Patent ID: 6186012
Filing Date: 2001-02-13
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
A sample tube manipulator comprising:a. housing means having a central bore with an inlet end and outlet end;b. plunger means at least a portion of which is slideably disposed within said central bore, for reciprocal movement therein, for expelling a sample tube inserted in said bore at said outlet end of said housing means, having a gas channel with an inlet end and an outlet end, said gas channel inlet end disposed in the same direction as said inlet end of said central bore, said inlet end of said movable plunger means adapted for connection to gas supply means;c. first sealing means disposed in said housing means adapted for sealing between said central bore and said moveable plunger means;d. second sealing means disposed at the outlet of said housing means adapted for sealing between said central bore and an inserted sample tube;e. holding means mounted on said housing means adapted to hold said sample tube while allowing ejection of said sample tubes when said plunger means moves reciprocally; andf. biasing means for returning said plunger means to a starting position after movement of said plunger means.