US3732014A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Electromagnetic radiation apparatus for analyzing small particles
Assignee: General Electric Co
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Filing: 1972-01-31
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Granted: 1973-05-08
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Expires: 1992-01-31
Abstract
Abstract Method and apparatus for measuring static and dynamic properties of small particles are disclosed. A beam of energy is split into signal and reference beams. The signal beam is focused into a sample cell containing a solution or suspension of the particles to be analyzed, where it is scattered by interaction with the particles. Energy scattered at some angle is passed through restrictive apertures and a collecting lens to a detector. The reference beam is directed through an attenuator and a focusing lens to a fixed scattering matrix, which is located along the path of propagation of the scattered signal light. A portion of the scattered reference light is passed through a restrictive aperture to the detector where it is heterodyned with the scattered signal light.
Inventors
- 👤 E Uzgiris
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 18:16
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01J; G01J3/00; G01J3/28; G01J3/44; G01J3/4412; G01N; G01N27/00; G01N27/26; G01N27/416; G01N27/447; G01N27/44704; G01N27/44717; G01N27/44721; G01P; G01P5/00; G01P5/26; G01S; G01S7/00; G01S7/02; G01S7/41; G01N15/00; G01N15/02; G01N15/0205
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
149 words
Apparatus for measuring static and dynamic characteristics of small particles comprising: a. a source of energy for producing a first beam of energy; b. beam splitting means interposed along the path of propagation of said first beam of energy for splitting said first beam of energy into second and third beams of energy; c. a sample cell for containing a quantity of said particles, said sample cell being interposed along the path of propagation of said second beam of energy, so that a portion of said second beam of energy is scattered by said particles; d. a fixed scattering matrix; e. means for directing said third beam of energy onto said fixed scattering matrix; and f. energy detector means for receiving energy scattered by said particles and energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix, said energy detector means providing an output signal indicative of saId static and dynamic characteristics.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
149 words
Apparatus for measuring static and dynamic characteristics of small particles comprising: a. a source of energy for producing a first beam of energy; b. beam splitting means interposed along the path of propagation of said first beam of energy for splitting said first beam of energy into second and third beams of energy; c. a sample cell for containing a quantity of said particles, said sample cell being interposed along the path of propagation of said second beam of energy, so that a portion of said second beam of energy is scattered by said particles; d. a fixed scattering matrix; e. means for directing said third beam of energy onto said fixed scattering matrix; and f. energy detector means for receiving energy scattered by said particles and energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix, said energy detector means providing an output signal indicative of saId static and dynamic characteristics.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
35 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for directing said third beam includes a reflecting surface and a focusing lens, said third beam being focused into a small spot on said fixed scattering matrix.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
26 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said reflecting surface and said fixed scattering matrix are so positioned as to maximize the scattering of said third beam.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 2 including additionally attenuator means interposed along the path of propagation of said third beam between said beam splitting means and said focusing lens for controlling the amplitude of said third beam.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
46 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said energy detector means is adjustable in position so as to receive energy scattered in said sample cell at a preselected angle to the path of propagation of said second beam, said preselected angle being determined by said characteristics.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus of claim 5 including additionally energy collimating means interposed between said sample cell and said energy detector means.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
65 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said energy collimating means comprises: a. a first restrictive aperture for admitting energy scattered at said preselected angle in said sample cell; b. a collecting lens for receiving energy admitted by said first restrictive aperture and focusing said energy onto said energy detector means; and c. a second restrictive aperture for controlling energy admitted to said energy detector means.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
17 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said fixed scattering matrix is interposed within said energy collimating means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
59 words
The apparatus of claim 7 wherein said first restrictive aperture is disposed immediately adjacent a first active surface of said collecting lens and said fixed scattering matrix is disposed immediately adjacent a second active surface of said collecting lens, and divergence between said energy scattered by said particles and said energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix is minimized.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said energy detector means is a square law detector and said output signal is the detected heterodyne product of said energy scattered by said particles and said energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said energy source is a helium-neon laser and said first, second, and third beams of energy are light.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 including additionally means within said sample cell for imparting electrophoretic motion to said particles.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus of claim 12 wherein said means for imparting electrophoretic motion comprises a pair of substantially parallel electrically conducting plates.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fixed scattering matrix comprises a layer of substantially spherical particles of dimension of approximately 900 A. to 4000 A. in diameter.
Claim 16
Independent Claim
92 words
The method of measuring static and dynamic characteristics of small particles comprising the steps of: a. splitting a beam of energy into a signal beam and a reference beam; b. focusing said signal beam into a quantity of said particles, said signal beam being scattered by said particles; c. focusing said reference beam onto a fixed scattering matrix; d. mixing, in a square law detector, energy scattered by said particles with energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix; and e. computing the autocorrelation function of the output of said square law detector.
Claim 17
Independent Claim
92 words
The method of measuring static and dynamic characteristics of small particles comprising the steps of: a. splitting a beam of energy into a signal beam and a reference beam; b. focusing said signal beam into a quantity of said particles, said signal beam being scattered by said particles; c. focusing said reference beam onto a fixed scattering matrix; d. mixing, in a square law detector, energy scattered by said particles with energy scattered by said fixed scattering matrix; and e. computing the autocorrelation function of the output of said square law detector.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-05-07 | 1976-11-06 | 1977-05-08 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-05-07 | 1980-11-06 | 1981-05-08 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-05-07 | 1984-11-06 | 1985-05-08 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |