Patent ID: 9423411
Filing Date: 2016-08-23
CPC Classification: B01L,G01N

Claim Text:
1. A transport device for receiving and fixing a sample container and for transporting the sample container between pre-analytical, analytical and/or post-analytical stations of a laboratory automation system, the transport device comprising: at least one magnetically active element, wherein the at least one magnetically active element interacts with a magnetic field such that a driving force is applied to the transport device and wherein the magnetic field is generated by at least one electromagnetic actuator; and a holding unit comprising a chuck having a plurality of jaws; wherein the plurality of jaws extend radially inwardly from an outer edge of the holding unit, wherein a receiving area for the sample container is formed between the plurality of jaws, wherein at least one jaw of the plurality of jaws is formed from an electrically contractile material, wherein a first electrode contacts outside the electrically contractile material of the at least one jaw and a second electrode contacts inside the electrically contractile material of the at least one jaw, wherein the first electrode is connected to a first electrical contact area and the second electrode is connected to a second electrical contact area, wherein the first and second electrical contact areas are located laterally on the transport device, and wherein the at least one jaw formed from electrically contractile material contracts radially outwardly thereby expanding the receiving area when a control current and/or a control voltage is applied to the first electrical contact area and the second electrical contact area.