Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
237 words
A flushable electrochemical reference cell comprising, in combination: a first tubular standard electrolyte-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a first junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with a sample solution; a second tubular, standard electrolyte-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a second junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with the standard electrolyte contained in the first tubular compartment; a third tubular, standard electrolyte and standard electrode-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a third junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with the standard electrolyte contained in the second tubular compartment, the third tubular compartment including a conductor for electrical contact between the electrode and a potentiometer; first fluid conducting means between the interior of the first tubular compartment and the exterior of the second tubular compartment; second fluid conducting means between the interior of the second tubular compartment and the exterior of the third tubular compartment; a first fluid conduit positioned to deliver a first flushing liquid to the first junction interiorly of the first tubular compartment, and to the second junction exteriorly of the second tubular compartment; first exit means for removal of the first flushing liquid; a second fluid conduit positioned to deliver a second flushing liquid to the second junction interiorly of the second tubular compartment, and to the third junction exteriorly of the the third tubular compartment; and second exit means for removal of the second flushing liquid.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
237 words
A flushable electrochemical reference cell comprising, in combination: a first tubular standard electrolyte-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a first junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with a sample solution; a second tubular, standard electrolyte-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a second junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with the standard electrolyte contained in the first tubular compartment; a third tubular, standard electrolyte and standard electrode-containing compartment having an ion permeable member defining a third junction adapted for contact, exteriorly thereof, with the standard electrolyte contained in the second tubular compartment, the third tubular compartment including a conductor for electrical contact between the electrode and a potentiometer; first fluid conducting means between the interior of the first tubular compartment and the exterior of the second tubular compartment; second fluid conducting means between the interior of the second tubular compartment and the exterior of the third tubular compartment; a first fluid conduit positioned to deliver a first flushing liquid to the first junction interiorly of the first tubular compartment, and to the second junction exteriorly of the second tubular compartment; first exit means for removal of the first flushing liquid; a second fluid conduit positioned to deliver a second flushing liquid to the second junction interiorly of the second tubular compartment, and to the third junction exteriorly of the the third tubular compartment; and second exit means for removal of the second flushing liquid.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the first exit means is at a higher elevation than the first and second junctions, and the second exit means is at a higher elevation than the third junction, whereby air which may collect around the junctions will pass out of the cell.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
31 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the flushing liquids contain at least one electrolytic component in common with an electrolytic component of the standard electrolyte in the third tubular compartment.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
34 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the second flushing liquid contains an electrolytic component capable of removing a contaminant or insoluble material which bypasses the second junction and enters the second tubular compartment.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
77 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the point of entry of the first flushing liquid to the first fluid conduit and the first exit means are at higher elevations than the first and second junctions; the point of entry of the second flushing liquid to the second fluid conduit is at a lower elevation than the second and third junctions; and the second exit means is at a higher elevation than the second and third junctions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
35 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the sample solution comprises a moving stream, and said cell further including fluid pressure equalizing means between the moving stream and the electrolyte in the third tubular compartment.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
48 words
The reference cell of claim 6 wherein the pressure equalizing means comprises a U-shaped tube connecting the third tubular compartment and the moving stream, said U-shaped tube containing at least one electrolytic component in common with an electrolytic component of the standard electrolyte in the third tubular compartment.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
32 words
The reference cell of claim 7 wherein the electrolytic component contained in the U-shaped tube comprises a material capable of removing a contaminant which enters the U-shaped tube from the moving stream.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
100 words
The reference cell of claim 1 wherein the point of entry of the first flushing liquid to the first fluid conduit and the first exit means are at higher elevations than the first and second junctions; the point of entry of the second fluid conduit is at a lower elevation than the second and third junctions; the second exit means is at a higher elevation than the second and third junctions; and wherein the sample solution comprises a moving stream; said cell further including fluid pressure equalizing means between the moving stream and the electrolyte in the third tubular compartment.