Apparatus and method for chemical processing
Patent 6368872 Issued on April 9, 2002. Estimated Expiration Date: 
October 22, 2019. 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.
October 22, 2019. 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 2642212 3061071 3736099 Article transfer mechanism Fluid switch Visual inspection apparatus Adjustable liquid sampling apparatus Test tube holder Pipetting device Analyzing apparatus using disposable reaction vessels InventorAssigneeApplicationNo. 426168 filed on 10/22/1999US Classes:436/180, Volumetric liquid transfer414/416.01, Nongravity type422/63, Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system422/65, Means is conveyor and rack422/68.1, Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample422/100, Pipette or other volumetric fluid transfer means436/43, AUTOMATED CHEMICAL ANALYSIS436/49With treatment or replacement of aspirator element (e.g., cleaning, etc.)ExaminersPrimary: Tung, T.Assistant: Gordon, Brian R. Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassesG01N 001/10G01N 035/00 G01N 033/48 B01L 003/02 B32B 027/04 AbstractThe invention disclosed provides a method and apparatus for mounting pre-cut capillary sized pipette tubes to aspiration tubes in a chemical processor. According to a first embodiment, the pipette tubes are dispensed from a magazine hopper into channels in a series of blocks that are connected to one another as a conveyor. The conveyor reorients the pipette tubes from horizontal to vertical to be engaged by the vertical aspiration tubes. According to a second preferred embodiment, the blocks are in the form of one or more trays that reciprocate between the hopper and the aspiration tubes. In both embodiments, the apparatus includes a clamp having a pair of closeable jaws adapted to grasp and remove the pipette tubes from the aspiration tubes after use.Field of SearchPipette or other volumetric fluid transfer meansIncluding means for separating a constituent; e.g., filter, condenser, extractor, etc. Container Sample mechanical transport means in or for automated analytical system Means is conveyor and rack Means for analyzing liquid or solid sample Nongravity type Receptacle has spaced article supports Holder carried by orbiting conveyor Holder rotates item about axis spaced from the item By an orbitally moving conveyor AUTOMATED CHEMICAL ANALYSIS With treatment or replacement of aspirator element (e.g., cleaning, etc.) Volumetric liquid transfer |
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