Device and method for removing a peelable seal
First Claim
1. A take-up reel in an apparatus for removal of a film seal covering substantially a full width of a plate containing a plurality of liquid samples in discrete wells, wherein the apparatus comprises a source roll of adhesive tape having a tape width substantially the same as a width of the film seal, a first tape path portion, a translation means for moving the plate relative to the first tape path, a collection rod within the first tape path for pressing the adhesive tape against the film seal as the plate is moved past the collection rod, a take-up spindle disposed within a second tape path portion substantially perpendicular to the first tape path portion for supporting a take-up reel and a driver to rotate the take-up spindle, the take-up reel comprising:
- a cylinder releasably supported on the take-up spindle for receiving a leading end of the adhesive tape and rotating to collect used adhesive tape and removed film seal that is adhered to the adhesive tape, the cylinder having a length substantially the same as the tape width;
a first side flange and a second side flange disposed on opposite ends of the cylinder the first and second side flanges adapted center the used adhesive tape and removed film seal on the cylinder and to at least partially contain residual liquid on the used adhesive tape and removed film seal; and
means for preventing slippage of the take-up reel relative to the take-up spindle and maintaining a uniform pulling force on the adhesive tape to pull the adhesive tape along the tape path during rotation of the take-up reel, wherein the pulling force produces a lifting motion at the collection rod to peel the film seal away from the plate.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A container or array of containers that is are sealed with a peelable seal is transported via a conveyor along a processing path toward a desealing station at which an adhesive surface having a width substantially the same as or greater than the width of the seal is pressed against the upper surface of the peelable seal. A collection rod applies a downward pressure on the adhesive surface, pressing it against the seal and keeping the container or container array in position on the conveyor as the plate moves with the conveyor. As the leading edge of the seal passes the collection rod, the adhesive surface is rolled upward, away from the plane of the seal, pulling up on the leading edge of the seal to separate it from the container or container array while the container or container array is held down by the roller. The removed seal is then discarded.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A take-up reel in an apparatus for removal of a film seal covering substantially a full width of a plate containing a plurality of liquid samples in discrete wells, wherein the apparatus comprises a source roll of adhesive tape having a tape width substantially the same as a width of the film seal, a first tape path portion, a translation means for moving the plate relative to the first tape path, a collection rod within the first tape path for pressing the adhesive tape against the film seal as the plate is moved past the collection rod, a take-up spindle disposed within a second tape path portion substantially perpendicular to the first tape path portion for supporting a take-up reel and a driver to rotate the take-up spindle, the take-up reel comprising:
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a cylinder releasably supported on the take-up spindle for receiving a leading end of the adhesive tape and rotating to collect used adhesive tape and removed film seal that is adhered to the adhesive tape, the cylinder having a length substantially the same as the tape width; a first side flange and a second side flange disposed on opposite ends of the cylinder the first and second side flanges adapted center the used adhesive tape and removed film seal on the cylinder and to at least partially contain residual liquid on the used adhesive tape and removed film seal; and means for preventing slippage of the take-up reel relative to the take-up spindle and maintaining a uniform pulling force on the adhesive tape to pull the adhesive tape along the tape path during rotation of the take-up reel, wherein the pulling force produces a lifting motion at the collection rod to peel the film seal away from the plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A take-up reel in an apparatus for removal of a film seal covering substantially a full width of a multi-well plate containing a plurality of liquid samples, wherein the apparatus comprises a source roll of adhesive tape having a tape width substantially the same as a width of the film seal disposed on a source spindle, a first tape path portion, a translation means for moving the plate relative to the first tape path portion, a collection rod within the first tape path for applying pressure to the adhesive tape and the film seal as the plate is moved past the collection rod, a take-up spindle disposed within a second tape path portion substantially perpendicular to the first tape path portion for supporting the take-up reel and a driver to rotate the take-up spindle, the take-up reel comprising:
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a cylinder having a length substantially the same as the tape width and a coaxial flange disposed at each end, the cylinder having means for releasable mounting on the take-up spindle, wherein the cylinder receives a leading end of the adhesive tape and rotates to collect used adhesive tape and removed film seal that is adhered to the adhesive tape, wherein the coaxial flanges are adapted to center the used adhesive tape and removed film seal on the cylinder and to at least partially contain residual liquid on the used adhesive tape and removed film seal; and means for preventing slippage of the take-up reel relative to the take-up spindle and maintaining a uniform pulling force on the adhesive tape to pull the adhesive tape along the tape path during rotation of the take-up reel, wherein the pulling force produces a lifting motion at the collection rod to peel the film seal away from the plate. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification