<p>1391692 Endless conveyers F HOFFMANNLA ROCHE & CO AG 28 March 1972 [29 April 1971] 14429/72 Heading B8A [Also in Division G1] Sample containers 9 in a chemical analysis apparatus are each positioned in one of a series of disconnected contacting conveying members 10 with their base in contact with a support surface 8. A driven sprocket 14 positioned at one or both ends of the conveyer path engages the conveying members to move them intermittently through the apparatus. The containers may be removed from the apparatus by the removal of a plug (29) Fig. 4 (not shown) in the supporting surface 8. A heating element 18 and cooling pipe (19) Fig. 2 (not shown) are provided to control the temperature of the contents of the containers. A centrifuge Fig. 7 (not shown) is provided beneath a further aperture (44) in the support surface and comprises a cylindrical container support (41) mounted on a rotatable arm (40). A ram (46) is mounted beneath the support (41) to pass therethrough to close the aperture (44) in the support surface. When a sample is to be centrifuged the ram is withdrawn and thereby lowers a container into the support (41) or the ram is retracted therebelow. A further ram (55) mounted above the aperture (44) assists in the transfer of the container.</p>
