Title: Apparatus for retrieving liquid samples from test tubes

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for mixing and then withdrawing a sample of a liquid suspension from a multiplicity of upright vials for subsequent processing of the sample in individual batches. A holder supports the vials in a row and advances them in incremental steps so as to present them at an aspiration station. An aspirator at the station includes a downwardly open suction tube that can be vertically inserted into and withdrawn from the vial. While in the vial, the tube is subjected to a vacuum to withdraw the sample from the vial for flowing it to an instrument. The suction tube is surrounded by a rotary mixer which is activated prior to the withdrawal of the sample to uniformly disperse particles in the liquid. The suction tube and the mixer are generally horizontally movable so that they can be inserted in a container holding a rinsing solution after each withdrawal of a sample liquid from a vial to prevent cross-contamination of the samples. The rinsing solution in the container is drawn into the suction tube and used for purging the previous sample from all conduits.

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Inventors: Curry, Robert E. (Novato, CA, US)
Simonsen, Michael G. (San Rafael, CA, US)
Schwartz, Eric D. (Richmond, CA, US)

Application Number: 086916
Filing Date: 1979-10-22
Publication_date: 1981-03-31
Assignee: Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (Richmond, CA)
Primary Class(es): 422/64 73/864.25
Other Classes:
US Patent Ref:

3192968	Jul, 1965	Baruch et al.	422/64.
3723066	Mar, 1973	Moran	422/64.
3764268	Oct, 1973	Kosowsky et al.	422/64.
3767364	Oct, 1973	Ritchie et al.	422/64.
3787185	Jan, 1974	Rohrbaugh et al.	422/64.
3788816	Jan, 1974	Rohrbaugh et al.	422/64.
3883305	May, 1975	Hoskins et al.	422/64.

Other Refs:
Primary Examiner: Serwin, Ronald
Assistant Examiner:
Attorney: Townsend and Townsend