Methods Of Forming A Plurality Of Spheres; And Pluralities Of Spheres
US Patent:
6579479, Jun 17, 2003
Filed:
Nov 9, 2000
Appl. No.:
09/710030
Inventors:
Colin Edie - Veradale WA David B. Keno - Fairfield WA Christopher L. Parfeniuk - Spokane WA
Assignee:
Honeywell International Inc. - Morristown NJ
International Classification:
B29B 900
US Classification:
264 13, 65 212, 75340
Abstract:
The invention includes a method of forming a plurality of spheres. A passageway is provided, and the passageway terminates in an orifice. A liquid is flowed through the passageway and expelled through the orifice to form drops. The drops are then passed through a fluid to cool and solidify the drops into a plurality of spheres. At least some of the spheres are collected. A pressure of the liquid is maintained within about Â10% of a value during the formation of the drops that are cooled into the collected spheres. The invention also includes a plurality of at least several hundred spheres having a diameter of less than about 0. 05 inches and characterized by at least 95% of the spheres being within Â1. 3% of a mean diameter of the spheres.