The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jun. 02, 2026
Filed:
Mar. 11, 2021
BD Kiestra B.v., Drachten, NL;
Jorn Deinum, Stiens, NL;
Johannes Anne Bruinsma, Drachten, NL;
Gerard Henstra, Buitenpost, NL;
Jan Bart Van Der Vijver, Groningen, NL;
Paul Jean Marc Gielen, Leeuwarden, NL;
Maarten Rijken, Drachten, NL;
Jurjen Sinnema, Joure, NL;
BD KIESTRA B.V., Drachten, NL;
Abstract
The present disclosure describes automated systems and methods for handling objects, such as culture plates or dishes. For example, in one embodiment, the present disclosure describes an automated stacker and de-stacker comprising a clamping mechanism, a lift pad, a pair of pins, and a cabinet. A stack of culture plates may be stored in the cabinet. During a stacking operation, the pair of pins may be raised to stop a culture plate traveling along a conveyor track. Once stopped, the culture plate may be raised above the conveyor track by the lift pad and clamped by the clamping mechanism. During a de-stacking operation, the clamping mechanism may be opened, and the culture plate may be lowered onto the conveyor track by the lift pad.