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:
Aug. 08, 2000
Filed:
Mar. 04, 1998
Jonn R Hitch, Indianapolis, IN (US);
Beckman Coulter, Inc., , US;
Abstract
An apparatus for storing and retrieving labware comprises at least one labware hotel having a frame, a plurality of support arms for receiving and supporting labware, and an elevator capable of moving the support arms in unison. The support arms are periodically located upon an elevator cable and are removable from the cable such that the distance between adjacent support arms may be varied. A labware shuttle having a labware receiving surface is capable of holding and transporting labware between a first and second position. The first position is directly below a labware hotel and the second position is a location remote from the labware hotel. When the shuttle is in the first position, support arms from the labware hotel may engage labware held on the shuttle to remove labware from the shuttle or place labware upon the shuttle. When the shuttle is in the second position, the labware receiving surface may be rotated so that the labware upon the shuttle may be presented in at least two angular orientations.