US-20260126464-A1 - AUTOSAMPLER

US20260126464A1US 20260126464 A1US20260126464 A1US 20260126464A1US-20260126464-A1

Abstract

An automatic fluid sampler includes a chassis having an interior compartment and an external lid, the chassis having a water inlet and a water outlet, an interior housing in the interior compartment having a compartment lid, an upper manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water inlet and having a water outlet, a lower manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water outlet, an array of slots in the interior housing, each slot having an inlet valve, each slot configured to accept a filter positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve, a pump to move the water from the water inlet to the water outlet, a controller configured to operate the pump, the water inlet, and the inlet valve of each slot to cause water from the water inlet to flow to the water outlet through the filter for that slot, a power source.

Inventors

AUSTEN CLOUSE THOMAS
JESSE ANDREW HOWARD

Assignees

SMITH-ROOT, INC.

Dates

Publication Date: 20260507
Application Date: 20241212

Claims (19)

1 . An automatic fluid sampler, comprising: a chassis having an interior compartment and an external lid, the chassis having a water inlet and a water outlet; an interior housing in the interior compartment, the interior housing having a compartment lid; an upper manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water inlet, the upper manifold having an upper manifold outlet; a lower manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water outlet by a lower manifold outlet; an array of slots in the interior housing, each slot having an inlet valve connected to the upper manifold and an outlet valve connected to the lower manifold, each slot configured to accept a filter positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve; a pump to move the water from the water inlet to the water outlet, the pump having a pump water inlet connected to the upper manifold outlet and lower manifold outlet; a controller configured to operate the pump, the water inlet, and the inlet valve of each slot to cause water from the water inlet to flow to the water outlet through the filter for that slot; and a power source to provide power to the pump and the controller.
2 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a main water valve and a main water purge valve connected to the upper manifold.
3 . The automatic fluid samples as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a strainer connected to the main water purge valve.
4 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising a main air valve connected to the upper manifold.
5 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , further comprising an air purge valve connected to the lower manifold.
6 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the pump is contained in a pump module.
7 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 6 , the pump module further comprising a pressure sensor connected to the pump water inlet.
8 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 6 , the pump module further comprising a pump dampener.
9 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 6 , the pump module further comprising a flow sensor between the pump and the water outlet.
10 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein each slot in configured to accept a self-preserving water filter.
11 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the self-preserving water filter comprises a self-preserving water filter having a desiccating bottom.
12 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the self-preserving water filter comprises a self-preserving water filter having an internal desiccating element.
13 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller is contained in a control module.
14 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the control module includes at least one communication port to allow the controller to receive updated executable code.
15 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 13 , wherein the controller includes one or more user controls to allow the user to input schedules and operating parameters for the autosampler.
16 . An automatic fluid sampler, comprising: a chassis having an interior compartment and an external lid, the chassis having a water inlet and a water outlet; an interior housing in the interior compartment, the interior housing having a compartment lid; an upper manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water inlet, the upper manifold having an upper manifold outlet; a lower manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water outlet by a lower manifold outlet; an array of slots in the interior housing, each slot having an inlet valve connected to the upper manifold and an outlet valve connected to the lower manifold; at least one self-preserving filter in one of the array of slots positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve for the one of the array of slots; a pump to move the water from the water inlet to the water outlet, the pump having a pump water inlet connected to the upper manifold outlet and lower manifold outlet; a controller configured to operate the pump, the water inlet, and the inlet valve of each slot to cause water from the water inlet to flow to the water outlet through the filter for that slot; and a power source to provide power to the pump and the controller.
17 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the at least one self-preserving water filter comprises a self-preserving water filter having a desiccating bottom.
18 . The automatic fluid sampler as claimed in claim 16 , wherein the at least one self-preserving water filter comprises a self-preserving water filter having an internal desiccating element.
19 . An automatic fluid sampler, comprising: a chassis having an interior compartment and an external lid, the chassis having a water inlet and a water outlet; an interior housing in the interior compartment, the interior housing having a compartment lid; an upper manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water inlet, the upper manifold having an upper manifold outlet; a lower manifold in the interior compartment connected to the water outlet by a lower manifold outlet; an array of eight slots in the interior housing, each slot having an inlet valve connected to the upper manifold and an outlet valve connected to the lower manifold; a self-preserving filter in each of the array of eight slots positioned between the inlet valve and the outlet valve for the one of the array of slots; a pump to move the water from the water inlet to the water outlet, the pump having a pump water inlet connected to the upper manifold outlet and lower manifold outlet; user controls to allow the user to provide inputs to the system; a display; a system on module controller mounted on the external lid, the system on module controller configured to accept user control signals, store data in a memory, and display information on the display; a distribution board; a pump controller to control operation of the pump, monitor sensors near the water outlet, and send control signals to the distribution board, the distribution board to send power signals to the inlet valves and the outlet valves; and a power source to provide power to the pump and the controller.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS This disclosure is a non-provisional of and claims benefit from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/715,847, titled “AUTO SAMPLER” filed on Nov. 4, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. TECHNICAL FIELD This disclosure relates to samplers used in detection of environmental DNA (eDNA), more particularly to robotic samplers. BACKGROUND Analysis of environmental DNA (eDNA) samples provides information about species in a particular location, whether native or invasive. This enables management of ecosystems and natural resources based upon data acquired from the samples. However, current methods and systems for acquisitions of samples generally involve manual sample collection. Manual sample collection takes time, as field personnel have to gather each sample individually. Manual collection by several people also increases the likelihood of variations in collection techniques and protocols, as well as possible limitations of how many samples can be collected in a particular period of time. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 shows outer views of an embodiment of an autosampler device. FIG. 2 shows views of the interior for an embodiment of an autosampler device. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the interior of an embodiment of an autosampler device. FIG. 4 shows a circuit diagram for control circuitry for an embodiment of an autosampler device. FIG. 5 shows a plumbing diagram for an embodiment of an autosampler device. FIG. 6 show embodiments of filters useable in an autosampler device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS The embodiments here provide an automated sampling system, also referred to as an autosampler, that can provide multiple samples of water acquired from a body of water very close in time. This alleviates issues with low frequency sampling, improves consistency, and makes it easier for non-expert users to gather samples quickly and in a more consistent manner. FIG. 1 shows external views of an embodiment of an autosampler 10, with a top view at the upper left, an end view on the lower left, an isometric view on the upper right, and a side view on the lower right. In this embodiment, the autosampler comprises a portable chassis for easy carrying. Users can carry the chassis to whatever area from which they need samples and put the inlet pipes or tubes into the water. The user can position the water inlet tube or pipe 12 to take in water, using a pump 16. The system may include a water level sensor 18 to allow the controller, discussed below, to have data on the water flow that may affect the autosampler operations. The water outlet pipe or tube 14 allows the water to exit the autosampler, such as when the system is purged. The side view allows for a better view of the pump wires 20 that provide power and control to the pump. One should note that the autosampler of the embodiments here demonstrate one configuration. Variations and modifications to the different components are included in the scope of the claims. The discussion of the specific embodiments is for ease of discussion and understanding, without limitation to any particular implementation. FIG. 2 shows an isometric view of the inside as well as a side view of and embodiment of a chassis that provides a view of the filter slots. With the chassis lid 22 open, one can see the interior compartment 24 that includes an interior housing that has a lid 26, referred to here as the interior housing lid. The compartment led 26 has an array of slots having an upper portion, such as 28 configured to hold water filters. The upper portion of the slot connects to the top of the water filter when inserted, with the bottom portion shown in later views. The embodiment here shows an array of eight slots, with the understanding that other embodiments may employ more or fewer slots. In addition, while this embodiment includes eight slots, the system may operate with fewer than the eight slots provided. The chassis lid contains a control module 30. The control module 30 may be located elsewhere, but in this embodiment, it resides on the underside of the chassis lid 22. The discussion below will address the components that may reside in the control module. From this view, one can see that the control module has external connections such as 32, a display screen 34, and user controls 36. User controls 36 may include controls adjacent to display 34, as well as control buttons below by the connection, such as a power button, etc. Power may be provided to the controller, the pump, and the valves discussed below, from a battery, such as 38. While the on-board power allows for the ease of moving and locating the autosampler, the use of external power lies within the scope of the claims. FIG. 3 shows a top view of the interior housing. One can see the bottom portions of the slots such as 40 that correspond to the top portions such as 28. The slot is configured to hold an individual water filter, each