Analytical instrument and processes

• US 20040251905A1
• Filed: 05/28/2004
• Published: 12/16/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 05/28/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Elliott Kirk Gozansky
• Original Assignee: Elliott Kirk Gozansky
• Inventors: Gozansky, Elliott Kirk
• Granted Patent: US 6,946,842 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 324/321
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/022 sampling for security purposes, e.g. contraband, warfare agents
• CPC Class Codes: G01R 33/30 Sample handling arrangements, e.g. sample cells, spinning mechanisms

Abstract

An analytical instrument for analyzing biohazardous specimens is provided. The instrument provides means for exposing only the sample chamber to the containment area. A process for analyzing a biohazardous sample is also provided.

Claims

1. An analytical instrument comprising:

a sample chamber surrounded by a clean environment and in communication with a containment area;

means for connecting the sample chamber with a containment area wherein the means permit placement of an analytical sample into the sample chamber and wherein the means are hermetically sealed against contamination of the clean environment; and

means for hermetically sealing the sample chamber from the clean environment.

2. The analytical instrument of claim 1 wherein the analytical instrument is an MRI.

3. The analytical instrument of claim 1 wherein the analytical instrument is selected from the group of nuclear magnetic resonance, mass spectroscope, infrared spectroscope, ultraviolet spectroscope, and visible spectroscope.

4. The analytical instrument of claim 1 wherein the connection means comprises:

an opening in a barrier between the clean environment and the containment area;

a flange comprising a piping portion and an annular portion wherein the piping portion passes through the opening and extends into the clean environment, wherein the annular portion is attached to the containment area side of the barrier; and

wherein the piping portion which extends into the clean environment is in hermetic communication with the sample chamber.

5. The analytical instrument of claim 4 wherein the attachment of the annular portion to the containment area side of the barrier forms a hermetic seal.

6. The analytical instrument of claim 4 wherein the piping portion passing through the opening is hermetically sealed to the opening.

9. A process for analyzing a biohazardous sample using the analytical instrument of claim 1.

11. The analytical instrument of claim 1 wherein the connection means comprises;

an opening in a barrier between the clean environment and the containment area;

a flange comprising an annular portion wherein the annular portion is attached to the clean environment side of the barrier such that the annular portion surrounds the opening.

7. An analytical instrument comprising:

a sample chamber located in a containment area;

means for connecting the sample chamber with associated components located in a clean environment wherein the means are hermetically sealed against contamination of the clean environment.

8. The analytical instrument of claim 7 wherein the analytical instrument is an MRI, and further comprising a cryogenic coolant jacket surrounding the sample chamber, and wherein the associated components comprises a cryogenic cooling system.

10. A process for analyzing a biohazardous sample using the analytical instrument of claim 7.