Hand-held bio-agent collector
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the device comprising:
- a device housing;
a vibratory member extending from the housing and adapted to transmit vibrations to the target surface, the vibratory member defining a distal end for contacting the target surface; and
a pin array extending from the housing and adapted to receive an electrical voltage and generate an electric field in the vicinity of the target surface when the distal end of the vibratory member contacts the target surface.
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Abstract
Disclosed is a compact, non-contacting device for collecting samples, and particularly minute quantities of bio-agents or particulates, from a surface. The device vibrates a region of a target surface containing the sample and collects the sample on an electrically charged pin array. The sample can be later released to a detector or other instrumentation for subsequent analysis.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the device comprising:
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a device housing; a vibratory member extending from the housing and adapted to transmit vibrations to the target surface, the vibratory member defining a distal end for contacting the target surface; and a pin array extending from the housing and adapted to receive an electrical voltage and generate an electric field in the vicinity of the target surface when the distal end of the vibratory member contacts the target surface. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A system for receiving a sample collected from a target surface, the system comprising:
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a device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the device comprising (i) a device housing, (ii) a vibratory member extending from the housing and adapted to transmit vibrations to the target surface, the vibratory member defining a distal end for contacting the target surface, and (iii) a pin array extending from the housing and adapted to receive an electrical voltage and generate an electric field in the vicinity of the target surface when the distal end of the vibratory member contacts the target surface; and a docking station adapted to engage the device and receive the sample collected by the device. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14)
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15. A system for collecting a sample from a flowing gas stream, the system comprising:
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a channel for housing and directing the flowing gas stream; and a sample collector including a (i) pin array in flow communication with the channel, the pin array having a plurality of pins extending transversely within the flow of the gas stream, (ii) an electrical power source for selectively inducing an electric field about the pin array; and
(iii) a vibratory component adapted to vibrate the pin array to release the sample collected thereon. - View Dependent Claims (16, 20)
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17. A method of collecting bio-agents from a target surface by use of a device for collecting a sample from a target surface, the device comprising (i) a device housing, (ii) a vibratory member extending from the housing and adapted to transmit vibrations to the target surface, the vibratory member defining a distal end for contacting the target surface, and (iii) a pin array extending from the housing and adapted to receive an electrical voltage and generate an electric field in the vicinity of the target surface when the distal end of the vibratory member contacts the target surface, the method comprising:
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contacting the vibratory member to the target surface; vibrating the target surface by vibrating the vibratory member and transmitting the vibration to the target surface, whereby bio-agents are displaced or otherwise released from the target surface; and applying an electric potential to the pin array to thereby emit an electric field from the pin array such that the field extends to the target surface, whereby bio-agents are collected on the pin array. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19)
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Specification