Robert D O'Brien

US Patent:

6865926, Mar 15, 2005

Filed:

May 14, 2003

Appl. No.:

10/438517

Inventors:

Robert J. O'Brien - Clackamas OR, US
Thomas R. Smith - Portland OR, US

Assignee:

State of Oregon Acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University - Portland OR

International Classification:

G01N030/04

US Classification:

73 2327, 73 2342

Abstract:

Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

US Patent:

6952945, Oct 11, 2005

Filed:

Jan 25, 2001

Appl. No.:

09/770942

Inventors:

Robert O'Brien - Clackamas OR, US

Assignee:

The State of Oregon Acting By and Through The State Board of Higher Education On Behalf of Portland State University - Portland OR

International Classification:

G01N030/02
G01N030/90

US Classification:

73 2335, 73 232

Abstract:

A method for analyzing a gas sample is described. The method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Pneumatic Focusing generally means increasing the pressure of the sample, column or cell to a pressure of from about 100 psi to about 15,000 psi, more typically from about 200 psi to about 2,000 psi. Examples including gas chromatography and absorption spectroscopy are illustrated herein. Numerous other examples could be given. The method is well suited for analyzing gaseous samples, such as ambient air samples, both continuously, and remotely, using computer control. Continuously sampling ambient air provides a method for real-time monitoring of air quality. Continuous monitoring allows for pollutant exposure and allows for the identification of emission sources.

US Patent:

7257987, Aug 21, 2007

Filed:

Feb 18, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/546111

Inventors:

Robert J. O'Brien - Clackamas OR, US
Thomas R. Smith - Portland OR, US

Assignee:

State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University - Portland OR

International Classification:

G01N 1/00
G01N 30/04

US Classification:

73 2341, 73 2322

Abstract:

Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

US Patent:

7621171, Nov 24, 2009

Filed:

Mar 6, 2007

Appl. No.:

11/715273

Inventors:

Robert O'Brien - Damascus OR, US

Assignee:

State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University - Portland OR

International Classification:

G01N 1/00
G01N 30/04

US Classification:

73 2341, 73 2327, 73 2342

Abstract:

Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.

US Patent:

8347688, Jan 8, 2013

Filed:

Oct 13, 2009

Appl. No.:

12/578575

Inventors:

Robert O'Brien - Clackamas OR, US

Assignee:

State of Oregon acting by and through the State Board of Higher Education on behalf of Portland State University - Portland OR

International Classification:

G01N 30/04
G01N 30/72

US Classification:

73 2341, 73 2327, 73 2335, 73 2342

Abstract:

Methods and systems for analyzing samples, such as gas samples, are described. One method comprises providing a gas sample, increasing pressure applied to the gas sample to compress the sample to a smaller volume and provide a pneumatically focused gas sample, and analyzing the pneumatically focused gas sample using any of a variety of analytical techniques. Also disclosed are systems for gas analysis, including systems for analysis of pneumatically focused, and thereby concentrated, gas samples and for analysis of particulate matter in gas samples. Analytical systems constructed within personal computer cases also are disclosed.