# US 12,601,723 B2 · Indicating cross-contamination of volatile organic compounds between closed containers using a colorimetric sensor

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- Number: US 12,601,723 B2
- Document ID: US12601723B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/672,490
- Filed: 2022-02-15
- Published: 2022-09-29
- Granted: 2026-04-14
- Earliest claimed: 2021-03-23
- Assignees: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
- Applicants: The Government of the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy
- Inventors: Lauryn E. DeGreeff; Christopher J. Katilie; Janet Crespo-Cajigas
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US12601723B2

## CPC

- G01N 31/223: {for investigating presence of specific gases or aerosols (G01N31/221, G01N31/222 take precedence; actuation of fire alarm by presence of smoke or gases G08B17/10)}
- G01N 21/783: {for analysing gases}
- G01N 21/80: Indicating pH value
- G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q)

## Abstract

An apparatus having: a container, a first openable vessel within the container, an analyte within the first vessel, and a vapochromic sensor within the container. The vapochromic sensor changes color on contact with a vapor of the analyte.

## Claims

### Claim 1

An apparatus comprising:
a container;
a first openable and closable vessel within the container;
an analyte within the first vessel; and
a vapochromic sensor within the container;
wherein the vapochromic sensor is not within the first vessel; and
wherein the vapochromic sensor changes color on contact with a vapor of the analyte.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analyte is ammonium hydroxide.

### Claim 3 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the vapochromic sensor comprises bromocresol green or phenol red.

### Claim 4 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1;
wherein the vapochromic sensor comprises a pH indicator dye; and
wherein the analyte has a pH that changes the color of the dye.

### Claim 5 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
a second openable and closable vessel within the container;
wherein the vapochromic sensor is within the second vessel.

### Claim 6 (depends on 1)

The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:
one or more additional openable and closable vessels, each containing a compound.

### Claim 7 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one the compounds has a volatility that is less than or equal to the volatility of the analyte.

### Claim 8 (depends on 6)

The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least one of the compounds is a canine scent training aid.

### Claim 9 (depends on 6)

A method comprising:
observing a color change in the vapochromic sensor of the apparatus of claim 6; and
disposing of the additional vessels.