Clinical Sample Analysis System Having An Analyzer Positioning Mechanism
A clinical sample analysis system having an analyzer positioning mechanism for providing height adjusting and horizontal alignment between an analyzing module and a clinical workstation using cradle beams and rolling ball transfer positioners.
1 . A clinical sample analysis system comprising:
a sample analyzing module capable of analyzing a clinical sample;
a clinical workstation capable of transporting sample containers along a pathway proximate said sample analyzing module;
a sample transfer mechanism capable of transferring said sample container from said conveyor to said analyzing module; and, an analyzer adjusting mechanism capable of positioning said analyzing module relative to said clinical workstation
2 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 1 wherein said sample transfer mechanism is adapted to transfers a portion of sample carried in said sample container to said analyzing module.
3 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 1 wherein said analyzer adjusting mechanism supports said analyzing module.
4 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 3 wherein said analyzer adjusting mechanism automatically provides height and horizontal alignment between said analyzing module and said pathway.
5 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 4 wherein said analyzer adjusting mechanism comprises first and second cradle beams mutually aligned parallel with one another with a connecting member perpendicularly securing said beams together,
6 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 5 wherein said beams have generally rectilinear and identical left and right flange members with threaded nuts affixed at openings extending therethrough.
7 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 6 further comprising a ball transfer positioner attached to each of the left and right flange members.
8 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 7 wherein said ball transfer positioner comprises a generally circular plate with a centrally located threaded nut and a number of stud-mounted rolling ball casters affixed thereto.
9 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 8 wherein said ball transfer positioners are attached to said left and right flange members by a thread rod screwed into said threaded nut and into threaded nuts affixed to said left and right flange members.
10 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 5 wherein said connecting member comprises an open bar and said cradle beams further comprise a connecting stud affixed perpendicularly thereto and sized to be secured within said open bar.
11 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 9 wherein rotation of said thread rod provides vertical movement between said ball transfer positioners and said left and right flange members.
12 . The clinical sample analysis system of claim 9 wherein each ball transfer positioner comprises a rolling ball adapted to provide horizontal movement along a support floor.