US3596673A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automatic transfer apparatus
Assignee: F Hoffmann La Roche AG
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Filing: 1969-01-23
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Granted: 1971-08-03
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Expires: 1989-01-23
Abstract
Abstract Automatic device for delivering a calibrated quantity of a liquid from a first receptacle into a second receptacle by positioning a duct into the liquid to be delivered, aspirating the liquid into the duct for delivery into the second receptacle including control means cooperating with detectors of the position of the duct in the liquid and the aspirating duct.
Inventors
- 👤 Robert Laucournet
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-23 16:20
CPC Classifications
G; G01; G01N; G01N35/00; G01N35/10; G01N35/1009; G01N35/1016; B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/02; B01L3/0289; B01L3/0293; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/18; G01N2035/1025; G01N35/1079; Y; Y10; Y10T; Y10T137/00; Y10T137/2496; Y10T137/2514; Y10T137/2516; Y10T137/2931; Y10T137/3115; Y10T137/3127; Y10T137/7287; Y10T137/7306; Y10T137/7313; Y10T137/8593; Y10T137/86236; Y10T74/00; Y10T74/18; Y10T74/18568; Y10T74/18832
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 11
Claim 1
Independent Claim
158 words
Automatic apparatus for the transfer of a predetermined quantity of a liquid sample contained in a first container to a second container, comprising: a first tube one end portion of which is adapted to be immersed in said sample and the other end portion penetrating said second container, a second tube connected to a source of gas under pressure with its free end portion adapted to penetrate said first container, said one end portion of said first tube being longer than said free end portion of said second tube, first means for detecting the passage of said liquid sample at a given point of said first tube, a common support for fixedly carrying the end portions of said first and second tubes which penetrate said first container, means for translationally moving said support relative to the surface level of said liquid sample in said first container, and means for controlling said translational movement by said first detecting means.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
158 words
Automatic apparatus for the transfer of a predetermined quantity of a liquid sample contained in a first container to a second container, comprising: a first tube one end portion of which is adapted to be immersed in said sample and the other end portion penetrating said second container, a second tube connected to a source of gas under pressure with its free end portion adapted to penetrate said first container, said one end portion of said first tube being longer than said free end portion of said second tube, first means for detecting the passage of said liquid sample at a given point of said first tube, a common support for fixedly carrying the end portions of said first and second tubes which penetrate said first container, means for translationally moving said support relative to the surface level of said liquid sample in said first container, and means for controlling said translational movement by said first detecting means.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
46 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising second means for detecting contact between the free end portion of the second tube and the surface level of said liquid sample, and means for further controlling translational movement of said support by said second detecting means.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
55 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said first and second tube portions penetrating said first container are of unequal length such that the one end of said first tube is situated below the surface level of the liquid sample when the free end of said second tube is substantially flush with said surface,
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the ends of said first and second tubes which penetrate said first container are bevelled.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
24 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said second detecting means comprises a conductivity-measuring device electrically connected between said first and second tubes.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
69 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein said liquid sample in said first container has a sedimented phase, and further comprising means for preventing translational movement of said support below a defined lower level corresponding to the passage of the one end of the first tube into the sedimented phase of said sample, thereby to prevent the transfer of sediment from said first container to said second container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
63 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 6 wherein said preventing means comprises a photoelectric detector and a light source arranged respectively on opposed sides of said first container, with said photoelectric detector being unenergized by the light source when it is adjacent the sedimented phase of the liquid sample to prevent further downward movement of said tubes with respect to said first container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
20 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein said photoelectric detector is fixed to said support for translational movement therewith.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
21 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 8 wherein said translational movement means for said support comprises an actuator operatively coupled thereto.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
50 words
The apparatus as claimed in claim 9 wherein said actuator comprises a driven drum and at least two metal blades each having first ends fixed to the periphery of said drum and wrapped in opposite directions, and second ends fixed to said support for transforming circular movement into rectilinear movement.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-08-02 | 1975-02-01 | 1975-08-03 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-08-02 | 1979-02-01 | 1979-08-03 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-08-02 | 1983-02-01 | 1983-08-03 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |