Programmed slope and amplitude responsive system

Abstract

Abstract A system is provided for interpreting a variation in voltage or current at any stage of the variation. The stage at which any variation is to be detected is predetermined by a program control. In the system is a slope detector that sends signals which are measures of the voltage or current, and there is an amplitude detector which sends similar signals, the various signals being received by a logic center which also receives signals from the program control. Upon the proper coincidence of the three signals the logic center sends directive signals to an electrical circuit and this then activates or deactivates an element as desired. As relating to gas chromatography, the signals coming from a dual thermal conductivity cell are followed in a manner in which the operator knows whether, at a given time, the elution curve is on the positive or negative side or at the peak or unchanging and precisely where it is, or in other words, the amplitude. The operator who wishes to collect the sample being eluted only between two points sets the program control and the slope detector and the amplitude detector to feed the electrical signals to the logic center so that it becomes active precisely at the start of the collection to open a valve and becomes active precisely at the end of the collection to close the open valve. During the time the valve is open the sample desired is being collected in a proper container which is in conduit relationship with the valve. With the respective valve closed, the unwanted material is vented.

Inventors

• 👤 Paul W Kercher
• 👤 Ralph M Nester
• 👤 William M Fleisher

Bibliographic Details