Arrangement for carrying out crystal growing experiments under conditions of weightlessness

US5266284A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Dornier GmbH · DE

Inventors

• Franz Heilig · Tettnang, DE
• Lothar Potthast · Markdorf, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jul 31, 1992
• Grant date: Nov 30, 1993
• Expiry date: Jul 31, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T117/10
• WIPO field: Surface technology, coating
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

An arrangement for mixing fluids and for growing crystals by the vapor diffusion method under conditions of weightlessness has an exterior housing containing a mixing part and a reaction part. The mixing part has two cylinders in which the starting fluids are stored until the reaction is to be performed. Each cylinder has a piston associated therewith, and internal bores permit the starting fluids to be pumped between the respective cylinders to mix them. Following mixing, the fluids are pumped through a central bore to a cylinder in the reaction part, which also has a piston associated therewith. Withdrawal of the cylinder relative to the piston causes the formation of a drop, permitting the crystallization to take place. Following completion of the reaction, the cylinder is returned to its original position, sucking the fluid into it.