Patent ID: 6451259
Filing Date: 2002-09-17
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A sample handler for an analytical instrument, said sample handler handling a rack, having a left side and a right side and a tab on each of said right and left sides of said rack, to transport at least one container within said sample handler, said sample handler comprising:a feeder for feeding said rack comprising a first set of right and left side walls from which said rack may be suspended by said tabs, a movable tray having a second set of right and left side walls from which said rack may be suspended by said tabs, and a walking beam mechanism comprising a pair of walking beams that moves said tray so as to transfer said tabs on said rack between said first and second sets of side walls when said rack is placed in said tray, wherein said tray has a front and a rear and guide rails from said front to said rear of said tray to prevent said rack from skewing in said tray.