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US3830969A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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System for detecting particulate matter
Assignee: Princeton Electronic Products Inc
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Filing: 1971-10-14
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Granted: 1974-08-20
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Expires: 1991-10-14
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for detecting and graphically visualizing particulate matter present in a fluid sample. The sample, typically a liquid, is held in a transparent container and agitated, as by spinning the container for a limited time period, which places the particles in transient motion relative to the then stationary container. A TV camera forms a time continuous image of the illuminated container and scattered points of light from the moving particles. The TV image is processed by a signal converter tube functioning in an MTI mode of operation, and the processed image, now retaining only the light points corresponding to the moving particles, is displayed on CRT means or the like. The processed image signal may also be furnished to an electronic particle detector and analyzer, which examines the particulate matter for characteristics such as movement, distribution, dimensions and number or concentration and provides appropriate data to an operator or to other elements of the system.
Inventors
- 👤 S Hofstein
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-01 01:48
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/84; G01N21/88; G01N21/90; G01N21/9018; G01N21/9027; G01N33/00; G01N33/0078; G01N33/0081
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A system for detecting and graphically visualizing particulate contaminants in a fluid sample, comprising in combination: light transparent bounding means for disposing said sample for examination by said system; illumination means for rendering high intensity light incident on said sample; means for placing said contaminant particles in a condition of motion relative to the stationary condition of said bounding means; means for forming a time continuous image of said bounding means and the light scattering centers formed by said particles; means for continually processing said image to remove the parts thereof which are not varying as a function of time, whereby to retain only the image portions corresponding to said moving particles, said processing means comprising a signal converter tube connected for receiving the time continuous image from said means for forming said time continuous image, said tube functioning in an MTI mode of operation and providing a processed output wherein only the moving points of said image are retained; and means for visually displaying said processed image for operator observation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
171 words
A system for detecting and graphically visualizing particulate contaminants in a fluid sample, comprising in combination: light transparent bounding means for disposing said sample for examination by said system; illumination means for rendering high intensity light incident on said sample; means for placing said contaminant particles in a condition of motion relative to the stationary condition of said bounding means; means for forming a time continuous image of said bounding means and the light scattering centers formed by said particles; means for continually processing said image to remove the parts thereof which are not varying as a function of time, whereby to retain only the image portions corresponding to said moving particles, said processing means comprising a signal converter tube connected for receiving the time continuous image from said means for forming said time continuous image, said tube functioning in an MTI mode of operation and providing a processed output wherein only the moving points of said image are retained; and means for visually displaying said processed image for operator observation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said means for forming said continuous image comprises a TV camera oriented to image both said bounding means and scattering from said particles.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A system according to claim 2, wherein said display comprises a CRT connected to receive the output signal from said MTI-operated signal converter tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
57 words
A system according to claim 1, wherein said bounding means comprises a transparent container for said sample, and said means for placing said particles in motion comprises means for agitating said container for a time-limited period, whereby at the conclusion of said period said container is stationary while said particles remain in a transient state of motion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
29 words
A system according to claim 4, wherein said agitating means comprises a rotatable platform for holding said container means, and means for spinning said platform for said time-limited period.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
A system according to claim 5, further including electronic detector and analyzer means, connected to receive the output from said MTI-operated signal converter tube and adapted to further process said signal to provide outputs indicative of selected characteristics of the detected contaminants.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-08-19 | 1978-02-18 | 1978-08-20 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-08-19 | 1982-02-18 | 1982-08-20 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-08-19 | 1986-02-18 | 1986-08-20 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |