U.S. patent number 3,787,185 [Application Number 05/231,268] was granted by the patent office on 1974-01-22 for disruptor module.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Beckman Industries, Inc.. Invention is credited to Charles Peter Chase, Everett James Petersen, Jr., Donald Gene Rohrbaugh.
United States Patent |
3,787,185 |
Rohrbaugh , et al. |
January 22, 1974 |
DISRUPTOR MODULE
Abstract
An automated device on signal serially dispenses a precise
solvent volume into an individual chemical sample reactor module
containing a single sample solid composition, provides agitation
for disrupting and dissolving the sample, and supplies an aliquot
filtered solution sample. The tablet disruptor device functioning
in the reactor module is automatically programmed to disrupt the
sample and to stir and dissolve it in the turbulent solvent. The
disruptor device is then solvent washed, prior to being utilized
again in the serialization disruption and solution of successive
samples in successive solvent volumes in individual chemical
reactor sample modules.
Inventors: |
Rohrbaugh; Donald Gene (Santa
Ana, CA), Petersen, Jr.; Everett James (Glendora, CA),
Chase; Charles Peter (Brea, CA) |
Assignee: |
Beckman Industries, Inc.
(Fullerton, CA)
|
Family
ID: |
22868484 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/231,268 |
Filed: |
March 2, 1972 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
422/64;
366/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N
35/025 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
G01N
35/02 (20060101); B01f 001/00 (); G01n
001/10 () |
Field of
Search: |
;23/253,259,230
;259/23,24,67,108 ;222/144 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wolk; Morris O.
Assistant Examiner: Serwin; R. E.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Thomas L. Peterson et al.
Claims
1. An automated chemical analysis sample dissolver module for
serially preparing individual filtered solutions of serialized
solid chemical samples in successive individual chemical sample
reactor modules, comprising in combination:
a transport means for serially conveying a tablet disruptor device
to each one of a plurality of spaced positions on a time
schedule;
a drive means for rotating said tablet disruptor device on power
signal, for scheduled time periods;
a pressure filter head means for supplying a positive gas pressure
to the second tube terminus of a filter tube of one said chemical
sample reactor module, said reactor module cooperatively disposed
in a predetermined position, said filter head means cooperatively
disposed spaced parallel and adjacent said tablet disruptor device
secured on said transport means, providing concurrent parallel
operative positions for said filter head means and said tablet
disruptor device, said gas pressure being applied on signal and
released on power signal;
a solvent pump means for securing a solvent volume from a solvent
reservoir and dispensing said volume into said reactor module on
power signal;
and,
a wash container for said tablet disruptor device, cooperatively
disposed for immersion of said device and a subsequent
predetermined period of
2. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
transport means comprises in combination:
an elevator means for vertically displacing on power signal said
tablet disruptor device to a plurality of precisely scheduled
positions;
and,
a rotor displacement means rotatively displacing on power signal
said tablet disruptor device to a plurality of precisely scheduled
positions.
3. In a sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 2, the
improvement wherein said elevator means comprises in
combination:
a first elevator shaft supported in a first structural housing by
spaced keyed bushings disposed to provide vertical displacement of
said shaft on actuating power signal to a first reversible gear
motor drive, the motor shaft gear actuating a first gear rack
coaxially secured on said shaft parallel to the shaft axis of
symmetry, said motor drive secured on said first housing;
a first sensor pin secured on said shaft, positioned to
alternatively activate each one of a first pair of motor limit
switches fixedly spaced vertically opposed on said first housing,
providing a power detent for said first motor drive on activating
one said switch;
and,
a second guide pin, secured in a guide block disposed on said first
housing, said second pin riding in a guide block track preventing
shaft
4. In a sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 2, the
improvement wherein said rotor displacement means comprises in
combination:
a horizontal second housing arm rotatively secured by bushing means
on said elevator shaft adjacent the shaft top terminus, a second
reversible gear motor drive rotating the second arm on actuating
power signal, the rotating motor gear providing rotative thrust on
an engaged gear segment fixed to the elevator shaft;
a second pair of motor limit switches arcuately disposed in a plane
parallel to the plane of rotation of said second arm, each one of
said second pair of switches disposed at one terminus of an arc,
limiting the rotation of said second arm on power signal;
and,
a second final adjustment screw arc sensor means providing micro
adjustment of said arc terminus, said arc sensor means having
adjustable screws disposed in a secured arc stop block, providing
micro-arc angle adjustment of a power detent for said second motor
drive on activating one said
5. A sample dissolver module set forth in claim 1 wherein said
motor drive means rotating said tablet disruptor comprises in
combination:
a variable speed third motor drive for rotating said tablet
disruptor device on power signal, said third drive normally mounted
on an adaptor plate;
a motor speed and operating time control for said third motor
drive;
a coupling means securing said third motor drive and said disruptor
device;
a drive shaft aligning means coaxially aligning said disruptor
device and said motor third drive;
and,
an adaptor plate securing means providing adjustable secure
positioning of said adaptor plate, said plate coplanarly secured on
said second housing
6. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 5 wherein said
motor drive means for rotating said tablet disruptor comprises in
combination:
a variable speed third motor drive normally mounted on an adaptor
plate, said third drive secured to said plate by an aligning means
coaxially aligning the motor shaft vertically downward with the
rotatable shaft of said disruptor device;
a motor speed and operating time control for said third drive;
a coupling means securing said motor shaft and said rotatable shaft
of said disruptor device;
a drive shaft aligning means having a second bearing coaxially
disposed around said rotatable shaft adjacent said coupling means,
said second bearing coaxially secured to the hollow stator shaft of
said disruptor device, and having a bearing seal coaxially disposed
around said rotatable shaft and secured in said hollow stator shaft
adjacent the shaft rotor;
and,
an adaptor plate securing means providing adjustable secure
positioning of said adaptor plate on said second housing arm, said
plate coplanarly adjustable on said second arm, adapting said shaft
rotor to positioning
7. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
pressure filter head means comprises in combination:
a third support arm extending horizontally from said first
structural housing and secured thereto, said third arm having a
first uniform tubular aperture disposed normally through said third
arm;
a pressure filter head tubular plunger means slidably extending
through said first uniform tubular aperture, said plunger means
having a second coaxial tubular aperture disposed therein, said
plunger means having a sealing means disposed on the lower terminus
of said plunger means, said sealing means providing a gas-tight
seal for a filter tube of a chemical sample reactor module, and
said plunger means having a guide cap means coaxially secured to
the upper terminus of said plunger means providing a slidable guide
means in said third arm;
an expansion spring coaxially disposed around said plunger means
between said guide cap and said third arm;
a coupling means providing gas pressure conductively to said
plunger means adjacent to said guide cap means;
and,
a collar compressive means cooperatively secured around the
stationary hollow shaft of the tablet disruptor device normal to
the shaft axis of symmetry, said collar means positioned on the
hollow shaft length to compressively displace the top terminus of
said guide cap means downward a
8. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 7 wherein said
pressure filter head means comprises in combination:
a third support arm extending horizontally from said first
structural housing and secured thereto, said third arm having a
first uniform tubular aperture disposed normally through said third
arm;
a pressure filter head tubular plunger slidably extending through
said first uniform tubular aperture, said plunger having a seocnd
tubular aperture coaxially disposed therein;
a plunger cap coaxially disposed on a first terminus of said
plunger;
a first sealing means coaxially secured on said plunger cap;
an expansion spring coaxially disposed around a second terminus of
said plunger, one spring terminus engaging said third arm;
a guide cap coaxially secured to said second terminus of said
plunger, said cap engaging a second terminus of said expansion
spring, said cap having an annular skirt extension slidably
engaging an annular guide slot in said third arm disposed normal to
said horizontal position;
a gas couple fitting disposed in said plunger coaxially venting to
said second tubular aperture, said fitting protectively disposed in
a guide cap aperture;
and,
a collar cooperatively secured around the stationary hollow shaft
of the tablet disruptor device, said collar coaxially disposed
normal to the shaft axis of symmetry and positioned on the shaft
length to compressively displace the top terminus of said guide cap
downward a precise distance on
9. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 1 wherein said
solvent pump means comprises in combination:
a frangible syringe having a cylinder and a piston, each said
cylinder and said piston having a force support lip disposed around
the adjacent conventional force application terminus;
a pair of lip securing plastic molded flanges, each flange of said
pair coaxially disposed around and separately forming a cylinder
flange and a piston flange;
a contact pivot means disposed on each face of each flange,
providing separate small pivotal displacements for each one of said
molded flanges;
a first support union mount means coaxially securing the molded
flange disposed around the cylinder support lip, providing
containment force on said flange, and providing small pivotal
displacement for said cylinder engaged on said piston;
a tubular shaft guide mount means secured to said first support
union mount means, having a slidable tubular mount aperture means,
said shaft mount means secured to said first structural housing,
providing a vertical aperture axis of symmetry;
a second support union mount means coaxially securing the molded
flange disposed around the piston support lip, providing
containment force on said flange and providing small pivotal
displacement for said piston engaged in said cylinder;
a second elevator shaft having a first shaft terminus secured
normally in said second union mount means, said second shaft
disposed parallel to the piston axis of symmetry and having an
elevation limiting shaft stop;
a reversible fourth gear motor drive means providing vertical
displacement of said second shaft from a secured drive means mount
on said first structural housing on power signal;
a syringe volume adjustment means having a locking collar slidably
mounted on said second elevator shaft, said collar having a pinion
gear disposed on a rotating shaft mounted in said collar, said
pinion gear engaging a third gear rack whose length is coaxially
secured on said second elevator shaft parallel to the elevator
shaft axis of symmetry, said pinion gear and gear rack
cooperatively providing vertical displacement of said collar prior
to locking said collar and fixing the syringe volume
displacement;
a second pair of limit switch means having two oppositely
vertically disposed limit switches, a first switch secured on said
first structural housing uppermost above second elevator shaft top
terminus providing a power detent for said fourth drive means and
having an adjustable limit actuating screw disposed in the top
terminus of said second elevator shaft, and a second switch secured
on said tubular shaft guide mount providing a power detent for said
fourth drive means on actuating by said locking collar;
a three-way diverter solenoid valve conductively secured in common
to the solvent exit orfice of said syringe cylinder, said valve on
signal conductively alternatively venting to a solvent reservoir
conduit and to a chemical sample reactor module conduit whose
solvent outlet terminus is disposed parallel and cooperatively
adjacent said pressure filter head means;
whereby said contact ridges of said cylinder lip and said piston
lip provide small pivotal displacements to said syringe cylinder
and piston on vertical displacement of said piston by said second
elevator shaft in said
10. A sample dissolver module as set forth in claim 9 wherein said
solvent pump means comprises in combination:
a frangible syringe having a cylinder and a piston, said sylinder
having a first support lip coaxially disposed around the cylinder
insertion aperture, said piston having a second support lip
coaxially disposed around the piston force base;
a cylinder lip securing molded flange coaxially disposed around
said cylinder lip, said flange having a pair of oppositely disposed
contact ridges on each flange face, the pair of ridges on each face
opposed 180.degree.;
a piston lip securing flange coaxially disposed around said piston
lip having the pair of contact ridges oppositely opposed on a first
face of said piston flange;
said contact ridges of said cylinder lip securing flange and said
contact ridges of said piston lip securing flange rotatively
disposed 90.degree. apart in the plane normal to the syringe axis
of displacement;
a first support union mount coaxially securing said cylinder lip
flange, having a first female mount adapted to coaxially supporting
said cylinder flange, and a first male plug coaxially adapted to
mate with said female mount, providing containment force on a back
up ring coaxially disposed below said cylinder lip flange secured
in said female mount, said first union mount providing small
pivotal displacement movement of said cylinder;
a tubular shaft guide mount secured to said first support union,
the tubular aperture of said shaft guide mount disposed parallel to
a cylinder axis of symmetry, said guide mount having a pair of
shaft bushings oppositely disposed in said tubular apetture at the
aperture terminus, said shaft guide mount secured by fastening
means to said first structural housing providing a vertical tubular
aperture axis of symmetry;
a second support union mount coaxially securing said piston lip
flange, having a female mount adapted to coaxially support said
piston lip flange, and a male plug adapted to mate with said female
mount, said second union mount providing containment force on a
steel ball rotatively disposed in a mating hemispherical aperture
centrally disposed in the second face of said piston lip flange,
said ball thrusting on a hardened thrust washer disposed on the
female mount base, said second mount providing small pivotal
displacement of said piston;
a pair of locating pins, each one of said pins normally secured in
a wall of each one of said female mounts, each one of said pins
securing one said lip flange, preventing lip flange rotation;
a second elevator shaft, having a first shaft terminus secured
normally in said second union mount, said second elevator shaft
disposed parallel to the piston axis of symmetry and disposed in
said tubular shaft guide mount, a shaft bushing secured adjacent
said second union mount providing a shaft stop, limiting elevation
of said piston;
a reversible fourth gear motor drive mounted on said first
structural housing having a motor shaft gear actuating a second
gear rack whose length is coaxially secured on said second elevator
shaft parallel to the shaft axis of symmetry, said fourth drive
providing vertical displacement of said second shaft on power
signal;
a syringe volume adjustment means having a locking collar slidably
mounted on said second elevator shaft, said collar having a pinion
gear disposed on a rotating shaft mounted in said collar, said
pinion gear engaging a third gear rack whose length is coaxially
secured on said second elevator shaft parallel to the elevator
shaft axis of symmetry, said pinion gear and gear rack
cooperatively providing vertical displacement of said collar prior
to locking said collar and fixing the syringe volume
displacement;
a second pair of limit switch means having two oppositely
vertically disposed limit switches, a first switch secured on said
first structural housing uppermost above second elevator shaft top
terminus, providing a power detent for said fourth drive and having
an adjustable limit actuating screw disposed in the top terminus of
said second elevator shaft, and a second switch secured on said
tubular shaft guide mount providing a power detent for said fourth
drive on actuating by said locking collar;
a three-way diverter solenoid valve conductively secured in common
to the solvent exit orfice of said syringe cylinder, said valve on
signal conductively alternatively venting to a solvent reservoir
conduit and to a chemical sample reactor module conduit whose
solvent outlet terminus is disposed parallel and cooperatively
adjacent said pressure filter head means;
whereby said contact ridges of said cylinder lip and said piston
lip provide small pivotal displacements to said syringe cylinder
and piston on vertical displacement of said piston by said second
elevator shaft in said
11. A solvent pump comprising in combination:
a frangible syringe having a cylinder and a piston, each said
cylinder and said piston having a force support lip disposed around
the adjacent conventional force application terminus;
a pair of lip securing plastic molded flanges, each flange of said
pair coaxially disposed around and separately forming a cylinder
flange and a piston flange;
a contact pivot means disposed on each face of each flange,
providing separate small pivotal displacement means for each one of
said molded flanges;
a first support union mount means coaxially securing the molded
flange disposed around the cylinder support lip, providing
containment force on said flange and providing small pivotal
displacement for said cylinder engaged on said piston;
a tubular shaft guide mount means secured to said first support
union mount means, having a slidable tubular mount aperture means,
said shaft mount means secured to a structural housing, said
tubular shaft guide means providing a vertical aperture axis of
symmetry;
a second support union mount means coaxially securing the molded
flange disposed around the piston support lip, providing
containment force on said flange and providing small pivotal
displacement for said piston engaged in said cylinder;
a pair of locating means, each one disposed in a wall of each one
of said female mounts, each one of said means securing one said lip
flange, preventing lip flange rotation;
an elevator shaft, having a first shaft terminus secured normally
in said second union mount, said elevator shaft disposed parallel
to the piston axis of symmetry and disposed in said tubular shaft
guide mount, a shaft bushing secured adjacent said second union
mount providing a shaft stop, limiting elevation of said
piston;
a reversible gear motor drive mounted on said structural housing
having a motor shaft gear actuating a gear rack whose length is
coaxially secured on said elevator shaft parallel to the shaft axis
of symmetry, said drive providing vertical displacement of said
second shaft on power signal;
a syringe volume adjustment means having a locking collar slidably
mounted on said elevator shaft, said collar having a pinion gear
disposed on a rotating shaft mounted in said collar, said pinion
gear engaging another gear rack whose length is coaxially secured
on said elevator shaft parallel to the elevator shaft axis of
symmetry, said pinion gear and gear rack cooperatively providing
vertical displacement of said collar prior to locking said collar
and fixing the syringe volume displacement;
a pair of limit switch means having two oppositely vertically
disposed limit switches, a first switch secured on said structural
housing uppermost above the elevator shaft top terminus, providing
a power detent for said drive and having an adjustable limit
actuating screw disposed in the top terminus of said elevator shaft
and a second switch secured on said tubular shaft guide mount
providing a power detent for said drive on actuating by said
locking collar;
a three-way diverter solenoid valve conductively secured in common
to the solvent exit orifice of said syringe cylinder, said valve on
signal conductively alternatively venting to a solvent reservoir
conduit and to a chemical sample reactor module conduit whose
solvent outlet terminus is disposed parallel and cooperatively
adjacent said pressure filter head means;
whereby said contact ridges of said cylinder lip and said piston
lip provide small pivotal displacements to said syringe cylinder
and piston on vertical displacement of said piston by said second
elevator shaft in said
12. A solvent pump comprising in combination:
a frangible syringe having a cylinder and a piston, said cylinder
having a first support lip coaxially disposed around the cylinder
insertion aperture, said piston having a second support lip
coaxially disposed around the piston force base;
a cylinder lip securing molded flange coaxially disposed around
said cylinder lip, said flange having a pair of oppositely disposed
contact ridges on each flange face, the pair of ridges on each face
opposed 180.degree.;
a piston lip securing flange coaxially disposed around said piston
lip having a pair of contact ridges oppositely opposed on a first
face of said piston flange;
said contact ridges of said cylinder lip securing flange and said
contact ridges of said piston lip securing flange rotatively
disposed 90.degree. apart in the plane normal to the syringe axis
of displacement;
a first support union mount coaxially securing said cylinder lip
flange, having a first female mount adapted to coaxially supporting
said cylinder flange, and a first male plug coaxially adapted to
mate with said female mount, providing containment force on a back
up ring coaxially disposed below said cylinder lip flange secured
in said female mount, said first union mount providing small
pivotal displacement movement of said cylinder;
a tubular shaft guide mount secured to said first support union,
the tubular aperture of said shaft guide mount disposed parallel to
the cylinder axis of symmetry, said guide mount having a pair of
shaft bushings oppositely disposed in said tubular aperture at the
aperture terminus, said shaft guide mount secured to a structural
housing providing a vertical tubular aperture axis of symmetry;
a second support union mount coaxially securing said piston lip
flange, having a female mount adapted to coaxially support said
piston lip flange, and a male plug adapted to mate with said female
mount, said second union mount providing containmnet force on a
steel ball rotatively disposed in a mating hemispherical aperture
centrally disposed in the second face of said piston lip flange,
said ball thrusting on a hardened thrust washer disposed on the
female mount base, said second mount providing small pivotal
displacement of said piston; a pair of locating pins, each one of
said pins secured in a wall of each one of said female mount, each
one of said pins securing one said lip flange, preventing lip
flange rotation;
an elevator shaft, having a first shaft terminus secured normally
in said second union mount, said elevator shaft disposed parallel
to the piston axis of symmetry and disposed in said tubular shaft
guide mount, a shaft bushing secured adjacent said second union
mount providing a shaft stop limiting elevation of said piston;
a reversible gear motor drive mounted on said structural housing
having a motor shaft gear actuating a gear rack whose length is
coaxially secured on said elevator shaft parallel to the shaft axis
of symmetry, said drive providing vertical displacement of said
second shaft on power signal;
a syringe volume adjustment means having a locking collar slidably
mounted on said elevator shaft, said collar having a pinion gear
disposed on a rotating shaft mounted in said collar, said pinion
gear engaging another gear rack whose length is coaxially secured
on said elevator shaft parallel to the elevator shaft axis of
symmetry, said pinion gear and gear rack cooperatively providing
vertical displacement of said collar prior to lcoking said collar
and fixing the syringe volume displacement;
a pair of limit switch means having two oppositely vertically
disposed limit switches, a first switch secured on said structural
housing uppermost above the elevator shaft top terminus, providing
a power detent for said drive and having an adjustable limit
actuating screw disposed in the top terminus of said elevator
shaft, and a second switch secured on said tubular shaft guide
mount providing a power detent for said drive on actuating by said
locking collar;
a three-way diverter solenoid valve conductively secured in common
to the solvent exit orifice of said syringe cylinder, said valve on
signal conductively alternatively venting to a solvent reservoir
conduit and to a chemical sample reactor module conduit whose
solvent outlet terminus is disposed parallel and cooperatively
adjacent said pressure filter head means;
whereby said contact ridges of said cylinder lip and said piston
lip provide small pivotal displacements to said syringe cylinder
and piston on vertical displacement of said piston by said second
elevator shaft in said
13. In a sample dissolver module having a transport means, a motor
drive means for rotating a tablet disruptor device, a pressure
filter head means, a solvent pump means, and a wash container, the
transport means combination comprising:
an elevator shaft supported in a first structural housing by spaced
keyed bushings disposed to provide vertical displacement of said
shaft on actuating power signal to a first reversible gear motor
drive, the motor shaft gear actuating a first gear rack coaxially
secured on said shaft parallel to the shaft axis of symmetry, said
motor drive secured on said first housing;
a first sensor pin secured on said shaft, positioned to
alternatively activate each one of a first pair of motor limit
switches fixedly spaced vertically opposed on said first housing,
providing a power detent for said first motor drive on activating
one said switch;
a second guide pin, secured in a guide block disposed on said first
housing, said second pin riding in a guide block track preventing
shaft rotation during shaft elevation displacement;
a horizontal second housing arm rotatively secured by bushing means
on said elevator shaft adjacent the shaft top terminus, a second
reversible gear motor drive rotating said second arm on actuating
power signal, the rotating motor gear providing rotative thrust on
an engaged gear segment fixed to the elevator shaft;
a second pair of motor limit switches arcuately disposed in a plane
parallel to the plane of rotation of said second arm, each one of
said second pair of switches disposed at one terminus of an arc,
limiting the rotation of said second arm on power signal;
and,
a second final adjustment screw arc sensor means providing micro
adjustment of said arc terminus, said arc sensor means having
adjustable screws disposed in a secured arc stop block, providing
micro-arc angle adjustment of a power detent for said second motor
drive on activating one said
14. In a sample dissolver module having a transport means, a motor
drive means for rotating a tablet disruptor device, a pressure
filter head means, a solvent pump means, and a wash container, the
motor drive means for rotating a tablet disruptor comprising in
combination:
a variable speed motor device for rotating said tablet disruptor
device on power signal, including a motor drive normally mounted
downward on an adaptor plate;
a motor speed and operating time control for said third motor
drive;
a coupling means securing said motor drive and said disruptor
device;
a drive shaft aligning means coaxially aligning said disruptor
device and said motor drive;
and,
an adaptor plate securing means providing adjustable secure
positioning of said adaptor plate, said plate coplanarly secured on
said second housing
15. In a sample dissolver module having a transport means, a motor
drive means for rotating a tablet disruptor device, a pressure
filter head means, a solvent pump means and a wash container, the
pressure filter head means comprises in combination:
a support arm extending horizontally from a first structural
housing and secured thereto, said arm having a first uniform
tubular aperture disposed normally through said arm;
a pressure filter head tubular plunger means slidably extending
through said first uniform tubular aperture, said plunger means
having a second coaxial tubular aperture disposed therein, said
plunger means having a sealing means disposed on the lower terminus
of said plunger means, said sealing means providing a gas-tight
seal for a filter tube of a chemical sample reactor module, and
said plunger means having a guide cap means coaxially secured to
the upper terminus of said plunger means providing a slidable guide
means in said arm;
an expansion spring coaxially disposed around said plunger means
between said guide cap and said arm;
a coupling means providing gas pressure conductively to said
plunger means adjacent to said guide cap means;
a collar compressive means cooperatively disposed to compressively
displace the top terminus of said guide cap means downward a
precise distance on lowering said collar means.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to the following applications, all
assigned to the same assignee as the present application:
Ser. No. 177,555 for TABLET DISRUPTOR DEVICE, by Donald G.
Rohrbaugh and Everett J. Petersen, Jr., filed Sept. 18, 1971; and
the following applications filed herewith:
Ser. No. 231,350 for CHEMICAL ANALYSIS TUBE MODULE by Donald G.
Rohrbaugh;
Ser. No. 231,348 for CHEMICAL SAMPLE REACTOR MODULE, by Donald G.
Rohrbaugh;
Ser. No. 231,353 for CHEMICAL ANALYSIS ROTARY MODULE by Donald G.
Rohrbaugh and William R. Pearson; and
Ser. No. 231,351 for AUTOMATED CHEMICAL ANALYSER SYSTEM by Donald
G. Rohrbaugh, William R. Pearson, Everett Petersen, Jr., and C. P.
Chase.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The chemical analysis sample dissolver module of this invention is
specifically useful in automatically preparing solutions of solid
samples. In an automated chemical analysis procedure it is
necessary to dissolve a wide variety of chemical substances, in
such forms as capsules, tablets, powders and the like, in a solvent
such as water. In repetitive, serialized analysis of multiple
samples from a mass production system, it is desirable to analyze
these samples with the minimum of cross contamination between
samples. The chemical analysis sample dissolver module repetitively
disintegrates and dissolves individual solid samples in individual
chemical reactor modules containing the required solvent, with a
minimum of cross contamination and on an automated precisely
determined schedule.
Ferrari and Kline disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,485 an apparatus
for preparation of solids for analysis, which embodies a
multiplicity of cup containers, each cup receiving a single solid
sample for analysis. Each solid sample in the automated line of
reusable containers is separately, successively emptied into a
single mixing and dissolving mechanism, which separately dissolves
each solid sample and provides a take-off means for removing a
sample solution. A single mixing and solution container mechanism
is provided, thus requiring the mechanism to be returned to a clean
condition prior to analyzing another incoming solid sample. The
single container and mixing mechanism thus requires considerable
care to prevent cross contamination of single chemical samples
which are successively introduced into the mechanism. The problem
of quickly and completely cleaning the mechanism between each
single sample contributes to the problems of analysis speed,
reproducability and precision in the sample analysis.
U.S. Pat. No. 3,223,486 to Holl and Walton also discloses an
apparatus for dissolving solids for chemical analysis. This
invention also provides a single sample solution and mixing
mechanism which is subject to the slow rate of solution of samples
and the contamination resulting from small portions of succeeding
solid samples remaining in the same mixing mechanism.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An automated device on signal serially dispenses a precise solvent
volume into an individual chemical sample reactor module containing
a single sample solid composition, provides agitation for
disrupting and dissolving the sample, and provides a source for an
aliquoit filtered solution sample. A tablet disruptor device
functioning in the chemical analysis sample dissolver module is
automatically programmed to disrupt the sample and dissolve it in
the stirred solvent. The disruptor device is then solvent washed in
a separate wash container, prior to being utilized again in
serially disrupting and dissolving successive chemical samples in
successive individual reactor sample modules.
A transport means precisely, serially conveys a single table
disruptor device to each one of a plurality of spaced positions on
an adjustable precise time schedule. The individual sample
composition is disposed in an individual chemical sample reactor
module and the reactor module is disposed in a precise operative
position.
A pressure filter head means applies a precise positive gas
pressure to the second tube terminus of a filter tube of the
chemical sample reactor module. The pressure filter head means is
cooperatively disposed spaced parallel and adjacent to the tablet
disruptor device on the transport means. Concurrent parallel
operative positions are provided for the filter head means and the
tablet disruptor device, the gas pressure being applied before the
introduction of solvent into the chemical reactor module and also
before initiating rotation of the tablet disruptor device. After
the scheduled timed disintegration of the chemical sample and its
solution in the solvent by the rotating disruptor device, the
device is stopped, elevated vertically out of the chemical sample
reactor module, rotated horizontally to a position above a solvent
wash container and disposed in the solvent wash for a precisely
predetermined rotation period, in order to clean the disruptor
device in solvent. The transport means then precisely elevates the
disruptor device to an initial position, preparatory to beginning
another serially scheduled operative procedure for the automated
chemical analysis sample dissolver module.
Other aspects and advantages of this invention are taught in the
following description and claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The description of this invention is to be read in conjunction with
the following drawings:
FIG. 1 is a perspective elevation view of the sample dissolver
module of this invention including a dotted modification showing a
new position of the dissolver module after rotation of the
transport means.
FIG. 2 is another perspective elevation view of the sample
dissolver module of this invention showing the module in position
to disintegrate and dissolve a chemical sample in a solvent
contained in a sample reactor module, together with another dotted
modification indicating elevation of the module prior to further
return rotation of the transport means.
FIG. 3 is still another perspective elevation view of the sample
dissolver module, showing the tablet disruptor device disposed in a
wash position in a solvent wash container prior to elevation of the
module to the starting position for a new serially scheduled
operation of the dissolver module with a new chemical sample.
FIG. 4 is a perspective elevational, partial sectional view of the
chemical sample dissolver module of this invention, showing the
module in operative position suitable for sample preparation, and
prior to the pumping of solvent into the sample reactor module.
FIG. 5 is an elevational view through 5--5 of FIG. 4 further
illustrating the operation of the syringe pump.
FIG. 6 is still another sectional view through 6--6 of FIG. 4
illustrating further details of the elevator means.
FIG. 7 is a plan view through 7--7 of FIG. 4, illustrating the
rotary displacement means of the transport means of the sample
dissolver module.
FIG. 8 is a further enlarged elevational partical cross sectional
detailed view of FIG. 4, illustrating the improvements in the
syringe pump providing small pivoted displacements for the syringe
piston and cylinder on actuating the syringe pump.
FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate in further detail the contact ridges of
the molded plastic flanges which provide the small pivoted
displacements for the syringe pump.
FIG. 9 illustrates in sectional detail the pressure filter head
means.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 together in detail the sample
dissolver module 10 is shown operatively disposed in several
configurations. The transport means 11 comprises an elevator means
29 and a rotor displacement means 15. The tablet disruptor device
12, the motor drive means 13 for rotating the tablet disruptor
device 12, are shown disposed on the rotary displacement means 15.
The pressure filter head means 14 is attached to the elevator means
11. The solvent pump means 16 is shown partially enclosed,
providing a solvent for the sample dissolver module 10. The wash
container 17 is shown disposed in a fixed position. The frangible
syringe pump 20 is operatively connected to a pumping mechanism 21.
The electronic logic control system 22 contains means for adjusting
the operating time and rotational speed of the tablet disruptor
device 12. The individual chemical sample reactor modules 23 are
disposed in multiple apertures in table disc 24. The vertical
displacement of the syringe pump 20 is indicated by the arrow 25.
The solvent conductive tubing 26 leads from the tip of the syringe
pump 20.
In FIG. 1 the arrow 27 indicates the rotary displacement of the
rotary displacement means 15, the phantom view of 15 indicating a
90.degree. rotation from left to right. The arrow 28 indicates the
potential elevation displacement downward of 15 by the elevator
means 29.
FIG. 2 further indicates the positioning of the rotary displacement
means 15 down in the sample reactor module 23. Its potential upward
elevational displacement is indicated by the arrow 28' upward,
placing the rotor displacement means 15 in the phantom elevated
position 15 by operating the elevator means 29. The arrow 27'
indicates the potential rotation of the rotor displacement means 15
to the left by 90.degree.. Almost concurrent with the positioning
of the disruptor device 12 in the module 23 is the subsequent
operation of the syringe pump 20, displacing the solvent from the
pump now 20' into the reactor module 23.
FIG. 3 illustrates the subsequent movement of the rotor
displacement means 15 shown by the indicating arrow 27" to the
elevated phantom view of 15, and then a subsequent downward
displacement of 15 into the wash container 17, as shown by the
displacement arrow 28".
Utilizing the electronic logic 22, the sample dissolver module 10
is automatically programmed through the series of operational steps
outlined in sequence in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The tablet disruptor
device 12 is programmed to rotate for scheduled periods of time in
the rotationally opposed positions in the sample module 23 and the
wash container 17. The syringe pump 20 is programmed to inject a
precisely scheduled volume of solvent into the module 23 after the
disruptor device 12 is disposed in the module 23, prior to the
beginning of rotation of 12. The syringe pump 20 is provided with a
volumetric means now shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 whereby the pump 20
can be precisely adjusted to deliver the required solvent volume
for a particular analysis procedure. Upon command from the ehemical
analysis rotary module cited in the above cross references, the
sample dissolver module 10 automatically sequence through the
following series of steps:
1. Initially positions the tablet disruptor device 12 above the
wash container 17 as in FIG. 1, providing a solvent pump means 16
filled with solvent.
2. The rotary displacement means 15 is rotated 90.degree. disposing
it above the sample reactor module 23.
3. The tablet disruptor device 12 on the rotary displacement means
15 is lowered into the sample reactor module 23, where the chemical
sample has previously been manually placed.
4. The pressure filter head means 14 is lowered to seal to the
filter tube 116 of the sample reactor module 23.
5. Through the pressure filter head means 14 is applied a positive
gas pressure with controlled flow of gas into and through the
filter tube 116 of sample reactor module 23.
6. The syringe pump 20 is discharged, dispensing solvent through
tubing 26 into the sample reactor module 23.
7. The tablet disruptor device 12 is energized to disintegrate and
dissolve the chemical sample in the solvent. The device 12 runs for
the adjustable time and speed determined by the setting of the
electronic logic 22.
8. The syringe pump 20 is refilled, drawing solvent from the
storage container 18.
9. The tablet disruptor device 12 is stopped and elevated out of
the sample reactor module 23.
10. The pressure filter head means 14 is concurrently released,
removing the positive gas pressure from the filter tube 116 of
module 23, allowing solution to seep into the filter tube 116.
11. The rotary displacement means 15 is also concurrently elevated
by the elevator means 29 and rotated back 90.degree..
12. The tablet disruptor device 12 is lowered by the elevator means
29 into the wash container 17. The disruptor device 12 is energized
in the solvent which is manually disposed in the container 17,
washing the device 12 surfaces with the solvent, then stopped.
13. The rotor displacement means 15 is elevated by the elevator
means 29 placing the rotor displacement means 15 in a stationary
position.
The sample dissolver module 10 is then ready to begin another set
of the above sequence for another serialized disruption and
solution of another successive chemical sample in another
successive solvent volume in another individual chemical reactor
sample module.
Referring to FIG. 4 in detail, the perspective elevational view of
the chemical sample dissolver module 10 illustrates the solvent
pump means 16 disposed on the left side, the rotor displacement
means 15 and the elevator means 29 disposed in the central portion
of FIG. 4. The tablet disruptor device 12, and motor drive means 13
are shown with the rotor displacement means 15 on the right side of
FIG. 4.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 6 in further detail, the first elevator
shaft 40 of the elevator means 29 is shown disposed in the first
structural housing 41, the shaft 40 being slidably secured in the
pair of spaced keyed bushings 42 and 42', secured on the structural
housing 41. The vertical reversible displacement 43 of the first
elevator shaft 40 is actuated by the first reversible AC gear motor
drive 44 having a motor spur gear 45. The first gear rack 46 is
coaxially secured on the shaft 40 parallel to the shaft axis of
symmetry. The motor drive 44 is secured by the motor mount 47 to
the first structural housing 41. A first sensor pin 48 is normally
secured on the first elevator shaft 40, positioned to alternatively
activate each one of a first pair of motor limit switches 49 and 50
which are fixed to the first structural housing 41. The motor limit
switches 49 and 50 are spaced vertically opposed on the housing 41,
providing a power detent for the motor drive 44 on activating one
of the pair of switches 49 and 50. A second guide pin 51 is secured
in the guide block 52 disposed on the housing 41, by fasteners 94.
The second guide pin 51 rides in the guide block track 175,
preventing the shaft 40 from rotating during the shaft elevation
displacement 43.
The rotary displacement means 15 is illustrated in detail in FIGS.
4 and 7. A horizontal second housing arm 54 is rotatively secured
by bushing means 55 shown near the top of FIG. 4. Bushing means 55
comprises the non-metalic bushing 56, the thrust collar 57 secured
by the pin 77, the non-metallic thrust washer 58, and the
non-metalic spacer 59, forming rotative support means for the arm
54. Adjacent the first elevator shaft top terminus 60 is secured
the second reversible AC gear motor drive 53 mounted on the motor
adapter plate 61. The spur gear 62 on the motor 53 engages a gear
segment 63, pinned to the shaft 40 by pin 64.
As shown in FIG. 7, a second pair of limit switches 65 and 66 are
arcuately disposed on and parallel to the plane of rotation of the
arm 54. Each one of the pair of switches 65 and 66 are disposed at
one terminus of an arc 67. A screw arc sensor means 68 has
adjsutable screws 69 and 70 disposed in the means 68, providing
micro arc angle adjustments of a power detent for the motor 53 on
activating one of the pair of limit switches 65 and 66. The screw
arc sensor means 68 is keyed to the shaft 40. The mechanical stop
block 72 provides further protection for the screw arc sensor means
68, providing mechanical stop when the screws 95 and 96
alternatively contact the block 72. The vertical support post 73
extends upward supporting the housing 76 for the means 15. The
electronic logic 75 is disposed in the adjacent blocks secured in
the rotor displacement means 15.
The motor drive means 13 for rotating the tablet disruptor device
12 is shown disposed in FIGS. 4 and 7 together. Pressure filter
head means 14 is attached to structural housing 41. The actuator
arm 119 is attached to the stator tube 86 of drive means 13.
Referring to the motor drive means 13 in detail the variable speed
third motor drive 79 is normally mounted on the adapter plate 80,
which is secured by the adjustable fasteners 74 to the arm 54. The
motor speed and operating time control 22 schedules the motor drive
79. An opposed pair of shear pins 81 and a first bearing 82
comprise an aligning means coaxially aligning the motor shaft 84
vertically downward with the rotatable shaft 88 of the disruptor
device 12. A coupling means 83 secures the motor shaft 84 and the
rotatable shaft 88 of the disruptor device. The shaft 88 is secured
in a drive shaft aligning means comprising the ball bearing 85
attached to the stator tube 86, into which the bearing seal 87 is
secured, at the operating end of the stator tube 86. The disruptor
device rotor 89 and stator 90 are aligned at that end of the stator
tube 86. The bearing seal 87 and the ball bearing 85 secured in the
stator tube 86 align the drive shaft 88, allowing high speed
rotation for the disruption of a chemical sample 92 or the like
disposed in a recessed bottom cavity 91 of a sample reactor module
23. The adapter plate 80 provides adjustable secured positioning of
the plate 80 on the housing arm 54, allowing the plate 80 to be
coplanarly adjustable, thus allowing the tablet disruptor device 12
to be positioned directly above the recessed bottom 91 of the
sample reactor module 23, for quick disruption of a sample 92 or
the like.
Referring to FIGS. 4 and 9 in detail, a third support arm 100
extends horizontally from the structural housing 41 and is secured
thereto. The structural arm 100 has a tubular aperture 101 disposed
normally through the arm 100. A pressure filter head tubular
plunger 102 slidably extends through the first uniform tubular
aperture 101. The tubular plunger 102 has a second tubular aperture
103 coaxially disposed therein, and coaxial with the first tubular
aperture 101. A plunger cap 104 is coaxially disposed adjacent a
first terminus 106 of the plunger 102. A gasket sealing means 105
is coaxially disposed on the first terminus 106 of the plunger 102.
An expansion spring 107 is coaxially disposed adjacently around a
second terminus 108 of the plunger 102, one spring terminus 109
engaging the support arm 100. A guide cap 110 is coaxially secured
on the second terminus 108 of the plunger 102, engaging a second
terminus 111 of the expansion spring 107. The guide cap 110 has an
integral annular skirt extension 112 slidably engaging an annular
guide slot 113, which is disposed in the arm 100 normal to the
horizontal position of the arm. A gas fitting 114 is disposed in
the plunger 102, coaxially venting to the second tubular aperture
103. The gas fitting 114 is protectively disposed in a guide cap
aperture 120 and the gas conductive tubing 115 is connected to the
coupling 114. As shown in detail in FIG. 9, the pressure filter
head means 14 is operatively disposed on filter tube 116, the
gasket sealing means 105 securing a gas-tight seal. On an operative
signal, gas can be conducted through the tubing 115, slightly
pressurizing the reactor module filter tube 116 by the flow of gas
into the module 23. The pressure filter head means 14 is
operationally activated by the plate 119 shown in FIG. 4. The plate
119 descends onto the guide cap 110 when the signal is given the
elevator means 29 to lower the shaft 40. The plate 119 is
permanently secured normal to the stator tube 86 at the precise
position on the tube 86 required to compressively depress the guide
cap 110 and the related components secured thereto, to provide a
vacuum tight seal by the gasket means 105 secured on the sample
filter tube 116. When the shaft 40 is elevated, the gas pressure is
relieved and solution can flow into the filter tube 116.
FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 together in detail illustrate the inventive
advance in the solvent pump means 16. A conventional frangible
syringe 20, made of glass or the like, has a conventional cylinder
130 and piston 131. The syringe cylinder 130 has a cylinder support
lip 132 and the piston 131 has a piston support lip 133 disposed
adjacent the conventional piston force base 134. A cylinder lip
securing flange 135 is coaxially molded around the cylinder lip
132, and a piston lip securing flange 138 of plastic is coaxially
molded around the piston lip 133. As shown generally in FIG. 4, the
cylinder molded lip flange 135 has two pair of contact ridges 136
and pair 137 molded on both sides of the cylinder flange 135. The
two pair of contact ridges 136 and 137 on the flange 135 are shown
in greater detail in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8A, the pair of contact ridges
on each face are opposed 180.degree.. The piston lip flange 138 has
a pair of contact ridges 139 shown generally in FIG. 4, and in more
detail in FIG. 8 and FIG. 8B. These two contact ridges are disposed
180.degree. apart on the top flange face as shown in FIG. 4. A
steel ball 152 is shown disposed in a hemispherical aperture 153 on
the bottom side of the flange 138 in FIG. 4 and in more detail in
FIG. 8. The contact ridges of the flanges 135 and 138 provide small
pivotal displacements of the syringe cylinder and piston on
vertical displacement of the piston into the syringe, decreasing
syringe misalignment forces which can break the typical glass
syringe. By disposing the contact ridges of the flange 135 and the
flange 138 rotatively angularly disposed 90.degree. apart in the
plane normal to the syringe axis of displacement, the small pivotal
displacement movements of the cylinder and the piston are
assured.
A first support union mount 140 coaxially secures the cylinder lip
flange 135 and has a first female mount 141 adapted to coaxially
support the cylinder flange 135. A first male plug 142 is coaxially
adapted to mate with the female mount 141 providing containment
force on a back-up ring 143 coaxially disposed below the cylinder
lip flange 135, which is secured in the mount 141. A tubular shaft
guide mount 144 is secured to the first support union 140. The
tubular guide mount 144 may be integrally cast with the female
mount 141, or it may be secured to the same by conventional
fastening means. The tubular aperture 145 of the guide mount 144 is
disposed parallel to the cylinder 130 axis of symmetry, the guide
mount 144 having a pair of shaft bushings 146 and 147 oppositely
disposed in the tubular aperture 145 at the aperture terminus.
Bushing 146 has a keyway 180 and bushing 147 has a keyway 179. The
guide mount 144 is secured by conventional fastening means to the
first structural housing 41 providing a vertical tubular aperture
axis of symmetry. A second union support mount 149 is coaxially
secured to the piston lip flange 138, having a female support mount
150 adapted to coaxially support the piston flange 138. A coaxial
male plug 151 is adapted to mate with the female mount 150,
providing containment force on the steel ball 152 rotatively
disposed in a hemispherical aperture 153 molded in the second face
of the piston lip flange 138. The ball thrust is on a hardened
thrust washer 154 disposed on the base of the female mount 150, the
second support mount 149 providing small pivotal and transverse
displacements of the piston. Each one of a pair of locating pins
155 are secured normally in the wall of one of the female mounts
141 and 150, each one of the pins projecting through the mount
wall, securing one of the lip flanges 135 and 138 and preventing
lip flange rotation to insure normality of contact ridges 136 and
137 with ridges 139.
A second elevator shaft 156 has a first shaft terminus 129 secured
by a pin 157 normally in the second union mount 149. The second
shaft 156 is disposed parallel to the piston 131 axis of symmetry.
A shaft bushing 158 is secured by screw 183 adjacent to the second
union mount 149, providing a stop limiting the elevation of the
piston 131. The shaft bushing 158 mechanically functions to prevent
the piston 131 from hitting the bottom of the syringe 130 and
breaking the syringe.
A reversible AC fourth gear motor drive 159 is mounted on the first
structural housing 41 in the bearing plate assembly 148. A motor
shaft third gear 160 actuates a second gear rack 161, whose length
is coaxially secured on the second elevator shaft 156 parallel to
the shaft axis symmetry. The motor drive 159 provides vertical
displacement of the second elevator shaft 156 on power signal. A
syringe volume adjustment means 162 has a locking collar 163
slidably mounted on the second elevator shaft 156. The collar 163
has a pinion gear 164 disposed on a rotating shaft 178 mounted in
the collar. The pinion gear 164 engages a third gear rack 165 whose
length is also coaxially secured on the second elevator shaft 156
parallel to the shaft axis of symmetry. The pinion gear 164 and
gear rack 165 cooperatively provide precise vertical displacement
of the locking collar 163 on the shaft 156, prior to locking the
collar 163 with the screw 166 and fixing the syringe volume
displacement.
A second pair of limit switch means 167 have two oppositely
vertically disposed limit switches. The uppermost limit switch 168
is secured on the structural housing 41 and the bottom limit switch
170 is secured on the tubular shaft guide mount 144. The uppermost
limit switch 168 is actuated by the adjustment screw 169, and the
switch provides an electrical power detent, preventing the piston
and cylinder of syringe pump 20 from colliding. Typically the
adjustment screw 169 is adjusted to provide a space of 0.005 inches
between the syringe cylinder 130 and the syringe piston 131 on
closure. The bottom limit switch 170 is operatively contacted by
the locking collar 163 when the piston 131 is partially displaced
out of the cylinder 130. Thus by moving the locking collar 163 to a
specific position on the shaft 156 and then locking the collar 163
with the screw 166, it is possible to precisely set the solvent
volume which the syringe pump 20 can dispense.
A three-way diverter solenoid valve 171 is conductively secured by
conventional flexible tubing, to the solvent exit orfice tubing 26
of the cylinder syringe 130. On electrical signal to valve 171 the
solvent conductive tubing 19 from the solvent reservoir 18 vents to
the syringe pump 20 as the piston 131 is displaced from the
cylinder 130. The three-way diverter valve 171 can also
alternatively vent through the solvent tubing conduit 117 to the
sample reactor module 23 on signal. Conduit 117 is secured in arm
100 by O-ring 118. Thus by vertical displacement 174 of the
elevator shaft 156 on power signal to the motor drive 159, the
syringe pump 16 can automatically intake the required amount of
solvent and on further signal dispense the solvent to the reactor
module 23, or for that matter, to any other device as required. The
solvent pump means 16 of this invention can be operatively disposed
not only cooperatively in this invention, but can be operatively
disposed with other devices supplying predetermined volumes of
solvent.
A base 176 supports the sample dissolver module 10. A housing 177
covers and protects the components of the elevator means 29. The
fastener 181 aligns the base 176 to the base 182 which supports
other components in the chemical analysis system.
The sample dissolver module 10 disclosed in this application
provides a means of preparing chemical samples in the form of
tablets, capsules, powder and the like for content and uniformity
analysis. It provides an automated quantitative means of adding a
solvent volume to the chemical sample disposed in the sample
reactor module, disintegrating the chemical sample and dissolving
the sample in the selected solvent, agitating the solvent, and aids
in the preparation of a portion of that solution for further
chemical process. The sample dissolver module of this invention
utilizes the sample disrupter device, the sample reactor module and
the analysis tube module disclosed in the above referenced patent
applications. Further, the sample dissolver module of this
invention is proposed to be used in conjunction with the chemical
analysis rotor module and the automated chemical analyzer system
also cited in the referenced applications.
In view of the public need for repetitively analyzing large numbers
of a great variety of complex chemical compositions, pharmaceutical
and food products, it becomes necessary to devise automated means
for analyzing these products. This invention provides a distinct
inventive advance in the art of preparing a solid for further
automated chemical analysis.
Obviously many modifications and variations in the improvement of
the sample dissolver module can be made in the light of the above
illustrations, embodiment and teaching. It is therefore understood
that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be
practiced otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *