US3963927A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Detection of hidden insects
Assignee: United States Department of Agriculture
•
Filing: 1975-06-18
•
Granted: 1976-06-15
•
Expires: 1995-06-18
Abstract
Abstract A system or method of detecting hidden insects by the measurement of CO 2 respired is described. The system consists of a series of valves, pressure regulator, gauges, and an infrared analyzer. After purging the system is sealed and the CO 2 allowed to build up. The CO 2 then moves through the infrared gas analyzer as a bolus and the detection is thus achieved.
Inventors
- 👤 William A. Bruce
- 👤 Marion W. Street, Jr.
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-05 05:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/48; G01N33/483; G01N33/497
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for detecting hidden insects in agricultural material comprising: a. placing a sample of said material in a substantially enclosed zone; b. purging said zone with dry air; c. sealing said zone for a time interval to allow the buildup of CO 2 in said zone from hidden insects in said material therein; d. again purging said zone with dry air; e. measuring by infrared analysis the CO 2 content of said dry air in step (d), prior to introduction into said zone; f. measuring by infrared analysis the CO 2 content of gas which is purged from said zone in step (d); g. comparing the measurements in steps (e) and (f) so as to determine the amount of CO 2 which has been imparted to said dry air by said hidden insects in said zone; h. sealing said zone for the same time interval as in step (c) to again allow the buildup of CO 2 in said zone from said hidden insects; and i. thereafter repeating steps (d), (e), (f), and (g).
Claim 2
Independent Claim
175 words
A method for detecting hidden insects in agricultural material comprising: a. placing a sample of said material in a substantially enclosed zone; b. purging said zone with dry air; c. sealing said zone for a time interval to allow the buildup of CO 2 in said zone from hidden insects in said material therein; d. again purging said zone with dry air; e. measuring by infrared analysis the CO 2 content of said dry air in step (d), prior to introduction into said zone; f. measuring by infrared analysis the CO 2 content of gas which is purged from said zone in step (d); g. comparing the measurements in steps (e) and (f) so as to determine the amount of CO 2 which has been imparted to said dry air by said hidden insects in said zone; h. sealing said zone for the same time interval as in step (c) to again allow the buildup of CO 2 in said zone from said hidden insects; and i. thereafter repeating steps (d), (e), (f), and (g).
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said dry air is supplied to said zone at about 5 psig, and about 2000 ml/min flow; and the volume of said zone is about 0.5 liter.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the said time interval in step (c) is about 2 minutes.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 1 wherein a partial vacuum draws dry air through said zone during said method.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method of claim 3 wherein a partial vacuum draws dry air through said zone during said method.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for detecting hidden insects in agricultural material comprising: a. a substantially enclosed chamber for holding a sample of said material; b. first and second conduit means connected to said chamber to purge gas from said chamber; c. means to supply dry air to said first conduit means to purge gas from said chamber into said second conduit means; d. means to seal said chamber after purging thereof; e. infrared analysis means disposed in said first conduit means to measure the CO 2 content of said dry air before it enters said chamber; f. infrared analysis means disposed in said second conduit means to measure the CO 2 content of said gas which exits from said chamber during said purging; and g. means to compare the analyzer measurements from said first and second conduit means so as to determine the amount of CO 2 which has been imparted to said dry air by said hidden insects in said enclosed chamber.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
160 words
Apparatus for detecting hidden insects in agricultural material comprising: a. a substantially enclosed chamber for holding a sample of said material; b. first and second conduit means connected to said chamber to purge gas from said chamber; c. means to supply dry air to said first conduit means to purge gas from said chamber into said second conduit means; d. means to seal said chamber after purging thereof; e. infrared analysis means disposed in said first conduit means to measure the CO 2 content of said dry air before it enters said chamber; f. infrared analysis means disposed in said second conduit means to measure the CO 2 content of said gas which exits from said chamber during said purging; and g. means to compare the analyzer measurements from said first and second conduit means so as to determine the amount of CO 2 which has been imparted to said dry air by said hidden insects in said enclosed chamber.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means to supply dry air to said chamber first conduit means comprises a desiccator disposed in said first conduit means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said means to seal said chamber comprises first valve means in said first conduit means, second valve means in said second conduit; and means connected to said first and second valve means to simultaneously completely open and simultaneously completely close said first and second valve means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 6 further including flow regulating means disposed in said first conduit means upstream from said first valve means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
22 words
The apparatus of claim 8 further including flow regulating means disposed in said first conduit means upstream from said first valve means.
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) | 1979-06-15 | 1979-12-15 | 1980-06-15 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1983-06-15 | 1983-12-15 | 1984-06-15 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1987-06-15 | 1987-12-15 | 1988-06-15 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |