Sample tube decapper

Abstract

A kind of decapping device, this decapping device can be combined with automated biochemical analyzer or biological testing system to facilitate sample testing.Exemplary decapping device includes a motor, which can operate: lowering a latch mechanism to engage with the lid of a sample tube, and then raising the latch mechanism to remove the engaged lid.As the latch mechanism is lowered, the tractor portion also descends and causes a group of grippers to extend and clamp the sample tube.As the latch mechanism is raised, the group of grippers apply corresponding pressure to keep the sample tube in place while the lid is removed.Once removed, the lid is resting in the latch mechanism, and the group of grippers is retracted by the raised tractor.When the latch mechanism returns to its initial position, the ejector arm is operated, causing the lid to be ejected from the latch mechanism.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 927,216, filed on October 29, 2019, entitled “Sample Tube Decapper,” the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] By analyzing patient samples, various tests related to patient diagnosis and treatment can be performed. This may include analyzing the patient's microorganism or "microbes", as well as analyzing samples to determine chemistry, antigens, antibodies, blood cell counts and other factors that may affect the patient's health. Microorganisms are microscopic living organisms, such as bacteria, fungi or viruses, which can be unicellular or multicellular. When analyzing microorganisms, biological samples containing patient microorganisms can be taken from the patient's infection, body fluids or abscesses, and can be placed in a test panel or test array, combined with various reagents, cultured and analyzed to help treat the patient. Analysis of patient chemistry, immunoassays, blood cell counts and other characteristics can be performed similarly. For these different analyses, automated biochemical analyzers or biological testing systems have been developed to meet the following needs of healthcare facilities and other institutions: to facilitate the analysis of patient samples, and to improve the accuracy and reliability of the results when compared to the analysis using manual operations and to help determine the effectiveness of various antimicrobial agents.

[0004] Biological samples are typically contained in sample tubes with covers. In order to access the biological sample for analysis or testing, the cover must be cut, pierced, removed, manually separated or otherwise destroyed. In order to save time and resources, it may be beneficial to automate this process; however, such automation often has limitations. For example, an automated cutting or piercing process often requires additional cleaning operations to clean the blades, needles and / or probes used to destroy the cover. Likewise, an automated cover removal process may have a high degree of system complexity and often cannot accommodate multiple sample tube heights in a given sample tube rack. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] While the specification concludes with claims that particularly point out and distinctly claim the invention, it is believed that the invention will be better understood from the following description of certain examples taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

[0006] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an exemplary decapping system;

[0007] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1A perspective view of an exemplary decapping device of a decapping system;

[0008] Figure 3 Shows that it is possible to Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary cartridge for use with a decapping device;

[0009] Figure 4 Shows that it is possible to Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary sample tube for use with a decapping device;

[0010] Figure 5A Shows Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary latch mechanism of a cover removal device;

[0011] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A A front view of a latch mechanism;

[0012] Fig. 6A Shows Figure 2 A front view of a decapping device, wherein the latch mechanism is in an exemplary first position;

[0013] Figure 6B Shows Figure 2 A front view of a decapping device, wherein the latch mechanism is in an exemplary second position;

[0014] Fig. 7A The diagram shows the sample tube before it is removed from the cap. Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of various aspects of the decapping device in the first position;

[0015] Figure 7B The diagram shows the Figure 6B A schematic diagram of various aspects of the decapping device in the second position;

[0016] Figure 7C The diagram shows the sample tube after it has been uncapped. Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of various aspects of the decapping device in the first position; and

[0017] Figure 8 Shows the use of Figure 1 A flowchart of a set of exemplary steps performed by a decapping system of the present invention to decap a sample tube;

[0018] Fig. 9 shows a perspective view of another exemplary decapping system;

[0019] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A perspective view of an exemplary decapping device of a decapping system of FIG. 1 , wherein an exemplary sample tube is positioned in a tube area of ​​the exemplary decapping device;

[0020] Fig.11A Shows Fig.10 a top view of a decapping device of claim 1, wherein a gripper head of the decapping device is in an exemplary first orientation about a central axis thereof, and wherein grippers of the gripper head are in an exemplary first position relative to each other such that the grippers are spaced radially outward relative to a sample tube body;

[0021] Fig. 11B shows a top view of the decapping device of FIG. 11 , wherein the gripper heads are in a first orientation about a central axis, and wherein the grippers are in an exemplary second position relative to each other such that the grippers contact and grip a sample tube body;

[0022] Fig. 11C Shows Fig.10 wherein the grippers are in a second position relative to each other such that the grippers contact and grip the sample tube body, and wherein the gripper heads are in an exemplary second orientation about the central axis; and

[0023] Fig.12 Shows the use of Fig. 9 A flowchart of an exemplary set of steps performed by a decapping system to decap a sample tube.

[0024] The drawings are not intended to be limiting in any way, and it is contemplated that various embodiments of the invention may be implemented in a variety of other ways, including those not necessarily depicted in the drawings. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of the specification, illustrate several aspects of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention; it should be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] The following description of certain examples of the present invention should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention. Through the following description, other examples, features, aspects, embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and the following description is by way of example for envisioning a mode in the best mode for implementing the present invention. As will be appreciated, the present invention can have other different and obvious aspects, all of which do not deviate from the present invention. Therefore, the drawings and description should be regarded as schematic and not restrictive in nature.

[0026] It will be understood that any one or more of the teachings, representations, schemes, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with any one or more of the other teachings, representations, schemes, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the teachings, representations, schemes, examples, etc. described below should not be viewed in isolation from each other. In view of the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0027] I. First Exemplary Decapping System

[0028] Figure 1 A perspective view of an exemplary decapping system (10) is shown. The decapping system (10) includes a decapping device (100), a box (102), and a sample tube (104). The box (102) is adapted to hold one or more sample tubes such as the sample tube (104) and can be placed in the decapping device (100). The decapping device (100) can be operated to remove a cap from a sample tube aligned within an operating area of ​​the decapping device (100) such as where the sample tube (104) is located. The box (102) can be placed in the decapping device (100) and can be manually or automatically advanced through the decapping device (100) to align one or more sample tubes held by the box (102) for decapping. For example, in some implementations, the cartridge (102) can be placed in the decapping device (100) by a user and can then be automatically advanced through the decapping device (100) by a cartridge deployment device (not shown) or other machine to align each sample tube for decapping. In some implementations, in addition to being automatically advanced, the cartridge (102) can also be automatically placed in the decapping device (100) by a cartridge deployment device or other machine.

[0029] In some implementations, the decapping device (100) can be incorporated in another device or connected to another device. As an example, the decapping device (100) can be positioned in an automated biochemical analyzer or an automated biological test system or connected to an automated biochemical analyzer or an automated biological test system, so that the sample entry portion of the automated analyzer can be received in the box (102), and the box (102) can be delivered to the subsequent components or devices of the automated analyzer according to the route after one or more sample tubes are automatically decapped. In such an implementation, the box layout device can be a component of the automated analyzer and can be operated to deliver the box to the decapping device (100) according to the route and deliver from the decapping device (100). In other implementations, the decapping device (100) can receive the sample tube (104) itself instead of receiving the box (102) containing one or more sample tubes, wherein the sample tube (104) is carried by a sample layout device (e.g., similar to the box layout device) or other sample holders.

[0030] Figure 2 A perspective view of an exemplary decapping device, such as decapping device (100) is shown. Figure 2 The decapping device (100) in is shown without a box (102) or sample tube (104) in place. The decapping device (100) includes a frame (110) on which a tractor (112) is slidably mounted. The tractor (112) is mounted to the frame (110) using a set of sliding bolts (e.g., three sliding bolts (118) and an ejector bolt (130) that enables an ejector (132), as will be shown and described in more detail below) that are statically coupled to the frame (110) and slidably coupled to the tractor (112) via a set of parallel slots (116) that extend along the face of the tractor (112). The parallel slots are longitudinally parallel to the sliding direction so that the tractor (112) can move upward and downward relative to the frame (110), wherein the distance of movement is limited by the length of the parallel slots (116).

[0031] A set of grippers (124) are rotatably mounted to the frame (110) and positioned relative to each other so as to surround a tube region (134) and be movable between a clamped position and an unclamped position. The tube region (134) may be adapted to receive a sample tube (104) and / or a cartridge (102) and may include rails, guides, or other physical features that assist in maintaining the position of the sample tube (104) and / or cartridge (102) when positioned within the tube region (134) by a sample placement device (not shown) or when manually positioned by a user. Each gripper in the set of grippers (124) includes a gripping portion (126) adapted to contact and grip a sample tube within the tube region (134) when the set of grippers (124) is rotated toward the tube region (134).

[0032] Reference Figure 3 and Figure 4 Several aspects of the clamping portion (126) are described. Figure 3 and Figure 4 An exemplary box, such as box (102), and an exemplary sample tube, such as sample tube (104), are shown respectively. As an example, in some implementations, the clamping portion (126) can be sized and shaped to fit within a clamping portion slot (142) of a body (148) of the box (102) when the set of clamps (124) are rotated. There is also a set of tube slots (140) within the body (148), wherein each clamping portion slot (142) corresponds to a tube slot (140), so that a clamping portion (126) entering a clamping portion slot (142) will contact a sample tube (104) in the tube slot (140) and clamp the sample tube (104) in the tube slot (140) when contacting from the opposite side. Figure 3 Also shown are upper guides (146) and lower guides (144) formed into the body (148), which may correspond with one or more guide features of the tube area (134) to limit the movement of the cartridge (102) within the tube area (134). The use of the cartridge (102) with the sample tube (104) isolates the movement of the sample tube (104) within the tube area (134) and also serves as a centering feature that can center the sample tube (104) within the operative portion of the tube area (134) to ensure predictable interaction between the decapping device (100) and the sample tube (104).

[0033] As another example of such adaptation, the clamping portion (126) can be formed of or coated with a flexible material, such as foam or rubber, which can allow for a tighter fit when clamping the body (152) of the sample tube (104). Such a material can also conform to the shape of the body (152) of the sample tube (104) to increase the surface area against which the clamped tube contacts, and can also provide a contact surface with relatively high friction.

[0034] like Figure 2 As shown in , the decapping device (100) further includes a latch mechanism (200) positioned within the frame (110) and coupled to a motor (114) operable to raise and lower the latch mechanism (200). The motor (114) may be an electric motor capable of linearly extending and retracting or raising and lowering the latch mechanism (200) relative to the frame (110). Figure 2 The motor (114) is depicted as an electric rotary motor having a drive rotor (115) in the upper portion of the frame (110) that is driven by a drive belt (e.g., Fig. 6A The drive belt (111) in the frame (110) is connected to the distal rotor (e.g., Fig. 6A 1 and 12. The latch mechanism (200) may be positioned within the frame (110) and coupled to the drive belt (111) so as to be raised and lowered by operation of the drive rotor (115). In some embodiments, the motor (114) may alternatively be a linear actuator, a hydraulic shaft, a rotary screw drive, or other motor operable to generate a linear force to raise and lower the latch mechanism (200) within the frame (110). Some embodiments of the decapping device (100) include only a single motor, such as the motor (114), wherein such embodiments actuate other functional portions of the decapping device (100) (e.g., an ejector (132), a set of grippers (124)) based on operation of the motor (114) and corresponding extension and retraction of the latch mechanism (200), as described in more detail below.

[0035] Movement of the latch mechanism (200) within the frame (110) results in the activation or actuation of several functional features of the decapping device (100). Figure 2 As can be observed in FIG. 1 , when the latch mechanism (200) is in Figure 2, the retractor (112) is supported by the latch mechanism (200) when in the raised or retracted position shown in FIG. As the latch mechanism (200) is extended by operation of the motor (114), the retractor (112) will also extend, thereby sliding along the set of bolts (118). The extension of the retractor (112) may be caused by one or more of gravity or a spring bias or other flexible bias toward the extended position (such as, for example, by a spring connected to the retractor (112) at a first end and connected to the lower portion of the frame (110) at a second end). As the retractor (112) is extended, a rotating bolt (122) extending from each of the set of clamps (124) slides along the inclined slot (120) of the retractor (112), thereby causing the set of clamps (124) to rotate toward the tube area (134). The rotating bolt (122) is rotated from the rotation axis (e.g., Fig. 7A The set of grippers (124) is configured to be offset from the axis of rotation of the rotating bolt (141) in the chute (120) so that the force of sliding along the chute (120) causes the gripper (124) to rotate about the rotating bolt (141) rather than causing linear motion. In this way, the set of grippers (124) can grip sample tubes of different diameters because the gripping portion (126) is also offset from the rotating bolt (141) and therefore will have a variable distance extending into the tube area (134) depending on the range of rotation. The set of grippers (124) also acts as a centering feature for tubes of different diameters because the opposing grippers (124) rotate simultaneously so that an eccentrically positioned tube will be contacted by one gripper and then pushed toward the centerline until contact is made with the second gripper.

[0036] As the set of grippers (124) contacts and grips the sample tube (104), the retractor (112) will cease to extend and will be supported by the rotating bolts (122) of the set of grippers (124) rather than by the latch mechanism (200). The latch mechanism (200) can then continue to extend by operation of the motor (114) until the cap (150) of the sample tube (104) is received and positioned within the latch mechanism (200), as will be shown and described in more detail below. The motor (114) can then be operated in the reverse direction (e.g., by retracting the linear actuator, by operating the electric motor drive rotor (115) in the opposite direction) to retract the latch mechanism (200) and remove the cap (150) from the body (152). As the latch mechanism (200) pulls the cover (150), a set of grippers (124) having a friction fit with the sample tube (104) can rotate accordingly and abut against the body (152) to provide a variable amount of clamping pressure on the body (152). In this way, the set of grippers (124) can limit the clamping pressure applied to the body (152) to the force required to offset the pulling force on the cover (150), which can reduce the possibility of damage to the body (152) due to unnecessary high clamping pressure. In some implementations, the set of grippers (124) can include a torque limiting feature such as a sliding gear configuration to further limit the amount of pressure that can be applied to the clamped tube.

[0037] After the cover (150) is removed, the latch mechanism (200) retains the cover and continues to retract until the latch mechanism (200) engages the retractor (112), which is then supported by the latch mechanism (200) rather than the rotating bolt (122). As the latch mechanism (200) continues to retract, the retractor (112) also retracts, which causes the set of grippers (124) to rotate away from the tube area (134), thereby releasing the sample tube (104). When the latch mechanism (200) is retracted to a position near its origin (e.g., Figure 2 ), the ejector (132) contacts the ejector bolt (130) and causes the ejector (132) to eject the removed cover (150) from the latch mechanism (200), as will be shown and described in more detail below.

[0038] As already described, the latch mechanism (200) receives the cover (150) and removes the cover (150) during the decapping process. To provide additional details, Figure 5AA perspective view of an exemplary latch mechanism, such as latch mechanism (200) is shown. Latch mechanism (200) includes a first latch arm (208) and a second latch arm (212) opposite the first latch arm (208). The first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) are each coupled to a latch plate (206), which itself is coupled to a motor (114). The first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) are rotatably coupled to the latch plate (206) via respective rotation bolts (210), which allow the coupled latch arms (208, 212) to rotate within a certain range relative to the latch plate (206). The rotation range of the first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) can be limited by one or more of the stop portion (207) of the latch plate (206), the frame (110), the retractor (112), and the relative latch arms (208, 212). Figure 5B The upper portions of the first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) are shaped to provide a gap (209) therebetween that allows each latch arm (208, 212) to rotate to a limited extent before contacting the other. The latch plate (206) also includes a retractor plate (202) that engages and supports the retractor (112) at different stages of extension and retraction, as already described.

[0039] The first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) each include a cavity defining an ejector slot (216) in which the ejector (132) can be rotatably coupled, although the ejector (132) itself is Figure 5A The cavities of the first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) also define a cover chamber (220) within which the cover (150) and other covers having different sizes can be retained after being removed from the body (152). The cavity of the first latch arm (208) also defines an ejector port (218) through which the cover (150) can be ejected by the ejector (132), as will be shown and described in more detail below.

[0040] The first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) extend from the arm and each provide an upper surface that contacts and supports the lower lip (154) of the cover (150) so as to latch onto the cover (150) and allow the cover (150) to be pulled and removed when the latch mechanism (200) is retracted. The first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) define a cover area (225) that receives the cover (150) when the latch module (200) is extended onto the sample tube (104). When the cover (150) is received, the contoured portion (226) of each of the first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) contacts the top of the cover (150) and converts the linear force (226) of the cover (150) against the contoured portion into a rotational force of the corresponding latch arm (208, 212). For example, in Figure 5A , the contoured portion (226) is depicted as an angled surface on the underside of the second cover engagement portion (224). When the angled contoured portion (226) contacts the cover (150), the second latch arm (212) will rotate about the rotation bolt (210), which effectively increases the size of the cover area (225). In fact, the contoured portion (226) can be used as an additional centering feature to align the cover (150) with the latch mechanism (200). This allows the latch mechanism (200) to accommodate covers having different diameters because the size of the cover area (225) will increase corresponding to the diameter of the cover, and also allows the first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) to latch onto the lower lip (154) of the cover (150) after the cover is fully positioned within the cover chamber because the locking arms (208, 212) will rotate back to the initial position of the locking arms (208, 212) and restore the cover area (225) to the initial size of the cover area (225).

[0041] Figure 5B Shows Figure 5A Front view of the latch mechanism, Figure 5B , the contoured portions (226) of the first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) and the configuration of the first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) defining a gap (209) and allowing a certain range of rotation of the latch arms (208, 212) can be observed. The approximate position of the cover (150) after removal from the body (152) is indicated by a dotted line, and the cover (150) can be observed resting on the upper surfaces of the first cover engagement portion (222) and the second cover engagement portion (224) within the cover chamber (220).

[0042] To provide further examples of the functionality of the decapping device (100), Fig. 6A Shows Figure 21, wherein the latch mechanism (200) is in an exemplary initial position, which may correspond to a fully retracted position of the latch mechanism (200). The distal rotor (113) and drive belt (111) are visible within the frame (110), and portions of the ejector (132) may also be observed. The approximate location of the sample tube (104), whether individually positioned within the tube area (134) or within the cassette (102), is illustrated by the dotted lines within the tube area (134).

[0043] Figure 6B A front view of the decapping device (100) is shown, wherein the latch mechanism (200) is in an exemplary extended position, which may correspond to a fully extended position of the latch mechanism (200). In this figure, the approximate position of the sample tube (104) is shown by the dotted line within the tube area (134), wherein the cap (150) is positioned within the cap chamber (220) of the latch mechanism (200), and the first cap engaging portion (222) and the second cap engaging portion (224) are latched under the lower lip (154) of the cap (150). It can also be observed that the set of grippers (124) are positioned relative to their positions in the Fig. 6A wherein the rotation is the result of the rotation bolt (122) of each of the set of clamps (124) sliding along the inclined slot (120) as the puller (112) extends along the range of motion of the set of parallel slots (116).

[0044] As already described, since the latch mechanism (200) returns to its initial position (e.g., Fig. 6A ), the ejector (132) of the latch mechanism (200) is used to automatically eject the removed cover from the latch mechanism (200). In other words, the first "stroke" or movement of the latch mechanism (200) grabs the cover, the second stroke lifts the cover, and the third stroke ejects the cover. 7A to 7C Features of the ejector (132) and other aspects of the decapping device (100) are further illustrated. Fig. 7A A sample tube such as sample tube (104) is shown in a state such as Fig. 6A Schematic diagram of the decapping device (100) in a position such as the initial position of FIG. To provide improved visibility, the puller (112) is omitted, the motor (114) is shown as a schematic box, and the latch mechanism (200) and the sample tube (104) are illustrated as dashed lines and dot-dash lines, respectively.

[0045] exist Fig. 7AIn the embodiment of the present invention, the ejector (132) is rotatably mounted in the cavity of the latch mechanism (200) by a rotating bolt (138) (for example, the rotating bolt (138) can be connected to the first latch arm (208)) to allow rotation relative to the latch mechanism (200). The ejector (132) includes a contact portion (135) positioned to contact the ejector bolt (130) and rotate the ejector (132) to Fig. 7A In this position, the ejector (132) is rotated so that Fig. 7A The ejector arm, shown as an ejector fork (136), extends from the latch mechanism (200) (e.g., from within the ejector port (218) and / or ejector slot (216)). The set of grippers (124) can also be observed rotating away from the tube region (134) about the rotation axis of each gripper's rotation bolt (141).

[0046] Figure 7B Shows that in such Figure 6B Schematic diagram of the decapping device (100) in a position such as the extended position of the ejector (132). In this figure, the contact portion (135) of the ejector (132) is no longer in contact with the ejector bolt (130), and the ejector (132) has been rotated so that the ejector fork (136) is now completely located within the latch mechanism (200). When the latch mechanism (200) is lowered and receives the cap (150) of the sample tube (104), the ejector fork (136) is also positioned so that the cap (150) is located between the two blades of the ejector fork (136). The ejector fork (136) can be rotated to the position shown due to gravity, due to a spring bias or other flexible bias, or due to both gravity and spring bias or other flexible bias. It can also be seen that the set of grippers (124) rotates around each rotation bolt (141) toward the tube area (134) due to the extension of the retractor (112), which is omitted in this figure for visibility but is shown in FIG. Figure 2 as well as FIG. 6A to FIG. 6B Shown in.

[0047] Figure 7C The sample tube (104) is shown in a state such as after being decapped. Fig. 6ASchematic diagram of the decapping device (100) in a position such as the initial position of the ejector (132). In this figure, when the latch mechanism (200) is retracted back to its initial position, the contact portion (135) of the ejector (132) has contacted the ejector bolt (130). Therefore, the ejector (132) has rotated at the rotating bolt (138) and the ejector fork (136) rotates outward from the ejector port (218), thereby causing the removed cap (150) to be pushed outward from the ejector port (218), where the cap (150) can fall from the ejector fork (136) into the cap disposal portion (228), which can be a box, tray or other surface or container that collects multiple removed caps until they are disposed of, and the cap disposal portion (228) can be another device combined with the decapping device (100), such as a component or compartment in an automated analyzer. As the retractor (112) engages and retracts with the latch mechanism (200), the set of grippers (124) may also be observed to rotate away from the tube region (134) back to its initial position.

[0048] In view of the teachings herein, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the decapping device (100) described above and its 6A to 7C The functions described in are exemplary, and some implementations of the decapper (100) will have variations. For example, although the ejector fork (136) is shown as having a pair of teeth, it should be understood that the ejector arm can be implemented as a cylindrical or rectangular ejector having a cavity for receiving a cap, or can be implemented as a different other shape that receives a cap and guides the cap to be ejected once the cap is removed. As another example, although the tractor (112) is described and shown as being slidably coupled to the frame (110), it should be understood that implementations of the decapper (100) may also include a tractor (112) that rotates relative to the frame (110), extends from the frame (110) and retracts to the frame (110), and slides relative to the frame (110) in different directions (e.g., slides horizontally, slides vertically, or slides both horizontally and vertically to varying degrees). As yet another example, although the grippers (124) are described as being movable through the chute (120), it should be understood that implementations of the decapper (100) may also include a set of grippers (124) that are pivotally displaced during gripping, or that are otherwise rotated and extended during gripping. Other variations of the decapper (100) exist and will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of this disclosure.

[0049] Although they have been described in some detail above, Figure 8 A flow chart is shown of an exemplary set of steps (300) performed when decapping a sample tube, such as a sample tube (104). The sample tube (104) can be aligned (302) within the tube area (134), which can be a manual or automated process and can include positioning the sample tube (104) individually or by positioning a cassette (102) containing one or more sample tubes.

[0050] The motor (114) can be operated to cause the latch mechanism to start moving from an initial position (e.g., the latch mechanism (200) is in Fig. 7A The first position is a position shown in Figure 2 (shown in Figure 2), thereby allowing the ejector (132) to rotate into the latch mechanism (200) and causing the set of grippers (124) to begin rotating toward the tube region (134). At a first position during extension, wherein the first position is at or before the maximum extension distance of the retractor (112), the set of grippers (124) will deploy (306) to contact and grip the sample tube (104). The positioning of the first position can depend on factors such as the diameter of the sample tube (104), the distance that the grippers (126) are offset from the rotation bolt (141), and the flexibility of the material from which the grippers (126) are made.

[0051] The latch mechanism (200) may then be in a second position (e.g., the latch mechanism (200) is in a Figure 7B The latch mechanism (200) can include a first latch arm (208) and a second latch arm (212) that rotate to allow the cap (150) to enter the cap chamber (220) and rest between the blades of the ejector fork (136) and then rotate back to their initial positions to latch the first cap engagement portion (222) and the second cap engagement portion (224) under the lower lip (154) of the cap (150). The second position can be located at or before the maximum extension distance of the latch mechanism (200) along the extension path, but after the first position.

[0052] The motor (114) can then be operated to begin retracting (310) the latch mechanism (200) back to the initial position, thereby causing the latch mechanism (200) to apply a force to the cap (150) in the direction of cap removal. The set of grippers (124) can tighten (312) their grips on the sample tube (104) to a pressure corresponding to the force applied to the cap (150) in the direction of cap removal. During retraction, due to the applied force, the cap (150) will be removed (314) from the body (152) and retained in the cap chamber (220) by the inner wall of the first latch arm (208), the inner wall of the second latch arm (212), and the inner wall of the ejector fork (136).

[0053] As retraction of the latch mechanism (200) continues, after the cover (150) is removed, the latch mechanism (200) will engage (316) and support the retractor (112) at or near the first position, causing the retractor (112) to begin to retract with the latch mechanism (200). As a result, the retractor (112) will release (318) the set of grippers (124) from the body (152) by rotating the set of grippers (124) away from the tube region (134) as it retracts.

[0054] As retraction of the latch mechanism (200) continues and the latch mechanism (200) reaches a point at or near the initial position, the ejector (132) can then rotate and eject the cap (150) due to the contact portion (135) contacting the ejector bolt (130). The latch mechanism (200) can then reach (322) the initial position and the operation of the motor (114) can be stopped. Through this set of steps (300), it can be observed that a device such as a decapping device is capable of performing a multi-stage decapping process and includes multiple moving parts (e.g., latch mechanism (200), ejector (132), a set of grippers (124)), all of which are driven by the operation of a single motor (e.g., motor (114)). Among other benefits, this can be advantageous because providing a decapping device that includes only a single motor that drives each function of the device can reduce the complexity, cost, and maintenance requirements of such a device. However, it should also be understood that some implementations of the decapping apparatus may include one or more motors, such as motor (114), as may be desired for a particular implementation or application.

[0055] In addition, disclosed above are various features that allow sample tubes such as sample tubes (104) to have varying body heights and diameters and varying cover heights and diameters. For example, the functionality of the set of clamps (124) allows clamping of tube bodies having different diameters without first determining (e.g., by using a sensor or accessing a preconfigured value) the diameter of the body. Similarly, the functionality of the latch mechanism (200) allows latching and removal of sample tube covers having different heights and diameters without first determining the height or diameter. In each case, the operating components are alternatively configured to mechanically and in real time determine and adapt to varying heights and diameters during the decapping operation. In addition, it should be noted that in the case of using a box (102) to hold multiple sample tubes, each sample tube can have a different height, and the decapping device (100) does not require any determination or preconfiguration of the position, height, or other features of the sample tubes held by the box (102).

[0056] For example, implementations of the decapping device (100) are capable of engaging and decapping sample tubes having a height between about 75 mm and about 125 mm. Implementations that can accommodate tubes less than 75 mm or greater than 125 mm are also possible, with features such as the distance between the initial position and the maximum extended position of the latch mechanism (200) being variable to accommodate particularly short or tall sample tubes.

[0057] As another example, an implementation of the decapping device (100) is capable of accepting and latching onto caps having diameters between about 12 mm and about 17 mm. Implementations that can accommodate tubes outside of such a range are also possible, with features such as the cap region (225) and the range of rotation of the first latch arm (208) and the second latch arm (212) being variable to accommodate particularly small or large sample tube caps.

[0058] II. Second Exemplary Decapping System

[0059] Fig. 9 A perspective view of another exemplary decapping system (12) is shown. The decapping system (12) includes a decapping device (400), a deployment device (401), a box (102) described above, and one or more sample tubes (104) described above. The box (102) is suitable for holding one or more sample tubes, such as one or more sample tubes (104), each of which can be individually placed in the decapping device (400). The decapping device (400) is operable to cooperate with the deployment device (401) to remove the cap from the sample tube, which is in the operating area of ​​the decapping device (400), such as the sample tube (104) in Fig.10Each sample tube (104) can be selectively manually or automatically placed in the decapping device (400) to align the sample tube (104) for decapping. For example, in some implementations, each sample tube (104) can be automatically removed from the box (102) by the deployment device (401) and placed in the decapping device (400).

[0060] In this regard, the deployment device (401) can include a handler (403) having one or more cover engagement portions (not shown) that provide one or more upper surfaces for contacting and supporting the lower lip (154) of the cover (150) of the sample tube (104) so ​​as to latch onto the cover (150) and allow the cover (150) to be manipulated by the deployment device (401) alone or in conjunction with the body (152) of the sample tube (104). In some implementations, the handler (403) can also have one or more cartridge engagement portions that are used to contact and support the body (148) of the cartridge (102) so as to allow the cartridge (102) to be manipulated by the deployment device (401) alone or in conjunction with the sample tube (104). In any case, the deployment device (401) also includes a multi-axis gantry (405) for transporting the processor (403) together with the load (e.g., the box (102), the cover (150) and / or the body (152)) carried by the processor (403). The multi-axis gantry (405) can be configured in any suitable known manner to move the processor (403) linearly and / or angularly. Although the present embodiment includes a 3-axis gantry (405) indicated by a coordinate system (S), it should be understood that a gantry with any suitable number of axes, such as a single axis gantry or a 2-axis gantry, can be used depending on the specific application. Therefore, the deployment device (401) can be configured to selectively transport each sample tube (104) from the box (102) to the decapping device (400), continue to support the cap (150) of the sample tube (104) while the decapping device (400) removes the cap (150) from the body (152) of the sample tube (104), transport the removed cap (150) to a cap disposal portion (not shown), and retrieve the decapped body (152) of the sample tube (104) from the decapping device (400) for return to the box (102) and / or transport to another device.

[0061] In some implementations, the decapping device (400) can be incorporated into or coupled to another device. As an example, the decapping device (400) can be positioned in or coupled to an automated biochemical analyzer or an automated biological testing system, so that the box (102) can be received from the sample entry portion of the automated analyzer, and the box (102) can be routed to a subsequent component or device of the automated analyzer after one or more sample tubes are automatically decapped, and / or the sample tubes (104) that are individually decapped can be routed to a subsequent component or device of the automated analyzer. In such an implementation, the layout device (401) can be a component of the automated analyzer and can be operated to route the sample tubes (104) individually to and from the decapping device (400).

[0062] Fig.10 A perspective view of an exemplary decapping device, such as decapping device (400), is shown. Figure 2 The decapping device (400) in FIG. 1 is shown with a sample tube (104) in place. The decapping device (400) includes a frame (410), a decapping assembly (412), and a motor housing (416) and an output shaft (418) ( FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C ) of the motor housing (414). As shown, the frame (410) includes an upper guide plate (420) having a central guide hole (422) sized and shaped to slidably receive the cover (150) and / or body (152) of the sample tube (104), and the frame (410) also includes a pair of opposing side walls (424) extending downward from the upper guide plate (420) to corresponding flanges (425). The flanges (425) of the frame (410) are each fixedly coupled to the output side of the motor housing (416) via a corresponding fastener, such as a bolt (e.g., a round head screw) (426) having a head (427). In the example shown, the head (427) of each bolt (426) is spaced apart from the corresponding flange (425) by a corresponding spacer (428).

[0063] As shown, the decapping assembly (412) includes a gripper head (430) and a drive gear (432) ( FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C ), the drive gear (432) is fixedly coupled to the output shaft (418) of the motor (414) so ​​that the drive gear (432) can rotate together with the output shaft (418). The drive gear (432) includes a plurality of drive gear teeth (434) that are used to selectively transmit torque from the output shaft (418) of the motor (414) to various portions of the gripper head (430), as described in more detail below.

[0064] The gripper head (430) includes a platform (440) that is rotatably mounted to the output side of the motor housing (416). In this regard, the platform (440) includes a central platform hole (442) ( FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C ), the central platform hole (442) defines a central axis (C) and rotatably receives the output shaft (418) of the drive gear (432) and / or the motor (414). In some implementations, the output shaft (418), the central guide hole (422), the drive gear (432), and / or the central platform hole (442) can be axially aligned with each other along the central axis (C). For example, the drive gear (432) can include a lower cylindrical support portion (not shown) that is used to rotatably engage the central platform hole (442) to help axially align the central platform hole (442) with the drive gear (432) and / or the output shaft (418). As shown, the platform (440) is rotatably disposed between each of the flanges (425) of the frame (410) and the head (427) of the corresponding bolt (426) to prevent the platform (440) from being inadvertently removed from the output side of the motor housing (416) while allowing the platform (440) to rotate about the central axis (C) relative to the output side of the motor housing (416), as described in more detail below. In this regard, the height of each of the spacers (428) can be slightly greater than the thickness of the platform (440) to position the head (427) of the corresponding bolt (426) slightly above the top surface of the platform (440) when the bottom surface of the platform (440) is positioned on the flange (425). In the present example, although the platform (440) is operatively mounted to the output side of the motor housing (416) via the flange (425) of the frame (410), the platform (440) may alternatively be mounted directly to the output side of the motor housing (416), such as in an implementation where the flange (425) is omitted.

[0065] The clamp head (430) also includes a plurality of clamp assemblies (450), each clamp assembly including a respective driven gear (452), the driven gear (452) being pivotally mounted to the platform (440) via a respective pivot pin (e.g., shoulder screw) (453), the pivot pin (453) being fixedly secured to the platform (440) and defining a respective pivot axis (P) parallel to the central axis (C). The driven gears (452) each include a plurality of driven gear teeth (454) ( FIG. 11A to FIG. 11C), a plurality of driven gear teeth (454) are configured to mesh with the drive gear teeth (434) to receive torque from the drive gear teeth (434), as described in more detail below. The clamping assemblies (450) each also include a corresponding clamp (456), which is rotatably mounted to the corresponding driven gear (452) via a corresponding fastener (e.g., a button-headed screw) (457), the fastener (457) being fixedly fastened to the corresponding driven gear (452) and offset from the corresponding pivot axis (P). In this regard, the driven gears (452) are each generally triangular in shape, wherein the pivot pin (453) is positioned at or near a first vertex, the clamp (456) is positioned at or near a second vertex adjacent to the first vertex and in a counterclockwise direction relative to the first vertex, and the driven gear teeth (454) extend from a third vertex adjacent to the first vertex and in a clockwise direction relative to the first vertex toward the second vertex. In some implementations, a cylindrical bushing or spacer (not shown) can be positioned between each retainer (456) and the corresponding fastener (457) to facilitate rotatability of the retainer (456) relative to the corresponding driven gear (452). In other implementations, the retainer (456) can be fixedly fastened to the corresponding driven gear (452). In any case, the retainers (456) each include a corresponding clamping portion (e.g., a clamping surface) (458).

[0066] In the example shown, the plurality of gripper assemblies (450) includes three gripper assemblies (450), wherein their respective pivot axes (P) are radially equidistantly spaced from the central axis (C) and are circumferentially spaced from each other at equal intervals around the platform (440), such that the grippers (456) surround the tube region (460) and are capable of being moved in an un-gripped position (460) via respective driven gears (452). Fig.11A ) and clamping position ( Fig. 11B and Fig. 11C). The tube region (460) can be adapted to receive the body (152) of the sample tube (104) and provide the clamping portion (458) with unimpeded radial access to the body (152) of the sample tube (104), such that the clamping portion (458) can access the entire 360° circumference of the body (152) of the sample tube (104), and the tube region (460) can include physical features such as a central guide hole (422) that help maintain the position of the sample tube (104) when it is positioned within the tube region (460) by the deployment device (401). When the clamp (456) is rotated toward the tube region (460), each clamping portion (458) is adapted to contact and clamp the sample tube within the tube region (460). In this regard, the clamping portion (458) can be formed of or coated with a flexible material such as foam or rubber, which can allow for a tighter fit when clamping the body (152) of the sample tube (104). Such a material can also conform to the shape of the body (152) of the sample tube (104) to increase the surface area against which the clamped tube contacts, and can also provide a contact surface with relatively high friction.

[0067] In some implementations, each of the clamping assemblies (450) can have a mass that is significantly less than the mass of the entire clamp head (430). Additionally or alternatively, the frictional resistance provided between each clamping assembly (450) and the platform (440) can be significantly less than the frictional resistance provided between the platform (440) and the output side of the motor housing (416). Thus, in the absence of a threshold external force applied to one or more of the clamping assemblies (450) (e.g., on the clamping portion (458)), the drive gear (432) can be configured to transfer torque from the output shaft (418) of the motor (414) to each of the driven gears (452) for causing the driven gears (452) to pivot relative to the platform (440) about their respective pivot axes (P) without transferring the torque to the platform (440), so that the platform (440) can remain stationary relative to the motor housing (416). On the other hand, when a threshold external force is applied to one or more of the clamping assemblies (450) (for example, on the clamping portion (458)), the drive gear (432) can be configured to transmit torque from the output shaft (418) of the motor (414) to each of the driven gears (452), which may be restricted by the threshold external force and unable to pivot around their respective pivot axes (P), and thus these driven gears (452) can transmit the torque to the platform (440) via the pivot pin (453) for rotating the platform (440) around the central axis (C) relative to the motor housing (416).

[0068] Rotation of the drive gear (432), such as rotation of the drive gear (432) via rotation of the output shaft (418) of the motor (414), results in the activation or actuation of several functional features of the decapping device (400). Fig.11A As shown in , the sample tube (104) can be at least partially inserted into the tube region (460), wherein the clamp (456) is initially spaced radially outward relative to the sample tube (104) in a non-clamped position. More specifically, at least a portion of the body (152) of the sample tube (104) can be positioned within the tube region (460) and aligned with the central axis (C). For example, the deployment device (401) can fixedly support the cover (150) of the sample tube (104) above the upper guide plate (420), wherein the body (152) extends downward from the upper guide plate (420) through the central guide hole (422) and extends into the tube region (460), and the central guide hole can help align the body (152) with the central axis (C). Therefore, regardless of the specific orientation of the body (152) about the central axis (C), the clamping portion (458) can have unimpeded radial access to the body (152). In this state, the gripper head (430) and the body (152) of the sample tube (104) can each be in a first orientation about the central axis (C).

[0069] like Fig. 11BAs shown in , the motor (414) can then be enabled to rotate the output shaft (418) together with the drive gear (432) around the central axis (C) in a first angular direction indicated by the first arrow (A1), such as a clockwise direction. Since the mass of each clamping assembly (450) is significantly smaller than the mass of the entire clamp head (430) and / or the friction resistance is significantly smaller than the platform (440), and since no other external forces are applied to the clamping assembly (450) in this state, the drive gear (432) can transmit torque from the output shaft (418) of the motor (414) to each of the driven gears (452), so as to thereby cause the driven gears (452) to pivot relative to the platform (440) around their respective pivot axes (P) in a second angular direction indicated by the second arrow (A2), such as a counterclockwise direction, without transmitting the torque to the platform (440). Because the grippers (456) are each offset from the respective pivot axis (P), pivoting of the driven gear (452) causes the respective grippers (456) to correspondingly pivot about the respective pivot axis (P), causing the grippers (456) to move radially inward toward the central axis (C) to a clamping position in which the grippers (456) contact and clamp the body (152) of the sample tube (104). In this way, the set of grippers (456) can clamp sample tubes having different diameters because the respective grippers (458) are also offset from the respective pivot axis (P) and therefore will have a variable distance extending into the tube region (460) depending on the pivot range of the respective driven gear (452). The set of grippers (456) also serves as a centering feature for tubes having different diameters, as rotation of the relative grippers (456) occurs simultaneously, such that an eccentrically positioned tube will be contacted by one gripper and then pushed toward the central axis (C) until contact is made with a second and / or third gripper. In any event, the grippers (456) can apply a secure friction fit to the body (152) of the sample tube (104). In this state, the gripper head (430) and the body (152) of the sample tube (104) can each be maintained in a first orientation about the central axis (C).

[0070] like Fig. 11CAs shown in , the drive gear (432) can continue to rotate about the central axis (C) in a first angular direction as indicated by the third arrow (A3) because the set of grippers (456) contacts and clamps the body (152) of the sample tube (104) so ​​that the body (152) can apply an opposing force to each of the grippers (456). This opposing force can increase as the grippers (156) are tightly against the body (152) and apply increasing clamping pressure to the body (152) until the opposing force reaches a threshold sufficient to limit further pivoting of the driven gear (452) about the respective pivot axis (P) in the second direction. Therefore, the driven gear (452) can become stationary relative to the platform (440), so that the torque transmitted to the driven gear (452) by the drive gear (432) is further transmitted to the platform (440) via the pivot pin (453). The torque may be sufficient to rotate the gripper head (430) relative to the motor housing (416) about the central axis (C) in a first direction from a first orientation to a second orientation, as indicated by a fourth arrow (A4). It should be understood that the gripper (456) remains in a gripping position and thus continues to apply a secure friction fit to the body (152) of the sample tube (104) during such rotation of the gripper head (430), such that the body (152) can rotate with the gripper head (430) relative to the motor housing (416) about the central axis (C) from the first orientation to the second orientation. It should also be understood that the deployment device (401) can restrict the rotation of the cover (150) of the sample tube (104) during such rotation of the gripper head (430) and the body (152) of the sample tube (104), such that the body (152) can rotate relative to the cover (150) about the central axis (C) from the first orientation to the second orientation.

[0071] Rotation of the gripper head (430) and / or the body (152) about the central axis (C) can provide an apparent indication that sufficient clamping pressure is being applied to the body (152) by the gripper (456) to facilitate removal of the cover (150) from the body (152) by, for example, pulling the cover (150) away from the body (152) via the deployment device (401). In this manner, the set of grippers (456) can limit the clamping pressure applied to the body (152) to the force required to counteract the pulling force on the cover (150), which can reduce the likelihood of damage to the body (152) due to unnecessarily high clamping pressure. In some implementations, the gear ratio defined by the drive gear (432) and each of the driven gears (452) can be selected to provide a predetermined amount of torque to the driven gear (452) and / or the platform (440) for achieving such clamping pressure.

[0072] In the case where the cover (150) and the body (152) of the sample tube (104) have a friction fit connection, the motor (414) can be deactivated and the drive gear (432) can be locked to maintain the gripper head (430) and the body (152) in the second orientation while the cover (150) is pulled away from the body (152), such as via the deployment device (401), to thereby break the frictional engagement between the cover (150) and the body (152). Alternatively, the rotation of the gripper head (430) and the body (152) together about the central axis (C) can be synchronized with the pulling of the cover (150) away from the body (152), such as via the deployment device (401), to achieve relative spiral motion (e.g., twisting) between the cover (150) and the body (152), to thereby break the frictional engagement between the cover (150) and the body (152).

[0073] In the case where the cap (150) and the body (152) of the sample tube (104) have a threaded connection, the rotation of the gripper head (430) together with the body (152) about the central axis (C) can be synchronized with, for example, pulling the cap (150) away from the body (152) via the deployment device (401) to achieve relative spiral movement (e.g., twisting / unscrewing) between the cap (150) and the body (152) to thereby disconnect the threaded engagement of the cap (150) and the body (152). Thus, the decapping device (400) can be adapted to remove the cap (150) from the body (152) of the sample tube (104) where the cap (150) and the body (152) have a friction fit connection, a threaded connection, or other types of connections.

[0074] After the cap (150) is removed, the deployment device (401) can hold the cap (150) and can subsequently distribute the cap (150) to a cap disposal portion (not shown), which can be a box, tray, or other surface or container that collects multiple removed caps until they are disposed of, and the cap disposal portion can be another device such as a component or compartment in an automated analyzer that is combined with the decapping device (400). After the cap (150) is distributed, the deployment device (401) (or a different deployment device) can retrieve the body (152) of the sample tube (104) from the decapping device (400), and can subsequently return the body (152) to the box (102) and / or transport the body (152) to another device.

[0075] Although they have been described in some detail above, Fig.12A flow chart is shown of an exemplary set of steps (500) performed when decapping a sample tube, such as a sample tube (104). The sample tube (104) may be aligned (502) within the tube area (460), which may be a manual or automated process and may include positioning the sample tube (104) by gripping the cap (150) of the sample tube (104), such as via a deployment device (401).

[0076] The motor (414) can be operated to apply (504) a torque to the driven gear (452) to thereby begin to pivot (506) the driven gear (452) about its respective pivot axis (P) such that the gripper (456) is deployed (508) to a clamping position in which the gripper (456) contacts and clamps the body (152) of the sample tube (104). For example, the location of the clamping position can depend on factors such as the diameter of the sample tube (104) and the flexibility of the material from which the gripper (126) is made.

[0077] The driven gear (452) can then be constrained (510) from further pivoting about its respective pivot axis (P), such as in the manner described above, and the motor (414) can continue to operate to apply (512) a torque to the driven gear (452) such that the torque is transmitted (514) from the driven gear (452) to the platform (440) to thereby begin rotating (516) the gripper head (430) together with the body (152) of the sample tube (104) relative to the cap (150) (e.g., the cap (150) can be secured at this stage to prevent rotation, such as via the deployment device (401)). Simultaneously and / or thereafter, the cap (150) can be pulled (518) away from the body (152) of the sample tube (104), such as via the deployment device (401), to thereby remove (520) the cap (150) from the body (152).

[0078] III. Exemplary Combinations

[0079] The following examples relate to various non-exhaustive ways in which the teachings herein may be combined or applied. It should be understood that the following examples are not intended to limit the coverage of any claims that may be presented at any time in this application or in subsequent documents of this application. No disclaimer is intended. The following examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. It is conceivable that the various teachings herein may be arranged and applied in a variety of other ways. It is also conceivable that some variations may omit certain features mentioned in the following examples. Therefore, unless otherwise expressly stated by the inventor or the inventor's successor in interest at a later date, any aspect or feature mentioned below should not be considered essential. If any claim presented in this application or a subsequent application related to this application includes additional features beyond those mentioned below, it should not be presumed that these additional features are added for any reason related to patentability.

[0080] Example 1

[0081] A device comprises: (a) a tube area defined by the device, wherein the tube area is configured to receive a sample tube in the tube area; (b) a latch mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is capable of moving between a first position and a second position, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to latch onto a cover of the sample tube in the second position; and (c) a clamp element, wherein the clamp element is capable of moving between a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein the clamp element is configured to hold onto the sample tube in the clamped position, wherein the clamp element is configured to move to the unclamped position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position, and wherein the clamp element is configured to move to the clamped position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position.

[0082] Example 2

[0083] The device of Example 1 further includes an ejector element, wherein the ejector element is movable between an ejected position and a non-ejected position, wherein the ejector element is configured to release the cover from the latch mechanism in the ejected position.

[0084] Example 3

[0085] The apparatus of Example 2, wherein the apparatus defines a waste chute, wherein the ejector element is configured to place the cover in the waste chute in response to moving from the non-ejected position to the ejected position.

[0086] Example 4

[0087] The device of any one or more of Examples 2 to 3, wherein the ejector element is configured to move to the eject position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position, and wherein the ejector element is configured to move to the non-eject position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position.

[0088] Example 5

[0089] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 4 further includes a motor, wherein the motor is configured to move the latch mechanism between the first position and the second position.

[0090] Example 6

[0091] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 1 to 5, further comprising a frame, wherein the frame defines the tube region, wherein the latch mechanism is movably coupled to the frame.

[0092] Example 7

[0093] The device of Example 6 further includes a puller element, wherein the puller element is movably connected to the frame and rests on the latch mechanism so as to move between a first position and a second position together with the latch mechanism, wherein the puller element is configured to move the clamping element to the clamping position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position, and wherein the puller element is configured to move the clamping element to the non-clamping position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position.

[0094] Example 8

[0095] A method comprising: (a) positioning a sample tube in a tube area defined by an automated decapper; (b) actuating a motor of the automated decapper to move a latch mechanism of the automated decapper from a first position to a second position; (c) in response to moving the latch mechanism from the first position to the second position; (i) latching onto a cap of the sample tube using the latch mechanism, and (ii) actuating a gripper element of the automated decapper to hold the sample tube; (d) actuating a motor of the automated decapper to move the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position; and (e) in response to moving the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position; (i) removing the cap from the sample tube using the latch mechanism, and (ii) actuating the gripper element to release the sample tube.

[0096] Example 9

[0097] The method of Example 8 further includes actuating an ejector element of the automatic decapper to eject the cap from the latch mechanism in response to moving the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position.

[0098] Example 10

[0099] The method of any one or more of Examples 8 to 9 further includes centering the sample tube within the tube region prior to moving the latch mechanism from the first position to the second position.

[0100] Example 11

[0101] The method of Example 10 further includes actuating a centering feature of the automated decapper to center the sample tube within the tube area, wherein the centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters.

[0102] Example 12

[0103] The method of Example 11 further includes maintaining the cover in a static position and orientation within the latch mechanism until the cover is ejected by an ejector element of the automatic decapper.

[0104] Example 13

[0105] The method of any one or more of Examples 8 to 12, wherein the gripper element comprises a set of grippers, and the method further comprises rotating the set of grippers to hold the sample tube.

[0106] Example 14

[0107] The method of any one or more of Examples 8 to 13, wherein the clamp element includes a torque limiter, and the method further includes rotating the set of clamps according to the torque limiter so that the clamp element can hold sample tubes of different diameters without damaging the sample tubes.

[0108] Example 15

[0109] A device comprises: (a) a frame portion, which includes a motor and a tube area; (b) a latch mechanism, which is positioned within the frame portion, wherein the latch mechanism can be extended to a destination position and retracted to an initial position within the frame portion by operation of the motor, and wherein the latch mechanism is positioned to: (i) engage with a sample tube in the tube area by latching onto a cover of the sample tube when the latch mechanism is extended to the destination position, and (ii) remove the cover from the sample tube when the latch mechanism is retracted to the initial position; (c) a tractor portion, which is connected to the frame portion and is positioned to engage with the latch mechanism; (d) a tube clamping device, which is positioned to be activated by the tractor portion when the latch mechanism is extended so as to engage and clamp the body of the sample tube; and (e) an ejector, which is positioned to be activated by the frame portion when the latch mechanism is retracted so that an ejector arm of the ejector extends and ejects the cover from the latch mechanism.

[0110] Example 16

[0111] The device of Example 15 also includes: (a) a centering feature positioned on the frame portion to center the sample tube within the tube area, wherein the centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters; and (b) an orientation feature of the latch mechanism, the orientation feature positioned to maintain the cover in a substantially static position and orientation within the latch mechanism between being removed from the sample tube and being ejected from the latch mechanism.

[0112] Example 17

[0113] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 15 to 16 further includes a tube positioning device operable to: (i) manipulate the sample tube into the tube region, and (ii) manipulate the sample tube out of the tube region.

[0114] Example 18

[0115] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 15 to 17, wherein: (i) the puller portion is movably coupled to the frame portion; (ii) the tube clamping device is positioned on the frame portion and includes a rotating bolt positioned within an inclined slot of the puller portion; and (iii) the ejector is positioned in the latch mechanism and includes a contact portion positioned to be displaced by the frame portion to extend the ejection arm when the latch mechanism is retracted.

[0116] Example 19

[0117] An apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 15 to 18, wherein the latch mechanism includes a set of latch arms, and wherein each latch arm in the set of latch arms includes: a contoured portion positioned to rotate the latch and receive the cover during extension of the latch mechanism; and a catch portion positioned to retain a bottom edge of the cover when extension of the latch mechanism is completed.

[0118] Example 20

[0119] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 15 to 19, wherein the tube clamping device comprises a group of clamps, and wherein each clamp of the group of clamps is rotatably connected to the frame portion and slidably connected to the inclined slot of the tractor portion, so that extension of the tractor portion causes: (i) a first clamp of the group of clamps to rotate clockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body, and (ii) a second clamp of the group of clamps to rotate counterclockwise from the neutral angle to engage the body.

[0120] Example 21

[0121] The apparatus of Example 20, wherein each gripper in the set of grippers comprises a torque stop that allows the set of grippers to rotate and grip sample tube bodies having different diameters without damaging the sample tube bodies.

[0122] Example 22

[0123] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 20 to 21, wherein each clamp in the set of clamps is coupled to a tractor portion such that retraction of the tractor portion causes: (i) the first clamp to rotate counterclockwise to disengage from the body and return to a neutral angle, and (ii) the second clamp to rotate clockwise to disengage from the body and return to a neutral angle.

[0124] Example 23

[0125] The device of any one or more of Examples 15 to 22, wherein the ejector arm comprises an ejector arm positioned within the latch mechanism to receive the cover when the latch mechanism latches onto the cover.

[0126] Example 24

[0127] The device of Example 23, wherein the latch mechanism includes: (i) a slot adapted to receive an ejector and a rotatable connection to the ejector, and (ii) an ejector port from which the ejector arm extends when the latch mechanism returns to an initial position.

[0128] Example 25

[0129] A method comprising: (a) positioning a sample tube in a tube area of ​​an automatic decapper; (b) operating a motor of the automatic decapper to extend a latch mechanism from an initial position within a frame portion of the automatic decapper; (c) engaging the latch mechanism of the automatic decapper with the sample tube by latching onto a cap of the sample tube as the latch mechanism is extended; (d) gripping the body of the sample tube with a tube gripper of the automatic decapper as a retractor portion is extended, wherein the retractor portion engages with the latch mechanism and extends with the retractor portion; (e) operating a motor of the automatic decapper to retract the latch mechanism to an initial position; (f) removing the cap from the sample tube with the latch mechanism as the latch mechanism is retracted while the tube gripper holds the sample tube in place; and (g) using an ejector that is activated as a result of retracting the latch mechanism to the initial position to extend an ejector arm of the ejector and eject the cap from the latch mechanism.

[0130] Example 26

[0131] The method of Example 25, wherein the tube clamping device includes a group of clamps, and wherein each clamp in the group of clamps is rotatably connected to the frame portion and slidably connected to the inclined groove of the puller portion, and the method also includes clamping the body of the sample tube in the following manner: (a) due to the extension of the puller portion, a first clamp in the group of clamps is rotated clockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body; and (b) due to the extension of the puller portion, a second clamp in the clamping device is rotated counterclockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body.

[0132] Example 27

[0133] The method of any one or more of Examples 25 to 26 further includes: (a) using a centering feature to center the sample tube within the tube region, wherein the centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters; and (b) using an orientation feature to maintain the cover in a substantially static position and orientation within the latch mechanism between being removed from the sample tube and being ejected from the latch mechanism.

[0134] Example 28

[0135] A device comprises: (a) a tube area, which is configured to receive a sample tube in the tube area; (b) a drive gear; and (c) a clamp head, wherein the clamp head comprises: (i) a platform, which is capable of rotating about a central axis, (ii) a plurality of driven gears, which are pivotally connected to a rotatable platform via corresponding pivot pins and are configured to engage with the drive gear for receiving torque from the drive gear, and (iii) a plurality of clamp elements, which are capable of moving between a clamped position and an unclamped position, wherein the clamp elements are configured to be held onto a sample tube in the clamped position, and wherein the clamp elements are configured to move between the clamped position and the unclamped position in response to the driven gears pivoting relative to the rotatable platform about the corresponding pivot pins.

[0136] Example 29

[0137] The apparatus of Example 28, wherein each of the plurality of gripper elements is coupled to a respective driven gear of the plurality of driven gears and is offset from a respective pivot pin.

[0138] Example 30

[0139] The apparatus of Example 29, wherein each gripper element of the plurality of gripper elements is rotatably coupled to a corresponding driven gear.

[0140] Example 31

[0141] The apparatus according to any one or more of examples 28 to 30, wherein the pivot pins are radially equidistantly spaced from the central axis.

[0142] Example 32

[0143] The apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 28 to 31, wherein the pivot pins are spaced apart from each other at equal intervals in a circumferential direction around the rotatable platform.

[0144] Example 33

[0145] The apparatus of any one or more of examples 28 to 32, wherein the rotatable platform includes a central aperture configured to rotatably receive the drive gear.

[0146] Example 34

[0147] The apparatus of any one or more of Examples 28 to 33 further includes a motor having an output shaft, wherein the drive gear is fixedly coupled to the output shaft.

[0148] Example 35

[0149] The apparatus of Example 34, wherein the rotatable platform is rotatably mounted to a motor housing of the motor.

[0150] Example 36

[0151] An apparatus according to any one or more of Examples 28 to 35, wherein the driven gear is configured to transmit torque received from the drive gear to the rotatable platform in response to a threshold force applied to the clamp element sufficient to prevent the driven gear from pivoting about the corresponding pivot pin relative to the rotatable platform.

[0152] IV. Other matters

[0153] It should be understood that any of the examples described herein may include various other features in addition to or in place of the features described above. By way of example only, any of the examples described herein may also include one or more of the various features disclosed in any of the various references incorporated herein by reference.

[0154] It should be understood that any one or more of the teachings, representations, implementations, examples, etc. described herein may be combined with one or more of the other teachings, representations, implementations, examples, etc. described herein. Therefore, the teachings, representations, implementations, examples, etc. described above should not be viewed in isolation from each other. In view of the teachings herein, various suitable ways in which the teachings herein may be combined will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.

[0155] It should be understood that any patent, publication, or other public material described as being incorporated herein by reference is incorporated herein in whole or in part only to the extent that the incorporated material does not conflict with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials set forth in this disclosure. Therefore, where necessary, the disclosure explicitly set forth herein supersedes any conflicting material incorporated herein by reference. Any material or portion thereof, which is described as being incorporated herein by reference, but which conflicts with existing definitions, statements, or other public materials set forth herein, will be incorporated only to the extent that there is no conflict between the incorporated material and existing public materials.

[0156] Various schemes of the present invention have been shown and described, and further adjustments of the methods and systems described herein may be achieved by appropriate modifications by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several such potential modifications have been mentioned, and other modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, the examples, schemes, geometries, materials, dimensions, rates, steps, etc. discussed above are illustrative and not required. Therefore, the scope of the present invention should be considered in light of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of the structures and operations shown and described in the specification and drawings.

Claims

1. A sample tube decapping device, comprising: (a) a tube region defined by the apparatus, wherein the tube region is configured to receive a sample tube in the tube region; (b) a tube positioning device operable to: (i) manipulating the sample tube to move into the tube area, and (ii) manipulating the sample tube to leave the tube area; (c) a latch mechanism, wherein the latch mechanism is movable between a first position and a second position, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to latch onto the cover of the sample tube in the second position, wherein the latch mechanism includes a set of latch arms, and wherein each latch arm in the set of latch arms includes: a contoured portion positioned to rotate the latch and receive the cover during extension of the latch mechanism; and a catch portion positioned to retain a bottom edge of the cover when extension of the latch mechanism is complete; (d) a motor, wherein the motor is configured to move the latch mechanism between the first position and the second position; (e) a gripper element, wherein the gripper element is movable between a gripping position and an unclamped position, wherein the gripper element is configured to hold onto the sample tube in the gripping position, wherein the gripper element is configured to move to the unclamped position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position, wherein the gripper element is configured to move to the gripping position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position; (f) a frame, wherein the frame defines the tube area, wherein the latch mechanism is movably coupled to the frame; and (g) a puller element, wherein the puller element is movably coupled to the frame and rests on the latch mechanism so as to move between the first position and the second position together with the latch mechanism, wherein the puller element is configured to move the clamp element to the clamped position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position, and wherein the puller element is configured to move the clamp element to the non-clamped position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an ejector element, wherein: The ejector element is movable between an ejected position and a non-ejected position, wherein the ejector element is configured to release the cover from the latch mechanism in the ejected position.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The apparatus defines a waste chute, wherein the ejector element is configured to place the cover in the waste chute in response to moving from the non-ejection position to the ejection position.

4. The device according to claim 2, wherein: The ejector element is configured to move to the ejected position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the first position, wherein the ejector element is configured to move to the non-ejected position in response to the latch mechanism moving to the second position.

5. A method for decapping a sample tube using the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, the method comprising: (a) positioning a sample tube in the tube area defined by the apparatus using the tube positioning device; (b) actuating the motor of the device to move the latch mechanism of the device from a first position to a second position; (c) in response to moving the latch mechanism from the first position to the second position: (i) latching onto the lid of the sample tube using the latch mechanism, and (ii) actuating the gripper element of the apparatus to hold the sample tube; (d) actuating the motor of the device to move the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position; as well as (e) in response to moving the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position: (i) removing the cap from the sample tube using the latch mechanism, and (ii) actuating the gripper element to release the sample tube.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising actuating an ejector element of the device to eject the cover from the latch mechanism in response to moving the latch mechanism from the second position to the first position.

7. The method of claim 5, further comprising centering the sample tube within the tube area prior to moving the latch mechanism from the first position to the second position.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising actuating a centering feature of the device to center the sample tube within the tube region, wherein The centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters.

9. The method of claim 8, further comprising maintaining the cover in a static position and orientation within the latch mechanism until the cover is ejected by an ejector element of the device.

10. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The gripper element includes a set of grippers, and the method further includes rotating the set of grippers to hold the sample tube.

11. The method according to claim 5, wherein: The gripper element includes a torque stop, and the method further includes rotating a set of grippers according to the torque stop to enable the gripper element to hold sample tubes of different diameters without damaging the sample tubes.

12. A sample tube decapping device, comprising: (a) a frame portion, said frame portion including a motor and a tube region; (b) a tube positioning device operable to: (i) manipulating the sample tube to move into the tube area, and (ii) manipulating the sample tube to leave the tube area; (c) a latch mechanism positioned within the frame portion, wherein the latch mechanism is extendable to a destination position and retractable to an initial position within the frame portion by operation of the motor, and wherein the latch mechanism is positioned: (i) engaging with a sample tube in the tube area by latching onto a cap of the sample tube when the latch mechanism is extended to the destination position, and (ii) removing the cover from the sample tube when the latch mechanism is retracted to the initial position; wherein the latch mechanism comprises a set of latch arms, and wherein each latch arm in the set of latch arms comprises: a contoured portion positioned to rotate the latch and receive the cover during extension of the latch mechanism; and a catch portion positioned to retain a bottom edge of the cover when extension of the latch mechanism is complete; (d) pipe clamping devices; (e) a retractor portion, wherein the retractor portion is movably coupled to the frame portion and rests on the latch mechanism so as to move with the latch mechanism between the initial position and the destination position, wherein the retractor portion is configured to move the tube clamping device to a clamped position in response to movement of the latch mechanism to the destination position, wherein the retractor portion is configured to move the tube clamping device to an unclamped position in response to movement of the latch mechanism to the initial position, and wherein the tube clamping device is positioned to be activated by the retractor portion when the latch mechanism is extended so as to engage and clamp the body of the sample tube; and (f) an ejector positioned to be activated by the frame portion when the latch mechanism is retracted so that an ejector arm of the ejector extends and ejects the cover from the latch mechanism.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: (a) a centering feature positioned on the frame portion to center the sample tube within the tube region, wherein the centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters; and (b) an orientation feature of the latch mechanism, the orientation feature being positioned to maintain the cover in a static position and orientation within the latch mechanism between removal from the sample tube and ejection from the latch mechanism.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein: (i) the tube clamping device is positioned on the frame portion and includes a rotation bolt positioned in an angled slot of the puller portion; and (iii) The ejector is positioned in the latch mechanism and includes a contact portion positioned to be displaced by the frame portion to extend the ejector arm when the latch mechanism is retracted.

15. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The pipe gripping device comprises a set of grippers, and wherein each gripper of the set of grippers is rotatably coupled to the frame portion and slidably coupled to the chute of the retractor portion, such that extension of the retractor portion causes: (i) a first clamp of the set of clamps is rotated clockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body, and (ii) A second clamp of the set of clamps is rotated counterclockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body.

16. The device according to claim 15, wherein: Each gripper in the set of grippers includes a torque stop that allows the set of grippers to rotate and grip sample tube bodies of different diameters without damaging the sample tube bodies.

17. The apparatus according to claim 15, wherein: Each gripper of the set of grippers is coupled to the retractor portion such that retraction of the retractor portion causes: (i) the first holder rotates counterclockwise to disengage from the body and return to the neutral angle, and (ii) The second clamp is rotated clockwise to disengage from the body and return to the neutral angle.

18. The apparatus according to claim 12, wherein: The ejector arm includes an ejector arm positioned within the latch mechanism to receive the cover when the latch mechanism latches onto the cover.

19. The apparatus according to claim 18, wherein: The latch mechanism comprises: (i) a slot adapted to receive the ejector and a rotatable coupling thereto, and (ii) an ejector port from which the ejector arm extends when the latch mechanism returns to the initial position.

20. A method of decapping a sample tube using the apparatus of any one of claims 12-19, the method comprising: (a) positioning a sample tube in the tube region of the apparatus using the tube positioning device; (b) operating the motor of the device to extend the latch mechanism from an initial position within the frame portion of the device; (c) engaging the latch mechanism of the device with the sample tube by latching onto a cover of the sample tube as a result of extending the latch mechanism; (d) gripping the body of the sample tube with a tube gripping device of the apparatus as a result of extending the retractor portion, wherein the retractor portion engages with the latch mechanism and extends with the retractor portion; (e) operating the motor of the device to retract the latch mechanism to the initial position; (f) removing the cap from the sample tube using the latch mechanism as the latch mechanism is retracted while the tube holding device holds the sample tube in place; and (g) using an ejector that is activated by retracting the latch mechanism to the initial position to extend an ejector arm of the ejector and eject the cover from the latch mechanism.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The tube gripping device comprises a set of grippers, and wherein each gripper in the set of grippers is rotatably coupled to the frame portion and slidably coupled to the chute of the puller portion, the method further comprising gripping the body of the sample tube by: (a) as the retractor is partially extended, a first clamp of the set of clamps is rotated clockwise from a neutral angle to engage the body; and (b) As the retractor portion is extended, a second clamp in the set of clamps is rotated counterclockwise from the neutral angle to engage the body.

22. The method according to claim 20, further comprising: (a) using a centering feature to center the sample tube within the tube region, wherein the centering feature is suitable for centering sample tubes of various diameters; and (b) Using an orientation feature to maintain the cover in a static position and orientation within the latch mechanism between removal from the sample tube and ejection from the latch mechanism.

Images