Test sample positioning system
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A system for moving a sample holder within a machine, comprising:
- a base pan having first, second, third and fourth side regions, said sample holder placed on and moved about said machine on said base pan;
a first drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a first direction along said base pan aligned with said first side region;
a second drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a second direction along said base pan aligned with said second side region;
a third drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a third direction along said base pan aligned with said third side region;
a fourth drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a fourth direction along said base pan aligned with said fourth side region;
said first, second, third and fourth drive means independently operable so as to move said sample holder about said base pan sequentially along said first, second, third and fourth side regions and without requiring the presence of other sample holders on said base pan to effectuate the movement of said sample holder about said first, second, third and fourth side regions of said base pan.
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Abstract
A positioning system for a sample testing machine includes a base pan and a set of independent drive systems for sliding a sample tray across the base pan. Each of the drive systems includes a paddle that engages a side of the sample tray. The paddle is slideably mounted to a shaft with a collar that slides over the shaft. A motor and drive belt is provided to move the collar along the shaft, causing the paddle to engage the side of the sample tray and slide the sample tray across the base pan. Track sections are provided in the base pan to prevent the sample tray from rotating as the paddle slides the sample tray across the base pan.
71 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for moving a sample holder within a machine, comprising:
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a base pan having first, second, third and fourth side regions, said sample holder placed on and moved about said machine on said base pan; a first drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a first direction along said base pan aligned with said first side region; a second drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a second direction along said base pan aligned with said second side region; a third drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a third direction along said base pan aligned with said third side region; a fourth drive means engageable with said sample holder for moving said sample holder along a fourth direction along said base pan aligned with said fourth side region; said first, second, third and fourth drive means independently operable so as to move said sample holder about said base pan sequentially along said first, second, third and fourth side regions and without requiring the presence of other sample holders on said base pan to effectuate the movement of said sample holder about said first, second, third and fourth side regions of said base pan. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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Specification