Contact Actuated Patents (Class 73/864.65)
  • Patent number: 11054345
    Abstract: A method for collecting samples of one or more substrate can include the steps of: A) providing a sample collection tube having a first end and a second end, B) providing a cap pivotable about the first end and a footplate pivotable about the second end, C) biasing the cap and the footplate closed so that a watertight compartment can be established inside the tube; D) forcing the cap and the footplate open by attaching the cap and footplate to a releasable fastener, E) positioning the sample collection tube into the one or more substrate to collect the sample, followed by F) releasing the cap and footplate from the releasable fastener so that a watertight compartment is established inside the tube when the cap and the footplate are closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
    Inventors: Kara C. Sorensen, Ignacio D. Rivera, Bart Chadwick, Chuck Katz, Cassandra Sosa
  • Patent number: 10288556
    Abstract: A sample cell apparatus for use in spectroscopic determination of an analyte in a body fluid sample includes a first plate member and a second plate member made from an optically clear material. A channel extending into a surface of the first plate member and an opposing surface of the second plate member houses a floating seal, which surrounds a fluid sample chamber. The fluid chamber is closed to define a repeatable optical path-length therethrough by urging the first plate member against the second plate member without compressing the floating seal between the first plate member and the second plate member. The seal channel is vented to prevent fluid pressure from flexing the first plate member or the second plate member. An actuator having an extended foot portion extends over the fluid chamber to help prevent flexing of the first plate member or the second plate member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Instrumentation Laboratory Company
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Bosy, Josef Kerimo
  • Publication number: 20140144255
    Abstract: Disclosed is a complex sampling apparatus. The complex sampling apparatus includes a main sampling unit having a predetermined weight to be sunk to sea floor and inserted into the sea floor in order to collect a sample including a sediment; one or a plurality of sub-sampling unit disposed at a side of the main sampling unit to detect that the sub-sampling unit arrives on the sea floor and to scrape a predetermined amount of the sample from a surface of the sea floor; and an image acquiring unit installed to the main sampling unit to acquire an image of the sea floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 3, 2012
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: Korea Ocean Research and Development Institute
    Inventors: Gun-Chang Lee, Dong-Jin Ham, Sang-Bum Chi, Kyeong-Hong Kim
  • Patent number: 8261622
    Abstract: A device and method for sampling a fluid, especially a fluid of varying densities, are provided. The device includes a retention tube configured to receive a sample of the fluid, and can include a support jacket to support the retention tube. A control member is positioned within the retention tube with a plug attached to the distal end. The plug is movable away from the opening to facilitate laminar flow of the fluid into the retention tube. The plug can sealably engage the retention tube by affixing a portion of the control member. The device can be jolted to cause the control member to stretch, which disengages the plug temporarily, thereby releasing a lab sample portion from the retention tube. The rest of the sample of fluid can be released by completely releasing the plug from sealing contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: GAG/Sim-Tech Filters, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Patent number: 7757573
    Abstract: A bed water sampling device in which a plurality of horizontally oriented tubular sampling containers are mounted on a member adjustable in its position in response to the direction of water current and in which the tubular sampling containers are provided with valves simultaneously moved from their open to their closed states in response to a signal generated in response to placement of the sampling device on the water bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Stiftung Alfred-Wegener-Institut Fuer Polar-und Meeresforschung
    Inventor: Eberhard J. Sauter
  • Patent number: 7757572
    Abstract: A gas sampling container (15) capable of obtaining, isolating and transporting samples of gas or other fluid under pressure form. The container (15) further exhibits a plurality of simple, reliable, inexpensive, self sealing, valves (2) which allow introduction, flow through and exit of the gas sample. The container (15) is suitable for taking discrete or serial samples from a gas or fluid flow source and is especially suited for use in automated sampling apparatus. These containers are acceptable for shipment of compressed flammable gases under the regulatory structures of many countries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventors: Todd Coleman, Dennis Coleman
  • Publication number: 20100071485
    Abstract: A device and method for sampling a fluid, especially a fluid of varying densities, are provided. The device includes a retention tube configured to receive a sample of the fluid, and can include a support jacket to support the retention tube. A control member is positioned within the retention tube with a plug attached to the distal end. The plug is movable away from the opening to facilitate laminar flow of the fluid into the retention tube. The plug can sealably engage the retention tube by affixing a portion of the control member. The device can be jolted to cause the control member to stretch, which disengages the plug temporarily, thereby releasing a lab sample portion from the retention tube. The rest of the sample of fluid can be released by completely releasing the plug from sealing contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Publication date: March 25, 2010
    Inventor: Gary L. Koteskey
  • Publication number: 20090038417
    Abstract: Fluid injection port. An elastomeric injection nipple is supported within a compression fitting and the injection nipple includes a slit. A first via is provided that connects the slit in the nipple to a flow channel leading into a fluid reservoir. A venting channel is provided in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir and also in fluid communication with a second via. When a pipette is inserted into the slit in the injection nipple, the nipple deforms allowing the second via to be in fluid communication with space on either side of the pipette tip whereby air can be discharged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2008
    Publication date: February 12, 2009
    Applicant: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventor: Harry Lee
  • Publication number: 20080250879
    Abstract: An improved liquid sampling device provides a buoyant handle which reduces the likelihood that the device will fall into a body of liquid and provides greater operator control of the device. The handle and a loop facilitate removal of the sampling device from a liquid if it has fallen therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Curtis Duff
  • Patent number: 6955099
    Abstract: A spill proof liquid sample cup is provided having an outer shell and an inner liner. The inner liner defines a sample chamber. The inner liner is spaced inwardly from the outer shell such that a test chamber is formed between the outer shell and the inner liner that is fluidly separate from the sample chamber. The inner liner is configured with a valve to allow selective fluid communication between the sample chamber and the test chamber. The valve is actuatable by either removing a bottom cap, manual manipulation, or by an external tool. One or more test strips are located within the test chamber to provide information about the sample fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2005
    Inventor: John W. Goodin
  • Patent number: 6837120
    Abstract: A no purge sampler for collecting fluid samples includes a flexible tube having a sealed first end and a second end, the tube defining an interior cavity, a buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment secured to the tube, and a check valve disposed at the second end of the tube. To collect fluid samples, the no purge sampler is lowered into the fluid to be sampled. The buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment is filled with an appropriate ballast to allow the sampler to sink to a desired level. Once the sampler reaches the desired depth, the sampler is moved up and down to pump water into the collapsed tube. The check valve is opened each time the sampler is pulled upwards allowing fluid to enter the interior cavity. The up and down motion is repeated until the interior cavity of the tube is filled with fluid. Once the interior cavity is filled, the pressure of the fluid in the tube causes the check valve to close, thereby preventing additional fluid from entering the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2005
    Inventor: Kent E. Cordry
  • Patent number: 6481300
    Abstract: A no purge sampler for collecting fluid samples includes a flexible tube having a sealed first end and a second end, the tube defining an interior cavity, a buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment secured to the tube, and a check valve disposed at the second end of the tube. To collect fluid samples, the no purge sampler is lowered into the fluid to be sampled. The buoyancy-compensating ballast compartment is filled with an appropriate ballast to allow the sampler to sink to a desired level. Once the sampler reaches the desired depth, the sampler is moved up and down to pump water into the collapsed tube. The check valve is opened each time the sampler is pulled upwards allowing fluid to enter the interior cavity. The up and down motion is repeated until the interior cavity of the tube is filled with fluid. Once the interior cavity is filled, the pressure of the fluid in the tube causes the check valve to close, thereby preventing additional fluid from entering the interior cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: Kent E. Cordry