Patent EP0452892A2 successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
EP0452892A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Closed and open tube sampling apparatus
Assignee: EIDP Inc
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Filing: 1991-04-17
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2011-04-17
Abstract
Abstract An automatic sampling apparatus is constructed to use bang-bang fluid driven actuators whose control system is modified to permit accurate positioning over its range of motion. The actuators are positioned to aspirate stoppered sample containers and equilibrate pressure in the sample containers to atmospheric prior to aspiration. <IMAGE>
Inventors
- 👤 James Hubert Lipscomb
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 04:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1079; G01N35/02; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0439; G01N2035/0451; G01N2035/0474; G01N2035/0479; G01N35/1004; G01N35/1081; G01N35/1083
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
114 words
In a sampling apparatus having a sample carrier adapted to move a plurality of sample containers into a sampling position, a lateral translator located to have a path of movement over the sampling position, a vertical translator mounted to be positioned laterally by the lateral translator, a sampling probe adapted to be positioned vertically by the vertical translator into and out of the sample containers, a liquid pump connected to the probe to aspirate sample from the sample containers, and controller means to actuate the translators and pump to effect such aspirations, the improvement wherein the translators are fluid driven actuators, the sample containers are upright, and at least one sample container is closed.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 which includes a retaining bracket for the sample containers positioned to limit their upward movement during probe withdrawal from the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
50 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 2 which includes a transfer vessel located along the path of movement of the lateral translator, said controller means operating the lateral translator to position the probe over the transfer vessel, the vertical translator and pump operating discharge to aspirated sample into the transfer vessel.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
72 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 3 which includes a wash receptacle located along the path of movement of the lateral translator, said controller means operating the lateral translator to position the probe over the wash receptacle, a source of wash liquid, the pump being coupled to the source, vertical translator and pump operating to discharge wash liquid into the receptacle and to dip the probe into the receptacle to wash the probe.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
53 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 4 wherein the pump is connected by a conduit to the probe, and which includes a valve positioned in the conduit and responsive to the controller means to open the conduit to atmospheric pressure immediately prior to sample aspiration to equilibrate the pressure in the closed sample container.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
67 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 5 wherein each translator includes a fluid driven actuator connected to a position encoder and responsive to the position of the translator, servo valves to drive the actuator in opposite directions, and a digital positioning circuit responsive to the controller and the position encoder for controlling the servo valves to position the probe in accordance with a position designated by the controller.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
49 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 which includes a transfer vessel located along the path of movement of the lateral translator, said controller means operating the lateral translator to position the probe over the transfer vessel, the vertical translator and pump operating discharge aspirated sample into the transfer vessel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
72 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 which includes a wash receptacle located along the path of movement of the lateral translator, said controller means operating the lateral translator to position the probe over the wash receptacle, a source of wash liquid, the pump being coupled to the source, vertical translator and pump operating to discharge wash liquid into the receptacle and to dip the probe into the receptacle to wash the probe.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
72 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 2 which includes a wash receptacle located along the path of movement of the lateral translator, said controller means operating the lateral translator to position the probe over the wash receptacle, a source of wash liquid, the pump being coupled to the source, vertical translator and pump operating to discharge wash liquid into the receptacle and to dip the probe into the receptacle to wash the probe.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
53 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the pump is connected by a conduit to the probe and which includes a valve positioned in the conduit and responsive to the controller means to open the conduit to atmospheric pressure immediately prior to sample aspiration to equilibrate the pressure in the closed sample container.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
67 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 10 wherein each translator includes a fluid driven actuator connected to a position encoder and responsive to the position of the translator, servo valves to drive the actuator in opposite directions, and a digital positioning circuit responsive to the controller and the position encoder for controlling the servo valves to position the probe in accordance with a position designated by the controller.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
53 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 2 wherein the pump is connected by a conduit to the probe and which includes a valve positioned in the conduit and responsive to the controller means to open the conduit to atmospheric pressure immediately prior to sample aspiration to equilibrate the pressure in the closed sample container.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
66 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 12 wherein each translator includes a fluid driven actuator connected to a position encoder responsive to the position of the translator, servo valves to drive the actuator in opposite directions, and a digital positioning circuit responsive to the controller and the position encoder for controlling the servo valves to position the probe in accordance with a position designated by the controller.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
14 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 1 wherein the lateral translator is a rotary translator.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
66 words
The sampling apparatus of claim 14 wherein each translator includes a fluid driven actuator connected to a position encoder responsive to the position of the translator, servo valves to drive the actuator in opposite directions, and a digital positioning circuit responsive to the controller and the position encoder for controlling the servo valves to position the probe in accordance with a position designated by the controller.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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