US3798459A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Compact dynamic multistation photometer utilizing disposable cuvette rotor
Assignee: United States Atomic Energy Commission
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Filing: 1972-10-06
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Granted: 1974-03-19
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Expires: 1992-10-06
Abstract
Abstract A compact analytical photometer of the rotary cuvette type designed to use small disposable cuvette rotors. A power driven cuvette rotor holder having a generally flat, circular configuration is provided with an integral, upstanding, annular lip for receiving, in an easily insertable and removable fashion, small disposable cuvette rotors. A series of axially extending apertures are disposed in a circular array through the rotor holder in axial alignment with respective cuvettes in the rotor to permit light to be transmitted through the cuvettes as the rotor holder and cuvette rotor rotate between a stationary light source and photodetector. Additional apertures extend through the rotor holder near its periphery to permit light passage through the rotor holder for rotor and cuvette synchronization purposes. Movable rotor and cuvette synchronization detectors are positioned along the periphery of the rotor holder for generating signals which are used to synchronize the photometer output with a computer and to provide rotor speed control. Rapid deceleration of the rotor holder and rotor for sample mixing purposes is accomplished by braking means engaging the rotor holder drive shaft.
Inventors
- 👤 N Anderson
- 👤 J Mailen
- 👤 C Scott
- 👤 C Burtis
- 👤 W Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-24 05:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N21/00; G01N21/01; G01N21/03; G01N21/07
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
258 words
A compact fast analyzer of the rotory cuvette type comprising: a. a power-driven cuvette rotor holder comprising a flat circular base, an annular, upstanding retaining rim integrally fixed to said base, and an axially extending upstanding pin fixed to said base within the radial confine of said rim; said base defining: i. a first series of axially extending apertures disposed in a circular array through said base within the radial confine of said rim. ii. a second series of axially extending apertures disposed in a circular array through said base without the radial confine of said rim, said apertures in said second series of apertures being equal in number to said apertures in said first series of apertures; b. a removable cuvette rotor having a circular plate-like configuration disposed on said base within the confine of said rim, said rotor having an opening for receiving said pin and, defining a circular array of sample analysis cuvettes in axial register with respective apertures in said first series of apertures; c. a adjustable light source disposed above said cuvette rotor for providing a beam of light incident on said rotor assembly at a point corresponding to the radial position of said sample analysis cuvettes; d. means for detecting light from said light source after it has passed through said sample analysis cuvettes, said means for detecting light generating an output Signal proportional to the intensity of light detected; and e. signal generating means disposed adjacent said rotor holder for detecting the passage of apertures in said second series of apertures.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
258 words
A compact fast analyzer of the rotory cuvette type comprising: a. a power-driven cuvette rotor holder comprising a flat circular base, an annular, upstanding retaining rim integrally fixed to said base, and an axially extending upstanding pin fixed to said base within the radial confine of said rim; said base defining: i. a first series of axially extending apertures disposed in a circular array through said base within the radial confine of said rim. ii. a second series of axially extending apertures disposed in a circular array through said base without the radial confine of said rim, said apertures in said second series of apertures being equal in number to said apertures in said first series of apertures; b. a removable cuvette rotor having a circular plate-like configuration disposed on said base within the confine of said rim, said rotor having an opening for receiving said pin and, defining a circular array of sample analysis cuvettes in axial register with respective apertures in said first series of apertures; c. a adjustable light source disposed above said cuvette rotor for providing a beam of light incident on said rotor assembly at a point corresponding to the radial position of said sample analysis cuvettes; d. means for detecting light from said light source after it has passed through said sample analysis cuvettes, said means for detecting light generating an output Signal proportional to the intensity of light detected; and e. signal generating means disposed adjacent said rotor holder for detecting the passage of apertures in said second series of apertures.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
The fast analyzer of claim 1 wherein an adjustable filter holder containing a plurality of absorbance filters extends between said base and said means for detecting light from said light source after it has passed through said sample analysis cuvettes.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The fast analyzer of claim 1 further including means for rapidly braking rotation of said rotor holder and rotor.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fast analyzer of claim 1 further including a thermistor mounted within said upstanding pin for measuring the temperature of said cuvette rotor, and electrical slip rings in electrical communication with said thermistor affixed to said rotor holder.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
66 words
The fast analyzer of claim 4 wherein said upstanding pin is located at a radial position corresponding to the radius of said first series of axially extending apertures and said sample analysis cuvettes, and wherein said thermistor is within said pin so as to be axially centered within said removable cuvette rotor when said rotor is disposed on said base within the confine of said rim.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
56 words
The fast analyzer of claim 1 wherein said removable cuvette rotor defines: a. first and second sets of radially oriented loading cavities disposed in concentric annular arrays; and b. means for effecting centrifugal passage of fluid from said first and second sets of loading cavities to respective cuvettes in said circular array of sample analysis cuvettes.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
64 words
The fast analyzer of claim 6 wherein said cuvette rotor is of laminated construction with a central opaque disk sandwiched between first and second transparent disks, said sets of first and second cavities comprising depressions in said opaque disk, and loading apertures being provided through said first transparent disk in axial register with respective cavities in said first and second sets of loading cavities.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
The fast analyzer of claim 6 wherein said cuvette rotor further defines a central distribution chamber and a plurality of distribution passageways communicating between said distribution chamber and respective cuvettes in said circular array of sample analysis cuvettes.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
32 words
The fast analyzer of claim 8 wherein each of said distribution passageways intersects with adjacent distribution passageways at an acute angle so as to form a serrated periphery about said distribution chamber.
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) | 1977-03-18 | 1977-09-17 | 1978-03-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-03-18 | 1981-09-17 | 1982-03-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-03-18 | 1985-09-17 | 1986-03-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |