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US 5,496,517 AGranted
Laboratory workstation using thermal vaporization control
AssigneeBeckman Instruments, Inc.
InventorsRobert F. Pfost, Nebojsa Avdalovic
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A heated cover for a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance. The cover is heated to a temperature above the temperature of the substance so as to prevent condensation of vapor evaporated from the substance. A device for placing and removing the cover with respect to the receptacle is designed in connection with a temperature-controlled heating/cooling plate which controls the temperature of the contents of the receptacle.
Claims21
An automated laboratory workstation comprising:
- a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance;
- a robotic means for performing a sequence of laboratory operations with respect to the receptacle;
- means for heating the vaporizable substance, including the receptacle;
- a cover for covering the receptacle, disposed in opposing relation thereto;
- means for effecting temperature control of the cover, wherein the means for effecting temperature control of the cover maintains the temperature of the cover above the temperature of the substance;
- and
- means for moving the cover relative to the receptacle to cooperatively engage the cover and the receptacle, including a means for positioning the cover over the receptacle.
4 more elements
An automated laboratory workstation comprising:
- a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance;
- a robotic means for performing a sequence of laboratory operations with respect to the receptacle;
- a cover for covering the receptacle to reduce evaporative loss of the substance contained therein;
- means for effecting temperature control of the cover, wherein the means for effecting temperature control of the cover maintains the temperature of the cover above the temperature of the substance;
- means for moving the cover relative to the receptacle to cooperatively engage the cover and the receptacle, including a means for positioning the cover over the receptacle;
- and
- means for effecting temperature control of the receptacle.
4 more elements
An automated laboratory workstation comprising:
- a receptacle containing a vaporizable substance;
- a robotic means for performing a sequence of laboratory operations with respect to the receptacle;
- a cover for covering the receptacle to reduce evaporative loss of the vaporizable substance contained therein, the cover including means for effecting temperature control of the cover;
- means for effecting temperature control of the receptacle;
- control means for controlling the operations of the robotic means, said means for effecting temperature control of the receptacle and said means for effecting temperature control of the cover, wherein the temperature of the cover is maintained above the temperature of the substance and in accordance with a specified temperature gradient;
- and
- means for moving the cover relative to the receptacle comprising means for positioning the cover over the receptacle.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.