US4636339A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method for in-process multi-element analysis of molten metal and other liquid materials
Assignee: Ultrafine Powder Technology Inc
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Filing: 1985-08-22
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Granted: 1987-01-13
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Expires: 2005-08-22
Abstract
Abstract A method for generating an aerosol powder from a melt includes an atomization die having an orifice through which the melt passes to create the powder. In a preferred embodiment, the orifice has a dimension less than 5 millimeters, and may include a heater to prevent freeze-off. The die may be included in a high-temperature probe suitable for immersion on the melt, so that accumulated accretions of powder on the walls of the probe may be melted off by heating the probe.
Inventors
- 👤 George B. Kenney
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 04:27
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N9/00; G01N33/00; G01N33/20; G01N33/202; G01N33/2022; G01N33/2025; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/14; G01N1/1409; G01N1/22; G01N2001/1445; G01N2001/1463
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for performing continuous in-process generation of an aerosol powder for analysis thereof comprising the steps of: immersing in a melt a portion of an apparatus including an atomization die having an orifice suitable for aspiration along a flow axis, such orifice being in a size range at and immediately above the size which is just sufficient to permit both continuous generation of said powder by aspiration of the melt therethrough and in-process analysis of said powder, and having in at least one direction perpendicular to the flow axis a dimension less than approximately five millimeters; aspirating the melt through the orifice so as to generate said powder by atomization; conducting the powder to a remote location for analysis thereof via a gaseous transport medium; raising the temperature of said portion of the apparatus in the melt so as to melt accumulated accretions therein; ejecting the melted accretions from said portion of the apparatus so as to prepare the apparatus for a further period of powder generation.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
168 words
A method for performing continuous in-process generation of an aerosol powder for analysis thereof comprising the steps of: immersing in a melt a portion of an apparatus including an atomization die having an orifice suitable for aspiration along a flow axis, such orifice being in a size range at and immediately above the size which is just sufficient to permit both continuous generation of said powder by aspiration of the melt therethrough and in-process analysis of said powder, and having in at least one direction perpendicular to the flow axis a dimension less than approximately five millimeters; aspirating the melt through the orifice so as to generate said powder by atomization; conducting the powder to a remote location for analysis thereof via a gaseous transport medium; raising the temperature of said portion of the apparatus in the melt so as to melt accumulated accretions therein; ejecting the melted accretions from said portion of the apparatus so as to prepare the apparatus for a further period of powder generation.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1, further including the step of supplying heat, other than from the melt, to the vicinity of the orifice.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
45 words
A method according to claim 1, wherein the step of ejecting the melted accretions includes the step of causing the presence of a positive gas pressure within said portion of the apparatus so that there is at least some gas flow out from the apparatus.
Claim 5
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for performing continuous in-process generation of an aerosol powder for analysis thereof, comprising the steps of: immersing a portion of an apparatus including an atomization die having an orifice in a melt; aspirating the melt through the orifice so as to generate said powder by atomization; supplying heat, other than from the melt, to the vicinity of the orifice; and conducting the powder, through a portion of the apparatus subject to choking off by accumulation of accretions therein, to a remote location via a gaseous transport medium for analysis of said powder; raising the temperature of said portion of the apparatus to melt off the accretions accumulated therein; and ejecting the melted accretions from said portion of the apparatus so as to prepare the apparatus for a further period of powder generation.
Claim 6
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for performing continuous in-process generation of an aerosol powder for analysis thereof, comprising the steps of: immersing a portion of an apparatus including an atomization die having an orifice in a melt; aspirating the melt through the orifice so as to generate said powder by atomization; supplying heat, other than from the melt, to the vicinity of the orifice; and conducting the powder, through a portion of the apparatus subject to choking off by accumulation of accretions therein, to a remote location via a gaseous transport medium for analysis of said powder; raising the temperature of said portion of the apparatus to melt off the accretions accumulated therein; and ejecting the melted accretions from said portion of the apparatus so as to prepare the apparatus for a further period of powder generation.
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) | 1990-01-12 | 1990-07-14 | 1991-01-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1994-01-12 | 1994-07-14 | 1995-01-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1998-01-12 | 1998-07-14 | 1999-01-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |