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Publication Number
US-11454573-B2
Publication Date
2022-09-27
Expiration Date
Abstract
A system and method for sampling air in a controlled environment that includes two or more air sampling devices at different locations within the controlled environment. A controller is provided at a location outside of the controlled environment and in separate air flow communication with each of the two or more air sampling devices via separate first vacuum tubes, the controller having a manifold configured to separately control a rate of air flow from the two or more air sampling devices to the controller via each of the separate first vacuum tubes and to selectively direct the air flow from each of the separate first vacuum tubes to one or more second vacuum tubes. A vacuum source is provided at a location outside the controlled environment and in air flow communication with the controller via the one or more second vacuum tubes, the vacuum source providing suction and being controlled by the controller to generate the air flow through each of the first vacuum tubes. And, a flow switch for each of the two or more air sampling devices is provided at a location between a corresponding air sampling device and the vacuum source, each of the flow switches being configured to separately measure and control the rate of air flow through a corresponding first vacuum tube. An alarm is automatically activated at a location inside the controlled environment by one or more of the flow switches when the rate of air flow measured at one or more of the flow switches deviates from a desired value by a predetermined amount.
Core Innovation
An air sampling system is configured to collect a volume of air using one or more air sampling devices within a controlled environment, such as a clean room. The system includes a controller outside the controlled environment that provides suction for the one or more air sampling devices through one or more air tubes connecting the devices to the controller. This arrangement enables air collection in the controlled environment while centralizing suction at the controller.
Within the controlled environment, one or more touchpads provide a user interface for a user and provide output signals to the controller to control air sampling cycles at one or more of the one or more air sampling devices. The touchpads also output an audible or visual signal when an air sampling cycle is complete. The touchpad-to-controller signaling includes wired or wireless network communication as further refined.
The controller supports control logic for detecting air-flow deviation through one of the one or more air tubes relative to a pre-programmed set-point flow rate with a pre-determined tolerance. When the air-flow deviation is detected, the controller outputs an alarm signal to one or more touchpads. The touchpads can further provide displays of air flow rate and output visual alarm indications responsive to user interface control.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Across these claims, the coverage is centered on coordinated air sampling using a controller providing suction outside the controlled environment and touchpads inside the controlled environment that control sampling cycles and provide user outputs, with additional refinements addressing air-flow deviation alarm logic and signal pathways.
Controlled-environment air sampling with remote suction controller
An air sampling system comprising one or more air sampling devices within a controlled environment that each collect a volume of air, and a controller outside the controlled environment configured to provide suction for the one or more air sampling devices.
Air-tube connection between sampling devices and controller
One or more air tubes, each connecting one of the one or more air sampling devices to the controller.
Touchpad user interface controlling sampling cycles and indicating completion
One or more touchpads within the controlled environment provide a user interface for a user, output signals to the controller to control air sampling cycles at one or more of the one or more air sampling devices, and output an audible or visual signal when an air sampling cycle is complete.
Air-flow deviation detection and alarm signaling
Control logic detects air-flow deviation through one of the one or more air tubes relative to a pre-programmed set-point flow rate with a pre-determined tolerance, and the controller outputs an alarm signal to one or more touchpads when the air-flow deviation is detected.
Touchpad-driven method for controlling air sampling cycles
A method of sampling air comprising providing a user interface by the one or more touchpads, outputting signals to the controller in response to user input, controlling air sampling cycles at one or more of the one or more air sampling devices by the controller in response to the signals from the one or more touchpads, and outputting an audible or visual signal by the one or more touchpads when an air sampling cycle is complete.
The independent claim set covers an apparatus and a method where controlled-environment air sampling devices communicate with a suction-providing controller outside the controlled environment, while touchpads inside the controlled environment provide a user interface that outputs signals to control sampling cycles and outputs audible or visual completion signals. The claims further include air-flow deviation detection using a pre-programmed set-point flow rate with a pre-determined tolerance and associated alarm signaling to touchpads.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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