Air sampling device

• US 4,786,472 A
• Filed: 08/21/1986
• Issued: 11/22/1988
• Est. Priority Date: 08/21/1986
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: R J Reynolds Tobacco Company (R. J. Reynolds Tobacco)
• Original Assignee: R J Reynolds Tobacco Company (R. J. Reynolds Tobacco)
• Inventors: Oldaker, Guy B. III, Walsh, Richard F., McConnell, Bain C.
• Primary Examiner(s): Castel, Benoit
• Application Number:
  US06/899,186
• Time in Patent Office: 824 Days
• Field of Search: 422/61, 422/83, 422/88, 422/119, 436/106, 436/134, 436/175, 436/177, 436/178, 436/181, 73/23, 73/863.21, 73/863.23, 73/863.31, 73/29
• US Class Current: 422/430
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/24 Suction devices G01N1/22 - G01N1/2294 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/17 Nitrogen containing
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 436/205831 Carbon monoxide only

Abstract

A briefcase contains components capable of sampling air for analysis. For example, air can be introduced into the briefcase through inlet ports and that air can be monitored for components of environmental tobacco smoke. A chemical collection device such as a sorbent tube can collect nicotine, a filter can collect respirable suspended particulate matter, and a chemical detector can monitor carbon monoxide levels. The environmental temperature and barometric pressure of the environment can be monitored also. Data is stored on a microcomputer within the briefcase, and can be transferred to a computer at a later time for data analysis.

Claims

1. An environmental air sampling device which includes (a) a portable outer container having air inlet means;

(b) calibrated air flow pumping means connected to the air inlet means;

(c) at least one chemical collection means for quantitative determination of predetermined chemicals;

(d) means for sampling predetermined particulate matter;

(e) means for determining relative conditions of enviornment including a temperature sensing means for determining environmental temperature and a means for sensing barometric pressure;

(f) data storage means including means for recording time periods over which air is sampled and means for recording relative conditions of environment; and

(g) power source for operation of components including the pumping means and data storage means;

wherein components (b) through (g) are contained within the outer container and the air sampling device is adapted to be employed with the outer container in closed form.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the outer container is a briefcase.

3. The device of claim 2 which weighs less than about 30 pounds.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein said means for sampling predetermined particulate matter is a means for collecting respirable suspended particulate matter form environmental tobacco smoke.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said chemical collection means is a means for collecting nicotine.

6. The device of claim 1 wherein the power source includes at least one battery and a recharging unit.

7. An environmental air sampling device which includes (a) a portable outer container having air inlet means;

(b) calibrated air flow pumping means connected to the air inlet means;

(c) at least one chemical detection means for quantitative deterination of predetermined chemicals;

(d) means for sampling predetermined particulate matter;

(e) means for determining relative conditions of environment including a temperature sensing means for determining environmental temperature and a means for sensing barometric pressure;

(f) data storage means including means for recording time periods over which air is sampled, means for recording relative conditions of environment, and means for recording data provided from the chemical detection means; and

(g) power source for operation of components including the pumping means and data storage means;

wherein components (b) through (g) are contained within the outer container; and

the air sampling device is adapted to be employed with the outer container in closed form.

8. The device of claim 7 wherein the outer container is a briefcase.

9. The device of claim 8 which weighs less than about 30 pounds.

10. The device of claim 7 wherein said means for sampling predetermined particulate matter is a means for collecting respirable suspended particulate matter form environmental tobacco smoke.

11. The device of claim 7 wherein said chemical detection means is a means for collecting carbon monoxide.

12. The device of claim 7 wherein the power source includes at least one battery and a recharging unit.

13. An environmental air sampling device which includes (a) a portable outer container having air inlet means;

(b) calibrated air flow pumping means connected to the air inlet means;

(c) at least one chemical detection means for quantitative determination of predetermined chemicals;

(d) at least one chemical collection means for quantitative determination of predetermined chemicals;

(e) means for sampling predetermined particulate matter;

(f) means for determining relative conditions of environment including a temperature sensing means for determining environmental temperature and a means for sensing barometeric pressure;

(g) data storage means including means for recording time periods over which air is sampled, means for recording relative conditions of environment, and means for recording data provided from the chemical detection means; and

(h) power source for operation of storage including the pumping means and data collection means;

wherein components (b) through (h) are contained within the outer container, and the air sampling device is adapted to be employed with the outer container in closed form.

14. The device of claim 13 wherein said means for sampling predetermined particulate matter is a means for collecting respirable suspended particulate matter for environmental tobacco smoke.

15. The device of claim 13 wherein the outer container is a briefcase.

16. The device of claim 15 which weighs less than about 30 pounds.

17. The device of claim 13 wherein said chemical detection means is a means for detecting carbon monoxie and said chemical collection means is a means for collecting nicotine.

18. The device of claim 13 wherein the power source includes at least one battery and a recharging unit.