초록 ▼

A magnetic conveyor system for transporting test samples in tubes disposed in a sample rack having a magnetic or magnetically attractive region is described. The magnetic conveyor system includes a drive system, a magnet coupled to the drive system and movable in response to the drive system and a t

A magnetic conveyor system for transporting test samples in tubes disposed in a sample rack having a magnetic or magnetically attractive region is described. The magnetic conveyor system includes a drive system, a magnet coupled to the drive system and movable in response to the drive system and a tray having a first surface adapted to receive the sample rack. The magnet is spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface of the tray such that the magnet provides a magnetic force at the surface of the tray. The magnetic force engages the magnetically attractive region of the sample rack disposed on the tray to thereby move the sample rack along the first surface of the tray in response to movement of the drive system. When the tray reaches the end of the rack it is moved onto a processing queue tray where it is available for test purposes. A barcode reader reads a bar code on each test sample as it is placed on the process queue to identify one or more tests to perform. When all samples have received the individual tests the rack exits to an output queue for disposal. When a test must be made on an immediate basis out of normal processing order a sample rack can be inserted into the process queue via a priority rack feed. In the indicated manner, testing can continue without interruption as new racks are added and completed racks removed.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An analyzer system for analysis of a sample disposed in a sample container held by a sample rack, said analyzer system comprising:an input queue having at least one entry point and a transfer point;a process queue having an entry point aligned with the transfer point of s

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An analyzer system for analysis of a sample disposed in a sample container held by a sample rack, said analyzer system comprising:an input queue having at least one entry point and a transfer point;a process queue having an entry point aligned with the transfer point of said input queue and a transfer point;an infeed apparatus for moving the sample rack from the transfer point of said entry queue to the entry point of said process queue;an output queue comprising an entry point aligned with the transfer point of said process queue;wherein a first one of said input queue, said process queue and said output queue includes:a tray having first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing surfaces;a magnet, proximate said tray and magnetically coupled to the sample rack; anda drive system comprising a first pulley, a second pulley, a belt disposed around said first and second pulleys, said magnet coupled to said belt, and a motor coupled to a first one of said first and second pulleys for driving said belt and said magnet about said pulleys for moving said magnet in first and second directions between the first and second ends of said tray, wherein movement of said magnet causes a corresponding movement of the sample rack;a first guide projecting from a first surface of said input queue along a first central portion of said input queue for engaging a recess region provided in a center portion of the sample rack;a second guide projecting from the first surface of said input queue along a first edge of said input queue for engaging a first end of the sample rack; anda third guide projecting from the first surface of said input queue along a second edge of said input queue for engaging a second end of the sample rack.