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US 2002/0100251 A1Published application
Microplate lidder/delidder
AssigneeTekCel, Inc.
InventorsStanley O. Thompson, David E. Roche
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A machine for engaging/disengaging a cover with a microplate. The machine is manually operated by hand crank. By turning the crank in one direction, a user may engage a cover with microplate. Turning the crank in the opposite direction disengages a cover from a microplate. User safety is enhanced by the machine which isolates the user from direct contact with potentially hazardous material and sharp edged covers.
Claims5
Apparatus for engaging a cover with or disengaging the cover from a microplate, said apparatus comprising:
- a housing;
- a user-operable control disposed on said housing;
- a movable platform, disposed within the housing and coupled to said control, for supporting a microplate having either an engaged or disengaged cover;
- said platform moving in a direction substantially orthogonal to the platform's surface in response to said control;
- a cover handler, disposed within the housing and coupled to said control, for causing the cover to release from the microplate prior to said platform moving in a first direction to separate the cover and microplate, and holding the cover in position such that as said platform is moved in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the microplate is brought in contact with and engages the microplate.
2 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.