Specimen sampling apparatus
First Claim
1. Apparatus for obtaining samples from specimens of blood or the like contained in a series of closed containers, which specimens include a plurality of particles such as cells, comprising:
- means for moving the closed containers along a predetermined path to a sampling station and for imparting motion to the closed containers while they are moved along the path to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of the particles contained therein; and
means for penetrating the closed containers when they reach the sampling station to withdraw specimen samples from said containers.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Apparatus for obtaining samples from specimens of blood or the like contained in a series of closed containers, which specimens include a plurality of particles such as cells. A pair of parallel feed screws moves the closed containers along a predetermined path to a sampling station and in one mode, a mixing mode, imparts motion to the closed containers while they are moved along the path to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of the particles contained therein. The apparatus includes a needle which penetrates the closed containers when they reach the sampling station to withdraw specimen samples from the containers. The apparatus includes a controller for tilting each closed container at the sampling station so that one end of the container is lower than the other end. The needle penetrates the lower end of the container.
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Citations
53 Claims
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1. Apparatus for obtaining samples from specimens of blood or the like contained in a series of closed containers, which specimens include a plurality of particles such as cells, comprising:
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means for moving the closed containers along a predetermined path to a sampling station and for imparting motion to the closed containers while they are moved along the path to obtain a substantially uniform distribution of the particles contained therein; and means for penetrating the closed containers when they reach the sampling station to withdraw specimen samples from said containers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. Apparatus for obtaining samples from specimens of blood or the like contained in a series of closed containers, which specimens include a plurality of particles such as cells, comprising:
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means for moving the closed containers along a predetermined path to a sampling station; means for penetrating the closed containers when they reach the sampling station to withdraw specimen samples from said containers; and control means for positioning one end of the closed container at the sampling station lower than the other end. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53)
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Specification