Optical reader and sample card transport stations for biological sample testing machine
US5798085A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 2, 1997 |
| Grant date | Aug 25, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 2, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/114165
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sample card transport station moves a test sample card from an incubation station for the card to a transmittance and fluorescence optical station in a sample testing machine. The sample card transport station has a drive belt and an associated stepper motor. The belt supports the card from one side of the card. A ledge having a card slot is disposed above the belt. The card is snugly received within the card slot, and supported from below by the drive belt and rollers for the belt. When the motor turns the belt, the belt grips the card and slides the card along the slot to the optical stations, without any slippage between the belt and the card. This construction provides for precise control over the movement of the card.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.