Automatic handler for feeding containers into and out of an analytical instrument
AssigneeBayer Aktiengesellschaft
InventorsBeri Cohen, Thomas W. DeYoung, Krunoslav Esteban Draganovic, Paul E. Purpura
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A method whereby a sample handler moves and positions racks, containing sample tubes, in an analytical instrument. The sample handler has an in-feed and out-feed that advance sample tube racks using a walking beam mechanism. The racks are seated within the in-feed and are transported onto a cross-feed. The racks and tubes contained thereon are moved past detection devices that identify the samples and measure various properties thereof. Thereafter, the cross-feed moves the racks to a position behind the out-feed where the walking beam mechanism moves the tube racks out of the analytical instrument.
Claims23
method for feeding containers sitting in a rack into an instrument, said instrument comprising a robotic arm and a sample handler comprising an infeed having a first walking beam mechanism, an outfeed having a second walking beam mechanism, and a cross-feed adjacent said infeed and outfeed,
- inputting said rack into said infeed,
- transferring said rack from said infeed to a first position on said cross-feed using said first walking beam mechanism,
- transporting said rack on said cross-feed from said first position on said infeed to a second position on said cross-feed, and
- removing at least a first of said containers from said rack using said robotic arm.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.