Grinding samples using rotational and linear motion
AssigneeRotaprep, Inc.
InventorHoracio Kido
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosure is directed to a sample preparation apparatus for grinding or homogenizing test samples. More specifically, the disclosure relates to grinding samples using rotational and linear motion. Grinding samples can be accomplished with an apparatus with a slider-crank mechanism that is attached to an oscillating connecting linkage. The amplitude of oscillatory motion can be greater than or equal to a length of a sample processing chamber.
Claims13
An apparatus for generating a reciprocating motion for the purpose of grinding or homogenizing samples, the apparatus comprising:
- a connecting linkage that extends along a longitudinal axis;
- a holder, to hold a sample vial;
- a crank operatively connected at or near a first end of the connecting linkage, the crank configured to impart rotational motion to the first end of the connecting linkage, the crank having a diameter larger than a longitudinal length of a sample vial held by the holder;
- a sliding carriage operatively connected at or near a second end of the connecting linkage, the sliding carriage configured to restrict the second end of the connecting linkage to a linear path;
- and
- a motor operatively connected to the crank to rotate the crank,
- wherein the holder is configured to be secured to the connecting linkage at a variety of positions between the first end of the connecting linkage and the second end of the connecting linkage such that the holder, in use, moves with a combination of rotational and linear motion and the position of the holder on the connecting linkage changes the resulting pathway of the holder to be able to tailor the shape of the resulting pathway for grinding or homogenizing samples.
An apparatus for generating a reciprocating motion for the purpose of grinding or homogenizing samples, the apparatus comprising:
- a crank operatively connected to a motor to cause the crank to rotate;
- a sliding carriage coupled to a rail that restricts the sliding carriage to move with linear motion along a longitudinal axis;
- a connecting linkage coupling the crank to the sliding carriage such that rotational motion of the crank causes linear motion of the sliding carriage, wherein the rail and the sliding carriage extend beyond an end of the connecting linkage;
- a first holder secured to the sliding carriage, the first holder having a first cavity with a first length configured to hold a sample vial within the first cavity;
- and
- a second holder secured to the connecting linkage, the second holder having a second cavity with a second length configured to hold a sample vial within the second cavity,
- wherein the first holder undergoes linear motion and the second holder undergoes elliptical motion.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.