Patent · US Expired

Biological individual sampler

US6729196B2 · kind B2 · utility

63Cited by
4References
101Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateFeb 1, 2001
Grant dateMay 4, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 19, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01N2015/0288
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

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.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.