Measuring and testing – Sampler – sample handling – etc. – With heating or cooling
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-02
2001-11-27
Raevis, Robert (Department: 2856)
Measuring and testing
Sampler, sample handling, etc.
With heating or cooling
Reexamination Certificate
active
06321607
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a collecting apparatus, more particularly to a collecting apparatus for automatically collecting a sample during a particular time interval.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In a conventional method for collecting a gaseous sample, the worker needs to collect a lot of samples at different sampling spots and different sampling time. These sampling spots and sampling time depend on the conditions of this experimental area. These conditions include the direction of wind, the position of the polluting area, and the experimental environment, etc. The sampling times may be any time in a whole day and then the worker must collect several samples in a sampling spot during 24 hours regardless of day or night. If the experimental area is very big, the number of the sampling spots will be increased and the frequency of sampling will be also increased. So, the worker must make much effort in this job. Therefore, it is tried by the applicant to deal with this problem encountered with the prior art.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a collecting apparatus for automatically collecting a sample during a particular time interval.
The collecting apparatus for automatically collecting a sample includes a power supply for providing an electric power to operate the collecting apparatus and a plurality of sampling units. Each sampling unit includes a timing device for counting down and generating a first starting signal at a specific time for collecting the sample, a valve for allowing the sample to enter the sampling unit, a valve controller electrically connected to the timing device for generating a timing signal to open/close the valve after receiving the first starting signal, and a collector connected with the valve for collecting the sample through the valve.
In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, the apparatus includes 12 sampling units.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the timing device is an electronic timer.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the timing signal includes a second starting signal and an ending signal to define therebetween the particular time interval for causing the valve controller to open and close the valve respectively.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the signals are electrical impulses.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the valve controller is an electronic controller.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the particular time interval is ranged from ten seconds to six hours.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the collector includes a tube connecting to the valve, a reservoir connected to one end of the tube for containing the sample, and a flow controller connected to the other end of the tube for controlling the flow rate of the sample entering the reservoir.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sample is a volatile organic gas.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tube is a U-shaped tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the tube is a chemical inert stainless tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, there is a heater mounted around the tube for heating the tube when collecting the sample to prevent the organic gas from being adsorbed in the tube.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the pressure in the reservoir is less than 10
−2
torr so that the sample spontaneously enters the reservoir.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the reservoir is made of stainless steel.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the stainless steel reservoir has an electroplating coating on an inner surface of the reservoir for preventing the surface from being contaminated by the sample.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the electric power provided by the power supply is a direct current of 24 V.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the direct current is converted from an alternating current of 110 V provided by a utility power.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the direct current is provided by a battery.
In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the battery is a rechargeable battery.
The present invention may best be understood through the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
REFERENCES:
patent: 3921456 (1975-11-01), Newcomb et al.
patent: 4454772 (1984-06-01), Brunner et al.
patent: 4704910 (1987-11-01), Conrad
patent: 4886966 (1989-12-01), Matsunaga et al.
patent: 5167802 (1992-12-01), Sandstrom et al.
patent: 5469751 (1995-11-01), Weiss et al.
Keh Shun Shiang
Lo Jium Guang
Yang Jiun Yi
Klein & Szekeres LLP
Raevis Robert
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