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:
Apr. 10, 2007
Filed:
Oct. 15, 2004
Dan Wiederin, Omaha, NE (US);
David Diaz, Omaha, NE (US);
Gary Barrett, Omaha, NE (US);
Elemental Scientific Inc., Omaha, NE (US);
Abstract
The present invention is directed to an automated sampling and/or dispensing device for minimizing possible sample contamination from contaminants (e.g., mechanical pieces of machinery, dust, or the like) falling into sample vials during analysis by having no mechanical moving parts above stationary samples. The automated sampling or dispensing device may include a table for supporting a sample holder holding a sample vessel, a sample arm assembly extending for supporting a sample probe, the sample arm assembly including a z-axis support and a sample probe support arm, and a drive assembly couple to the z-axis support of the sample arm assembly for powering and positioning the sample arm assembly. The drive assembly causes the sample arm assembly to move in translation along the x-axis, in translation along an axis coaxial with the z-axis support, and radially about the z-axis for inserting the sample probe into the sample vessel.