WO2005047853A2 - Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte - Google Patents
Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte Download PDFInfo
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- WO2005047853A2 WO2005047853A2 PCT/US2004/036788 US2004036788W WO2005047853A2 WO 2005047853 A2 WO2005047853 A2 WO 2005047853A2 US 2004036788 W US2004036788 W US 2004036788W WO 2005047853 A2 WO2005047853 A2 WO 2005047853A2
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- analyte
- sensor
- sensors
- item
- nose
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/0004—Gaseous mixtures, e.g. polluted air
- G01N33/0009—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment
- G01N33/0027—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector
- G01N33/0031—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector comprising two or more sensors, e.g. a sensor array
- G01N33/0034—General constructional details of gas analysers, e.g. portable test equipment concerning the detector comprising two or more sensors, e.g. a sensor array comprising neural networks or related mathematical techniques
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/46—Wood
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/02—Food
- G01N33/14—Beverages
- G01N33/146—Beverages containing alcohol
Definitions
- the present invention generally relates to the field of quality control testing and, more particularly, to an apparatus and method for detecting an analyte.
- the wine industry produces approximately fourteen billion bottles of wine per year.
- the bottled wines range in price from inexpensive table wines to very expensive, high-quality wines.
- the more expensive wines i.e., from fifty dollars to thousands of dollars per bottle
- Cork stoppers include natural cork stoppers punched from strips of bark and less expensive molded or extruded agglomerated cork with natural cork discs on each end.
- Cork stoppers can adversely affect the taste of wine, a characteristic commonly referred to as "cork taint.”
- Cork taint describes the "off smell and taste imparted to wine from chemical contaminants such as 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) in the cork stopper.
- cork taint The incidence of cork taint is sporadic and random, typically affecting 1 -2% of bottled wines. Since cork taint takes effect after bottling, it cannot be detected until after a bottle has been opened. Cork taint manifests as very undesirable aroma and flavor characters that are imparted to bottled wines following contact with the cork. There is nothing more offensive and embarrassing for wine consumers and producers alike than for their wine to be rated as "spoiled.” For consumers, opening a cork-tainted bottle of wine can be socially embarrassing, particularly if it is an expensive bottle of wine. For wine collectors, the 1-2% incidence of cork taint imparts uncertainty about the entire wine collection. For producers, cork-tainted wine can damage their reputation, causing consumers to question the integrity and quality of their wine. Thus, there exists a need for a means to ensure the quality of cork stoppers used to bottle wines.
- TCA The chemical compound contributing most significantly to cork taint is TCA, which is implicated in more than 80% of cork-tainted wines.
- the production of TCA is the result of complex chemical mechanisms, including the conversion of chlorophenols to chloroanisole by common microorganisms, such as fungi, in the presence of moisture. Chlorophenols are typically used as pesticides and wood preservatives, and, consequently, they are common environmental pollutants.
- the uptake of even minute amounts of chlorophenol by the bark of a cork tree at any stage during its growth can yield corks that will produce cork taint in wine.
- cork taint can be the result of interaction between naturally occurring fungi in the tree bark and chlorine, a chemical commonly used to sanitize the cork. Cork, like any other wine input, therefore demands exhaustive quality control.
- An electronic nose is a sensing device capable of producing a fingerprint of specific odors.
- Current technology includes electronic noses that use odor-reactive polymer sensor arrays and a pattern-recognition system (i.e., e-Nose) and gas chromatography coupled to surface acoustic wave sensors (i.e., z-Nose).
- e-Nose odor-reactive polymer sensor arrays
- gas chromatography coupled to surface acoustic wave sensors
- the electronic nose uses a one-inch-square microelectrical mechanical systems (MEMS) chip containing 32 pinhead-sized receptors forming a sensor array.
- MEMS microelectrical mechanical systems
- the receptors are constructed from a conductive carbon black material blended with specific nonconductive polymers (manufactured by Cyrano Sciences, Inc., Pasadena, CA). When the MEMS chip is exposed to a specific vapor, a corresponding receptor expands, temporarily breaking some of the connections between the carbon black pathways and thereby increasing the electrical resistance in the sensor. Signals from the sensors are electronically processed by a microprocessor that interprets the data by using the pattern-recognition system to identify and/or quantify a specific odor contained in the vapor.
- the Sunshine et al. patent describes a method and device for evaluating agriculture products and, more particularly, for assessing and monitoring the quality of food products by using electronic noses.
- the quality control monitoring device includes two sensor arrays for comparative monitoring of an agricultural product, e.g., before and after a processing step such as blending or mixing, or detection of a contaminant (e.g., microorganism) relative to a clean sample.
- the quality-control monitoring device is a single device that typically requires up to three minutes to obtain a result and to cycle to the next measurement, thus limiting the number of measurements that can be determined by a single device.
- the existing devices are expensive, which precludes purchasing multiple instruments to achieve 100% testing of a product in a production process. Thus, there exists a need for a means to test 100% of all corks in a fast and cost-efficient way.
- the present invention is directed to a method of testing at least a first item and a second item for the presence of an analyte.
- the method comprises the steps of moving the first item to a first position and moving a first sensor to a second position proximate the first position.
- the first sensor is operatively configured to detect the presence of the analyte.
- it is determined via the first sensor whether the analyte is present in/on the first item.
- the first item is then moved out of the first position and the first sensor is moved out of the second position.
- a second item is moved into the first position and a second sensor is moved to the second position.
- the second sensor is operatively configured to detect the presence of the analyte. It is then determined via the second sensor whether the analyte is present in/on the second item.
- the present invention is directed to an apparatus for testing each one of a plurality of items for the presence of an analyte.
- the apparatus comprises a plurality of sensors, each operatively configured for detecting the analyte.
- the apparatus further includes first system that moves each one of the plurality of items, in seriatim, to a first position and a second system that moves each one of the plurality of sensors, in seriatim, to a second position located proximate the first position.
- a controller is operatively connected to the second system and operatively configured to cause the second system to move another one of the plurality of sensors into the second position each time the first system moves one of the plurality of items into the first position.
- FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a testing apparatus of the present invention for detecting the presence of an analyte
- FIG. 2 is a high-level schematic diagram of a system of the present invention for operating the testing apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3 A is an enlarged perspective view of one of the sensor units of the testing apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 3B is a high-level schematic diagram of the sensor electronics of the testing apparatus of FIG. 1;
- FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of a method of using the testing apparatus of FIG. 1 to detect the presence of an analyte in a plurality of items, wherein the items are cork stoppers.
- the present invention is an apparatus and method for detecting an analyte and, more particularly, assessing and monitoring items, such as cork stoppers, for the presence of one or more chemical contaminants or other analytes using electronic noses or other sensors.
- the invention uses sensors and detection sensor electronics that are separate from one another such that inexpensive sensors may be reused or discarded with a rejected item.
- the testing apparatus moves the sensors and items independently to align a sensor and item with a detection sensor unit and/or move each sensor into electrical contact with the detection sensor electronics.
- the testing apparatus may utilize multiple sensor units to simultaneously test multiple items (e.g., cork stoppers) for a chemical contaminant (e.g., TCA).
- the invention provides a low-cost, reliable testing process for testing up to 100% of the items at production speed in a cost-effective way that is scalable to the general consumer market.
- the present invention is particularly described in connection with testing bottle stoppers made of cork for the presence of a particular analyte, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention can be adapted for testing virtually any type of item made of any type of material for the presence of one or more of a wide variety of analytes susceptible to detection by various sensors.
- FIG. 1 shows in accordance with the present invention a testing apparatus, which is generally denoted by the numeral 100.
- apparatus 100 may be adapted for testing virtually any items, but in the present example items are cork stoppers 110.
- Apparatus 100 may include, among other things, a hopper/dispenser 105, a plurality of receivers 115 (e.g., receivers 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d and 115e), a web 120, a plurality of partitions 125, a plurality of air movers 130 (e.g., air movers 130a, 130b, and 130c), a plurality of sensor units 135 (e.g., sensor units 135a, 135b, and 135c), a diverter 145, a plurality of rollers 150 (e.g., rollers 150a, 150b, 150c, and 150d), a recess 155, an accept bin 160 and a reject bin 165.
- a hopper/dispenser 105 e.g., a plurality of receivers 115 (e.g., receivers 115a, 115b, 115c, 115d and 115e), a web 120, a pluralit
- Hopper/dispenser 105 is a storing and dispensing device for stoppers 110 to be tested. Hopper 105 may be suspended over web 120 and controlled such that a single stopper 110 is dispensed into each receiver 115. In alternative embodiments, hopper/dispenser 105 may be replaced with another device or mechanism, e.g., a conveyor or gated chute, that provides the same functionality of storing and/or delivering stoppers 110 to web 120 or other means for moving stoppers 1 10.
- another device or mechanism e.g., a conveyor or gated chute
- Receivers 115 may be formed in web 120 such that they are open receptacles for stoppers 110.
- the top opening of each such receiver 115 should be sufficiently large to receive one of stoppers 1 10.
- receiver 115 may include a bottom opening (not shown) that allows air to flow through the web.
- the bottom opening of each receiver 115 should be of sufficient size to retain stopper 110 on web 12O and provide sufficient airflow through web 120 to enable the detection of the analyte(s), if present, at sensor units 135.
- Each stopper 110 may be helped into its proper position within receivers 115 by corresponding partitions 125 that provide a physical barrier between adjacent receivers.
- Web 120 may be a continuous belt that is positioned around rollers 150 and formed of any suitable material, such as polyurethane or rubber that provides a sturdy, flexible support for stoppers 110.
- Web 120 may be advanced, e.g., in a clockwise rotation, by rollers 150 or another means, not shown.
- Rollers 150 may be formed of any suitable material such as rubber or metal and may further include a recess 155 that facilitates passage of receivers 115 as web 120 is advanced.
- many alternatives to web 120 and rollers 150 exist for moving stoppers 110 into their testing positions proximate coreesponding sensor units 135. Such alternatives include other types of linear conveyors and rotational moving devices, among others.
- stoppers 110 may be fed to each sensor unit 135 by a feeder system dedicated to that sensor unit.
- Sensor units 135 may be located in close proximity to receivers 1 15, e.g., directly below the upper horizontal portion of web 120. Of course, in other embodiments of apparatus 100, sensor units 135 may be located in other suitable locations where testing can be effected, such as laterally adjacent to or above receivers 115. Details and description of sensor units 135 are discussed below in connection with FIG. 3 A.
- Air movers 130 may by conventional air-moving devices that provide a flow of air over stoppers 110 in receivers 115 and to sensor units 135.
- air movers 130 are blowers located opposite corresponding sensor units 135 relative to conesponding receivers 115.
- air movers 130 may be suction/blower devices located between corresponding receivers 115 and sensor units 130 or opposite the receivers relative to the sensor units.
- the airflow provided by air movers 130 is any airflow suitable to extract chemical vapors from stoppers 110.
- air movers 130 may be adapted to provide treated air, such as heated or pressurized air or nitrogen (N 2 ), and/or to facilitate removal of chemical vapors from stoppers 1 10 in receivers 115.
- N 2 heated or pressurized air or nitrogen
- air movers may not be required.
- Diverter 145 may be provided to divert one or more contaminated stoppers 1 10 at a time from web 120 to prevent the rejected stoppers from being processed further along with the non-rejected, or "good,” stoppers.
- Diverter 145 may be any suitable device, such as a movable arm, and may divert the rejected ones of stoppers 110 to any suitable container, e.g., reject bin 165, or location, e.g., a reject conveyor (not shown).
- Reject bin 165 if provided, may be any suitable collection container that functions to hold rejected stoppers 110 (e.g., those determined to be contaminated with TCA).
- accept bin if provided, may be any suitable collection container that functions to hold accepted stoppers 110 (e.g., those determined to be not contaminated with TCA).
- FIG. 2 is a high-level block diagram of a control system 200 for operating apparatus 100 of FIG. 1.
- control system 200 may include a computer 205, a communication link 210, a sensor system 215 and a conveyor controller 220.
- Computer 205 may be any special-purpose or general-purpose computer, such as a desktop, laptop, or host computer having a processor, memory and storage (not shown) sufficient to run software applications for operating apparatus 100.
- Sensor system 215 may include a plurality of sensor electronics 225 (e.g., sensor electronics 225a, 225b and 225n, where n indicates the corresponding sensor unit 135 in apparatus 100).
- Sensor electronics 225 includes the electronic circuitry, such as a power regulator, processor, memory and storage, sufficient to interface sensor system 215 to computer 205 so as to operate sensor units 135 of apparatus 100.
- Sensor electronics 225 may further include the necessary circuitry, such as power regulator, processor, memory and storage, sufficient to run software applications (e.g., pattern signal handling capability and sensor pattern recognition algorithms) for sensor units 135 as described in more detail in reference to FIG. 3B.
- Conveyor controller 220 may include sub-controllers, e.g., a hopper/dispenser controller 230, a web controller 240, an air mover controller 250, a diverter controller 260 and a bin-full controller 270, to run the corresponding components of apparatus 100.
- Hopper/dispenser controller 230 may include software algorithms to control the mechanical operation of hopper/dispenser 105 of apparatus 100.
- hopper/dispenser controller 230 may control the dispensing of stoppers 110 into receivers 115.
- Web controller 240 may include software algorithms to control the mechanical operation of web 120 of apparatus 100.
- web controller 240 may control the rotation of rollers 150 to advance web 120.
- Air mover controller 250 may include software algorithms to control the mechanical operation of air mover 130 of apparatus 100. For example, air mover controller 250 may control the flow of heated air from air movers 130 over stoppers 1 10 in receivers 115 and onto sensor units 135. Diverter controller 260 may include software algorithms to control the mechanical operation of diverter 145 of apparatus 100. Diverter controller 260 may be electrically connected to sensor units 135.
- Bin-full controller 270 may include software algorithms to control the mechanical operations of accept bin 160 and reject bin 165 of apparatus 100. For example, bin full controller 270 may monitor the levels of stoppers 110 in accept bin 160 and reject bin 165 and indicate to computer 205 when accept bin 160 or reject bin 165 needs to be emptied.
- Conveyor controller 220 and sensor system 215 may communicate with computer 205 via communication link 210, which may be any suitable wired or wireless communications link.
- communication link 210 may be a universal serial bus (USB) and may transmit data bi-directionally between computer 205 and sensor system 215, and between computer 205 and conveyor controller 220.
- communication link 210 may be a wireless link, such as an infrared or radio frequency link, among others.
- FIG. 3 A shows one of sensor units 135.
- the others of sensor units 135 may be identical to the sensor unit shown for parallel testing of multiple stoppers 110 for the presence of the same analyte. However, the others of sensor units, if provided, may be different from the sensor unit shown. For example, one or more of the other sensor units 135 may be configured for different types of sensors for sensing other types of analytes.
- Each sensor unit 135 may include sensor electronics 225, a plurality of nose chips 310 (only one being shown) or other sensors, a plurality of nose chip holders 315 (e.g., holders 315a, 315b, 315c, 315d) a web 320, a plurality of rollers 325 (e.g., rollers 325a and 325b), and a plurality of probe fingers 330 (e.g., probe fingers 330a, 330b and 33 On, where n corresponds to the number of probe fingers needed to make nose chips 310 test-functional). Probe fingers 330 are in electrical communication with sensor electronics 225.
- Each nose chip 310 may include a plurality of sensor elements 311 and a plurality of contacts 312.
- Each nose chip holder 315 may include a plurality of electrical leads 340 electrically connected to corresponding ones of contacts 312 and disposed on the holder such that when that holder is in its sensing position beneath a corresponding receiver 115 (FIG. 1) containing one of stoppers 1 10 to be tested, the leads and probe fingers 330 may be contacted together so as to activate the corresponding nose chip 310 for testing that stopper.
- Such contact may be effected by moving nose chip holder 315 and/or probe fingers 330 into contact with one another.
- Each nose chip 310 may include a sensor anay containing a plurality of sensor elements 311 that detects a chemical analyte, such as TCA. Electrical traces or leads (not shown) may extend from sensor element 311 to contact pads 312 to electrically connect them to one another. Suitable sensor arrays include, but are not limited to, bulk conducting polymer films, semiconducting polymer sensors, surface acoustic wave devices, and conducting/nonconducting regions sensors. In one example, each nose chip 310 is a conducting/nonconducting region sensor in which conducting materials and nonconducting materials are arranged in a matrix (i.e., a resistor) and provide an electrical path between electrical leads.
- a matrix i.e., a resistor
- the nonconductive material may be a nonconducting polymer, such as polystyrene.
- the conductive material may be a conducting polymer, such as carbon black, an inorganic conductor.
- the resistor provides a difference in resistance between the electrical leads when contacted with an analyte.
- nose chip 310 includes a sensor array specific for detection of a single analyte, such as TCA.
- nose chip 310 may include a sensor array for detecting two or more compositionally different analytes.
- Each nose chip 310 may be attached to a corresponding nose chip holder 315 via wire bonds (not shown) between contact pads 312 and leads 340 on nose chip holders 315.
- Leads 340 may be formed of any suitable material, such as a metal foil for conducting electrical current between nose chips 310 and probe fingers 330.
- Probe fingers 330 provide a mechanical means to electrically connect nose chip holders 315 to sensor electronics 225. Probe fingers 330 may provide standard electrical connections for lines, such as electrical power, ground, data input, and data output.
- each nose chip 310 or nose chip holder 315 may have an on-board power supply (not shown), e.g., battery, for providing power to that nose chip and a wireless communication device (not shown), e.g., an infrared or radio frequency transceiver, for providing the communication link between the nose chip and sensor electronics 225.
- an on-board power supply e.g., battery
- a wireless communication device e.g., an infrared or radio frequency transceiver
- Nose chip holders 315 may be attached to and carried by web 320, which may be formed of any suitable material, such as polyurethane or rubber, which provides a suitable support for the nose chip holders.
- Web 320 may be a continuous belt that is positioned around rollers 325. Web 320 may be advanced, for example, in a clockwise rotation, by rollers 325 to align nose chips 310 with sensor electronics 225. If finger probes 330 or other contact-type links are provided, they may be moved into contact with leads 340 using a suitable actuator (not shown) that may move the probes and/or sensor electronics 225.
- rollers 325 may be conventional rollers formed of any suitable material, such as rubber or metal.
- Nose chip holders 315 may be provided in any number on web 320 to suit a particular design. For example, if nose chips 310 are recycled, i.e., used over to test at least a second stopper 110 (FIG. 1), the number of chip holders 315 and nose chips 310 will generally depend upon the recycle time, i.e., the time it takes a nose chip to recover from a worst-case analyte detection so as to be ready to detect the presence of the analyte again, and the frequency of the testing.
- the number of nose chip holders 315 may be practicably as few as two for a web-type delivery system, e.g., one of the two holders may be loaded with a fresh nose chip 310 while the other one is being used for a test. Then, the used nose chip may be removed from its holder as the fresh nose chip is moved into position for testing.
- nose chip holders 315 may be used if desired.
- a single nose chip holder 315 may also be used, but would not be as efficient as having two or more such holders.
- nose chips 310 and/or nose chip holders 315 may be delivered to their testing locations by means other than a web- type conveyor. Such alternatives include other types of linear conveyors, rotational moving devices, ribbon-type feeding devices and cartridge-type feeding devices, among others.
- Nose chip holders 315 and/or nose chips 310 may be covered with a removable cap (not shown) to protect nose chips 310 prior to a testing event.
- the arrangement of nose chip holders 315 and nose chips 310 on web 320 contains sufficient spacing between adjacent nose chip holders 315 such that nose chips 3 10 are not contaminated by overflow air during a testing event.
- nose chip holders 315b, 315c and 315d are sufficiently spaced from nose chip 310 such that when air is passed over nose chip 310, the nose chips on nose chip holders 315b, 315c, and 315d are not contaminated by overflow air when nose chip 310 is used to test stopper 110 (FIG. 1).
- sensor electronics 225 may include a power regulator 345, a microprocessor 350, a memory 355, an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter 360, a digital- to-analog (D/A) converter 365, a timing and control circuitry 380 and a computer interface 385.
- Power regulator 345 may provide electrical power to microprocessor 350, nose chip holders 315 and nose chips 310.
- electrical power to nose chip holders 315 and nose chips 310 may be provided via probe fingers 330.
- electrical power may be provided by probe finger 330a and ground provided by probe finger 330b.
- Power regulator 345 may provide a regulated or limited amount of power to nose chip holders 315 and nose chips 310 to optimize performance of nose chips 310.
- Microprocessor 350 may include the necessary processing electronics to extract and execute instructions stored in memory 355. Such processing electronics are well- known in the art and, therefore, need not be described in detail herein for those skilled in the art to understand and practice the present invention.
- Memory 355 may provide storage of program codes, data, and other information. Examples of program code stored in memory 355 include program code that coordinates the operation of sensor units 135 and sensor pattern signal handling and pattern recognition algorithms or look-up tables to analyze data from nose chips 310.
- A/D converter 360 may provide analog-to-digital conversion of data (e.g., resistance measurements) as it passes from nose chips 310 to microprocessor 350 for further processing.
- D/A converter 365 may provide digital-to-analog conversion of data as it passes from microprocessor 350 to nose chips 310.
- Timing and control circuitry 380 may provide, for example, timing signals for data acquisition from nose chips 310 and indexer functions to coordinate the advancement of web 320 by rollers 325.
- Interface 385 facilitates communication between sensor electronics 225 and computer 205 and is in communication with computer 205 via communication link 210.
- Power regulator 345 provides an electrical signal to nose chips 310.
- a series of electrical traces (not shown) from each one of sensor elements 311 of nose chips 310 are connected to provide an electrical path through leads 340 and probe fingers 330 to A/D 360 and microprocessor 350.
- Microprocessor 350 using instructions stored in memory 355 and in timing and control circuitry 380, converts an electrical signal generated from sensor elements 311 of nose chips 310 into a processed output signal.
- the instructions stored in memory 355 may include, e.g., a look-up table that compares incoming signals to stored reference values to provide an analysis. Alternately, an algorithm or other analytical means for providing a chemical analysis can be provided.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of using apparatus 100 of FIG. 1 to provide screening of 100% of cork stoppers produced by a cork stopper manufacturer.
- method 400 and apparatus 100 may be adapted for testing of virtually any item other than a cork stopper, e.g., packaging, such as containers, lids, caps, etc., for foods and beverages.
- FIGS 1-3 are referenced throughout the steps of method 400, which may include the following steps. Those skilled in the art will recognize that method 400 is merely exemplary. Accordingly, the various steps of method 400 may be modified, deleted or replaced as needed to suit a particular design.
- Step 405 Setting parameters
- testing parameters include the number of stoppers 110 to be tested, the analyte(s) to be detected (e.g., TCA), acceptable concentration levels, i.e., testing thresholds, for the analyte(s), and baseline resistance values for sensor elements 311 for re-use calibration.
- Testing thresholds may be adjustable/selectable, e.g., to allow for quality variations or suit the particular items being tested. Testing threshold ranges will typically be dependent upon the sensitivity of nose chips 310 or other sensor to the analyte(s) being tested.
- Method 400 proceeds to step 410.
- Step 410 Checking all nose chips
- sensor unit 135 performs a scan of nose chips 310 on web 320 to ensure that all nose chips 310 are operational.
- sensor electronics 225 may determine the baseline resistance values of sensor elements 311. If the baseline resistance values are at or above a certain value, nose chips 310 are reset or discarded and replaced. Method 400 proceeds to step 415.
- Step 415 Dispensing stoppers
- conveyor controller 220 e.g., web controller 240
- software algorithms on conveyor controller 220 are used to move rollers 150 and align web 120 with hopper/dispenser 105 such that receiver 115a is directly beneath the hopper/dispenser.
- Stoppers 110 in hopper/dispenser 105 are dispensed into receiver 115a using software algorithms in hopper/dispenser controller 230 such that a single stopper 110 is dispensed.
- Web 120 is advanced, for example, in a clockwise direction, and the process is repeated until the appropriate numbers of receivers 115 (e.g., receivers 115b, 115c and 115d) are filled.
- Method 400 proceeds to step 420.
- Step 420 Activating airflow
- airflow is activated and directed or drawn over stoppers 110 in receiver 115 to extract chemical vapors (e.g., TCA) from stoppers 110.
- air movers 130 may be activated using software algorithms in air mover controller 250 to provide airflow (e.g., a flow of heated air) over stoppers 110.
- airflow e.g., a flow of heated air
- the chemical vapors from stoppers 110 are mixed with the heated air and are carried toward sensor units 135, where sensor elements 311 on nose chips 310 are exposed to the air/vapor mixture.
- Method 400 proceeds to step 425.
- Step 425 Sensing analyte
- each sensor unit 135 determines the level of one or more analytes in the air/vapor mixture.
- the identification of an analyte typically occurs as follows.
- An electrical signal is provided by power regulator 345 to nose chips 310.
- a series of electrical traces (not shown) from each of sensor elements 311 of nose chips 310 are connected to provide an electrical path through leads 340 and probe fingers 330 to A/D 360 and microprocessor 350.
- Microprocessor 350 using instructions stored in memory 355 and in timing and control circuitry 380, converts an electrical signal generated from sensor elements 311 of nose chips 310 into a processed output signal.
- the instructions stored in memory 355 include, for example, a look-up table that compares incoming signals to stored reference values to provide an analysis.
- web 120 is advanced an appropriate increment to position the receiver, e.g., receiver 115d, in proximity to diverter 145.
- Method 400 proceeds to step
- Step 435 Bad stopper?
- Step 440 Diverting stopper
- diverter 145 is activated using software algorithms in diverter controller 260 and a rejected stopper 110 is diverted to reject bin 165. Nose chip 310 conesponding to that rejected stopper 110 may be discarded with the rejected stopper or, alternatively, may be recycled and reset for re-use, depending upon the reusability of the nose chip.
- Bin full controller 270 may monitor the levels of rejected stoppers 110 in reject bin 165, and a signal is generated when reject bin 165 is full. Method 400 proceeds to step 445.
- Step 445 Replacing nose chip
- Step 400 if nose chips 310 are of the non-reusable type, a new nose chip 310 and/or nose chip holder 315 is replaced on web 320. Method 400 may proceed to step
- Step 450 Collecting stopper
- web 120 is advanced an appropriate increment to position the receiver, e.g., receiver 115d, in recess 155 of roller 150a. As receiver 1 15d is advanced over roller 150a, stopper 110 in recess 155 falls out of receiver 115d into accept bin 160.
- Bin-full controller 270 may monitor the levels of collected stoppers 110 in accept bin 160 and generate a bin-full signal when the accept bin is full. Method 400 proceeds to step
- Step 455 More stoppers?
- step 405 it is determined whether additional stoppers 110 are available for screening. For example, the total number of stoppers 110 to be screened are set in step 405 and software algorithms are used to track the number of stoppers 110 dispensed from hopper 105 and screened by sensor units 135 to determine whether a stopper 110 remains to be screened. If yes, method 400 returns to step 410. If no, method 400 ends.
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Abstract
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Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP04800745A EP1685378A2 (en) | 2003-11-05 | 2004-11-04 | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
AU2004290343A AU2004290343A1 (en) | 2003-11-05 | 2004-11-04 | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US10/701,715 US7010956B2 (en) | 2003-11-05 | 2003-11-05 | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
US10/701,715 | 2003-11-05 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO2005047853A2 true WO2005047853A2 (en) | 2005-05-26 |
WO2005047853A3 WO2005047853A3 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
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PCT/US2004/036788 WO2005047853A2 (en) | 2003-11-05 | 2004-11-04 | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
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US (2) | US7010956B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1685378A2 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2004290343A1 (en) |
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Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
WO2016098055A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | Cork Supply Portugal, Sa | Method for detecting a volatile analyte for classing and sorting cork stoppers depending on the concentration of the analyte |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7010956B2 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2006-03-14 | Michael S. Head | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
US20080245132A1 (en) * | 2007-04-09 | 2008-10-09 | Head Michael S | Methods of detecting and eliminating tainted cork wine bottle stoppers |
US7971470B2 (en) * | 2007-04-13 | 2011-07-05 | Madison Avenue Management Company, Inc. | Method for detecting chemical substances in whole, closed and/or sealed containers |
FR2928003B1 (en) * | 2008-02-22 | 2011-09-16 | Excell Lab | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING CONTAMINATION OF BARRIERS. |
US8210021B2 (en) * | 2009-01-16 | 2012-07-03 | Christopher Bryan Crass | Aromas kit |
FR3009753B1 (en) * | 2013-08-13 | 2019-05-17 | Cevaqoe Invest | METHOD FOR ANALYZING A CORK PLUG FOR THE PRESENCE OF 2,4,6-TRICHLOROANISOLE AND DEVICE FOR IMPLEMENTING IT |
ITUD20130175A1 (en) * | 2013-12-30 | 2015-07-01 | Univ Degli Studi Udine | PROCEDURE FOR THE ASSESSMENT OF CORK QUALITY AND RELATED ASSESSMENT EQUIPMENT |
CN104267134A (en) * | 2014-09-03 | 2015-01-07 | 上海应用技术学院 | Method for identifying brand of Chinese liquor by rapid gas phase electronic nose |
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US5675070A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-10-07 | Ncr Corporation | Olfatory sensor identification system and method |
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WO2003041927A1 (en) * | 2001-11-12 | 2003-05-22 | Instituto Superior Técnico | New process for treating cork stoppers or planks for the reduction of strange aromas, namely 2,4,6-trichoroanisole |
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AU630444B2 (en) * | 1989-04-26 | 1992-10-29 | Suntory Holdings Limited | Method and apparatus for deodorization of cork |
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JP2000028579A (en) * | 1998-07-08 | 2000-01-28 | Hitachi Ltd | Sample gas collecting device and hazardous substance detecting device |
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US6355320B1 (en) * | 1998-10-21 | 2002-03-12 | Nomacorc, Llc | Synthetic closure and manufacturing process thereof |
DE10022535C2 (en) * | 2000-05-09 | 2003-03-06 | Ristelhueber Papier & Zellstof | Process for reducing cork flavor in beverages, especially in wines |
US6541260B1 (en) * | 2001-04-19 | 2003-04-01 | Blake Pariseau | Device for detecting and indicating fluid properties |
US6772892B2 (en) * | 2002-11-19 | 2004-08-10 | E. & J. Gallo Winery | Reusable closure system for bottle-type containers |
US7010956B2 (en) * | 2003-11-05 | 2006-03-14 | Michael S. Head | Apparatus and method for detecting an analyte |
-
2003
- 2003-11-05 US US10/701,715 patent/US7010956B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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2004
- 2004-11-04 WO PCT/US2004/036788 patent/WO2005047853A2/en active Application Filing
- 2004-11-04 EP EP04800745A patent/EP1685378A2/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2004-11-04 AU AU2004290343A patent/AU2004290343A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2006
- 2006-03-10 US US11/372,848 patent/US7290438B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
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US5675070A (en) * | 1996-02-09 | 1997-10-07 | Ncr Corporation | Olfatory sensor identification system and method |
US6435002B1 (en) * | 1997-05-15 | 2002-08-20 | Sinclair International Limited, United Kingdom | Assessment of the condition of fruit and vegetables |
US6450008B1 (en) * | 1999-07-23 | 2002-09-17 | Cyrano Sciences, Inc. | Food applications of artificial olfactometry |
WO2003041927A1 (en) * | 2001-11-12 | 2003-05-22 | Instituto Superior Técnico | New process for treating cork stoppers or planks for the reduction of strange aromas, namely 2,4,6-trichoroanisole |
Cited By (1)
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WO2016098055A1 (en) | 2014-12-18 | 2016-06-23 | Cork Supply Portugal, Sa | Method for detecting a volatile analyte for classing and sorting cork stoppers depending on the concentration of the analyte |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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US20050092112A1 (en) | 2005-05-05 |
WO2005047853A3 (en) | 2009-04-02 |
EP1685378A2 (en) | 2006-08-02 |
US7290438B2 (en) | 2007-11-06 |
US20060144125A1 (en) | 2006-07-06 |
AU2004290343A2 (en) | 2005-05-26 |
US7010956B2 (en) | 2006-03-14 |
AU2004290343A1 (en) | 2005-05-26 |
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