Having Sample Confining Chamber Patents (Class 73/864.83)
  • Patent number: 11933700
    Abstract: The present invention provides an analytical system comprising a sample management module. A pressure delivery assembly is configured to compress and deform a mixing chamber containing a sample preparation, and simultaneously open a plug of the mixing chamber to release the sample preparation. The system can be manufactured as a sample box combinable to a detector box, and is particularly convenient for patients to use at home, for example, screening colorectal cancer with their fecal sample.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventor: Xiyuan Sun
  • Patent number: 11774224
    Abstract: A method for evaluating a damage power of confined explosion, includes: determining a size of a confined case and a thickness of a target plate according to a requirement of evaluation on damage effectiveness of a warhead to establish an explosive damage effectiveness evaluation platform; calibrating parameters of the platform with a series of confined explosion tests of trinitrotoluene (TNT) bare charges in the case to form a relational map, in which a deflection of a mid-point of the target plate changes with a charge mass; obtaining a deflection of the mid-point of the target plate by detonating different warheads, forming different detonation atmosphere and forming different venting configuration in the case, and performing interpolation through the map to obtain an equivalent bare charge as an evaluation index. The method quantitatively evaluates the damage effectiveness of the warhead, and is not limited by the damage component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2023
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2023
    Assignee: WUHAN UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiangshao Kong, Hu Zhou, Zihan Zhu, Cheng Zheng, Weiguo Wu
  • Patent number: 11573210
    Abstract: Described is a dual mode sample manager for a liquid chromatography system. The dual mode sample manager includes a sample needle, a sample loop, a metering pump, a needle seat and first and second valves. Each valve is configurable in two valve states to enable two modes of operation. In one mode, sample acquired and stored in the sample needle is injected into a chromatography system flow and, in the other mode, sample acquired through the sample needle and stored in the sample loop is injected into the chromatography system flow. The automated switching of the sample manager between the two modes of operation avoids the need for maintaining two separate liquid chromatography systems or manual reconfiguration of a chromatography system for users desiring the capability of both modes of operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2023
    Assignee: WATERS TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Sylvain Gilles Cormier, Joseph D. Michienzi
  • Patent number: 11525761
    Abstract: A vaporizer device and associated methodology for providing accurate sampling through substantially efficient, complete and uniform single pass vaporization of a liquid sample by avoiding liquid pre-vaporization and downtime attributable to system damage from incomplete vaporization, particularly in the distribution, transportation, and custody transfer of natural gas. The vaporizer device includes at least one input port for receiving a liquid sample, a channel for directing the liquid to a vaporizer core and a heating assembly within the vaporizer core configured to flash vaporize the liquid sample. The vaporized sample can then be passed to an outlet for sample analysis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: Mustang Sampling, LLC
    Inventors: Kenneth O. Thompson, Kevin Warner, William C. Paluch
  • Patent number: 11415502
    Abstract: A sample generator system includes a fluid source and a flow cell. The sample generator system includes a sampling system in communication with the flow cell to eject a fluid sample through an orifice in the flow cell. The sample generator system includes a gas pressure at the orifice in the flow cell greater than or equal to a fluid pressure at the orifice in the flow cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: UChicago Argonne, LLC
    Inventors: Cari A. Launiere, Peter A. Kozak, Janine Lichtenberger, Candido Pereira
  • Patent number: 8955399
    Abstract: A system for preparing samples for chemical analysis comprises at least one sample container, and a container receptacle apparatus for receiving the sample container. The sample container comprises an elongate tubular body having a crucible portion proximal to a closed end for receiving a sample therein, and an expansion portion proximal to an open end. The container receptacle apparatus comprising a housing having a heating compartment, a cooling compartment spaced apart from the heating compartment, and an insulating region located between the heating compartment and the cooling compartment. The heating compartment is shaped to receive the crucible portion of the sample container, and the cooling compartment is shaped to receive the expansion portion of the sample container. The apparatus also includes a heating mechanism for heating the sample within the crucible portion of the sample container, and a cooling mechanism for cooling the expansion portion of the sample container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: 7685297 Canada Inc.
    Inventors: Ravi K. Kanipayor, Ron J. Emburgh
  • Publication number: 20140290393
    Abstract: A sample introduction device (100) is adapted to introduce a sample (S) into the sample chamber (1) of a charged particle beam instrument. The device includes: a pre-evacuation chamber (2) for performing a pre-evacuation; a sample holder (10) having a sample holding portion (12) capable of holding the sample (S); a support portion (20) for supporting the sample holder (10); mechanical drives (30); and goniometer (50) for moving and rotating the support portion (20) such that the sample holding portion (12) moves from inside the pre-evacuation chamber (2) into the sample chamber (1). Partition valve (70) can be activated by the action of the goniometer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: JEOL Ltd.
    Inventor: Shuichi Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8844386
    Abstract: A method is provided for analyzing samples of metal melts, wherein a sample is taken from a metal melt using a sampler having a sample chamber and which is constructed as an immersion lance. The method includes transporting the sample from the sampler through a transport conduit to the sphere of action of an analytical device, and analyzing the sample there using the analytical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Heraeus Electro-Nite International N.V.
    Inventors: Francis Dams, Lihuan Song, Johan Knevels, Gerrit Broekmans
  • Patent number: 8712692
    Abstract: A method for determining a flux of a gas contained in a medium through a boundary of the medium comprises 1) measuring at least twice with a probe a concentration C of the gas over a time interval ?t and 2) determining the flux of the gas using the following mathematical equation: (I) where F is the gas flux, D is the diffusivity value and ?C is a variation in the gas concentration during the time interval ?t. The probe is placed proximate the boundary. The probe has a gas inlet, a cavity, a gas concentration sensor and a membrane. Each element is in fluid communication with each other so that the gas flows from the gas inlet through the membrane and contacts the gas concentration sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: St. Francis Xavier University
    Inventors: David A. Risk, Hugo J. Beltrami, Nicholas R. Nickerson, Gordon McArthur
  • Patent number: 8596150
    Abstract: An inlet (37a) of a capillary tube channel that feeds a liquid from a mixing cavity (39) to measurement spots is formed near one (4) of the wall surfaces of the upper and lower surfaces of the mixing cavity (39) situated in a direction of oscillation for mixing. On the other wall surface (3), a level difference (39a) is formed such that an inner gap is larger than an outer gap in the mixing cavity (39), so that a solution is reliably fed from the mixing cavity to the measurement cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Saiki, Tomohiro Kijima, Kenji Ishibashi, Kouzou Tagashira
  • Patent number: 8544350
    Abstract: This invention provides a sample injector for injecting a fixed amount of a sample into a mobile phase medium and discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample. The sample injector includes a first member having a medium passage for supplying the mobile phase medium and a sample passage for supplying the sample and a second member having a discharge passage for discharging the mobile phase medium with the sample to an outside of the injector. The second member is provided in contact with the first member. The first member and the second member are configured to move to a sample charging position and a sample injection position. The sample charging position is for the sample chamber to connect with the sample passage. The sample injection position is for the sample chamber to connect with the medium passage and the discharge passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: CKD Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Itafuji, Masayuki Kouketsu
  • Patent number: 8404197
    Abstract: A cup assembly for holding a sample to be analyzed spectrochemically, includes a tubular longitudinal member which is disposed symmetrical about a central axis. The tubular member extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An indented peripheral flange is defined at the second end. The indented flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section. An annular collar extends longitudinally between a first end and a second end. An internal peripheral flange is defined at the first end. The internal flange has an inverted L shaped cross-section complementing the indented flange of the tubular member. When a substantially thin film is interposed between the second end of the tubular member and the first end of the annular collar, the film is retained between the sample cell body and the collar between the indented flange and the internal flange. The cup may have a funnel shaped sample retaining chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 8281809
    Abstract: A flow modulator to control the flow of an aerosol to an aerosol detection and/or monitoring system and other aerosol flow systems includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet, a diverging section of the chamber beneath the inlet that has a flow divider at the center to divide the aerosol into fractions, a recirculation section in which the divided aerosol fractions are recombined, and a converging section that channels the recombined aerosol fractions to the outlet of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of the Army
    Inventors: Daniel G. Wise, Lawrence J. Hyttinen
  • Patent number: 8191437
    Abstract: A system and method for capturing a sample gas for analysis is disclosed. In one embodiment, the system includes an accumulator that has a variable volume. A volume of the sample gas is fed to the accumulator. The system also has an analyzer. An aliquot of the sample gas is withdrawn from the accumulator and fed to the analyzer. The analyzer analyzes a desired component of the sample gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2012
    Assignee: O.I. Corporation
    Inventor: Joseph A. Brandesky
  • Patent number: 8156782
    Abstract: A test adapter for the saturated vapor calibration of gas-measuring devices. The test adapter (2) has, in an adapter housing (15), a peripheral edge (7) for receiving a gas-measuring device and has a depression (10) for receiving the sample liquid in the area of the gas-sensitive surface of the gas-measuring device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA
    Inventors: Matthias Studer, Mladen Schlichte, Markus Wansing, Volker Kuhn
  • Patent number: 7951597
    Abstract: The present invention is a pressurized fluid sample injector system consisting of a sample needle, multiport valve, sample loop, metering syringe and a pressure assist pump. The speed of sample transport into the sample loop is increased by pressurizing the fluid in the system and metering the sample into the sample loop. The elevated system pressure allows the fluids to be moved faster than the vapor pressure would normally allow in a system at ambient pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Waters Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Usowicz, Theodore C. Ciolkosz, Russell Keene, Daniel J. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7900525
    Abstract: A pre-assembled, disposable cathode handler assembly facilitates automated or manual loading of a cathode with analyte for spectrometric analysis and is intended for a single use application. This cathode handler assembly is comprised of several parts which work cooperatively together to stabilize a separate cathode and direct an analyte into the cathode. A stopper and channeling unit are disposed in supporting interconnection with the cathode so as to maintain it in a stable orientation for loading. The channeling unit may be used in combination with a liner which also interacts with the cathode to guide the analyte into an interior chamber therein, and further contains an analyte cap holder. A stopper prevents the introduced analyte from escaping the cathode and a housing is connected exteriorly of the cathode and supporting components to further stabilize the cathode during the loading procedure. A loading base may be integrated to assist in manual loading of a cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2011
    Inventor: Darden Gwaltney Hood
  • Publication number: 20110023635
    Abstract: A liquid droplet introducing tank 3A includes a tank body 31, which is formed by mutually opposing top surface 31a and bottom surface 31b, and a side surface 31c. The tank also includes an injection hole 32 that is opened in the top surface 31a. Liquid droplets Dr are injected from the injection hole 32. The center of the injection hole 32 is closer to the side surface 31c than the center of the top surface 31a. The liquid droplet introducing tank 3A enables liquid droplets to be suitably injected therein and is suitable for reducing size.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: ARKRAY, INC.
    Inventor: Yukihiro Sukawa
  • Patent number: 7875109
    Abstract: A gas sample cylinder outlet valve having a flow restricting element associated therewith. The preferred embodiment of the flow restricting element comprises an orifice constructed of a low thermal conduction material such as a plastic. Preferably the outlet valve Cv characteristic is large relative to the orifice Cv characteristic resulting in essentially all of the gas pressure drop taking place across said orifice and therefore essentially all of the J-T effect cooling taking place at said orifice. Due to the low thermal conductivity construction of said orifice an insignificant amount of cooling takes place upstream of the valve mechanism. Test have shown that the integral orifice outlet valve having a large Cv characteristic is more efficient then the typical sample cylinder outlet valve and extension tube and/or flow restrictor combination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: A+ Manufacturing, LLC
    Inventor: Donald P. Mayeaux
  • Patent number: 7856863
    Abstract: A hollow container defining a sample chamber is formed of at least two parts which fit together and have apertures therein. One of the parts is displaceable relative to the other part between a first relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are open so as to provide a clear path for air to pass through the container and a second relative disposition of the parts in which the apertures are closed so that there is no path for air to pass through and a volume of air is trapped in the chamber. In one embodiment part is axially moveable relative to the other part. In another embodiment where the parts are tubular, one of the parts is rotatable relative to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2010
    Assignee: Sensam Limited
    Inventors: Frank Kvasnik, Stephen Robert Smirk
  • Publication number: 20100294049
    Abstract: A hermetic sample holder for use in performing microanalysis of a sample under a controlled atmosphere environment. The sample holder comprises a sample holder body with a sample cavity to receive the sample and a cover movably mounted to the holder body between an open position to allow access to the cavity and a closed position to seal the cavity. The cover is secured in and released from the closed position at least in part by a pressure differential between the cavity and the ambient atmosphere. The cover may be biased toward the open position. The cover may be pivotally mounted about an axis that is perpendicular to a sealing surface of the cover and/or movable in a direction along the pivot axis. A valve may be provided to allow direct evacuation of the cavity to create a pressure differential. An adjustable clamp may be located in the cavity to secure the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: SION POWER CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy Earl Kelley, John D. May, Vladimir Oleshko, Chariclea Scordilis-Kelley
  • Publication number: 20100011889
    Abstract: Handheld solid powder sampling and dispensing devices and methods thereof are disclosed. The handheld device has an ergonomically contoured outer surface to be held by a user. Actuation of an outer member of the device causes a predetermined quantity of a powder to be loaded within the device. Actuation of a plunger mechanism causes the predetermined quantity of powder to be dispensed. The outer member and the plunger mechanism are independently operable. Advantageously, the target delivery quantity of powder can be varied by a device adjustment mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: BIODOT, INC.
    Inventor: Anthony V. Lemmo
  • Publication number: 20090308185
    Abstract: The present invention provides a device (100) for detecting the presence of an analyte in a liquid sample. The device (100) has an opening (115) for introducing the liquid sample into a first chamber (301) for collecting the liquid sample, and a second chamber (601) connected to the first chamber (301) by a passageway (205) and containing a test element. The device also has a third chamber (701) connected to the second chamber (601) by a channel and containing a movable member (311) having first and second positions. The third chamber (701) is divided by the movable member (311) into first (901) and second (902) zones, and the first zone (901) has a vent hole (165). The movable member (311) is in contact with at least one wall of the third chamber (701) to prevent gas communication between the first and second zones (901, 902).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: December 17, 2009
    Inventors: Yuzhang Wu, Haipeng Hu, Jielin Dai, Lijian Gou
  • Publication number: 20090301234
    Abstract: A method of measuring the surface flux of a component of a soil gas comprises placing a chamber for collecting said gas sealably in contact with a soil the chamber initially containing atmospheric gas. Then, the chamber is connected to a purging apparatus to purge the chamber of all measurable traces of the component. Then the soil is permitted to enter the chamber. The method uses a system for measuring the surface flux of the component. The system comprises a chamber having an open bottom for collecting soil gas, a venting port, an exhaust port having a valve and means to purge the chamber of the component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Applicant: ST. FRANCIS XAVIER UNIVERSITY
    Inventor: David Risk
  • Patent number: 7541578
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a microfluidic device is described. A substrate having at least one device thereon is provided, wherein the device includes at least one channel. Next, a region beside the channel is heated, and then the substrate is pulled to neck the region such that at least one capillary connecting with the channel is formed. The present invention also provides a microfluidic device including a substrate and at least one capillary. In particular, the substrate has at least one device thereon, and the device has at least one channel. The capillary is connected with the channel, wherein the substrate and the capillary are a unity structure such that the interface between the capillary and the channel is dead-volume free.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Industrial Technology Research Institute
    Inventor: Kuo-Yao Weng
  • Publication number: 20090019950
    Abstract: A multi-sample biologic material stimulation and characterization system includes individual flow paths for each sample. Each individual flow path can maintain sterile conditions and may be chemically monitored. The mean flow rate and pulsatile flow rate through each sample may be individually controlled. Pressure at the sample is controlled independently of the flow rate through downstream variable flow restrictors. An axial force may be applied to each sample. A radial force may be applied via hydrostatic pressure of chamber fluid surrounding each sample. A real-time controller manages the system and saves information gathered from the transducers and actuators of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventors: David L. Dingmann, Frank C. Conati, Troy D. Nickel, Aaron M. Owens, Chrysanthi Williams
  • Patent number: 7469607
    Abstract: A sampling needle is disclosed that includes a sampling part that is inserted into a sample, and a sample holding part that holds the sample that is introduced through the sampling part. The sampling part and the sample holding part are arranged into a seamless structure, and the inner diameter of the sampling part and the inner diameter of the sample holding part are equal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Shiseido Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masashi Mita, Kazuhiko Mibayashi, Osamu Shirota
  • Publication number: 20080248517
    Abstract: Diagnostic devices for detecting the presence of an analyte in a sample are provided. Devices of the present invention comprise a means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface. In one embodiment, the means for inducing a pressure differential on a sample to direct the sample to a test surface comprises a syringe that can be used to draw a sample from an opening to a test surface. In other embodiments, the device also provides means for diluting a sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2008
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Applicant: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen Quirk, Robert John Lyng, Rosann Marie Kaylor
  • Publication number: 20080190178
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for isolating or manipulating a portion of a sample at non-ambient temperatures and pressures. One apparatus embodiment of the invention comprises a primary sample containment vessel defining a primary chamber, the vessel having a primary sample inlet and outlet; a secondary sample collection container defining a collection chamber fluidly connected to the primary containment vessel; and a sample probe comprising a distal end able to isolate a secondary sample in the primary chamber and transfer it to the collection chamber, the probe fluidly connected to the primary chamber via a seal allowing at least the distal end to be moved in 3-dimensions within the primary chamber. This abstract complies with rules requiring an abstract. It should not be used to limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY CORP.
    Inventors: AHMED HAMMAMI, TERRY SOPKOW, SHAWN DAVID TAYLOR, SCOTT JACOBS, HUSSEIN ALBOUDWAREJ
  • Patent number: 7178416
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for analytical testing comprises a test cartridge for use in conducting an analytical test including a test medium and an RFID device. An encoding device is provided adapted to preprogram the RFID with information relating to the test. An analytical detection device including a RFID transceiver adapted to transfer data to and from the RFID device is coupled to test detection instrumentation adapted to analyze the test medium in response to the information relating to the test.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Alexeter Technologies, LLC.
    Inventors: James P. Whelan, C. Michael Hanbury
  • Patent number: 7132650
    Abstract: High throughput analytical systems and methods employing multiple liquid phase separation process regions coupled to a common mass spectrometer are provided. Disclosed systems and methods permits parallel separation and parallel storage of discrete eluate fractions, followed by sequential discharge and ionization of previously stored eluate portions to yield a composite ion stream containing the sequential series of eluate portions, followed by mass analysis of the ion stream. A common manifold may receive ions and utilize pressurized gas or ion gating to direct ions within the manifold toward the mass spectrometer inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Nanostream, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald C. Gamble, Stephen D. O'Connor, Bruce Wilcox, Matthew M. Gregori
  • Patent number: 7089812
    Abstract: An apparatus (10) and a method for concentrating and transferring volatile compounds contained in a sample on a detachable solid support (12) into a liquid for subsequent detection and/or analysis of the volatile compounds, are described. The apparatus comprises a holder (14) for the solid support (12), means (16) for transporting the holder (14) to a heating position on a heatable plate (18), an enclosed space-creating arrangement comprising the heatable plate (18) attached to a movable housing (30), the holder (14), the solid support (12), a funnel (20) on the solid support (12), and inside the funnel (20) a chilled member (22), means inside the housing (30) for heating the heatable plate (18) to evaporate the volatile compounds which then are condensed on the chilled member (22), means (24) for transporting the chilled member (22) from a cooler (26) to the inside of the funnel (20) and from there to a position (28) where condensed compounds are removed from the chilled member (22) into a liquid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Biosensor Applications Sweden AB
    Inventors: Per Månsson, Jan Smith, Ann-Charlotte Hellgren
  • Patent number: 7071000
    Abstract: A method for sampling reaction products includes delivering a reactant through a sampling probe to contact a substance deposited on a substrate and reacting the reactant to form a reaction product. At least a portion of the reaction product is withdrawn through the sampling probe and analyzed. The sampling probe is contacted with the substrate during at least a portion of the delivering, reacting and withdrawing steps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2006
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Youqi Wang, Peijun Cong, Tony N. Wheeler, Lynn Thomas Van Erden, H. Sam Bergh
  • Patent number: 6910503
    Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Upchurch Scientific, Inc.
    Inventors: Hans G. Schick, Michael L. Bailey, Thomas C. Dykas
  • Patent number: 6864091
    Abstract: A sampling probe for delivering a reactant to a substance deposited on a substrate to form a reaction product and for transporting the reaction product to a product analyzer for analysis. The probe includes a tip positionable over the substance on the substrate. The probe has a recess in the tip sized and shaped for receiving at least a portion of the reaction product. The probe has a product sampling passage extending from the recess adapted for connection to the product analyzer for transporting the portion of the reaction product to the product analyzer. Further, a reactant delivery passage extends to an outlet at the recess for delivering reactant to the substance on the substrate to form the reaction product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Youqi Wang, Peijun Cong, Tony N. Wheeler, Lynn Thomas Van Erden, H. Sam Bergh
  • Patent number: 6675629
    Abstract: An instrument provides a quantitative measurement of an analyte in a gas. It includes a detection cell that provides an indication of an amount of analyte present in the gas, and a valve having a closed position, a sample gas position, and a calibration gas position. There is a calibration gas inlet orifice in communication with a gas outlet through a first flow path including the valve and the detection cell, and a sample gas inlet orifice in communication with the gas outlet through a second flow path including a scrubber, the valve, and the detection cell. Two orifices of different sizes, a sample gas orifice along the second flow path, and a bypass orifice positioned between the sample gas orifice and the gas outlet, prevent a build up of excessive pressure in the instrument when the valve is in the closed position or the calibration gas position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Inventors: Roland Aldridge, Steven Kirchnavy
  • Patent number: 6658915
    Abstract: A vapor sensing device that is sufficiently small and lightweight to be handheld, and also modular so as to allow the device to be conveniently adapted for use in sensing the presence and concentration of a wide variety of specified vapors. The device provides these benefits using a sensor module that incorporates a sample chamber and a plurality of sensors located on a chip releasably carried within or adjacent to the sample chamber. Optionally, the sensor module can be configured to be releasably plugged into a receptacle formed in the device. Vapors are directed to pass through the sample chamber, whereupon the sensors provide a distinct combination of electrical signals in response to each. The sensors of the sensor module can take the form of chemically sensitive resistors having resistances that vary according to the identity and concentration of an adjacent vapor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Cyrano Sciences, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven A. Sunshine, M. Gregory Steinthal, Christopher K. Boehr, Robert K. Nakayama
  • Publication number: 20030213906
    Abstract: A storage vessel is provided to reduce evaporation of volatile substances such as matrix solution used for preparing samples originating from electrophoresis gel slabs for mass spectrometry. The storage vessel is configured with a reservoir having a recess to accommodate the volatile substance. The reservoir includes a channel for receiving a heat exchange fluid to cool the liquid. The reservoir member has an inlet and an outlet for connection to a circulating chiller bath. The storage vessel is configured for transport using the conveyor of a biological sample preparation apparatus, such as an autopipetting device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2002
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: Large Scale Proteomics Corporation
    Inventors: John Lennon, Jack Goodman
  • Patent number: 6613571
    Abstract: A method and system for detecting chemical or biological hazards in items is provided. An incoming mail mailbox includes a sampler to sample air from a letter that is tested using a first sensor and then placed in a receptacle having an environment that is tested using a second sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Pitney Bowes Inc.
    Inventors: Robert A. Cordery, Karin A. Russo, Ronald P. Sansone
  • Patent number: 6598474
    Abstract: An adapter for holding a sample container includes a main body portion and a tapered body portion that forms a continuation of the main body portion. The tapered body portion includes a mouth opening that is of lesser diameter than the diameter of the main body portion. The mouth opening of the adapter is sized to provide direct support of a sample container which holds a liquid sample. During liquid level sensing ultrasonic waves from an ultrasound detector are reflected back to the sound detector as echoes from the lip flange of the sample container and from the liquid level within the sample container. The tapered surface of the adapter deflects sound echoes away from the sound detector. The adapter is thus invisible to the ultrasound detector. The echo from the liquid level is a variable duration echo and the echo from the lip flange of the sample container is a fixed duration echo that is always of lesser duration than the variable duration echo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Purpura, Thomas W. De Young
  • Patent number: 6550313
    Abstract: The invention relates to a test gas leakage detection apparatus (1) comprising a test chamber (2) and supply and measuring devices such as fore-pumps and high-vacuum pumps, test gas detectors, electronic components, etc. In order to construct an apparatus of this type in a manner which is simple and which does not restrict mobility, the invention provides that the test chamber (2) and the supply and measuring devices are combined to form a modular unit, and that the test chamber (2) is supported on a housing (3) in which the supply and measuring devices are accommodated. In addition, air cooling devices are assigned to thermally critical components of the supply and measuring devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Inficon GmbH
    Inventor: Rudolf Flosbach
  • Patent number: 6502448
    Abstract: A chromatography detection system can handle the flow from a chromatography column. The chromatography detection system has an injection valve and a detector for detecting emissions from a flowing sample. The injection valve has at least one loop and is adapted to connect to the chromatography column. The valve can (a) load the at least one loop independently of the chromatography column in a first mode, and (b) serially connect the least one loop between the chromatography column and the detector in a second mode. Thus, flow from the at least one loop to the detector is driven by eluate from the chromatography column.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Edward Rapkin
  • Patent number: 6497136
    Abstract: A trace-level gas analysis apparatus having a diffusion scrubber 11 that captures atmospheric gas components and a sampling tube 10 that guides air into the diffusion scrubber 11 is provided with the cleaning means 2 for cleaning the diffusion scrubber 11 and the sampling tube 10, using a cleaning fluid 22.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yuuichi Satou
  • Patent number: 6428751
    Abstract: A sample cup assembly for use with an analytical instrument having a sample cup holder with an inner diameter which is greater than the outer diameter of the sample cup assembly. The sample cup assembly can include a main cell for retaining a specimen to be analyzed; a collar for locating a thin film over the open end of the main cell such that the film sealingly closes the open end of the main cell; and two or more projections extending outwardly from either the main cell or collar. The projections engage the interior surface of the sample cup holder when the sample cup assembly is installed therein, thereby centering the sample cup assembly within the sample cup holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Inventor: Monte J. Solazzi
  • Patent number: 6415670
    Abstract: An injection apparatus of the present invention includes a first switching valve RV1 which is selectively connected to any of a plurality of injectors 21-30 at one end sides thereof; a second switching valve RV2 which is selectively connected to any of the plurality of injectors at the other end sides thereof; a third switching valve RV4 which is connected to the second switching valve and is selectively connected to any of a plurality of columns 31-40 at one end sides thereof; and a fourth switching valve RV5 which is selectively connected to any of the plurality of columns at the other end sides thereof A sequential switching of these four switching valves can permit the sample liquids in the injectors 21-30 to be delivered in sequence into any selected column 31-40, and as such can allow the sample liquids packed in the plurality of injectors to be efficiently dispensed or analyzed by a chromatograph.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Yamazen Corporation
    Inventors: Kihachiro Ohkura, Shigeo Mukai, Kunihiko Fujii
  • Patent number: 6387328
    Abstract: A disposable sampling device for an apparatus for counting particles contained in a liquid, including a solid block-shaped housing connectable in a defined position to the apparatus. The housing has a member for introducing a sample therein, a device for metering a defined volume of the sample, and a chamber for containing a defined volume (V) of a diluting liquid. A diluting chamber is provided together with a device for simultaneously directing the defined volume of a sample and the defined volume of diluting liquid to the diluting chamber for obtaining therein a diluted sample. A device is provided for directing at least a portion of the diluted sample past a particle detecting member, and a signal transmitting member connects the particle detecting member and terminal member located at an outer boundary of the housing in a position corresponding to a location of a terminal member of the apparatus when the housing is connected thereto in the defined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Boule Medical AB
    Inventor: Ingemar Berndtsson
  • Patent number: 6260407
    Abstract: Rapid characterization and screening of polymer samples to determine average molecular weight, molecular weight distribution and other properties is disclosed. Rapid flow characterization systems and methods, including liquid chromatography and flow-injection analysis systems and methods are preferably employed. High throughput, automated sampling systems and methods, high-temperature characterization systems and methods, and rapid, indirect calibration compositions and methods are also disclosed. In preferred high-temperature embodiments, the polymer sample is maintained at a temperature of not less than about 75° C. during sample preparation, loading into a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, injection into a mobile phase of a liquid chromatography or flow-injection analysis system, and/or elution from chromatographic column. The described methods, systems, and device have primary applications in combinatorial polymer research and in industrial process control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2001
    Assignee: Symyx Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Miroslav Petro, Adam Safir, Ralph B. Nielsen, G. Cameron Dales, Eric D. Carlson, Thomas S. Lee
  • Patent number: 6192768
    Abstract: A sampling cell of flow-through type and use of such a sampling cell. The sampling cell is preferably manufactured by etching of silicon wafers. It is especially useful for continuous picovolume sampling in an analytical flow. The pressure pulse generator (9) generates pulses directly into a flow channel (3). The flow channel (3) is preferably formed by a first basin (4) in a first structure (1) and a second basin (5) in a second structure (2). In a first embodiment the pressure pulse generator (9) comprises at least one piezo-ceramic disc and/or devices acting by way of magnetostrictive, electrostatical or electromechanical forces and/or devices acting by way of thermal expansion. Method of directing samples from a flow-through sampling cell by establishing a difference in electrical potential between the liquid in the flow-through sampling cell and the object to which the samples are to be directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 1998
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Pharmacia Biotech AB
    Inventors: Lars Wallman, Johan Drott, Johan Nilsson, Thomas Laurell, Staffan Nilsson
  • Patent number: 6171238
    Abstract: The invention pertains to a portable hand device with biosensor for the investigation of biological fluids such as whole blood, liquor, urine and serum. It is characterized by a securely fixed electrode, which is covered by a replaceable biomembrane, as reservoir bag containing system solution and a waste bag, a pump, a tube transport system, an operating lever with a valve function, three operating elements, a display, and a control unit signal capture and overall procedure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2001
    Assignee: BST Bio Sensor Technologies GmbH
    Inventors: Norbert Klimes, Dorothea Pfeiffer, Jan Szeponik, J{umlaut over (u)}rgen Nentwig, Frieder Scheller