Patent Description:
Radon gas is an invisible, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas that is created by the radioactive decay chain of Uranium. As Uranium decays, it becomes radium and radium decays to become radon gas. A form of radon gas, radon <NUM> gas, seeps out of the soil and into the atmosphere where it dilutes to small percentage in the air. In this process, some of the radon gas enters homes and/or buildings via the foundation or by water that is present in the soil surrounding the foundation.

Radon gas is dangerous when inhaled into the lungs of individuals living and working in homes and/or buildings in which radon <NUM> has seeped. As inhaled radon gas decays, it becomes several other radon decay products that decay until becoming lead <NUM>. Additionally, as radon decays, alpha radiation is released that can damage the tissue in lungs. Such damage can cause mutations that can eventually become cancerous. The health risks associated with Radon gas increase as the exposure amount increases and as a time of exposure increases.

Radon <NUM> gas in air is categorized as a group-<NUM> carcinogen by the American Cancer Society. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA), radon <NUM> gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer causing greater than <NUM>,<NUM> deaths annually. The USEPA recommends that people take action to reduce exposure to radon levels greater than four picocuries per liter. The World Health Organization recommends that people take meditative action to reduce exposure to radon gas levels greater than <NUM> picocuries per liter.

Radon gas occurs throughout the world in varying degrees. Although some areas are geologically less susceptible to radon gas, it can be a problem anywhere. Neighboring buildings can have radon levels of significant difference due to geology, source, ventilation and construction qualities of each building.

Because radon gas is a known risk, people around the world are taking action to test for radon gas and to prevent exposure to it. Because radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless and inert, the only way to detect its presence is by performing a radon test using a radon detection device. Screening is the only way to reduce radon risk and there is a need for improved screening methods.

The subject matter claimed in the present disclosure is not limited to embodiments that solve any disadvantages or that operate only in environments such as those described above. Rather, this background is only provided to illustrate one example technology area where some embodiments described in the present disclosure may be practiced.

<CIT> discloses a radon detection device with a timer operated seal.

The invention provides for a method of detecting radon according to claim <NUM> and a radon detection device according to claim <NUM>.

Current technologies offer radon measurements at varying cost, informational, and duration levels. However, current technologies are problematic and can provide end-users with inaccurate data causing them to either be exposed to more radon than reported, which may increase their lung cancer risk or impact a user investment decision on expensive radon abatement equipment.

Professional radon measurement providers usually belong to a certification organization or government licensing program. Professionals are hired by end users to provide radon gas measurements in structures such as homes, schools, government buildings, and commercial buildings. Professional radon measurement providers are usually for-profit entities. The professional measurements require a professional to travel to the site, deploy a measurement device, and return after a period of time to retrieve the measurement device. After the measurement device is retrieved, data indicative of radon levels may be accessed and a report may be generated based on the accessed data. The report show hourly radon levels. From the hourly radon levels, an average radon concentration may be calculated. An owner of the structure may base an abatement system on the average radon concentration.

Another option that provides a more economical option to determine an Average Radon Level in a structure may include passive radon detection devices. In the passive radon detection devices, activated charcoal, liquid scintillation (e.g., test materials), charged-electric passive devices, and alpha-track devices are most commonly used. The passive radon detection devices may be long-term, passive radon measurement devices. Long-term, passive radon measurement devices may be implemented for a period over a few months. For instance, the period may be between about <NUM> days and about one year.

The passive radon detection devices may also include short-term single use measurement devices that can be used by non-professionals and professionals. The duration of the short-term radon test may range from about twenty-four hours up to about seven days. The user follows the instructions that include the national standards for placing a passive radon detection device. After the passive radon detection device has been exposed to ambient air in the structure for the duration specified in the instructions (e.g., a measurement interval), the radon test is completed by sealing a radon measurement devices such as a diffusion chamber of the passive radon detection device to stop exposure of the test materials to the ambient air.

The user then packages the passive radon detection device, the test materials, or both and ships it to the lab for analysis. The shipping transit can be a long period of time before being received by the lab. Once the lab receives the package, the lab measures the radon decay products in the test materials and calculate the quantities vs the time the test material was exposed to the ambient air to determine the radon concentration. The lab provides a single number which is the Average Radon Level. The single number is provided because the test material does not allow hourly readings. Thus, lab results based on passive detection device test materials include a margin of error estimated by factors that can be derived from shipping time, over-exposure, vapor content or other factors that can affect radon absorption and/or measurement.

An issue with previous passive radon detection devices may be that the user is expected to record vital information regarding the testing process. For example, the user may be expected to complete a vital information card that includes fields for the exact time the test material was exposed and the exact time the radon measurement devices was sealed to stop exposure of the test material to the ambient air. Some users may inaccurately record or fail to verify the times when the test material was exposed or when the radon measurement devices was sealed.

Another issue with previous passive radon detection devices may be that the user may not properly monitor the passive radon detection devices during the radon test and the test materials may be exposed for too short or too long of a period of time. If the times that the test material was exposed, the radon measurement device was sealed, or both are inaccurately recorded, the results may be affected. For example, if the test material was exposed for an extra day than recorded, the Average Radon Level indicated in the results may be higher than it should be. Additionally, the user may improperly start exposing the test material or seal the radon measurement device, which may over expose or under expose the test material. For example, the user may seal the radon measurement device on a date that is actually prior to the date that is recorded.

Furthermore, inaccurately recording when the radon measurement device is sealed may impact the margin of error estimated by the lab. For example, if the shipping time was actually longer than recorded (e.g., the user recorded a later date or time than when the radon measurement device was actually sealed), the margin of error used to account for the shipping time may be incorrect and the Average Radon Level indicated in the results may also be incorrect.

Additionally, a user may be financially motivated to tamper with the radon test to ensure that the Average Radon Level is substantially equal to or below an acceptable threshold. For example, a user may be trying to sell a house and to ensure that the Average Radon Level is substantially equal to or below the acceptable threshold for selling the house without performing abatement services, the user may move the passive radon detection device, seal the radon measurement device early, or both. Additionally, the user or someone else visiting the house (e.g., during a showing) may inadvertently move the passive radon detection device. Likewise, physically moving the passive radon detection device may change a humidity level, a temperature, and other environmental factors of the ambient air. Accordingly, some embodiments described in the present disclosure provide users with an economical solution to current technology problems. These embodiments provide solutions to user error, shipping problems, and tamper problems that exist with existing technologies. For example, some embodiments create a means to provide passive radon detection devices that are self-timed to seal the radon measurement device and configured to automatically record the date and time of key steps in the radon test (e.g., when the test material is first exposed to the ambient air and when the radon measurement device is sealed). Additionally, some embodiments described in the present disclosure may provide a notification that a measurement interval has elapsed and that the radon measurement device has been sealed to reduce the shipping time. Likewise, some embodiments described in the present disclosure may provide tamper detection devices to determine if the passive radon detection devices are tampered with during the measurement interval.

These and other embodiments of the present disclosure will be explained with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, features with like numbers indicate like structure and function unless described otherwise.

<FIG> illustrates an example radon detection device <NUM> (referred to in the present disclosure as "device <NUM>"). The device <NUM> is configured to collect radon gas in ambient air <NUM> of an environment <NUM> (e.g., an external environment) to permit a lab to determine an Average Radon Level on the ambient air <NUM>. The device <NUM> is configured to be in a sealed configuration or an open configuration. In the sealed configuration, the device <NUM> prevents the ambient air <NUM> from entering a radon measurement device <NUM> that may be at least partially defined by a housing <NUM> of the device <NUM>.

The radon measurement device <NUM> may include a diffusion chamber in some embodiments. In these and other embodiments, the diffusion chamber may include two volumes separated by a filter. Nuclear track detectors may be placed inside the volumes to detect alpha particles of radon and/or its progenies. In other embodiments, the radon measurement device <NUM> may include a carbon or charcoal-based detection device (e.g., a charcoal canister, charcoal liquid scintillation, etc.). In yet other embodiments, the radon measurement device <NUM> may include an alpha-track detector.

In the open configuration, the device <NUM> permits the ambient air <NUM> to enter the radon measurement device <NUM> via a vent <NUM> defined by the housing <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the device <NUM> in the sealed configuration, which occurs before a switch <NUM> transitions from a first position to a second position or after the switch <NUM> transitions from a lock position to the first position as described below. The switch <NUM> being in the first position causes a seal <NUM> to be in a seal position (e.g., positioned proximate the vent <NUM>). The seal <NUM> being in the seal position may hermetically seal the radon measurement device <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the device <NUM> may be configured to reduce or eliminate user error and to impart regularity and reliability in exposure of a test material <NUM> disposed in the radon measurement device <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM> for a particular measurement interval.

The ambient air <NUM> may be within a structure such as a house or a building (e.g., the environment <NUM>). For example, the ambient air <NUM> may be within a basement of a house. The ambient air <NUM> may include radon gas. The test material <NUM> is configured to collect the radon gas or decay products of radon in the ambient air <NUM> that the test material <NUM> is exposed to such that a lab may determine an Average Radon Level of the ambient air <NUM>. In some embodiments, the test material <NUM> may include activated charcoal, liquid scintillation, or any other appropriate material. The test material <NUM> being erroneously exposed to the ambient air <NUM> prior to or after the measurement interval may skew the Average Radon Level. Based on the Average Radon Level, a user such as an owner or manager of the structure may abate or mitigate the radon gas.

To deploy the device <NUM>, a user may place the device <NUM> in the environment <NUM>. Additionally, the user may impose triggering actions on the switch <NUM>. The triggering actions causes the switch <NUM> to change positions and cause the seal <NUM> to transition between the open position and the seal position. Concurrently, the triggering actions causes functions of a clock circuit <NUM> to be initiated. The triggering actions begin one or more timers determined by the clock circuit <NUM>. As used in the present disclosure, concurrent or substantially concurrent may include simultaneous, immediately following, or without material delay, such as a fraction of a second (e.g., <NUM> seconds or less). Hereinafter in the present disclosure, "concurrently or substantially concurrently" is referred to as "concurrently.

In this and other embodiments, the clock circuit <NUM> may include or may be replaced by a mechanical timer. For instance, the first timer of the clock circuit <NUM> may be performed by a mechanical timer. The mechanical timer may include, for example, a spring wound timer. The mechanical timer may be preset such that the triggering actions initiate the mechanical timer without input from the user. Alternatively, the user may prepare the mechanical time (e.g., the user may wind a spring that drives the mechanical timer).

To initiate exposure of the test material <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM>, a first triggering action is imposed on the switch <NUM> and the switch <NUM> is moved from the first position to the second position The seal <NUM> is configured such that responsive to the first triggering action, the seal 112concurrently transitions to the open position from the seal position and the radon measurement device <NUM> is fluidly connected with the ambient air <NUM> via the vent <NUM>. Likewise, the first triggering action causes the clock circuit <NUM> to initiate a first timer. The first timer may indicate a total amount of time the test material <NUM> has currently been exposed or was exposed to the ambient air <NUM> (e.g., a first time period). The first timer may be representative of a period of time since the seal <NUM> transitioned to the open position from the seal position.

To increase the likelihood that the test material <NUM> is exposed to the ambient air <NUM> for the particular measurement interval, a second triggering action may be imposed on the switch <NUM> (e.g., the switch <NUM> may be moved from the second position to the lock position). The switch <NUM> being in the lock position may cause the seal <NUM> to be locked in the open position until the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval. In other words, the switch <NUM> being in the lock position may prevent the seal <NUM> from transitioning to the seal position from the open position prior to exposing the test material <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM> for an amount of time substantially equal to the measurement interval. For example, if the measurement interval is forty eight hours and the first triggering action and the second triggering action occurred concurrently at substantially eight AM on a Monday, the switch <NUM> may be locked in the lock position until substantially eight AM on a following Wednesday.

Likewise, to prevent the test material <NUM> from being exposed to the ambient air <NUM> for more time than the measurement interval, a third triggering action may be imposed on the switch <NUM> (e.g., the switch <NUM> may be moved from the lock position to the first position). The seal <NUM> may be configured such that responsive to the third triggering action being imposed on the switch <NUM>, the seal <NUM> may be concurrently affected such that the vent <NUM> is sealed to prevent the ambient air <NUM> from entering the radon measurement device <NUM>. Similarly, in these and other embodiments, the second triggering action may result in a similar change of state of an apparatus or system that is configured to close and/or seal the vent <NUM>. For instance, the second triggering action may cause a change in state of a device relative to an aperture. The device may close and seal the aperture to isolate the device <NUM> from the environment <NUM>. In other embodiments, another suitable system or apparatus may be implemented to close the vent <NUM>.

In addition, the third triggering action may cause the clock circuit <NUM> to initiate a second timer and/or stop the first timer. The second timer may indicate an amount of time since the seal <NUM> transitioned to the seal position from the open position (e.g., a second time period or a current amount of shipping time). Likewise, stopping the first timer may record an actual amount of time the test material <NUM> was exposed to the ambient air <NUM>. With the seal <NUM> in the seal position, the radon measurement device <NUM> may be substantially hermetically sealed. In some embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include one or more of a spring loaded gasket and a diaphragm.

In some embodiments, exposure of the test material <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM> may start when the switch <NUM> transitions to the second position from the first position. Alternatively, in some embodiments, exposure of the test material <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM> may start when the switch <NUM> transitions to the lock position. In these and other embodiments, the switch <NUM> may transition from the first position to the second position and subsequently to the lock position concurrently. Concurrent transition of the switch <NUM> to the lock position may maintain the seal <NUM> in the open position for the duration of the measurement interval. In some embodiments, the second position and the lock position may be the same and the switch <NUM> may be configured to transition between just the first position and the lock position.

The triggering actions initiating the timers of the clock circuit <NUM> may ensure that the radon test is performed properly. Because the initiation of the timers occurs concurrently with the triggering actions, determination of the first timer being substantially equal to the measurement interval may be reliable. That is, the test material <NUM> may not be exposed to the ambient air <NUM> prior to the first triggering action or after the third triggering action (e.g., the test material <NUM> may not be exposed to the ambient air <NUM> for more time than the amount of time included in the measurement interval).

The clock circuit <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the switch <NUM>. The clock circuit <NUM> may be configured to generate time data. The time data may include a global time (e.g., a current time), the first timer, and the second timer. In some embodiments, the clock circuit <NUM> may be configured to cause the switch <NUM> to transition between the first position, the second position, and the lock position. For example, when the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval, the clock circuit <NUM> may cause the switch <NUM> to transition from the lock position to the first position (e.g., the clock circuit <NUM> may provide the third triggering action automatically to cause the seal <NUM> to transition to the seal position).

In some embodiments, the clock circuit <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the seal <NUM>. In these and other embodiments, the clock circuit <NUM> may initiate and/or stop the first timer and the second timer based on the seal <NUM> transitioning between the seal position and the open position. For example, the clock circuit <NUM> may initiate the first timer based on the seal <NUM> transitioning from the seal position to the open position. Additionally, the clock circuit <NUM> may end the first timer and/or start the second timer based on the seal <NUM> transitioning from the open position to the seal position.

In some embodiments, the switch <NUM>, after the third triggering action, may be configured to prevent the seal <NUM> from transitioning from the seal position back to the open position. Thus, the switch <NUM> may prevent the test material <NUM> from being exposed to the ambient air <NUM> for a period of time beyond the measurement interval. Alternately or additionally, the seal <NUM> may be configured such that the seal <NUM> may not transition from the closed position to the open position more than once. For instance, the seal <NUM> may be configured to transition from the closed position to the open position only in response to the first triggering action and may lack the ability to transition from the closed position to the open position following the third triggering action.

The device <NUM>, after the third triggering action, may be sent to a lab to obtain the results of the radon test. For example, the Average Radon Level of the ambient air <NUM> may be calculated based on an amount of radon decay products collected by the test material <NUM>, which may be used to recommend or size an abatement system for the environment <NUM>. In some embodiments, the lab may verify that that first timer was substantially equal to the measurement interval to properly calculate the Average Radon Level. Additionally, in some embodiments, the lab may use the second timer (e.g., the shipping time) to determine a proper margin of error for calculating the Average Radon Level.

The housing <NUM> may be comprised of a plastic, a metal, or another suitable material. The housing <NUM> may define the vent <NUM> as an opening in the housing <NUM> formed such that the ambient air <NUM> may enter the radon measurement device <NUM> via the vent <NUM>. In some embodiments, the vent <NUM> may be defined as a single opening or multiple openings. In some embodiments, the vent <NUM> may be defined such that the vent <NUM> is defined by a portion of a sidewall of the housing <NUM>. In other embodiments, the vent <NUM> may be defined such that the vent <NUM> is substantially defined by an entire sidewall of the housing <NUM> (e.g., the vent <NUM> may include multiple openings in the sidewall). Additionally, the vent <NUM> may be defined as a single vent <NUM> in a single sidewall of the housing <NUM> or as multiple vents <NUM> in multiple sidewalls of the housing <NUM>.

The clock circuit <NUM> may be configured to limit the exposure of the test material <NUM> to the ambient air <NUM> to just the measurement interval. In some embodiments, the measurement interval may be configurable by a user of the device <NUM>. For example, the measurement interval may include at least one of <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, and <NUM> hours and up to a year following the first triggering action.

In some embodiments, the first triggering action, the second triggering action, the third triggering action, or any combination thereof may be performed by the user. In other embodiments, the first triggering action, the second triggering action, and the third triggering action may be performed in part by the user and in part by the device <NUM>. For example, in some embodiments, the second triggering action and the third triggering action may be performed automatically by the clock circuit <NUM> or another device configured to cause the switch <NUM> to transition to the second position, the lock position, or both in response to the first timer being substantially equal to the measurement interval.

In these and other embodiments, the first triggering action may occur some predetermined time from a preliminary action. For instance, the user may take a preliminary action, which may set into motion the first triggering action, the second triggering action, etc. The predetermined time may enable the user to situate an environment or the device <NUM>. For example, the preliminary action may be taken by the user. The predetermined time may be <NUM> hour, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, or another suitable time. During the predetermined time, the user may close windows, adjust the HVAC, exit the facility, etc. Following the predetermined time, the first triggering action may occur to commence the monitoring. The preliminary action may enable a more accurate monitoring. For instance, the preliminary action may prevent measurement of moving air when the user leaves the structure or from an HVAC vent left on during an initial stage of the test.

In some embodiments, the switch <NUM> may be disposed within the radon measurement device <NUM>. In these and other embodiments, the device <NUM> may include an initiation button (not illustrated) configured to cause the switch <NUM> to transition to the second position and the lock position. In other embodiments, the switch <NUM> may be positioned external to the radon measurement device <NUM>. For example, the switch <NUM> may be positioned on an external surface of the housing <NUM>. Alternatively, the housing <NUM> may include at least a portion of the switch <NUM>. For example, the housing may include multiple portions with one or more of the portions of the housing <NUM> being configured to move independent of or relative to the other portions of the housing <NUM>.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the device <NUM> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure applies to the device <NUM> including various combinations of components (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) and different numbers of such components. Moreover, the separation of various components in the embodiments described in the present disclosure is not meant to indicate that the separation occurs in all embodiments. Moreover, it may be understood with the benefit of this disclosure that the described components may be integrated together in a single component or separated into multiple components.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of another example radon detection device <NUM> (referred to in the present disclosure as "device <NUM>"). The device <NUM> may also be configured to collect radon gas in the ambient air <NUM> to permit a lab to determine an Average Radon Level of the ambient air <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also be configured to be in the sealed configuration or the open configuration to prevent the ambient air <NUM> from entering or to permit the ambient air <NUM> to enter the radon measurement device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the device <NUM> in the sealed configuration. The device <NUM> may also include a notification circuit <NUM> and an alarm circuit <NUM>.

The notification circuit <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the clock circuit <NUM>. In some embodiments, the notification circuit <NUM> may also be communicatively coupled to the switch <NUM>. The notification circuit <NUM> may be configured to provide one or more visual indicators, audible indicators, or both. The indicators may indicate to the user a current state or status of the radon test. For example, the indicators may indicate whether the radon test has not been started, is valid and in progress, or is complete.

In some embodiments, the notification circuit <NUM> may receive one or more messages from the clock circuit <NUM> including the time data. In some embodiments, the messages may indicate that the first timer is equal to zero, greater than zero but less than the measurement interval, or substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval. Additionally, in some embodiments, the notification circuit <NUM> may determine whether the switch <NUM> is in the first position, the second position, or the lock position. The notification circuit <NUM> may determine whether the radon test has started, is valid and in progress, or is complete based on the messages received from the clock circuit <NUM>, the position of the switch <NUM>, or both.

In some embodiments, in response to the first timer being initiated and the switch <NUM> being in the lock position, the notification circuit <NUM> may provide a first visual indicator indicating that the radon test is in progress. Additionally, in some embodiments, in response to the first timer being substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval and the switch <NUM> being in the first position, the notification circuit <NUM> may provide a second visual indicator indicating that the radon gas test is complete and that the second timer is going (e.g., the shipping time is currently being tracked).

Alternatively, in some embodiments, in response to the switch <NUM> transitioning from the first position to second position and concurrently to the lock position, the notification circuit <NUM> may provide the first visual indicator. Additionally, in these and other embodiments, in response to the switch <NUM> transitioning from the lock position to the first position, the notification circuit <NUM> may provide the second visual indicator.

The first visual indicator and the second visual indicator may include light emitted by one or more light sources (not illustrated). For example, the light sources may include one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs). In some embodiments, the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator may be provided by a single light source emitting different colors of light. For example, the first visual indicator may include green light emitted by a light source and the second visual indicator may include red light emitted by the same light source. In other embodiments, the first visual indicator and the second visual indicator may be provided by multiple light sources. For example, the first visual indicator may be provided by a first light source and the second visual indicator may be provided by a second light source. In some embodiments, the first visual indicator, the second visual indicator, or both may include light being emitted in a pattern (e.g., blinking) or light being emitted solidly by the light sources.

In some embodiments, the notification circuit <NUM> may provide a third visual indicator. The third visual indicator may indicate whether the switch <NUM> is in the second position. For example, when the switch <NUM> transitions from the first position to the second position, the third visual indicator may be provided by the light sources. In addition, when the switch <NUM> transitions to the lock position from the second position, the notification circuit <NUM> may stop providing the third visual indicator and may provide the first visual indicator, which may indicate that the radon test is valid and in progress. In some embodiments, the third visual indicator may be provided by a third light source. In other embodiments, the third visual indicator may be provided by the same light source as the first visual indicator, the second visual indicator, or both. Additionally, in some embodiments, the notification circuit <NUM> may include a visual readout (not illustrated) that provides the first visual indicator, the second visual indicator, the third visual indicator, or any combination thereof using plain language.

The alarm circuit <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the clock circuit <NUM> and the switch <NUM>. The alarm circuit <NUM> may be configured to provide an audible indicator (e.g. an audible alarm) or a visual alarm indicating that the switch <NUM> is in the second position for longer than an alarm period. In some embodiments, the alarm circuit <NUM> may receive one or more messages from the clock circuit <NUM> including the time data.

The alarm circuit <NUM> may compare the current value of the first timer to an alarm period. Responsive to the current value of the first timer being substantially equal to or greater than the alarm period, the alarm circuit <NUM> may be configured to determine whether the switch <NUM> is in the first position, the second position, or the lock position. Responsive to the current value of the first timer being substantially equal to or greater than the alarm period and the switch being in the second position, the alarm circuit <NUM> may provide the audible alarm (e.g., a first audible indicator), the visual alarm, or both The audible alarm and the visual alarm may indicate to the user that the radon test isn't fully initialized and the positioning of the switch <NUM> needs to be addressed.

The alarm circuit <NUM> may continue to determine whether the switch <NUM> is in the second position or the lock position. Responsive to the switch <NUM> transitioning to the lock position from the second position and the alarm circuit <NUM> providing the audible alarm or the visual alarm, the alarm circuit <NUM> may stop providing the audible alarm or the visual alarm. In some embodiments, the audible alarm may include a short harsh sound to cause the user to move the switch <NUM> to the lock position from the second position. In some embodiments, the visual alarm may include a light being emitted by a light source the same as or similar to the first visual indicator.

Additionally, the alarm circuit <NUM> may determine whether the first timer is substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval. Responsive to the first timer being substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval, the alarm circuit <NUM> may determine whether the switch <NUM> is in the first position. Responsive to the switch <NUM> being in the first position, the alarm circuit <NUM> may provide an additional audible alarm (e.g., a second audible indicator). The additional audible alarm may indicate to the user that the radon test is complete and that the device <NUM> should be sent to the lab to determine the Average Radon Level.

In some embodiments, the audible alarm and the additional audible alarm may include different sounds or any other appropriate audible alarms. For example, the additional audible alarm may include a harsh sound at relatively high decibels. In some embodiments, the decibels of the additional audible alarm may gradually increase as the value of the second timer increases. The increasing decibels of the additional audible alarm may increase the likelihood that the user notices that the radon test is complete and that the device <NUM> should be sent to the lab to calculate the Average Radon Level.

Additionally, for accurate radon measurement, the device <NUM> should be placed in a single physical location for the duration of the measurement interval. Physically moving the device <NUM> may undermine the accuracy of the radon test. For instance, if for half of the measurement interval, the device <NUM> is near a window and for the other half of the measurement interval, the device <NUM> is far from the window, then the difference in temperature, atmospheric conditions, etc. may impact the test material <NUM> and may change the collection of the radon gas by the test material <NUM>.

Accordingly, in some embodiments, the device <NUM> may include a location anti-tamper device <NUM> (referred to in the present disclosure as "LATD <NUM>"). The LATD <NUM> may be configured to detect when the device <NUM> is physically moved from an initial position in the environment <NUM>. In a deployment configuration, the LATD <NUM> may be in a first position. In addition, when the device <NUM> is physically moved from the initial place in the environment <NUM>, the LATD <NUM> may change to a second position. The position of the LATD <NUM> may be maintained in the first position by a feature or element of the structure. For example, the position of the LATD <NUM> may be maintained in the first position by a wall of the structure. Movement of the device <NUM> relative to the wall may cease maintenance of the LATD <NUM> in the first position.

In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may generate tamper data. The temper data may record when the device <NUM> was initially positioned in the environment <NUM> and when the device <NUM> has been physically moved from the initial position. Knowledge of if or when the device <NUM> was physically moved may indicate that the calculated Average Radon Level of the ambient air <NUM> may be accurate or inaccurate. For example, if the tamper data indicates that the device <NUM> was not moved prior to completion of the radon test, the Average Radon Level may be relatively accurate. As another example, if the tamper data indicates that the device <NUM> was moved prior to completion of the radon test, the Average Radon Level may be relatively inaccurate.

In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may be configured to determine whether the device <NUM> was physically moved from the initial position prior to the switch <NUM> transitioning to the first position from the lock position. For example, the tamper data may include a date and time stamp indicating when the device <NUM> is physically moved from the initial position and the second timer may include a date and time stamp indicating when the second timer started. In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may compare the date and time stamp in the tamper data to the date and time stamp of when the second timer started to determine whether the device <NUM> was moved prior to the radon test being completed. Alternatively, a technician at the lab or the user may compare the date and time stamp in the tamper data to the date and time stamp of when the second timer started to determine whether the device <NUM> was moved prior to the radon test being completed.

In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may include a tab (not illustrated) and a release button (not illustrated). In these and other embodiments, the tab may be removed from the LATD <NUM> and a portion of the release button may extend away from the housing <NUM> (e.g., the release button may change to the first position). Additionally, depressing the release button may cause the release button to be in the second position. For example, the device <NUM> may include adhesive that adheres the device <NUM> to the surface of the structure. Adhering the device <NUM> to the surface may depress the release button and may maintain the release button in the second position. The release button being depressed may indicate that the device <NUM> has been placed in the initial position. In some embodiments, the tamper data may include a first date and time stamp indicating when the release button was first placed in the second state (e.g., when the device <NUM> was initially placed in the environment <NUM>) and a second date and time stamp when the button was placed in the second state (e.g., when the device <NUM> was physically moved from the initial position).

In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may include a light sensor (not illustrated) and a light source (not illustrated). When the device <NUM> is positioned in the initial position, the light source may emit light toward the surface of the structure. Additionally, when the device <NUM> is positioned in the initial position, the LATD <NUM> may generate the first date and time stamp. The light sensor may detect light reflecting off of the surface of the structure. Responsive to the amount of light being detected by the light sensor changing more than a threshold value, the LATD <NUM> may generate the second date and time stamp indicating when the light changed (e.g., when the device <NUM> was physically moved from the initial position).

In these and other embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may determine whether a difference between the first date and time stamp and the second date and time stamp is substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval. Responsive to the difference between the first date and time stamp and the second date and time stamp being substantially equal to or greater than the measurement interval, the tamper data may indicate that the device <NUM> was not moved during the radon test. Alternatively, responsive to the difference between the first date and time stamp and the second date and time stamp being substantially less than the measurement interval, the tamper data may indicate that the device <NUM> was moved during the radon test.

In some embodiments, the LATD <NUM> may include a pad (not illustrated) that can separate when the device <NUM> is physically moved from the initial position. In these and other embodiments, a first portion of the pad may include the adhesive for mounting the device <NUM> on the surface of the structure. When the device <NUM> is physically moved from the initial position, the first portion of the pad may separate from the pad and remain adhered to the surface of the structure. Additionally, a second portion of the pad may remain attached to the device <NUM>. The first portion of the pad may be removable from the surface of the structure to be disposed of.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the device <NUM> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure applies to the device <NUM> including various combinations of components (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) and different numbers of such components. Moreover, the separation of various components in the embodiments described in the present disclosure is not meant to indicate that the separation occurs in all embodiments. Moreover, it may be understood with the benefit of this disclosure that the described components may be integrated together in a single component or separated into multiple components.

<FIG> illustrates a block diagram of yet another example radon detection device <NUM> (referred to in the present disclosure as "device <NUM>"). The device <NUM> may also be configured to collect radon gas in the ambient air <NUM> to permit a lab to determine an Average Radon Level of the ambient air <NUM>. The device <NUM> may also be configured to be in the sealed configuration or the open configuration to prevent the ambient air <NUM> from entering or to permit the ambient air <NUM> to enter the radon measurement device <NUM>. <FIG> depicts the device <NUM> in the sealed configuration.

In some embodiments, the switch <NUM> may include an actuator <NUM> and a retention device <NUM>. The actuator <NUM> may be configured to cause the seal <NUM> to transition between the open position and the seal position. For example, the actuator <NUM> may transition between the first position, the second position, and the lock position. Additionally, the retention device <NUM> may be configured to prevent the actuator <NUM> from transitioning from the lock position to the first position prior to the first timer being substantially equal to the measurement interval. Likewise, the retention device <NUM> may be configured to automatically cause the actuator <NUM> to transition to the first position so that the seal <NUM> transitions to the seal position from the open position when the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval.

In some embodiments, the actuator <NUM> may include one or more of a push button, a pull lever, a turn dial, a diaphragm, an aperture, and an electrical switch to cause the seal <NUM> to transition between the open position and the seal position. In these and other embodiments, the retention device <NUM> may include one or more of a slider and an aperture.

In some embodiments, the switch <NUM> may include one or more portions that are configured to physically move independent of or relative to each other. In these and other embodiments, a first portion of the switch <NUM> may form a portion of the housing <NUM> and the triggering actions may include rotation of one or more portions of the housing <NUM>. In some embodiments, a first portion of the switch <NUM> may be disposed within the radon measurement device <NUM> and a second portion of the switch <NUM> may be positioned external to the radon measurement device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the entire switch <NUM> may be positioned external to the radon measurement device <NUM>
The device <NUM> may also include additional components, which may include an anti-temper device <NUM> (referred to in the present disclosure as "ATD <NUM>"), a temperature sensor <NUM>, and a humidity sensor <NUM>. The ATD <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to the actuator <NUM>. The ATD <NUM> may determine whether the actuator <NUM> was caused to transition from the lock position to the first position by means other than the retention device <NUM>. For example, the ATD <NUM> may determine whether the retention device <NUM> applied a force on the actuator <NUM> or if an external item (e.g., a human being) applied a force on the actuator <NUM>.

The temperature sensor <NUM> and the humidity sensor <NUM> may be disposed in the radon measurement device <NUM>. The temperature sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine and track a temperature the ambient air <NUM> introduced into the radon measurement device <NUM> during the measurement interval. In some embodiments, the temperature sensor <NUM> may determine and track an average, a high, a low, or all three temperature points of the ambient air <NUM> during the measurement interval. In other embodiments, the temperature sensor <NUM> may determine and track a continuous temperature of the ambient air <NUM> during the measurement interval.

The humidity sensor <NUM> may be configured to determine and track a humidity level of the ambient air <NUM> introduced into the radon measurement device <NUM> during the measurement interval. In some embodiments, the humidity sensor <NUM> may determine and track an average, a high, a low, or all three humidity level points of the ambient air <NUM> during the measurement interval. In other embodiments, the humidity sensor <NUM> may determine and track a continuous humidity level of the ambient air <NUM> during the measurement interval. The radon detection device <NUM> is depicted with the humidity sensor <NUM> and the temperature sensor <NUM>. In other embodiments, the radon detection device <NUM> may include one or more other sensors. The one or more other sensors may be configured to measure environmental conditions present during an acquisition phase of the device <NUM>. Some additional sensors may include an accelerometer, a barometer, a light sensor, gas concentration sensor, air velocity sensor, and the like.

Modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to the device <NUM> without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present disclosure applies to the device <NUM> that has various combinations of components (e.g., <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, etc.) and different numbers of such components. Moreover, the separation of various components in the embodiments described in the present disclosure is not meant to indicate that the separation occurs in all embodiments. Moreover, it may be understood with the benefit of this disclosure that the described components may be integrated together in a single component or separated into multiple components.

For example, in these and other embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include any structure or any materials suitable for discouraging fluid communication between the test material <NUM> and the ambient air <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include a cap that fits over an opening of the vent <NUM>. For instance, the seal <NUM> may include a threaded cap that mechanically engages counterpart threads on an opening of the vent <NUM>. In some configurations, the seal <NUM> may include an elastic cap, such as a rubber cap, sized and shaped to fit over an opening of the vent. In some forms, the seal <NUM> may include a rigid cap.

In these and other embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include a gasket such as a washer, an O-ring, pre-cured silicone or other gel, or the like to encourage a fluid-tight interface between the seal <NUM> and the vent <NUM>. In some configurations, the seal <NUM> or the vent <NUM> may include a magnet and the other of the seal or the vent <NUM> may include a second magnet or magnetic material positioned such that the seal <NUM> may be held in place relative to the vent <NUM>.

Alternately or additionally, the seal <NUM> may include a plug that fits at least partially within the vent <NUM>. For instance, the seal <NUM> may include an elastomer plug, such as a rubber stopper; a pliable plug, such as a cork stopper or a wax plug; a threaded plug that mechanically engages counterpart threads in the opening of the vent <NUM>; or the like.

In some configurations, the seal may alternately or additionally include a fluid valve. For example, the seal <NUM> may include a ball valve, a solenoid valve, a plug valve, a butterfly valve, a membrane or diaphragm valve, a gate valve, a globe valve, a pinch valve, a cam-driven valve, or other fluid valve suitable for discouraging fluid communication between the test material <NUM> and the ambient air <NUM>.

Alternately or additionally, the seal <NUM> may include a trap door style or gate style sealing mechanism. For instance, the seal <NUM> may include a structure configured to rotates, slide, or otherwise move into a position on or in the vent <NUM> in a manner that discourages fluid communication between the ambient air <NUM> and the test material <NUM>. By way of example, the seal <NUM> may include a disk-shaped structure that defines an opening in part of the disk. When the opening is aligned with the vent <NUM>, the test material <NUM> may be in fluid communication with the ambient air <NUM>. When the opening is not aligned with the vent <NUM>, the disk may discourage fluid communication between the test material <NUM> and the ambient air <NUM>.

In these and other embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include two sealing devices. For instance, a first sealing device of the seal <NUM> may include a polymer film or the like located across an opening of the vent. The seal <NUM> may, for instance, transition from a sealed position to an open position by puncturing, cutting, melting, removing, dissolving, or otherwise transforming the first sealing device of the seal <NUM> such that the test material is in fluid communication with the ambient air <NUM>. Alternatively, a different first sealing device may be used. The seal <NUM> may transition from the open position to the sealed position by moving the second sealing device of the seal <NUM> to the vent <NUM> such that fluid communication is discouraged between the test material <NUM> and the ambient air <NUM>. By way of example, the second sealing device of the seal <NUM> may include a cap, a plug, a trapdoor, a gate, a fluid valve, a magnet, or the like. In some configurations, employing two sealing device as the seal <NUM> may facilitate a seal <NUM> that may be closed in a different manner than the seal <NUM> is opened, which may encourage relatively secure sealing of the vent <NUM> before the seal <NUM> is opened and after the seal <NUM> is closed. For instance, the use of two sealing devices to form the seal <NUM> may efficiently discourage the test material <NUM> from being exposed to the ambient air <NUM> prior to the first triggering action or after the third triggering action.

Regarding the actuator <NUM>, these and other embodiments may employ actuator configurations and actuation methods suitable for moving the corresponding seal <NUM> from the seal position to the open position or from the open position to the seal position. By way of example, a spring-loaded or elastic-loaded actuator <NUM> may be used. For instance, a helical-coil spring, such as a tension spring, a compression spring, or a torsion spring may be used. Alternately or additionally, a leaf or beam spring, or rubber spring may be used.

Alternately or additionally, the actuator <NUM> may include a motor. For instance, the actuator <NUM> may include a DC electric motor, a servo motor, a stepper motor, or the like. In some configurations, the motor may drive a worm gear, a spur gear, a cam, or the like that interfaces with the seal <NUM> or a latch that releases the seal <NUM> to be moved by a spring-loaded or elastic-loaded portion of the actuator <NUM>. In some embodiments, the seal <NUM> may be attached directly to a shaft of the motor such that the motor may move the seal <NUM> from the seal position to the open position or from the open position to the seal position directly. Alternately or additionally, the actuator <NUM> may include a solenoid actuator that interfaces with the seal <NUM> or a latch that releases the seal <NUM>.

In some configurations, the actuator <NUM> may include a latch configured to maintain the seal <NUM> in the seal position or the open position until such time that the seal is to transition to the seal position from the open position or to the open position from the seal position. In response to the latch releasing the seal <NUM>, spring loading applied to the seal <NUM> may encourage the seal <NUM> to move from the seal position to the open position or from the open position to the seal position. In some configurations, two latches and two spring-loading devices may be employed such that a first latch and a first spring-loading device encourages the seal <NUM> to transition from the seal position to the open position and a second latch and a second spring-loading device encourages the seal <NUM> to transition from the open position to the seal position.

By way of example, the latch may include a mechanical latch, such as hinged catch that restrains the spring-loaded seal <NUM> and is disengaged by way of a motor or solenoid actuator such that the spring loading encourages the seal <NUM> to move. Alternately or additionally, the latch may include a solenoid actuator that employs an extended plunger of the solenoid to act as the latch and releases the latch by retracting the plunger.

In an example configuration, a radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a motor actuator <NUM>. The motor may be configured to drive a lead screw, also described as a power screw. The lead screw may interface with counterpart threads on a plug-style seal <NUM>. In some configurations, the seal <NUM> may be movably positioned on guides to encourage the seal <NUM> to follow a desired path when the motor actuator <NUM> runs. Running the motor in a first direction may cause the plug-style seal <NUM> to move out of the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the seal position to the open position. Running the motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction may cause the plug-style seal <NUM> to move into the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

In another example configuration, another radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a motor actuator <NUM> attached to a threaded, cylindrical, plug-style seal <NUM>. Counterpart threads may be formed on an interior of a tubular, correspondingly sized vent <NUM>. Running the motor in a first direction may cause the threaded seal <NUM> to rotate and move out of the threaded vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the seal position to the open position. Running the motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction may cause the threaded seal <NUM> to engage the threaded vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

In still another example configuration, still another radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a motor actuator <NUM> attached to a threaded, cylindrical, cap-style seal <NUM>. Counterpart threads may be formed on an exterior of a tubular, correspondingly sized vent <NUM>. Running the motor in a first direction may cause the threaded seal <NUM> to rotate and move off of the threaded vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the seal position to the open position. Running the motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction may cause the threaded seal <NUM> to engage the threaded vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

In yet another example configuration, yet another radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a motorized aperture-style seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may include multiple blades or leaves that are each configured to be rotated in-plane. The blades may be rotated to move the blades from positions that obstruct the vent <NUM> to positions that do not obstruct the vent such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the seal position to the open position. The blades may further be rotated to move the blades from the positions that do not obstruct the vent <NUM> to the positions that do obstruct the vent such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

In a further example configuration, a further radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a solenoid actuator <NUM>. A plunger of the solenoid may be attached to a plug-style seal <NUM>. The plunger of the solenoid may be retracted to cause the seal <NUM> to move out of the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the seal position to the open position. Extending the plunger of the solenoid may cause the seal <NUM> to move into the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

An example radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a plug-style seal <NUM> spring-loaded such that a force exerted by the spring encourages the seal <NUM> towards the vent <NUM>. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to enter the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

Another example radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a trap door-style seal <NUM> spring-loaded such that a force exerted by the spring encourages the seal <NUM> towards the vent <NUM>. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to cover the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

Still another example radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a threaded, cylindrical, plug-style seal <NUM> spring-loaded such that a force exerted by the spring encourages the seal <NUM> towards a tubular vent <NUM> having counterpart threads formed on its interior and encourages the seal <NUM> to rotate. For example, the seal <NUM> may engage with a combination of a helical compression and torsion spring, described herein as a directional spring. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to both rotate and to move to engage with the counterpart threading in the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

Yet another example radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a threaded cap-style seal <NUM> spring-loaded such that a force exerted by the spring encourages the seal <NUM> towards a tubular vent <NUM> having counterpart threads formed on its exterior and encourages the seal to rotate. For example, the seal <NUM> may engage with a directional spring. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to both rotate and to move to engage with counterpart threading on the vent <NUM> such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

A further example radon detection device generally corresponding to the device <NUM> of <FIG> may include a disk-shaped seal <NUM> having an opening formed therein. The opening of the seal <NUM> may be positioned such that the seal <NUM> does not obstruct the vent <NUM>. The disk-shaped seal <NUM> may be spring-loaded to encourage the seal <NUM> to rotate. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to rotate such that the opening is moved away from the vent and a solid portion of the disk-shaped seal <NUM> obstructs the vent such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position.

In some embodiments, the seal <NUM> may include pliable materials in the shape of a tube and in fluid communication with the vent <NUM>. For example, the seal <NUM> may include a tubular length of an elastomer such as silicone. The seal <NUM> may be spring loaded such that the seal <NUM> is encouraged to rotate about an axis of the seal <NUM>. A catch may restrain the seal <NUM> until a triggering mechanism, such as a plunger of a solenoid actuator <NUM>, moves the catch and causes the catch to disengage from the seal <NUM>. In response to the catch being disengaged, the spring loading may cause the seal <NUM> to rotate such that the pliable material twists shut such that the seal <NUM> transitions from the open position to the seal position. Alternately, the pliable seal <NUM> may be rotated by a motor actuator <NUM> or the like.

In some configurations, the seal <NUM> may include a flexible polymer having a zip lock, also described as a press-to-seal zipper, a press-and-seal zipper, or a slider-style zipper. A slider configured to press the zip lock closed may be traversed across the zip lock via the actuator <NUM>. By way of example, the slider may be driven by a lead screw attached to a motor actuator <NUM> such that the slider slides across the length of the zip lock. Alternately or additionally, the polymer film may include an adhesive that adheres the polymer to itself or to an adjacent surface. The portion of the polymer seal <NUM> on which the adhesive is applied may be pressed against the counterpart surface by way of a slider, a cam, a spring-loaded pressing device, or the like. Alternately or additionally, the polymer seal <NUM> may be rolled up or folded up to transition to the seal position. For instance, the flexible polymer seal <NUM> may be attached to a shaft driven by a motor actuator <NUM>, which may encourage the polymer seal <NUM> to roll up or fold up to transition to the seal position.

<FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of an example radon detection device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a side view of the example radon detection device <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates a bottom perspective of the example radon detection device <NUM>.

With combined reference to <FIG>, the radon detection device <NUM> may include a top plate <NUM>, a bottom plate <NUM>, and a sidewall portion <NUM>. The top plate <NUM>, the bottom plate <NUM>, and the sidewall portion <NUM> may form the housing <NUM> of the radon detection device <NUM>. The sidewall portion <NUM> may define multiple environmental openings <NUM>. A single environmental opening <NUM> is numbered in the Figures for ease of discussion. The environmental openings <NUM> may fluidly couple a chamber <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>) of the radon detection device <NUM> to an external environment.

In addition, the radon detection device <NUM> may include an activation switch <NUM>. In some embodiments, the activation switch <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the switch <NUM> discussed above in relation <FIG>. The activation switch <NUM> may be used to initiate exposure of test material <NUM> (illustrated in <FIG>) to the external environment. The radon detection device <NUM> may also include an anti-tamper switch <NUM> positioned on or near the bottom plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the anti-tamper switch <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the location anti-tamper device <NUM> discussed above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>. The anti-tamper switch <NUM> may be used to determine if the radon detection device <NUM> was physically moved while the radon detection device <NUM> is in the open configuration.

The radon detection device <NUM> may include a timer dial <NUM>. The timer dial <NUM> may be configured to program an amount of time the test material <NUM> is to be exposed to the external environment. In addition, the notification circuit <NUM> may indicate whether the radon detection device <NUM> is in the sealed or open configuration as discussed above in relation to <FIG> and <FIG>. The radon detection device <NUM> may be configured to communicatively couple to an external cable <NUM>. The external cable <NUM> may be communicatively coupled to electronic components within the radon detection device <NUM> to obtain data stored in a memory (not illustrated).

In the embodiment of <FIG>, the external cable <NUM> may enable information and data to be accessed from the device <NUM>. In other embodiments, the device <NUM> may include another type of communication unit, which may be configured to enable access to or to communicate information and data via a wireless network. For example, the communication unit may include one or more pieces of hardware configured to receive and send communications. In some embodiments, the communication unit may include one or more of an antenna, a wired port, and modulation/demodulation hardware, among other communication hardware devices. In particular, the communication unit may be configured to receive a communication from outside the device and to present the communication to a processor or to send a communication from the device <NUM> or a processor therein to another device or network. In some embodiments, the network includes or is configured to include a BLUETOOTH® communication network, a Wi-Fi communication network, a ZigBee communication network, an extensible messaging and presence protocol (XMPP) communication network, a cellular communications network, any similar communication networks, or any combination thereof for sending and receiving data.

Moreover, in some embodiments, the device <NUM> may include a communication unit configured for interface with a particular piece of laboratory equipment that accesses information related to radon exposure.

The external cable <NUM> may provide power to the device <NUM>. For instance, the external cable <NUM> may be plugged into a power source. In other embodiments, the device <NUM> may include a battery or a battery pack. In these embodiments, the device <NUM> may not include the external cable <NUM> during operation (e.g., radon detection) by a user. Additionally, in these and other embodiments, the external cable <NUM> may allow for charging of the device <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the example anti-tamper switch <NUM> including a housing plate <NUM> that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the example anti-tamper switch <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a bottom perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> with the bottom plate <NUM> removed to illustrate internal components of the anti-tamper switch <NUM>. With combined reference to <FIG>, a portion of the anti-tamper switch <NUM> may extend beyond the housing plate <NUM>. In some embodiments, the anti-tamper switch <NUM> may include a pressure switch. In these and other embodiments, when the radon detection device <NUM> is placed in the external environment, the anti-tamper switch <NUM> may be depressed. Electrical components of the radon detection device <NUM> may monitor an amount of time between the anti-tamper switch <NUM> being depressed and the anti-tamper switch <NUM> extending to determine an amount of time the radon detection device <NUM> was in the initial position in the external environment.

<FIG> illustrates a sectional view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> with multiple pieces removed to illustrate internal components of the radon detection device <NUM>. The radon detection device <NUM> may include a camshaft <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> may be positionable in an open position or in a seal position. In the seal position, the chamber <NUM> may be hermetically sealed, which may prevent the test material <NUM> from being exposed to the ambient air in the external environment. In the open position, the chamber <NUM> may be exposed to the ambient air in the external environment.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom perspective view of the camshaft <NUM> that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a top perspective view of the camshaft <NUM> that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the camshaft <NUM> may rotate relative to an axis. A top portion <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM> may extend farther from the axis relative to a bottom portion <NUM> of the camshaft <NUM>. The camshaft <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> is in the seal position. Further, the camshaft <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG> is in the open position.

<FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> with multiple pieces removed to illustrate internal components of the radon detection device <NUM>. The radon detection device <NUM> may include a seal support <NUM>, a seal <NUM>, and a motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the camshaft <NUM>. In addition, the camshaft <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the seal support <NUM>. Likewise, the seal support <NUM> may be mechanically coupled to the seal <NUM>. The seal <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the seal <NUM> discussed above in relation to <FIG>.

The motor <NUM> may be configured to position the camshaft <NUM> in the open position or in the seal position. For example, after the activation switch <NUM> is selected, the motor <NUM> may receive a first power signal from the electrical components of the radon detection device <NUM>. The motor <NUM>, in response to the first power signal, may cause the camshaft <NUM> to physically move from the seal position (shown in <FIG>) to the open position (shown in <FIG>). In addition, the seal support <NUM>, in response to the camshaft <NUM> moving from the seal position to the open position, may move from a first position (shown in <FIG>) to a second position (shown in <FIG>). Likewise, the seal <NUM> may move from a seal position to an open position. The seal <NUM> moving to the open position may expose the test material <NUM> to the ambient air of the external environment.

In addition, after the test period has elapsed, the motor <NUM> may receive a second power signal from the electrical components of the radon detection device <NUM>. The motor <NUM>, in response to the second power signal, may cause the camshaft <NUM> to move from the open position to the seal position, which may cause the seal support <NUM> to move to the first position and the seal <NUM> to move to the seal position.

In addition, the electrical components of the radon detection device <NUM> may be configured to automatically delay starting the test period for a period of time (e.g., the electrical components may create a closed housed condition). For example, the electrical components may delay the starting the test period for <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, <NUM> hours, or any other appropriate amount of time.

<FIG> illustrates a bottom view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> with the bottom plate <NUM> removed. <FIG> illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> with the top plate <NUM> removed to illustrate internal components of the radon detection device <NUM>. With combined reference to <FIG> and <FIG>, the radon detection device <NUM> may include an O-ring <NUM> and the test material <NUM>. The test material <NUM> may be the same as or similar to the test material <NUM> discussed above in relation <FIG>. The test material <NUM> may define a material opening <NUM>. In addition, the sidewall portion <NUM> may define an opening <NUM>. The opening <NUM> and the material opening <NUM> may operate the same as or similar to the vent <NUM> discussed above in relation to <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a partial exploded view of internal components that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of internal components that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>.

<FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG> in a sealed configuration 400a. <FIG> illustrates a cross sectional view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>in an open configuration 400b. In the sealed configuration 400a, the camshaft <NUM> may be positioned such that the seal support <NUM> is pushed towards the top plate <NUM> by the camshaft <NUM>, which may cause the seal <NUM> to physically contact the sidewall portion <NUM>. The seal <NUM> contacting the sidewall portion <NUM> may seal the material opening <NUM> and the opening <NUM>. In the sealed configuration 400a, the seal <NUM>, the sidewall portion <NUM>, and the O-ring <NUM> may define the chamber <NUM>. The chamber <NUM>, in the sealed configuration 400a, may be hermetically sealed to prevent the test material <NUM> from being exposed to the ambient air in the external environment.

In the open configuration 400b, the camshaft <NUM> may be positioned such that the seal support may move towards the bottom plate <NUM>, which may cause the seal <NUM> to move away from the opening <NUM> and the material opening <NUM>. In the open configuration, the chamber <NUM> may not be hermetically sealed and the test material <NUM> may be exposed to the ambient air in the external environment. For example, the ambient air may pass through environmental openings <NUM> and may enter the chamber <NUM> via the opening <NUM> and the material opening <NUM>. As discussed elsewhere in the present disclosure, after a testing period, the camshaft <NUM> may be moved to first position and the radon detection device <NUM> may be in the sealed configuration 400a.

<FIG> illustrates an exploded side view of the radon detection device <NUM> of F<FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a first exploded perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a second exploded perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a third exploded perspective view of the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the test material <NUM> that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> illustrates a perspective view of the sidewall portion <NUM> that may be implemented in the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>. <FIG> is a flowchart of an example method <NUM> of detecting radon. The method <NUM> may be performed via a radon detection device generally corresponding to the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>, the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>, the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>, or the radon detection device <NUM> of <FIG>.

The method <NUM> begins at block <NUM> by starting a first timer. The first timer may be started at a clock circuit generally corresponding to the clock circuit <NUM> of <FIG>. The first timer is started in response to a first triggering action. The first triggering action includes a switch transitioning to a second position from a first position. Alternately or additionally, the first triggering action may occur a predetermined length of time following a preliminary action. The switch may generally correspond to the switch <NUM> of <FIG> or the switch <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. In some configurations, the switch may remain locked in the second position from the start of the first timer until the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval. The method <NUM> further includes performing an alarm in response to the switch being moved out of the second position before the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval.

The method <NUM> continues at block <NUM> by transitioning a seal to a seal position from an open position. The seal may generally correspond to the seal <NUM> of <FIG> or the seal <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>. The seal transitions to the seal position from the open position in response to the first timer being substantially equal to a measurement interval. The open position facilitates the introduction of ambient air to a vent of the radon detection device. The ambient air may generally correspond to the ambient air <NUM> of <FIG>. The vent may generally correspond to the vent <NUM> of <FIG> or the opening <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The seal position discourages introduction of the ambient air to the vent. The vent is in fluid communication with a test material located within the radon measurement device. The test material may generally correspond to the test material <NUM> of <FIG> or the test material <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>. The test material is configured to collect radon from the ambient air introduced to the radon detection device. In some embodiments, transitioning the seal to the seal position from the open position may be performed by an actuator. The actuator may generally correspond to the actuator <NUM> of <FIG> or the motor <NUM> of <FIG>, <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>.

The method <NUM> continues at block <NUM> by starting a second timer in response to the seal transitioning from the open position to the seal position. The seal remains in the sealed position following the transition from the open position to the sealed position. The method <NUM> includes transitioning the seal to the open position from the seal position in response to the first triggering action.

Alternately or additionally, the method <NUM> may further include determining an Average Radon Level based on the radon collected from the ambient air by the test material. In some instances, the method <NUM> may further continue by determining a margin of error associated with the Average Radon Level based on a value of the second timer.

Alternately or additionally, the method may further include generating tamper data in response to the radon detection device being moved from an initial position before the first timer is substantially equal to the measurement interval. The initial position may be associated with a position of the radon detection device in an environment at a time that the first trigger action occurred.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that, for this and other procedures and methods disclosed in the present disclosure, the functions performed in the processes and methods may be implemented in differing order. Furthermore, the outlined steps and operations are only provided as examples, and some of the steps and operations may be optional, combined into fewer steps and operations, or expanded into additional steps and operations without detracting from the disclosed embodiments.

Terms used in the present disclosure and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including, but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes, but is not limited to," etc.).

Additionally, if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one," "one or more," "at least one of the following," and "one or more of the following" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to embodiments containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations.

In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, such recitation should be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." or "one or more of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended to include A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together, etc..

Further, any disjunctive word or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" should be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B.

Additionally, the use of the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are not necessarily used in the present disclosure to connote a specific order or number of elements. Generally, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used to distinguish between different elements as generic identifiers. Absence a showing that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., connote a specific order, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific order. Furthermore, absence a showing that the terms first," "second," "third," etc., connote a specific number of elements, these terms should not be understood to connote a specific number of elements. For example, a first widget may be described as having a first side and a second widget may be described as having a second side. The use of the term "second side" with respect to the second widget may be to distinguish such side of the second widget from the "first side" of the first widget and not to connote that the second widget has two sides.

The scope of the present invention serves as a solution to the current problems in radon measurement technologies. Examples below are problems and solutions made by the one or more embodiments described in the present disclosure.

Claim 1:
A method of detecting radon, comprising:
imposing a first triggering action on a switch (<NUM>);
transitioning a seal (<NUM>) of a radon detection device (<NUM>) to an open position from a seal position in response to the first triggering action on the switch, the open position facilitating introduction of ambient air to a vent (<NUM>) of the radon detection device and the seal position discouraging introduction of the ambient air to the vent, wherein the vent is in fluid communication with a test material (<NUM>) located within the radon detection device, the test material being configured to collect radon from the ambient air introduced to the radon detection device;
starting a first timer at a clock circuit (<NUM>) of a radon detection device in response to the first triggering action;
performing an alarm in response to the switch being moved out of the open position before the first timer is substantially equal to a measurement interval;
transitioning the seal of the radon detection device to the seal position from the open position in response to the first timer being substantially equal to the measurement interval; and
starting a second timer in response to the seal transitioning from the open position to the seal position, wherein the seal remains in the sealed position following the transition from the open position to the sealed position.