Liquid-drop generator

Abstract

A liquid-drop generator providing discrete stringerless drops of simulantsor use in testing chemical warfare detectors. The generator system is provided with two syringes in which one contains a highly viscous, non-newtonian liquid and the other contains water. The two syringes communicate with a capillary. When a pendant drop of non-newtonian liquid is formed on the terminal end of the capillary, the ejection of water or air into the capillary frees a discrete stringerless droplet from the terminal end thereof.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A liquid-drop generator comprising: a first syringe containing a highly viscous, non-newtonian liquid,   a capillary having an upper and lower terminal end,   a feed-tube connecting said syringe to said upper end of said capillary,   a second syringe containing water,   a hypodermic needle penetrating said capillary adjacent said lower terminal end,   a second feed tube connecting said second syringe to said hypodermic needle,   whereby said first syringe ejects said non-newtonian fluid into said capillary until a pendant drop is formed at said lower terminal end, and said second syringe ejects water into said capillary to free said droplet from said capillary.   
     
     
       2. The generator of claim 1 wherein said water is replaced by air. 
     
     
       3. The generator of claim 1 wherein said non-newtonian fluid has a viscosity of 10 poise. 
     
     
       4. The generator of claim 1 wherein said hypodermic needle penetrates said capillary at about 0.062 inches from the lower terminal end thereof. 
     
     
       5. The generator of claim 1 wherein said capillary has an inside diameter between about 0.094 and 0.125 inches.