Patent ID: 8357336

Claim:
A sample entry device comprising: a single plug-in site for the automated input of samples from both open and closed sample vessels, wherein a first, open sample vessel is open at one terminal end, and a second, closed sample vessel is closed at both terminal ends, said closed sample vessel comprising a penetrable lid element at one said closed terminal end; at least one sample transport container, each said sample transport container having a cannula, wherein said cannula is insertable through said open terminal end into said first, open sample vessel, and is also insertable through said penetrable lid element into said second, closed sample vessel; and guiding elements configured to guide and/or center said cannula of said sample transport container in relation to said open terminal end or said penetrable lid element, wherein said guiding elements are configured to open and close, thereby actively gripping or passively guiding said cannula prior to insertion or penetration of the cannula into said open or closed sample vessel.