Container closure indicator system

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include a container closure indicator system for indicating full engagement of a lid with a container and methods for using the same. The system may include a cap marker and a marker barrier. A cap indicia may be located on a lower surface of the cap and may extend downwardly away from the lower surface. A marking barrier may be located on an outer surface of the container, near a top end of the container, and extending toward a bottom end of the container. The lid indicia may be configured to be inserted behind the indicia barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top end of the container. The indicia barrier may be configured to shield visibility of the cap indicia until the cap is fully engaged with the container. The presence of a cover mark behind the mark barrier indicates that the container is closed by the cover. The presence of the cover indicia behind the indicia barrier may be automatically observed by a user or by a camera. The camera may forward information about the closure of the container to the instrument in which the container has been placed.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 304,508, filed on January 28, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Art

[0003] The container may be provided in an open or partially open configuration to allow a user to access the interior of the container, for example to add material to the interior of the container prior to closing the container.

[0004] The user's task is to ensure that the container is completely closed. However, incomplete or incorrect closure may occur, resulting in spillage of the material present in the container.

[0005] Ensuring complete closure of the container is particularly important when the container includes potentially infectious biological materials or other hazardous materials such as corrosive chemicals, skin or eye irritants, etc. In some cases, the container may be a cartridge for automated or semi-automated sample preparation. In this case, it may be desirable to have an automated or semi-automated system for instructing the cartridge to be fully closed with a cap after the biological sample has been introduced into the chamber of the cartridge and before the biological sample is processed (e.g., for isolating a target analyte present in the biological sample).

[0006] There is interest in suitable means for indicating container closure that ensures that the container is fully closed, thereby reducing user error, spread of hazardous materials, etc. Summary of the invention

[0007] Aspects of the present disclosure include a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid indicia and an indicia barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid indicia may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downward away from the lower surface. The indicia barrier may be located on an outer surface of a container that is sized to be closed by the lid. The indicia barrier may be located near the top end of the container and may extend toward the bottom end of the container. The lid indicia may be configured to be inserted behind the indicia barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top end of the container. The indicia barrier may be configured to block the visibility of the lid indicia when viewed from the front until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed from the front, the appearance of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The term "front" refers to a view from an external position relative to the container. The view may be from an external position that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the lid indicia and the indicia barrier so that the front of the lid indicia and the indicia barrier is observed, rather than a side view, a top view, or a bottom view. Thus, the front is relative to the point of view of the indicia barrier and cap indicia, regardless of whether the container itself has designated front and back regions based on, for example, the use of the container. In other words, the front view refers to the view of the indicia barrier and cap indicia from an external point of view that is substantially perpendicular to the indicia barrier and cap indicia. The cap indicia and indicia barrier may be located in the front region or the back region of the container.

[0008] The appearance of the cap mark behind the mark barrier can be observed by the user or by a camera. The camera can forward information about the closure of the container to the instrument. The instrument can be an instrument in which the container has been placed. The instrument can be programmed to start processing the container when receiving an indication that the container is closed.

[0009] A method for indicating that a container is closed with a cap is also provided. The method may be a computer-implemented method, for example, performed by a processor configured to execute instructions stored on and / or provided by a memory coupled to the processor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] Figures 1A-1D An image of a container closure indicator system including a camera is shown. A front view of the system as seen by the camera is shown.

[0011] Figure 2A-2C A cylindrical cartridge that can be used for sample preparation is depicted. The cylindrical cartridge includes a container closure system according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. The cylindrical cartridge is shown in an open configuration, wherein a cap is present in a manner spaced apart from the cylindrical structure of the cartridge.

[0012] Figure 3A-3B Shows Figure 2A-2C A sample preparation cartridge with the lid closed.

[0013] Figures 4A-4DA camera view from a camera used to observe a container closure system is shown. Figure 4A and 4C Depicted is a front view of the system as captured by a camera. Figure 4B An angled side view of the system is shown, showing the cover markings and marking barriers, and the camera's cone of view. Figure 4D A top view of the system is shown.

[0014] Figures 5A-5E The user is shown closing the cap onto the top end of the sample preparation cartridge.

[0015] Figures 6A-6D A cylindrical cartridge is shown including a cap with cap indicia and a cylindrical structure with an indicia barrier.

[0016] Fig. 6E and 6F Shows Figures 6A-6D Detailed view of the cover marking and marking barrier shown in .

[0017] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the relative placement of a container including a container closure system and a camera for viewing the container closure system is shown. A QR code is used as a positive control to indicate proper alignment between the camera and the container. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Aspects of the present disclosure include a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid indicia and a indicia barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid indicia may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downward away from the lower surface. The indicia barrier may be located on an outer surface of a container that is sized to be closed by the lid. The indicia barrier may be located near the top end of the container and may extend toward the bottom end of the container. The lid indicia may be configured to be inserted behind the indicia barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top end of the container. The indicia barrier may be configured to block visibility of the lid indicia when viewed from a point in front of the indicia barrier until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed from the front, the appearance of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The appearance of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier may be observed by a user or by a camera. The camera may forward information about the closure of the container to an instrument. The instrument may be an instrument in which the container has been placed. The instrument may be programmable to begin processing the container upon receiving an indication that the container is closed. A method for detecting the closure of a container is also provided herein. In certain embodiments, the method utilizes a camera for semi-automatic or automatic detection of complete closure of a container. In certain embodiments, the method includes a computer-implemented method for detecting closure of a container.

[0019] Before describing the present systems, sample preparation devices and methods in greater detail, it will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments described, as such may, of course, vary. It will also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0020] Where a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that every intervening value (to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit) between the upper and lower limits of that range, as well as any other stated or intervening values ​​in that stated range, is encompassed within the present systems, sample preparation apparatus, and methods unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may independently be included in the smaller ranges, and are also encompassed within the systems, sample preparation apparatus, and methods, subject to any specifically excluded limits in the stated ranges. Where the stated range includes one or both of the limits, ranges excluding one or both of those included limits are also encompassed within the systems, sample preparation apparatus, and methods.

[0021] Certain ranges are presented herein with the term "about" preceding a numerical value. The term "about" is used herein to provide literal support for the exact number that follows it, as well as numbers that are close to or approximate the number that follows the term. In determining whether a number is close to or approximates a specifically recited number, a close or approximate unrecorded number may be a number that, in the context in which it is presented, provides a substantial equivalence to the specifically recited number.

[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used to practice or test the present systems, sample preparation devices, and methods, only representative exemplary systems, sample preparation devices, and methods are now described.

[0023] All publications and patents cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference, as if each individual publication or patent is specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference, and are incorporated herein by reference to disclose and describe methods and / or materials related to the cited publications. The reference to any publication is for its disclosure prior to the filing date, and should not be construed as an admission that the present invention is not entitled to predate this publication by virtue of prior inventions. In addition, the publication date provided may be different from the actual publication date, which may require independent confirmation.

[0024] It is noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. It is also noted that the claims may be drafted to exclude any optional elements. Thus, this statement is intended to serve as antecedent basis for use of such exclusive terms as "only," "only," etc. in connection with reciting claim elements or using a "negative" limitation.

[0025] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading this disclosure, each individual embodiment described and illustrated herein has separate components and features that can be readily separated or combined with the features of any of the other several embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the present sample preparation cartridges, methods, and sample preparation units. Any recited method may be performed in the order of events recited or in any other logically feasible order.

[0026] Completely closed system for indicating containers

[0027] Aspects of the present disclosure include a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid indicia and an indicia barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid indicia may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downward away from the lower surface. The indicia barrier may be located on an outer surface of a container that is sized to be closed by the lid. The indicia barrier may be located near the top end of the container and may extend toward the bottom end of the container. The lid indicia may be configured to be inserted behind the indicia barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top end of the container. The indicia barrier may be configured to block visibility of the lid indicia when viewed from a point substantially in front of the indicia barrier and outside the container until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed from substantially the front, the appearance of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The appearance of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier may be observed by a user or by a camera. The camera may forward information about the container closure to an instrument. The instrument may be an instrument in which a container has been placed. The instrument may be programmable to begin processing the container upon receiving an indication that the container is closed.

[0028] As used herein, the term "fully engaged" in the context of a lid and a container refers to a container being completely enclosed by the lid so that the container is fluid-tight by the lid. By "fluid-tight" is meant that the fluid present in the interior of the container cannot easily flow out of the opening of the container that has been sealed by the lid. In certain embodiments, the term "fully engaged" may also encompass a configuration in which the lid is in a locked position so that the lid cannot be easily opened, such as by applying upward pressure on the lid or by applying twisting pressure to force the lid and the container apart. This locked position may help prevent reuse of the container, for example, for single-use containers.

[0029] As used herein, the term "distal end" refers to an end that is located farther from a reference point than a proximal end that is located closer to the reference point. The terms "horizontal" and "vertical" are used to indicate directions relative to an absolute reference, such as ground level. However, these terms should not be interpreted as requiring that structures be absolutely parallel or absolutely perpendicular to each other. For example, a first vertical structure and a second vertical structure are not necessarily parallel to each other. The terms "top" and "bottom" or "upper" or "lower" are used to refer to a surface in which the top is always higher than the bottom relative to an absolute reference, such as the surface of the earth. The terms "upward" and "downward" are also relative to an absolute reference; upward is always opposite to the earth's gravity, and downward is always towards the earth's gravity.

[0030] The lid may include a lower surface and an upper surface. The lid may be any suitable shape. The lid may have a shape that substantially matches the shape of the top end of the container. The lid may have a size that is larger than the top end of the container so that the lid can surround the top end. The lid may have a size that is smaller than the top end of the container so that the lid can fit inside the top end. In some cases, both the lid and the top end of the container may be circular, rectangular, oval, or may have an irregular shape.

[0031] The cap marking may include a first area near the lower surface of the cap and a second area away from the lower surface of the cap. The cap marking may be located in any area of ​​the cap. In some cases, the cap marking may be located at or near the periphery of the cap. The cap marking may have any suitable shape. The cap marking may be substantially rectangular or square in shape, or may have an irregular shape. In some cases, the cap marking may be substantially cylindrical in shape. In some cases, the cap marking may be substantially flat, rather than spherical or cylindrical in shape.

[0032] The marking barrier may include a first area near the top end of the container and a second area away from the top end of the container. The marking barrier may be located at or near the periphery of the container so that the marking barrier is visible from the outside. The surface area of ​​the second area of ​​the cover marking may be greater than the surface area of ​​the second area of ​​the marking barrier. The surface area of ​​the second area of ​​the cover marking may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the first area of ​​the marking barrier so that when the cover is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cover marking is covered by the first area of ​​the marking barrier, and when the cover is fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cover marking is behind the second area of ​​the marking barrier and is at least partially visible. Both the cover marking and the marking barrier may be substantially flat shapes. The cover marking and the marking barrier may be substantially flat and substantially rectangular. The cover marking and the marking barrier may be substantially flat and may have an irregular shape.

[0033] The marking barrier and the cap marking may be staggered relative to each other, wherein they are partially displaced relative to each other rather than substantially overlapping. The staggered placement results in a lack of complete overlap, so that when the cap is closed, the cap marking is visible behind the marking barrier. The container closure indicator system may include a guide component positioned to displace the cap marking relative to the marking barrier, so that at least a second area of ​​the cap marking is pushed behind the first area of ​​the marking barrier, causing the two areas to overlap, so that when the cap is pushed onto the top of the container but not completely closed, the cap marking is hidden behind the marking barrier. The system may further include a space behind the marking barrier, into which the cap marking is inserted to close the container. The space may be a through hole. The guide component may be configured to release the lateral displacement of the cap marking once the cap marking is inserted through the space. In some cases, the shape of the guide component and the first area of ​​the cap marking is set so that once the cap is completely closed, the guide component does not apply pressure to the cap marking. In some cases, the first area of ​​the cap marking may include a recess or similar structure so that once the cap is closed, it does not contact the guide component.

[0034] The container may include a flange located at or near the top end and on the outer surface of the container. The marking barrier may extend from the lower surface of the flange. The flange may include a through hole configured to insert the cover mark behind the marking barrier. The through hole may include a guide member configured to displace the second area of ​​the cover mark laterally relative to the marking barrier when the cover is pressed on the top end of the container. The first area of ​​the cover mark may include a notch that does not contact the guide member, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cover mark when the cover is fully engaged with the container. The notch may be of any suitable shape. The notch may have a rectangular, square, circular, oval or irregular shape. The notch may have a shape that fits into the through hole of the flange. In other words, the size and shape of the notch may be set to fit around the thickness of the flange so that the cover mark can be restored to its original staggered position with respect to the marking barrier and visible behind the marking barrier.

[0035] The guide member and the lower edge (e.g., corner) of the cap indicia may have complementary shapes to increase contact between the guide member and the cap indicia when the cap is lowered toward the container and the lower edge of the cap indicia is pressed against the guide member. For example, the guide member may have an inclined side configured to contact the cap indicia, wherein the area of ​​the cap indicia that contacts the guide member also has an inclined side having an inclination angle that is substantially complementary to the inclination angle of the inclined side of the guide member.

[0036] The cap label may be made of an elastomeric material that is able to bend when pressure is applied and quickly return to its original shape when the pressure is removed. Examples of elastomeric materials include plastics (e.g., thermoplastics), hardened rubber (synthetic or natural), silicone, and the like.

[0037] The cover mark and the mark barrier may have contrasting colors. The contrasting colors may facilitate detection of the presence of the cover mark behind the mark barrier. For example, the mark barrier may have a light color, such as white and its shades, and the cover mark may have a dark color, such as black and its shades.

[0038] The system for indicating the closure of a container may also include a camera positioned to observe a second area of ​​the marking barrier and automatically indicate that the container is closed when the cap marking is at least partially visible behind the marking barrier. The image acquired by the camera may be analyzed in real time to indicate whether the cap is closed. The means for analyzing the image viewed by the camera may be on the camera or on the instrument in which the container is placed, or may be remote, such as on a server. Such means are known in the art of digital image analysis and may include cloud computing.

[0039] Reference is now made to certain figures to describe additional details of certain embodiments of the system of the present disclosure. However, the system depicted in the figures is exemplary and can be modified based on general knowledge and / or guidance provided in the present disclosure.

[0040] Figures 1A-1D A container closure indicator system including a camera is depicted. Figures 1A-1D A front view of the system as seen by a camera is depicted in FIG. Figure 1A and 1C In FIG, the lower area of ​​the indicia barrier 102 is visible to the camera. Since the lid is not fully engaged with the container, the lid indicia 101 is not visible. Figure 1B and 1D In FIG, the lid is fully engaged with the container, resulting in the appearance of the lower area of ​​the lid indicia 101 behind the indicia barrier 102, which is visible to the camera. Figures 1A-1D A rectangular area 111 is also visible in the image, which is substantially centered about the camera field of view. The rectangular area can be used to accommodate bar codes, two-dimensional codes, etc. The code can be printed directly on the container, and it can be printed on a substrate attached to the container. The code can be used to assign a unique identifier to the container. The unique identifier can include information such as the type of container, the contents of the container, the date of manufacture, the batch number, the project number, etc. The rectangular area can also be used as a positive control to confirm that the container is correctly placed about the camera. For example, if the image (e.g., code, bar code, two-dimensional code) present in the rectangular area is detected by the camera and the cover mark is not detected, the system will indicate that the cover is not closed. In some aspects, the system will instruct the user to close the cover. If the image is not detected by the camera, the system can instruct the user to align the container, or the system may adjust the position of the container to align the container.

[0041] Cover marking and marking barriers, such as Figures 1A-1DThose depicted in , may be included on any type of lid and container, respectively. The lid mark and the mark barrier may be located on any external area of ​​the container so that the lid mark and the mark barrier can be observed from an external position. In some cases, the lid mark and the mark barrier may be located in the front area or the rear area of ​​the container. In some cases, the system of the present disclosure can be used to indicate the closure of the sample preparation device. For example, a sample preparation device in an open configuration may be provided to allow a sample to be added to the sample preparation device. After the sample has been introduced into the sample preparation device, the sample preparation device may be closed. The system of the present disclosure may indicate whether the sample preparation device is completely closed. As described above, the system may be used by a user to detect whether the sample preparation device is completely closed based on a visual inspection. The system may be used by an instrument to detect whether the sample preparation device is closed. The system may include a camera, which is used by an instrument to observe the appearance of the lid mark, and thereby detect that the sample preparation device is closed. In some cases, the sample preparation device may be a cylindrical barrel. In some cases, the cylindrical barrel may be a cylindrical barrel described in International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 066926 filed on December 23, 2020, any of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 63 / 143494, 63 / 143587, and 63 / 143629 filed on January 29, 2021, or International Application No. PCT / US2022 / 014422 filed on January 28, 2022. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Figure 2A-2C 200 includes a cylindrical structure 210 and a cap 260. The cap 260 includes an upper surface opposite to a lower surface. The cap mark 201 is located at the lower surface of the cap 260. Figure 2C 201 is shown at a higher magnification in FIG. The cover mark 201 includes a first area 201a close to the lower surface of the cover 260 and a second area 201b away from the lower surface of the cover 260. In some embodiments, the first area and the second area of ​​the cover mark may have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the first area and the second area of ​​the cover mark may have substantially different sizes. In one embodiment, the first area 201a has a smaller area than the second area 201b. In this example, the first area has an area smaller than the second area because the first area includes a notch 203 on the side edge of the first area 201a. The side edge in the second area 201b engages with the guide member 216 located at the through hole 215, while the side edge in the first area 201a does not engage with the guide member 216 due to the presence of the notch 203. Figure 2A-2CAlso depicted in the drawings is a flange 220. A through hole 215 is located on the flange behind the marking barrier location. The flange 220 extends around the cylindrical structure 210. The width of the flange 220 may be uniform around the circumference of the flange, or may vary. For example, the width of the flange 220 is wider at the location where the through hole 215 is located. In some embodiments, the increased width may be provided by a protrusion in the flange. In some embodiments, the cylindrical structure may include a recess in which an annular wall extending from the top end to the bottom end of the cylindrical structure is deformed inwardly. In some cases, the depth and position of the recess may be determined based on the position of a camera that will observe the cover marking and marking barrier and / or a bar code, QR code or other identifier disposed in the recess.

[0043] like Figure 2A and 2B As depicted in , the cover 260 may include one or more alignment guides that facilitate proper alignment of the cover with the cylindrical structure. For example, the cover may include a centrally located rod-shaped structure that is inserted into a hollow shaft located at the center of the cylindrical structure. In some cases, the rod-shaped structure may include a plurality of fingers extending from a distal end of the rod-shaped structure. A protrusion may be located at the distal end of the plurality of fingers. The shaft in the cylindrical structure may have a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the rod-shaped structure, and may include a plurality of recesses in an inner surface that are complementary to the protrusions, such that when the protrusions of the rod-shaped structure are positioned in the recesses in the shaft, the cover may be in a configuration spaced apart from the top end of the cylindrical structure. When downward pressure is applied to the cover, the protrusions disengage from the recesses, allowing the rod-shaped structure to slide down the shaft. In Figure 2A-2C In the embodiment, the cover is in a spaced apart configuration relative to the cylindrical structure, and the cylindrical structure is open, allowing access to the interior of the cylindrical structure.

[0044] Figure 3A and 3B The position of the cap marking 201 after the cap 260 is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure is shown. For example, the cylindrical structure may include a chamber into which a sample to be prepared by the cylindrical cartridge may be introduced. After the sample is introduced, the cap may be pushed downward toward the top of the cylindrical structure. The presence of at least a second region of the cap marking 201 behind the marking barrier 202 indicates that the cap is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure and that the sample preparation cartridge is closed and ready for processing the sample. Figure 3A A front view of the container closure system is shown. Figure 3A and 3B In the embodiment depicted in , the container closure system is located on the rear region of the cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure is configured for placement in the instrument, wherein the rear region of the cylindrical structure faces away from the user and faces the rear region of the instrument. In certain embodiments, the rear region of the instrument includes a camera positioned to view the container closure system and record and / or forward information about the closure of the cylindrical structure to the instrument and / or the user. Figure 3BA side view of a container closure system is shown offset from a front view.

[0045] Figures 4A-4D , which includes a camera for detecting the presence of a cap indicia behind an indicia barrier. The shaded area 401 depicts the field of view of a camera used in the system for detecting complete closure of a container. Figure 4A In the example, only the second area of ​​the marking barrier is present in the field of view of the camera. Figure 4B and 4C The system is shown after the cover is closed. The cover marking 201 and two second areas of the marking barrier 202 are present within the field of view of the camera. Figure 4D A top view of the system is shown in . The positions of the cover marks 201 are staggered with respect to the mark barrier. In this particular example, the distance between the camera and the midpoint between the mark barrier and the cover mark is approximately 18 mm.

[0046] Figure 5A The relative positions of the cover indicia 201 and the indicia barrier 202 are shown when the cover is in the open position. The staggered positioning of the indicia barrier and the cover indicia can also be seen. Due to the staggered positioning, if the cover indicia is pushed into position behind the indicia barrier, it will be visible behind the indicia barrier even if the cover is not fully closed. Figure 5B The cap is shown exerting a downward force to press the corner of the lower edge of the cap indicia against the guide member, displacing the cap indicia laterally so that when the container is partially closed, the second area of ​​the cap indicia 201 overlaps the first area of ​​the indicia barrier and is not visible behind the indicia barrier ( Figure 5C and 5D Once the container is fully closed, the pressure exerted on the cap indicia by the guide member 216 is removed, causing the cap indicia to move to its original staggered position relative to the indicia barrier.

[0047] Figures 6A-6F 600 includes a cylindrical structure 610 and a cover 660. The cover 660 includes an upper surface opposite to a lower surface. The cover mark 601 is located at the lower surface of the cover 660. Fig. 6E and 6F601 is shown at a higher magnification in FIG. The cover mark 601 includes a first area 601a near the lower surface of the cover 660 and a second area 601b away from the lower surface of the cover 660. In some embodiments, the first area and the second area of ​​the cover mark may have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the first area and the second area of ​​the cover mark may have substantially different sizes. In one embodiment, the first area 601a has a smaller width than the second area 601b. In this example, due to the presence of a cutout on the side edge of the first area 601a, the first area has a smaller width than the second area. The side edge in the second area 601b engages the guide member 616 located adjacent to the through hole 615, while the side edge in the first area 601a does not engage the guide member 616 due to the presence of the cutout. In some embodiments, the cylindrical structure may include a recess in which an annular wall extending from the top end to the bottom end of the cylindrical structure is deformed inwardly. In some cases, the depth and position of the recess can be determined based on the position of a camera that will observe the cap mark and the mark barrier and / or a positive control mark (such as a barcode, a QR code, or another identifier disposed in the recess). The mark barrier 602 is located within the recess and extends downward from the top area of ​​the cylindrical barrel. The mark barrier 602 is located immediately adjacent to and in front of the through hole 615 into which the cap mark 601 is inserted. Figures 6A-6E The marking barrier 602 depicted in the figure includes a first structure 602a and a second structure 602b, wherein the first structure and the second structure block the observation of the cover mark until the cover is completely closed. The first structure 602a is positioned in front of the cover mark and prevents the cover mark from being observed from a position substantially in front of the cover mark until the cover mark is fully inserted when the cover is fully closed. The second structure 602b is positioned on one side of the cover mark and prevents the cover mark from being observed from a side view until the cover mark is fully inserted when the cover mark is fully closed. The front view can be at an angle of about 90 degrees between the plane of the first structure 602a and the line of sight substantially in front of the marking barrier. The side view can be at an angle between 90 degrees and 180 degrees, for example, between 90 degrees and 160 degrees, 140 degrees, 120 degrees, 110 degrees, 105 degrees, 100 degrees, 95 degrees or less. Fig. 6E A side view of the cover marker and marker barrier is depicted. Fig. 6F A view from an angle of about 180 degrees (e.g., from a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the first structure 602a) is depicted. In some embodiments, the length of the second structure 602b matches the length of the first structure on one side of the first structure 602a, which includes a notch that allows a lower area 601b of the cover indicia 601 to be visible when the cover indicia 601 is fully inserted. In some embodiments, the first structure 602a and the second structure 602b of the indicia barrier 602 are substantially planar and perpendicular to each other.

[0048] Figure 6C-6F The position of the cap marking 601 after the cap 660 is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure is shown. For example, the cylindrical structure may include a chamber into which a sample to be prepared in the cylindrical cartridge may be introduced. After the sample is introduced, the cap may be pushed downward toward the top of the cylindrical structure. The presence of at least a second region 601b of the cap marking 601 behind the marking barrier 602 indicates that the cap is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure and that the sample preparation cartridge is closed and ready for processing the sample. Figure 6C A view of the container closure system from a point in front of the container closure system is shown. Figures 6A-6F In the embodiment depicted in , the container closure system is located on a rear region of a cylindrical structure, which is in a rear region of an instrument in which the cylindrical structure is placed. The cylindrical structure is configured for placement in the instrument, wherein the rear region of the cylindrical structure faces away from the user and faces the rear region of the instrument. In certain embodiments, the rear region of the instrument includes a camera positioned to view the container closure system and record and / or forward information about the closure of the cylindrical structure to the instrument and / or the user. Fig.6D A side view of a container closure system is shown offset from a front view.

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a camera 701 positioned at a point in front of a container closure system of a cylindrical container is provided. "100" indicates the relative angle between the field of view of the camera and the plane of a rectangular area 620 positioned below the marking barrier and the lid marking, wherein the angle is approximately 90 degrees. In this embodiment, the QR code positioned on the rectangular area 620 is in focus and the entire QR code is within the field of view of the camera. In certain embodiments, the cylindrical container may be offset from the field of view of the camera so that the camera views the rectangular area from one side (e.g., from the right or left side of the cylindrical container). For example, a view from substantially in front of the marking barrier will be an angle of 90 degrees, as measured between the direct line of sight from the camera and the plane of the marking barrier. This position is also referred to as motor position 100 units, where the QR code faces the camera, where 360 ​​degrees = 400 position units. The view from the right side of the marking barrier will be a view at an angle greater than 90 degrees. The view from the left side of the marking barrier will be a view at an angle less than 90 degrees. As Figure 7 As shown in the figure, "108" refers to a view of the cylindrical container from the right side of the marking barrier at an angle of 108 position units or about 97 degrees. In this view, the two-dimensional code and the lower area 601b of the cover mark exposed by the presence of the notch in the lower area of ​​the marking barrier 602 are visible. The unit position "87" or an angle of about 80 degrees also allows the two-dimensional code and the lower area 601b of the cover mark exposed by the presence of the notch in the lower area of ​​the marking barrier 602 to be observed.

[0050] By cylindrical is meant that the cylindrical structure may be substantially a right circular cylinder. The annular wall may be deformed inwardly from the outside to form an inwardly deformed cavity in the annular wall. The annular wall may also include chambers for processing samples, such as a chamber in which a sample and a lysis solution are disposed, a chamber in which air or a wash solution is present, a chamber in which an analyte isolated from the sample is eluted. In embodiments in which a lid irreversibly closes the container, such as the sample preparation cartridge described herein, the cartridge may include a detachable analyte collection container that is fluidically connected to the chamber in which the analyte is eluted. Figure 2A-2B An exemplary removable analyte collection container 230 is depicted in FIG.

[0051] Method for indicating complete closure of a container

[0052] In certain aspects, methods for detecting and indicating complete closure of a container using a container closure system provided herein are described. In certain embodiments, the method can be implemented using a computer. In certain embodiments, the method can be implemented by a processor configured to instruct a machine to perform the method steps described herein. In certain embodiments, the processor can include instructions, such as a computer program, for performing the method steps provided herein.

[0053] In certain embodiments, a method for detecting and indicating that a container is fully closed by a lid may include observing an area of ​​the container using a camera, wherein the area includes a container closure system, the container closure system including a lid marking and a marking barrier, wherein the lid marking is configured for insertion behind the marking barrier, and the marking barrier is configured to obscure visibility of the lid marking until the lid is fully engaged with the container, thereby closing the container, wherein the appearance of the lid marking behind the marking barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid.

[0054] In some embodiments, when the lid indicia is not visible behind the indicia barrier, the method includes prompting a user to fully close the lid. The step of prompting the user may include a visual prompt and / or an audible prompt. In some embodiments, the method may include displaying a message on a display of a machine in which the container is placed indicating that the container needs to be fully closed.

[0055] In certain embodiments, the area including the container closure system further includes a positive control mark. The positive control mark can be used as an indicator of the correct alignment between the camera and the container. The positive control mark can be any marker that can be detected by the camera, and can include a two-dimensional mark, such as a bar code or a two-dimensional code. In certain embodiments, the method includes observing the positive control mark, wherein when the positive control mark is detected, the container is correctly placed with respect to the camera, and wherein when the positive control mark is not visible, the method includes prompting the user to align the area with the camera.

[0056] In some embodiments, the method includes visually or audibly prompting the user to align the container relative to the camera. In some embodiments, the method includes prompting the user to rotate the container clockwise or counterclockwise to align it with the camera. In some embodiments, the visual prompt may be displayed on a display of the instrument in which the container is placed.

[0057] In certain embodiments, the container closure system is as described in the preceding paragraphs.

[0058] In some embodiments, observing includes capturing an image of the area and processing the image. The image can be processed using an onboard algorithm or using cloud computing. In some embodiments, observing includes capturing an image of the area and processing the image to identify the presence of substantially the entire positive control mark before processing the image to determine the presence of the cover mark behind the mark barrier.

[0059] In certain embodiments, the method may include (a) capturing an image of the region and (b) detecting a positive control marker. If the positive control marker is not detected, prompting the user to align the container in the instrument and repeating steps (a) and (b). If the positive control marker is detected, then (c) detecting the presence of a lower region of a cap mark. If the lower region of the cap mark is not detected, prompting the user to close the cap. If the lower region of the cap mark is detected, then (d) starting processing of the sample present in the container.

[0060] As used herein, the term "processor" refers to one or more devices, circuits, and / or processing cores configured to process data, such as computer program instructions.

[0061] Therefore, the foregoing merely illustrates the principle of the present disclosure.It will be understood that those skilled in the art will be able to design various arrangements, although these arrangements are not explicitly described or shown herein, these arrangements embody the principle of the present invention and are included in the spirit and scope of the present invention.In addition, all examples and conditional language recorded herein are mainly intended to help readers understand the principle of the present invention and the conception contributed by the inventor to promote the development of this field, and should be interpreted as not being limited to these specifically recorded examples and conditions.In addition, all statements recording the principles, aspects and embodiments of the present invention and their specific examples herein are intended to cover both their structural and functional equivalents.In addition, it is intended that this equivalent includes both currently known equivalents and equivalents (that is, any element developed to perform the same function, regardless of the structure) developed in the future.Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein.On the contrary, the scope and spirit of the present invention are embodied by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container closure indicator system comprising: Cover marking and marking barriers, wherein the cap marking is located on a lower surface of the cap and extends downwardly away from the lower surface, and the marking barrier is located on an outer surface of the container and is near a top end of the container and extends toward a bottom end of the container, and The cap indicia is configured for insertion behind the indicia barrier, the indicia barrier being configured to obscure visibility of the cap indicia until the cap is fully engaged with the container, wherein the appearance of the cap indicia behind the indicia barrier indicates that the container is closed by the cap.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein: The cap marking includes a first area near the lower surface of the cap and a second area away from the lower surface of the cap, wherein the marking barrier includes a first area near the top end of the container and a second area away from the top end of the container, The width of the second area of ​​the cap marking is greater than the width of the second area of ​​the marking barrier, and the width of the second area of ​​the cap marking is substantially the same as the width of the first area of ​​the marking barrier, so that when the cap is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cap marking is covered by the first area of ​​the marking barrier, and when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cap marking is behind the second area of ​​the marking barrier and is at least partially visible.

3. A system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The container includes a flange located at or near the top end and on an outer surface of the container, wherein the flange includes the indicia barrier extending from a lower surface thereof.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein: The flange includes a through hole configured for inserting the cap indicia behind the indicia barrier, the through hole being vertically aligned with the cap indicia such that the cap indicia enters the through hole when the cap is lowered toward the top end of the container, and wherein the through hole is positioned behind the location of the indicia barrier.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein: The through hole is offset relative to the position of the marking barrier.

6. A system according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein: The through hole includes a guide feature configured for lateral displacement of the second area of ​​the cap marking relative to the first area of ​​the cap marking so that the second area is completely located behind the marking barrier when the cap is not fully closed, and wherein the first area of ​​the cap marking includes a recess that does not contact the guide feature, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cap marking when the cap is fully engaged with the container so that the second area of ​​the cap marking is offset from the second area of ​​the marking barrier and is visible behind the second area of ​​the marking barrier.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein: The guide member and lower edges of the cap indicia have complementary shapes to increase contact between the guide member and the cap indicia when the cap is lowered toward the container.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a camera positioned to observe a second area of ​​the indicia barrier and automatically indicate container closure when the cap indicia is at least partially visible behind the indicia barrier.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: The cap label is made of an elastomeric material that is able to flex when pressure is applied and quickly return to its original shape when the pressure is removed.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein: The cover indicia and the indicia barrier are of contrasting colors.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein: The cover indicia and the indicia barrier are substantially flat and substantially rectangular.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein: The marking barrier comprises a rectangular first area and a rectangular second area, wherein a width of the first area is greater than a width of the second area, and wherein one side edge of the marking barrier is inclined inwardly from the first area toward the second area.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The cover mark includes a rectangular first area and a rectangular second area, wherein a width of the first area is smaller than a width of the second area, and wherein one side edge of the cover mark is inclined outwardly from the first area toward the second area.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein: The cover mark includes a rectangular first area and a rectangular second area, wherein a width of the first area is smaller than a width of the second area, and wherein one side edge of the cover mark includes a notch in the first area.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein: The length of the notch is longer than the thickness of the flange on which the through hole is located.

16. A method for detecting closure of a container with a lid, the method comprising: observing an area of ​​the container with a camera, wherein the area includes a container closure system, the container closure system including a cap indicia and an indicia barrier, wherein the cap indicia is configured for insertion behind the indicia barrier, the indicia barrier being configured to obscure visibility of the cap indicia until the cap is fully engaged with the container, thereby closing the container, The presence of the lid indicia behind the indicia barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein: When the lid indicia is not visible behind the indicia barrier, the method includes prompting a user to fully close the lid.

18. The method according to claim 16 or claim 17, wherein: The area further comprises a positive control marker, wherein the method comprises observing the positive control marker, wherein when the positive control marker is detected, the container is correctly positioned with respect to the camera, and Wherein when the positive control mark is not visible, the method includes prompting the user to align the area with the camera.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein: The cap indicia is located on a lower surface of the cap and extends downwardly away from the lower surface, and the indicia barrier is located on an outer surface of the container and is proximate a top end of the container and extends toward a bottom end of the container.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein: The cap marking includes a first area near the lower surface of the cap and a second area away from the lower surface of the cap, wherein the marking barrier includes a first area near the top end of the container and a second area away from the top end of the container, The width of the second area of ​​the cap marking is greater than the width of the second area of ​​the marking barrier, and the width of the second area of ​​the cap marking is substantially the same as the width of the first area of ​​the marking barrier, so that when the cap is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cap marking is covered by the first area of ​​the marking barrier, and when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the second area of ​​the cap marking is behind the second area of ​​the marking barrier and is at least partially visible.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein: The container includes a flange located at or near the top end and on an outer surface of the container, wherein the flange includes the indicia barrier extending from a lower surface thereof.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein: The flange includes a through hole configured for inserting the cap indicia behind the indicia barrier, the through hole being vertically aligned with the cap indicia such that the cap indicia enters the through hole when the cap is lowered toward the top end of the container, and wherein the through hole is positioned behind the location of the indicia barrier.

23. The method according to claim 22, wherein: The through hole is offset relative to the position of the marking barrier.

24. A method according to claim 22 or claim 23, wherein: The through hole includes a guide feature configured for lateral displacement of the second area of ​​the cap marking relative to the first area of ​​the cap marking so that the second area is completely located behind the marking barrier when the cap is not fully closed, and wherein the first area of ​​the cap marking includes a recess that does not contact the guide feature, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cap marking when the cap is fully engaged with the container so that the second area of ​​the cap marking is offset from the second area of ​​the marking barrier and is visible behind the second area of ​​the marking barrier.

25. The method according to claim 24, wherein: The guide member and lower edges of the cap indicia have complementary shapes to increase contact between the guide member and the cap indicia when the cap is lowered toward the container.

26. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 25, wherein: The observing includes capturing images of the area and processing the images.

27. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 26, wherein: The observing includes capturing an image of the area and processing the image to identify the presence of substantially the entire positive control marking before processing the image to determine the presence of the cap marking behind the marking barrier.

Images