US3963148A — Apparatus for drawing, measuring and discharging …

Claim 1

Independent Claim 344 words

An automatic device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in a precise ratio, including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first reciprocable plunger therein, a first sample chamber having a second reciprocable plunger therein, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for moving said plungers an equal distance in said chambers, drive means including a motor having a rotating drive, cam means secured to said motor rotating drive and rotating therewith, said cam means having an eccentric thereon coupled to said coupling means for reciprocating said coupling means between first and second positions whereby said plungers are reciprocally moved equal distances, said coupling means including eccentric follower means for following rotation of said eccentric, said eccentric follower means reciprocating said coupling means during first particular portions of each rotation of said cam and said eccentric for moving said coupling means to one of said first and second positions, said coupling means maintaining said first and second positions during second particular portions of each rotation of said cam and said eccentric, said first plunger when moved in said diluent chamber displacing a first volume therein, said second plunger when moved in said sample chamber displacing a second volume therein, said first and second volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in said chambers, a valve assembly having a valve chamber coupled to said diluent chamber, diluent intake passage means and diluent discharge passage means coupled to said valve assembly, said valve assembly including a valve member shiftable between a first position wherein said valve chamber couples said diluent intake passage means to said diluent chamber, and a second position wherein valve chamber couples said diluent discharge passage means to said diluent chamber, and shifting means coupling said valve member to said eccentric for shifting said valve member between said first and second positions during said second particular portions of each rotation of said cam and eccentric.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 344 words

An automatic device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in a precise ratio, including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first reciprocable plunger therein, a first sample chamber having a second reciprocable plunger therein, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for moving said plungers an equal distance in said chambers, drive means including a motor having a rotating drive, cam means secured to said motor rotating drive and rotating therewith, said cam means having an eccentric thereon coupled to said coupling means for reciprocating said coupling means between first and second positions whereby said plungers are reciprocally moved equal distances, said coupling means including eccentric follower means for following rotation of said eccentric, said eccentric follower means reciprocating said coupling means during first particular portions of each rotation of said cam and said eccentric for moving said coupling means to one of said first and second positions, said coupling means maintaining said first and second positions during second particular portions of each rotation of said cam and said eccentric, said first plunger when moved in said diluent chamber displacing a first volume therein, said second plunger when moved in said sample chamber displacing a second volume therein, said first and second volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in said chambers, a valve assembly having a valve chamber coupled to said diluent chamber, diluent intake passage means and diluent discharge passage means coupled to said valve assembly, said valve assembly including a valve member shiftable between a first position wherein said valve chamber couples said diluent intake passage means to said diluent chamber, and a second position wherein valve chamber couples said diluent discharge passage means to said diluent chamber, and shifting means coupling said valve member to said eccentric for shifting said valve member between said first and second positions during said second particular portions of each rotation of said cam and eccentric.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 23 words

The device of claim 1 further including stop means for stopping rotation after said valve member shifts between said first and second positions.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 299 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in a precise ratio, including in combination: a diluent chamber having a first reciprocable plunger therein, a first sample chamber having a second reciprocable plunger therein, a second sample chamber having a third reciprocable plunger therein, coupling means coupled to said first, second and third plungers for moving the said plungers an equal distance in said chambers, said first plunger when moved in said diluent chamber displacing a first volume therein, said second plunger when moved in said sample chamber displacing a second volume therein, said third plunger when moved in said second sample chamber displacing a third volume therein, said first and second volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in said chambers, said first and third volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and third plungers in said diluent chamber and second sample chamber, said coupling means reciprocating between first and second positions for reciprocating said first, second and third plungers within their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means and diluent intake passage means, a switching valve assembly coupled to said sample intake and discharge means and to said first and second sample chambers, said switching valve assembly having a first switching position for coupling said sample intake and discharge passage means to said first sample chamber and said diluent intake passage means to said second sample chamber, and a second switching position for coupling said sample intake and discharge passage means to said second sample chamber and said diluent intake passage means to said first sample chamber.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 299 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in a precise ratio, including in combination: a diluent chamber having a first reciprocable plunger therein, a first sample chamber having a second reciprocable plunger therein, a second sample chamber having a third reciprocable plunger therein, coupling means coupled to said first, second and third plungers for moving the said plungers an equal distance in said chambers, said first plunger when moved in said diluent chamber displacing a first volume therein, said second plunger when moved in said sample chamber displacing a second volume therein, said third plunger when moved in said second sample chamber displacing a third volume therein, said first and second volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in said chambers, said first and third volumes having a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and third plungers in said diluent chamber and second sample chamber, said coupling means reciprocating between first and second positions for reciprocating said first, second and third plungers within their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means and diluent intake passage means, a switching valve assembly coupled to said sample intake and discharge means and to said first and second sample chambers, said switching valve assembly having a first switching position for coupling said sample intake and discharge passage means to said first sample chamber and said diluent intake passage means to said second sample chamber, and a second switching position for coupling said sample intake and discharge passage means to said second sample chamber and said diluent intake passage means to said first sample chamber.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 102 words

The device of claim 3 further including, diluent discharge passage means, a valve assembly having a valve chamber coupled to said diluent chamber, said switching valve assembly and said diluent discharge passage means being coupled to said valve assembly, said valve assembly including a valve member shiftable between a first position wherein said valve chamber couples said diluent chamber to said diluent intake passage means through said switching valve assembly in either of said first and second switching positions of said switching valve assembly, and a second position wherein said valve chamber couples said diluent discharge passage means to said diluent chamber.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 69 words

The device of claim 4 wherein said diluent discharge passage means is coupled to said first sample chamber when said switching valve assembly is in said first position and said valve assembly is in said second position and said diluent discharge passage means is coupled to said second sample chamber when said switching valve assembly is in said second position and said valve assembly is in said second position.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 102 words

The device of claim 4 wherein said switching valve assembly includes, a housing defining a chamber, a first port in said housing for coupling said chamber to said diluent intake passage means, a second port in said housing for coupling said chamber to said valve assembly, a plurality of switching ports, at least one switchable connection means positioned in said chamber and providing a closed path between at least a first and a second of said plurality of switching ports, said switchable connection means being switchable between at least one of said first and second switching ports and a third switching port.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 62 words

The device of claim 6 wherein said switchable connection means includes, conduit means secured to a rotatable member positioned in said chamber and forming said closed path said switchable connection means being switchable between at least a first and second position for switching said conduit means between at least one of said first and second switching ports and said third switching port.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 26 words

The device of claim 7 wherein said plurality of switching ports unconnected via said closed path communicate with said chamber and said first and second ports.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 290 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving same an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions, said sample intake and discharge passage means including means for discharging said sample at a first velocity in a first period of time and said diluent discharge passage means including means for discharging said diluent at a second lower velocity in said first period of time for preventing splashing and bubbles.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 290 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving same an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions, said sample intake and discharge passage means including means for discharging said sample at a first velocity in a first period of time and said diluent discharge passage means including means for discharging said diluent at a second lower velocity in said first period of time for preventing splashing and bubbles.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 309 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving same an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions, said diluent discharge passage means including a first diluent discharge path for discharging a first large portion of the diluent, and a second diluent discharge passage for discharging a second small portion of the diluent, said second small path being coupled to said sample intake and discharge passage means for discharging said second small portion therethrough during movement of said first and second plungers between said second and first positions.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 309 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving same an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions, said diluent discharge passage means including a first diluent discharge path for discharging a first large portion of the diluent, and a second diluent discharge passage for discharging a second small portion of the diluent, said second small path being coupled to said sample intake and discharge passage means for discharging said second small portion therethrough during movement of said first and second plungers between said second and first positions.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 34 words

The device of claim 10 wherein said second diluent discharge path is coupled to said sample chamber for coupling said second small portion of diluent therethrough to said sample intake and discharge passage means.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 328 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, a second sample chamber having a third plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a third volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, said first and third volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and third plungers in said chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means, switch means coupling said sample intake and discharge means to said first and second sample chambers for selectively switching said sample intake and discharge passage means to one of said first and second sample chambers, said sample intake and discharge passage means being coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second and third plungers between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said plungers between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, and coupling means coupled to said first, second and third plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving said plungers an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 328 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, a second sample chamber having a third plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a third volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, said first and third volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and third plungers in said chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means, switch means coupling said sample intake and discharge means to said first and second sample chambers for selectively switching said sample intake and discharge passage means to one of said first and second sample chambers, said sample intake and discharge passage means being coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second and third plungers between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said plungers between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, and coupling means coupled to said first, second and third plungers for simultaneously reciprocally moving said plungers an equal distance in said chambers between said first and second positions.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 77 words

The device of claim 12 wherein said switch means is further coupled between said diluent intake passage means and said diluent chamber, and further couples said diluent intake passage means to said first sample chamber when said sample intake and discharge passage means is coupled to said second sample chamber, and couples said diluent intake passage means to said second sample chamber when said sample intake and discharge passage means is coupled to said first sample chamber.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 122 words

The device of claim 13 further including a valve means coupling said diluent chamber, said switching means and said diluent discharge passage means, said valve means being operable to couple said diluent chamber to said switch means for receiving diluent therefrom during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, and couple said diluent chamber to said diluent discharge passage means during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions for discharging diluent, said valve means being further operative to couple said switch means to said diluent discharge passage means during movement of said second and third plungers between said second and first positions for coupling said diluent to said sample intake and discharge passage means.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 35 words

The device of claim 14 further including driving means coupled to said coupling means for reciprocating said coupling means whereby said first, second and third plungers are reciprocally moved between said first and second positions.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 56 words

The device of claim 14 wherein said coupling means includes a mounting plate for mounting said first, second and third plungers, and driving means coupled to said mounting plate for reciprocating said mounting plate whereby said first, second and third plungers are simultaneously moved equal distances within said chambers, and between said first and second positions.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 53 words

The device of claim 16 wherein said diluent chamber and first and second sample chamber are formed in a single housing, said housing having guiding apertures formed therein, said mounting plate further including guide means secured to said mounting plate, said guide means being positioned in said housing guide apertures and reciprocable therein.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 49 words

The device of claim 17 wherein said driving means includes a motor for providing a rotating drive, cam means secured to said motor rotating drive and rotating therewith, said cam means having an eccentric thereon coupled to said mounting plate for reciprocating said mounting plate in said guide apertures.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 317 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, and valve means coupled to said diluent chamber, said diluent intake passage means and said diluent discharge passage means, said valve means being operative to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent intake passage means during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions and couple said diluent chamber to said diluent discharge passage means during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, said valve means being further operative to couple said diluent discharge passage means to said sample intake and discharge passage means during movement of said first plunger between said second and said first positions.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 317 words

An automatic diluting device for drawing and diluting a first sample with a diluent and wherein the sample and diluent are mixed in precise ratio including in combination, a diluent chamber having a first plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a first volume therein when moved, a first sample chamber having a second plunger therein reciprocable between a first and a second position for displacing a second volume therein when moved, said first and second volumes arranged to have a fixed precise ratio with respect to one another for any equal distance moved by said first and second plungers in their chambers, sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said first sample chamber, said sample intake and discharge passage means coupled to said sample for drawing a sample therein during movement of said second plunger between said first and second positions, and discharging said sample during movement of said second plunger between said second and first positions, diluent intake passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for drawing diluent therein during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions, diluent discharge passage means coupled to said diluent chamber for discharging diluent during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, and valve means coupled to said diluent chamber, said diluent intake passage means and said diluent discharge passage means, said valve means being operative to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent intake passage means during movement of said first plunger between said first and second positions and couple said diluent chamber to said diluent discharge passage means during movement of said first plunger between said second and first positions, said valve means being further operative to couple said diluent discharge passage means to said sample intake and discharge passage means during movement of said first plunger between said second and said first positions.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 128 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 19 further including, drive means having a rotating motor, cam means secured to said rotating motor and rotating therewith, a lever in communication with said cam means and coupled to said valve means, said lever being pivotable to a first position and second position during movement of said plunger between said second and first positions, said valve means being operative in response to pivoting of said lever to said first position to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent intake passage means and operative in response to pivoting of said lever to said second position to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent discharge passage means and to couple said diluent discharge passage means to said sample intake and discharge passage means.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 88 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 20 further including, coupling means coupled to said first and second plungers for moving said plungers an equal distance in said chambers, said cam means including a first eccentric coupled to said coupling means for reciprocating said coupling means between said first and second positions whereby said plungers are reciprocably moved equal distances and a second eccentric communicating with said lever for pivoting said lever to said first and second positions during movement of said plungers between said second and first positions.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 48 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 21 wherein said lever includes, first and second cam surfaces, said lever pivoting to said second position when said second eccentric moves across said first cam surface and to said first position when said second eccentric moves across said second cam surface.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 53 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 22 wherein said lever includes, a first portion pivotally secured to said diluting device, a first and second leg extending substantially at right angles to said first portion, said first cam surface being on said first leg and said second cam surface being on said second leg.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 54 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 23 wherein said cam means is cylindrical, said second eccentric being secured at said cylinder side wall, said cam means being positioned between said first and second legs whereby said second eccentric communicates with said first and second cam surface on said first and second legs during rotation.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 65 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 24 wherein said cam means has a slot cut into the cylindrical side wall around the entire circumference, said second eccentric being secured in said slot and said first and second legs of said lever being positioned in said slot whereby said second eccentric alternately communicates with said first and second cam surfaces upon rotation of said cam means.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 18 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 23 wherein said lever first portion is coupled to said valve means.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 106 words

The automatic diluting device of claim 20 wherein said valve means include means for rotating to a first position in response to pivoting of said lever to said first position and for rotating to a second position in response to pivoting of said lever to said second position, said valve means being operative when rotated to said first position to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent intake passage means and operative when rotated to said second position to couple said diluent chamber to said diluent discharge passage means and to couple said diluent discharge passage means to said sample and intake and the discharge means.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	1979-06-15	1979-12-15	1980-06-15	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	1983-06-15	1983-12-15	1984-06-15	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	1987-06-15	1987-12-15	1988-06-15	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Apparatus for drawing, measuring and discharging proportional amounts of fluid

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