Apparatus for automatically, selectively handling multiple, randomly associated hematological samples

Apparatus for automatically and selectively transferring multiple, randomly associated hematological samples from a group of samples to an operably associated cytometric apparatus comprising,

• at least one sample container, each containing a preselected, individually identifiable hematological sample,
• sample container carrier means for moving said sample containers on a path of movement including means for supporting a plurality of sample containers thereon,
• movable sample receiving means for pressurizing said sample prior to passing said sample to a cytometric apparatus,
• means for moving said sample container carrier means normal to the path of movement of said sample receiving means,
• sample resuspending and mixing means operably associated with said sample container carrier means for automatically removing a sample container from said carrier means and engaging said sample container with said sample receiving means, so that activation of said sample resuspending and mixing means resuspends and mixes said sample, a movable member having means for contacting said sample container and vertically lifting said container from said carrier means into temporary sealing engagement of said sample container with said sample receiving means and for translating the vertical lifting movement into circular, vortexing movement so as to vortex the contents of said sample container, said movable member including a vertically disposed member having a slidable counter balance affixed at one end, permitting said movable member to automatically adjust its position from off-center to center as it is moved with respect to a sample container,
• said sample container carrier means including an opening in said supporting means below each sample container and said movable member contacting means moves through said opening to lift said container from said carrier means, and
• aspirating means operably engagable with said sample receiving means for delivering said sample from said sample container to said cytometric apparatus in response to the pressurizing of said sample.