Automatic bottle loading and unloading machine

Abstract

An automated loading and unloading machine (100) is disclosed for automatically loading samples from vials (112) into an analyzer (102) in stages, such as a moisture analyzer for moisture analysis. The analyzer (102) uses vials (112) to hold small amounts of sample material. The automated loading and unloading machine (100) holds the vials (112) in a horizontal orientation on a turntable (110) for loading into and unloading from the analyzer (102). The turntable (110) includes a groove (300) for receiving the vials (112), the groove (300) being in the form of a rectangular opening. Each groove (300) has a depth sized to produce a rolling movement of the vials (112) when the turntable (110) rotates and to horizontally constrain the vials (112) within the groove (300). The elevator (500) is configured to transport the vial (112) to the loading position of the analyzer (102).

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 086,938, filed October 2, 2020, and U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 470,902, filed September 9, 2021, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] Examples of the present invention generally relate to automated loading and unloading machines, and more specifically to automated loading and unloading machines for use with analyzers (e.g., moisture analyzers) for vials. Background Technology

[0004] An analyzer (e.g., a moisture analyzer) is used to analyze the content of a sample. Typically, the sample is placed in individual vials and inserted into the analyzer for analysis. In some implementations, vials are manually loaded into the analyzer to analyze one vial at a time. If there are many vials, loading vials, monitoring the analyzer's completion, removing vials, and loading / removing each subsequent vial is labor-intensive. Summary of the Invention

[0005] An automated loading and unloading machine for loading vials into an analyzer. In one example, the analyzer has a carrier assembly configured to load and unload each vial into the analyzer in a horizontal orientation. According to this example, the automated loading and unloading machine includes a lift, a platform, a vial turntable located above the platform, and a controller coupled to the lift and the vial turntable. The lift has a vial carrier support configured to move the vial carrier support between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein, when the device is connected to the analyzer, the raised position is above the carrier assembly and the lowered position is below the carrier assembly. The platform has a lower surface and an upper surface, and includes an opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, the opening being positioned and sized to receive the vial carrier support of the lift when moving between the lowered and raised positions. The bottle turntable has bottle transport stations, each of which is configured to receive bottles in a horizontal orientation and is arranged to transport the received bottles to the loading position of the bottle carrier support as the bottle turntable rotates.

[0006] In one implementation, the vial carrier support is initially positioned in an elevated position (and serves as a base for the vial passage opening in the vial transport station). According to this implementation, the controller rotates the vial turntable to align the transport station with the loading position of the vial carrier support, and lowers the vial carrier support from the elevated position to the lowered position, wherein, when the device is connected to the analyzer, the bracket assembly engages the first vial and disengages the first vial from the vial carrier support for loading into the analyzer. According to this implementation, as the turntable rotates, the vials can roll on the surface of the platform within their respective vial transport stations (and, in the elevated position, on the vial carrier support).

[0007] In another implementation, the controller rotates the vial turntable to align the transport station (configured as a support for the vial) with the loading position of the vial carrier support, raises the vial carrier support to the raised position to engage the first vial in the first transport station, rotates the vial turntable to remove the transport station from the path, and lowers the vial carrier support from the raised position to the lowered position. When the device is connected to the analyzer, the bracket assembly engages the first vial and disengages the first vial from the vial carrier support for loading into the analyzer. According to this implementation, as the turntable rotates, the vials can be fully supported by the support, preventing them from engaging with the platform surface or rolling. Attached Figure Description

[0008] For illustrative purposes, different examples of the invention are shown in the accompanying drawings. However, it should be understood that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements, dimensions, and instruments shown. In all the drawings, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. Letter designations may be added to the reference numerals for multiple elements of the same or similar type. Letter designations may be omitted when referring collectively to elements or non-specific elements within elements. In the drawings:

[0009] Figure 1 This is a 3D view of an analyzer equipped with an automatic bottle loading and unloading system;

[0010] Figures 2A and 2B are side views of the prior art vial in vertical orientation (Figure 2A) and horizontal orientation (Figure 2B), used for... Figure 1 Used in analyzers equipped with automatic bottle loading and unloading systems;

[0011] Figure 3A It is used in Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the turntable used in the automatic loading and unloading machine of the analyzer with an automatic bottle loading and unloading system;

[0012] Figure 3B yes Figure 3AA top view of the turntable;

[0013] Figure 3C yes Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of the turntable viewed along 3C-3C;

[0014] Figure 4A yes Figure 1 A perspective view of an analyzer with an automatic bottle loading and unloading system, wherein the automatic loading and unloading cover is open and the turntable is removed;

[0015] Figure 4B and Figure 4C These are the top and side views of the small bottle testing station;

[0016] Figure 4D This is a top-view 3D view of the vial processing station;

[0017] Figure 4E and 4F They are Figure 4D A side perspective view of the small bottle disposal station with the trapdoor closed and open.

[0018] Figure 5A yes Figure 1 A side view of the automatic bottle loading and unloading machine lift in an analyzer with an automatic bottle loading and unloading system and its relationship with the analyzer;

[0019] Figure 5B yes Figure 5A A top view of the automatic bottle lifter;

[0020] Figure 5C It is used to receive Figure 5A A top view of the analyzer holder containing the vials in the analyzer;

[0021] Figure 6A and Figure 6B It is a 3D view of an alternative turntable for automatic loading and unloading machines;

[0022] Figure 7A , Figure 7B , Figure 7C , Figure 7D and Figure 7E This is a side view of the propulsion mechanism for manipulating the vial in the alternative turntable at different locations;

[0023] Figure 8 It is used for having Figures 7A to 7E A three-dimensional diagram of the automatic loading and unloading machine that replaces the turntable with its driving mechanism;

[0024] Figure 9 This is a diagram illustrating alternative automated loading and unloading machine implementations;

[0025] Figure 10 This is a side view of an alternative automated loading and unloading machine;

[0026] Figure 11A and Figure 11B These are, respectively, a 3D view and a top view of the cap used for the small bottle.

[0027] Figure 12 This indicates that it is configured to implement relative to Figures 1 to 1 Functional block diagram of a general-purpose computer hardware platform, as depicted in 1.

[0028] Figure 13 It shows that it is configured to implement about Figures 1 to 1 Another functional block diagram of a general-purpose computer hardware platform, as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a flowchart of example steps for loading vials into an automated loading and unloading machine. Detailed Implementation

[0030] An automated loading and unloading machine (AGC) is a device that automatically loads multiple vials sequentially into an analyzer for analysis without human intervention after the initial loading process. Technicians can initially place the vials into the AGC, which then sequentially loads and removes them from the analyzer. Therefore, after the initial placement, technicians are free to perform other activities.

[0031] Figure 1 An analyzer with an automated vial loading and unloading system 100 is described. The system 100 includes an analyzer 102 and an automated loading and unloading machine 104 mounted on a base 106. A suitable analyzer is the Vapor Pro XL moisture analyzer, available from Brookfield of Middleboro, Massachusetts. While one moisture analyzer is described herein, other types of analyzers for analyzing samples in vials can be used in conjunction with the automated loading and unloading machine described herein.

[0032] An automated loading and unloading machine 104 is adjacent to the analyzer 102 and configured to operate sample vials 112 to allow automated batch processing. A vial handling mechanism (e.g., turntable 110) within the automated loading and unloading machine 104 allows for the storage of several sample vials 112 and the execution of sequential tests without operator intervention. Typical tests take 5–30 minutes, and the duration of a test is not always fixed (e.g., it can depend on the sample size, quantity, and termination conditions), making the system 100's ability to run batch tests unattended is highly attractive.

[0033] In the example, the automated loading and unloading machine 104 is connected to the turntable 110 and the elevator 500. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The vials 112 are sequentially delivered to the tray assembly of the analyzer 102 (e.g., Figure 5A and Figure 5C The illustrated analyzer 102 includes a holder 504 (and optional support protrusions 512 that provide additional support to the lower surface of the vial), which securely holds each vial 112 by a cap 112b. When a vial 112 is loaded into the holder assembly, the holder assembly (along with the loaded vials 112) is moved into an internal portion of the analyzer 102. This movement causes a fixed point within the internal portion of the analyzer 102 to pierce the septum of the cap 112b of the vial 112, thereby allowing air exchange to measure the total moisture content in the vial 112. This internal portion also includes a heater (not shown) that heats the vial and sample to release water absorbed by the sample. Once the test cycle is complete, the carrier assembly removes the hot vial from the analyzer 102, extracts the tip, and returns the vial 112 to its original position outside the analyzer 102 via the automatic loading / unloading machine 104 for removal, and then back to the turntable. Used samples are disposed of, with the possibility of recovering the sample-containing vial, cap, and diaphragm.

[0034] The automated loading and unloading machine 104 holds multiple vials 112 in vial transport stations (16 vial transport stations in the illustrated embodiment). Figure 1 In the automated loading and unloading machine 104 shown, each vial transport station includes a corresponding radial groove in the turntable 110 (e.g., Figure 3A The turntable 110 is supported above the inner platform 108 of the automated loading and unloading machine 104. In one example, when the tank is not above the processing station, the inner platform 108 provides support from below the vials positioned within the tank, at which the vials can be removed from the automated loading and unloading machine (e.g., at loading station 120 or disposal station 124). According to this example, the inner platform 108 forms part of a vial transport station, where the inner platform 108 engages with the lower surface of the vials.

[0035] Vials 112 are loaded into corresponding slots on the turntable 110 through openings 116 in the cap 114 (when the cap is closed). When the analyzer 102 / automatic loading / unloading machine 104 is running, the cap 114 restricts access to a batch of vials 112 to eliminate the possibility that those vials will be removed or repositioned on the turntable 110. If the cap 114 is open, electronics 402 (see...) Figure 4A Verify that the vial is loaded in the "active" position and correctly oriented when subsequently closed.

[0036] The automated loading and unloading machine 104 includes one or more processing stations. In this example, the automated loading and unloading machine 104 includes a loading station 120, a vial detection station 122, and a vial disposal station 124. The loading station 120 is used to automatically load vials 112 into the analyzer 102 for analysis and to receive the analyzed vials 112 after analysis. The loading station 120 is located adjacent to the vial lift 500 (…) adjacent to the analyzer 102. Figures 5A-5C Above. The inner platform 108 includes an opening through which the vial lift 500 raises and lowers the vial carrier support 406. Figure 5A and Figure 5B ).

[0037] Bottle detection station 122 is a station for detecting the presence of a bottle at a specific location in the turntable 110. In the illustrated embodiment, when the cap 114 is closed, bottle detection station 122 is located below opening 116 so that when a user places a bottle into the turntable through opening 116, the bottle can be detected and registered to a specific location in the turntable 110. Bottle disposal station 124 is a station for disposing of the bottle. Bottle disposal station 124 is located in an area that facilitates disposal, for example, on the side of the turntable 110 opposite to loading station 120.

[0038] Figure 2A depicts an example of a vertically oriented vial 112, which can be used with the automated loading and unloading machine 104 and the analyzer 102. The vial 112 includes a vial body 112a and a vial cap 112b. The illustrated vial 112 has a height of 2.87 inches and a diameter of 1.08 inches. Figure 2B depicts a horizontally oriented vial 112, with one side of the vial 112 facing the lower surface. Other vials of different sizes can also be used with the system. In this example, the vial 112 is kept horizontally oriented to dispense samples for heating and exposure to an airflow.

[0039] Figures 3A to 3CA turntable 110 is depicted being removed from an automated loading and unloading machine 104. The turntable 110 includes troughs 300 for receiving vials 112. In the illustrated embodiment, each trough 300 is a rectangular opening extending completely through the turntable 110, and each trough 300 (e.g., 2.953 inches) is longer than the height of the vials 112 and wider than the width of the vials 112, such that when horizontally positioned within the troughs 300, the turntable 110 does not support the underside of the vials 112. Instead, when the turntable 110 is positioned within the automated loading and unloading machine 104 (i.e., the inner platform 108 or other surfaces in the same plane as the inner platform, such as the vial carrier support 406 (FIG. 4) in loading station 120 and the trapdoor in vial disposal station 124), the vials are supported by a surface beneath the turntable 110. Each trough 300 has a depth (e.g., 0.67 inches for a 1.08-inch diameter vial) sized to allow for rolling movement of the vial 112 as the turntable 110 rotates and to horizontally constrain the vial 112 within the trough 300. Nominally, as the turntable 110 rotates, the vial 112 is free to rotate and roll on the platform 108 (and above the vial carrier support 406 and the trapdoor), with each trough pushing its corresponding vial 112 in a radially horizontal direction. In one example, each trough 300 includes at least one side angled inward from the bottom to the top of the turntable 110 (e.g., approximately 15 degrees) to re-register the vial 112 within the trough 300 when the vial is returned to the turntable 110 after analysis.

[0040] Figure 4A An automated loading and unloading machine 104 for removing turntable 110 is depicted. An inner platform 108 includes an opening for a drive hub 400 that supports the turntable 110 above the inner platform with a small clearance (e.g., approximately 0.1 inches) and rotates the turntable 110 to reposition vials 112 on the surface of the inner platform 108. Electronics 402 within the automated loading and unloading machine 104 communicates with electronics (not shown) within an analyzer 102 to control the drive hub, thereby controlling the turntable 110 to selectively position the vials 112 for loading into the analyzer 102 and for disposal.

[0041] The inner platform 108 also includes an opening 404, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is sized and positioned to sequentially correspond to the respective slots 300 of the turntable 110 as the hub 400 rotates. A vial carrier support 406, according to the illustrated embodiment, is sized and positioned to fit within the opening 404 and to support the vial 112 as the corresponding slot 300 passes over the opening 404, wherein the vial carrier support 406 is in an upper position. In other embodiments, for example, the turntable includes a bracket that fully supports the vial (e.g., Figure 6B In the case of bracket 622), the opening in the inner platform 108 can be expanded or the inner platform can be eliminated.

[0042] Platform 108 also includes an opening for disposing of vials in processing station 124. In one example, vial detection station 122 also includes an opening for receiving a sensor for sensing vials 112. In another example, the sensor is positioned below platform 108 without requiring an opening.

[0043] Figure 4B and Figure 4C Top and side views of the automated loading and unloading machine 104 are depicted, with the cap 114 in the closed position, which is useful for illustrating vial detection. In the example, a user manually inserts a vial 112 into a slot 300 within the turntable 110 through an opening 116 in the cap 114. A sensor 422, located below the opening 116 in a vial detection station 122, senses the presence of the inserted vial 122. The sensor 422 communicates with electronics 402 of the automated loading and unloading machine 104, which stores and tracks vials in specific slots within the turntable. A loading position label 424 is positioned on the inner platform 108 to provide the user with information about the proper positioning of the vial 112 within the turntable 110.

[0044] In one example, sensor 422 is an inductive sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor) configured to sense changes in the electromagnetic field around the sensor caused by the proximity of the metal cap 112b of vial 112 to sensor 422. Since the inductive sensor detects the presence of metal, the vial must be correctly oriented with cap 112b for registration. If the vial is reverse-oriented, the slot on the turntable will be considered empty, and the lift 500 will not attempt to lower the slot on the turntable into the bracket assembly 502 of analyzer 102.

[0045] In use, the vial detection station 122 performs one or more of the following: (1) verifying presence and correct orientation when vials are loaded into the turntable (e.g., after a user is prompted by the software of the automated loading and unloading machine via a display screen (not shown); (2) verifying presence and correct return orientation after the vials have been analyzed and returned to the turntable; and (3) checking the presence or absence of vials in each slot of the turntable when the main passage cap 114 has been opened and then closed. To check the presence or absence of vials in each slot after the cap 114 has been opened and closed, the electronics 402 performs a full rotation of the turntable, with each slot 300 passing through the vial detection station.

[0046] Figure 4D A top-level 3D view was depicted, and Figure 4E and Figure 4F A side perspective view of the automated loading and unloading machine 104 is depicted when the cap is removed, which is useful for describing the disposal of vials. In one example, electronics 402 rotates the vial 112 within the turntable 110 to the vial disposal station 124 for disposal. The vial disposal station 124 includes a trapdoor 440 instead of a platform 108 below the opening 300 in the turntable 110.

[0047] Figure 4E The trapdoor 440 is depicted in the closed position, and Figure 4F The trapdoor 440 is depicted in the open position. When the trapdoor 440 is closed, its top surface acts as an extension of the platform 108, and the vial 112 is held within the turntable. When the trapdoor 440 is opened, it moves out of its path, creating an opening 442 through which the vial 112 can fall. A collection box (not shown) can be placed adjacent to the opening 442 to capture the vial 112 for processing.

[0048] In one example, vial 112 is removed from the carousel in response to an operation input via a user interface (UI, not shown), where each vial is automatically unloaded after processing. This allows the system to operate continuously while loading new vials into vacated spaces without requiring an operator to check the data to see which vials remaining on the carousel have been processed.

[0049] Figures 5A to 5C A vial lift 500 is depicted that raises and lowers the vial carrier support 406. Sample vials 112 are moved via the vial lift 500 into the holder assembly 502 of the analyzer 102, the vial lift being driven by a linear actuator. The vial lift 500 is positioned and configured such that the holder assembly 502 can slide horizontally into and out of the analyzer 102 (“via sample analysis position”).

[0050] When the respective slots 300 are aligned with the openings 404, the openings 404 in the platform 108 allow the vials 112 to roll onto the vial carrier support 406. By rotating the turntable 110 so that the corresponding slots 300 in the turntable 110 are aligned with the platform openings 404, the designated vials can be delivered to the vial carrier support 406. As the turntable 110 rotates, the vial carrier support 406 is in a raised position to support the vials 112 as the corresponding slots 300 of the vials 112 pass through the openings 404 in the platform 108. The turntable 110 can rotate continuously, and the vials will only roll on the vial carrier support 406. Once the desired vials are aligned with the openings 404, the vial carrier support 406 is lowered by the vial lifter 500 to position the vials 112 in the holder assembly 502 of the analyzer 102.

[0051] The bracket assembly 502 includes a vial holder 504, a beam 508, and a door 510. The beam 508 supports the door 510 on one side of the bracket assembly 502, allowing the lift 500 to raise / lower the vial carrier support 406 through the interior of the bracket assembly 502 when the bracket assembly is in the bracket loading position. The door 510 has a pair of protrusions 512a, 512b. The vial holder 504 supports one end of a vial 112 (e.g., by gripping the cap 112b), and the pair of protrusions 512a, 512b supports the other end of the vial 112. The illustrated vial carrier support 406 includes an extension 506 to provide an increased vial support area. The extension 506 is sized and positioned to pass between the pair of protrusions 512a, 512b when the vial carrier support 406 is raised and lowered.

[0052] During operation, to load vials, the analyzer 102 slides the bracket assembly 502 out of its internal portion into the bracket loading position, while the vial carrier support 406 is raised and supports the vial 112. When the vial carrier support 406 is lowered from its raised position and passes through the center portion of the bracket assembly 502, and is in the bracket loading position, the vial 112 is lifted from the vial carrier support 406 and supported by the vial holder 504 and protrusions 512a, 512b. With the vial carrier support 406 located below the bracket assembly 502, the analyzer 102 slides the bracket assembly 502 into its internal portion for processing and analysis. After analyzing the sample within vial 112, the process is reversed, with the carrier assembly sliding out and the vial carrier support 406 rising through the central portion of the carrier assembly 502 to lift the vial from the protrusions 512a, 512b and return it to the inlet of opening 404 and its position within turntable 112. The turntable then rotates to carry subsequent vials to the loading position.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the lift 500 moves the carrier support at an angle relative to the analyzer 102 so that when the vial 112 is lowered, the vial (specifically, cap 112b) moves toward the vial holder 504 of the bracket assembly 502. A chamfered surface 520 helps guide the vial 112 into the vial holder 504 to axially align the vial in the correct position within the bracket assembly 502. The chamfered surface 520 can have an angle between 5 and 20 degrees to the vertical plane. The angled chamfered surface 520, combined with the lift angle, helps engage the vial onto the holder 504. The use of a passive surface eliminates the need for an active “pusher” to align these vials. Additional control axes improve the latitude of the turntable system, allowing a wider range of vial lengths to be accommodated on the same turntable.

[0054] After vial 112 is delivered to the carrier assembly 502 of analyzer 102 and secured in retainer 504, the vial is pushed onto the tip when pulled into analyzer 102 and withdrawn from the tip when pushed out of analyzer 102. Surfaces on retainer 504 engage the cap 112b of vial 112 at the top and bottom edges of the cap to secure cap 112b during the opening and closing movements of carrier assembly 502.

[0055] The turntable 110 is driven by a motor with an encoder to maintain a tracking position. An optical sensor can be used to detect notches in the turntable 110 in order to find the absolute position of the turntable when powered on.

[0056] Turntable 110 is removed by the operator, for example, to allow conversion into another turntable to accommodate different vial sizes, and to provide access to analyzer 102 and automated loading / unloading machine 104 for calibration or other maintenance. Tank 300 is sized to allow for vial size tolerances, but clearances are limited to control vial position.

[0057] Figure 6A and Figure 6BAnother example of an automated loading and unloading machine 604 is depicted. The automated loading and unloading machine 604 includes a turntable 610 having a plurality of supports 622 (14 in the illustrated embodiment). The turntable 610 is positioned above a platform 608 having an opening 620 through which a lift 500 can move a vial carrier support 626. The supports 622 extend in pairs from the central portion of the turntable (e.g., support 622 and support 630). Each support 622 includes a plurality of teeth 624 (four teeth 624a-624d in the illustrated embodiment). The vial carrier support 626 is configured as a skeleton lift including a plurality of protrusions 626 (three protrusions 626a-626c in the illustrated embodiment). The size and position of each protrusion 626 are determined to be a slot extending through the gap between adjacent teeth 624 of the support 622. For example, the size and position of the protrusion 626a are designed to extend between the teeth 624a and 624b.

[0058] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6B In the embodiment illustrated in the middle, each support 622 includes multiple teeth, each tooth being shaped into a V-groove that carries the corresponding vial 112 without rolling. By moving through the groove, the vial 112 is removed from its support by a skeleton lifter that can overlap with the support of the vial. This is in... Figure 6A and Figure 6B As can be seen in the detailed view. The vial in position 4 can be lifted off turntable 610, and the turntable rotates clockwise (CW) to an adjacent empty area, so it can be lowered into the bracket. Similarly, the vial in position 5 can be lifted off turntable 610, and the turntable rotates counterclockwise (CCW) to an adjacent empty area, so it can be lowered into the bracket assembly.

[0059] Figures 7A to 7E and Figure 8 An alternative geometry is shown in which the vial does not rotate. In this configuration, the turntable 706 has multiple V-shaped recesses, wherein the pusher 700 is extended to move the vial 112 away from the turntable 706 to engage the vial carrier support 704 of the elevator. The illustrated vial carrier support 704 includes a stop 708 that aligns the vial 112 in the appropriate position on the vial carrier support 704. The turntable 706 may be formed of a sheet of metal.

[0060] exist Figures 7A to 7E The image shows a series of movements of a turntable 706 supporting a vial 112 within a V-shaped recess 802. Figure 7A In this process, the pusher 700 causes the vial 112 on the turntable 706 to move radially toward the vial carrier support 704 of the elevator, which is aligned with the turntable. Figure 7BIn the process, the pusher 700 continues to push the vial 112 onto the vial carrier support 704 until it reaches the stop 708, which aligns the vial 112 onto the vial carrier support 704. Figure 7C In the process, the elevator lowers the vial below the turntable on the vial carrier support 704 into the bracket assembly of the analyzer 102 for analysis, and the pusher is moved to the opposite side of the vial. After analysis, Figure 7D In the process, the elevator lifts the vial from the bracket assembly of the analyzer 102 on the vial carrier support 704 and returns the vial to the horizontal height of the turntable 706. Figure 7E In the middle, the pusher 700 (now on the opposite side of the vial) moves the vial 112 radially back onto the turntable 706 from the vial carrier support 704.

[0061] Figure 9 A "Ferris wheel" is depicted in which vials 112 rotate around a horizontal axis. The external guide features are fixed, and an internal wheel with blades or troughs drives the vials clockwise. This reduces the overall system footprint. The illustrated design is side-loaded, orienting the analyzer's bracket for front-to-rear operation, allowing the autosampler to be loaded from the front. The analyzer can be positioned at the bottom of the wheel (e.g., at 6 o'clock). The design can be reversed, where moving parts are moved to the periphery via blades or troughs extending to the axis. In this case, the internal guide section is fixed, with features for a lift and ejection. The lift can then be positioned at the top of the wheel (e.g., at 12 o'clock).

[0062] Figure 10 Alternative devices for holding vials in inclined trays or magazines are shown. Vials are fed by gravity into an indexer, which separates the vials and delivers them individually in the order they were loaded. This is a unidirectional system from which vials are released for disposal. In other words, there is no recirculation. A reciprocating plate feeds individual vials and controls their delivery to a lift. The feed plate reciprocates to move the vials to the lift and then releases them after testing.

[0063] Figure 11A and Figure 11BThe illustration shows the use of a barcode 1100 (e.g., an 8-digit barcode) to identify and verify that the correct sample has been loaded. The barcode 1100 can be positioned on the top surface 1102 of the cap 112b. The barcode can be laser-etched into the cap 112b. This allows for the use of a simple barcode reader. The operator can reuse the cap; the encoded numbers are used to track specific samples and correlate with actual sample information. The illustrated cap 112b includes a septum 1104, which is pierced by a tip (not shown) of the analyzer 102 during the analysis of the sample within the vial 112.

[0064] Among other features, this application discloses the following:

[0065] A vertical axis turntable supports a set of vials for delivery to an analyzer, including examples that allow the vials to rotate. Other examples inhibit rolling in cases where it is not desired.

[0066] • A vertical lifting mechanism delivers the vial, along with a fixed cam surface, to the analyzer. The fixed cam surface ensures proper axial alignment of the sample vial and engagement with the analyzer. • A loading slot position is defined, where sensors detect when a vial with a metal cap is loaded into a specific position and correctly oriented.

[0067] • Provides a predictive clearance algorithm for samples that are sensitive to residence time in the autosampler.

[0068] The lid is equipped with an interlocking device to determine when it should be opened. Opening the lid during testing indicates that the sample may have been disturbed and initiates an integrity check.

[0069] • A horizontal axis turntable, positioned above the analyzer, allows for a smaller coverage area.

[0070] Figure 12 and Figure 13 This illustrates a functional block diagram of a general-purpose computer hardware platform configured to implement the features discussed above. Figures 1 to 1 Example of the described functionality.

[0071] Specifically, Figure 12 An example network or host computer platform 1200 is shown that can be used to implement an implementation server. Specifically, Figure 13 An exemplary computer 1300 with human-machine interface elements is depicted. This exemplary computer 1300 can be used to implement a personal computer or other types of workstations or terminal devices, but if properly programmed, Figure 13The computer 1300 can also be used as a server. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with the structure, programming, and general operation of this computer device; therefore, the accompanying drawings should be self-evident.

[0072] Example server computer ( Figure 12 The hardware includes a data communication interface for packaging data communications. The server computer also includes a central processing unit (CPU) 1202 in the form of circuitry forming one or more processors for executing program instructions. Server platform hardware typically includes an internal communication bus 1206, program and / or data storage 1216, 1218, and 1220 for different program and data files processed and / or communicated by the server computer, although the server computer often receives programming and data via network communication. In one example, such as... Figure 12 As shown, the computer system includes a video display unit 1210 (e.g., a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a cathode ray tube (CRT)), an alphanumeric input device 1212 (e.g., a keyboard), and a cursor control device 1214 (e.g., a mouse), each of which communicates via an input / output device (I / O) 1208. The hardware components, operating system, and programming language of such a server computer are essentially conventional, and it is assumed that those skilled in the art are fully familiar with them. Of course, server functionality can be implemented in a distributed manner on multiple similar hardware platforms to distribute the processing load.

[0073] The hardware of computer-type user terminal devices (such as PCs or tablets) similarly includes a data communication interface 1304, a CPU 1302, main memory 1316 and 1318, one or more mass storage devices 1320 for storing user data and various executable programs, an internal communication bus 1306, and input / output devices (I / O) 1308 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 13 ).

[0074] As outlined above, various aspects of the methods for image projection mapping can be implemented on general-purpose computer hardware platforms (see above). Figure 12 and Figure 13In the programming described herein, software, firmware, or microcode can be executed by networked computer systems (such as servers or gateways) and / or programmable node devices. The program aspect of this technology can be considered typically as a "product" or "artifact" in the form of executable code and / or associated data carried or embodied on a type of machine-readable medium. "Storage" media includes any or all tangible memory or related modules of computers, processors, etc., such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc., which can provide non-transitory storage for software programming at any time. All or part of the software can sometimes be communicated via the Internet or other different telecommunications networks. Such communication, for example, enables the loading of software from one computer or processor into another. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes light waves, radio waves, and electromagnetic waves, such as physical interfaces between local devices, used via wired and optical ground networks, and via different air links. Physical elements carrying such waves (such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) can also be considered as media carrying software. As used herein, unless limited to one or more of “non-transitory,” “tangible,” or “storage” media, the term “readable medium” for a computer or machine means any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0075] As outlined above, various aspects of the methods for image projection mapping can be implemented on general-purpose computer hardware platforms (see above). Figure 12 and Figure 13The software described herein is implemented through programming, for example, in the form of software, firmware, or microcode executable by networked computer systems (such as servers or gateways) and / or programmable node devices. The programmatic aspect of this technology can be considered typically as a "product" or "artifact" in the form of executable code and / or associated data carried or embodied on a type of machine-readable medium. "Storage" media includes any or all tangible memory or related modules of computers, processors, etc., such as various semiconductor memories, tape drives, disk drives, etc., which can provide non-transitory storage for software programming at any time. All or part of the software can sometimes be communicated via the Internet or other different telecommunications networks. Such communication, for example, enables the loading of software from one computer or processor into another. Therefore, another type of medium that can carry software elements includes light waves, radio waves, and electromagnetic waves, such as physical interfaces between local devices, used via wired and optical ground networks, and via different air links. Physical elements carrying such waves (such as wired or wireless links, optical links, etc.) can also be considered as media carrying software. As used herein, unless limited to one or more of “non-transitory,” “tangible,” or “storage” media, the term “readable medium” for a computer or machine means any medium that participates in providing instructions to a processor for execution.

[0076] Therefore, machine-readable media can take many forms, including but not limited to tangible storage media, carrier media, or physical transmission media. Non-transitory storage media include, for example, optical discs or magnetic disks, such as any storage device in any computer. It can also include storage media such as dynamic memory, such as the main memory of a machine or computer platform. Tangible transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wires, and optical fibers, including lines that contain buses within a computer system. Carrier transmission media can take the form of electrical or electromagnetic signals, or sound or light waves such as those generated during radio frequency (RF) and light-based data communications. Therefore, common forms of computer-readable media include, for example: floppy disks, flexible disks, hard disks, magnetic tapes, any other magnetic media, CD-ROMs, DVDs or DVD-ROMs, any other optical media, punched card tapes, any other physical storage media with a perforated pattern, RAM, PROMs and EPROMs, FLASH-EPROMs, any other memory chips or cartridges, carriers for transmitting data or instructions, cables or links for transmitting such carriers, or any other media from which a computer can read program code and / or data. Many of these forms of computer-readable media may involve carrying one or more sequences of one or more instructions to a processor for execution.

[0077] Program instructions may include software or firmware implementations encoded in any desired language. When programming instructions are embodied in a machine-readable medium accessible to the processor of a computer system or device, the programming instructions make the computer system or device a special-purpose machine customized to perform the operations specified in the program executed by the electronic device of the analyzer 102 or the automatic loading and unloading machine 104.

[0078] Figure 14 A flowchart 1400 depicts an exemplary method for sequentially loading vials into an analyzer, wherein the analyzer has a carrier assembly configured to load and unload each vial horizontally into the analyzer. Although the steps are described with reference to the analyzer 102 and the automated loading / unloading machine 104 described herein, those skilled in the art will understand from the description herein other implementations of the steps described for other types of devices. One or more of the steps shown and described may be performed simultaneously, sequentially, in an order different from that shown and described, or in combination with additional steps. Some steps may be omitted, or these steps may be repeated in some applications.

[0079] In block 1402, the automated loading and unloading machine detects vials within the machine. In this example, electronics 402 detects a vial positioned within an opening of turntable 110 by sensing the cap of the vial (e.g., using a sensor such as a Hall effect sensor). Electronics 402 can detect the vial above the sensor and store its position in memory when it is positioned within the opening.

[0080] At box 1404, the automated loading and unloading machine rotates the bottle turntable relative to the elevator with the bottle carrier support to align the first transport station of the bottle turntable with the loading position of the bottle carrier support. In one example, the electronics 402 of the automated loading and unloading machine 104 rotates the bottle turntable 110 relative to the elevator 500 to align the first transport station of the bottle turntable with the loading position 120 of the bottle carrier support. In another example, the electronics of the automated loading and unloading machine 604 rotate the turntable 610 relative to the elevator 500 to align the first transport station with the bottle carrier support.

[0081] At box 1406, the automated loading and unloading machine raises the vial carrier support to an elevated position to engage the first vial in the first transport station of the vial turntable. In one example, electronics 402 raises the vial carrier support to the elevated position before rotating the vial turntable 110 to align the first transport station of the vial turntable with the loading position. As the vial turntable 110 rotates to align the first transport station of the vial turntable with the loading position, this causes the vial carrier support to support the lower surface of the vial 112.

[0082] In another example, when the vial turntable includes a support that fully supports the vials, the electronics 402 raises the vial carrier support to the raised position after rotating the vial turntable 110 to align the first transport station of the vial turntable with the loading position. This causes the vial carrier support to lift the vial 112 away from the support that supports the vial 112.

[0083] At box 1408, when the vial carrier support is in the raised position, the automated loading and unloading machine can optionally rotate the vial turntable to remove the plurality of teeth from the loading position for the vial carrier support. In an example where the vial turntable includes a support that fully supports the vial, rotating the vial turntable removes the vial support from the path, allowing the vial carrier support to be lowered without interference from the support. For example, Figure 6B The illustrated vial turntable 610, when the vial 112 is positioned in the vial holder 622, the electronic device 402 rotates the vial turntable clockwise a few degrees so that the holder 622 can be removed from the path of the vial carrier support when the vial holder is lowered. For an adjacent holder 630, the electronic device 402 rotates the vial turntable counterclockwise a few degrees so that the holder 622 can be removed from the path of the vial carrier support when that vial carrier support is lowered.

[0084] At box 1410, the automated loading and unloading machine lowers the vial carrier support from an elevated position to a lowered position. In the example where the automated loading and unloading machine rotates the vial turntable (box 1408), the machine lowers the vial carrier support after the support has moved out of its path. As the vial carrier support is lowered, it passes through the bracket assembly, which engages the vial and disengages it from the support. In the example, the lift lowers the vial at an angle toward the analyzer.

[0085] At box 1412, the holder assembly is closed and the analyzer analyzes the sample inside the vial. At box 1414, the holder assembly is opened. After opening the holder assembly, at box 1416, the vial carrier support is raised to return the vial to the vial turntable. In an example where the vial turntable includes a holder that fully supports the vial, after the vial carrier support is fully raised, the vial turntable is rotated to move the vial holder under the vial. The vial carrier support is then lowered to return the vial to the holder.

[0086] At box 1418, the vial is disposed of. In the example, vial 112 is disposed of by rotating turntable 110 to move vial 112 to vial disposal station 124 and opening the trapdoor 440 below vial 112 in the vial disposal station. A collection container (not shown) may be positioned adjacent to the trapdoor to collect the vial after it falls through the opening created by opening trapdoor 440.

[0087] Unless otherwise stated, all measurements, values, ratings, locations, amplitudes, sizes, and other specifications set forth in this specification (including in the following claims) are approximate and imprecise. They are intended to have a reasonable range (e.g., ±10% or 10 degrees) consistent with the functions they relate to and with the common technology of the art to which they belong. For example, directional terms such as horizontal and vertical are intended to cover directional ranges, such as ±10 degrees, around horizontal and vertical orientations, respectively.

[0088] The scope of protection is limited only by the following claims. When interpreted in light of this specification and subsequent litigation history, and covering all structural and functional equivalents, this scope is intended and should be interpreted as a broad scope consistent with the ordinary meaning of the language used in the claims. Nevertheless, no claim is intended to include, nor should it be interpreted as, subject matter that does not satisfy the requirements of Sections 101, 102, or 105 of the Patent Act. Any unintended understanding of such subject matter is hereby rejected.

[0089] Apart from what is immediately stated above, nothing that has been stated or illustrated is intended or should be construed as causing any contribution or public equivalent of any part, step, feature, object, benefit, advantage, or advantage, whether or not it is stated in the claims.

[0090] It will be understood that the terms and expressions used herein have the general meanings as assigned to such terms and expressions in their respective fields of inquiry and study, unless otherwise set forth herein. Relational terms such as "first" and "second" can be used alone to distinguish one entity or action from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between those entities or actions. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitation, an element preceded by "an" or "a" does not exclude the presence of additional identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes that element.

[0091] An abstract of this disclosure is provided to allow the reader to quickly determine the nature of this technical disclosure. It is submitted under the understanding that it is not intended to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Furthermore, as can be seen from the above detailed description, various features are combined in various embodiments for the purpose of simplification. The method of this disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than those expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the inventive subject matter lies in fewer than all features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the following claims are thereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0092] Furthermore, as can be seen in the above specific embodiments, different features are combined in different examples for the purpose of simplifying this disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be construed as reflecting an intention to require more features than are expressly stated in each claim. Rather, as reflected in the following claims, the subject matter to be protected lies in fewer features than all of any single disclosed example. Therefore, the following claims are thus incorporated into the specific embodiments, wherein each claim is independently claimed as a separate subject matter.

[0093] Based on the foregoing description, these and other advantages of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes or modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept of the present invention. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, but is intended to include all changes and modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims

1. An apparatus for sequentially loading vials into an analyzer, the analyzer having a carriage assembly configured to load and unload each vial in a horizontal orientation into the analyzer, the apparatus comprising: A lift having a vial carrier support, the lift being configured to move the vial carrier support between a raised position and a lowered position, wherein, when the device is connected to the analyzer, the raised position is above the bracket assembly and the lowered position is below the bracket assembly; A platform having a lower surface and an upper surface, the platform having an opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, the opening being positioned and sized to accommodate the bottle carrier support of the elevator when the bottle carrier support moves between the lowered position and the raised position; A bottle turntable, located above a platform, having multiple bottle transport stations, each configured to receive bottles horizontally and arranged to transport the received bottles to a loading position on a bottle carrier support as the turntable rotates; and a controller coupled to the elevator and the bottle turntable, the controller being configured to: Rotate the vial turntable to align the first transport station with the loading position of the vial carrier support; Raise the vial carrier support to the raised position to engage the first vial in the first transport station; and The vial carrier support is lowered from the raised position to the lowered position, wherein, when the device is connected to the analyzer, the bracket assembly engages the first vial and disengages the first vial from the vial carrier support for loading into the analyzer.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The elevator is configured to lower the vial carrier support at an angle toward the analyzer.

3. The device according to claim 2, further comprising: A retainer, the angled retainer being coupled to the bracket assembly, the angled retainer being configured to engage the cap of the first vial when the vial carrier support is lowered, and being configured to horizontally align the first vial within the bracket assembly.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein, The upper surface of the platform is a planar surface adjacent to the bottle turntable, and when the bottle carrier support is in the raised position, the bottle carrier support is adjacent to the upper surface of the platform.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein, Each vial transport station in the vial turntable is a rectangular opening extending through the vial turntable. When the first vial transport station is aligned with the loading position of the vial carrier support, the vial carrier support supports the first vial in the first vial transport station. When the first vial transport station is aligned with the loading position of the vial carrier support, the platform supports other vials in other vial transport stations.

6. The device according to claim 5, wherein, As the turntable rotates, the rectangular opening pushes the vial and the vial rolls on the platform within the rectangular opening.

7. The device according to claim 6, wherein, Each of the rectangular openings has at least one side angled inward from the bottom side of the turntable toward the center of the rectangular opening, so as to reposition the first vial on the vial carrier support as the vial carrier support is raised, so as to align the first vial within one of the vial transport stations.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the vial transport stations includes a support frame configured to fully support a corresponding vial, and each support frame includes a plurality of teeth supported by the turntable and corresponding spaces between adjacent teeth.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein, The vial carrier support includes a plurality of protrusions configured to pass through the corresponding spaces of the plurality of teeth and engage with the corresponding vials in the vial transport station at the loading position of the vial carrier support.

10. The device according to claim 9, wherein, When the vial carrier support is raised to the raised position, the vial carrier support lifts the corresponding vial out of the bracket, and wherein the controller is further configured to: When the vial carrier support is in the raised position, the vial turntable is rotated to remove a plurality of the teeth from the loading position of the vial carrier support; and the vial carrier support is lowered, wherein the plurality of the teeth are removed from the loading position.

11. A method for sequentially loading vials into an analyzer, the analyzer having a carriage assembly configured to load and unload each vial of the vials in a horizontal orientation into the analyzer, the method comprising: The bottle turntable is rotated relative to the elevator with the bottle carrier support so that the first transport station of the bottle turntable is aligned with the loading position of the bottle carrier support; Raise the vial carrier support to the raised position to engage the first vial in the first transport station of the vial turntable; The vial carrier support is lowered from the raised position to the lowered position, wherein the bracket assembly engages the first vial and disengages the first vial from the vial carrier support for loading into the analyzer.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the lowering comprises lowering the vial carrier support at an angle toward the analyzer.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising, when the vial carrier support is lowered, aligning the first vial within the bracket assembly by engaging the cap of the first vial with an angled retainer coupled to the bracket assembly.

14. The method according to claim 11, wherein, A platform having a lower surface and an upper surface is positioned below the turntable. The platform has an opening extending from the lower surface to the upper surface, the opening being positioned and sized to accommodate the vial carrier support. The upper surface of the platform is a planar surface adjacent to the vial turntable, and when fully raised, the vial carrier support is adjacent to the upper surface of the platform.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein, Each vial transport station in the vial turntable is a rectangular opening extending through the vial turntable. When the first vial transport station is aligned with the loading position of the vial carrier support, the vial carrier support supports the first vial in the first vial transport station. And when the first vial transport station is aligned with the loading position of the vial carrier support, the platform supports the other vials in the other vial transport stations.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, As the turntable rotates, the rectangular opening pushes the vial and the vial rolls on the platform within the rectangular opening.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, Each of the rectangular openings has at least one side angled inward from the bottom side of the turntable toward the center of the rectangular opening, so as to reposition the first vial on the vial carrier support as the vial carrier support is raised, so as to align the first vial within one of the vial transport stations.

18. The method according to claim 11, wherein, Each of the vial transport stations includes a support frame configured to fully support a corresponding vial, and each support frame includes a plurality of teeth supported by the turntable and corresponding spaces between each finger pair of the plurality of teeth.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The vial carrier support includes a plurality of protrusions configured to pass through corresponding spaces of the plurality of teeth and engage with the corresponding vials in the vial transport station at the loading position of the vial carrier support.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, When the vial carrier support is raised, the vial carrier support lifts the corresponding vial out of the bracket, and the method further includes: When the vial carrier support is in the raised position, rotate the vial turntable to remove the plurality of teeth from the loading position of the vial carrier support; The vial carrier support is lowered, and the plurality of the teeth are removed from the loading position.

Images