Multi-chamber pellet die system
Inventors
Gower, Robert Michael • Canipe, Felicia • Margavio, Mary • Deppen, Juline • Haycook, Christopher P.
Assignees
Publication Number
US-11897221-B2
Publication Date
2024-02-13
Expiration Date
2038-03-02
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Abstract
A multi-chamber pellet die system to improve and increase analysis pellet manufacturing capabilities by allowing for multiple pellets or biomaterial scaffolds to be fabricated simultaneously.
Core Innovation
The invention is a multi-chamber pellet die system designed to enhance and increase the manufacturing capabilities for IR analysis pellets and biomaterial scaffolds by enabling simultaneous fabrication of multiple pellets or scaffolds. The multi-chamber pellet die system includes a die body with at least two loading chambers, each configured to accommodate an anvil and a plunger, as well as a cap that distributes load evenly across all chambers, and an ejection base for removing pellets. In addition, loading chambers may have varied shapes, sizes, and depths, with ledges and step-downs formed at specific angles to aid in loading and pellet formation.
The problem addressed by the invention is the inefficiency and low throughput of conventional pellet die systems, which only allow one pellet or scaffold to be formed per cycle. The current single-chamber systems are not suitable for high-throughput applications and present operational challenges, such as difficulty in aligning and loading anvils, risk of damaging equipment through off-center or excessive force, and increased manufacturing time due to intricate loading methods.
The multi-chamber pellet die system overcomes these limitations by introducing multiple pellet chambers within one die, optimizing chamber geometry for easier loading, and creating complementary plungers and ejection bases to support simultaneous pellet ejection. The design also allows for retrofitting existing pellet die systems through modification of the die body and ejection base to create and evacuate additional chambers. The system is adaptable in terms of chamber shapes and materials, and is compatible with existing laboratory equipment, increasing overall productivity and efficiency in pellet manufacturing for IR spectroscopy and tissue engineering.
Claims Coverage
There is one independent claim in the patent defining the inventive features for retrofitting a pellet die system to form a multi-chamber pellet die system.
Retrofitting a die to add multi-chamber capability
The method involves modifying an existing die body by forming additional cavities, creating at least one additional void body within the die, to enable engagement by at least one anvil and one plunger, thereby forming additional loading chambers for simultaneous pellet or scaffold production.
Incorporation of step-down ledge within void body
The invention defines a step-down within each void body, formed below and adjacent to the opening where the plunger enters the loading chamber. This step-down is defined by a first ledge positioned at an angle with respect to the interior wall to guide and contact the plunger as it enters, enhancing alignment and chamber functionality.
Modification of ejection base for multi-chamber evacuation
The method further includes modifying the ejection base so it accommodates each added void body, enabling effective evacuation of all chambers created in the modified die, which allows simultaneous ejection of multiple pellets or scaffolds.
The claims center on retrofitting existing pellet die systems by creating multiple, specifically-shaped chambers with step-down ledges for guiding plungers, and adapting the ejection base, thereby enabling simultaneous production and ejection of multiple pellets or scaffolds.
Stated Advantages
Increases scaffold and pellet productivity and efficiency by allowing multiple items to be fabricated at one time.
Simplifies the loading process, enabling easier insertion of anvils by hand rather than with tweezers.
Reduces manufacturing time, decreasing the degree of difficulty and effort needed to produce pellets or scaffolds.
Enables compatibility with existing equipment, allowing users to switch between single and multi-chamber dies with minimal procedural changes.
Allows for high-throughput manufacturing protocols resulting in scaffolds of superior quality and closer to target mass values.
Reduces the number of individuals required to produce a batch of scaffolds, increasing laboratory efficiency.
Documented Applications
Forming press pellets for IR (Infrared) Spectroscopy analysis.
Simultaneous fabrication of small biomaterial scaffolds used in tissue engineering applications.
Interested in licensing this patent?