQ TECHNOLOGICAL CORPORATE S.A.
    Inventor: Estanislao Martínez Martínez
  • Publication number: 20150135807
    Abstract: A mobile sample collection system including housing enclosing a main influent peristaltic pump operatively connected to a main tubing line; a continuous flow centrifuge (CFC) operatively connected to the main tubing line, the CFC comprising a centrifuge bowl; and an elutriate collection tank receiving elutriate from the CFC. The main influent peristaltic pump is configured to continuously pump fluids from a liquid source through the main tubing line and into the CFC. The fluids, containing suspended solids and dissolved solids, are processed through the CFC so that the suspended solids are retained on the centrifuge bowl and the dissolved solids are pumped out of the CFC through the main tubing line and into the elutriate collection tank for sample collection and analysis. The elutriate collection tank includes a tank liner configured to prevent direct contact of pumped fluids with the tank. Excess fluids are returned to the liquid source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: TIERRA SOLUTIONS, INC.
    Inventors: Clifford E. FIRSTENBERG, Alain P. Hebert, Diane L. Waldschmidt
  • Publication number: 20150096389
    Abstract: A sampling point for use with an aspirating particle detection system. The sampling point includes: a body; a plurality of apertures in the body for drawing an air sample from an ambient environment; an outlet for delivering the sampled air, at a predetermined sample flow rate, from the body into a sampling pipe of the network of sampling pipes; and a means for maintaining the predetermined sample flow rate regardless of the presence or absence of ambient flow of air about the body. A particle detection system, and air sampling system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Inventor: Ron Knox
  • Patent number: 8978492
    Abstract: A sampling container having a bottle connected to a cap with the cap in communication with a one-way valve for the transport of fluid into the bottle; and the one-way valve configured to receive fluids there through into the opening of the bottle. Further optional embodiments also include a vacuum adapter for attaching the cap to a vacuum pump.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: Des-Case Corporation
    Inventors: Jonathan L. Haworth, Cody Curtsinger, Aaron Holmes, Brian Swain
  • 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: 20140311213
    Abstract: A sampling system for collecting periodic composite and/or non-composite samples of vaporized gas during a transfer process from a vaporizer of a cryogenic hydrocarbon liquid including 1) a direct sample pathway to a gas analyzer for instantaneous, real-time vaporized gas analysis, 2) a speed loop pathway for directly collecting fresh vaporized gas samples for subsequent analysis, and 3) a composite sample pathway including a pressurized sample accumulator for collecting a plurality periodically obtained samples of a select volume during the transfer process to create a composite sample of the vaporized gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: Mustang Sampling, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Claude A. Rolston, Timothy Layne Querry
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8726721
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring and sampling air quality in an interior space of a wall are provided. The apparatus includes a housing configured to attach the apparatus to an electrical outlet in the wall, and a gasket configured to provide a seal between the housing and the electrical outlet. The apparatus further includes an air moving unit configured to draw air from the interior space of the wall into the apparatus, and a sensor configured to monitor and sample the air quality in the interior space of the wall. The gasket is configured to directly attach to an electrical plate cover of the electrical outlet or to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Mitchell Minges
  • Patent number: 8701980
    Abstract: A system for tracking one or more subjects for collecting airborne contaminants. The system includes one or more subjects configured to collect air contaminants. Each of the one or more subjects includes an identification tag encoded with identification information identifying the each subject. The system further includes an identification reader configured to decode the identification information encoded within the identification tag of a scanned one of the one or more identification tags. A computer receives and stores the decoded identification information in a record in a database. The computer may also receive and stored an identification code for a user who scanned the scanned identification tag in the record in the database. Additional records in the database are created each time the identification tag of one of the one or more subjects is scanned. The one or more subjects are thereby tracked as they collect airborne contaminants and are incubated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Veltek Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rosario Calio, Mark A. Phillips, John Joyce
  • Publication number: 20140096624
    Abstract: A system for sampling a surface includes a sampling probe having a housing and a socket, and a rolling sampling sphere within the socket. The housing has a sampling fluid supply conduit and a sampling fluid exhaust conduit. The sampling fluid supply conduit supplies sampling fluid to the sampling sphere. The sampling fluid exhaust conduit has an inlet opening for receiving sampling fluid carried from the surface by the sampling sphere. A surface sampling probe and a method for sampling a surface are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicants: UT-BATTELLE, LLC
    Inventors: Mariam S. ElNaggar, Gary J. VAN BERKEL, Thomas R. Covey
  • Publication number: 20140060214
    Abstract: A method of taking a fluid samples from a processing line is provided that includes: placing an input conduit in fluid communication with the processing line; operatively coupling the input conduit to a peristaltic pump and a valve block; operatively coupling the valve block to a valve actuator so that the valves are movable among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position; controlling the valve actuator to move the valves to the flush position and turning on the peristaltic pump so that fluid from the processing line is pumped to a waste bag; and controlling the valve actuator to move a particular valve to the sample position and to move any valve upstream of the particular valve to the flush position while the peristaltic pump remains on so that fluid from the processing line is pumped to the sample bag associated with the particular valve.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: Alfa Wassermann, Inc.
    Inventor: Jan Hofman
  • Publication number: 20140053663
    Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling apparatus and method. In the sampling method, a sample is led through a flowline (20) to a pump (5) and from there on to sampling means (12, 13). According to the invention, the pump (5) is formed of an actual pump (5) and magnetic valves (4, 6) located on either side of it, which are controlled in such a way that the pumping is pulse-like.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Applicant: TEKNOLOGIAN TUTKIMUSKESKUS VTT
    Inventors: Johannes Roine, Leif Kåll, Olli Antson
  • Patent number: 8640557
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a solids dosing device for finely divided solids, comprising sampling means for withdrawing a sample from a sampling jar and dosing means for inserting a prescribed amount of finely divided solid material into a testing jar, a dosing accuracy of at least 0.1 g being achieved with the solids dosing device and characteristics of the dosed amount substantially corresponding to those of the sample in the sampling jar. The invention also relates to an automated analyzer for determining properties of finely divided solids, comprising a depot for sampling jars and testing jars, analysis devices for the analysis of samples, manipulators for the movement and positioning of sampling jars, solids dosing devices and dosing devices for liquids. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for the automatic analysis of finely divided solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventors: Karen Vercruysse, Frans Suykerbuyk, Sven Veelaert, Veron Nsunda, Kris Wullus
  • Patent number: 8640556
    Abstract: An automated sample collection workstation is provided. The workstation includes a processor, a peristaltic pump, a valve actuator, and an algorithm. The peristaltic pump and the valve actuator are in electrical communication with the processor. The valve actuator can move a plurality of valves, when disposed therein, among an off position, a flush position, and a sample position. The algorithm is resident on the processor and is configured to: move all of the valves to the off position and place the pump in an off state when no sampling or flushing is required, move all of the valves to the flush position and place the pump in an on state for a predetermined flush time period when flushing is required, and move a respective one of the valves to the sample position, move any of the valves upstream of the respective valve to the flush position, and place the pump to the on state for a predetermined sample time period when a sample is required.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Alfa Wassermann
    Inventor: Jan Hofman
  • Patent number: 8607652
    Abstract: An apparatus for handling a liquid sample, especially for automatic removal of a liquid sample from a sample-taking location, comprising: a control unit; a sample collecting unit; a supply and metering system, which is embodied to convey a liquid sample from the sample-taking location and to meter the sample into a liquid receptacle of the sample collecting unit; a housing with a first housing part, which at least partially surrounds at least the sample collecting unit, and a second housing part, which is separated from the first housing part, and which at least partially surrounds a metering space; wherein at least parts of the supply and metering system are arranged in the metering space; and wherein the apparatus furthermore includes a plate, which is releasably connected with the second housing part surrounding the metering space, and which divides the metering space into a first metering space part and a second metering space part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Endress + Hauser Conducta Gesellschaft für Mess- und Regeltechnik mbH + Co. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Bareiss, Michael Kirchner, Ralf Steuerwald
  • Patent number: 8590404
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a gas sensor, including: a gas collecting chamber including: (a) a nanoporous wall including alumina, on a portion of the gas collecting chamber in the near vicinity of the solid propellant fuel; a micro pump attached to the gas collecting chamber; and a gas analysis device connected to the gas collecting chamber. The gas analysis device measures both type and concentration of gases collected in the gas collecting chamber via the nanoporous wall, the gases measured being selected from the group consisting of CO, CO2, NO, N2O, NO2 and combinations thereof. The present disclosure also relates to a method of sensing propellant degradation in solid fuel and a method of using a gas collecting chamber to sense such degradation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Christina L. Brantley, Eugene Edwards, Paul B. Ruffin, Fang Luo
  • Patent number: 8511183
    Abstract: A glass sampling apparatus and a method for using the glass sampling apparatus to obtain a glass sample from molten glass within a glass melting vessel are described herein. In one embodiment, the glass sampling apparatus includes: (a) a sampling tube having a first end and a second end, where the second end is used to obtain the glass sample from the molten glass in the glass melting vessel; (b) a first valve; (c) a vacuum device; and (d) a tube network that couples the first end of the sampling tube to both the first valve and the vacuum device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Corning Incorporated
    Inventors: David M. Lineman, Jason M. McLaughlin, Matthew C. Morse, Steven R. Moshier
  • Patent number: 8495922
    Abstract: A sampling system for ground level aircraft engine PM emission measurements has been developed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventor: Xu Li-Jones