Nuclear magnetic resonance sample tube insert

Abstract

An insert for insertion into a circularly cross-sectioned sample tube for use in nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry for reducing temperature variations in the sample and dispersing heat generated. The insert includes two spaced end plugs having arcuate sides to thermally mate with the interior of the sample tube. The end plugs include a venting passageway for allowing flow of fluids past the plugs when the insert is moved into and out of a sample in the tube. An elongate circular rod is positioned between and connected to the end plugs and positioned to be coaxially positioned in the sample tube. The rod has a cross-sectional area of less than the end plugs for providing an annular sample chamber when positioned in a sample tube. The end plugs and the rod are of beryllium oxide for conducting heat from and reducing temperature variations in the sample tube. The sample tube may also be of beryllium oxide. An attachment is connected to one of the plugs for inserting and removing the insert from a sample tube, and a guide is provided on the other of the plugs for guiding the insert into a tube. If desired, a heatsink grease may be positioned on the sides of the end plug for providing greater thermal transmission between the insert and the tube.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.