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Apparatus for accessing a sealed container

  • US 5,935,523 A
  • Filed: 05/29/1997
  • Issued: 08/10/1999
  • Est. Priority Date: 05/29/1997
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. Apparatus for accessing fluid in a container which container is sealed by a piercable seal comprising:

  • a piercer;

    a probe having a hollow tube into which said fluid is to be drawn;

    a first mechanism for moving both the piercer and the probe in the Z direction perpendicular to said seal, at least one of said piercer and probe not normally being attached to move with the first mechanism, but being selectively attachable to move therewith;

    a second mechanism which moves the first mechanism, including the piercer and the probe in X and Y directions substantially perpendicular to the Z direction; and

    controls for operating said first and second mechanisms to have said piercer pierce the seal of a container while the probe is maintained a selected distance above the seal to withdraw the piercer from the seal, leaving a cut, and to then have the probe pass through said cut in the seal to enter said fluid while the piercer is maintained at a selected distance above the seal.

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