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:
Sep. 19, 2000
Filed:
Nov. 13, 1998
Charles J Call, Pasco, WA (US);
Patrick T Call, Richland, WA (US);
Vanessa M Kenning, Kennewick, WA (US);
Joseph G Birmingham, Richland, WA (US);
Donald J Hammerstom, West Richland, WA (US);
MesoSystems Technology, Inc., Richland, WA (US);
Abstract
A separation plate (10) includes a first surface (10a) and an opposing second surface. A plurality of teardrop-shaped virtual impactor projections (12) are provided on the first surface, preferably in a plurality of rows (13a, 13b, 13c). Each projection includes a convex leading profile (18) facing a fluid stream (16), and two concave side surfaces (19) that are positioned to define a tapered downstream portion. The convex leading profile may include a concave portion (20). The concave portion defines a virtual impact void therethrough. The virtual impact void defines a terminal end of a passageway that extends through the separation plate to communicate with the second surface. When particle-laden fluid is caused to flow along the first surface, a major portion of the fluid containing a minor portion of particles flows around the teardrop-shaped virtual impactor projections along the first surface. A minor portion of the fluid containing a major portion of particles is collected near the convex leading profiles of the projections, and enters the concave portions and the virtual impact voids of the projections. The minor portion of the fluid then travels through the passageways to the second surface of the separation plate, where it can be collected, analyzed, or processed further.