Flow control modules that transmit desired flow rate
Inventors
Calio, Rosario Sam • Churchvara, Jeffrey
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12306080-B2
Publication Date
2025-05-20
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
The invention relates to an air sampling system for collecting a volume of air in a controlled environment using multiple air sampling devices. Each air sampling device is configured to collect a volume of air within the controlled environment, while a controller located outside the controlled environment provides suction for collecting the volumes of air.
The system uses a plurality of air tubes that each connect one of the air sampling devices to the controller. Within the controlled environment, multiple flow control modules are provided, each flow control module being in flow communication with a respective air sampling device via a respective air tube, and each flow control module includes an interface to specify a desired flow rate that is transmitted to the controller to provide the desired flow rate via the respective air tube.
In embodiments refined by the dependent claims, flow verification is incorporated using flow switches that measure actual flow rate through the air tubes and compare the actual flow rate to the desired flow rate using a predetermined tolerance. When deviation is detected, an error signal is generated and an alarm signal is output, including a visible alert indicator such as an LED and an audible alarm such as a buzzer.
Claims Coverage
The independent claims cover an air sampling system architecture and a method of sampling air using user-specified desired flow rates transmitted to an outside controller for initiating and controlling sampling at each air sampling device. Across the independent claims, the core inventive features include controller-outside suction via air tubes, controlled-environment flow control modules with user interfaces for desired flow rate specification, and flow verification and alarm signaling based on actual versus desired flow rate with a predetermined tolerance.
Multiple sampling devices with controller outside controlled environment for suction
A plurality of air sampling devices within a controlled environment, each configured to collect a volume of air, and a controller outside the controlled environment configured to provide suction for the plurality of air sampling devices to collect volumes of air.
Air tubes connecting sampling devices to the outside controller
A plurality of air tubes, each connecting one of the plurality of air sampling devices to the controller.
Controlled-environment flow control modules with user interface for desired flow rate
A plurality of flow control modules within the controlled environment, each flow control module in flow communication with a respective air sampling device via a respective air tube, each flow control module comprising an interface that provides functionality for a user to specify a desired flow rate and transmitting the desired flow rate specified by the user to the controller so the desired flow rate is provided via the respective air tube.
User-specified desired flow rate input transmitted to controller
Receiving, from a user via the interface of one of the plurality of flow control modules, a desired flow rate at the respective air sampling device, and transmitting the desired flow rate to the controller.
Controller-initiated air sampling cycle at the specified flow rate
Initiating an air sampling cycle, by the controller, at the respective air sampling device.
Collecting the air volume via the tube at the desired flow rate
Collecting the volume of air from the respective air sampling device via the respective air tube, at the desired flow rate specified by the user.
Across the independent claims, the inventive coverage centers on multiple air sampling devices in a controlled environment collecting air volumes, an outside controller providing suction through air tubes, and controlled-environment flow control modules that accept user input of a desired flow rate and transmit it to the controller so the desired flow rate is provided. The method claim further specifies receiving the user desired flow rate, transmitting it to the controller, controller-initiated sampling, and collecting the volume via the tube at the desired flow rate.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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