Bi-directional magnetic sample rack conveying system

A method of transporting a sample rack along a operating surface in either of two opposed directions by:

• locating a magnetic conveyor system beneath the operating surface, the conveyor system comprising a plurality of magnetic housings attached to a linear drive mechanism, the magnetic housings including a magnet slideably contained therein;
• providing a sample rack having a ferromagnetic plate secured in a closed base cavity in the lower portion;
• placing the sample rack on the operating surface with the lower portion in contact with the operating surface;
• moving the magnetic housings in a first direction beneath the operating surface by activating the linear drive mechanism in said first direction,
• wherein the magnetic housings are distanced from the magnetic sample rack so that magnetic forces emanating from the slideable magnet and acting on the ferromagnetic plate are sufficiently strong so as to overcome resistive forces between the sample rack and the operating surface and move the sample racks along the operating surface in concert with the activated linear drive mechanism, and wherein the slideable magnet moves from a first position to a second position in the closed upper portion, the first position being located a relatively smaller distance from the sample rack and the second position is located a relatively large distance from the sample rack while the pulley driven belt is activated;
• and,
• moving the magnetic housings in a second direction opposite to said first direction by reversing the linear drive mechanism so as to move said magnetic housings in said second direction.