US3038340A - Automatic fluid sample supply apparatus - Google Patents

Description

June 12, 1962 J. ISREELI 3,038,340

AUTOMATIC FLUID SAMPLE SUPPLY APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet l FIG. 2 "S I 30 3F \m I j a; "'Ll' IH IIH llH H lflllfi IIIIWI lllfllllilllllllllllllilli'llHHIIIIIIHIJHI 22 255 I ALL um :l J; F 1

INVENTOR.

(he/r [area/z BY FM ZZLLQL I ATTORNEYS June 12, 1962 J. ISREELI 3,038,340

AUTOMATIC FLUID SAMPLE SUPPLY APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 BY 5am; EQM e ATTORN EYS June 12, 1962 J. ISREELI 3,033,340

AUTOMATIC FLUID SAMPLE SUPPLY APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet a INVENTOR. flai [Siva/'1' BY FM are #MM, 616;

ATTORNEYS June 12, 1962 J. ISREELI 3, 3

AUTOMATIC FLUID SAMPLE SUPPLY APPARATUS Filed June 18, 1957 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 FIG. BO

/.$'Z 146 I I 120 21 4 IL 122\. M m V 4 w 21a ILLUII 215 INVENTOR.

BY uxgzmva ATTORNEYS 35,638,340 Patented June 12, 1962 3,038,340 AUTGMATZQ FLUID SAMPLE SUPPLY APPARATUS Jack Israeli, Tuclrahoe, N.Y., assigzior, by inesne assignments, to Teclmieon Instruments Corporation, Chaimcey, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed June 18, 1957, Ser. No. 666,403 19 Claims. (Cl. 73-423) The present invention relates, in general, to automatic feed devices and, in particular, to a device for supplying liquid samples to an analyzing system.

A feed device of the type to which the present invention relates is disclosed in the copending application of Leonard T. Skeggs, Serial No. 547,087, filed November 16, 1955, now Patent No. 2,879,141, and assigned to the assignee hereof.

An object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus for automatically feeding, in succession, a plurality of different liquid samples, which apparatus is capable of feeding a greater number of samples per unit of time than was heretofore possible.

Another object is to provide such an apparatus having a dip or intake tube which operates to provide a precipitous immersion thereof into a holder of the liquid sample and a precipitous removal thereof from the holder so as to provide for higher speeds of operation of the apparatus.

Another object is to increase the capacity of the automatic feed device without, however, increasing the diameter of the sample holder means.

A further object is the provision of an automatic feed device of the described type in which it is possible to vary or to obtain different time relationships of the period of time that an intake tube is immersed in a sample holding well and the period of time that it is withdrawn from the well for immersion in a succeeding well, without the necessity of providing different well defining plates for the different time relations or operating cycles. In this connection, it is a further object to make provision for obtaining different time relationships relative to the im mersion and removal time of the intake tube by the mere operation of a control lever in the apparatus.

A still further object is to provide a generally simplified, improved and highly efiicien-t device for the automatic feed in succession of a plurality of difierent liquid samples to a testing or analyzing apparatus therefor.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following description considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

In the drawings which illustrate the best mode presently contemplated for carrying out the invention:

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a feed device pursuant to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the feed device;

FIG. 3 is a sectional view, on an enlarged scale, taken on the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 44 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view similar to FIG. 4, and illustrates another operating position of the apparatus;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIG. 4 but showing the apparatus in another operating position thereof;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 8-8 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 10 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 10 -10 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view taken on the line 11L1 of FIG. 1, with the device illustrated in an- 5 other operating position thereof; and

FIG. 12 is a wiring diagram of the apparatus.

Referring now to the drawings in detail, an automatic sample or liquid feeding device, pursuant to the present invention, is generally indicated by the reference numeral 20. Said device is especially useful for supplying a plurality of liquid samples, in succession, to an automatic analyzing apparatus of the type illustrated in the co pending application of Leonard T. Skeggs, Serial No. 330,211, filed January 8, 1953, and now issued as Patent No. 2,797,149 and assigned to the assignee hereof. However, it will be understood that the utility of the device 20 is not limited to use with an automatic analyzing apparatus.

The feed device 20 comprises a rotary plate 22 having provision to hold a plurality of samples, the plate being intermittently rotated relative to a suction intake tube 24 through which the samples are fed or supplied to the analyzing apparatus. It will be understood that the fluid is withdrawn through the intake tube 24 by means of a suitable pump, which may be of the type illustrated in Patent No. 968,599, to Dupont, dated August 30, 1910, or the improved pump shown in the copending applica-, tion of Andres Ferrari and myself, Serial No. 6 ,8 filed October 22, 1954, now Patent No. 2,865,303, and assigned to the assignee hereof.

As here shown, the plate 22 is constituted by a circular member, preferably formed of a suitable plastic, and provided adjacent the circumference thereof with a plurality of apertures or holes 26 arranged in a circular row. As best shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, each hole is provided with a shoulder 28 whereby the hole is adapted to receive a receptacle or Well 36 for a fluid sample F.

The plate 22 is provided with a central mounting aperture 32 and is provided, intermediate said aperture 32 and the outer apertures 26, with an inner row of apertures or holes 34-. The holes 34 are also arranged in a circular row and are equal in number to the outer holes 26, each hole 34 being in registry with an outer hole 26. Said holes 34 define indexing means, as hereinafter described in detail. The plate 22 is provided also with a circular recess or groove 36 intermediate the two rows of holes thereof. The groove 36 is utilized for mounting a preferably transparent cover disc 38 which is provided with three depending legs 40 which extend into the groove 36. The cover 38 overlies and closes the tops of the various containers 36, provision being made to retain the cover 38 against movement relative to the rotary plate 22, as hereinafter described in detail. Said cover 33 is provided with a single aperture 42 which is in registry with the outer row of openings 26 in the plate 22, whereby to permit the removal of the fluid in the various containers, as hereinafter described in detail.

The assembly constituted by the rotary plate 22 and the cover 33 is mounted on a suitable base or housing 44 which has provision for intermittently rotating the rotary plate 22. The operating mechanism for intermittently rotating the plate 22 is generally indicated by the reference numeral 46. Provision is made for a plate 48 which is suitably secured, as by securing elements 50, to the inner surface of the upper wall 52 of housing 44 for mounting the operating mechanism 46.

The plate 22 is intermittently rotated through the medium of the shaft assembly 54. Said assembly comprises a shaft 56 which extends through the aperture 53 provided in the plate 48 and through an aperture 60 provided in the top wall 52. The shaft 56 mounts a disc support 62 and an adaptor shaft 64, the latter extending through the aperture 32 provided in the plate 22, and an enlarged central opening 43 provided in the cover 38. The adaptor shaft 64 is bifurcated and is provided with the pair of pivot pins 66 and 68 which are mounted by the bifurcations thereof. The pivot pin 66 pivotally mounts a locking lever 70 and the pivot pin 68 mounts a clamping bar 72 and a leaf spring 74 which resiliently biases the bar 72 for clockwise rotation viewing FIG. 3. A support disc 76, preferably formed of a suitable metal is seated in a recess 78 defined centrally of the undersurface of the plastic plate 22, being secured thereto as by securing elements 80.

The shaft assembly 54 is releasably connected to plate 22 by a clamping disc 82. The disc 82 is centrally apertured, as at 84 for reception on the shaft adaptor 64 when the locking handle 70 is raised from the position illus trated thereof in FIG. 3 into vertical alignment with the adaptor shaft 64. This retracts the cam surface 86 of the locking handle 70 from the clamping bar 72 the latter then being pivoted by the spring 74 so that the free end 88 thereof lies within the bifurcated adaptor shaft 64. Consequently, with the handle 78 and the clamping part 72 so displosed, the clamping disc 82 may he slipped over the handle 70 and through the enlarged central opening 43 of the cover 38 for disposition on the upper surface of the plate 22.

The disc 82 is provided with a lateral extension 90 which mounts an indexing pin 12 for projection through one of the indeXing apertures 34 in the plate 22. The downwardly projecting portion 94 of the pin 92 serves to operate a switch 96, mounted by the plate 48, to discontinue the operation of the mechanism, as hereinafter described in detail. The disc also contains a suitable indicia constituted by the arrow 98 for providing proper indexing of the plate 22. In this connection, it will be understood that the pin 92 and the indicia 98 are so related that when the indicia 98 points at the last of the sample containers 30 from which the fluid sample is to be removed, the pin 92 will effect the termination of the operation of the apparatus after the fluid in the indicated or designated last container has been withdrawn therefrom.

As previously indicated, the plate 22 is rotated intermittently in the direction of the arrow 168 to present each container 30 in succession to the previously mentioned opening 42 defined in the cover plate, through which the sample fluids are removed by the intake tube 24. In order to retain the cover 38 fixed against movement relative t the plate 22 so that the opening 42 of the cover Will always be in proper disposition relative to the tube 24 and in registry with an underlying well 30, the cover is provided with a lateral extension 102 having a slot 104 defined therein. A detent pin 106, which is carried by the plate 48 and projects downwardly therefrom as well as upwardly therefrom through the top wall 52 of the housing 44, is engaged in the slot 104 whereby to retain the cover in fixed disposition while the depending legs 48 thereof ride in the moving groove 36 of the plate 22.

In order to effect the previously indicated intermittent stepwise rotations of the sample holding plate 22, as well as pivotal movement of the inlet tube 24 into and out of the sample container in position under the cover aperture 42, provision is made for the previously mentioned operating mechanism 46 contained within the housing 44. In this connection, it will be noted that the housing is closed at the bottom thereof by an open work screen 107 which is secured thereto, as at 188, and which mounts the legs 110. The operating or drive mechanism 46 is energized by a conventional electric motor 112, provided with a heat dissipating fan 114, and operates through a conventional gear reduction train provided in the gear box 116 to drive the shaft 118. The motor 112 is carried by a lower mounting plate 120 which is suitably secured to an upper mounting plate 122, by suitable securing elements extending through the spacer sleeves 124. The upper plate 122 is suitably secured, by suitable securing elements extending through the spacers 126, to a mounting plate 128 which is secured to the main mounting plate 48, as by the securing elements 130 extending through spacer sleeves 132.

The shaft 118 operates through a conventional speed change mechanism, which is generally indicated by the reference numeral 134. Said speed change mechanism is preferably of the type provided in a conventional three speed phonograph to provide for three different speeds of operation. The speed change mechanism includes a pinion assembly 136 which is keyed to the driven shaft 118. Said assembly is provided with a pinion gear 138 of minimum diameter, a pinion gear 140 of intermediate diameter, and a pinion gear 142 of maximum diameter. The pinion gear assembly meshes with an intermediate gear 144 which is mounted for movement vertically of the pinion gear assembly in a conventional manner, in response to the operation of the operating lever 146 to selectively mesh with one of the three pinion gears of the assembly 136 to increase or decrease the speed of rotation of the gear 144, as may be desired. It will be noted that the operating lever 146 extends through a slot 148 defined in the side wall 150 of the housing 44, for convenient access.

The intermediate gear 144 of the speed change assembly meshes with one of the three gears 152, 154 or 156 of the stacked gear assembly 158, depending upon the vertical position of the intermediate gear 144, as set by the operation of the lever 146 which, as indicated in FIG. 4, has three different positions to provide for the three different speeds of operation of the speed change mechanisni 134. The stacked gears are mounted on a sleeve 160 which, in turn, is mounted on a shaft 162 secured in the mounting plate 48, a leaf spring 164 constituting a bottom retainer for the stacked gears. A Geneva lock 166 is also mounted by the sleeve 166 for rotation in response to the rotation of the stacked gear which is in mesh with the intermediate gear 144. The stacked gears also mount a Geneva drive pin 168 Which projects upwardly of the lock 166, and which, as best seen in FIG. 4, confronts a cut-away or cutout portion 178 of the lock 166.

A Geneva gear 172 is mounted on a shaft 174 suitably carried by the mounting plate 48. More specifically, provision is made for a pinion gear 176 which is mounted for rotation on the shaft 174 and which, at the lower end thereof, has a press fit with the Geneva gear 172. Therefore, it will be apparent that operation of the Geneva gear 17 2 results in the operation or rotation of the pinion gear 176. The pinion gear 176 is in mesh with an intermediate gear 178 provided on the shaft 179 which is suitably mounted for rotation in the mounting plate 48. The intermediate gear 17 8 is in mesh with the driven gear 180 which is secured, as at 181, to the previously mentioned main drive shaft 56 for rotating the sample holding plate 22.

The Geneva gear 172 is provided with the equally spaced open slots 182 and with the arcuate portions 184 which extend between said slots. The arrangement is such that each time that the pin 168 enters and engages in a slot 182 in response to the rotation of the stacked gears 158, the Geneva gear is intermittently rotated. FIG. 5 illustrates the stacked gears rotating in the direction of the arrow 186 with a pin 168 about to leave a slot 182 after rotating the Geneva gear in an intermittent step in a direction of the arrow 188. In FIG. 4, the broken line position of the pin 168 shows the latter in a slot 182 during the rotation of the Geneva gear. The arcuate periphery 190 of the locking member 166 serves to lock the Geneva gear against rotation between the intermittent steps thereof, the arcuate portion 190 riding along the opposing complementary arcuate surface 184 of the Geneva gear during the period after the withdrawal of the pin 168 from the slot 182 and prior to its insertion into the following slot 182. For example, as

shown in FIG. 5, the arcuate periphery 1% of the locking member in engagement with the opposing arcuate portion 184 of the Geneva gear as the pin 163 is about to leave a slot 182. FIG. 4 shows the pin 168, in full line, completely retracted from the Geneva and the arcuate locking portion 190 in sliding engagement with the Geneva gear to retain the latter against movement. Therefore, it will be readily apparent that the intermittent movement of the Geneva gear 172 provides for intermittent stepwise movements of the sample holder plate 22 in a direction of the arrow 100 to withdrav' a container 30 from registry with the cover hole 42 and to move the next container into registry with said hole.

The previously mentioned intake or inlet tube 24 is mounted for movement to and from the lowermost position thereof, as shown in full line in FIG. 8 and the uppermost position A thereof shown in broken line in said figure. The inlet tube 24 is formed of a suitable material, preferably polyethylene, and is snaked through a rigid tubular member or sleeve 192 which is downwardly curved, as at 194, so as to provide a natural curvature or configuration in the polyethylene tube 24, conforming to the metallic tube 192, so that the free end of the polyethylene tube is always disposed at a corner of the sample receptacle 30 in the operative or lowermost position of the inlet tube, as best illustrated in FIG. 8. With the inlet tube 24 abutting a corner of the container 30, all of the fluid material F in the container can be withdrawn through the inlet tube. The sleeve 192- has an additional outward curvature 196, substantially at right angles to the downward curvature 194 thereof, the inlet tube 24 extending from said curved portion 196 to a suitable pump, as previously indicated.

The tubular member 192 is mounted on a support 198 which, in turn, is mounted by a pivot 200. The pivot 200 is mounted for pivotal movement in a post 202 suitably secured to the top wall 52 of the housing, as at 294. The support 198 extends through a slot 206 defined in the housing wall 52 whereby the support is free to pivot about the axis of the pivot Zttt), as best illustrated in FIG. 8. Provision is made to releasably retain the inlet tube 24 in its fully retracted condition, outwardly of the container 30. in this connection, provision is made for a pin 208 mounted for movement in the post 202, transversely of the latter, to and from the full and broken line positions thereof illustrated in FIG. 9. The pin is provided at one end with a fingerpiece or knob 210 and at the other end with a grooved stop 212 which is complementary to the post or support 198. A compression spring 211 is seated on the pin between the post 202 and the knob 210 thereof. It will be understood that with the tube 192 in the fully retracted position thereof, as indicated at A in FIG. 8, the pin 208 may be projected to the broken line position thereof whereby to engage the support 198 in the grooved stop 212 to releasably retain the support in its retracted position. Upon release of the support from the grooved detent 212, by a pivotal movement of the support in a clockwise position, beyond that indicated at A in FIG. 8, the support is released from the grooved detent and the pin is returned to its inoperative disposition by the spring 211.

Provision is made to retract the inlet tube 24 from a container 3G, in which it is inserted, immediately prior to the start of the intermittent movement of the plate 22 and to return the inlet tube to the following receptacle 3'9 as soon as the next receptacle is moved into position. Said movements of the inlet tube 24 during each dwell eriod of the plate 22 are constituted by relatively precipitous reciprocatory movements to provide a sharp introduction and a sharp break of the tube to and from the fluid withdrawing disposition thereof. .As hereafter described, it will be noted that the mechanism which is operable to introduce the intake tube 24 into each of the series of containers 36 is operatively connected to said intake device to urge and positively move the latter from its retracted position to its operative position for the withdrawal of liquid from the receptacles during the dwell periods.

Said movement of the tube 24 is etfected by the previously identified pin 168 which also serves to operate the Geneva gear 172. More specifically, provision is made for a cam member 214 (FIG. 4) which is pivotally mounted at the undersurface of the mounting plate 48, as by the pivot 215. At the free end thereof, the cam member 214 is interconnected by the tension spring 216 with the lower end of the previously mentioned detent pin 166, as at 218. A wire link 220 interconnects the free end of the cam member 214 and the bottom of the tube support element 198. With the cam member 214 in the full line position thereof shown in FIG. 4, the inlet tube 24 is inserted into the container 30, as shown in FIG. 8. With the cam member 214 in the retracted or broken line position thereof, as illustrated in FIG. 4, the tube 192 is tilted to the broken line position A thereof shown in PEG. 8, whereby the inlet tube 24 is withdrawn from the cover hole 42 during the movement of the underlying plate 22. The cam member 214 is provided with an arcuate portion 222 which overlies the Geneva stop member 166 when the tube 24 is inserted in the fluid 3%, as best shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. With the stacked gears 15% moving in the direction of the arrow 1% in FiGS. 4 and 5, it will be apparent that before the pin 168 engages in a slot 132 of the Geneva gear 172, said pin will first strike the cam member 214, which is in the path of movement thereof and pivot the latter from the full to the broken line position thereof as shown in FIG. 4, with the pin riding along the arcuate portion 222 during the period that it remains engaged in a slot 122, as shown in FIG. 6, and leaving said arouate portion as it leaves the Geneva slot to permit the retraction of the cam member 214 by the expanded spring 216. it "will be apparent that said movement of the cam member 214 Will result in the sharp or precipitate retraction of the inlet tube 24 from the inserted position thereof to the fully retracted position thereof by the consequent movement of the link 220 and retain said inlet tube 24 in said retracted position thereof during the movement of the pin while in the slot 182, during which time the plate 22 is intermittently rotated so as to permit the return of the inlet tube 24 to its fluid in serted position when the pin disengages the Geneva gear slot at the termination of the intermittent rotation of the Geneva gear and the plate 22. Said return is accomplished in a precipitate manner by the contraction of spring 216.

The foregoing operation of the cam member 214 by the pin 168 and its return spring 216 provides for a sharp or precipitous up and down movement of the inlet or dip tube 24 to provide a sharp point of immersion thereof into the underlying container 39 and a sharp removal thereof from said container. Further, it will be readily apparent that there is a time relationship between the operation of the Geneva gear and the clipping intervals of the inlet tube 24 whereby an increased speed of intermittent rotation of the Geneva 172, by shifting the previously described speed change mechanism to a higher speed, will result in the withdrawal of a greater number of fluid samples per unit of time. Furthermore, Where it is desired to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn for each sample, it is necessaiy only to increase the depth of the wells or containers 30. Therefore, it will be readily apparent that the time cycle of the inlet tube 24 moving into and out of the fluid containers 30* may be varied merely by shifting the operating or control lever 146 of the speed change mechanism.

Pursuant to another aspect of the present invention, provision is made to terminate the operation of the mechanism after the last container 30 has been emptied of its fluid and to provide a warning to the attendant that all of the samples have been removed from the feed plate 22. In this connection, provision is made for the previously mentioned cut-off switch 96 provided with an operating element 226 (FIGS. 11 and 12) which projects through the upper wall 52 of the housing into the path of movement of the previously mentioned detent pin 92, said switch being suitably carried by the mounting plate 48. At the movement of the rotary plate 22 after the last receptacle has been filled, as determined by the setting of the previously mentioned indicia 98, the depending portion 94 of the pin 92 engages the switch operating element 226 to open the normally closed switch 96 so as to discontinue the operation of the motor 112. In this connection, reference is made to FIG. 12 wherein it will be noted that the motor 112 is directly connected to one power input terminal 228 by the line 230 and is connected to another power terminal 231 through the normally closed switch 96, a manual On-Oif power switch 232, mounted on the upper Wall 52 of the housing 44-, and a fuse 234. A pilot light 236 is connected in parallel with the motor 112 between the lead 230 and a lead 238 between the switches 9d and 232. Provision is also made for a buzzer or alarm 240 which is connected from one side thereof to the line 230 through a manual On-Oif switch 242, and which is connected from the other side thereof through a normally open switch 244 to the line 238. The switches 96 and 244 are ganged for concomitant operation as indicated at 246, by the operation of the operating element 226 by the pin 92.

In view of the foregoing, it will be apparent that when the switch 232 is closed, the motor 112 is energized, as is also the pilot light 236. The mechanism then begins to operate, as previously described. It will also be understood that at the start of the operation, the buzzer switch 242 is also closed but the buzzer is de-energized due to the normally open switch 244. After the last sample has been withdrawn from the plate 222', the next movement of the plate brings the switch operating element 226 into engagement with the depending portion 94 of the pin 92. This causes the simultaneous opening of the switch 96 and the closing of the switch 244. The opening of the switch 96 causes the motor to be de-energized and the closing of the switch 244 energizes the alarm or buzzer 240 so that the attendant knows that all of the samples have been fed from the plate 22'. The buzzer may then be de-energized by opening the manual switch 242. The On-Oif switch 232 should now be open so that the plate 22 can be rotated to a desired start position thereof and the various receptacles thereof filled. Thereafter, the switches 232 and 242 are closed and the operation may be recommenced.

It will be understood that the number of liquid specimens on the support or receptacle-carrier plate 22 may be less than the receptacle capacity of said support and that said plate may be readily turned manually, when clamp 82 is released, to bring the first liquid-containing receptacle into vertical registry with tube 24 at the liquid off-take station at which opening 42 in the cover 38 is located. In that position of the receptacle carrier 22, the indexing and clamping disc 82' is turned manually in relation to said carrier to the position at which the indicating pointer 98 is in radial registry with the last liquidcontaining receptacle 30 on the carrier so that pin 92 will be in position to actuate switch 96 to discontinue operation of the motor and to sound the alarm as soon as the last liquid receptacle is emptied by the pump. After the initial positions of the receptacle carrier 22 and disc 82 are thus adjusted, cam handle 70 is operated to press disc 82 against the upper surface of carrier 22 and thus clamp the metal disc 76 thereof to the surface of shaft assembly 54 which supports and rotates said carrier.

It will be noted that the positioning of the inlet end of the flexible tube 24 at the edge of the bottom of the liquid receptacle 30, close to the side wall of the receptacle, as shown in FIG. 8, and described above, is due to the compound curvature or configuration of tube guide 192, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, namely the curvature more or less generally in a vertical plane, in which the part 194- is located, and the curvature of the lateral part 196.

While I have shown and described the preferred embodiments 'of my invention, it will be understood that various changes may be made in the idea or principles of the invention within the scope of the appended claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a row thereon, an intake tube mounted relative to said row for pivotal movement, a stationary cover device for said member overlying said samples, said cover having an opening in registry with said row, means for intermittently moving said member to intermittently position each sample under said cover opening, and means operable during each dwell period of said member to first pivotally insert said tube through said opening into the underlying sample to withdraw said sample from said member and then to pivotally withdraw said tube from said opening.

2. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube, means mounting said intake tube laterally of said row, a stationary cover device for said member overlying said samples, said cover having an opening in registry with said row, means for intermittently rotating said member to intermittently position each sample under said cover opening, and means operable during each dwell period of said member for first inserting said tube through said opening into the underlying sample to withdraw said sample from said member and then for withdrawing the tube from said opening.

3. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube mounted laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently rotate said member to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube being mounted for pivotal movement, means operable by said drive mechanism for pivoting said intake tube into and out of each positioned sample to withdraw the latter from said rotary member, and clamping means for releasably connecting said rotary member to said drive mechanism, said rotary member having an indexing aperture for each sample, and said clamping means including a clamping element operatively connected to said drive mechanism and engageable with one of said indexing apertures in the clamped condition of said rotary member to provide actuating means for stopping the operation of said drive mechanism.

4. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube mounted laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently rotate said member to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube being mounted for pivotal movement, and mechanism operable by said drive mechanism for pivoting said intake tube into and out of each positioned sample to withdraw the latter from said rotary member, and clamping means for releasably connecting said rotary member to said drive mechanism, said rotary member having an indexing aperture for each sample, and said clamping means including a clamping element operatively connected to said drive mechanism and provided with a pin engageable with one of said indexing apertures in the clamped condition of said rotary member to provide actuating means for stopping the operation of said drive mechanism.

5. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube mounted laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently rotate said member to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube being mounted for pivotal movement, and mechanism operable by said drive mechanism for pivoting said intake tube into and out of each positioned sample to withdraw the latter from, said rotary member, and clamping means for releasably connecting said rotary member to said drive mechanism, said rotary member having an indexing aperture for each sample, and said clamping means including a clamping element operatively connected to said drive mechanism and provided with a pin engageable with one or" said indexing apertures, and switch means operable by said pin for terminating the operation of said drive mechanism.

6. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube mounted laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently rotate said member to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube being mounted for pivotal movement, and mechanism operable by said drive mechanism for pivoting said intake tube into and out of each positioned sample to withdraw the latter from said rotary member, and clamping means for releasably connecting said rotary member to said drive mechanism, said rotary member having an indexing aperture for each sample, and said clamping means including a clamping element operatively connected to said drive mechanism and provided with a pin engageable with one of said indexing apertures, and switch means operable by said pin for terminating the operation of said drive mechanism, and indicia provided on said clamping element for registry with a predetermined sample in said row, whereby to register said pin for engagement in a predetermined indexing aperture to terminate the operation of said drive mechanism after the withdrawal of said predetermined sample by said intake tube.

7. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube mounted laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently rotate said member to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube bein" mounted for pivotal movement, and mechanism operable by said drive mechanism for pivoting said intake tube into and out of each positioned sample to withdraw the latter from said rotary member, and clamping means for releasably connecting said rotary member to said drive mechanism, said rotary member having an indexing aperture for each sample, and said clamping means including a clamping element operatively connected to said drive mechanism and provided with a pin engageable with one of said indexing apertures, and switch means operable by said pin for terminating the operation of said drive mechanism, and indicia provided on said clamping element for registry with a predetermined sample in said row, whereby to register said pin for engagement in a predetermined indexing aperture to terminate the operation of said drive mechanism after the withdrawal of said predetermined sample by said intake tube, and a normally de-energized alarm device which is energized in response to said termination of operation of said drive mechanism.

8. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a support for a liquid receptacle, a tube holder mounted for pivotal movement to projected and retracted positions for moving a flexible tube into and out of the receptable for withdrawing liquid therefrom, said tube holder having a configuration, to which portions of said flexible tube conform, for directing the inlet end of said tube to the edge of the bottom of the receptacle close to the side wall thereof for maximum withdrawal of liquid from the receptacle, and means operatively connected to said tube holder for pivotally moving said flexible tube into and out of said receptacle at predetermined times.

9. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a support for a liquid receptacle, tube holder mounted for movement to projected and retracted positions for moving a flexible tube into and out of the receptable for withdrawing liquid therefrom, said tube holder being curved vertically and laterally providing a configuration, to which portions of said flexible tube conform, for directing the inlet end of said tube to the edge of the bottom of the receptacle close to the side wall thereof for maximum withdrawal of liquid from the receptacle, and means operatively connected to said tube holder for pivotally moving said flexible tube into and out of said receptacle at predetermined times.

19. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a carrier for a series of receptacles, means for withdrawing the contents of the receptacles, means for moving said carrier and said Withdrawing means in relation to each other for positioning the withdrawing means in a predetermined relation to each of said receptacles in successsion at predetermined times with intervening dwell periods, and means for pivotally moving said withdrawing means into and out of each receptacle during the dwell period between successive first mentioned relative movements of said receptacle carrier and said Withdrawing means, said carrier having a cover and an aperture therein for said withdrawing means.

11. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a carrier for a series of receptacles, means for withdrawing the contents of the receptacles, said withdrawing means being mounted for pivotal movement, means for moving said carrier and said withdrawing means in timed relation to each other for positioning the withdrawing means in predetermined relation to each of said receptacles in succession at predetermined times with intervening dwell periods, means for pivotally moving said Withdrawing means into and out of each of said receptacles during the dwell period between successive relative movements of said receptacle carrier and said withdrawing means, and means for varying the speed of said carrier and the speed of movement of said withdrawing means into and out of said receptacles in timed relation to each other.

12. Apparatus for the character described, comprising a carrier for a series of receptacles, means for withdrawing the contents of said receptacles therefrom in succession, means for relatively moving said carrier and said withdrawing means intermittently for disposing said withdrawing means and the receptacles in successive operative relation for the successive withdrawing operations during successive predetermined intervals, means including an electric motor for actuating said moving means, switch control means for controlling the operation of said actuating means, and adjustable indexing means operable in response to a predetermined number of relative movements of said carrier and said withdrawing means to operate said switch control means to interrupt the operation of said actuating means, said adjustable indexing means comprising a series of indexing apertures in said carrier, and means removably mounted on said carrier and having a pin insertable into any one of said apertures engageable with said switch control means for the operation thereof after said predetermined number of relative movements of said carrier.

13. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a carrier for a series of receptacles, means for withdrawing the contents of said receptacles therefrom in succession, means mounting said withdrawing means laterally of said carrier, Geneva gear means for moving said carrier intermittently to present said receptacles in succession at the position of said withdrawing means with a dwell period of the receptacle at said position, and means operatively connected to said Geneva gear means for urging snsasso l l and positively projecting said withdrawing means into the receptacle at said position and retracting it therefrom during the dwell period.

14. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a carrier for a series of receptacles, a rotary support for said carrier for turning the latter about a vertical axis, means for releasably securing said carrier on said support, actuating means for intermittently turning said support, means for withdrawing the contents of said recept acles therefrom in succession during the successive intervals between said intermittent turning movements of said support, and indexing means for controlling the number of intermittent movements of said carrier by said actuating means, said indexing means comprising a member mounted for rotation about said axis, means for releasably clamping said member in a predetermined adjusted set position for rotation by said carrier, an electric motor for operating said actuating means, a switch for controlling the operation of said motor, and a connection between said indexing means and said switch for actuating the latter to stop said motor after a predetermined number of movements of said carrier according to the set position of said indexing means.

15. Apparatus of the character described, comprising a rotary member adapted to hold a plurality of liquid samples in a circular row thereon, an intake tube, means mounting said intake tube laterally of said row, a drive mechanism operable to intermittently position each sample relative to said intake tube, said intake tube being mounted for pivotal movement, mechanism operable by said drive mechanism for urging and positively pivoting said intake tube during each dwell period of said rotary member first into a positioned sample to withdraw the latter from said rotary member and then out of said positioned sample, and clamping means for releasably con necting said rotary member said drive mechanism.

'16. Feed apparatus for supplying liquid samples to an analyzing apparatus or the like, said feed apparatus comprising means having provision to hold a plurality of samples in a row thereon, a sample intake device mounted laterally outwardly of said row and movable laterally of said holding means, means to intermittently move said holding means and said intake device relatively to position successive samples at said intake device, mechanism operable in timed relation with said moving means for urging and positively moving said intake device into and out of said samples to withdraw said samples from said holding means to supply the samples for treatment for analysis, and means for actuating said mechanism.

17. Feed apparatus for supplying liquid samples to an analyzing apparatus or the like, said feed apparatus comprising a rotary member having provision to hold a. plurality of samples in a row thereon, a Sample intake device mounted laterally of said member and movable laterally and vertically in relation thereto, means to intermittently rotate said member to carry said samples in succession to said intake device, mechanism operable under the control of said rotating means to urge and positively move said intake device into and out of said samples to withdraw the latter from said member to supply the samples for treatment for analysis, and means for actuating said mechanism.

18. Feed apparatus for supplying a series of liquid samples to an analysis apparatus or the like, comprising a holder for a series of liquid sample receptacles arranged in a row, an intake device for the transmission of the samples to the analysis apparatus movably mounted laterally outwardly of the holder for movement from a retracted position in relation to said holder to an operative position for the withdrawal of the liquid samples from the receptacles, said intake device having an inlet end which is positioned in the receptacles in said operative position of the device, said holderand said intake device being relatively movable in one direction to position the inlet end of the intake device in the receptacles for the sample-transmission operation and in an opposite direction following the sample-transmission operation, said holder and said intake device being also relatively movable in the direction of the row of receptacles, mechanism for intermittently moving said holder and said intake device in relation to each other in said direction of the row of receptacles to relative positions for the sampletransmission operation from each of the receptacles, and mechanism operatively connected to said intake device to urge and positively move the latter from said retracted position to said operative position for the withdrawal of liquid from the receptacles during each of a plurality of dwell periods of said holding means and said intake device during said intermittent relative movement thereof, said last mentioned mechanism being also operable for moving said intake device automatically from said operative position to said retracted position thereof.

19. Feed apparatus for supplying a series of liquid samples to an analysis apparatus or the like, comprising a holder for a series of liquid sample receptacles arranged in a row, an intake device for the transmission of the samples to the analysis apparatus movably mounted laterally outwardly of the holder for movement from a retracted position in relation to said holder to an operative position for the withdrawal of the liquid samples from the receptacles, means for rcmovably positioning said holder in the apparatus in relation to said intake device, said intake device having an inlet end which is positioned in the receptacles in said operative position of the intake device, said holder and said intake device being relatively movable in one direction to position the inlet end of the intake device in the receptacles for the sample-transmission operation and in an opposite direction following the sample-transmission operation, said holder and said intake device being also relatively movable in the direction of the row of receptacles, mechanism for intermittently moving said holder and said intake device in relation to each other in said direction of the row of receptacles to relative positions for the sample-transmission operation from each of the receptacles, and mechanism operatively connected to said intake device independently of said holder to urge and move the latter positively from said retracted position to said operative position for the withdrawal of liquid from the receptacles during each of a plurality of dwell periods of said holding means and said intake device during said intermittent relative movement thereof, said last mentioned mechanism being also operable for moving said intake device automatically from said operative position to said retracted position thereof.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 454,997 Fowler June 30, 1891 897,170 Spinelli Aug. 25, 1908 1,742,871 North Ian. 7, 1930 1,767,820 Tetro June 24, 1930 2,020,350 Bertschinger Nov. 12, 1935 2,386,152 Wahl Oct. 2, 1945 2,562,815 Oscroft July 31, 1951 2,604,249 Gorham July 22, 1952 2,740,081 McKay et a1. Mar. 27, 1956 2,879,141 Skeggs Mar. 24, 1959

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