US3747397A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Test apparatus for film-forming materials
Assignee: Eli Lilly and Co
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Filing: 1971-10-26
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Granted: 1973-07-24
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Expires: 1991-10-26
Abstract
Abstract A gelatin film is spread on a flat steel plate from a spreader bucket and blade moved over the plate at uniform speed. To provide controlled gelling conditions, the plate temperature is held constant by water flow across its bottom and conditioned air is circulated through a housing over the plate. A plurality of test probes mounted above the plate are depressed into contact with and withdrawn from the gelatin film, in timed sequence. The probes are wetted by un-gelled film and draw strands therefrom which remain connected to the probes, whereas the probes do not draw strands from gelled film but form dimples therein. The strands and dimples may be retained as a record, and gelation time is accurately determined by observing either or both of when the successively-depressed probes cease to draw strands or start to form dimples. Strand thickness and dimple size varies at different stages to reveal gelation characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 M Sharabash
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 12:57
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N11/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 20
Claim 1
Independent Claim
95 words
Test apparatus for film forming materials, comprising a film-supporting plate, means to spread a film on said plate for exposure to film-curing conditions, a plurality of test probes having supported positions in spaced relation from each other above the plate, each probe being mounted for movement toward, and retraction from, said plate to carry its probe end into contact with, and withdrawal from, the film at a fixed point on said plate, and means to withdraw the probe after point contact with the film to test whether or not the film adheres to the probe.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
95 words
Test apparatus for film forming materials, comprising a film-supporting plate, means to spread a film on said plate for exposure to film-curing conditions, a plurality of test probes having supported positions in spaced relation from each other above the plate, each probe being mounted for movement toward, and retraction from, said plate to carry its probe end into contact with, and withdrawal from, the film at a fixed point on said plate, and means to withdraw the probe after point contact with the film to test whether or not the film adheres to the probe.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
15 words
Test apparatus as in claim 1 in which the probes are biased to withdrawn position.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
35 words
Test apparatus as in claim 1 which includes means to support the probes in withdrawn position close enough to said plate to draw and retain strands of film-forming liquid from a film on said plate.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
68 words
Test apparatus as in claim 1 in which the film forming means spreads film simultaneously at a plurality of points thereon, and probes are arrayed in a row overlying said points where the film is laid simultaneously so that the film underlying the probeS will have the same age and the probes are adapted to be contacted therewith in timed succession to test the film at different ages.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
26 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 which includes an array of a plurality of said rows of probes, spaced in the direction of film spreader blade movement.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
55 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 in which the film spreader means spreads film progressively across the plate, and probes are mounted at points spaced in the direction of film spreading progress, so that the film underlying the probes at successive ones of such points will be formed at successive times and will have different ages.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 in which each probe comprises a rod-shaped element mounted for movement longitudinally of itself in a holder.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
16 words
Apparatus as in claim 7 in which said element is spring pressed to a retracted position.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
27 words
Apparatus as in claim 7 which includes an array of a plurality of spaced probes in a plurality of rows, said probe-forming elements being in parallel relation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
31 words
Apparatus as in claim 7 in which said probes are spring pressed to withdrawn positions close enough to said plate to retain strands of film forming liquid from a film thereon.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
96 words
Test apparatus as in claim 1 which said film spreading means comprises a film spreader bucket having leading-side and end walls in sliding sealed relation with the plate, and having a trailing-side wall forming a spreader blade spaced above the plate to define therewith a distribution slot, said spreader having a top opening for the reception of film stock to be spread and being open at the bottom to said surface, and means to move the spreader edgewise across the plate at a controlled rate to spread the film stock on the plate through said slot.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
15 words
Test apparatus as in claim 11 in which the probes are biased to withdrawn position.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
53 words
Test apparatus as in claim 12 further comprising a movable frame in which said probes are mounted, means to support said frame in an elevated position in which the probes are above the path of the spreader bucket and in a lowered position in which the probes are closer to the film-supporting plate.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
40 words
Test apparatus as in claim 11 which includes means to support said probes in a withdrawn position in which they are close enough to said plate to draw and retain strands of film-forming liquid from a film on said plate.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
37 words
Test apparatus as in claim 13 in which said probes have a supported position in which they are close enough to said plate to draw and retain strands of film-forming liquid from a film on said plate.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
25 words
Test apparatus as in claim 11 in which test probes are mounted at points spaced in the direction of movement of said film spreader bucket.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
41 words
Test apparatus as in claim 11 in which test probes are mounted at points spaced transversely of the direction of movement of said film spreader bucket, whereby they all overlie points at which film is spread simultaneously by the spreader blade.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
29 words
Test apparatus as in claim 11 wherein said probes are in an array of a plurality of rows transverse to and spaced apart in the direction of spreader movement.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
29 words
Test apparatus as in claim 13 wherein said probes are in an array of a plurality of rows transverse to and spaced apart in the direction of spreader movement.
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) | 1976-07-23 | 1977-01-22 | 1977-07-24 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-07-23 | 1981-01-22 | 1981-07-24 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-07-23 | 1985-01-22 | 1985-07-24 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |