US3789662A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Calorimetry
Assignee: Honeywell International Inc
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Filing: 1971-10-26
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Granted: 1974-02-05
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Expires: 1991-10-26
Abstract
Abstract Microcalorimetry apparatus that includes structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing the chamber, and a plurality of sample support structures in the chamber. Each sample support structure includes a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a sensor for sensing a sample container disposed therein and providing an output signal indicative thereof, and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in the receptacle. One wall of the chamber has a plurality of spaced ports therein, each port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure. The apparatus also includes a plurality of sample container handling structures, each such structure including sealing structure for sealing a port in the wall and coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting the sample container through the port for positioning in the receptacle with the sealing structure concurrently sealing the port. Each sample container includes a cylindrical body portion and a radially projecting cylindrical surface above the body portion which actuates the sensor when the container is disposed in the receptacle.
Inventors
- 👤 J Zettler
- 👤 W Lazar
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 10:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N25/00; G01N25/20; G01N25/48; G01N25/4846; G01K; G01K17/00
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 23
Claim 1
Independent Claim
144 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a sample container for disposition in said receptacle, said sample container including a body portion of predetermined dimension and an offset surface portion on said body, a first sensor responsive to said offset surface for providing an output signal indicative of the disposition of said sample container in said receptacle, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
144 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a sample container for disposition in said receptacle, said sample container including a body portion of predetermined dimension and an offset surface portion on said body, a first sensor responsive to said offset surface for providing an output signal indicative of the disposition of said sample container in said receptacle, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
190 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in said receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, a port in a wall of said chamber, said port being aligned with said sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of said sample support structure, and a sealing structure adapted to seal said port, said sealing structure includes coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
190 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in said receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, a port in a wall of said chamber, said port being aligned with said sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of said sample support structure, and a sealing structure adapted to seal said port, said sealing structure includes coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
39 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 and further including frame structure in said chamber wherein said sample support structure is supported on and is pluggably removable from said frame structure for removal from said chamber through its port.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
181 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in said receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means, a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change of temperature of the sample in said receptacle, and a thermal coupling member disposed in said receptacle, said thermal coupling member having a flexible wall adapted to conform to an outer surface of a sample container disposed in said receptacle, said thermal coupling member being in contact with said heater means and said temperature sensor for transmitting heat between said heater means and a sample container in said Receptacle and said sample container and said temperature sensor.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
181 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, means to control the temperature of said chamber, a sample support structure in said chamber, said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a cover structure for closing said receptacle, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in said receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed, heater means, a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change of temperature of the sample in said receptacle, and a thermal coupling member disposed in said receptacle, said thermal coupling member having a flexible wall adapted to conform to an outer surface of a sample container disposed in said receptacle, said thermal coupling member being in contact with said heater means and said temperature sensor for transmitting heat between said heater means and a sample container in said Receptacle and said sample container and said temperature sensor.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
175 words
For use in microcalorimetry apparatus having structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, at least a portion of said thermal insulation being porous, means to supply gas for flow along a gas flow path to said chamber to maintain a positive pressure in said chamber sufficient to cause continuous flow of gas through said porous insulation, means to control the temperature of gas supplied to said chamber, and a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample container, heater means for supplying heat to said receptacle, a temperature sensor for sensing a change in temperature of material in the sample container in said receptacle and a container sensor for sensing the presence of a sample container in said receptacle, a sample container having a body portion of predetermined dimension conforming to the principal dimension of said receptacle and a surface projecting beyond said body portion for actuating said container sensor when said sample container is inserted in said receptacle.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
175 words
For use in microcalorimetry apparatus having structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, at least a portion of said thermal insulation being porous, means to supply gas for flow along a gas flow path to said chamber to maintain a positive pressure in said chamber sufficient to cause continuous flow of gas through said porous insulation, means to control the temperature of gas supplied to said chamber, and a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample container, heater means for supplying heat to said receptacle, a temperature sensor for sensing a change in temperature of material in the sample container in said receptacle and a container sensor for sensing the presence of a sample container in said receptacle, a sample container having a body portion of predetermined dimension conforming to the principal dimension of said receptacle and a surface projecting beyond said body portion for actuating said container sensor when said sample container is inserted in said receptacle.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein each said sample support structure further includes a cover and said receptacle includes a cover sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
202 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, heater means in said receptacle for supplying heat to said receptacle, a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change of the sample in said receptacle, and a thermal coupling member having a flexible wall adapted to conform to the outer surface of a sample container in said receptacle for transferring heat between said heater means and the sample container and between said sample container and said temperature sensor, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall and coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
202 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, heater means in said receptacle for supplying heat to said receptacle, a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change of the sample in said receptacle, and a thermal coupling member having a flexible wall adapted to conform to the outer surface of a sample container in said receptacle for transferring heat between said heater means and the sample container and between said sample container and said temperature sensor, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall and coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
31 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein each said sample container handling structure further includes cover structure for closing said receptacle and said coupling structure depends from said cover structure.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
52 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 and further including a sample container having a projecting flange portion and wherein said coupling structure includes a plurality of spring fingers for latching engagement with the flange portion of said container so that said sample container may move axially relative to said coupling structure.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
47 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein each said sample container handling structure further includes cover structure for closing said receptacle and a linkage connecting said cover structure and said sealing structure, said linkage permitting said cover structure to move axially relative to said sealing structure.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
75 words
The appratus as claimed in claim 9 wherein each said sample support structure includes a smooth inner surface of plastic material and a first sensor projecting inwardly beyond said inner surface for sensing a sample container disposed in its receptacle and providing an outPut signal indicative thereof and each said sample container includes a body portion of predetermined cylindrical configuration and a radially projecting cylindrical surface above said body portion for actuating said first sensor.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
209 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in its receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal there through of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including cover structure for closing said receptacle, sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall, coupling structure depending from said cover structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port, and a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
209 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in its receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal there through of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including cover structure for closing said receptacle, sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall, coupling structure depending from said cover structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure concurrently sealing said port, and a second sensor for sensing the position of said cover structure on said receptacle and providing an output signal indicating that said receptacle is closed.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
34 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 12 and further including a sample container including a body portion of predetermined dimension and a surface projecting radially beyond said body portion for actuating said first sensor.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
68 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 13 and further including a thermal coupling member in said receptacle adjacent said heater means and said temperature sensor for transmitting heat between said heater means and a container in said receptacle and said container and said temperature sensor, said thermal coupling member including a container having two opposed flexible wall members and a hydrocarbon thermal coupling fluid between said wall members.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
41 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 14 and further including frame structure in said chamber wherein each said sample support structure is supported on and is pluggably removable from said frame structure for removal from said chamber through its corresponding port.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
198 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in its receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall and coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure con currently sealing said port, each said sample container including a body portion of predetermined dimension and a radially projecting surface above said body portion for actuating said first sensor.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
198 words
Microcalorimetry apparatus comprising structure defining a chamber, thermal insulation enclosing said chamber, a plurality of sample support structures in said chamber, each said sample support structure including a thermally insulated receptacle for receiving a sample to be analyzed, a first sensor for sensing a sample container disposed in its receptacle and providing an output signal indicative thereof, heater means and a temperature sensor disposed for sensing a change in temperature of the sample in said receptacle, one wall of said chamber having a plurality of spaced ports therein, each said port being aligned with a corresponding sample support structure and permitting introduction and removal therethrough of a sample from the receptacle of the corresponding sample support structure, and a plurality of sample container handling structures, each said sample container handling structure including sealing structure for sealing a port in said wall and coupling structure for detachable connection to a sample container for inserting said sample container through said port for positioning in said receptacle with said sealing structure con currently sealing said port, each said sample container including a body portion of predetermined dimension and a radially projecting surface above said body portion for actuating said first sensor.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-04 | 1977-08-06 | 1978-02-05 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-04 | 1981-08-06 | 1982-02-05 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-04 | 1985-08-06 | 1986-02-05 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |