US4443390A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for making amalgam pellets
Assignee: Philips North America LLC
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Filing: 1982-03-24
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Granted: 1984-04-17
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Expires: 2002-03-24
Abstract
Abstract A method for forming sodium-mercury amalgam pellets of predetermined size. The amalgam is heated to a liquid state in a reservoir and discharged from an orifice at a controlled rate in droplet form onto a rotating disc. The droplets solidify into pellet form as the disc rotates and are automatically dislodged and discharged from the disc into a storage vessel. The method is preferably practiced in a controlled inert atmosphere.
Inventors
- 👤 William L. Brundige
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:18
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J9/00; H01J9/38; H01J9/395; H01J61/00; H01J61/82; H01J61/825
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
84 words
The method of making sodium-mercury amalgam pellets comprising the steps, in an inert atmosphere, of: heating predetermined amounts of sodium and mercury to a predetermined temperature to form a liquid amalgam; releasing droplets of said liquid of predetermined volume from an orifice situated above a rotating disc; receiving said droplets on said rotating disc at predetermined intervals; solidifying said droplets into pellet form on said disc during rotation thereof; and dislodging said formed pellets from said disc and delivering said pellets into a container.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
84 words
The method of making sodium-mercury amalgam pellets comprising the steps, in an inert atmosphere, of: heating predetermined amounts of sodium and mercury to a predetermined temperature to form a liquid amalgam; releasing droplets of said liquid of predetermined volume from an orifice situated above a rotating disc; receiving said droplets on said rotating disc at predetermined intervals; solidifying said droplets into pellet form on said disc during rotation thereof; and dislodging said formed pellets from said disc and delivering said pellets into a container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined temperature is about 130° C.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined volume of said droplets may be selected by changing the size of said orifice.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein the spacing of droplets on said rotating disc is controlled by controlling the flow rate of said liquid to said orifice.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
14 words
The method according to claim 1 wherein said inert atmosphere is an argon atmosphere.
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) | 1987-04-17 | 1987-10-17 | 1988-04-17 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1991-04-17 | 1991-10-17 | 1992-04-17 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1995-04-17 | 1995-10-17 | 1996-04-17 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |