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:
Jul. 14, 2015
Filed:
Jul. 07, 2010
James G. C. Smith, Buckinghamshire, GB;
Graham R. Powell, Berkshire, GB;
James G. C. Smith, Buckinghamshire, GB;
Graham R. Powell, Berkshire, GB;
De Beers Centenary AG, Luzern, CH;
Abstract
An apparatus and method for aligning a gemstone such as diamond () with a predetermined vertical axis () is described. The apparatus includes an upwardly extending nozzle () aligned with the vertical axis () and sized to allow the gemstone () to settle into it under the action of gravity so that the article is supported by the aperture. A fluid supply system supplies fluid to the nozzle () under sufficient pressure to support the article within or above the aperture. A fluid pressure control system controls the pressure of fluid supplied to the nozzle (), so that it can be reduced gradually.