Patent · US Active

Sample tube handling apparatus

US7495827B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by

69References

22Claims

0Family size

Assignee

Battelle Memorial Institute · CH

Inventors

Steve Grimes · Westerville, US
Thomas D. Haubert · Columbus, US
Eric R. Navin · Delaware, US

Key dates

Filing date	Sep 12, 2006
Grant date	Feb 24, 2009
Priority date	—
Expiry date	Sep 12, 2026

Classification

Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
CPC primaryB01L2200/025
WIPO fieldMeasurement
WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A test tube (72, 72′) defines a test tube axis (75) and contains or supports an associated sample in an annular sampling region (12). At least two alignment bearings (80, 81, 81′, 82, 83, 110, 140, 142, 181, 182, 183, 184, 211, 212) engage the test tube at opposite sides of the annular sampling region along the test tube axis. At least one bias bearing (86, 86′, 87, 140, 142, 204) is radially spaced apart from the at least two alignment bearings and presses the test tube against the at least two alignment bearings to align a portion of the annular sampling region respective to the at least two alignment bearings. A motor (112) engages the test tube to selectively rotate the test tube.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.