| 摘要 |
<p>A transport device conveys objects, such as microscope slides (9), from one level to another. The transport device includes a pair of belts (1, 2), the belts (1, 2) having a plurality of treads affixed to the outside surfaces of the belts (1, 2). The belts (1, 2) are driven in opposite directions, so that the treads which face each other move in the same direction, either up or down. Each slide (9) is cradled by a pair of treads, and is moved up or down, while remaining in a generally horizontal position. The transport device can link two or more components of laboratory equipment, so as to produce a larger system that is fully automated. For example, the transport device can convey slides from an automated smear maker to a staining device, without the need for manual intervention. The invention also includes components for loading the slides onto the transport device, and for inverting the slides after they have been transported.</p> |
