Apparatus and method for separating particles using a pliable vessel
US5695989A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 3, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 9, 1997 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 3, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N33/54366
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for separating target particles from a mixture of target and non-target particles. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet through which the mixture may be introduced and an outlet through which the fluid may exit, at least a portion of which is pliable; a bed of binding material disposed within the vessel, the binding material attracting the target particles such that the target particles may become bound thereto and being porous enough to allow the non-target particles to pass therethrough; and a screen disposed below the binding material for retaining the binding material in place. The pliable portion of the vessel permits the user to separate the target particles from the binding material by merely squeezing the pliable portion in such a manner as to cause relative movement in the binding material, thereby creating the necessary degree of agitation to cause the target particles to become dislodged from the binding material. The deformation of the pliable vessel can be accomplished by either the user physically squeezing the vessel with his/her hand or using an external apparatus that applies the necessary force to the vessel.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.