Mocon, Inc.

Stephen D Tuomela

Daniel W Mayer

Timothy A Ascheman

Slava Berezovskiy

A protocol adaptive, computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument, capable of self-adaptive adjustments to measurement interval, rezero frequency and independent zero go-no-go.

Protocol adaptive computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument

A sensor for detecting a target analyte in a gaseous sample at ultra-low concentrations wherein access opening(s) provided through the sensor housing are plugged with endcap(s) and spent gas (i.e., gaseous sample post detection) is channeled along the interface between the sensor housing and the endcap(s) prior to venting of the spent gas, for flushing any environmentally introduced target analyte from this interface.

Analyte sensor with spent gas flushed endcaps

A method for measuring the transmission rate of an analyte through a film. The method includes the steps of (i) separating a chamber into a first cell and a second cell with a known area of a film, (ii) flushing the first cell with an inert gas to remove any target analyte from the first cell, (iii) introducing a gas containing a known concentration of an analyte into the second cell, (iv) sealing the first cell to gas flow through the first cell, and (v) sensing any analyte in the first cell with a sensor that consumes the analyte at a rate greater than the rate at which the analyte is passing through the film, until a steady state rate of analyte consumption is measured by the sensor.

Coulometric analyte sensing instrument with an analyte-consuming sensor in a closed cell

An analytical instrument and associated method for ascertaining gas transmission rates of a target-analyte through a capped mouth of a bottle. The instrument employs a unique fixture that includes (1) a selectively openable and closeable enclosure defining a chamber, and (2) a mounting post extending into the chamber. The post is configured and arranged to sealingly engage an inner surface of a capped bottle neck, wherein mounting of a capped bottle neck onto the post sealingly separates the chamber into a first compartment inside the mounted capped bottle neck and a second compartment outside the mounted capped bottle neck. The fixture is configured and arranged with passageways for introducing a pressurized target-analyte-containing fluid into the first compartment of the chamber and flushing the second compartment of the chamber with a target-analyte-free fluid.

Fixture to hermetically isolate a capped opening on a container for gas transmission testing

A calibration card and method of using the card to calibrate an analytical instrument capable of reading a photoluminescent oxygen probe. The card includes at least (a) a first mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye retained within a hermetically sealed space so as to isolate the dye from environmental oxygen, and in fluid communication with an activated metal-air battery whereby any oxygen permeating into the hermetically sealed space is quickly consumed by the battery, and (b) a second mass of an oxygen sensitive photoluminescent dye in fluid communication with the environment whereby the second mass of photoluminescent dye is exposed to an environmental concentration of oxygen.

Calibration card for photoluminescent oxygen sensors with zero point maintained with a metal-air battery

A valve system that includes (i) first and second longitudinally facing members defining a gap therebetween in fluid communication with transversely offset first and second orifices through the members, (ii) a primary biasing means longitudinally biasing the members away from one another, (iii) an elastic element positioned within the gap between the first and second orifices, and (iv) a repositioning means for longitudinally repositioning one of the members towards the other member against the bias of the primary biasing means for adjusting the longitudinal height of the gap. The members can be repositioned between (a) a first position wherein the elastic element does not seal the gap so as to allow fluid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice through the gap, and (b) a second position wherein the elastic element is compressed between the members and seals the gap so as to prevent fluid flow from the first orifice to the second orifice through the gap.

Valve system for a coulometric analyte sensing instrument

A humidity control system for an analyte permeation testing instrument. The system includes (i) an analyte permeation testing instrument, (ii) a sensor for sensing a target analyte, (iii) a humidity control chamber, and (iv) a selectively permeable membrane permeable to water vapor and impermeable to the target analyte. The analyte permeation testing instrument defines a testing chamber operable for engaging a test film such that the testing chamber is sealingly separated by the test film into a first cell and a second cell throughout a permeation testing period. The sensor is placed in fluid communication with the first cell. The humidity control chamber is positioned adjacent the first cell and in fluid communication with both a source of gas having a known humidity and the first cell, with the selectively permeable membrane sealingly separating the humidity control chamber from the first cell.

Humidity control system for the sensing cell of an analyte permeation testing instrument

A method of measuring the transmission rate of a permeant through a container and determining shelf life of product within the container based upon loss of the permeant through the container. The method includes the steps of (i) placing a sealed container containing a perishable product and a permeant within a sealed retention chamber, (ii) periodically measuring concentration of the permeant within the headspace of the retention chamber until a substantially steady state increase in permeant concentration within the headspace is sensed, and (iii) calculating a shelf life for the sealed container by dividing an amount of permeant loss, previously established as correlating to product expiration, by the sensed steady state increase in permeant concentration.

Method of measuring the transmission rate of a permeant through a container and determining shelf life of a packaged product within the container

A sensor for detecting water vapor in a gaseous sample. The sensor comprises (a) an anode, (b) a cathode, (c) an electrolyte intermediate the anode and cathode, and (d) an inlet orifice through a central area of the anode or cathode through which the gaseous sample may be placed into contact with the electrolyte. The electrolyte can be retained on a porous electrical-insulating separator located between the interior-facing major surfaces of the anode and the cathode.

Coulometric water vapor sensor

A needle valve with a hollow needle effective for permitting a portion of the fluid passing through the valve to flow throughout the valve and exit through any leaks in the valve, whereby any environmental fluid within the valve is displaced by the fluid passing through the valve.

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Ramsey, MN, United States of America

Stephen D Tuomela