Automated molecular biology laboratory
Patent 5443791 Issued on August 22, 1995. Estimated Expiration Date: 
August 22, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
August 22, 2012. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 1180665 2579724 3754444 One-way evacuated tube stopper Apparatus for performing tests and measurements on liquid samples Level sensor apparatus and method Method and apparatus for calibrating a robot to compensate for inaccuracy of the robot Liquid handling apparatus Stopper for containers for use in analyses Valve assembly Inventors
AssigneeApplicationNo. 927254 filed on 08/07/1992US Classes:422/65, Means is conveyor and rack73/864.11, With suction applying and liquid discharge means73/864.24, Pipette longitudinally movable73/864.25, And transversely movable422/63, Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system422/67, With specific analytical program control means422/100, Pipette or other volumetric fluid transfer means422/104, Holder, support, housing, or hood422/916, Closing or opening means, e.g., corks, bungs [B01L 3/14C]435/809, INCUBATORS OR RACKS OR HOLDERS FOR CULTURE PLATES OR CONTAINERS436/54, With aspirator of claimed structure436/180, Volumetric liquid transfer436/526, Magnetic700/83, Having operator control interface (e.g., control/display console)901/46SENSING DEVICEExaminersPrimary: Housel, James C.Assistant: Soderquist, Arlen Attorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassesG01N 021/01G01N 035/08 G01N 001/10 G01N 021/11 AbstractA liquid-handling instrument has a worksurface with registration for modular stations to support containers of liquid, pipette apparatus with a pipette tip coupled to a sensing circuit, a robotic translation system for moving the pipette tip, and a control system with an iconic user interface for programming and editing. A gauge block registered on the worksurface provides for calibration using the sensing tip, and register cavities on the worksurface provide for modular stations. There is a wash station fop the pipette tip on the worksurface. An automated laboratory based on the liquid-handling system has heating and cooling and a sealable incubation station as well as a magnetic separation station. Methods are disclosed using the apparatus to convey droplets of liquid, to aspirate with minimum tip contamination, to mix liquids in containers, and to validate the worksurface. A duck-billed closure is disclosed for minimizing evaporation and cross-contamination during processing, and is a part of a container disclosed for storing and transporting liquids.Other References
Field of SearchWith suction applying and liquid discharge meansPipette longitudinally movable And transversely movable Self-sealing, piercable-type closure Having exit lip Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system Means is conveyor and rack With specific analytical program control means Miscellaneous laboratory apparatus and elements, per se Pipette or other volumetric fluid transfer means Container Holder, support, housing, or hood Responsive to liquid level INCUBATORS OR RACKS OR HOLDERS FOR CULTURE PLATES OR CONTAINERS With aspirator of claimed structure Volumetric liquid transfer Magnetic SENSING DEVICE |
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