HK1029624A - Selective polarization matching filter for triggering and maximizing rapid dieletrokinesis response - Google Patents

Description

Selective polarization matching filter for triggering and maximizing rapid dielectrokinesis response

Background

The present invention relates to the fields of dielectric activation (electrophoresis), electrostatic relaxation dynamics, electronic devices and systems, and more particularly to a selective polarization matching filter for triggering and maximizing dielectric activation response when certain specific entities consisting of organic and inorganic materials are detected by detecting force or supplemental energy density of stored electrical energy.

The detection of the presence of specific entities-humans, plastics (mixtures of various polymers and polymers with additives), and other organic/inorganic materials, regardless of the presence of invisible intervening structures, obstructions, or EMI signals, has been used very widely in a variety of applications, such as (a) fire fighting and rescue; (b) the border of the country is safe; (c) safe transport on pre-loaded aircraft, trains and automobiles; (d) new and old construction industry; (e) law enforcement; (f) military operations; (g) protection against shoplifting; (h) other safety and emergency needs and operations, etc.

It is known that humans, animals and some other living species generate an external electric field and its gradient. For example, in human physiology, nerve cells of the central and peripheral nervous systems, cells of the sensory system, cells of the diaphyseal muscular system, and cells of the cardiac conduction and cardiac muscular systems all work by the phenomenon of depolarization and repolarization that occurs throughout their cell membranes, which are naturally in a state of dielectric polarization.

The ionic current and potential across the membrane utilize Na^-1、K⁺¹Ions, etc., all work to establish an electrostatic potential across the cell membrane that is characterized by a highly polarized state. The electrostatic potential is established by the concentration of ions (in moles per cubic centimeter) in and around the unmyelinated cellular axon. The fluid itself is neutral. The force holding the ions on the membrane is their attractive force across the membrane to each other. Independent of this procedure is Cl^-1Ions tend to diffuse into the cells due to their higher concentration outside. K⁺¹And Cl^-1Tends to negatively charge the interior of the cell and positively charge the exterior of the cell. As charge accumulates on the surface of the cell, it becomes increasingly difficult to diffuse more ions. Attempting to move outward K⁺¹The ions are repelled by the already present positive charge. Equilibrium is reached when the transmembrane potential difference balances the diffusion tendency due to concentration. The greater the concentration difference, the greater the potential difference across the membrane. The electrostatic potential can be calculated by Nernst equation, where the potential (V) ═ V_{Inner part}-V_{Exterior part}This results in:

here, Co and Ci are the internal and external ion concentrations, K is the boltzmann constant, T is the absolute temperature, e is the electron charge, and z is the valence (number of electron charges) of the ion.

Nerve and conduction impulses, as well as sensory, cardiac, and muscle action potentials and subsequent responses, are all manifested by successive periodic impulses (waves) that result in an initial rapid depolarization and, shortly thereafter, a rapid repolarization that generally reestablishes the quiescent, i.e., original polarization state of the membrane. The transverse membrane ion current creates a dipole charge that moves along the cell membrane. The greater the stimulation, the more pulses are generated along the membrane.

The dynamic potential is related to the ratio of the respective ion concentrations inside and outside the different types of membranes. The resulting polarizing electric field profile has a high degree of spatial non-uniformity and can be characterized as a boundary dipole charge distribution profile. A discussion of the electric fields generated by humans can be found in the "human physiology" of r.a. rhodes (harbourt Brace Javanovich (1992)) and in the "applied physics principle" of d.c. gianocoli (Prentice Hall (1980)), the teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Alternatively, the external electric field and its gradient may be provided by an external source through an electrostatic charging device for inanimate objects, such as plastic, metal, water, and the like.

It would be advantageous to be able to detect external electric fields and their gradients on a physical, specific basis, the external electric fields being either naturally generated by living species or induced by an external source. Furthermore, it would be beneficial to be able to perform such detection over large distances and through obstacles. It has been found that such detection is possible using the selective polarization matching filter of the present invention, which utilizes the principles of dielectrophoresis.

Dielectrophoresis describes the force acting on and the mechanical behavior of an initially charge-neutral substance that is dielectrically polarized by induction through an external, spatially non-uniform electric field. The degree of spatial inhomogeneity of the electric field is measured by the spatial gradient (rate of change of space) of the electric field. One fundamental principle of the dielectrophoretic effect is that the force (or moment) in air generated in space at a point and over time is always directed (or seeks to be directed) in the same direction, mainly in the direction of the maximum gradient of the local electric field, regardless of the sign (+ or-) and the change in time (DC or AC) of the electric field (voltage) and the dielectric properties of the surrounding medium.

The magnitude of the dielectrophoretic force is significantly, non-linearly dependent on the dielectric polarizability of the surrounding medium, the dielectric polarizability of the initially electrically neutral substance, and non-linearly dependent on the geometry of the electrically neutral substance. This dependence is represented by the Clausius-Mossotti function well known in polarizability studies of solid physics. Dielectrophoretic forces depend non-linearly on the electric field generated by the locally applied, target. The dielectrophoretic force depends on the spatial gradient of the square (power of two) of the local electric field distribution of the object at a point in space and time at which the detector is located. The spatial gradient of the square of the local electric field is measured by the dielectrophoretic force generated by the polarization charge induced on the detector. The magnitude of such forces seeking a constant direction is highly variable as a function of angular position (a fixed radial distance from the target) and as a function of radial position (at a fixed angular position) and as a function of "effective" medium polarizability. The detection signature of the force is a unique pattern of spatial gradients of the squared local electric field of the target, while the detector always points (tries to point) in the direction of the local maximum gradient of the gradient pattern. All experimental results and equations for dielectrophoresis are consistent with the basic law of electromagnetism (maxwell's equations).

There are five known methods of dielectric polarization. These methods include: polarization of electrons that slightly distort the electron distribution around the nucleus due to the applied external electric field; polarization of atoms in the initially electrically neutral species with a slightly distorted atomic distribution due to the applied external electric field; free polarization in which highly delocalized electron or proton distribution is highly distorted in very specific polymers and the like due to an applied external electric field; permanent dipoles (H) flexibly attached to molecules of a material₂O, NO, HF) and orientable undefined dipolar groups (-OH, -Cl, -CN, -NO)₂) A rotational polarization (dipole and directional) that is rotationally aligned towards an external electric field with a characteristic time constant; and interfacial (space charge) polarization of the accumulated charge carriers at the non-uniform dielectric interface due to small conductivity differences. For interfacial polarization, the resulting space charge, which accumulates to neutralize the interfacial chargeThe charge distorts the external electric field with a characteristic time constant.

The first three methods of dielectric polarization, electron polarization, atom polarization, and free polarization, are all on the scale of molecular distance, and occur instantaneously upon application of an external electric field, and affect the dielectric constant of the material at very high frequencies (infrared and optical rotation). The latter two polarization methods, spin polarization and interfacial polarization, are both methods on molecular and macroscopic distance scales and exhibit dynamic changes over time, with characteristic time constants, so as to shift (typically increase) the high frequency dielectric response constant toward that at zero frequency. These characteristic material time constants control the dielectric and mechanical properties of the material.

Those polarization modes and their kinetics of action on the change in dielectric constant over time are discussed in various publications, for example, "dielectrophoresis" by h.a. pohl (cambridge university press (1978)); schiller, "electrons in dielectric media" (c.ferradini, j.gerin (eds.), CRC press (1991)); schiller's "macroscopic friction and dielectric relaxation" (IEEE Transactions on electrical Insulation, 24, 199 (1989)); also known are textbooks, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Summary of The Invention

The present invention relates to a selective polarization matching filter composed of several material components using an initially charge-neutral material selected to be a strictly identical dielectric sample of any entity to be detected by dielectric activation (electrophoresis). The filter is a critical element when using dielectrokinesis (electrophoresis) methods, triggering and also maximizing both mechanical torque and energy replenishment means in order to detect entities.

This filtering action applies to virtually unlimited ranges of materials to be detected as target entities of interest. For example, the detection material includes: polymers of human keratin proteins for the detection of humans, nanostructures, animal keratin proteins for the detection of animals, special plastics (mixtures of polymers with additives) for the detection of plastics, etc. The function of the dielectric sample material consisting of a selective polarization filter is to perform a matching of the spatial dielectric properties between the entity of interest and the positioning means where the entity is located. The filter enables the device to operate using the dielectrokinesis (electrophoresis) phenomenon in order to specifically detect only those entities matching the dielectric response characteristics of the polarized filter assembly. The dielectric characteristics include the dielectric constant and the dielectric loss frequency spectrum, as well as all characteristic time constants that control the polarization evolution/structure in the external electric field.

There are two main elements for operating a dielectrically active entity localization detection apparatus. The first element is the external electric field and its spatial gradient, while the second element is the selective dielectric polarization matching filter of the present invention. As mentioned above, the external electric field and its gradient may be provided by the entity of interest itself, as is the case when the living species is the entity of interest to be detected. Alternatively, the external electric field and its gradient may be provided by an external source via an external electrostatic charging device, as is the case when the inanimate entity is the entity of interest to be detected.

The selective polarization matching filter embodied in the present invention can be used in the detection device itself as a passive circuit or active circuit component (no current or continuous current flow, respectively). Such selective polarization matching filters implemented in the present invention can be used with common electronic components (resistors, capacitors, inductors, transistors, etc.) in all detector device type working devices that are used to detect the presence of a particular entity of a predetermined type.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further advantages and objects of the invention will be explained in detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment of a selective polarization matching filter of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment of a selective polarization matching filter of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a third embodiment of a selective polarization matching filter of the present invention;

figure 4 illustrates an auxiliary accessory for use in the present invention.

Description of The Preferred Embodiment

The external electric field of the target entity and its gradient determine the specific polarization pattern of the entity. In order to detect the electric field of the target entity and its gradient, opposite polarization patterns have to be imparted on the detector elements, such as antennas and the like. The selective polarization matching filter of the present invention serves as a matching bridge between the operator of the detector and the oppositely polarized detector assembly to produce the opposite polarization pattern.

It has been found that some specific combinations of materials provide the desired selective polarization filter effect. Figure 1 shows a filter according to a first embodiment of the invention for electrically non-conductive materials. As shown in FIG. 1, the filter 10 includes the same dielectric property matching material 12 encapsulated within a filter body 14, the filter body 14 being constructed of a polymer such as polyurethane. A pair of parallel plates 16 are positioned to enclose the same dielectric property matching material 12, the pair of parallel plates 16 also being housed in the filter housing 14. Those plates 16 are preferably constructed of a different polymer such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS). In this arrangement, the plates 16 are connected to the wires 20 by means of an isocyanate-based drill socket 18 and the like.

The same dielectric property matching material 12 is selected according to the properties of the entity to be detected. That is, the same property matching material has the same dielectric properties, time constant, and associated macroscopic coefficient of friction as the solid material to be detected. Examples of suitable identical dielectric property matching materials include nanostructured human keratin protein polymers for human detection, nanostructured animal keratin protein polymers for animal detection, special plastics (mixtures of polymers and additives) for plastic detection, and the like.

Referring to fig. 2, in a second embodiment of the same material used for conduction, the structure is substantially similar to that of the first embodiment. However, the plate 16 'in the filter 10' is constructed of a metal such as copper, brass, aluminum, or steel. The metal plate 16 ' is connected to the wire 20 ' by a solder drill socket 18 '. Examples of suitable conductive, similarly property-matched materials include gold, silver, platinum, palladium, and iron, for example.

In a third embodiment, referring to FIG. 3, for the same material that is not electrically conductive, the same dielectric property matched material may itself be used as a filter housing. As shown in FIG. 3, a third embodiment of a filter 30 of the present invention includes a filter housing 32, the filter housing 32 being constructed of the same dielectric property matching material and defining a cavity 34 therein. An outlet 38 of the cavity 34 is formed in the filter housing 32, and the outlet 38 is filled with a conductive material 40, preferably metal, and the conductive material 40 is connected to an external circuit connector and a ground (not shown).

It has been found that the use of the auxiliary attachment 50 enhances the effectiveness of the selective polarization matching filter of the present invention. As shown in fig. 4, the auxiliary attachment 50 contains a solution of 2-propanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol, either solid or liquid, contained in a plastic container 52. The attachment 50 includes a conductive rod 54 in contact with propanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol, the 2-methyl-2-propanol being coupled to a wire 56 extending to the exterior of the container 52. In operation, the auxiliary attachment 50 works with the filter of the present invention to provide enhanced effectiveness.

In at least two approaches, the phenomenon of dielectric activation (electrophoresis) can be used with the presently disclosed dielectric polarization matching filters to enable the detection and localization of specific entities of interest. The first method directly utilizes the dielectrophoretic force. This is usually observed by a moment "over-distance" movement about a well-defined pivot point and line. An example of such an application is described in my co-pending patent application, also owned by my, application No. 08/758,248, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The second method is to provide the same dielectric sample of the material of interest to be detected by an external electric field and its spatial gradient, which is generated by an external electrostatic electrification device. This enables a measurable replenishment of electrical energy to occur when a second material, dielectrically matched to the same reference material as described above, is in close proximity to the reference material and is subjected to polarisation by an external electric field provided by the electrostatic charging device as described above.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiment, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

Claims (29)

1. A selective polarization matching filter comprising:

a housing constructed of a first material;

a like (replicate) property matching material sealed in said one filter housing;

a pair of substantially parallel plates on opposite sides of said same property-matching material, enclosed within said one filter housing; the pair of plates is constructed of a second material different from the first material.

2. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 1, further comprising a pair of ground conductors disposed in respective connection with said pair of plates and extending to the exterior of said filter housing.

3. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 1, wherein said first material is a polymer, said second material is a different polymer than said first material, and said same property matching material is a dielectric material.

4. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 3, wherein said first material is polyurethane.

5. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 4, wherein said second material is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer.

6. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 5, wherein said identical property matching materials are selected according to dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected.

7. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 6, wherein said same property matching material comprises one of: a nanostructured human keratin protein polymer, a nanostructured animal keratin protein polymer, or a mixture of polymers.

8. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 3, wherein said second material is acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene terpolymer.

9. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 3, wherein said identical property matching materials are selected according to dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected.

10. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 9, wherein said same property matching material comprises one of: a nanostructured human keratin protein polymer, a nanostructured animal keratin protein polymer, or a mixture of polymers.

11. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 1, wherein said first material is a polymer, said second material is a metal, and said like property matching material is a conductive material.

12. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 11, wherein said first material is polyurethane.

13. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 12, wherein said second material is one of copper, brass, aluminum and steel.

14. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 13, wherein said identical property matching materials are selected according to dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected.

15. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 14, wherein said same property matching material is one of gold, silver, platinum, palladium or iron.

16. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 1, wherein said identical property matching materials are selected according to dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected.

17. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 16, wherein said same property matching material comprises one of: a human keratin protein polymer with a nano structure and an animal keratin protein polymer with a nano structure.

18. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 16, further comprising an auxiliary attachment containing one of 2-propanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol and working with said filter.

19. A selective polarization filter comprising:

a filter housing formed of the same dielectric property matched material, said filter housing defining a cavity therein, said cavity having a pair of outlets;

a dielectric material disposed in said one cavity, said dielectric material being different from said same dielectric property matching material; and

a pair of conductive inserts disposed in the pair of outlets, respectively, the pair of conductive inserts extending outside of the filter housing.

20. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 19, wherein said dielectric material disposed in said cavity is air.

21. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 19, further comprising an auxiliary attachment containing one of 2-propanol or 2-methyl-2-propanol and working with said filter.

22. A selective polarization matching filter includes a material composition such that the material composition is capable of producing an opposite polarization pattern based on the polarization pattern of an entity to be detected.

23. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 22, wherein said material is formed of a material selected to have the same property matching according to the dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected.

24. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 23, wherein said composition of materials further comprises at least one dielectric material.

25. The selective polarization matching filter of claim 22, wherein said material comprises acrylonitrile butadiene styrene terpolymer (ABS) encapsulated in polyurethane.

26. A selective polarization matching filter according to claim 25, wherein said material is further comprised of a material encapsulated in said polyurethane and enclosed by said ABS, a like dielectric property matching material.

27. A method of making a selective polarization matching filter includes combining into a material composition to produce an opposite polarization pattern based on the polarization pattern of the entity to be detected.

28. A method as in claim 27 wherein said combining step comprises encapsulating a material of like properties selected in accordance with dielectric polarization characteristics of the entity to be detected in a dielectric material.

29. A method according to claim 28, wherein said combining step further comprises encapsulating a pair of substantially parallel plates in said dielectric material and enclosing said same property matching material with said pair of plates.