Patent Application
20210284940
Environmental testing is an increasingly important aspect of evaluation of a structure. Mold or other unseen contaminants may escape the observation of an inspector. In general, mold may be detected by utilizing a spore trap sampler. Spore trap samplers function by pulling air through a sample slit, which accelerates the particles in the air stream. A small glass slide that is covered with an adhesive sampling media is positioned in the path of the air stream. The device is configured such that at optimal airflow rates mold spore particles will contact and adhere to the adhesive surface, while smaller particles move with the airflow around the glass slide. Thus the airflow rate must be controlled to ensure that as many mold spores as possible will be captured. If the flow rate is too slow, then the smaller particles, such as mold spores, will pass by and not get collected. If the flow rate is too fast, then larger particles will strike the adhesive surface of the collection media with too much force to adhere properly. Prior environmental testing devices required manual fan calibration, a process which is time consuming and prone to user error. In addition, prior devices were prone to error as environmental air movement (e.g., wind, or external fans) was commonly unaccounted for during calibration resulting in indeterminate airflow during testing. Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field.
In certain aspects, the present disclosure provides unique devices and methods for detecting mold spores in a target environment. In accordance with some forms of the disclosure, such devices are configured to automatically calibrate and dynamically adjust the airflow rate through the device in response to one or more sensors. Accordingly, in one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a device for detection of mold spores, the device comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, an airflow path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet, an airflow sensor configured to detect a flow rate of air passing through the airflow path, and a variable speed fan positioned within the airflow path, the variable speed fan configured to operate a variable speeds to maintain the flow rate of air passing through the airflow path at a designated flow rate. In some forms, the device comprises an inlet port defining the inlet opening, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive a spore trap cassette. In certain embodiments, a spore trap cassette is received on the inlet port, positioning a spore trap within the airflow path. In accordance with some embodiments, the airflow sensor comprises an airflow sensor fan having a tachometer. In some forms, the variable speed fan comprises a centrifugal fan. In some forms, the designated flow rate is about 15 liters per minute.
In accordance with some forms, the device further comprising a controller operably connected to the variable speed fan and the airflow sensor, the controller configured to adjust the speed of the variable speed fan to maintain the designated flow rate. In some forms, the controller is operably connected to one or more environmental sensors. In certain embodiments, the environmental sensors comprise one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a humidity sensor. In certain embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from the environmental sensor(s) and adjust the speed of said variable speed fan in response to the signal(s).
In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a method of maintaining a target airflow rate through a device for detection mold spores, the device having a lumen defining an airflow path. The method comprising detecting the airflow rate through the airflow path, and adjusting the speed of the fan to change the airflow rate to a designated airflow rate. In some forms, the designated flow rate is about 15 liters per minute. In some forms of practicing the disclosed methods, the airflow rate is detected by an airflow sensor positioned in the airflow path. In certain embodiments, the airflow sensor comprises an airflow sensor fan having a tachometer.
In accordance with some forms, the method further comprises the step of communicating the detected airflow rate to a controller operably connected to the variable speed fan and the airflow sensor, the controller configured to adjust the speed of said variable speed fan to maintain the designated flow rate. In certain embodiments, device further comprises one or more environmental sensors, and wherein the controller is operably connected to the environmental sensor(s), the controller configured to receive a signal from the environmental sensor(s) and adjust the speed of the variable speed fan in response to the signal(s). In certain embodiments, the environmental sensors comprise one or more of the following: a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a humidity sensor.
Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith.
For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity.
With reference to
In accordance with certain embodiments, the device may include a control panel 112 configured to allow direct control of the device. In the illustrated embodiment, the control panel comprises a touch screen display.
Continuing with
Certain embodiments of the devices disclosed herein include a power switch 120 and/or a charging port 122. In accordance with some forms, the charging port is configured to allow charging of an internal battery. In certain embodiments, the device comprises a battery, which is configured to allow function of the device (e.g. control panel, fan and/or sensor activation and operation) without a separate power supply. In this way, the device is configured to work in remote areas in which a power supply is otherwise unavailable.
With specific reference to
With specific reference to
In certain embodiments, the devices disclosed herein comprise at least one airflow sensor. As used herein the term “airflow sensor” refers to a device configured to measure the amount of air per unit of time that flows through the airflow path. In certain embodiments, the airflow sensor is configured to measure the volume of air that passes through the airflow path per unit of time. For example, in a preferred embodiment the airflow sensor is configured to measure the amount of air that passes through the airflow path in liters per minute. The airflow sensor may comprise any suitable sensor, for example a Vane sensor, a hot wire sensor, a cold wire sensor, a laminar flow sensor, differential pressure flowmeters, and/or a mass flow sensor. In certain embodiments, the airflow sensor comprises an airflow sensor fan positioned within the airflow path such that the flow of air through the fluid path causes rotation of the fan. In some forms, an airflow sensor fan comprises a tachometer. As used herein, the term “tachometer” refers to a device configured to measure the rotation of the airflow sensor fan blades. In some forms, the tachometer comprises an infrared transmitter and an infrared sensor configured to sense the fan blade and determine revolutions per minute.
In some forms, the devices of the present disclosure comprise a variable speed fan. In accordance with certain embodiments, the variable speed fan is positioned to create airflow through the airflow path. In some forms, the variable speed fan comprises an axial-flow fan. IN certain preferred embodiments, the variable speed fan comprises a centrifugal fan. In some forms, the variable speed fan comprises a motor configured to run at variable speeds to increase or reduce airflow through the airflow path.
As used herein the term “Controller” generally refers to a device, using mechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, electronic techniques, and/or a microprocessor or computer, which monitors and physically alters the operating conditions of a given dynamical system. A controller may include a processor for performing calculations to process input or output. A controller may include a memory for storing values to be processed by the processor or for storing the results of previous processing. A controller may also be configured to accept input and output from a wide array of input and output devices for receiving or sending values. Such devices include other computers, sensors, keyboards, mice, visual displays, printers, industrial equipment, and systems or machinery of all types and sizes. The communication network connected to the controller may also be connected to a wider network such as the Internet. Thus, a controller may include one or more physical processors or other computing devices or circuitry and may also include any suitable type of memory.
In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides a device having a controller configured to monitor the flow rate of air passing through the airflow path. In some forms, the controller is configured to receive a signal from an airflow sensor. In accordance with some forms, the present disclosure provides a device having a controller configured to receive a signal from one or more sensors, for example an airflow sensor, a temperature sensor, a pressure sensor, and/or a humidity sensor. The controller may be configured to send a signal to the variable speed fan to increase or decrease the fan speed. Thus in certain embodiments, the controller is configured to receive a signal from the airflow sensor and cause the variable speed fan to adjust the fan speed towards a designated flow rate.
As discussed herein, in certain embodiments the device of the present disclosure is configured to adjust the airflow within the airflow path towards a designated flow rate. The designated flow rate may be adjusted by the user, and may be variable based on the size and/or shape of a spore trap used with the device. In accordance with some forms the device is configured to maintain airflow at a rate of about 10 liters per minute to about 20 liters per minute, preferably at a rate of about 13 liters per minute to about 17 liters per minute, even more preferably at a rate of about 14 liters per minute to about 16 liters per minute. In accordance with certain preferred embodiments, the device is configured to adjust the airflow towards a flow rate of 15 liters per minute.
In some forms, the devices of the present disclosure comprise a spore trap. In some forms, the spore trap is positioned within the airflow path. In certain embodiments, the spore trap comprises a sampling surface configured to capture mold spore particles in the air flowing through the device. In certain embodiments, the spore trap comprises an inlet funnel configured to accelerate the particles in the air stream. In certain embodiments, the air inlet funnel comprises a first opening and tapers to a second opening such that the first opening is wider than the second opening. In some forms, the sampling surface is positioned near the second opening such that the particles in the air stream are accelerated prior to contact with the sampling surface.
In accordance with some forms, the environmental detection device of the present disclosure is configured to receive and position one or more spore traps within the airflow path. Thus in some forms the environmental detection device comprises a spore trap attachment portion. The spore trap attachment portion may be configured to create an airtight seal with the spore trap. In some forms, the spore trap attachment portion comprises an o-ring or other suitable seal or gasket. In accordance with some forms the spore trap attachment portion comprises the air inlet, such that the spore trap is positioned proximally (in terms of the airflow path) to other components such as the airflow sensor or variable speed fan. Devices of the present disclosure are configured such that the spore trap is removable such that the device is reusable.
Devices of the present disclosure may include a variety of environmental sensors. For example, in some forms the devices of the present disclosure may include a temperature sensor configured to detect the ambient temperature before, during, and/or after collection of mold spores. In some forms, the devices of the present disclosure may include a pressure sensor configured to detect the ambient pressure before, during, and/or after collection of mold spores. In some forms, the devices of the present disclosure may include a humidity sensor configured to detect the ambient humidity before, during, and/or after collection of mold spores. It is also envisioned that one or more of the environmental sensors is configured to communicate the sensed environmental parameter (e.g. temperature, pressure, and/or humidity) to the controller. In some forms, the controller may adjust the fan speed in response to the sensed environmental parameter in addition to the input from the airflow sensor as changes to the temperature, pressure, and/or a humidity can affect the volume of air.
With reference to
In certain embodiments, the airflow assembly may comprise an airflow sensor housing 210. In some forms, the airflow sensor housing defines at least a portion of the lumen. In the illustrated embodiment the airflow sensor housing, and the airflow sensor 250 are positioned near the inlet opening, such a configuration is advantageous as it allows for airspeed measurements at a point near a spore trap cassette. It is however, within the scope of this disclosure to provide an air speed sensor and associated housing at any point along the airflow path. It is also provided within the scope of the disclosure to provide a device having multiple airspeed sensors along various points of the airflow path. As discussed herein the airflow sensor housing is configured to position an airflow sensor within the airflow path. In the illustrated embodiments, a portion of the airflow sensor, for example electrical or processing components may be stored in a recessed portion 310 of the airflow sensor housing.
In accordance with some forms, the airflow assembly may comprise one or more support arms 212. In the illustrated embodiment, the support arms extend from the airflow sensor housing. Support arms may be configured with an opening 214 as shown in
As discussed herein, the devices for detection of mold spores disclosed herein may comprise a variable speed fan 322. Returning to
Devices of the present disclose may comprise one or more air ducts 300 configured to direct the airflow against and cool the fan motor 320. In the illustrated embodiment, air duct 300 extends from fan housing 304 to motor housing 302 and is configured to redirect the airflow such that the airflow is generally perpendicular to the fan motor surface, increasing heat exchange from the motor to the airflow.
Turning now to
With reference to
Method
While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.
