Patent ID: 6999847
Filing Date: 2006-02-14
Classification: B25J,B65G,G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A transfer apparatus for shifting specimen carriers between two conveyors of a dual conveyor track, the track of the type having first and second parallel, spaced apart conveyors with upper surfaces within a single plane, the conveyors operable in the same longitudinal direction, the transfer apparatus comprising: a frame connected to the track for supporting an operable shuttle; a shuttle operably connected to the frame to move transversely between the conveyors and generally perpendicular to the movement of specimen carriers on the conveyors; a first stop member on said frame, projecting partially over the first conveyor; a second stop member on said frame, projecting partially over the second conveyor; said shuttle having a pair of parallel arms spaced apart a distance to receive a specimen carrier therebetween; said shuttle operable to a first “hold” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween is in contact with the first stop member, to thereby prevent downstream movement of a carrier on the first conveyor; said shuttle operable to a first “release” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween bypasses the first stop member and is moved downstream through the shuttle arms on the first conveyor; said shuttle operable to a second “release” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween bypasses the second stop member and is moved downstream through the shuttle arms on the second conveyor; said shuttle also being operable to a second “hold” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween is in contact with the second stop member to thereby prevent downstream movement of a carrier on the second conveyor; a drive assembly on the frame for selectively moving the shuttle among the first “hold” position, the second “hold” position, the first “release” position and the second “release” position; and an electronic command module with a processor therein, said command module electrically connected to the motor and said processor programmed to selectively drive the motor to move the shuttle to a predetermined position.