Induction heating system and control method for reducing biological carryover

Abstract

An induction heating system and a control method thereof for reducing biological residues are disclosed herein. A system is disclosed, comprising: an induction heater, comprising a working coil and a sensing coil; a driving unit, providing current to enable the working coil to generate an electromagnetic field, the sensing coil outputting a feedback signal in response to detecting the electromagnetic field; and a controller, operatively connected to the driving unit, the controller causing the driving unit to adjust the amount of current provided to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the feedback signal.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application with national application number 201780087034.0, the application date of which is December 21, 2017, and the name of the invention is "Induction heating system and control method for reducing biological residues".

[0002] Related applications.

[0003] This patent claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 438,250 filed on December 22, 2016. U.S. Application Serial No. 62 / 438,250 is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0004] The present disclosure relates generally to medical diagnostic instruments and, more particularly, to induction heating systems and methods of controlling the same for reducing biocarryover. Background Art

[0005] Aspiration and dispensing devices, such as pipette probes, are used with automated medical diagnostic instruments to aspirate and / or dispense fluids such as biological samples (e.g., serum, urine) and / or reagents as part of a diagnostic testing procedure. Aspiration and dispensing devices can be reused to reduce waste and operating costs. However, reusing aspiration and dispensing devices increases the likelihood of introducing biological carryover and / or contamination into subsequent tests. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Figure 1 It is a schematic diagram of electromagnetic induction.

[0007] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an example system for inductively heating a workpiece constructed in accordance with the teachings disclosed herein.

[0008] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Block diagram of an example induction heater station for an example system.

[0009] Figure 4 It is possible to Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an example circuit for use with an example induction heater station.

[0010] Figure 5 is illustrated by using Figure 2 A diagram of an example temperature distribution of an example system for inductively heating a workpiece.

[0011] Figure 6 It is possible to Figure 2 A perspective view of an example induction heating coil used in conjunction with an example system.

[0012] Figure 7 is with Figure 2 A perspective view of an example electromagnetic induction shield and an example heat sink used in conjunction with an example system.

[0013] Figure 8 is with Figure 2 2 is a top view of a first example wash cup for use in conjunction with an example system.

[0014] Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 A cross-sectional view of an example first wash cup taken along line 1-1.

[0015] Fig.10 is a flow chart of an example method for causing a tank circuit to resonate at a natural frequency, which may be used to implement the examples disclosed herein.

[0016] Fig.11 is a flow chart of an example method for inductively heating a workpiece, which may be used to implement the examples disclosed herein.

[0017] Fig.12 is a diagram of an example processor platform for use with the examples disclosed herein.

[0018] The drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of the layers may be exaggerated in the drawings to clarify the various layers and regions. Whenever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the accompanying written description to refer to the same or similar parts. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Automated medical diagnostic instruments such as clinical chemistry analyzers can be used to analyze biological samples (e.g., serum, urine) by performing one or more tests such as immunoassays on the biological samples. Aspiration and dispensing devices such as pipette probes can be used with diagnostic instruments as part of an automated pipetting system, for example, for transporting fluids within the instrument, such as samples, one or more reagents, etc. For example, the aspiration and dispensing devices can be used to deliver and / or remove fluids from reaction vessels of the instrument, move fluids between vessels, mix fluids, etc.

[0020] During use, at least a portion of the inner surface and / or outer surface of the suction and distribution device is exposed to the fluid that the suction and distribution device conveys. In some examples, residual materials associated with sample and / or reagent, such as protein or viral materials, may remain on the inner surface and / or outer surface of the suction and distribution device. As a result, the subsequent use of the suction and distribution device may cause the sample or reagent to be retained, or the sample or reagent is transferred to another sample or reagent. Therefore, the reuse of the suction and distribution device may contaminate the sample and / or reagent exposed to the suction and distribution device when the subsequent use of the device is combined. The suction and distribution device can be cleaned by using, for example, heating to sterilize the equipment, in an effort to reduce retention and / or contamination.

[0021] The example systems, methods and devices disclosed herein use electromagnetic induction heating to clean workpieces such as suction and distribution equipment. The examples disclosed herein include an induction heater that can be integrated in and implemented by an automatic diagnostic instrument, such as a clinical chemistry analyzer, an immunoassay analyzer, etc. In some examples disclosed herein, an instrument integrated with an induction heater provides power to the induction heater for controlling one or more settings of the induction heater via a graphical user interface, etc. In some disclosed examples, the induction heater includes an induction heating circuit, which includes a conductive medium, such as a coil. An electric current is provided to the conductive medium, which induces an electromagnetic field. In the disclosed examples, the workpiece is arranged close to the conductive medium (e.g., inserted into an opening in the coil) and is heated via a magnetic field. In the disclosed examples, heating the suction and distribution equipment substantially removes and / or changes one or more properties of the material remaining on the suction and distribution equipment, so as to substantially reduce the possibility of carryover and / or contamination in the subsequent use of the suction and distribution equipment.

[0022] In some disclosed examples, a cleaning solution is applied to the workpiece before, during, and / or after inductively heating the workpiece to rinse biological and / or chemical materials from the surface of the device. Some disclosed examples include a wash cup for collecting the cleaning solution. In some disclosed examples, the conductive medium is disposed proximate to the wash cup, and in some examples, the conductive medium is removably secured to a portion of the wash cup to facilitate collecting the cleaning solution during inductive heating of the workpiece.

[0023] In the examples disclosed herein, the induction heating circuit includes a tank circuit, which includes a first coil, which is used as an electrically inductive medium for heating a workpiece. In some disclosed examples, a second coil is wound around the first coil to sense an oscillating magnetic field generated by the first coil and synchronize the current provided to the tank circuit with the current that has flowed through the first coil. In the examples disclosed herein, a signal corresponding to the oscillating magnetic field generated by the first coil is dynamically detected by the second coil. The signal is used to drive the current provided to the tank circuit so that the tank circuit is driven at its resonant frequency rather than a fixed frequency. Compared with driving the tank circuit at a fixed frequency, driving the tank circuit at its resonant frequency reduces energy losses and provides increased energy transferred to the suction and dispensing device heated by the first coil. Therefore, the disclosed examples improve the efficiency of inductive heating of the suction and dispensing device. Driving the tank circuit to resonate at its natural frequency also compensates for manufacturing variability associated with components such as coils and capacitors. Driving the tank circuit to resonate at its natural frequency also accommodates dynamic load variability, which is related to changes in the resonant frequency of the tank circuit caused by introducing workpieces with different diameters, skin thicknesses, etc. into the magnetic field.

[0024] In some disclosed examples, the conductive medium (e.g., coil) of the induction heating circuit is coated with one or more materials to prevent corrosion from biological and chemical interactions between the workpiece, the cleaning solution, and the conductive medium. Some disclosed examples detect and / or predict failure of one or more components of the induction heater by monitoring performance data of the heater such as voltage, current, and frequency. In addition, some disclosed examples include a radiator for reducing the risk of overheating of the coil and a printed circuit board on which components such as capacitors of a tank circuit are mounted. Therefore, the disclosed examples provide a stable and reliable device for induction heating and suction and dispensing equipment.

[0025] An example system disclosed herein includes an induction heater including a tank circuit. The example system includes a controller for driving the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at a resonant frequency of the tank circuit to inductively heat a workpiece disposed proximate to the tank circuit.

[0026] In some examples, the controller is used to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at the resonant frequency based on a property of the workpiece.

[0027] In some examples, the controller is configured to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate between a resonant frequency and a fixed frequency.

[0028] In some examples, the tank circuit includes a working coil and a sensing coil. In such examples, the sensing coil is wound around the working coil.

[0029] In some examples, the controller is used to drive the tank circuit to oscillate at a resonant frequency based on a signal generated by the sensing coil.

[0030] In some examples, the system further includes a heat sink coupled to the induction heater.

[0031] In some examples, the system further includes a shield comprising a thermally conductive material coupled to the induction heater.

[0032] In some examples, the tank circuit includes a work coil disposed in the wash cup. In some such examples, the workpiece is exposed to the fluid during induction heating. In some such examples, the fluid will undergo a phase change during induction heating.

[0033] In some examples, the controller is configured to access at least one of temperature data, current data, or voltage data from the induction heater. In such examples, the controller is configured to predict a performance condition of the induction heater based on the data.

[0034] In some examples, the workpiece includes a first portion and a second portion. In such examples, the controller selectively adjusts thermal settings at the tank circuit for the first portion and the second portion. In some such examples, the controller is to adjust the thermal settings for the first portion based on a first temperature profile of the first portion, and to adjust the thermal settings for the second portion based on a second temperature profile of the second portion.

[0035] An example method disclosed herein includes providing a current to an induction heater by executing instructions with a processor, the induction heater including a tank circuit. The example method includes driving the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at a resonant frequency of the tank circuit by executing instructions with a processor. The example method includes inductively heating a workpiece disposed proximate to the tank circuit.

[0036] In some examples, driving the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at the resonant frequency is based on properties of the workpiece.

[0037] An example tangible computer-readable medium disclosed herein includes instructions that, when executed, cause a processor to at least provide current to an induction heater that includes a tank circuit. The instructions cause the processor to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at a resonant frequency of the tank circuit to inductively heat a workpiece disposed proximate to the tank circuit.

[0038] In some examples, the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate at the resonant frequency based on a property of the workpiece.

[0039] In some examples, the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to drive the tank circuit to selectively oscillate between the resonant frequency and the fixed frequency.

[0040] In some examples, the workpiece includes a first portion and a second portion, and the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to selectively adjust thermal settings at the tank circuit for the first portion and the second portion.

[0041] In some examples, the instructions, when executed, further cause the processor to adjust the thermal settings for the first portion based on a first temperature profile of the first portion, and to adjust the thermal settings for the second portion based on a second temperature profile of the second portion.

[0042] Turning now to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of electromagnetic induction. Figure 1 As shown in , at least a portion of a workpiece 100 to be heated (e.g., a suction and dispensing device) is removably arranged in a conductive medium, such as, for example, a coil 102. Figure 1 In the example of FIG. 1 , the workpiece 100 includes metal. Figure 1 As indicated by arrow 104 in FIG. 1 , alternating current is provided to coil 102 (e.g., from a current source) and flows through coil 102. The alternating current flowing through coil 102 induces a magnetic field 106 in the area surrounding coil 102. Figure 1 As indicated by arrows 108 in FIG. 1 , magnetic field 106 induces eddy currents in workpiece 100. The eddy currents generate localized heat that raises the temperature of workpiece 100 without direct contact between workpiece 100 and coil 102. In examples where workpiece 100 is an aspiration and dispense device, the heat can affect the properties of one or more materials (e.g., residual biological material) on the interior and / or exterior surfaces of workpiece 100 so that the material can be removed or altered and workpiece 100 can be cleaned.

[0043] Figure 2is a block diagram of an example system 200 for reducing biological carryover via induction heating. The example system 200 includes a diagnostic instrument 202. The diagnostic instrument 202 can be, for example, a clinical chemistry analyzer, an immunoassay analyzer, etc. The example diagnostic instrument 202 includes a processor 204 for controlling one or more functions performed by the instrument 202, such as manipulating a test sample, performing a reading of a test sample, positioning a reaction vessel, delivering a fluid to a reaction vessel, and / or removing a fluid from a reaction vessel, etc. The example diagnostic instrument 202 includes a power source 206. The power source 206 can include, for example, a battery, an electrical outlet, etc. The example diagnostic instrument 202 includes a display 208. The display 208 can present one or more graphical user interfaces (GUIs) 209 to a user of the diagnostic instrument 202, for example, to receive user input via the GUI 209, to display analysis results via the GUI 209, etc. The diagnostic instrument 202 can include a timer 211 for monitoring, triggering, or more generally providing timing control of one or more functions performed by the diagnostic instrument 202 regarding analyzing a sample.

[0044] exist Figure 2 In the example system 200, the diagnostic instrument 202 includes an induction heater control station 210. The example induction heater control station 210 includes an induction heater 212 for controlling the induction heater 212 via a combination of Figure 1 The workpiece 214 (e.g., Figure 1 Workpiece 214 may include an aspiration and dispensing device that may be used to perform one or more functions related to experiments and / or analyses performed by diagnostic instrument 202, such as transporting biological samples, delivering reagents, etc. As a result of workpiece 214 being used with diagnostic instrument 202, workpiece 214 may include biological and / or chemical material residues on one or more surfaces of workpiece 214, such that reuse of workpiece 214 may contaminate other samples and / or reagents.

[0045] The workpiece 214 may include one or more portions having different properties 215, such as skin thickness, diameter, cross-sectional shape, material, etc. The properties 215 of the workpiece 214 may affect the magnetic properties of the workpiece 214 relative to heating the workpiece 214 via a magnetic field. Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 2 , the workpiece 214 may include a first portion 217 having a first diameter and a second portion 219 having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. In some examples, the workpiece 214 is moved relative to the induction heater 212 via, for example, a robotic arm 221 of the diagnostic instrument 202 to selectively heat and clean the first portion 217 and the second portion 219 of the workpiece 214. The workpiece 214 may include a first portion 217 having a first diameter and a second portion 219 having a second diameter smaller than the first diameter. Figure 2In some examples, workpiece 214 is a probe that includes an opening defined by and extending through portions 217, 219 of the workpiece.

[0046] exist Figure 2 In some examples, the induction heater 212 is arranged close to the wash cup 216. In some examples, the induction heater 212 is coupled to the wash cup 216. For example, the induction heater 212 can be coupled to the inside of the wash cup 216. Figure 2 In some examples, at least a portion of the workpiece 214 is disposed in a wash cup 216. In some examples, the workpiece 214 is rinsed with a fluid 218 (eg, liquid) before, during, and / or after the workpiece 214 is heated via the induction heater 212. The wash cup 216 collects the fluid 218.

[0047] Figure 2 The example induction heater control station 210 includes a power drive unit 220. Figure 2 In the example, Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 222, power source 206 of diagnostic instrument 202 provides power (e.g., in the form of direct current (DC)) to power driver unit 220. The power received by power driver unit 220 from power source 206 is used to drive induction heater 212 via (one or more) drive signals, such as Figure 2 In some examples, the power drive unit 220 includes a DC-to-DC converter to convert the DC received from the power source 206 from one voltage level to another voltage level.

[0048] Figure 2 The example induction heater control station 210 includes an induction heater controller 226. The induction heater controller 226 includes a processor 227 for performing one or more control functions with respect to the induction heater 212 and / or the power drive unit 220. For example, the induction heater controller 226 generates one or more instructions to activate and / or deactivate the induction heater 212 and monitor the status and / or performance of the induction heater 212 and / or other components of the induction heater control station 210 (e.g., the power drive unit 220). The power drive unit 220 provides power to the induction heater controller 226, such as Figure 2 As indicated by arrow 228 .

[0049] exist Figure 2 In the example system 200, the induction heater controller 226 is communicatively coupled to the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202. The induction heater controller 226 includes a serial communication port to facilitate data transmission between the induction heater controller 226 and the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202, such as Figure 2 209 of the diagnostic instrument 202 may be transmitted to the induction heater controller 226 via the serial communication port 230. In addition, the induction heater controller 226 may transmit performance data generated, for example, by monitoring the induction heater 212 to the diagnostic instrument 202 via the serial communication port 230. As another example, the timer 211 of the diagnostic instrument 202 transmits a trigger signal 232 to the induction heater controller 226 to provide timing control for one or more induction heating events, such as activation and deactivation of the induction heater 212.

[0050] In addition to receiving power from the power drive unit 220 as disclosed above, Figure 2 The example induction heater controller 226 is also communicatively coupled to the power drive unit 220. The example induction heater controller 226 provides one or more instructions 234 to the power drive unit 220 regarding, for example, activation of the induction heater 212, the temperature at which the workpiece 214 is heated, etc. The example power drive unit 220 generates a drive signal 224 to drive the induction heater 212 based on the instruction(s) 234 received from the induction heater controller 226.

[0051] The example induction heater controller 226 also receives data from the power drive unit 220 regarding, for example, the performance of the induction heater 212. Figure 2 In the example of FIG. 2 , the power drive unit 220 transmits data such as a status 236 of the induction heater 212, monitoring data regarding the current and / or voltage at the induction heater 212, etc. Based on the data received from the power drive unit 220, the induction heater controller 226 may transmit, for example: a current / ready status signal 240 of the induction heater control station 210; a pass / fail status signal 242 regarding the performance status of one or more components of the induction heater control station 210, such as the power drive unit 220 and / or the induction heater 212; and / or other signals containing data that may be used to control the induction heater control station 210 via the diagnostic instrument 202.

[0052] As disclosed below, in some examples, the induction heater controller 226 receives feedback 244 from the induction heater 212 regarding, for example, the frequency at which the circuit of the induction heater 212 is oscillating. In some examples, the induction heater controller 226 receives analog feedback signals from the power drive unit 220 and / or the induction heater 212. The induction heater controller 226 converts the analog signals into digital data (e.g., via the processor 227) for analysis by the induction heater controller 226 and / or the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202.

[0053] Figure 2 The example system 200 may include a pump 246 to control the flow of a fluid 218 for cleaning a workpiece 214. The operation of the pump may be controlled by the power drive unit 220 based on, for example, instructions 234 received from a processor 227 of an induction heater controller 227. In other examples, the pump 246 is controlled by the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202. The instructions (one or more) may control, for example, the speed at which the pump 216 pumps the fluid 218.

[0054] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 0048] FIG 1 is a block diagram of an example induction heater control station 210. The example induction heater control station 210 includes a heater board 300 (eg, a printed circuit board) including one or more electrical components (eg, circuits) coupled thereto. Figure 3 The example heater plate 300 may be operably coupled to the induction heater controller 226 .

[0055] In some examples, the heater plate 300 includes the power drive unit 220 (e.g., the power drive unit 220 is mechanically and electrically coupled to the heater plate 300). In other examples, the power drive unit 220 is separate from the heater plate 300 but operably coupled to the heater plate 300. As disclosed above, the power drive unit 220 is electrically coupled to the heater plate 300. Figure 2 The power supply 206 of the diagnostic instrument 202 receives power. The power drive unit 220 delivers power to, for example, the induction heater controller 226, other components of the heater plate 300, etc.

[0056] Figure 3 The example heater plate 300 may be operably coupled to the induction heater 212 . Figure 3 The example induction heater 212 includes an energy storage circuit board 302 (eg, a printed circuit board). In some examples, the energy storage circuit board 302 and the heater board 300 form a single board. In other examples, the heater board 300 and the energy storage circuit board 302 are separate boards.

[0057] Figure 3 The example energy storage circuit board 302 includes a capacitor 306 and an inductor or working coil 308 (e.g., Figure 1 The working coil 308 includes a conductive material, such as a metal. The example power drive unit 220 provides a current 310 to the energy tank circuit 304 and / or generates a voltage at the energy tank circuit 304. In some examples, the power drive unit 220 provides the current 310 to the energy tank circuit 304 via, for example, a shielded cable or a coaxial cable. As described above with respect to Figure 1As disclosed, when current 310 flows through the working coil 308, the working coil 308 generates a magnetic field (e.g., Figure 1 The magnetic field(s) may be used to heat the workpiece 214 when the workpiece 214 is disposed proximate to the work coil 308 (e.g., at least partially disposed in an opening of the work coil 308). Figure 2 Workpiece 214.

[0058] Figure 3 The example energy storage circuit board 302 includes a sensing coil 312. Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the example induction heater 212 of FIG. 1 , a sensing coil 312 is wound around a working coil 308. The example sensing coil 312 detects or senses the magnetic field(s) generated by the working coil 308. The sensing coil 312 generates one or more sensing signals 314 that are transmitted to the heater plate 300. As disclosed below, the sensing signal(s) 314 generated by the sensing coil 312 are detected by a frequency control circuit 316 of the heater plate 300 to drive the tank circuit 304 at a resonant frequency.

[0059] The example energy storage circuit board 302 includes a coil temperature sensor 318. The coil temperature sensor 318 detects the temperature of the working coil 308 and / or the sensing coil 312 during, for example, the generation of a magnetic field by the working coil 308. The coil temperature sensor 318 sends coil temperature data 320 to a temperature monitor 322 of the example heater board 300. In some examples, the temperature monitor 322 also collects temperature data about the temperature of the heater board 300 and / or one or more electrical components of the board based on, for example, one or more temperature sensors coupled to the heater board 300. The temperature monitor 322 sends heater temperature data 323 about the temperature of the working coil 308, the sensing coil 312, the heater board 300, etc. to the induction heater controller 226.

[0060] Figure 3 The example heater board 300 also includes a current monitor 324. The current monitor 324 generates data about the current 310 provided to the tank circuit 304, such as the current amount, the current frequency, etc. For example, the current monitor 324 can detect an overcurrent or a current that exceeds a threshold current to be received by the tank circuit 304. The current monitor 324 can detect a change in the current at the induction heater 212. The current monitor 324 generates one or more current signals 325 based on the detection and transmits the current signal(s) 325 to the induction heater controller 226.

[0061] Figure 3The example heater board 300 includes a voltage monitor 326. The voltage monitor 326 generates data about the voltage in the tank circuit 304. In some examples, the voltage monitor 326 detects an overvoltage or a voltage in the tank circuit 304 that exceeds a threshold limit of the tank circuit 304. The voltage monitor 326 can detect the voltage based on a voltage measurement obtained from the tank circuit 304 (e.g., via a voltmeter). The voltage monitor 326 can also detect a change in the voltage at the induction heater 212. The voltage monitor 326 generates one or more voltage signals 327 based on the detection and transmits the voltage signal(s) 327 to the induction heater controller 226.

[0062] As disclosed above, the example heater plate 300 includes a frequency control circuit 316. The frequency control circuit 316 sends one or more sense coil detection signals 328 to the heater plate 300 based on the sense signal 314 generated by the sense coil 312 about the oscillation of the tank circuit 304. Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 of the example heater board 300 also includes a fixed frequency clock 330. As disclosed below, the frequency control circuit 316 selectively enables the fixed frequency clock 330 to generate one or more fixed frequency signals or disables the fixed frequency clock 330 based on the sense signal(s) 314. The fixed frequency signal generated by the fixed frequency clock 330 causes the current 310 in the tank circuit 304 to oscillate at a fixed frequency.

[0063] Thus, the example induction heater controller 226 receives one or more signals 323, 325, 327, 328 from the circuitry of the example heater board 300. The induction heater controller 226 processes the data 323, 325, 327, 328 by, for example, converting the data from analog to digital, filtering the data, removing noise from the data, and the like. Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 analyzes the data received from the heater plate 300 and generates one or more instructions regarding the operation of the induction heater 212 and / or transmits the data to the Figure 2 The diagnostic instrument 202 is provided for display to the user via the GUI(s) 209. Figure 3 Any of the functions of the example induction heater controller 226 may be performed by a processor 227 associated with the induction heater controller 226 .

[0064] Figure 3The example induction heater controller 226 of the induction heater controller 226 includes a drive manager 332. The drive manager 332 generates instruction(s) 234 that are transmitted to the power drive unit 220 and cause the power drive unit 220 to generate, for example, a current 310 provided to the tank circuit 304 and / or a voltage generated at the tank circuit 304. The instruction(s) 234 generated by the drive manager 332 include, for example, an amount of current 310 provided to the tank circuit 304 and / or a voltage generated at the tank circuit 304, a duration for which the current 310 should be provided, and the like. In some examples, the drive manager 332 generates the instruction(s) 234 based on reference data 334 stored in a database 336 of the induction heater controller 226. The reference data 334 may include data regarding, for example, a current threshold and / or a voltage threshold of the tank circuit 304, the respective inductances of the working coil 308 and / or the sensing coil 312, the capacitance of the capacitor 306, and the like.

[0065] Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 includes a frequency manager 338. The frequency manager 338 processes the sensing coil detection signal 328 generated by the frequency control circuit 316. In some examples, as disclosed below, the frequency manager 338 generates one or more frequency instructions 339 regarding the operation of the frequency control circuit 316 and / or the fixed frequency clock 330 so that the energy storage circuit 304 selectively oscillates at the resonant frequency or the fixed frequency.

[0066] Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 includes a performance manager 340. The current monitor 324 and / or the voltage monitor 326 send corresponding current signal(s) 325 and / or voltage signal(s) 327 indicating, for example, changes in current and / or voltage at the induction heater 212 (e.g., at the tank circuit 304) to the performance manager 340. The example performance manager 340 generates one or more instructions for, for example, a power drive unit based on monitoring the current and / or voltage.

[0067] In some examples, the change(s) in voltage and / or current detected at the induction heater 212 is based on the voltage and / or current introduced into the induction heater 212. Figure 2 One or more properties 215 of the workpiece 214. For example, Figure 2The workpiece 214 in the embodiment includes a first portion 217 and a second portion 219, the diameter of the second portion 219 being smaller than the first diameter of the first portion 217. In some examples, the skin thickness of the first portion 217 is greater than the thickness of the second portion 219. As disclosed above, the first and second portions 217, 219 of the workpiece 214 can be selectively arranged close to the coil 308 so as to be heated via a magnetic field generated by a current 310 in the working coil 308. The presence of the first portion 217 and / or the second portion 219 relative to the working coil 308 can affect the load on the working coil 308.

[0068] In some examples, when the second portion 219 having a thinner skin is disposed closer to the working coil 308 than when the first portion 217 is disposed closer to the working coil 308, Figure 3 The current monitor 324 detects a change in current at the tank circuit 304. For example, when the second portion 219 is close to the working coil 308, the current monitor 324 can detect that the current 310 at the tank circuit 304 has decreased compared to when the first portion 217 is arranged close to the working coil 308. The current monitor 324 generates (one or more) current signals 325 relative to the change in current (e.g., the decreased current) at the induction heater 212. In some examples, the voltage monitor 326 detects a voltage change at the tank circuit 304 based on a load change at the working coil 308, the load change being caused by the presence of the first portion 217 or the second portion 219 close to the working coil 308. The voltage monitor 326 generates (one or more) voltage signals 327 relative to the voltage change detected at the induction heater 212.

[0069] The performance manager 340 of the induction heater controller 226 is relative to Figure 3 The performance manager 340 analyzes the current signal(s) 325 and / or the voltage signal(s) 327 based on a temperature profile 342 of the workpiece 214 stored in a database 336 of the example induction heater controller 226. The temperature profile 342 includes predefined data (provided to the processor 227 of the induction heater controller 226, for example, via one or more user inputs) regarding a minimum temperature for heating the workpiece 214 over the length of the workpiece 214, for example, to clean or sterilize the workpiece 214. The performance manager 340 uses the temperature profile 342 to determine a power setting for providing power to the induction heater 212 over time relative to one or more portions 217, 219 (e.g., a load) of the workpiece 214 to be heated by the induction heater 212.

[0070] The temperature profile 342 may be based on, for example, known data regarding the property 215 of the workpiece 214 and a response of the workpiece 214 to the magnetic field(s) based on the property 215. The property 215 of the workpiece 214 results in a variation in the load impedance at the induction heater 212 based on differences in, for example, skin thickness, diameter, etc. at different portions 217, 219 of the workpiece 214. The performance manager 340 uses the temperature profile 342 to control the power delivered to the workpiece 214 to heat the workpiece 214 at each location of the workpiece 214 relative to the induction heater 212 over time.

[0071] In some examples, the temperature profile 342 is a time-based profile of temperatures to which one or more portions 217, 219 of the workpiece 214 will be heated over time. In some examples, the performance manager 340 of the induction heater controller 226 generates the temperature profile 342 based on data previously collected during heating of the workpiece 214 and / or one or more other workpieces (e.g., calibration or baseline data). In some examples, the temperature profile 342 is based on one or more user inputs received via the GUI(s) 209 of the diagnostic instrument 202 regarding, for example, a voltage generated at the tank circuit 304 over time relative to a position at the induction heater 212 of the workpiece 214. In some examples, the temperature profile 342 represents an optimal temperature for heating the first portion 217 and / or the second portion 219 of the workpiece 214 over time.

[0072] Figure 3 The example performance manager 340 directs the drive manager 332 to provide the instruction(s) 234 to the power drive unit 220 based on the temperature profile 342. In some examples, the performance manager 340 determines the instruction(s) 234 to be sent to the power drive unit 220 based on the start time of heating the workpiece 214 relative to the starting position of the workpiece 214 in the induction heater 212 (e.g., whether the first portion 217 or the second portion 219 will be heated first). In some examples, the performance manager 340 determines the position of the workpiece 214 relative to the work coil 308 based on data about the movement and / or position of the robot 221 and / or other orientation data (e.g., position data) from, for example, the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202. The performance manager 340 determines the additional instruction(s) 234 to be sent to the power drive unit 220 based on the expected position of the workpiece 214 relative to the induction heater 212 as reflected in the temperature profile 342.

[0073] The performance manager 340 uses the temperature profile 342 to determine the current and / or power provided to the induction heater 212 and / or the voltage generated at the induction heater 212 at different times during heating of the workpiece 214 at the induction heater 212. In some examples, Figure 3 The example performance manager 340 analyzes the current signal(s) 325 and / or the voltage signal(s) 327 that indicate changes in the current and / or voltage at the induction heater 212 relative to the temperature profile 342. Based on the analysis, the example performance manager 340 generates the instruction(s) 234 for the power drive unit 220 regarding the current, voltage, and / or power at the induction heater 212 for different thermal settings associated with the temperature profile 342.

[0074] For example, based on the current signal(s) 327, the performance manager 340 can detect a drop in current at the tank circuit 304 due to, for example, the second portion 219 of the workpiece 214 having a thinner skin disposed proximate to the work coil 308 compared to the first portion 217 of the workpiece 214. The performance manager 340 analyzes the temperature distribution 342 to determine that a higher temperature is required to heat the second portion 219 compared to the first portion 217 due to the thinner skin of the workpiece 214 (e.g., due to the lower heating efficiency of the thinner portion 219 of the workpiece than the thicker portion 217 of the workpiece 214). The example performance manager 340 generates the instruction(s) 234 for the power drive unit 220 to increase the current 310 provided to the tank circuit 304 when the second portion 219 is disposed proximate to the workpiece 308 compared to the first portion 217 of the workpiece 214.

[0075] In some examples, the DC-DC converter of the power drive unit 220 acts as a power source for generating voltage at the induction heater 212. In such examples, the temperature profile 342 includes voltage values. The (one or more) instructions 234 sent to the power drive unit 220 include voltages generated at specific time intervals based on the temperature profile 342. In such examples, for a given thermal setting (e.g., voltage), the power varies with the change in load impedance at the energy tank circuit 304, the change in load impedance being due to the workpiece 214 (e.g., via Figure 2 The robot arm 221) moves between the first part and the second part 217, 219.

[0076] In other examples, the temperature profile 342 includes power values ​​representing desired power output values ​​(e.g., wattage) at different times. In such examples, the performance manager 340 calculates the power based on the current data 325 from the current monitor 324 and the voltage data 327 from the voltage monitor 326. The performance manager 340 adjusts the output voltage provided by the DC-DC converter to obtain the desired output power. In such examples, for a given thermal setting (e.g., wattage), the performance manager 340 may calculate ... Figure 2 The power is substantially constant when the load impedance changes due to movement of the robotic arm 221 between the first and second parts 217, 219.

[0077] In other examples, the power driving unit 220 includes a fixed voltage source. In such examples, the output voltage is adjusted by the duty cycle of the FET gate signal of the power driving unit 220.

[0078] therefore, Figure 3 The example performance manager 340 provides dynamic adjustment of the current and / or voltage at the tank circuit 304, and therefore provides dynamic adjustment of the power provided to the workpiece 214 for heating the workpiece 214. Based on the monitoring of the current by the current monitor 324 and / or the monitoring of the voltage by the voltage monitor 326, the performance manager 340 accounts for changes in load impedance due to the properties of the workpiece 214 and the position of the workpiece 214 relative to the induction heater 212. The example performance manager 340 uses the temperature profile 342 to respond to the dynamic load variability due to the different portions 217, 219 of the workpiece 214 to be heated. In view of the different properties 215 of the workpiece 214 at the different portions 217, 219, the current, voltage and / or power adjustment implemented via the power drive unit 220 significantly improves the performance of the induction heater 212 to efficiently heat the workpiece 214.

[0079] Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 also includes a fault monitor 344. The fault monitor 344 analyzes the temperature data 323 generated by the temperature monitor 322, such as regarding potential overheating of one or more components of the heater plate 300 (e.g., the frequency control circuit 316) and / or the induction heater 212. The fault monitor 344 analyzes the current signal(s) 325 and / or the voltage signal(s) 327 regarding overcurrent and / or overvoltage that may damage the induction heater 212 based on, for example, the amount or frequency of the current 310 provided to the tank circuit 304.

[0080] Based on the analysis of the temperature, current and / or voltage data 323, 325, 327, the fault monitor 344 predicts whether one or more components of the induction heater control station 210 may malfunction and / or fail (e.g., overheat, short circuit). The fault monitor 344 may predict the performance status of, for example, the induction heater 212 based on the benchmark data 334 stored in the database 336 of the induction heater controller 226. For example, the fault monitor 344 may detect an overcurrent based on a predefined current threshold for the tank circuit 304 stored in the database 336.

[0081] If the fault monitor 344 determines that one or more components of the induction heater control station 210 have failed and / or failed, and / or if the fault monitor 344 predicts that one or more components may fail, the fault monitor 344 generates one or more fault instructions 346. The fault instructions 346 may include, for example, instructions for shutting down the problematic component(s), for other components to take over the problematic component(s), etc. In some examples, the instruction(s) 234 sent to the power drive unit 220 include instructions for resolving potential faults due to, for example, overcurrent and / or overvoltage at the tank circuit 304 by reducing and / or stopping the delivery of current to the tank circuit 304. In some examples, the fault monitor 344 stores historical data about the performance tracking of the heater board 300 and / or the tank circuit board 302 in the database 336. The historical data can be used by the fault monitor 344 to predict component failures.

[0082] The fault monitor 344 may also update the current / ready status signal 240 and / or the pass / fail status signal 242 (eg, the current / ready status signal 240 and / or the pass / fail status signal 242) transmitted to the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202 based on the analysis of the performance data of the induction heater control station 210. Figure 2 ). For example, if the fault monitor 344 detects an error with the induction heater 212, the fault monitor 344 can update the pass / fail status signal 242 to indicate the error state of the induction heater 212. The fault monitor 344 can generate other alerts for display via, for example, the GUI(s) 209 of the diagnostic instrument 202 regarding the fault and / or historical data indicating changes in performance over time that may indicate future faults.

[0083] Figure 3 The example induction heater controller 226 includes a communicator 348 for transmitting one or more of the one or more instructions 234, 339, 346 to the heater plate 300. The communicator 348 can also transmit the current / ready status signal 240 and / or the pass / fail status signal 242 to the processor 204 of the diagnostic instrument 202.

[0084] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example frequency control circuit 316, a fixed frequency clock 330, and an energy storage circuit 304 of an example induction heater control station 210. Figure 3 As disclosed, the energy tank circuit 304 includes a capacitor 306 and a work coil or inductor 308. The energy tank circuit 304 stores energy via an oscillating current between the capacitor 306 and the work coil 308. The oscillation of the current may result in energy loss in the energy tank circuit 304. For example, energy may be lost due to the resistance of the work coil 308, the resonance of the capacitor 306, and the energy tank circuit board 302. Energy may also be lost due to the workpiece 214 being heated by the magnetic field generated by the work coil 308. Figure 2-Figure 4 In the example of the induction heater control station 210 , energy is provided to the energy storage circuit 304 in the form of alternating current that is synchronized with the current already circulating in the energy storage circuit 304 .

[0085] exist Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 3 , the introduction of the workpiece 214 in the energy tank circuit 304 changes the effective inductance of the work coil 308. In addition, changes in the properties 215 of the workpiece 214, such as density and / or shape (e.g., at different portions 217, 219) can also cause changes in the effective inductance of the work coil 308. Changes in the effective inductance of the work coil 308 affect the resonant frequency of the energy tank circuit 304, or the frequency at which the current oscillates in the energy tank circuit 304 with minimal energy loss. Figure 4 In the example of FIG. 3 , the alternating current injected into the tank circuit has a frequency that varies based on the effective inductance change at the work coil 308 to maximize efficiency with respect to synchronization of the current introduced into the tank circuit 304 with the current already circulating in the tank circuit 304. This frequency adjustment enables the tank circuit 304 to oscillate at its resonant frequency and provide a dynamic response to load changes at the tank circuit 304 due to the introduction and / or manipulation of the workpiece 214.

[0086] As disclosed above, the tank circuit 304 includes a sensing coil 312 disposed proximate to (eg, wrapped around) the working coil 308. The sensing coil 312 senses the magnetic field (eg, Figure 1 The magnetic field 106 of the energy storage circuit 304 is generated, and (one or more) sensing signals 314 are generated. The (one or more) sensing signals 314 are used to synchronize the alternating current 310 injected into the energy storage circuit with the current 401 already flowing in the energy storage circuit 304.

[0087] For example, at the beginning of a heating cycle (e.g., when the workpiece 214 is positioned proximate to the work coil 308), the heating element 214 is heated by, for example, Figure 3 The variable DC power supply 400 (e.g., the power supply of the power drive unit 220) is enabled by the (one or more) instructions 234 of the induction heater controller 226. The drive manager 332 of the induction heater controller 226 sets the variable DC power supply 400 to a low power level. When the energy tank circuit 304 oscillates at a frequency that may or may not be its resonant frequency, the low power level setting of the variable DC power supply 400 limits the oscillation of the energy tank circuit 304, thereby limiting energy losses. In other examples, the power level of the variable DC power supply is not adjustable.

[0088] exist Figure 4 In the example of Figure 3 The example frequency manager 338 of the induction heater controller 226 is enabled. The frequency manager 338 sets the fixed frequency clock 330 to generate a fixed frequency signal 402 that is close to the resonant frequency current of the energy tank circuit 304 (e.g., based on predefined data). The fixed frequency signal 402 travels via a switch 404 (e.g., a single-pole, double-throw, or SPDT switch) to a SYNC input pin 406 of a switch resonant frequency (RF) current drive circuit 408. The fixed frequency signal 402 causes the current 310 supplied by the variable DC power supply and the current 401 already in the energy tank circuit 304 to oscillate at a fixed frequency.

[0089] Figure 4 The example sensing coil 312 senses an oscillating field induced in the work coil 308 due to current flowing through the work coil 308 and generates sensing signal(s) 314 . Figure 4 The example frequency control circuit 316 includes a signal scaler 410. The signal scaler 410 scales (e.g., voltage scaling) the sense signal(s) 314 relative to the SYNC input pin 406 of the switch RF current drive circuit 408. The signal scaler 410 also applies a delay to the sense signal(s) 314 to optimize current synchronization, thereby generating a scaled sense signal 412. Figure 4 In an example, the signal sealer 410 includes circuitry for detecting the validity of the sense signal(s) 314 with respect to, for example, scaling the signal to a predefined voltage, signal amplitude, etc.

[0090] When the signal scaler 410 detects the validity of the sense signal(s) 314, the switch 404 (e.g., a SPDT switch) is pushed and thrown, causing the frequency control circuit to drive the SYNC input pin 406 of the switching RF current drive circuit 408 using the sense signal(s) 314 instead of the fixed frequency signal 402. As a result, the tank circuit 304 is released from being driven by the fixed frequency clock 330 and is instead driven at its resonant frequency relative to the current 310 provided by the variable DC power supply 400 and the current 401 already circulating in the tank circuit 304.

[0091] exist Figure 4 In the example of , when the tank circuit 304 is driven at its resonant frequency, the variable DC power supply 400 is adjusted to a high power level (e.g., based on the instruction(s) 234 from the drive manager 332). Additionally, when the workpiece 214 is disposed proximate to the work coil 308 (e.g., inserted into the work coil 308), the resonant frequency of the tank circuit 304 changes because the effective inductance of the work coil 308 changes due to the presence of the workpiece 214. The sense coil 312 generates the sense signal(s) 314 that reflect the (e.g., modified) resonant frequency in the tank circuit 304. As a result, the current through the switching RF current drive circuit 408 is synchronized with the current 401 in the tank circuit 304. Thus, as the workpiece 214 is heated by the work coil 308, the frequency control circuit 316 dynamically responds to the introduction of the workpiece 214 into the tank circuit 304 to enable the tank circuit 304 to be driven at its resonant frequency. The sensing coil 312 and the frequency control circuit 316 form a feedback loop that responds to the variability of the resonant frequency at the induction heater 212 .

[0092] exist Figure 4 In the example, driving the tank circuit 304 at the resonant frequency of the tank circuit 304 substantially minimizes energy losses in the tank circuit 304. As a result, more energy is transferred to the workpiece 214 to heat the workpiece 214 than when the tank circuit 304 is oscillated at a fixed frequency that is not the resonant frequency of the tank circuit 304. Therefore, the self-oscillation of the tank circuit 304 at its resonant frequency increases the efficiency of the induction heater 212. In addition, in allowing the tank circuit 304 to oscillate at its resonant frequency, rather than driving the tank circuit 304 to resonate at a fixed frequency, the example frequency control circuit 316 substantially compensates for manufacturing variability and / or aging effects of components of the induction heater control station 210, such as the work coil 308, the capacitor 306, the circuit boards 300, 302, etc. Manufacturing variability and / or life can change the oscillation behavior of the tank circuit 304 and, therefore, result in inefficiency when the tank circuit 304 is driven to oscillate only at a fixed frequency. In addition, Figure 4The example dynamically responds to load variability caused by the workpiece 214 being introduced into the energy storage circuit 304 and / or different portions 217 , 219 of the workpiece 214 having different properties 215 being exposed to the induction heater 212 . Figure 4 The example of accommodating the resulting effects on the effective impedance of the work coil 308 and the resonant frequency of the tank circuit 304 due to load variability by adjusting to a modified resonant frequency.

[0093] At the end of the heating cycle, the drive manager 332 of the induction heater controller 226 adjusts the variable DC power supply 400 to a low power setting and, after a predefined period of time (e.g., a delay), turns off the variable DC power supply 400. As a result, the energy in the tank circuit 304 decreases. Over time, the sensing coil 312 no longer generates a sensing signal 314 large enough to be recognized as valid by the signal scaler 410. In such an example, the SYNC input pin 406 of the switching RF current drive circuit 408 is switched back to being driven by the fixed frequency clock 330. As a result, any remaining energy in the tank circuit 304 dissipates. After a predefined period of time (e.g., a delay), the drive manager 332 sends an instruction 234 to disable the fixed frequency clock 330.

[0094] Figure 5 is an example graph of a temperature distribution 500, such as for a workpiece 502 having two or more portions with different properties. Figure 3 The workpiece 502 may be, for example, a temperature distribution 342 of Figure 3 Workpiece 214. Workpiece 502 may include, for example, a suction and dispense device.

[0095] like Figure 5 , an example temperature profile 500 includes a plot of temperature versus time for a first portion 504 and a second portion 506 of an example workpiece 502. The first portion 504 of the workpiece 502 may have, for example, a first thickness, and the second portion 506 may have a second thickness different from the first thickness. The second portion 506 may have one or more other different characteristics from the first portion 504, such as a different size, cross-sectional shape, etc.

[0096] like Figure 5, the example temperature profile 500 includes a first temperature profile 508 for a first portion 504 having a temperature over time for heating the first portion 504 of the workpiece 502 when the first portion 504 is disposed proximate to the working coil 308. The example temperature profile 500 includes a second temperature profile 510 for a second portion 506 having a temperature over time for heating the second portion 506 of the workpiece 502 when the second portion 506 is disposed proximate to the working coil 308. In some examples, the first and second temperature profiles 508, 510 represent, for example, minimum temperatures at which the respective first and second portions 504, 506 of the workpiece 502 are heated to clean (e.g., sterilize) the workpiece 502. In other examples, the first and second temperature profiles 508, 510 represent optimal temperatures at which the respective first and second portions 504, 506 are heated to clean (e.g., sterilize) the workpiece 502 within a predetermined period of time. The optimal temperature data may be based on, for example, data collected from one or more previous induction heating cycles of the workpiece 502 and / or other workpieces. Figure 3 The performance manager 340 uses the example temperature profile 500 to generate (one or more) instructions 234 related to, for example, current and / or power to be provided to the energy storage circuit 304 and / or a voltage to be generated at the energy storage circuit 304 to heat the first and second portions 504, 506 of the workpiece 502 over time and at one or more predetermined temperatures or heat settings.

[0097] Figure 6 It is possible to Figure 2-Figure 4 An example work coil 600 (eg, Figure 3 The example working coil 600 includes a housing 602. Figure 6 In some examples, the housing 602 is a magnetic concentrator made of, for example, Ferrotron. The housing 602 includes a Litz wire 604 disposed therein. The Litz wire 604 includes a plurality of insulated wires braided together. In some examples, the Litz wire 604 is wound around a mandrel (e.g., PEEK TM Mandrel) winding.

[0098] Figure 6 The example housing 602 also includes a magnetic wire 606 wrapped around the Litz wire 604. The magnetic wire 606 may include, for example, insulated copper wire. Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 5 , the magnetic wire 606 acts as a sensing coil (eg, Figure 3 and Figure 4 The sensing coil 312). Figure 6 In the example of FIG. 6 , the windings of Litz wire 604 and magnet wire 606 are in the same direction.

[0099] One or more electrical leads 608 may be coupled to the example work coil 600. The leads may be arranged in a shrink tube to protect the leads from heat generated by the work coil 600. Figure 6 The example working coil 600 includes a thermistor 610 or a resistor (e.g., a Ferrotron magnetic concentrator) for measuring the temperature of the housing 602. The data generated by the thermistor 610 can be sent to, for example, Figure 3 An example fault monitor 344 of the induction heater controller 226 is shown.

[0100] The example work coil 600 may be selectively designed based on, for example, space constraints of the induction heater control station 210 with respect to the diagnostic instrument 202, the size of one or more workpieces to be heated by the work coil 600, etc. In some examples, variables such as the shape of the wire cross-section, the wire metal type, the number of turns of the wire, the turn spacing, the height of the work coil 600, the diameter of the work coil 600, the shape of the work coil 600, the resistance of the work coil 600, etc. are selectively selected based on one or more intended uses of the work coil 600.

[0101] like Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 6 , the example work coil 600 includes an opening 612. In operation, a workpiece (e.g., Figure 2 The workpiece 214 in the work coil 600 is arranged in the opening 612 so as to pass through the work coil 600 when the current flows through the work coil 600. Figure 6 The example work coil 600 is heated by the magnetic field(s) generated by the example work coil 600. Although the workpiece does not contact or substantially contact the example work coil 600 during heating, the example work coil 600 is exposed to the biological and / or chemical material(s) on the workpiece. Additionally, in the example of washing the workpiece during heating, the example work coil 600 is exposed to the washing fluid(s) (e.g., Figure 2 (One or more) fluids 218). In some examples, at least some of the washing fluid(s) and / or biological / chemical material(s) can be delivered to the work coil 600. Exposure to the washing fluid(s) and / or biological / chemical material(s) can corrode the work coil 600, which can damage the work coil 600.

[0102] To prevent corrosion, the example work coil 600 includes one or more coatings 614 applied to the housing 602. The coating(s) 614 may include, for example, a surface treatment chemical such as Chemtetall TM and / or ceramic coatings (e.g., Cerakote TM Therefore, in view of exposure to biological and / or chemical materials, Figure 6 The example work coil 600 includes anti-corrosion protection to increase the operational life of the work coil 600 and improve the reliability of the work coil 600 .

[0103] As disclosed above, Figure 2 The example induction heater control station 210 generates heat to clean workpieces such as suction and dispensing equipment. In some examples, the heat may cause one or more components of the induction heater control station 210 to overheat. The example induction heater control station 210 manages the heat generated by the following through one or more thermal management techniques: Figure 3 and Figure 6 working coils 308, 600), one or more printed circuit boards (e.g., Figure 3 The heater board 300, the energy storage circuit board 302) and / or other electrical components of the printed circuit board (e.g., Figure 3 The thermal management techniques employed by the induction heater control station 210 significantly reduce the risk of, for example, shorting the working coil and / or damaging the electrical components of the printed circuit board by waste heat.

[0104] For example, Figure 7 An example energy storage circuit board 700 (eg, Figure 3 EMI shield 702 includes a circuit board 302 that substantially surrounds a working coil 706 (e.g., Figure 2 , Figure 6 The working coils 308, 600) are made of a thermally conductive material (e.g., metal). In some examples, the EMI shield 702 is coated with, for example, Teflon TM In some examples, for example, Figure 2 The EMI of the induction heater 212 may exceed limits or regulations imposed by groups such as the Underwriters Laboratory and / or government bodies such as the European Union. The example EMI shield 702 significantly reduces the EMI of the induction heater 212 in order to comply with one or more standards for regulatory approval (e.g., CE compliance).

[0105] Figure 7 The example heat sink 704 substantially reduces overheating of the working coil 706 and / or the energy storage circuit board 700 by directing waste heat away from the working coil 706 and / or the energy storage circuit board 700. Figure 7 In the example above, heat energy is transferred through Figure 6 Litz wire 604 (and in some examples, Figure 6 The conductor of the working coil 706, such as the magnetic wire 606 of the sensing coil, is conducted and conducted through one or more copper vias formed in, for example, the energy storage circuit board 700. The thermal energy is transferred to the heat sink 704. In some examples, the thermal energy from the working coil 706 is also transferred to the heat sink via the thermally conductive material of the EMI shield 702. The example heat sink 704 transfers heat from, for example, the energy storage circuit board 700 to the surrounding environment. In some examples, the heat sink transfers heat to the induction heater control station 210 (e.g., Figure 2 The interior of the diagnostic instrument 202).

[0106] In some examples, Figure 2 The induction heater controller 226 of the example induction heater control station 210 reduces the duty cycle of the induction heater 212 (e.g., via Figure 2 The driver manager 332 and / or the performance manager 340 of the embodiment of the present invention can be used to manage the generation of waste heat. For example, the induction heater 212 can be activated to generate heat at a first temperature (e.g., based on the power consumption of the first power setting (e.g., wattage)) for a first predefined time period, such as 4 seconds. Figure 3 and Figure 5 The induction heater 212 may also be activated to generate heat at a second temperature that is higher than the first temperature at a second power setting (e.g., wattage) for a second predefined time period, such as 2 seconds. Although both the first temperature generated during the first (e.g., longer) time period and the second temperature generated during the second (e.g., shorter) time period may be used to heat the workpiece, the lower temperature heat generated during the first (e.g., longer) time period may take longer to dissipate. Figure 7 In the example of , the induction heater controller 226 instructs the induction heater 212 to generate heat in a shorter second time period to dissipate the heat more quickly. Therefore, the induction heater controller 226 reduces the duty cycle of the induction heater to more efficiently manage the waste heat.

[0107] Thus, the thermal management techniques employed by the induction heater control station 210 significantly reduce the risk of overheating of electrical components such as coils, capacitors, etc., and thus improve the performance of the induction heater control station 210. In addition, the EMI shield 702, heat sink 704, and / or reduction in duty cycle significantly reduce the need for other mechanical modes of controlling the induction heater control station 210 and / or removing heat from the induction heater control station 210, thereby simplifying design considerations.

[0108] Figure 8 yes Figure 7A top perspective view of an example energy storage circuit board 700 includes a circuit board disposed on a wash cup 800 (e.g., Figure 2 The working coil 706 in the washing cup 216). Fig. 9 It is along Figure 8 1-1 line cuts through a cross-sectional view of an example washing cup 800 and a working coil 706, which includes a workpiece 900 (eg, Figure 2 For illustrative purposes, the Figure 8 or Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 7 Example EMI shield 702.

[0109] As disclosed above, in some examples, the work coil 706 is at least partially disposed in the wash cup 800 to facilitate, for example, washing the workpiece 900 before, during, and / or after the work coil 706 inductively heats the workpiece 900 to help remove biological and / or chemical materials on the workpiece 900. The wash cup 800 collects a wash fluid (e.g., Figure 2 The example wash cup 800 may include one or more openings or portions to accommodate and / or removably secure a work coil 706 proximate to or substantially within the wash cup 800, a cable coupled to the work coil 706, or the like.

[0110] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 1 , a first portion 902 of a workpiece 900 is disposed in and heated by a working coil 706. A second portion 904 of the workpiece 900 is disposed in a wash cup 800 and a third portion 906 of the workpiece 900 is not disposed in the wash cup 800. The workpiece 900 may be heated by, for example, Figure 2 The robot arm 221 is selectively moved relative to the working coil 706. Figure 2 The robot arm 221 can hold the third portion 906 of the workpiece 900. As disclosed above, the induction heater control station 210 selectively adjusts the heat generated by the work coil 706 based on the temperature distribution (e.g., the temperature distribution 342, 500) to heat the first, second and / or third portions 902, 904, 906 of the workpiece 900 based on different properties of the respective portions such as skin thickness, cross-sectional shape, diameter, etc.

[0111] Before, during, and / or after heating the workpiece 900, a wash buffer is flowed over one or more surfaces of the workpiece 900 to flush away biological and / or chemical residues on the workpiece 900. In some examples, the wash buffer is flowed over the outer and / or inner surfaces of the workpiece 900.

[0112] In some examples, due to the heat generated by the work coil 706, a phase change (eg, liquid to vapor or gas) occurs with respect to the wash buffer used to clean the workpiece during heating of the workpiece. Figure 2 The pump 246 of the example system 200 establishes an elevated pressure to cause a fluid (e.g., such as Figure 2 The fluid 218 (liquid) moves through the workpiece 900, which in this example can be a probe having an opening extending along the length of the probe to receive the fluid. The fluid flow rate provided by the pump 246 can be (one or more) substantially constant flow rates or (one or more) time-dependent flow rates. The increase in pressure increases the saturation temperature of the fluid moving through the workpiece 900. Due to the heat generated during induction heating via the work coil 706, the temperature of the material of at least a portion of the workpiece 900 (e.g., the portion surrounded by the workpiece coil 706) increases due to the exposure of the workpiece 900 to heat. The heat generated by the work coil 706 is conducted through, for example, the wall of the workpiece 900 (e.g., the probe). The heat is transferred to the fluid flowing through the workpiece 900. Over time, when the workpiece 900 is exposed to heat, the temperature of the fluid can increase enough to reach the saturation temperature of the fluid. When the fluid reaches its saturation temperature, a phase change of the fluid passing through the probe can occur. For example, a fluid passing through a portion of the workpiece 900 disposed in the work coil 706 may undergo a phase change and become a saturated liquid-vapor mixture due to heat transfer from the work coil, through the wall of the workpiece 900 to the fluid. As the fluid flows downstream or passes through an area of ​​the workpiece 900 disposed in the work coil 706, the temperature of the fluid drops below the saturation temperature. As a result, the vapor in the liquid-vapor mixture condenses back into the liquid phase. Therefore, based on the flow of the fluid relative to the work coil 706, the phase change of the fluid may be temporary.

[0113] When the phase change begins, bubbles are formed in the fluid moving through the workpiece 900 (e.g., the probe). Bubbles can be formed at or near the portion of the workpiece 900 that is disposed in the working coil 706. Bubbles can be temporarily formed in the heated portion of the workpiece 900 that is surrounded by the working coil. The formation, movement, and collapse of bubbles locally changes the movement of the fluid through the workpiece 900. The change in the movement of the fluid due to (one or more) bubbles changes the magnitude and direction of the shear stress in the fluid. Some of the induction heating examples disclosed herein produce the formation, movement, and collapse of multiple bubbles, resulting in multiple (e.g., temporary) spikes in shear stress in the fluid and changes in the direction of the shear stress, which promotes and / or enhances the cleaning of the workpiece 900. Therefore, in some examples disclosed herein, the cleaning of the workpiece 900 includes a combination of increased temperature and increased liquid shear stress. In some examples, Figure 2The pump 246 generates a pulsating flow rate, which causes repeated drops in pressure to promote phase change(s) and / or bubble effect(s).

[0114] As an example, Figure 2 The pump 246 can dispense fluid (e.g., liquid) at an average of 1.6 mL / s, which can produce an average pressure difference of 30 pounds per square inch (psig) in the portion of the workpiece 900 within the work coil 706. An example fluid can include a wash buffer comprising primarily water. As such, the properties of the wash buffer can approximate those of pure water. Assuming an environment of 1 atmosphere, the saturation temperature of water under these conditions would be 134°C. After preheating with a fluid flow of 1.6 mL / s at 270 W for 0.5 seconds, a portion of the workpiece 900 (e.g., Figure 2 The outer surface temperature of the first portion 217 of the workpiece 214 can be measured, for example, to be 160° C. Thus, the inner surface temperature of the workpiece 900 (e.g., defining the opening in the probe) is 154° C. Therefore, the inner surface of the workpiece 900, and therefore the fluid layer at the inner surface, is above the saturation temperature of water (and therefore above the saturation temperature of the wash buffer), which enables the fluid to change phases.

[0115] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 The example washing cup 800 can be made of a material that can withstand the heat generated by the working coil 706, such as Isoplast TM Plastic. The shape, size and / or other design factors of the wash cup 800 may be Figure 8 and Fig. 9 For example, the design of the wash cup 800 may be selected based on the size of the workpiece or workpieces to be cleaned, the diagnostic instrument with which the wash cup 800 is to be used, and the like.

[0116] Although Figure 2-Figure 9 An example method of implementing the example system 200 is illustrated in Figure 2-Figure 9One or more of the elements, processes, and / or devices illustrated in the drawings may be combined, divided, rearranged, omitted, eliminated, and / or implemented in any other manner. In addition, the example diagnostic instrument 202, the example processors 204, 227, the example power supply 206, the example display 208, the example GUI(s) 209, the example timer 211, the example induction heater control station 210, the example induction heater 212, the example power drive unit 220, the example induction heater controller 226, the example heater board 300, the example energy storage circuit board 302, the example capacitor 306, the example work coil 308, the example sense coil 312, the example frequency control circuit 316, the example coil temperature sensor 318, the example temperature monitor 322, the example current monitor 324, the example voltage monitor 326, the example fixed frequency clock 330, the example drive manager 332, the example database 336, the example frequency manager 338, the example performance manager 340, the example fault monitor 344, the example communicator 346, the example variable DC power supply 400, the example switching RF current drive circuit 408, the example signal scaler 410 and / or more generally, Figure 2-Figure 9 The example system 200 may be implemented by hardware, software, firmware, and / or any combination of hardware, software, and / or firmware. Thus, for example, the example diagnostic instrument 202, the example processors 204, 227, the example power supply 206, the example display 208, the example GUI(s) 209, the example timer 211, the example induction heater control station 210, the example induction heater 212, the example power drive unit 220, the example induction heater controller 226, the example heater board 300, the example energy storage circuit board 302, the example capacitor 306, the example work coil 308, the example sense coil 312, the example frequency control circuit 316, the example coil temperature sensor 318, the example temperature monitor 322, the example current monitor 324, the example voltage monitor 326, the example fixed frequency clock 330, the example drive manager 332, the example database 336, the example frequency manager 338, the example performance manager 340, the example fault monitor 344, the example communicator 346, the example variable DC power supply 400, the example switching RF current drive circuit 408, the example signal scaler 410, and / or more generally, Figure 2-Figure 9Any of the example systems 200 may be implemented by one or more analog or digital circuits, logic circuits, (one or more) programmable processors, (one or more) application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), (one or more) programmable logic devices (PLDs), and / or (one or more) field programmable logic devices (FPLDs). When reading any of the device or system claims of this patent covering pure software and / or firmware implementations, the example diagnostic instrument 202, the example processors 204, 227, the example power supply 206, the example display 208, (one or more) example GUIs 209, example timer 211, example induction heater control station 210, example induction heater 212, example power drive unit 220, example induction heater controller 226, example heater board 300, example energy storage circuit board 302, example capacitor 306, example working coil 308, example sensing coil 312, example frequency control circuit 316, example coil temperature sensor 318, example temperature monitor 322, example current monitor 324, example voltage monitor 326, example fixed frequency clock 330, example drive manager 332, example database 336, example frequency manager 338, example performance manager 340, example fault monitor 344, example communicator 346, example variable DC power supply 400, example switching RF current drive circuit 408, example signal scaler 410, and / or more generally, Figure 2-Figure 9 At least one of the example systems 200 is expressly defined herein as including a tangible computer-readable storage device or storage disk storing software and / or firmware, such as a memory, a digital versatile disk (DVD), a compact disk (CD), a Blu-ray disk, etc. Still further, Figure 2-Figure 9 The example system 200 is Figure 2-Figure 9 In addition to or in place of one or more of the components, processes and / or devices shown in Figure 2-Figure 9 One or more elements, processes and / or devices illustrated in the drawings may also include one or more elements, processes and / or devices, and / or may also include more than one of any or all of the illustrated elements, processes and devices.

[0117] Fig.10 and Fig.11 The diagram shows a method for implementing Figure 2-Figure 9 Flowchart of example machine readable instructions of an example system 200. In these examples, the machine readable instructions comprise a program executed by a processor, such as the following in conjunction with Fig.12The processor 227 shown in the example processor platform 1200 discussed above. The program may be embodied in software stored on a tangible computer-readable storage medium such as a CD-ROM, floppy disk, hard drive, digital versatile disk (DVD), Blu-ray disk, or memory associated with the processor 227, but the entire program and / or portions thereof may alternatively be executed by a device other than the processor 227 and / or embodied in firmware or dedicated hardware. In addition, although reference is made to Fig.10 and Fig.11 The flowchart illustrated in describes an example program, but many other methods of implementing the example system 200 may alternatively be used. For example, the order of execution of the blocks may be changed, and / or some of the blocks described may be changed, eliminated, or combined.

[0118] As mentioned above, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The example processes of can be implemented using encoded instructions (e.g., computer and / or machine readable instructions) stored on a tangible computer readable storage medium, such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory (ROM), compact disk (CD), digital versatile disk (DVD), cache, random access memory (RAM), and / or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time; for a simple example, permanently; temporarily buffering and / or caching information). As used herein, the term tangible computer readable storage medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and / or storage disk, and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. As used herein, "tangible computer readable storage medium" and "tangible machine readable storage medium" are used interchangeably. Additionally or alternatively, Fig.10 and Fig.11 The example processes of can be implemented using coded instructions (e.g., computer and / or machine readable instructions) stored on a non-transitory computer and / or machine readable medium, such as a hard drive, flash memory, read-only memory, compact disk, digital versatile disk, cache, random access memory, and / or any other storage device or storage disk in which information is stored for any duration (e.g., for an extended period of time; for a simple example, permanently; temporarily buffering and / or caching information). As used herein, the term non-transitory computer readable medium is expressly defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and / or storage disk, and excludes propagating signals and excludes transmission media. As used herein, when the phrase "at least" is used as a transitional term in a claim preamble, it is open ended in the same manner as the term "comprising" is open ended.

[0119] Fig.10 An example flow chart representing an example method 1000 for causing a tank circuit, such as a capacitor, of an induction heater to heat during a heating cycle of the induction heater is depicted. Figure 2 and Figure 3 The tank circuit 304 of the induction heater 212 resonates at a resonant frequency. The example method 1000 may be performed by, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 an induction heater controller 226 (eg, a processor 227), Figure 3 and Figure 4 This is achieved by the frequency control circuit 316, etc.

[0120] The example method 1000 includes setting a variable DC power supply to a first power setting at the start of a heating cycle (block 1002). The start of a heating cycle may include, for example, Figure 2 When a workpiece such as the workpiece 214 is placed close to the work coil for heating. In some examples, the start of the heating cycle is determined based on one or more user inputs to the induction heater controller 226. Figure 3 The drive manager 332 of the example induction heater controller 226 may send (one or more) instructions 234 to the power drive unit 220 to Figure 4 The variable DC power supply 400 is set to a low power setting, thereby substantially limiting energy losses at the energy tank circuit 304, regardless of whether the energy tank circuit 304 is resonating at its resonant frequency.

[0121] The example method 1000 includes enabling a fixed frequency clock (block 1004). For example, the fixed frequency clock 330 may be enabled by Figure 3 The example frequency manager 338 of the example induction heater controller 226 is enabled. The fixed frequency clock 330 is enabled to generate a fixed frequency signal 402 that travels to the SYNC input pin 406 of the switched RF current drive circuit 408. The example switched RF current drive circuit 408 drives the tank circuit 304 to oscillate at a fixed frequency.

[0122] The example method 1000 includes detecting a sense signal (block 1006). For example, when a current flows through Figure 3 When the working coil 308 is turned on, the working coil 308 generates a magnetic field (e.g., Figure 1 Magnetic field 106). Figure 3 The example sensing coil 312 detects the magnetic field and generates a sensing signal 314. The sensing signal 314 can be generated by Figure 4 An example signal scaler 410 of the frequency control circuit 316 detects.

[0123] If the sense signal 314 is not detected, the example method 1000 continues to drive the tank circuit 304 to resonate at a fixed frequency via the current provided to the tank circuit 304 (e.g., block 1004). If the signal scaler 410 detects the sense signal 314, the example method 1000 continues to transition to drive the tank circuit to resonate at its resonant frequency via the scaled sense signal (block 1008).

[0124] For example, the signal scaler 410 generates a scaled sense signal 412 by scaling the sense signal 314 (e.g., voltage scaling) relative to the SYNC input pin 406. The signal scaler 410 applies a delay to the sense signal 314 to optimize synchronization of the current provided to the tank circuit 304 with the current 401 already flowing through the tank circuit 304. In the example method 1000, the frequency manager 338 instructs the frequency control circuit 316 to push and throw the switch (e.g., Figure 4 The SPDT switch 404 is configured to drive the switch RF current drive circuit 408 using the scaled sense signal 412 instead of the fixed frequency signal 402.

[0125] Example method 1000 includes setting a variable DC power supply to a second power setting (block 1010). Figure 3 The drive manager 332 of the example induction heater controller 226 may send (one or more) instructions 234 to the power drive unit 220 to Figure 4 The variable DC power supply 400 is set to a high power setting (compared to the low setting set at box 1002).

[0126] The example method 1000 continues to enable the tank circuit 304 to resonate at its resonant frequency until a determination is made that the heating cycle has ended (block 1012). In some examples, the example method 1000 adjusts the current provided to the tank circuit 304 based on the sense signal(s) 314 generated during inductive heating of the workpiece 214 to enable the tank circuit 304 to continue to resonate at its resonant frequency despite the presence of load variability at the work coil 308 due to the workpiece 214.

[0127] In some examples, the induction heater controller 226 determines that the heating cycle is about to end based on the current signal(s) 325 received from the current monitor 324, which indicates a change in the current flowing at the work coil 308. In some examples, the change in the current flowing at the work coil 308 can indicate that the workpiece 214 or a portion thereof has moved out of the magnetic field. In some examples, the induction heater controller 226 determines that the heating cycle is about to end based on one or more user inputs.

[0128] If the heating cycle is to end, the example method 1000 includes setting the variable DC power supply to a first (eg, low) power setting (eg, via the drive manager 332) (block 1014). After a delay, the example method 1000 includes turning off the variable DC power supply (block 1016).

[0129] Fig.10 The example method 1000 includes determining whether a sense signal is detected (block 1018). For example, after the variable DC power supply is turned off, the energy in the tank circuit 304 dissipates over time, and the sense coil 312 no longer generates the sense signal(s) 314 that are recognized by the signal scaler 410. If the sense signal(s) 314 are no longer detected, the example method 1000 includes switching the SYNC input pin 406 of the switching RF current drive circuit 408 to be driven by the fixed frequency clock 330 (e.g., via the drive manager 332) (block 1020). After a period of time, the example method 1000 includes disabling the fixed frequency clock 330 to end the heating cycle of the induction heater 212 (block 1022).

[0130] Fig.11 Depicts a representation for use via such as Figure 2 The induction heater 212 or the like induction heater induction heats the Figure 2 and Figure 5 An example flow chart of an example method 1100 for processing an artifact such as artifact 214, 502. The example method 1100 may be performed by, for example, Figure 2 and Figure 3 The induction heater controller 226 (e.g., processor 227) is implemented.

[0131] Fig.11 The example method 1100 begins at the start of a heating cycle, which may be determined by, for example, a user input to the induction heater controller 226. The user input for starting the heating cycle may cause the drive manager 332 to instruct the power drive unit 220 to provide, for example, a current to the tank circuit 304 of the example induction heater 212.

[0132] The example method 1100 includes identifying a temperature distribution of a portion of a workpiece to be heated (block 1102). For example, the performance manager 340 of the induction heater controller 226 may identify a temperature distribution stored in Figure 3The example temperature distribution 342, 500 in the database 336 of the induction heater 212 includes one or more heat settings for the portion 217, 219, 504, 506 of the workpiece 214, 502 to be heated. In some examples, the performance manager 340 identifies the temperature distribution 342, 500 of the portion based on one or more user inputs defining, for example, the property 215 (e.g., size, skin thickness) of the portion 217, 219, 504, 506 to be heated. In other examples, the performance manager 340 identifies the temperature distribution 342 based on the position of the workpiece 214, 502 relative to the induction heater 212 (e.g., based on the movement of the robot 221 of the diagnostic instrument 202). In other examples, the performance manager 340 identifies the temperature distribution 342, 500 based on changes in current and / or voltage at the induction heater 212 detected by the current monitor 324 and / or the voltage monitor 326, respectively. In some such examples, a change, such as a drop in current, may indicate that a different portion 217 , 219 , 504 , 506 of the workpiece 214 , 502 is positioned proximate to the work coil 308 for heating.

[0133] The example method 1100 includes adjusting the resonant frequency at the tank circuit of the induction heater (block 1104). The adjustment of the resonant frequency of the tank circuit may be substantially as described above with respect to Fig.10 The example method 1000 disclosed in the drawings is performed as disclosed in the drawings. For example, as disclosed above, the induction heater controller 226 and the frequency control circuit 316 enable the tank circuit 304 to resonate at its resonant frequency during the time when the working coil 308 generates a magnetic field based on the sensing signal(s) 314 generated by the sensing coil 312. The oscillation of the tank circuit 304 at its resonant frequency provides efficient heat transfer to the workpiece 214, 502.

[0134] The example method 1100 includes heating a portion of a workpiece based on the temperature distribution (block 1106). For example, Figure 2-Figure 4 The induction heater 212 can heat the portion 217, 219, 504, 506 of the workpiece 214, 502 at one or more heat settings for a predefined duration based on the temperature profile 342, 500. In some examples, the induction heater controller 226 generates (one or more) instructions 234 to adjust the current and / or power provided to the energy tank circuit 304 and / or the voltage generated at the energy tank circuit 304 to achieve the heat settings of the temperature profile 342, 500 for the portion 217, 219, 504, 506 to be heated.

[0135] The example method 1100 includes monitoring one or more conditions at the induction heater (block 1108). For example, the example fault monitor 344 analyzes temperature data 323 received from the temperature monitor 322, current data 325 received from the current monitor 324, and / or Figure 3 Based on the analysis, the example fault monitor 344 detects whether any component of the induction heater 212 has failed and / or predicts whether any component may fail. For example, the fault monitor 344 identifies conditions that may cause, for example, overheating of the working coil 308, short circuit of one or more components of the frequency control circuit 316, etc. In some examples, the fault monitor 344 compares the data 323, 325, 327, such as the threshold current and / or voltage of the energy storage circuit 304, with the data stored in the Figure 3 The fault monitor 344 tracks the performance data obtained from the induction heater 212 to identify and / or predict one or more faults at the induction heater control station 210 .

[0136] The example method 1100 includes generating one or more induction status updates (block 1110). For example, if the fault monitor 344 predicts that the working coil 308 may overheat, the fault monitor 344 can generate one or more instructions 346 to stop the operation of the induction heater 212. In some examples, the fault monitor 344 instructs the power drive unit 220 to adjust the current provided to the induction heater 212 in view of the fault prediction and / or performance tracking of the fault monitor 344. In some examples, the fault monitor 344 generates current / ready data 240 and / or pass / fail data 242 based on the prediction for display via the GUI(s) 209 of the example diagnostic instrument 202.

[0137] The example method 1100 includes determining whether another portion of the workpiece is to be heated (block 1112). If another portion of the work coil is to be heated, the example method 1100 returns to identifying the temperature profile 342, 500 that another portion is to be heated (e.g., block 1102). The example method 1100 adjusts the resonant frequency at the tank circuit based on a change in the resonant frequency due to load variability at the tank circuit to efficiently heat the portion(s) of the workpiece (e.g., blocks 1104, 1106). The load variability may be caused by introducing another portion into the tank circuit that has one or more properties that are different from the portion previously heated by the induction heater. If another portion of the workpiece is not to be heated, the example method 1100 ends.

[0138] Fig.12 Is able to execute Fig.10 and Fig.11Instructions to achieve Figure 2-Figure 9 The processor platform 1200 can be, for example, a server, a personal computer, a mobile device (e.g., a cellular phone, a smart phone, an iPad, etc.). TM tablet device), a personal digital assistant (PDA), an Internet appliance, a medical diagnostic instrument 202, or any other type of computing device.

[0139] The processor platform 1200 of the illustrated example includes a processor 227. The processor 227 of the illustrated example is hardware. For example, the processor 227 can be implemented by one or more integrated circuits, logic circuits, microprocessors, or controllers from any desired family or manufacturer.

[0140] The processor 227 of the illustrated example includes a local memory 1213 (e.g., a cache). The processor 227 of the illustrated example communicates with a main memory including a volatile memory 1214 and a non-volatile memory 1216 via a bus 1218. The volatile memory 1214 can be implemented by a synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), a RAMBUS dynamic random access memory (RDRAM), and / or any other type of random access memory device. The non-volatile memory 1216 can be implemented by a flash memory and / or any other desired type of storage device. Access to the main memory 1214, 1216 is controlled by a memory controller.

[0141] The processor platform 1200 of the illustrated example also includes an interface circuit 1220. The interface circuit 1220 may be implemented by any type of interface standard, such as an Ethernet interface, a universal serial bus (USB), and / or a PCI express interface.

[0142] In the illustrated example, one or more input devices 1222 are connected to the interface circuit 1220. The input device(s) 1222 allow a user to enter data and commands to the processor 227. The input device(s) may be implemented by, for example, an audio sensor, a microphone, a camera (still or video), a keyboard, buttons, a mouse, a touch screen, a track pad, a trackball, an isopoint, a speech recognition system, and / or a medical diagnostic instrument 202.

[0143] One or more output devices 1224 are also connected to the interface circuit 1220 of the illustrated example. The output device 1224 can be implemented by, for example, a display device (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED), an organic light emitting diode (OLED), a liquid crystal display, a cathode ray tube display (CRT), a touch screen, a tactile output device, a printer, and / or a speaker), a power drive unit 220, a frequency control circuit 316, and an induction heater 212. Therefore, the interface circuit 1220 of the illustrated example typically includes a graphics driver card, a graphics driver chip, or a graphics driver processor.

[0144] The interface circuitry 1220 of the illustrated example also includes communication devices, such as transmitters, receivers, transceivers, modems, and / or network interface cards, to facilitate data exchange with an external machine (e.g., any kind of computing device) via a network 1226 (e.g., an Ethernet connection, a digital subscriber line (DSL), a telephone line, a coaxial cable, a cellular telephone system, etc.).

[0145] The processor platform 1200 of the illustrated example also includes one or more mass storage devices 1228 for storing software and / or data. Examples of such mass storage devices 1228 include floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, optical disk drives, Blu-ray disk drives, RAID systems, and digital multifunction devices.

[0146] To achieve Fig.10 and Fig.11 The encoded instructions 1232 of the example methods may be stored in the mass storage device 1228, in the volatile memory 1214, in the non-volatile memory 1216, and / or on a removable tangible computer-readable storage medium such as a CD or DVD.

[0147] From the foregoing, it will be appreciated that the above-described systems, methods, and apparatus provide control and monitoring of induction heater performance to reduce biological carryover of one or more workpieces (e.g., probes) via induction heating. The examples disclosed herein account for manufacturing variability and / or aging of electrical components of an induction heater by enabling the tank circuit to resonate at its resonant frequency rather than a fixed frequency. In addition, the examples disclosed herein dynamically respond to load variability at the induction heater due to, for example, the introduction of the workpiece into the induction heater, the positioning of the workpiece relative to the induction heater, and the nature of different portions of the workpiece to be heated. Some such examples adjust the current supplied to the tank circuit of the induction heater in response to changes in the resonant frequency of the tank circuit due to the presence of the workpiece. Some disclosed examples provide improved reliability of the induction heater by waste heat management techniques that reduce the risk of overheating and / or by predictive failure analysis. The examples disclosed herein can be implemented with a diagnostic instrument (e.g., a chemical analyzer) to provide a system that efficiently analyzes samples and conveniently cleans tools used to perform analysis without the need for a separate cleaning instrument.

[0148] Although certain example methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is not limited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture that fully fall within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. An induction heating system, comprising: An induction heater including a circuit having a working coil and a sensing coil; A driving unit, providing current to enable the working coil to generate an electromagnetic field; The circuit oscillates at a resonant frequency at a first time; the sensing coil detecting the electromagnetic field and outputting a feedback signal in response to the detected electromagnetic field, the feedback signal indicating a change in the resonant frequency due to the introduction of the workpiece into the electromagnetic field at a second time; and A controller is operatively coupled to the drive unit, the controller causing the drive unit to adjust the amount of current provided to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the feedback signal. 2 . The system of claim 1 , wherein the controller causes the drive unit to adjust current or voltage according to a temperature distribution of the workpiece exposed to the electromagnetic field.

3. The system of claim 2, wherein the temperature distribution comprises a first temperature distribution of a first portion of the workpiece and a second temperature distribution of a second portion of the workpiece, and the controller causes the drive unit to adjust the current or voltage according to a position of the first portion or the second portion of the workpiece relative to the induction heater.

4. The system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The controller causes the circuit to oscillate at a frequency according to the feedback signal. 5 . The system of claim 4 , further comprising a fixed frequency clock, wherein the controller selectively disables the fixed frequency clock based on the feedback signal to switch the circuit from oscillating at the fixed frequency to oscillating at the resonant frequency.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The controller causes the drive unit to adjust the amount of current supplied to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater so that the property of the biological sample carried by the workpiece exposed to the electromagnetic field is adjusted.

7. The system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the sensing coil is wound around a working coil.

8. A computer-readable storage medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause a processor circuit to: According to the signal output by the sensing coil of the energy storage circuit of the induction heater, the temperature to be output by the induction heater is determined to change the property of the biological sample carried by the workpiece, wherein: The signal is indicative of a resonant frequency of the tank circuit, wherein the resonant frequency changes dynamically due to the presence of the workpiece in the tank circuit; and The driving unit is caused to control the amount of current supplied to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the temperature.

9. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the signal is indicative of a resonant frequency associated with a position of a portion of the workpiece carrying a biological sample relative to the tank circuit.

10. The computer-readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the temperature is a first temperature, the instructions when executed causing the processor circuit to: Detect signal changes; determining a second temperature to be output by the induction heater to change a property of the biological sample; and The driving unit is caused to control the amount of current supplied to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the second temperature.

11. The computer readable storage medium of claim 8, wherein the instructions, when executed, cause the drive unit to control a power level of a power source in communication with the induction heater.

12. An induction heating device comprising at least one memory; instruction; as well as A processor circuit that executes the instructions to causing the driving unit to provide a first amount of current to the induction heater to cause a working coil of a circuit of the induction heater to generate an electromagnetic field to adjust a property of a material carried by the workpiece exposed to the electromagnetic field; as well as The drive unit is caused to adjust the amount of current provided to the induction heater based on a feedback signal output by a sensing coil of the circuit in response to detecting the electromagnetic field, wherein the feedback signal is indicative of a resonant frequency of the circuit associated with the presence of a workpiece in the electromagnetic field.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor circuit is to cause the drive unit to modify the amount of current provided according to the amount of heat to be generated by the induction heater.

14. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor circuit causes the drive unit to adjust the current based on a temperature distribution of a material exposed to the electromagnetic field.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the processor circuit causes the frequency of the current provided to the induction heater to be adjusted based on the feedback signal.

16. Apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15, wherein the material comprises a human biological sample.

17. A method of controlling an induction heating system, the method comprising: determining a temperature to be output by the induction heater to change a property of a biological sample carried by a workpiece based on a signal output by a sensing coil of a tank circuit of the induction heater, the signal indicating a resonant frequency of the tank circuit, wherein the resonant frequency changes dynamically due to the introduction of the workpiece into the tank circuit; and The driving unit is caused to control the amount of current supplied to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the temperature.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising switching the tank circuit from oscillating at a fixed frequency to oscillating at a resonant frequency by controlling a switch.

19. The method according to claim 17, further comprising detecting a change in the signal in response to a change in position of at least a portion of a workpiece carrying a biological sample relative to a working coil of the induction heater; and In response to the detection, the driving unit is caused to control an amount of current supplied to the induction heater or a voltage generated at the induction heater.

20. The method of claim 17, further comprising detecting a change in the signal; determining a second temperature to be output by the induction heater to change a property of the biological sample; and The driving unit is caused to control the amount of current supplied to the induction heater or the voltage generated at the induction heater according to the second temperature.

21. An induction heating device comprising Devices for generating electromagnetic fields; means for providing a current so that the means for generating an electromagnetic field generates an electromagnetic field, wherein the current flowing through the means for generating an electromagnetic field is related to a resonant frequency; means for detecting an electromagnetic field, the means for detecting an electromagnetic field outputting a feedback signal indicating a change in the resonant frequency due to the presence of an artifact in the electromagnetic field; as well as The means for processing causes the means for providing current to adjust the amount of current provided to the means for generating an electromagnetic field according to the feedback signal.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the means for treating causes the means for providing current to adjust current based on a temperature profile of the workpiece exposed to the electromagnetic field.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the temperature distribution comprises a first temperature distribution for a first portion of the workpiece and a second temperature distribution for a second portion of the workpiece, and the means for processing causes the means for generating an electromagnetic field to adjust the current based on a position of the first portion or the second portion of the workpiece relative to the electromagnetic field.

24. The apparatus of claim 21 or 22, wherein the means for treating causes the means for generating an electromagnetic field to adjust the amount of current provided so that a property of a biological sample carried by the workpiece exposed to the electromagnetic field is adjusted.

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