IP Library Granted Patent US 12,663,488
Granted Patent B2
US 12,663,488 · App. 18/353,733 · Granted Jun 23, 2026

Rotor cap removing tools, microwave guides, and methods

Inventors: Thierry Dubroca (Tallahassee, FL); Bianca Trociewitz (Tallahassee, FL); Johannes McKay (Tallahassee, FL); Frederic Mentink-Vigier (Tallahassee, FL)
Assignee: The Florida State University Research Foundation, Inc.
G01R33/307G02B6/00
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 12,663,488
App. No.
18/353,733
Granted
Jun 23, 2026
Kind
B2
Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for removing caps, such as NMR rotor caps. The apparatuses and methods may permit caps to be removed in a manner that minimizes damage to equipment and instruments. Microwave waveguides that may include an elongated waveguide, a spline horn, and a slotted waveguide. Analytical instruments that include the waveguides.

Claims (23)

1 . A slotted waveguide comprising:

a metallic tube having a first end and a second end; and

a sample tube inserted partially into the second end of the metallic tube;

wherein the metallic tube defines a plurality of slots in a surface of the metallic tube, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots consists of a linear slit having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length exceeds the width, the length exceeds the thickness, and every length of the plurality of slots is oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the metallic tube, and wherein the first end of the metallic tube is configured to be coupled to a device for directing or controlling electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the metallic tube is not corrugated.

2 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a width that is about 4 to about 6 times smaller than a wavelength of a microwave beam.

3 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a width of about 120 μm to about 130 μm.

4 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length that is at least 5 times greater than its width.

5 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length that is at least 50 times greater than its width.

6 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the sample tube is formed at least in part of a dielectric material.

7 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots is present along a full length of the metallic tube.

8 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots consists of slots having uniform dimensions.

9 . The slotted waveguide of claim 1 , wherein the plurality of slots comprises slots having different dimensions.

10 . A slotted waveguide comprising:

a metallic tube having a first end and a second end; and

a sample tube inserted partially into the second end of the metallic tube;

wherein the metallic tube defines a plurality of slots in a surface of the metallic tube, wherein each slot of the plurality of slots consists of a linear slit having a length, a width, and a thickness, wherein the length exceeds the width, the length exceeds the thickness, and every length of the plurality of slots is oriented perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the metallic tube, and wherein the first end of the metallic tube is configured to be coupled to a device for directing or controlling electromagnetic radiation, and wherein the metallic tube is not corrugated;

wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a width of about 120 μm to about 130 μm; and

wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length that is at least 5 times greater than its width.

11 . The slotted waveguide of claim 10 , wherein each slot of the plurality of slots has a length that is at least 50 times greater than its width.

12 . The slotted waveguide of claim 10 , wherein the sample tube is formed at least in part of a dielectric material.

13 . The slotted waveguide of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of slots is present along the full length of the metallic tube.

14 . The slotted waveguide of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of slots consists of slots having uniform dimensions.

15 . The slotted waveguide of claim 10 , wherein the plurality of slots comprises slots having different dimensions.