Abstract A test tube handling assembly has an elongate member with an end for engaging a test tube and an end opposite thereto driven about an axis of the member for orbital movement with its axis. The member is a slender rod with a spherical bearing about a center part thereon between the ends thereof and along its axis. An arm extends from a support to carry the spherical bearing and permit limited motion of the rod relative to the support. A gripping means on the end for engaging the test tube holds the test tube and its contents during movement of the rod relative to the axis. A drive located on the support near the end opposite causes the test tube to swing about the center part. Contacting means with a seal for closing the open end of the test tube is part of an inflatable bladder which holds the open end of the test tube by fitting in the open end of the test tube. The drive has a motor for providing orbital motion. The motor axis and the member axis are in spaced parallel relation relative to each other with a linkage means therebetween to cause the axis of the member to move about the axis of the motor imparting an orbital motion to the end opposite of the member thereby orbiting the end for engaging the test tube. A three axis positioning means carries the support by connection with a releasable latching means. A method has steps of holding a test tube by the gripping means, moving the test tube repetitively with the drive and generating orbital movement of the test tube and sample therein for producing a vortex in the test tube sample.
A method for causing a vortex in a liquid sample in a test tube mounted in a handling assembly comprising the following steps: (a) engaging the test tube at an open end thereof longitudinally with an elongated member of said handling assembly having an end comprising means for contacting said test tube, said elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; (b) detecting by said handling assembly that said test tube has been engaged; (c) sealing the open end of the test tube with said means for contacting said test tube; (d) detecting by said handling assembly that the open end of the test tube has been sealed; and (e) applying repetitive motion to the open end of said sealed test tube to cause the axis of said elongated member to orbit imparting an orbital motion to the end for engaging the test tube to cause the test tube to move with the axis thereby swinging the test tube relative to the center part of said elongated member to produce a vortex in the liquid sample.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
174 words
A method for causing a vortex in a liquid sample in a test tube mounted in a handling assembly comprising the following steps: (a) engaging the test tube at an open end thereof longitudinally with an elongated member of said handling assembly having an end comprising means for contacting said test tube, said elongated member defining a longitudinal axis; (b) detecting by said handling assembly that said test tube has been engaged; (c) sealing the open end of the test tube with said means for contacting said test tube; (d) detecting by said handling assembly that the open end of the test tube has been sealed; and (e) applying repetitive motion to the open end of said sealed test tube to cause the axis of said elongated member to orbit imparting an orbital motion to the end for engaging the test tube to cause the test tube to move with the axis thereby swinging the test tube relative to the center part of said elongated member to produce a vortex in the liquid sample.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
16 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of sealing is performed by an inflatable bladder.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said inflatable bladder of the step of sealing comprises channels thereabout to permit the air within the test tube to escape when the bladder is inflated and material is added to the test tube.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 1 wherein the step of applying repetitive motion is performed with means for driving comprising a motor.