Abstract: A magnetic conveyor system for transporting test samples in tubes disposed in a sample rack having a magnetic or magnetically attractive region is described. The magnetic conveyor system includes a drive system, a magnet coupled to the drive system and movable in response to the drive system and a tray having a first surface adapted to receive the sample rack. The magnet is spaced a predetermined distance from the first surface of the tray such that the magnet provides a magnetic force at the surface of the tray. The magnetic force engages the magnetically attractive region of the sample rack disposed on the tray to thereby move the sample rack along the first surface of the tray in response to movement of the drive system. When the tray reaches the end of the rack it is moved onto a processing queue tray where it is available for test purposes. A barcode reader reads a bar code on each test sample as it is placed on the process queue to identify one or more tests to perform.

Abstract: In a system for installing, from a supply of disposable probe tips, one such probe tip on a probe for each sample by an automated fluid analyzer system and for removing the tip after each use to allow a fresh tip to be installed, a mechanism for making a fresh supply of tips available in a carrier tray and for receiving and disposing of empty carrier trays. Multiple probe tip trays, each having a base, a lid, and holding an array of tips are stacked within a chute of the mechanism. A pair of arms are swung up from a substantially vertical position to a horizontal position beneath the chute. An associated latch engages the lid of the lowermost tray within the chute while tray guides, which hold the trays within the chute, separate to release the lowermost tray onto the pair of arms. A delivery rack associated with the analyzer system receives the lowermost tray base from the pair of arms by engaging the tray base with a pair of clips.