Analytical devices for substance analysis systems

Abstract

Described herein is an analytical device for use with a substance analysis system. The analytical device includes an inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures, an outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and including an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system, and a body coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly. The body defines a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers, and wherein the analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.

Description

DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)1ANALYTICAL DEVICES FOR SUBSTANCE ANALYSIS SYSTEMSCROSS-REFERNCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 677,025, filed July 30, 2024, and entitled “ANALYTICAL DEVICES FOR SUBSTANCE ANALYSIS SYSTEMS,” the entire contents and disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.GOVERNMENT INTEREST

[0002] Development of the present invention was supported in part by the U.S. Department of Defense under contract number W911SR-18-C-0033. The government may have certain rights in the invention.BACKGROUND

[0003] The embodiments described herein relate generally to substance analysis systems, and more particularly, to an analytical device for testing performance of a substance analysis system.

[0004] For a substance analysis system, such as a chemical agent detector, a confidence sample may be used to ensure the system is operating properly. The confidence sample may include one or more known compounds that should result in an expected output when analyzed by the substance analysis system. Accordingly, the substance analysis system analyzes the confidence sample to generate an actual output, and the actual output is compared to the expected output to determine whether the substance analysis system is operating properly.

[0005] However, in existing systems, it may be relatively difficult to use a particular confidence sample with a variety of different substance analysis systems. That is, different substance analysis systems may require different deliveryDEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)2 mechanisms, and may be incompatible with existing confidence samples. Further, in at least some systems, a user is required to perform a relatively complicated process to connect the confidence sample to the substance analysis system, and to perform the analysis of the confidence sample, making the procedure subject to user error. As such, it would be desirable to provide a confidence sample that is readily compatible with a plurality of different substance analysis systems, and that is relatively easy for a user to connect to and analyze with a substance analysis system.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0006] In one aspect, an analytical device for use with a substance analysis system is provided. The analytical device includes an inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures, an outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and including an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system, and a body coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly, the body defining a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers, and wherein the analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.

[0007] In another aspect, a method of assembling an analytical device for use with a substance analysis system is provided. The method includes coupling an inlet assembly to a body, the inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures, the body defining a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers. The method further includes coupling an outlet assembly to the body such that the body is coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly, the outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and including an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system, wherein the analytical device is configured to channel air through theDEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)3 inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one example embodiment of an analytical device.

[0009] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the analytical device shown in FIG. 1.

[0010] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of one example embodiment of a method of assembling an analytical device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0011] The present disclosure is directed to an analytical device (e.g., a confidence sample) for assessing operation of a substance analysis system. The analytical device may be used with, for example, a chemical agent detector, such as an aerosol vapor chemical agent detector (AVCAD). The analytical device described herein provides a reliable and reproducible delivery mechanism to provide one or more test compounds (also referred to herein as confidence sample compounds) to the substance analysis system to ensure proper functioning of the substance analysis system (e.g., prior to, or during use of the substance analysis system in the field).

[0012] Once connected to an inlet of the substance analysis system, the analytical device is configured to deliver one or more confidence sample compounds (i.e., analytes) to the substance analysis system without further user intervention. This is in contrast to at least some known confidence samples, which require a user to “puff’ sample compounds into the substance analysis system, leading to potential issues with user error and / or contamination. Further, the analytical device described herein can deliver multiple analytes at different concentration levels, providing similar signal profiles across a wide range of analyte vapor pressures (and thus masses).DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)4

[0013] As described in detail herein, the analytical device is capable of delivering multiple analytes (also referred to as confidence sample compounds) with different vapor pressures to the substance analysis system in a metered way to generate the expected output from the substance analysis system. To achieve this, the substance analysis system pulls air through the analytical device, with analyte vapors introduced into the substance analysis system through metered holes in the analytical device.

[0014] Specifically, as described herein, the size of the holes dictates the amount of material to be delivered. The different confidence sample compounds are contained within respective chambers within the analytical device, and each confidence sample compound generates a headspace concentration within its associated chamber. As the substance analysis system samples (e.g., at a rate of several liters per minute) the confidence sample compounds, a small fraction of analyte headspace is pulled from the different chambers at predetermined rates governed by the size of the holes on the chambers.

[0015] The confidence sample compounds may be contained within their respective chambers in a variety of ways, so long as a sufficient headspace concentration is achieved. For example, a confidence sample compound may be adsorbed onto a medium (e.g., a foam block) or a permeation source.

[0016] Another benefit of the analytical device described herein is the lack of user intervention required to operate the analytical device. Specifically, the user installs the analytical device on an inlet of the substance analysis device, and is then prompted to start the confidence test cycle. Once this is done, no user interaction is required until the user is prompted to remove the analytical device from the substance analysis device and to prepare the analytical device for storage (e.g., by re-capping the device). As compared to existing confidence samples, this significantly reduces the potential for user error, and alleviates training difficulties associated with existing confidence samples. Further, these benefits are realized without requiring power or automation implementations.DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)5

[0017] Turning now to the figures, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an analytical device 100, and FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of analytical device 100.

[0018] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, analytical device 100 includes a cap 102, an inlet assembly 104, a body 106, and an outlet assembly 108. In operation (i.e., with analytical device 100 coupled to a substance analysis device (not shown), ahis drawn through analytical device 100 along a flow direction 110. That is, air is drawn into cap 102 and inlet assembly 104, through body 106, and out of outlet assembly 108 into the substance analysis device, as described in more detail herein.

[0019] In the embodiment shown, cap 102, inlet assembly 104, body 106, and outlet assembly 108 are coupled to one another using a plurality of bolts 112. Specifically, each bolt 112 extends through cap 102, inlet assembly 104, and body 106, and engages a corresponding recess 114 (e.g., in a threaded engagement) in outlet assembly 108. Alternatively, cap 102, inlet assembly 104, body 106, and outlet assembly 108 may be coupled together using any suitable fastening device and / or technique that enables analytical device 100 to function as described herein.

[0020] During operation, outlet assembly 108 is coupled to the substance analysis device. Upon activation (e.g., in response to a user input), the substance analysis device draws air through analytical device 100 into the substance analysis device along flow direction 110.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, air enters cap 102 (e.g., from an ambient environment) through a central port 202. The air then passes through a filter element 204 positioned between cap 102 and inlet assembly 104. Filter element 204 facilitates filtering the air passing through analytical device 100, and prevents debris and / or other contaminating materials from entering inlet assembly 104 and body 106.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, body 106 defines a plurality of sample chambers 206. In the embodiment shown, body 106 defines five sample chambers 206. Alternatively, body 106 may define any suitable number of sample chambers 206. InDEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)6 addition, as shown in FIG. 2, at least some of sample chambers 206 may have different dimensions from one another.

[0023] Further, inlet assembly 104 defines a plurality of inlet apertures 208. Each sample chamber 206 defined in body 106 corresponds to a respective inlet aperture 208 defined in inlet assembly 104. That is, after air passes through filter element 204, the air flows through inlet apertures 208 into corresponding sample chambers 206.

[0024] Notably, the rate of airflow through each sample chamber 206 is controlled based on the size of the corresponding inlet aperture 208. Specifically, a larger inlet aperture 208 (e.g., having a larger diameter) results in faster airflow through the corresponding sample chamber 206, and a smaller inlet aperture 208 (e.g., having a smaller diameter) results in slower airflow results in slower airflow through the corresponding sample chamber 206. Thus, by using different size inlet apertures 208, different sample chambers 206 may have different airflow rates therethrough.

[0025] In the example embodiment, different sample chambers 206 include different confidence sample compounds. Further, the different confidence sample compounds may be in different forms. For example, one or more of the confidence sample compounds may be adsorbed onto a medium (e.g., a foam block) or a permeation source positioned within a particular sample chamber 206. In some embodiments, the confidence sample may be adsorbed onto a cloth or wipe, for example. The confidence sample compounds may include, for example, trihexylamine, dihexylamine, hexylamine, carvone and / or cyclomethicone. Alternatively, the confidence sample compounds include any compound that enables analytical device 100 to function as described herein (e.g., any compound that is chemically compatible and produces sufficient vapor pressure).

[0026] As air flows through body 106, it draws the various confidence sample compounds out of sample chambers 206 and into outlet assembly 108. By controlling the size of inlet apertures 208, as described above, the airflow through each sample chamber 206, and thus the vapor pressure of each confidence sample compoundDEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)7 may be controlled. Accordingly, the resulting composition and concentration of the various confidence sample compounds in outlet assembly 108 is controllable using analytical device 100.

[0027] In the example embodiment, the mixture of confidence sample compounds is drawn out of outlet assembly 108 and into the substance analysis device through a plurality of outlet apertures 210 defined in outlet assembly 108. Specifically, outlet assembly 108 includes an outlet nozzle 212 sized and oriented to engage an inlet of the substance analysis device. In the embodiment shown, outlet apertures 210 all have the same dimensions, and are arranged in an annular array. Alternatively, outlet apertures 210 may have any dimensions and / or arrangement that enables analytical device 100 to function as described herein.

[0028] The mixture of confidence sample compounds drawn into the substance analysis device is then analyzed by substance analysis device to determine whether substance analysis device is operating properly. More specifically, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, the substance analysis system analyzes the confidence sample mixture to generate an actual output, and the actual output is compared to the expected output (i.e., the output that should result given the confidence sample compounds within analytical device 100) to determine whether the substance analysis system is operating properly. The substance analysis device may be, for example, an aerosol vapor chemical agent detector (AVCAD), an ion-mobility spectrometer, and / or a mass spectrometer.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, analytical device 100 includes an inlet plug 220 and an outlet plug 222. Inlet plug 220 is coupled to cap 102, and is operable to selectively cover and uncover central port 202. Similarly, outlet plug 222 is coupled to outlet assembly 108, and is operable to selectively cover and uncover outlet nozzle 212. Central port 202 and outlet nozzle 212 may be covered, for example, when storing and / or transporting analytical device 100. In some embodiments, inlet plug 220 and / or outlet plug 222 are omitted from analytical device 100.DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)8

[0030] In the example embodiment, once analytical device 100 is coupled to an inlet of the substance analysis device and the confidence test cycle is initiated, the substance analysis device draws air through analytical device 100 and analyzes the received confidence sample compounds automatically. That is, no user interaction is required during the confidence test cycle, reducing the potential for user air and reducing training difficulties associated with use of analytical device 100. Once the confidence test cycle is complete, the user may simply remove and cap analytical device 100 for storage. Accordingly, analytical device 100 is relatively easy to use. Further, analytical device 100 may be used across a plurality of temperature ranges.

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of an example embodiment of a method 300 of assembling an analytical device, such as analytical device 100 (shown in FIG. 1). Method includes coupling 302 an inlet assembly to a body. The inlet assembly defines a plurality of inlet apertures, and the body defines a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound. Further, each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers.

[0032] Method 300 further includes coupling 304 an outlet assembly to the body such that the body is coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly. The outlet assembly defines a plurality of outlet apertures and includes an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system. Further, the analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis device.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of an analytical device for use with a substance analysis system are disclosed herein. The analytical device includes an inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures, an outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and including an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system, and a body coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly. The body defines a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing aDEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)9 confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers, and wherein the analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.

[0034] The methods and systems disclosed are not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but rather, components of systems and / or steps of the methods may be used independently and separately from other components and / or steps described herein. Accordingly, the example embodiment can be implemented and used in connection with many other applications not specifically described herein.

[0035] Although specific features of various embodiments may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. In accordance with the principles of the disclosure, any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

[0036] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

Claims

DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)10WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An analytical device for use with a substance analysis system, said analytical device comprising: an inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures; an outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and comprising an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system; and a body coupled between said inlet assembly and said outlet assembly, said body defining a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers, and wherein said analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.

2. The analytical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of inlet apertures includes at least a first inlet aperture and a second inlet aperture, the first inlet aperture having different dimensions than the second inlet aperture.

3. The analytical device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sample chambers includes at least a first sample chamber and a second sample chamber, the first sample chamber having different dimensions than the second sample chamber.

4. The analytical device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sample chambers includes a confidence sample compound adsorbed onto a medium.

5. The analytical device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the sample chambers includes a permeation source of a confidence sample compound.

6. The analytical device of claim 1, further comprising a cap coupled to said inlet assembly, said cap defining a central port operable to draw air into said analytical device.DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)117. The analytical device of claim 6, further comprising a filter coupled between the central port and the plurality of inlet apertures.

8. The analytical device of claim 6, further comprising an inlet plug operable to selectively cover and uncover the central port.

9. The analytical device of claim 7, further comprising an outlet plug operable to selectively cover and uncover said outlet nozzle.

10. The analytical device of claim 7, wherein said outlet nozzle is couplable to an inlet of an aerosol vapor chemical agent detector.

11. A method of assembling an analytical device for use with a substance analysis system, said method comprising: coupling an inlet assembly to a body, the inlet assembly defining a plurality of inlet apertures, the body defining a plurality of sample chambers, each sample chamber containing a confidence sample compound, wherein each of the plurality of inlet apertures is aligned with a corresponding sample chamber of the plurality of sample chambers; and coupling an outlet assembly to the body such that the body is coupled between the inlet assembly and the outlet assembly, the outlet assembly defining a plurality of outlet apertures and including an outlet nozzle couplable to the substance analysis system, wherein the analytical device is configured to channel air through the inlet apertures, the sample chambers, and the outlet apertures to deliver the confidence sample compounds to the substance analysis system.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of inlet apertures includes at least a first inlet aperture and a second inlet aperture, the first inlet aperture having different dimensions than the second inlet aperture.DEWNP67460PC00(30017-1237)1213. The method of claim 11, wherein the plurality of sample chambers includes at least a first sample chamber and a second sample chamber, the first sample chamber having different dimensions than the second sample chamber.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the sample chambers includes a confidence sample compound adsorbed onto a medium.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein at least one of the sample chambers includes a permeation source of a confidence sample compound.

16. The method of claim 11, further comprising coupling a cap to the inlet assembly, the cap defining a central port operable to draw air into said analytical device.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising positioning a filter between the central port and the plurality of inlet apertures.

18. The method of claim 16, further comprising coupling an inlet plug to the cap, the inlet plug operable to selectively cover and uncover the central port.

19. The method of claim 1 1, further comprising coupling an outlet plug to the outlet assembly, the outlet plug operable to selectively cover and uncover the outlet nozzle.

20. The method of claim 11, wherein the outlet nozzle is couplable to an inlet of an aerosol vapor chemical agent detector.

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