Improvements in the construction of models representing molecular and other structures

摘要

1,034,391. Making wirework; welding; soldering. NATIONAL RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. July 25, 1963 [July 30, 1962], No. 29263/62. Headings B3A and B3R. [Also in Division G5] A model comprising wire or tubular elements 6 joined to represent a molecular structure, architectural design &c., is constructed by holding the elements in their correct relative positions during the joining, e.g. welding or soldering, by clamping means secured magnetically to a base 1. In one arrangement, Fig. 1, a sheet of drawing paper showing the positions in plan of the points representing atom centres is secured to a base plate 1 of iron or steel. Ring magnets 2 are placed on the sheet over the indicated positions. Each magnet 2 is fitted with a vertical tubular holder 3 in which slides a pointer rod 4 which is adjusted until its tip indicates the vertical co-ordinate of an atom centre. A pair of wire elements 6 cut to the correct lengths and which represent valence bonds is now assembled so that adjacent ends of the elements abut at the tips of the rods 4. For this purpose universally-adjustable clamps such as 10, 14 are employed each carried by a block 7 resting on the base 1. When the wires are correctly assembled, the blocks 7 are magnetized, to lock them in position, by a switch or a plunger 8 according to whether they are electrically or magnetically operated. Alternatively, the base 1 may be magnetized. The parts 2 . . . 4 are now removed and the ends of the wires connected, e.g. by soldering. This operation is repeated until the entire framework has been constructed. To complete the model, spheres representing the atoms and moulded from a suitable plastics material such as cold setting polyurethane, are cut into parts which are subsequently re-united by adhesive around the frame-work. In a modified arrangement, the wires 6 are assembled using tabulated bond lengths angle data, and for this purpose a set of plate-like transparent members 22, Fig. 2 (not shown), are employed. The angles between the sides of the members range from 60 to 135 degrees, and each member has grooves along at least two of its sides to accommodate a wire 6. When correctly set by means of the plates, clamps such as 10, 14 are used to hold them whilst they are joined. A pendant clinometer 32, Fig. 3 (not shown), can be used to set a third wire in correct angular position relative to two wires already joined. To assist in the assembly, beams of light normal to the base 1 may be employed, so that a shadow of a wire 6 is projected on to the plan on the base and the wire can be moved until its shadow coincides with the corresponding part of the plan. A molecular model may be made in two parts, a tubular element being attached to the end of a terminal valence bond of one part to receive a terminal valence bond of the other part; in this way the rotation of parts of the molecule may be demonstrated.