US5483843A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Transport apparatus
Assignee: Thermo Separation Products Inc
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Filing: 1992-06-01
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Granted: 1996-01-16
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Expires: 2012-06-01
Abstract
Abstract A vial transport apparatus which is capable of storing and retrieving samples and then transporting them from one location in a sampling system to another without the complexity and expense of robotic arms or gripper elements is provided. A passive hook arrangement is utilized to engage the vials for transport and can be operated using a standard three motor system for transport in the X, Y, and Z directions. The hook supports the vial from beneath and at least partially surrounds the vial to entrap it during transport thereof.
Inventors
- 👤 Leslie A. Miller
- 👤 Thomas J. McCall, Jr.
- 👤 Samuel A. Marquiss
- 👤 Douglas H. Smith
- 👤 Richard F. Johnson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-09 03:49
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1079; G01N30/00; G01N30/02; G01N30/04; G01N30/24; G01N35/0099; G01N35/02; G01N35/04; G01N2035/0401; G01N2035/0406; G01N2035/041; G01N35/1081; G01N35/109
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 32
Claim 1
Independent Claim
55 words
A vial transport apparatus comprising: means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof; and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
55 words
A vial transport apparatus comprising: means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof; and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vial transport apparatus of claim 1 including means for applying a downward force on said vial as it is engaged.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The vial transport apparatus of claim 2 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a weighted arm.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The vial transport apparatus of claim 2 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a spring loaded arm.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
76 words
A vial transport apparatus comprising: means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial, said supporting means comprising a hook having a base and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof; means for applying downward force on said vial as it is engaged; and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
76 words
A vial transport apparatus comprising: means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial, said supporting means comprising a hook having a base and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof; means for applying downward force on said vial as it is engaged; and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
31 words
The vial transport apparatus of claim 5 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises at least two prongs extending upwardly from said base of said hook.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The vial transport apparatus of claim 2 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises a hollow collar.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for the storage and retrieval of vials comprising: a plurality of vials: means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; and means for retrieving individuals ones of said vials from said storing means, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
101 words
Apparatus for the storage and retrieval of vials comprising: a plurality of vials: means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; and means for retrieving individuals ones of said vials from said storing means, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
31 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 8 in which said retrieving means include means for applying a downward force on said vial as it is retrieved from said storing means.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
21 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 9 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a weighted arm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
22 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 9 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a spring loaded arm.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus for the storage and retrieval of vials comprising: a plurality of vials; means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; and means for retrieving individual ones of said vials from said storing means, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial, said supporting means comprising a hook having a base and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
110 words
Apparatus for the storage and retrieval of vials comprising: a plurality of vials; means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; and means for retrieving individual ones of said vials from said storing means, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial, said supporting means comprising a hook having a base and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
29 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 12 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises at least two prongs extending upwardly from said base.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 8 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises a hollow collar.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
62 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 8 in which said tray includes a base having a series of laterally extending support brackets, with adjacent pairs of said brackets supporting individual ones of said vials, said adjacent of brackets forming therebetween slots beneath each vial, the width of said slots being sized to permit the passage of said retrieving means vertically therethrough.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
23 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 15 in which said support brackets are arranged in a series of rows on said base.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
24 words
The storage and retrieval apparatus of claim 15 in which said support brackets are arranged in a circle about the periphery of said base.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
155 words
A sampler mechanism for automatically taking samples from multiple vials containing samples for chemical preparation and/or analysis comprising: a plurality of vials containing samples, said vials including septums closing the tops of said vials; means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; a sampling station including a sampling needle for taking a sample from a vial by piercing said septum on said vial and withdrawing said sample therefrom; and means for retrieving individual ones of said vials from said storing means and transporting them to said sampling station, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
155 words
A sampler mechanism for automatically taking samples from multiple vials containing samples for chemical preparation and/or analysis comprising: a plurality of vials containing samples, said vials including septums closing the tops of said vials; means for storing said vials, said storing means including a tray for supporting individual ones of said vials in a matrix; a sampling station including a sampling needle for taking a sample from a vial by piercing said septum on said vial and withdrawing said sample therefrom; and means for retrieving individual ones of said vials from said storing means and transporting them to said sampling station, said retrieving means comprising means for engaging a vial, said engaging means comprising means for supporting said vial from beneath said vial and means for at least partially surrounding said vial to entrap said vial during transport thereof, and drive means for moving said engaging means in at least the X and Z directions.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
29 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 18 in which said retrieving means include means for applying a downward force on said vial as it is retrieved from said storing means.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
19 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 19 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a weighted arm.
Claim 26
Dependent Claim
20 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 19 in which said means for applying said downward force comprises a spring loaded arm.
Claim 27
Dependent Claim
17 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 18 in which said supporting means comprises a hook having a base.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
27 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 22 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises at least two prongs extending upwardly from said base.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 18 in which said means for at least partially surrounding said vial comprises a hollow collar.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
60 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 18 in which said tray includes a base having a series of laterally extending support brackets, with adjacent pairs of said brackets supporting individual ones of said vials, said adjacent of brackets forming therebetween slots beneath each vial, the width of said slots being sized to permit the passage of said retrieving means vertically therethrough.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
21 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 25 in which said support brackets are arranged in a series of rows on said base.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
22 words
The sampler mechanism of claim 25 in which said support brackets are arranged in a circle about the periphery of said base.
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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) | 1999-01-15 | 1999-07-17 | 2000-01-16 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2003-01-15 | 2003-07-17 | 2004-01-16 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2007-01-15 | 2007-07-17 | 2008-01-16 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |