US3791192A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Particle standard and calibration method
Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corp
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Filing: 1972-07-03
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Granted: 1974-02-12
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Expires: 1992-07-03
Abstract
Abstract Apparatus and method for establishing an absolute particle calibration standard useful for fluid contamination control and like applications. A soluble carrier releasably secures a known number of standard size particles (microbeads) in a geometric array, which serves as the reference standard. The carrier may be selectively dissolved to release the standard particles into the system to be tested or calibrated. The reference standard is manufactured by introducing solid particles of known size, or within a given size range, into a precisely-dimensioned metering slot or groove which constrains a predetermined number of the particles in the desired array. Examination by microscope or other suitable means verifies the count of the standard particles. The geometry of the array facilitates visual counting. A soluble adherent carrier medium is applied to the arrayed particles, after which the carrier and the adhered particles may be removed from the metering slot and transported as an integral set.
Inventors
- 👤 J Butler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-28 09:28
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N15/00; G01N15/02; G01N15/10; G01N15/1012
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 68
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said slot defining means comprising a glass slide having said slot formed in one surface thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
114 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said slot defining means comprising a glass slide having said slot formed in one surface thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 1 wherein said slot is substantially rectilinear.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 1 wherein said slot is of a trapezoidal cross section.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
25 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 1 wherein said particles are contiguously arranged and disposed in said slot and extend throughout its entire length.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
127 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottoM, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said particles being contiguously arranged and disposed in said slot and extending throughout its entire length, and a soluble substance being applied to said particles for selective retention thereof.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
127 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottoM, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said particles being contiguously arranged and disposed in said slot and extending throughout its entire length, and a soluble substance being applied to said particles for selective retention thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
18 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 5 wherein said soluble substance comprises: a film of solidified collodian.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
23 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 5 wherein said soluble substance comprises: a solid film of material soluble in an inorganic solvent.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
23 words
A calibration standard as defined in claim 5 wherein said soluble substance comprises: a solid film of material soluble in an organic solvent.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
120 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said particles comprising synthetic plastic beads of substantially uniform diameter and are in the size range from 1 micron to 200 microns.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
120 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, said particles comprising synthetic plastic beads of substantially uniform diameter and are in the size range from 1 micron to 200 microns.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
61 words
A particle standard comprising: a substantially solid sheet of material soluble in a given class of solvents; a plurality of particles of substantially uniform dimension and substantially insoluble in said given class of solvents, said particles being combined with said solid sheet of material whereby said sheet functions as a matrix for releasably securing said particles in an ordered geometrical pattern.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
61 words
A particle standard comprising: a substantially solid sheet of material soluble in a given class of solvents; a plurality of particles of substantially uniform dimension and substantially insoluble in said given class of solvents, said particles being combined with said solid sheet of material whereby said sheet functions as a matrix for releasably securing said particles in an ordered geometrical pattern.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
16 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said sheet of material is substantially transparent.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 11 wherein said particles are relatively opaque as compared with said sheet of transparent material.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
22 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said particles have a contrasting color as compared with said sheet of material.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
26 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said sheet of material is selected from the group comprising: ethyl hydroxethyl cellulose, phenolic, and polyvinyl butryal.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
37 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said sheet of material is in the form of a ribbon, having a narrow width as compared with its length, and having as its smallest dimension its thickness.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
14 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said particles are spherically shaped.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
32 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 16 wherein said particles are of substantially uniform diameter and are selected to have a size within the range from 1 micron to 200 microns.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
30 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said particles comprise beads made from a substance selected from the group comprising: glass, synthetic plastic, metal, latex, and natural pollen.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
17 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said ordered geometrical pattern comprises a straight line.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
19 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 wherein said ordered geometrical pattern comprises a plurality of parallel lines.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
31 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 10 including a solvent of said given class of solvents for selectively releasing said particles from said matrix by dissolving said sheet of material.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
24 words
A particle standard as defined in claim 21 wherein said solvent is selected from the group comprising: hydrocarbons, alcohols, ketones, esters, ethers, and water.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
125 words
Calibration apparatus comprising: a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size; means defining an elongAted groove having a dimension d which is the mean diamension of said particles for receiving said plurality of particles in a contiguous arrangement extending along said groove, said groove being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces and a smooth bottom, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than said mean dimension of said particles; and, means for selectively transferring said contiguously arranged particles from said groove to a receiving container, said transferring means cooperatively engaging said groove defining means only at a transfer station at which said particles initially confront said transferring means to which said particles then become held.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
125 words
Calibration apparatus comprising: a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size; means defining an elongAted groove having a dimension d which is the mean diamension of said particles for receiving said plurality of particles in a contiguous arrangement extending along said groove, said groove being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces and a smooth bottom, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than said mean dimension of said particles; and, means for selectively transferring said contiguously arranged particles from said groove to a receiving container, said transferring means cooperatively engaging said groove defining means only at a transfer station at which said particles initially confront said transferring means to which said particles then become held.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
132 words
Calibration apparatus comprising: a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size; means defining an elongated groove having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is a given calibration number and d is the mean dimension of said particles for receiving said plurality of particles in a contiguous arrangement extending throughout the entire length of said groove, said groove being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth bottom and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than said mean dimension of said particles; and, means for selectively transferring said contiguously arranged particles from said groove to a receiving container, said groove defining means comprising a planar glass slide having said groove located in one surface thereof.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
132 words
Calibration apparatus comprising: a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size; means defining an elongated groove having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is a given calibration number and d is the mean dimension of said particles for receiving said plurality of particles in a contiguous arrangement extending throughout the entire length of said groove, said groove being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth bottom and two end faces, both the breadth and depth of said slot being fractionally larger than said mean dimension of said particles; and, means for selectively transferring said contiguously arranged particles from said groove to a receiving container, said groove defining means comprising a planar glass slide having said groove located in one surface thereof.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
24 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 24 wherein said groove defining means comprises: a cylinder having said groove located in the peripheral surface thereof.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
26 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 25 including: means for rotating said cylinder to facilitate the transfer of said particles from said groove to said container.
Claim 33
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for establishing a calibration standard in the form of an exact given quantity of particles, comprising the steps of: introducing a plurality of substantially uniform particles of nominal dimension into a slot having a width fractionally greater than the nominal dimension of one of said particles and a length which is an integral multiple of said nominal dimension, in a quantity sufficient to result in a contiguous relationship of said particles in said slot whereby said slot is substantially filled; verifying while in said slot that the total number of particles said slot conforms to said exact given quantity; and, thereafter transferring said particles to a receiving container.
Claim 34
Independent Claim
110 words
A method for establishing a calibration standard in the form of an exact given quantity of particles, comprising the steps of: introducing a plurality of substantially uniform particles of nominal dimension into a slot having a width fractionally greater than the nominal dimension of one of said particles and a length which is an integral multiple of said nominal dimension, in a quantity sufficient to result in a contiguous relationship of said particles in said slot whereby said slot is substantially filled; verifying while in said slot that the total number of particles said slot conforms to said exact given quantity; and, thereafter transferring said particles to a receiving container.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said verifying step comprises optically examining the occupancy of said slot to assure that the length of said slot is filled with said particles.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said verifying step includes: counting the number of said particles in said slot to ascertain conformance with said exact given quantity.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said transferring step comprises: flushing said particles from said slot into said container by means of a supply of flushing fluid.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said container comprises a soluble solidified carrier.
Claim 39
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said slot is substantially rectilinear and is formed in one surface of a glass slide.
Claim 40
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method as defined in claim 27 wherein said slot is substantially rectilinear and is formed in the peripheral surface of a rotatable cylinder.
Claim 41
Dependent Claim
36 words
The method as defined in claim 27 including the step of: combining said plurality of particles with a soluble thixotropic medium prior to said introducing step to facilitate the transfer of said particles into said slot.
Claim 42
Independent Claim
143 words
The method of producing a particle calibration standard comprising the steps of: conglomerating a plurality of substantially uniform particles with a sufficient amount of viscous medium to facilitate the temporary transportation of said particles; introducing a first quantity of said conglomerated particles into a measuring slot having precisely predetermined dimensions by means of which a predetermined second quantity of said first quantity of conglomerated particles, which is equal to or less than said first quantity, is arranged into a contiguous relationship so as to substantially fill said slot; accurately counting all said contiguously related particles in said slot to establish a known calibration quantity; and, thereafter removing all of said particles from said slot while separating said particles from said viscous medium whereby said calibration quantity of particles may be selectively transferred to a receiving container to constitute an absolute particle calibration standard.
Claim 43
Independent Claim
143 words
The method of producing a particle calibration standard comprising the steps of: conglomerating a plurality of substantially uniform particles with a sufficient amount of viscous medium to facilitate the temporary transportation of said particles; introducing a first quantity of said conglomerated particles into a measuring slot having precisely predetermined dimensions by means of which a predetermined second quantity of said first quantity of conglomerated particles, which is equal to or less than said first quantity, is arranged into a contiguous relationship so as to substantially fill said slot; accurately counting all said contiguously related particles in said slot to establish a known calibration quantity; and, thereafter removing all of said particles from said slot while separating said particles from said viscous medium whereby said calibration quantity of particles may be selectively transferred to a receiving container to constitute an absolute particle calibration standard.
Claim 44
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said particles are of substantially uniform diameter and are in the size range of 1 micron to 200 microns.
Claim 45
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said introducing step comprises wiping said first quantity of conglomerated particles across and into said slot by means of a spatula.
Claim 46
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said viscous medium is soluble and wherein said removing step includes dissolving said viscous medium in a solvent.
Claim 47
Dependent Claim
18 words
The method as defined in claim 38 wherein said particles comprise beads which are insoluble in said solvent.
Claim 48
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as defined in claim 39 wherein said removing step includes the flushing of said particles from said slot by means of a jet of liquid solvent.
Claim 49
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said removing step includes the flushing of said particles from said slot by means of a jet of gas.
Claim 50
Dependent Claim
15 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said receiving container comprises a sample bottle.
Claim 51
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said receiving container comprises a ribbon of material having a surface to which the separated particles adhere.
Claim 52
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method as defined in claim 35 in which said container comprises a ribbon of soluble material cast in place onto said contiguously arranged particles.
Claim 53
Dependent Claim
13 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said slot is substantially rectangular.
Claim 54
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method as defined in claim 45 wherein said slot is formed in the surface of a planar glass slide.
Claim 55
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as defined in claim 45 wherein said slot is formed in the peripheral surface of a cylinder.
Claim 56
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as defined in claim 35 wherein said slot comprises a capillary tube the interior diameter of which is fractionally larger than the mean dimension of said particles.
Claim 57
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method as defined in claim 35 including the step of: emptying said receiving container into a system to be calibrated.
Claim 58
Dependent Claim
108 words
A calibration standard establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, the depth of said slot being fractionally larger than twice the mean diameter of said particles, said slot defining means comprising a glass slide having said slot formed in one surface thereof.
Claim 59
Dependent Claim
108 words
A calibration standard establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, the depth of said slot being fractionally larger than twice the mean diameter of said particles, said slot defining means comprising a glass slide having said slot formed in one surface thereof.
Claim 60
Dependent Claim
22 words
The standard of claim 50 in which the breadth of said slot is at least twice the mean diameter of said particles.
Claim 61
Dependent Claim
15 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said transferring means is a film carrier.
Claim 62
Dependent Claim
24 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 23 wherein said groove defining means comprises a cylinder having said groove located in the peripheral surface thereof.
Claim 63
Dependent Claim
20 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein said groove is oriented circumferentually on the peripheral surface of said cylinder.
Claim 64
Dependent Claim
26 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 54 including means for rotating said cylinder to facilitate the transfer of said particles from said groove to said container.
Claim 65
Dependent Claim
40 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 53 wherein said groove is one of a plurality of spaced grooves each one of which is oriented on the peripheral surface of said cylinder in parallel relationship to the axis of said cylinder.
Claim 66
Dependent Claim
26 words
Calibration apparatus as defined in claim 56 including means for rotating said cylinder to facilitate the transfer of said particles from said groove to said container.
Claim 67
Dependent Claim
133 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, the depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, the breadth of said slot being fractionally larger than twice the mean diameter of said particles, said particles comprising synthetic plastic beads of substantially uniform diameter and are in the size range from 1 micron to 200 microns.
Claim 68
Dependent Claim
133 words
A calibration standard to be used for establishing a given count of a plurality of particles of substantially uniform shape and size, comprising: means defining an elongated slot having a length substantially equal to n times d where n is said given count and d is the mean diameter of said particles, for receiving said plurality of particles, said slot being bounded by two confronting and uniformly spaced apart side faces, a smooth substantially planar bottom, and two end faces, the depth of said slot being fractionally larger than the mean diameter of said particles, the breadth of said slot being fractionally larger than twice the mean diameter of said particles, said particles comprising synthetic plastic beads of substantially uniform diameter and are in the size range from 1 micron to 200 microns.
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) | 1977-02-11 | 1977-08-13 | 1978-02-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-11 | 1981-08-13 | 1982-02-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-11 | 1985-08-13 | 1986-02-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |