Cryogenic apparatus
US5275016A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 24, 1992 |
| Grant date | Jan 4, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 24, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N1/42
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and devices for freezing drops of liquid reagent solution in a cryogenic liquid. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent and a rotatable carousel positioned below the dispensing means. The upper surface of the carousel has a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid, typically liquid nitrogen, for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a tank comprising a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. The tank has a heat source for slightly heating a portion of the cryogenic liquid such that a convection current in the cryogenic liquid is created. The convection currents in the cryogenic liquid provide mild agitation of the liquid and prevent aggregation of the frozen drops.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.