CN109991360B - Retaining deformable memory material in a flow path - Google Patents
Retaining deformable memory material in a flow path Download PDFInfo
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- CN109991360B CN109991360B CN201811524682.0A CN201811524682A CN109991360B CN 109991360 B CN109991360 B CN 109991360B CN 201811524682 A CN201811524682 A CN 201811524682A CN 109991360 B CN109991360 B CN 109991360B
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- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N31/00—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods
- G01N31/10—Investigating or analysing non-biological materials by the use of the chemical methods specified in the subgroup; Apparatus specially adapted for such methods using catalysis
Abstract
The present invention relates to retaining a deformable memory material in a flow path. In particular, the present invention provides various techniques to secure a memory polymer component in a flow path. In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a memory element in a resting state; performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state; inserting the component into a flow path defined by an interior sidewall of the structure; and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the sidewall to secure the component in the flow path. Additional apparatus, systems, and related methods are provided.
Description
Klebsiella, alg, steve, crohn, lala, walder, mark, fisher
Cross-reference to related patent applications
The present application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. provisional patent application No.62/598,920 entitled, "retaining deformable memory material in a flow path," filed on 12.14 in 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
This patent application is also a continuation of the section entitled "enhanced chemical detection with acid catalyzed hydrolysis" filed on day 2016, 9 and 2, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to chemical detection and flow path embodiments, and more particularly to detecting trace materials of interest and retaining components in a flow path.
Background
Explosive safety detection is a worldwide area of continuing concern. A common effort has focused on detecting trace explosives, including nitrogen-based explosives.
Conventional detection methods, such as X-ray diffraction, nuclear quadrupole resonance, ion mobility spectrometry, mass spectrometry and gas chromatography are known and highly sensitive and effective. However, the systems used to perform these methods are expensive, difficult to maintain, prone to false positives, and not easy to manufacture into low power portable devices.
Colorimetric techniques are known to detect the presence of nitrogen-based explosives. The value of the portable colorimetric chemical kit is to display the resolved optical signal with a fast response time. However, these methods have a number of drawbacks, including low sensitivity, high false positive rates, and inconvenient analysis and cleaning procedures due to liquid-based detection mechanisms. In addition, these methods typically expose the user to a large number of chemicals through repeated wet chemical sampling steps.
In some cases, a detector or other component may be positioned in the flow path to receive the analyte therethrough. Accordingly, it may be desirable to position various components in the flow path in a manner that is fixed and resilient to realistic conditions. However, conventional positioning techniques may not always be practical. For example, if a component is not sufficiently secured within a flow path, it may inadvertently migrate down the flow path or move away from a desired location. This may interfere with the overall operation of the device, particularly where the component is used for chemical reactions intended to occur at specific physical locations, such as at a portion of the flow path upstream of various chemical reporters.
Furthermore, if the component is secured within the flow path by an adhesive or other bonding material, this may introduce chemicals into the flow path, thereby affecting the detection reading. In addition, certain relatively small-sized flow paths may make conventional mechanical engagement impractical.
Disclosure of Invention
In various embodiments, the memory material component may be secured within the flow path in a convenient and reliable manner utilizing certain unique expansion characteristics of the component. For example, the component may be a deformable component configured to transition from a deformed state back to a rest state or an intermediate state in response to heat. By utilizing these features in various unique embodiments, the component can be effectively inserted and secured within the flow path of the detector or any type of flow path having any desired geometry.
In one embodiment, a method includes: providing a memory material component in a resting state; performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state; inserting the component into a flow path defined by an interior sidewall of the structure; and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the sidewall to secure the component in the flow path.
In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises: a structure comprising an interior sidewall defining a flow path; a memory material component disposed within the flow path; and wherein the component is secured within the flow path by abutting the sidewall in response to: a deforming operation to transition the component from a rest state to a deformed state for insertion into the flow path; and applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the sidewall.
In various embodiments, a non-volatile acid catalyst (e.g., also referred to as a reactant or acidic reagent) is provided that facilitates detection of certain nitrogen-based explosives at a chemical reporter upon hydrolysis of the nitrogen-based explosives. Hydrolysis of the nitrogen-based explosive produces nitric acid, which causes the chemical reporter to provide a detectable response. Nitrogen-based explosives may provide a detectable response to other chemical reporters, and other substances of interest, such as peroxide-based explosives, may also provide a detectable response to chemical reporters.
Thus, various techniques are provided for detecting trace amounts of nitrogen-based explosives without the drawbacks of the prior art. These techniques are particularly useful for detecting nitrates such as nitroglycerin and nitrosamines such as part of the research explosive (Research Department Explosive). In some embodiments, the presence of the nitrogen-based explosive is based on detecting the response of the reporter to the hydrolysis product of the nitrogen-based explosive.
In one embodiment, a method includes: receiving a vapor phase nitric acid precursor; hydrolyzing the vapor phase nitric acid precursor in the presence of an acid catalyst to form nitric acid; receiving nitric acid at a chemical reporter of a chemical detector; and detecting, by the chemical detector, a response of the chemical reporter to the nitric acid to determine whether a material of interest is present.
In another embodiment, an apparatus comprises: an inlet configured to receive a vapor phase nitric acid precursor; an acid catalyst configured to react with the vapor phase nitric acid precursor to form nitric acid; and a chemical detector comprising a chemical reporter configured to respond to the nitric acid, wherein the chemical reporter is configured to detect a response of the chemical reporter to the nitric acid to determine whether a material of interest is present.
The scope of the invention is defined by the claims, which are incorporated into this section by reference. The implementation of embodiments of the present invention, as well as additional advantages thereof, will be more fully understood by those skilled in the art by consideration of the following detailed description of one or more embodiments.
Drawings
Fig. 1 shows an external view of a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 illustrates an operational flow of an analyte through a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Fig. 4 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a chemical detector of a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 5 shows a front view of a chemical detector of the trace material detection apparatus.
Fig. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a chemical detector of a trace material detection apparatus according to another embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 7 illustrates a process of operating a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 8 shows a more detailed process of operating a trace material detection apparatus according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 9 shows a graph comparing various chemical detection techniques, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 10 illustrates a structure providing a flow path in which a memory material component is held, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 11 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material component by torsion, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 12 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material component by deployment, according to an embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 13 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material component by deployment and torsion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 14 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material component by compression, according to an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 15 shows a process of deforming a memory material member by bending according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 16 illustrates a process of securing a memory material component in a flow path according to an embodiment of the invention.
Embodiments of the invention, together with their advantages, may best be understood by reference to the following detailed description. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements shown in one or more of the figures.
Detailed Description
According to various embodiments disclosed herein, a non-volatile acid catalyst (e.g., also referred to as a reactant or acidic reagent) is provided that enhances detection of one or more materials of interest. In some embodiments, the acid catalyst reacts with the nitrogen-based explosive to increase the rate of hydrolysis of the nitrogen-based explosive, thereby increasing the rate of production of nitric acid. The chemical reporter then receives nitric acid and responds to the nitric acid to produce a detectable result. In various embodiments, different chemical reporters respond to nitrogen-based explosives to produce a detectable result. Advantageously, in some embodiments, nitrogen-based explosives may be detected in two different chemical reporters based on two different detection techniques. In other embodiments, the acid catalyst reacts with other materials of interest (e.g., peroxide-based explosives) to provide a result that indicates the presence of the other materials of interest.
Devices and related methods are provided according to various techniques to detect the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to a material of interest using acid catalyzed hydrolysis. In this regard, certain materials of interest may exhibit a fluorescence response, a fluorescence change, a luminescence response, a luminescence change, an infrared/Raman (Raman) response, or a change in resistivity when exposed to an acid catalyst.
Various nitrogen-based explosives, including nitrate esters and nitroamines, undergo acid-catalyzed hydrolysis to produce nitric acid. For example, when the acid catalyst is reacted with nitroglycerin, one of the reaction products is nitric acid. The water source in the reaction may be from water in the air or from water on the surface of the acid catalyst.
The nitric acid produced is received by a chemical reporter in a chemical detector. The chemical reporter is responsive to nitric acid to provide a detectable response. In some embodiments, the response may be a result of a change in a chemical reporter that can be detected with a detector of a particular type of chemical reporter, which may signal the presence of a material of interest (e.g., a nitrogen-based explosive). For example, in some embodiments, the change may be a change in fluorescence of a chemical reporter detected by an optical detector. In some embodiments, the change may be a change in resistivity of the chemical reporter detected by an appropriate electrical detector. In some embodiments, the change may be an infrared/raman response detected by an appropriate infrared/raman response detector. In this way, the material of interest is identified in a convenient, low cost, fast, and highly portable manner.
Advantageously, the chemical reporter is operable to detect any nitrogen-based explosives that produce nitric acid upon hydrolysis. Thus, chemical reporters are not specific to a single explosive, but are capable of detecting a wide variety of nitrogen-based explosives, including but not limited to: pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), ethylene Glycol Dinitrate (EGDN), nitroglycerin-containing powders such as bi-and tri-based smokeless powders, and cyclotrimethylene trinitro amine (RDX). Other materials of interest (e.g., peroxide-based explosives) may also be detected, as discussed further herein.
According to various embodiments discussed further herein, the change in chemical reporter may be combined with additional chemical detection techniques to confirm the presence of nitrogen-based explosives. For example, in some embodiments, additional chemical reporters that are responsive to nitrogen-based explosives (rather than nitric acid) may be present in the chemical detector. If a change in the additional chemical reporter is detected at the detector, this indicates the presence of a nitrogen-based explosive.
In some embodiments, such detection techniques may be combined with additional chemical detection techniques to provide methods and systems for detecting additional classes of materials. For example, certain peroxide-based explosives, such as triacetonetriperoxide (TATP), may be detected using, for example, a luminescence method.
Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 shows an external view of a trace material detection apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. For example, in some embodiments, device 100 may be implemented as a hand-held portable detector capable of detecting explosives and/or other materials.
As shown, the device 100 includes a housing 102, a slot 104, user controls 106, and a display 108. In various embodiments, additional components of the apparatus 100 (e.g., further shown in fig. 2) may be distributed at multiple physical locations inside and/or outside of the housing 102.
In operation, the sampling medium may be brought into physical contact with one or more surfaces to be measured. For example, in some embodiments, a user may wipe a medium (e.g., also referred to as a "sampling swab") against a surface of interest to collect trace amounts of one or more test substances residing on the surface. The user then inserts the media into slot 104, after which additional operations and analysis are performed, as discussed further herein. In some embodiments, the media may be implemented using a suitable substrate, such as Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), aramid polymer, polyethylene, polyester, paper, and/or other materials.
In some embodiments, the use of a medium may not be required, as the inlet may be used to sample the ambient air of the vapor phase analyte directly. Additional means may be used to direct the analyte into the inlet, such as an air filter/concentrator positioned in the flow path of the analyte.
User controls 106 receive user input to operate device 100. As shown in fig. 1, the user controls 106 may be implemented as physical buttons. In other embodiments, the user controls 106 may be implemented by one or more keyboards, joysticks, touch screens, and/or other controls. In some embodiments, user controls 150 may be integrated with display 108 as a touch screen.
Additional features of the apparatus 100 are further illustrated in fig. 2. Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of an apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the invention. In addition to the several previously discussed components shown in fig. 1, fig. 2 further illustrates a processor 112, a memory 114, a heater 120, a chamber 122, an audio component 132, a communication interface 134, a power source 136, an inlet 140, a chemical detector 142, a pump 144, and other components 138.
The memory 114 may be implemented as a machine-readable medium that stores various machine-readable instructions and data. For example, in some embodiments, the memory 114 may store an operating system 115 and one or more application programs 116 as machine-readable instructions that may be read and executed by the processor 112 to perform the various operations described herein. The memory 114 may also store various types of data 117 including, for example, chemical profiles, test sample identification results, and/or other information used or provided by various components of the device 100. In various embodiments, memory 114 may be implemented to store such instructions and data in a non-transitory manner and/or may be implemented with transitory and non-transitory portions to selectively store all or portions of such instructions and data in any suitable manner.
The heater 120 may be implemented as one or more heaters (e.g., heaters 120A, 120B, and 120C discussed further herein) for heating a test sample (e.g., provided on a sampling swab) to a desired temperature such that the test sample at least partially evaporates to provide an analyte for chemical detection. In some embodiments, the heater 120 may be a resistive heater configured to heat the test sample, although other configurations may be used in other embodiments.
The chamber 122 provides a recessed volume within the housing 102 and receives media inserted through the slot 104. When disposed in the chamber 122, the medium may be heated by the heater 120.
The audio component 132 may be implemented, for example, as a speaker or other transducer with corresponding driver circuitry to provide audible sound to a user of the device 100. For example, in some embodiments, the audio component 132 may provide an audible signal (e.g., indicating the presence or absence of a particular material) in response to manipulation of the user control 106 and/or in response to operation of the processor 112.
The communication interface 134 may be implemented to interface with the device 100 (e.g., via Universal Serial Bus (USB), ethernet, wiFi, bluetooth, cellular, infrared, radio, and/or other protocols) by interfacing with various external devices to update the operating system 115, update the application 116, and/or transfer the data 117. In some embodiments, the communication interface 134 may be connected to an external power source (e.g., an electrical outlet) to charge the battery of the power source 136 and/or directly power the device 100.
For example, the power source 136 may be implemented as, for example, a battery (to allow mobile and remote use of the device 100), a solar power source, a fuel cell, or a wall power source (wall power). In some embodiments, the power source 136 may be a removable battery. Other components 138 may also be provided as appropriate for various types of devices 100 to support application specific operations of such devices, for example.
The inlet 140, chemical detector 142, and pump 144 (e.g., implemented as an emission-based detector and/or using other techniques) may be used with the heater 120 to provide a swab-based thermal desorber to perform vapor-based material detection as further discussed herein. In some embodiments, the inlet 140 may sample the ambient air of the vapor phase analyte directly without the need for a swab-based thermal desorber. For example, air from the surrounding environment may be drawn directly into the inlet 140.
Fig. 3 illustrates an operational flow of an analyte through the device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the media 300 has been inserted through the slot 104 in the housing 102 and positioned in the chamber 122. The medium 300 includes test samples 301, 302, and 303 corresponding to three different materials being tested, which have been picked up by a user coating the medium 300 on one or more surfaces of interest.
As shown, heater 120 is implemented in multiple sections 120A, 120B, and 120C. Heater 120 operates (e.g., in response to a control signal provided by processor 112) to apply heat 310 to medium 300 and samples 301, 302, and 303 to raise their temperatures to the desired desorption temperature. In some embodiments, the detection temperature may be in the range of about 90 ℃ to about 160 ℃, although higher or lower temperatures may be used as desired.
In some embodiments, heaters 120A and 120B may be implemented in contact with medium 300. For example, heaters 120A and 120B may be mechanically moved to place heaters 120A and 120B in contact with or in close proximity to medium 300.
In fig. 3, test sample 301 is 2,4, 6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), test sample 302 is nitroglycerin, test sample 303 is TATP, and all of these test samples can be detected by an appropriate portion of chemical detector 144.
In this regard, test samples 301, 302, and 303 may be materials that partially or completely vaporize in response to heat 310 applied by heater 120 to provide analyte 320 (e.g., corresponding to the vaporized portions of test samples 301, 302, and 303). The vaporized material may exhibit various vapor pressures that facilitate the ability of the pump 144 and chemical detector 142 to properly receive the analyte 320 (e.g., a vapor pressure of 5x10 for RDX at 20 degrees Celsius) -7 Torr, TNT vapor pressure at 20℃is 2X10 -5 The vapor pressure of glycerol at 50℃was 2.5X10 -3 The vapor pressure of ethanol at 20℃was 45 Torr). Pump 144 operates to draw analyte 320 into and through inlet 140 into chemical detector 142. Based on the interaction between the analyte 320 and the chemical detector 142 (e.g., performing trace detection), the presence of certain materials of interest may be determined.
Fig. 4 and 5 illustrate various views of the chemical detector 142 of the apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown, detector 142 includes inlet 140, tip heater 120B, substrate reporter surface 406 (e.g., embodied as a capillary tube providing a flow path in these particular illustrated embodiments), sensing channel 428 (e.g., embodied as a chamber within a capillary tube in these particular illustrated embodiments), acid catalyst 408, reporter heater 120C, various chemical reporters 416, 418 and 420, illumination sources 412 and 414 (e.g., also referred to as excitation sources) associated with chemical reporters 416 and 418, and response detectors 422, 424 and 426 associated with chemical reporters 416, 418 and 420.
As shown, when implemented as a capillary tube, the substrate reporter surface 406 defines a sensing channel 428 that provides a flow path through which the vapor phase analyte 320 passes and reacts with the acid catalyst 408 and interacts with the chemical reporters 416, 418, and 420.
Once the analyte 320 is introduced into the sensing channel 428 beyond the initial portion 428A, the acid catalyst 408 reacts with the analyte 320. As shown, the acid catalyst 408 takes the form of a coating on the substrate reporter surface 406. For example, an aqueous or alcoholic suspension of the acid catalyst 408 may be spin-coated in liquid form inside the capillary tube and then dried. In this example, the acid catalyst 408 may be spun off the front of the sensing channel 428, coating the entire first portion of the capillary tube or trimmed to form a band.
Fig. 6 shows another chemical detector 145 in which an acid catalyst 408 is in the form of a strip inserted into a substrate reporter surface 406 (also implemented as a capillary), but is otherwise substantially identical to the chemical detector 142 of fig. 4. Accordingly, the discussion herein of chemical detector 142 also applies to chemical detector 145.
In various embodiments, the acid catalyst 408 comprises one or more perfluorinated polymers containing sulfonic acid groups. For example, the acid catalyst 408 may include a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer, such as
An acid catalyst.
In other examples, the acid catalyst 408 includes a copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and sulfonyl fluoride vinyl ether, such as 
An acid catalyst.
Other compounds having low vapor pressures may be used, including strongly acidic side groups attached to a chain backbone. For example, ion exchange resins based on macroporous polystyrene (e.g.
Catalyst) may be used as the acid catalyst 408. Another example of a suitable acid catalyst 408 is polystyrene sulfonic acid.
In some embodiments, the acid catalyst 408 comprises one or more acids selected from the group consisting of: sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydroiodic acid, hydrobromic acid, nitric acid, oxalic acid, bisulfate salts, phosphoric acid, formic acid, benzoic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, or other organic acids of the form R-COOH, wherein R is an alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, or substituted aryl or at least one other cation donor.
Desirably, the acid catalyst 408 hydrolyzes the nitric acid precursor to nitric acid and does not contribute to the molecules of the vapor phase. In some embodiments, this may be accomplished by using an acid with a counter ion (a negatively charged component that remains after protons are supplied) that has a sufficiently low vapor pressure at the operating temperature of the chemical detector 142.
In various embodiments, the acid catalyst 408 facilitates interaction of the test sample 302 and the test sample 303 with the chemical reporters 418 and 420, respectively. The acid catalyst 408 enhances the performance of the chemical reporters 418 and 420 (e.g., provided in any suitable order), resulting in a faster generation of a detectable response at the response detectors 424 and 426. For example, the acid catalyst 408 may increase the rate of hydrolysis of the test sample 302, resulting in a faster response of the chemical reporter 418 to nitric acid and faster detection of the response of the chemical reporter 418 to nitric acid at the response detector 424. The acid catalyst 408 may also promote the degradation of the test sample 303 to hydrogen peroxide, which may interact with the chemical reporter 420 and provide a detectable response at the response detector 426.
After interacting with the acid catalyst 408, the analyte 320 moves over each of the chemical reporters 416, 418, and 420. In some embodiments, chemical reporters 416, 418, and 420 can be placed in any order. Additionally, although shown as discrete portions in fig. 4 and 6, in some embodiments, chemical reporters 416, 418, and 420 may be in contact with each other and/or may be layered on each other.
In this example, chemical reporter 416 is operable to detect certain military explosives, and may be referred to as a "military explosives chemical reporter". In some embodiments, the military explosives chemical reporter 416 comprises an amplifying fluorescent polymer or other military chemical reporter. The intensity of the light emitted by the amplified fluorescent polymer changes in response to interaction of the amplified fluorescent polymer with the analyte 320.
For example, the binding of one analyte molecule to an amplified fluorescent polymer quenches the emission of many polymer repeat units. Thus, when an analyte of interest falls on a polymer binding site, many polymer repeat units in the vicinity of the bound analyte do not emit absorbed light as fluorescence. As a result, polymer fluorescence is thought to be "quenched" by adsorption of the analyte molecules.
In various embodiments, the military explosives chemistry reporter 416 is associated with an illumination source 412 having an associated wavelength and a response detector 422 (e.g., an optical detector). An illumination source 412 (e.g., an LED) emits light 413 at a wavelength that interacts with the amplified fluorescent polymer to cause the amplified fluorescent polymer to emit. In certain embodiments, the wavelength is about 400nm (e.g., 365 nm). In some embodiments, illumination source 412 irradiates only the portion of military explosives chemical reporter 416 that contains the amplified fluorescent polymer. A response detector 422 (e.g., a photodiode) is positioned to receive the emissions generated by the amplified fluorescent polymer to detect the presence of the one or more analytes 320. As shown in fig. 5, in some embodiments, illumination source 412 and response detector 422 are positioned out of line of sight, e.g., 90 degrees apart. This ensures that the response detector 422 does not capture light emitted by the illumination source 412, such that the response detector 422 primarily captures emissions generated by the amplified fluorescent polymer. Other arrangements of the illumination source 412 and the response detector 422 are contemplated, and the illumination source 412 and the response detector 422 may be positioned in any desired configuration (e.g., very close or co-located in some embodiments). For clarity, port 140 is not shown in fig. 5.
Examples of analytes that can be detected by the military explosives chemistry reporter 416 are TNT (e.g., test sample 301) and nitroglycerin (e.g., test sample 302). Other substances that may be detected are disclosed in U.S. patent No.6,558,626, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
In an example, chemical reporter 418 is operable to detect certain nitrogen-based explosives, such as nitric acid precursors, such as nitroglycerin (e.g., test sample 302), and may be referred to as "nitric acid chemical reporter". In some embodiments, the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 includes a pH-sensitive (e.g., acid-sensitive) fluorescent compound. A suitable fluorescent compound is 2- [ 5-methoxy-2- (4-phenyl-quinolin-2-yl) -phenyl ] -ethanol represented by the following structure:
other suitable fluorescent compounds are disclosed in U.S. patent No.9,068,960, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. The increase or decrease in response to light by the fluorescent compound of nitric acid chemical reporter 418 determines the presence of nitric acid (and nitric acid precursor). For example, when nitric acid reacts with a fluorescent compound of nitric acid chemical reporter 418, the fluorescent compound will undergo a change in fluorescence response intensity.
The nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 is associated with an illumination source 414 having an associated wavelength (e.g., 365 nm) and a response detector 424 (e.g., an optical detector). An illumination source 414 (e.g., an LED) emits light 415 of a wavelength that interacts with the fluorescent compound of the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 to produce an emission of the fluorescent compound. The response detector 424 is positioned to receive emissions generated by the fluorescent compound of the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 to detect the presence of nitric acid. The response detector 424 detects a change in the response of the fluorescent compound to the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 to determine the presence of the nitric acid precursor. The illumination source 414 and the response detector 424 may be positioned out of line of sight as shown in fig. 5.
In some embodiments, an initial response baseline may be first established for the fluorescent compound of the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418. To establish a baseline response of the fluorescent compound of the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418, the user activates the illumination source 414 and the heaters 120A, 120B, and 120C, allowing each heater and illumination source to reach an operating condition. The user then provides a substrate reporter surface 406 (implemented as a capillary in the illustrated embodiment) free of analyte 320 to an illumination source 414 and a response detector 424 to produce a detectable response from the fluorescent compound of nitric acid chemistry reporter 418. Thus, any response generated by the process is not affected by nitric acid and can be used to detect if a change in response has occurred.
In an example, chemical reporter 420 is operable to detect certain peroxide-based explosives, such as peroxide precursors, such as TATP (e.g., test sample 303), and may be referred to as a "peroxide chemical reporter. In some embodiments, peroxide chemical reporter 420 includes a luminescent peroxide reactive compound and is associated with a response detector 426 (e.g., an optical detector). Suitable luminescent materials for use may be any luminescent material including dyes, oligomers, polymers and combinations thereof. The luminescent material may be selected to exhibit certain properties such as a particular emission wavelength, high quantum yield, high output light efficiency (when formulated in a peroxide reaction system), and/or compatibility (e.g., solubility) with one or more components of the system. Additional details regarding luminescent materials may be found in U.S. patent No.9,005,524, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
The luminescent peroxide-reactive material is responsive to hydrogen peroxide generated by the peroxide precursor to generate energy in the form of photon emission. In some embodiments, the resulting energy may stimulate the luminescent peroxide-reactive material to emit light, thereby emitting light energy. The resulting emissions may be detected by a response detector 426 that signals the presence of hydrogen peroxide (and peroxide precursor).
Fig. 7 shows a process of operating the apparatus 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In block 700, a user applies medium 300 against a test surface (e.g., a package, luggage, clothing, or other item) to obtain one or more test samples (e.g., test samples 301, 302, and 303, as shown in fig. 3) corresponding to trace materials residing on the test surface.
In block 705, the user inserts the media 300 through the slot 104 and into the chamber 122, as shown in FIG. 3. In block 710, the heater 120 applies heat 310 to the medium 300 and the test samples 301, 302, and 303. In various embodiments, the processor 112 may operate the heater 120 in response to user operation of one or more user controls 106 and/or automatically in response to the medium 300 being inserted into the chamber 122.
In block 715, test samples 301, 302, and 303 are at least partially vaporized to provide analyte 320 in response to heat 310 applied by heater 120. In various embodiments, heat is applied to both sides of the medium 300, as shown in FIG. 3.
In some embodiments, medium 300 and chamber 122 are not required, such as when vapor phase analytes are drawn from the surrounding environment directly into inlet 140. In such an embodiment, blocks 705, 710, and 715 may be omitted, and the process of fig. 7 may begin at block 720.
In block 720, the pump 144 operates to draw the analyte 320 through the inlet 140. In block 725, the analyte 320 is received by the chemical detector 142, as shown in FIG. 3.
In block 730, the chemical reporter is responsive to the presence of the analyte 320. For example, military explosives chemical reporter 416 may be responsive to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test samples 301 and 302, nitric acid chemical reporter 418 may be responsive to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test sample 302, and peroxide chemical reporter 420 may be responsive to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test sample 303.
In block 735, the response of the chemical reporter to the analyte 320 is detected. For example, response detector 422 detects the response of military explosives chemical reporter 416 to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test samples 301 and 302, response detector 424 detects the response of nitric acid chemical reporter 418 to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test sample 302, and response detector 426 detects the response of peroxide chemical reporter 420 to the portion of analyte 320 corresponding to test sample 303.
In block 740, the processor 112 determines whether a material of interest is present based on the responses detected by the response detectors 422, 424, and 426. In block 750, the results of block 740 are provided to the user, for example, via a message and/or graphic provided by display 108, an audible notification provided by audio component 132, and/or other techniques as appropriate.
Fig. 8 shows further process details performed during one or more of blocks 725-735 of fig. 7 in an embodiment using emission (e.g., fluorescence and luminescence) techniques. Other detection techniques (e.g., changes in resistivity) are contemplated in the present invention. In block 800, the acid catalyst 408 reacts with a portion of the analyte 320, including a vapor phase nitric acid precursor (e.g., corresponding to the test sample 302). Referring back to fig. 4, the analyte 320 is drawn into the sensing channel 428 by the pump 144 and the acid catalyst 408 reacts with the analyte 320. In block 805, the vapor phase nitric acid precursor is hydrolyzed in the presence of an acid catalyst 408 to provide nitric acid. In block 810, the acid catalyst 408 reacts with a portion of the analyte 320 that includes a vapor phase peroxide precursor (e.g., corresponding to the test sample 303) to form hydrogen peroxide.
In block 815, the military explosives chemistry reporter 416 is irradiated. In fig. 4, a military explosives chemical reporter 416 is illuminated by illumination source 412. In block 820, the response of the military explosives chemical reporter 416 to the portion of the analyte 320 that includes vapor phase nitric acid precursor is detected at response detector 422. For example, the military explosives chemistry reporter 416 may be responsive to nitric acid precursors to produce a change in fluorescence response detected by the response detector 422. In various embodiments, the military explosives chemistry reporter 416 may respond to nitric acid precursors by quenching the military explosives chemistry reporter 416.
In block 825, the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 is responsive to nitric acid generated by acid-catalyzed hydrolysis of the nitric acid precursor. For example, nitric acid formed after exposing the nitric acid precursor to the acid catalyst 408 encounters the nitric acid chemistry reporter 418. In block 830, the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 is irradiated. As shown in fig. 4, illumination source 414 irradiates nitric acid chemical reporter 418.
In block 835, the response of the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 to nitric acid is detected at the response detector 424. For example, the interaction between nitric acid and nitric acid chemical reporter 418 may result in a change in nitric acid chemical reporter 418 in response to detection by detector 424. In various embodiments, the processor 112 determines whether a particular material of interest (e.g., nitric acid precursor) is present in the test sample based on the response of the military explosives chemical reporter 416 and the response of the nitric acid chemical reporter 418.
In some embodiments, the change in nitric acid chemistry reporter 418 can be combined with the change in military explosives chemistry reporter 416 to more positively determine the presence of nitric acid precursor in the test sample. Additionally, in some embodiments, the relative responses of the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 and the military explosives chemical reporter 416 received by response detectors 424 and 422 may be compared and analyzed (e.g., by processor 112 in block 740) to identify one or more materials of interest. In this regard, some materials of interest that include nitric acid precursors can cause the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 (e.g., nitric acid formed in response to the reaction of the acid catalyst 408 with the nitric acid precursor) and the military explosives chemical reporter 416 (e.g., the nitric acid precursor analyte itself in response to the military explosives reporter 416) to exhibit different relative responses. Thus, these different relative responses may allow for identification of various materials of interest with further specificity and accuracy (e.g., through the use of two different chemical reporters 416 and 418).
In block 840, the peroxide chemical reporter 420 is responsive to hydrogen peroxide generated by the reaction of the peroxide precursor with the acid catalyst 408. In block 845, the response of the peroxide chemical reporter 420 to hydrogen peroxide is detected at the response detector 426. For example, interaction between hydrogen peroxide and peroxide chemical reporter 420 may result in a luminescent response of peroxide chemical reporter 420 detected by response detector 426.
FIG. 9 shows a graph comparing various chemical detection techniques, according to an embodiment of the invention. Showing in the form of a strip and suspension
Comparison of the response of nitric acid chemical reporter 418 to EGDN and PETN in the presence of an acid catalyst.
In contrast, when the acid catalyst 408 is disposed upstream of the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 (e.g., as shown in fig. 4 and 6), the response of the nitric acid chemical reporter 418 to nitrate or nitroamine is significantly increased, as shown by bars 900, 920, 930, and 950. Strips 920 and 950 are shown, in strip form 
Compared with the acid catalysts (bars 900 and 930), the use of +.>
The acid catalyst has improved detectability.
In view of the present invention, it should be appreciated that apparatus and related methods are provided for detecting the presence of trace chemicals corresponding to a material of interest using acid catalyzed hydrolysis. The use of acid catalysts increases the response of chemical reporters to certain materials of interest, such as nitrogen-based and peroxide-based explosives. In addition, by using multiple chemical reporters, various materials of interest can be identified with greater accuracy.
As discussed, in some embodiments, an acid catalyst may be provided in the flow path of the chemical detector to react with various materials of interest. This reaction provides nitric acid that is detectable by one or more downstream chemical reporters. In some cases, the acid catalyst may be physically located within the flow path itself (e.g., as a strip of material), as shown in fig. 6.
Thus, in accordance with the embodiments discussed herein, a variety of techniques are provided for securing a memory material component within a flow path in a convenient and reliable manner that takes advantage of certain unique expansion characteristics of the component. For example, the member may be a deformable member configured to transition from a deformed state back to a rest state or an intermediate state in response to an applied stimulus.
Although primarily discussed herein as memory material components implemented by memory polymer materials, other types of memory material components are contemplated, such as metals, foams, celluloses, and/or others. Similarly, although primarily discussed herein as thermal stimulation, other types of stimulation are also contemplated, such as chemical exposure (e.g., to water, alcohol, or other chemicals), hydration, electromagnetic stimulation (e.g., including optical signals), electrical signals, and/or other stimulation that may be used with any suitable memory material component.
By utilizing these features in various unique embodiments, the memory material component can be effectively inserted and secured within a flow path having any desired geometry. Although these techniques are primarily shown and described in the context of a chemical detector, these techniques may usefully be applied to any desired embodiment in which it may be desirable to secure a component in a structure having an internal cavity defined by an internal sidewall.
Further, by using these techniques to secure a component, the component may be maintained in a desired position within the flow path and will resist a tendency to migrate or move away down the flow path, e.g., in response to external physical forces, fluid pressure within the flow path, temperature changes, and/or other factors.
With respect to the specific case of memory material components implemented by memory polymers, memory polymers are polymeric materials that can transition from a deformed state back to a rest state (or partially back to an intermediate state as discussed further herein) in response to the application of heat. For example, such a material may be initially provided in a resting state (e.g., normal or natural state) having an initial resting state geometry at room temperature. The material may then be transitioned to a deformed state (e.g., by application of force, pressure, chemical exposure (e.g., exposure to water, alcohol, or other chemicals), hydration, electromagnetic excitation (e.g., including optical signals), electrical signals, and/or other techniques) having a deformed state geometry that continues to be maintained at room temperature. The deformed material may then be inserted into the flow path and then stimulated by heating (or one or more of the various stimuli discussed herein). In response to heat, the material will transition from the deformed state geometry back to the resting state geometry.
The deformed state geometry may exhibit a different width if the resting state geometry exhibits an initial width (e.g., a smaller width if the materials have been compressed together or stretched in another direction). In response to heat, the deformed material will transition back to the original resting state geometry with the original width. Thus, in some cases, the width of the material may decrease in response to the deforming operation and increase in response to heat.
Notably, if the deformed material having a reduced width is located in an enclosed space having a width less than the width of the resting state geometry, the application of heat will cause the deformed material to begin to transition back to the resting state geometry. However, if the width of the enclosed space is insufficient to accommodate the width of the resting state geometry, the material will not return completely to the resting state. Instead, the material will begin to abut the walls of the enclosed space and stay in an intermediate state that is wider than the deformed geometry but smaller than the rest state geometry.
Advantageously, such an arrangement may allow the material to abut against the side walls of the enclosure through abutment thereof in response to thermal expansion. Notably, the material retains the intermediate geometry after the material cools. Further, further heating and cooling cycles do not result in deformation of the material (e.g., reduce its width). Indeed, in some embodiments, such a cycle may cause the material to exert even greater force on the side walls of the enclosed space by virtue of its attempting to expand back to the resting geometry.
Advantageously, these properties may be used to secure components made of memory material within the flow path. This is particularly advantageous in the case of small flow paths having a relatively narrow width, otherwise additional material or mechanical features would need to be introduced to secure the components therein.
In some embodiments, the memory material may be a memory polymer material that is also an acid catalyst for use with the flow path of the chemical detector. For example, in some cases, a memory polymer material may be used to immobilize an acid catalyst according to the embodiment shown in fig. 6. In some cases, the memory polymer material may be a sulfonated tetrafluoroethylene-based fluoropolymer-copolymer. For example, memory polymer materials may be advantageously used in certain situations
(because of its long shelf life, one to two years or longer).
In some embodiments, the memory material may be provided in various physical forms. For example, in some cases it may be provided as a strip of memory material. In some cases, an adhesive may be provided to help maintain the desired structure or to accommodate inclusion of additional materials.
Although specific memory polymer materials are discussed herein primarily for use in the flow paths of chemical detectors, it should be understood that any type of memory material (e.g., metal, foam, cellulose, and/or other materials discussed) may be used with any type of flow paths or enclosed spaces (e.g., whether provided as part of a chemical detector or otherwise).
Fig. 10 shows a structure 1050 providing a flow path 1030 in which a memory material member 1000 is held, according to an embodiment of the invention. As shown in fig. 10, structure 1050 may be a capillary (e.g., silanized capillary glass in some embodiments) of a chemical detector (e.g., chemical detector 142). The structure 1050 includes a flow path 1030 (e.g., a sensing channel) that corresponds to an interior chamber defined by the interior sidewall 1020 of the structure 1050 and has a diameter 1010 (e.g., a width). In some embodiments, the ends 1095 and 1096 of the structure 1050 may be flame polished smooth, which may reduce the inner diameter 1010 at the input and output orifices of the flow path 1030 at the ends 1095 and 1096, respectively.
In some embodiments, the side wall 1020 may be implemented with a continuous inner surface to provide a substantially cylindrical flow path 1030 as shown. In other embodiments, the side wall 1020 may be implemented by multiple surfaces and/or other shapes to provide any desired shape or form (e.g., having varying side walls, diameters, and/or directions) to the flow path 1030.
Also as shown, one or more chemical reporters 1060 are disposed within structure 1050 and can be implemented, for example, in accordance with any of the various chemical reporter embodiments discussed herein. When operating as part of a detection device (e.g., detection device 100), structure 1050 receives air and various analytes 1040 (e.g., in response to one or more test samples 301-303 in question) from inlet 140. According to various embodiments provided herein, the analyte may react with the component 1000 and/or any chemical reporter 1060.
In fig. 10, the component 1000 is secured within the flow path 1030 by tension applied by the component 1000 against the side wall 1020. In this regard, fig. 10 shows the component 1000 completed installed within the structure 1050 after transitioning from a rest state having a width greater than the diameter 1010 to a deformed state having a diameter less than the diameter 1010 and after the component is inserted and heated to transition from the deformed state to an intermediate state having a width laterally within the flow path 1030 that is bounded by the diameter 1010. In this regard, abutment of the component 1000 against the sidewall 1020 limits the diameter of the component 1000 in the transverse direction to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030.
The component 1000 may be positioned laterally at any desired location within the flow path 1030 for various applications. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1000 may be displaced 0.375 inches from the end 1095, as shown in fig. 10. In other embodiments, the component 1000 may be located at the end 1095. Other locations may be used as appropriate.
Various types of deforming operations may be performed on the component 1000 to transition it from a rest state to a deformed state, as further discussed with respect to fig. 11 and 15. While certain morphing operations are described separately and in certain combinations, it should be understood that any desired combination of morphing operations may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, multiple morphing operations may be performed sequentially and/or simultaneously.
In the embodiment shown in fig. 10, the component 1000 has been deformed by torsion. In this regard, fig. 11 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material member 1100 by torsion according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component 1100 is initially provided as a strip material having a width 1110A that is greater than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030 in the rest state 1100A. In some embodiments, in the rest state 1100A, the component 1100 may have a length of 0.375 inches and a width 1110A of 0.025 inches.
The component 1100 is then deformed by twisting to transition from the rest state 1100A to a deformed state 1100B having a width 1110B that is less than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030 to allow the component 1100 to be inserted into the flow path 1030 (e.g., shown in phantom). Any desired type of twisting operation may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1100 may be twisted to present 16 to 20 turns per inch in the deformed state 1100B.
The component 1100 is then inserted into the flow path 1030 and heated and/or otherwise stimulated as discussed to transition from the deformed state 1100B to an intermediate state 1100C in which the component abuts the side wall 1020 of the flow path 1030 and has a width 1110C corresponding to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, the heating may also untwist the component 1100 at least partially, as shown in intermediate state 1100C. However, the side wall 1020 will prevent the component 1100 from untwisting completely and the component 1100 will be wedged securely within the flow path 1030.
Fig. 12 shows a process of deforming the memory material part 1200 by deployment according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component 1200 is initially provided as a strip of material in a stationary state 1200A having a width 1210A that is greater than a diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, in the rest state 1200A, the component 1200 may have a length of 0.375 inch to 0.75 inch and a width 1210A of 0.028 inch.
The member 1200 is then deformed by stretching to transition from the rest state 1200A to a deformed state 1200B having a width 1210B less than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030 to allow the member 1200 to be inserted into the flow path 1030. Any desired type of stretching operation may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, the member 1200 may be pulled longitudinally to stretch in an elongated manner. In some embodiments, this stretching may increase the length of the component 1200 by up to 200% of its original length.
The component 1200 is then inserted into the flow path 1030 and heated and/or otherwise stimulated as discussed to transition from the deformed state 1200B to an intermediate state 1200C in which the component abuts the side wall 1020 of the flow path 1030 and has a width 1210C corresponding to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, the heating may also at least partially shorten the component 1200 while also increasing the width, as shown in intermediate state 1200C. However, the side wall 1020 will prevent the member 1200 from fully shortening and the member 1200 will be firmly wedged into the flow path 1030.
Fig. 13 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material member 1300 by spreading and twisting according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component 1300 is initially provided as a strip material in a stationary state 1300A having a width 1310A that is greater than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, in the rest state 1300A, the component 1300 may have a length of 0.375 inch to 0.75 inch and a width 1310A of 0.028 inch.
The component 1300 is then deformed by stretching and twisting to transition from the rest state 1300A to a deformed state 1300B having a width 1310B less than the width 1310A to allow the component 1300 to be inserted into the flow path 1030. In various embodiments, stretching and twisting may be performed as discussed with respect to fig. 11 and 12 in one or more sequential and/or simultaneous deforming operations, as desired. In some embodiments, the component 1300 may be twisted to assume 20 to 25 turns per inch in the deformed state 1300B. In some embodiments, such stretching and twisting may increase the length of the component 1200 by up to 150% or 200% of its original length.
The component 1300 is then inserted into the flow path 1030 and heated and/or otherwise stimulated as discussed to transition from the deformed state 1300B to an intermediate state 1300C in which the component abuts the side wall 1020 of the flow path 1030 and has a width 1310C corresponding to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. Similar to the embodiments discussed in fig. 11 and 12, the heating may also untwist and at least partially shorten the component 1200 at least partially, as shown in intermediate state 1200C. However, the side wall 1020 will prevent the component 1300 from untwisting completely and shortening completely, and the component 1300 will be wedged securely into the flow path 1030.
Fig. 14 illustrates a process of deforming the memory material member 1400 by compression according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component 1400 is initially provided as a strip material in a stationary state 1400A having a width 1410A that is greater than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030.
The member 1400 is then deformed by compression to transition from the rest state 1400A to a deformed state 1400B having a width 1410B that is less than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030 to allow the member 1100 to be inserted into the flow path 1030. Any desired type of compression operation may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, the member 1400 may be compressed by a force into a deformed shape of a crimp, fold, or knead (plaited up) in the deformed state 1400B to allow insertion into the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, the component 1400 may be pre-stretched and/or otherwise deformed, and then further compressed by a force.
The component 1400 is then inserted into the flow path 1030 and heated and/or otherwise stimulated as discussed to transition from the deformed state 1400B to an intermediate state 1400C in which the component abuts the side wall 1020 of the flow path 1030 and has a width 1410C corresponding to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030.
Fig. 15 illustrates a process of deforming a memory material component 1500 by bending, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The component 1500 is initially provided as a strip of material in a stationary state 1500A having a width 1510A that is greater than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. In some embodiments, in the rest state 1500A, the component 1500 may have a length of 0.375 inches and a width 1510A of 0.021 inches.
The component 1500 is then deformed by bending to transition from the rest state 1500A to a deformed state 1500B having a width 1510B approximately equal to the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030 to allow the component 1100 to be inserted into the flow path 1030 in a press fit manner to abut the side wall 1020 of the flow path 1030 and thus remain within the flow path 1030. Any desired type of bending operation may be performed. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1500 may be bent to introduce one or more kinks (king), such as the kink 1520 shown in the deformed state 1500B. The component 1500 is then inserted into the flow path 1030 and further operations may be performed as desired.
Fig. 16 shows a process of fixing the memory material part 1000 in the flow path 1030 according to an embodiment of the present invention. While fig. 16 will be discussed generally with respect to memory material component 1000, it should be understood that various operations of fig. 16 may be performed with respect to any of memory material components 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, and/or 1500.
In block 1610, the component 1000 is provided in a resting state where the diameter of the component is greater than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1000 may be provided as not yet heated or deformed
A strap. />
In some embodiments, one or more operations may be performed to cut, trim, singulate, and/or otherwise provide a component 1000 of a desired size, whether as part of block 1610 or otherwise. For example, in various embodiments, such operations may be performed at any desired time, such as before, during, and/or after any of the operations of fig. 16. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1000 may be provided as part of a bulk memory material in block 1610, and then, after one or more deforming operations of block 1615, the component 1000 is cut from the bulk material (e.g., to a size) in block 1623 to allow for a larger sized component to be pre-stretched or pre-twisted, and then cut to a size having a width less than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030.
In block 1615, one or more morphing operations are performed on the component 1000, as discussed. As a result, in block 1620, the component 1000 transitions from the rest state to a deformed state having a diameter less than the diameter 1010 of the flow path 1030, as discussed.
As discussed, in some embodiments, component 1000 may be provided as part of a bulk memory material in block 1610 (e.g., a larger sheet, strip, or other physical implementation of the memory material of component 1000 may be provided). In this regard, one or more deforming operations of block 1615 may be performed on the bulk memory material. Thus, in some embodiments, additional operations to sever the component 1000 from the bulk memory material may be performed in block 1623.
In block 1625, deforming member 1000 is inserted into flow path 1625 of structure 1050. In block 1630, a stimulus is applied. As discussed, such stimulation may be provided in various forms, such as thermal, chemical exposure (e.g., to water, alcohol, or other chemicals), hydration, electromagnetic excitation (e.g., including optical signals), electrical signals, and/or other stimulation. Thus, it is contemplated that in some embodiments multiple stimulation operations may be performed.
For example, in some embodiments, heat may be applied to structure 1050 while component 1000 remains inserted into flow path 1030, thereby causing both structure 1050 and component 1000 to be heated. In this regard, structure 1050 may be made of an elastic material that retains its shape while also transferring heat to component 1000 residing therein. In some embodiments, heat may be applied locally to only a portion of structure 1050 to prevent damage to chemical reporter 1060 and/or other portions of structure 1050. In some embodiments, heat may be directed specifically to component 1000, for example, by one or more directional heating elements inserted into flow path 1030.
In the case of thermal stimulation, various temperature ranges may be used. For example, in some embodiments, the component 1000 may be heated from room temperature (e.g., 20 ℃ to 25 ℃) to a temperature that will cause the component 1000 to begin transitioning from the deformed state back to the intermediate state or the resting state. At the part 1000 includes
The heating temperature may be, for example, in the range of 90 ℃ to 140 ℃ and may be applied for, for example, 10 minutes to 30 minutes (may also be shorter or longer). Which is a kind ofHis temperature and associated time may be suitably used for other types of memory materials. For example, in some embodiments, significantly shorter heating times (e.g., 1 to 10 seconds) may be used by directly heating the component 1000, such as by introducing heated gas into the flow path 1030.
In response to the applied stimulus, in block 1635, the component 1000 transitions to an intermediate state having an increased width than the deformed state in question. As a result, in block 1640, component 1000 abuts side wall 1020 of structure 1050, as discussed. Thus, in block 1645, component 1000 is secured within flow path 1030 by tension applied by component 1000 against sidewall 1020. Thus, the components are retained within the flow path 1030 and may be reliably used without unintended translation or movement within the flow path 1030.
In some embodiments, additional manufacturing operations may be performed to prepare structure 1050 for use in a chemical detector. For example, in block 1650, structure 1050 and component 1000 may be maintained in an intermediate state to allow the applied stimulus to subside. For example, in the event of thermal stimulation, structure 1050 and component 1000 may be cooled. In block 1655, one or more components, coatings, and/or other features, such as chemical reporters, may be provided. In some embodiments, such features may be provided at any desired time, such as before, during, and/or after any of the operations of fig. 16. In block 1660, component 1050 is added to a detection apparatus, such as detection device 100 discussed herein. In block 1665, the detection device is operated according to various techniques described herein.
In view of the present invention, it should be appreciated that improved techniques for manufacturing, implementing, and providing components within a flow path in an efficient and useful manner are provided. By selectively deforming and stimulating the memory material component as discussed, the component can be effectively secured and retained within the flow path. As discussed, this technique is particularly suited for small diameter flow paths that are otherwise unsuitable for conventional attachment techniques without introducing potential chemical contamination or impractical mechanical requirements.
Further, by using a memory material component comprising a memory polymer material (also an acid catalyst), the various chemical detection operations described herein can be performed using the chemical structure of the memory polymer component to detect various materials of interest, while also taking advantage of the material structural properties of the component to retain the component within the flow path in question.
Other embodiments are also contemplated. For example, while various applications have been discussed with respect to air flow through a chemical detector, the concepts disclosed herein may be equally applied to any desired fluid flow path (e.g., gas fluid flow or solid fluid flow) and any desired type of device (e.g., including various types of detectors or other devices or systems).
Where applicable, hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software may be used to implement the various embodiments provided by the present invention. Also where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be combined into composite components comprising software, hardware, and/or both without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Where applicable, the various hardware components and/or software components set forth herein can be separated into sub-components comprising software, hardware, or both without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Further, it is contemplated that software components may be implemented as hardware components, and vice versa, where applicable.
Software (such as program code and/or data) in accordance with the present invention may be stored on one or more non-transitory machine readable media. It is also contemplated that the software identified herein may be executed using one or more general purpose or special purpose computers and/or computer systems (networked and/or otherwise implemented). The order of various steps described herein may be altered, combined into composite steps, and/or divided into sub-steps to provide the features described herein, where applicable.
The above examples illustrate but do not limit the invention. It should also be understood that numerous modifications and variations are possible in accordance with the principles of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention is limited only by the following claims.
Claims (16)
1. A method of retaining a deformable memory material in a flow path, the method comprising:
providing a memory material component in a resting state;
performing a deformation operation to transition the component from the rest state to a deformed state;
inserting the component into a flow path defined by an interior sidewall of the structure; and is also provided with
Applying a stimulus to transition the component from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the component abuts the sidewall to secure the component in the flow path,
Wherein the component comprises a memory polymer configured to passively receive a stimulus from an external source to transition from a deformed state to an intermediate state;
wherein the component comprises a catalyst configured to promote a reaction in response to a precursor received through the flow path; and is also provided with
Wherein the structure is part of a chemical detector that is responsive to the reaction to determine whether a material of interest is present; and is also provided with
Wherein the member in the rest state exhibits a first width that is greater than an inner diameter of the flow path, the member in the deformed state exhibits a second width that is less than the inner diameter, and the member in the intermediate state exhibits a third width that is between the first width and the second width.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the applying a stimulus comprises heating the component.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the deforming operation comprises: twisting, stretching, compressing and/or bending the component.
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
the component is provided as part of a bulk memory material;
Performing the deforming operation on the bulk memory material; and is also provided with
The method further includes severing the deformed member from the bulk memory material prior to the inserting.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a solid-state ribbon of memory material.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the component comprises a memory material and an adhesive.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the structure is a generally cylindrical capillary tube.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
the precursor is a vapor phase nitric acid precursor and the catalyst is an acid catalyst configured to hydrolyze the vapor phase nitric acid precursor to form nitric acid; and is also provided with
The chemical detector is responsive to the nitric acid to determine whether a material of interest is present.
9. An apparatus for performing retention of a deformable memory material in a flow path, the apparatus comprising a memory material component secured in the flow path by the method of claim 1.
10. An apparatus for performing retention of a deformable memory material in a flow path, the apparatus comprising:
A structure comprising a fixed interior sidewall defining a flow path;
a memory material component disposed within the flow path; and
wherein the component is secured within the flow path by abutting the sidewall in response to:
a deforming operation to transition the component from a rest state to a deformed state for insertion into the flow path; and
applying a stimulus to transition the member from the deformed state to an intermediate state in which the member abuts the sidewall,
wherein the component comprises a memory polymer configured to passively receive a stimulus from an external source to transition from a deformed state to an intermediate state;
wherein the component comprises a catalyst configured to promote a reaction in response to a precursor received through the flow path; and is also provided with
Wherein the structure is part of a chemical detector that is responsive to the reaction to determine whether a material of interest is present; and is also provided with
Wherein the member in the rest state exhibits a first width that is greater than an inner diameter of the flow path, the member in the deformed state exhibits a second width that is less than the inner diameter, and the member in the intermediate state exhibits a third width that is between the first width and the second width.
11. The device of claim 10, wherein the stimulus is heat applied to the deforming member.
12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the deforming operation comprises: twisting, stretching, compressing and/or bending the component.
13. The device of claim 10, wherein the component comprises a solid-state ribbon of memory material.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein the component comprises a memory material and an adhesive.
15. The device of claim 10, wherein the structure is a generally cylindrical capillary tube.
16. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein:
the precursor is a vapor phase nitric acid precursor and the catalyst is an acid catalyst configured to hydrolyze the vapor phase nitric acid precursor to form nitric acid; and is also provided with
The chemical detector is responsive to the nitric acid to determine whether a material of interest is present.
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