US Patent 9417174 Tube and float system and methods of using the same

This disclosure is directed to systems and methods for analyzing target materials of a suspension include a tube and a float. The float may include expandable portions. The system traps a target analyte between the expandable float and the tube and/or to create a seal between the expandable float and the tube to inhibit fluid from flowing past the expandable float in the tube. The expandable portions may radially expand when exposed to an expanding fluid, such that the expanding fluid is not a naturally-occurring constituent of the suspension; or, the expandable portions may radially expand when a force is exerted upon the expandable portion. A tube may include expandable portions that expand towards the float.