Preconcentrator for analysis instruments
First Claim
1. An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly for delivering an analyte to an inlet of an analysis instrument comprising:
- a housing defining an inner chamber;
an inlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber;
an outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber for delivering fluid to the analysis instrument;
an exhaust outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber;
a plurality of removable preconcentrator packages disposed within the inner chamber, each of said removable preconcentrator packages including a microscale preconcentrator, wherein a fluid flow path is defined between the inlet and the inner chamber;
the assembly further defining a first fluid flow path between the preconcentrators and said exhaust outlet and a second fluid flow path between the preconcentrators and said outlet; and
a selectably operable valve for selectively directing fluid flow from the inner chamber into either the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path;
wherein said plurality of removable preconcentrator packages are urged against a surface of said housing by a mechanically biased urging member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly for delivering an analyte to an analysis instrument. The assembly includes a housing defining an inner chamber. An inlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber, an outlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber for delivering fluid to the inlet of the analysis instrument, and an exhaust outlet is in fluid communication with the inner chamber. A plurality of removable preconcentrator packages are disposed within the inner chamber. Each of the removable preconcentrator packages including a microscale preconcentrator. A fluid flow path is defined between the inlet and the inner chamber. A first fluid flow path is defined between the preconcentrators and the exhaust outlet, and a second fluid flow path is defined between the preconcentrators and the outlet. A selectably operable valve directs fluid flow from the inner chamber into either the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path.
81 Citations
20 Claims
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1. An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly for delivering an analyte to an inlet of an analysis instrument comprising:
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a housing defining an inner chamber; an inlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber; an outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber for delivering fluid to the analysis instrument; an exhaust outlet in fluid communication with the inner chamber; a plurality of removable preconcentrator packages disposed within the inner chamber, each of said removable preconcentrator packages including a microscale preconcentrator, wherein a fluid flow path is defined between the inlet and the inner chamber; the assembly further defining a first fluid flow path between the preconcentrators and said exhaust outlet and a second fluid flow path between the preconcentrators and said outlet; and a selectably operable valve for selectively directing fluid flow from the inner chamber into either the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path; wherein said plurality of removable preconcentrator packages are urged against a surface of said housing by a mechanically biased urging member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. An interchangeable preconcentrator assembly for delivering analyte to an analysis instrument comprising:
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housing means for defining a chamber, an inlet to the chamber, a first fluid flow path leading away from the analysis instrument, and a second fluid flow path leading to the analysis instrument; means for accommodating at least one preconcentrator chip disposed within chamber; means for selectively directing fluid flow from the chamber to either the first fluid flow path or the second fluid flow path; and means for mechanically biasing said at least one preconcentrator chip toward a surface of said housing means; wherein said means for accommodating comprise first and second plates at least partially enclosing said chip, said first plate having an opening for allowing fluid flow to said preconcentrator chip.
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19. A method for preconcentrating an analyte in fluid/air and selectively delivering the preconcentrated analyte to an analysis instrument, the method comprising:
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delivering the fluid/air containing the analyte to a plurality of micropreconcentrators disposed within an inner chamber defined by a housing and urged against a surface of said housing by a mechanically biased urging member, while a valve seals the inner chamber from a second fluid flow path in the housing leading to the analysis instrument to permit a first fluid flow path from the inner chamber away from the analysis instrument; heating the micropreconcentrators; and selectively operating the valve to permit the first fluid flow path and close the second fluid flow path. - View Dependent Claims (20)
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Specification