Macromolecular crystal growing system

US5013531A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Robert S. Snyder · Huntsville, US
• Blair J. Herren · Arab, US
• Daniel Carter · Fort Collins, US
• Vaughn H. Yost · Huntsville, US
• Charles E. Bugg · Birmingham, US
• Lawrence J. DeLucas · Birmingham, US
• Fred L. Suddath · Marietta, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 31, 1990
• Grant date: May 7, 1991
• Expiry date: Aug 31, 2010

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T117/1092
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A macromolecular crystal growing system especially designed for growing crystals in the low gravity of space as well as the gravity of earth includes at least one tray assembly, a carrier assembly which receives the tray, and a refrigeration-incubation module in which the carrier assembly is received. The tray assembly includes a plurality of sealed chambers with a plastic syringe and a plug means for the double tip of the syringe provided therein. Ganging mechanisms operate the syringes and plugs simultaneously in a precise and smooth operation. Preferably, the tray assemblies are mounted on ball bearing slides for smooth operation in inserting and removing the tray assemblies into the carrier assembly. The plugging mechanism also includes a loading control mechanism. A mechanism for leaving a syringe unplugged is also provided.