For Size Of Particles Patents (Class 356/335)
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Patent number: 7969572Abstract: A particle monitor system that can detect fine particles in a substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus has a chamber in which a substrate is housed and subjected to processing, a dry pump that exhausts gas out of the chamber, and a bypass line that communicates the chamber and the dry pump together. The particle monitor system has a laser light oscillator that irradiates laser light toward a space in which the particles may be present, and a laser power measurement device that is disposed on an optical path of the laser light having passed through the space and measures the energy of the laser light.Type: GrantFiled: January 16, 2008Date of Patent: June 28, 2011Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Tsuyoshi Moriya, Takashi Enomoto
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Patent number: 7956998Abstract: A method for polarmetric analysis of scattering media. A first step involves directing stimulus from a linearly polarized stimulus source at a sample. A second step involves directing the stimulus coming from the sample through a collimating system into a polarization segregation unit which causes the stimulus to be segregated into a linearly polarized unscattered component and a depolarized scattered component. A third step involves quantification of scattering processes through computationally comparing the unscattered component and the scattered component.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Inventor: James Plant
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Publication number: 20110116092Abstract: A mobility spectrometer to measure a nanometer particle size distribution is disclosed. The mobility spectrometer includes a conduit and a detector. The conduit is configured to receive and provide fluid communication of a fluid stream having a charged nanometer particle mixture. The conduit includes a separator section configured to generate an electrical field of two dimensions transverse to a dimension associated with the flow of the charged nanometer particle mixture through the separator section to spatially separate charged nanometer particles of the charged nanometer particle mixture in said two dimensions. The detector is disposed downstream of the conduit to detect concentration and position of the spatially-separated nanometer particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2010Publication date: May 19, 2011Applicant: Brookhaven Science Associates, LLCInventor: Jian Wang
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Publication number: 20110096327Abstract: A spiral microchannel particle separator includes an inlet for receiving a solution containing particles, at least two outlets, and a microchannel arranged in a plurality of loops. Particles within a solution flowing through the spiral microchannel experience a lift force FL and a Dean drag force FD. The spiral radius of curvature R and the hydraulic diameter Dh of the spiral microchannel are such that for a flow rate U of the solution, the lift force FL and a Dean drag force FD are approximately equal and act in opposite directions for particles of a first size. The particles of the first size are focused in a single stream located at an equilibrium position near an inner wall of the microchannel. In another embodiment, a straight microchannel particle separator separates particles by modulating shear rates via high aspect ratios that focuses particles of a first size along two first walls.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 24, 2010Publication date: April 28, 2011Applicant: UNIVERSITY OF CINCINNATIInventors: Ian Papautsky, Ali Asgar S. Bhagat
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Patent number: 7929135Abstract: The size of particles is detected accurately and at low cost even when there are few microparticles as impurities included in a liquid. Provided is a method of detecting a size of particles in a liquid by detecting diffraction fringes appearing due to the particles in the liquid by a light detection portion. Diffraction fringes are detected by a first light detection portion and a second light detection portion that are separated along the flow direction of the liquid. A peak time difference (T2) that is a difference between times at which peak values appear in a detection signal from the first and second light detection portion is measured, and an area (SQ) based on the waveform of the detection signal is measured. The sizes of the particles included in the liquid are detected based on the peak time differences (T2) and the areas (SQ) that were measured.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2010Date of Patent: April 19, 2011Assignee: Hokuto Electronics IncorporatedInventors: Koichi Nakano, Yasuhiro Hayashi
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Publication number: 20110069310Abstract: Disclosed herein is a microparticles measuring apparatus including: an optical detecting section configured to direct a leaser beam toward microparticles passing through a flow channel, detect light emanating from the microparticles, and convert the detected light into electrical signals; and a controlling unit configured to calculate the speed of the microparticles passing through the flow channel according to the electrical signals and suspend the supply of solution containing the microparticles when the calculated speed exceeds a prescribed limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2010Publication date: March 24, 2011Applicant: SONY CORPORATIONInventors: Yosuke Muraki, Masaya Kakuta
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Patent number: 7907279Abstract: An apparatus for determining the particle size and/or particle shape of a mixture of particles is provided, comprising a feeding device, which passes the mixture of particles through a zone of measurement as a particle flow; an illumination module, which generates illumination beams and illuminates the zone of measurement with them; a detection module comprising two cameras, each recording an area of the zone of measurement assigned to the respective camera, said cameras recording the areas with different magnifications, and comprising an evaluating module, which determines the particle size and/or particle shape on the basis of the recordings of the cameras, characterized in that the illumination module is provided such that it illuminates the two areas with different intensities.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2008Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: JENOPTIK Laser, Optik, Systeme GmbHInventors: Ruediger Seifert, Ernst Gaertner, Frank Reichel, Erhard Dammann
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Patent number: 7884932Abstract: With a measuring instrument for measuring sample particles moving in a cuvette, for example for measuring a zeta potential or the Brownian size the particles, with a filling device for filling and an emptying device for emptying the cuvette mounted on the ends thereof and with devices for irradiating and for monitoring the particles, it is problematical always to position the cuvette correctly or in a defined manner relative to the direction of radiation and to the monitoring device. To resolve this problem, it is proposed that the cuvette member is mounted by means of a cuvette bearing and the filling and the emptying device are fastened exclusively to the cuvette in such a way that the position of the cuvette relative to the surroundings thereof is determined and defined exclusively by the cuvette bearing.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 8, 2011Assignee: Hanno WachernigInventors: Hanno Wachernig, Achim Hogg
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Publication number: 20110029256Abstract: Disclosed is graphically representing each of a number of measurement data sets as a variation of at least one parameter, wherein each measurement data set results from a measurement, by: [A] selecting a plurality of the measurement data sets to be graphically represented, [B] graphically representing one of the selected measurement data sets as a primary measurement data set in a first graphical style, and [C] graphically representing each one of the at least one remaining selected measurement data sets as secondary measurement data set in a graphical style deviating in at least one feature from the first graphical style. Upon a first change request, a different one of the selected measurement data sets is graphically represented as the primary measurement data set in the first graphical style, and continuing with [C].Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2010Publication date: February 3, 2011Applicant: AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES, INC.Inventor: Michael Frank
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Patent number: 7880874Abstract: A surface particle-counting device where the scanner element and the particle counting element have been combined so to reduce the number of lost particles and increase the overall efficiency of the particle-counting device. By removing the conventional tube that connects the scanner element and the particle counting element accuracy is increased.Type: GrantFiled: August 21, 2008Date of Patent: February 1, 2011Assignee: Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Rocco Pochy
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Publication number: 20110019187Abstract: A method according to the present invention has: isolating, by extraction, particles contained in a metal material to be analyzed in a solution using a particle isolator; dispersing the particles isolated by extraction into a solvent to prepare a dispersion, and fractionating the dispersion into a plurality of particle dispersions based on particle sizes, using a field flow fractionator; and irradiating laser light on each of the particle dispersions separated based on predetermined particle sizes, to thereby measure absolute values of the particle size based on angular dependence of reflection intensity, and also to thereby measure the number density based on magnitude of reflection intensity.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 23, 2009Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Kazumi Mizukami, Kenichi Murakami, Satoshi Arai, Nobusato Morishige, Yuji Kubo, Hotaka Honma, Eiichi Nanba
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Patent number: 7872750Abstract: A particle detector is provided, the particle detector including a spherical Cherenkov detector, and at least one pair of detector stacks. In an embodiment of the invention, the Cherenkov detector includes a sphere of ultraviolet transparent material, coated by an ultraviolet reflecting material that has at least one open port. The Cherenkov detector further includes at least one photodetector configured to detect ultraviolet light emitted from a particle within the sphere. In an embodiment of the invention, each detector stack includes one or more detectors configured to detect a particle traversing the sphere.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2008Date of Patent: January 18, 2011Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space AdministrationInventors: John D. Wrbanek, Gustave C. Fralick, Susan Y. Wrbanek
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Patent number: 7869038Abstract: In one general aspect, a particle characterization instrument is disclosed that includes a first spatially coherent light source with a beam output aligned with an optical axis. A focusing optic is positioned along the optical axis after the coherent light source, and a sample cell is positioned along the optical axis after the focusing optic. The instrument also includes a diverging optic positioned along the optical axis after the sample cell, and a detector positioned outside of the optical axis to receive scattered light within a first range of scattering angles from the diverging optic. In another general aspect, an instrument can direct at least a portion of a first beam and at least a portion of a second beam along a same optical axis and a can receive scattered light from the sample cell resulting from interaction between the sample and either the first beam or the second beam.Type: GrantFiled: August 15, 2008Date of Patent: January 11, 2011Assignee: Malvern Instruments, Ltd.Inventors: Lewis Jones, Nigel Lightfoot, David Spriggs, David Stringfellow
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Patent number: 7859664Abstract: The present invention provides a plurality of samples, each of which includes particles of a predetermined particle dimension, within narrow predetermined limits, dispersed in a carrier at a predetermined particle concentration. The predetermined particle dimension and the predetermined particle concentration are the same for each sample. However, advantageously, each sample has a different predetermined ratio of a value of an optical property of the particles to a value of the same optical property of the carrier. The present invention also provides a method for selecting a target sample from the plurality of samples to assess the measurement accuracy or the detection sensitivity of an optical particle analyzer as the predetermined ratio approaches 1.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2008Date of Patent: December 28, 2010Assignee: Brightwell Technologies Inc.Inventors: Peter Oma, Deepak Kumar Sharma
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Patent number: 7852465Abstract: A system for monitoring non-volatile residue concentrations in ultra pure water includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol composed of multiple water droplets, a heating element changing the aerosol to a suspension of residue particles, and a condensation particle counter to supersaturate the dried aerosol to cause droplet growth through condensation of a liquid onto the particles. The nebulizer incorporates a flow dividing structure that divides exiting waste water into a series of droplets. The droplets are counted to directly indicate a waste water flow rate and indirectly indicate an input flow rate of water supplied to the nebulizer. The condensation particle counter employs water as the condensing medium, avoiding the need for undesirable chemical formulations and enabling use of the ultra pure water itself as the condensing medium.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2010Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: Fluid Measurement Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David B. Blackford, Frederick R. Quant, Derek R. Oberreit
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Patent number: 7830508Abstract: Method and assembly for determining the presence of soot particles in a gas stream such as in the air. To prevent the disturbing effect of salts and the like that may be deposited on soot particles, it is proposed to introduce the soot particles into water as a suspension. The salts concerned dissolve in the water and have no effect when determining the change in optical properties resulting from the presence of the soot particles. This determination comprises in particular a light transmittance measurement. The presence of the soot particles can be determined after the gas stream is first passed through a filter, as a result of which a particle size distribution can be determined. Suspension of the soot particles can be achieved by subjecting these to a stream of steam, whereby the steam condenses on the soot particles and then causes these to precipitate out of the gas. The various processes can be expedited by using a cyclone.Type: GrantFiled: January 12, 2006Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Stichting Energieonderzoek Centrum NederlandInventors: René Paul Otjes, Laura Hernández Alpizar
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Patent number: 7830509Abstract: A method continuously monitors variations in the size of particles present in a fluid on a real time basis. The method includes passing one or more optical signal through the fluid such as engine oil. The variation (attenuation or enhancement) in the intensity of the optical signal is continuously measured with respect to time. In an embodiment, the method enables monitoring of the amount, size and onset of particle agglomeration using single or multiple wavelengths as interrogating optical signal(s). An exemplary embodiment is provided for monitoring of the amount, size and onset of soot particle agglomeration in engine oil using single or multiple wavelengths as interrogating optical signal(s).Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2009Date of Patent: November 9, 2010Assignee: Translume, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Haddock, Mark A. Dugan, Ali Said, Philippe Bado
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Publication number: 20100253943Abstract: Methods and systems for particle characterization using a light fluctuation component of an optical sensor output signal. The use of the light fluctuation component enables particle characterization (e.g. provision of information on particle size, type and confidence) without requiring measurements at multiple wavelengths or multiple angles and using relatively lightweight calculations. The methods and systems allow integration of real-time airborne particle characterization into portable monitors. The methods and systems in some embodiments also use the output signal to further characterize particles through determination of particle density information.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 3, 2009Publication date: October 7, 2010Inventors: Yongji Fu, Deepak Ayyagari
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Publication number: 20100245820Abstract: A mass sensor is provided for determining the mass of small objects. The mass sensor has a plurality of nanostructures attached to a substrate. The nanostructures and the substrate are irradiated with an electromagnetic wave to determine a first mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequency of the mass sensor. After a particle is attached to the nanostructures, the substrate and the nanostructures to which the particle is attached are irradiated with an electromagnetic wave to determine a second mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequency of the mass sensor. A mass of the particle is determined based on a difference between the first and second mechanical-electromagnetic resonant frequencies.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 23, 2010Publication date: September 30, 2010Inventors: Mathias M. Schubert, Eva Schubert, Tino Hofmann, Daniel Schmidt
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Patent number: 7800750Abstract: An optical trap (and alignment device) having a light source for generating first and second light beams, and a pair of lenses for focusing the light beams to a trap region in a counter-propagating manner for trapping a particle in the trap region. A light source illuminates the trap region with a third beam of light, and a camera is positioned for capturing a portion of each of the first, second and third light beams. Actuators exert forces on generally rigid portions of optical fiber used to deliver the first and second light beams to the trap region, such that the generally rigid portions pivot about pivot points located at supported members from which the optical fibers extend. Position sensitive detectors measure the position of the beams leaving the optical fibers, and feed position signals back to the actuator drivers to ensure proper positioning of the beams.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2007Date of Patent: September 21, 2010Assignee: The Regents of the University of CaliforniaInventors: Carlos J. Bustamante, Steven B. Smith
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Publication number: 20100231908Abstract: The size of particles is detected accurately and at low cost even when there are few microparticles as impurities included in a liquid. Provided is a method of detecting a size of particles in a liquid by detecting diffraction fringes appearing due to the particles in the liquid by a light detection portion. Diffraction fringes are detected by a first light detection portion and a second light detection portion that are separated along the flow direction of the liquid. A peak time difference (T2) that is a difference between times at which peak values appear in a detection signal from the first and second light detection portion is measured, and an area (SQ) based on the waveform of the detection signal is measured. The sizes of the particles included in the liquid are detected based on the peak time differences (T2) and the areas (SQ) that were measured.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 5, 2010Publication date: September 16, 2010Inventors: Koichi NAKANO, Yasuhiro Hayashi
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Patent number: 7796254Abstract: A method for determining characteristics of a material includes illuminating the material with coherent light so as to produce scattered light; autocorrelating the scattered light; preprocessing a signal representative of the scattered light to produce a processed signal; and associating the analyzed data with particular characteristics of the material. At least one of a cumulant analysis and a cluster analysis may be performed to provide analyzed data. The determined characteristics may be used for real time control or termination a process used to alter the characteristics of the material. Specifically, monitoring of a process for changes in particle size as a function of time or to determine various physical and/or chemical characteristics of the particles or a mixture containing same, including homogeneity, may be achieved. An apparatus operating generally in accordance with the method is also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2008Date of Patent: September 14, 2010Assignee: August Ninth Analyses, Inc.Inventors: Alan M. Ganz, Henry C. Weber
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Publication number: 20100208263Abstract: A method for detecting a presence of a particle in a fluid is disclosed. The method includes the steps of directing a beam of electromagnetic radiation into the transient fluid; providing a sensor to detect an intensity of the radiation after passing through at least a portion of the fluid; generating a data representing the intensity detected by the sensor; and analyzing the data based upon a statistical analysis to detect the presence of a particle in the fluid and determine whether the particle is water or a solid particle.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 29, 2010Publication date: August 19, 2010Inventors: Jed Stevens, Gregory Sprenger
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Patent number: 7776268Abstract: The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.Type: GrantFiled: October 13, 2006Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Accuri Cytometers, Inc.Inventor: Collin A. Rich
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Patent number: 7777868Abstract: A system for monitoring non-volatile residue concentrations in ultra pure water includes a nebulizer for generating an aerosol composed of multiple water droplets, a heating element changing the aerosol to a suspension of residue particles, and a condensation particle counter to supersaturate the dried aerosol to cause droplet growth through condensation of a liquid onto the particles. The nebulizer incorporates a flow dividing structure that divides exiting waste water into a series of droplets. The droplets are counted to directly indicate a waste water flow rate and indirectly indicate an input flow rate of water supplied to the nebulizer. The condensation particle counter employs water as the condensing medium, avoiding the need for undesirable chemical formulations and enabling use of the ultra pure water itself as the condensing medium.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2007Date of Patent: August 17, 2010Assignee: Fluid Measurement Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David B. Blackford, Frederick R. Quant, Derek R. Oberreit
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Publication number: 20100201982Abstract: An electric field spatially-regularly arranged is applied to particles movably dispersed in a medium to migrate particles. The resulting density distribution of the particles generates a diffraction grating. In the annihilation process of the diffraction grating through the stop or modulation of the application of the electric field, intensity of diffracted light from the diffraction grating is measured to obtain the size of particles. In the above measurement method, the square root or natural logarithm of the measured value of the diffracted light intensity is used for the analysis to evaluate with high convergence the dispersiveness of the particle size with using the least squares method even in the case of particles of dispersive diameter or the case where particles to be measured include particles of different sizes.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 21, 2007Publication date: August 12, 2010Inventor: Naoji Moriya
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Patent number: 7760355Abstract: A focused droplet nebulizer of the invention produces substantially uniform droplets of a predetermined size. Droplets are pushed out through a small outlet orifice by the contraction of a chamber. The droplets can be carried on a substantially non-divergent path in a drift tube. A piezo membrane micro pump acts in response to an electrical control signal to force a droplet out of the outlet orifice. The nebulizer can operate at frequencies permitting a stream of individual droplets of the predetermined size to be sent along the substantially non-divergent path in the drift tube in a preferred embodiment ELSD device.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2005Date of Patent: July 20, 2010Assignee: The Curators of the University of MissouriInventors: David W. Larsen, Zhi Xu
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Patent number: 7755759Abstract: Methods and systems for evaluating pigment dispersions with desired characteristics. More specifically, methods and systems for evaluating particle size of colorless or light color dispersions using a novel parameter described as particle size related scattering index (PSRSI).Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2007Date of Patent: July 13, 2010Assignee: Xerox CorporationInventors: Lanhui Zhang, Lin Ma, Keith Wong, Francisco Lopez, Robert Altavela
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Publication number: 20100171954Abstract: The invention relates to a microfabricated device and methods of using the device for analyzing and sorting polynucleotide molecules by size.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2010Publication date: July 8, 2010Applicant: California Institute of TechnologyInventors: Stephen Quake, Wayne D. Volkmuth
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Patent number: 7746469Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of particle size and concentration measurement based on providing a focused, synthesized, non-Gaussian laser beam, causing the beam to interact with the particles, measuring the interaction signal and the number of interactions per unit time of the beam with the particles, and using algorithms to map the interaction signals to the particle size and the number of interactions per unit time to the concentration. The particles are fluid borne, airborne, or on a surface and have a size ranging from sub-micron to thousands of microns. In an embodiment of the invention, the focused, synthesized, non-Gaussian laser beam is a dark beam. The measurements can be made using the duration of interaction with a scanning beam, including dark field.Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2004Date of Patent: June 29, 2010Assignee: P.M.L-Particles Monitoring Technologies, Ltd.Inventors: Joseph Shamir, Nir Karasikov
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Patent number: 7738695Abstract: A method for high-resolution image recording of at least one object with a microscope, includes the steps of: (a) positioning the object in a receptacle being arranged in the optical axis of the microscope, (b) generating at least two first data sets per object which represent intermediate images of the object with at least two different orientations relative to the optical axis of the microscope, wherein the different orientations of the object are provided by moving the object relative to the receptacle, and (c) evaluating the data sets for obtaining quantitative three dimensional information.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2003Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignees: Institut Pasteur, PerkinElmer Cellular Technologies Germany GmbHInventors: Spencer Shorte, Torsten Müller, Thomas Schnelle
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Patent number: 7738098Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the detection, analysis and/or determination of matter or particles suspended in fluid. In one particular form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors, which detect unwanted pyrolysis or combustion of material. In another form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors of the early detection type, and which may be applied to ventilation, air-conditioning or duct monitoring of a particular area. In yet another form, the present invention relates to surveillance monitoring, such as building, fire or security monitoring. In still another form, the present invention relates to environment monitoring, such as monitoring, detection and/or analysis of a fluid, zone, area and/or ambient environment, including commercial and industrial environments.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2007Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AGInventor: Martin Terence Cole
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Patent number: 7738099Abstract: The system includes an excitation source for providing a beam of electromagnetic radiation having a source wavelength. A first wavelength selective device is positioned to be impinged by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. The first wavelength selective device is constructed to transmit at least a portion of any radiation having the source wavelength and to reflect radiation of other wavelengths. A medium containing particles is positioned to be impinged by the beam of electromagnetic radiation. At least a portion of the beam of electromagnetic radiation becomes scattered within the medium, the scattered electromagnetic radiation including forward scattered electromagnetic radiation and backward scattered electromagnetic radiation. An optical detector is positioned to receive backward and/or forward scattered electromagnetic radiation.Type: GrantFiled: July 17, 2006Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Biovigilant Systems, Inc.Inventors: Michael Morrell, Jian-Ping Jiang
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Measuring method and system for measuring particle size and shape of powdery or grain like particles
Patent number: 7733485Abstract: The invention relates to a measuring method for measuring the properties of a powder or granular sample (1) from the surface information of the sample. According to the method the sample is leveled for the measurement, at least one image of the surface of the sample (1) is taken and the properties, such as the grain-size distribution, of the sample (1) are determined by processing the information material by calculation. According to the invention, the sample (1) is made to be supported on a transparent sample plate (2, 13, 14, 15) and an image is taken through this sample plate (2, 13, 14, 15).Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2006Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Intelligent Pharmaceutics Ltd OyInventors: Niklas Sandler, Osmo Antikainen, Jouko Yliruusi -
Patent number: 7733487Abstract: A particle counting method is provided whereby a liquid sample is radiated by a laser light, scattered light produced by causing the laser light to hit a particle in the liquid sample is detected by a photoelectric conversion element, and a sample value which is the output of the photoelectric conversion element is sequentially compared to a threshold preset for each particle size range, thereby counting the number of particles for each particle size range, the method comprising: a timer start-up step for starting a timer of a predetermined time when the sample value becomes smaller than a threshold of a minimum particle size for the first time and for sequentially holding the maximum value of the sample value; and a timer extension step for restarting the timer to sequentially hold the maximum value of the sample value when the sample value at the time-out of the timer start-up step is larger than the threshold of the minimum particle size.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2008Date of Patent: June 8, 2010Assignee: Rion Co., Ltd.Inventor: Tsutomu Nakajima
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Publication number: 20100128266Abstract: With a measuring instrument for measuring sample particles moving in a cuvette, for example for measuring a zeta potential or the Brownian size the particles, with a filling device for filling and an emptying device for emptying the cuvette mounted on the ends thereof and with devices for irradiating and for monitoring the particles, it is problematical always to position the cuvette correctly or in a defined manner relative to the direction of radiation and to the monitoring device. To resolve this problem, it is proposed that the cuvette member is mounted by means of a cuvette bearing and the filling and the emptying device are fastened exclusively to the cuvette in such a way that the position of the cuvette relative to the surroundings thereof is determined and defined exclusively by the cuvette bearing.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 21, 2007Publication date: May 27, 2010Inventors: Hanno Wachernig, Achim Hogg
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Patent number: 7724367Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of the detection, analysis and/or determination of matter or particles suspended in fluid. In one particular form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors, which detect unwanted pyrolysis or combustion of material. In another form, the present invention relates to smoke detectors of the early detection type, and which may be applied to ventilation, air-conditioning or duct monitoring of a particular area. In yet another form, the present invention relates to surveillance monitoring, such as building, fire or security monitoring. in still another form, the present invention relates to environment monitoring, such as monitoring, detection and/or analysis of a fluid, zone, area and/or ambient environment, including commercial and Industrial environments.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2004Date of Patent: May 25, 2010Assignee: Siemens Schweiz AGInventor: Martin Terence Cole
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Patent number: 7719682Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for computing small particle size distributions of particles in a process stream comprising a sample dilute colloid. A reference matrix of pre-computed reference vectors is provided. Each reference vector represents a discrete particle size or particle size range of a particle size distribution of particles contained in a dilute colloid. Each reference vector represents a reference extinction spectrum over a predetermined wavelength range. A measurement vector representing a measured extinction spectrum of the sample particles in the sample colloid is provided, wherein the measured extinction spectrum has been spectrophotometrically measured over the wavelength range. The particle size distribution and particle concentrations of the particles in the sample colloid are determined using the reference matrix, the measurement vector and linear equations.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 18, 2010Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Danielle R. Chamberlin, William R. Trutna, Jr., Maozi Liu
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Patent number: 7709271Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a device for determining a concentration of a biological active substance in a sample by the means of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The device comprises a solid support within a tubing for binding an immunosorbent and an inlet for fluids, a detector for detecting radiation due to an activity in the tubing, wherein the tubing is arranged inside a microchip extending substantially in one plane, for conducting the fluids along the plane of the microchip. The tubing forms a reaction cell having a large detection area. The reaction cell of the microchip is arranged perpendicular to the detector. The method comprises the steps of introducing the fluids into the tubing, conducting the fluids through the tubing forming a reaction cell, in which reaction cell the radiation emitting activity takes place, and detecting the light emitted from the reaction cell substantially perpendicular to the plane.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2002Date of Patent: May 4, 2010Assignee: Prolight Diagnostics ABInventor: Masoud Khayyami
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Patent number: 7700360Abstract: The system and method of the present invention relate to characterizing lipoproteins in a sample. The system includes a light source that delivers electromagnetic energy in a predetermined range of wavelengths to the sample and a sensor that senses an intensity spectrum which emerges from the sample when the sample is illuminated by the light source. A processor determines a chemical composition of the sample to determine the presence of lipoprotein particles. The processor then characterizes lipoproteins that are within in the sample by deconvoluting the intensity spectrum into a scattering spectrum and absorption spectrum. The method includes illuminating the sample with electromagnetic energy having a predetermined range of wavelengths and sensing the electromagnetic energy that emerges from the sample. The method further includes transducing the sensed electromagnetic energy which emerges from the sample into an intensity spectrum that determines the types of lipoproteins that are within the sample.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2005Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.Inventors: Dennis S. Everhart, Jack N. Lindon, Luis Garcia-Rubio
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Patent number: 7701575Abstract: A fiber quality transducer includes an inlet mixing probe, a rotating valve sleeve, a camera and a sampling cell. Slurry from a pulp tube flow enters a mixing chamber in the inlet mixing probe. The amount of slurry entering the mixing chamber is controlled by the rotating valve sleeve. The sampling cell includes a first sampling lens and a second sampling lens retained in a sampling bore. The first and second sampling lens are spaced apart to form a sampling space to facilitate the flow of diluted slurry. The camera is retained behind the first sampling lens and a LED back light is retained behind the second sampling lens. The diluted slurry flows past the sampling space. The camera photographs the fibers in the diluted slurry flow. The images from the camera are sent to analyzing software, which determine the characteristics of the fibers in the diluted slurry.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2007Date of Patent: April 20, 2010Inventor: Ola M. Johansson
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Patent number: 7679742Abstract: The present invention relates to a method, system and apparatus for continuously monitoring variations in the size of particles present in a fluid on a real time basis. The method comprises of passing one or more optical signal through the fluid such as engine oil. The variation (attenuation or enhancement) in the intensity of the optical signal is continuously measured with respect to time. In an embodiment, the method, system and apparatus of the present invention enable monitoring of the amount, size and onset of particle agglomeration using single or multiple wavelengths as interrogating optical signal(s). An exemplary embodiment is provided for monitoring of the amount, size and onset of soot particle agglomeration in engine oil using single or multiple wavelengths as interrogating optical signal(s).Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2007Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Translume, Inc.Inventors: Thomas F. Haddock, Mark Allen Dugan, Ali Said, Philippe Bado
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Patent number: 7679743Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the size of nanoparticles present in an aqueous solution as an infinitesimal quantity, and, more particularly, to a scheme that remotely measures the laser-induced breakdown of a fine nanoparticle using a probe beam in a non-contact manner, performs curve fitting on the symmetrical frequency distribution curve of the measured magnitude of a probe beam signal to form the shape of a Gaussian function, obtains calibration curves for the size of the nanoparticle from the peak and full-width at half-maximum thereof, and determines the size of an unknown nanoparticle from the calibration curves.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2008Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Korea Atomic Energy Research InstituteInventors: Euo Chang Jung, Hye-Ryun Cho, Kyoung Kyun Park, Jei-Won Yeon, Kyuseok Song
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Patent number: 7667838Abstract: A particle presentation apparatus for presenting particles being conducted within a gaseous stream for instream spectroscopic elemental analysis includes a particle blending section for homogenizing the distribution particles of significantly different sizes received within a gaseous stream of randomly distributed particles; and a particle sampling section including a window that is adapted for passing a particle excitation beam, such as a laser beam, and photon emissions, and a conduit for conducting the homogenized stream of particles past the window so that a particle excitation beam passing through the window can pass into the stream of homogenized particles. The apparatus may be used in combination with a drilling machine, wherein the particle blending section is coupled to an outlet pipe of the drilling machine for receiving a said gaseous stream of randomly distributed particles that are expelled from a drill hole.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2006Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Thermo Gamma-Metrics LLCInventors: Richard Edgar Ackerman, Eric R. Empey, James Peter Stronski
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Publication number: 20100027006Abstract: A device for monitoring particle contamination in flowing hydraulic fluids includes a mechanism for particle counting and particle sizing. Further, a method for monitoring particle contamination in flowing hydraulic fluids: determines fluid flow velocity; counts particles in the hydraulic fluid passing the light barrier for a fixed period of time; and obtains particle size distribution by using a range of different trigger levels. The monitoring device is insertable into an A/C hydraulic system to enable an online-monitoring of degradation of fluid quality during normal flight operations or on the ground. The device and method help lower costs for A/C maintenance and increase A/C availability since necessary service actions can be scheduled strategically.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 18, 2006Publication date: February 4, 2010Applicant: Airbus FranceInventors: Delphine Hertens, Gerhard Mueller, Wolfgang Legner, Wilhelm Ficker, Thomas Ziemann, Reinhard Reischl, Marius Bebesel
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Patent number: 7630074Abstract: A device and a method for measuring at least one parameter of particles in a fluid, the device having a radiation source and a radiation sensor, the device having a fluid region that is in contact with the fluid; the radiation source being provided for the emission of measuring radiation according to a first direction onto the fluid region, the radiation sensor being provided for the detection of a measuring radiation reflected away from the fluid region in a second direction; furthermore, the radiation sensor having a plurality of sensor elements; and the spectral sensitivity of different sensor elements being developed differently for a wavelength-sensitive detection of the reflected measuring radiation.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2008Date of Patent: December 8, 2009Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbHInventors: Michael Arndt, Maximilian Sauer, Alexander Graf
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Patent number: 7626698Abstract: The method of the present invention generates a regularly lined electric field inside a container 1 retaining a sample formed by dispersing particle groups in a liquid by a voltage being applied to an electrode pair 2 provided in the container 1, generates a diffraction grating by a density distribution of the particle groups in the sample inside the container 1, and when acquiring a diffusion coefficient of particles from a temporal variation of intensity in a disappearing process of a diffracted light obtained by irradiating a beam of light to the diffraction grating generated by the density distribution of the particle groups, performs a particle size analysis of the particle groups by using an approximate analysis expression of a diffracted light attenuation, I(t)=?exp[?2q2Dt] which uses q=2?/? defined by a particle concentration modulation period ? in the density distribution diffraction grating of the particle groups, and the Einstein-Stokes relation.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2006Date of Patent: December 1, 2009Assignee: Shimadzu CorporationInventor: Naoji Moriya
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Patent number: 7619734Abstract: Methods, systems and computer readable media for computing small particle size distributions. A reference matrix of pre-computed reference vectors is provided, with each reference vector representing a discrete particle size or particle size range of a particle size distribution of particles contained in a dilute colloid. A measurement vector of measured extinction values of a sample dilute colloid is provided, wherein the measured extinction values have been measured by spectrophotometric measurement at the discrete wavelengths. Size distribution and concentrations of particles in the sample dilute colloid are determined using linear equations, the reference matrix and the reference vector.Type: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: November 17, 2009Assignee: Agilent Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Danielle R. Chamberlin, William R. Trutna, Jr., Maozi Liu
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Publication number: 20090242799Abstract: Methods for detecting particles in a fluid, including determining particle size and intrinsic fluorescence of a particle, and time correlating the particle detection data with image data in the vicinity of the detector or detector inlet to identify contamination sources in clean environments are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 3, 2008Publication date: October 1, 2009Inventors: Charles E. Bolotin, Martin Van Trieste
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Patent number: 7595878Abstract: The invention relates to methods of assessing one or more geometric properties of a particle of a substance using an infrared spectroscopic property of the substance. The method is useful, for example, for assessing particle sizes and size distributions in mixtures containing both particles of the substance and other materials.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: ChemImage CorporationInventors: Matthew P. Nelson, Patrick Treado, Jason Attanucci