Patent ID: 6126903
Filing Date: 2000-10-03
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for holding vials of varying sizes sealed with pierceable caps and for piercing the caps of the vials, comprising:a frame having upper and lower ends;a holder adjustably mounted on the upper end of said frame, the holder for receiving and holding the outer surface of a vial opposite the pierceable cap of said vial, said holder comprising a U-shaped member, where a tongue having a body with a beveled surface and a recess for receiving and holding the outer surface of said vial is pivotally engaged with the U-shaped member of said holder, and a spring is connected to the tongue and the U-shaped member on one side of the holder for biasing the tongue in a closed position when said vial is engaged by the holder:a plate mounted on said frame below said holder, the plate having an aperture;a cup mounted on top of said plate, the bottom of the cup having an aperture aligned with the aperture in the plate, said cup for receiving the pierceable cap of said vial;a needle extendable and retractable through the apertures in said plate and said cup, the needle for piercing the pierceable cap of the vial and to communicate with the contents of said vial;a driver for extending and retracting said needle; anda safety switch interlocking said driver with said holder such that said driver cannot extend said needle through the aperture in said cap whenever said vial is not held by the holder.