Device and method for optically detecting particles in a free liquid stream
US5671046A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 1, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 23, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 1, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2015/1006
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Device and method are disclosed for optically detecting particles in a free (i.e., unenclosed) stream of liquid. The free liquid stream is produced by ejecting liquid under pressure from a nozzle so that the stream has a smooth round surface. A laser beam intersects the free liquid stream and light scattered by particles in the free liquid stream is collected and processed to provide an output indicative of size and/or number of particles causing the light to be scattered. The free liquid stream is preferably directed vertically downward, and the laser beam and light collector are angularly positioned with respect to the free liquid stream and one another with the light collector collecting scattered light at the intersection of the light beam and the free liquid stream. Embodiments are also disclosed wherein scattered light is collected at a collecting position spaced along the free liquid stream from an illuminating position where the laser beam intersects the free liquid stream with the scattered light traveling along the liquid free stream between the illuminating and collecting positions.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.