MULTIPLE CAROUSEL CARRIER AND CAROUSEL HANDLING MECHANISM

摘要

A sample handling mechanism including a direct drive carrier for positioning multiple trays or carousels of sample vials and a direct drive carousel handling mechanism that eliminates pulleys and belts and the problems associated therewith. The carousels handled by the sample handling mechanism are individually identifiable, stackable and include a viewing area for identifying and viewing the individual sample vials grouped in a respective carousel. The sample handling mechanism consists of two logical drive modules. A single center line or axis of rotation is effected in each of the drive modules. The two logical drive modules include a carrier mechanism that transports a plurality of sample carousels to a sampling station, and a carousel drive mechanism which engages a single carousel and presents the appropriate vial to be sampled. The carrier mechanism includes a multi-position spoke-like carrier portion that is driven by a single drive shaft coupled to a gear reduction stepper motor by a coupling. The carousel drive mechanism includes a linear actuator portion and a rotary actuator portion on a common center line or axis. The linear actuator portion effects engagement and disengagement of the rotary actuator portion with a properly positioned carousel, and includes a linear actuator stepper motor with a motor shaft attached to a lift housing. The lift housing holds the rotary actuator portion.