Apparatus for filling self-sealing tubes
First Claim
1. An apparatus for introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means, said apparatus comprising:
- a base;
clamping means having a substantially hemi-tubular construction for releasably clamping the tube against the base at a fluid injecting station and for releasably maintaining the tube in a substantially horizontal position;
injector means including a first hollow injector needle selectively engageable with said closure means;
means for enabling the needle to penetrate the closure means thereby introducing a charge of liquid into the tube and for enabling the needle to be withdrawn from the tube; and
means for raising and lowering the clamping means relative to the tube so that in a first position of use, the clamping means is in engagement with the tube so as to bias the tube gently but firmly downwards against the base and in a second position of use the clamping means is out of engagement with the tube.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus includes a conveyor system for conveying tubes, having respective self-sealing closure members, sequentially to a station whereupon the conveyor system is temporarily halted. At the station, a clamping device having a clamp lowers to prevent movement of the tube. An arm moves in the direction of the tube to enable a hollow needle to penetrate the closure member of the tube. A metering pump enables a predetermined volume of a fluid, preferably liquid agar, to be introduced into the tube. Following release of the needle from the closure member, the conveyor systems moves to enable another tube to arrive at the station.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. An apparatus for introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means, said apparatus comprising:
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a base; clamping means having a substantially hemi-tubular construction for releasably clamping the tube against the base at a fluid injecting station and for releasably maintaining the tube in a substantially horizontal position; injector means including a first hollow injector needle selectively engageable with said closure means; means for enabling the needle to penetrate the closure means thereby introducing a charge of liquid into the tube and for enabling the needle to be withdrawn from the tube; and means for raising and lowering the clamping means relative to the tube so that in a first position of use, the clamping means is in engagement with the tube so as to bias the tube gently but firmly downwards against the base and in a second position of use the clamping means is out of engagement with the tube. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An apparatus for introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means, said apparatus comprising:
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a base; clamping means for releasably clamping the tube against the base at a fluid injection station; a first hollow injector needle selectively engageable with said closure means; and means for enabling the first needle to penetrate the closure means for introducing a charge of fluid into the tube and for enabling the needle to be withdrawn from the tube; wherein the base comprises a conveyor apparatus for enabling a plurality of tubes to be fed sequentially to and from the station, said conveyor being operatively associated with the clamping means so that when the clamping means is in the first position of use, the conveyor apparatus is stationary. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification