Sample handling mechanism
US6071477A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 18, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jun 6, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 18, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0453
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A sample handling mechanism including a direct drive carrier for positioning multiple trays or carousels of sample vials and a direct drive carousel handling mechanism that eliminates pulleys and belts and the problems associated therewith. The carousels handled by the sample handling mechanism are individually identifiable, stackable and include a viewing area for identifying and viewing the individual sample vials grouped in a respective carousel. The sample handling mechanism consists of two logical drive modules. A single center line or axis of rotation is effected in each of the drive modules. The two logical drive modules include a carrier mechanism that transports a plurality of sample carousels to a sampling station, and a carousel drive mechanism which engages a single carousel and presents the appropriate vial to be sampled. The carrier mechanism includes a multi-position spoke-like carrier portion that is driven by a single drive shaft coupled to a gear reduction stepper motor by a coupling. The carousel drive mechanism includes a linear actuator portion and a rotary actuator portion on a common center line or axis. The linear actuator portion effects engagement and dise…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.