Apparatus and method for handling pipetting tip magazines
US6669432B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 13, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 30, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/103
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A method and apparatus for automatically removing used magazines with used pipette tips from a pipetting head in an automated pipettor, and for automatically inserting an unused or cleaned magazine with unused or cleaned pipette tips in their place. The apparatus includes a gripping mechanism having two separate and independently operated gripping heads, one gripping head being associated exclusively with unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips, and the other gripping head being associated exclusively with used magazines and pipette tips. A transporting mechanism is provided for moving the gripping heads between the pipetting head, a disposal mechanism, and a supply of unused or cleaned magazines and pipetting tips. The supply preferably includes a carousel with a multiplicity of locations for storing unused or cleaned magazines and tips in a vertical alignment. The carousel is rotated so that a compartment containing unused or cleaned magazines and tips is in alignment with an opening in the carousel. The gripping head automatically scans the carousel looking for the next available unused or cleaned magazine and tips for transport to the pipetting head. Another scanning mec…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.