US3590932A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Light pressure operated microbalance
Assignee: United States Department of the Air Force
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Filing: 1970-04-30
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Granted: 1971-07-06
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Expires: 1990-04-30
Abstract
Abstract A microbalance utilizing the pressure of light for counterbalancing small changes in mass or force on the balance having a balance device and measuring device. The sample to be investigated is supported by the balance device, while the counteracting light pressure is reflected from the measuring device to the balance device. A detector determines when the balance device is out of equilibrium and accordingly varies the intensity of the light in order to counteract the unbalance. During this operation the measuring device determines how much light force was necessary to counterbalance the mass change on the sample and restore the system to equilibrium.
Inventors
- 👤 Jens P Dybwad
- 👤 Karl P Zinnow
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 01:19
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01G; G01G3/00; G01G3/10; G01G23/00; G01G23/18; G01G23/32; G01G23/36; G01G23/361
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
151 words
A microbalance comprising a balance device and a measuring device, said balance device being made up of a balance beam, means for supporting said balance beam, said balance beam supporting a sample to be investigated at one end thereof and a means for receiving a light beam at the other end thereof, said measuring device being made up of a horizontal rod, means for supporting said rod, said rod having a means for receiving and transmitting a light beam secured at one end thereof, said receiving and transmitting means being optically aligned with said receiving means on said balance beam, and a light source for producing a light beam positioned so that said light beam strikes said receiving and transmitting means on said horizontal rod, whereby varying the forces on said sample moves said balance beam out of equilibrium and varying the intensity of said light beam counterbalances said force change.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
151 words
A microbalance comprising a balance device and a measuring device, said balance device being made up of a balance beam, means for supporting said balance beam, said balance beam supporting a sample to be investigated at one end thereof and a means for receiving a light beam at the other end thereof, said measuring device being made up of a horizontal rod, means for supporting said rod, said rod having a means for receiving and transmitting a light beam secured at one end thereof, said receiving and transmitting means being optically aligned with said receiving means on said balance beam, and a light source for producing a light beam positioned so that said light beam strikes said receiving and transmitting means on said horizontal rod, whereby varying the forces on said sample moves said balance beam out of equilibrium and varying the intensity of said light beam counterbalances said force change.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
62 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 1 wherein said means for supporting said balance beam comprising a spring fixedly secured to the center of said beam, a wire fixedly secured to one end of said spring and another wire fixedly secured to the other end of said spring whereby varying the tension on said wires varies the sensitivity of said balance beam.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 2 wherein said spring is a W-shaped spring.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 3 wherein a means for reflecting a light beam is fixedly secured to the center of said balance beam, a light source for producing a light beam is located adjacent said reflecting means and a light detector is located adjacent said reflecting means for receiving said reflected light beam, whereby said detector determines whether or not said balance beam is in equilibrium.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 4 wherein said means for supporting said horizontal rod is a wire and a rotatable scale is mounted at the top end of said wire for determining the amount of deflection of said horizontal rod under the force of said light beam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
25 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 5 wherein said detectOr is electrically connected to said light source for varying the intensity of said light beam.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
15 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 6 wherein said receiving and transmitting means are mirrors.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
14 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 7 wherein said spring is made of glass.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
17 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 8 wherein said balance beam and rod are made of glass.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
15 words
A microbalance as defined in claim 9 further comprising means for oscillating said balance beam.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US2360751A
Cited
US3061027A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-07-05 | 1975-01-04 | 1975-07-06 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-07-05 | 1979-01-04 | 1979-07-06 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-07-05 | 1983-01-04 | 1983-07-06 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |