CA1146774A - Fluid transfer apparatus - Google Patents
Fluid transfer apparatusInfo
- Publication number
- CA1146774A CA1146774A CA000369463A CA369463A CA1146774A CA 1146774 A CA1146774 A CA 1146774A CA 000369463 A CA000369463 A CA 000369463A CA 369463 A CA369463 A CA 369463A CA 1146774 A CA1146774 A CA 1146774A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- arm
- probe
- arm structure
- fluid
- pulley
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 title claims abstract description 21
- 239000000523 sample Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 39
- 230000010355 oscillation Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 8
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 claims abstract 4
- 238000003756 stirring Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 abstract description 17
- WABPQHHGFIMREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N lead(0) Chemical group [Pb] WABPQHHGFIMREM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 abstract description 3
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 7
- 125000006850 spacer group Chemical group 0.000 description 4
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 239000003153 chemical reaction reagent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000002966 serum Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000004677 Nylon Substances 0.000 description 1
- BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N Silver Chemical compound [Ag] BQCADISMDOOEFD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052751 metal Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920001778 nylon Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052709 silver Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000004332 silver Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001220 stainless steel Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000010935 stainless steel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004804 winding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1009—Characterised by arrangements for controlling the aspiration or dispense of liquids
- G01N35/1011—Control of the position or alignment of the transfer device
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1009—Characterised by arrangements for controlling the aspiration or dispense of liquids
- G01N2035/1025—Fluid level sensing
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
- G01N35/1081—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices characterised by the means for relatively moving the transfer device and the containers in an horizontal plane
- G01N35/1083—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices characterised by the means for relatively moving the transfer device and the containers in an horizontal plane with one horizontal degree of freedom
- G01N2035/1086—Cylindrical, e.g. variable angle
Abstract
IMPROVED FLUID TRANSFER APPARATUS
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A vertically and horizontally movable arm structure for fluid transfer is provided with a tubular member for linear oscillation of a holder for a fluid probe; the tubular member can additionally form a conduit for lead wire connected to the fluid probe. Sensors for the vertical position of the arm and the conductor leads from the sensors can be separately mounted and routed so that the sensor leads do not kink or interfere with the motion of the arm.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
A vertically and horizontally movable arm structure for fluid transfer is provided with a tubular member for linear oscillation of a holder for a fluid probe; the tubular member can additionally form a conduit for lead wire connected to the fluid probe. Sensors for the vertical position of the arm and the conductor leads from the sensors can be separately mounted and routed so that the sensor leads do not kink or interfere with the motion of the arm.
Description
~14677~
BACKGROU~D O~ THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to fluid transfer mechanisms for aspirating, transferring, and dispensing fluids, and more particularly to such mechanisms employed in high speed, laboratory analysis instruments.
In Modern laboratory analysis, for example analysis of blood serums, large numbers of serum samples, control samples, and reagents must be processed in high speed, auto-matic equipment. In such equipment, a typical arm mechanism carries a probe for sequentially aspirating multiple fluid aliquots which are then transferred and dispensed into analysis vessels positioned remotely from the aspiration.
In copending ~pplication Serial No. 369,577, filed ~anuary 28, 1981, entitled ~luid Transfer Mechanism, DR~AL et al describe a fluid probe carried on an arm mechanism which can be vertically translated at high speed on a high helix shaft and rotated around the shaft by an additional drive.
The described probe mechanism further includes a slide struc-ture for stirring fluids by linear oscillation of the probe which also carries connections to a liquid, level-sensing circuit; the arm further includes a light switch which can signal when the light path is interrupted by separately mounted tabs which indicate vertical positions of the arm for monitor and control. Such instruments provide very precise vertical and horizontal positioning of the fluid probe for aspirating and dispensing operations; however, a recurring problem arises in automatic equipment of this type when lead wires of the electrical components are carried on the moving arm, and the
BACKGROU~D O~ THE INVENTION
This invention generally relates to fluid transfer mechanisms for aspirating, transferring, and dispensing fluids, and more particularly to such mechanisms employed in high speed, laboratory analysis instruments.
In Modern laboratory analysis, for example analysis of blood serums, large numbers of serum samples, control samples, and reagents must be processed in high speed, auto-matic equipment. In such equipment, a typical arm mechanism carries a probe for sequentially aspirating multiple fluid aliquots which are then transferred and dispensed into analysis vessels positioned remotely from the aspiration.
In copending ~pplication Serial No. 369,577, filed ~anuary 28, 1981, entitled ~luid Transfer Mechanism, DR~AL et al describe a fluid probe carried on an arm mechanism which can be vertically translated at high speed on a high helix shaft and rotated around the shaft by an additional drive.
The described probe mechanism further includes a slide struc-ture for stirring fluids by linear oscillation of the probe which also carries connections to a liquid, level-sensing circuit; the arm further includes a light switch which can signal when the light path is interrupted by separately mounted tabs which indicate vertical positions of the arm for monitor and control. Such instruments provide very precise vertical and horizontal positioning of the fluid probe for aspirating and dispensing operations; however, a recurring problem arises in automatic equipment of this type when lead wires of the electrical components are carried on the moving arm, and the
- 2 -7'~4~
motion of the arm o.r its components causes winding or kinking in lengths of the leads. In extreme situations the motion of the leads can produce resistance or interference with the required motion of the arm.
~1~ti77~
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the fluid transfer mechanism of this invention, a vertically and horizontally movable arm structure is provided with an assembly for oscillation of a fluid transfer probe, in which tubular members linearly oscillate an attached probe mounting member; the tubular member also functions as a conduit for lead wire connected to the probe. The arm structure can include an interrupter member projecting from the end of the arm member opposite the probe for interruption of transmission of a sensor to LO indicate the vertical position of the arm. The arm structure can cooperate with multiple sensors separately supported in the vertical path of the interrupter member.
The pulley member for horizontal rotation of the arm structure can be provided with a through passageway for conduit of electrical wires to eliminate kinking and interference with the motion of the arm.
.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the movable arm structure of this invention;
Fiyure 2A is an exploded, paxtial perspective view of components of the arm shown in Figure l;
FigurQ 2B is an exploded, partial perspective view including the ver~ical sensing structure together with drive and g~de shafts of the arm structure shown in Figure l;
Figure 2C is an exploded, partial perspective view of the base and drive motors of the arm structure shown in L0 Figure l;
Figure 3 is a rear elevation view showing the ~.
wiring path of the arm structure shown in Figure l;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the arm structure shown in Figure 3.
31~L4~7t79~
DESCRIPTION OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figure l, a fluid trans~er structure in accordance with this invention is generally designated by reference character I and the arm assembly is generally designated by reference character II. The construction of arm assembly II, as most clearly shown in the exploded views of Figures 2A and 2B, includes a top support plate 1 and a bottom support plate 2, which together with threaded spacers 3, sandwich three principle components: a bearing support 4 havin~a bearing 5 pressed into each end for .0 receiving shaft as described hereinafter; a Helix Nut 6;
and a stirring motor assembly 7, including an eccentrically located ball bearing 7a.
Mounted to the top surface of the top support plate 1 through four screws is the probe support arm 8.
The probe support arm 8 primarily serves to support a linear oscillating assembly, driven by the stirring motor assembly 7 and held from underneath the probe support arm 8 by two small plastic blocks, the fxont 9 and rear 10 guide supports as best shown in the exploded view of Figure 2A.
o The linear oscillating assembly slides back and forth in reaction to the eccentric cam action created by the stirring - motor assembly 7.
Referring again to exploded view in Figure 2A, the linear oscillating assembly includes gear clamp 12 which has two holes to receive the probe guide tubes 13.
These tubes are held to gear clamp 12 with adhesive an~
set screwed 15 to the machined eccentric link 14 at the opposite end. The eccentric link l~ couples the '.
driving force from the stirring motox assembly 7 to the 0 clamped probe ll by means of tubes 13.
~L4677~
Running through one or both of the hollow probe guide ~ubes 13 are one or more lead wires 16 which serve as electrical connection from the probe 11 to a suitable electrical, liquid-level sensing circuit (not shown) for detecting the sur~ace of samples or reagents, as more fully described in the a~orementioned United States Patent Application Serial No. 115,691. Wire 16 is connected to a solder-type terminal 17 at the probe end and then further screwed to a threaded stud 18, which in turn is silver o soldered to the probe 11 that aspirates and dispenses the fluids. The opposite end of wire 16 is attached to the printed wiring board 19, located behind the arm by a metal bracket 20 shown in Figure 2C.
The threaded stud 18 is s~ilver soldered to probe 11, and further threaded into a probe housing 21 which serves to protect the probe 11 from damage and also helps maintain its straight extension for entering the narrow width of the cuvette.
When threaded into the probe housing 21 the 0 probe 11 can be securely clamped in the gear clamp 12 of the linear oscillating asse~bly. The probe 11 and linear oscillating assembly can now be adjusted for position in aspirating and dispensing liquid by mounting screws that attach guide supports 9 and 10 through a slotted hole in ~5 the top surface o~ the probe support arm 8 as shown in both Figures 1 and 2A.
As best shown in Figure 1, a sensor interrupter 22 is bracketed pre~erably at one side of the rear end of probe support arm 8 so that sensor interrupter 22 travels ~0 vertically between the arms of U-shaped light emitting diode(L.E.D.) sensors 23 to interrupt the transmission for indication 77~
of a specific vertical position of arm 8 and the tip of probe 11. Sensors 23 are held in position by a slotted vertical sensor bracket 24 which allows vertical adjustment of each sensor 23 independently as shown in Figures 1 and 2B.
As arm 8 and attached interrupter 22 move vertically, the sensors 23 and terminals of the electrical leads 23a remain vertically stationary on bracket 24 ensuring that the leads 23a do not kink with the vertical ,o motion of arm 8.
The structure o the drive system for the vertical and the horizontal movements of the arm 8 are described with reference to Figures 1, 2B and 2C.
Vertical movement is provided by stepper motor 25, which drives the helix shaft 26 -through a shaft extension 27 and a coupl.ing 28 which has some later.~ flexibility to allow lateral and angular misalignment of the helix shaft 26 as it rotates.
Horizontal movement of arm 8 is provided by a ~'o stepper motor 29, mounted to a motor support plate 30, which serves to rotate the pulley 31 through a timing belt 32 and a timing pulley 33, that produces preferably a 4 to 1 gear ratio belt drive system. The lower ends of two guide shafts 3 and 34a are secured in pulley 31 and pass -- -'S through bearing support 4 and bearing 46, respectively, to rotate plates 1 and 2 and arm 8. Thus, pulley 31 also serves as the main journal type bearing for hori~ontal : movement of arm 8. Pulley 31 is seated on a thin -`
. thrust washer 35 that reduces wear and friction between i30 the pulley 31 and the motor support plate 30.
;77~
The center hole 31a of pulley 31 receives the outside surface diameter of a lubricated stainless steel sleeve 36, which is secured in a flat plate forming a bearing hub base 37. Plate 37 is keyed to control the assembled S location of two tapped holes on opposite sides of the steel sleeve 36 which receive socket head screws 38, serving as mechanical stops for the horlzontal movement of pulley 31.
The keying is achieved by a small pin 39 pressed into one wall of the sleeve 36 and fitted into a notch 37a in plate 37.
The bearing hub base plate 37 serves to mount the vertical stepper motor 25 and to mount the entire fluid transfer structure I to main frame or similar structure (not shown). Plate 37 is provided with two tapped holes in the front to mount vertical spacers 40, 41 which support a sensor mounting plate 42 holding segmented photoarray sensor 43 as shown in Figure 2C. As best shown in Figure 4, photoarray sensor 43 device is of the L.E.D.
type and serves to read a coded section 44 that confirms the horizontal position of the tip of probe 11 at fluid pickup, dispense, wash, and oscillation positions. The optically coded section 44 is mounted through small spacers 45 to the threaded bottom surface of pulley 31 and rotates with the movement of pulley 31 in the horizontal mode.
Spacers 45 that mount the optically coded section 44 also serve as the contact point for the mechanical stops 38 that llmit the movement of the pulley 31 within a suitable angular range.
When assembled, the pulley 31 slips over sleeve 36 and is seated against the thrust washer 35. The helix shaft 26, coupling 28 and shaft extension 27 are joined together and aligned within the center opening of the _g _ ;77~
steel sleeve 36 and set screwed to the vertical motor's shaft 25.
A flanged bearin~ g6 for shaft 34a is loosely secured with a push-on type of retaining ring 47 to the precision slot located on one side of the top support plate 1 as shown in Figure 2A.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, guide shafts 34 and 34a, whose ends are tapped, are capped with a cap plate 48. In addition to transmission of the rotational movement !0 of pulley 31, guide shafts 34 and 34a provide tolerant guidance for the vertical movement of arm 8. A shoulder washer of nylon 49, which acts as a vertical thrust washer and a shaft journal clamp 50 guides vertical float of the top of the helix shaft 26.
As shown in Figure 2A, a cover 51 with a side opening Sla fits over cap plate 48 and is secured with a thumbscrew 52 to a threaded standoEf 48a an cap plate 48.
Clips 53 are held through holes in the cover 51 and loosely secure ex~ension (not shown) of tubing 54 to cover 51.
The slightly flanged end of tubing 54 provides fluid conduit to probe 11, which pro~rudes above the top end of the threaded stud 18 and is soldered thereto. Tube 54 is sealed on stud 18 by a knurled cap nut 55.
In the operation of arm 8, the lead wire 16 from probe 11 moves inside the protection of tube 13 during oscillation of probe ll. During vertical movement of arm 8, the motion of wire 16 and lead wires 56 of stirring motor 7 is guided by conduit through a vertically stationary sheath 57 which is preferably attached to sensor bracket 24 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Pulley 31 is provided with a through passageway 31b which provides a conduit for the -10~
;77~
extensions of wires 16 and 56 within sheath 56 as well as for the extension of sensor leads 23a. The lead extensions passing through passageway 31b remain substantially stationary with respect to the rotation of arm 8 and pulley 31 because S passageway 31b is positioned in close radial proximity to the axis of rotation about helix shaft 26 provided by the.~--location of pulley 31.
The embodiments shown in the drawings are illustra-tive of this invention but do not indicate limitation upon .0 the scope of the claimsO
We claim:
' ~ .
motion of the arm o.r its components causes winding or kinking in lengths of the leads. In extreme situations the motion of the leads can produce resistance or interference with the required motion of the arm.
~1~ti77~
SU~ARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the fluid transfer mechanism of this invention, a vertically and horizontally movable arm structure is provided with an assembly for oscillation of a fluid transfer probe, in which tubular members linearly oscillate an attached probe mounting member; the tubular member also functions as a conduit for lead wire connected to the probe. The arm structure can include an interrupter member projecting from the end of the arm member opposite the probe for interruption of transmission of a sensor to LO indicate the vertical position of the arm. The arm structure can cooperate with multiple sensors separately supported in the vertical path of the interrupter member.
The pulley member for horizontal rotation of the arm structure can be provided with a through passageway for conduit of electrical wires to eliminate kinking and interference with the motion of the arm.
.
.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the movable arm structure of this invention;
Fiyure 2A is an exploded, paxtial perspective view of components of the arm shown in Figure l;
FigurQ 2B is an exploded, partial perspective view including the ver~ical sensing structure together with drive and g~de shafts of the arm structure shown in Figure l;
Figure 2C is an exploded, partial perspective view of the base and drive motors of the arm structure shown in L0 Figure l;
Figure 3 is a rear elevation view showing the ~.
wiring path of the arm structure shown in Figure l;
Figure 4 is a fragmentary side elevation view of the arm structure shown in Figure 3.
31~L4~7t79~
DESCRIPTION OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to Figure l, a fluid trans~er structure in accordance with this invention is generally designated by reference character I and the arm assembly is generally designated by reference character II. The construction of arm assembly II, as most clearly shown in the exploded views of Figures 2A and 2B, includes a top support plate 1 and a bottom support plate 2, which together with threaded spacers 3, sandwich three principle components: a bearing support 4 havin~a bearing 5 pressed into each end for .0 receiving shaft as described hereinafter; a Helix Nut 6;
and a stirring motor assembly 7, including an eccentrically located ball bearing 7a.
Mounted to the top surface of the top support plate 1 through four screws is the probe support arm 8.
The probe support arm 8 primarily serves to support a linear oscillating assembly, driven by the stirring motor assembly 7 and held from underneath the probe support arm 8 by two small plastic blocks, the fxont 9 and rear 10 guide supports as best shown in the exploded view of Figure 2A.
o The linear oscillating assembly slides back and forth in reaction to the eccentric cam action created by the stirring - motor assembly 7.
Referring again to exploded view in Figure 2A, the linear oscillating assembly includes gear clamp 12 which has two holes to receive the probe guide tubes 13.
These tubes are held to gear clamp 12 with adhesive an~
set screwed 15 to the machined eccentric link 14 at the opposite end. The eccentric link l~ couples the '.
driving force from the stirring motox assembly 7 to the 0 clamped probe ll by means of tubes 13.
~L4677~
Running through one or both of the hollow probe guide ~ubes 13 are one or more lead wires 16 which serve as electrical connection from the probe 11 to a suitable electrical, liquid-level sensing circuit (not shown) for detecting the sur~ace of samples or reagents, as more fully described in the a~orementioned United States Patent Application Serial No. 115,691. Wire 16 is connected to a solder-type terminal 17 at the probe end and then further screwed to a threaded stud 18, which in turn is silver o soldered to the probe 11 that aspirates and dispenses the fluids. The opposite end of wire 16 is attached to the printed wiring board 19, located behind the arm by a metal bracket 20 shown in Figure 2C.
The threaded stud 18 is s~ilver soldered to probe 11, and further threaded into a probe housing 21 which serves to protect the probe 11 from damage and also helps maintain its straight extension for entering the narrow width of the cuvette.
When threaded into the probe housing 21 the 0 probe 11 can be securely clamped in the gear clamp 12 of the linear oscillating asse~bly. The probe 11 and linear oscillating assembly can now be adjusted for position in aspirating and dispensing liquid by mounting screws that attach guide supports 9 and 10 through a slotted hole in ~5 the top surface o~ the probe support arm 8 as shown in both Figures 1 and 2A.
As best shown in Figure 1, a sensor interrupter 22 is bracketed pre~erably at one side of the rear end of probe support arm 8 so that sensor interrupter 22 travels ~0 vertically between the arms of U-shaped light emitting diode(L.E.D.) sensors 23 to interrupt the transmission for indication 77~
of a specific vertical position of arm 8 and the tip of probe 11. Sensors 23 are held in position by a slotted vertical sensor bracket 24 which allows vertical adjustment of each sensor 23 independently as shown in Figures 1 and 2B.
As arm 8 and attached interrupter 22 move vertically, the sensors 23 and terminals of the electrical leads 23a remain vertically stationary on bracket 24 ensuring that the leads 23a do not kink with the vertical ,o motion of arm 8.
The structure o the drive system for the vertical and the horizontal movements of the arm 8 are described with reference to Figures 1, 2B and 2C.
Vertical movement is provided by stepper motor 25, which drives the helix shaft 26 -through a shaft extension 27 and a coupl.ing 28 which has some later.~ flexibility to allow lateral and angular misalignment of the helix shaft 26 as it rotates.
Horizontal movement of arm 8 is provided by a ~'o stepper motor 29, mounted to a motor support plate 30, which serves to rotate the pulley 31 through a timing belt 32 and a timing pulley 33, that produces preferably a 4 to 1 gear ratio belt drive system. The lower ends of two guide shafts 3 and 34a are secured in pulley 31 and pass -- -'S through bearing support 4 and bearing 46, respectively, to rotate plates 1 and 2 and arm 8. Thus, pulley 31 also serves as the main journal type bearing for hori~ontal : movement of arm 8. Pulley 31 is seated on a thin -`
. thrust washer 35 that reduces wear and friction between i30 the pulley 31 and the motor support plate 30.
;77~
The center hole 31a of pulley 31 receives the outside surface diameter of a lubricated stainless steel sleeve 36, which is secured in a flat plate forming a bearing hub base 37. Plate 37 is keyed to control the assembled S location of two tapped holes on opposite sides of the steel sleeve 36 which receive socket head screws 38, serving as mechanical stops for the horlzontal movement of pulley 31.
The keying is achieved by a small pin 39 pressed into one wall of the sleeve 36 and fitted into a notch 37a in plate 37.
The bearing hub base plate 37 serves to mount the vertical stepper motor 25 and to mount the entire fluid transfer structure I to main frame or similar structure (not shown). Plate 37 is provided with two tapped holes in the front to mount vertical spacers 40, 41 which support a sensor mounting plate 42 holding segmented photoarray sensor 43 as shown in Figure 2C. As best shown in Figure 4, photoarray sensor 43 device is of the L.E.D.
type and serves to read a coded section 44 that confirms the horizontal position of the tip of probe 11 at fluid pickup, dispense, wash, and oscillation positions. The optically coded section 44 is mounted through small spacers 45 to the threaded bottom surface of pulley 31 and rotates with the movement of pulley 31 in the horizontal mode.
Spacers 45 that mount the optically coded section 44 also serve as the contact point for the mechanical stops 38 that llmit the movement of the pulley 31 within a suitable angular range.
When assembled, the pulley 31 slips over sleeve 36 and is seated against the thrust washer 35. The helix shaft 26, coupling 28 and shaft extension 27 are joined together and aligned within the center opening of the _g _ ;77~
steel sleeve 36 and set screwed to the vertical motor's shaft 25.
A flanged bearin~ g6 for shaft 34a is loosely secured with a push-on type of retaining ring 47 to the precision slot located on one side of the top support plate 1 as shown in Figure 2A.
Referring to Figures 1 and 2A, guide shafts 34 and 34a, whose ends are tapped, are capped with a cap plate 48. In addition to transmission of the rotational movement !0 of pulley 31, guide shafts 34 and 34a provide tolerant guidance for the vertical movement of arm 8. A shoulder washer of nylon 49, which acts as a vertical thrust washer and a shaft journal clamp 50 guides vertical float of the top of the helix shaft 26.
As shown in Figure 2A, a cover 51 with a side opening Sla fits over cap plate 48 and is secured with a thumbscrew 52 to a threaded standoEf 48a an cap plate 48.
Clips 53 are held through holes in the cover 51 and loosely secure ex~ension (not shown) of tubing 54 to cover 51.
The slightly flanged end of tubing 54 provides fluid conduit to probe 11, which pro~rudes above the top end of the threaded stud 18 and is soldered thereto. Tube 54 is sealed on stud 18 by a knurled cap nut 55.
In the operation of arm 8, the lead wire 16 from probe 11 moves inside the protection of tube 13 during oscillation of probe ll. During vertical movement of arm 8, the motion of wire 16 and lead wires 56 of stirring motor 7 is guided by conduit through a vertically stationary sheath 57 which is preferably attached to sensor bracket 24 as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Pulley 31 is provided with a through passageway 31b which provides a conduit for the -10~
;77~
extensions of wires 16 and 56 within sheath 56 as well as for the extension of sensor leads 23a. The lead extensions passing through passageway 31b remain substantially stationary with respect to the rotation of arm 8 and pulley 31 because S passageway 31b is positioned in close radial proximity to the axis of rotation about helix shaft 26 provided by the.~--location of pulley 31.
The embodiments shown in the drawings are illustra-tive of this invention but do not indicate limitation upon .0 the scope of the claimsO
We claim:
' ~ .
Claims (8)
1. A vertically and horizontally movable arm structure for fluid transfer, comprising:
A) a generally elongate arm member for holding a fluid probe at a distal end thereof; and B) an oscillating assembly mounted to said arm member, for oscillation of said probe to stir fluid into which said probe is inserted, wherein said oscillating assembly includes:
1) a mounting member for positioning said probe adjacent said distal end of said arm member;
2) at least one tubular member attached to said mounting member and aligned substantially parallel to said arm member; and 3) drive means for linear oscillation of said tubular member substantially along the tubular axis thereof, in order to produce oscillation of said attached probe mounting member
A) a generally elongate arm member for holding a fluid probe at a distal end thereof; and B) an oscillating assembly mounted to said arm member, for oscillation of said probe to stir fluid into which said probe is inserted, wherein said oscillating assembly includes:
1) a mounting member for positioning said probe adjacent said distal end of said arm member;
2) at least one tubular member attached to said mounting member and aligned substantially parallel to said arm member; and 3) drive means for linear oscillation of said tubular member substantially along the tubular axis thereof, in order to produce oscillation of said attached probe mounting member
2. The arm structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a conductor passing through said tubular member for connection of said probe to a sensing circuit.
3. The arm structure as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein said tubular member is positioned below said arm member.
4. The arm structure as claimed in claim 1, further comprising:
an interrupter member projecting from the rear end of said arm member, opposite said distial end, for interruption of electromagnetic transmission positioned such that said interruption indicates the vertical location of said arm member.
an interrupter member projecting from the rear end of said arm member, opposite said distial end, for interruption of electromagnetic transmission positioned such that said interruption indicates the vertical location of said arm member.
5. The arm structure as claimed in claim 4, further comprising:
a support means for positioning one or more sensing means in the vertical path of said interrupter means.
a support means for positioning one or more sensing means in the vertical path of said interrupter means.
6. The arm structure as claimed in claim 5, wherein said sensing means is adjustably positioned on said support means.
7. The arm structure as claimed in claim 1, further including a pulley member for horizontal rotation of said arm structure wherein said pulley member includes a through passageway for conduit of conductor leads.
8. The structure as claimed in claim 7, wherein said conductor leads include leads connected to sensing means supported separately from said arm member.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US06/200,143 | 1980-10-24 | ||
| US06/200,143 US4325909A (en) | 1980-10-24 | 1980-10-24 | Fluid transfer apparatus |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1146774A true CA1146774A (en) | 1983-05-24 |
Family
ID=22740513
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000369463A Expired CA1146774A (en) | 1980-10-24 | 1981-01-28 | Fluid transfer apparatus |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US4325909A (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1146774A (en) |
Families Citing this family (33)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US4595562A (en) * | 1981-07-20 | 1986-06-17 | American Hospital Supply Corporation | Loading and transfer assembly for chemical analyzer |
| CA1205302A (en) * | 1984-01-09 | 1986-06-03 | Wing C. Fong | Gas sampling device |
| US4728501A (en) * | 1984-07-27 | 1988-03-01 | Minoru Atake | Adjustable liquid sampling apparatus |
| US4594902A (en) * | 1985-08-23 | 1986-06-17 | Pennwalt Corporation | Method and apparatus for sample retrieval from pharmaceutical dissolution testers |
| DE3540946A1 (en) * | 1985-11-19 | 1987-05-21 | Krupp Gmbh | DEVICE FOR HANDLING A HEIGHT-ADJUSTABLE PROBE LAMP, COUPLABLE PROBE, IN PARTICULAR MEASURING AND SAMPLING PROBE |
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| DE2041678A1 (en) * | 1969-09-06 | 1971-03-11 | Greiner Electronic Ag | Method for operating a transfer pipette |
| US3894439A (en) * | 1974-07-26 | 1975-07-15 | Domenic Borello | Infinite speed drive |
| US4234538A (en) * | 1977-10-28 | 1980-11-18 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | Apparatus for monitoring chemical reactions and employing moving photometer means |
| US4276260A (en) * | 1980-01-28 | 1981-06-30 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | Fluid transfer mechanism |
| US4276051A (en) * | 1980-01-28 | 1981-06-30 | Coulter Electronics, Inc. | System and program for chemical reaction observation with a moving photometer |
-
1980
- 1980-10-24 US US06/200,143 patent/US4325909A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1981
- 1981-01-28 CA CA000369463A patent/CA1146774A/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US4325909A (en) | 1982-04-20 |
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