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. 22, 2011
Filed:
Apr. 18, 2006
Byron J. Knight, San Diego, CA (US);
Mark A. Talmer, Pepperell, MA (US);
Arthur G. Sandoval, San Francisco, CA (US);
Robert A. Howard, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Rommel M. Hipolito, San Diego, CA (US);
Robert F. Scalese, Escondido, CA (US);
Byron J. Knight, San Diego, CA (US);
Mark A. Talmer, Pepperell, MA (US);
Arthur G. Sandoval, San Francisco, CA (US);
Robert A. Howard, Palo Alto, CA (US);
Rommel M. Hipolito, San Diego, CA (US);
Robert F. Scalese, Escondido, CA (US);
Gen-Probe Incorporated, San Diego, CA (US);
Abstract
A sample tube holder having sample tube compartments with sets of spaced finger springs provided therein for maintaining sample tubes in substantially upright orientations. A guide structure having a series of openings is used to direct sample tubes into the sample tube compartments and to restrict lateral movement of sample tubes held thereby. A retainer is releasably engaged by the guide structure and has openings sized to provide access to sample tubes held by the sample tube compartments but which restrict vertical movement of the sample tubes. Tabs at a base of the sample tube holder and hold-downs fixed to a stationary structure adjacent a conveyor cooperate to restrict vertical movement of the sample tube holder during automated sampling procedures.