Abstract: Devices for automatically feeding sample containers into and out of an analyzer. The device may include (1) a first station that receives and initiates transport of a sample container into an analyzer for analysis, (2) a second station where the sample container is handed off to a transporter that carries the sample container to and from an examination site inside the analyzer, and (3) a third station that collects the sample container after examination. The device also may include a singulation mechanism configured to separate a sample container from a stack of sample containers, and/or a stacking mechanism configured to add a sample container to a stack of sample containers. The singulation and stacking mechanisms may include lifter and latch components.

Abstract: Frame assembly for a data storage and retrieval system of the type in which data storage cartridges are transported between storage locations and drive locations where data is written to and read from the cartridges. The frame includes a backplane which has a generally planar front surface, a plurality of spaced apart divider plates projecting in a forward direction from the front surface of the backplane, and a plurality of crossbars extending across the front portions of the divider plates and defining with the divider plates a plurality of cartridge cells and drive locations. Guide blocks which define slots for the cartridges project in the forward direction from the front surface of the backplane adjacent to the crossbars on opposite sides of the cartridge cells. Bezel strips extend along the front portions of the crossbars and interfit with the crossbars and the guide blocks, and bezel plates extend across the drive locations and interfit with the crossbars on opposite sides of the drive locations.

Abstract: A disk gripper featuring a spindle fitting through the central hole of a disk, with the spindle harboring a movable latch which is a pin carried by a movable arm. An actuator shifts the latch out of the spindle once the spindle has entered a disk hole with the latch causing the disk to slide laterally into a curled finger which provides a protective, non-contacting envelope. The disk is held in place on the shoulder of a bulbous portion of the spindle which keeps the disk on the shoulder of the spindle. The actuator is activated by a floating sensor ring carried by the spindle. When the spindle passes through a disk hole, the sensor ring moves upwardly, resting on the disk sending an upright tripper into an optical detector causing the latch to retract and allowing the spindle to pass into the disk hole. After passage into the disk hole the latch is released, causing lateral disk motion, causing the disk to laterally slide into a securely held position.

Abstract: CD-ROM caddy for use in a system having a transport mechanism for transferring CD-ROMs between storage locations and drive units. The caddy has a pair of handles formed in an edge portion thereof, with apertures adjacent to the handles permitting access to the handles. The caddy is withdrawn from a storage location or a drive unit by advancing a pair of axially extending fingers with laterally extending hook portions toward the caddy with the fingers passing to one side of the caddy. When the hook portions are aligned with the apertures, the fingers are moved laterally to position the hook portions in the apertures, then the fingers are retracted with the hook portions engaging the handles to withdraw the caddy with the fingers.

Abstract: An articulated direct drive robotic manipulator providing rotation of first and second arms about first and second parallel axes including first and second motors for driving the rotation of the first and second arms. A pedestal is mounted on a base, the first motor is directly coupled to a rotatable column in the pedestal for providing a first robot arm with a first degree of freedom, a second motor is coupled to a rotatable column coaxial to the first column for providing the manipulator with a second degree of freedom by rotation of the second arm. The distal end of the second arm includes support for an end effector for movement about a third axis which is a vertical axis and a fourth axis which is a rotational axis and support for a quill. Also included is a modular device adapted to be coupled to the end of the quill which can move within horizontal planes passing through the third axis to provide a fifth degree of freedom.

Abstract: Modular data storage and retrieval system having data cells for holding a plurality of optical storage cartridges, drive cells for holding devices such as drives for transcribing data on the cartridges, and a back plate on which the cells can be mounted in any desired combination. Two types of mounting positions are provided, one for either data cells or drive cells, the other for data cells. Two or more sections of the system can be placed side-by-side, stacked and/or placed back-to-back to provide a larger system. Each section is provided with at least one picker for moving the cartridges between the cells in the section. In some embodiments, a single picker is provided for each section, and in other embodiments a separate picker is provided for each row of cells. The back plates have registration pins which engage sockets on the cells to assure accurate alignment of the cells on the plates. The cells are symmetrical with regard to the way they mount, and they can be oriented in two different positions, e.

Abstract: An automated drinkmaker system which is designed to accept an input drink order, as from a cash register, and deliver the drink order, for different sizes and different flavors, with or without ice, completely finished in lidded containers to an output station. The automated drinkmaker system is designed for labor free processing of drink orders in high volume quick service or fast food establishments. The machine is designed around a carousel type of drink transporter which intermittently carries each drink to and from four circularly spaced stations, cup dispensing, ice dispensing, soda dispensing, lid application and marking. The carousel design allows a cup to be dispensed at one station while another cup is being filled with ice at a second station, and yet another is being filled with soda at a third station, etc. The use of carousels is extended to both cup and lid dispensing.

Abstract: A direct drive robot which includes a pedestal having two motors which rotate around a common axis to directly drive rotation of first and of second linking arms which are rotating in a plane perpendicular to this pedestal. The first, inner link is preferably driven through a column directly driven by a first motor rotor, the column supporting the inner end of the link. The second, outer link is driven by the second coaxial direct drive motor through a simple, highly-tensioned belt and pulley arrangement. As a result of this direct drive arrangement, movement is provided about two separate parallel axes by two arms arranged perpendicular to the first axis which mounts the two major driving motors of the robot. These two arms are linked together between this major pedestal and the end effector of the robot, centralizing the driving motors at the main stabilizing pedestal, while providing rapid rotational movement around each of the two axes.

Abstract: A processor for developing diazo film defined by a pair of flat platens disposed within a housing and spaced apart a distance only slightly greater than the thickness of the film. The housing includes intake and outlet openings aligned with the space between the platens and means for advancing an incoming film from the intake opening, through the space between the platens and for discharging it through the outlet opening. The platen facing the emulsion side of the film is heated and includes at least one passage through which a metered amount of aqueous ammonia is passed for each film that is to be developed. The ammonia is vaporized in the passage and discharged against the emulsion side of the film. A transverse groove in the emulsion facing surface of the platen communicates with the passage to distribute the ammonia vapor over the full width of the film. The developing temperature is between about 150.degree.-200.degree. F.

Abstract: A duplicator for making copies of a microfiche master. The master is positioned at an exposure station and a supply of copy film stored on a roll is incremently advanced by a film drive located between the supply and the exposure station. During exposure the copy film is biased against the master by an overlying cover. Cutoff blades located immediately downstream of the exposure station sever each exposed segment of film after it is advanced past the exposure station. A single motor is used to sequentially advance, sever, and bias the film. The motor drives a rotatable element. A Geneva drive coupled to the rotatable element actuates the film drive; cam surfaces on the rotatable element displace a cam follower, the displacement of which is transmitted to a rotatable actuator element. The actuator element engages the film biasing cover and the cutoff blade.

Abstract: A processor for developing diazo film defined by a pair of flat platens disposed within a housing and spaced apart a distance only slightly greater than the thickness of the film. The housing includes intake and outlet openings aligned with the space between the platens and means for advancing an incoming film from the intake opening, through the space between the platens and for discharging it through the outlet opening. The platen facing the emulsion side of the film is heated and includes at least one passage through which a metered amount of aqueous ammonia is passed for each film that is to be developed. The ammonia is vaporized in the passage and discharged against the emulsion side of the film. A transverse groove in the emulsion facing surface of the platen communicates with the passage to distribute the ammonia vapor over the full width of the film. The developing temperature is between about 150.degree.-200.degree. F.

Abstract: A diazo film developer which has a developing chamber that is kept at a temperature above the dew point for the film. Feed rollers disposed adjacent an intake opening of the chamber are maintained at a temperature above the dew point and advance film to be developed to the chamber. Exit rollers at an outlet opening for the chamber withdraw developed film from the chamber. The rollers are sealed with respect to the chamber to prevent the escape of aqueous ammonia vapors. The portion of the exit rollers disposed outside the chamber is subjected to a relatively low temperature airstream to cool the rollers below the dew point for the aqueous ammonia vapor. The exit rollers are continuously rotated so that aqueous ammonia vapor can condense on surface portions of the rollers disposed interiorly of the chamber. The condensate is then transported by the rotating rollers to the exterior of the chamber and the cooled airflow removes, e.g. evaporates the condensate before it is re-introduced into the chamber.

Abstract: A film developer-fixer for diazo, vesicular or similar film in which the exposed film is developed by subjecting it to high temperature. The film is moved continuously at a constant speed past a developing station defined by a pair of opposing, spaced apart heating platens; the spacing between the platens exceeds the thickness of the film. Heated air is blown against the film emulsion to generate an air bearing for the film. Downstream of the developing station is a film cooling station and downstream of the cooling station a fixing station where the developed emulsion is subjected to light to permanently fix the images thereon. The cooling and the fixing stations are disposed in cavities defined by a supporting structure and they communicate with a source of cooling air for cooling the film and the components of the apparatus. Transport means is defined by a plurality of roller sets having polished surfaces.