Liquid nitrogen polishing device
By combining a portable small liquid nitrogen storage tank with a mortar and pestle, the problem of inconvenient and wasteful liquid nitrogen access is solved, achieving efficient and safe liquid nitrogen grinding, meeting the needs of multiple operators, and reducing equipment costs.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- YOUJI BIOTECHNOLOGY (HANGZHOU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-21
AI Technical Summary
Existing liquid nitrogen grinding devices suffer from problems such as inconvenience in obtaining liquid nitrogen, serious waste, low operating efficiency, and high cost. In particular, operators are prone to frostbite during repeated use, and the equipment occupies a large area and cannot meet the needs of multiple people operating at the same time.
It adopts a combination of a portable small liquid nitrogen storage tank and a mortar, which is fixed by magnetic attraction and adjusted by a lifting device. Equipped with a flow regulating valve and a transparent mortar cover, it realizes flexible use and efficient management of liquid nitrogen, reducing liquid nitrogen loss and safety hazards.
It significantly improves the efficiency of liquid nitrogen grinding, reduces liquid nitrogen consumption, provides operational convenience, lowers costs, and enhances the safety and flexibility of experimental operations.
Smart Images
Figure CN224524926U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biological experimental device technology, specifically to a liquid nitrogen grinding device. Background Technology
[0002] Liquid nitrogen grinding involves adding liquid nitrogen to a mortar and grinding the sample under the cryogenic protection of liquid nitrogen. Liquid nitrogen grinding is widely used in molecular biology experiments and is often used for the separation of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). On the one hand, liquid nitrogen does not easily damage or degrade the components of various tissues. On the other hand, the cryogenic freezing of liquid nitrogen hardens the tissue, increases its brittleness, and makes it easier to grind. Therefore, liquid nitrogen grinding can achieve a good cell-breaking effect, grinding the cells into powder and releasing the substances inside the tissue cells.
[0003] The standard liquid nitrogen grinding procedure includes: removing the grinding bowl from the oven, gently pouring liquid nitrogen into and filling the bowl, and pre-cooling the bowl and grinding rod; once the initial liquid nitrogen has completely evaporated, immediately and slowly add about 1 / 2 of the bowl's volume of liquid nitrogen, quickly transfer the tissue to be ground into the bowl, ensuring the tissue is completely immersed in the liquid nitrogen, gently tap the tissue with the grinding rod to break it into small pieces, and when the liquid nitrogen is almost evaporated, promptly add liquid nitrogen to 1 / 3 of the bowl's volume, and use the grinding rod to crush and grind the tissue sample until the tissue is ground into powder.
[0004] Liquid nitrogen grinding presents several challenges. Liquid nitrogen is inconvenient to access, as it readily vaporizes and requires immediate use. Typically, a liquid nitrogen spoon is used to retrieve it from a large liquid nitrogen tank. Each grinding session requires at least two retrievals, and the volume of liquid nitrogen retrieved from the large tank must exceed the amount needed for a single grinding session, leading to waste. Repeatedly opening the large tank also results in wasted liquid nitrogen due to vaporization. Furthermore, the repeated retrievals can cause frostbite to the operator. To minimize nitrogen loss during transfer from the large tank to the workbench, grinding is usually performed on a workbench close to the tank. However, a full workbench cannot accommodate multiple operators simultaneously, resulting in low efficiency. Patent CN203061253U discloses a grinding device with liquid nitrogen freezing function, including a main unit, a liquid nitrogen delivery device, and a liquid nitrogen storage device. The main unit is equipped with a grinding chamber, which is connected to the liquid nitrogen delivery device and the liquid nitrogen storage device. In summary, it directly connects a large liquid nitrogen tank to the grinding chamber. Although this reduces the loss caused by taking liquid nitrogen and avoids frostbite to the operator through automation, one large liquid nitrogen tank corresponds to one grinding chamber. Even if multiple grinding chambers are connected, the space can only accommodate a certain number of grinding chambers, which is inefficient. If there is a need to use liquid nitrogen for other purposes, it cannot be taken from the liquid nitrogen tank. Using equipment for liquid nitrogen grinding is costly in terms of purchasing and maintaining the equipment and requires a large area.
[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a novel liquid nitrogen grinding device to meet the needs of liquid nitrogen grinding in biological experiments. Utility Model Content
[0006] To address the aforementioned issues, this invention provides a liquid nitrogen grinding device. By using a portable, small liquid nitrogen storage tank paired with a mortar and pestle, the efficiency of liquid nitrogen grinding is significantly improved, and liquid nitrogen loss is reduced. In biological experiments, the liquid nitrogen in the storage tank can also be flexibly used for other purposes, providing great convenience to the operator. Furthermore, the overall cost is extremely low, and it has broad application prospects.
[0007] This utility model provides a liquid nitrogen grinding device, including a liquid nitrogen storage tank, a mortar, a hose, a pestle, and a sampler; the liquid nitrogen storage tank includes a faucet with a flow regulating valve; the mortar includes a transparent mortar cover with a first inlet, a pestle opening, and a second inlet; one end of the hose is connected to the faucet, and the other end is connected to the first inlet; one end of the pestle extends into the mortar through the pestle opening; the sampler is used to transport the sample to be ground, and the second inlet is used to receive the sample transported by the sampler.
[0008] Unlike large liquid nitrogen tanks, the "liquid nitrogen storage tank" in this utility model is a specially made small liquid nitrogen storage container. The term "small" means that it is small enough to be placed on an ordinary laboratory bench for operation, and it is portable.
[0009] Furthermore, the mortar lid and the mortar are fixed together by magnetic attraction.
[0010] Furthermore, it includes a first lifter and a second lifter, with the liquid nitrogen storage tank disposed above the first lifter and the mortar and pestle disposed above the second lifter.
[0011] Furthermore, both the top and bottom surfaces of the first and second elevators are equipped with anti-slip features.
[0012] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen storage tank includes a liquid nitrogen chamber and an insulation layer, the insulation layer being wrapped around the outside of the liquid nitrogen chamber, and the bottom of the liquid nitrogen chamber being connected to the faucet.
[0013] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen storage tank also includes a liquid nitrogen storage tank cover, which is disposed above the liquid nitrogen chamber, and the liquid nitrogen storage tank cover is provided with vent holes.
[0014] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen tank cover and the liquid nitrogen tank are fixed to each other by magnetic attraction.
[0015] Preferably, it also includes a liquid nitrogen spoon, the bottom of which is provided with a limiting spring, and a vertical rod is provided inside the liquid nitrogen storage tank, the vertical rod corresponding to the limiting spring.
[0016] Furthermore, the bottom of the liquid nitrogen spoon is provided with a limiting structure, which allows the limiting spring to only move upward and then reset.
[0017] Furthermore, the liquid nitrogen spoon has a perforated plate inside, and the perforated plate and the limiting spring are connected by a spring. The beneficial technical effects of this utility model are: 1. By using a portable small liquid nitrogen tank with a mortar and pestle, the operator can load the liquid nitrogen tank into the tank in one go near the large liquid nitrogen tank and perform liquid nitrogen grinding on any laboratory bench, reducing liquid nitrogen loss during the handling and transportation of liquid nitrogen. Different tissue samples can be continuously ground with liquid nitrogen simply by changing the mortar and pestle, which significantly improves efficiency. 2. Operators can use the flow control valve to adjust the amount of liquid nitrogen released in real time. The situation inside the mortar can be observed through the transparent mortar lid. When other situations require liquid nitrogen, liquid nitrogen can be taken out from the portable small liquid nitrogen tank in real time, which provides great convenience for biological experiment operators. 3. By setting up the first and second lifting devices, the relative position and relative height of the liquid nitrogen storage tank and the mortar can be flexibly adjusted, allowing for a suitable position for different operators and improving the comfort of operators in biological experiments; 4. By innovatively designing the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen storage tank and the structure of the liquid nitrogen spoon, liquid nitrogen can be allowed to flow into the liquid nitrogen chamber simply by pressing the liquid nitrogen spoon into the liquid nitrogen storage tank. This provides great convenience for biological experiment operators, greatly reduces losses during the liquid nitrogen transfer process, and reduces safety hazards such as liquid nitrogen splashing during liquid nitrogen transfer. Attached Figure Description
[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the liquid nitrogen grinding device of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the mortar cover and its connecting components of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen storage tank of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the liquid nitrogen spoon of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the liquid nitrogen spoon of this utility model; Figure reference numerals: 1-Liquid nitrogen storage tank, 11-Liquid nitrogen storage tank cover, 12-Drone, 13-Flow regulating valve, 14-Ventilation hole, 15-Insulation layer, 16-Upright pole, 17-Liquid nitrogen chamber, 2-Mortar, 21-Mortar cover, 22-First inlet, 23-Petripod opening, 24-Second inlet, 25-Hose, 26-Petripod, 27-Sampling device, 31-First lifter, 32-Second lifter, 41-Liquid nitrogen spoon, 42-Handle, 43-Limiting spring, 44-Perforated plate, 45-Spring. Detailed Implementation
[0019] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals. It should be noted that the terms "front," "rear," "left," "right," "upper," and "lower" used in the following description refer to directions in the accompanying drawings, and the terms "bottom surface," "top surface," "inner," and "outer" refer to directions toward or away from the geometric center of a specific component, respectively.
[0020] like Figure 1 As shown, the liquid nitrogen grinding device of this utility model includes a liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 and a mortar 2. The liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 is placed on a first lifting device 31, and the mortar 2 is placed on a second lifting device 32. The top and bottom surfaces of the first lifting device 31 and the second lifting device 32 are provided with anti-slip textures. Alternatively, rubber material can be selected as the anti-slip material. The liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 includes a faucet 12, and a flow regulating valve 13 is provided on the faucet 12. The mortar 2 is provided with a mortar cover 21, which is transparent. The mortar cover 21 and the mortar 2 can be fixed in relative position by existing methods such as magnetic attraction. Taking magnetic attraction as an example, a ring around the top surface of the mortar 2 and the corresponding position of the mortar cover 21 are provided with mutually attractive magnetic components.
[0021] like Figure 2 As shown, the mortar cover 21 of this utility model is provided with a first inlet 22, a pestle opening 23 and a second inlet 24. The connecting parts of the mortar cover 21 include a flexible tube 25, a pestle 26 and a sampler 27. One end of the flexible tube 25 can be connected to the first inlet 22. The pestle 26 can be inserted into the mortar 2 through the pestle opening 23. The sampler 27 can send its contents into the mortar 2 through the second inlet 24.
[0022] like Figure 3As shown, the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 of this utility model includes a liquid nitrogen storage tank cover 11. The liquid nitrogen storage tank cover 11 and the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 can be fixed in relative position by existing methods such as magnetic attraction. Taking magnetic attraction as an example, a magnetic component that attracts each other can be provided around the bottom surface of the liquid nitrogen storage tank cover 11 and the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 at the opposite position. The liquid nitrogen storage tank cover 11 is provided with an air hole 14. The liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 also includes a tap 12, which is provided with a flow regulating valve 13. The liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 also includes a heat insulation layer 15 and a liquid nitrogen chamber 17. The heat insulation layer 15 covers the liquid nitrogen chamber 17, and the bottom of the liquid nitrogen chamber 17 is connected to the tap 12. As a preferred embodiment, a vertical rod 16 is provided inside the liquid nitrogen chamber 17.
[0023] like Figure 4 As shown, as a preferred embodiment, the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 of this utility model is used in conjunction with the specially designed liquid nitrogen spoon 41 of this utility model. The liquid nitrogen spoon 41 includes a handle 42, and a limiting spring 43 is provided at the bottom of the liquid nitrogen spoon 41. The internal structure of the specially designed liquid nitrogen spoon 41 of this utility model is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the liquid nitrogen spoon 41 has a perforated plate 44 inside, and the perforated plate 44 is connected to the limiting spring 43 by a spring 45.
[0024] The following combination Figures 1-3 The working principle of the liquid nitrogen grinding device of this utility model is introduced as follows: During the preparation phase, sufficient liquid nitrogen is added to the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1. The liquid nitrogen is stored in the liquid nitrogen chamber 17, and the insulation layer 15 provides insulation for the liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen chamber 17. The height of the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 is adjusted using the first lifter 31, and the height of the mortar 2 is adjusted using the second lifter 32. The relative positions of the first lifter 31 and the second lifter 32 on the experimental platform are also adjusted until a suitable operating position is reached, i.e., the faucet 12 is higher than the first inlet 22, and the position is convenient for the operator to operate. The top and bottom surfaces of the second lifter 32 are both equipped with anti-slip features to prevent relative movement between the first lifter 31, the second lifter 32 and the experimental table, as well as to prevent relative movement between the liquid nitrogen storage tank 1 on the first lifter 31 and the mortar 2 on the second lifter 32, thereby improving stability. Then, the liquid outlet end of the faucet 12 is connected to one end of the hose 25, and the other end of the hose 25 is connected to the first inlet 22. The pestle 26 is inserted into the mortar 2 through the pestle opening 23, and a sufficient amount of sample to be ground is removed using the sampler 27. During the grinding stage, the flow regulating valve 13 is opened to allow liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen chamber 17 to flow out from the faucet 12. The air hole 14 allows air to enter and maintain the air pressure in the liquid nitrogen chamber 17. Liquid nitrogen enters the mortar 2 through the faucet 12, the hose 25, and the first inlet 22 in sequence. At the same time, the sample to be ground is sent into the mortar 2 through the second inlet 24 using the sampler 27. The operator uses the pestle 26 to grind the mixture of the sample to be ground in the mortar 2 under the liquid nitrogen atmosphere. The mortar cover 21 is transparent, which makes it convenient for the operator to observe the situation inside the mortar. The operator can also use the flow regulating valve 13 to adjust the flow rate of liquid nitrogen. At the end of the process, close the flow regulating valve 13, remove the mortar cover 21, and take the ground sample out of the mortar 2.
[0025] As a preferred option, the following combination Figures 3-5 The following is a supplementary explanation of the working principle described above: During the preparation phase, "adding sufficient liquid nitrogen to liquid nitrogen storage tank 1" can be performed as follows: Liquid nitrogen is removed from the large liquid nitrogen tank using a liquid nitrogen ladle 41. The ladle 41 has a perforated plate 44 inside, allowing liquid nitrogen to pass through. Liquid nitrogen is poured into the ladle 41 from the top, passes through the perforated plate 44, and reaches the bottom of the ladle 41. A limiting spring 43 is installed at the bottom of the ladle 41. The limiting spring 43 is a circular piece that is larger at the top and smaller at the bottom, so it can only move upwards in the initial position. A spring 45 applies a downward force to it, thus preventing the limiting spring 43 from moving in the initial state. Move the liquid nitrogen container 11 away from the liquid nitrogen tank cover. Move the liquid nitrogen scoop 41 containing liquid nitrogen downward along the top opening of the liquid nitrogen chamber 17 until the upright 16 contacts the limiting spring 43. At this time, the operator holds the handle 42 and applies a small downward force to overcome the elastic force of the spring 45. The liquid nitrogen scoop 41 continues to move downward as a whole, while the limiting spring 43 is lifted by the upright 16. Therefore, the bottom of the liquid nitrogen scoop 41 exposes a channel opening of the same size as the limiting spring 43. The liquid nitrogen in the liquid nitrogen scoop 41 flows into the liquid nitrogen chamber 17 through the channel opening. After completion, remove the liquid nitrogen scoop 41 and close the liquid nitrogen tank cover 11.
[0026] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model. The protection scope of this utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. All technical solutions falling within the scope of this utility model's concept are protected. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, any improvements and modifications made without departing from the principle of this utility model should also be considered within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus, characterized in that, The apparatus includes a liquid nitrogen storage tank, a mortar and pestle, a flexible hose, a pestle, and a sampler. The liquid nitrogen storage tank includes a faucet with a flow regulating valve. The mortar and pestle include a transparent lid with a first inlet, a pestle inlet, and a second inlet. One end of the flexible hose is connected to the faucet, and the other end is connected to the first inlet. One end of the pestle extends into the mortar through the pestle inlet. The sampler is used to transport the sample to be ground, and the second inlet is used to receive the sample transported by the sampler.
2. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The mortar lid and the mortar are fixed together by magnetic attraction.
3. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It includes a first lifter and a second lifter, with the liquid nitrogen storage tank located above the first lifter and the mortar and pestle located above the second lifter.
4. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The top and bottom surfaces of both the first and second lifting devices are equipped with anti-slip features.
5. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The liquid nitrogen storage tank includes a liquid nitrogen chamber and an insulation layer. The insulation layer is wrapped around the outside of the liquid nitrogen chamber, and the bottom of the liquid nitrogen chamber is connected to the faucet.
6. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The liquid nitrogen storage tank also includes a liquid nitrogen storage tank cover, which is located above the liquid nitrogen chamber and has vent holes.
7. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The liquid nitrogen tank cover is fixed to the liquid nitrogen tank by magnetic attraction.
8. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid nitrogen spoon, the bottom of which is provided with a limiting spring, so that a vertical rod is provided inside the liquid nitrogen storage tank, and the vertical rod corresponds to the limiting spring.
9. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The bottom of the liquid nitrogen spoon is provided with a limiting structure, which allows the limiting spring to only move upward and then reset.
10. The liquid nitrogen grinding apparatus as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The liquid nitrogen spoon has a perforated plate inside, and the perforated plate and the limiting spring are connected by a spring.