Assembly for removing waste from closed sample containers
US5413000A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | May 9, 1995 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/1086
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention provides a waste removal assembly used in conjunction with a sampling system which provides access to a sealed container. The assembly includes a lifting mechanism which moves a sample container against a hollow cleaning needle. The needle penetrates the stopper of the container, and its penetrating end moves into the container proximate the inside surface of the stopper. The assembly also includes a pump and tube arrangement in communication with the needle for removing or displacing entrapped serum or other debris from the bottom surface of the stopper and placing it in a waste container. After removing the debris from the container, the cleaning assembly vents the cleaned container to atmospheric pressure, and the sampling system performs sampling operations through a puncture tube which defines a temporary opening in the stopper of the container.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.