초록 ▼

A cartridge engaging assembly for translating a cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge engaging assembly may include a linearly translatable cartridge engaging device adapted to engage a cartridge, and a first drive assembly operably connected to the cartridge engaging device which is adapted to line

A cartridge engaging assembly for translating a cartridge is disclosed. The cartridge engaging assembly may include a linearly translatable cartridge engaging device adapted to engage a cartridge, and a first drive assembly operably connected to the cartridge engaging device which is adapted to linearly translate the cartridge engaging device in a lateral direction. A second drive assembly is operably connected to the cartridge engaging device and is adapted to linearly translate the cartridge engaging device in a longitudinal direction. A third drive assembly is operably connected to the cartridge engaging device and is adapted to rotate the cartridge engaging device around an axis. In one embodiment, the cartridge engaging assembly also includes a flip latch assembly, and the second drive assembly and the third drive assembly use the same motor. One or two tracking devices such as a bar code reader may also be included. A cartridge handling system utilizing the cartridge engaging assembly of the present invention is also disclosed, as is a method for rotating a cartridge engaging device of the cartridge engaging assembly of the present invention.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A cartridge engaging assembly for translating a cartridge, comprising:a) a linearly translatable cartridge engaging device adapted to engage said cartridge;b) a first drive assembly operably connected to said cartridge engaging device which is adapted to linearly translate said c

[ We claim:] [1.]1. A cartridge engaging assembly for translating a cartridge, comprising:a) a linearly translatable cartridge engaging device adapted to engage said cartridge;b) a first drive assembly operably connected to said cartridge engaging device which is adapted to linearly translate said cartridge engaging device in a lateral direction, wherein said first drive assembly comprises a first motor operably connected to a first drive train;c) a second drive assembly operably connected to said cartridge engaging device which is adapted to linearly translate said cartridge engaging device in a longitudinal direction, wherein said second drive assembly comprises a second motor operably connected to a second drive train;d) a third drive assembly operably connected to said cartridge engaging device which is adapted to rotate said cartridge engaging device around an axis, wherein said third drive assembly comprises said second motor operably connected to a third drive train;e) a rotatable and linearly translatable flip latch assembly;f) wherein said cartridge engaging device comprises an extending portion;g) wherein said flip latch assembly comprises an extending portion and a biasing device which urges said flip latch assembly in a forward lateral direction; andh) wherein said extending portion on said cartridge engaging device engages said extending portion on said flip latch assembly in order to translate said flip latch assembly in a rearward lateral direction.