US3598161A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Layout fraction collector
Assignee: Individual
•
Filing: 1969-04-14
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Granted: 1971-08-10
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Expires: 1989-04-14
Abstract
Abstract A circular base unit supports a plurality of small containers in a circle about the center. An arm is pivoted on a first pivot to rotate about the center of the base unit and is pivoted about a second pivot to swing up from and down toward the small containers. A hollow needle mounted on the arm vents a container while another feeds fluid to it or extracts fluid from it.
Inventors
- 👤 William C Baldwin
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 17:47
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim
132 words
Fluid transfer apparatus comprising a stationary substantially circular base unit, a plurality of containers in said stationary base unit arranged substantially equidistant from the center thereof, an arm mounted on a first pivot for rotation substantially about said center and mounted on a second pivot for movement toward and away from said containers, a fluid transfer device on said arm comprising a pair of hollow needles for venting and for transferring fluid, puncturable self-sealing closures for said containers, said needles puncturing one of said closures each time said arm is swung toward a container, said closure automatically sealing itself as the needles are withdrawn, and movement means to move said arm toward and away from said container and to advance said arm and fluid transfer device step-by-step from one container to another.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
132 words
Fluid transfer apparatus comprising a stationary substantially circular base unit, a plurality of containers in said stationary base unit arranged substantially equidistant from the center thereof, an arm mounted on a first pivot for rotation substantially about said center and mounted on a second pivot for movement toward and away from said containers, a fluid transfer device on said arm comprising a pair of hollow needles for venting and for transferring fluid, puncturable self-sealing closures for said containers, said needles puncturing one of said closures each time said arm is swung toward a container, said closure automatically sealing itself as the needles are withdrawn, and movement means to move said arm toward and away from said container and to advance said arm and fluid transfer device step-by-step from one container to another.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said stationary base unit contains insulation and a fluid for maintaining said containers at selected temperatures.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
28 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said movement means comprises a motor device and means reciprocable thereby to move said arm in one direction about its second pivot.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
20 words
Apparatus as in claim 3 and biasing means to move said arm in the opposite direction about its second pivot.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
40 words
Apparatus as in claim 4 wherein said biasing means comprises a pair of tension springs mounted on opposite sides of said arm and urging said arm toward a container to press the pair of hollow needles through said self-sealing closures.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
51 words
Apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said movement means comprises a gear with helical teeth and held against rotation in one direction, and means on said arm to engage said teeth to step said arm about said first pivot each time said arm is swung toward and away from said containers.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
170 words
Fluid transfer apparatus comprising a stationary substantially circular base unit, a plurality of containers in said stationary base unit arranged substantially equidistant from the center thereof and having self-sealing closures thereon, an arm mounted on a first pivot for rotation substantially about said center and mounted on a second pivot for movement toward and away from said containers, a fluid transfer device on said arm comprising a pair of hollow needles adapted to transfer fluid to or away from a container each time said arm is swung toward said containers, movement means to move said arm away from said containers, a pair of tension springs mounted on opposite sides of said arm urging said arm toward a container to press the pair of hollow needles through said self-sealing closures, a gear with helical teeth held against rotation in one direction, and means on said arm to engage said helical teeth to step said arm about said first pivot each time said arm is swung toward and away from said containers.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
170 words
Fluid transfer apparatus comprising a stationary substantially circular base unit, a plurality of containers in said stationary base unit arranged substantially equidistant from the center thereof and having self-sealing closures thereon, an arm mounted on a first pivot for rotation substantially about said center and mounted on a second pivot for movement toward and away from said containers, a fluid transfer device on said arm comprising a pair of hollow needles adapted to transfer fluid to or away from a container each time said arm is swung toward said containers, movement means to move said arm away from said containers, a pair of tension springs mounted on opposite sides of said arm urging said arm toward a container to press the pair of hollow needles through said self-sealing closures, a gear with helical teeth held against rotation in one direction, and means on said arm to engage said helical teeth to step said arm about said first pivot each time said arm is swung toward and away from said containers.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as in claim 7 and one-way clutch mechanism holding said gear against rotation in said one direction while permitting rotation in the opposite direction.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-09 | 1975-02-08 | 1975-08-10 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-09 | 1979-02-08 | 1979-08-10 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-09 | 1983-02-08 | 1983-08-10 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |