Apparatus and a method for detecting alarm molecules in an air sample
US5554846A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 1995 |
| Grant date | Sep 10, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 31, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/2264
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
In an apparatus for detecting alarm molecules, residual alarm molecules are automatically removed during a clear-down mode before a subsequent air sample is to be introduced. The apparatus comprises a detector unit, a sensor unit and a filtering sub-unit including a pump and a filter. During a challenge, the pump in the sub-unit is turned off, and the air sample passes from the inlet port of the first unit through the second unit to the output port of the first unit, thereby depositing alarm molecules in the first unit and the second unit. During the clear-down mode, the pump in the sub-unit is turned on, and outside air enters through the output port of the first unit, mixes with air flow from the output of the second unit, and passes through the sub-unit. Filtered air from the sub-unit exhausts the first unit through the inlet port of the first unit and passes into the second unit, thereby cleaning the first unit and the second unit from the alarm molecules deposited therein during the challenge mode.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.