Device and methods for automating transfer of multiple samples to an analytical instrument
US6866461B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 25, 2003 |
| Grant date | Mar 15, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 4, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2001/045
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The present invention comprises a loading device for automating transfer of a plurality of probes between a cassette within which the plurality of probes are initially constrained and an analytical instrument, e.g., mass spectrometer. The loading device may be configured to accept a single or a plurality of cassettes each removably constraining a plurality of probes to be analyzed. The loading device may permit each of the plurality of cassettes to be independently interchanged with a separate cassette removably constraining a separate plurality of probes during mass spectrometric analysis, or for additional cassettes to be loaded into the device during analysis. In a useful embodiment, the loading device comprises a cassette transport assembly and a probe insertion assembly. The cassette transport assembly linearly translates one or more cassettes to align the cassette(s) with respect to the mass spectrometer so that a probe may be translated therebetween by the probe insertion assembly. The probe insertion assembly also provides means to rotatably engage said probe.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.