Patent · US Expired

Slab gel dryer and method

US4020563A · kind A · utility

36Cited by
9References
11Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateApr 21, 1975
Grant dateMay 3, 1977
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 21, 1995

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
  • CPC primaryF26B25/22
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for drying slab gels having a metal platen with electrical strip heaters mounted on one side thereof and a depression formed in the other side which serves as a drying chamber. The slab gel is laid on a sheet of porous filter paper over which is laid a sheet of non-porous material having non-adhesive qualities relative to the slab gel. The mounted and covered slab gel is placed in the depression and a compliant cover sheet is placed over the top of the depression overlapping the platen around the periphery of the depression. An open passage is formed through one edge of the platen in communication with the depression therein. The strip heaters are connected to an electrical power source and the open passage is connected to a vacuum source. The pressure in the depression is reduced relative to ambient pressure causing the compliant cover to be forced against the platen around the periphery of the depression for sealing the drying chamber. Moisture vaporized from the slab gel is removed through the open passage. A thermostat may be used to control the temperature of the platen and a timer may be used to provide for a predetermined period of heating and evacuation of the …

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.