Cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes

摘要

A cassette for storing and dispensing cuvettes and comprising an enclosable frame defining an interior volume for storing cuvettes. The frame includes a removable cover to aid in loading a plurality of cuvettes into the cassette. The frame also includes a side wall having a pivotally mounted door for pivoting between a closed position and an open position for dispensing the cuvettes from the cassette. And, the frame includes a locking mechanism for locking the door in the closed position to avoid an inadvertent dispensing of cuvettes. According to another aspect of the invention, a mechanism is provided for loading the cassette into an operative relationship with a machine for dispensing contents of the cassette for use by the machine. The loading mechanism includes a base adapted for being fixedly mounted on the machine. The loading mechanism also includes a holder for releasably holding the cassette. The holder has one end pivotally connected to the base for pivoting about an axis for moving the cassette between a first position at which the holder releasably receives the cassette and a second position at which the cassette is placed in an operative relationship with the machine. The loading mechanism further includes a linkage mechanism coupled between the base and the holder for translating the holder along the axis as the holder is pivoted between the first and second positions.