Automated pelletized sample decanting apparatus and methods

US9400234B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• QIAGEN GAITHERSBURG INC. · US

Inventors

• Bradley Scott Thomas · Cary, US
• Brian Austin Self · Monkton, US
• Andrew Leonard · Sykesville, US
• Bert Jungheim
• Eric Schneider · Catonsville, US
• Franklin Regan · Baltimore, US
• Bowen Cui · Rockville, US
• Shubing Liu · Clarksville, US
• Sharon Fluss · Pikesville, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Oct 22, 2012
• Grant date: Jul 26, 2016
• Expiry date: Jul 16, 2033

Classification

• Technology area (CPC —): General

Abstract

An automated sample tube decanting system having one or more decanting grippers, a decant waste receptacle, a transporter, and means for rotating the decanting gripper. Each decanting gripper has a respective holder configured to selectively mate with a respective interface on a tube strip. The one or more decanting grippers are rotatable between a first position in which the tube strip is upright and a second position in which the tube strip is inverted. The transporter is configured to move the one or more decanting grippers in a lateral direction from a starting location to a location above the decant waste receptacle.