Biocentrifuge system capable of exchanging specimen cages while in operational mode
US4284034A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 30, 1980 |
| Grant date | Aug 18, 1981 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 30, 2000 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01K1/035
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A biocentrifuge (10) is provided as part of a bioresearch centrifuge system (1) for subjecting caged animals to long term centrifugal forces that create gravity conditions aboard orbiting spacecraft. The centrifuge comprises a generally circular, rotatably mounted frame carrying a plurality of removable and replaceable cages (40) for the animal specimens. Pairs of opposing cages may be removed from the frame while it is rotating, by means of a cage exchanger (20) which rotates concentrically within the centrifuge and the speed of which is controlled independently of the frame speed. An image rotator (17) is provided for selective observation of the rotating animals. The system further includes a waste conveyor system (70), a food supply system (80) and a water supply system (90) for each cage for creating a life sustaining environment so that the animals can live in the rotating centrifuge for extended periods. The rotating cage exchanger can also be used to selectively remove containers from various other centrifuges or other rotatable frame structures.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.