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:
Nov. 15, 2011
Filed:
Mar. 08, 2010
William Bedingham, Woodbury, MN (US);
Barry W. Robole, Woodville, WI (US);
Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Woodbury, MN (US);
Katya Ericson, Fairburn, GA (US);
William Bedingham, Woodbury, MN (US);
Barry W. Robole, Woodville, WI (US);
Ranjani V. Parthasarathy, Woodbury, MN (US);
Katya Ericson, Fairburn, GA (US);
3M Innovative Properties Company, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
Sample processing devices with variable valve structures and methods of using the same are disclosed. The valve structures allow for removal of selected portions of the sample material located within the process chamber. Removal of the selected portions is achieved by forming an opening in a valve septum at a desired location. The valve septums may be large enough to allow for adjustment of the location of the opening based on the characteristics of the sample material in the process chamber. If the sample processing device is rotated after the opening is formed, the selected portion of the material located closer to the axis of rotation exits the process chamber through the opening. The remainder of the sample material cannot exit through the opening because it is located farther from the axis of rotation than the opening.