US3717040A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Molecular probe apparatus
Assignee: University of Toronto
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Filing: 1970-09-14
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Granted: 1973-02-20
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Expires: 1990-09-14
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus for determining physical characteristics of particulate material in which the material whose characteristics are to be determined are deposited in a heated tube which is connected through an inlet with an inert carrier gas source. Probe molecules in a vapor source are injected into the carrier gas stream at predetermined intervals or temperatures. The retention time of the probe molecules with respect to the material is measured by a gas detector positioned downstream of the tube adjacent the outlet. The temperature may be varied linearly or progressively and the injection mechanism may respond either to time, to the expiry of the retention time, or to a combination of these factors to provide automatic measurement.
Inventors
- 👤 J Guillet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 17:01
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/44; G01N33/442
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
176 words
Apparatus for determining the physical characteristics of particulate materials comprising: a tube for carrying the material whose characteristics are to be determined, said tube having an inlet and an outlet and being of a material inert with respect to the material whose characteristics are to be determined; heating means associated with said tube, variable temperature control means for controlling said heating means; carrier gas control means connected to said inlet for determining the rate of flow and pressure of a stream of carrier gas, injection means for introducing predetermined quantities of a probe in the vapor phase and non-reactant marker gas into said carrier gas stream; gas detector means disposed in said tube adjacent said outlet for generating a signal in response to detection of each of said marker gas and said probe, respectively; first timer means and second timing means, said second timer means actuating said injection means at predetermined intervals, said first timer means being responsive to said signal generated by said gas detector means to determine the retention time of said probe molecule.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
176 words
Apparatus for determining the physical characteristics of particulate materials comprising: a tube for carrying the material whose characteristics are to be determined, said tube having an inlet and an outlet and being of a material inert with respect to the material whose characteristics are to be determined; heating means associated with said tube, variable temperature control means for controlling said heating means; carrier gas control means connected to said inlet for determining the rate of flow and pressure of a stream of carrier gas, injection means for introducing predetermined quantities of a probe in the vapor phase and non-reactant marker gas into said carrier gas stream; gas detector means disposed in said tube adjacent said outlet for generating a signal in response to detection of each of said marker gas and said probe, respectively; first timer means and second timing means, said second timer means actuating said injection means at predetermined intervals, said first timer means being responsive to said signal generated by said gas detector means to determine the retention time of said probe molecule.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
Apparatus is claimed in claim 1 wherein said second timer means includes means for resetting said temperature control means at predetermined spaced apart intervals.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including means for recording said retention time and said temperature.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for recording is a graphical display means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein said means for recording is digital.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
13 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 further including means for recording the pressure.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 including second timing means responsive to said signal generated by said gas detector in response to detection of said probe for resetting said temperature control means at predetermined spaced apart temperatures and actuating said injection means.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3286530A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-02-20 | 1976-08-21 | 1977-02-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-02-20 | 1980-08-21 | 1981-02-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-02-20 | 1984-08-21 | 1985-02-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |