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Continuous gel casting method and apparatus

  • US 6,187,250 B1
  • Filed: 08/19/1998
  • Issued: 02/13/2001
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/19/1998
  • Status: Expired due to Fees
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for the continuous casting of gels comprising:

  • a) a means of introducing into a molding space a reaction mixture capable of becoming a gel, wherein said means of introducing into the molding space the reaction mixture, comprises at least one incremental formulation reservoir that delivers pre-formulated reaction mixture solution through an equal number of nozzles into one vertical edge of said molding space in order to create predetermined gradient conditions, and said reaction mixture solution is delivered to a sealed molding space from at least one incremental formulation reservoir at one vertical edge of the molding space;

    b) a casting manifold enclosing said molding space and said casting manifold providing a means of creating a continuously moving, sealed molding space for maintaining said reaction mixture during a gelation process;

    c) a means for formulating a vertical gradient of composition in a plurality of components within said reaction mixture as said reaction mixture enters said molding space by pre-formulating a composition of an incremental reaction mix formula;

    d) a venting means to displace air entrained in the reaction mixture within the molding space;

    e) a means of initiation of a polymerization process as said reaction mixture enters said molding space;

    f) a means of controlling the temperature of the reaction mixture during the gelation process as the reaction mixture travels through the apparatus;

    g) a means for removing a polymerized gel from the molding space;

    h) a means for cutting the gel to a desired length;

    i) a means for removing excess gel formed during the process; and

    j) a means for stacking the polymerized, cut gels.

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