US3923398A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus and method for flame atomization
Assignee: Trace Metals Instruments Inc
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Filing: 1974-02-06
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Granted: 1975-12-02
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Expires: 1994-02-06
Abstract
Abstract Procedure for atomizing a micro-sample in solution by placing the micro-sample solution in a container having an axial hole therein, allowing gases typically from flame or plasma, to contact the container and pass through the axial hole to volatilize the micro-sample and atomize metal therein to form metal atoms. The metal atoms formed can be analyzed, typically by spectrometric means.
Inventors
- 👤 Leonard Adler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 22:00
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/62; G01N21/71; G01N21/714
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 17
Claim 1
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for atomization comprising placing a micro-sample containing metal compound in a cup having an axial hole therein, heating said cup with hot gases and passing said gases through said axial hole into contact with said micro-sample, thereby volatilizing said micro-sample and atomizing metal therein.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
46 words
A method for atomization comprising placing a micro-sample containing metal compound in a cup having an axial hole therein, heating said cup with hot gases and passing said gases through said axial hole into contact with said micro-sample, thereby volatilizing said micro-sample and atomizing metal therein.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method for atomization claimed in claim 1, wherein said container is a cup formed of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, ceramic, stainless steel, and carbon.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method for atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein said cup has supporting projections upon which a loop is fitted for placing said cup over said gases.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method for atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein said gases are flame gases.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method for atomization claimed in claim 4, wherein a capillary burner is placed below said cup and is lit to provide a stiff flame of said flame gases.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
96 words
The method of atomization claimed, in claim 5, wherein an air/acetylene mixture is initially flamed and said flame is then switched to a nitrous oxide/acetylene mixture flame at a higher temperature than the flame from said air/acetylene mixture; wherein the flame from said air/acetylene mixture atomizes a metal selected from the group consisting of lead, cadmium, zinc, arsenic, selenium, mercury, and thallium in said micro-sample and the flame from said nitrous oxide/acetylene mixture atomizes a metal less volatile than the aforesaid metals selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, manganese, silver, chromium, cobalt and nickel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The method of atomization claimed in claim 6, wherein said cup is withdrawn from the flame after atomization occurs with said nitrous oxide/acetylene flame and is placed in contact with a stream of inert gas.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein said cup is in a plasma jet which is inside a plasma excitation device and gases are converted into a plasma by said plasma excitation device operating at 50-5,000 W and a frequency of 10-3,000 MHz.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method of atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein said metal which is atomized includes at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, iron, manganese, silver, chromium, cobalt, and nickel.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein an absorption tube is positioned with an opening therein horizontally above said cup and gases and said gases and atomized metal pass into sAid opening and said atomized metal is spectrometrically analyzed through said absorption tube.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method of atomization claimed in claim 2, wherein said cup is fitted with an inner lip to prevent micro-sample flow through said axial hole.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
28 words
A micro-sample atomization cup having an axial hole therein, said cup being formed of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, ceramic, stainless steel and carbon.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
28 words
A micro-sample atomization cup having an axial hole therein, said cup being formed of a material selected from the group consisting of nickel, ceramic, stainless steel and carbon.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
18 words
The micro-sample atomization container claimed in claim 12, wherein said cup has supporting projections for fitting a loop.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
26 words
The micro-sample atomization container claimed in claim 13, wherein said cup is fitted with an inner lip to prevent flow of micro-sample through said axial hole.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
19 words
The micro-sample atomization container claimed in claim 13, wherein said supporting projection supports said cup, being an inverted position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-12-01 | 1979-06-02 | 1979-12-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-12-01 | 1983-06-02 | 1983-12-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-12-01 | 1987-06-02 | 1987-12-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |