Flow through cell assembly

• US 5,641,458 A
• Filed: 06/15/1995
• Issued: 06/24/1997
• Est. Priority Date: 06/15/1995
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Shockley, H. David Jr., William R. Wilkinson
• Original Assignee: Shockley, H. David Jr., William R. Wilkinson
• Inventors: Wilkinson, William R., Shockley, H. David Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): ALEXANDER, LYLE
• Application Number:
  US08/490,683
• Time in Patent Office: 740 Days
• Field of Search: 422/101, 422/68, 422/48, 422/81, 422/86, 422/55, 422/104, 422/103, 436/68, 436/172
• US Class Current: 422/554
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 21/05 Flow-through cuvettes G01N21/09 takes precedence; handling fluid samples G01N1/10

Abstract

A flow through cell for non-invasive monitoring of fluids flowing therethrough includes a membrane covered view window through which sensors may monitor the fluids. The membranes are secured in position by a frame and retainer assembly with the frame and retainer clamping the membranes in place between the frame support structure and the retainer. The frame is snugly fitted into the cell and includes a sensor receptive chamber for positioning the sensors in the window and in position with the membranes.

Claims

1. A flow through cell assembly consisting essentially of:

a cell body defining an internal chamber, said body having at least one opening in communication with said internal chamber for monitoring fluids therein, and an inlet and an outlet for connecting said cell body in an in-line flow system;

a retainer having an outer wall defining a monitoring window, said retainer positioned within said opening of said cell body;

a membrane positioned on top of said retainer; and

a clamping frame mounted over said retainer peripherally clamping said membrane over said retainer outer wall tensioning said membrane when assembled.

2. The flow through cell assembly of claim 1, wherein:

said clamping frame defines a receptive chamber for receiving a sensor for monitoring said fluid within said internal chamber of said cell body.

3. The flow through cell assembly of claim 2, further including:

a removable cover placeable in said receptive chamber.

4. The flow through cell assembly of claim 3, wherein:

said removable cover includes a resilient seal.

5. A flow through cell assembly consisting essentially of:

a cell body defining an internal chamber, said body having at least one opening in communication with said internal chamber for monitoring fluids therein, and an inlet and an outlet for connecting said cell body in an in-line flow system;

a retainer having an outer wall defining a monitoring window, said retainer positioned within said opening of said cell body;

a membrane positioned on top of said retainer;

a clamping frame mounted over said retainer peripherally clamping said membrane over said retainer outer wall tensioning said membrane when assembled;

a receptive chamber formed by said clamping frame for receiving a sensor for monitoring said fluid within said internal chamber of said cell body; and

a removable cover placeable in said receptive chamber for sealably covering said membrane.