SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CONCENTRATING SUBSTANCES IN FLUID SAMPLES
First Claim
1. A method of concentrating a foreign substance in a fluid sample comprising:
- establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path;
drawing fluid into the fluid circulation path from a sample source;
causing fluid to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element;
preventing at least one foreign substance from passing through the filtering element;
concentrating the at least one foreign substance in fluid within a container in the fluid circulation path; and
using an electronic control system to substantially automatically control at least one of a speed of a pump circulating fluid through the fluid path and a quantity of retentate within the container.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Concentrator systems include a circulating fluid pathway passing through a pump, a filter, and a retentate container. An effluent outlet line communicates with the circulating fluid pathway through a filtering element within a body of the filter. The systems further include a control system. In some embodiments, the pump, filter, and retentate container may be secured within a portable container. Methods for concentrating a foreign substance within a fluid sample include establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path passing through a fluid pump, a filter body, and a retentate container. Fluid is caused to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element within the filter body, and at least one foreign substance is prevented from passing through the filtering element. A control system may be used to control at least one of a speed of the pump and a quantity of retentate within the retentate container.
53 Citations
38 Claims
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1. A method of concentrating a foreign substance in a fluid sample comprising:
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establishing circulation of fluid through a fluid circulation path; drawing fluid into the fluid circulation path from a sample source; causing fluid to exit the fluid circulation path through a filtering element; preventing at least one foreign substance from passing through the filtering element; concentrating the at least one foreign substance in fluid within a container in the fluid circulation path; and using an electronic control system to substantially automatically control at least one of a speed of a pump circulating fluid through the fluid path and a quantity of retentate within the container. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A system for concentrating at least one foreign substance in a fluid comprising:
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a filter having at least one filtering element disposed within a filter body; a retentate container; a pump configured to drive fluid flow through a circulating fluid pathway passing through the filter body and the retentate container; a sample inlet line in fluid communication with the circulating fluid pathway; an effluent outlet line in fluid communication with the circulating fluid pathway through the filtering element of the filter; at least one valve configured to control fluid flow through the circulating fluid pathway; at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic relating to fluid in the circulating fluid pathway; and a control system configured to substantially automatically control at least one of the pump and the at least one valve in response to a signal received from the at least one sensor. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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29. A system for concentrating at least one foreign substance in a fluid comprising:
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a filter having at least one filtering element disposed within a filter body; a retentate container; a pump configured to drive fluid flow through a circulating fluid pathway passing through the filter body and the retentate container; a sample inlet line in fluid communication with the circulating fluid pathway; an effluent outlet line in fluid communication with the circulating fluid pathway through the filtering element of the filter; a container having the filter, the retentate container, and the pump disposed therein; and a control system comprising; a controller; at least one input device; at least one output device; at least one retentate sensor configured to sense a quantity of retentate within the retentate container and transmit a signal to the controller indicative of the quantity of retentate within the retentate container; and at least one effluent sensor configured to sense a quantity of effluent passing through the effluent outlet line and transmit a signal to the controller indicative of the quantity of effluent passing through the effluent outlet line. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38)
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Specification