Kenneth M Doherty

US Patent:

6561046, May 13, 2003

Filed:

Oct 12, 2000

Appl. No.:

09/689371

Inventors:

Craig D. Taylor - Mashpee MA
Kenneth W. Doherty - Falmouth MA

Assignee:

McLane Research Laboratories - Falmouth MA

International Classification:

G01N 100

US Classification:

7386323, 7386333

Abstract:

A sampling apparatus that allows multiple uncontaminated samples to be taken from hydrothermal vents and the oceanic or limnological water column. The apparatus includes a sampling nozzle for taking in the sample. A sample collection unit is in fluid communication with the sampling nozzle and includes at least one sampling module for the collection of a predetermined type of sample. A fluid intake module is in fluid communication with the sample collection unit and the sampling nozzle. The fluid intake module includes at least one pump for drawing a sample fluid through the sampling nozzle and sample collection unit. A control module is in electrical communication with the fluid intake module. The control module includes a micro-controller for controlling the fluid intake module and a computer readable memory for storing sampling data for use by a user. In operation, the sampling nozzle is moved into a desired sampling location and the micro-controller sends a signal to said fluid intake module to initiate collection of a sample.

US Patent:

6803237, Oct 12, 2004

Filed:

Jan 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/771354

Inventors:

Steven J. Manganini - Falmouth MA
Kenneth W. Doherty - Falmouth MA
Terence R. Hammer - East Falmouth MA
Bruce A. Lancaster - Waquoit MA

Assignee:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Woods Hole MA

International Classification:

G01N 144

US Classification:

436175, 219710, 219712, 219762, 422 681, 422 78, 422 99, 422101, 422102, 422104, 422109, 436 55, 436 60, 436155, 436157, 436159, 436177, 436182, 436183

Abstract:

A sequential processing reactor vessel and method is disclosed for accelerated extraction and fractionation of chemical analytes from complex solid sample materials. The device and method provide for sequential extraction of elemental constituents from solid materials by sequentially contacting target samples within a single reaction vessel using a series of different reagents at temperatures as high as 150Â C. and pressures up to 150 psi to accelerate reactions. The aggressive chemical treatments provided by the disclosed device and method enable the complete digestion of solid samples in liquid analyte samples that can be directly analyzed by conventional spectrometry or other suitable methods. The disclosed device and method provide for efficient sample processing and accelerated reactions to significantly reduce processing times and costs for elemental analysis of solids while improving accuracy, precision and reliability of results compared to conventional devices and methods. The disclosed device and method are compatible with both conventional convection and radiant heating sources as well as microwave heating and can be readily adapted to marine, geological, environmental, industrial and research solids analysis applications.

US Patent:

8426218, Apr 23, 2013

Filed:

Oct 19, 2010

Appl. No.:

12/907330

Inventors:

Craig D. Taylor - Mashpee MA, US
Kenneth W. Doherty - Falmouth MA, US
Susumu Honjo - Falmouth MA, US

Assignee:

McLane Research Laboratories, Inc. - East Falmouth MA

International Classification:

G01N 1/28

US Classification:

436177, 436174, 436176, 4353071

Abstract:

A filter assembly is provided for collecting samples in a fluid environment, the assembly utilizing a laminar convective flow to cause the flow of a preservative/fixative and a filtrate through a filter. A substantially concave dead space around the filter is flushed free of the preservative and the differential in density of the preservative and filtrate causes the more dense fluid to collect in the reservoir and preserve the collected specimen.

US Patent:

20130206668, Aug 15, 2013

Filed:

Mar 28, 2013

Appl. No.:

13/852027

Inventors:

Kenneth W. DOHERTY - Falmouth MA, US
Susumu HONJO - Falmouth MA, US

International Classification:

G01N 1/34

US Classification:

210209

Abstract:

A filter assembly is provided for collecting samples in a fluid environment, the assembly utilizing a laminar convective flow to cause the flow of a preservative/fixative and a filtrate through a filter. A substantially concave dead space around the filter is flushed free of the preservative and the differential in density of the preservative and filtrate causes the more dense fluid to collect in the reservoir and preserve the collected specimen.

US Patent:

54410711, Aug 15, 1995

Filed:

May 4, 1994

Appl. No.:

8/238150

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Doherty - West Falmouth MA
Susumu Honjo - Falmouth MA
John D. Billings - North Falmouth MA

Assignee:

McLane Research Laboratories, Inc. - Monument Beach MA

International Classification:

G01N 114
F16K 11074

US Classification:

137 15

Abstract:

An automated water sampling system collects multiple samples of sample water at a remote site. A multiport valve provides a plurality of ports and respective port inlets. A sample water intake line is coupled to the respective port inlets. A plurality of sample receivers or sample containers are coupled to respective ports of the multiport valve. At least one container of cleaning liquid is also coupled to a port of the multiport valve. An output manifold provides a plurality of manifold outlets coupled to the respective sampler receivers and to at least one container of cleaning liquid. A pumping water output line is coupled to the plurality of manifold outlets. A reversible pump is coupled in the water output line for pumping and drawing sample water through the intake line into selected sample receivers and for pumping and pushing cleaning liquid from said at least one cleaning liquid container out the sample water intake line. The multiport valve opens and closes the ports one at a time. The water sample receivers are each constructed as an elongate container having a sample water opening at one end, a pumping water opening at the other end, and a slidable sealing piston container within and slidable between the ends of the elongate container in response to differential pressure across the piston.

US Patent:

53418344, Aug 30, 1994

Filed:

Sep 16, 1993

Appl. No.:

8/122384

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Doherty - West Falmouth MA
Susumu Honjo - Falmouth MA
John D. Billings - North Falmouth MA

Assignee:

McLane Research Laboratories, Inc. - Monument Beach MA

International Classification:

B01D 2710
F16K 11074

US Classification:

1375991

Abstract:

A multiport valve for a water transfer system passes water, drawn by a pump, through a plurality of collectors. A programmable controller controls operation of the pump and a stepper motor which positions the multiport valve in a time series sequence according to user instructions. The multiport valve is formed with a first valve head having an intake port and multiple separate outlet ports. The respective outlet ports are connected to the respective collectors at respective collector inlets. A first rotor bears against the first valve head and forms a seal between the first rotor and first valve head. The first rotor is formed with a first coupling channel for coupling the intake port of the first valve head to different outlet ports according to the rotational position of the first rotor. The multiport valve incorporates a second valve head formed with an exhaust port and a plurality of separate inlet ports coupled to the respective plurality of collectors at respective collector outlets. A second rotor bears against the second valve head substantially forming a seal between the second rotor and second valve head.

US Patent:

58697560, Feb 9, 1999

Filed:

Feb 11, 1997

Appl. No.:

8/797714

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Doherty - Falmouth MA
John M. Toole - North Falmouth MA
Daniel E. Frye - Mashpee MA

International Classification:

G01W 100
B63B 2200

US Classification:

7317029

Abstract:

A water profiling apparatus having a streamlined body with a traction drive capable of repeatedly profiling along a moored or suspended cable or wire, for transporting sensing and sampling equipment through a body of water, such as an ocean, lake or river. The water profiling apparatus is able to operate unattended on a pre-programmed schedule over long periods of time, profiling to full ocean depth, with the option of changing its schedule depending on the observations it makes or operating situations encountered.

US Patent:

56659091, Sep 9, 1997

Filed:

May 17, 1996

Appl. No.:

8/650040

Inventors:

Kenneth W. Doherty - Falmouth MA
John M. Toole - North Falmouth MA
Robert C. Millard - Waquoit MA

Assignee:

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution - Woods Hole MA

International Classification:

G01N 100

US Classification:

7317034

Abstract:

A frame, freely-falling on a cable or wire, for transporting sensing and sampling equipment at a near constant velocity through a body of water, such as an ocean, lake or river. Said apparatus' downward motion is stopped at or near the end of the cable or wire, and the apparatus is subsequently retrieved by raising the cable or making the frame buoyant.