US3866476A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Analytical apparatus
Assignee: Rank Organization Ltd
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Filing: 1973-08-09
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Granted: 1975-02-18
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Expires: 1993-08-09
Abstract
Abstract A mechanical sampling device for use in liquid analysis systems employs sequentially operated driving means to impart separate components of movement to a sample probe thereby transferring it between work stations. By employment of rotary solenoids as actuators, extreme accuracy of location especially for use in narrow vessels can be achieved in association with speed of operation and accuracy of dwell-time.
Inventors
- 👤 Alan John Thomas
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 09:42
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1009; G01N35/1016; G01N35/02; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0474; G01N2035/0482; G01N2035/0486; G01N2035/102; G01N35/1081; G01N35/1083; G01N2035/1086; G01N35/1004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for automatically sampling liquids, comprising: conveying means for conveying liquid to be sampled to a sampling station, a sampling probe, movable support means for said sampling probe, said support means being movable to transfer said probe between said sampling station and a washing station, washing means at said washing station, driving means driving said movable support means to transfer said probe from said washing station to said sampling station and back to said washing station, said driving means operating to cause said probe to move in separate consecutive steps of alternate vertical and horizontal movement and including at least one rotary solenoid for effecting each step of said motion, and a plurality of sensor means disposed in positions to detect when each said vertical or horizontal step of said movement of said probe is completed, said sensor means operating to energise said drive means to intitiate a subsequent step of said movement upon detection of completion of a preceding step thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
162 words
Apparatus for automatically sampling liquids, comprising: conveying means for conveying liquid to be sampled to a sampling station, a sampling probe, movable support means for said sampling probe, said support means being movable to transfer said probe between said sampling station and a washing station, washing means at said washing station, driving means driving said movable support means to transfer said probe from said washing station to said sampling station and back to said washing station, said driving means operating to cause said probe to move in separate consecutive steps of alternate vertical and horizontal movement and including at least one rotary solenoid for effecting each step of said motion, and a plurality of sensor means disposed in positions to detect when each said vertical or horizontal step of said movement of said probe is completed, said sensor means operating to energise said drive means to intitiate a subsequent step of said movement upon detection of completion of a preceding step thereof.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
25 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one said rotary solenoid includes means for providing linear motion from the rotary motion of said solenoid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
71 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said probe support means include; an upright rod, a transverse arm mounted at the upper end of said upright rod, and mounting means at the free end of said transverse arm on which said probe is carried, and said rotary solenoid for effecting horizontal movement is directly coupled to said rod whereby to cause, when energised, pivotal movement about said longitudinal axis of said rod.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 3 wherein there is further provided coupling means between said rotary solenoid for effecting vertical movement and said rod, said coupling means providing linear movement from the rotary movement of said solenoid.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 4 wherein said coupling means includes a driving member co-operating with an inclined cam face.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said inclined cam face is formed as a substantially helical face on an element which is movable axially of the solenoid but is restrained against rotation about said axis thereof.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
43 words
The apparatus of claim 6, wherein said axially movable element is a cylindrical sleeve with a helical groove therein, said driving member comprising a radial peg on a part of said solenoid which turns about said axis thereof when said solenoid is energised.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3192968A
Cited
US3707875A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1978-02-17 | 1978-08-19 | 1979-02-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1982-02-17 | 1982-08-19 | 1983-02-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1986-02-17 | 1986-08-19 | 1987-02-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |