Simplified test element advancing mechanism having positive engagement with element

Claim 1

A test element advancing mechanism for use in an analyzer to move a test element from station to station, the mechanism comprising (a) a support surface over which elements are slidably advanced in a predetermined direction, said surface having first and second edges, (b) a test element mover having a pivot axis extending parallel to said support surface, said mover including engaging means projecting therefrom for engaging test elements, said test element engaging means including two interior corners and a surface between them constructed to engage at least one edge of engaged test elements along one side of such test elements, said one test element edge being an edge that extends generally parallel to said pivot axis, (c) means for reciprocating said mover along a surface disposed to one side of said support surface, a portion of said mover being constructed to engage said reciprocating means, and (d) means for pivoting said mover about said axis, so that said engaging means are moved into or out of contact with test elements, said mover including a lever arm emanating from one side of said reciprocating means engaging portion and constructed to interact with said pivoting means, said reciprocating means being sufficiently flexible as to be rotatable about said pivot axis when said pivoting means is activated, said test element engaging means of said mover emanating from a side of said reciprocating means engaging portion that is opposite to said one side, whereby said mover engages test elements at a side edge.