Cartridge handling system with dual cartridge engaging assembly

摘要

A dual cartridge engaging assembly comprising a first cartridge engaging device for engaging a first cartridge and displacing it along a first longitudinal cartridge displacement path. The assembly also comprises a second cartridge engaging device for engaging a second cartridge and displacing it along a second longitudinal cartridge displacement path which is parallel to the first longitudinal cartridge displacement path. The assembly also comprises a unitary reversible drive for providing mechanical energy to produce the longitudinal displacement of the first and second cartridge engaging devices and to produce flipping displacement of the first and second cartridge engaging devices about a central longitudinal axis parallel to the first and second longitudinal cartridge displacement paths. The assembly also comprises a passively switchable linkage for transferring mechanical energy from the unitary reversible drive to the first and second cartridge engaging devices.