US5381699A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Radon collector and bubbler
Assignee: Health Research Inc
•
Filing: 1992-10-06
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Granted: 1995-01-17
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Expires: 2012-10-06
Abstract
Abstract The radon collector and bubbler includes a syringe having a hollow barrel with an outlet means at its end and a hollow plunger defining a chamber therein which is insertable within the hollow barrel and axially slidable therein. The hollow plunger has a means for dispersing air within the hollow barrel and a means for sealing the area between the syringe and hollow plunger. A hollow tube is located within the hollow plunger and contains charcoal therein. An inlet means is connected to the hollow tube and places the hollow tube in air flow relationship with an area outside the hollow plunger and syringe. During operation, a liquid to be sampled is suctioned into the syringe through the outlet means. Air is then drawn via the inlet means into the hollow barrel of the syringe and the radon therein is absorbed onto the charcoal within the hollow tube. Air flowing within the hollow tube is dispersed so that it will collect radon from the water to be tested.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert E. Dansereau
- 👤 Joseph A. Hutchinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 02:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/28; G01N1/40; G01N1/405; G01N33/00; G01N33/0004; G01N33/0009; G01N33/0027; G01N33/0036; G01N33/0055; G01N33/18; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/14; G01N2001/1418; G01N2001/1427; G01N1/22; G01N1/2247; G01N2001/2267; G01N1/4055; G01N2001/4066
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
111 words
A radon collector and bubbler comprising: a syringe defining a hollow barrel with an outlet means at an end thereof; a hollow plunger defining a chamber therein, said hollow plunger being insertable within the hollow barrel and being axially slidable therein, said hollow plunger having a means for dispersing air into the hollow barrel; a hollow tube located within the hollow plunger; means for sealing an area between the syringe and the hollow plunger; means for retaining charcoal within the tube and for allowing air to pass through the tube; an inlet means for placing the hollow tube in air flow relationship with an area outside the hollow plunger and syringe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
111 words
A radon collector and bubbler comprising: a syringe defining a hollow barrel with an outlet means at an end thereof; a hollow plunger defining a chamber therein, said hollow plunger being insertable within the hollow barrel and being axially slidable therein, said hollow plunger having a means for dispersing air into the hollow barrel; a hollow tube located within the hollow plunger; means for sealing an area between the syringe and the hollow plunger; means for retaining charcoal within the tube and for allowing air to pass through the tube; an inlet means for placing the hollow tube in air flow relationship with an area outside the hollow plunger and syringe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 1 wherein the hollow tube is filled with charcoal.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
16 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 2 wherein the outlet means comprises an outlet stopcock.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 3 wherein the inlet means comprises an inlet stopcock.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
25 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 4 further comprising a means for preventing the hollow plunger from retracting into the barrel of the syringe.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 5 further comprising a removable end cap thereof, said removable end cap capable of being threaded to the hollow plunger and for allowing insertion of the hollow tube within the chamber of the hollow plunger.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 5 wherein the means for preventing the hollow plunger from retracting into the barrel comprises a clamp.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
27 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 1 or 5 wherein the means for sealing the area between the hollow plunger and the syringe comprises an 0-ring.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
29 words
The radon collector and bubbler of claim 1 wherein the means for dispersing air comprises a fritted disk located at an end of the hollow plunger within the barrel.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of collecting radon contaminated water to be tested for radon levels therein comprising: inserting an outlet means at an end of a syringe defining a hollow barrel into a water sample, said syringe comprising a hollow plunger being insertable within the hollow barrel and being axially slidable therein and having a means for dispersing air into the hollow barrel, a hollow tube located within the hollow plunger, means for sealing an area between the syringe and the hollow plunger, means for retaining charcoal within the tube and for allowing air to pass through the tube, and an inlet means for placing the hollow tube in air flow relationship with an area outside the hollow plunger and syringe; withdrawing said hollow plunger to collect said water within said hollow barrel with said outlet means opened and said inlet means closed; opening said inlet means and closing said outlet means; further withdrawing said hollow plunger to allow air through the inlet; and closing said inlet means.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
166 words
A method of collecting radon contaminated water to be tested for radon levels therein comprising: inserting an outlet means at an end of a syringe defining a hollow barrel into a water sample, said syringe comprising a hollow plunger being insertable within the hollow barrel and being axially slidable therein and having a means for dispersing air into the hollow barrel, a hollow tube located within the hollow plunger, means for sealing an area between the syringe and the hollow plunger, means for retaining charcoal within the tube and for allowing air to pass through the tube, and an inlet means for placing the hollow tube in air flow relationship with an area outside the hollow plunger and syringe; withdrawing said hollow plunger to collect said water within said hollow barrel with said outlet means opened and said inlet means closed; opening said inlet means and closing said outlet means; further withdrawing said hollow plunger to allow air through the inlet; and closing said inlet means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising locking said hollow plunger into position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 11 further comprising attaching said outlet means to a Lucas cell device.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-01-16 | 1998-07-18 | 1999-01-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-01-16 | 2002-07-18 | 2003-01-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-01-16 | 2006-07-18 | 2007-01-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |