Patent ID: 7963399
Filing Date: 2011-06-21
Classification: B01L,B03B,B07C,F15C,F16K,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method of sorting small particles, the method comprising: providing a closed duct having an inlet and a fork at which the duct separates into two branch ducts; conducting a stream of liquid into the duct inlet with a stream of particles suspended therein, the particle stream normally flowing through a first one of the branch ducts; surrounding the stream of liquid with a particle free enveloping current of liquid to produce substantially laminar flow; providing a measurement station along the closed duct upstream of the fork for sensing a predetermined property of particles in the stream and for producing a signal when the property is sensed; providing an actuator for applying a pressure on the liquid; and providing means for buffering pressure variations in the liquid, the pressure buffering means co-operating with the actuator to result in a momentary deflection of a specific particle having the predetermined property in the liquid streaming through the duct substantially perpendicular to the normal direction of flow from the point where the pressure is applied towards the point where the pressure is buffered, causing the specific particle having the predetermined property to flow into the second branch duct without eliminating the laminar flow.