US3847780A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Device for thinning technical and microscopic specimens under laminar flow conditions
Assignee: Rathenower Optische Werke VEB
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Filing: 1972-07-24
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Granted: 1974-11-12
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Expires: 1992-07-24
Abstract
Abstract Device for electrochemically or chemically thinning technical and microscopic specimens, such as thin or microsections, under laminar flow conditions, comprising two jet nozzle systems on opposite sides of the specimen to be thinned, each nozzle consisting of a long, wide-lumen jet tube, each system having a central nozzle space which tapers inwardly toward the nozzle proper, with a concentric, annular channel disposed about each nozzle space, with a number of (preferably four) symmetrical overflow channels running from each annular channel to its nozzle space, a supply conduit linking each annular channel to a circulating pump. Polishing masks are applied to the specimen with the interposition of thin, soft sealing rings. The jet nozzle spaces may have windows, allowing observation during the thinning process, e.g. by the aid of a microscope.
Inventors
- 👤 P Burck
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 07:57
CPC Classifications
B; B23; B23H; B23H9/00; B23H9/14; B23H9/16
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
206 words
A device for selective chemical and electrochemical thinning of respective non-metallic and metallic, technical and microscopic specimens under laminar flow conditions of the applied electrolyte, the device having at least one jet nozzle directed toward the specimen so as to apply the electrolyte to its surface to be thinned and optionally perforated, the specimen being held in at least one mask, the device comprising, in combination, a wide-lumen jet tube associated with each said at least one jet nozzle, a central jet space being provided in an area adjoining said mask and tapering inwardly in the direction of exit of said jet tube, an annular channel surrounding said jet space, at least four symmetrically disposed overflow channels between said annular channel and the associated jet space, and pump means for conveying the electrolyte to said annular channel, by the intermediary of a supply channel, the arrangement of said annular channel and said at least four overflow channels between said at least one jet nozzle and said pump means providing means for producing controlled laminar flow of the electrolyte, with the absence of a direct supply between said at least one jet nozzle and said pump means making for the laminar flow conditions without drift and turbulence.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
206 words
A device for selective chemical and electrochemical thinning of respective non-metallic and metallic, technical and microscopic specimens under laminar flow conditions of the applied electrolyte, the device having at least one jet nozzle directed toward the specimen so as to apply the electrolyte to its surface to be thinned and optionally perforated, the specimen being held in at least one mask, the device comprising, in combination, a wide-lumen jet tube associated with each said at least one jet nozzle, a central jet space being provided in an area adjoining said mask and tapering inwardly in the direction of exit of said jet tube, an annular channel surrounding said jet space, at least four symmetrically disposed overflow channels between said annular channel and the associated jet space, and pump means for conveying the electrolyte to said annular channel, by the intermediary of a supply channel, the arrangement of said annular channel and said at least four overflow channels between said at least one jet nozzle and said pump means providing means for producing controlled laminar flow of the electrolyte, with the absence of a direct supply between said at least one jet nozzle and said pump means making for the laminar flow conditions without drift and turbulence.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
34 words
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein the diameter of said jet tube is larger than the inner area of said at least one mask, in the order of at least 2 millimeters.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said at least one mask has a lip angle of about 30* .
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
32 words
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein the ratio between the diameter of said jet tube is above 1.7 in respect of the inner area of said at least one mask.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising at least one window flanking a wall of said jet space to allow the inspection of the thinning procedure.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising electrical contact means for connecting the poles of an extraneous DC source to the specimen as well as to said jet tube, for purposes of electrochemical thinning.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
61 words
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein said pump means and the flow conditions in said supply channel, said annular channel, said at least four overflow channels, said jet space and said jet tube are adjusted so as to yield a flow velocity of the electrolyte of about 0.1 meters per second at each said at least one jet nozzle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
26 words
The device as defined in claim 1, wherein the initial thickness of the specimen to be thinned exceeds 0.3 mm and ranges up to 0.8 mm.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a sealing ring interposed between the specimen and said at least one mask.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
46 words
The device as defined in claim 9, wherein said at least one mask is made of a transparent, hard plastic such as polystyrene and said sealing ring is made of a soft, elastic plastic such as polyethylene, the latter having a thickness of maximum 0.07 mm.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
58 words
The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a carrier for said at least one mask and the specimen therein, a prism to which said carrier can be secured, and a guide along which said prism can be moved for positioning the specimen in front of and centered with respect to said at least one jet nozzle.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
24 words
The device as defined in claim 11, further comprising means for adjusting and securing the position of said carrier with respect to said guide.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
The device as defined in claim 1, further comprising a cuvette and a jet cage therein for lodging said jet tube and the associated elements of the device.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
31 words
The device as defined in claim 13, wherein said cuvette and said jet cage are made of transparent polyvinyl chloride while said at least one jet nozzle is made of steel.
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) | 1977-11-11 | 1978-05-13 | 1978-11-12 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-11-11 | 1982-05-13 | 1982-11-12 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-11-11 | 1986-05-13 | 1986-11-12 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |