Cuvette for identifying light scattering for measuring sample

Abstract

The present disclosure describes devices, methods, systems, and computer program products for identifying cuvettes for measuring light scattering of a sample. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus comprises: at least one sensor configured to detect at least one shape feature of a cuvette; and an insulating block configured to maintain a temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the method, system, and computer program product include receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor directed to a cuvette, receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor directed to a cuvette, and performing a set of logical operations to detect a shape feature of the cuvette.

Description

[0001] Priority

[0002] This application claims the benefit of the earlier filing date of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 17 / 964,907, entitled "Identifying a Cuvette for Measuring Light Scattering of a Sample," filed on October 12, 2022, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] This disclosure relates to light scattering and, more particularly, to identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This disclosure describes an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, a system, and a computer program product for identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to detect at least one shape feature of a cuvette, where the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, and where the at least one sensor is positioned at a distance from a container configured to hold the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block configured to maintain the temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In one exemplary embodiment, the computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product include: (1) receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at a cuvette, where the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, (2) receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette, and (3) performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations that detect a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of the following: (a) a value of the first set of signals exceeds a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, (b) a value of the second set of signals exceeds a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and (c) a value of the first set of signals exceeds the first sensor threshold and a value of the second set of signals exceeds the second sensor threshold. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes at least one camera directed at the cuvette and configured to identify the cuvette. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0005] Figure 1A An existing technology apparatus is depicted.

[0006] Figure 1B An existing technology cuvette is depicted.

[0007] Figure 2 An apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment is depicted.

[0008] Figure 3 depicts a flowchart in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0009] Figure 4A depicts an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4B depicts an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5A depicts a cuvette detection scheme in accordance with an embodiment.

[0012] Figure 5B depicts a graph in accordance with an embodiment.

[0013] Figure 5C depicts data in accordance with an embodiment.

[0014] Figure 6 depicts a computer system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment. Detailed Description

[0015] The present disclosure describes an apparatus, a computer-implemented method, a system, and a computer program product for identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus includes: (1) at least one sensor configured to detect at least one shape feature of the cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, and wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at a distance from a container configured to hold the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block configured to maintain the temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor. In one embodiment, the distance ranges from 2 mm to 30 mm. For example, the distance range can be from 2 mm to 20 mm. As the distance decreases, the sensitivity of the sensor increases, while the area sensed by the sensor decreases. In one embodiment, when the sensor is pointed at an optical tube / optical channel, the distance exceeds 30 mm. In one embodiment, the distance is 16.5 mm. In one embodiment, the temperature range is from -40°C to 120°C. For example, the temperature range can be from -10°C to 120°C. In one embodiment, the temperature range is from -40°C to 120°C as long as there is no condensate adjacent to the sensor.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment, the computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product include: (1) receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at a cuvette, where the cuvette is configured to hold a sample; (2) receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette; and (3) performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations that detect a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of the following: (a) the value of the first set of signals exceeds a first sensor threshold of the first sensor; (b) the value of the second set of signals exceeds a second sensor threshold of the second sensor; and (c) the value of the first set of signals exceeds the first sensor threshold and the value of the second set of signals exceeds the second sensor threshold. In one embodiment, the signals in the first set of signals are functions of the angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the first sensor, the reflectivity of the cuvette, and the distance from the first sensor to the cuvette. In one embodiment, the signals in the second set of signals are functions of the angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the second sensor, the reflectivity of the cuvette, and the distance from the second sensor to the cuvette.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes at least one camera that is directed at the cuvette and is configured to identify the cuvette. For example, the camera can be a barcode reader. In one embodiment, the at least one camera is configured to identify at least one shape feature of the cuvette. In one embodiment, the at least one camera is configured to read a barcode image associated with the cuvette.

[0018] In one embodiment, the device, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product identify the type of cuvette in an optical scattering instrument based on proximity-based non-contact sensors.

[0019] Definition

[0020] Particle

[0021] The particles can be components of an aliquot of a liquid sample. Such particles can be molecules, nanoparticles, virus-like particles, liposomes, emulsions, bacteria, and colloids of different types and sizes. The size range of these particles can be on the order of nanometers to micrometers.

[0022] Analysis of Macromolecules or Particle Substances in Solution

[0023] The analysis of macromolecules or particulate matter in solution can be achieved in the following manner: Prepare a sample in a suitable solvent and then inject aliquots thereof into a separation system, such as a liquid chromatography (LC) column or a field-flow fractionation (FFF) channel, in which the different particulate matter contained in the sample is separated into its various components. Once separated, typically based on size, mass, or column affinity, the sample can be analyzed by light scattering, refractive index, ultraviolet absorption, electrophoretic mobility, and viscosity response.

[0024] Light Scattering

[0025] Light scattering (LS) is a non-invasive technique used to characterize macromolecules and various particles in solution. Two types of light scattering detection commonly used to characterize macromolecules are static light scattering and dynamic light scattering.

[0026] Dynamic Light Scattering

[0027] Dynamic light scattering is also known as quasi-elastic light scattering (QELS) and photon correlation spectroscopy (PCS). In a DLS experiment, a fast photodetector is used to measure the time-varying fluctuations in the scattered light signal. DLS measurements determine the diffusion coefficient of the molecules or particles, which can then be used to calculate their hydrodynamic radius.

[0028] Static Light Scattering

[0029] Static light scattering (SLS) encompasses a variety of techniques, such as single-angle light scattering (SALS), dual-angle light scattering (DALS), low-angle light scattering (LALS), and multi-angle light scattering (MALS). SLS experiments typically involve measuring the absolute intensity of light scattered from a sample in solution, which is irradiated by a fine beam of light. Such measurements are commonly used for suitable classes of particles / molecules to determine the size and structure of the sample molecules or particles, and when combined with knowledge of the sample concentration, to determine the weight-average molar mass. In addition, the non-linearity of the scattered light intensity with respect to sample concentration can be used to measure particle-particle interactions and correlations.

[0030] Multi-Angle Light Scattering

[0031] Multi-angle light scattering (MALS) is an SLS technique used to measure the light scattered by a sample at multiple angles. It is used to determine the absolute molar mass and average size of molecules in solution by detecting how the molecules scatter light. Most commonly, collimated light from a laser source is used, in which case the technique can be referred to as multi-angle laser light scattering (MALLS). The term "multi-angle" refers to the detection of scattered light at different discrete angles, for example, by measurement using a single detector that moves over a range including the selected specific angles or an array of detectors fixed at specific angular positions.

[0032] MALS measurements require a set of auxiliary components. The most important of these is a collimated or focused beam that irradiates the sample area (usually from a laser source that produces a collimated beam of monochromatic light). The beam is usually plane-polarized light perpendicular to the measurement plane, but other polarizations can also be used, especially when studying anisotropic particles. Another component required is an optical cell for holding the sample being measured. Alternatively, a cell incorporating a device allowing measurement of flowing samples can be used. If the single-particle scattering characteristics are to be measured, a method must be provided for introducing such particles one by one through the beam at points approximately equidistant from the surrounding detector.

[0033] Although most MALS-based measurements are made in a plane containing a set of detectors, which are usually placed equidistant from the central sample through which the illumination beam passes, three-dimensional versions have also been developed where the detectors are located on the surface of a sphere, with the sample being controlled to pass through its center, at which point the sample intersects the path of the incident beam passing along the diameter of the sphere. MALS technology typically collects multiplexed data sequentially from the outputs of a set of discrete detectors. MALS light scattering photometers typically have multiple detectors.

[0034] Since different detectors in a MALS detector (i) may have slightly different quantum efficiencies and different gains, and (ii) may view different geometric scattering volumes, it may be necessary to normalize the signals captured by the photodetectors of the MALS detector at each angle. Without normalizing these differences, the MALS detector results may be meaningless and will inappropriately weight different detector angles.

[0035] Current Technology

[0036] As in the prior art Figure 1A and Figure 1B as depicted, the current technology allows the cuvette to be mounted as Figure 1AIn the container of the instrument shown, where the cuvette and the sample are exposed to (a) a low-power laser and (b) a wide temperature range (-10 °C to 120 °C), the low-power laser allows various properties of the sample to be inferred based on the scattered light measured by several detectors placed around the cuvette container. Since the sample to be inserted into the cuvette can be prepared in corrosive solvents such as brine, toluene, etc., there is a reasonable probability of spillage occurring in the container with current technology. Current technology may lead to inaccurate measurement of sample properties because the cuvette needs to have good positioning accuracy (about 10 microns) in the container. Therefore, there is a need to identify cuvettes for measuring the light scattering of samples in a way that meets the following constraints: (1) withstand the entire temperature range (-10 °C to 120 °C), (2) be able to withstand accidental condensation events (in the case where the user supplies non-compliant "dry" gas during cooling), (3) not interfere with cuvette positioning, (4) not interfere with light scattering measurement (no stray light is generated during measurement), (5) withstand accidental spillage of potentially corrosive solvents, (6) have high reliability because temperature limit fault protection depends on the correct detection of the cuvette type (disposable plastic cuvettes have a lower high-temperature limit), (7) be low-cost, (8) be manufacturable, and (9) be repairable.

[0037] Device

[0038] See Figure 2 , in one exemplary embodiment, the device includes: (1) at least one sensor 210 configured to detect at least one shape feature of a cuvette, where the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, and where the at least one sensor 210 is positioned at a distance from a container 212 configured to hold the cuvette; and (2) an insulating block 214 configured to maintain the temperature of the at least one sensor 210 within the operating temperature range of the at least one sensor 210. In one embodiment, the sensor 210 is positioned at a distance from the container 212 because the container 212 can reach temperatures exceeding the operating temperature range of the sensor 210.

[0039] Sensor

[0040] In one embodiment, at least one sensor 210 includes an optical sensor. For example, at least one sensor 210 can be an optical sensor. In one embodiment, the optical sensor does not depend on the reflectivity of the cuvette. In one embodiment, the optical sensor collects a certain amount of return signal for each type of cuvette. For example, the optical sensor can be an infrared sensor or a laser. In one embodiment, the optical sensor is directed at at least one shape feature. For example, the optical sensor can be a line-of-sight sensor (e.g., an infrared (IR) sensor, a laser). In another example, the optical sensor can be directed at an optical tube (e.g., an optical fiber), where the optical sensor is not a line-of-sight sensor. In one embodiment, since the sensor 210 is completely non-contact, the sensor 210 will not interfere with the positioning of the cuvette. For example, in the case where the sensor 210 is non-contact and far enough away from the inner core of the device, the possibility of fluid / sample spillage reaching the sensor 210 can be eliminated. Additionally, for example, since the device has no moving mechanical parts, the sensor 210 can be highly reliable. Furthermore, sensors with limited capabilities can be relatively inexpensive (about $2 per unit volume).

[0041] Mode

[0042] In one embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is configured to be inoperable during the light scattering (LS) measurement of the sample. For example, in the case where the sensor 210 is an IR sensor, the IR sensor is powered off during the light scattering measurement of the sample to avoid interference of the IR emission from the IR sensor with the LS measurement. In one embodiment, the sensor can be completely turned off during the measurement, so that no stray light is emitted in its off state during the LS measurement. For example, in the case where each sensor 210 in the array is used as an on / off sensor, small reflectivity variations between cuvettes have little impact on the final sample measurement.

[0043] Optical Channel

[0044] In one embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is located within an optical channel 220 directed at at least one shape feature, as Figure 2 depicted. In one embodiment, at least one sensor is adjacent to an optical channel directed at at least one shape feature. In one embodiment, at least one sensor is adjacent to an optical tube directed at at least one shape feature. For example, the optical tube can be an optical fiber.

[0045] Leakage Channel

[0046] See Figure 4A and Figure 4B, in one embodiment, the container includes at least one leak channel 410 configured to collect leaked fluid and configured to direct the leaked fluid to waste. For example, the leaked fluid can be fluid leaked from the device. In one embodiment, the leak channel 410 can help divert spilled contents away from the sensor 210.

[0047] Printed Circuit Board

[0048] See Figure 2 , in one embodiment, at least one sensor 210 is mounted on a printed circuit board assembly 230 (PCBA). For example, the sensor 210 is a surface mount sensor that can be mounted on the printed circuit board assembly 230. In one embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 includes a conformal coating to protect the electronics in at least one sensor 210 from moisture damage. For example, the conformal coating can be an environmental moisture barrier that prevents condensation in the humid environment of the cuvette from damaging the electronics in the sensor 210.

[0049] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 further includes a relative humidity (RH) sensor to detect humidity levels that exceed limits. For example, the RH sensor can protect the device and / or the instrument including the device from condensation.

[0050] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 is connected to an insulating block 214. For example, the printed circuit board assembly 230 can be removed from the optical bench including the socket 212 without disturbing the optical alignment of the optical bench. Since the sensor 210 is a non-contact sensor, the insulating block 214 can be removed without disturbing the optical alignment of the optical bench.

[0051] In one embodiment, the sensor array 210 on the printed circuit board assembly 230 is mounted to a socket 212 having a thermal insulator 214, allowing the device to withstand the full temperature range (-10 °C to 120 °C). With a thick enough insulating block and air gap, the temperature near the sensor 210 can be kept within its operating temperature limits. Additionally, since cuvette detection is only required when the cuvette is being installed / removed (at room temperature), the sensor 210 can also be turned off during instrument heating / cooling.

[0052] In one embodiment, the printed circuit board assembly 230 is protected from condensation with a conformal coating. Additionally, the printed circuit board assembly 230 can further include an RH sensor that can provide further protection against condensation events by detecting a non-compliant "dry" gas supply before cooling begins. Additionally, for example, the printed circuit board assembly 230 can be easily removed from the inner chamber of the device without affecting the optical alignment of the device, thus avoiding the time spent fixing the optical alignment of the device.

[0053] Method, System and Computer Program Product

[0054] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product are configured to: perform operation 310 of receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor pointing to a cuvette, where the cuvette is configured to hold a sample; perform operation 312 of receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor pointing to the cuvette; and perform operation 314 of the computer system performing a set of logical operations that detect a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of: (a) the value of the first set of signals exceeding a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, (b) the value of the second set of signals exceeding a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and (c) the value of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and the value of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold (e.g., COTS (1 unit)). In one embodiment, the set of signals is a binary reading / digit.

[0055] In one exemplary embodiment, the computer system is a stand-alone computer system such as Figure 6 the computer system 600 shown; a distributed computer network where at least some of the computers are computer systems such as Figure 6 the computer system 600 shown; or a cloud computing node server such as Figure 6 the computer system 600 shown. In one embodiment, the computer system is the computer system 600 as shown in Figure 6 which performs identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is the computer system / server 612 as shown in Figure 6 which performs identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is the processing unit 616 as shown in Figure 6 which performs identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300. In one embodiment, the computer system is a machine learning computer software / program / algorithm that performs identifying a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or computer software application that performs at least the operations of method 300.

[0056] In one embodiment, the computer system is as shown in Figure 6The computer system 600 shown, which executes to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or a computer software application, and the sample script or computer software application executes at least operations 310, 312, and 314. In one embodiment, the computer system is as Figure 6 The computer system / server 612 shown, which executes to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or a computer software application, and the sample script or computer software application executes at least operations 310, 312, and 314. In one embodiment, the computer system is as Figure 6 The processing unit 616 shown, which executes to identify a cuvette for measuring light scattering of a sample script or a computer software application, and the sample script or computer software application executes at least operations 310, 312, and 314.

[0057] Example

[0058] For example, as Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C depicted, (a) the value of the first set of signals 520 exceeding the first sensor threshold 510 (450 electron counts) of the first sensor may indicate the detection of a disposable cuvette or a commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) cuvette. Similarly as Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C depicted, the value of the second set of signals 522 exceeding the second sensor threshold 512 (310 electron counts) of the second sensor may indicate the detection of a COTS cuvette or a quartz cuvette. In addition, referring to Figure 5A , Figure 5B and Figure 5C , the value of the first set of signals 520 exceeding the first sensor threshold 510 (450 electron counts) and the value of the second set of signals 522 exceeding the second sensor threshold 512 (310 electron counts) may indicate the detection of a COTS cuvette. For example, n sensors can be used to detect 2 n scenarios. In one embodiment, the apparatus, computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product use an array of proximity sensors 210 that are selectively triggered based on features on the cuvette they detect (detected based on shape), as Figure 5A depicted.

[0059] Computer System

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment, the computer system is as Figure 6The computer system 600 shown. The computer system 600 is only one example of a computer system and is not intended to impose any limitation on the scope of use or functionality of the embodiments of the present invention. In any case, the computer system 600 can be implemented to execute and / or be capable of executing any functions / operations of the present invention.

[0061] The computer system 600 includes a computer system / server 612 that can operate with numerous other general - purpose or special - purpose computing system environments or configurations. Examples of well - known computing systems, environments, and / or configurations suitable for use with the computer system / server 612 include, but are not limited to, personal computer systems, server computer systems, thin clients, fat clients, handheld or laptop devices, multiprocessor systems, microprocessor - based systems, set - top boxes, programmable consumer electronics, network PCs, minicomputer systems, mainframe computer systems, and distributed cloud computing environments including any of the above systems or devices.

[0062] The computer system / server 612 can be described in the general context of computer system - executable instructions, such as program modules, executed by a computer system. Generally, program modules can include routines, programs, objects, components, logic, and / or data structures that perform particular tasks or implement particular abstract data types. The computer system / server 612 can be practiced in a distributed cloud computing environment where tasks are performed by remote processing devices linked through a communication network. In a distributed cloud computing environment, program modules can be located in both local and remote computer system storage media including memory storage devices.

[0063] As Figure 6 shown, the computer system / server 612 in the computer system 600 is shown in the form of a general - purpose computing device. The components of the computer system / server 612 can include, but are not limited to, one or more processors or processing units 616, a system memory 628, and a bus 618 that couples various system components including the system memory 628 to the processor 616.

[0064] The bus 618 represents any one of one or more several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus using any of various bus architectures. By way of example and not limitation, such architectures include Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, Micro Channel Architecture (MCA) bus, Enhanced ISA (EISA) bus, Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0065] The computer system / server 612 generally includes a variety of computer system readable media. Such media can be any available media accessible by the computer system / server 612 and includes volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0066] The system memory 628 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 630 and / or cache memory 632. The computer system / server 612 may also include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, a storage system 634 may be provided for reading from and writing to an non-removable, non-volatile magnetic medium (not shown and typically referred to as a "hard disk drive"). Although not shown, a disk drive for reading from and writing to a removable, non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical disk drive for reading from or writing to a removable, non-volatile optical disk such as a CD-ROM, DVD-ROM or other optical media may be provided. In such instances, each may be connected to the bus 618 by one or more data media interfaces. As will be further depicted and described below, the memory 628 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules configured to carry out the functions / operations of embodiments of the present invention.

[0067] By way of example and not limitation, a program / utility 640 having a set (at least one) of program modules 642 may be stored in the memory 628. Exemplary program modules 642 may include an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data. Each of the operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, or some combination thereof, may include an implementation of a networking environment. The program modules 642 generally carry out the functions and / or methods of embodiments of the present invention.

[0068] The computer system / server 612 can also communicate with one or more external devices 614, such as a keyboard, a pointing device, a display 624, one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the computer system / server 612, and / or any device that enables the computer system / server 612 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network cards, modems, etc.). Such communication can occur via the input / output (I / O) interface 622. In addition, the computer system / server 612 can communicate with one or more networks via the network adapter 620, such as a local area network (LAN), a general wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network (e.g., the Internet). As shown, the network adapter 620 communicates with other components of the computer system / server 612 via the bus 618. It should be understood that although not shown, other hardware and / or software components can be used in conjunction with the computer system / server 612. Examples include but are not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data archival storage systems.

[0069] Computer Program Product

[0070] The present invention can be a system, a method, and / or a computer program product. The computer program product can include a computer-readable storage medium (or medium) having computer-readable program instructions thereon to cause a processor to perform aspects of the present invention.

[0071] A computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible device that can retain and store instructions for use by an instruction execution device. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example but not limited to, an electronic storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. A non-exhaustive list of more specific examples of computer-readable storage media includes the following: a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disc (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanically encoded device (such as a punched card or raised structure in a groove having instructions recorded thereon), and any suitable combination of the foregoing. As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as a transient signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., an optical pulse through an optical fiber cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0072] The computer-readable program instructions described herein can be downloaded from a computer-readable storage medium to a corresponding computing / processing device, or downloaded to an external computer or external storage device via a network (e.g., the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, and / or a wireless network). The network can include copper transmission cables, optical transmission fibers, wireless transmission, routers, firewalls, switches, gateway computers, and / or edge servers. A network adapter card or network interface in each computing / processing device receives the computer-readable program instructions from the network and forwards the computer-readable program instructions for storage in a computer-readable storage medium within the corresponding computing / processing device.

[0073] The computer-readable program instructions for carrying out operations of the present invention may be assembly instructions, instruction set architecture (ISA) instructions, machine instructions, machine-dependent instructions, microcode, firmware instructions, state-setting data, or source code or object code written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages such as Smalltalk, C++, etc., and conventional procedural programming languages such as the "C" programming language or similar programming languages. The computer-readable program instructions may be executed entirely on a user's computer, partly on a user's computer, as a stand-alone software package, partly on a user's computer and partly on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the latter case, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computer through any type of network (including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)), or may be connected to an external computer (e.g., through the Internet using an Internet service provider). In some embodiments, an electronic circuit, including, for example, a programmable logic circuit, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a programmable logic array (PLA), can execute the computer-readable program instructions by utilizing state information of the computer-readable program instructions to personalize the electronic circuit for performing aspects of the present invention.

[0074] Aspects of the present invention are described herein with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to embodiments of the invention. It will be understood that each block in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer-readable program instructions.

[0075] These computer-readable program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions executed via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus form means for implementing the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagrams. These computer-readable program instructions can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium that can direct a computer, a programmable data processing apparatus, and / or other devices to operate in a particular manner, such that the computer-readable storage medium storing the instructions comprises an article of manufacture that includes instructions for implementing aspects of the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0076] The computer-readable program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer, other programmable data processing apparatus, or other devices to cause a series of operational steps to be performed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices to produce a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions executed on the computer, other programmable apparatus, or other devices implement the functions / actions specified in the flowchart and / or one or more block diagrams.

[0077] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which includes one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by a special-purpose hardware-based system that performs the specified functions or actions or a combination of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0078] The description of the various embodiments of the present disclosure is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be exhaustive or limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terms used herein are chosen to explain the principles of the embodiments, the practical application or technical improvement over technologies found in the marketplace, or to enable other ordinary skilled persons in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A device, the device comprising: at least one sensor configured to detect at least one shape feature of a cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, wherein the at least one sensor is positioned at a distance from a container configured to hold the cuvette; and an insulating block configured to maintain the temperature of the at least one sensor within an operating temperature range of the at least one sensor.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor comprises an optical sensor.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the optical sensor is directed at the at least one shape feature.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the distance ranges from 2 mm to 30 mm.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein the distance is 16.5 mm.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein the temperature range is from -40°C to 120°C.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is located within an optical channel directed at the at least one shape feature.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is adjacent to an optical channel directed at the at least one shape feature.

9. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is adjacent to an optical tube directed at the at least one shape feature.

10. The device according to claim 1, wherein the container comprises at least one leak channel configured to collect leaked fluid and configured to direct the leaked fluid to waste.

11. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to be inoperable during a light scattering measurement of the sample.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is mounted on a printed circuit board assembly.

13. The device according to claim 12, wherein the printed circuit board assembly comprises a conformal coating to prevent moisture from damaging the electronics in the at least one sensor.

14. The device according to claim 13, wherein the printed circuit board assembly further comprises a relative humidity sensor to detect humidity levels exceeding a limit.

15. The device according to claim 12, wherein the printed circuit board assembly is connected to the insulating block.

16. A method, the method comprising: receiving, by a computer system, a first set of signals from a first sensor directed at a cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold a sample; receiving, by the computer system, a second set of signals from a second sensor directed at the cuvette; and performing, by the computer system, a set of logical operations that detect a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of a value of the first set of signals exceeding a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, a value of the second set of signals exceeding a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and The values of the first set of signals exceed the first sensor threshold and the values of the second set of signals exceed the second sensor threshold.

17. The method according to claim 16, wherein the signals in the first set of signals are functions of the angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the first sensor, the reflectivity of the cuvette, and the distance from the first sensor to the cuvette.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein the signals in the second set of signals are functions of the angle of the surface of the cuvette relative to the second sensor, the reflectivity of the cuvette, and the distance from the second sensor to the cuvette.

19. A system, the system comprising: a memory; and a processor, the processor communicating with the memory, the processor being configured to execute a method, the method comprising: receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor pointed at a cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold a sample, receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor pointed at the cuvette, and performing a set of logical operations, the set of logical operations detecting a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of the values of the first set of signals exceeding a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, the values of the second set of signals exceeding a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and the values of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and the values of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold.

20. A computer program product, the computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium having program instructions embodied therewith, the program instructions being executable by a processor to cause the processor to execute a method comprising: receiving a first set of signals from a first sensor pointed at a cuvette, wherein the cuvette is configured to hold a sample; receiving a second set of signals from a second sensor pointed at the cuvette; and performing a set of logical operations, the set of logical operations detecting a shape feature of the cuvette in response to at least one of the values of the first set of signals exceeding a first sensor threshold of the first sensor, the values of the second set of signals exceeding a second sensor threshold of the second sensor, and the values of the first set of signals exceeding the first sensor threshold and the values of the second set of signals exceeding the second sensor threshold.

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