Patent ID: 7429355

Claim:
A sample testing instrument for processing a test sample device and a fluid receptacle containing a fluid sample, comprising: a vacuum station for loading the fluid sample into the test sample device via a conduit connecting the fluid receptacle to the test sample device, and a sealer for cutting and sealing the conduit connecting the test sample device to the fluid receptacle containing the fluid sample, comprising: an enclosure having an aperture and shield moveable between a first position covering said aperture and a second position not covering said aperture; a moveable cutting element assembly having a home position located within said enclosure; a motor for moving said cutting element assembly through said aperture to a deployed position wherein said cutting element assembly is positioned external to said enclosure at a position for cutting said conduit, wherein movement of said cutting element assembly through said aperture causes said shield to move to said second position, and wherein movement of said cutting assembly from said deployed position to said home position causes said shield to move from said second position to said first position covering said aperture, whereby when said cutting element is in said home position, said shield and said enclosure prevent inadvertent contact with said cutting assembly.