Sample transport systems and methods

A method of transporting a sample on a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing system, the method comprising:

• obtaining a translating member that moves back and forth between a first position and a second position, wherein two or more sample carrier retaining devices are attached to the translating member at a fixed, equal spacing between adjacent sample carrier retaining devices;
• using a movement mechanism to move the translating member into the first position such that the sample carrier retaining devices are all moved and controlled simultaneously to contact and retain a sample carrier at a station;
• and
• using the movement mechanism to move the translating member into the second position such that the sample carrier retaining devices are all moved and controlled simultaneously to release a sample carrier at a station,
• wherein sample carriers are advanced successively from one station to a next station in the sample processing system;
• and
• wherein using the movement mechanism to move the translating member into the first and second positions moves all sample carrier retaining devices vertically and horizontally between a first position and a second position and rotates a subset of the sample carrier retaining devices so that one or more sample carriers are positioned in a proper orientation at the second position.

A sample transport system that moves a sample carrier from one station to a next station in a sample processing system, the sample transport system comprising:

• a translating member;
• two or more sample carrier retaining devices attached to the translating member at a fixed, equal spacing between adjacent sample carrier retaining devices, wherein each of the two or more sample carrier retaining devices comprises a retainer portion to temporarily retain a different sample carrier by contacting the sample carrier only on a surface of the sample carrier on which a sample is deposited;
• and
• a movement mechanism connected to the translating member and configured to:
• move the translating member and the attached sample carrier retaining devices back and forth horizontally and vertically between a first position and a second position;
• and
• rotate a subset of the sample carrier retaining devices so that one or more sample carriers are positioned in a proper orientation at the second position.