Patent ID: 6122599
Filing Date: 2000-09-19
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for analyzing particles suspended in a fluid having electrical properties different from that of the particles, as the fluid and articles move from a first fluid containing portion to a second fluid containing portion, the apparatus comprising:a conduit creating a path permitting fluid communication between the first and second containing portions, said path having a longitudinal axis and said conduit defining a fluid constraining path in a direction along said longitudinal axis;a first pair of electrodes, said first pair of electrodes including a first electrode located in the first fluid containing portion and a second electrode located in the second fluid containing portion;a first constricted electrical path between the first and second electrodes, said first constricted electrical path extending along said fluid constraining path; anda second pair of electrodes, said second pair of electrodes including a third electrode and a fourth electrode, said third and fourth electrodes being positioned in a non-encircling arrangement and defining a unique line therebetween extending in a direction transverse to said longitudinal axis,wherein said line between said third and fourth electrodes extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to said longitudinal axis.