Automatic handler for feeding containers into and out of an analytical instrument
US6426044B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 15, 2000 |
| Grant date | Jul 30, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 15, 2020 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/2575
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Racks having sample containers mounted therein are transported within an analytical system so that a robotic arm can remove the sample containers and deliver them to a desired location within the system. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. Sample tube racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The cross-feed comprises a movable track having a platform mounted thereto. The cross-feed moves the sample tube racks from a position behind the in-feed to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.