Automated cascade impactor

US8596148B2 · kind B2 · utility

Inventor

• Krishna Maheshwari · Pune, IN

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 27, 2010
• Grant date: Dec 3, 2013
• Expiry date: Oct 9, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2015/0261
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

An automated cascade impactor comprises an extension mechanism operable to couple to a plurality of impactor stages. The extension mechanism is operable to compress and separate impactor stages of the plurality of impactor stages via automation. The system provides a plurality of isolation stages operable to be automatically inserted between respective impactor stages when the impactor stages are separated by the extension mechanism. The system provides the plurality of isolation stages to be automatically compressed between impactor stages to isolate each impactor stage from at least one adjacent impactor stage. The plurality of isolation stages is operable to be automatically uncompressed and removed from between the impactor stages. The isolation stages allow automated extraction of particulate matter, cleaning and drying of interior surfaces of each impactor stage.