Apparatus for mixing solutions in low gravity environments
US4909933A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 15, 1988 |
| Grant date | Mar 20, 1990 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 15, 2008 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T137/86871
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
An apparatus is disclosed for allowing mixing of solutions in low gravity environments so as to carry out crystallization of proteins and other small molecules or other chemical syntheses, under conditions that maximize crystal growth and minimize disruptive turbulent effects. The apparatus is comprised of a housing, a plurality of chambers, and a cylindrical rotatable valve disposed between at least two of the chambers, said valve having an internal passageway so as to allow fluid movement between the chambers by rotation of the valve. In an alternate embodiment of the invention, a valve is provided having an additional internal passageway so that fluid from a third chamber can be mixed with the fluids of the first two chambers. This alternate embodiment of the invention is particularly desirable when it is necessary to provide a termination step to the crystal growth, or if a second synthetic step is required.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.