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:
Mar. 14, 2006
Filed:
Oct. 31, 2003
Michael L. Shackelford, Joplin, MO (US);
Donald W. Sonntag, Carl Junction, MO (US);
Michael L. Shackelford, Joplin, MO (US);
Donald W. Sonntag, Carl Junction, MO (US);
Reagent Chemical & Research, Inc., Ringoes, NJ (US);
Abstract
A transport assembly and method for containers includes an actuator arm coupled to the drive shaft of a motor and extending radially therefrom so as to be driven between two angular positions. A load arm carries a transport head that releasably engages a selected container at a first station. The load arm is coupled to the actuator arm and is driven in conjunction with a constraining mount that controls its motion. The transport head can grip the container such as with a vacuum. The transport head lifts the container from a first station, moves it to a desired location and places it in a second station. A cam-driven plunger assembly is also shown and operates to seat the container in the second station. The method includes steps performed by this structure, and the application of a seating force to mate a container in the second station.