AUTOMATIC TEST TUBE TRANSPORTER AND SAMPLE DISPENSER HAVING SOLID STATE CONTROLS

摘要

An automatically controlled test tube transporter apparatus which advances a test tube rack containing two rows of receptacles for test tubes under a vertically movable aspirating and dispensing tip or nozzle which is adapted to move down into adjacent tubes and aspirate or discharge depending on the test to be performed. The tip is operationally in communication with a twin pipette metering and dispensing apparatus which includes a linearly adjustable eccentric mechanism which drives the pipette pistons with a motion of adjustable sinusoidal amplitude. The apparatus includes a solid state control circuit which includes a binary shift register. The pipettes may be adjusted to either work in parallel or alternating strokes. An automatic tip wiping mechanism, controlled by the operation of the tip, is provided to insure precision in the processing. The apparatus is adapted to be set for continuous operation or for individual test tube processing cycle operation. Empty racks can be advanced without engaging the tip and pump apparatus. The pipetting mechanism may be operated separately without the operation of the transporting mechanism. A malfunction and alarm logic circuit gives a warning in case of certain malfunctions and stops the apparatus.