Gas separation: processes – Deflecting – And filtering
Reexamination Certificate
2000-05-26
2002-11-12
Hopkins, Robert A. (Department: 1724)
Gas separation: processes
Deflecting
And filtering
C055S326000, C055S434000, C073S863210, C073S863220, C073S863410
Reexamination Certificate
active
06478856
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is drawn to an apparatus and method for collection, sorting, concentrating and impinging particles on a surface. More particularly, the invention is drawn to an impingement system for directing agents onto a detector surface for use in detecting and classifying chemicals, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Chemical and biological weapons, sometimes referred to as the “poor man's nuclear weapons,” pose a significant threat in the post-Cold War environment. The relative low cost and simplicity of their design and technology, in comparison to nuclear weapons, make them the weapons of mass destruction choice for a variety of rogue states and terrorist, non-state organizations. This threat has been made all the more tangible by the use of chemical agent in a Tokyo subway, and allegations over Iraq's development of chemical and biological weapons and its actual use of chemical weapons in combat operations.
According to the 1998 U.S. Army Science and Technology Master Plan, “New fluorescent, acoustic, and optical biosensors are being designed for enhanced sensitivity and more flexible detection capability. Recent advances in the acceleration of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on a miniaturized scale now permit the exploitation of DNA probes for field detection of pathogens. A major thrust of a Joint Warfighting Science and Technology Plan (JWSTP) Defense Technology Objective (DTO), J.04 “Integrated Detection Advanced Technology Demonstration (ATD),” is the development of a rapid, automated field detection device based on the PCR. One key DTO element is the development of recombinant antibodies to serve as the recognition element of these new biosensors (FY98). Recombinant antibodies will ultimately be designed and quickly selected from genetic “super libraries” (FY99) to have specific detection capabilities, and novel starburst dendrimers are being studied for use on tailored reactive surfaces. Another major approach to point detection is mass spectrometry (MS), and miniature automated pyrolysis-based versions are being assessed for integration into existing CBD platforms (FY01). Of critical importance for biosensor and MS approaches is bio-aerosol sampling, since characteristics (e.g., concentration of detectable units per unit volume of air) of biological aerosols differ dramatically from chemical vapors, with resulting effects on detection efficacy.”
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a structure for sorting and selecting components of a fluid for acquisition and impingement on a sensor surfaces for alarm and/or analysis purposes.
It is another object of the invention to provide the functions of acquisition, filtering, sorting, selection, impingement and trapping of particles in a fluid, in accordance with desired mathematical functions of size, density, shape and surface characteristics.
It is another object of the invention to provide a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic, and kinetic methods to concentrate and/or sort particles of desired size and/or density from a fluid (gaseous, vapor or liquid).
It is another object of the invention to provide a combination of mechanical, aerodynamic, and kinetic methods to impinge particles of desired size and/or density onto a sensor surface.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide an impingement system for directing harmful agents onto a detector surface for use in detecting and classifying chemicals, particles, vira, and bacteria in fluids.
It is yet another object of the invention to provide diagnostic information and annunciation, either locally or remotely, within approximately 1 second or less of exposure to an agent in the free fluid, the time being short enough to become a function of the biochemical sensing apparatus alone, which is not part of this invention.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4215565 (1980-08-01), Zanker
patent: 4481833 (1984-11-01), Bajek
Leibholz Stephen
Manniello Sir John
Hopkins Robert A.
Roberts Abokhair & Mardula LLC
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