Patent ID: 9164115
Filing Date: 2015-10-20
Classification: G01N

Abstract:
1. A sample analyzer comprising an analysis assembly operable to individually analyze a plurality of samples each within a separate container, respective pluralities of said containers located within elongated, shiftable racks, and apparatus operable to shift said racks within the sample analyzer for analysis of each of said samples, said apparatus comprising: structure presenting a pair of opposed side margins and a pair of opposed end margins; a fore-and-aft shifting assembly operable to individually shift each of said racks in a first direction adjacent one of said side margins, and in the opposite direction along the other of said side margins; and a lateral shifting mechanism operable to shift each of said racks in a first lateral direction adjacent one of said end margins, and in the opposite lateral direction adjacent the other of said end margins, whereby each of said racks follows a quadrate path of travel, said lateral shifting mechanism comprising a first pair of axially spaced apart, laterally extending rack-supporting belts proximal to one of said end margins, and a second pair of axially spaced apart, laterally extending rack-supporting belts proximal to the other of said end margins, said first pair of belts shiftable in one direction, and the other pair of belts shiftable in the opposite direction.