Abstract A rotating sampling valve is described consisting of a rotating plate held between two fixed plates. The rotating plate contains a number of concentric channel sets bored through its longitudinal axis which channels are disposed symmetrically around its center axis. The channels in each set are of equal volume while the volume of channels in different sets can vary as desired. Both the upper and lower fixed plates contain the same number of correspondingly placed channels serving as inlets and outlets. Thus, when the center plate is rotated liquids flowing through the channels in the center plate are entrapped and transferred to a position indexing with different channels in the upper and lower plates. By connecting the desired inlet and outlet channels with selected sets of channels in the rotating plate it is possible to obtain varying sample volumes. This sampling valve is useful in obtaining discontinuous samples from column eluents for analytical assay such as, for example, fluorescence analysis of proteins, peptides and amino acids, or in other chemical analysis, process control and other purposes. Moreover it is possible to readily change the sample volumes obtained without replacement of the valve body.
In a rotating sample valve comprising: a. a cylindrical plate containing a plurality of channels parallel to its longitudinal axis, said channels being symmetrically disposed about the center axis of said cylindrical plates; b. an upper and lower fixed plate between which said cylindrical plate is rotatably mounted, said upper plate and lower plate each containing the same plurality of channels symmetrically disposed around their respective center axis so that such channels are in operative flow relation with corresponding channels in said cylindrical plate; c. a stepping motor means which is operatively connected to said cylindrical plate; the improvement which comprises providing said channels in said cylindrical plate in a number of concentric sets the channels of any set being disposed at a different azimuth from the channels of the other sets wherein the volume of the channels in each set is equal while the volume of the channels in different sets may vary, providing corresponding channel sets in said upper and lower fixed plates, providing detachably attached inlet and outlet means to one of the sets of channels in each of the said upper and lower plates respectively which correspond with a channel set in said cylindrical plate thus allowing the selection of a variable sample volume from the volumes of the channels in each of said channel sets in said cylindrical plate and providing said stepping motor means with a step proportional to the number of channel sets.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
240 words
In a rotating sample valve comprising: a. a cylindrical plate containing a plurality of channels parallel to its longitudinal axis, said channels being symmetrically disposed about the center axis of said cylindrical plates; b. an upper and lower fixed plate between which said cylindrical plate is rotatably mounted, said upper plate and lower plate each containing the same plurality of channels symmetrically disposed around their respective center axis so that such channels are in operative flow relation with corresponding channels in said cylindrical plate; c. a stepping motor means which is operatively connected to said cylindrical plate; the improvement which comprises providing said channels in said cylindrical plate in a number of concentric sets the channels of any set being disposed at a different azimuth from the channels of the other sets wherein the volume of the channels in each set is equal while the volume of the channels in different sets may vary, providing corresponding channel sets in said upper and lower fixed plates, providing detachably attached inlet and outlet means to one of the sets of channels in each of the said upper and lower plates respectively which correspond with a channel set in said cylindrical plate thus allowing the selection of a variable sample volume from the volumes of the channels in each of said channel sets in said cylindrical plate and providing said stepping motor means with a step proportional to the number of channel sets.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
17 words
The improved valve of claim 1 wherein three channel sets are provided in each of said plates.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
The improved valve of claim 1 wherein the channels in said cylindrical plate have a volume in the range of from 5 to 1000 μl.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
43 words
The improved valve of claim 1 wherein the channels in said cylindrical plate have a cylindrical section at the top, a truncated cone within said plate and a smaller cylindrical section at the bottom so as to provide complete draining of the channel.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
32 words
The improved valve of claim 1 wherein said detachably attached inlet and outlet means are plastic connectors and said channels in said upper and lower plates are tapped to receive said connectors.