Specimen archive
US9371182B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jun 21, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 30, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0427
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
An apparatus for archiving specimens in specimen vessels. The apparatus includes an archive room accessible via a lock for automated feeding of vessels into and out of the room. A storage and restacking system is disposed in the room and includes two side-by-side stacks of trays in a receiving area. Each tray has a receptacle area defining a plurality of receptacles therein, each configured to receive a single vessel. A stacking means forms the stacks of trays. One tray is stacked on another in such a way as to maintain a clearance relative to the receptacle area of the lower tray. A lifting means is provided for vertically lifting trays stacked on a selected tray; and a transfer means is provided for horizontal transfer of a selected tray from one stack to the other, or from one stack to the lock, or from the lock to one of the stacks.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.