US4422760A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Optical analyzing instrument having vibrating trough
Assignee: NEOTEC Corp A CORP OF DE
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Filing: 1981-02-20
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Granted: 1983-12-27
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Expires: 2001-02-20
Abstract
Abstract An instrument for optically measuring and analyzing samples of particulate material includes a chute for conveying the samples through a light beam by which the measurements are made and a trough positioned at the bottom of the chute. The trough supports a column of the particulate material in the chute and acts as a gate to prevent the particulate material from flowing out of the chute. The trough is mounted on a vibrator and during the measurement operation vibrates to cause the particulate material to flow out of the chute. When vibrating, the trough transmits vibrations up through the column of particulate material in the chute to maintain the column in a free flowing condition and to prevent bridging.
Inventors
- 👤 Donald R. Webster
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 21:06
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N33/00; G01N33/02; G01N33/10; G01N21/00; G01N21/17; G01N21/47; G01N21/4738; G01N2021/4764; G01N2021/4769; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S250/00; Y10S250/91
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
92 words
An analyzing instrument for analyzing samples of particulate material comprising a chute for receiving the samples of particulate material, the chute having a window therein, means positioned at the bottom of the chute for supporting a column of particulate material in the chute, for vibrating the column of particulate material to maintain the material in a freely flowing condition and for removing the particulate material from the chute, and measuring means for making optical measurements on the sample in the chute through said window as the particulate material moves past the window.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
92 words
An analyzing instrument for analyzing samples of particulate material comprising a chute for receiving the samples of particulate material, the chute having a window therein, means positioned at the bottom of the chute for supporting a column of particulate material in the chute, for vibrating the column of particulate material to maintain the material in a freely flowing condition and for removing the particulate material from the chute, and measuring means for making optical measurements on the sample in the chute through said window as the particulate material moves past the window.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The analyzing instrument of claim 1 wherein the means for supporting, vibrating and removing the particulate material comprises a vibrating member.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The analyzing instrument of claim 2 wherein the vibrating member is a trough.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The analyzing instrument of claim 3 wherein the trough includes a closed end, an open end and sides extending upwardly above the bottom of the chute.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The analyzing instrument according to claim 1 wherein the instrument further comprises a grinder for grinding material to produce the samples of particulate material.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
18 words
The analyzing instrument according to any one of the claims 1-5 wherein the particulate material comprises ground grain.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
35 words
The analyzing instrument according to claim 1, wherein the interior cross-sectional dimensions of said chute are substantially constant at least along a portion of said chute between a point adjacent said window and said bottom.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
SU171134A1
Cited
US4154533A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1986-12-26 | 1987-06-27 | 1987-12-27 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1990-12-26 | 1991-06-27 | 1991-12-27 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1994-12-26 | 1995-06-27 | 1995-12-27 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |