Apparatus for aspirating liquids from sealed containers
US7481978B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Jan 27, 2009 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 16, 2027 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0405
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
Apparatus for aspirating liquid from a container, e.g., a test tube, having a puncturable stopper includes a pair of stepper motors that share a common linear actuator or drive member. One motor operates to axially advance the linear drive member (preferably a lead screw) to a position in which it serves to position a rigidly connected tube-detector/stripper member in engagement with the top of a stopper on a tube. Thereafter, the second motor operates to move along the surface of the same drive member to advance an aspiration probe through the engaged stopper and into a liquid aspirating position within the tube. Preferably, a linear guide rail, slidably-mounted on a frame that supports the liquid-aspirating apparatus, serves to guide both the movement of the aspiration probe and the linear drive member. As a result of the shared components, the apparatus is highly precise and reliable.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.