Automatic fluid sampling transport system
First Claim
1. An automatic sampling transport system for sample vials comprising:
- (a) sample holding means including a plurality of openings disposed in at least two concentric circles of said openings, for depositing corresponding sample vials;
(b) means for rotating the sample holding means;
(c) sample probe carrying means;
(d) means for raising and lowering said sample probe carrying means;
(e) means for rotating said sample probe carrying means a predetermined arcuate length from a cooperating position with an opening in one of said concentric circles to a cooperating position with an opening in another of said concentric circles;
(f) means for synchronously engaging said means for rotating said sample holding means and said means for rotating said sample probe carrying means, whereby the rotation of each of said means occurs simultaneously; and
(g) means for synchronizing said rotation to the raising and lowering of said probe carrying means.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An automatic fluid sampling transport system for use in fields such as atomic absorption spectroscopy and liquid chromatography. The system described provides for circular tray sampling having an increased through-put capacity. This is accomplished by providing a system which allows the sampling of vials in concentric circles on the same carousel. The mechanism described synchronizes the raising and lowering of the sample probe to the incremental, rotational movement of the carousel and the rotational movement of the probe carrying means between successive sample vials in the various concentric circles. The mechanism is relatively simple and is adaptable to provide a plurality of such concentric circles of openings to expand the through-put capability of the system.
36 Citations
10 Claims
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1. An automatic sampling transport system for sample vials comprising:
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(a) sample holding means including a plurality of openings disposed in at least two concentric circles of said openings, for depositing corresponding sample vials; (b) means for rotating the sample holding means; (c) sample probe carrying means; (d) means for raising and lowering said sample probe carrying means; (e) means for rotating said sample probe carrying means a predetermined arcuate length from a cooperating position with an opening in one of said concentric circles to a cooperating position with an opening in another of said concentric circles; (f) means for synchronously engaging said means for rotating said sample holding means and said means for rotating said sample probe carrying means, whereby the rotation of each of said means occurs simultaneously; and (g) means for synchronizing said rotation to the raising and lowering of said probe carrying means. - View Dependent Claims (2)
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3. An automatic fluid sampling transport system for sample vials used in sample analysis instruments comprising:
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(a) sample holding means including a plurality of openings disposed in at least two concentric circles of openings for depositing corresponding sample vials; (b) means for rotating said sample holding means; (c) sample probe carrying means; (d) means for raising and lowering said sample probe carrying means; and
,(e) means for rotating said sample probe carrying means a predetermined arcuate length from a cooperating position with an opening in one of said concentric circles to a cooperating position with an opening in another of said concentric circles, (f) means for synchronizing the rotation of said sample holding means and said probe carrying means, to the raising and lowering of said probe carrying means including; (i) means for sensing when said probe carrying means is raised; (ii) means, responsive to said sensing means detecting when said probe carrying means is raised, for initiating said rotation; (iii) means for sensing when said rotation is complete; (iv) means responsive to said sensing means detecting when said rotation is complete, for initiating the lowering of said probe carrying means; and (v) means for sensing when the lowering of said probe carrying means is complete such that sample analysis can take place. - View Dependent Claims (4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An automatic fluid sampling transport system for sample vials used in sample analysis instruments comprising:
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(a) sample holding means including a plurality of openings disposed in at least two concentric circles of openings for depositing corresponding sample vials; (b) means for rotating said sample holding means comprising, (i) a geneva wheel assembly disposed about a first rotatable shaft; and (ii) means for incrementally rotating said wheel assembly, including said shaft, said sample holding means positioned on said first shaft; (c) sample probe carrying means; (d) means for raising and lowering said sample probe carrying means; and
,(e) means for rotating said sample probe carrying means a predetermined arcuate length from a cooperating position with an opening in one of said concentric circles to a cooperative position with an opening in another of said concentric circles. - View Dependent Claims (10)
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Specification