Automatic sampling system
US4861553A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1987 |
| Grant date | Aug 29, 1989 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2007 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0408
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The automatic sampling system includes a test apparatus for testing specific characteristics of a fluid withdrawn from a closed test tube. Stoppered test tubes are continuously and automatically delivered to the test apparatus by a conveyor system that includes a continuous linkage of test tube holders. The test tube holders have the capability of pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis of the test tube holders, and tilting movement wherein a longitudinal axis of one test tube holder tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder in the linkage. The compound pivotal and tilting movement capability of the test tube holders in the linkage enable the linkage to be stacked in a fan-fold or Z-fold arrangement because of the flexible characteristics of the linkage. The linkage also has the capability of having one or more test tube holders tilted together at a group with respect to other test tube holders. Thus, the basis for a mixing operation of specific test tube holders is achieved. The conveyor system can be incorporated as a module of the test apparatus. An aspiration head for withdrawing fluid from individual stoppered test tubes in successive fashion a…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.