Specimen carrier transfer apparatus

Abstract

A transfer apparatus includes a shuttle depending from an overhead support with a pair of arms for receiving and shifting a specimen carrier from one conveyor to a second conveyor of a dual-conveyor track. The shuttle is operable to retain a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor and to release a specimen carrier along either the first or second conveyor. Sensors are located to detect the presence of a specimen carrier at each of the retention locations, and to confirm the release of a specimen carrier from the shuttle along each of the conveyors. A drive motor for moving the shuttle between the retention and release positions is electrically connected to a command module with a processor, for receiving instructions as to the position of the shuttle. The sensors are also connected to the processor to transmit detection data to the processor. A queue is positioned upstream of the shuttle and is electrically connected to the processor. The queue includes retractable shafts, sensors and scanners for selectively retaining, detecting and scanning identification data from a specimen carrier on either conveyor upstream of the shuttle, and transmitting the information to the processor.

1 . In combination: 
 a dual conveyor track having first and second parallel, spaced apart conveyors with upper surfaces within a single plane, the conveyors operable in the same longitudinal direction;    a plurality of specimen carriers carried on said first and second conveyors of said track; and    a transfer apparatus located between the first and second conveyors, with downstream portions extending past the transfer apparatus to carry specimen carriers to separate, predetermined locations, the transfer apparatus comprising: 
 a frame connected to the track for supporting an operable shuttle;  
 a shuttle operably connected to the frame for transverse movement between the conveyors generally perpendicular to the movement the specimen carriers on the conveyors;  
 a first stop member on said frame, projecting partially over the first conveyor;  
 a second stop member on said frame, projecting partially over the second conveyor;  
 said shuttle having a pair of parallel arms spaced apart a distance to receive a specimen carrier therebetween;  
 said shuttle operable to a first “hold” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween is in contact with the first stop member, to thereby prevent downstream movement of a carrier on the first conveyor;  
 said shuttle operable to a first “release” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween bypasses the first stop member and moves downstream through the shuttle arms on the first conveyor;  
 said shuttle operable to a second “release” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier therebetween bypasses the second stop member and moves downstream through the shuttle arms on the second conveyor; and  
 a drive assembly on the frame for selectively moving the shuttle among the first “hold” position, the first “release” position and the second “release” position.  
   
   
   
       2 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said shuttle is operable to a second “hold” position with the shuttle arms located such that a specimen carrier located therebetween contacts the second stop member to thereby prevent downstream movement the carrier on the second conveyor, and wherein said drive assembly additionally selectively moves the shuttle to the second “hold” position.  
   
   
       3 . The combination of  claim 1 , wherein said frame further includes a platform thereon extending between the conveyors, the platform coplanar with the conveyors such that movement of the shuttle between the conveyors moves a specimen carrier located within the arms of the shuttle across the platform to the opposing conveyor.