Peter P Hairston

Title: Innovations by Peter P Hairston

Introduction

Peter P Hairston is a notable inventor based in Saint Paul, MN (US), recognized for his contributions to aerosol particle measurement technologies. With a total of five patents to his name, Hairston has made significant advancements in the field of particle characterization and detection.

Latest Patents

One of Hairston's latest patents is an "Apparatus and system for simultaneously measuring particle concentration and biocontaminants in an aerosol particle flow." This innovative system enhances aerosol particle characterization and detection accuracy in clean room applications. It includes an optical particle sizer that receives a particle-containing aerosol sample at a higher flow rate, which is operatively coupled to an inertial aerosol concentrator. This concentrator concentrates particles received from the optical particle sizer and delivers a lower flow rate, particle-enriched output. The system also features an optical sensor that senses the intrinsic particle fluorescence of the lower, particle-enriched flow. This fluorescence serves as a useful indicator of biological particles and their viability, including bacterial particles. The system provides a measure derived from a single inlet flow of both total particles and viable microbial particles based on their spectroscopic properties.

Another significant patent involves "Analysis systems detecting particle size and fluorescence." This patent discloses particle analyzing systems with fluorescence detection, primarily in connection with particle sizing based on scattered light intensity or time-of-flight measurement. In one embodiment, the emission of fluorescence is used as a threshold for selecting particles for further analysis, such as mass spectrometry. Additionally, laser beams arranged sequentially along an aerosol path are selectively switched on and off to increase the useful life of components and reduce potential interference among several signals. Other embodiments utilize color discrimination in aerodynamic particle sizing and single detectors positioned to sense both scattered and emitted fluorescent radiation.

Career Highlights

Hairston has built a successful career at TSI, Inc., where he has been instrumental in developing innovative technologies for aerosol measurement. His work has significantly impacted the field, leading to advancements that enhance the accuracy and efficiency of particle detection systems.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Hairston has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Frank D Dorman and Stanley L Kaufman. These collaborations have contributed to the development of cutting-edge technologies in aerosol science.

Conclusion

Peter P Hairston is a distinguished inventor whose work in aerosol particle measurement has led to significant advancements in the field