Cryogenic apparatus
First Claim
1. A cryogenic carousel apparatus comprising:
- means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent;
a rotatable carousel having a vertical axis of rotation, the carousel being positioned to receive reagent drops from the dispensing means and comprising a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent;
means for conveying cryogenic liquid to each tray; and
means for rotating the carousel about the vertical axis.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides methods and devices for freezing drops of liquid reagent solution in a cryogenic liquid. In one embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention comprises means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent and a rotatable carousel positioned below the dispensing means. The upper surface of the carousel has a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid, typically liquid nitrogen, for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a tank comprising a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent. The tank has a heat source for slightly heating a portion of the cryogenic liquid such that a convection current in the cryogenic liquid is created. The convection currents in the cryogenic liquid provide mild agitation of the liquid and prevent aggregation of the frozen drops.
59 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A cryogenic carousel apparatus comprising:
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means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent; a rotatable carousel having a vertical axis of rotation, the carousel being positioned to receive reagent drops from the dispensing means and comprising a plurality of trays each containing a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent; means for conveying cryogenic liquid to each tray; and means for rotating the carousel about the vertical axis. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A cryogenic apparatus comprising a
means for dispensing uniform, precisely measured drops of a liquid reagent; a tank comprising a cryogenic liquid for receiving the drops of liquid reagent, the tank being disposed to receive the reagent drops from the means for dispensing and having a heat source for slightly heating a portion of the cryogenic liquid such that a convection current in the cryogenic liquid is created and means for conveying cryogenic liquid to the tank. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13)
Specification