US3707875A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Timing device for automatic sampling apparatus
Assignee: Gilford Instrument Laboratories Inc
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Filing: 1971-04-01
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Granted: 1973-01-02
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Expires: 1991-04-01
Abstract
Abstract The mechanical timing cam of an automatic sampling device is replaced by a solenoid actuated lever controlled by an electronic pulsing circuit. The lever is adapted to be moved against the actuating arm of a switch to move the arm from a first position to a second position. When the solenoid is not energized or energized with reverse polarity, the switch arm returns from its second position to its first position under the bias of a spring. In one of these positions the switch closes a circuit to a motor which in turn controls the length of time that a dip tube is in a receptacle of wash liquid. In the other position the switch closes a circuit to the motor which in turn controls the length of time that a dip tube is in a sample receptacle. Accordingly, adjusting the times that the solenoid is energized and deenergized by means of the electronic pulsing circuit, one can establish any desired ratio of sample to wash liquid or vice versa. Adjusting the cycle time of the energizing and deenergizing pulses, one can adjust the rate at which samples with intervening wash liquid are aspirated by the dip tube. A timing circuit is adjustable to achieve the desired ratios and cycle time, putting out solenoid energizing pulses.
Inventors
- 👤 G Freeman
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-29 20:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/08; G05; G05B; G05B19/00; G05B19/02; G05B19/04; G05B19/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
239 words
A timing device adapted to be associated with an automatic sampling apparatus, said apparatus comprising a support structure having an upper wall, a well in said apparatus opening to said upper wall, a central post in said well, a switch mounted to said support structure and presenting an actuating arm laterally to said well, depressing and releasing of said actuating arm adapted to control the aspiration of two respective liquids by the sampling apparatus, said timing device comprising: A. a housing adapted to be mounted on said wall and having a portion thereof engaging in said well, B. a central member secured to said portion and having a socket and said post adapted to enter said socket for centering the housing, C. said portion having positioning means adapted to cooperate with said well to establish a predetermined circumferential relationship between the housing and the actuating arm, D. an electrical solenoid in the housing and having an armature adapted to reciprocate between two positions when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, E. an actuator member coupled with said armature, extending downward from said portion to a position adapted to be in alignment with said actuating arm when the housing is installed in said well in said predetermined circumferential relationship, and F. means for continuously energizing and de-energizing said solenoid in a predetermined timed relation whereby to cause said actuator member to depress and release said actuating arm in repetitive cycles.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
239 words
A timing device adapted to be associated with an automatic sampling apparatus, said apparatus comprising a support structure having an upper wall, a well in said apparatus opening to said upper wall, a central post in said well, a switch mounted to said support structure and presenting an actuating arm laterally to said well, depressing and releasing of said actuating arm adapted to control the aspiration of two respective liquids by the sampling apparatus, said timing device comprising: A. a housing adapted to be mounted on said wall and having a portion thereof engaging in said well, B. a central member secured to said portion and having a socket and said post adapted to enter said socket for centering the housing, C. said portion having positioning means adapted to cooperate with said well to establish a predetermined circumferential relationship between the housing and the actuating arm, D. an electrical solenoid in the housing and having an armature adapted to reciprocate between two positions when the solenoid is energized and de-energized, E. an actuator member coupled with said armature, extending downward from said portion to a position adapted to be in alignment with said actuating arm when the housing is installed in said well in said predetermined circumferential relationship, and F. means for continuously energizing and de-energizing said solenoid in a predetermined timed relation whereby to cause said actuator member to depress and release said actuating arm in repetitive cycles.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
49 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 1 in which the armature is disposed in a substantially horizontal aspect, said actuator member has its upper end connected to said armature and is pivotally connected to said portion with its lower end free and adapted to extend into said well.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 1 in which the positioning means comprises a laterally protruding tongue adapted to engage within a lateral slot provided in said well.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
44 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 1 in which the housing comprises a base and cover member telescopically engaged and providing a shoulder, the shoulder adapted to engage the upper wall and the part of the base below said shoulder comprising said portion.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
23 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 4 in which said solenoid is mounted on said base and encased by said cover member.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
66 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 4 in which said solenoid is mounted on said base, and said base has a slot, the actuator arm being pivotally engaged in said slot and having its upper part wIthin the housing pinned to said armature and its lower part depending from said slot and providing a free end adapted to be so aligned with said actuating member.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
59 words
The timing device as claimed in claim 1 in which said last-mentioned means comprise a timing circuit having means for adjusting the ratio of energization to de-energization of the solenoid to any of a plurality of different ratios, and means for adjusting the time of one cycle of energization and de-energization to any of a plurality of different times.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
42 words
The structure as claimed in claim 7 in which there are provided capacitance-resistance charge and discharge circuits alternately activated to control said ratio, and the means for adjusting the ratio include means for changing the resistance of the charge and discharge circuits.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
33 words
The structure as claimed in claim 8 in which the timing circuit includes means for automatically switching the output of said circuit from energization signals to de-energization signals simultaneously with said alternate activation.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The structure as claimed in claim 9 in which said automatic switching means include an operational amplifier connected in inverting configuration.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a device of the character described, and in combination with a solenoid-operated actuator arm adapted to control the ratio of wash-to-sample time and rate of an automatic sampling apparatus, an electronic timing circuit adapted to provide energizing and de-energizing signals in a predetermined timed relation to move said actuator arm in repetitive cycles, said timing circuit including a pair of capacitance-resistance circuits adapted alternately to charge and discharge a capacitor, means for activating the circuits alternately at a predetermined rate and providing an output comprising said energizing signal while one circuit is activated and a de-energizing signal while the other circuit is activated and adjustable means for varying the rate at which the energizing and de-energizing signals are produced including an operational amplifier connected in inverting configuration, the inverting terminal having a variable voltage reference and the capacitance-resistance circuits being connected to the noninverting terminal.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
146 words
In a device of the character described, and in combination with a solenoid-operated actuator arm adapted to control the ratio of wash-to-sample time and rate of an automatic sampling apparatus, an electronic timing circuit adapted to provide energizing and de-energizing signals in a predetermined timed relation to move said actuator arm in repetitive cycles, said timing circuit including a pair of capacitance-resistance circuits adapted alternately to charge and discharge a capacitor, means for activating the circuits alternately at a predetermined rate and providing an output comprising said energizing signal while one circuit is activated and a de-energizing signal while the other circuit is activated and adjustable means for varying the rate at which the energizing and de-energizing signals are produced including an operational amplifier connected in inverting configuration, the inverting terminal having a variable voltage reference and the capacitance-resistance circuits being connected to the noninverting terminal.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
35 words
The device as claimed in claim 11 in which the capacitance-resistance circuits include alternately operating electronic switches, the output of the operational amplifier being fed back to said electronic switches for alternately operating the same.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1976-01-02 | 1976-07-03 | 1977-01-02 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1980-01-02 | 1980-07-03 | 1981-01-02 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1984-01-02 | 1984-07-03 | 1985-01-02 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |