Optical analyzing instrument having vibrating trough
US4422760A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 20, 1981 |
| Grant date | Dec 27, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 20, 2001 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S250/91
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An instrument for optically measuring and analyzing samples of particulate material includes a chute for conveying the samples through a light beam by which the measurements are made and a trough positioned at the bottom of the chute. The trough supports a column of the particulate material in the chute and acts as a gate to prevent the particulate material from flowing out of the chute. The trough is mounted on a vibrator and during the measurement operation vibrates to cause the particulate material to flow out of the chute. When vibrating, the trough transmits vibrations up through the column of particulate material in the chute to maintain the column in a free flowing condition and to prevent bridging.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.