US3760166A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Random flow counter
Assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG
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Filing: 1971-12-08
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Granted: 1973-09-18
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Expires: 1991-12-08
Abstract
Abstract A highly accurate counting technique for large numbers of randomly flowing, discrete solid particular sample materials such as capsules utilizing a feeder-sensor assembly and associated circuitry is described. The feeder-sensor assembly employs a pressure gradient along the sample passageway induced by a highvelocity air jet below the sensing element to effectuate proper spacing of the sample so that the sensing element can register individual passage of the samples. A secondary air flow which assists in sample separation is provided by employing an air space between the sample imput cavity and the sensor element position of the feeder sensor assembly. In a preferred embodiment the output of a plurality of feeder-sensor assemblies is fed to discrete channels into a counter circuit distinguished in having the memory latch reset controlled by a delayed multiplexer pulse synchronized to the address counter output. Thus, a reset pulse is supplied to the memory latch only if it were previously set.
Inventors
- 👤 J Adams
- 👤 W Grimmell
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 22:32
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06M; G06M1/00; G06M1/08; G06M1/10; G06M1/101
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 39
Claim 1
Independent Claim
128 words
A feeder-sensor assembly comprising in combination: 1. object inlet means; 2. flow channel; 3. sensor channel which is so arranged and constructed as to be in direct flow path relation to said flow channel; 4. opening means providing a space between said flow channel and said sensor channel, said opening means providing access to ambient air for said sensor channel; 5. electromagnetic radiation means which radiates electromagnetic energy across said sensor channel; 6. electromagnetic radiation sensing means which is in diametrically opposed position to said electromagnetic radiation means across said sensor channel; and, 7. high velocity air inlet means so arranged and constructed as to provide a high velocity air stream perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of said sensor channel at a point below said electromagnetic radiation means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
128 words
A feeder-sensor assembly comprising in combination: 1. object inlet means; 2. flow channel; 3. sensor channel which is so arranged and constructed as to be in direct flow path relation to said flow channel; 4. opening means providing a space between said flow channel and said sensor channel, said opening means providing access to ambient air for said sensor channel; 5. electromagnetic radiation means which radiates electromagnetic energy across said sensor channel; 6. electromagnetic radiation sensing means which is in diametrically opposed position to said electromagnetic radiation means across said sensor channel; and, 7. high velocity air inlet means so arranged and constructed as to provide a high velocity air stream perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of said sensor channel at a point below said electromagnetic radiation means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
2 words
flow channel;
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
2 words
flow channel;
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
A feeder-sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein said electromagnetic radiation means comprises a lamp and said electromagnetic radiation sensing means comprises a phototransistor.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
4 words
multichannel optical head means;
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
4 words
multichannel optical head means;
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
2 words
comparator means;
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
2 words
comparator means;
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
18 words
The feeder-sensor assembly of claim 2 wherein said sensor channel contains a glass lining transparent to visible light.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
20 words
sensor channel which is so arranged and constructed as to be in direct flow path relation to said flow channel;
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
20 words
sensor channel which is so arranged and constructed as to be in direct flow path relation to said flow channel;
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
25 words
opening means providing a space between said flow channel and said sensor channel, said opening means providing access to ambient air for said sensor channel;
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
25 words
opening means providing a space between said flow channel and said sensor channel, said opening means providing access to ambient air for said sensor channel;
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
15 words
The feeder-sensor assembly of claim 1 wherein said air inlet means comprises an aspirator nozzle.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
3 words
memory latch means;
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
3 words
memory latch means;
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
2 words
multiplexer means;
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
2 words
multiplexer means;
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
17 words
An improved system for high velocity counting of randomly flowing, discrete solid particular materials which system comprises:
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
17 words
An improved system for high velocity counting of randomly flowing, discrete solid particular materials which system comprises:
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
11 words
electromagnetic radiation means which radiates electromagnetic energy across said sensor channel;
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
11 words
electromagnetic radiation means which radiates electromagnetic energy across said sensor channel;
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
electromagnetic radiation sensing means which is in diametrically opposed position to said electromagnetic radiation means across said sensor channel; and,
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
20 words
electromagnetic radiation sensing means which is in diametrically opposed position to said electromagnetic radiation means across said sensor channel; and,
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
3 words
circuit delay means;
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
3 words
circuit delay means;
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a system for counting randomly flowing objects through a complimentary shaped flow channel having a sensor station positioned for counting the objects as they flow past the station, comprising: means for introducing a flow of air at ambient pressure in an area defining a break in the flow channel above said sensor station; and, means for introducing a second air flow of high velocity and low flow rate transversely across said sensor channel below the sensing station to define in combination with said ambient air flow a pressure gradient for enhancing separation of the particular objects prior to passage through the sensor station.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
104 words
In a system for counting randomly flowing objects through a complimentary shaped flow channel having a sensor station positioned for counting the objects as they flow past the station, comprising: means for introducing a flow of air at ambient pressure in an area defining a break in the flow channel above said sensor station; and, means for introducing a second air flow of high velocity and low flow rate transversely across said sensor channel below the sensing station to define in combination with said ambient air flow a pressure gradient for enhancing separation of the particular objects prior to passage through the sensor station.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
3 words
address counter means;
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
3 words
address counter means;
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
34 words
high velocity air inlet means so arranged and constructed as to provide a high velocity air stream perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of said sensor channel at a point below said electromagnetic radiation means.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
34 words
high velocity air inlet means so arranged and constructed as to provide a high velocity air stream perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, of said sensor channel at a point below said electromagnetic radiation means.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
3 words
internal clock means;
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
3 words
internal clock means;
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
3 words
counter means; and,
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
3 words
counter means; and,
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
124 words
demultiplexer means; wherein a pulse generated by the passage of an object through said feeder-sensor assembly is conducted from said optical head means to set said memory latch means through said comparator means, said memory latch means being read by said multiplexer means which is driven by said address counter means which is controlled by said internal clock means, a resultant multiplex pulse obtained when said memory latch means is set is passed through said delay means and the delayed pulse is passed through said counter means and saId demultiplexer means, said demultiplexer means being driven by said address means and resets said memory latch means only if said memory latch means had been previously set by a pulse from said optical head means.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
124 words
demultiplexer means; wherein a pulse generated by the passage of an object through said feeder-sensor assembly is conducted from said optical head means to set said memory latch means through said comparator means, said memory latch means being read by said multiplexer means which is driven by said address counter means which is controlled by said internal clock means, a resultant multiplex pulse obtained when said memory latch means is set is passed through said delay means and the delayed pulse is passed through said counter means and saId demultiplexer means, said demultiplexer means being driven by said address means and resets said memory latch means only if said memory latch means had been previously set by a pulse from said optical head means.
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) | 1976-09-17 | 1977-03-19 | 1977-09-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-09-17 | 1981-03-19 | 1981-09-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-09-17 | 1985-03-19 | 1985-09-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |