Container closure indicator system

Abstract

Aspects of the present disclosure include a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container and methods for using the same. The system can include a lid marker and a marker barrier. The lid marker can be located on a lower surface of the lid and can extend downwardly away from the lower surface. The marker barrier can be located on an outer surface of the container, near a top end of the container, and extend toward a bottom end of the container. The lid marker can be configured to insert behind the marker barrier as the lid is lowered toward the top end of the container. The marker barrier can be configured to obscure visibility of the lid marker until the lid is fully engaged with the container. The appearance of the lid marker behind the marker barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The appearance of the lid marker behind the marker barrier can be observed by a user or automatically by a camera. The camera can relay information about the closure of the container to an instrument in which the container has been placed.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 304508, filed January 28, 2022, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background Technology

[0003] The container can be provided with an open or partially open structure to allow users to access the interior of the container, such as to add materials to the interior of the container before it is closed.

[0004] The user's task is to ensure the container is completely sealed. However, incomplete or incorrect sealing can occur, causing the material inside the container to spill out.

[0005] Ensuring complete closure of the container is especially important when it contains 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 to instruct the cartridge to be completely closed with a cap after the biological sample has been introduced into the chamber of the cartridge and before processing the biological sample (e.g., to isolate a target analyte present in the biological sample).

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

[0007] This disclosure includes a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid mark and a marking barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid mark may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downwards away from the lower surface. The marking barrier may be located on the outer surface of the container, the container being sized to be closed by the lid. The marking barrier may be located near the top of the container and may extend toward the bottom of the container. The lid mark may be configured to insert behind the marking barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top of the container. The marking barrier may be configured to obscure the visibility of the lid mark when viewed from the front until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed from the front, the presence of the lid mark behind the marking 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. This view is from an external position that is substantially perpendicular to the surfaces of the lid mark and the marking barrier, such that the front of the lid mark and the marking barrier is observed, rather than a side view, top view, or bottom view. Therefore, "front" refers to the viewpoint relative to the marking barrier and lid marking, regardless of whether the container itself has designated front and rear areas based on, for example, the use of the container. In other words, the front view is the view of the marking barrier and lid marking from an external viewpoint that is substantially perpendicular to the marking barrier and lid marking. The lid marking and marking barrier can be located in either the front or rear area of ​​the container.

[0008] The appearance of the cover marking behind the marked barrier can be observed by the user or by a camera. The camera can forward information about the container's closure to an instrument. This instrument can be one in which a container has been placed. The instrument can be programmed to begin processing the container upon receiving an indication that it is closed.

[0009] A method for instructing a container to close with a lid is also provided. This method can be a computer-implemented method, executed, for example, by a processor configured to execute instructions stored in and / or provided by memory coupled to the processor. Attached Figure Description

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

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

[0012] Figures 3A-3B It shows Figure 2A-2C The sample preparation tube has a sealed lid.

[0013] Figures 4A-4DThe image shows a camera view of the container closure system. Figure 4A and 4C A front view of the system, as captured by a camera, is depicted. Figure 4B An angled side view of the system is shown, illustrating the cover markings and marking barriers, as well as the camera's field of view. Figure 4D A top view of the system is shown.

[0014] Figures 5A-5E The image shows the user sealing the cap onto the top of the sample preparation tube.

[0015] Figures 6A-6D A cylindrical tube is shown, which includes a lid with a cap mark and a cylindrical structure with a mark barrier.

[0016] Figure 6E and 6F It shows Figures 6A-6D Detailed view of the cover markings and marking barriers shown.

[0017] Figure 7 A schematic diagram showing the relative placement of a container, including a container closure system, and a camera used to observe the container closure system is provided. A QR code serves as a positive control to indicate proper alignment between the camera and the container. Detailed Implementation

[0018] This disclosure includes a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid mark and a marking barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid mark may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downwards away from the lower surface. The marking barrier may be located on the outer surface of the container, the container being sized to be closed by the lid. The marking barrier may be located near the top of the container and may extend toward the bottom of the container. The lid mark may be configured to insert behind the marking barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top of the container. The marking barrier may be configured to obscure the visibility of the lid mark when viewed from a point in front of the marking barrier until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed from the front, the presence of the lid mark behind the marking barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The presence of the lid mark behind the marking barrier may be observed by a user or by a camera. The camera may forward information about the container's closure to an instrument. The instrument may be an instrument in which a container has been placed. The instrument is 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 some embodiments, the method utilizes a camera for semi-automatic or automatic detection of the complete closure of a container. In some embodiments, the method includes a computer-implemented method for detecting the closure of a container.

[0019] Before describing the system, sample preparation apparatus, and method in more detail, it will be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific embodiments described, and therefore variations are possible. It will also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0020] When a range of values ​​is provided, it is understood that, unless the context clearly specifies otherwise, every intermediate value between the upper and lower limits of the range (to one-tenth of the unit of the lower limit), as well as any other specified value or intermediate value within the specified range, is encompassed within the system, sample preparation apparatus, and method. The upper and lower limits of these smaller ranges may be independently included within the smaller range and are also encompassed within the system, sample preparation apparatus, and method, subject to any specific exclusions within the specified range. Where the specified range includes one or both of the included limits, the range excluding one or both of these included limits is also included within the system, sample preparation apparatus, and method.

[0021] This document uses the term "approximately" preceding numerical values ​​to indicate certain ranges. The term "approximately" is used to provide literal support for the exact number that follows it, as well as numbers that are close to or approximate to the number following the term. In determining whether a number is close to or approximates a particular recorded number, an unrecorded number that is close to or approximates it may provide a number that is substantially equivalent to the particular recorded number in its presented context.

[0022] Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Although any methods and materials similar to or equivalent to those described herein may be used to practice or test this system, sample preparation apparatus, and methods, only representative exemplary systems, sample preparation apparatus, and methods are described here.

[0023] All publications and patents referenced in this specification are incorporated herein by reference as if each individual publication or patent specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference, and to disclose and describe methods and / or materials relating to the referenced publication. References to any publication refer to its disclosure prior to the filing date and should not be construed as an admission that the invention is not entitled to a prior art invention prior to this publication. Furthermore, the publication date provided may differ from the actual publication date, which may require independent verification.

[0024] It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly specifies otherwise. It should also be noted that claims may be drafted to exclude any optional elements. Therefore, this statement is intended to serve as a prior basis for the use of this specific terminology, such as “only,” “solely,” etc., in relation to the recounting of claim elements or the use of “negative” limitations.

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

[0026] A system for indicating that a container is fully closed.

[0027] This disclosure includes a container closure indicator system for indicating that a lid is fully engaged with a container. The system may include a lid mark and a marking barrier. The lid may include an upper surface opposite a lower surface. The lid mark may be located on the lower surface of the lid and may extend downwards away from the lower surface. The marking barrier may be located on the outer surface of the container, the container being sized to be closed by the lid. The marking barrier may be located near the top of the container and may extend toward the bottom of the container. The lid mark may be configured to insert behind the marking barrier when the lid is lowered toward the top of the container. The marking barrier may be configured to obscure the visibility of the lid mark when viewed from a point substantially in front of the marking barrier and outside the container until the lid is fully engaged with the container. When viewed substantially in front, the presence of the lid mark behind the marking barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid. The presence of the lid mark behind the marking 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 is programmable to begin processing the container upon receiving an indication that it is closed.

[0028] As used herein, the term "fully engaged" in the context of a lid and container means that the container is completely closed by the lid, such that the container is fluid-tightened by the lid. "Fluid-tightened" implies that fluid present inside the container cannot easily flow out of the opening of the container, which is already sealed by the lid. In some embodiments, the term "fully engaged" may also cover a configuration in which the lid is in a locked position, such that the lid cannot be easily opened, for example, by applying upward pressure on the lid or by applying torsional pressure to force the lid and container apart. This locked position can help prevent the reuse of the container, for example, for single-use containers.

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

[0030] The lid may include a lower surface and a upper surface. The lid may be of any suitable shape. The shape of the lid may substantially match the shape of the top of the container. The lid may be larger than the top of the container, such that the lid can surround the top. The lid may be smaller than the top of the container, such that the lid can fit inside the top. In some cases, both the lid and the top of the container may be circular, rectangular, elliptical, or may have irregular shapes.

[0031] The cap mark 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 mark may be located in any area of ​​the cap. In some cases, the cap mark may be located on or near the periphery of the cap. The cap mark may have any suitable shape. The cap mark may be substantially rectangular or square, or may have an irregular shape. In some cases, the cap mark may be substantially cylindrical. In some cases, the cap mark may be substantially flat, rather than spherical or cylindrical.

[0032] The marking barrier may include a first region near the top of the container and a second region away from the top of the container. The marking barrier may be located at or near the periphery of the container, such that it is visible from the outside. The surface area of ​​the second region of the cap marking may be larger than the surface area of ​​the second region of the marking barrier. The surface area of ​​the second region of the cap marking may be substantially the same as the surface area of ​​the first region of the marking barrier, such that when the cap is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged, the second region of the cap marking is covered by the first region of the marking barrier, and when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the second region of the cap marking is behind and at least partially visible of the second region of the marking barrier. Both the cap marking and the marking barrier may be substantially flat in shape. The cap marking and the marking barrier may be substantially flat and substantially rectangular. The cap 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 rather than substantially overlapped. This staggered placement results in a lack of complete overlap, making the cap marking visible behind the marking barrier when the cap is closed. The container closure indicator system may include a guide member positioned to displace the cap marking relative to the marking barrier, such that at least a second region of the cap marking is pushed behind a first region of the marking barrier, resulting in an overlap of the two regions, such that the cap marking is concealed behind the marking barrier when the cap is pushed onto the top of the container but not fully closed. The system may further include a space behind the marking barrier into which the cap marking is inserted to close the container. This space may be a through-hole. The guide member may be configured to release lateral displacement of the cap marking once it is inserted through the space. In some cases, the guide member and the first region of the cap marking are shaped such that the guide member does not exert pressure on the cap marking once the cap is fully closed. In some cases, the first region of the cap marking may include a recess or similar structure such that it does not contact the guide member once the cap is closed.

[0034] The container may include a flange located at or near the top and on the outer surface of the container. A marking barrier may extend from the lower surface of the flange. The flange may include a through-hole configured to insert a cap mark behind the marking barrier. The through-hole may include a guide configured to laterally displace a second area of ​​the cap mark relative to the marking barrier when the cap is pressed against the top of the container. A first area of ​​the cap mark may include a notch that does not contact the guide, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cap mark when the cap is fully engaged with the container. The notch may be of any suitable shape. The notch may be rectangular, square, circular, elliptical, or irregular in 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 the thickness of the flange such that the cap mark can be restored to its original staggered position with respect to the marking barrier and become visible behind the marking barrier.

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

[0036] The cap mark can be made of an elastomeric material that can 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 rubbers (synthetic or natural), silicone resins, etc.

[0037] The cover mark and the marking barrier can have contrasting colors. Contrasting colors facilitate the detection of the cover mark behind the marking barrier. For example, the marking barrier can be a light color, such as white and its hue, and the cover mark can be a dark color, such as black and its hue.

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

[0039] Additional details of certain embodiments of the systems disclosed herein will now be described with reference to certain figures. However, the systems depicted in the figures are exemplary and may be modified based on general knowledge and / or the guidance provided in this disclosure.

[0040] Figure 1A-1D A container closure indicator system including a camera is described. Figure 1A-1D The image depicts a front view of the system as seen from the camera. Figure 1A and 1C In the image, the lower area of ​​the marked barrier 102 is visible to the camera. Because the lid is not fully engaged with the container, the lid marking 101 is not visible. Figure 1B and 1D In the middle, the lid is fully engaged with the container, resulting in the appearance of the lower area of ​​the lid marking 101 behind the marking barrier 102, which is visible to the camera. Figure 1A-1D A rectangular area 111 is also visible, which is substantially centered in the camera's field of view. This rectangular area can be used to accommodate barcodes, QR codes, etc. The code can be printed directly on the container, or it can be printed on a substrate attached to the container. This code can be used to assign a unique identifier to the container. The unique identifier may include information such as the type of container, the contents of the container, the manufacturing date, the batch number, the item number, etc. This rectangular area can also be used as a positive control to confirm that the container is correctly positioned relative to the camera. For example, if the camera detects an image (e.g., a code, barcode, QR code) present in the rectangular area and no cap marking is detected, the system will indicate that the cap is not closed. In some aspects, the system will instruct the user to close the cap. If the image is not detected by the camera, the system may instruct the user to align the container, or the system may adjust the position of the container to align it.

[0041] Cover markings and marking barriers, such as Figure 1A-1DThe markings and marking barriers depicted herein can be included on any type of lid and container. The lid markings and marking barriers can be located on any external area of ​​the container, such that they are visible from an external location. In some cases, the lid markings and marking barriers can be located in the front or rear area of ​​the container. In some cases, the system of this disclosure can be used to indicate the closure of a sample preparation device. For example, a sample preparation device with an open configuration can be provided to allow the addition of a sample to the sample preparation device. The sample preparation device can be closed after a sample has been introduced into it. The system of this disclosure can indicate whether a sample preparation device is fully closed. As described above, the system can be used by a user to detect whether a sample preparation device is fully closed based on visual inspection. The system can be used by an instrument to detect whether a sample preparation device is closed. The system may include a camera used by an instrument to observe the presence of the lid markings and thereby detect that the sample preparation device is closed. In some cases, the sample preparation device may be a cylindrical tube. In some cases, the cylindrical tube may be the cylindrical tube described in International Application No. PCT / US2020 / 066926, filed December 23, 2020; U.S. Provisional Applications Nos. 63 / 143494, 63 / 143587, and 63 / 143629, filed January 29, 2021; or International Application No. PCT / US2022 / 014422, filed January 28, 2022. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0042] Figure 2A-2C The image depicts an exemplary cylindrical tube including a container closure system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cylindrical tube 200 includes a cylindrical structure 210 and a cap 260. The cap 260 includes an upper surface opposite a lower surface. A cap mark 201 is positioned at the lower surface of the cap 260. Figure 2C The cap mark 201 is shown at a higher magnification. The cap mark 201 includes a first region 201a near the lower surface of the cap 260 and a second region 201b away from the lower surface of the cap 260. In some embodiments, the first and second regions of the cap mark may have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the first and second regions of the cap mark may have substantially different sizes. In one embodiment, the first region 201a has a smaller area compared to the second region 201b. In this example, the first region has a smaller area than the second region because the first region includes a notch 203 on its side edge. The side edge in the second region 201b engages with a guide member 216 located at the through-hole 215, while the side edge in the first region 201a does not engage with the guide member 216 due to the presence of the notch 203. Figure 2A-2CThe diagram also depicts a flange 220. A through-hole 215 lies on the flange behind the marked barrier location. The flange 220 extends around the cylindrical structure 210. The width of the flange 220 may be uniform or variable around the circumference of the flange. For example, the width of the flange 220 may be wider at the location of the through-hole 215. 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, wherein an annular wall extending from the top to the bottom of the cylindrical structure deforms inward. In some cases, the depth and location of the recess may be determined based on the location of the camera that marks the observation cover and the marked barrier and / or a barcode, QR code, or other identifier disposed in the recess.

[0043] like Figure 2A and 2B As depicted, the cover 260 may include one or more alignment guides to facilitate proper alignment of the cover with the cylindrical structure. For example, the cover may include a centrally located rod-shaped structure inserted into a hollow shaft located at the center of the cylindrical structure. In some cases, the rod-shaped structure may include multiple fingers extending from the distal end of the rod-shaped structure. Protrusions may be located at the distal ends of the multiple fingers. The shaft in the cylindrical structure may have a diameter larger than the diameter of the rod-shaped structure and may include multiple recesses in an inner surface 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 apex 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. Figure 2A-2C In the middle, the cover is in a spaced-out 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 mark 201 is shown after the cap 260 is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure. For example, the cylindrical structure may include a chamber into which a sample to be prepared by the cylindrical tube is introduced. After the sample is introduced, the cap may be pushed down toward the top of the cylindrical structure. The presence of at least a second region of the cap mark 201 behind the marking barrier 202 indicates that the cap is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure and that the sample preparation tube is closed and ready for sample processing. Figure 3A A front view of the container closure system is shown. Figure 3A and 3B In the embodiments depicted, the container closure system is located on the rear region of the cylindrical structure. The cylindrical structure is configured for placement within the instrument, wherein the rear region of the cylindrical structure faces away from the user and towards the rear region of the instrument. In some embodiments, the rear region of the instrument includes a camera positioned to view the container closure system and record and / or forward information regarding the closure of the cylindrical structure to the instrument and / or the user. Figure 3BThis shows a side view of the container enclosure system offset from the front view.

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

[0046] Figure 5A The relative positions of the cap mark 201 and the mark barrier 202 are shown when the cap is in the open position. The staggered positioning of the mark barrier and the cap mark is also visible. Due to this staggered positioning, if the cap mark is pushed behind the mark barrier, it will be visible behind the mark barrier even if the cap is not fully closed. Figure 5B The diagram illustrates applying a downward force to the cap, pressing the corner of the lower edge of the cap mark against a guide member, causing lateral displacement of the cap mark such that when the container is partially closed, the second area of ​​the cap mark 201 overlaps with the first area of ​​the mark barrier and is not visible behind the mark barrier. Figure 5C and 5D Once the container is fully closed, the pressure applied to the cap mark by the guide member 216 is removed, causing the cap mark to move to its original staggered position relative to the mark barrier.

[0047] Figures 6A-6F The illustration depicts an exemplary cylindrical tube including a container closure system according to embodiments of the present disclosure. The cylindrical tube 600 includes a cylindrical structure 610 and a cap 660. The cap 660 includes an upper surface opposite a lower surface. A cap mark 601 is positioned at the lower surface of the cap 660. Figure 6E and 6FThe cap mark 601 is shown at a higher magnification. The cap mark 601 includes a first region 601a near the lower surface of the cap 660 and a second region 601b away from the lower surface of the cap 660. In some embodiments, the first and second regions of the cap mark may have substantially the same size. In some embodiments, the first and second regions of the cap mark may have substantially different sizes. In one embodiment, the first region 601a has a smaller width compared to the second region 601b. In this example, the first region has a smaller width than the second region due to a cutout on its side edge. The side edge in the second region 601b engages with a guide member 616 located immediately adjacent to the through-hole 615, while the side edge in the first region 601a does not engage with 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 to the bottom of the cylindrical structure deforms inward. In some cases, the depth and location of the recess can be determined based on the position of the camera that observes the cover mark and the marking barrier, and / or a positive control mark (such as a barcode, QR code, or another identifier set in the recess). The marking barrier 602 is located within the recess and extends downward from the top region of the cylindrical tube. The marking barrier 602 is located immediately adjacent to and in front of the through hole 615 in which the cover mark 601 is inserted. Figures 6A-6E The marking barrier 602 depicted includes a first structure 602a and a second structure 602b, wherein the first and second structures obstruct observation of the cover marking until the cover is fully closed. The first structure 602a is positioned in front of the cover marking and prevents observation of the cover marking from a position substantially in front of it until the cover marking is fully inserted when the cover is fully closed. The second structure 602b is positioned on one side of the cover marking and prevents observation of the cover marking from a side view until the cover marking is fully inserted when the cover is fully closed. The front view may form an angle of approximately 90 degrees between the plane of the first structure 602a and a line of sight substantially in front of the marking barrier. The side view may form 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. Figure 6E A side view depicting the cover mark and the mark barrier is shown. Figure 6F A view is depicted from an angle of approximately 180 degrees (e.g., from a plane substantially parallel to the plane of the first structure 602a). 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 the lower region 601b of the cap mark 601 to be visible when the cap mark 601 is fully inserted. In some embodiments, the first structure 602a and the second structure 602b of the mark barrier 602 are substantially planar and perpendicular to each other.

[0048] Figure 6C-6F The location of the cap mark 601 is shown after the cap 660 is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure. For example, the cylindrical structure may include a chamber into which a sample to be prepared in the cylindrical tube can be introduced. After the sample is introduced, the cap can be pushed down toward the top of the cylindrical structure. The presence of at least a second region 601b of the cap mark 601 behind the mark barrier 602 indicates that the cap is fully engaged with the cylindrical structure and that the sample preparation tube is closed and ready for sample processing. Figure 6C This shows a view of the container closure system from a point in front of the container closure system. Figures 6A-6F In the embodiments depicted, the container closure system is located on the rear region of the cylindrical structure, which is also the rear region of the instrument in which the cylindrical structure is placed. The cylindrical structure is configured for placement within the instrument, wherein the rear region of the cylindrical structure faces away from the user and towards the rear region of the instrument. In some 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 6D This shows a side view of the container enclosure system offset from the front view.

[0049] Figure 7 A schematic diagram is provided of a camera 701 positioned at a point in front of the container closure system of a cylindrical container. "100" indicates the relative angle between the camera's field of view and the plane of a rectangular area 620 positioned below the marking barrier and cap marking, where this 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 camera's field of view. In some embodiments, the cylindrical container may be offset from the camera's field of view, such 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 substantially in front of the marking barrier would be at a 90-degree angle, 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. A view from the right side of the marking barrier would be at an angle greater than 90 degrees. A view from the left side of the marking barrier would be at an angle less than 90 degrees. Figure 7 As shown, "108" refers to a view of the cylindrical descriptor taken from the right side of the marking barrier at 108 position units, or approximately 97 degrees. In this view, the QR code and the lower region 601b of the cover mark exposed by the presence of a notch in the lower region of the marking barrier 602 are visible. The unit position "87," or approximately 80 degrees, also allows observation of the QR code and the lower region 601b of the cover mark exposed by the presence of a notch in the lower region of the marking barrier 602.

[0050] The term "cylindrical" implies that the cylindrical structure can be essentially a straight cylinder. The annular wall can deform inward from the outside to form an inwardly deformable cavity within the annular wall. The annular wall may also include chambers for processing samples, such as chambers containing the sample and lysis solution, chambers containing air or washing solution, and chambers for eluting analytes isolated from the sample. In embodiments where the container is irreversibly sealed with a lid, such as the sample preparation tube described herein, the tube may include a removable analyte collection container fluidly connected to the chamber in which the analyte is eluted. Figure 2A-2B An exemplary detachable analyte collection container 230 is depicted.

[0051] Method for indicating that a container is completely closed

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

[0053] In some 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 that includes a lid mark and a marking barrier, wherein the lid mark is configured to be inserted behind the marking barrier and the marking barrier is configured to obscure the visibility of the lid mark until the lid is fully engaged with the container, thereby closing the container, wherein the presence of the lid mark behind the marking barrier indicates that the container is closed by the lid.

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

[0055] In some embodiments, the area including the container closure system further includes a positive control marker. The positive control marker can serve as an indicator of proper alignment between the camera and the container. The positive control marker can be any marker detectable by the camera and can include two-dimensional markers such as barcodes or QR codes. In some embodiments, the method includes observing the positive control marker, wherein when the positive control marker is detected, the container is correctly positioned relative to the camera, and wherein when the positive control marker is not visible, the method includes prompting a 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, visual cues may be displayed on a display of an instrument in which the container is placed.

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

[0058] In some embodiments, observation includes capturing and processing an image of the region. The image may be processed using onboard algorithms or cloud computing. In some embodiments, observation includes capturing and processing an image of the region before processing it to identify the presence of substantially the entire positive control marker, prior to determining the presence of a cover marker behind the marker barrier.

[0059] In some embodiments, the method may include (a) capturing an image of the region and (b) detecting a positive control marker. If no positive control marker is detected, the user is prompted to align the container in the instrument and repeat steps (a) and (b). If a positive control marker is detected, then (c) detecting the presence of the area below the cap mark. If the area below the cap mark is not detected, the user is prompted to close the cap. If the area below the cap mark is detected, then (d) starting to process 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 principles of this 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, but embody the principles of the invention and are included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, all examples and conditional language recorded herein are primarily intended to assist the reader in understanding the principles of the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventors to advance the field, and should be interpreted as not being limited to these specifically recorded examples and conditions. Moreover, all statements herein recounting the principles, aspects, and embodiments of the invention and their specific examples are intended to cover both their structural and functional equivalents. Additionally, this equivalent includes both currently known equivalents and future-developed equivalents (i.e., any element developed that performs the same function, regardless of its structure). Therefore, the scope of the invention is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Rather, the scope and spirit of the invention are embodied in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A container closure indicator system, comprising: Cover markings and marking barriers, The cap mark is located on the lower surface of the cap and extends downward away from the lower surface, and the mark barrier is located on the outer surface of the container and extends near the top of the container and toward the bottom of the container. The cap mark is configured to be inserted behind the marking barrier, the marking barrier being configured to obscure the visibility of the cap mark until the cap is fully engaged with the container, wherein the appearance of the cap mark behind the marking barrier indicates that the container is closed by the cap. The cap marking includes a first region near the lower surface of the cap and a second region away from the lower surface of the cap, wherein the marking barrier includes a first region near the top of the container and a second region away from the top of the container. The width of the second region of the cap mark is greater than the width of the second region of the marking barrier, and the width of the second region of the cap mark is substantially the same as the width of the first region of the marking barrier, such that when the cap is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged with the container, the second region of the cap mark is covered by the first region of the marking barrier, and when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the second region of the cap mark is behind the second region of the marking barrier and is at least partially visible.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The container includes a flange located at or near the top and on the outer surface of the container, wherein the flange includes the marking barrier extending from its lower surface.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The flange includes a through-hole configured to insert the cap mark behind the marking barrier, the through-hole being vertically aligned with the cap mark such that the cap mark enters the through-hole when the cap is lowered toward the top of the container, and wherein the through-hole is located behind the position of the marking barrier.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, The position of the through hole is offset relative to the marking barrier.

5. The system according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein, The through-hole includes a guide member configured for lateral displacement of a second region of the cap mark relative to a first region of the cap mark, such that the second region is completely behind the marking barrier when the cap is not fully closed, and wherein the first region of the cap mark includes a notch that does not contact the guide member, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cap mark when the cap is fully engaged with the container, such that the second region of the cap mark is offset from the second region of the marking barrier and is visible behind the second region of the marking barrier.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein, The guide member and the lower edge of the cap mark have complementary shapes to increase the contact between the guide member and the cap mark as the cap is lowered toward the container.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a camera positioned to observe a second area of ​​the marked barrier and automatically indicating container closure when the cover mark is at least partially visible behind the marked barrier.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cap mark is made of an elastomeric material that can bend when pressure is applied and quickly return to its original shape when the pressure is removed.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cover marking and the marking barrier have contrasting colors.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cover mark and the mark barrier are substantially flat and substantially rectangular.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The marking barrier includes a rectangular first region and a rectangular second region, wherein the width of the first region is greater than the width of the second region, and wherein one side edge of the marking barrier slopes inward from the first region toward the second region.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cover mark includes a rectangular first region and a rectangular second region, wherein the width of the first region is smaller than the width of the second region, and wherein one side edge of the cover mark slopes outward from the first region toward the second region.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The cover mark includes a rectangular first region and a rectangular second region, wherein the width of the first region is smaller than the width of the second region, and wherein one side edge of the cover mark includes a notch in the first region.

14. The system according to claim 13, wherein, The system is as described in claim 3, wherein the length of the notch is greater than the thickness of the flange on which the through hole is located.

15. A method for detecting the closure of a container using a lid, the method comprising: The area of ​​the container, including a container closure system comprising a lid marking and a marking barrier, is observed using a camera. The cap mark is configured to be inserted behind the mark barrier, which is configured to obscure the visibility of the cap mark until the cap is fully engaged with the container, thereby sealing the container. The presence of the cap marking behind the marked barrier indicates that the container is closed by the cap. The cap mark is located on the lower surface of the cap and extends downward away from the lower surface, while the mark barrier is located on the outer surface of the container and extends near the top of the container toward the bottom of the container. The cap marking includes a first region near the lower surface of the cap and a second region away from the lower surface of the cap, wherein the marking barrier includes a first region near the top of the container and a second region away from the top of the container. The width of the second region of the cap mark is greater than the width of the second region of the marking barrier, and the width of the second region of the cap mark is substantially the same as the width of the first region of the marking barrier, such that when the cap is lowered toward the container but not fully engaged with the container, the second region of the cap mark is covered by the first region of the marking barrier, and when the cap is fully engaged with the container, the second region of the cap mark is behind the second region of the marking barrier and is at least partially visible.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein, When the cover marking is not visible behind the marking barrier, the method includes prompting the user to completely close the cover.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The region further includes a positive control marker, wherein the method includes observing the positive control marker. When the positive control marker is detected, the container is correctly positioned relative to the camera, and When the positive control marker is not visible, the method includes prompting the user to align the area with the camera.

18. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, The container includes a flange located at or near the top and on the outer surface of the container, wherein the flange includes the marking barrier extending from its lower surface.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, The flange includes a through-hole configured to insert the cap mark behind the marking barrier, the through-hole being vertically aligned with the cap mark such that the cap mark enters the through-hole when the cap is lowered toward the top of the container, and wherein the through-hole is located behind the position of the marking barrier.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The position of the through hole is offset relative to the marking barrier.

21. The method according to claim 19 or claim 20, wherein, The through-hole includes a guide member configured for lateral displacement of a second region of the cap mark relative to a first region of the cap mark, such that the second region is completely behind the marking barrier when the cap is not fully closed, and wherein the first region of the cap mark includes a notch that does not contact the guide member, thereby terminating the lateral displacement of the cap mark when the cap is fully engaged with the container, such that the second region of the cap mark is offset from the second region of the marking barrier and becomes visible behind the second region of the marking barrier.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein, The guide member and the lower edge of the cap mark have complementary shapes to increase the contact between the guide member and the cap mark as the cap is lowered toward the container.

23. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, The observation includes capturing images of the area and processing the images.

24. The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, wherein, The observation includes capturing an image of the region and processing the image to identify the presence of substantially the entire positive control marker before processing the image to determine the presence of the cap marker behind the marker barrier.

Images