Modular particle counter with docking station

Abstract

A modular docking station and method for sampling and monitoring gases and other fluids in which a sampling device can be removably attached to the docking station, thereby allowing the sampling device to be replaced without having to remove or disconnect the docking station from the rest of the sampling system, which allows the docking station to remain connected to the rest of the system with minimal or no interruption, reducing maintenance costs and time when replacing a sampling device.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001]

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 287,030, filed December 7, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 210,776, filed June 15, 2021, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 210,748, filed June 15, 2021, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION

[0002]

[0001] This invention is in the field of devices used to sample and analyze gases and other fluids, including collecting samples to detect particles and other contaminants within clean rooms and manufacturing environments.

[0003] Monitoring gas and fluid flows to determine the composition of the gas or fluid and to detect the presence of particles and microorganisms is of great importance in various industries. For example, in pharmaceutical and semiconductor manufacturing, the presence of particles or undesirable components in the environment can adversely affect the manufacturing process and violate regulatory requirements. As a result, clean rooms, clean zones, and clean environments in which hazardous, toxic, or flammable materials are present are commonly used in semiconductor and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities. In the semiconductor industry, increased airborne particle concentrations can result in reduced manufacturing efficiency, as particles that deposit on semiconductor wafers can affect or interfere with small-scale manufacturing processes. In the pharmaceutical industry, contamination with airborne particles and biological contaminants can cause pharmaceutical products to fail to meet standards established by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and other foreign and international health regulatory authorities.

[0004]

[0003] Standards for classifying cleanroom particle levels, as well as testing and monitoring to ensure compliance, are provided by ISO 14664-1 and 14664 2. Similarly, ISO 14698-1 and 14698-2 provide standards for the evaluation of cleanroom and cleanzone environments for biological contaminants. To meet these and other standards, particle counters and other sampling devices are commonly used to determine airborne particle levels and to detect contaminants within cleanrooms, cleanzones, and clean environments.

[0005]

[0004] However, such devices frequently need to be replaced and periodically calibrated as a result of extended use, system failures, and general maintenance. Replacing such devices, especially in clean room and clean zone environments, incurs significant costs in terms of time and other resources. Care must be taken not to contaminate the clean room or clean zone environment while installing the new device, and once replaced, the new device typically needs to be integrated with the rest of the system. In addition, repeated replacement of devices also wears out other parts in the system, such as by repeatedly disconnecting and reconnecting cables, wires, gas and fluid lines, and other equipment. Furthermore, in many cases, only a single component of the device needs to be replaced. For example, in detectors that utilize laser sensors, the laser component often wears out more quickly than other components.

[0006] Therefore, what is needed is a system for replacing components of particle counters and other sampling devices that allows for safer, faster, and more economical replacement of desired components. Summary of the Invention

[0007]

[0006] The present invention provides a modular system and method for sampling and monitoring gases and other fluids, where components of the sampling system can be isolated from one another, thereby allowing at least one component of the sampling system to be replaced without having to remove or disconnect other components, thereby allowing other components of the sampling system to remain connected to the rest of the system with minimal or no interruption, reducing maintenance costs and time when replacing sampling equipment.

[0008] In one aspect, the present invention provides a docking station that can be attached to a sampling device and provide one or more connections necessary to operate the sampling device, including but not limited to providing connections to a power source, a fluid flow source, and / or a data communication network. Preferably, the sampling device includes components that are replaced due to periodic calibration, contamination, system failure, degradation, mechanical fatigue, to upgrade the system, to perform different measurements, or to provide enhancements by firmware updates in locations with limited network access for security reasons. The sampling device is separated from the docking system and replaced with a new sampling device, and the new sampling device is attached to the docking station, and the necessary connections to operate the new sampling device are established. Over time, multiple sampling devices can be replaced and attached to the docking station without the need to remove the docking station or reconnect the docking station to other components of the system other than the sampling devices. The ability to replace sampling devices without the need to also remove the docking system makes installation of the sampling device easier and reduces the need to reconfigure or reset other components of the system.

[0009] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a docking station comprising a base removably attachable to the body of one or more sampling devices, a power supply having a power input and a power output, the power output capable of providing power for operating the sampling devices, at least one fluid connector attachable to a fluid system, the at least one fluid connector capable of providing a fluid flow to or through the sampling device, and at least one data communication connector connectable wirelessly and / or by a wired connection to an external controller or central processing unit (CPU), the at least one data communication connector capable of transmitting and receiving electronic data to and from the controller or CPU. Preferably, the docking station is part of a fluid sampling system in a clean room, clean zone, or clean environment.

[0010] As used herein, a sampling device is any device used to collect, sample, monitor, or analyze gases or other fluids, especially in a clean room, clean zone, or clean environment. Examples of suitable sampling devices include, but are not limited to, particle counters, condensation particle counters, gas or other fluid analyzers, particle analyzers, particle samplers, gas, air, or liquid sampling manifolds, molecular samplers, microbial collection plates, microbial collection impingers, real-time microbial detectors, environmental or gas sensors, and combinations thereof. As used herein, a sampling device includes devices used for continuous batch sampling, and discrete sampling. A first sampling device is attached to a docking station and then replaced with a second sampling device. This process can be repeated multiple times, so that the docking station is then attached to a third sampling device, preferably a fourth sampling device, preferably a fifth sampling device, preferably a tenth sampling device, preferably a fifteenth sampling device, preferably a twentieth sampling device, or more sampling devices. Optionally, the docking station further comprises one or more snap-fit ​​connectors or latches capable of interacting with one or more portions of the sampling device to removably attach the base to the sampling device.

[0011] As used herein, a power supply includes a power input that can be connected to a power source, such as a standard power supply, power provided via an Ethernet connection, and power provided via a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable and port. The power supply may include a physical coupling, wireless power transmission (including but not limited to inductively coupled power transmission between the base and the sampling device), or a combination of both. In one embodiment, the power supply is a wireless power supply that can wirelessly provide power to the sampling device. The power input of the docking station is connected to a power source when the docking station is installed, but does not need to be disconnected when the sampling device is separated from the docking station and replaced. When a sampling device, such as a first, second, or subsequent sampling device, is attached to the docking station, the power output of the docking station links with the sampling device to provide power to operate the sampling device.

[0012]

[0011] The fluid stream includes a target fluid to be sampled, monitored, and / or analyzed by the sampling device. The fluid system includes a pathway used to deliver the target fluid from the environment to the sampling device and can provide a positively or negatively pressurized fluid stream. For example, in one embodiment, the fluid connector is a vacuum coupling and the fluid system includes a vacuum source. In an alternative embodiment, the fluid system includes a pump that provides a positive pressure to force the target fluid through the pathway to the sampling device. When a sampling device, such as a first, second, or subsequent sampling device, is connected to the docking station, the fluid connector can connect to the sampling device and provide a fluid stream to the sampling device.

[0013]

[0012] In one embodiment, the docking station can provide a variable fluid flow rate to the sampling device through the fluid path. For example, the docking station can provide different fluid flow rates to different sampling devices having different flow rate requirements. This can be particularly beneficial when the sampling devices are different types of devices (such as condensation particle counters and microorganism collection plates) and / or are sampling different fluids. Different sampling devices can be connected to the docking station and operated at the same time or at different times. In addition, the variable flow rate can be used to perform a purge or flush operation that can flush the system using an elevated flow rate. The purge or flush operation can be useful when performing system changes that may artificially cause high levels of contamination, such as switching to sample a new fluid, switching to sample a fluid from a different source, changing tubing, and changing sampling devices.

[0014] At least one data communication connector can provide a path for data to and from the sampling device. The data communication connector can be a wireless connector, a portion of a wired connection, or a combination of both. Types of wireless communication that can transmit data to and from the sample device include, but are not limited to, mobile communication, wireless network communication, Bluetooth communication, and infrared communication. Data that can be transmitted to and from the sample device includes, but is not limited to, an Internet Protocol address and / or location setting of the sampling device, one or more settings or instructions from an external controller or CPU for operating the sampling device, a current state of the sampling device, and sensor or detector results from the sampling device. Preferably, the Internet Protocol address, location setting, one or more operating settings, and combinations thereof are the same for the first sampling device and the second sampling device and any subsequent sampling devices. In one embodiment, the data communication connector includes an analog input / output connection, a digital input / output connection, an Ethernet switch connection, a wireless communication connection, or any combination thereof. The controller and CPU can be any controller or computer processor that can operate the sampling device and / or receive and analyze data generated by the sampling device. In one embodiment, the CPU can combine data from different time periods and / or multiple sampling modules to analyze readings and generate reports. For example, the CPU can monitor and compare results before and after fluid passes through a filter to determine the removal efficiency of the filter. In addition, the CPU can create an electronic log of events, such as when and under what conditions contaminants were detected.

[0015] Optionally, the docking station also comprises a computer processor, flash memory, computer memory, or other data storage device capable of storing electronic information related to the sampling device. Such information may include, but is not limited to, one or more operational settings for operating the sampling device, or display settings indicating the operating status of the sampling device. Such information may be pre-installed in the docking station before being connected to the system, or the information may be transmitted to the docking station during operation via a data communication connector.

[0016] In one embodiment, the docking station includes or is attached to an interface display system, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), that can display the operating status of the sampling device and, optionally, allows a user to select settings and control the operation of the docking station and the sampling device. Optionally, the operating status of the sampling device includes one or more of a flow status through one or more portions of the fluid sampling system, a communication status, on / off or active sampling vs. no sampling, a laser sensor / detector status, a calibration status, a warm-up status, an alarm status (e.g., thermal conditions not reached or exceeded, high voltage power supply failure, or parameters outside normal specifications), a contamination level alarm, or a combination thereof. The interface display system may be located on the docking station itself or may be located remotely from the docking station and connected to the docking station via a data communication connection.

[0017]

[0016] Additionally, the docking station itself optionally includes a detector or sensor capable of detecting or sensing one or more specific components, microorganisms, or particles in the fluid stream. For example, in one embodiment, the docking station includes a laser detector or laser sensor capable of detecting particles, microorganisms, airborne molecular contaminants, or other specific components in the fluid sample. In one embodiment, the detector or sensor is a photonic detector, which is a sensor incorporating a coherent light source (e.g., LASER) and / or a non-coherent light source. Alternatively, the detector or sensor is a non-optical detector or sensor, including but not limited to detectors and sensors used to measure temperature, pressure, flow rate, and detectors and sensors used by chromatography, ion mobility spectrometry (IMS), and other spectroscopic methods.

[0018] In one embodiment, the power output and / or at least one fluid connector can be connected to a second device while the docking station is attached to the sampling device, and can further provide power and / or fluid flow to operate the second device. The second device can be an additional sampling device, such as a particle counter, a condensation particle counter, a gas or other fluid analyzer, a particle analyzer, a particle sampler, a gas, air, or liquid sampling manifold, a molecular sampler, a microorganism collection plate, an environmental or gas sensor, and combinations thereof. For example, the sampling device can be a particle sampler or a fluid sampling manifold, and the second device can be a particle counter or a particle analyzer, where the sampling device is expected to require replacement before the second device. Alternatively, the second device is a device other than the sampling device, including, but not limited to, an alarm indicator (e.g., a light tower alarm indicator) or a device that can provide information about the surrounding environment or the collected sample (e.g., a camera, a thermometer, a pressure reader, an electrostatic sorter). Preferably, the data communication connector can further connect wirelessly and / or via a wired connection to a second device, such that data transmitted to the controller or CPU includes data from the sampling device, the second device, or both.

[0019] Optionally, the docking station may be used with two or more types of sampling devices in the same process, such as a sampling manifold that collects gas or other fluid and a particle counter that is used to detect particles in the sampled gas or other fluid. For example, a separate docking station may be used for each sampling device, or a single docking station may be capable of simultaneously mounting two or more sampling devices, where each sampling device may be separated and replaced independently of the other sampling devices.

[0020] In one embodiment, the docking station can be attached to multiple sampling devices simultaneously or at independent times to provide the necessary connections to operate each sampling device independently. The multiple sampling devices may sample the same or different fluids. For example, one sampling device may sample air or gas while another may sample liquid. Each sampling device may be interchangeable independently of the other sampling devices.

[0021] In one embodiment, the present invention provides an integrated fluid sampling system comprising one or more sampling devices capable of sampling a target fluid from an environment, and a modular docking station removably attached to the sampling devices. The docking station comprises: i) a power supply having a power input connected to a power source and having a power output, the power output being removably connected to the one or more sampling devices and providing power for operating the one or more sampling devices; ii) at least one fluid connector attachable to the fluid system, the at least one fluid connector being removably connected to the sampling devices and providing a flow of the target fluid to or through the one or more sampling devices; and iii) at least one data communication connector connected to a controller or CPU, the at least one data communication port transmitting and receiving electronic data to and from the controller or CPU. The at least one data communication connector may be connected wirelessly, as part of a wired connection, or as a combination of both. Preferably, the target fluid is sampled from a clean room, a clean zone, a clean environment, or a filtered fluid source. In one embodiment, the target fluid is sampled from a pressurized gas or liquid sample line, including but not limited to subatmospheric pressure lines used to transport electro-specialty gases that are highly toxic and / or flammable.

[0022]

[0021] The docking station and devices of the fluid sampling system are the same as those described above. A first sampling device is attached to the docking station and then replaced with at least a second sampling device, preferably an additional subsequent sampling device. The first sampling device, the second sampling device, and any subsequent sampling devices are independent of each other and are preferably particle counters, condensation particle counters, gas or other fluid analyzers, particle analyzers, particle samplers, gas, air, or liquid sampling manifolds, molecular samplers, microorganism collection plates, environmental or gas sensors, and combinations thereof.

[0023] Optionally, the fluid sampling system includes a second device in addition to the sampling device attached to the docking station, the power output is removably connected to and provides power for operating the second device, and the fluid connector can transport the target fluid from the sampling device to the second device. Additionally, data transmitted to the controller or CPU via the data communication connector, wirelessly and / or via a wired connection includes data from the sampling device, the second device, or both.

[0024] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for operating a fluid sampling system comprising the steps of: a) providing a first sampling device and a modular docking station removably attached to the first sampling device, b) sampling a target fluid from an environment using the first sampling device, c) isolating the first sampling device from the docking station, a power outlet, and a fluid coupling, and connecting a second sampling device to the docking station, a power outlet, and a fluid coupling, and d) sampling the target fluid from the environment using the second sampling device. Preferably, the docking station is positioned in a clean room and remains in substantially the same location during the sampling and isolating steps.

[0025] In a further embodiment, the method further includes generating data from the sampled fluid, operation of the sampling device, or a combination thereof, and transmitting the generated data from the docking station to a controller or CPU. The received data is used to modify operation of the sampling device or is analyzed by the CPU to indicate the presence of particles or microorganisms, thereby detecting specific components in the gas or other fluid, or a combination thereof.

[0026] The docking station and the devices of the fluid sampling system can be the same as those described above. For example, in one embodiment, the docking station includes: i) a power supply having a power input connected to a power source and also having a power output, the power output being removably connected to a first sampling device and providing power for operating the sampling device; ii) a fluid connector that can be attached to the fluid system and can provide a fluid flow to or through the first sampling device, the fluid connector being removably connected to the first sampling device; and iii) a data communications connector connected to the controller or CPU, the data communications connector transmitting electronic data to and receiving electronic data from the controller or CPU; and The data communication connector may be connected wirelessly, as part of a wired connection, or a combination of both. Preferably, the first sampling device, the second sampling device, and any subsequent sampling devices, which are independent of each other, are preferably particle counters, condensation particle counters, gas or other fluid analyzers, particle analyzers, particle samplers, gas, air, or liquid sampling manifolds, molecular samplers, microbial collection plates, environmental or gas sensors, and combinations thereof.

[0027]

[0026] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises the steps of disconnecting the second sampling device from the docking station, the power outlet, and the fluid coupling, connecting a third sampling device to the docking station, the power outlet, and the fluid coupling, and sampling the target fluid from the environment using the third sampling device. Preferably, the method is repeated multiple times, so that the third or subsequent sampling device is disconnected from the docking station, the power outlet, and the fluid coupling, and a fourth or subsequent sampling device is attached. The method may be repeated multiple times, so that the docking station is then attached to a fifth sampling device, preferably a tenth sampling device, preferably a fifteenth sampling device, preferably a twentieth sampling device, or more sampling devices.

[0028]

[0027] Although the docking station and sampling device are preferably positioned within a clean room, clean zone, or clean environment, the docking station and sampling device may be positioned in other environments outside of a clean room, clean zone, or clean environment. For example, the docking station and sampling device may be located inside a tool or equipment, inside a high purity water system, or even outdoors. In one embodiment, the docking station and sampling device are part of a portable sampling system. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] 1 shows a simplified diagram of an integrated fluid sampling system in one embodiment of the present invention comprising a docking station and a sampling device that can be attached to the docking station. [Diagram 2] 1 illustrates a docking station in one embodiment of the present invention attached to a sampling manifold. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 shows a simplified diagram of an integrated fluid sampling system in one embodiment of the present invention comprising a docking station attached to multiple sampling devices. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0030]

[0031] definition

[0031]

[0032] Generally, the terms and phrases used herein have their art-recognized meanings, which can be found by reference to standard texts, journals, and contexts known to those of skill in the art. The following definitions are provided to clarify their specific use in the context of the present invention.

[0032]

[0033] As used herein, the term "fluid" refers to a substance, such as a gas or liquid, that is capable of flowing and / or changing shape to conform to the dimensions of a container.

[0033]

[0034] As used herein, the term "contaminant" or "contaminants" refers to a physical, chemical, or biological substance, impurity, or material, other than the intended product or component, that interferes with the production of a desired product or poses an actual or potential health or safety hazard. Contaminants include, but are not limited to, particles, gases, non-volatile residues, and organic, molecular, and ionic compounds.

[0034]

[0035] The term "particle" or "particles" refers to small objects that are often considered contaminants. A particle can be, but need not be, any material that is generated by the action of friction, for example, when two surfaces are in mechanical contact and there is mechanical movement. A particle can be a single component or can be composed of an aggregate of materials such as dust, dirt, smoke, ash, water, soot, metals, oxides, ceramics, minerals, or any combination of these or other materials or contaminants. "Particle" or "particles" can also refer to biological particles, such as viruses, spores, or microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, archaea, protists, or other single-celled microorganisms. In some embodiments, for example, biological particles are characterized by a size dimension (e.g., effective diameter) of 1 nm or more, preferably less than 100 nm, less than 50 nm, less than 20 nm, less than 10 nm, less than 7 nm, less than 5 nm, or less than 3 nm. Particles may refer to small objects that absorb, emit, or scatter light and are therefore detectable by particle counters or optical particle counters. As used herein, "Particle" or "particles" is intended to exclude individual atoms or molecules of a carrier fluid or sample medium, such as water, air, process liquid chemicals, process gases, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. In some embodiments, particles may be initially present on a surface, such as a tool surface in a microfabrication facility or a product surface in a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, liberated from the surface, and subsequently analyzed in the fluid.

[0035]

[0036] As used herein, the term "controller" refers to a hardware device, software program, or combination thereof that can manage or direct the exchange of data, including operational instructions, between two components. In certain embodiments, the controller can operate one or more components of a fluid sampling system, such as a sampling device and / or a docking station. Additionally, the controller can receive, analyze, and / or transmit data generated by one or more components of the fluid sampling system.

[0036]

[0037] As used herein, the terms "processor" and "central processing unit (CPU)" refer to electronic circuits or components that perform calculations and the basic instructions that run a computer or other electronic device. The term "computer memory" refers to a device or system used to store data or programs used by a processor. The term "flash memory" refers to electronic non-volatile computer memory that can be electrically erased and reprogrammed.

[0037]

[0038] As used herein, "comprising" is synonymous with "including," "containing," or "characterized by," is inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. As used herein, "consisting of" excludes elements, steps, or ingredients not specified in the claim element. As used herein, "consisting essentially of" does not exclude materials or steps that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claim. Any recitation herein of the term "comprising," particularly in the description of a component of a composition or in the description of an element of a device, is understood to encompass compositions and methods that consist essentially of, and consist of, the recited components or elements.

[0038]

[0039] As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to a "cell" includes a plurality of such cells and equivalents thereof known to those skilled in the art. Similarly, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein. It should also be noted that the terms "comprising," "including," and "having" may be used interchangeably. The phrase "as claimed in any one of claims XX-YY" (XX and YY refer to claim numbers) is intended to provide multiple dependent claims in an alternative form, and some embodiments are interchangeable with the phrase "as claimed in any one of claims XX-YY."

[0039]

[0040] When numerical values, such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, are disclosed herein, any of the aforementioned numbers may be used alone to describe a single point or an open-ended range, or may be used in combination to describe multiple single points or closed-ended ranges. This statement means that each of the aforementioned numbers may be used alone (e.g., 4), may be prefaced with the word "about" (e.g., about 8), may be prefaced with the phrase "at least about" (e.g., at least about 2), may be prefaced with the phrase "at least" (e.g., at least 10), may be prefaced with the phrase "less than" (e.g., less than 1), may be prefaced with the phrase "about to less than" (e.g., less than about 7), or may be used in any combination or combination with any prepositional word or phrase to define a range (e.g., 2 to 9, about 1 to 4, at least 3, 8 to about 9, 8 to less than 10, and about 1 to about 10, etc.). Furthermore, when a range is described as "about X or less", this phrase is the same as the range that is the combination of "about X" and "less than about X" in the alternative form. For example, "about 10 or less" is the same as "about 10 or less than about 10". Such interchangeable range descriptions are contemplated herein. Although other range formats may be disclosed herein, the difference in format should not be interpreted as implying that there is a substantial difference.

[0040]

[0041] As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" mean that slight variations from the stated value may be used to achieve substantially the same results as the stated value. In situations where this definition cannot be applied or is very difficult to apply, the term "about" means a 10% deviation (plus or minus) from the stated value.

[0041]

[0042] overview

[0042]

[0043] In the following description, numerous details of systems, system components, and methods in specific embodiments of the invention are set forth in order to provide a thorough explanation of the precise nature of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without these specific details.

[0043]

[0044] Aspects of the invention described in the following examples provide a modular docking station that can be removably attached to a sampling device. In these examples, the docking station is connected to the power supply, fluid paths, and communication network required to operate the Sapling device. When the sampling device is connected to the docking station, the sampling device links to the power supply, fluid paths, and communication network through the docking station. When the sampling device is removed and replaced, the new sampling device links to the power supply, fluid paths, and communication network through the docking station without the need to disconnect the power supply, fluid paths, and communication network from the docking station. The docking station allows for fast service interval swapping of different sampling devices with minimal user interaction possible.

[0044]

[0045] Additionally, the use of a docking station means there is less need to reset or recalibrate fluid system components when a sampling device is replaced. For example, a docking station can provide constant device locations, IP addresses, and communication paths that do not change when a new sampling device is installed.

[0045]

[0046] Aspects of the present invention can be further understood by the following non-limiting examples and figures.

[0046] example

[0047] Example 1 - Integrated Fluid Sampling System

[0047]

[0048] As shown in FIG. 1 , a fluid sampling system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention includes a docking station 2 that slides into or is otherwise attached to a sampling device 3 and can be used as a common component between the sampling device 3 and other components of the fluid system 1.

[0048]

[0049] The docking station 2 has a power connector 4 with a power input 5 that can be connected to a power source 6, and a power output 7 that can form an electrical link with the sampling device 3. Power is provided to the sampling device 3 from the power source 6 via the power input 5 and the power output 7.

[0049]

[0050] The docking station 2 also has a fluid connector 8 connected to a fluid pathway 10. Fluid, such as air or liquid, from the target environment 9 is transported through the fluid pathway 10 to the fluid connector and into the sampling device (as indicated by the arrows and dashed lines). In this embodiment, the sampling device 3 may be a gas or fluid analyzer or particle counter that monitors and / or analyzes the fluid moving through the sampling device 3.

[0050]

[0051] In FIG. 1, fluid is collected using a secondary device 18 and transported to the docking station by use of a pump 21 that provides positive pressure. Alternatively, the pump is a compression pump (such as a Particle Measuring Systems CLS-700 product). In addition, the pump may be installed on the outlet of the sampling device 3 or may be electrically connected to the docking station 2 and pneumatically connected to the outlet of the sampling device 3. The fluid pathway 10 leading to the docking station 2 does not need to be altered or reconnected when the sampling device 3 is replaced with a second (or replacement) sampling device 23.

[0051]

[0052] The docking station 2 also has a data communication connector 12 that allows data to be transmitted between the sampling device 3 and the controller / CPU 13. In this example, the controller / CPU 13 is a computer programmed to send operating instructions to the sampling device 3 according to the desired sampling procedure to be performed. Additionally, when a particle or a particular component of the gas or fluid is detected by the sampling device 3, an electrical signal is generated and sent to the controller / CPU 13.

[0052]

[0053] The data communication connector 12 may include multiple data ports 14 for transmitting data to and from the data communication connector 12, including but not limited to analog or digital inputs / outputs, ports for data or USB cables, or Ethernet switches. In addition, the docking station may transmit and receive data to and from multiple different controllers / CPUs. For example, operating instructions to the sampling device 3 may be received from a pre-programmed controller, while the generated electrical signals may be sent to a separate computer for analysis. Despite the wide variety possible with the present invention, in most cases the communication network leading to the docking station 2 also does not need to be changed or reconnected when the sampling device 3 is replaced, thereby saving a great deal of time and effort. The data communication connection may be wireless, part of a wired connection, or a combination of both.

[0053]

[0054] In an alternative embodiment, FIG. 2 shows a docking station 2 attached to a sampling device 3 (in this case a sampling manifold). In this embodiment, the docking station 2 is utilized with a sampling manifold to take in gas from multiple different locations and transport the sampled gas to a subsequent analyzer or particle counter. The particular sequence, timing, or locations to be sampled can be programmed and transmitted to the sampling manifold via data port 14. Modifications and transformations of the sampling program, such as taking additional samples from specific locations, can also be transmitted via data port 14. Another alternative embodiment includes an optical particle counter and a condensation particle counter (CPC) connected to the base, as well as an airborne molecular contamination monitor, a liquid-borne particle counter, and a CPC simultaneously connected to the base. Another alternative embodiment includes an optical particle counter and a condensation particle counter (CPC) connected to the base, as well as an airborne molecular contamination monitor, a liquid-borne particle counter, and a CPC simultaneously connected to the base.

[0054]

[0055] The power input 5 and data port 14 are not located in the same location as in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and may be relocated according to the design specifications of the system. In addition, this embodiment utilizes a vacuum connection 19 (utilizing negative pressure) to transport fluid through the sampling device 3 and a latch or fastener 22 to physically attach the sampling device 3 to the base 11 of the docking station 2. Thus, the docking station 2 may be optimized for a particular sampling system. However, the docking station 2 may include common elements, such as a universal power supply, allowing the docking station 2 to be used with multiple different sampling devices and different sampling systems. The docking station 2 may also include optional features that do not need to be used with all sampling devices. For example, the same docking station may include an Ethernet port suitable for transmitting data with some sampling systems and at the same time a wireless connector suitable for use with other sampling systems.

[0055]

[0056] As shown in FIG. 3, the fluid sampling system 1 in one embodiment of the present invention includes a docking station 2 that can be attached to multiple sampling devices 3 and used as a common component between the multiple sampling devices 3 and other components of the fluid system 1. The docking station 2 provides the necessary connections to operate each of the multiple sampling devices 3 independently, where the multiple sampling devices 3 can sample the same or different fluids through different fluid paths (10 and 10A) and different secondary devices (18 and 18A). Each sampling device can be replaced with a second (or replacement) sampling device 23 independently of the other sampling devices. Other components of the fluid system 1, such as the power supply 6 and the controller / CPU 13, can remain the same, but the controller / CPU will be configured to operate the multiple sampling devices 3. FIG. 3 also shows the base connected to a graphical user interface (GUI) 20 that can display the operating status of one or more of the multiple sampling devices 3. A user can also select settings and control the operation of the multiple sampling devices 3 via the GUI 20.

[0056]

[0057] Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail and fully by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the same may be practiced by modifying or altering the present invention within a broad and equivalent range of conditions, formulations and other parameters without affecting the scope of the invention or its specific embodiments, and that such modifications or alterations are intended to be encompassed within the scope of the appended claims.

[0057]

[0058] The terms and expressions employed herein are used as terms of description and not of limitation, and in the use of such terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or parts thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention as claimed. Thus, although the present invention has been specifically disclosed by preferred embodiments, it should be understood that modifications and variations of the exemplary embodiments and optional features and concepts disclosed herein may be exercised by those skilled in the art, and such modifications and variations are considered to be within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. The specific embodiments provided herein are examples of useful embodiments of the invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented using numerous variations of the devices, device components, and method steps described herein. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the methods and devices useful for the present methods may include numerous optional compositions and processing elements and steps.

[0058]

[0059] When a group of materials, compositions, ingredients, or compounds is disclosed herein, it is understood that all individual members of the group and all subgroups thereof are separately disclosed. All combinations or combinations of ingredients described or exemplified herein can be used to practice the present invention unless otherwise specified. Whenever a range is given herein, such as a temperature range, a time range, or a composition range, all intermediate ranges and subranges, as well as all individual values ​​included in the given range, are intended to be included in the disclosure. In addition, the endpoints of a given range should be included within the range. In the present disclosure and claims, "and / or" means additionally or alternatively. Furthermore, any use of a singular term also includes the plural.

[0059]

[0060] Those skilled in the art will understand that starting materials, device elements, analytical methods, mixtures and combinations of components other than those specifically exemplified can be employed in the practice of the present invention without resorting to undue experimentation. All art-known functional equivalents of any such materials and methods are intended to be included in the present invention. The terms and expressions employed are used as terms of description rather than limitation, and in the use of such terms and expressions, it is not intended to exclude any equivalents of the features shown and described or portions thereof, but it is recognized that various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention claimed. The invention illustratively described herein can be suitably practiced in the absence of any element or elements, limitation or limitations not specifically disclosed herein. Headings are used herein for convenience only.

[0060]

[0061] All references referred to in this specification are incorporated herein to the extent that they are not inconsistent with the specification. Some references provided in this specification are incorporated by reference to provide additional details of the use of the present invention. All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is intended that the references cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to indicate the state of the art as of the filing date thereof, and that this information may be adopted herein, if necessary, to exclude certain embodiments of the prior art.

Claims

1. a) a base that can be removably attached to the body of one or more sampling devices; b) a power supply unit having a power input and a power output that can be connected to a power source, wherein the power output can supply power for operating the one or more sampling devices; c) at least one fluid connector that can be attached to a fluid system, wherein the at least one fluid connector can supply a fluid flow to the one or more sampling devices or through the one or more sampling devices; d) at least one data communication connector that can be connected to an external controller or a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the at least one data communication connector can transmit and receive electronic data with the external controller or CPU; A docking station comprising the above.

2. The modular docking station according to claim 1, further comprising a detector or sensor capable of detecting or sensing one or more specific components, microorganisms, airborne molecular contaminants, or particles in the fluid flow.

3. The modular docking station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one data communication connector includes an analog input / output connection, a digital input / output connection, an Ethernet switch connection, a wireless communication connection, or any combination thereof.

4. The modular docking station according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a computer processor, a flash memory, a computer memory, or a data storage device.

5. The modular docking station according to claim 4, wherein the computer processor, flash memory, or computer memory includes the Internet protocol address and / or location settings of the one or more sampling devices.

6. The modular docking station according to claim 4, wherein the computer processor, flash memory, or computer memory includes one or more operating settings for operating the one or more sampling devices.

7. The docking station comprises an interface display system capable of displaying the operating states of the one or more sampling devices and enabling a user to select settings to control the operation of the one or more sampling devices, or is attached to the interface display system. The modular docking station according to claim 4.

8. The modular docking station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the one or more sampling devices are a particle counter, a condensation particle counter, a gas or other fluid analyzer, a particle analyzer, a particle sampler, a gas, air, or liquid sampling manifold, a molecular sampler, a microbial collection plate, a microbial collection impinger, a real-time microbial detector, an environmental or gas sensor, and combinations thereof.

9. The at least one fluid connector and fluid system can supply a positively or negatively pressurized fluid sample to the one or more sampling devices or via the one or more sampling devices, or The modular docking station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one fluid connector is a vacuum connector and the fluid system comprises a vacuum source.

10. The modular docking station according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the power supply unit is a wireless power supply unit capable of wirelessly supplying power to the one or more sampling devices.

11. a) one or more sampling devices capable of sampling a target fluid from the environment; b) a modular docking station removably attached to the one or more sampling devices, the docking station comprising: i) a power supply unit having a power input and a power output connected to a power source, the power output being removably connected to the one or more sampling devices and supplying power for operating the one or more sampling devices; ii) at least one fluid connector attachable to a fluid system, the at least one fluid connector being removably connected to the one or more sampling devices and supplying the flow of the target fluid to the one or more sampling devices or via the one or more sampling devices. iii) at least one data communication connector connected to an external controller or a central processing unit (CPU), the at least one data communication connector transmitting and receiving electronic data between the external controller or CPU, and at least one data communication connector; Fluid sampling system.

12. The fluid sampling system according to claim 11, wherein the target fluid is sampled from a clean room, a clean zone, a clean environment, or a filtered fluid source.

13. The fluid sampling system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the target fluid is sampled from a pressurized gas or a liquid sample line.

14. The fluid sampling system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more sampling devices are a particle counter, a condensation particle counter, a gas or other fluid analyzer, a particle analyzer, a particle sampler, a gas, air, or liquid sampling manifold, a molecular sampler, a microbial collection plate, a microbial collection impinger, a real-time microbial detector, an environmental or gas sensor, and combinations thereof.

15. The fluid sampling system according to claim 14, wherein the one or more sampling devices are capable of performing continuous batch sampling, discrete sampling, or both.

16. The fluid sampling system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the docking station comprises an interface display system capable of displaying the operating state of the one or more sampling devices and enabling a user to select settings and control the operation of the one or more sampling devices, or is attached to the interface display system.

17. The fluid sampling system according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the power supply unit is a wireless power supply unit capable of wirelessly supplying power to the one or more sampling devices.

18. a) providing a first sampling device and a modular docking station removably attached to the first sampling device, the docking station comprising i) A power supply unit having a power input and a power output connected to a power source, wherein the power output is removably connected to the first sampling device and supplies power for operating the sampling device; ii) At least one fluid connector that can be attached to a fluid system and can supply a fluid flow to the first sampling device or via the first sampling device, wherein the at least one fluid connector is removably connected to the first sampling device; iii) At least one data communication connector connected to an external controller or a central processing unit (CPU), wherein the at least one data communication connector transmits and receives electronic data to and from the external controller or CPU; A step comprising; b) Sampling a target fluid from the environment using the first sampling device; c) Separating the first sampling device from the docking station, power outlet, and fluid connector, and connecting a second sampling device to the docking station, power outlet, and fluid connector; d) Sampling the target fluid from the environment using the second sampling device; A method for operating a fluid sampling system including.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising separating the second sampling device from the docking station, power outlet, and at least one fluid connector, and connecting a third sampling device to the docking station, power outlet, and at least one fluid connector; and sampling the target fluid from the environment using the third sampling device.

20. The method according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising generating data from the sampled fluid, the operation of the sampling device, or a combination thereof; and transmitting the generated data from the docking station to the external controller or CPU.

21. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the docking station further comprises a computer processor, a flash memory, or a computer memory including an Internet protocol address, a location setting of the sampling device, one or more operation settings for operating the sampling device, and combinations thereof.

22. The method according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the power supply unit is a wireless power supply unit capable of wirelessly supplying power to the sampling device.

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