Patent ID: 6331437
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
A sample handler for an analytical instrument, said sample handler handling a rack which holds a plurality of containers, said rack having a left side and a right side with tabs located thereon, said rack being transported within said sample handler, said sample handler comprising:a feeder for feeding said rack comprising a first set of side walls from which said rack is suspended by said tabs,a movable tray having a second set of side walls said tray being placed within said feeder so that the first and second sets of side walls are vertically aligned, wherein said tray has guide rails which run parallel to each other along the longitudinal length of said tray to prevent said rack from skewing in said tray; anda walking beam mechanism for sequentially moving said tray in an upward direction, a first lateral direction, a downward direction and a second lateral direction, opposite said first lateral direction;whereby when said tray is moved in an upward direction the tabs of said rack are engaged and lifted by said second side walls, disengaging the tabs from said first side walls.