Sample container handling with automated cap removal/replacement and drip control

US10921338B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED · US

Inventors

• Rolf Silbert · Del Mar, US
• David Opalsky · San Diego, US
• David A. Buse · San Diego, US
• Robert Rosati · San Diego, US
• Olev Tammer · New York, US
• Richard Capella · San Diego, US
• Matthias Merten · San Diego, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 11, 2018
• Grant date: Feb 16, 2021
• Expiry date: Jul 1, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G01N2035/1062
• WIPO field: Measurement
• WIPO sector: Instruments

Abstract

A sample processing station includes two or more container holders on a platform that is rotatable about a central axis of rotation. Each holder is configured to rotate about a secondary axis of rotation. The station includes a capping/decapping mechanism to cap or decap a container held in one of the container holders and a drip tray movable between a first position not under the capping/decapping mechanism and a second position under the capping/decamping mechanism.