Patent ID: 7678331

Claim:
A system for providing samples in sample tubes to an automated clinical analyzer, each of said sample tubes comprising a receptacle and a cap, said automated clinical analyzer having a probe for aspirating samples from sample tubes, said system comprising a module for staging sample tubes and mixing samples in the sample tubes, said module for staging sample tubes and mixing samples in the sample tubes comprising: (a) a track along which sample tubes are carried in sample tube carriers; (b) a drive wheel powered by a motor to move said sample carriers along said track; and (c) a mixing drum positioned on said track, said mixing drum having a central axis, a first opening perpendicular to said central axis, and a second opening perpendicular to said central axis, wherein a sample tube carrier can enter said first opening and emerge from said second opening, said mixing drum capable of rotating about its central axis to rotate said sample tubes end-over-end to mix said samples.