Patent ID: 6354345
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: E21B,F04B,G01F,G01L,G01N

Abstract:
An apparatus for drawing samples into a plurality of containers comprising:a peristaltic pump; a plurality of containers; means for drawing samples with the peristaltic pump; a distributor; means for selecting a designated container by calibrating a distributor arm as to position; a computer having a memory; means for moving the distributor arm to the desired container by counting changes in incremental angular movement of the distributor arm until it is over the container; means for causing at least one sample to flow to the designated container by rotating the distributor over the container and receiving a liquid for depositing into the container; means for continually updating the position of the distributor arm in memory, a stop member; means for rotating the arm against the stop member in a first direction; means for rotating the arm against the stop member in a second direction; means for calculating an amount in excess of 360 degrees of the motion of the distributor arm caused by a flexing of the stop member; and means for correcting for the excess motion.