Improved transfer mechanism for automatic loading and unloading of reagent modules.

摘要

Apparatus and a method for automatically transferring by pushing and pulling a reagent module (100) on to and off of a rotor (34) of modules. A surface of the module and the transfer mechanism are co-operatively shaped with a loose-fitting tongue (300) and arcuate groove (202), both the tongue and groove having a curved extension along an arc concentric with the axis of rotation of the rotor, such that modules mounted on the rotor can be rotated off the transfer mechanism by sliding the tongue relative to the groove in a rotational direction. An additional groove (210) is provided at an angle to said arcuate groove, along which the tongue or arcuate groove, whichever is on the transfer mechanism, reciprocates to push or pull a module into or out of the rotor. <IMAGE>