Patent ID: 6454141
Filing Date: 2002-09-24
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A dry powder disperser comprising:(a) a sample holder with a closed longitudinal wall, a open top and a closed bottom, (b) a suction probe consisting essentially of (1) an exterior wall with a like shape cross section to a cross section of said sample holder and with a smaller cross section dimension than cross section dimension of said sample holder, and (2) an internal suction channel with an orifice at a bottom of said suction probe, and extended through a top of said exterior wall of said suction probe, and (c) a vacuum means for providing a vacuum in said internal suction channel of said suction probe, and wherein when said suction probe is positioned above dry powders in said sample holder, and a vacuum is applied to said internal suction channel, non-pressurized ambient air enters a space between said exterior wall of said suction probe and said longitudinal wall of said sample holder, and forms an high velocity downward air flow along said longitudinal wall of said sample holder, and said downward air flow changing direction at said orifice of said suction probe and generating a high shear force above a surface of said dry powders; and wherein said high shear force disperses dry powders, and feeds dispersed dry powders into said internal suction channel and wherein said dry powder disperser is connected with a particle analyzer for providing dispersed dry powders for a particle analysis.