Abstract:
An automated method and associated apparatus is provided for transferring sample vials and like regularized objects from a rectilinear array past a counting station in seriatim order. The array is indexed along an X-axis in at least one tray, rows of the array are indexed out of the plane of the array tray along a Z-axis by a comb member into a bottomless carriage, and individual vials in the carriage are then indexed seriatim along a Y-axis past a counting station. Photoelectric sensors are provided to override portions of the indexing mechanism if no sample vials are present in array rows or individual compartments.
Abstract:
A sample changing and light sealing mechanism is illustrated and described for moving a sample from one vertical plane to another into a counting chamber while maintaining the light integrity within the chamber. Upon movement of the control arm toward a loading position, a cam on said control arm rotates an actuator wheel and arm to raise the elevator table from a counting position to within an elevator passageway and make a light tight seal at the chamber end of the passageway. The actuator wheel is stopped during further movement of the control arm which then opens an outer shutter over the passageway. The actuator wheel is then again rotated to raise the elevator still further so that the sample may be removed and replaced. Movement in the opposite direction reverses the sequence such that the chamber is at all times sealed against ambient light.