초록 ▼

A programmable action sampler system (PASS) is described which holds a large number of discrete samples in a matrix of separate sample cups. The system is capable of dispensing a sample from a sample line into any one of the sample cups. At a pre-determined later time, using a cannula, the system ad

A programmable action sampler system (PASS) is described which holds a large number of discrete samples in a matrix of separate sample cups. The system is capable of dispensing a sample from a sample line into any one of the sample cups. At a pre-determined later time, using a cannula, the system addresses the sample from the cup for further measurement or analysis. In the preferred system, the samples flow sequentially through a tube, the liquid intermediate the samples being dispensed into a liquid waste line. The cannula between samples is bathed constantly in a wash tube, even while moving from one sample location to another. Further, in the preferred application, bacterial samples are employed, the sample cups being immersed in a constant temperature liquid bath to hold the bacterial samples at a constant incubation temperature. Among the various novel features employed in the system is a blade brake structure that accurately locates the sample head and cannula over any selected sample cup.

대표청구항 ▼

A programmable action sampler system for dispensing liquid samples flowing in sequence through a liquid sample line to one of a series of sample cups and for selectively addressing a sample within a sample cup, the system including a structure adapted to receive a matrix of sample cups in predetermi

A programmable action sampler system for dispensing liquid samples flowing in sequence through a liquid sample line to one of a series of sample cups and for selectively addressing a sample within a sample cup, the system including a structure adapted to receive a matrix of sample cups in predetermined locations, the openings of the sample cups generally lying in the same horizontal plane, a waste liquid line, a sample head including means for receiving and either dispensing liquid samples into the sample cups or for shunting liquid samples to the waste line, the sample head further including cannula means for selectively addressing or withdrawing a liquid sample iN any sample cup, a Y-axis carriage movable in a first direction over the structure matrix of receiving the sample cups, means mounting the sample head on the Y-axis carriage for movement in a second direction relative to the structure receiving the matrix of sample cups, the first and second directions being generally orthogonal and in line with the rows and columns of the sample cup matrix structure, and means to locate the sample head in a first and second direction relative to the structure receiving the matrix of sample cups to position the sample dispenser and the cannula means over any given sample cup and to permit the sample head to be relocated from any sample cup position to any other sample cup position, said means including element pairs, an element pair being located in line with each row and column of sample cup positions, and means to actuate the element pair associated with the row and column at which the sample head is located, the actuated pair locating the sample head relative to the sample cup matrix structure.