초록 ▼

A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and

A modular vial autosampler has a storage area for vials containing samples to be analyzed and at least one modular sampling station. A vial transfer mechanism includes an arm having a gripper that lifts a sample vial from the storage section, and the arm moves it to a station for identification and then to a sampling station, and under central control activates the sampling station for obtaining a sample for analysis. The vial transfer mechanism gripper is movable in X, Y, and Z directions to capture and move a selected vial and includes an alignment guide for the vials. Potentiometers are used for providing signals indicating arm position and the control is provided with updated information for calibration of the potentiometers and also updated position information for the arm relative to a fixed home position is obtained.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vial handling device, comprising:a base unit having a front portion and a rear portion, and having a vial storage area at the front portion;a thermal block fixedly mounted to the base unit at the vial storage area and having an upper wall and a passageway for fluid circ

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A vial handling device, comprising:a base unit having a front portion and a rear portion, and having a vial storage area at the front portion;a thermal block fixedly mounted to the base unit at the vial storage area and having an upper wall and a passageway for fluid circulation, an input fluid port and an output fluid port connected to the passageway, the thermal block also having a plurality of receptacles spaced from the passageway, the receptacles adapted to receive and substantially surround vials therein;a removable vial rack positionable over the thermal block in heat conducting relation with the upper wall and having a plurality of apertures adapted to receive the vials therein, the apertures being alienable with the receptacles; anda vial transporter including a main arm projecting from the base unit along a first axis, the main arm being mounted for translation along a second axis substantially perpendicular to the first axis, the vial transporter further including a vial gripper assembly mounted on the main arm for translation along the first axis of the main arm, the vial gripper assembly including a gripper head mounted for translation along a third axis substantially perpendicular to the first and second axes.