Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
143 words
A particle collector and fractionator, comprising: (a) a bottom member having a plurality of concentric, annular channels; (b) a top member having a plurality of concentric, annular channels which are complementary to said concentric, annular channels of said bottom member; (c) adjustable fastening means threadedly engaged with said top member for securing said top and bottom members together in an interdigitated relationship so as to form a plurality of rectangular-shaped openings which define a gas flow path therebetween for receiving a particle laden gas; (d) an inlet located radially outwardly of said rectangular-shaped gas flow path for receiving said particle laden gas; (e) an outlet located radially inwardly of said rectangular-shaped gas flow path for withdrawing said particle laden gas; whereby particles in a stream of said particle laden gas are collected in said channels defined by said interdigitated top and bottom members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
143 words
A particle collector and fractionator, comprising: (a) a bottom member having a plurality of concentric, annular channels; (b) a top member having a plurality of concentric, annular channels which are complementary to said concentric, annular channels of said bottom member; (c) adjustable fastening means threadedly engaged with said top member for securing said top and bottom members together in an interdigitated relationship so as to form a plurality of rectangular-shaped openings which define a gas flow path therebetween for receiving a particle laden gas; (d) an inlet located radially outwardly of said rectangular-shaped gas flow path for receiving said particle laden gas; (e) an outlet located radially inwardly of said rectangular-shaped gas flow path for withdrawing said particle laden gas; whereby particles in a stream of said particle laden gas are collected in said channels defined by said interdigitated top and bottom members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein said outlet is disposed in the center of said concentric, annular channels of said bottom member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
21 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein said outlet is connected to a source of constant, negative fluid pressure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
60 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein the rectangular-shaped gas flow path between each of the complementary channels is substantially equal at any point along the radius of said concentric annular channels; whereby the minimum aerodynamic size of the particles fractionated in each of the channel portions becomes successively smaller as the gas flow path approaches the outlet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein said adjustable fastening member is a calibrated member which threadedly engages two flange portions defining the outer circumferential edge of said top member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
28 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 5 wherein the minimum aerodynamic size of the particle fractionated in each channel may be selected by adjusting said calibrated member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 6 wherein said calibrated member simultaneously adjusts the width of said plurality of rectangular-shaped openings; whereby the range of minimum aerodynamic sizes of particles fractionated in each of the channels may be selected by adjusting said calibrated member.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
18 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein said top and bottom members each include five channels.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 1 wherein at least five rectangular-shaped openings are provided for defining said gas flow path.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
51 words
The particle collector and fractionator of claim 5 wherein an end portion of said calibrated member abuts a flange portion defining the outer circumferential edge of said bottom member, said calibrated member secured to said bottom member by securing means passing through said bottom member flange and engaging said calibrated member.