Identification of sample cell in chromatography autosampler

Abstract

The invention provides methods and systems for identifying sample wells placed in a sample tray in a chromatography autosampler. Pool clamps and labels are also provided to facilitate such identification.

Description

[0001] Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application is a continuation of U.S. Application S / N 17 / 563,151, filed December 28, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] Generally, the present application relates to identifying sample wells in an autosampler, as well as components that facilitate such identification and methods of their use.

[0004] Prior Art

[0005] In using an autosampler, a user typically must manually affix a label to a vial (e.g., identifying the sample within the vial) according to various protocols, and then manually place the vial in a predetermined location on a sample tray. And given that a sample tray can have a capacity of 50 or more vials, there is considerable room for error if a vial is inadvertently loaded in a different and incorrect location. There is generally little or no chain of custody assurance because once the vials are placed into the autosampler, the instrument cannot further confirm that the correct vial is in the correct location on the sample tray.

[0006] Users today typically must manually track the location of each vial in a sample tray and the whereabouts of the sample tray. For example, a user can manually enter such information into a Chromeleon TM chromatography data system (CDS) or other software platform. Or the user can write such information on a piece of paper for later entry. Unfortunately, user errors are common and can occur at a significant error rate of 20% to 30%.

[0007] In some cases, a user can scan a label on the side of a vial with sample identification, but the user still must place the vial in its correct location in a sample tray. Because this placement is still a manual process, there is still considerable room for user error.

[0008] In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to have a system and method that overcomes the aforementioned and other shortcomings of sample identification with known autosamplers. SUMMARY

[0009] One aspect of the present application relates to a system for identifying sample wells of a sample tray placed in a chromatography autosampler, each sample well having (i) a container with a sidewall and (ii) a cap with an end face visible from the sample tray. The method can include: performing a top scan of the end faces of all sample wells with a camera assembly of a machine vision (MV) module of the autosampler; and determining, with a computing device, an identity of each of the sample wells within the sample tray based on the top scan; wherein the computing device controls the MV module.

[0010] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for identifying sample wells of a sample tray placed in a chromatography autosampler, each sample well having (i) a vessel having a sidewall and (ii) a cap having an end face visible from the sample tray. The method can include: gripping, lifting, and rotating each of the sample wells with a sample well gripper of the autosampler such that each of the sample wells is gripped while in the sample tray, lifted from the sample tray, and rotated over an adjacent sample well of the sample tray; side scanning the sidewall of each of the sample wells with a camera assembly of a machine vision (MV) module of the autosampler; and returning each of the sample wells to the sample tray with the well gripper.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system for identifying sample wells of a sample tray placed in a chromatography autosampler, each sample well having (i) a vessel having a sidewall and (ii) a cap having an end face visible from the sample tray. The system can include: a machine vision (MV) module within the autosampler, the MV module including a camera assembly configured to scan sidewalls and / or end faces of the sample wells within the autosampler; and a computing device controlling the MV module, wherein the computing device is configured to determine an identity of a sample in each of the sample wells based on the scanned sidewalls and / or end faces of each of the sample wells.

[0012] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a well gripper assembly for a chromatography autosampler, the well gripper assembly configured to grip, lift, and rotate sample wells of a sample tray placed in the autosampler. The well gripper can include: a jaw assembly configured to selectively grip, lift, and rotate individual sample wells, the jaw assembly including a gripper jaw movable between an open position in which the jaw assembly can be positioned around one of the sample wells and a closed position in which the gripper jaw is biased against one of the sample wells to grip one of the sample wells; a motor assembly configured to rotate the jaw assembly about a motor axis, the motor assembly including a motor body and a hollow motor shaft rotatably supporting the jaw assembly relative to the motor body; and a solenoid assembly configured to move the gripper jaw between the open position and the closed position, the solenoid assembly including a plunger extending through the hollow motor shaft and operably connected to the jaw assembly to move the gripper jaw.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the invention relates to a label for sample identification in a chromatography autosampler, where a sample well contains a sample and can include a container, a lid sealingly engaged with the container, and a septum allowing a sample needle to sealingly pass through the lid and access the sample. The label can include: an annular segment configured to mount to a circular end face of the lid, the annular segment including an open center configured to unobstructed access to the septum and prevent contamination of the label by a needle puncturing the septum; and a machine-readable end identifier on the annular segment, the end identifier including machine-readable characters; where the end identifier is readily visible when the sample well is in a sample tray having a top opening.

[0014] Embodiments of the invention can include one or more of the following features:

[0015] The sample tray can include a machine-readable tray identifier, and where the top scan can include scanning the tray identifier.

[0016] The method can further include determining a location of each of the sample wells within the sample tray based on a unique label affixed to a respective end face of each of the sample wells.

[0017] The chromatography autosampler can include a computing device.

[0018] The method can further include: gripping, lifting, and rotating each of the sample wells with a sample well gripper of the autosampler such that each of the sample wells is gripped while in the sample tray, lifted from the sample tray, and rotated over an adjacent sample well of the sample tray; side scanning a sidewall of each of the sample wells with a camera assembly of an MV module of the autosampler; and returning each of the sample wells to the sample tray with the well gripper.

[0019] The rotating can include rotating each of the sample wells approximately 540°.

[0020] The side scanning can include scanning a barcode label disposed on the sidewall of each of the sample wells.

[0021] The sidewall of each of the sample wells can be translucent or transparent, and where the side scanning can include determining (i) a top liquid level within each of the sample wells, and (ii) a bottom liquid level at a lowermost portion of an interior volume of each of the sample wells.

[0022] The method can further include (i) determining a sample volume within each of the sample wells based on the top liquid level within the respective sample well, (ii) adjusting a needle position based on the top liquid level and the bottom liquid level within the sample well, and / or (iii) limiting an insertion depth of the sample needle based on a location of the bottom liquid level of the respective sample well.

[0023] The container and / or cap of each sample well can include an identifying color, and wherein at least one of the top scan and the side scan can include scanning the identifying color.

[0024] The method can further include comparing, with the computing device, the top scan and the side scan to determine whether the clamped sample well is the correct sample well for further processing. The method can further include aspirating a sample from each of the sample wells with a sampling needle assembly, separating an analyte of the sample with a chromatographic column, and detecting the analyte of the sample with a chromatographic detector.

[0025] The method can include top scanning end faces of all of the sample wells with a camera assembly of the MV module. The method can further include determining, with the computing device, an identity of each of the sample wells within the sample tray based on the top scan and / or; wherein the computing device also controls the MV module and the well clamp.

[0026] The sample tray can include a machine-readable tray identifier, and wherein the top scan can include scanning the tray identifier.

[0027] The method can further include (i) determining a sample volume within each sample well based on a top liquid level within the respective sample well, (ii) adjusting a needle position based on the top liquid level and a bottom liquid level within the sample well, and / or (iii) limiting an insertion depth of the sample needle based on a position of the bottom liquid level of the respective sample well.

[0028] The container and / or cap of each sample well can include an identifying color, and wherein at least one of the top scan and the side scan can include scanning the identifying color.

[0029] The method can further include comparing, with the computing device, the top scan and the side scan to determine whether the clamped sample well is the correct sample well for further processing. The method can further include determining a location of each of the sample wells within the sample tray based on a unique label of each sample well. The method can further include aspirating a sample from each of the sample wells with a sampling needle assembly, separating an analyte of the sample with a chromatographic column, and detecting the analyte of the sample with a chromatographic detector.

[0030] The camera assembly can further include a horizontal camera configured to scan a horizontal direction of a sidewall of each sample well. The camera assembly can further include a vertical camera configured to scan a vertical direction of an end face of all of the sample wells of the sample tray. The camera assembly can further include a horizontal camera configured to scan a horizontal direction of a sidewall of each sample well and a vertical camera configured to scan a vertical direction of an end face of all of the sample wells of the sample tray.

[0031] Each sample well of the sample plate can be provided with a label having an annular segment mounted to the respective end face and / or a side segment mounted to the respective side wall, the annular segment including (i) a machine-readable end identifier including machine-readable characters and (ii) an opening center configured to unobstructed access to a septum in each respective cap, and the side segment including a machine-readable side identifier having a barcode.

[0032] The system can further include a well clamp assembly configured to selectively clamp, lift, and rotate a respective sample well relative to the sample plate, wherein the computing device further controls the well clamp, and wherein the computing device can be configured to (i) control the sample well clamp to clamp, lift, and rotate one of the sample wells over an adjacent sample well of the sample plate and (ii) control the horizontally-oriented camera to scan a side wall of the one sample well while being rotated by the well clamp.

[0033] The well clamp can further include a jaw assembly configured to selectively clamp, lift, and rotate one of the sample wells, the jaw assembly including a clamp jaw movable between an open position in which the jaw assembly can be positioned around one of the sample wells and a closed position in which the clamp jaw is biased against the one sample well to clamp the one sample well, a motor assembly configured to rotate the jaw assembly about a motor axis, the motor assembly including a motor body and a hollow motor shaft rotatably supporting the jaw assembly relative to the motor body, and a solenoid assembly configured to move the clamp jaw between the open and closed positions, the solenoid assembly including a plunger extending through the hollow motor shaft and operably connected to the jaw assembly to move the clamp jaw.

[0034] The system can further include a sampling needle assembly for aspirating a sample from each of the sample wells, a chromatography column for separating a sample analyte, and a chromatography detector for detecting the analyte of the sample.

[0035] The clamp jaw can include a cam surface and the plunger has a complementary cam surface, wherein movement of the plunger in one direction causes the clamp jaw to move outward to their respective open positions. The clamp jaw can be biased toward their respective closed positions, wherein movement of the plunger in the opposite direction allows the clamp jaw to move inward to their respective closed positions.

[0036] The well clamp can further include a lift assembly movably supporting the jaw assembly to lift the individual sample wells from the sample plate. The well clamp can further include a computing device controlling the lift assembly, the motor assembly, and the solenoid assembly.

[0037] The computing device can be configured with a sample well scanning sequence in which (i) the jaw assembly is lowered such that the clamp jaws are positioned around one sample well, (ii) the solenoid assembly effects movement of the clamp jaws to a closed position, (iii) the lift assembly is raised to lift one sample well from the sample tray such that one sample well is positioned above an adjacent sample well in the sample tray, and (iv) the motor assembly rotates the jaw assembly and the clamped one sample well about the motor axis.

[0038] The lift assembly can be a gantry assembly that movably supports the jaw assembly for movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, and the computing device controls the gantry assembly.

[0039] The computing device can be configured with a sample well scanning sequence that can include (i) positioning the gantry assembly above one sample well, (ii) moving the clamp jaws to an open position, (iii) lowering the gantry assembly such that the clamp jaws are positioned around one sample well, (iv) moving the clamp jaws to a closed position, (v) raising the gantry assembly to lift one sample well from the sample tray such that one sample well is positioned above an adjacent sample well in the sample tray, and (vi) rotating the jaw assembly and the clamped one sample well about the motor axis to allow for a side scan of one sample well.

[0040] The label can further include a side segment configured to be mounted to a portion of an outer surface of the container, the side segment including a machine-readable side identifier, the side identifier including a barcode. The label can further include a tether interconnecting the annular segment and the side segment, wherein the tether provides a tamper-evident indication that the cap and the container are held together as long as the tether interconnects the annular segment mounted to the cap and the side segment mounted to the container.

[0041] The container can be a vial and the cap can be a flip-off cap, and wherein the side segment and the annular segment are configured to be mounted to the vial and the flip-off cap, respectively.

[0042] The length of the tether is configured to allow the flip-off cap to be removed from the vial without tearing the annular segment from the side segment.

[0043] A sheet can include a plurality of the above-described labels. Each of the plurality of labels can include an adhesive layer and a removable release liner mounted to the sheet, wherein each of the plurality of labels has a unique end identifier, and wherein each of the plurality of labels can be configured to be individually removed from the sheet and mounted to a circular end face of a cap.

[0044] The systems and methods of the present invention have other features and advantages which will be apparent from or that will be more readily understood by a reading of the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the specific embodiments described hereinafter, and, therefore, will not be described herein in any more detail in an effort to not obscure the pertinent scope of the application. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of an exemplary system for identifying sample cells in a chromatographic autosampler according to various aspects of the present invention.

[0046] Figure 2A , Figure 2B , Figure 2C , Figure 2D , Figure 2E and Figure 2F It is a series of front views, in Figure 1 The system illustrates the orientation of the sample tray, pool fixture, and camera during a series of exemplary steps.

[0047] Figure 3A and Figure 3B yes Figure 1 A front view of the cross-section of the system's pool clamp. Figure 3A The pool clamp is shown in the open-release position and Figure 3A The pool clamp is shown in the closed clamping position.

[0048] Figure 4 It is able to Figure 1 A cross-sectional front view of another pool clamp used with the system, with the pool clamp in the open / released position.

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B It is possible to be with Figure 1 A front view of the labels used by the system, where Figure 5A It displays a label in an unapplied state, and Figure 5B The label applied to the sample cell is displayed.

[0050] Figure 6A and Figure 6B yes Figure 5B The label and side view of the sample cell. Figure 6A This describes how the liquid level is detected by scanning the concave-convex surface of the sample in the sample cell, and... Figure 6B This demonstrates that the liquid level is detected by scanning the convex and concave liquid surface of the sample in the sample cell.

[0051] Figure 7 This is a block diagram of an exemplary method for identifying a sample cell in a chromatography autosampler according to various aspects of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the application, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. While the application will be described in conjunction with the exemplary embodiments, it will be understood that the description is not intended to limit the application to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the application is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and other embodiments, which can be included within the spirit and scope of the application as defined by the appended claims.

[0053] Automated samplers play a vital role in chromatography systems as they hold and manage multiple samples to be analyzed by the system. The increasing popularity and capabilities of charge-coupled devices (CCDs) have opened the door for many applications to utilize machine vision (MV) to provide imaging-based automated inspection and analysis. Utilizing machine vision in automated sample handling devices provides various advantages and unique solutions that can automatically identify sample vials (and samples therein) and provide other quality assurance during automated sample handling.

[0054] For example, machine vision can be used to identify various barcodes, characters, colors, markings, shapes, and / or other unique identifiers used to identify samples within sample vials, which can eliminate the manual step traditionally performed by a user to associate a particular sample with a prescribed chromatography method or protocol. Automating this step using machine vision can contribute to ease of use, particularly for users handling large numbers of samples. And machine vision can also provide a way to identify sample trays that can be configured to provide data such as vial type (e.g., sample vs. standard containing), vial volume, total number of vials, etc. that can be loaded into the tray and / or tray location.

[0055] To prevent a user or laboratory protocol from mismatching with sample inventory within an instrument, machine vision can be used to confirm that the correct sample is being processed and / or withdrawn. Further, machine vision can be used to scan unique identifiers provided on the end face of a sample vial that is visible from a sample tray when the vial is positioned in the sample tray, which can then be processed by a computing device. According to various aspects of the application, machine vision can also be utilized to determine liquid level and volume tracking within a sample vial for improved reliability and performance.

[0056] Turning now to the drawings, wherein like components are designated by like reference numerals throughout the various figures, attention is directed to Figure 1which shows an exemplary system 30 for identifying sample vials 32 loaded in a chromatography autosampler 33 according to various aspects of the present application. A plurality of sample vials are loaded onto sample trays 35, which are loaded into the autosampler in sequence. The autosampler typically includes a turntable 36 or other tray support, a vial gripper assembly 38 for individually handling the sample vials, a gantry 39 for manipulating the vial gripper assembly, a machine vision (MV) module 41 for scanning the end faces and / or sides of the sample vials, and a computing device 42 for controlling the turntable, vial gripper, gantry, and MV module. An enclosure 44 can be provided to encase the above components in other conventional ways. Although only a portion of the enclosure is shown, it will be appreciated that it can be a component of a fully enclosed autosampler with suitable access for loading sample trays onto the turntable.

[0057] As shown in Figure 1 the autosampler 33 includes a turntable 36 onto which a plurality of sample trays 35 can be loaded. The sample tray in the lower right is shown fully loaded with sample vials, the sample tray 35 in the lower left has some empty slots for simplicity of illustration, and the upper sample tray is shown empty for simplicity of illustration. It will be appreciated that all of the sample trays can be fully loaded with sample vials in order to maximize the throughput of the autosampler.

[0058] It will also be appreciated that the sample trays can have various sizes and configurations. For example, the sample trays shown are sized and configured to accommodate a 5x8 array of 2 mL containers. It will be appreciated that the sample trays can be configured to accommodate fewer or more sample vials (e.g., 21, 54, 64, 96, 100, or more), and they can be configured to accommodate smaller or larger sample vials (e.g., 0.5 mL, 0.7 mL, 10 mL, 20 mL, or more).

[0059] Referring to Figure 5B , each sample vial 32 typically includes a container having a sidewall 45, a cap having an annular end face 46 sealingly engaged with the container, and a pierceable septum 48 (shown in hidden lines) that allows a needle to sealingly pass through the cap and access a sample within the container. For example, the container can be a vial and the cap is a snap cap, or they can be other suitable sample containers.

[0060] Referring to Figure 5A , each sample vial can be provided with a label 49 having an annular section 51 mounted to the corresponding end face of the cap, and a side section 52 mounted to the outer surface of the corresponding sidewall. The annular section includes an open center 54 that is configured to provide unobstructed access to the corresponding septum, thereby reducing the likelihood of chemical interference due to inadvertent contact between the sample needle and the label.

[0061] The end section can include a machine-readable end identifier 55 having machine-readable characters. For example, the end section can include alphanumeric characters or other suitable graphics that can be digitally captured, translated, and / or otherwise processed. The side section can include a machine-readable side identifier 57 having machine-readable indicia or characters. For example, the side identifier can include alphanumeric characters, a bar code, and / or other suitable graphics that can be digitally captured, translated, and / or otherwise processed. For example, the alphanumeric characters can be processed by optical character recognition (OCR).

[0062] A tether 58 can be provided to interconnect the loop section 51 with the side section 52 of the label. Such a tether provides a tamper-evident indication that the corresponding cap and vial remain together so long as the tether remains unbroken and interconnects the loop section 51 mounted to the cap with the side section 52 mounted to the vial. In various embodiments, the length of the tether can be sized and configured to allow the snap cap to be removed from the vial without tearing the loop section from the side section. Such a configuration ensures that the snap cap and vial remain paired and are not inadvertently used with other caps and vials, which can reduce the chance of cross-contamination.

[0063] Advantageously, the end identifier 55 can be readily visible when the sample well is positioned in a top-opening sample tray, such that the end identifier can be readily scanned from above, either individually or with other sample wells positioned in the sample tray.

[0064] It can be appreciated that a sheet 59 of labels including a plurality of labels can be provided, as shown in FIG. 5. Although the example sheet includes only four labels, it can be appreciated that the sheet can include one, two, three, or more labels. The labels can have an adhesive layer and a removable release liner that is mounted to the sheet in other conventional manners. Each label can have a unique pre-printed end identifier and / or side identifier. However, it can be appreciated that the identifiers can be provided or created using a chromatography data system (CDS) or other software platform, and then printed on a blank label sheet using a dedicated or networked printer.

[0065] The turntable 36 can rotate the sample tray 35 to and from a loading position of the adjacent well gripper 38, e.g., to and from Figure 1 the lower left tray position shown. The well gripper can be configured to selectively grip, lift, and rotate a corresponding sample well 32 (as shown) about a vertical axis A relative to the sample tray, such that the side label 49 can be readily scanned. Figure 2F

[0066] In various embodiments, and with reference to Figure 3A and Figure 3B ​, the pool clamp includes a jaw assembly 61 configured to selectively grip, lift and rotate one of the sample pools. The jaw assembly includes clamp jaws 62 movable between an open position in which the jaw assembly can be positioned around one of the sample pools (see Figure 3B and Figure 3A ),

[0067] In the closed position, the clamp jaws are biased against one of the sample pools to grip one of the sample pools (see Figure 2F and Figure 1 ).

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp jaws 62 are slidable horizontally within a clamp head 64 and are biased toward the closed position (see Figure 4 ). It will be appreciated that the clamp jaws can be biased toward the closed position by a compression spring or other suitable biasing device. The clamp jaws have an inner cam surface against which a plunger 65 drives a cam 67 having a complementary cam surface. When the plunger drives the cam 67 downward, the complementary cam surface of the cam drives the jaws 62 to open the clamp assembly outwardly (see Figure 4 ). Upward movement of the plunger and cam allows the clamp jaws to spring back to their closed position. In other words, upward movement of the plunger in the opposite direction effects inward movement of the clamp jaws to their respective closed positions.

[0069] A motor assembly 68 is configured to rotate the jaw assembly about the axis A (see Figure 2A ). The motor assembly includes a motor body 70 and a hollow motor shaft 71 rotatably supporting the jaw assembly relative to the motor body. It will be appreciated that the motor assembly 68 can be a stepper motor or other suitable motor so long as it is configured with a hollow motor shaft that allows the plunger to extend through the motor and control the clamp assembly while allowing the clamp assembly to rotate.

[0070] A solenoid assembly 73 is configured to move the clamp jaws between their open and closed positions. The solenoid assembly selectively moves the plunger 65 up and down through the hollow motor shaft 71 to operate the jaw assembly by moving the cam 67 against the clamp jaws 62 to selectively move the jaws between their open and closed positions. It will be appreciated that various solenoid assemblies can be used, such as the Ledex brand low profile linear solenoids by Johnson Electric. And it will be appreciated that the assembly can be a unidirectional linear actuator, a bidirectional linear actuator or a stepped linear actuator.

[0071] Referring to Figure 2FThe lifting assembly movably supports the jaw assembly to lift individual sample cells from the sample tray. In various embodiments, the lifting assembly is a gantry assembly 39 configured to move the jaw assembly along the X, Y, and Z axes. For example, a Z-axis actuator 74 moves the jaw assembly up and down along a Z-axis track, a Y-axis actuator 75 performs left and right movement along a corresponding Y-axis track, and an X-axis actuator 77 performs back and forth movement along a corresponding X-axis track. However, it is understood that the lifting assembly may include one-dimensional actuators (e.g., up and down), two-dimensional actuators (e.g., up and down and another axis of motion), and / or other suitable transport mechanisms.

[0072] It is understood that various clamping assemblies can be used according to various aspects of the invention. For example, clamping assembly 38a may include clamping fingers 62a configured to grip the cap and / or neck of a vial for rotation (see [link]). Figure 5B The rotating gripper fingers can be biased to their closed position by the leaf spring 78, so that the plunger 65a can be actuated to overcome the biasing effect of the leaf spring and rotate the gripper fingers to their open position (see...). Figure 2A Alternatively, magnetic clamping components, such as ThermoFisher Scientific's TriPlus, can be used. TM Those used in 500 headspace samplers.

[0073] The MV module is provided with cameras and / or other digital imaging devices configured to scan and digitally image the sidewalls and / or annular end faces of the sample cells within the autosampler. For example, the MV module may include a vertically oriented top camera 80 configured to scan the annular end face of the sample cells, and horizontally oriented side cameras 81 configured to scan the sidewalls of each sample cell. It is understood that a variety of cameras may be used, including but not limited to Cognex's Advantage 100 Series OEM Smart Cameras and AE2 Advantage Image Engine, as well as other suitable digital imaging devices.

[0074] The top camera can be positioned vertically downwards, allowing it to capture images of one or more sample cells 32 located on the sample tray 35 (see [link]). Figure 2B It is understood that the cell fixture can be moved to one side of the sample tray to facilitate capturing an unobstructed view of all sample cells located in the sample tray. As shown, the top camera can be positioned above the cell fixture; however, it is understood that the "top" camera or device can be mounted on the cell fixture to allow scanning of individual sample cells while the cell fixture is aligned with each cell.

[0075] The side camera can be oriented horizontally from the side of the autosampler such that it can capture images of the sample cell 32 as it is supported and rotated by the cell clamp 38 about the axis A (see Figure 2C In various embodiments, the camera can capture a continuous image of the entire circumference of the side wall 45 as the sample cell is rotated (as shown in Figure 2D It will be appreciated that the side camera can also be configured to capture a static image of the sample cell when the side label is aligned toward the side camera or a circumferential portion (e.g., approximately 180°) of the side wall. However, continuous scan images of the entire side wall have certain advantages, which will become apparent below.

[0076] The autosampler 33 can include a sampling needle assembly 83 that is fluidly connected with other components of a chromatography system for analyzing sample constituents within the sample cells. For example, the system 30 can be a chromatography system that includes an autosampler and a sample introduction valve 84 to introduce the samples into a downstream HPLC or ion chromatography column 86, and in turn, an electrically conductive or other suitable detector 87. The column and detector can thus separate and detect analytes of interest within the samples contained within each of the sample cells.

[0077] Turning now to the computing device 42, the computing device can have a number of components. In some embodiments, some or all of the components included in the computing device can be attached to one or more motherboards and enclosed in a housing (e.g., including plastic, metal, and / or other materials). In some embodiments, some of these components can be fabricated onto a single system on a chip (SoC), which can include one or more processing devices and one or more storage devices. Additionally, in various embodiments, the computing device can include interface circuitry (not shown) for coupling to one or more components using any suitable interface (e.g., a universal serial bus (USB) interface, a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI) interface, a controller area network (CAN) interface, a serial peripheral interface (SPI) interface, an Ethernet interface, a wireless interface, or any other suitable interface). For example, the computing device can include display device interface circuitry (e.g., connectors and driver circuitry) on which a display device can be coupled.

[0078] The computing device can include one or more processing devices. As used herein, the term “processing device” can refer to any device or portion of a device that processes electronic data from registers and / or memory to transform the electronic data into other electronic data that can be stored in registers and / or memory. A processing device can include one or more digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), central processing units (CPUs), graphics processing units (GPUs), cryptographic processors (specialized processors that perform cryptographic algorithms within hardware), server processors, or any other suitable processing device.

[0079] The computing device can include one or more storage devices. The storage devices can include one or more memory devices, such as random access memory (RAM) devices (e.g., static RAM (SRAM) devices, magnetic RAM (MRAM) devices, dynamic RAM (DRAM) devices, resistive RAM (RRAM) devices, or conductive-bridging RAM (CBRAM) devices), hard disk drive-based memory devices, solid-state memory devices, network drives, cloud drives, or any combination of memory devices. In some embodiments, the storage devices can include memory that shares a die with the processing devices. In such embodiments, the memory can function as cache memory and can include, for example, embedded dynamic random access memory (eDRAM) or spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM). In some embodiments, the storage devices can include non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more processing devices, cause the computing device to perform any appropriate method or portion of a method disclosed herein.

[0080] It can also be appreciated that the computing device can include one or more logic elements. As used herein, the term“logic” can include a device that performs a set of operations associated with that logic. For example, any of the logic elements can be implemented by one or more computing devices programmed with instructions to cause one or more processing devices in the computing devices to perform the associated set of operations. In particular embodiments, a logic element can include one or more non-transitory computer-readable media having instructions thereon that, when executed by one or more processing devices in one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform the associated set of operations. As used herein, the term“module” can refer to a collection of one or more logic elements that together perform a function associated with the module. Different ones of the logic elements in a module can take the same form or can take different forms. For example, some of the logic in a module can be implemented by a general-purpose processing device programmed with instructions, while other logic in the module can be implemented by an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). In another example, different ones of the logic elements in a module can be associated with different sets of instructions executed by one or more processing devices. A module can not include all of the logical elements depicted in the associated diagram; for example, the module can include a subset of the logical elements depicted in the associated diagram when that module is to perform a subset of the operations discussed herein with reference to that module.

[0081] The computing device 42 can be configured to control various components of the autosampler, including the turntable, the pool gripper, the gantry, and the MV module. The computing device can be integrated into the autosampler itself, integrated into the chromatography system, or be part of a personal computer (PC) that sends signals to communicate with and control the autosampler or system. The memory portion can include software or firmware instructions on how to control the various components. For example, the computing device can be configured to run Chromeleon TM a chromatography data system (CDS) or other software platform, or be configured to communicate with a PC that performs this operation.

[0082] The computing device can operate the pool gripper 38 and the gantry 39 to grasp, lift, and rotate an individual sample pool 32 located above an adjacent sample pool in the sample tray 35. The computing device can also operate the MV module to control the top camera in the vertical direction to scan the annular end face of all sample pools located in the sample tray and to control the side camera in the horizontal direction to scan the sidewall of the individual sample pool while being rotated by the pool gripper. By processing (i) the image of the annular section 51 of the label, which is captured by the top camera, and (ii) the image of the side section 52 of the label, which is captured by the side camera, the computing device can determine the identity of the sample in the sample pool and the location of each sample pool within the sample tray based on the scanned annular end face and / or sidewall of each sample pool.

[0083] According to various aspects of the present invention, the computing device can be configured with a sample pool scanning sequence in which the jaw assembly is moved to the side of the sample tray Figure 2E ), the jaw assembly is then positioned above a sample pool Figure 2F ), the jaw assembly is then lowered so that the gripper jaws are positioned around the sample pool Figure 6A ), the solenoid assembly moves the gripper jaws to a closed position Figure 6B ), the lifting assembly is raised to lift the sample pool from the sample tray so that the sample pool is located above an adjacent sample pool in the sample tray Figure 6A ), and the motor assembly rotates the jaw assembly and the gripped sample pool about a motor axis that allows the side camera to capture an image of the sample pool sidewall Figure 6B ). The process can then be repeated until all sample pools in the sample tray are similarly scanned, and again repeated until the sample pools of all sample trays are processed.

[0084] An exemplary method of identifying sample wells according to various aspects of the application can now be described. A user attaches a label to individual sample wells containing samples, loads the sample wells into a sample tray, and loads the sample wells into an autosampler. In various embodiments, a top camera can confirm the identifiers on the sample tray before the scanning process begins. The top camera scans the end faces of all sample wells visible from above the sample tray, individually or simultaneously, and a computing device records the location of each sample well within a particular sample tray. A gripper lifts individual sample wells and presents their side labels to a side camera. The gripper rotates the sample wells to present the full label (and / or full sidewall) of the sample well to the side camera. And the gripper returns the sample wells to their sample tray locations. The sample wells (and samples therein) are now physically registered to a location within the sample tray, and thus can be tracked by the computing device.

[0085] In various embodiments, the gripper is configured to rotate the sample wells approximately 360° in order to scan the circumference of the sample well and fully capture an image of any label affixed thereto. And in various embodiments, the gripper is configured to rotate the sample wells approximately 540°, 720°, or more in order to account for latency time of the reader.

[0086] Scanning the entire sidewall of a sample well not only allows for identification and tracking, such scanning can allow for identification of a particular vial size, determination of a sample needle location within the sample well, determination of a liquid level within the sample well (see, e.g., Figure 7 and ​ ), calculation of a liquid volume level based on various parameters (e.g., type of vial, type of liquid, size / volume of vial, height of liquid in vial, etc.). The entire sidewall of a sample well can be scanned to allow for differentiation between concave and convex meniscus and determination of a corresponding liquid level (see, e.g., ​ and ​ ).

[0087] Referring to ​ Another exemplary method of identifying sample wells (and samples therein) according to the application can now be described. Once a set of sample wells containing samples have been individually labeled with a unique identifier that is loaded into a sample tray, and then loaded into an autosampler, a machine vision (MV) module of the autosampler is used to scan the sample wells. A top camera scans the annular end faces of all sample wells, during which time the top camera can also scan the tray identifier of the sample tray.

[0088] Each individual sample well of the sample tray is gripped, lifted, and rotated by a well gripper of the autosampler. In particular, each of the sample wells is gripped while in the sample tray, lifted from the sample tray, and rotated above an adjacent sample well of the sample tray.

[0089] Each individual sample well is scanned by the side camera of the MV module, with the sidewall of each sample well being cupped by the side camera. The scanning can include scanning the alphanumeric characters and / or bar code provided on the sidewall of each of the sample wells. Preferably, each sample well is rotated approximately 360° to ensure the entire circumference of the sidewall is scanned.

[0090] Each individual sample well is then returned to the sample tray by the sample well gripper and the process is repeated until all sample wells are similarly scanned. The computing device then identifies the sample within each sample well and its location within the sample tray based on the top scanning and / or side scanning.

[0091] In various embodiments, the sidewall of each sample well is translucent or transparent to allow for digital imaging of the liquid within the sample well and its liquid level. The side scanning can include scanning the entire sidewall surface of the sample well that allows the computing device to process the scanned image and determine the top liquid level within each sample well and the bottom liquid level at the lowermost portion of the interior volume of each sample well. And in various embodiments, the computing device processes the scanned image and determines the sample volume within each sample well based on the top liquid level within the respective sample well. The computing device can also adjust the sample needle position during sample extraction based on the top liquid level and the bottom liquid level within the respective sample well. And the computing device can limit the insertion depth of the sample needle during sample extraction based on the location of the bottom liquid level of the respective sample well, which would indicate the interior bottom surface of the sample well or a potential foreign object within the sample well that can damage the sample needle.

[0092] In various embodiments, the container and / or cap of each sample well can include an identifying color. In this case, the top scanning and / or side scanning can capture color images and allow the computing device to identify various parameters of the sample well and / or sample therein based on such identifying color. For example, one color can be used to identify a sample sale containing a standard opposite to the sample.

[0093] Advantageously, the side and top scanning of the sample wells according to various aspects of the present invention eliminates the need for the user to manually map the various sample wells within the respective sample tray. Since the label provided on the sample well includes a unique identifier, the sample identification can be known regardless of where the user places it in the sample tray.

[0094] For the purposes of interpreting and accurately defining the appended claims, the terms "upper" or "upward", "lower" or "downward", "left" and "right" are used to describe the features of the example embodiments with reference to the position of such features as shown in the drawings.

[0095] In many respects, various modified features of the various drawings are similar to those of the foregoing features, and like reference numerals followed by the subscript "a" designate corresponding parts.

[0096] The foregoing description of specific exemplary embodiments of the application has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the application to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiments were chosen and described in order to explain certain principles and their practical application, and to thereby enable others skilled in the art to make and utilize various exemplary embodiments of the present application, as well as various alternatives and modifications thereof.

Claims

1. A system for identifying sample cells placed in a sample tray in a chromatographic autosampler, each sample cell having (i) a container with sidewalls and (ii) a cap having an end face visible from said sample tray, said system comprising: The machine vision (MV) module within the autosampler includes a camera assembly, the camera assembly further comprising: a horizontal camera configured to scan the sidewall of each sample cell; and a vertical camera configured to scan the end faces of all the sample cells of the sample tray. A sample cell clamping assembly configured to selectively clamp, lift, and rotate a corresponding sample cell relative to the sample tray; and A computing device for controlling the MV module, wherein the computing device is configured to: (i) control the pool clamp assembly to clamp, lift and rotate one of the sample pools above adjacent sample pools of the sample tray; (ii) control the horizontally oriented camera to scan the sidewall of the one sample pool while being rotated by the pool clamp assembly; and (iii) determine the identity of the sample in the sample pool based on the scanned sidewall and / or end face of each sample pool.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each sample cell of the sample tray is provided with a label having an annular segment mounted to a corresponding end face and / or a side segment mounted to a corresponding sidewall, the annular segment including (i) a machine-readable end identifier comprising machine-readable characters and (ii) configured to unobstructed access to the center of the opening of the septum in each corresponding cap, and the side segment including a machine-readable side identifier having a barcode.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the pool clamp assembly further comprises: A jaw assembly configured to selectively clamp, lift, and rotate one of the sample cells, the jaw assembly including clamping jaws movable between an open position and a closed position, in which the jaw assembly is positioned about one of the sample cells, and in which the clamping jaws are biased against the one sample cell to clamp the one sample cell. A motor assembly configured to rotate the jaw assembly about a motor axis, the motor assembly including a motor body and a hollow motor shaft rotatably supporting the jaw assembly relative to the motor body; and A solenoid assembly configured to move the clamp jaws between the open position and the closed position, the solenoid assembly including a plunger extending through the hollow motor shaft and operably connected to the jaw assembly to move the clamp jaws.

4. The system of claim 1, further comprising a sampling needle assembly for aspirating samples from each of the sample cells, a chromatographic column for separating analytes from the samples, and a chromatographic detector for detecting the analytes in the samples.

5. The system of claim 3, wherein the clamp jaws include cam surfaces and the plunger has complementary cam surfaces, wherein movement of the plunger in one direction causes the clamp jaws to move outward to their respective open positions.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein the clamp jaws are biased toward their respective closed positions, and wherein movement of the plunger in the opposite direction allows the clamp jaws to move inward toward their respective closed positions.

7. The system of claim 3, further comprising a lifting assembly that movably supports the jaw assembly to lift individual sample cells from the sample tray.

8. The system of claim 7, further comprising a computing device for controlling the lifting assembly, the motor assembly and the solenoid assembly.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the computing device is configured with a sample cell scanning sequence, wherein (i) the jaw assembly is lowered such that the clamp jaws are positioned around the one sample cell, (ii) the solenoid assembly influences the movement of the clamp jaws to the closed position, (iii) the lifting assembly is raised to lift the one sample cell from the sample tray such that the one sample cell is positioned above an adjacent sample cell in the sample tray, and (iv) the motor assembly rotates the jaw assembly and the clamped sample cell about the motor axis.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the lifting assembly is a gantry assembly that movably supports the jaw assembly for movement along the X, Y, and Z axes, and the computing device controls the gantry assembly.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the computing device is configured with a sample cell scanning sequence, the sequence comprising (i) positioning the gantry assembly above one of the sample cells, (ii) moving the clamp jaws to the open position, (iii) lowering the gantry assembly such that the clamp jaws are positioned around the one of the sample cells, (iv) moving the clamp jaws to the closed position, (v) raising the gantry assembly to lift the one of the sample cells from the sample tray such that the one of the sample cells is positioned above an adjacent sample cell in the sample tray, and (vi) rotating the clamp assembly and the clamped sample cell about the motor axis to allow a side scan of the one of the sample cells.

12. The system of claim 2, wherein the end identifier is readily visible when the sample cell is located in the sample tray.

13. The system of claim 12, further comprising a tether interconnecting the annular section and the side section, wherein the tether provides an tamper-proof indication that the lid and the container remain together whenever the tether interconnects the annular section attached to the lid with the side section attached to the container.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the container is a vial and the cap is a snap-on cap, and wherein the side section and the annular section are configured to be respectively attached to the vial and the snap-on cap.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the length of the tether is configured to allow removal of the snap cap from the vial without tearing the annular section from the side section.

16. The system of claim 2, wherein the label comprises an adhesive layer and a removable peel liner attached to the sheet, wherein the label has a unique end identifier, and wherein the label is configured to be individually removed from the sheet and attached to the end face of the cap.

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