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:
Feb. 26, 2002
Filed:
Oct. 05, 1995
F. Diane Williams, Durham, NC (US);
Michael L. Bishop, Chapel Hill, NC (US);
Janet B. Callahan, Chapel Hill, NC (US);
Benjamin J. Chemelli, Durham, NC (US);
Akzo Nobel N.V., The Netherlands, NL;
Abstract
A micro sample tube is disclosed which is of a standard size on the exterior, but which has a reduced internal volume. A slope of an inner wall of the sample tube is a second order or higher curve, and is preferably a circle. Dead volume is reduced, and standard barcode labels can be used, due to the restricted internal dimensions and standard external dimensions. The curved inner wall of the sample tube, and an internal length of the sample tube which is the same as a conventional tube, reduces the likelihood of a sample probe of an automated analyzer impacting on an inner surface of the sample tube and potentially gouging the tube and/or damaging the automated probe. In a preferred embodiment, fins extend around said tube for reduced weight and improved heat transfer of the micro sample tube.