| 摘要 |
A cartridge feeder apparatus for automated diagnostic systems has a cartridge hopper means for receiving, storing and feeding cartridges to a cartridge orientation mechanism; the cartridge orientation mechanism comprised of two opposed engageable orientation means for engaging and disengaging a cartridge at each end of the cartridge; and the cartridge havi ng a funnel opening at a first end and a generally flat bottom at a second end; i n a particular embodiment a feeder is for dispensing a plurality of cartridges i n single order and upright position, each cartridge being cylindrical in shape and having a top end tapering to an aperture therein and a substantially flat bottom end, the apparatus comprising: a first pin and a second pin axially aligned, each of the pins having mounted on one end thereof a cup, each cup having a center profile that matches the shape of the top end of the cartridge, the cups facing each other; means for supporting the first and second pins, the pins being axially slidable in the supporting means such that the pins can releasably support one of the cartridges therebetween regardless of the orientation of the top and bottom ends of the cartridge; and means for actuating the first and second pins, the actuating means fixed to the supporting means, the actuatin g means capable of closing the pins against the top and bottom ends of said cartridge whereby the center profile of one of the cups fits into the top en d of the cartridge with the other cup pressing against the bottom end of the cartridge, and the actuating means being capable of opening the pins away from the top and bottom ends of the cartridge to release the cartridge, whereby one cup holds the top end of the cartridge while the bottom end of the cartridge slips downwardly from the other cup causing the cartridge to pivot to the upright position embodiment.
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