US3866831A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Pulsed ultrasonic nebulization system and method for flame spectroscopy
Assignee: Research Corp
•
Filing: 1973-10-10
•
Granted: 1975-02-18
•
Expires: 1993-10-10
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for nebulizing relatively small liquid samples for use in flame spectroscopic analysis. In a preferred embodiment, a 25 to 200 Mu l liquid sample is provided in a sample cup adjacent a glass coated piezoelectric transducer for use in an atomic absorption spectrometer. The transducer is energized by a radio frequency power source which, in turn, is switched on for a preselected pulse or nebulization time. The sample volume and pulse time for a particular burner configuration are chosen to achieve an aerosol density for optimum absorbance characteristics.
Inventors
- 👤 Medona Bonner Denton
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 23:46
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/71; G01N21/714; B; B05; B05B; B05B17/00; B05B17/04; B05B17/06; B05B17/0607
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
44 words
A pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system for flame spectroscopy, which comprises: means for receiving a liquid sample to be analyzed; means for generating a pulsed RF signal; and transducer means responsive to said pulsed RF signal for nebulizing said liquid sample into an aerosol spray.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
44 words
A pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system for flame spectroscopy, which comprises: means for receiving a liquid sample to be analyzed; means for generating a pulsed RF signal; and transducer means responsive to said pulsed RF signal for nebulizing said liquid sample into an aerosol spray.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 1, wherein said transducer means comprises a piezoelectric material for converting said pulsed RF signal into mechanical energy.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
43 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 1, wherein said generating means comprises a radio frequency power source and means for switching said power source on for a preselected time period that corresponds to the desired nebulization time for said liquid sample.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 3, wherein said time period is within the range of approximately 0.4 to 8.0 seconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid sample receiving means is positioned adjacent said transducer means whereby said liquid sample contacts said transducer means prior to nebulization.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
20 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 1, further comprising burner means for receiving and burning said aerosol spray.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
47 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 6, wherein said burner means comprises a head having a plurality of apertures formed therein and a base whose upper end is in open communication with said head, said base having an inlet conduit for admitting a fuel-oxidizer mixture.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 7, wherein said base of said burner means has a lower end opening in which said receiving means and said transducer means are positioned.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The pulsed ultrasonic nebulizer system according to claim 1, wherein said liquid sample ranges from 25 Mu l to 200 Mu l in volume.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of producing an aerosol of a liquid sample for flame spectroscopic analysis, which comprises the steps of: providing a liquid sample to be analyzed; generating a pulsed RF signal; and nebulizing said liquid sample in response to said pulsed RF signal.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
43 words
A method of producing an aerosol of a liquid sample for flame spectroscopic analysis, which comprises the steps of: providing a liquid sample to be analyzed; generating a pulsed RF signal; and nebulizing said liquid sample in response to said pulsed RF signal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 10, wherein said step of generating a pulsed RF signal comprises the steps of: generating a radio frequency signal; and switching said radio frequency signal on for a predetermined time corresponding to the desired nebulizing time of said liquid sample.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method according to claim 10, wherein said nebulizing step comprises the steps of: providing an ultrasonic transducer adjacent said liquid sample; and applying said pulsed RF signal to said ultrasonic transducer.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method according to claim 12, wherein said step of generating a pulsed RF signal comprises the steps of: generating a radio frequency signal; and switching said radio frequency signal on for a predetermined time corresponding to the desired nebulizing time of said liquid sample.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
17 words
The method according to claim 13, wherein said predetermined time ranges from approximately 0.4 to 8.0 seconds.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method according to claim 14, wherein the volume of said liquid sample ranges from 25 microliters to 200 microliters.
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) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |