Sampling device

Apparatus for processing and analyzing various liquids, such as blood serum, includes an indexable table for supporting a plurality of liquid sample containers. A probe is inserted into each sample container in succession. During probe insertion, a portion of the sample to be analyzed is withdrawn by the probe from the respective container and moved to a station where it can be analyzed and tested. The probe is then moved to a station where it can be washed prior to insertion into the next sample container. The drive mechanism for the apparatus is characterized by the fact that all indexing mechanisms and actuator cams are mounted on a single rotatable shaft and arranged such that each periodic function performed by the mechanism is directly coupled to the rotation of the shaft.