The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 28, 1999
Filed:
Jul. 31, 1997
Jianjun Wang, Columbus, OH (US);
Abbott Laboratories, Abbott Park, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and system for ultrasonically analyzing flowable products. The method includes the steps of providing a flowable product to be ultrasonically analyzed. In addition the method includes the steps of providing a means for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves, a processing unit, and a means for agitating the flowable product. A flowable product is agitated using the means for agitating. The means for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves is then placed in ultrasonic contact with the flowable product and ultrasonic waves are directed into the flowable product. Ultrasonic waves are received using the means for generating and receiving ultrasonic waves and the received waves are transmitted to the processing unit where they are processed by establishing respective vectors for a plurality of reflective contents of the flowable product and by comparing the respective vectors to a predetermined, acceptable statistical range of vectors. The system includes a means for conveying a flowable product where the means for conveying includes an agitating means for agitating the flowable product. The system further includes a means for generating and receiving a plurality of ultrasonic waves, a means for selectively placing the means for generating and receiving in ultrasonic contact with the flowable product on said means for conveying, and a processing means for analyzing ultrasonic waves received by the means for generating and receiving. The processing means includes a means for establishing respective vectors for a plurality of reflective contents of the flowable product and a means for comparing the respective vectors to a predetermined, acceptable statistical range of vectors.