TARGET-ANALYTE PERMEATION TESTING INSTRUMENT WITH SENSOR FEED LINE CONDITIONING SYSTEM

A target-analyte permeation testing instrument () characterized by a sensor feed line (Band ) conditioning system. 1. A target-analyte permeation testing instrument for measuring target-analyte permeation rate of a test film in a test cell , the instrument having (−) a target-analyte sensor , and (−) at least one test cell operable for retaining a test film in a testing chamber so as to sealingly divide the testing chamber into a driving chamber and a sensing chamber , the target-analyte permeation testing instrument characterized by (i) a length of common conduit in fluid communication with the shared target-analyte sensor , (ii) individual dedicated lengths of conduit , each in fluid communication with the length of common conduit and each operable for delivering a fluid subjected by the instrument to a different target-analyte exposure experience , with at least one of the individual dedicated lengths of conduit in fluid communication with the sensing chamber of the at least one test cell , (iii) a dedicated valve associated with each dedicated length of conduit operable between venting and flow through states , and (iv) a common valve associated with the length of common conduit operable between venting and flow through states.2. A target-analyte permeation testing instrument for measuring target-analyte permeation rate of a test film in a test cell , the instrument having a shared target-analyte sensor and a plurality of test cells each defining a testing chamber with each test cell operable for retaining a test film to sealingly divide the testing chamber into a driving chamber and a sensing chamber , the target-analyte permeation testing instrument characterized by (i) a length of common conduit in fluid communication with the shared target-analyte sensor , (ii) individual dedicated lengths of conduit in fluid communication with each of an associated sensing chamber and the length of common conduit , each dedicated length of conduit operable for carrying ...

LUMINESCENCE LIFETIME BASED ANALYTE SENSING INSTRUMENTS AND CALIBRATION TECHNIQUE

A method of calibrating a luminescence lifetime sensing instrument and of interrogating a target-analyte long-decay luminescence probe includes measuring and reporting luminescence lifetime of the probe employing excitation radiation filtered to remove emission radiation, or a starting time tstart delayed by a predetermined decay delay time, or delayed by a predetermined growth delay time, or an ending time comprising the time at which luminescence intensity has decayed or risen a predetermined percentage. 1. (canceled)2. (canceled)3. (canceled)4. (canceled)5. A method of calibrating an instrument effective for optically interrogating a luminescence target-analyte probe and determining target-analyte partial pressure from a luminescence lifetime measurement obtained from the probe , comprising the steps of:(a) empirically generating a Stern-Volmer plot from a plurality of luminescence lifetime data points obtained by interrogating a target-analyte quenchable probe exposed at different known, concentrations of target-analyte, with each luminescence lifetime comprising a time period measured from a starting time to an ending time defined by a set of parameters selected from the group consisting of: (i) a starting time comprising a time at which an excitation energy source onboard the instrument is shut-off—delayed by a predetermined decay delay time, and an ending time comprising a time at which the luminescence intensity at the starting time has decayed a predetermined percentage, and (ii) an ending time comprising a time at which a luminescence intensity at the starting time has decayed a predetermined percentage of between 30% and 60%, and(b) calibrating the instrument from the generated Stern-Volmer plot.6. (canceled)7. (canceled)8. (canceled)9. The method of claim S wherein the decay delay time is empirically derived with a value of between 0.5 and 6 μsec.10. The method of wherein the decay delay time Is iteratively determined with a value of between 0.5 and 2 μ ...

PROTOCOL ADAPTIVE COMPUTER CONTROLLED TARGET-ANALYTE PERMEATION TESTING INSTRUMENT

A protocol adaptive, computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument, capable of self-adaptive adjustments to measurement interval, rezero frequency and independent zero go-no-go. 1. An adaptive analytical instrument , comprising a computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument programmed to periodically measure target-analyte transmission rate throughout a permeation testing period employing a sensing period for each measurement , and automatically adjusting duration of the sensing period of future target-analyte transmission rate measurements based upon the value of at least one previous target-analyte transmission rate measurement.2. An adaptive analytical instrument , comprising a computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument programmed to (-) periodically measure target-analyte transmission rate throughout a permeation testing period , (-) periodically rezero the target-analyte sensor throughout the permeation testing period at a predetermined frequency , and (-) bypass a scheduled rezero when the value of at least one previous target-analyte transmission rate measurement exceeds a predetermined threshold value.3. An adaptive analytical instrument , comprising a computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument programmed to (-) periodically measure target-analyte transmission rate throughout a permeation testing period , (-) periodically rezero the target-analyte sensor throughout the permeation testing period , and (-) adjust frequency of future rezeros of the target-analyte sensor based upon the value of at least one previous target-analyte transmission rate measurement.4. An adaptive analytical instrument , comprising a computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument programmed to (-) periodically measure target-analyte transmission rate throughout a permeation testing period , and (-) perform an individual zero of the target-analyte sensor at the conclusion of the ...

Instrument and method for measuring the volume of a hermetically sealed variable volume and pressure conforming container

An instrument and method for measuring the volume of a hermetically sealed, variable volume, pressure conforming container. The instrument includes a needle, a vacuum pump, a mass flow rate sensor and an integrator. The needle has a lumen operable for sealingly perforating a container and thereby placing the lumen of the needle in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by the container. The vacuum pump evacuates the gaseous content from the retention chamber through the lumen defined by the needle and past a mass flow rate sensor for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen and transmitting corresponding mass flow rate signals over time to the integrator. The integrator is programmed to integrate the received mass flow rate signals over time through achievement of an evacuated retention chamber to generate a total mass value, and calculate a volume from the total mass value employing the Ideal Gas Law.

Instrument and method for detecting leaks in hermetically sealed packaging

An instrument (10) for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package (100). The instrument (10) includes (i) a hollow needle (20), (ii) a mass flow rate sensor (70) in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle (20), and (iii) a vacuum pump (60). The vacuum pump (60) is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle (20) for evacuating gas (102) from the hermetically sealed package (100), and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor (70) for directing mass flow from the evacuated package (100) into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor (70) so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package (100). The instrument (10) may further include an oxygen sensor (40) in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle (20) for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas (102) within the hermetically sealed package (100).

Instrument and method for detecting and reporting the size of leaks in hermetically sealed packaging

An instrument for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package. The instrument includes (i) a hollow needle, (ii) a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle, and (iii) a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle for evacuating gas from the hermetically sealed package, and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor for directing mass flow from the evacuated package into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package. The instrument may further include an oxygen sensor, also in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas within the hermetically sealed package.

Methods for transmembrane measurement of oxygen concentration and monitoring changes in oxygen concentration within a space enclosed by a membrane employing a photoluminescent transmembrane oxygen probe

Measuring oxygen concentration and monitoring changes in oxygen concentration within an enclosed space by applying a transmembrane photoluminescent oxygen probe to the external surface of the membrane forming the enclosed space, wherein the transmembrane photoluminescent oxygen probe has an oxygen impermeable support layer carrying a spot of an oxygen-sensitive photoluminescent dye and a layer of a pressure-sensitive adhesive on a first major surface of the support layer.

Protocol adaptive computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument

Instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container

An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate, comprising: a connection device defining a lumen, the connection device configured and arranged to sealingly engaging the sealed container so as to place the lumen in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by such a container, a vacuum pump in sealed fluid communication with the lumen effective for evacuating gaseous content from the sealed container through the lumen, a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen, and a check valve, in sealed fluid communication with the lumen and positioned intermediate the vacuum pump and the mass flow rate sensor for inhibiting the sensing of negative flow spikes by the mass flow rate sensor.

Instrument and method for detecting leaks in hermetically sealed packaging

An instrument (10) for detecting leaks in a hermetically sealed package (100). The instrument (10) includes (i) a hollow needle (20), (ii) a mass flow rate sensor (70) in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle (20), and (iii) a vacuum pump (60). The vacuum pump (60) is in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the needle (20) for evacuating gas (102) from the hermetically sealed package (100), and in fluid communication with the mass flow rate sensor (70) for directing mass flow from the evacuated package (100) into operable contact with the mass flow rate sensor (70) so as to permit sensing of any continuing mass flow from the evacuated package (100). The instrument (10) may further include an oxygen sensor (40) in sealed fluid communication with the lumen defined by the hollow needle (20) for analyzing the oxygen concentration of the gas (102) within the hermetically sealed package (100).

Instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container

An instrument for accurately measuring mass flow rate of a fluid pumped from a hermetically sealed container, through attainment of a steady state mass flow rate, comprising: a connection device defining a lumen, the connection device configured and arranged to sealingly engaging the sealed container so as to place the lumen in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by such a container, a vacuum pump in sealed fluid communication with the lumen effective for evacuating gaseous content from the sealed container through the lumen, a mass flow rate sensor in sealed fluid communication with the lumen for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen, and a check valve, in sealed fluid communication with the lumen and positioned intermediate the vacuum pump and the mass flow rate sensor for inhibiting the sensing of negative flow spikes by the mass flow rate sensor.

Instrument and method for measuring the volume of a hermetically sealed variable volume and pressure conforming container

An instrument and method for measuring the volume of a hermetically sealed, variable volume, pressure conforming container. The instrument includes a needle, a vacuum pump, a mass flow rate sensor and an integrator. The needle has a lumen operable for sealingly perforating a container and thereby placing the lumen of the needle in fluid communication with a retention chamber defined by the container. The vacuum pump evacuates the gaseous content from the retention chamber through the lumen defined by the needle and past a mass flow rate sensor for sensing mass flow rates pulled through the lumen and transmitting corresponding mass flow rate signals over time to the integrator. The integrator is programmed to integrate the received mass flow rate signals over time through achievement of an evacuated retention chamber to generate a total mass value, and calculate a volume from the total mass value employing the Ideal Gas Law.

Instrument und verfahren zum detektieren und melden der grösse von lecks in hermetisch abgedichteten verpackungen

Analyte permeation testing instrument with test sample peripheral edge sealing surround

An analyte permeation testing instrument with an edge leakage minimizing feature and a method of measuring permeability of a test film for a target analyte utilizing the analyte permeation testing instrument. The instrument includes a cartridge and a target analyte sensor. The cartridge has separable first and second plates having first and second cells respectively. The plates are operable for engaging a test film therebetween so as to sealingly separate the first and second cells. A surround around at least one of the first cell and the second cell projects within the interface between the first and second plates for engaging a periphery of the test film to compress the test film and thereby form a peripheral edge seal when the plates are clamped together.

Analyte permeation testing instrument with test sample peripheral edge sealing surround

An analyte permeation testing instrument with an edge leakage minimizing feature and a method of measuring permeability of a test film for a target analyte utilizing the analyte permeation testing instrument. The instrument includes a cartridge and a target analyte sensor. The cartridge has separable first and second plates having first and second cells respectively. The plates are operable for engaging a test film therebetween so as to sealingly separate the first and second cells. A surround around at least one of the first cell and the second cell projects within the interface between the first and second plates for engaging a periphery of the test film to compress the test film and thereby form a peripheral edge seal when the plates are clamped together.

Capture vessel cartridge for permeation testing of prefilled packages and containers

A cartridge 10 for use in conjunction with a target analyte permeation testing instrument 100 and method for measuring transmission rate of a target analyte through a prefilled package or container P using the cartridge 10. The cartridge 10 includes an open ended vessel 20, a first end cap 31 capable of repeated sealed engagement over one of the open axial ends 21 or 22 of the vessel 20, a second end cap 32 in sealed engagement over the other open axial end 21 or 22 of the vessel 20, an entrance port 68 for providing fluid communication from a source of carrier gas CG to the void volume 29 of the vessel 20, and an exit port 69 for providing fluid communication from the void volume 29 of the vessel 20 to a target analyte sensor 130.

Capture vessel cartridge for permeation testing of prefilled packages and containers

A cartridge for use in conjunction with a target analyte permeation testing instrument and method for measuring transmission rate of a target analyte through a prefilled package or container using the cartridge. The cartridge includes an open ended vessel, a first end cap capable of repeated sealed engagement over one of the open axial ends of the vessel, a second end cap in sealed engagement over the other open axial end of the vessel, an entrance port for providing fluid communication from a source of carrier gas to the void volume of the vessel, and an exit port for providing fluid communication from the void volume of the vessel to a target analyte sensor.

Protocol adaptive computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument

A protocol adaptive, computer controlled target-analyte permeation testing instrument, capable of self-adaptive adjustments to measurement interval, rezero frequency and independent zero go-no-go.