PUMP INSERTER FOR TEST TUBES

摘要

Apparatus for securing pump mechanisms (20) to test tubes (14) sealed by a closure (24) such that the contents of the test tubes (14) may be discharged without removing the closure. The apparatus includes a rack for holding a plurality of pump mechanisms (20), each of the pump mechanisms (20) including a downwardly extending needle (28) or the like for penetrating the closure (24) of the test tube (14). The test tubes (14) are arranged within a tray (16) in a plurality of rows, and each row is sequentially advanced into position. As each row is in position, the pump mechanism (20) is moved toward the row of test tubes (14) to penetrate the test tube closures (24). The pump mechanisms (20) thereafter released, the rack filled with a next series of pump mechanisms (20), the test tube (14) array indexed, and the cycle of steps is repeated. The pump mechanism needles (28) are initially imbedded in a protective packaging (34). The apparatus strips away the protective packaging to expose the sharpened points or tips (28) of the pump mechanism (20).