US4088944A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
NMR Spectrometer employing self centering turbine
Assignee: Varian Medical Systems Inc
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Filing: 1976-10-04
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Granted: 1978-05-09
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Expires: 1996-10-04
Abstract
Abstract A gyromagnetic resonance spectrometer employing a spinning sample in a magnetic field, the spinning sample being affixed to a gas driven turbine which is supported by a gas bearing. Means are provided for firmly holding and centering the sample at more than one axial position thereby aligning the sample tube with the turbine axis irrespective of variations in sample tube diameter and straightness.
Inventors
- 👤 Clifford G. Engler
- 👤 Joseph J. Sipirora
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:29
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01R; G01R33/00; G01R33/20; G01R33/28; G01R33/30; G01R33/307
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
133 words
In a gyromagnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus, probe means for holding a sample tube in a undirectional field, means for exciting and detecting gyromagnetic resonance of samples in said unidirectional field, a sample spinner apparatus for rotating the sample within said unidirectional field, said sample spinner having a turbine which floats on and is turned by fluid under pressure, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING said turbine being an elongated cylindrically shaped member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough to receive said sample tube. means for attaching said sample tube to said turbine at a plurality of discrete locations, such that said sample tube axis is aligned with the axis of said turbine, said plurality of discrete locations including locations displaced in a longitudinal direction determined by the direction of the axis of said turbine.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
133 words
In a gyromagnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus, probe means for holding a sample tube in a undirectional field, means for exciting and detecting gyromagnetic resonance of samples in said unidirectional field, a sample spinner apparatus for rotating the sample within said unidirectional field, said sample spinner having a turbine which floats on and is turned by fluid under pressure, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING said turbine being an elongated cylindrically shaped member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough to receive said sample tube. means for attaching said sample tube to said turbine at a plurality of discrete locations, such that said sample tube axis is aligned with the axis of said turbine, said plurality of discrete locations including locations displaced in a longitudinal direction determined by the direction of the axis of said turbine.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
36 words
The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said means for attaching includes three balls constrained to contact the outer wall of said sample tube along lines which are 120° displaced about the axis of said sample tube.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
56 words
The apparatus of claim 2 wherein said balls are constrained by azimuthal bores displaced angularly from one another by 120° about said axis and wherein said balls are constrained radially by an elastomeric member around the periphery of said turbine and over the face wherein the said 120° bores intersect said outer periphery of said turbine.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
137 words
In a gyromagnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus, probe means for holding a sample tube in a unidirectional field, means for exciting and detecting gyromagnetic resonance of samples in said unidirectional field, a sample spinner apparatus for rotating the sample within said unidirectional field, said sample spinner having a turbine which floats on and is turned by fluid under pressure, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING said turbine being an elongated cylindrically shaped member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough to receive said sample tube , means for attaching said sample tube to said turbine such that said sample tube axis is aligned with the axis of said turbine, said means for attaching including three balls constrained to contact the outer wall of said sample tube along lines which are 120 degrees displaced about the axis of said sample tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
137 words
In a gyromagnetic resonance spectrometer apparatus, probe means for holding a sample tube in a unidirectional field, means for exciting and detecting gyromagnetic resonance of samples in said unidirectional field, a sample spinner apparatus for rotating the sample within said unidirectional field, said sample spinner having a turbine which floats on and is turned by fluid under pressure, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING said turbine being an elongated cylindrically shaped member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough to receive said sample tube , means for attaching said sample tube to said turbine such that said sample tube axis is aligned with the axis of said turbine, said means for attaching including three balls constrained to contact the outer wall of said sample tube along lines which are 120 degrees displaced about the axis of said sample tube.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
101 words
Spin apparatus for a gyromagnetic spectrometer sample holder comprising, a turbine assembly being a cylindrical member having an upper cylindrical length of larger diameter than its lower cylindrical length so as to form a peripheral lip for cooperating with a stator gas bearing member to support said turbine, said lower cylindrical member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough for receiving a sample tube, means for centering and attaching a sample tube to said turbine at a plurality of discrete locations, said locations including locations displaced in a longitudinal direction determined by the direction of the axis of the turbine.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
101 words
Spin apparatus for a gyromagnetic spectrometer sample holder comprising, a turbine assembly being a cylindrical member having an upper cylindrical length of larger diameter than its lower cylindrical length so as to form a peripheral lip for cooperating with a stator gas bearing member to support said turbine, said lower cylindrical member having an axial bore at least partially therethrough for receiving a sample tube, means for centering and attaching a sample tube to said turbine at a plurality of discrete locations, said locations including locations displaced in a longitudinal direction determined by the direction of the axis of the turbine.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
33 words
The turbine of claim 5 wherein said means for centering and attaching includes three balls constrained to contact a sample tube along lines which are 120° displaced about the axis of said turbine.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
24 words
The turbine of claim 6 wherein said balls are contrained to move in three bores which intersect the axis of said turbine at 120°.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
23 words
The turbine of claim 7 wherein said balls are further constrained radially by an elastomeric member which surrounds the periphery of said turbine.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
17 words
The turbine of claim 8 wherein said elastomeric member is seated in a groove in said periphery.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
US3681683A
Cited
US3911355A
Cited
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1981-05-08 | 1981-11-07 | 1982-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1985-05-08 | 1985-11-07 | 1986-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1989-05-08 | 1989-11-07 | 1990-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |