US3635394A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated clinical laboratory
Assignee: Rohe Scientific Corp
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Filing: 1969-11-07
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Granted: 1972-01-18
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Expires: 1989-11-07
Abstract
Abstract An automated centrifuge system having a conveyor for test tubes to be loaded thereon at a first transfer station, the test tubes are removed from the conveyor and placed into trunnion cups on a trunnion carrier. Program means are coupled to the trunnion carrier to first slowly rotate the trunnion carrier as the test tubes are loaded thereon, second, rapidly rotate the trunnion carrier to centrifuge specimens therein and third, slowly rotate the test tubes so that the test tube can be unloaded. The test tubes are then removed from the trunnion carrier and, second conveyor carries the test tubes away from the trunnion carrier.
Inventors
- 👤 Samuel Natelson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-27 16:56
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1081; G01N35/1083; B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/50; B01L3/502; B01L3/5021; B04; B04B; B04B5/00; B04B5/02; B04B5/04; B04B5/0407; B04B5/0414; B04B7/00; B04B7/08; B04B9/00; B04B9/08; G01N1/00; G01N1/28; G01N1/38; G01N15/00; G01N15/04; G01N15/042; G01N35/02; G01N35/021; B04B11/00; B04B11/04; B04B2011/046; G01N2035/00465; G01N2035/00495; G01N2035/00524; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0401; G01N2035/0406; G01N2035/046; G01N2035/0465; G01N35/1004
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
225 words
An automated centrifuge system comprising in combination: a. first conveyor means disposed to horizontally convey test tubes to a first transfer station; b. a first transfer station including transfer means thereat to grasp test tubes, remove them from the conveyor means and place them on another work unit; c. a circular trunnion carrier, adjacent said first transfer station disposed for rotation in the horizontal plane including motor means to rotate said trunnion carrier; d. trunnion cups mounted on the outer end of said circular trunnion carrier to receive said test tubes from said first transfer means; e. a programmer including first rotating means coupled to said trunnion carrier which will index the trunnion carrier so as to allow loading of the test tubes thereon, and then again index the trunnion carrier so that the test tubes may be removed therefrom; second rotating means coupled to said trunnion carrier to rapidly turn the trunnion carrier to centrifuge the contents of the test tubes and, timer means coupled to said second rotating means controlling the centrifuge time; f. a second transfer station adjacent said trunnion carrier angularly away from said first transfer station including transfer means thereat to grasp test tubes and transfer them from the trunnion cups to second conveyor means; and, second conveyor means disposed to carry said test tubes away from said trunnion carrier.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
225 words
An automated centrifuge system comprising in combination: a. first conveyor means disposed to horizontally convey test tubes to a first transfer station; b. a first transfer station including transfer means thereat to grasp test tubes, remove them from the conveyor means and place them on another work unit; c. a circular trunnion carrier, adjacent said first transfer station disposed for rotation in the horizontal plane including motor means to rotate said trunnion carrier; d. trunnion cups mounted on the outer end of said circular trunnion carrier to receive said test tubes from said first transfer means; e. a programmer including first rotating means coupled to said trunnion carrier which will index the trunnion carrier so as to allow loading of the test tubes thereon, and then again index the trunnion carrier so that the test tubes may be removed therefrom; second rotating means coupled to said trunnion carrier to rapidly turn the trunnion carrier to centrifuge the contents of the test tubes and, timer means coupled to said second rotating means controlling the centrifuge time; f. a second transfer station adjacent said trunnion carrier angularly away from said first transfer station including transfer means thereat to grasp test tubes and transfer them from the trunnion cups to second conveyor means; and, second conveyor means disposed to carry said test tubes away from said trunnion carrier.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
160 words
A system as claimed in claim 1 in which said second rotating means includes a main shaft connected to said trunnion carrier and a main motor connected to said main shaft for rapidly turning said trunnion carrier and a main motor clutch disposed in said main shaft for engaging and disengaging said main motor to said trunnion carrier, and in which said first rotating means includes a driven means on said main shaft intermediate said main motor clutch and said trunnion carrier and a Geneva drive arrangement for driving said driven means including a motor and clutch disposed for coupling to said driven means for slowly turning said main shaft, and trip switch means connected to said main motor, said Geneva drive arrangement turning said trunnion carrier until a test tube trips said trip switch at which time the Geneva clutch disengages and the main motor clutch engages the main motor with the trunnion carrier for a predetermined time period.
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) | 1975-01-17 | 1975-07-19 | 1976-01-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-01-17 | 1979-07-19 | 1980-01-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-01-17 | 1983-07-19 | 1984-01-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |