Invention:
This invention is attached to the top of a benchtop Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectrometer and guides a sample tube so that it is effectively impossible to break the tube while it is inside the instrument. It attaches easily to benchtop NMRs and fits the standard size 5mm glass tube. The innovation has the capability to solve the major problem facing benchtop NMRs- equipment breaking in part because of inexperienced users.
Background:
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is an important method used for compound identification and analysis, and benchtop NMR spectrometers are becoming commonplace at universities nationwide as their price decreases. Benchtop NMRs are smaller, easier to use, and cheaper than the normal sized NMRs. Because of the expansion, more inexperienced users (i.e. undergraduate students at universities) are operating traditional NMR instruments. To use a benchtop NMR, the user needs to have a glass sample tube, and inexperienced users often break them. Although it usually does not damage the device, the broken glass requires hours of cleaning and recalibration of the spectrometer.
Applications:
- As a guide when inserting sample tube into benchtop NMR
- Insertion guide adaptable to situations where any item needs to be placed in an orifice
Advantages:
- Easy to use and understand
- Accommodates the standard tube size used for benchtop NMRs
- Solves one of the biggest problems with benchtop NMRs by preventing inexperienced users from breaking equipment and therefore saves money
- Allows for an expansion of the number and experience of users
Status: issued U.S. patent #10,634,743
