US 6,729,196 B2 · Biological individual sampler

Abstract

A portable sampling unit capable of separating particulates, including biological organisms, from gaseous fluids such as air. A combined particle impact collector and fan is used to both move fluid through the sampling unit and to collect particulates. In one embodiment, the combined particle impact collector is a disposable unit that is removed and replaced with a fresh unit after each sampling period. The disposable unit is placed in a rinse station, where a liquid sample is extracted for later analysis. Alternatively, a disposable detection unit is incorporated in the sampling unit to provide real time detection of chemical toxins and/or biological pathogens. Preferably, the detector unit includes micro-fluidic channels so that a minimum amount of sample and test reagents are required. In another embodiment, the combined impact collector is integral to the sampling unit, rather than a separate disposable item.

Claims101

Dependent claims

A method for separating particulates from a gaseous fluid, comprising the steps of:

(a) providing a combined impact collector and fan disposed within a cavity having a port, said combined impact collector and fan being rotatable about an axis;
(b) rotating the combined impact collector and fan about the axis;
(c) drawing the gaseous fluid carrying the particulates into the cavity by causing the combined impact collector and fan to rotate;
(d) separating the particulates from the gaseous fluid by impacting them with the combined impact collector and fan as it rotates such that the particulates adhere ti the combined impact collector and fan while in a dry state;
(e) after sufficient particulates have adhered to the combined impact collector and fan, rinsing the combined impact collector and fan with a rinse liquid;
and
(f) collecting a rinsate produced by rinsing said combined impact collector and fan, said rinsate comprising said rinse liquid and said particulates.

4 more elements

A portable impact particle collector for separating particulates from a gaseous fluid in which the particulates are entrained, comprising:

(a) a prime mover having a drive shaft that is drivingly rotated;
(b) a power supply that energizes said prime mover;
(c) a primary housing substantially enclosing said prime mover and said power supply;
(d) a combined impact collector and fan that is coupled to said drive shaft and is drivingly rotated thereby within a cavity;
(e) an inlet port through which said gaseous fluid in which the particulates are entrained is drawn into said cavity by rotation of the combined impact collector and fan, said combined impact collector and fan collecting said particulates entrained in the gaseous fluid as they impact upon surfaces of the combined impact collector and fan that is rotating, and are retained thereon thereby separating said particulates from the gaseous fluid;
(f) at least one of:
(i) a cassette removably coupled with the primary housing, the cassette encompassing said combined impact collector and fan and defining said cavity, such that the combined impact collector and fan is disposed outside of said primary housing;
and
(ii) means for rinsing the combined impact collector and fan with a stream of a rinse liquid after particulates have been retained upon the combined impact collector and fan, said stream of the rinse liquid removing the particulates from the combined impact collector and fan;
and
(g) a control operatively connected to control actuation of said prime mover with said power supply, adapted to enable a user to selectively energize said prime mover.

8 more elements

A portable system for separating particulates from a gaseous fluid, and testing said particulates to determine if a specific type of particulate has been separated from said gaseous fluid, comprising:

(a) a portable combined impact collector and fan-based sampling unit that separates particulates from a fluid, said sampling unit comprising:
(i) a fluid passage for conveying said gaseous fluid in which the particulates are entrained, said fluid passage having an inlet and an outlet;
(ii) a rotatably driven combined impact collector and fan disposed within said fluid passage, such that rotation of said combined impact collector and fan both draws the gaseous fluid into the fluid passage toward said combined impact collector and fan, and collects said particulates entrained in the gaseous fluid as they impact upon dry surfaces of the combined impact collector and fan, thereby separating said particulates from the gaseous fluid;
(iii) a prime mover having a drive shaft that is drivingly coupled to said combined impact collector and fan, said combined impact collector being rotated thereby;
(iv) a power supply electrically coupled to said prime mover, said power supply energizing said prime mover;
(v) a primary housing substantially enclosing said prime mover and said power supply;
(vi) means for rinsing the surfaces of the combined impactor collector and fan with a stream of a rinse liquid after the particulates have been retained upon the surfaces of the combined impactor collector and fan, thereby removing the particulates that were thus collected from the surfaces of the combined impactor collector and fan with the stream of rinse liquid;
and
(b) a detection unit capable of identifying a specific particulate that has been separated from said gaseous fluid.

6 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Biological individual sampler

Life of this patent

Biological individual sampler

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims101