US4029473A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vestibule valve reagent dispenser
Assignee: Beckman Coulter Inc
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Filing: 1975-10-31
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Granted: 1977-06-14
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Expires: 1995-10-31
Abstract
Abstract An arrangement for the controlled delivery of liquid reagent is shown wherein a reservoir vessel for storing the liquid in volume is coupled to replenish a "vestibule vessel" provided for intermediate storage of the liquid enroute to the delivery point and for pneumatic propulsion thereof, the liquid being pneumatically driven from reservoir to the vestibule through a unidirectional check valve.
Inventors
- 👤 Thomas Davy Sharples
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 22:41
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/02; B01L3/0289; B01L3/0293; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/2931; Y10T137/3115; Y10T137/3127
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
174 words
In an automatic liquid dispensing apparatus of the type having a closed storage vessel for containing a large quantity of liquid and having a bottom, means connected to said storage vessel for pressurizing said vessel, and fluid communication means having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said storage vessel and said second end defining a discharge point, characterized in that said fluid communication means further comprises: a. a closed intermediate vessel for containing a small quantity of said liquid and having a bottom, b. pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel for periodically pressurizing liquid therein to expel said liquid therefrom, and c. fluid control means for allowing passage of liquid from said storage vessel to said intermediate vessel when the pressure head in said storage vessel is greater than the pressure head in said intermediate vessel and restricting passage of liquid from said intermediate vessel to said storage vessel when the pressure head in said intermediate vessel is greater than the pressure head in said storage vessel.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
174 words
In an automatic liquid dispensing apparatus of the type having a closed storage vessel for containing a large quantity of liquid and having a bottom, means connected to said storage vessel for pressurizing said vessel, and fluid communication means having a first end and a second end, said first end connected to said storage vessel and said second end defining a discharge point, characterized in that said fluid communication means further comprises: a. a closed intermediate vessel for containing a small quantity of said liquid and having a bottom, b. pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel for periodically pressurizing liquid therein to expel said liquid therefrom, and c. fluid control means for allowing passage of liquid from said storage vessel to said intermediate vessel when the pressure head in said storage vessel is greater than the pressure head in said intermediate vessel and restricting passage of liquid from said intermediate vessel to said storage vessel when the pressure head in said intermediate vessel is greater than the pressure head in said storage vessel.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel comprises a gas pressurizing means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said fluid control means comprises a check valve.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
102 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate vessel is located remote from said storage vessel and said fluid communication means further comprises an inlet fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said storage vessel and the other end connected adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and an outlet fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and the other end defining said discharge point; wherein said fluid control means comprises a ball type check valve; and wherein said pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel comprises a gas pressurizing means.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
70 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate vessel is located within said storage vessel and said fluid communication means further comprises fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and the other end defining said discharge point; wherein said pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel comprises a gas pressurizing means; and wherein said fluid control means comprises a ball type check valve.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate vessel is located remote from said storage vessel and said fluid communication means further comprises an inlet fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said storage vessel and the other end connected adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and an outlet fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and the other end defining said discharge point.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said fluid control means comprises a check valve.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 6 wherein said pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel comprises a gas pressurizing means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
44 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said intermediate vessel is located within said storage vessel and said fluid communication means further comprises fluid conduit means having one end terminating adjacent the bottom of said intermediate vessel and the other end defining said discharge point.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
19 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said pressurizing means connected to said intermediate vessel comprises a gas pressurizing means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
14 words
The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said fluid control means comprises a check valve.
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) | 1980-06-13 | 1980-12-13 | 1981-06-14 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-13 | 1984-12-13 | 1985-06-14 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-13 | 1988-12-13 | 1989-06-14 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |