US3679129A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Blood sample tray apparatus
Assignee: Bayer Corp
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Filing: 1970-09-08
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Granted: 1972-07-25
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Expires: 1990-09-08
Abstract
Abstract New and improved sample processing and supply apparatus are disclosed and comprise tray means from which are pivotally supported a plurality of partially filled sample container means. In use, said tray means are operatively connected to centrifuge drive means and rotated to centrifuge each of said samples and separate the same into sample constituent layers, whereupon said tray means are removed as a unit from said centrifuge drive means and operatively associated with automatic sample analysis means for indexing to supply a series of one of said sample constituents from said sample container means to said analysis means. Outer tray means comprising a plurality of outer sample container means are provided for use in conjunction with said tray means for the concomitant supply of, for example, a whole sample and a separated sample constituent to said sample analysis means. For such use, the tray means and outer tray means are combined in predetermined manner which insures ample container means and outer sample container means alignment, and the combined trays indexed as a unit.
Inventors
- 👤 Stanley L Livshitz
- 👤 Alvin Engelhardt
- 👤 Stanford L Adler
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 00:06
CPC Classifications
B; B04; B04B; B04B5/00; B04B5/04; B04B5/0407; B04B5/0414; B04B5/0421; G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/02; G01N35/025; G01N2035/00465; G01N2035/00495; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0439; G01N2035/0446; G01N2035/0448; G01N2035/0449; G01N2035/0453; G01N2035/0455
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 15
Claim 1
Independent Claim
171 words
A sample processing and supply apparatus for use in the centrifugation of a plurality of sAmples and the subsequent automated supply thereof to automated sample analysis means, comprising, tray means, a plurality of sample container means, each of which is adapted to contain a different sample, means supporting said sample container means from a peripheral portion of said tray means with freedom for movement therebetween, said tray means being rotatable to centrifuge samples contained in said sample container means and being indexable to supply said samples in series to automated sample analysis means, outer tray means having a plurality of outer sample container means mounting means, a plurality of outer sample container means mounted in said mounting means, said tray means and said outer tray means comprising attachment means providing for the attachment thereof only in a single relative position in which each of said outer sample container means of said outer tray means will be operatively associated with a different one of said sample container means of said tray means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
171 words
A sample processing and supply apparatus for use in the centrifugation of a plurality of sAmples and the subsequent automated supply thereof to automated sample analysis means, comprising, tray means, a plurality of sample container means, each of which is adapted to contain a different sample, means supporting said sample container means from a peripheral portion of said tray means with freedom for movement therebetween, said tray means being rotatable to centrifuge samples contained in said sample container means and being indexable to supply said samples in series to automated sample analysis means, outer tray means having a plurality of outer sample container means mounting means, a plurality of outer sample container means mounted in said mounting means, said tray means and said outer tray means comprising attachment means providing for the attachment thereof only in a single relative position in which each of said outer sample container means of said outer tray means will be operatively associated with a different one of said sample container means of said tray means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
58 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, said sample container means respectively comprise open upper extremities, and said support means are effective to support said sample container means from said tray means in substantially vertical manner absent the rotation of said tray means to thereby facilitate sample supply to said automated sample analysis means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
33 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, said support means comprise pivotal attachment means and said sample container means are pivotally moveable thereabout during rotation of said tray means.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
98 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 3 wherein, said tray means are disposed in substantially horizontal manner, the respective centers of gravity of said sample container means are disposed below said pivotal attachment means absent the rotation of said tray means, and wherein said sample container means will be pivotally moved about said pivotal attachment means attendant the rotation of said tray means in such manner that the respective centers of gravity of said sample container means will be in substantial horizontal alignment with said pivotal attachment means to concentrate centrifugal forces at the latter.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 1 wherein, said tray means are of generally circular configuration and comprise cutouts formed in the periphery thereof, said support means comprise pivotal attachment means, and said sample container means are pivotally moveable into said cutouts attendant the rotation of said tray means to centrifuge said samples.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
40 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 5 wherein, said pivotal attachment means comprise a holding ring which extends around said tray means through said cutouts, and attachment means on said sample container means for pivotal attachment thereto.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
45 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 6 wherein, said sample container means each comprise a generally cylindrical sample container holder having said attachment means included therein, and a complementally configured sample container which fits within said sample container holder for combination therewith.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
58 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 7 wherein, said sample containers respectively comprise open upper extremities, and said pivotal attachment means are operable to support said sample container holders and said sample containers in substantially vertical manner absent the rotation of said tray means to thereby facilitate sample supply to said automated sample analysis means.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
111 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 7 wherein, said tray means are disposed in substantially horizontal manner, the respective centers of gravity of said combined sample container holders and sample containers are disposed below said holding ring absent the rotation of said tray means, and wherein said combined sample container holders and sample containers will be pivotally moved aboUt said holding ring attendant the rotation of said tray means in such manner that the respective centers of gravity of said combined sample container holders and sample containers will be in substantial horizontal alignment with said holding ring to concentrate centrifugal forces on said sample container holder attachment means.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
213 words
A sample processing and supply apparatus for use in the centrifugation of a plurality of samples and the subsequent automated supply thereof comprising, tray means, a plurality of sample container means, each of which is adapted to contain a different sample, means supporting said sample container means from a peripheral portion of said tray means with freedom for movement therebetween, said tray means being rotatable to centrifuge samples contained in said sample container means and being indexable to supply said samples in series to automated sample analysis means, said tray means being of generally circular configuration and comprise cutouts formed in the periphery thereof, said support means comprising pivotal attachment means, said sample container means being pivotally movable into said cutouts attendant the rotation of said tray means to centrifuge said samples, and generally circular outer tray means having a plurality of outer sample container means mounting means forming a generally circular array thereof, outer sample container means mounted in each of said mounting means, said tray means and said outer tray means comprising attachment means providing for the generally concentric attachment thereof only in a single relative position in which each of said outer sample container means will be in substantial radial alignment with a different one of said sample container means.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
213 words
A sample processing and supply apparatus for use in the centrifugation of a plurality of samples and the subsequent automated supply thereof comprising, tray means, a plurality of sample container means, each of which is adapted to contain a different sample, means supporting said sample container means from a peripheral portion of said tray means with freedom for movement therebetween, said tray means being rotatable to centrifuge samples contained in said sample container means and being indexable to supply said samples in series to automated sample analysis means, said tray means being of generally circular configuration and comprise cutouts formed in the periphery thereof, said support means comprising pivotal attachment means, said sample container means being pivotally movable into said cutouts attendant the rotation of said tray means to centrifuge said samples, and generally circular outer tray means having a plurality of outer sample container means mounting means forming a generally circular array thereof, outer sample container means mounted in each of said mounting means, said tray means and said outer tray means comprising attachment means providing for the generally concentric attachment thereof only in a single relative position in which each of said outer sample container means will be in substantial radial alignment with a different one of said sample container means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
40 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 10 wherein, said pivotal attachment means comprise a holding ring which extends around said tray means through said cutouts, and attachment means on said sample container means for pivotal attachment thereto.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 11 wherein, said sample container means each comprise a generally cylindrical sample container holder having said attachmwnt means included therein, and a complementally configured sample container which fits within said sample container holder for combination therewith.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
58 words
In sample processing and supply apparatus as in claim 12 wherein, said sample containers respectively comprise open upper extremities, and said pivotal attachment means are operable to support said sample container holders and said sample containers in substantially vertical manner absent the rotation of said tray means to thereby facilitate sample supply to said automated sample analysis means.
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) | 1975-07-25 | 1976-01-24 | 1976-07-25 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1979-07-25 | 1980-01-24 | 1980-07-25 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1983-07-25 | 1984-01-24 | 1984-07-25 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |