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:
Jun. 26, 2012
Filed:
Mar. 03, 2009
Kazuhiro Tsutsumi, Osaka, JP;
Hisao Nishii, Osaka, JP;
Yukio Ueyama, Hyogo, JP;
Tsubakimoto Chain Co., Osaka, JP;
Abstract
A cap for a microtube, which can be automatically aligned by an alignment plate for insertion in a correct orientation into the open end of the microtube held in a micro tube rack. The plate has partitions in a grid which produces a matrix of cells having a pitch defined by the spacing between the partitions. The caphas an plug portion, which is adapted to be inserted into the open end of the microtube which is held in a rack having a matrix of wells congruent with the matrix of cells in the alignment plate. A grip portionof the cap has an outer circumferential diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the plug portion, so that when the cap is inserted in the microtube, the grip portion protrudes from the open end of the microtube. The entire length of the capis longer than the pitch of the alignment plate and shorter than twice the pitch. An upper edge of the grip portionof the caphas a collarwith an outer circumferential diameter larger than the diameter of the cells of the alignment plate. The plug portionof the caphas a taperwhich is tapered toward a front end, and the center of gravity of the capis in the plug portion, so that the plug portion of the cap gravitates into one of the open cells of the alignment plate.