U.S. patent application number 17/074846 was filed with the patent office on 2021-06-24 for liquid pump and related systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to Zaiput Flow Technologies LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Zaiput Flow Technologies LLC. Invention is credited to Andrea Adamo, Kevin Sheehan.
Application Number | 20210190062 17/074846 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005327110 |
Filed Date | 2021-06-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20210190062 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Adamo; Andrea ; et
al. |
June 24, 2021 |
LIQUID PUMP AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Liquid pumps and related systems and methods are generally
described.
Inventors: |
Adamo; Andrea; (Cambridge,
MA) ; Sheehan; Kevin; (Waltham, MA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zaiput Flow Technologies LLC |
Waltham |
MA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Zaiput Flow Technologies
LLC
Waltham
MA
|
Family ID: |
1000005327110 |
Appl. No.: |
17/074846 |
Filed: |
October 20, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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62951513 |
Dec 20, 2019 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F04B 43/0054 20130101;
F04B 43/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
F04B 43/02 20060101
F04B043/02; F04B 43/00 20060101 F04B043/00 |
Goverment Interests
GOVERNMENT SPONSORSHIP
[0002] This invention was made with Government support under
Contract No. Army W31P4Q-18-1-0001 awarded by DARPA. The Government
has certain rights in the invention.
Claims
1. A device, comprising: a first leaf comprising a rigid surface, a
deformable surface, and a space between the rigid surface and the
deformable surface; and a second leaf connected to the first leaf;
wherein the first leaf and the second leaf define a cavity into
which a deformable, liquid-containing reservoir can be
positioned.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a deformable,
liquid-containing reservoir within the cavity.
3. The device of claim 1, further comprising a port fluidically
connecting a source of a working fluid to the space between the
rigid surface and the deformable surface.
4. The device of claim 2, further comprising a port fluidically
connecting a source of a working fluid to the space between the
rigid surface and the deformable surface.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
6. The device of claim 2, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
7. The device of claim 3, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
8. The device of claim 4, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
9. A method of expelling liquid from a deformable reservoir
positioned between a first leaf and a second leaf, the method
comprising: transporting a working fluid into a space between a
rigid surface of the first leaf and a deformable surface of the
first leaf such that the volume of the space is expanded and liquid
is expelled from the deformable reservoir.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the working fluid is transported
into the space via a port in the first leaf.
11. The method of claim 9, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the second leaf comprises a
second rigid surface, a second deformable surface, and a second
space between the second rigid surface and the second deformable
surface.
13. The method of claim 11, wherein the working fluid is a first
working fluid, and further comprising transporting a second working
fluid into the second space such that the volume of the second
space is expanded.
14. The method of claim 12, wherein the working fluid is a first
working fluid, and further comprising transporting a second working
fluid into the second space such that the volume of the second
space is expanded.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. .sctn.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,513, filed Dec.
20, 2019, and entitled "Liquid Pump and Related Systems and
Methods," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety
for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003] Liquid pumps and related systems and methods are generally
described.
SUMMARY
[0004] The present disclosure is generally directed to liquid pumps
and related systems and methods. Certain of the pumps described
herein comprise a plurality of leaves that define a cavity into
which a liquid-containing, deformable reservoir has been placed. In
some embodiments, at least one intraleaf space is expanded using a
working fluid such that liquid is expelled from the deformable
reservoir. In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the liquid pump
wetted by the liquid being dispensed is disposable.
[0005] The subject matter of the present invention involves, in
some cases, interrelated products, alternative solutions to a
particular problem, and/or a plurality of different uses of one or
more systems and/or articles.
[0006] Certain aspects are related to devices. In some embodiments,
the device comprises a first leaf comprising a rigid surface, a
deformable surface, and a space between the rigid surface and the
deformable surface; and a second leaf connected to the first leaf;
wherein the first leaf and the second leaf define a cavity into
which a deformable, liquid-containing reservoir can be
positioned.
[0007] Some aspects are related to methods of expelling liquid from
a deformable reservoir positioned between a first leaf and a second
leaf. In some embodiments, the method comprises transporting a
working fluid into a space between a rigid surface of the first
leaf and a deformable surface of the first leaf such that the
volume of the space is expanded and liquid is expelled from the
deformable reservoir.
[0008] Other advantages and novel features of the present invention
will become apparent from the following detailed description of
various non-limiting embodiments of the invention when considered
in conjunction with the accompanying figures. In cases where the
present specification and a document incorporated by reference
include conflicting and/or inconsistent disclosure, the present
specification shall control.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] Non-limiting embodiments of the present invention will be
described by way of example with reference to the accompanying
figures, which are schematic and are not intended to be drawn to
scale. In the figures, each identical or nearly identical component
illustrated is typically represented by a single numeral. For
purposes of clarity, not every component is labeled in every
figure, nor is every component of each embodiment of the invention
shown where illustration is not necessary to allow those of
ordinary skill in the art to understand the invention.
[0010] FIG. 1 is, according to certain embodiments, a
cross-sectional schematic illustration of a system that can be used
to pump fluid.
[0011] FIG. 2 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of an open pump with a single deformable surface in one of the
leaves.
[0012] FIG. 3 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of a pump with a single deformable surface in one of the
leaves.
[0013] FIG. 4 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of an open pump with a two deformable surfaces, one on each
leaf.
[0014] FIG. 5 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of a pump with two deformable surfaces.
[0015] FIG. 6 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of a closed pump.
[0016] FIG. 7 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of a deformable reservoir.
[0017] FIG. 8 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of a deformable reservoir that includes a valve.
[0018] FIGS. 9A-9C are, according to some embodiments, pictures of
a deformable reservoir, a deformable reservoir containing colored
liquid, and a deformable reservoir containing liquid and placed
over a pump leaf.
[0019] FIG. 10 is, according to some embodiments, a picture of
three open pumps with respective filled deformable reservoirs.
[0020] FIG. 11 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of a pump that includes items for operation of a valve
embedded in the deformable reservoir.
[0021] FIG. 12 is, according to some embodiments, a schematic of a
reaction scheme.
[0022] FIG. 13 is, according to some embodiments, a schematic of a
reaction scheme.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] The present disclosure relates to a method and a device to
pump fluids. In some embodiments, the pump comprises a deformable
reservoir that contains the fluid to be dispensed. In certain
embodiments, the reservoir is located within a cavity defined by at
least two leaves connected together. As would be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art, in the context of the present
disclosure, "leaf" (plural, "leaves") refers to a solid body that
is capable of being positioned such that it faces another solid
body (e.g., another leaf). In some embodiments, at least one of the
leaves comprises a rigid surface and a deformable surface. The
deformable surface of the leaf (or of the leaves) can face the
exterior of the deformable reservoir. In certain embodiments, the
pump further comprises a fluidic connection from outside the pump
to a space between the rigid surface of the leaf and the deformable
surface of the leaf. The space between the rigid surface of the
leaf and the outer surface of the leaf is also described herein as
the "intraleaf space." In some embodiments, fluid can be pumped out
of the deformable reservoir by pumping a working fluid into the
intraleaf space. Pumping the working fluid into the intraleaf space
can cause the intraleaf space to expand, which in turn applies
pressure to the deformable reservoir causing fluid to be expelled
from the deformable reservoir.
[0024] FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional schematic illustration of a
system that can be used to pump fluids, in accordance with certain
embodiments. In FIG. 1, the system comprises a deformable reservoir
100 containing fluid 105 to be dispensed. Reservoir 100 is inserted
into a pump comprising first leaf 102A and second leaf 102B. The
first and second leaves can be connected to each other. For
example, as illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 4, first leaf 102A is
connected to second leaf 102B via hinge 200. The first and second
leaves can form a clam shell form factor, according to some such
embodiments.
[0025] In some embodiments, at least one of the two leaves
comprises a rigid surface and a deformable surface. For example, in
FIG. 1, leaf 102A comprises rigid surface 103A and deformable
surface 101A. Optionally, leaf 102B may also comprise a rigid
surface and a deformable surface. For example, in FIG. 1, leaf 102B
comprises deformable surface 101B and rigid surface 103B. The rigid
surface and the deformable surface within a leaf define the
intraleaf space. For example, in FIG. 1, leaf 102A comprises
intraleaf space 108A and leaf 102B comprises intraleaf space
108B.
[0026] In accordance with certain embodiments, to dispense fluid
from the pump, a working fluid is pumped (e.g., using external
means, such as a pump) into the intraleaf space. The pressure of
this working fluid can be transferred through the deformable
surface to the deformable reservoir, squeezing the deformable
reservoir, and thus dispensing fluid. For example, referring to
FIG. 1, in some embodiments, a working fluid is pumped into
intraleaf space 108A, resulting in the application of pressure to
deformable reservoir 100 and the movement of fluid 105 from within
deformable reservoir 100 out of deformable reservoir 100 via exit
240.
[0027] In one embodiment, the second leaf has a concave contour to
house the deformable bag. In some such embodiments, the second leaf
also contains a second deformable surface to better brace the
dispensing bag during pump operation.
[0028] FIG. 3 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of a pump with a single deformable surface 101A in one of the
leaves (102A). In this embodiment, second leaf 102B does not
include a deformable surface, but rather, has only a rigid surface
(103B). The embodiment in FIG. 3 also show retaining features 210,
which can be used to fasten deformable surface 101A.
[0029] FIG. 4 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of an open pump with two deformable surfaces 101A and 101B, one on
each of the leaves 102A and 102B. In the embodiment shown in FIG.
4, deformable surface 101A is connected using a retaining ring 210.
Deformable surface 101B can be glued to leaf 102B, in some
embodiments. The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 also includes
additional features 220 embedded in leaf 102A to provide valve
action.
[0030] FIG. 5 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 also shows port 230A
used to access the intraleaf space 108A between leaf 102A and the
deformable surface 101A.
[0031] FIG. 7 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of a deformable reservoir. In FIG. 7, the deformable reservoir
comprises inlet/outlet tubing 240.
[0032] FIG. 8 is, according to some embodiments, a perspective view
of a deformable reservoir that includes an area 250 that, when
compressed, provides valve action by stopping the flow of
liquid.
[0033] FIG. 11 is, according to some embodiments, a cross sectional
view of a pump that include items 220 for operation of a valve
embedded in the deformable reservoir by external actuator 280. FIG.
6 is a perspective view schematic illustration of a pump in which
the pump is fastened using external actuator 280.
[0034] Prototypes of the pumps have been used to achieve pumping
pressures of 1 MPa. Generally, it is believed that the maximum
pressure than can be achieved will depend on the specifics of the
design (e.g., material thicknesses, properties, etc.) and will not
depend on the general concepts disclosed herein. In some
embodiments, the pump can be configured to achieve a pumping
pressure of at least, 2 MPa, at least 10 MPa, or at least 50 MPa
(and/or, in some embodiments, a pumping pressure of up to 1 MPa, up
to 100 MPa, or more).
[0035] Any of a variety of materials can be used to make the
leaves. In some embodiments, all or a portion of the leaves are
made of metal, plastic, or combinations of these. Generally, the
material from which the leaves are made are selected to be able to
withstand the desired pressure of operation. In some embodiments,
all or a portion of the leaves are made of aluminum.
[0036] The leaves may be made using any of a variety of
manufacturing techniques, including but not limited to milling,
molding, 3D printing, and combinations of these.
[0037] Generally, the leaves are fastened to each other in a manner
that allows the pump to withstand the desired applied pressure. In
some embodiments, the leaves are fastened using a latch 280 with a
pin (e.g., to form a hinge). This type of fastening arrangement can
allow for quick access to the interior of the pump while allowing
the pump to withstand a relatively large pressure. Depending on
various factors (such as pressurization level), other fastening
methods could also be used. For example, in some cases, the leaves
can be bolted together, which can be useful, for example, for more
durable operation. Other fastening methods include, but are not
limited to, adhesive fastening (e.g., using epoxy), thermal
bonding, magnetic coupling, mechanical latching or fastening, and
the like.
[0038] In some embodiments, pressurization of the deformable
reservoir (100) occurs when a working fluid is introduced into the
intraleaf space. The working fluid can be any of a variety of
different fluids. In some embodiments, the working fluid is an
inert fluid. The use of an inert fluid can provide increased safety
of operation. Non-limiting examples of working fluid include gases
(e.g., air, nitrogen, argon, and the like) and liquids (e.g.,
water, oil, and the like).
[0039] In some embodiments, removal/depressurization of the working
fluid allows for stopping of the pumping action and/or
replacement/reloading of the deformable reservoir.
[0040] In some embodiments the working fluid can be quickly
pressurized and depressurized or its pressure can be modulated
according to a specific pattern. This can be done to achieve
benefits in addition to the dispensing of fluid, non-limiting
examples of which include mixing of the fluid present in the
deformable reservoir and/or oscillatory flow pumping. In some
embodiments in which mixing is performed, the deformable reservoir
contains two or more different fluids (e.g., which may be loaded
into and/or removed from the deformable reservoir by utilizing one
port or multiple ports).
[0041] Inflow and outflow of the working fluid (into and out of the
intraleaf space, respectively) can be achieved using one or more
ports. The specifics of the fluidic scheme for the working fluid do
not alter the generality of the concepts disclosed herein.
[0042] In some embodiments, the maximum operating pressure of the
working fluid is close to the maximum dispensing pressure of the
pump. In some embodiments, the working fluid pressure within the
intraleaf space can be set to a negative value (with respect to
atmospheric reference pressure). Operating the pump in this way can
allow for refilling of the deformable reservoir.
[0043] Different fluidic schemes, with or without valves, and with
one or more pressure sources, may be deployed to achieve specific
pumping operation. For instance, a scheme may involve only
dispensing once from a deformable reservoir, and hence a single
source is used. In some embodiments, valves may be added to relieve
the pressure of the working fluid prior to opening the pump to
replace the deformable reservoir. As another non-limiting example,
a scheme may require dispensing the fluid in the deformable
reservoir and then refilling it. In some such embodiments, the
working fluid is first pressurized inside the pump, and then its
pressure is relieved and then taken to a negative pressure value
for a refilling operation.
[0044] In accordance with some embodiments, the deformable
reservoir contains (e.g., is filled with) liquid to be dispensed by
the pump. The deformable reservoir can have any of a variety of
different shapes. In some embodiments, when empty, the deformable
reservoir can appear as circular, rectangular, oval, square, or any
other shape. In some embodiments, the deformable reservoir has a
single port that is used as both an inlet and an outlet. In other
embodiments, the deformable reservoir has more than one port (e.g.,
a first port used as an outlet and a second port used as an inlet).
In one embodiment, the pump has only a single inlet, which is used
as both an inlet and an outlet.
[0045] In some embodiments, the deformable reservoir is filled with
the liquid through the inlet of the pump. In some such embodiments,
when the pump is later pressurized, the liquid flows out the same
path in which it entered. Other embodiments may have a deformable
reservoir with two, or three, or more input/output ports (as may be
required by a specific application).
[0046] The deformable reservoir may include, in some embodiments,
other features such as valves, check valves, specific areas for
sensor installation, and the like. Any of these additions may
provide additional features to complement and enhance the final
product.
[0047] In some embodiments, valves (e.g., embedded in the
deformable reservoir or not embedded in the deformable reservoir
(i.e., external valves)) may be used to operate more than one pump
at the same time to achieve specific operating scenarios. In some
embodiments, multiple pumps can be operated to achieve continuous
flow. For example, in some such embodiments, one pump can be
refilled with the second pump is dispensing, and vice versa.
[0048] The deformable reservoir may be made of any of a variety of
different materials. Generally, the deformable reservoir is made of
a material that ensures that the reservoir can be squeezed or
otherwise deformably compressed. Examples include but are not
limited to polymers, metals, and the like. In some embodiments, the
deformable reservoir is made of polymeric material. The polymeric
material can be, in some embodiments, in the form of a polymer
film. Polymers can be of a variety of different types. Examples
include, but are not limited to, perfluorinated polymers (e.g.,
Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Ethilene Tetrafluoroethylene
(ETFE), Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP),
Polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE), chlorotrifluoroethylene
(CTFE), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), etc), polypropylene,
polyethylene, and the like. The reservoirs can also be made with
thin metal films, for instance aluminum foil or other foils
adequately thin to be able to be deformed. Bonding between layers
of polymer can be achieved using a variety of methods. For example,
in some embodiments, bonding between layers of polymer can be
achieved using heat based adhesion and/or with the addition of
chemicals (e.g., an adhesive such as a glue, or solvent).
[0049] For chemical applications, in some embodiments, the
utilization of thermoplastic perfluoro-polymers can yield a very
chemically stable substrate that can be deployed with a large
variety of aggressive media.
[0050] The deformable surface can be made, for example, with
elastomers, polymers, metals, or combinations of these materials.
In some embodiments, the use of materials with good elastic
behavior can be advantageous, for example, because of the large
deformation they can withstand. Non-limiting examples of such
materials include Neoprene, natural rubber, Viton, Buna, Aflas,
Silicon rubber, Santoprene, and the like. In accordance with some
embodiments, the deformable surface can be fastened onto the leaf
in any of a variety of ways. Non limiting examples include
mechanical fastening (with or without a retaining structure, such
as a ring), adhesion (e.g., using glue or another adhesive),
mounting the deformable surface on a support structure that is
fully constrained when the pump is closed, among others. The
thickness on the deformable surface will generally depend on the
specific material selected and its mechanical properties, together
with the specification stemming out from the intended use of the
pump. In some embodiments, thicknesses can be as little as 1 micron
and as much as 5 millimeters. Other thicknesses could also
potentially be used.
[0051] Certain of the embodiments disclosed herein can provide one
or more advantages. The dispensable liquid is, in accordance with
certain embodiments, fully encapsulated in the deformable
reservoir, thus preventing gasses from dissolving into the liquid
during operation. The deformable reservoir concept also allows for
disposability, in some embodiments. For example, in some
embodiments, the wetted parts (i.e., those parts that contact the
pumped liquid(s)), are entirely interchangeable without any
alteration to the rest of the pump.
[0052] In accordance with certain embodiments, the pump is able to
produce a stable flow with minimal or no oscillations of flow
rate.
[0053] Some applications may require a metering function, which can
be achieved in a variety of ways using certain of the embodiments
described herein. Examples of ways to control flow rate include:
use of a mass flow meter, a proportional valve with an inline flow
sensor, or calculation of the pressure drop downstream of the pump
(which would dictate the flow rate for the assigned pressure of the
fluid used to pressurize the pump), adjustment of the pressure of
the working fluid. In accordance with certain of the embodiments
disclosed herein, the pump is not a metering pump itself, and
hence, flow rate can be adjusted for each application with other
known means.
[0054] In accordance with certain embodiments, during operation,
the deformable reservoir is mechanically braced by a second
deformable surface associated with the second leaf. This bracing
action can, in certain cases, allow the deformable reservoir to be
used at elevated pressures, even when the deformable reservoir is
made of a thin material (which might only allow a low pressure
rating of the deformable reservoir when it is outside of the pump
cavity). In some such embodiments, the deformable reservoir does
not need to be designed to withstand, when outside of the pumping
system, the pressure of operation deployed when inside the pumping
system.
[0055] In accordance with certain embodiments, the material from
which the deformable reservoir is made and the material from which
the deformable wall of the leaf (or leaves) is made act as two
degrees of separation between the process liquid to be dispensed
and the working fluid used for dispensing. This isolation can, in
certain cases, render certain of the embodiments described herein
suitable for use with liquids that need containment. Non-limiting
examples of liquids one might wish to dispense but that may require
well-controlled containment are: aggressive or toxic liquids and
liquids that need to be isolated (e.g., to avoid external
contamination). Because the liquids never directly contact the
enclosure, in accordance with certain embodiments, a wider variety
of materials can be used. Over the long term, this can allow for a
higher production rate and lower cost.
[0056] Another advantage, in accordance with certain embodiments,
is that the pump can be commercialized as a low cost pump. For
example, the leaves can, in accordance with certain embodiments, be
made with low cost injection molded materials. The deformable
reservoirs can also be configured to be disposable and/or low cost,
in accordance with certain embodiments. These features, together
with the ability to resist to harsh chemicals, can make certain of
the pumps described herein suitable for chemical laboratories both
for research and development and for teaching laboratories. It is
believed that applications in the field of flow chemistry would
benefit from the availability of this type of tool, as current pump
products are expensive.
[0057] Generally, the pumps described herein can run individually
or can work in series together. Linking together the outlet lines
of multiple pumps can allow for complete customization of pumping.
In some embodiments in which multiple pumps are used, different
pressures can be used for different pumps. In certain embodiments
in which multiple pumps are used, each pump could contain the same
fluid, or different pumps could each have their own type of fluid.
The use of multiple pumps, in accordance with certain embodiments,
can allow for large changes in delivered flow rates (e.g. large
increases and/or large decreases, potentially over very short
periods of time). In addition, in some embodiments, the addition of
each additional pump adds another layer of combinations for a given
application.
[0058] FIGS. 9A-9C show examples of deformable reservoirs, in
accordance with certain embodiments. The reservoirs shown in FIGS.
9A-9C are in the form of a cartridge. FIG. 9A shows an empty
deformable reservoir. FIG. 9B shows a deformable reservoir filled
with red fluid. FIG. 9C shows a deformable reservoir inside an open
pump.
[0059] FIG. 10 shows examples of 3 different pumps, each containing
deformable reservoirs each with a different colored liquid.
[0060] U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/951,513, filed Dec. 20,
2019, and entitled "Liquid Pump and Related Systems and Methods" is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all
purposes.
[0061] The following example is intended to illustrate certain
embodiments of the present invention, but does not exemplify the
full scope of the invention.
Example
[0062] This example describes the use of liquid pumps, in
accordance with certain embodiments, in the context of a larger
project aimed at designing a simple, robust, and low cost system
capable of producing on-demand reagents using a combination of
liquid and solid pods or cartridges. The systems included pumps,
tubular reactors, valves, fittings, and chemical containers.
[0063] Pumps, in accordance with certain embodiments, have been
used as pumps for this project. To demonstrate an application, on
demand synthesis of Grignard reagents (Turbo Grignard) and
(i-PrMgCl.LiCl) and Knochel-Hauser base derived from HMDS
(HMDSMgCl.LiCl) were reiterated on the ODR prototype. Similar
i-PrMgCl.LiCl yield (86%) was obtained with the scheme shown in
FIG. 12, using optimized conditions established on commercial flow
system. The synthesis utilizes both liquid reagents--pumped on
demand with the described invention--and solid reagents immobilized
on a cartridge. The cartridge included three solution bags (THF,
activating solution and i-PrCl solution) and two tubular reactors
(Mg chips/powder and LiCl) connected in-series.
[0064] In the case of HMDSMgCl.LiCl, the same cartridge
configuration was used, using the scheme shown in FIG. 13, and
slightly lower yield (83%) was obtained compared with the reaction
performed on the Vapourtec flow system. This variation was
attribute to unsteady flow rate produced by propane released during
the reaction, thus affecting fluid dynamics and back pressure
control.
[0065] Product purities, i-PrCl quantitative conversion, and yields
were confirmed by NMR demonstrating the ability to safely produce
high quality organomagnesium reagents on demand with the use of
such a pumping system.
[0066] While several embodiments of the present invention have been
described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the
art will readily envision a variety of other means and/or
structures for performing the functions and/or obtaining the
results and/or one or more of the advantages described herein, and
each of such variations and/or modifications is deemed to be within
the scope of the present invention. More generally, those skilled
in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions,
materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be
exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials,
and/or configurations will depend upon the specific application or
applications for which the teachings of the present invention
is/are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to
ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many
equivalents to the specific embodiments of the invention described
herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing
embodiments are presented by way of example only and that, within
the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, the
invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described
and claimed. The present invention is directed to each individual
feature, system, article, material, and/or method described herein.
In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems,
articles, materials, and/or methods, if such features, systems,
articles, materials, and/or methods are not mutually inconsistent,
is included within the scope of the present invention.
[0067] The indefinite articles "a" and "an," as used herein in the
specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the
contrary, should be understood to mean "at least one."
[0068] The phrase "and/or," as used herein in the specification and
in the claims, should be understood to mean "either or both" of the
elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively
present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases.
Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements
specifically identified by the "and/or" clause, whether related or
unrelated to those elements specifically identified unless clearly
indicated to the contrary. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a
reference to "A and/or B," when used in conjunction with open-ended
language such as "comprising" can refer, in one embodiment, to A
without B (optionally including elements other than B); in another
embodiment, to B without A (optionally including elements other
than A); in yet another embodiment, to both A and B (optionally
including other elements); etc.
[0069] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, "or"
should be understood to have the same meaning as "and/or" as
defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, "or"
or "and/or" shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the
inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a
number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted
items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as "only
one of" or "exactly one of," or, when used in the claims,
"consisting of," will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element
of a number or list of elements. In general, the term "or" as used
herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive
alternatives (i.e. "one or the other but not both") when preceded
by terms of exclusivity, such as "either," "one of," "only one of,"
or "exactly one of." "Consisting essentially of," when used in the
claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of
patent law.
[0070] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the
phrase "at least one," in reference to a list of one or more
elements, should be understood to mean at least one element
selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of
elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and
every element specifically listed within the list of elements and
not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements.
This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present
other than the elements specifically identified within the list of
elements to which the phrase "at least one" refers, whether related
or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a
non-limiting example, "at least one of A and B" (or, equivalently,
"at least one of A or B," or, equivalently "at least one of A
and/or B") can refer, in one embodiment, to at least one,
optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and
optionally including elements other than B); in another embodiment,
to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A
present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet
another embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than
one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B
(and optionally including other elements); etc.
[0071] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all
transitional phrases such as "comprising," "including," "carrying,"
"having," "containing," "involving," "holding," and the like are to
be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not
limited to. Only the transitional phrases "consisting of" and
"consisting essentially of" shall be closed or semi-closed
transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United
States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section
2111.03.
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