Patent US4279345A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US4279345A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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High speed particle sorter using a field emission electrode
Assignee: Individual
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Filing: 1979-08-03
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Granted: 1981-07-21
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Expires: 1999-08-03
Abstract
Abstract The invention sorts small particles by subjecting them to a charging and motivating field produced by a single positively charged electrode. The magnitude of the charge placed on the particle passing the electrode is a function of the observed particle parameters. Once the particle has been deflected in accordance with its observed parameter, the particle may be collected for further study.
Inventors
- 👤 John C. Allred
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 18:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N15/00; G01N15/10; G01N15/14; G01N15/1456; G01N15/1459; B; B07; B07C; B07C5/00; B07C5/36; G01N15/149; G01N15/1434; G01N2015/1438
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for analyzing and sorting small particles on the basis of preselected parameters or combinations of pre-selected parameters comprising: generating means for segregating one of said particles in at least one liquid droplet; sensing means downstream of said generating means for sensing the presence or absence of said preselected parameter of said particle; flow means for passing said particles from said generating means to close proximity of an electrode, said electrode being located downstream of said sensing means; discrimination means responsive to said sensing means and functionally connected to said electrode for selectively establishing a positive high potential electric field on said electrode when said particle is closely adjacent said electrode if said sensed particle displays said pre-selected parameter; and collection means located downstream of said electrode for receiving said particles.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
132 words
An apparatus for analyzing and sorting small particles on the basis of preselected parameters or combinations of pre-selected parameters comprising: generating means for segregating one of said particles in at least one liquid droplet; sensing means downstream of said generating means for sensing the presence or absence of said preselected parameter of said particle; flow means for passing said particles from said generating means to close proximity of an electrode, said electrode being located downstream of said sensing means; discrimination means responsive to said sensing means and functionally connected to said electrode for selectively establishing a positive high potential electric field on said electrode when said particle is closely adjacent said electrode if said sensed particle displays said pre-selected parameter; and collection means located downstream of said electrode for receiving said particles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
33 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 including an environmental envelope filled with a gas whose speed of sound is higher than air surrounding said droplet from said generating means to said collection means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
22 words
An apparatus as in claim 2 where said flow is at a velocity less than the speed of sound in said gas.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
13 words
An apparatus as in claim 3 wherein said gas is at subatmospheric pressure.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
114 words
An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said generating means is an ultrasonic droplet generator, said sensing means is a laser whose output intersects said particle and is then sensed by a photodetector, said flow means is a stream of droplets emitted by said generator under pressure, said discrimination means is an electrical signal discriminator responsive to said sensor capable of placing a high potential electric charge on said electrode if said sensor detects that said particle displays said pre-selected parameter; and said collection means is a plurality of grounded collection containers located so as to intercept the terminus of said particle flow both when said electrode is charged and when it is not.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
An apparatus as in claim 5 where said flow is at the rate of over 100 meters per second, close proximity is less than 0.1 inches, and electric field is strong enough to deflect said flow.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein the degree of positive electrical potential placed on said electrode is a function of the quantative presence of said sensed pre-selected parameter of said particle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as in claim 6 including at least one additional electrode capable of being charged to a high positive potential relative to said droplets in response to the presence of a second sensed parameter of said particle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
20 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said second electrode is located and operated in parallel with said first electrode.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
32 words
An apparatus as in claim 8 wherein said second parameter is sensed prior to said particle's passage near said first electrode and a sorted output stream then passes near said second electrode.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of sorting small particles according to pre-selected parameter comprising: sensing said particles to measure said parameter of each particle; sequentially moving each said particle to near at least one electrode; placing a high positive electric potential on said electrode relative to said particle when each said sensed particle is near it if said particle displays said pre-selected parameter; and collecting said particles downstream from said field emission cathode.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
70 words
A method of sorting small particles according to pre-selected parameter comprising: sensing said particles to measure said parameter of each particle; sequentially moving each said particle to near at least one electrode; placing a high positive electric potential on said electrode relative to said particle when each said sensed particle is near it if said particle displays said pre-selected parameter; and collecting said particles downstream from said field emission cathode.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
38 words
A method as in claim 11 wherein near is within 0.1 inch; said high potential is at least strong enough to deflect said stream; and said sequential movement is accomplished by creating a high velocity stream of particles.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
28 words
A method as in claim 12 wherein high velocity is any velocity less than the speed of sound in the medium through which said particle stream is passing.
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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) | 1984-07-20 | 1985-01-19 | 1985-07-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1988-07-20 | 1989-01-19 | 1989-07-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1992-07-20 | 1993-01-19 | 1993-07-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |