The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 04, 2004
Filed:
Feb. 01, 2001
Christopher L. Moler, Richland, WA (US);
Trent Wetherbee, Kennewick, WA (US);
Patrick Call, West Richland, WA (US);
Charles J. Call, Albuquerque, NM (US);
Vanessa M. Kenning, Kennewick, WA (US);
MesoSystems Technology, Inc., Kennewick, WA (US);
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.