Patent ID: 7495827
Filing Date: 2009-02-24
Classification: B01L,G01N,G02B

Abstract:
1. A test tube handling apparatus for manipulating an associated test tube containing or supporting a sample in an annular sampling region, the test tube handling apparatus comprising: at least two alignment bearings, at least one of the alignment bearings being disposed on a first side of the annular sampling region, at least one other of the alignment bearings being disposed on a second side of the annular sampling region opposite the first side of the annular sampling region along a tube axis of the associated test tube; at least one biasing bearing configured to bias the associated test tube against the at least two alignment bearings to align a portion of the annular sampling region respective to the at least two alignment bearings; a rotational coupling configured to drive rotation of the associated test tube about the tube axis responsive to an applied; and a housing including a viewing window, the at least two alignment bearings, at least one biasing bearing, and rotational coupling being located within the housing.