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:
Dec. 12, 2000
Filed:
Aug. 31, 1998
Glenn R Edwards, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Derrick A Richardson, Mountain View, CA (US);
Joseph S Leytes, Mountain View, CA (US);
Douglas N Modlin, Palo Alto, CA (US);
LJL Biosystems, Inc., Sunnyvale, CA (US);
Abstract
Devices and methods for supporting a sample container. In one embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and a releasable clamp mechanism that applies a force against a side of the sample container. In another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, wherein the holder has a central opening that permits analysis of a sample to be carried out from below the holder, and an open end that permits a sample container transfer device to enter a portion of the holder. In yet another embodiment, the device includes a holder for supporting a sample container, and drive mechanisms that move the holder between a docking station outside an analyzer and an examination site inside the analyzer, so that the holder can function both as a sample delivery device in and out of the analyzer, and as a moveable stage for supporting the sample container at the examination site. The method includes automatically delivering a sample container just outside an opening to the analyzer, moving a gripping device from inside the analyzer, through the opening, to a location immediately below the sample container, and gently placing the sample container onto the gripping device.