Devices, systems and methods for elution of particles from flat filters
Inventors
Page, Andrew Edward • Alburty, David Scott • Adolphson, Alec D. • Murowchick, Pamela S. • Packingham, Zachary A.
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12055469-B2
Publication Date
2024-08-06
Expiration Date
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.
Core Innovation
A flat filter through which fluid flows contains a cassette housing and filter material, and the flat filter collects a sample from the fluid. Elution occurs after collection by backflushing with an elution foam from a pressurized container, while a sealed pressure chamber receives the foam and the foam breaks down into a liquid containing a sample.
The extractor includes a vent that releases positive pressure caused by the elution foam breaking down into a liquid. In a related device configuration, the cassette housing with filter material substantially exposed on both sides is sealingly inserted between a nozzle and a sample container, and the nozzle delivers the elution foam connected to an elution foam solution inside the pressurized container.
The separated foam is collected in a container while the backflushing deposits a sample-containing liquid into the sample container. The cassette housing vent releases the positive pressure caused by the elution foam breaking down into a liquid containing the sample.
Claims Coverage
The document provides three independent claims centered on capturing particles on a flat filter and then eluting the captured sample by backflushing with an elution foam that breaks down into a liquid, with venting for positive pressure release. The inventive core combines foam backflushing, sealed-chamber or cassette-housing pressure management, and the flat-filter/cassette housing arrangement.
Flat filter sample collection with cassette housing
A flat filter through which fluid flows, the flat filter containing a cassette housing and a filter material, wherein the flat filter collects the sample from the fluid.
Foam backflushing from a pressurized container into a sealed pressure chamber
An extractor for backflushing the flat filter with an elution foam from a pressurized container, the extractor having a sealed pressure chamber in which the elution foam breaks down into a liquid containing a sample.
Vent releasing positive pressure during foam breakdown
A vent in the sealed chamber for releasing a positive pressure caused by the elution foam breaking down into a liquid containing a sample.
Container collecting foam
A container for collecting the foam, wherein the flat filter collects the sample from the fluid, then the foam backflushes the flat filter into the container.
Particle collection on a flat filter in an air flow
Collecting particles from a fluid in an air flow onto a flat filter.
Backflushing the flat filter with elution foam and venting foam breakdown pressure
Backflushing the filter with elution foam from a pressurized container, and using a vent to release a positive pressure caused by the elution foam breaking down into a liquid containing a sample.
Cassette housing with filter material exposed on both sides
A cassette housing containing filter material with the filter material substantially exposed on both sides.
Sealing insertion between nozzle and sample container
The cassette housing is adapted to be sealingly inserted between a nozzle and a sample container, wherein the nozzle for an elution foam backflushes the flat filter into the sample container.
Nozzle connected to pressurized elution foam solution
The nozzle is connected to an elution foam solution inside a pressurized container.
Vent in cassette housing for positive pressure release
A vent in the cassette housing for releasing a positive pressure caused by the elution foam breaking down into a liquid containing the sample.
Across the independent claims, the inventive arrangement is a flat filter/cassette housing that collects particles, followed by backflushing with elution foam delivered from a pressurized container. The foam is placed in a sealed pressure chamber or a cassette housing arrangement where it breaks down into a liquid containing a sample, and a vent releases the positive pressure caused by that breakdown. The system further specifies collection of foam in a container, while the method specifies particle collection in an air flow onto the flat filter and the vent release during breakdown.
Stated Advantages
Improved elution efficiency versus liquid due to reduced channeling.
Controlled small elution volumes.
Quick foam collapse, with the majority within about 30 seconds.
Compatibility with medical/environmental/security pathogen sampling.
Documented Applications
Medical/environmental/security pathogen sampling using the described air-flow particle collection onto a flat filter followed by foam elution.
Intended use including security/biothreat agent sampling, with a CDC biothreat agent list referenced in the document.
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