Filtration clamp with optional alignment collar and filtration system

Abstract

A clamp including a first jaw member having a camming surface, a second jaw member pivotable with respect to the first jaw member, a first biasing member biasing the first and second jaw members to a first position; and a locking mechanism that includes a cam or roller for cooperating with the camming surface of the jaw member, and a second biasing member biasing the cam or roller against the camming surface to lock the first and second jaw members in a second position. An optional alignment collar can be used to align components of the filtration apparatus prior to clamping. Filtration apparatus including the clamp, and also optionally including the alignment collar, is also disclosed.

Claims

1. A clamp, comprising: a first jaw member having a camming surface; a second jaw member pivotable with respect to said first jaw member; a first biasing member biasing said first and second jaw members towards a clamping position; and a locking mechanism comprising a cam for cooperating with said camming surface, and a second biasing member biasing said cam against said camming surface, whereby actuation of said locking mechanism biases said first and second jaw members to said clamping position and locks said first and second jaw members in said clamping position.

2. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said camming surface comprises a notch for receiving said cam to provide tactile feedback to a user indicating that said locking mechanism is in a locking position.

3. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first jaw member comprises a first tab for actuating said first jaw member, and wherein said second jaw member comprises a second tab for actuating said second jaw member.

4. The clamp of claim 3, wherein said second tab supports said second biasing member.

5. The clamp of claim 3, wherein said first tab comprises said camming surface.

6. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said cam engages said camming surface in an interference fit which produces a force on said first jaw.

7. The clamp of claim 1, wherein said first jaw member has two camming surfaces, and said locking mechanism comprises two spaced cams, each said spaced cam cooperating with a respective one of said two camming surfaces.

8. A filtration apparatus comprising: a sample container; a filter; a filter holder supporting said filter; a collection container; a flexible alignment collar securing said filter to said filter holder, said flexible alignment collar comprising a ring member having an annular skirt that projects downwardly from said ring member, said annular skirt being configured to contact said filter holder so that it holds said filter holder in place with respect to said sample container; and a clamp securing the sample container to the filter holder by engaging said flexible alignment collar.

9. The filtration apparatus of claim 8, wherein said clamp comprises: a first jaw member having a camming surface; a second jaw member pivotable with respect to said first jaw member; a first biasing member biasing said first and second jaw members towards a clamping position; and a locking mechanism comprising a cam for cooperating with said camming surface, and a second biasing member biasing said cam against said camming surface, whereby actuation of said locking mechanism biases said first and second jaw members to said clamping position and locks said first and second jaw members in said clamping position.

10. The filtration apparatus of claim 9, wherein said camming surface comprises a notch for receiving said cam to provide tactile feedback to a user indicating that said locking mechanism is in a locking position.

11. The filtration apparatus of claim 8, wherein said clamp comprises: a first jaw member having a camming surface; a second jaw member pivotable with respect to said first jaw member; a first biasing member biasing said first and second jaw members to a first position; and a locking mechanism comprising a roller for cooperating with said camming surface, and a second biasing member biasing said roller against said camming surface to lock said first and second jaw members in a second position.

12. The filtration apparatus of claim 11, wherein said camming surface comprises a notch for receiving said roller to provide tactile feedback to a user indicating that said locking mechanism is in a locking position.

13. A clamp, comprising: a first jaw member having a camming surface; a second jaw member pivotable with respect to said first jaw member; a first biasing member biasing said first and second jaw members towards a clamping position; and a locking mechanism comprising a roller for cooperating with said camming surface, and a second biasing member biasing said roller against said camming surface, whereby actuation of said locking mechanism biases said first and second jaw members to said clamping position and locks said first and second jaw members in said clamping position.

14. The clamp of claim 13, wherein said camming surface comprises a notch for receiving said roller to provide tactile feedback to a user indicating that said locking mechanism is in a locking position.

15. The clamp of claim 13, wherein said first jaw member comprises a first tab for actuating said first jaw member, and wherein said second jaw member comprises a second tab for actuating said second jaw member.

16. The clamp of claim 15, wherein said second tab supports said second biasing member.

17. The clamp of claim 15, wherein said first tab comprises said camming surface.

18. The clamp of claim 13, wherein said first jaw member has two camming surfaces, and said locking mechanism comprises two spaced rollers, each said spaced roller cooperating with a respective one of said two camming surfaces.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(2) FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(3) FIG. 3 is a first cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain embodiments;

(4) FIG. 4 is a second cross-sectional view of the clamp of FIG. 1 in accordance with certain embodiments;

(5) FIG. 5 is a side view of a clamp in an engaging position, engaging a filtration apparatus in accordance with certain embodiments;

(6) FIG. 6 is a side view of a clamp in a locked position, engaging a filtration apparatus in accordance with certain embodiments;

(7) FIG. 7 is perspective view of a filtration apparatus and a clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(8) FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a filtration apparatus with an engaged clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(9) FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of an alignment collar and clamp assembled to filtration apparatus in accordance with certain embodiments;

(10) FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a first jaw of a clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(11) FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second jaw of a clamp in accordance with certain embodiments;

(12) FIG. 12 is a partially exploded view, in perspective, of a filtration apparatus with an alignment collar in accordance with certain embodiments;

(13) FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a clamp showing an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism;

(14) FIG. 14 is a first perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism; and

(15) FIG. 15 is a second perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a locking mechanism.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(16) A more complete understanding of the components, processes and apparatuses disclosed herein can be obtained by reference to the accompanying drawings. The figures are merely schematic representations based on convenience and the ease of demonstrating the present disclosure, and is, therefore, not intended to indicate relative size and dimensions of the devices or components thereof and/or to define or limit the scope of the exemplary embodiments.

(17) Although specific terms are used in the following description for the sake of clarity, these terms are intended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodiments selected for illustration in the drawing, and are not intended to define or limit the scope of the disclosure. In the drawing and the following description below, it is to be understood that like numeric designations refer to components of like function.

(18) The singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

(19) As used in the specification, various devices and parts may be described as “comprising” other components. The terms “comprise(s),” “include(s),” “having,” “has,” “can,” “contain(s),” and variants thereof, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended transitional phrases, terms, or words that do not preclude the possibility of additional components.

(20) It should be noted that many of the terms used herein are relative terms. For example, the terms “upper” and “lower” are relative to each other in location, i.e. an upper component is located at a higher elevation than a lower component, and should not be construed as requiring a particular orientation or location of the structure.

(21) The terms “top” and “bottom” are relative to an absolute reference, i.e. the surface of the earth. Put another way, a top location is always located at a higher elevation than a bottom location, toward the surface of the earth.

(22) Turning first to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a clamp member 10 in accordance with certain embodiments. Suitable materials of construction of the clamp member 10 are within the skill in the art, and include cast aluminum, stamped aluminum, stainless steel, and rigid high strength plastic such as reinforced Nylon. The clamp member 10 includes a first jaw member 12 and a second jaw member 14 pivotable with respect to the first jaw member 12. In certain embodiments, the first jaw member 12 includes a container receiving region 15 defined by two spaced arm members 16A, 16B, the region 15 being configured to receive, for example, the neck or flange of a first filtration member such as a container, funnel or flask 101 (FIG. 7). In certain embodiments, the region 15 is generally U-shaped. In certain embodiments, the arm members 16A, 16B are co-extensive, each terminating in a respective free end 17A, 17B, and include a side wall 18 that extends vertically downwardly from top surface 19. In some embodiments, the arm members 16A, 16B are a continuous single integral unit. In certain embodiments, the lower end of a filtration funnel 101, for example, to which the clamp 10 may be attached, has an annular flange 101A (FIG. 9) that when occupying the region 15, fits between the side wall 18 and the underside of the arm members 16A, 16B (opposite the top surface 19), allowing the first jaw member 12 to securely engage the filtration funnel 101.

(23) Similarly, in certain embodiments the second jaw member 14 includes a container receiving region 115 defined by two spaced arm members 116A, 116B, the region 115 being configured to receive, for example, the neck or flange of a first filtration member such as a container, funnel or flask 104 (FIG. 9). In certain embodiments, the region 115 is generally U-shaped. In certain embodiments, the arm members 116A, 116B are co-extensive, each terminating in a respective free end 117A, 117B, and include a side wall 118 that extends vertically upwardly from bottom surface 119. In some embodiments, the arm members 116A, 116B are a continuous single integral unit. In certain embodiments, the upper end of a filter holder 102, for example, to which the clamp 10 may be attached, has an annular flange 102A that when occupying the region 115, fits between the side wall 118 and the top side 119′ (opposite the bottom surface 119) of the arm members 116A, 116B, allowing the second jaw member 14 to securely engage the filter holder 102.

(24) When the clamp is engaged with the filtration funnel 101 and filter holder 102 as shown in FIG. 9, it presses the two components together and ensures a liquid tight seal is maintained through the membrane positioned between the filtration funnel 101 and the filter holder 102.

(25) In certain embodiments, the first and second jaw members 12, 14 are pivotally connected such that they pivot with respect to one another about a pivot axis P defined by a pin 20 or the like supported in ears 77, 77′ of first jaw member (FIG. 10) and ears 78, 78′ of second jaw member 14. The pin 20 can be secured in place by fasteners 21, such as screws and washers, or the like. The range of pivoting includes a clamp resting or normally closed (i.e., unclamped) position, an engaging or release position wherein the clamp 10 is actuated either to engage a container or to be released therefrom, thereby separating the jaw members 12, 14, and a clamped position wherein the clamp 10 is fixed to a container in a clamping (and sealing) position. In certain embodiments, the clamped position is an intermediate position between the normally closed position and the engaging or release position. In certain embodiments, in the engaging or release position, the spacing between free end 17A and free end 117A, and the spacing between free end 17B and free end 117B, is the largest; that is, the clamp 10 is in its most open position.

(26) In certain embodiments, the first and second jaw members 12, 14 each also include a respective actuating member, such as a respective tab 26A, 26B. In certain embodiments, the tab 26A and first jaw member 12 is an integral piece, as is the tab 26B and the second jaw member 14. The tabs 26A, 26B facilitate actuation of the clamp 10 by the user, as the application of a downward force on tab 26A coupled with an upward force on tab 26B causes one or both of the first and second jaw members 12, 14 to pivot about the pivot axis P. A biasing member 30, such as a torsion spring, can be wound about the pin 20 with legs 30A and 30B configured and positioned to bias against the underside of each tab 26A, 26B, respectively. The underside of tab 26A may include a feature such as a groove 27 or the like to receive and retain the leg 30A (FIG. 10), and the underside of tab 26B may include a feature such as spaced slots 28 or the like to receive and retain the leg 30B (FIG. 11). The biasing member 30 is chosen to have sufficient force to achieve the initial membrane seal when the clamp 10 is in the assembled position. The force of the biasing member 30 should also be low enough to allow ease of control; that is, to allow compression of tabs 26A, 26B manually, preferably simply with a user's thumb and index finger, for example, to open the clamp 10 and maintain it in an open position while manipulating it to engage (or disengage) from the filtration apparatus.

(27) In certain embodiments, the first jaw member 12 pivots with respect to the second jaw member 14 in a first direction along the z-axis, and the second jaw member 14 pivots with respect to the first jaw member 12 in a second, opposite direction along the z-axis. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first or second jaw members 12, 14 may be kept stationary, and the other of the first or second jaw members 12, 14 may pivot with respect to the stationary jaw member.

(28) As can be seen in FIG. 3, in certain embodiments, the clamp member 10 includes a locking mechanism 40 that creates an upward force biasing the first jaw member 12 towards its clamping position, further ensuring that the filter or membrane is sealed between the container and the filter holder or base, for example. In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism 40 includes a lever 40′ and is pivotable about a pivot axis P′ defined by a shaft or pin 39 that is held by fasteners 21′ or the like in spaced slots 44, 44′ of hub 45 on the upper surface of tab 26B. The shaft of pin 39 floats in slots 44, 44′, and is biased towards the top of the slot 44 by biasing member 51 as discussed in greater detail below. One or more ramps 46 extends from the underside of tab 26A, and has a surface 48 configured as a ramp or caroming surface that cooperates with one or more cams 47 on the lever 40′. The number of ramps 46 preferably equals the number of cams 47, each cam 47 being associated with and cooperating with a respective ramp 46. In certain embodiments, there are two spaced ramps 46, 46′ (FIG. 10) and two similarly spaced cams 47. In some embodiments each caroming surface includes a small notch 50 into which the cam 47 slides, providing tactile feedback to the user that the locking mechanism 40 is in its locked and fully biasing position. Biasing member 51, such as a compression spring, may be housed in hub 45 to bias the locking mechanism against the tab 26A of the first jaw member 12, adding to the clamping force of the device. In certain embodiments, the biasing member 51 is preloaded, and actuation of the locking mechanism from its unlocked to its locked position even further loads the biasing member 51.

(29) Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the locking mechanism 40 alternatively could cooperate with the second jaw member 14 in a similar manner.

(30) FIG. 3 illustrates the locking mechanism 40 in its unlocked position, with the cam 47 displaced from the notch 50 of the ramp 46. In this position, the free end 17A is maximally spaced from free end 117A, and free end 17B is maximally spaced from free end 117B. FIG. 5 shows the clamp 10 in this position, engaging a filtration apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, the first jaw member 12 engages a filtration funnel 101, and the second jaw member 14 engages a filter holder 102.

(31) FIG. 4 illustrates the locking mechanism in its locked position, with the cam 47 positioned in the notch 50 of the ramp 46. In this position, the biasing member 51 biases forces the cam 47 against the ramp 46, thereby providing additional clamping force to the first jaw member 12. As can be seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the lever 40′ is actuated from the unlocked position shown in FIG. 3 to the locked position shown in FIG. 4 to lock the clamp 10. FIG. 6 shows the clamp 10 in this position, engaging a filtration apparatus 100. In the embodiment shown, the first jaw member 12 engages a filtration funnel 101, and the second jaw member 14 engages a filter holder 102. A filter, such as a cut disc membrane 110 (FIG. 9), may be positioned and sealed between the filtration funnel 101 and the filter holder 102. Suitable filter sizes include 25 mm, 47 mm and 90 mm, for example, which are typical in the industry.

(32) FIGS. 13-15 illustrate another embodiment of a locking mechanism that results in one or more of reduced wear, reduced particulate generation, improved tactile response and smoother operation. In certain embodiments, the locking mechanism 400 includes a lever 400′ and like locking mechanism 40, is pivotable about a pivot axis P′ defined by a shaft or pin 39 (FIG. 1) that is held by fasteners 21′ or the like in spaced slots 44, 44′ of hub 45 on the upper surface of tab 26B. In certain embodiments, instead of spaced cams, the locking mechanism 400 includes spaced rollers 470. Each roller 470 is housed in an arm 480 that extends from the lever 400′. Each roller 470 sits in a cavity 481 formed in each arm 480, and is rotatable about a pivot axis defined by pin 482 or the like, such as a stainless steel dowel pin press fit or otherwise supported in ears 477 of arm 480. As can be seen in FIG. 15, the rollers 470 are positioned so that they extend out of the cavity 481 higher than the top of the ears 477, thereby providing an exposed roller surface for engagement with the respective caroming surfaces of the tab 26A.

(33) Suitable materials of construction for the rollers 470 include stainless steel, hard rubber or plastic such as Acetal, PTFE or other hard, lubricious plastic. In certain embodiments, each roller 470 freely rotates in its respective cavity 480. In other embodiments, interference is created such as between each roller 470 and its respective cavity 480, so that rotation of the roller is restrained (but not completely eliminated) to achieve a more secure lock when the locking mechanism is in the locked position.

(34) In certain embodiments, misalignment of the filter disc during assembly of the filtration apparatus can be minimized or avoided with the use of a flexible collar member 60, best seen in FIGS. 5, 6 and 9. Conventionally, filtration apparatus is typically assembled by placing a filter disc 110 (FIG. 9) on a filter holder 102, and then visually aligning the filtration funnel 101 with the filter holder 102 while applying a clamp without disrupting that alignment. This process requires two hands to accomplish, and can be difficult in view of the force necessary to operate conventional clamps. Accordingly, a flexible collar member 60 may be used to facilitate alignment and enhance stability of filtration components. In certain embodiments, the collar 60 is a ring member 61 having an annular skirt 62 that projects downwardly from the ring member 61. The annular skirt 62 is configured to contact the filter holder 102 so that it holds it in place with respect to the funnel 101. A suitable material of construction for the collar 60 is silicone. In certain embodiments, the collar 60 may include a radially extending tab 65 to facilitate handling of the collar 60 by the user, and to create a stop that inhibits rolling of the assembly when placed horizontally on a substrate such as a laboratory benchtop. The collar 60 also may serve to keep contaminants off of the sealing/flowpath surfaces, and protect the components (especially glass components) from breakage.

(35) In certain embodiments, as shown in FIG. 9, the collar 60 may be assembled to the flange 101A of the funnel 101 so that the annular skirt 62 extends below the bottom surface of the flange 101A and engages the flange 102A of the filter holder, thus providing an alignment feature for assembly to the filter holder 102, and reducing metal on glass contact during assembly. When the clamp 10 is to be applied to the filtration apparatus 100, the first jaw member 12 engages the ring member 61 of collar member 60 as seen in FIGS. 5 and 9. Since the collar member 60 serves to stabilize the apparatus, the clamp 10 can be applied with one hand, without having to hold or otherwise secure the filtration apparatus 100.

(36) FIG. 7 illustrates a filtration apparatus 100 in a state where it is about to be clamped with clamp member 10. In the embodiment shown, the filtration apparatus 100 includes a funnel 101, a filter holder 102, a filter (not shown) supported on the filter holder 102, a rubber stopper 103, a flask 104, and a hose 105 for connection to a source of vacuum (not shown). The filter is placed on the filter holder 102 (typically made of glass), and the funnel (optionally pre-assembled with the collar 60 in place, see FIG. 12) is properly aligned with the filter holder 102, with the filter holder 102 supported by the flask 104, for example. Since the skirt 62 of the collar member 60 engages the flange 102A of the filter holder 102, the proper alignment is maintained, and the funnel/filter holder combination is now a stable unit. The first and second jaws 12, 14 of the clamp 10 are actuated to the engaging position, where the first and second jaw members 12, 14 are separated to their maximal amount. The clamp 10 is then positioned about the filtration apparatus, with the first jaw member 12 engaging the collar member 60 (or the flange on the filtration funnel 101 when the collar member 60 is not used), and the second jaw member 14 engaging the flange 102A on the filter holder 102. Lever 40′ is depressed, securing the clamp 10 to the filtration apparatus 100. Vacuum filtration can now be commenced.

(37) Applications include filtration of aqueous solutions, organic solvents and organic solvent mixtures, aqueous organic mixtures. Filtration can be carried out for solution clarification when the filtrate is of interest, and concentration and separation when the retentate is of interest. For example, clarification can include the preparation of aqueous buffers for HPLC analysis, which requires solvent clarification to remove particles that might have been present in salts used to prepare buffers. Unremoved particles can and will destroy HPLC columns. Regarding separation, in many cases of chemical synthesis, the compound of interest requires purification. Re-crystallization can be used. Precipitated material needs to be separated from the liquid. Membrane based filtration is often used in the separation process by pulling the liquid through the membrane and leaving the substance of interest (retentate) on the membrane surface.

(38) While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects, embodiments, modifications and alterations will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the preceding detailed description. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the present disclosure be construed as including all such aspects, embodiments, modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the appended claims or the equivalents thereof.