Patent US5402875A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US5402875A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Transfer apparatus with operable jaws for a conveyor system
Assignee: University of Nebraska–Lincoln
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Filing: 1994-08-29
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Granted: 1995-04-04
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Expires: 2014-08-29
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track includes a conveyor track with a carrier transport surface. A support surface is mounted adjacent the conveyor track, and a pair of jaw members are operably mounted on a frame next to the support surface. The jaw members are operable to grip and release a specimen carrier between the jaws, and the frame is operable to move the jaw members over the track and over the support platform to thereby transfer a specimen carrier.
Inventors
- 👤 Rodney S. Markin
- 👤 Eldon L. Tackett
- 👤 Stephen J. Hoskinson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-10 01:25
CPC Classifications
B; B65; B65G; B65G37/00; B65G37/02; G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/02; G01N35/04; G01N2035/00178; G01N2035/00326; G01N2035/046; G01N2035/0465; G01N35/026
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 3
Claim 1
Independent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track, comprising: a conveyor track for transporting a specimen carrier, having a carrier transport surface thereon operable to move a specimen carrier in a first direction; a specimen carrier support surface adjacent said conveyor track; a pair of jaw members operably mounted on a forward end of a frame, and spaced apart from one another; means for operating said jaw members between a gripping position biased towards one another to grip a specimen carrier therebetween, and an open position spaced apart from one another so as to release a specimen carrier gripped therebetween; said frame operable between a first position with said jaw members oriented over said conveyor track to receive a specimen carrier, and a second position with said jaw members oriented over said support surface to place a specimen carrier thereon; and a bearing projecting forwardly from said frame, located between said jaw members, and spaced apart therefrom, for stopping a specimen carrier on said conveyor track at a location between said jaw members.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
179 words
Apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track, comprising: a conveyor track for transporting a specimen carrier, having a carrier transport surface thereon operable to move a specimen carrier in a first direction; a specimen carrier support surface adjacent said conveyor track; a pair of jaw members operably mounted on a forward end of a frame, and spaced apart from one another; means for operating said jaw members between a gripping position biased towards one another to grip a specimen carrier therebetween, and an open position spaced apart from one another so as to release a specimen carrier gripped therebetween; said frame operable between a first position with said jaw members oriented over said conveyor track to receive a specimen carrier, and a second position with said jaw members oriented over said support surface to place a specimen carrier thereon; and a bearing projecting forwardly from said frame, located between said jaw members, and spaced apart therefrom, for stopping a specimen carrier on said conveyor track at a location between said jaw members.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
77 words
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each said jaw member includes a straight elongated arm; wherein said elongated arms are parallel to one another; wherein said jaw members are operably mounted to maintain said elongated arms in parallel relationship when moved between the gripping and open positions; and wherein said frame is located with the jaw member arms parallel to the direction of movement of a specimen carrier on the carrier track when in the first position.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1998-04-03 | 1998-10-03 | 1999-04-04 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2002-04-03 | 2002-10-03 | 2003-04-04 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2006-04-03 | 2006-10-03 | 2007-04-04 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |