| 摘要 |
In clinical analyzers, patient samples need to be conveyed to an aspiration station for application to a test element. The samples are normally stored in test tubes which are mounted on a tray from which the sample is aspirated and dispensed on to the test element. However, such trays are designed to accommodate test tubes of a standard length but will accept shorter tubes after a second support member has been inserted. These support members are not permanently fixed to the tray and can easily be detached therefrom. Described herein is an improved tray (50) and conveyor arrangement (10) for moving patient samples in an analyzer. The tray (50) comprises a base (30) having a magnetic member (36) for responding to a magnetic field, a frame (52) freely rotatably mounted on the base (30)and comprising a plurality of receptacles (60) constructed to receive either sample tubes (T, T') or aspirating tips (t) useful to aspirate sample from a tube, the receptacles (60) including a fixed bottom support (54). The conveyor comprises a support (18), conveying members (26) under the support (18) comprising a plurality of magnets (22) and means for generating a moving magnetic field with the magnets (22), the conveying members (26) being mounted in a continuous loop (31) under the support (18) with a respective tray (50) mounted above the support (18) on its base (30). <IMAGE> |
