Methods and apparatus for mixing powdered samples
AssigneeSymyx Technologies, Inc.
InventorsEric Carlson, Li Song, Daniel M. Pinkas, Claus G. Lugmair
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Method for preparing a mixed powder sample by mixing two or more different powders comprising transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel and transferring a quantity of a second powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising the first and second powders. The quantities of the powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder. The powder bed is fluidized to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample. The mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less. The invention also includes apparatus for preparing mixed powder samples by mixing two or more different powders.
Claims53
A method of preparing a sample by mixing two or more different powders, the method comprising the steps of:
- transferring a quantity of a first powder to a mixing vessel;
- transferring a quantity of a second powder different from the first powder to the mixing vessel to form a powder bed in the vessel comprising said quantities of first and second powders;
- and
- fluidizing the powder bed to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample,
- wherein the mixed sample weighs about 5 grams or less, and wherein said quantities of first and second powders are selected so the mixed sample has a predetermined ratio of first powder to second powder.
A powder handling system for preparing at least one sample by mixing two or more powders, the system comprising:
- at least one mixing vessel having a total volumetric capacity of about 50 ml or less, said mixing vessel having an open end and a closed end;
- a powder transfer system for transferring quantities of two or more different powders to the mixing vessel to form an unmixed powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising said powders;
- a powder bed fluidizing apparatus for fluidizing the powder bed to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample in the mixing vessel;
- and
- a removable closure adapted for closing the open end of the mixing vessel during mixing of the powders.
A powder handling system for preparing at least one sample by mixing two or more powders, the system comprising:
- at least one mixing vessel having a maximum capacity of about 5 grams of powder or less, said mixing vessel having an open end and a closed end;
- a powder transfer system for transferring quantities of two or more different powders to the mixing vessel, thereby forming a powder bed in the mixing vessel comprising said powders;
- a powder bed fluidizing apparatus for fluidizing the powder bed to mix the powders and produce a mixed sample in the mixing vessel;
- and
- a removable closure adapted for closing the open end of the mixing vessel during mixing of the powders.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.