Magnetic discs for transporting sample containers in clinical chemistry analyzer systems

Abstract

A system for transporting samples in a clinical analysis system includes a sample container for holding the sample, a ferromagnetic base connected to the bottom of the sample container, and a disk. The disk is used to transport the sample container in the clinical analysis system. The disk includes an embedded magnet for securing the sample container to the disk using the ferromagnetic base.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 866,871, filed June 26, 2019, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates generally to laboratory automation systems and, more particularly, to systems and methods for transporting patient samples in a clinical chemistry analyzer system using permanent magnets to hold test tubes on a moving puck. Background Art

[0004] In vitro diagnostics (IVD) allow laboratories to help diagnose diseases based on the determination performed on patient fluid samples. IVD includes various types of analytical tests and determinations related to patient diagnosis and treatment, which can be performed by analyzing the liquid samples obtained from patient body fluids or abscesses. These determinations are usually performed by an automatic clinical chemistry analyzer to which a sample container such as a tube or bottle containing the patient sample has been loaded. The analyzer extracts the liquid sample from the sample container and is combined with various reagents in a dedicated reaction cup or tube (generally referred to as a reaction vessel) for testing or processing.

[0005] In some systems, a modular approach is used for analyzers. Laboratory automation systems exchange samples between sample processing modules. A module may include one or more stations, including a sample processing station and a test station (e.g., a unit that can be specifically used for certain types of determinations or can otherwise provide testing services to a larger analyzer, which may include immunoassays (IA) and clinical chemistry (CC) stations). Some traditional IVD automated tracking systems include systems designed to transport samples from a completely independent module to another independent module. This allows different types of tests to be specifically used for two different stations, or allows two redundant stations to be linked to increase the volume of available sample throughput. Tracks enable each carrier mechanism, sometimes referred to as a disc, to travel back and forth between different stations. The track can be, for example, friction-based (similar to a conveyor or belt) or use magnetic levitation technology to facilitate the movement of the disc. Samples can be stored in sample containers, such as placed in a test tube on a disc by an operator or a robot arm, for transporting between stations in the analyzer along the track.

[0006] In conventional systems, the disc has a mechanical locking mechanism for retaining the sample container during transport. For example, one popular solution is to use a spring-based device in the disc to apply a lateral spring force that creates friction to retain the sample container. Mechanical locking mechanisms have the disadvantage that they can deteriorate rapidly over time due to normal wear and tear. For example, with spring-based devices, the ability of the spring to provide the retaining force may diminish over time, resulting in the disc not being able to securely retain the sample container during transport. Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a disc that can securely retain the sample container without the drawbacks of a mechanical locking mechanism. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention address and overcome one or more of the above-mentioned shortcomings and drawbacks by providing methods, systems, and apparatus related to magnetic disks for transporting sample containers in clinical chemistry analyzer systems.

[0008] According to some embodiments, a system for transporting samples in a clinical analysis system includes a sample container for holding the sample, a ferromagnetic base connected to the bottom portion of the sample container, and a disk. The disk is used to transport the sample container in the clinical analysis system. The disk includes an embedded magnet for securing the sample container to the disk using the ferromagnetic base. In some embodiments, the embedded magnet is a permanent magnet. In other embodiments, the embedded magnet is an electromagnet, and the disk also includes a battery for powering the electromagnet. In these embodiments, the disk may also include a potentiometer for adjusting the voltage to the electromagnet. For example, the potentiometer can be adjusted based on a signal received from one or more sensors in the disk or from an external source via a network receiver component in the disk.

[0009] According to another aspect of the present invention, a system for transporting samples in a clinical analysis system includes a track and a disk. The disk is operable to transport sample containers on the track. At least a portion of the sample container is ferromagnetic, and the disk includes a battery-powered electromagnet for securing the sample container to the disk. In some embodiments, the system also includes a charging station on the track that is configured to recharge the battery in the disk when the disk is in the charging station. For example, in one embodiment, the disk also includes a first set of electrical contacts connected to the battery, and the charging station includes a second set of electrical contacts connected to an electrical power source. When the disk is in the charging station, the first set of electrical contacts engages the second set of electrical contacts to recharge the battery in the disk. In other embodiments, the disk also includes a first magnetic coil, and the charging station includes a second magnetic coil connected to the electrical power source. When the disk is in the charging station, the second magnetic coil induces a current in the first magnetic coil via induction, thereby recharging the battery in the disk.

[0010] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments, which proceeds with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The foregoing and other aspects of the present invention will be best understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings presently preferred embodiments, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific means disclosed. The drawings include the following:

[0012] Figure 1A illustrates components of a magnetic sample container holder according to some embodiments;

[0013] Figure 1B Show Figure 1A Components shown in which they may be used during transport of sample containers;

[0014] Figure 2A An example of a magnetic sample container holder is shown, wherein a permanent magnet is placed in the body of the disk;

[0015] Figure 2B A magnetic sample container holder is shown in which an electromagnet is embedded in a disk;

[0016] Figure 2C A magnetic sample container holder is shown, wherein the sensor is embedded in the disk;

[0017] Figure 2D shows an example in which voltage varies based on a signal received by a network receiver component;

[0018] Figure 2E An exemplary puck is provided for use with a magnetic sample container holder including a rechargeable battery for driving an electromagnet;

[0019] Figure 2F An alternative puck with a rechargeable battery is shown according to other embodiments;

[0020] Figure 3A Shown according to some embodiments Figure 2E How the disc shown in is charged; and

[0021] Figure 3B Shown according to some embodiments Figure 2F How the disc is charged is shown in . Specific embodiments

[0022] This disclosure describes systems and methods related to the use of a magnetic disc for transporting sample containers in a clinical chemistry analyzer system. In short, a ferromagnetic base is attached to the sample container, and a magnet is embedded in the disc. In the absence of a locking mechanism, the magnetic force between the magnet and the ferromagnetic base holds the sample container. The design described herein has no moving parts and provides a holding force in the same direction as the loading and unloading forces used by the analyzer module during processing. Compared to spring-based and other traditional mechanical locking systems, the magnetic locking mechanism described herein does not interfere with the movement path of the sample container during normal operation of the clinical chemistry analyzer system.

[0023] Figure 1A and 1B 1 shows a basic configuration of a magnetic sample container holder according to some embodiments. In this example, a sample container 100 holds a liquid sample 105. A ferromagnetic base 110 is located at the bottom of the sample container 100. The ferromagnetic base 110 can be constructed of, for example, iron. In some embodiments, the ferromagnetic base 110 is fixed to the bottom of the sample container 100, for example, during the manufacture of the sample container 100. In other embodiments, the ferromagnetic base 110 and the sample container 100 are separate components that can be connected. For example, in one embodiment, a temporary or permanent adhesive can be used to connect the components before use. In another embodiment, the bottom of the sample container 100 is threaded and is configured to be screwed into the ferromagnetic base 110.

[0024] Continue to refer Figure 1A and 1B , magnet 115 is embedded in the top surface of disk 120. Magnet 115 is positioned within disk 120 so that the top surface of disk 120 is flat. Figure 1B As shown, the sample container 100 can be attached to the disk 120 by placing the ferromagnetic base 110 over the magnet 115 . Figure 1A and 1B The magnetic sample container holder shown in Figure 1 thus provides a simple connection mechanism with no moving parts. Notably, all that is required to remove the sample container 100 from the disk 120 is to provide sufficient vertical upward force to overcome the magnetic force applied by the magnet 115. For example, in the case of an IVD, the analyzer module can lock the disk 120 in place upon receipt. The analyzer module's robotic arm or other mechanism can then apply an upward force on the sample container 100 to separate it from the disk 120 and allow the liquid sample 105 to be processed.

[0025] Figures 2A-2D Exemplary configurations of disks for use with magnetic sample container holders according to some embodiments are provided. Figure 2AThe simplest example is provided. Here, the permanent magnet 210 is placed in the body of the disk 205. This configuration provides the easiest configuration for a magnetic sample container holder to implement because the permanent magnet 210 does not require any electricity to operate and does not require other components to operate. One disadvantage of this structure is that the magnetic force of the permanent magnet 210 is constant and cannot be changed.

[0026] Figure 2B A magnetic sample container holder is shown, wherein an electromagnet 225 is embedded in a circular disk 220. In this example, a coil of wire is wrapped around a metal core to form the electromagnet 225. One end of the wire is connected to a first terminal 215A of a battery 215, while the other end is connected to a second terminal 215B of the battery 215. Thus, as long as the battery remains charged, current will flow through the coil and generate the magnetic force of the electromagnet 225. In this example, the battery 215 is replaceable. For example, the bottom of the circular disk 220 may include a door that allows access and replacement of the battery 215 as needed.

[0027] Figure 2C Provided Figure 2B A variation of the design shown. In this example, a sensor 250 is embedded in the disc 230. The sensor 250 provides an input to a potentiometer 245, which in turn varies the voltage provided by the battery 240. By varying the voltage, the strength of the electromagnet 235 in the disc 230 can be varied. Various types of sensors known in the art can be used as sensor 250. For example, in one embodiment, the sensor 250 is an accelerometer, and if the accelerometer indicates that the disc 230 is moving at a certain angle or at a certain high rate of speed, the magnetic force is increased. Note that by varying the force in this manner, the draw from the battery 240 can be minimized, thereby maximizing the life of the battery 240 (i.e., the period of time between recharging or replacing the battery 240). In addition, although Figure 2B The example shown in includes only a single sensor 250, but it will be appreciated that multiple sensors may be used in combination to vary the voltage based on several different factors or combinations of factors (eg, speed, temperature, weight of the sample, etc.).

[0028] As an alternative (or in addition) to the use of sensors, Figure 2DAn exemplary disk 255 is shown, wherein the voltage varies based on a signal received by a network receiver assembly 270. As in the previous example, a potentiometer is used in conjunction with a battery 240 to vary the magnetic force exerted by an electromagnet 235 embedded in the surface of the disk 230. Generally, the network receiver assembly 270 can be any device known in the art capable of receiving a signal from an external data source and subsequently generating an output signal to drive the potentiometer 280. For example, in one embodiment, the network receiver assembly 270 uses a networking protocol such as IEEE 802.11 or Bluetooth to receive signals from an external computing device. These signals can specify, for example, a specific current (ampere-turns) or magnetic intensity value. As an example in a clinical analysis context, an analyzer module can send a signal to the network receiver assembly 270 to reduce the voltage when a sample container is removed from the disk 255. This allows the analyzer module to apply less upward force when moving the sample container. This, in turn, reduces sample movement within the sample container and prevents spillage or other actions that could compromise sample integrity.

[0029] In some embodiments, the puck includes a barcode reader or similar scanner that reads symbols on the track surface, rather than receiving signals from an external source. For example, consider a track with a slope. A symbol could be placed on the track to warn the puck that it is approaching the slope. After reading this symbol, the puck can increase the strength of its magnets for the duration of the time it takes to travel along the slope. Then, at the end of the slope, another symbol could be placed indicating that the voltage can be safely reduced. When this symbol is read by the puck, a potentiometer can be used to reduce the voltage accordingly.

[0030] Figure 2E An exemplary disk 285 is provided for use with a magnetic sample container holder that includes a rechargeable battery 289 that drives an electromagnet 283. In this case, electrical contacts 287A, 287B are located on the left and right sides of the disk 285, respectively. These electrical contacts 287A, 287B are configured to deliver power from an external source to the battery 289 for recharging. It should be noted that the location of the electrical contacts 287A, 287B is exemplary and that different placements may be used in other embodiments. Furthermore, although Figure 2E The disk 285 in FIG. 2 includes two electrical contacts 287A, 287B, but other embodiments may use a single electrical contact or more than two electrical contacts.

[0031] Figure 3A It is shown how these contacts are used to connect the rechargeable battery 289 (see Figure 285) during use of the disc 285 in the analyzer system. Figure 2E) recharged. In this example, the disc 285 travels along a track 330 between two analyzer modules 305, 310 that process a sample 335 held on the disc 285. A charging station 315 is placed between the two analyzer modules 305, 310. At the charging station, two charging contacts 320A, 320B protrude from the sides of the wall of the track 330. The two charging contacts 320A, 320B are wired to a power source ( Figure 3A (Not shown in Figure 3). When the puck enters the station, contacts 287A, 287B on the puck engage charging contacts 320A, 320B. This creates a conductive connection between puck 285 and the wiring of charging station 315. This connection allows power to flow freely from the wiring of charging station 315 into puck 285, thereby providing the necessary power to charge the puck's battery.

[0032] Continue to refer Figure 3A When disk 285 enters charging station 315 (or the coil active zone in which the electromagnet is activated), disk 285 continues to be advanced along track 330 until it reaches a designated stopping point, at which point contacts 287A, 287B on the disk engage charging contacts 320A, 320B. In some embodiments, charging station 315 is configured to extend and retract charging contacts 320A, 320B to charge disk 285 as needed. For example, charging station 315 may include a sensor (e.g., a motion sensor) that detects the disk entering charging station 315. Upon detection, charging station 315 extends charging contacts 320A, 320B. When contacts 287A, 287B on the disk engage charging contacts 320A, 320B, forward movement of disk 285 stops. The charging station 315 can then monitor the charge level of the battery in the disc 285, and when the battery is sufficiently charged, the charging contacts 320A, 320B retract, thereby allowing the disc 285 to move further to the next analyzer module 305. In some embodiments, the charging station can use a timer, rather than actively monitoring the battery charge, that charges the disc for a predetermined time before releasing the disc. It should also be understood that the above-described charging techniques are exemplary and can be adapted to different components in other embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the charging contacts 320A, 320B can be made of a flexible metal that allows the disc 285 to pass along the track 330. In this case, the charging contacts 320A, 320B may not retract, but another device (e.g., a small wall extending upward from the track surface) can extend from the track to hold the disc 285 in the appropriate charging position as needed.

[0033] Figure 2FAn alternative disc 290 is shown with a rechargeable battery 260 according to other embodiments. In this case, the disc 290 is charged using induction. As in the previous example, an electromagnet 293 in the disc is connected to the rechargeable battery 260. Figure 2F The disc 290 in FIG. 2 also includes a charging coil 265. In some embodiments, the charging coil 265 is embedded within the disc 290. In other embodiments, a device holding the charging coil 265 may be connected to the lower portion of the disc 290. In this case, the device may be connected to the lower portion of the disc 290, for example, through a charging port ( Figure 2F ) is connected to the rechargeable battery 260.

[0034] Figure 3B According to some embodiments Figure 2F How the disc is charged is shown in Figure 3A As in the example of FIG, a track 330 is used to transport the puck 290 between the two analyzer modules 305, 310. A charging station 340 is located on the track 330 to recharge the battery in the puck 290. In this example, a primary charging coil 345 for charging is embedded in the track 330. The primary charging coil 345 is connected to the power cord of the charging station 315 ( Figure 3B 290). Electromagnetic induction is used to transfer energy from the primary charging coil 345 to the receiver charging coil 265 in the puck 290. More specifically, the primary charging coil 345 creates an alternating electromagnetic field, which the receiver charging coil 265 in the puck 290 converts back into power to be fed into the battery in the puck 290.

[0035] The systems and processes in the accompanying drawings are not exclusive. Other systems, processes and menus can be derived according to the principles of the present invention to achieve the same purpose. Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that the embodiments and variations shown and described herein are for illustrative purposes only. Those skilled in the art may implement modifications to the current design without departing from the scope of the present invention. As described herein, various systems, subsystems, agents, managers and processes can be implemented using hardware components, software components and / or combinations thereof. The claim elements herein should not be understood to be under the provisions of 35 U.S.C. 112(f) unless the elements are expressly recorded using the phrase "components for..."

Claims

1. A system for transporting a sample in a clinical analysis system, the system comprising: a sample container for holding the sample; a ferromagnetic base connected to the bottom of the sample container; a puck operable to transport the sample container in the clinical analysis system, wherein the puck includes an embedded magnet for securing the sample container to the puck using the ferromagnetic base; wherein the embedded magnet is an electromagnet, and the disc further comprises a battery for powering the electromagnet; Wherein, the disc further comprises a potentiometer for adjusting the voltage to the electromagnet.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The embedded magnet is a permanent magnet.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puck also includes one or more sensors, and the potentiometer is adjusted based on outputs generated by the sensors.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The sensor includes an accelerometer.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puck also includes a network receiver component for receiving a signal from an external source, and the potentiometer is adjusted based on the signal.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puck also includes one or more electrical contacts for receiving power from an external power source to recharge the battery.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The puck also includes a receiver magnetic coil for recharging the battery via induction from an external magnetic coil.

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