Appeal No. 97-0673
Application 08/143,370
The Invention
The invention is directed to a fluid monitoring apparatus
and method for detecting the presence of and determining the
characteristics of particulate matter suspended in fluid. The
invention makes identification of the size and shape of a
particle in fluid by forming an optical image of the fluid and
then analyzing the image.
Claims 2, 3, 11 and 40 are the only independent claims
the rejections of which are on appeal. Representative claims
2 and 40 are reproduced below:
2. An apparatus for the real time monitoring of suspended
particulates in a fluid, said apparatus comprising:
a laser light source;
means for collimating an optical beam from said light
source;
a fluid chamber for passing a fluid to be examined, said
fluid chamber being suitable for illumination by said
collimated beam;
means for forming an optical image of the fluid within
said fluid chamber; and
means for classifying shapes of particulates in said
optical image;
wherein said means for classifying shapes comprises:
3
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