Automated container capping/decapping mechanism

US11614454B2 · 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: Dec 21, 2020
• Grant date: Mar 28, 2023
• Expiry date: Sep 24, 2041

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 an elevator with a chuck guide that contact the container holder as the chuck is lowered by the elevator to position the chuck with respect to the cap of the container held in the holder and to hold jaws of the container holder in a closed position. In embodiment, the chuck guide includes a yoke with opposed arms and spindles located near distal ends of the arms that engage beveled shoulders of the container holder.