Analysis instrument
Inventors
Lind, Anders • SÖDERSTRÖM, Henrik • Svanberg, Henrik • GRAWÉ, Jan • Skaborn, Johan
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12011720-B2
Publication Date
2024-06-18
Expiration Date
Abstract
An apparatus is for moving a sample holder on a platform from a loading position where the sample holder can be removed from the platform to a locked position where the sample holder is securely held. The sample holder is configured to rest on wheels within a recessed portion on the platform. The apparatus is configured such that: (i) movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder, and a horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder; and (ii) movement of the platform from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder.
Core Innovation
The apparatus is configured for moving a sample holder on a platform between a loading position and a locked position in antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST). In the loading position, the sample holder can be removed from the platform, and in the locked position the sample holder is securely held.
The platform includes wheels within a recessed portion, where the wheels are configured to support the sample holder within the recessed portion. Movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes a vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder and a horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder.
Movement back from the locked position to the loading position causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery. The horizontal clamp comprises a drive wheel configured to apply a tangential force to the sample holder so as to rotate the sample holder when the sample holder is in the locked position.
Claims Coverage
The disclosed independent claim defines one main locking-and-rotation apparatus for a sample holder on a platform, using wheels within a recessed portion, a vertical clamp, and a horizontal clamp with a drive wheel applying a tangential force.
Loading position to locked position with vertical and horizontal clamping
Movement of the platform from the loading position to the locked position causes the vertical clamp to lower down on top of the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be pressed to an outer periphery of the sample holder; movement back causes the vertical clamp to rise above the sample holder, and the horizontal clamp to be moved away from the outer periphery of the sample holder.
Recessed-platform wheels supporting the sample holder
The wheels are within a recessed portion on the platform and are configured to support the sample holder within the recessed portion on the platform.
Tangential-drive wheel for rotating the securely held holder
The horizontal clamp comprises a drive wheel configured to apply a tangential force to the sample holder so as to rotate the sample holder when the sample holder is in the locked position.
Overall, the claim coverage centers on an apparatus that supports a sample holder in a recessed platform, locks the holder using a vertical clamp and a horizontal clamp during platform travel, and rotates the holder in the locked position using a tangential-force drive wheel.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).
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