Sampling apparatus
US4475411A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 18, 1982 |
| Grant date | Oct 9, 1984 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 18, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0417
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for taking a sample of liquid from each of a plurality of containers. Blood or similar settling liquids requiring continuous mixing are sampled for subsequent analysis from test tubes closed by rubber or plastic plugs. The test tubes are mounted along the periphery of a rotatable cassette, which is drivingly connected to a motor via gearing, a clutch and a brake, in such a manner, that the cassette rotates in order to maintain the liquids in the test tubes thoroughly mixed. The cassette is capable of stopping instantaneously when the clutch is disengaged. The cassette is locked in accurate position in front of a sampling needle by operation of the brake. The brake operates when a signal from an analysis instrument orders an electronic counter to determine the identity of the test tube to be selected and the cassette is stopped. Immediately, a pneumatic cylinder is operated to lower an arm fixing the selected test tube. A second pneumatic cylinder also is operated to lower the sampling needle to perforate the closure. The sampling needle is lowered to a definite level and, after having arrived at this position, effects a signal to the analysis instrument. Responsive to sai…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.