Consumable container loading / unloading system

Abstract

A system (100, 100 ', 100' ') for an automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) configured to consume a liquid consumable (14) is provided. The liquid consumable (14) is delivered to an automatic analyzer (10) via a consumable container (20). The system (100, 100 ', 100' ') includes a consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) including at least a first container holding position (C1) and a second container holding position (C2). Each of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to removably hold at least one of the consumable containers (20). The system (100, 100 ', 100' ') further includes at least one operator-accessible container station (104) accessible by the operator such that at least one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to directly receive consumable containers (20) from the operator at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104). The system (100, 100 ', 100' ') also includes at least one analyzer supply station (106) configured to deliver the liquid consumable (140) to the automated analyzer (10).

Description

[0001] priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No. 63 / 368,485, filed on July 14, 2022, entitled “Consumables Container Loading / Unloading System,” and U.S. patent application No. 63 / 357,639, filed on July 1, 2022, entitled “Consumables Container Loading / Unloading System,” the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to automated analyzers and, in particular, to a consumable container loading / unloading system for automated analyzers. Background Art

[0004] Automatic analyzer is well known in the art, and is generally used for automatically or semi-automatically analyzing patient samples such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. In order to test and analyze patient samples, some key components are assigned in the reaction vessel. Patient samples are assigned to the reaction vessel from the sample container by the sample nozzle. In addition, reagent is assigned to the reaction vessel that has been assigned with patient samples from the reagent container by the reagent nozzle. In addition, substrate is assigned to the reaction vessel that has been assigned with patient samples and reagent by the substrate nozzle from the substrate container. Therefore, liquid consumables (reagent and / or patient analyte) are assigned to the reaction vessel, for automatically or semi-automatically analyzing patient samples. Reagent and substrate are examples of liquid consumables, and reagent container and substrate container are examples of consumables container.

[0005] Usually, consumables container or the container containing liquid consumables is manually loaded into the automatic analyzer by the operator in the morning.Due to the growing demand for the analysis of patient samples and the improved processing capacity of the automatic analyzer today, the consumption of liquid consumables has also increased.In some cases, for example, due to the shortage of consumables and / or urgent unplanned test requirements related to the limited onboard capacity of the analyzer, it may be necessary to load additional consumables container into the automatic analyzer.In some other cases, when the consumables in the container have exceeded its expiration date or when the consumables container is empty, it may need to be replaced.In order to load and / or replace consumables container, usually, the operator must temporarily interrupt the operation of the automatic analyzer.This may have a negative impact on the throughput of the automatic analyzer.In addition, in some cases, the operator may have to wait until the operation is completed before the additional consumables container is loaded into the automatic analyzer.However, this may be undesirable for the operator.

[0006] In addition, during the loading of the consumable container or during the extraction of the liquid consumable from the consumable container, the liquid consumable may be exposed to gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide. In many cases, the liquid consumable is sensitive to such gases, which may ultimately lead to erroneous test results. Therefore, it is necessary to provide an effective seal to the consumable container during the loading of the consumable container and during the extraction of the liquid consumable from the consumable container. Summary of the invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer has an analyzer device with a cycle time. The analyzer device is configured to consume at least liquid consumables. At least some of the liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer via a consumable container. The consumable container loading / unloading system includes a consumable container loading / unloading device, which includes at least a first container holding position and a second container holding position. Each of the first container holding position and the second container holding position is configured to removably hold a consumable container in the consumable container. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes an operator-accessible container station that can be touched by an operator of the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes an analyzer supply station that cannot be touched by an operator of the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a fluid supply line positioned at the analyzer supply station. The fluid supply line is configured to deliver at least some of the liquid consumables from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading device is configured to move a first container holding position between an operator accessible container station and an analyzer supply station, and is also configured to move a second container holding position between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station. The consumable container loading / unloading device is configured to perform the following steps during all cycle times and thereby provide loading of consumable containers to an automatic analyzer in operation:

[0008] a) disconnecting a fluid supply line from a first one of the consumable containers positioned at a supply station of the analyzer;

[0009] b) moving a first one of the consumable containers away from the analyzer supply station;

[0010] c) moving a second consumable container of the consumable containers to an analyzer supply station;

[0011] d) connecting the fluid supply line to a second one of the consumable containers when the second one of the consumable containers is positioned at the analyzer supply station.

[0012] Steps b) and c) may occur simultaneously. Steps a), b) to c) and d) may occur sequentially.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the first aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a barrier positioned between the analyzer supply station and an operator.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the first aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading device includes an actuator, which is configured to simultaneously move a first container holding position between an operator-accessible container station and an analyzer supply station and a second container holding position between the analyzer supply station and the operator-accessible container station.

[0015] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the first aspect, the actuator includes a rotary actuator that moves the first container holding position and the second container holding position by half a turn.

[0016] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the first aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading device comprises three or more container holding positions.

[0017] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer has an analyzer device with a cycle time. The analyzer device is configured to consume at least liquid consumables. At least some of the liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer via consumable containers. The consumable container loading / unloading system includes a consumable container loading / unloading unit, which includes at least a first container holding position and a second container holding position. Each of the first container holding position and the second container holding position is configured to removably hold at least one of the consumable containers. The consumable container loading / unloading unit is configured to receive consumable containers from an operator of the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes an operator-accessible container station that can be touched by an operator, so that at least one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position is configured to directly receive consumable containers from an operator at the operator-accessible container station. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes an analyzer supply station that cannot be touched by an operator. Liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer from the analyzer supply station. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a fluid supply line arranged at the analyzer supply station. The fluid supply line is configured to be connected to the consumable container and thus some of the liquid consumables in the liquid consumables are transported from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a controller that is connected to the consumable container loading / unloading unit and the fluid supply line in a communicable manner. The controller is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit so that the first container holding position moves between the operator accessible container station and the analyzer supply station. The controller is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit so that the second container holding position moves between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station. The controller is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit and the fluid supply line to perform the following steps within the cycle time of the analyzer device and thereby provide loading / unloading of the consumable container during the cycle time of the analyzer device: disconnecting the fluid supply line from a first consumable container of the consumable containers positioned at the analyzer supply station; moving the first consumable container of the consumable containers away from the analyzer supply station by moving a corresponding one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position at the analyzer supply station to an operator accessible container station; moving the second consumable container of the consumable containers to the analyzer supply station by moving a corresponding other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position at the operator accessible container station to the analyzer supply station; connecting the fluid supply line to a second consumable container of the consumable containers positioned at the analyzer supply station. The operator is allowed to replace the first consumable container of the consumable containers positioned at the operator accessible container station with another consumable container within the cycle time of the analyzer device.However, an operator may need to replace a consumable container located at an operator accessible container station for an extended period of time as a plurality of cycle times.

[0018] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes an entry member configured to move vertically between an open position, a locking position and a closed position. In the closed position of the entry member, the entry member is arranged to be adjacent to the operator's accessible container station and relative to the analyzer supply station, and the operator is not allowed to load the consumable container to the consumable container loading / unloading unit or unload the consumable container from the consumable container loading / unloading unit. At least the locking position of the entry member and not in the closed position, the first container holding position moves between the operator's accessible container station and the analyzer supply station, and the second container holding position moves between the analyzer supply station and the operator's accessible container station. In the open position of the entry member, the operator is allowed to load the consumable container to the consumable container loading / unloading unit or unload the consumable container from the consumable container loading / unloading unit at the operator's accessible container station.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a first arm fixedly attached to the entry member and connected to the controller in a communicable manner. The first arm is configured to move vertically at least along a first direction so as to move the entry member from an open position toward a locked position and / or a closed position. The first arm is also configured to move vertically at least along a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to move the entry member from a closed position toward a locked position and / or an open position.

[0020] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a first locking assembly fixedly attached to the first arm. The first locking assembly includes a first sealing ring, which is configured to seal the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container at the operator accessible container station in one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position when the fluid supply line is connected to another consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station and when the entry member is in the closed position. The first locking assembly also includes a first spring configured to bias the first sealing ring toward the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container. The first locking assembly also includes at least one first manifold configured to hold the first sealing ring against it.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the first sealing ring is not configured to seal the opening of one of the consumable containers when the access member is in one of the locked position and the open position.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a first actuator connected to the controller in a communicable manner. The controller is further configured to control the first actuator to vertically move the first arm at least along the first direction and the second direction so as to move the entry member between the open position, the locked position and the closed position.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the fluid supply line includes a suction pipette, so that when the fluid supply line is connected to one of the consumable containers at the analyzer supply station, the liquid consumable is reached by the suction pipette and transported to the automatic analyzer.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, a portion of the intake straw is surrounded by a sleeve configured to limit exposure of the liquid consumable to ambient light.

[0025] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a second arm fixedly attached to the fluid supply line and connected to the controller in a communicable manner. The second arm is configured to move vertically at least along a first direction so that the fluid supply line is connected to a consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station. The second arm is also configured to move vertically at least along a second direction so that the fluid supply line is disconnected from a consumable container in the consumable container.

[0026] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a second locking assembly fixedly attached to the second arm. The second locking assembly includes a second sealing ring, which is configured to seal the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station when the fluid supply line is connected to a consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station in the first container holding position and the second container holding position. The second locking assembly also includes a second spring configured to bias the second sealing ring toward the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container. The second locking assembly also includes at least one second manifold configured to hold the second sealing ring against it. At least one second manifold includes an opening for receiving a suction pipette passing through it. The second locking assembly also includes a vent extending at least partially through at least one second manifold. The vent is arranged to be in fluid communication with a consumable container fluid in the consumable container when the fluid supply line is connected to a consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station. The second locking assembly also includes a check valve, which is arranged to be communicated with the vent fluid, and is configured to allow at least one gas to flow into a consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station when the fluid supply line is connected to a consumable container in the consumable container and some liquid consumables in the liquid consumables are being delivered to the automatic analyzer. However, the check valve does not allow gas (e.g., oxygen and / or carbon dioxide) to diffuse continuously or continuously from the atmosphere into the liquid consumable container (e.g., substrate) of the consumable container (e.g., substrate), which may originally cause the formation of carbonic acid, the pH of the substrate to reduce and erroneous test results. The second locking assembly can also prevent excessive loss of liquid due to evaporation.

[0027] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a second actuator connected to the controller in a communicable manner. The controller is also configured to control the second actuator to move the second arm vertically at least along the first direction so as to connect the fluid supply line to one of the consumable containers in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station. The controller is also configured to control the second actuator to move the second arm vertically at least along the second direction so as to disconnect the fluid supply line from one of the consumable containers in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station.

[0028] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the controller is also configured to control the second arm so that the second arm moves vertically at least along the first direction, so that the fluid supply line is connected to one of the consumable containers in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station, and the opening of one of the consumable containers in the consumable container is sealed at the analyzer supply station via the second locking assembly. The controller is also configured to control the fluid supply line when the fluid supply line is connected to one of the consumable containers in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station to deliver the liquid consumable to the automatic analyzer. The controller is also configured to control the first arm so that the first arm moves vertically at least along the first direction, so that the opening of another consumable container in the consumable container is sealed at the operator-accessible container station via the first locking assembly during the transfer of the liquid consumable to the automatic analyzer. The controller is also configured to control each of the first arm and the second arm so that each of the first arm and the second arm moves vertically at least along the second direction when the transfer of the liquid consumable from one of the consumable containers in the consumable container to the automatic analyzer is completed. The controller is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit so that the first container holding position moves between the operator accessible container station and the analyzer supply station and the second container holding position moves between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station, so that another consumable container in the consumable container is positioned at the analyzer supply station. The controller is also configured to control the second arm so that the second arm moves vertically at least along the first direction so that the fluid supply line is connected to another consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station, and the opening of another consumable container in the consumable container is sealed at the analyzer supply station via the second locking assembly. The controller is also configured to control the fluid supply line when the fluid supply line is connected to another consumable container in the consumable container at the analyzer supply station to transport liquid consumables to the automatic analyzer. The controller is also configured to control the first arm so that the first arm moves vertically at least along the first direction further so that the operator is allowed to replace one of the consumable containers in the consumable container with a new consumable container at the operator accessible container station. A new consumable container is received at the operator accessible container station in one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a first in-situ sensor disposed on the first arm to sense the position of the first arm. The consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a second in-situ sensor disposed on the second arm to sense the position of the second arm.

[0030] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a third actuator connected to the controller in a communicable manner. The controller is configured to control the third actuator to move the first container holding position between the operator accessible container station and the analyzer supply station. The controller is configured to control the third actuator to move the second container holding position between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station.

[0031] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the third actuator includes a rotary actuator configured to move the first container holding position between the operator accessible container station and the analyzer supply station by rotating the first container holding position 180 degrees. The rotary actuator is also configured to move the second container holding position between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station by rotating the second container holding position 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the first container holding position and the second container holding position rotate 180 degrees together.

[0032] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the third actuator includes a linear actuator configured to move the first container holding position at least segmentally linearly between the operator accessible container station and the analyzer supply station. The linear actuator is also configured to move the second container holding position at least segmentally linearly between the analyzer supply station and the operator accessible container station.

[0033] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading unit further comprises a barrier to allow loading of only consumable containers of a predetermined size and / or consumable containers without a cap.

[0034] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a reader configured to read an identifier of the consumable container at the operator accessible container station.

[0035] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the second aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading unit includes at least one additional container holding position in addition to the first container holding position and the second container holding position.

[0036] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer has an analyzer device with a cycle time. The analyzer device is configured to consume at least liquid consumables. At least some of the liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer via consumable containers. The consumable container loading / unloading system includes a consumable container loading / unloading unit, which includes at least a first container holding position and a second container holding position. Each of the first container holding position and the second container holding position is configured to removably hold at least one consumable container of the consumable containers. The consumable container loading / unloading unit is configured to receive consumable containers from an operator of the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes at least one operator-accessible container station that can be touched by an operator, so that at least one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position is configured to directly receive consumable containers from an operator at at least one operator-accessible container station. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes at least one analyzer supply station. Liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer from at least one analyzer supply station. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes at least one fluid supply line, which is arranged at at least one analyzer supply station and is configured to be connected to the consumable container, and thus some of the liquid consumables are transported from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a first locking assembly fixedly attached to the first arm. The first locking assembly includes a first sealing ring, which is configured to seal the first opening of the first consumable container held in one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a second locking assembly fixedly attached to the second arm. The second locking assembly includes a second sealing ring, which is configured to seal the second opening of the second consumable container held in the other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. The second locking assembly also includes a second check valve, which is configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the second consumable container and some of the liquid consumables are being transported to the automatic analyzer. The consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a controller communicatively coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading unit, the at least one fluid supply line, the first arm, and the second arm.The second check valve may be an electrically actuated valve.

[0037] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the first locking assembly further comprises a first spring configured to bias the first sealing ring toward the first opening of the first consumable container. The first locking assembly further comprises at least one first manifold configured to hold the first sealing ring against it.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the first locking assembly further comprises a first vent, the first vent at least partially extending through at least one first manifold, and arranged to be in fluid communication with the first consumable container when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the first consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station. The first locking assembly further comprises a first check valve, the first check valve being arranged to be in fluid communication with the first vent, and being configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the first consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the first consumable container and some of the liquid consumables are being delivered to the automatic analyzer. The first check valve may be an electrically actuated valve.

[0039] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the first arm is fixedly attached to at least one fluid supply line. The first arm is configured to move vertically at least along a first direction so as to connect at least one fluid supply line to the first consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station. The first arm is also configured to move vertically at least along a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to disconnect at least one fluid supply line from the first consumable container.

[0040] According to the embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the second locking assembly also includes a second spring configured to bias the second sealing ring toward the second opening of the second consumable container. The second locking assembly also includes at least one second manifold configured to hold the second sealing ring against it. The second locking assembly also includes a second vent configured to be communicated with the second check valve fluid and at least partially extend through the at least one second manifold. The second vent is configured to be communicated with the second consumable container fluid when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station.

[0041] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the second arm is fixedly attached to at least one fluid supply line. The second arm is configured to move vertically at least along a first direction so as to connect at least one fluid supply line to a second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station. The second arm is also configured to move vertically at least along a second direction opposite to the first direction so as to disconnect at least one fluid supply line from a second consumable container.

[0042] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the controller is configured to control the second arm so that the second arm moves vertically at least along a first direction, so that at least one fluid supply line is connected to the second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station, and the second opening of the second consumable container is sealed at at least one analyzer supply station via a second locking assembly. The controller is also configured to control at least one fluid supply line to deliver liquid consumables to the automatic analyzer when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station. The controller is also configured to control the first arm so that the first arm moves vertically at least along a second direction opposite to the first direction, so that the operator is allowed to replace the first consumable container with a new consumable container at at least one operator accessible container station. The new consumable container is received in one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position at at least one operator accessible container station. The controller is also configured to control the first arm so that the first arm moves vertically at least along the first direction, so that at least one fluid supply line is connected to the new consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station, and the opening of the new consumable container is sealed at at least one operator accessible container station via the first locking assembly during the transfer of the liquid consumable from the second consumable container to the automatic analyzer. The controller is also configured to control at least one fluid supply line to transport the liquid consumable from the new consumable container to the automatic analyzer when the transfer of the liquid consumable from the second consumable container to the automatic analyzer is completed. The controller is also configured to control the second arm so that the second arm moves vertically at least along the second direction, so that at least one fluid supply line is disconnected from the second consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station. When at least one fluid supply line is disconnected from the second consumable container, the operator is allowed to replace the second consumable container with another new consumable container at at least one operator accessible container station. Another new consumable container is received in the other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position at at least one operator accessible container station.

[0043] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the at least one operator accessible container station comprises only a single operator accessible container station servicing at one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position.

[0044] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, at least one analyzer supply station only includes a single analyzer supply station that is spaced apart from a single operator accessible container station and serves the other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. The single analyzer supply station cannot be touched by the operator. At least one fluid supply line includes a single fluid supply line arranged at a single analyzer supply station.

[0045] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the controller is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit so that the first container holding position moves between a single operator accessible container station and a single analyzer supply station. The controller is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit so that the second container holding position moves between a single analyzer supply station and a single operator accessible container station.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the controller is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit and the single fluid supply line to perform the following steps within the cycle time of the analyzer device and thereby provide loading / unloading of the consumable container during the cycle time of the analyzer device: disconnecting the single fluid supply line from the second consumable container located at the single analyzer supply station; moving the second consumable container away from the single analyzer supply station by moving the corresponding one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position located at the single analyzer supply station to the single operator accessible container station; moving the first consumable container to the single analyzer supply station by moving the corresponding other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position located at the single operator accessible container station to the single analyzer supply station; connecting the single fluid supply line to the first consumable container located at the single analyzer supply station. The operator is allowed to replace the second consumable container located at the single operator accessible container station with another consumable container within the cycle time of the analyzer device.

[0047] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, at least one operator accessible container station includes a pair of operator accessible container stations spaced apart from each other. One operator accessible container station in the pair of operator accessible container stations serves one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. The other operator accessible container station in the pair of operator accessible container stations serves the other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position.

[0048] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, at least one analyzer supply station includes a pair of analyzer supply stations spaced apart from each other. One analyzer supply station in a pair of analyzer supply stations serves one of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. Another analyzer supply station in a pair of analyzer supply stations serves the other of the first container holding position and the second container holding position. At least one fluid supply line includes a pair of fluid supply lines. Each fluid supply line in a pair of fluid supply lines is arranged at a corresponding analyzer supply station from a pair of analyzer supply stations.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, one of the pair of analyzer supply stations and one of the pair of operator accessible container stations serves at the first container holding position. Another of the pair of analyzer supply stations and another of the pair of operator accessible container stations serves at the second container holding position.

[0050] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, each of the at least one fluid supply line includes a suction pipette, so that when the at least one fluid supply line is connected to at least one of the consumable containers at at least one analyzer supply station, the liquid consumable is reached by the suction pipette and transported to the automatic analyzer.

[0051] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a first in-situ sensor disposed on the first arm to sense the position of the first arm. The consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a second in-situ sensor disposed on the second arm to sense the position of the second arm.

[0052] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading unit further includes a barrier to allow loading of only consumable containers of a predetermined size and / or consumable containers without a cap.

[0053] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading unit further comprises at least one reader configured to read an identifier of the consumable container at at least the operator accessible container station.

[0054] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the third aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system further comprises a tube guide for guiding at least one fluid supply line when the second arm moves along the first direction and the second direction.

[0055] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, a method for operating a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer has an analyzer device with a cycle time. The analyzer device is configured to consume at least liquid consumables, at least some of which are delivered to the automatic analyzer via consumable containers. The method includes disconnecting a fluid supply line from a first consumable container in the consumable containers that is positioned at an analyzer supply station that cannot be reached by an operator of the automatic analyzer, moving the first consumable container in the consumable containers away from the analyzer supply station, moving a second consumable container in the consumable containers to the analyzer supply station, and connecting the fluid supply line to the second consumable container in the consumable containers when the second consumable container in the consumable containers is positioned at the analyzer supply station, wherein disconnecting the fluid supply line from the first consumable container in the consumable containers, moving the first consumable container in the consumable containers away from the analyzer supply station, moving the second consumable container in the consumable containers to the analyzer supply station, and connecting the fluid supply line to the second consumable container in the consumable containers are all performed within a cycle time, and thereby providing loading of the consumable containers to the automatic analyzer during operation.

[0056] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, moving a first one of the consumable containers away from the analyzer supply station comprises moving the first one of the consumable containers to an operator accessible container station accessible by an operator of the automated analyzer.

[0057] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, moving a second one of the consumable containers to the analyzer supply station comprises moving a second one of the consumable containers from an operator accessible container station accessible by an operator of the automated analyzer.

[0058] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, the fluid supply line is located at an analyser supply station.

[0059] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises transferring at least some of the liquid consumables from the consumables container to the automatic analyzer via the fluid supply line.

[0060] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, the method further comprises operating the analyzer device within a cycle time.

[0061] According to an embodiment of the method of the fourth aspect, the cycle time is in the range of about 6 seconds to about 12 seconds.

[0062] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer is provided. The automatic analyzer has an analyzer device with a cycle time. The consumable container loading / unloading system includes: an operator-accessible container station, which is accessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer; an analyzer supply station, which is not accessible to the operator of the automatic analyzer; a consumable container loading / unloading device, which is configured to move a first consumable container and a second consumable container between the operator-accessible container station and the analyzer supply station; a fluid supply line, which is positioned at the analyzer supply station, the fluid supply line being configured to transport liquid consumables from the first consumable container and the second consumable container to the automatic analyzer; and a controller, which is communicatively connected to the consumable container loading / unloading device, wherein the controller is configured to disconnect the fluid supply line from the first consumable container positioned at the analyzer supply station, move the first consumable container away from the analyzer supply station, move the second consumable container to the analyzer supply station, and connect the fluid supply line to the second consumable container when the second consumable container is positioned at the analyzer supply station within a cycle time.

[0063] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading unit further comprises a barrier configured to allow loading of only consumable containers of a predetermined size and / or consumable containers without a cover.

[0064] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the barrier includes at least one pair of upper fork-shaped portions spaced apart from each other to define the following opening: the opening is sized and configured to receive only consumable containers of predetermined sizes and / or neck portions of consumable containers without lids.

[0065] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the barrier includes at least one pair of lower fork-shaped portions spaced apart from each other to define the following opening: the opening is sized and configured to only receive consumable containers of predetermined sizes and / or the main body portion of consumable containers without lids.

[0066] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a first locking assembly, which is configured to selectively seal an opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container when at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container is positioned at a container station accessible to an operator.

[0067] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the first locking assembly includes: a first sealing ring, which is configured to selectively seal the opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container when at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container is positioned at a container station accessible to an operator; a first spring, which is configured to bias the first sealing ring toward the opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container; and at least one first manifold, which is configured to hold the first sealing ring against it.

[0068] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, at least one first manifold includes only a single manifold, wherein the first locking assembly further includes a first nut configured to hold the first sealing ring against the single manifold.

[0069] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the consumable container loading / unloading system also includes a second locking assembly, which is configured to selectively seal an opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container when at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container is positioned at the analyzer supply station.

[0070] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the second locking assembly includes: a second sealing ring, which is configured to selectively seal the opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container when at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container is positioned at the analyzer supply station; a second spring, which is configured to bias the second sealing ring toward the opening of at least one of the first consumable container or the second consumable container; and at least one second manifold, wherein the at least one second manifold is configured to hold the second sealing ring against it, and the at least one second manifold includes an opening for receiving a suction tube passing therethrough.

[0071] According to an embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading system of the fifth aspect, the at least one second manifold comprises only a single manifold, wherein the second locking assembly further comprises a second nut configured to hold the second sealing ring against the single manifold.

[0072] The automatic analyzer can be used for automatic or semi-automatic analysis of patient samples such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. In order to test and analyze the patient samples, several key components are distributed into reaction vessels in the analyzer device of the automatic analyzer. Liquid consumables are distributed from the consumable containers to the reaction vessels by the dispensing device for testing and analyzing the patient samples.

[0073] As the demand for analysis of patient samples continues to grow and as automated analyzers may have improved analytical processing capabilities, the consumption of liquid consumables may increase. Therefore, due to limited onboard capacity of the automated analyzer and / or urgent unplanned testing requirements, it may be necessary to load / unload consumable containers into the automated analyzer while the analyzer device is in an enabled mode (i.e., consuming liquid consumables).

[0074] The consumable container loading / unloading system of the present disclosure can make it possible to manually load the consumable container into the automatic analyzer or unload the consumable container from the automatic analyzer when the analyzer device is in the activation mode. Therefore, the operator can be free from pausing or interrupting one or more operations of the automatic analyzer in order to load one or more consumable containers in the consumable container into the automatic analyzer or unload one or more consumable containers in the consumable container from the automatic analyzer. This can prevent the delay in the workflow of the automatic analyzer, and subsequently improve the throughput of the automatic analyzer. In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system can prevent the shortage of liquid consumables during the analysis of patient samples.

[0075] In addition, because some of the liquid consumables in the liquid consumables are delivered to the automatic analyzer when at least one fluid supply line is connected with the consumable container at at least one analyzer supply station, the operator is allowed to replace the used or empty consumable container with a new consumable container at at least one operator accessible container station. This can also reduce the time required for the consumable container to be loaded into the consumable container loading / unloading unit, so that the liquid consumables contained in the consumable container can be used when the patient sample needs to be analyzed. In some cases, the operator can load or unload the consumable container at a single operator accessible container station. In some cases, the operator can load or unload the consumable container at a pair of operator accessible container stations at different time periods.

[0076] In addition, since the operator does not have to wait until one or more operations are completed before loading the consumable container into the automatic analyzer, the operator can perform other necessary tasks. This can also save the operator's time. In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system can ensure safe operation. Therefore, the automatic analyzer can also be user-friendly.

[0077] In some cases, the second locking assembly of the consumable container loading / unloading system allows the consumable container at the analyzer supply station to be sealed during the liquid consumables are transferred from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer. In some cases, the first locking assembly of the consumable container loading / unloading system allows the consumable container at the container station that the operator can touch to be sealed during the liquid consumables are transferred from the consumable container (at the analyzer supply station) to the automatic analyzer. Therefore, the consumable container loading / unloading system of the present disclosure can restrict gas, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, from entering the consumable container at the first container holding position and / or the second container holding position to a great extent. Therefore, it is avoided that the gas continuously or continuously diffuses or at least continuously or continuously diffuses into the liquid consumables in the consumable container.

[0078] In addition, the second locking assembly also includes a second check valve, which allows at least one gas (e.g., ambient air or inert gas, such as argon) to flow into the consumable container at least one analyzer supply station when at least one fluid supply line is connected to the consumable container. This can prevent the formation of a significant vacuum during the transfer of liquid consumables from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer. However, the second check valve does not allow gas (e.g., oxygen and / or carbon dioxide) to diffuse continuously or continuously from the atmosphere into the liquid consumables (e.g., substrate) of the consumable container (e.g., substrate), which could originally cause the formation of carbonic acid, the pH of the substrate to reduce and erroneous test results. The second locking assembly can also prevent excessive loss of liquid due to evaporation.

[0079] In the case where the consumable container loading / unloading system includes a pair of analyzer supply stations and a pair of operator accessible container stations, a first check valve allows at least one gas to flow into the consumable container at one of the pair of analyzer supply stations when one of the pair of fluid supply lines is connected to the consumable container at one of the pair of analyzer supply stations, and a second check valve allows at least one gas to flow into the other consumable container at the other of the pair of analyzer supply stations when the other of the pair of fluid supply lines is connected to the other consumable container at the other of the pair of analyzer supply stations. Thus, regardless of the number of analyzer supply stations (e.g., a single analyzer supply station or a pair of analyzer supply stations), the consumable container loading / unloading system can prevent the formation of a significant vacuum during the transfer of liquid consumables from the consumable container to the automatic analyzer.

[0080] Various additional aspects will be described in the following description. These aspects may relate to various features and combinations of features. It should be understood that both the foregoing overview and the following detailed description are exemplary and illustrative only and do not limit the broad conception on which the embodiments disclosed herein are based. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0081] The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may be more fully understood by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the following drawings. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. Like reference numerals used in the drawings refer to like parts. However, it will be understood that the use of a reference numeral to refer to a part in a given figure is not intended to limit the part labeled with the same reference numeral in another figure.

[0082] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automatic analyzer including a consumable container loading / unloading system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0083] Figure 2 According to the embodiment of the present disclosure, it is applicable to Figure 1 A block diagram of a consumable container loading / unloading system used in an automated analyzer;

[0084] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure Figure 2 Different views of a consumable container loading / unloading system of FIG. 1 , wherein some components are not shown;

[0085] Figure 3D yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a barrier for a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0086] Figure 4A According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the access member is in the closed position Figure 3A A side view of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0087] Figure 4B According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the entry member is in the locked position Figure 3A A side view of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0088] Figure 4C According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, when the access member is in the open position Figure 3A A side view of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0089] Figure 5 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3B an enlarged view of a portion of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0090] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3B Different views of a first arm and a first locking assembly of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0091] 7A to 7D According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3B Different views of a second arm and a second locking assembly of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0092] Figure 8 is a timing diagram depicting various operations in a consumable container loading / unloading system for loading or unloading consumable containers according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0093] Fig. 9 is a top view of a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0094] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D are different views of a consumable container loading / unloading system for an automatic analyzer according to yet another embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0095] FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Fig. 10A Different views of a first arm and a first locking assembly of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0096] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B According to the embodiments of the present disclosure FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C A perspective view of a consumable container loading / unloading system of FIG. 1 , illustrating a tube guide;

[0097] Fig.13A is used with Figure 3B A perspective view of another example of a first locking assembly for use with a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0098] Fig. 13B yes Fig.13A an exploded perspective view of a first locking assembly;

[0099] Fig.14A is used with Figure 3B A perspective view of another example of a second locking assembly used in conjunction with a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0100] Fig. 14B yes Fig.14A an exploded perspective view of a second locking assembly;

[0101] Fig. 14C It is along Fig.14A The line 14C-14C in Fig.14A a cross-sectional view of a second locking assembly;

[0102] Fig.15 is a depiction of the Figure 3BA flowchart of an example of a process for sealing a desired consumable container at an analyzer supply station of a consumable container loading / unloading system of an apparatus;

[0103] Fig.16 is a depiction of the Figure 3B A flowchart of an example of a process for unsealing a used consumable container at an analyzer supply station of a consumable container loading / unloading system of an apparatus;

[0104] Fig.17 is a depiction of the Figure 3B A flowchart of an example of a process for sealing a spare consumable container at an operator accessible container station of a consumable container loading / unloading system of the present invention;

[0105] Fig.18 is a depiction of the Figure 3B A flowchart of an example of a process for unsealing a spare consumable container at an operator accessible container station of a consumable container loading / unloading system of a device;

[0106] Fig.19 is a depiction of the Figure 3B A flow chart of an example of a process for changing a consumable container while moving a rotating platform at an operator-accessible container station of a consumable container loading / unloading system;

[0107] Fig. 20 is a diagram for connecting consumable containers at operator accessible container stations and analyzer supply stations to Figure 3B A flowchart of an example of a process for automatically aligning corresponding locking components of a consumable container loading / unloading system; and

[0108] FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D is a diagram for connecting consumable containers at operator accessible container stations and analyzer supply stations to Figure 3B A flow chart of another example of a process for automatically aligning corresponding locking assemblies of a consumable container loading / unloading system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0109] Various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts and components throughout the several views. Reference to various embodiments does not limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. In addition, any examples set forth in this specification are not intended to be limiting and merely set forth some of the many possible embodiments for the appended claims.

[0110] Referring now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of an automatic analyzer 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 1The automatic analyzer 10 shown in the figure can be used by an operator. The automatic analyzer 10 can perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on one or more chemical components contained in a biological sample or on biological source substances contained in a biological sample, such as blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid, etc. The automatic analyzer 10 can perform qualitative and / or quantitative analysis on one or more antibody or antigen components contained in a biological sample or on biological source substances contained in a biological sample, such as blood. In addition, Figure 1 A consumable container loading / unloading system 100 for an automated analyzer 10 is partially illustrated.

[0111] Figure 2 A block diagram of a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 for an automatic analyzer 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is illustrated. The automatic analyzer 10 has an analyzer device 12 with a cycle time. Typically, the cycle time of the analyzer device 12 may refer to the minimum time between test results, and all of the subsystems of the automatic analyzer 10 are synchronized in time by operating at the same cycle time. In some cases, the cycle time of the analyzer device 12 may be about 8 seconds, 12 seconds, a range of 6 seconds to 12 seconds, or a range of 6 seconds to 10 seconds.

[0112] The analyzer device is configured to consume at least liquid consumables 14. The automatic analyzer 10 can analyze one or more chemical components by measuring the optical properties of the reaction solution obtained by mixing and combining the biological sample and at least the liquid consumables 14. The automatic analyzer 10 can analyze one or more antibody or antigen components by measuring the light output from the reaction obtained by mixing and combining and incubating the biological sample and at least the liquid consumables 14. At least some of the liquid consumables 14 are delivered to the automatic analyzer 10 via the consumable container 20. In some embodiments, the liquid consumables 14 may include reagents. In some embodiments, the liquid consumables 14 may include substrates. In some embodiments, the liquid consumables 14 may include patient samples. In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 10 may be an immunoassay analyzer or a clinical chemistry analyzer. In some embodiments, the automatic analyzer 10 may be located in a clinical laboratory.

[0113] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C 1 are different views of a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 according to an example embodiment of the present disclosure. For illustrative purposes, some of the components of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 are not shown. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C Shown at. Figure 3A is a top view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 . Figure 3B is a side view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 . Figure 3Cis a perspective view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 from another angle.

[0114] Reference Figures 2 to 3C The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 includes a consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 (i.e., a consumable container loading / unloading device), which includes at least a first container holding position C1 and a second container holding position C2. In some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 may be referred to herein as "consumable container loading / unloading device 102" in an interchangeable manner. Each of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 is configured to removably hold at least one of the consumable containers 20. The consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 is configured to receive the consumable container 20 from the operator of the automatic analyzer 10. As Figure 3A As shown in FIG. 1 , the first container holding position C1 is configured to removably hold a first consumable container 20a from the consumable container 20. The second container holding position C2 is configured to removably hold a second consumable container 20b from the consumable container 20. Figure 3B As shown, the first consumable container 20a has a first opening O1, and the second consumable container 20b has a second opening O2.

[0115] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes at least one operator-accessible container station 104 that can be accessed by an operator. At least one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 is configured to directly receive the consumable container 20 from the operator at the at least one operator-accessible container station 104. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the at least one operator accessible container station 104 includes only a single operator accessible container station 104 that services one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. During the cycle time of the analyzer device 12, the first container holding position C1 services the single operator accessible container station 104 (e.g., Figure 3A ). In the next cycle time of the analyzer device 12, the second container holding position C2 can serve the single operator accessible container station 104. In some embodiments, the single operator accessible container station 104 can be referred to as "operator accessible container station 104" in an interchangeable manner. Therefore, it can be said that the operator accessible container station 104 is accessible by the operator of the automatic analyzer 10, so that at least one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 is configured to directly receive the consumable container 20 from the operator at the operator accessible container station 104.

[0116] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes at least one analyzer supply station 106. The liquid consumables 14 are delivered to the automatic analyzer 10 from the at least one analyzer supply station 106. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment of the at least one analyzer supply station 106, only a single analyzer supply station 106 is included that is spaced apart from the single operator accessible container station 104 and serves the other of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. During one cycle time of the analyzer device 12, the second container holding position C2 serves the single analyzer supply station 106 (e.g., Figure 3A However, during another cycle of the analyzer device 12, the first container holding position C1 may be serviced at a single analyzer supply station 106. In some embodiments, the single analyzer supply station 106 may be referred to interchangeably as an "analyzer supply station 106". FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, a single analyzer supply station 106 or analyzer supply stations 106 are not accessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer 10. Therefore, it can be said that the liquid consumables 14 are delivered to the automatic analyzer 10 from the analyzer supply station 106.

[0117] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes at least one fluid supply line 108 disposed at at least one analyzer supply station 106. The at least one fluid supply line 108 is configured to connect to the consumable container 20 and thereby transfer some of the liquid consumables 14 from the consumable container 20 to the automatic analyzer 10. In some embodiments, each of the at least one fluid supply line 108 includes a suction pipe 109 ( Figure 4B ). When at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to at least one of the consumable containers 20 at at least one analyzer supply station 106, the liquid consumable 14 is touched by the suction pipette 109 and delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. The suction pipette 109 can be repaired or maintained when any fault is observed in the suction pipette 109. In some embodiments, a portion of the suction pipette 109 is surrounded by a sleeve 107 configured to limit the exposure of the liquid consumable 14 to ambient light. Since the liquid consumable 14 may be sensitive to ambient light, the sleeve 107 is used as a protective cover for the suction pipette 109, for exposing the liquid consumable 14 to ambient light in a limited manner. In addition, the sleeve 107 may not have any chemical compatibility issues with the suction pipette 109. Each fluid supply line in the at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the analyzer device 12 to deliver the liquid consumable 14 to the analyzer device 12 of the automatic analyzer 10.

[0118] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CIn the illustrated embodiment of the at least one fluid supply line 108 includes a single fluid supply line 108 disposed or positioned at a single analyzer supply station 106. In some embodiments, the single fluid supply line 108 may be referred to herein as "fluid supply line 108" in an interchangeable manner. Thus, when the single fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 at the single analyzer supply station 106, the liquid consumable 14 is accessed by the suction pipette 109 and delivered to the automatic analyzer 10.

[0119] In some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 includes a barrier 130 positioned on the rotating platform 101 to allow only consumable containers 20 of a predetermined size and / or consumable containers 20 without a cover to be loaded. The barrier 130 may include an opening of a specific shape to receive consumable containers 20 of a predetermined size and / or consumable containers 20 without a cover. For example, in Figure 3D In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the barrier 130 includes at least one pair of upper forks 131 spaced apart from each other to define an opening sized and configured to receive a neck portion of an uncapped consumable container 20 having a predetermined size. More specifically, the opening defined by the at least one pair of upper forks 131 may be wide enough to allow the neck portion of an uncapped consumable container 20 to be received between the at least one pair of upper forks 131, while being narrow enough to prevent the cap of a capped consumable container 20 from being received between the at least one pair of upper forks 131, thereby inhibiting unintentional loading of the capped consumable container 20. In the illustrated example, the barrier 130 also includes at least one pair of lower forks 133 spaced apart from each other to define an opening sized and configured to receive a body portion of a consumable container 20 having a predetermined size. More specifically, the opening defined by the at least one pair of lower forks 133 may be wide enough to allow the body portion of the consumable container 20 to be received between the at least one pair of lower forks 133. In some versions, the at least one pair of lower forks 133 can be configured to clamp the body portion of the loaded consumable container 20. Additionally or alternatively, the opening defined by the at least one pair of upper forks 131 can be narrow enough to prevent the body portion of the consumable container 20 from being received between the at least one pair of upper forks 131, thereby inhibiting unintentional lifting of the loaded consumable container 20. For example, the lower surface of the at least one pair of upper forks 131 can face and / or abut the upper surface of the body portion of the loaded consumable container 20.

[0120] In some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes at least one reader 132 configured to read an identifier of the consumable container 20 at at least the operator accessible container station 104. FIG. 3A to FIG. 3CIn the illustrated embodiment, the at least one reader 132 includes a single reader 132 (which may be referred to interchangeably herein as a "reader"). The reader 132 is configured to read an identifier of a consumable container 20 at an operator-accessible container station 104. Each of the at least one reader 132 may be a scanner, such as a barcode reader, a QR code reader, or an RFID reader, that can read information from the identifier of the consumable container 20. The identifier may include information related to the liquid consumable 14 contained in the consumable container 20. The information may include one or more analyses in which the liquid consumable 14 contained in the consumable container 20 may be used, the name of the liquid consumable 14, the expiration date of the liquid consumable 14, the volume of the liquid consumable 14, batch information, container information, and the like. In some embodiments, the identifier may include a barcode, which may include encoded information and is optically readable, as well as an RFID tag, which may transmit stored information via radio waves. As Figure 3A As shown at , the reader 132 is configured to read the identifier of the first consumable container 20a.

[0121] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes a controller 16 ( 102 ) communicatively coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 and the at least one fluid supply line 108. Figure 2 Controller 16 may be a programmable analog and / or digital device that can store, retrieve, and process data. In applications, controller 16 may include a processor, a control circuit, a computer, a workstation, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, a central processing unit, a server, and / or any suitable device or apparatus.

[0122] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment of the consumable container loading / unloading device 102, the consumable container loading / unloading device 102 is configured to move the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106, and is also configured to move the second container holding position C2 between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. In other words, the controller 16 is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 so that the first container holding position C1 moves between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 so that the second container holding position C2 moves between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104.

[0123] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 or the consumable container loading / unloading device 102 also includes an actuator 118 (e.g., an actuator stack) that is communicatively coupled to the controller 16. The controller 16 is configured to control the actuator stack 118 so that the first container holding position C1 moves between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is also configured to control the actuator stack 118 so that the second container holding position C2 moves between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. In some embodiments, the actuator stack 118 may be referred to herein as a "third actuator stack 118" in an interchangeable manner. In other words, the actuator 118 is configured to simultaneously move the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 and the second container holding position C2 moves between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104.

[0124] Specifically, the third actuator stack 118 includes a third drive motor 118M, a third shaft 118S, a third brake 118B ( Figure 2 The third drive motor 118M moves the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106, and also moves the second container holding position C2 between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. The third drive motor 118M can be a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0125] The third drive motor 118M moves the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 through the third shaft 118S and the gear train 117. The controller 16 can also control the third brake 118B to keep the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 in the desired position based on various operations performed in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 and the automatic analyzer 10. Although the third actuator stack 118 of this example includes the third brake 118B, it will be understood that the third brake 118B can be omitted, such as when the friction within the third drive motor 118M is sufficient to prevent the rotation of the third shaft 118S when the third drive motor 118M is not enabled and thereby keep the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 in the desired position.

[0126] The third encoder 118E is attached to the third drive motor 118M and can determine the position of the third shaft 118S by measuring the rotation degree of the third shaft 118S. The third encoder 118E can provide an output corresponding to the rotation of the third shaft 118S according to a voltage pulse or an absolute angular position. The third encoder 118E can provide a signal indicating the position of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2.

[0127] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment, the third actuator stack 118 includes a rotary actuator configured to move the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 by rotating the first container holding position C1 180 degrees. The rotary actuator is also configured to move the second container holding position C2 between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104 by rotating the second container holding position C2 180 degrees. In other words, the rotary actuator moves the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 half a turn. In the depicted embodiment, the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 includes a rotating platform 101, and each of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 is rotated 180 degrees on the rotating platform 101 simultaneously. Therefore, the third actuator stack 118 can move (ie, rotate) the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 on the rotating platform 101 by transmitting power to the rotating platform 101 via the gear train 117 and the third shaft 118S.

[0128] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes an access member 126 (eg, a door) configured to move vertically between an open position P3, a locked position P2, and a closed position P1. Figure 4A is a side view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 when the access member 126 is in the closed position P1. Figure 4B is a side view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 when the entry member 126 is in the locked position P2. Figure 4C1 is a side view of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 when the entry member 126 is in the open position P3. When viewed from the entry member 126, the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 are arranged to be opposite to each other. In order to move the entry member 126 from the open position P3 to the closed position P1 or the locked position P2, the entry member 126 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1. In order to move the entry member 126 from the closed position P1 to the open position P3 or the locked position P2, the entry member 126 moves vertically at least along the second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1. The entry member 126 can be a slidable door that controls the passage to the operator-accessible container station 104.

[0129] Reference Figure 4A In the closed position P1 of the entry member 126, the entry member 126 is arranged adjacent to the operator-accessible container station 104 and opposite to the analyzer supply station 106, so that the operator is not allowed to load the consumable container 20 into the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 or unload the consumable container 20 from the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102. Therefore, in the closed position P1 of the entry member 126, neither the first container holding position C1 nor the second container holding position C2 can directly receive the consumable container 20 from the operator at the operator-accessible container station 104. Figure 4A In the illustrated embodiment of , a first consumable container 20 a is received in a first container holding position C1 at the operator accessible container station 104 , and a second consumable container 20 b is received in a second container holding position C2 at the analyzer supply station 106 .

[0130] Reference Figure 4B , in at least the locked position P2 of the entry member 126 but not in the closed position P1, the first container holding position C1 moves between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106, and the second container holding position C2 moves between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. In some embodiments, in at least the locked position P2 of the entry member 126 but not in the closed position P1, the first container holding position C1 rotates 180 degrees between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106, and the second container holding position C2 rotates 180 degrees between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. Figure 4B In the illustrated embodiment of , each of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 is illustrated as being moved between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 .

[0131] Reference Figure 4C, in the open position P3 of the entry member 126, the operator is allowed to load the consumable container 20 to the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 or unload the consumable container 20 from the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 at the operator accessible container station 104. In response to the first container holding position C1 moving from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106, the first container holding position C1 is illustrated as serving the analyzer supply station 106, and the entry member 126 is in the open position P3. In response to the second container holding position C2 moving from the analyzer supply station 106 to the operator accessible container station 104, the second container holding position C2 is illustrated as serving the operator accessible container station 104, and the entry member 126 is in the open position P3. When the entry member 126 is in the open position P3, the operator is allowed to load the consumable container 20 to the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 or unload the consumable container 20 from the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102.

[0132] Reference FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C , the controller 16 is further configured to control the fluid supply line 108 to disconnect the fluid supply line 108 from the first consumable container (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) of the consumable container 20 located at the analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 to disconnect the first consumable container (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) of the consumable container 20 located at the analyzer supply station 106 by making the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 corresponding to the one located at the analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b). Figure 4A and Figure 4B The controller 16 is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 to move the first consumable container 20 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) away from the analyzer supply station 106 by moving the second container holding position C2 of the first container holding position C1 to the operator accessible container station 104. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe first container holding position C1) is moved to the analyzer supply station 106 to move the second consumable container (i.e., the first consumable container 20a) in the consumable container 20 to the analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is also configured to control the fluid supply line 108 to connect the fluid supply line 108 to the second consumable container (i.e., the first consumable container 20a) in the consumable container 20 positioned at the analyzer supply station 106. Therefore, the controller 16 is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 and the fluid supply line 108 to perform the aforementioned steps within the cycle time of the analyzer device 12, and thereby provide loading / unloading of the consumable container 20 during the cycle time of the analyzer device 12. Therefore, once the fluid supply line 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a located at the analyzer supply station 106, the operator is allowed to replace the first consumable container (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) located at the operator-accessible container station 104 in the consumable container 20 with another consumable container 20. The operator can replace the consumable container 20 within the cycle time of the analyzer device 12. However, the operator may need a longer time than the cycle time to replace the consumable container 20. For example, the operator can wait for the liquid consumables 14 of the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 to be drawn out, and then replace the consumable container 20 at the operator-accessible container station 104 shortly before the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 is emptied. As long as the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 continues to have a serviceable amount of liquid consumables 14, the automatic analyzer 10 can continue to run without missing a cycle or needing to be shut down.

[0133] The operation in the above paragraphs can also be summarized by stating that the consumable container loading / unloading device 102 is configured to sequentially perform the following steps during all cycle times and thereby provide loading of the consumable container 20 to the automatic analyzer 10 in operation (wherein steps b and c optionally occur simultaneously):

[0134] a) disconnecting the fluid supply line 108 from a first one of the consumable containers 20 located at the analyzer supply station 106,

[0135] b) moving a first one of the consumable containers 20 away from the analyzer supply station 106,

[0136] c) moving a second consumable container of the consumable containers 20 to the analyzer supply station 106, and

[0137] d) When a second one of the consumable containers 20 is positioned at the analyzer supply station 106 , connecting the fluid supply line 108 to the second one of the consumable containers 20 .

[0138] The term "in operation" indicates that while the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is manipulating the consumable container 20 to supply liquid consumables 14 to the automatic analyzer, the automatic analyzer 10 may continue to operate without interruptions, delays, etc. and in its normal manner.

[0139] Figure 5 According to the embodiments of the present disclosure Figure 3B An enlarged view of a portion of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is shown. FIG. 4A to FIG. 5 The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes a device fixedly attached to the entry member 126 and communicatively coupled to the controller 16 ( Figure 2 The first arm 110 is configured to move vertically at least along a first direction d1 so as to move the entry member 126 from the open position P3 toward the locked position P2 and / or the closed position P1. The first arm 110 is also configured to move vertically at least along a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1 so as to move the entry member 126 from the closed position P1 toward the locked position P2 and / or the open position P3.

[0140] Reference Figures 2 to 5 In some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes a controller 16 ( Figure 2 The controller 16 is further configured to control the first actuator stack 114 to vertically move the first arm 110 at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 so as to move the entry member 126 between the open position P3, the locked position P2, and the closed position P1. Specifically, the first actuator stack 114 includes a first drive motor 114M, a first shaft 114S, a first brake 114B, and a first encoder 114E. The first drive motor 114M vertically moves the first arm 110 at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 so as to move the entry member 126 between the open position P3, the locked position P2, and the closed position P1. The first drive motor 114M may be a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first drive motor 114M actuates the first pulley mechanism 113 ( Figure 3C) to make the first arm 110 move vertically along the linear guide at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. The first arm 110 and the entry member 126 move vertically at least along the first direction d1 or the second direction d2 when the first pulley mechanism 113 is actuated by the first drive motor 114M. In other words, the first drive motor 114M transmits power to the first arm 110 through the first pulley mechanism 113 and the first shaft 114S. The controller 16 can also control the first brake 114B based on various operations performed in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 and the automatic analyzer 10 to keep the first arm 110 in a desired position. In some cases of power outage, the first brake 114B can hold the first arm 110 so that the opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a is sealed, which will be described later in the description. Although the first actuator stack 114 of the present example includes a first brake 114B, it will be understood that the first brake 114B may be omitted, such as where friction within the first drive motor 114M is sufficient to prevent rotation of the first shaft 114S and thereby maintain the first arm 110 in a desired position when the first drive motor 114M is not enabled.

[0142] The first encoder 114E is attached to the first drive motor 114M, and the position of the first shaft 114S can be determined by measuring the rotation of the first shaft 114S. The first encoder 114E can provide an output corresponding to the rotation of the first shaft 114S according to a voltage pulse or an absolute angular position. In some applications, the first encoder 114E may include two plates, one of which is fixed and the other plate with a unique encoding is attached to the first shaft 114S. When the first shaft 114S rotates, the plates rotate relative to each other without contact. The electric field between the plates is affected in response to the relative rotation, and the change represents the angular position of the first shaft 114S in the form of an electrical signal. The first encoder 114E can provide a signal indicating the position of the consumable container 20 at the operator-accessible container station 104 of the first arm 110.

[0143] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes a first in-situ sensor 122 disposed on the first arm 110 or disposed on a frame adjacent to the first arm 110 to sense the position of the first arm 110. The first in-situ sensor 122 does not move relative to the movement of the first arm 110. The first in-situ sensor 122 can sense the presence or absence of the first arm 110 at the in-situ position (not shown). In other words, the first in-situ sensor 122 is used to return the first arm 110. When the first arm 110 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1 and when the first arm 110 moves vertically at least along the second direction d2, the physical position of the first in-situ sensor 122 does not change. In some embodiments, the first in-situ sensor 122 can be a proximity sensor, a magnetic sensor, or a capacitive sensor. In other embodiments, the first in-situ sensor 122 can be a slotted optical sensor or a limit switch. Since the first in-situ sensor 122 is configured to sense the presence or absence of the first arm 110 at the in-situ position, the first in-situ sensor 122 is used as a position reference for sensing the movement of the first arm 110. In this manner, the position of the first arm 110 may be determined by the first in-situ sensor 122. The controller 16 may precisely adjust the timing of the movement of the first arm 110 based on the position of the first arm 110 determined by the first in-situ sensor 122.

[0144] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes a first locking assembly 202 fixedly attached to the first arm 110. Since the access member 126 is also fixedly attached to the first arm 110, movement of the first arm 110 causes corresponding movement of the first locking assembly 202 and the access member 126. FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C are different views of the first arm 110 and the first locking assembly 202 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 6A is a perspective view of the first locking assembly 202 and a portion of the first arm 110 . Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view of the first locking assembly 202 and the first arm 110 . Figure 6C is an exploded view of the first locking assembly 202 and the first arm 110 .

[0145] Reference 4A to 6C , the first locking assembly 202 includes a first sealing ring 204 configured to seal an opening (e.g., first opening O1 or second opening O2) of one of the consumable containers 20 held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the operator accessible container station 104 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to another of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 and when the access member 126 is in the closed position P1. In other words, referring to Figure 4AThe first sealing ring 204 is configured to be held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the operator accessible container station 104 (ie, as Figure 4A The first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a in the first container holding position C1) shown at the bottom is sealed.

[0146] The first locking assembly 202 also includes a first spring 206 for biasing the first sealing ring 204 toward an opening of one of the consumable containers 20. Figure 4A The first spring 206 biases the first sealing ring 204 toward the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a. The first locking assembly 202 also includes a first upper manifold 208 and a first lower manifold 210, which are configured to hold the first sealing ring 204 between the first upper manifold 208 and the first lower manifold 210.

[0147] In addition, the first sealing ring 204 is not configured to be in the locked position P2 (eg, Figure 4B ) and the open position P3 (as shown Figure 4C 100 is a device for sealing the opening (first opening O1 or second opening O2) of one of the consumable containers 20 in the consumable container 20 when the first arm 110 is in one of the locked position P2 and the open position P3. Therefore, the first sealing ring 204 does not seal the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a when the entry member 126 is in one of the locked position P2 and the open position P3. Since the first sealing ring 204 does not seal the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a when the entry member 126 is in one of the locked position P2 and the open position P3, the first consumable container 20a is free to move between the operator-accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 in the locked position P2. The first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a is sealed in the closed position P1 of the entry member 126. The movement of the first arm 110 to unseal the first consumable container 20a causes the entry member 126 to move from the closed position P1 to the locked position P2 accordingly. The locked position P2 is located between the open position P3 and the closed position P1 relative to the vertical axis.

[0148] The first locking assembly 202 including the first sealing ring 204 can also largely limit the entry of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, into the consumable container 20 at the first container holding position C1 and / or the second container holding position C2. Therefore, the first locking assembly 202 can reduce the exposure of the liquid consumables 14 in the consumable container 20 at the operator-accessible container station 104 to gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. Therefore, it is prevented that the gas (e.g., oxygen and / or carbon dioxide) is continuously or continuously diffused from the atmosphere into the liquid consumables (e.g., substrate) of the consumable container (e.g., substrate container), which may otherwise cause the formation of carbonic acid, the pH of the substrate is reduced, erroneous test results, etc. It has been found that this is effective even in an environment with poor air quality (e.g., 5,000 ppm CO2). Significant loss of liquid due to evaporation is also prevented.

[0149] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes a fluid supply line 108 fixedly attached to at least one fluid supply line 108 (ie, fluid supply line 108) and communicatively coupled to the controller 16 ( Figure 2 The second arm 112 is configured to move vertically at least along the first direction d1 to connect at least one fluid supply line 108 to a second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106. In other words, the second arm 112 is configured to move vertically at least along the first direction d1 to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., Figure 4A Specifically, as shown in FIG. Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , since the second arm 112 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1, the fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b). The second arm 112 is also configured to move vertically at least along the second direction d2 so as to disconnect at least one fluid supply line 108 from the second consumable container 20b. In other words, the second arm 112 is configured to move vertically at least along the second direction d2 so as to disconnect the fluid supply line 108 from one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b). Figure 4B The second consumable container 20b) shown at the top is disconnected. Figure 4B As shown at , due to the vertical movement of the second arm 112 at least along the second direction d2, the fluid supply line 108 is disconnected from one of the consumable containers 20 (ie, the second consumable container 20b).

[0150] Reference Figures 2 to 6BIn some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes a controller 16 ( Figure 2 The controller 16 is further configured to control the second actuator stack 116 to vertically move the second arm 112 at least along the first direction d1 so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., Figure 4A The controller 16 is further configured to control the second actuator stack 116 to move the second arm 112 vertically at least along the second direction d2 so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., Figure 4B The second actuator stack 116 includes a second drive motor 116M, a second shaft 116S, a second brake 116B and a second encoder 116E. The second drive motor 116M moves the second arm 112 vertically at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2, so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 to the consumable container 20 and disconnect the fluid supply line 108 from the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. The second drive motor 116M can be a stepper motor or a servo motor.

[0151] In some embodiments, the second drive motor 116M actuates the second pulley mechanism 115 ( Figure 3C ) so that the second arm 112 moves vertically along the linear guide at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. The second arm 112 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 when the second pulley mechanism 115 is actuated by the second drive motor 116M. In other words, the second drive motor 115M transmits power to the second arm 112 through the second pulley mechanism 115 and the second shaft 116S. The controller 16 can also control the second brake 116B to keep the second arm 112 in a desired position based on various operations performed in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 and the automatic analyzer 10. In some cases of power outage, the second brake 116B can hold the second arm 112 so that the opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b is sealed, which will be described later in the description. Although the second actuator stack 116 of the present example includes a second brake 116B, it will be appreciated that the second brake 116B may be omitted, such as where friction within the second drive motor 116M is sufficient to prevent rotation of the second shaft 116S and thereby maintain the second arm 112 in a desired position when the second drive motor 116M is not enabled.

[0152] The second encoder 116E is attached to the second drive motor 116M and can determine the rotational position of the second shaft 116S by measuring the rotation degree of the second shaft 116S. The second encoder 116E can provide an output corresponding to the rotation of the second shaft 116S according to a voltage pulse or an absolute angular position. The second encoder 116E can provide a signal indicating the position of the second arm 112 relative to the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106.

[0153] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 further includes a second in-situ sensor 124 ( Figure 4A and Figure 4C 124). The second in-situ sensor 124 does not move relative to the movement of the second arm 110. The second in-situ sensor 124 can sense the presence or absence of the second arm 112 at a corresponding in-situ position (not shown) associated with the second in-situ sensor 124. The second in-situ sensor 124 can be functionally equivalent to the first in-situ sensor 122. The controller 16 can precisely adjust the timing of the movement of the second arm 112 based on the position of the second arm 112 determined by the second in-situ sensor 124.

[0154] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 also includes a second locking assembly 252 fixedly attached to the second arm 112 . 7A to 7D are different views of the second arm 112 and the second locking assembly 252 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 7A and Figure 7B 2 is a different perspective view of the second locking assembly 252 and a portion of the second arm 112 . Figure 7C is a cross-sectional view of the second locking assembly 252 and the second arm 112 . Fig.7D is an exploded view of the second locking assembly 252 and the second arm 112 .

[0155] Reference FIG. 4A to FIG. 7D , the second locking assembly 252 includes a second sealing ring 254, which is configured to seal the opening of one of the consumable containers 20 held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the analyzer supply station 106 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. In other words, referring to Figure 4A The second sealing ring 254 is configured to be held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the analyzer supply station 106 (ie, Figure 4A The second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b in the first second container holding position C2) shown at the bottom is sealed.

[0156] The second locking assembly 252 also includes a second spring 256 for biasing the second sealing ring 254 toward the opening of one of the consumable containers 20. Figure 4A , the second spring 256 biases the second sealing ring 254 toward the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b. The second locking assembly 252 also includes a second upper manifold 258 and a second lower manifold 260, which are configured to hold the second sealing ring 254 between the second upper manifold 258 and the second lower manifold 260. Each of the second upper manifold 258 and the second lower manifold 260 includes an opening for receiving the suction pipe 109 therethrough. The second upper manifold 258 includes an opening 258o for receiving the suction pipe 109 therethrough, and the second lower manifold 260 includes an opening 260o for receiving the suction pipe 109 therethrough.

[0157] The second locking assembly 252 including the second sealing ring 254 can largely limit the entry of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, into the consumable container 20 at the first container holding position C1 and / or the second container holding position C2. Therefore, the second locking assembly 252 can reduce the exposure of the liquid consumables 14 in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 to gases, such as oxygen, carbon dioxide, etc. Therefore, it is prevented that the gas (e.g., oxygen and / or carbon dioxide) is continuously or continuously diffused from the atmosphere into the liquid consumables (e.g., substrate) of the consumable container (e.g., substrate container), which may originally cause the formation of carbonic acid, the pH of the substrate is reduced, erroneous test results, etc. It has been found that this is effective even in an environment with poor air quality (e.g., 5,000ppm CO2). It also prevents significant loss of liquid due to evaporation.

[0158] In some embodiments, the second locking assembly 252 further includes a second check valve 262 configured to allow at least one gas to flow into one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 and some of the liquid consumables 14 are being delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. In some embodiments, the second check valve 262 may be referred to herein as "check valve 262" in an interchangeable manner. Specifically, with reference to Figure 4A, the second check valve 262 is configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106 when at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the second consumable container 20b and some of the liquid consumables 14 are being delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. At least one gas flowing into the second consumable container 20b can prevent the formation of vacuum or negative internal pressure in the second consumable container 20b during the connection of the fluid supply line 108 to the second consumable container 20b. At least one gas may include ambient air or an inert gas, such as argon. However, the second check valve 262 does not allow gas (e.g., oxygen and / or carbon dioxide) to continue to diffuse from the atmosphere into the liquid consumable 14 of the consumable container 20, which may originally cause the formation of carbonic acid, the pH of the liquid to decrease and erroneous test results. The second locking assembly 252 can also prevent excessive loss of liquid due to evaporation. The second check valve 262 can be an electrically actuated valve.

[0159] The second locking assembly 252 also includes a second vent 264 (264) that is disposed in fluid communication with the second check valve 262. Figure 7C 260). In some embodiments, the second vent 264 may be referred to herein as "vent 264" in an interchangeable manner. The second vent 264 extends at least partially through at least one of the second upper manifold 258 and the second lower manifold 260. The second vent 264 is configured to be in fluid communication with one of the consumable containers 20 in the consumable container 20 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. Specifically, the second vent 264 is configured to be in fluid communication with the second consumable container 20b when at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106. The second vent 264 allows air trapped inside the second check valve 262 to flow out of the second locking assembly 252.

[0160] Figure 8 1 is a timing diagram 50 depicting various operations in a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 for loading or unloading consumable containers 20 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The timing diagram 50 depicts operations within an operating cycle of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 (which operating cycle coincides with the operating cycle of the automatic analyzer 10 when enabled). For example, the operating cycle time in this exemplary embodiment is 8 seconds. However, in other exemplary embodiments, the operating cycle time may be 12 seconds or 16 seconds. Figure 8 In the illustrated example implementation, timing diagram 50 depicts operations 52 , 54 , 56 , 58 , 60 , 62 , 64 .

[0161] Reference FIG. 4A to FIG. 8, the controller 16 is configured to control the second arm 112 to move the second arm 112 vertically at least along the first direction d1, so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 and seal the opening of one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 via the second locking assembly 252. Specifically, as Figure 4A As shown in FIG. 1 , the second locking assembly 252 seals the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b at the analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is also configured to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., Figure 4A When the second consumable container 20 b) shown at the top is connected, the fluid supply pipeline 108 is controlled to transport the liquid consumable 14 to the automatic analyzer 10.

[0162] Therefore, at operation 52, the second locking assembly 252 seals the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b, and the fluid supply line 108 delivers the liquid consumable 14 from the second consumable container 20b to the automatic analyzer 10. The controller 16 is also configured to vertically move the first arm 110 at least along the first direction d1 so as to seal the opening of another consumable container in the consumable container 20 at the operator-accessible container station 104 via the first locking assembly 202 during the transfer of the liquid consumable 14 to the automatic analyzer 10. In other words, the controller 16 is also configured to vertically move the first arm 110 at least along the first direction d1 so as to move the entry member 126 to the closed position P1, and seal the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a at the operator-accessible container station 104 via the first locking assembly 202. Operation 54 is performed simultaneously with operation 52 and for the same duration. At operation 54, the entry member 126 is in the closed position P1 ( Figure 4A ), and therefore, the first locking assembly 202 seals the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a.

[0163] The controller 16 is also configured to control each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to move each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 vertically at least along the second direction d2 when the transfer of the liquid consumable 14 from one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) to the automatic analyzer 10 is completed. Figure 4B As shown in FIG. 1 , each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 is relative to its Figure 4A10b is vertically moved along the second direction d2 at least in the position shown in the figure. In particular, the controller 16 is configured to control the first arm 110 so that the first arm 110 moves vertically at least along the second direction d2, so that the entry member 126 moves from the closed position P1 to the locked position P2. At operation 60, the entry member 126 is in the locked position P2. The controller 16 is configured to control the second arm 112 so that the second arm 112 moves vertically at least along the second direction d2, so that the fluid supply line 108 is disconnected from the second consumable container 20b. At operation 56, the fluid supply line 108 is disconnected from the second consumable container 20b.

[0164] Once the fluid supply line 108 is disconnected from the second consumable container 20 b and the access member 126 is in the locked position P2, the controller 16 is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 to move the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 and to move the second container holding position C2 between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104 so that another of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., the first consumable container 20 a ) is positioned at the analyzer supply station 106. Thus, the second consumable container 20 b is positioned at the operator accessible container station 104, as shown in FIG. Figure 4C At operation 58 , the first container holding position C1 is moved between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 , and the second container holding position C2 is moved between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104 .

[0165] Once the first consumable container 20a is positioned at the analyzer supply station 106 ( Figure 4C ), the controller 16 is further configured to control the second arm 112 to move the second arm 112 vertically at least along the first direction d1, so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 with another consumable container (i.e., the first consumable container 20a) in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106, and seal the opening (i.e., the first opening O1) of another consumable container (i.e., the first consumable container 20a) in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 via the second locking assembly 252. The controller 16 is also configured to control the fluid supply line 108 to deliver the liquid consumable 14 to the automatic analyzer 10 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to another consumable container (i.e., the first consumable container 20a) in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. At operation 62 , the second locking assembly 252 seals the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20 a , and the fluid supply line 108 delivers the liquid consumable 14 from the first consumable container 20 a to the automated analyzer 10 .

[0166] Once the fluid supply line 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a at the analyzer supply station 106, the controller 16 is further configured to control the first arm 110 to further move the first arm 110 vertically at least along the first direction d1 so as to move the entry member 126 from the locked position P2 to the open position P3, so that the operator is allowed to replace one of the consumable containers 20 (i.e., the second consumable container 20b) with a new consumable container 20 at the operator-accessible container station 104. At operation 64, the entry member 126 is in the open position P3. In addition, during operation 64, the new consumable container 20 is received in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the operator-accessible container station 104. Referring to Figure 4C , a new consumable container 20 will be received in the second container holding position C2 at the operator accessible container station 104 .

[0167] exist FIG. 3A to FIG. 8 In the illustrated embodiment, the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 includes two container holding positions, namely, a first container holding position C1 and a second container holding position C2. In some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102 includes at least one additional container holding position in addition to the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. In other words, in some embodiments, the consumable container loading / unloading device 102 includes three or more container holding positions C1, C2.

[0168] The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 can enable the consumable container to be manually loaded into the automatic analyzer 10 or the consumable container to be unloaded from the automatic analyzer 10 when the analyzer device is in the enabled mode. Therefore, the operator may not have to pause or interrupt one or more operations of the automatic analyzer 10 in order to load one or more of the consumable containers 20 into the automatic analyzer 10 or unload one or more of the consumable containers 20 from the automatic analyzer 10. This can prevent delays in the workflow of the automatic analyzer 10 and subsequently improve the throughput of the automatic analyzer 10. In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system 10 can prevent shortages of liquid consumables 14 during analysis of patient samples.

[0169] In addition, since some of the liquid consumables 14 are delivered to the automatic analyzer 10 when at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the consumable container 20 at at least one analyzer supply station 106, the operator is allowed to replace the used or empty consumable container 20 with a new consumable container 20 at at least one operator-accessible container station 104. This can also reduce the time required to load the consumable container 20 into the consumable container loading / unloading unit 102, so that the liquid consumables 14 contained in the consumable container 20 can be used when the patient sample needs to be analyzed. In some cases, the operator can load or unload the consumable container 20 at a single operator-accessible container station 104. However, in typical cases, the operator may need multiple cycles to remove the consumable container 20 at a single operator-accessible container station 104 and replace the consumable container 20 with a new consumable container 20.

[0170] In addition, since the operator does not have to wait until one or more operations are completed before loading the consumable container 20 into the automatic analyzer 10, the operator can perform other necessary tasks. This can also save the operator's time. In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 can ensure operational safety. Therefore, the automatic analyzer 10 can also be user-friendly.

[0171] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a top view of a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 ′ for an automatic analyzer 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 ′ is substantially similar to Figure 3A The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is a system for loading / unloading consumable containers 100, wherein common components are represented by the same reference numerals. However, in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100', the third actuator 118 (e.g., a third actuator stack) includes a linear actuator configured to move the first container holding position C1 at least segmentally linearly between the operator-accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106. The linear actuator is also configured to move the second container holding position C2 at least segmentally linearly between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator-accessible container station 104. For such movement of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2, the gear train 117 can also be varied based on the desired application properties. As Fig. 9As shown in FIG. 1 , the consumable container loading / unloading unit includes a track 103 (instead of a rotating platform) on which a first container holding position C1 moves at least segmentally linearly between an operator accessible container station 104 and an analyzer supply station 106 and a second container holding position C2 moves at least segmentally linearly between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. In other embodiments, a linear actuator (e.g., a cylinder) may be used. Functional advantages of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 'are similar to those of FIG. Figure 3A The functional advantages of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 are the same.

[0172] FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D FIG. 1 is a different view of a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 ″ for an automatic analyzer 10 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 ″ is substantially similar to Figure 3B A consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is provided, wherein common components are represented by the same reference numerals. However, in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100", at least one operator-accessible container station 104 includes a pair of operator-accessible container stations 104 spaced apart from each other (instead of a single operator-accessible container station 104). One operator-accessible container station in the pair of operator-accessible container stations 104 serves at one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. The other operator-accessible container station in the pair of operator-accessible container stations 104 serves at the other of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2.

[0173] In addition, in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100", at least one analyzer supply station 106 includes a pair of analyzer supply stations 106 spaced apart from each other (instead of a single analyzer supply station 106). One of the pair of analyzer supply stations 106 serves at one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. The other analyzer supply station of the pair of analyzer supply stations 106 serves at the other of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. In addition, at least one fluid supply line 108 includes a pair of fluid supply lines 108 (instead of a single fluid supply line 108). Each fluid supply line of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is disposed at a corresponding analyzer supply station 106 from a pair of analyzer supply stations 106. A valve (not shown) can selectively connect the active fluid supply line 108 to the automatic analyzer 10.

[0174] One of the pair of analyzer supply stations 106 and one of the pair of operator-accessible container stations 104 serves the first container holding position C1. Similarly, the other of the pair of analyzer supply stations 106 and the other of the pair of operator-accessible container stations 104 serves the second container holding position C2. In addition, in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100", the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 do not move relative to each other. Therefore, the rotating platform 101 and associated drive components are not required.

[0175] It should be noted that at one time instance, only one analyzer supply station 106 from a pair of analyzer supply stations 106 serves the first container holding position C1, and only one operator-accessible container station 106 from a pair of operator-accessible container stations 106 serves the second operator-accessible container station C2. Similarly, at another time instance, only one analyzer supply station 106 from a pair of analyzer supply stations 106 serves the second container holding position C2, and only one operator-accessible container station 106 from a pair of operator-accessible container stations 106 serves the first operator-accessible container station C1.

[0176] In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100" includes a first locking assembly 202' (replacing Figure 3B 1 , a first locking assembly 202 is shown. Fig.11A and Fig. 11B 2 is a different perspective view of the first arm 110 and the first locking assembly 202 ′ according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Fig. 11C 2 is a cross-sectional view of the first locking assembly 202' and the first arm 110. The first locking assembly 202' is functionally equivalent to the second locking assembly 252.

[0177] Reference Fig. 10A , Fig.11A , Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C The first locking assembly 202' includes a first sealing ring 204' configured to seal the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. The first sealing ring 204' is identical to the second sealing ring 254 of the second locking assembly 252. The first locking assembly 202' also includes a spring 206' (identical to the second spring 256) for biasing the first sealing ring 204' toward the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a.

[0178] The first locking assembly 202' also includes a first upper manifold 208' and a first lower manifold 210', which are configured to retain the first sealing ring 204' between the first upper manifold 208' and the first lower manifold 210'. The first upper manifold 208' and the first lower manifold 210' are identical to the corresponding second upper manifold 258 and the second lower manifold 260 of the second locking assembly 252.

[0179] The first locking assembly 202' also includes a first vent 214 (214b) extending at least partially through at least one of the first upper manifold 208' and the first lower manifold 210'. Fig. 11C The first vent 214 and the second vent 264 ( Figure 7C The first vent 214 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first consumable container 20a when at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a at at least one analyzer supply station 106. In other words, the first vent 214 is configured to be in fluid communication with the first consumable container 20a when one fluid supply line in a pair of fluid supply lines 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a at a corresponding one of the analyzer supply stations 106.

[0180] The first locking assembly 202' also includes a first check valve 212 that is arranged to be in fluid communication with the first vent 214. The first check valve 212 is the same as the second check valve 262 of the second locking assembly 252. The first check valve 212 is configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the first consumable container 20a at at least one analyzer supply station 106 when at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a and some of the liquid consumables 14 are being delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. In other words, the first check valve 212 is configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the first consumable container 20a at one analyzer supply station in a pair of analyzer supply stations 106 when one of the fluid supply lines 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a and some of the liquid consumables 14 are being delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. The first check valve 212 can be an electrically actuated valve.

[0181] In addition, in the consumable container loading / unloading system 100", the first arm 110 is fixedly attached to at least one fluid supply line 108. Specifically, the first arm 110 is fixedly attached to one of the pair of fluid supply lines 108. The first arm 110 is configured to move vertically at least along the first direction d1 so as to connect the at least one fluid supply line 108 with the first consumable container 20a at the at least one analyzer supply station 106. Specifically, the first arm 110 is configured to move vertically at least along the first direction d1 so as to connect the at least one fluid supply line 108 with the first consumable container 20a at the at least one analyzer supply station 106. The first arm 110 is configured to vertically move at least one fluid supply line 108 in a pair of fluid supply lines 108 at one of the analyzer supply stations 106 to connect the first consumable container 20a. The first arm 110 is configured to vertically move at least along a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1 to disconnect at least one fluid supply line 108 from the first consumable container 20a. Specifically, the first arm 110 is configured to vertically move at least along the second direction d2 to disconnect one of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 from the first consumable container 20a.

[0182] In addition, the consumable container loading / unloading system 100" includes a first entry member 125 and a second entry member 127 (replacing Figure 3B For illustration purposes, the first entry member 125 and the second entry member 127 are shown in FIG. FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D d1, so as to move the first entry member 125 from the closed position A1 to the open position A2. The second arm 112 is fixedly attached to the second entry member 127. In addition, the first arm 110 is configured to move vertically along the second direction d2 so as to move the first entry member 125 from the open position A2 to the closed position A1. The second arm 112 is configured to move vertically along the first direction d1 so as to move the second entry member 127 from the closed position A1 to the open position A2. In addition, the second arm 112 is configured to move vertically along the second direction d2 so as to move the second entry member 127 from the open position A2 to the closed position A1.

[0183] Refer again FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D , Fig. 10A The consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is illustrated when the first access member 125 is in the closed position A1 and the second access member 127 is in the open position A2. In other words, Fig. 10AThe consumable container loading / unloading system 100 is shown when the first locking assembly 202′ seals the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20a and one of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is connected to the first consumable container 20a to deliver the liquid consumable 14 to the automatic analyzer 10. In addition, Fig. 10A As shown at , the second locking assembly 252 does not seal the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b, and the other of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is disconnected from the second consumable container 20b.

[0184] The controller 16 is configured to control the second arm 112 to move the second arm 112 vertically at least along the first direction d1, so as to connect at least one fluid supply line 108 (i.e., the other fluid supply line in the pair of fluid supply lines 108) with the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., the other analyzer supply station in the pair of analyzer supply stations 106), and seal the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., the other analyzer supply station in the pair of analyzer supply stations 106) via the second locking assembly 252. Fig. 10B As shown in FIG. 1 , the other fluid supply line of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is connected to the second consumable container 20b, and the second locking assembly 252 seals the second opening O2 of the second consumable container 20b. The controller 16 is also configured to control at least one fluid supply line 108 to deliver liquid consumables 14 to the automatic analyzer 10 when the at least one fluid supply line 108 is connected to the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106. The controller 16 is also configured to control the first arm 110 to vertically move the first arm 110 at least along a second direction d2 opposite to the first direction d1 and thereby move the first entry member 125 from the closed position A1 to the open position A2. Fig. 10B As shown at , one of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is disconnected from the first consumable container 20a, and the first locking assembly 202' does not seal the first opening O1 of the first consumable container 20b.

[0185] Thus, the operator is allowed to replace a new consumable container 20n ( Fig. 10C The first consumable container 20a is replaced by a new consumable container 20n at at least one operator accessible container station 104 in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2. Fig. 10CAs shown in the figure, the new consumable container 20n is received in the first container holding position C1. Once the new consumable container 20n is loaded into the first container holding position C1, the controller 16 is further configured to control the first arm 110 so that the first arm 110 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1, so as to connect at least one fluid supply line 108 (i.e., one of a pair of fluid supply lines 108) with the new consumable container 20n at at least one analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., one of a pair of analyzer supply stations 106). The controller 16 is also configured to control the first arm 110 so that the first arm 110 moves vertically at least along the first direction d1, so as to seal the opening of the new consumable container 20n at at least one operator-accessible container station 104 via the first locking assembly 202' during the transfer of the liquid consumable 14 from the second consumable container 20b to the automatic analyzer 10. The controller 16 is also configured to control at least one fluid supply line 108 to deliver the liquid consumables 14 from the new consumables container 20n to the automatic analyzer 10 when the transfer of the liquid consumables 14 from the second consumables container 20b to the automatic analyzer 10 is completed. Fig. 10C As shown at , one of the pair of fluid supply lines 108 is connected to a new consumable container 20n, and a first locking assembly 202' seals an opening of the new consumable container 20n.

[0186] Once the transfer of the liquid consumables 14 from the second consumable container 20b to the automatic analyzer 10 is completed, the controller 16 is further configured to control the second arm 112 to move vertically at least along the second direction d2 so as to disconnect at least one fluid supply line 108 (i.e., another fluid supply line in a pair of fluid supply lines 108) from the second consumable container 20b at at least one analyzer supply station 106 (i.e., another analyzer supply station in a pair of analyzer supply stations 106). Therefore, the second access member 127 moves from the closed position A1 to the open position A2. Therefore, when at least one fluid supply line 108 is disconnected from the second consumable container 20b, the operator is allowed to replace the second consumable container 20b with another new consumable container 20n' at at least one operator-accessible container station 104. Fig. 10D As shown in FIG. 1 , another new consumable container 20n′ is received in the other of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at at least one operator accessible container station 104 (i.e., the other operator accessible container station of the pair of operator accessible container stations 104). Specifically, another new consumable container 20n′ is received in the second container holding position C2.

[0187] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12BIt is a consumable container loading / unloading system 100 ( FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C ), which illustrates a tube guide 140 for guiding at least one fluid supply line 108 (e.g., a single fluid supply line 108) when the second arm 112 moves along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2. For the purpose of illustration, some components are not shown. Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Tube guide 140 may be a low-cost, injection molded, fastener-free tube guide that provides a route to fluid supply line 108 without damaging fluid supply line 108 during movement of second arm 112. Specifically, tube guide 140 may provide a route to fluid supply line 108 that does not interfere with surrounding parts within the range of motion of second arm 112 and surrounding parts.

[0188] Fig. 12A and Fig. 12B Two different positions R1 , R2 of the second arm 112 and, thus, of the tube guide 140 are depicted. Fig. 12A The position R1 of the tube guide 140 is depicted in FIG. Fig. 12B , a position R2 of the tube guide 140 is depicted. Only two positions R1 and R2 of the tube guide 140 are shown. However, there may be three or more different positions of the tube guide 140, and the tube guide 140 guides at least one fluid supply line 108 between the various positions. The tube guide 140 includes a free end 142 and a mounting end 144. In the depicted embodiment, the mounting end 144 is attached to the second arm 122, and the free end 142 includes a hook feature 146 for allowing the fluid supply line 108 to pass through and supply the liquid consumables 14 to the automatic analyzer 10. In addition, the fluid supply line 108 can contact the free end 142 of the tube guide 140. The mounting end 144 of the tube guide 140 can be attached to the second arm 112 by using a fastener. In addition, as Fig. 12A As shown in FIG. 1 , the fluid supply line 108 is in the lowered position S1. Fig. 12B As shown in FIG. 1 , fluid supply line 108 is in raised position S2. Thus, fluid supply line 108 moves from lowered position S1 to raised position S2 when tube guide 140 moves from position R1 to position R2. Another tube guide in the same or similar tube guide 140 may also be used to guide additional fluid supply lines 108 (e.g., in FIG. 10A to FIG. 10D in the embodiment shown in the figure).

[0189] FIG. 13A to FIG. 13B Another example of a first locking assembly 202" is depicted, which can replace, for example, FIG. 6A to FIG. 6CThe first locking assembly 202 depicted in FIG. 1 is fixedly attached to the first arm 110 of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 . Fig.13A is a perspective view of the first locking assembly 202". Fig. 13B is an exploded view of the first locking assembly 202 ″.

[0190] The first locking assembly 202" can be similar to the first locking assembly 202 described above, unless otherwise described below. In this regard, the first locking assembly 202" includes a first sealing ring 204", which is configured to seal an opening (e.g., a first opening O1 or a second opening O2) of a consumable container in the consumable container 20 that is held in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 at the operator-accessible container station 104 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to another consumable container in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 and when the access member 126 is in the closed position P1. Although not shown, the first locking assembly 202" can also include a first spring similar to the above-mentioned first spring 206 for biasing the first sealing ring 204" toward an opening of a consumable container in the consumable container 20. The first locking assembly 202 ″ further includes a first lower manifold 210 ″ and a first upper nut 211 and a first upper washer 213 , which are configured to retain the first sealing ring 204 ″ between the first lower manifold 210 ″ and the first upper washer 213 .

[0191] In this regard, the first lower manifold 210" of the present example includes a generally disc-shaped base 215 and a central shank 216 extending upward from the base 215 to define an annular protrusion 217 therebetween. The shank 216 includes a cylindrical lower portion 218 and a threaded upper portion 219 configured to threadably engage the first upper nut 211 to retain the first sealing ring 204" between the base 215 and the first upper washer 213. In some versions, an adhesive may be applied to the first upper nut 211 and / or the threaded upper portion 219 of the shank 217 to secure the first upper nut 211 to the shank 217.

[0192] In the example shown, a pair of recesses 220 extend downwardly from an upper edge of the base 215 and are configured to receive corresponding protrusions (not shown) extending downwardly from a lower surface of the first sealing ring 204" to help ensure a desired alignment of the first sealing ring 204" relative to the base 215. For example, the recesses 220 can be sized, shaped, and / or positioned relative to each other so that each of the recesses 220 can only receive a corresponding protrusion of the first sealing ring 204" (rather than a protrusion corresponding to another recess in the recesses 220). In this manner, the recesses 220 and the protrusions can cooperate with each other to prevent unintentional misalignment of the first sealing ring 204" relative to the base 215.

[0193] In the example shown, a pair of opposing flat portions 222 (one shown) are provided on the circular outer periphery of the base 215 to accommodate fasteners for tightening the first upper nut 211 against the first upper washer 213, the first sealing ring 204", and the base 215. The flat portions 222 may be angularly offset from any area of ​​the circular outer periphery of the base 215 that may contact the consumable container 20 (e.g., the openings O1, O2 of the consumable container 20) to avoid interfering with the proper alignment of the consumable container 20 relative to the first lower manifold 210".

[0194] In some versions, the first upper nut 211 and / or the first upper washer 213 can be constructed from a plastic material. Additionally or alternatively, the first lower manifold 210" can be constructed as a one-piece (e.g., monolithic) piece, such as via injection molding. It will be appreciated that any one or more of the foregoing features can simplify the manufacture and / or assembly of the first locking assembly 202", at least as compared to the first locking assembly 202 described above.

[0195] In some versions, first sealing ring 204" may be configured to engage with Fig. 14C A fluid tight seal is provided against both the annular protrusion 217 and the cylindrical lower portion 218 of the handle 216 in a manner similar to that described. Thus, in addition to providing simplified manufacturing and / or assembly, the first locking assembly 202" can also provide an improved seal, at least as compared to the first locking assembly 202 described above.

[0196] FIG. 14A to FIG. 14C Another example of a second locking assembly 252' is depicted, which can replace, for example, 7A to 7D The second locking assembly 252 depicted in FIG. 1 is fixedly attached to the second arm 112 of the consumable container loading / unloading system 100 . Fig.14A is a perspective view of the second locking assembly 252 ′. Fig. 14Bis an exploded view of the second locking assembly 252 ′. Fig. 14C is a cross-sectional view of the second locking assembly 252'.

[0197] The second locking assembly 252' can be similar to the second locking assembly 252 described above, unless otherwise described below. In this regard, the second locking assembly 252' includes a second sealing ring 254', which is configured to seal the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106, which is maintained in one of the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2, when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to a consumable container in the consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. Although not shown, the second locking assembly 252' can also include a second spring similar to the above-mentioned second spring 256 to bias the second sealing ring 254' toward the opening of a consumable container in the consumable container 20. The second locking assembly 252' also includes a second lower manifold 260' and a second upper nut 261 and a second upper washer 263, which are configured to hold the second sealing ring 254' between the second lower manifold 260' and the second upper washer 263. The second lower manifold 260' includes an opening 260o' for receiving the suction pipe 109 passing therethrough. Although not shown, the second locking assembly 252' may also include a second check valve similar to the above-mentioned second check valve 262, which is used to allow at least one gas to flow to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106 when the fluid supply line 108 is connected to one of the consumable containers 20 and some of the liquid consumables 14 are being delivered to the automatic analyzer 10. In this regard, the second locking assembly 252' also includes a second vent 264' that can be arranged to be in fluid communication with such a second check valve.

[0198] The second lower manifold 260' of the present example includes a generally disc-shaped base 265 and a central shank 266 extending upward from the base 265 to define an annular protrusion 267 therebetween. The shank 266 includes a cylindrical lower portion 268 and a threaded upper portion 269 configured to threadably engage the second upper nut 261 to retain the second sealing ring 254' between the base 265 and the second upper washer 263. In some versions, an adhesive may be applied to the second upper nut 261 and / or the threaded upper portion 269 of the shank 267 to secure the second upper nut 261 to the shank 267.

[0199] In the example shown, a pair of notches 270 extend downwardly from an upper edge of the base 265 and are configured to receive corresponding protrusions 271 extending downwardly from a lower surface of the second seal ring 254' to help ensure a desired alignment of the second seal ring 254' relative to the base 265. For example, the notches 270 can be sized, shaped, and / or positioned relative to each other so that each of the notches 270 can only receive a corresponding protrusion 271 of the second seal ring 254' (rather than a protrusion 271 corresponding to another notch in the notches 270). In this manner, the notches 270 and the protrusions 271 can cooperate with each other to prevent unintentional misalignment of the second seal ring 254' relative to the base 265.

[0200] In the example shown, a pair of opposing flats 272 (one shown) are provided on the circular outer periphery of the base 265 to accommodate fasteners for tightening the second upper nut 261 against the second upper washer 263, the second sealing ring 254' and the base 265. The flats 272 may be angularly offset from any area of ​​the circular outer periphery of the base 265 that may contact the consumable container 20 (e.g., the openings O1, O2 of the consumable container 20) to avoid interfering with the proper alignment of the consumable container 20 relative to the second lower manifold 260'.

[0201] In some versions, second upper nut 261 and / or second upper washer 263 can be constructed from a plastic material. Additionally or alternatively, second lower manifold 260' can be constructed as a one-piece (e.g., unitary) piece, such as via injection molding. It will be appreciated that any one or more of the foregoing features can simplify the manufacture and / or assembly of second locking assembly 252', at least as compared to second locking assembly 252 described above.

[0202] like Fig. 14C , the second sealing ring 254' can be configured to provide a fluid tight seal against both the annular protrusion 267 and the cylindrical lower portion 268 of the handle 266. Thus, in addition to providing simplified manufacturing and / or assembly, the second locking assembly 252' can also provide an improved seal, at least as compared to the second locking assembly 252 described above.

[0203] As mentioned above, the controller 16 is configured to: control the first actuator stack 114 to vertically move the first arm 110 at least along the first direction d1 and the second direction d2 so as to move the entry member 126 between the open position P3, the locked position P2 and the closed position P1; control the second actuator stack 116 to vertically move the second arm 112 at least along the first direction d1 so as to connect the fluid supply line 108 to one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106; and .... The controller 16 may be configured to control the actuator stacks 114, 116, 118 to vertically move the second arm 112 at least along the second direction d2 to disconnect the fluid supply line 108 from one of the consumable containers 20 at the analyzer supply station 106; control the third actuator stack 118 to move the first container holding position C1 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106; and control the third actuator stack 118 to move the second container holding position C2 between the analyzer supply station 106 and the operator accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 may be configured to control the actuator stacks 114, 116, 118 to perform the following combination: Figures 15 to 21D Any one or more of the processes 300 , 400 , 500 , 600 , 700 , 800 , 900 are described to seal, unseal, and / or switch consumable containers 20 at an operator accessible container station 104 and / or analyzer supply station 106 .

[0204] Now refer to Fig.15, an example of a process 300 for sealing a desired consumable container 20 at an analyzer supply station 106 includes step 301, at which the controller 16 confirms that the second arm 112 is in a corresponding upwardly offset position, such as a position at or above a corresponding home position. For example, the controller 16 can confirm that the second arm 112 is in a corresponding upwardly offset position based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E and / or from the second home position sensor 124. The process 300 also includes step 302, at which the controller 16 confirms that the entry member 126 is in the locked position P2. For example, the controller 16 can confirm that the entry member 126 is in the locked position P2 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E and / or from the first home position sensor 122. The process 300 also includes step 303, at which the controller 16 confirms that the desired consumable container 20 is located at the operator-accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 may confirm that the desired consumable container 20 is located at the operator accessible container station 104 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the reader 132. Although the process 300 is shown as proceeding from step 301 to step 302 and from step 302 to step 303, it will be understood that steps 301, 302, 303 may be performed in any other suitable order and / or simultaneously.

[0205] In the example shown, after steps 301, 302, and 303 have been completed, the process 300 proceeds to step 304, at which the controller 16 moves the desired consumable container 20 from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106. For example, the controller 16 can move the desired consumable container 20 from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106 by controlling the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B and / or rotate the third shaft 118S to rotate the rotating platform 101 and thereby move the first container holding position C1 from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106. After step 304 has been completed, the process 300 proceeds to step 305, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the analyzer supply station 106 to "off". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 305 has been completed, process 300 proceeds to step 306, where the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 to a corresponding locked position, such as a position below the corresponding home position and / or at the same height as the first arm 110 when the entry member 126 is in its locked position P2. For example, the controller 16 can move the second arm 112 to the corresponding locked position by controlling the second actuator stack 116 to release the second brake 116B and / or rotating the second shaft 116S and thereby lowering the second arm 112 from the corresponding upward offset position to the corresponding locked position.

[0206] In the example shown, after step 306 has been completed, process 300 proceeds to step 307, at which step 307, controller 16 sets the profile of analyzer supply station 106 to "seal". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 307 has been completed, process 300 proceeds to step 308, at which step 308, controller 16 moves second arm 112 to a corresponding sealing position, such as a position lower than a corresponding locking position and / or at the same height as first arm 110 when entry member 126 is in its closed position P1, so that second locking assembly 252 seals the opening of desired consumable container 20 at analyzer supply station 106, and fluid supply line 108 is connected to desired consumable container 20 at analyzer supply station 106. For example, the controller 16 may move the second arm 112 to the corresponding sealing position by controlling the second actuator stack 116 to release the second brake 116B and / or rotating the second shaft 116S and thereby lowering the second arm 112 from the corresponding locking position to the corresponding sealing position. In some versions, the controller 16 may apply the second brake 116B in response to the second arm 112 reaching the corresponding sealing position.

[0207] In the example shown, after step 308 has been completed, process 300 proceeds to step 309, where the controller 16 sets the configuration file of the analyzer supply station 106 to "sealed". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a configuration file to the operator via a display. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., about 50 milliseconds) before setting the configuration file of the analyzer supply station 106 to "sealed" after step 308 has been completed. After step 309 has been completed, the liquid consumables 14 can be transferred to the automatic analyzer 10 from the desired consumable container 20 via the fluid supply line 108.

[0208] Now refer to Fig.16, an example of a process 400 for unsealing a used consumable container 20 at an analyzer supply station 106 includes step 401, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the analyzer supply station 106 to "seal". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 401 has been completed, the process 400 proceeds to step 402, at which the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 to a corresponding locking position so that the second locking assembly 252 unseals the opening of the used consumable container 20 at the analyzer supply station 106. For example, the controller 16 can move the second arm 112 to the corresponding locking position by controlling the second actuator stack 116 to release the second brake 116B and / or rotating the second shaft 116S and thereby raising the second arm 112 from the corresponding sealing position to the corresponding locking position. In some versions, controller 16 may wait a predetermined delay period (eg, approximately 50 milliseconds) after step 401 has been completed before releasing second brake 116B.

[0209] In the example shown, after step 402 has been completed, process 400 proceeds to step 403, at which step 403, controller 16 sets the profile of analyzer supply station 106 to "processing". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to an operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 403 has been completed, process 400 proceeds to step 404, at which step 404, controller 16 moves second arm 112 to a corresponding upward offset position. For example, controller 16 can move second arm 112 to a corresponding upward offset position by controlling second actuator stack 116 to release second brake 116B and / or rotating second shaft 116S and thereby raising second arm 112 from a corresponding locked position to a corresponding upward offset position.

[0210] In the example shown, after step 404 has been completed, process 400 proceeds to step 405, where the controller 16 allows the used consumable container 20 to move from the analyzer supply station 106 to the operator accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 can allow the used consumable container 20 to move from the analyzer supply station 106 to the operator accessible container station 104 by controlling the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B so that the rotating platform 101 can rotate to thereby move the first container holding position C1 from the analyzer supply station 106 to the operator accessible container station 104.

[0211] Now refer to Fig.17, an example of a process 500 for sealing a spare consumable container 20 at an operator accessible container station 104 includes step 501, at which the controller 16 confirms that the spare consumable container 20 is located at the operator accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 can confirm that the spare consumable container 20 is located at the operator accessible container station 104 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the reader 132. In the example shown, after step 501 has been completed, the process 500 proceeds to step 502, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "off". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display.

[0212] In the example shown, after step 502 has been completed, process 500 proceeds to step 503, where controller 16 moves entry member 126 to locked position P2. For example, controller 16 may move entry member 126 to locked position P2 by controlling first actuator stack 114 to release first brake 114B and / or rotating first shaft 114S and thereby lowering entry member 126 from open position P3 to locked position P2.

[0213] In the example shown, after step 503 has been completed, the process 500 proceeds to step 504, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "sealed". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 504 has been completed, the process 500 proceeds to step 505, at which the controller 16 moves the access member 126 to the closed position P1, so that the first locking assembly 202 seals the opening of the standby consumable container 20 at the operator accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 can move the access member 126 to the closed position P1 by controlling the first actuator stack 114 to release the first brake 114B and / or rotating the first shaft 114S and thereby lowering the access member 126 from the locked position P2 to the closed position P1. In some versions, the controller 16 can apply the first brake 114B in response to the access member 126 reaching the closed position P1.

[0214] In the example shown, after step 505 has been completed, process 500 proceeds to step 506, where controller 16 sets the profile of operator accessible container station 104 to "sealed". For example, controller 16 may communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In some versions, controller 16 may wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., approximately 50 milliseconds) after step 505 has been completed before setting the profile of operator accessible container station 104 to "sealed".

[0215] Now refer to Fig.18 , an example of a process 600 for unsealing a spare consumable container 20 at an operator accessible container station 104 includes step 601, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "sealed". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the illustrated example, after step 601 has been completed, the process 600 proceeds to step 602, at which the controller 16 moves the access member 126 to the locked position P2, so that the first locking assembly 202 unseals the opening of the spare consumable container 20 at the operator accessible container station 104. For example, the controller 16 can move the access member 126 to the locked position P2 by controlling the first actuator stack 114 to release the first brake 114B and / or rotating the first shaft 114S and thereby raising the access member 126 from the closed position P1 to the locked position P2. In some versions, controller 16 may wait a predetermined delay period (eg, approximately 50 milliseconds) after step 601 has been completed before releasing first brake 114B.

[0216] In the example shown, after step 602 has been completed, process 600 proceeds to step 603, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "processing". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 603 has been completed, process 600 proceeds to step 604, at which the controller 16 moves the entry member 126 to the open position P3. For example, the controller 16 can move the entry member 126 to the open position P3 by controlling the first actuator stack 114 to release the first brake 114B and / or rotating the first shaft 114S and thereby raising the first arm 110 from the locked position P2 to the open position P3. In some other versions, step 604 can be omitted so that the entry member 126 can remain at the locked position P2.

[0217] In the example shown, after step 604 has been completed, process 600 proceeds to step 605, where the controller 16 allows the spare consumable container 20 to move from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106. For example, the controller 16 can allow the used consumable container 20 to move from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106 by controlling the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B so that the rotating platform 101 can rotate to thereby move the first container holding position C1 from the operator accessible container station 104 to the analyzer supply station 106.

[0218] Now refer to Fig.19 , an example of a process 700 for moving the rotating platform 101 while changing the consumable container 20 at the operator accessible container station 104 includes step 701, at which the controller 16 confirms that the second arm 112 is in a corresponding upward offset position. For example, the controller 16 can confirm that the second arm 112 is in a corresponding upward offset position based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E and / or from the second in-situ sensor 124. The process 700 also includes step 702, at which the controller 16 confirms that the entry member 126 is at or above the locking position P2. For example, the controller 16 can confirm that the entry member 126 is at or above the locking position P2 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E and / or from the first in-situ sensor 122. Although the process 700 is shown as proceeding from step 701 to step 702, it will be understood that steps 701, 702 can be performed in any other suitable order and / or simultaneously.

[0219] In the illustrated example, after steps 701, 702 have been completed, the process 700 proceeds to step 703, where the controller 16 moves the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106. For example, the controller 16 can move the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 between the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 by controlling the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B and / or rotating the third shaft 118S to rotate the rotating platform 101.

[0220] Now refer to Fig. 20, an example of a process 800 for automatically aligning consumable containers 20 at the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 with the corresponding locking assemblies 202, 252 includes step 801, at which the controller 16 homers each of the entry member 126 (together with the first arm 110), the second arm 112, and the rotating platform 101. For example, the controller 16 can home the entry member 126 by controlling the first actuator stack 114 to release the first brake 114B and / or rotate the first shaft 114S until the first arm 110 reaches the corresponding home position, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E and / or from the first home sensor 122 to control the first actuator stack 114 to release the first brake 114B and / or rotate the first shaft 114S until the first arm 110 reaches the corresponding home position. The controller 16 can also return the second arm 112 to its original position by controlling the second actuator stack 116 to release the second brake 116B and / or rotating the second shaft 116S until the second arm 112 reaches the corresponding home position, such as by controlling the second actuator stack 116 to release the second brake 116B and / or rotating the second shaft 116S until the second arm 112 reaches the corresponding home position based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E and / or from the second home sensor 124. The controller 16 can also return the rotating platform 101 to its position by controlling the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B and / or rotating the third axis 118S to rotate the rotating platform 101 until the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 are located at corresponding stations 104, 106, for example, based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E to control the third actuator stack 118 to release the third brake 118B and / or rotate the third axis 118S to rotate the rotating platform 101 until the first container holding position C1 and the second container holding position C2 are located at corresponding stations 104, 106.

[0221] In the example shown, after step 801 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 802, at which step 802, controller 16 confirms that consumable container 20 is located at operator accessible container station 104 and / or analyzer supply station 106. For example, controller 16 can confirm that consumable container 20 is located at operator accessible container station 104 and / or analyzer supply station 106 based on one or more signals received by controller 16 from reader 132. In some versions, controller 16 can communicate to the operator via a display that there is no consumable container 20 at operator accessible container station 104 and / or analyzer supply station 106. In the example shown, after step 802 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 803, at which step 803, controller 16 sets the profile of each of operator accessible container station 104 and analyzer supply station 106 to "off". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the illustrated example, after step 803 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 804, where controller 16 moves first arm 110 and second arm 112 to corresponding locked position P2. For example, controller 16 may move first arm 110 and second arm 112 to corresponding locked position P2 by controlling first actuator stack 114 and second actuator stack 116 to release first brake 114B and second brake 116B and / or rotating first shaft 114S and second shaft 116S and thereby lowering first arm 110 and second arm 112 from corresponding home position to corresponding locked position P2.

[0222] In the example shown, after step 804 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 805, at which step 805, controller 16 sets the profile of analyzer supply station 106 to "alignment". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 805 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 806, at which step 806, controller 16 moves the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by controller 16 from second encoder 116E to move the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the illustrated example, after step 806 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 807 where controller 16 disables drive current for second drive motor 116M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 200 milliseconds) and captures a reading from second encoder 116E for vertical alignment to determine an alignment value for analyzer supply station 106. In some versions, controller 16 may verify that the alignment value is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., approximately -1023 steps) to confirm that no false slip was detected.

[0223] In the example shown, after step 804 has been completed, process 800 also proceeds to step 808, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator-accessible container station 104 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 808 has been completed, process 800 proceeds to step 809, at which the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E. Move the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 809 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 810, at which the controller 16 disables the drive current for the first drive motor 114M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 200 milliseconds) and captures the reading for the vertical alignment from the first encoder 114E to determine the alignment value for the operator accessible container station 104. In some versions, the controller 16 can verify that the alignment value is less than a predetermined threshold (e.g., approximately -956 steps) to confirm that no false slip is detected. It will be understood that steps 808, 809, and 810 can be performed simultaneously with steps 805, 806, and 807, respectively. In the example shown, after steps 807 and 810 have been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 811, at which the controller 16 enables the drive current for each of the first drive motor 114M and the second drive motor 116M to home each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112.

[0224] Steps 801 to 811 may collectively define the vertical alignment method of process 800 .

[0225] In the example shown, after step 811 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 812, where the controller 16 calculates an offset position for each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 by adding a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about 15 steps) to the alignment value for the corresponding station 104, 106. After step 812 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 813, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding offset position. In the example shown, after step 813 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 814, where the controller 16 sets the profile of the rotating platform 101 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display.

[0226] In the example shown, after step 814 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 815, at which the controller 16 rotates the rotating platform 101 clockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E to rotate the rotating platform 101 clockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 815 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 816, at which the controller 16 disables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 200 milliseconds), and captures a reading for the rotation clock hand alignment from the third encoder 118E to determine a clock hand alignment value for the rotating platform 101. In the example shown, after step 816 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 817, where the controller 16 enables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M to rotate the rotating platform 101 in a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about six steps) in the clockwise direction. In the example shown, after step 817 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 818, where the controller 16 updates the current rotational position for the rotating platform 101 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E, and the process 800 proceeds to step 819, where the controller 16 returns the rotating platform 101 to the starting rotational position.

[0227] In the example shown, after step 819 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 820, at which the controller 16 rotates the rotating platform 101 counterclockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E to rotate the rotating platform 101 counterclockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 820 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 821, at which the controller 16 disables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 200 milliseconds), and captures the reading for the rotation counter-clockwise alignment from the third encoder 118E to determine the counter-clockwise alignment value for the rotating platform 101. In the example shown, after step 821 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 822, where the controller 16 calculates a rotational alignment value for the rotating platform 101 based on the difference between the clockwise alignment value and the counterclockwise alignment value. In the example shown, after step 822 has been completed, the process 800 proceeds to step 823, where the controller 16 enables a drive current for the third drive motor 118M to rotate the rotating platform 101 based on the rotational alignment value.

[0228] Steps 812 through 823 may collectively define the platform alignment window method of process 800 .

[0229] After step 823 has been completed, the liquid consumable 14 can be transferred from the desired consumable container 20 to the automated analyzer 10 via the fluid supply line 108 .

[0230] Now refer to FIG. 21A to FIG. 21D, another example of a process 900 for automatically aligning the consumable container 20 at the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 with the corresponding locking assembly 202, 252 includes step 901, at which the controller 16 returns each of the entry member 126 (together with the first arm 110), the second arm 112, and the rotating platform 101. In the illustrated example, after step 901 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 902, at which the controller 16 confirms that the consumable container 20 is located at the operator accessible container station 104 and / or the analyzer supply station 106. In some versions, the controller 16 can communicate to the operator via a display that the operator accessible container station 104 and / or the analyzer supply station 106 does not have a consumable container 20. In the example shown, after step 902 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 903, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of each of the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 to "off". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 903 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 904, at which the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding locking position P2. For example, the controller 16 can move the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding locking position P2 by controlling the first actuator stack 114 and the second actuator stack 116 to release the first brake 114B and the second brake 116B and / or rotating the first shaft 114S and the second shaft 116S and thereby lowering the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 from the corresponding home position to the corresponding locking position P2.

[0231] In the example shown, after step 904 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 905, at which step 905, controller 16 sets the profile of analyzer supply station 106 to "alignment". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 905 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 906, at which step 906, controller 16 moves the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by controller 16 from second encoder 116E to move the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 906 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 907, at which step 907, controller 16 captures a reading from second encoder 116E for the current "Z" stop position for analyzer supply station 106. In the example shown, after step 907 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 908, at which step 908, controller 16 sets the profile of analyzer supply station 106 to "processing". For example, controller 16 can communicate such a profile to an operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 908 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 909, at which step 909, controller 16 moves second arm 112 upward a predetermined number of steps (e.g., approximately 10 steps). In the example shown, after step 909 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 910, at which step the controller 16 updates the current position for the second drive motor 116M based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E, and process 900 proceeds to step 911, at which step the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 to a corresponding locking position.

[0232] In the example shown, after step 904 has been completed, process 900 also proceeds to step 912, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator-accessible container station 104 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 912 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 913, at which the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E. Move the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 913 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 914, where the controller 16 captures a reading from the first encoder 114E for the current "Z" stop position for the operator accessible container station 104. In the example shown, after step 914 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 915, where the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "processing". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 915 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 916, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 upward a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about 10 steps). In the example shown, after step 916 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 917, where the controller 16 updates the current position for the first drive motor 114M based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E, and the process 900 proceeds to step 918, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 to the locked position P2. It will be understood that steps 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, 917, 918 can be performed simultaneously with steps 905, 906, 907, 908, 909, 910, 911, respectively.

[0233] In the example shown, after steps 911, 918 have been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 919, where controller 16 determines whether the difference between the previous "Z" stop position (if any) and the current "Z" stop position is less than a predetermined step threshold (e.g., about five steps). In the example shown, if no previous "Z" stop position is available or if the difference between the previous "Z" stop position and the current "Z" stop position is less than the predetermined threshold, process 900 proceeds from step 919 to step 920, where controller 16 indexes rotating platform 101 clockwise a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about four steps), after which process 900 returns to step 905. If the difference between the previous "Z" stop position and the current "Z" stop position is greater than a predetermined threshold, process 900 proceeds from step 919 to step 921, at which step 921, the controller 16 returns each of the entry member 126 (together with the first arm 110), the second arm 112 and the rotating platform 101 to their respective positions, and process 900 proceeds from step 921 to step 922, at which step 922, the controller 16 moves the rotating platform 101 to an alignment position.

[0234] In the example shown, after step 922 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 923, where the controller 16 sets the profile of each of the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 to "off". In the example shown, after step 923 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 924, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding locked position P2.

[0235] In the example shown, after step 924 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 925, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the analyzer supply station 106 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 925 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 926, at which the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E to move the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 926 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 927, at which the controller 16 captures a reading from the second encoder 116E for the current "Z" stop position for the analyzer supply station 106. In the example shown, after step 927 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 928, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the analyzer supply station 106 to "processing". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 928 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 929, at which the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 upward a predetermined number of steps (e.g., approximately 10 steps). In the example shown, after step 929 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 930, at which step the controller 16 updates the current position for the second drive motor 116M based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E, and process 900 proceeds to step 931, at which step the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 to a corresponding locking position.

[0236] In the example shown, after step 924 has been completed, the process 900 also proceeds to step 932, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator-accessible container station 104 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 932 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 933, at which the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E. Move the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 933 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 934, where the controller 16 captures a reading from the first encoder 114E for the current "Z" stop position for the operator accessible container station 104. In the example shown, after step 934 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 935, where the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator accessible container station 104 to "processing". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 935 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 936, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 upward a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about 10 steps). In the example shown, after step 936 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 937, where the controller 16 updates the current position for the first drive motor 114M based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E, and the process 900 proceeds to step 938, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 to the locked position P2. It will be understood that steps 932, 933, 934, 935, 936, 937, 938 can be performed simultaneously with steps 925, 926, 927, 928, 929, 930, 931, respectively.

[0237] In the example shown, after steps 931, 938 have been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 939, where controller 16 determines whether the difference between the previous "Z" stop position (if any) and the current "Z" stop position is less than a predetermined step threshold (e.g., about five steps). In the example shown, if no previous "Z" stop position is available or if the difference between the previous "Z" stop position and the current "Z" stop position is less than the predetermined threshold, process 900 proceeds from step 939 to step 940, where controller 16 indexes rotating platform 101 counterclockwise by a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about four steps), after which process 900 returns to step 925. If the difference between the previous "Z" stop position and the current "Z" stop position is greater than a predetermined threshold, process 900 proceeds from step 939 to step 941, at which step 941, the controller 16 returns each of the entry member 126 (together with the first arm 110), the second arm 112 and the rotating platform 101 to their respective positions, and process 900 proceeds from step 941 to step 942, at which step 942, the controller 16 moves the rotating platform 101 to an alignment position.

[0238] Steps 901 to 942 may collectively define the coarse platform alignment window method of process 900 .

[0239] In the example shown, after step 942 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 943, where the controller 16 sets the profile of each of the operator accessible container station 104 and the analyzer supply station 106 to "off". In the example shown, after step 943 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 944, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding locked position P2.

[0240] In the example shown, after step 944 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 945, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the analyzer supply station 106 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 945 has been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 946, at which the controller 16 moves the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the second encoder 116E to move the second arm 112 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 946 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 947, where the controller 16 disables the drive current for the second drive motor 116M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 200 milliseconds) and captures a reading from the second encoder 116E for vertical alignment to determine an alignment value for the analyzer supply station 106. In the example shown, after step 947 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 948, where the controller 16 enables the drive current for the second drive motor 116M to move the second arm 112 to the corresponding locked position.

[0241] In the example shown, after step 944 has been completed, the process 900 also proceeds to step 949, at which the controller 16 sets the profile of the operator-accessible container station 104 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display. In the example shown, after step 949 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 950, at which the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the first encoder 114E. Move the first arm 110 downward in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 950 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 951, where the controller 16 disables the drive current for the first drive motor 114M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 200 milliseconds) and captures a reading for vertical alignment from the first encoder 114E to determine an alignment value for the analyzer supply station 106. In the example shown, after step 951 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 952, where the controller 16 enables the drive current for the first drive motor 114M to move the first arm 110 to the locked position P2.

[0242] In the example shown, after steps 948 and 951 have been completed, process 900 proceeds to step 952, at which step 952, the controller 16 returns each of the entry member 126 (together with the first arm 110), the second arm 112 and the rotating platform 101 to their respective positions, and process 900 proceeds from step 952 to step 9523, at which step 9523, the controller 16 moves the rotating platform 101 to an alignment position.

[0243] Steps 943 through 953 may collectively define the vertical alignment method of process 900 .

[0244] In the example shown, after step 953 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 954, where the controller 16 calculates an offset position for each of the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 by adding a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about 15 steps) to the alignment value for the corresponding station 104, 106. After step 954 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 955, where the controller 16 moves the first arm 110 and the second arm 112 to the corresponding offset position. In the example shown, after step 955 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 956, where the controller 16 sets the profile of the rotating platform 101 to "alignment". For example, the controller 16 can communicate such a profile to the operator via a display.

[0245] In the example shown, after step 956 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 957, at which the controller 16 rotates the rotating platform 101 clockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E to rotate the rotating platform 101 clockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 957 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 958, at which the controller 16 disables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 200 milliseconds), and captures a reading for the rotation clock hand alignment from the third encoder 118E to determine a clock hand alignment value for the rotating platform 101. In the example shown, after step 958 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 959, where the controller 16 enables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M to rotate the rotating platform 101 in a predetermined number of steps (e.g., about six steps) in the clockwise direction. In the example shown, after step 959 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 960, where the controller 16 updates the current rotational position for the rotating platform 101 based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E, and the process 900 proceeds to step 961, where the controller 16 returns the rotating platform 101 to the starting rotational position.

[0246] In the example shown, after step 961 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 962, at which the controller 16 rotates the rotating platform 101 counterclockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected, such as based on one or more signals received by the controller 16 from the third encoder 118E to rotate the rotating platform 101 counterclockwise from the starting rotational position in one-step increments until a predetermined number of steps (e.g., two steps) of sliding is detected. In some versions, the controller 16 can wait for a predetermined delay period (e.g., at least about 25 milliseconds) between movements. In the example shown, after step 962 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 963, at which the controller 16 disables the drive current for the third drive motor 118M for a predetermined period of time (e.g., about 200 milliseconds), and captures the reading for the rotation counter-clockwise alignment from the third encoder 118E to determine the counter-clockwise alignment value for the rotating platform 101. In the example shown, after step 963 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 964, where the controller 16 calculates a rotational alignment value for the rotating platform 101 based on the difference between the clockwise alignment value and the counterclockwise alignment value. In the example shown, after step 964 has been completed, the process 900 proceeds to step 965, where the controller 16 enables a drive current for the third drive motor 118M to rotate the rotating platform 101 based on the rotational alignment value.

[0247] Steps 954 through 965 may collectively define the platform alignment window method of process 900 .

[0248] After step 965 has been completed, the liquid consumable 14 can be transferred from the desired consumable container 20 to the automated analyzer 10 via the fluid supply line 108 .

[0249] Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing feature sizes, amounts, and physical properties used in the specification and claims should be understood as modified by the term “about.” Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the foregoing specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by those skilled in the art utilizing the teachings disclosed herein.

[0250] Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various alternative and / or equivalent implementations may replace the specific embodiments shown and described without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The present application is intended to cover any modifications or variations of the specific embodiments discussed herein. Therefore, the present disclosure is intended to be limited only by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") for an automatic analyzer (10), the automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) with a cycle time, the analyzer device (12) being configured to consume at least liquid consumables (14), at least some of the liquid consumables (14) being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10) via consumables containers (20), the consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") comprising: (a) a consumable container loading / unloading device (102), the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) comprising at least a first container holding position (C1) and a second container holding position (C2), each of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) being configured to removably hold one of the consumable containers (20); (b) an operator accessible container station (104), wherein the operator accessible container station (104) is accessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer (10); (c) an analyzer supply station (106) that is inaccessible to an operator of the automated analyzer (10); and (d) a fluid supply line (108) positioned at the analyzer supply station (106), the fluid supply line (108) being configured to deliver at least some of the liquid consumables (14) from the consumables container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10); wherein the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) is configured to move the first container holding position (C1) between the operator-accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106), and is also configured to move the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator-accessible container station (104); and The consumable container loading / unloading device (102) is configured to perform the following steps within the cycle time and thereby provide loading of the consumable container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10) during operation: (i) disconnecting the fluid supply line (108) from a first one of the consumable containers (20) located at the analyzer supply station (106), (ii) moving the first of the consumable containers (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106), (iii) moving a second consumable container in the consumable container (20) to the analyzer supply station (106), and (iv) when the second one of the consumable containers (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106), connecting the fluid supply line (108) to the second one of the consumable containers (20).

2. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 1, further comprising a barrier (130) positioned between the analyzer supply station (106) and an operator.

3. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading device (102) includes an actuator (118), which is configured to simultaneously move the first container holding position (C1) between the operator-accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106) and the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator-accessible container station (104).

4. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 3, wherein: The actuator (118) includes a rotary actuator that moves the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) by half a turn.

5. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading device (102) includes three or more container holding positions (C1, C2).

6. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of the above claims, further comprising a controller (16) communicatively coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading device (102), wherein: The controller (16) is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) so that the first container holding position (C1) moves between the operator-accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106), and is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) so that the second container holding position (C2) moves between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator-accessible container station (104).

7. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of the above claims, further comprising an access member (126) configured to move vertically between an open position (P3), a locked position (P2) and a closed position (P1), wherein: (a) in the closed position (P1) of the access member (126), the access member (126) is disposed adjacent to the operator-accessible container station (104) and opposite to the analyzer supply station (106) to thereby prevent an operator from loading the consumable container (20) into the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) or unloading the consumable container (20) from the consumable container loading / unloading device (102); (b) in at least the locked position (P2) of the access member (126) but not in the closed position (P1), the first container holding position (C1) is movable between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106), and the second container holding position (C2) is movable between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104); and (c) In the open position (P3) of the access member (126), the access member (126) allows an operator to load the consumable container (20) into the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) or unload the consumable container (20) from the consumable container loading / unloading device (102) at the operator-accessible container station (104).

8. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 7, further comprising a first arm (110) fixedly attached to the entry member (126), wherein: The first arm (110) is configured as follows: (i) vertically moving at least along a first direction (d1) so as to move the access member (126) from the open position (P3) towards the locked position (P2) and / or the closed position (P1); as well as (ii) vertically moving at least in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1) so as to move the access member (126) from the closed position (P1) toward the locked position (P2) and / or the open position (P3).

9. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 8, further comprising a first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") fixedly attached to the first arm (110).

10. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 9, wherein: The first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") comprises: (i) a first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") configured to seal an opening (O1, O2) of one of the consumable containers (20) held in one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) at the operator accessible container station (104) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to another of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) and when the access member (126) is in the closed position (P1); (ii) a first spring (206, 206') configured to bias the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") toward the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20); and (iii) at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210"), the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210") being configured to retain the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") against the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210").

11. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 10, wherein: The first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") is not configured to seal the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20) when the access member (126) is in one of the locked position (P1) and the open position (P3).

12. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of the above claims, further comprising a second arm (112) fixedly attached to the fluid supply line (108).

13. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 12, wherein: The second arm (112) is configured as follows: (i) vertically moving at least along a first direction (d1) to connect the fluid supply line (108) to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) vertically moving at least in a second direction (d2) to disconnect the fluid supply line (108) from the one of the consumable containers (20).

14. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising a second locking assembly (252, 252') fixedly attached to the second arm (112), the second locking assembly (252, 252') comprising: (a) a second sealing ring (254, 254'), the second sealing ring (254, 254') being configured to seal an opening (O1, O2) of one of the consumable containers (20) held at the analyzer supply station (106) in one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); (b) a second spring (256), the second spring (256) being configured to bias the second sealing ring (254, 254') toward the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20); (c) at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') being configured to hold the second sealing ring (254, 254') against the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') comprising an opening (258o, 260o, 260o'), the opening (258o, 260o, 260o') of the at least one second manifold being configured to receive a suction tube (109) therethrough; (d) a vent (264, 264') extending at least partially through the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') and arranged to be in fluid communication with the one of the consumable containers (20) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); and (e) a valve (262) disposed in fluid communication with the vent (264, 264') and configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the one of the consumable containers (20) and some of the liquid consumables (14) are being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10).

15. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein: The fluid supply line (108) includes a suction pipette (109), which is configured to contact the liquid consumable (14) and transport the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106).

16. A consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") for an automatic analyzer (10), the automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) with a cycle time, the analyzer device (12) being configured to consume at least liquid consumables (14), at least some of the liquid consumables (14) being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10) via consumables containers (20), the consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") comprising: (a) a consumable container loading / unloading unit (102), the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) comprising at least a first container holding position (C1) and a second container holding position (C2), each of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) being configured to removably hold at least one of the consumable containers (20), wherein the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) is configured to receive the consumable container (20) from an operator of the automatic analyzer (10); (b) an operator accessible container station (104) that is accessible to an operator such that at least one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to directly receive the consumable product container (20) from an operator at the operator accessible container station (104); (c) an analyzer supply station (106), the analyzer supply station (106) being inaccessible to an operator; (d) a fluid supply line (108) disposed at the analyzer supply station (106) and configured to be connected to the consumables container (20) and thereby to transport some of the liquid consumables (14) from the consumables container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10); and (e) a controller (16) communicatively coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) and the fluid supply line (108); wherein the controller (16) is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) so that the first container holding position (C1) moves between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106), and is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) so that the second container holding position (C2) moves between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104); The controller (16) is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) and the fluid supply line (108) to perform the following steps within the cycle time of the analyzer device (12) and thereby provide loading / unloading of the consumable container (20) during the cycle time of the analyzer device (12): (i) disconnecting the fluid supply line (108) from a first one of the consumable containers (20) located at the analyzer supply station (106), (ii) moving the first of the consumable containers (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106) by moving a corresponding one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) located at the analyzer supply station (106) to the operator accessible container station (104), (iii) moving a second consumable container of the consumable containers (20) to the analyzer supply station (106) by moving a corresponding other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) located at the operator accessible container station (104) to the analyzer supply station (106), and (iv) connecting the fluid supply line (108) to the second consumable container in the consumable container (20) positioned at the analyzer supply station (106).

17. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 16, further comprising an access member (126) configured to move vertically between an open position (P3), a locked position (P2), and a closed position (P1), wherein: (a) in the closed position (P1) of the access member (126), the access member (126) is disposed adjacent to the operator-accessible container station (104) and opposite to the analyzer supply station (106) to thereby prevent an operator from loading the consumable container (20) into the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) or unloading the consumable container (20) from the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102); (b) in at least the locked position (P2) of the access member (126) but not in the closed position (P1), the first container holding position (C1) is movable between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106), and the second container holding position (C2) is movable between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104); and (c) In the open position (P3) of the access member (126), the access member (126) allows an operator to load the consumable container (20) into the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) or unload the consumable container (20) from the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) at the operator-accessible container station (104).

18. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 17, further comprising a first arm (110) fixedly attached to the entry member (126) and communicatively coupled to the controller (16), wherein: The first arm (110) is configured as follows: (i) vertically moving at least along a first direction (d1) so as to move the access member (126) from the open position (P3) towards the locked position (P2) and / or the closed position (P1); as well as (ii) vertically moving at least in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1) so as to move the access member (126) from the closed position (P1) toward the locked position (P2) and / or the open position (P3).

19. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 18, further comprising a first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") fixedly attached to the first arm (110), the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") comprising: (i) a first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") configured to seal an opening (O1, O2) of one of the consumable containers (20) held in one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) at the operator accessible container station (104) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to another of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) and when the access member (126) is in the closed position (P1); (ii) a first spring (206, 206'), the first spring (206, 206') being configured to bias the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") toward the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20); as well as (iii) at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210"), the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210") being configured to retain the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") against the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210").

20. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 19, wherein: The first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") is not configured to seal the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20) when the access member (126) is in one of the locked position (P1) and the open position (P3).

21. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 19 or 20, further comprising a first actuator (114) communicatively coupled to the controller (16), wherein: The controller (16) is also configured to control the first actuator (114) to vertically move the first arm (110) at least along the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2) so as to move the access member (126) between the open position (P3), the locked position (P2) and the closed position (P1).

22. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein: The fluid supply line (108) includes a suction pipette (109), which is configured to contact the liquid consumable (14) and transport the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106).

23. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 22, wherein: A portion of the intake tube (109) is surrounded by a sleeve (107) configured to limit exposure of the liquid consumable product (14) to ambient light.

24. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 22 or 23, further comprising a second arm (112) fixedly attached to the fluid supply line (108) and communicatively coupled to the controller (16), wherein: The second arm (112) is configured as follows: (i) vertically moving at least along the first direction (d1) to connect the fluid supply line (108) to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) vertically moving at least along the second direction (d2) to disconnect the fluid supply line (108) from the one of the consumable containers (20).

25. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 24, further comprising a second locking assembly (252, 252') fixedly attached to the second arm (112), the second locking assembly (252, 252') comprising: (i) a second sealing ring (254, 254'), the second sealing ring (254, 254') being configured to seal an opening (O1, O2) of one of the consumable containers (20) held at the analyzer supply station (106) in one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); (ii) a second spring (256), the second spring (256) being configured to bias the second sealing ring (254, 254') toward the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20); (iii) at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') being configured to hold the second sealing ring (254, 254') against the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') comprising an opening (258o, 260o, 260o'), the opening (258o, 260o, 260o') of the at least one second manifold being configured to receive the suction tube (109) therethrough; (iv) a vent (264, 264') extending at least partially through the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') and arranged to be in fluid communication with the one of the consumable containers (20) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); and (v) a check valve (262) arranged to be in fluid communication with the vent (264, 264') and configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the one of the consumable containers (20) and some of the liquid consumables (14) are being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10).

26. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") of claim 25, further comprising a second actuator (116) communicatively coupled to the controller (16), wherein: The controller (16) is also configured to: (i) controlling the second actuator (116) to move the second arm (112) vertically at least along the first direction (d1) so as to connect the fluid supply line (108) to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) controlling the second actuator (116) to move the second arm (112) vertically at least along the second direction (d2) so as to disconnect the fluid supply line (108) from the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106).

27. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 25 or 26, wherein: The controller (16) is also configured to: (i) controlling the second arm (112) to vertically move the second arm (112) at least along the first direction (d1) to connect the fluid supply line (108) to one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106), and sealing the opening (O1, O2) of the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) via the second locking assembly (252, 252'); (ii) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106), controlling the fluid supply line (108) to deliver the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10); (iii) controlling the first arm (110) to move the first arm (110) vertically at least along the first direction (d1) so as to seal an opening (O1, O2) of another one of the consumable containers (20) at the operator-accessible container station (104) via the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202"); (iv) when the transfer of the liquid consumable (14) from the one of the consumable containers (20) to the automatic analyzer (10) is completed, controlling each of the first arm (110) and the second arm (112) to vertically move each of the first arm (110) and the second arm (112) at least along the second direction (d2); (v) controlling the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) to move the first container holding position (C1) between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106) and to move the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104) so ​​that another of the consumable containers (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106); (vi) controlling the second arm (112) to vertically move the second arm (112) at least along the first direction (d1) so as to connect the fluid supply line (108) to the other one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106), and sealing the opening (O1, O2) of the other one of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106) via the second locking assembly (252, 252'); (vii) when the fluid supply line (108) is connected to the other of the consumable containers (20) at the analyzer supply station (106), controlling the fluid supply line (108) to deliver the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10); and (viii) controlling the first arm (110) to further move the first arm (110) vertically at least along the first direction (d1) to thereby allow an operator to replace the one of the consumable containers (20) with a new consumable container (20) at the operator-accessible container station (104), wherein one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) located at the operator-accessible container station (104) is configured to receive the new consumable container (20).

28. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 24 to 27, further comprising: (a) a first in-situ sensor (122), the first in-situ sensor (122) being disposed on the first arm (110) to sense a position of the first arm (110); and (b) A second home position sensor (124), the second home position sensor (124) being disposed on the second arm (112) to sense the position of the second arm (112).

29. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 16 to 28, further comprising a third actuator (118) communicatively coupled to the controller (16), wherein: The controller (16) is configured to: (i) controlling the third actuator (118) to move the first container holding position (C1) between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) controlling the third actuator (118) to move the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104).

30. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 29, wherein: The third actuator (118) comprises a rotary actuator configured to: (i) moving the first container holding position (C1) between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106) by rotating the first container holding position (C1) 180 degrees; and (ii) moving the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104) by rotating the second container holding position (C2) 180 degrees.

31. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 29, wherein: The third actuator (118) comprises a linear actuator configured to: (i) moving the first container holding position (C1) at least piecewise linearly between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) at least piecewise linearly moving the second container holding position (C2) between the analyzer supply station (106) and the operator accessible container station (104).

32. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 16 to 31, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) further includes a barrier (130) configured to allow loading of only consumable containers (20) having a predetermined size and / or consumable containers (20) without a cover.

33. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 16 to 32, further comprising a reader (132) configured to read an identifier of the consumable container (20) at the operator-accessible container station (104).

34. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 16 to 33, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) includes at least one additional container holding position in addition to the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2).

35. A consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") for an automatic analyzer (10), the automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) with a cycle time, the analyzer device (12) being configured to consume at least liquid consumables (14), at least some of the liquid consumables (14) being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10) via consumables containers (20), the consumables container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") comprising: (a) a consumable container loading / unloading unit (102), the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) comprising at least a first container holding position (C1) and a second container holding position (C2), each of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) being configured to removably hold at least one of the consumable containers (20), wherein the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) is configured to receive the consumable container (20) from an operator of the automatic analyzer (10); (b) at least one operator-accessible container station (104), the at least one operator-accessible container station (104) being accessible to an operator, such that at least one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) is configured to directly receive the consumable container (20) from an operator at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104); (c) at least one analyzer supply station (106); (d) at least one fluid supply line (108), the at least one fluid supply line (108) being disposed at the at least one analyzer supply station (106) and being configured to be connected to the consumables container (20) and thereby to transport some of the liquid consumables (14) from the consumables container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10); (e) a first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") fixedly attached to the first arm (110), the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") comprising a first sealing ring (204, 204', 204"), the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") being configured to seal a first opening (O1) of a first consumable container (20a) held in one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2); (f) a second locking assembly (252, 252'), the second locking assembly (252, 252') being fixedly attached to the second arm (112), the second locking assembly (252, 252') comprising: (i) a second sealing ring (254, 254'), wherein the second sealing ring (254, 254') configured to seal a second opening (O2) of a second consumable container (20b) held in the other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2); and (ii) a valve (262) configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to the second consumable container (20b) and some of the liquid consumables (14) are delivered to the automatic analyzer (10); and (g) A controller (16) communicably coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102).

36. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 35, wherein: The first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") further comprises: (i) a first spring (206, 206'), the first spring (206, 206') being configured to bias the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") toward the first opening (O1) of the first consumable container (20a); and (ii) at least one first manifold (208, 208', 210, 210', 210"), the at least one first manifold (208, 208', 210, 210', 210") being configured to retain the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") against the at least one first manifold (208, 208', 210, 210', 210") 37. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 36, wherein: The first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") further comprises: (i) a first vent (214) extending at least partially through the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210") and arranged to be in fluid communication with the first consumable container (20a) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to the first consumable container (20a) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) a first check valve (212), the first check valve (212) being arranged to be in fluid communication with the first vent (214) and being configured to allow at least one gas to flow into the first consumable container (20a) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to the first consumable container (20a) and some of the liquid consumables (14) are being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10).

38. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein: The first arm (110) is fixedly attached to the at least one fluid supply line (108), wherein the first arm (110) is configured to: (i) vertically moving at least along a first direction (d1) to connect the at least one fluid supply line (108) to the first consumable container (20a) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) vertically moving at least in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1) to disconnect the at least one fluid supply line (108) from the first consumable container (20a).

39. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein: The second locking assembly (252, 252') further includes: (i) a second spring (256), the second spring (256) being configured to bias the second sealing ring (254, 254') toward the second opening (O2) of the second consumable container (20b); (ii) at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') configured to retain the second seal ring (254, 254') against the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'); and (iii) a second vent (264, 264'), the second vent (264, 264') being configured to be in fluid communication with the valve (262) and extending at least partially through the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), wherein the second vent (264, 264') is configured to be in fluid communication with the second consumable container (20b) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106).

40. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 39, wherein: The second arm (112) is fixedly attached to the at least one fluid supply line (108), wherein the second arm (112) is configured to: (i) vertically moving at least along a first direction (d1) to connect the at least one fluid supply line (108) to the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106); and (ii) vertically moving at least in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1) so as to disconnect the at least one fluid supply line (108) from the second consumable container (20b).

41. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 40, wherein: The controller (16) is configured to: (i) controlling the second arm (112) to move the second arm (112) vertically at least along a first direction (d1) so as to connect the at least one fluid supply line (108) to the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106), and sealing the second opening (O2) of the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106) via the second locking assembly (252, 252'); (ii) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106), controlling the at least one fluid supply line (108) to deliver the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10); (iii) controlling the first arm (110) to vertically move the first arm (110) at least in a second direction (d2) opposite to the first direction (d1) to thereby allow an operator to replace the first consumable container (20a) with a new consumable container (20n) at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104), wherein one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) located at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104) is configured to receive the new consumable container (20n); (iv) controlling the first arm (110) to move the first arm (110) vertically at least along the first direction (d1) so as to connect the at least one fluid supply line (108) to the new consumable container (20n) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106), and sealing the opening of the new consumable container (20n) at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104) via the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") during the transfer of the liquid consumable (14) from the second consumable container (20b) to the automatic analyzer (10); (v) when the transfer of the liquid consumable (14) from the second consumable container (20b) to the automatic analyzer (10) is completed, controlling the at least one fluid supply line (108) to transport the liquid consumable (14) from the new consumable container (20n) to the automatic analyzer (10); and (vi) controlling the second arm (112) to move the second arm (112) vertically at least along the second direction (d2) so as to disconnect the at least one fluid supply line (108) from the second consumable container (20b) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106), wherein, when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is disconnected from the second consumable container (20b), an operator is allowed to replace the second consumable container (20b) with another new consumable container (20n') at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104), and wherein the another new consumable container (20n') is received in the other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) at the at least one operator-accessible container station (104).

42. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 35, wherein: The at least one operator-accessible container station (104) includes only a single operator-accessible container station (104) servicing one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2).

43. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 42, wherein: The at least one analyzer supply station (106) includes only a single analyzer supply station (106) that is separated from the single operator-accessible container station (104) and serves the other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2), wherein the single analyzer supply station (106) is not accessible to an operator, and wherein the at least one fluid supply line (108) includes a single fluid supply line (108) disposed at the single analyzer supply station (106).

44. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 43, wherein: The controller (16) is configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) so that the first container holding position (C1) moves between the single operator-accessible container station (104) and the single analyzer supply station (106), and is also configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) so that the second container holding position (C2) moves between the single analyzer supply station (106) and the single operator-accessible container station (104).

45. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 44, wherein: The controller (16) is further configured to control the consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) and the single fluid supply line (108) to perform the following steps within the cycle time of the analyzer device (12) and thereby provide loading / unloading of the consumable container (20) during the cycle time of the analyzer device (12): (i) disconnecting the single fluid supply line (108) from the second consumable container (20b) located at the single analyzer supply station (106), (ii) moving the second consumable container (20b) away from the single analyzer supply station (106) by moving a corresponding one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) at the single analyzer supply station (106) to the single operator accessible container station (104), (iii) moving the first consumable container (20a) to the single analyzer supply station by moving the corresponding other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2) located at the single operator accessible container station (104) to the single analyzer supply station (106), and (iv) connecting the single fluid supply line (108) to the first consumable container (20a) located at the single analyzer supply station (106); wherein an operator is permitted to replace the second consumable container (20b) positioned at the single operator accessible container station (104) with another consumable container (20).

46. ​​The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 35, wherein: The at least one operator-accessible container station (104) includes a pair of operator-accessible container stations (104) spaced apart from each other, one of the pair of operator-accessible container stations (104) serving one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2), and the other of the pair of operator-accessible container stations (104) serving the other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2).

47. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 46, wherein: The at least one analyzer supply station (106) includes a pair of analyzer supply stations (106) spaced apart from each other, one of the pair of analyzer supply stations (106) serving one of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2), and the other of the pair of analyzer supply stations (106) serving the other of the first container holding position (C1) and the second container holding position (C2), and wherein the at least one fluid supply line (108) includes a pair of fluid supply lines (108), each of the pair of fluid supply lines (108) being disposed at a corresponding analyzer supply station (106) from the pair of analyzer supply stations (106).

48. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 47, wherein: (a) one of the pair of analyzer supply stations (106) and one of the pair of operator accessible container stations (104) are configured to service the first container holding position (C1); and (b) The other of the pair of analyzer supply stations (106) and the other of the pair of operator accessible container stations (104) are configured to service the second container holding position (C2).

49. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 48, wherein: Each of the at least one fluid supply line (108) includes a suction pipette (109), which is configured to contact the liquid consumable (14) and transport the liquid consumable (14) to the automatic analyzer (10) when the at least one fluid supply line (108) is connected to at least one of the consumable containers (20) at the at least one analyzer supply station (106).

50. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 49, further comprising: (a) a first in-situ sensor (122), the first in-situ sensor (122) being disposed on the first arm (110) to sense a position of the first arm (110); and (b) A second home position sensor (124), the second home position sensor (124) being disposed on the second arm (112) to sense the position of the second arm (112).

51. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 50, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) further includes a barrier (130) configured to allow loading of only consumable containers (20) having a predetermined size and / or consumable containers (20) without a cover.

52. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 35 to 51, further comprising at least one reader (132) configured to read an identifier of the consumable container (20) at at least an operator-accessible container station (104).

53. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 41, further comprising a tube guide (140) for guiding the at least one fluid supply line (108) when the second arm (112) moves along the first direction (d1) and the second direction (d2).

54. A method of operating a consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") for an automatic analyzer (10), the automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) with a cycle time, the analyzer device (12) being configured to consume at least liquid consumables (14), at least some of the liquid consumables (14) being delivered to the automatic analyzer (10) via consumable containers (20), the method comprising: (a) disconnecting a fluid supply line (108) from a first one of the consumable containers (20) located at an analyzer supply station (106) that is inaccessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer (10), (b) moving a first one of the consumable containers (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106), (c) moving a second consumable container among the consumable containers (20) to the analyzer supply station (106), and (d) when a second one of the consumable containers (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106), connecting the fluid supply line (108) to the second one of the consumable containers (20), Wherein, disconnecting the fluid supply line (108) from the first consumable container among the consumable containers (20), moving the first consumable container among the consumable containers (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106), moving the second consumable container among the consumable containers (20) to the analyzer supply station (106), and connecting the fluid supply line (108) to the second consumable container among the consumable containers (20) are all performed within the cycle time, thereby providing the loading of the consumable containers (20) to the automatic analyzer (10) during operation.

55. The method of claim 54, wherein: Moving a first one of the consumable containers (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106) includes moving the first one of the consumable containers (20) to an operator-accessible container station (104) accessible by an operator of the automated analyzer (10).

56. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 55, wherein: Moving a second one of the consumable containers (20) to the analyzer supply station (106) includes moving a second one of the consumable containers (20) from an operator-accessible container station (104) accessible by an operator of the automated analyzer (10).

57. A method according to any one of claims 54 to 56, wherein: The fluid supply line (108) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106).

58. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 57, further comprising conveying at least some of the liquid consumables (14) from the consumables container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10) via the fluid supply line (108).

59. The method according to any one of claims 54 to 58, further comprising operating the analyzer device (12) during the cycle time.

60. The method of any one of claims 54 to 59, wherein: The cycle time is in the range of about 6 seconds to about 12 seconds.

61. A consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") for an automatic analyzer (10), the automatic analyzer (10) having an analyzer device (12) with a cycle time, the consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") comprising: (a) an operator accessible container station (104), wherein the operator accessible container station (104) is accessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer (10); (b) an analyzer supply station (106), the analyzer supply station (106) being inaccessible to an operator of the automatic analyzer (10); (c) a consumable container loading / unloading device (102) configured to move a first consumable container (20) and a second consumable container (20) between the operator accessible container station (104) and the analyzer supply station (106); (d) a fluid supply line (108) positioned at the analyzer supply station (106), the fluid supply line (108) being configured to deliver liquid consumables (14) from the first consumable container (20) and the second consumable container (20) to the automatic analyzer (10); and (e) a controller (16) communicatively coupled to the consumable container loading / unloading device (102), wherein the controller (16) is configured to: (i) disconnecting the fluid supply line (108) from the first consumable container (20) located at the analyzer supply station (106), (ii) moving the first consumable container (20) away from the analyzer supply station (106), (iii) moving the second consumable container (20) to the analyzer supply station (106), and (iv) connecting the fluid supply line (108) to the second consumable container (20) when the second consumable container (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106).

62. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 61, wherein: The consumable container loading / unloading unit (102) further includes a barrier (130) configured to allow loading of only consumable containers (20) having a predetermined size and / or consumable containers (20) without a cover.

63. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 62, wherein: The barrier (130) includes at least one pair of upper prongs (131) spaced apart from each other to define an opening sized and configured to receive only a consumable container (20) of predetermined size and / or a neck portion of a consumable container (20) without a cap.

64. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 62 to 63, wherein: The barrier (130) includes at least one pair of lower prongs (133) spaced apart from each other to define an opening sized and configured to receive only a consumable container (20) of predetermined size and / or a body portion of a consumable container (20) without a cap.

65. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 61 to 64, further comprising a first locking assembly (202, 202', 202"), wherein the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") is configured to selectively seal the opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) when at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) is positioned at the operator-accessible container station (104).

66. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 65, wherein: The first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") comprises: (i) a first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") configured to selectively seal an opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) when at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) is positioned at the operator-accessible container station (104); (ii) a first spring (206, 206') configured to bias the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") toward the opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20); and (iii) at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210"), the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210") being configured to retain the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") against the at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210").

67. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 66, wherein: The at least one first manifold (208, 210, 208', 210', 210") includes only a single manifold (210"), wherein the first locking assembly (202, 202', 202") also includes a first nut (211) configured to retain the first sealing ring (204, 204', 204") against the single manifold (210").

68. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to any one of claims 61 to 67, further comprising a second locking assembly (252, 252'), the second locking assembly (252, 252') being configured to selectively seal an opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) when at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106).

69. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 68, wherein: The second locking assembly (252, 252') comprises: (i) a second sealing ring (254, 254'), the second sealing ring (254, 254') being configured to selectively seal an opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) when at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20) is positioned at the analyzer supply station (106); (ii) a second spring (256) configured to bias the second sealing ring (254, 254') toward the opening (O1, O2) of at least one of the first consumable container (20) or the second consumable container (20); and (iii) at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') being configured to hold the second sealing ring (254, 254') against the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260'), the at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') comprising an opening (258o, 260o, 260o'), the opening (258o, 260o, 260o') of the at least one second manifold being configured to receive a suction tube (109) passing through the opening (258o, 260o, 260o').

70. The consumable container loading / unloading system (100, 100', 100") according to claim 69, wherein: The at least one second manifold (258, 260, 260') includes only a single manifold (260'), wherein the second locking assembly (252, 252') further includes a second nut (261) configured to retain the second sealing ring (254, 254') against the single manifold (260').

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