초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for conveying liquids to and from a reaction cell in an automated sample handling apparatus. The conveyance apparatus includes a track and car system. A method and apparatus is disclosed which precisely positions the cars on the track. This positioning method and apparatus inc

A method and apparatus for conveying liquids to and from a reaction cell in an automated sample handling apparatus. The conveyance apparatus includes a track and car system. A method and apparatus is disclosed which precisely positions the cars on the track. This positioning method and apparatus includes a plurality of apertures and spaces on the track of a size and spacing to allow the cars to accurately position themselves.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for positioning a plurality of cars on a single track, each said car driven by a stepper motor, said track terminating in two ends and including a plurality of apertures between said ends, at least some of said apertures being of predetermined different width and having predetermined differ

A method for positioning a plurality of cars on a single track, each said car driven by a stepper motor, said track terminating in two ends and including a plurality of apertures between said ends, at least some of said apertures being of predetermined different width and having predetermined different sized spaces between said apertures, said method comprising the steps of: advancing each said car to its reference position adjacent said ends; driving said cars away from said ends; sensing said apertures and said spaces on said track simultaneously with said step of driving; counting said apertures and said steps of said stepper motor simultaneously with said step of sensing; and stopping each said car at a predetermined position determined by the number of apertures and spaces passed and the number of steps counted.