Holding device

US7425311B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• TECAN TRADING AG · CH

Inventors

• Andreas Gfrorer · Königsdorf, DE
• Josef Grassl · Lebach, DE
• Wolfgang Streit · Salzburg, AT

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 18, 2003
• Grant date: Sep 16, 2008
• Expiry date: Dec 27, 2024

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B33Y80/00
• WIPO field: Chemical engineering
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A holding device for at least one object carrier, the object carrier being suitable to receive one or more organic and/or inorganic samples and comprising materials such as glass, plastic, silicon, pyrolytic graphite, and/or metal, this holding device being configured to be gripped by grippers of a robot. The holding device comprising two essentially parallel lengthwise walls and two essentially parallel transverse walls which extend substantially at right angles from the lengthwise walls. Holding devices according to preferred embodiments are constructed in a frame shape, wherein the lengthwise and transverse walls define a frame surrounding at least one opening which completely transverses the device. Holding devices according to further embodiments are constructed a plate shape, in that the region between the lengthwise walls and transverse walls is implemented as a carrying surface. All embodiments comprising gripping surfaces on the external surface profile of the lengthwise and transverse walls.