초록 ▼

The automatic sampling system includes a test apparatus for testing specific characteristics of a fluid withdrawn from a closed test tube. Stoppered test tubes are continuously and automatically delivered to the test apparatus by a conveyor system that includes a continuous linkage of test tube hold

The automatic sampling system includes a test apparatus for testing specific characteristics of a fluid withdrawn from a closed test tube. Stoppered test tubes are continuously and automatically delivered to the test apparatus by a conveyor system that includes a continuous linkage of test tube holders. The test tube holders have the capability of pivotal movement about a longitudinal axis of the test tube holders, and tilting movement wherein a longitudinal axis of one test tube holder tilts with respect to the longitudinal axis of another test tube holder in the linkage. The compound pivotal and tilting movement capability of the test tube holders in the linkage enable the linkage to be stacked in a fan-fold or Z-fold arrangement because of the flexible characteristics of the linkage. The linkage also has the capability of having one or more test tube holders tilted together at a group with respect to other test tube holders. Thus, the basis for a mixing operation of specific test tube holders is achieved. The conveyor system can be incorporated as a module of the test apparatus. An aspiration head for withdrawing fluid from individual stoppered test tubes in successive fashion as they are delivered by the conveyor system is also a modular addition to the test apparatus.

대표청구항 ▼

A conveyor system for transporting test tubes to a sampling location of a test apparatus comprising, (a) a plurality of elongated test tube holders, with respective longitudinal axes, detachably joined together to form a continuous linkage, a test tube being receivable in and removable from each of

A conveyor system for transporting test tubes to a sampling location of a test apparatus comprising, (a) a plurality of elongated test tube holders, with respective longitudinal axes, detachably joined together to form a continuous linkage, a test tube being receivable in and removable from each of said test tube holders, (b) latching means for detachably joining the test tube holders together to permit a first bi-directional pivotal movement between said test tube holders such that the longitudinal axis of one test tube holder is an axis of rotation for an adjacent test tube holder, whereby said linkage is flexible about the longitudinal axes of the respective test tube holders, (c) drive means for engaging the test tube holders of said linkage to move the linkage in a second direction past a sampling location, (d) mixing means for moving a first predetermined number of test tube holders in the linkage, separate from the other test tube holders in the linkage, in a predetermined pattern of movement, when said first predetermined number of test tube holders are in a first predetermined location with respect to a sampling location, (e) said latching means further including a pivot joint between adjacent test tube holders for permitting a second bi-directional pivotal movement between said adjacent test tube holders such that one of said adjacent test tube holders can be tilted about said pivot joint with respect to the other adjacent test tube holder whereby the longitudinal axis of said one adjacent test tube holder is inclinable with respect to the longitudinal axis of the other adjacent test tube holder, the inclinable bi-directional movement of said one adjacent test tube holder about said pivot joint with respect to the other adjacent test tube holder constituting said predetermined pattern of movement.