US3915012A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic biowaste sampling
Assignee: National Aeronautics and Space Administration
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Filing: 1974-11-22
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Granted: 1975-10-28
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Expires: 1994-11-22
Abstract
Abstract In a sampling system for acquiring biowaste samples in a space craft, an automatic biowaste system for space environment for sampling and disposal of feces and vomitus includes a storage container and an associated seat. The storage container has a slide valve which is releasably locked in positions placing the seat into and out of communication with the container. A passage from the seat leads to a rotating platform with peripherally located vertical tines. The rotating platform disperses waste radially. A retrievable, porous sampling strip is insertable about the periphery of the rotating platform and is retractable into a separate sampling container. The sampling strip is retrievable into a plastic storage container for subsequent analysis.
Inventors
- 👤 James C Administrator Fletcher
- 👤 G L Fogal
- 👤 Richard L Sauer
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 04:33
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/04
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
140 words
In a biowaste sampling and disposal system for use in space conditions which includes a container means having a vertical axis, seating means on said contaiNer means, said seating means being disposed about said vertical axis, disposal means in said container including cylindrically shaped platform arranged normal to said vertical axis and means for rotating said platform about said vertical axis, passage means extending from said seating means to said platform, vertical pins disposed about the periphery of said platform for shreading a sample, the improvement comprising sample retention means which includes a porous strip member and means for guiding said strip member to and from a position about the periphery of said platform so that a sample may be passed from said passage to said platform and distributed to said strip member by said vertical pins on said platform.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
140 words
In a biowaste sampling and disposal system for use in space conditions which includes a container means having a vertical axis, seating means on said contaiNer means, said seating means being disposed about said vertical axis, disposal means in said container including cylindrically shaped platform arranged normal to said vertical axis and means for rotating said platform about said vertical axis, passage means extending from said seating means to said platform, vertical pins disposed about the periphery of said platform for shreading a sample, the improvement comprising sample retention means which includes a porous strip member and means for guiding said strip member to and from a position about the periphery of said platform so that a sample may be passed from said passage to said platform and distributed to said strip member by said vertical pins on said platform.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 and further including means in said passage means for selectively isolating said sample retention means from said passage means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 2 wherein said isolating means includes an annular plate member and a ring member disposed side-by-side, said plate member and ring member having vertical axis disposed on an arc, means attached to said ring member and said plate member for moving said plate member and ring member in an accurate manner so that one of said plate member and ring member are in said passage means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said guiding means comprise upper and lower plate members having aligned circular grooves and tangential grooves where the tangential grooves terminate at a side wall opening of the container and said strip member is guided in said grooves by its edge surfaces.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
57 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 4 and further including a housing and bag for said strip member, said housing being selectively attachable to the side wall of the container in registry with its side wall opening, said strip member having perforations along its length, means for moving said strip member including sprocket wheels in said housing.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 5 and further including, in said driving means, a motor mounted on said container means and a slidable interconnection means between the shaft for said sprocket wheels and said motor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 6 and further including gate means respectively for said side wall of said container and for said housing for selectively closing of said side wall and said housing.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 5 and further including means on said grooves for stopping said moving means when said strip member has reached a preselected position in said grooves.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said strip member includes a layer of foam material having wide open pores.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus as defined in claim 9 wherein said strip member is constructed of stainless steel foil.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-10-27 | 1979-04-28 | 1979-10-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-10-27 | 1983-04-28 | 1983-10-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-10-27 | 1987-04-28 | 1987-10-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |