Sliding hinges and related methods and devices suitable for apparatus for automated evaluation of microorganism growth in test samples

摘要

Devices and systems include housing members with sliding hinges that allow straight linear outward extension before allowing the front housing member to pivot open provide access to interiors for service using smaller footprints and/or without disrupting abutting instrument operation.

主权项

1. A housing, comprising:
a front housing member; a rear housing member; an upper hinge assembly with first and second linkages, the first and second linkages each having opposing first and second end portions, wherein the first linkage second end portion is pivotably attached to the second end portion of the second linkage, the first linkage first end portion is attached to the front housing member, and the second linkage first end portion is attached to the rear housing member; a lower hinge assembly with first and second linkages and a linear slide assembly, the first and second linkages each having opposing first and second end portions, wherein the first linkage second end portion is pivotably attached to the second end portion of the second linkage, the first linkage first end portion is attached to the front housing member, and the second linkage first end portion is attached to the rear housing member, wherein the linear slide assembly resides in a lower portion of the rear housing member under the first and second linkages of the lower hinge assembly and slidably engages the front housing member to define a straight linear movement of the front housing member out from the rear housing member; and first and second vertical rods that extend between the upper and lower hinge assemblies, the first vertical rod residing in the front housing member with an upper end portion of the first vertical rod attached to the first end portion of the first linkage of the upper hinge assembly and a lower end portion is attached to the linear slide assembly, and the second vertical rod residing in the rear housing member with an upper end portion of the second vertical rod attached to the first end portion of the second linkage of the upper hinge assembly, wherein the lower end portion of the second vertical rod is attached to the first end portion of the second linkage of the lower hinge assembly, and wherein the first and second linkages of the upper and lower hinge mechanisms extend outwardly in concert as the front housing member travels straight outwardly to open the housing.