Importance

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Abstract

An autosampler for manipulating a specimen container is disclosed. At least one specimen container tray, having a plurality of recesses for receiving a specimen container, is removably fixed to a ground plate. A specimen container manipulating device is positioned on top of the ground plate and adjacent to the specimen container tray. The specimen container manipulating device comprises a gripper comprising a gripper housing and a plurality of gripping fingers extending distally from the gripper housing. The gripping fingers are held in place by a member which is movable inside the gripper housing between an upper and lower position. The gripping fingers are movable between an open and closed position, such that, when in the closed position, the gripping fingers grip and hold the specimen container. Shape memory metal is positioned inside the gripper housing and connected to the movable member for controlling movement of the gripping fingers between the open and closed positions. When heat, such as voltage, is applied to the shape memory metal, it causes the temperature of the shape memory metal to rise, causing the metal to undergo a phase transition and constrict. When the shape memory metal constricts, it moves the movable member from the lower position to the upper position, causing the gripping fingers to move from the closed position to the open position.

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First Claim