×

Autosampler mechanism

  • US 4,478,095 A
  • Filed: 03/09/1981
  • Issued: 10/23/1984
  • Est. Priority Date: 03/09/1981
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
Patent Images

1. A sampler mechanism for automatically taking samples from multiple vials containing the samples and of the kind having septums closing the tops of the vials, said sampler mechanism comprising,a sample station,needle means fixed in position at the station for taking a sample from a sample vial,vial transport means at the sample station for moving a sample vial in a first direction with respect to the fixed needle means to cause piercing of the vial septum and insertion of the needle means into the sample within the vial and for moving the vial in a second direction with respect to the fixed needle means to withdraw the needle from the vial after the sample has been taken,rotatable tray means for automatically conveying individual ones of the multiple sample vials to and from the sample station by rotation of the tray means,said rotatable tray means having an open top and a plurality of slots for holding the sample vials,drive means for automatically rotating the tray means to position individual ones of the sample vials at the sample station,a tower assembly at the sample station and mounting the fixed needle means above the rotatable tray means,and wherein the vial transport means include a lift mechanism movable through a slot at the sample station to automatically lift a vial out of a slot and to move the vial upwardly into the tower assembly to cause the needle means to pierce said vial septum while the rotatable tray means remain in a fixed axial position.

View all claims
  • 6 Assignments
Timeline View
Assignment View
    ×
    ×