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Specimen rack handling system

  • US 5,735,387 A
  • Filed: 07/14/1995
  • Issued: 04/07/1998
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/14/1995
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. An analyzer system for analysis of a sample disposed in a sample container held by a sample rack, said analyzer system comprising:

  • an input queue having at least one entry point and a transfer point;

    a process queue having an entry point aligned with the transfer point of said input queue and a transfer point;

    an infeed apparatus for moving the sample rack from the transfer point of said entry queue to the entry point of said process queue;

    an output queue comprising an entry point aligned with the transfer point of said process queue;

    wherein a first one of said input queue, said process queue and said output queue includes;

    a tray having first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing surfaces;

    a magnet, proximate said tray and magnetically coupled to the sample rack; and

    a drive system comprising a first pulley, a second pulley, a belt disposed around said first and second pulleys, said magnet coupled to said belt, and a motor coupled to a first one of said first and second pulleys for driving said belt and said magnet about said pulleys for moving said magnet in first and second directions between the first and second ends of said tray, wherein movement of said magnet causes a corresponding movement of the sample rack;

    a first guide projecting from a first surface of said input queue along a first central portion of said input queue for engaging a recess region provided in a center portion of the sample rack;

    a second guide projecting from the first surface of said input queue along a first edge of said input queue for engaging a first end of the sample rack; and

    a third guide projecting from the first surface of said input queue along a second edge of said input queue for engaging a second end of the sample rack.

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