Sample feeder
US6499366B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Aug 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T436/25
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Devices for automatically feeding sample containers into and out of an analyzer. The device may include (1) a first station that receives and initiates transport of a sample container into an analyzer for analysis, (2) a second station where the sample container is handed off to a transporter that carries the sample container to and from an examination site inside the analyzer, and (3) a third station that collects the sample container after examination. The device also may include a singulation mechanism configured to separate a sample container from a stack of sample containers, and/or a stacking mechanism configured to add a sample container to a stack of sample containers. The singulation and stacking mechanisms may include lifter and latch components.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.