Abstract:
The present disclosure provides devices, systems and methods for concentrating a fluid sample. A portable or hand-held concentrator is used to draw the fluid sample through a filter into an internal chamber, capturing target particles on the filter. An elution cartridge containing an elution fluid is used to recover the captured particles into a reduced fluid volume. The hand-held concentrator includes a tip, which, when opened, allows the hand-held concentrator to draw the fluid sample into the tip and through the filter wall into the internal chamber. The drawing occurs due to a vacuum or wicking source in the internal chamber of the hand-held concentrator. The target particles are captured on the filter. The elution fluid contains a foaming agent and is held under a head pressure of gas soluble in the elution fluid. The target particles are eluted from the filter into the reduced fluid volume using an elution foam that is formed when the elution fluid is released from the elution cartridge. Embodiments of the hand-held concentrator are entirely self-contained and can operate without electrical power.
Abstract:
Novel rapid, efficient sample collection systems, devices and methods are disclosed which remove and capture particles, and especially potential bioterrorism particles from surfaces into a liquid sample. The devices were developed primarily for obtaining samples of biological contamination from environmental surfaces. Biological particles, as described here, include bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms, and other particles of biological origin including nucleic acids, proteins, and toxins.
Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to a prefiltration device that can be used with the concentrating pipette instruments and other devices which draw a sample in through one opening and dispense a concentrated or eluted sample out through the same opening. The device allows the sample to be passed through a prefilter when entering the opening and then bypassed the prefilter when being dispensed through the same opening.
Abstract:
FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of an aerosol collector showing our new design; FIG. 2 is a front elevational view thereof; FIG. 3 is a back elevational view thereof; FIG. 4 is a right side elevational view thereof; FIG. 5 is a left side elevational view thereof; FIG. 6 is a top plan view thereof; FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view thereof; and, FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view thereof. The broken lines in the drawings depict portions of the aerosol collector that form no part of the claimed design.
Abstract:
Devices and methods are described for using normal human breath to separately capture particles from inhaled and exhaled breath for analysis. This device can be constructed as a wearable device worn as a mask with separately removable filters on the inside and the outside of an efficient collection material.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides for devices, systems and methods for fractionation and concentration of particles from a fluid sample. This includes a cartridge containing staged filters having porous surface in series of decreasing pore size for capture of particles from a fluid sample; and a permeate pressure source in fluid communication with the cartridge; wherein the particles are eluted from the porous surfaces and dispensed in a reduced fluid volume.
Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using containers with a multitude of nucleation sites covering a major portion of the inside wall of the container to enable rapid and nearly complete removal of soluble gases from fluid samples, including carbonated beverages and other carbonated fluid samples. A fluid sample is rapidly poured into the described container initiating a catastrophic release of the soluble gas from the sample.
Abstract:
Highly efficient and rapid filtration-based concentration devices, systems and methods are disclosed with sample fluidic lines and a filter packaged in a disposable tip which concentrate biological particles that are suspended in liquid from a dilute feed suspension. A sample concentrate or retentate suspension is retained while eliminating the separated fluid in a separate flow stream. The concentrate is then dispensed from the disposable tip in a set volume of elution fluid. Suspended biological particles include such materials as proteins/toxins, viruses, DNA, and/or bacteria in the size range of approximately 0.001 micron to 20 microns diameter. Concentration of these particles is advantageous for detection of target particles in a dilute suspension, because concentrating them into a small volume makes them easier to detect. All conduits by which the disposable tip attaches to the instrument are combined into a single connection point on the upper end of the tip.
Abstract:
The present disclosure provides for devices, systems and methods for fractionation and concentration of particles from a fluid sample. This includes a cartridge containing staged filters having porous surface in series of decreasing pore size for capture of particles from a fluid sample; and a permeate pressure source in fluid communication with the cartridge; wherein the particles are eluted from the porous surfaces and dispensed in a reduced fluid volume.
Abstract:
Devices, systems and methods are disclosed which relate to using a wet foam elution method for removal of particles from a flat filter. Particles are captured from the atmosphere onto the flat filter. The flat filter is then placed into an extractor which passes a stream of wet foam through the flat filter. Expansion of the foam works to efficiently remove captured particles. The foam flows from the filter along with the captured particles into a sample container. Once in the sample container, the foam quickly breaks down leaving an analysis ready liquid sample.