Patent ID: 7510681
Filing Date: 2009-03-31
Classification: G01N,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A transport system for an automatic sample testing machine comprising, in combination: a) a carrier holding test sample devices and having a plurality of optical position tracking feature formed in said carrier; and b) a drive subsystem for moving said carrier through said automatic sample testing machine, said drive subsystem comprising a reciprocating motor-driven block engaging said carrier and moving said carrier back and forth in a predetermined longitudinal path, said path having a first end and a second end, said path extending along a longitudinal axis from an entrance station to a plurality of processing stations in said automatic sample testing machine, wherein said test sample devices access said plurality of processing stations as said carrier is moved along said path; and c) at least one carrier position tracking sensor placed along said path detecting the position tracking features on said carrier as said carrier is moved along said path; wherein said drive subsystem further comprises: a threaded shaft having a first end and a second end, said shaft extending between said first and second ends of said path, a servomotor driving said shaft and located at said first end, a fixed front bearing mount receiving said second end of said shaft, a guide extending parallel to said threaded shaft along said path between said first and second ends and extending through said block, and a threaded member fixed with respect to said block receiving said threaded shaft between the first and second ends thereof, wherein as said shaft is rotated by the servomotor within said threaded member, said block is slid along said guide to thereby move said block between said first and second ends of said path.