US3751966A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process control
Assignee: Kovalus Separation Solutions LLC
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Filing: 1971-11-08
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Granted: 1973-08-14
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Expires: 1991-11-08
Abstract
Abstract A gas chromatographic system includes a chromatographic column, injection control and six fraction collectors. A thermal conductivity detector monitors the outlet conduit of the column and controls a strip chart recorder which includes a retransmitting potentiometer. Connected to the potentiometer are a peak-valley-slope signal generator and six set point signal generators. The system also includes a clock, six time comparators, an auxiliary timer and a twenty step decatron sequencer. A plug board permits selective interconnection of the signal generators, the time comparators, the timer and the sequencer for producing output signals to operate the injection control and the fraction collectors as a function of the output of the column as monitored by the detector.
Inventors
- 👤 J Ryan
- 👤 C Richardson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 10:39
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N30/00; G01N30/02; G01N30/88; G01N30/62; G01N30/64; G01N30/66; G01N2030/8886
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
326 words
A process control apparatus for use with a chromatographic apparatus having: a. a chromatographic column; b. a detector connected to the column to sense the fluid stream eluted from the column and produce an analog output signal; c. a source of carrier fluid; d. injection control for periodically injecting a sample into said carrier fluid for flow through said column; and e. a plurality of fraction collectors, the process control apparatus comprising: i. means responsive to the analog output signal for generating a plurality of signals representing Different characteristics of said analog signal; ii. means to monitor the signal representing the different characteristics of said analog signals to determine if said signals fall within predetermined values at predetermined times during at least one step in a cycle; iii. a plurality of timing devices for producing timing signals, the timing signals referenced to the initiation and duration of the steps of the cycle; iv. an internal selector responsive to the output characteristic signals and the timing signals for producing a series of steps, the total of which comprises the entire cycle; v. means for producing output signals to control the injection of the sample and the collection of the eluted stream; and vi. means for selectively interconnecting said means for generating a plurality of signals, said means for monitoring the magnitude and time of occurrence of said plurality of signals, said plurality of timing devices, said interval selector, and said means for producing control signals so that said interval selector is caused to step from at least one cycle interval to the next in response to a determination by said monitoring means that said output characteristic signals fall within said predetermined values and times during said at least one cycle interval and so that said control signal producing means is caused to produce signals for collection of the eluted stream components or for injection of subsequent samples also in response to said determination by said monitoring means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
326 words
A process control apparatus for use with a chromatographic apparatus having: a. a chromatographic column; b. a detector connected to the column to sense the fluid stream eluted from the column and produce an analog output signal; c. a source of carrier fluid; d. injection control for periodically injecting a sample into said carrier fluid for flow through said column; and e. a plurality of fraction collectors, the process control apparatus comprising: i. means responsive to the analog output signal for generating a plurality of signals representing Different characteristics of said analog signal; ii. means to monitor the signal representing the different characteristics of said analog signals to determine if said signals fall within predetermined values at predetermined times during at least one step in a cycle; iii. a plurality of timing devices for producing timing signals, the timing signals referenced to the initiation and duration of the steps of the cycle; iv. an internal selector responsive to the output characteristic signals and the timing signals for producing a series of steps, the total of which comprises the entire cycle; v. means for producing output signals to control the injection of the sample and the collection of the eluted stream; and vi. means for selectively interconnecting said means for generating a plurality of signals, said means for monitoring the magnitude and time of occurrence of said plurality of signals, said plurality of timing devices, said interval selector, and said means for producing control signals so that said interval selector is caused to step from at least one cycle interval to the next in response to a determination by said monitoring means that said output characteristic signals fall within said predetermined values and times during said at least one cycle interval and so that said control signal producing means is caused to produce signals for collection of the eluted stream components or for injection of subsequent samples also in response to said determination by said monitoring means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
74 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein said interconnecting means includes receptacle means and circuit controlling means releasably secured in said receptacle means, said receptacle means including a matrix of connection controls for interconnecting via said receptacle means said characteristic signals, said timing signals, said interval selector and said output producing means so that a particular process control program may be selected by insertion of said circuit controlling means into said receptacle means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said receptacle means includes a plug board and said circuit controlling means includes a plurality of connector cords releasably secured in said plug board to define selectively the programmed process control interconnections.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said interval selector is a stepper device which selects intervals sequentially for the generation and control of said output signals for control purposes.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
48 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 4 wherein said matrix selective interconnection means includes means for providing signals terminating specific intervals, and said interval selector includes circuitry responsive only to the specific interval termination signal corresponding to that interval to step the selector to the next sequential interval.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
79 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein said monitoring means includes an adjustable set point signal generator, and circuitry for producing output signals which includes means to indicate that the analog process signal is greater than the set point signal, the analog process signal is less than the set point signal and when the analog process and set point signals are equal, an indication of the direction of relative change of said set point and analog process signals.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said monitoring means includes a differential amplifier and a flip-flop circuit.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said matrix means for interconnecting said signals includes means for selectively producing an output signal in response to one of said timing and characteristic signals, a combination of said timing and characteristic signals, or a choice of said timing and characteristic signals.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-08-13 | 1977-02-12 | 1977-08-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-08-13 | 1981-02-12 | 1981-08-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-08-13 | 1985-02-12 | 1985-08-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |