Automatic re-loading air-sampling and pneumatic transport system

US10317320B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Brian J. David · Falls Church, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 19, 2016
• Grant date: Jun 11, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 9, 2038

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/0481
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention collect solid, vapor, and/or biological components of the air in air-sampling cartridges that are then transported to an off-site location by pneumatic pressure. Operation proceeds by first collecting a sample of air in an air-sampling cartridge in a sampling position, then advancing a cartridge assembly to move the now-used sampling cartridge into a transport position while simultaneously moving an unused sampling cartridge into the sampling position, and finally using pneumatic pressure to push the used sampling cartridge in the transport position to an off-site location via a transport tube. The sampling operation can begin again while the transport operation is in still in progress. These operations can be pre-programmed locally or triggered by remote communication. Continued operation is possible due to a plurality of unused air-sampling cartridges retained in the cartridge assembly. Since operations can be triggered remotely and air samples are autonomously transported off site, embodiments of this invention eliminate unnecessary risks to human health created by other air-sampling devices, which require an operator to be present at a potentially h…