Method and apparatus for freeze-drying
US6564471B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 12, 2001 |
| Grant date | May 20, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 1, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF26B5/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and an apparatus for effecting freeze-drying specimens containing solvents or condensing solvents having a shallow pan treatment chamber with little or no obstructions, holes or orifices. The treatment is effected by cooling the base of the chamber by using coolant-containing coils mounted beneath the base of the chamber. The direct thermal conduction of heat through the base of the chamber provides a more effective method of both cooling specimens and condensing solvents, typically water. A source of vacuum is provided to the chamber by a conduit located in the cover, sidewalls or base of the chamber. The method and apparatus may employ a moveable specimen holder positioned in the chamber. The moveable specimen holder may be mounted on a perforated tube which slidably engages a conduit in the base of the chamber. The perforated tube may a conduit to the source of vacuum. The specimen holder may be supported by the perforated tube and by a rigid metal wire which is used to elevate the specimen holder above the base of the chamber. By varying the elevation of the specimen holder various treatments can be effected. The method and apparatus are applicable to manifold type fre…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.