US3901084A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vacuum-operated sampler and distributor for multiple sampling operation
Assignee: Brailsford and Co Inc
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Filing: 1974-07-19
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Granted: 1975-08-26
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Expires: 1994-07-19
Abstract
Abstract The sampler includes a distributor with first and second members movable relative to each other in several specific positions. In each position a transfer port in one member is aligned with a different port in the other member. Each of the latter ports is connected to a separate sample receptacle, and the transfer port is connected to the intake line of a vacuum pump. A bellows and a valve are also connected to the intake line to the pump, and the valve is actuated to open and close at certain times relative to a cycle of operation in which the pump draws into the system a sample, which may be gas or liquid depending on the construction of the sampler. When the valve is closed, the pump draws air out of the bellows causing the latter to contract and operate an advancement device to align the transfer port with the next port in the other member.
Inventors
- 👤 Harrison D Brailsford
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 03:45
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 16
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
Sampling apparatus comprising: A. a plurality of sample receptacles; B. a distributor comprising: 1. a first member comprising a plurality of connectors, each connected to a corresponding one of said receptacles, 2. a second member comprising a transfer port; C. a vacuum pump and system to draw fluid samples into said apparatus; D. a closed chamber connected to said pump to be evacuated thereby and comprising a movable portion and means to connect said movable portion to one of said members of said distributor to move said one of said members to align said transfer port with each of said connectors sequentially to cause said samples to enter each of said receptacles sequentially; and E. a valve connected to said chamber to control the evacuation of said chamber.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
Sampling apparatus comprising: A. a plurality of sample receptacles; B. a distributor comprising: 1. a first member comprising a plurality of connectors, each connected to a corresponding one of said receptacles, 2. a second member comprising a transfer port; C. a vacuum pump and system to draw fluid samples into said apparatus; D. a closed chamber connected to said pump to be evacuated thereby and comprising a movable portion and means to connect said movable portion to one of said members of said distributor to move said one of said members to align said transfer port with each of said connectors sequentially to cause said samples to enter each of said receptacles sequentially; and E. a valve connected to said chamber to control the evacuation of said chamber.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 in which said valve comprises: A. a vent to allow air to enter said chamber; and B. closure means to close said vent in order to draw one of said samples into said apparatus and to move said one of said members to align said transfer port with the next one of said connectors in sequence.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
96 words
a second member comprising a transfer port; C. a vacuum pump and system to draw fluid samples into said apparatus; D. a closed chamber connected to said pump to be evacuated thereby and comprising a movable portion and means to connect said movable portion to one of said members of said distributor to move said one of said members to align said transfer port with each of said connectors sequentially to cause said samples to enter each of said receptacles sequentially; and E. a valve connected to said chamber to control the evacuation of said chamber.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
96 words
a second member comprising a transfer port; C. a vacuum pump and system to draw fluid samples into said apparatus; D. a closed chamber connected to said pump to be evacuated thereby and comprising a movable portion and means to connect said movable portion to one of said members of said distributor to move said one of said members to align said transfer port with each of said connectors sequentially to cause said samples to enter each of said receptacles sequentially; and E. a valve connected to said chamber to control the evacuation of said chamber.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
52 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 2 in which said vacuum system comprises a metering chamber connected to said pump to receive said fluid samples, said distributor being connected between said metering chamber and said receptacles to direct each of said samples from said metering chamber to a successive one of said receptacles.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 3 in which said connectors of said first member are arranged in a circle and said second member is rotatable relative to said first member and said transfer port moves in a circle divided into arcuate segments to bring said transfer port into alignment with each of said connectors in turn.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
53 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 4 in which said means to move said one of said members comprises a ratchet wheel connected to said second member to rotate therewith and a pawl connected to said movable portion to move therewith and engaging said ratchet wheel to rotate it a step at a time.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 in which said closed chamber is a bellows and said movable portion is a wall at one end of said bellows.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
48 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 in which each of said sample receptacles comprises a sample intake port and an exhaust port connected to a respective one of said connectors, whereby each of said receptacles is exhausted in turn to draw in a sample through its intake port.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 7 in which each of said receptacles contains material to retain a gaseous sample.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 7 in which said first member of said distributor is fixedly positioned and said second member rotates relative to said first member.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
50 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 9 in which said valve is connected in air flow series between said distributor and said pump and comprises closure means, said closed chamber being connected between said pump and said valve to force said pump to evacuate said chamber only when said valve closes.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
47 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 10 in which said advancement means comprises: A. a ratchet gear fixedly connected to said second member to rotate therewith; and B. a pawl connected to said movable portion of said chamber and engaging said ratchet gear to rotate said ratchet gear.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 in which said valve is a solenoid valve.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
24 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 12 comprising a timer connected to said solenoid valve to energize said solenoid valve at predetermined spaced time intervals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-08-25 | 1979-02-24 | 1979-08-26 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-08-25 | 1983-02-24 | 1983-08-26 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-08-25 | 1987-02-24 | 1987-08-26 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |