Patent ID: 8915154

Claim:
A system for the automated preparation of one or more samples for analysis comprising: a processing mechanism configured to process the one or more samples, wherein each sample is contained in a separate sample container; a cover configured to enclose the one or more sample containers while the processing mechanism is operating; a first holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the first holder is hingedly connected to the cover; a second holder comprising a first pivot point and a second pivot point, wherein the first pivot point of the second holder is hingedly connected to the cover; a first actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the first holder; and a second actuator interface arm hingedly connected to the second pivot point of the second holder, wherein a first end of each actuator interface arm is hingedly connected to a base upon which the one or more sample containers rest while the processing mechanism is operating.