Patent ID: 7468164
Filing Date: 2008-12-23
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. An apparatus comprising: a support body defining a number of aligned tube holders, each tube holder sized to receive a sealed container; and a cartridge detachably secured to the support body, the cartridge including an array of fluid receptacles, each fluid receptacle including: i) a reservoir defined by housing structure; ii) a piercing conduit that provides fluid communication between one corresponding sealed container and the reservoir; iii) a venting system that vents the corresponding sealed container to exterior surroundings; and iv) a filling system that draws a sample from the corresponding sealed container into the reservoir; v) wherein the piercing conduit provides fluid communication between the corresponding sealed container and the reservoir when the venting system vents the sealed container to the exterior surroundings, and wherein the piercing conduit provides fluid communication between the corresponding sealed container and the reservoir when the filling system draws the sample from the sealed container into the reservoir.