Device for replenishing and loading closure of biological sample container

Abstract

A device (8) for replenishing and loading a plurality of closures (6) for closing a container (2) of biological material, comprising: a closure container (10) arranged to contain a plurality of closures (6) in bulk; a closure replenishment system (11) arranged to convey the closure (6) collected within the closure container (10) in a predetermined direction; a channel device (12) arranged to receive the closure (6) conveyed by the supplementation system (11) and to direct the closure (6) downstream of the channel device (12); and a slide (14) arranged to transfer the closures (6) from the channel means (12) towards a pick-up position, in which the closures (6) can be respectively picked up for application to respective containers (2) without closures (6) positioned at the working point (7).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for replenishing and loading caps for a plurality of containers for biological samples. Background Art

[0002] Nowadays, in the context of laboratory automation systems, automated equipment for closing containers (especially test tubes) containing biological materials is widely used, where the caps have been previously removed (i.e., the biological samples contained therein have been withdrawn), and thus these containers travel uncovered along the automatic conveyor of the automation system itself.

[0003] Generally, such equipment includes a device for replenishing and loading the caps for the above-mentioned closing, which receives the caps discharged into it manually or by means of an automatic system, and then guides the said caps one by one to a test tube closing device, which includes a movable head capable of grasping each individual cap and applying the cap to an uncapped test tube properly blocked in a position below the closing device.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to supply the caps from the container of the caps (i.e., the hopper) to the replenishing and loading device. As mentioned above, the caps are discharged manually or automatically into the hopper and are then lifted by means of a system that first agitates the caps themselves and then works by means of an engaging mechanism that allows the caps to rise.

[0005] Therefore, it is crucial to design a system that allows for the almost continuous replenishment and loading of caps.

[0006] There are known solutions in which a system of a movable comb sliding continuously on a fixed comb is used to achieve the purpose of lifting the caps. This solution aims to ensure the proper engagement of the caps by the replenishing system with a good statistical frequency. It should be noted that the caps must be engaged in the correct orientation, i.e., they should not immediately fall due to an imbalance with respect to the center of gravity of the cap.

[0007] In this regard, the applicant has obtained European Patent EP 2235545 B1, which describes a test tube closing device that employs a device for replenishing and loading such caps.

[0008] However, certain problems have arisen. Since it has been experimentally observed that known replenishment systems usually engage the caps with the correct orientation at a relatively low frequency, and thus it may take a rather long time before a new cap is engaged by the comb system, which, if at all, will lead to a deadlock where no more caps are lifted. This clearly reflects a deadlock related to the subsequent operation of the closed test tube, while the test tube is stuck on the automatic conveyor of the laboratory automation system waiting, which seriously impairs the operability and timeliness of the analysis that must be performed on biological samples.

[0009] The object of the present invention is to improve the known device for replenishing and loading the caps of test tubes, increase the continuity of its operation, and ensure a higher frequency of supplying caps to the closing device, that is, higher efficiency, and without the problems of the known solutions.

[0010] Another object is to ensure the structural compactness of the replenishing and loading device of the present invention, make it as space-saving as possible in the laboratory automation system, and ensure easier maintenance when needed.

[0011] Yet another object is to use materials that are easily obtainable and of low cost. Summary of the Invention

[0012] To achieve one or more of the above objects, the present invention relates to a device having the features described in claim 1 appended hereto.

[0013] Further advantageous features are indicated in the appended dependent claims.

[0014] The present invention also relates to a method having the features indicated in claim 13 appended hereto. Description of the Drawings

[0015] Other features and advantages of the present invention will result from the following description with reference to the drawings, which are provided purely by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

[0016] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device according to the present invention suitable for automatically closing containers of biological materials, the device including means for replenishing and loading caps,

[0017] Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the means for replenishing and loading caps described in the foregoing drawing after rotating the foregoing drawing by 180°,

[0018] Figure 3 and Figure 4 shows a side view of the details of the means for replenishing and loading caps according to the present invention in two consecutive activation stages,

[0019] Figure 5A 、Figure 5B , Figure 5C shows three separate views of further details of the device for replenishing and loading closures according to the present invention,

[0020] Figure 6 is another perspective view of the closure replenishment system according to the present invention,

[0021] Figure 7 shows a side view of the components described in the foregoing figures,

[0022] Figure 8 depicts details of the lower part of the closure replenishment system according to the present invention,

[0023] Figure 9 shows a cross-sectional view of details of the upper part of the closure replenishment system according to the present invention, and

[0024] Figure 10 , Figure 11 shows further detailed features of the device for replenishing and loading closures according to the present invention. Detailed Description

[0025] Referring to Figure 1 , a device 100 adapted to automatically close a container 2 of biological material is mounted on an automatic conveyor 1 of a laboratory automation system, which is capable of transporting such containers 2 (preferably test tubes) of biological material containing samples of biological material.

[0026] According to techniques known per se, the conveyor 1 includes a conveyor belt 3 which is responsible for automatically transporting the container 2 towards various modules (not shown in the figure) for processing and analyzing samples of biological material located upstream or downstream of the closing device 100 via a main route and a secondary route 4 of the conveyor belt 3, the main path and the secondary path being intended to properly direct the container 2 towards these modules.

[0027] The transport of the container 2 on the conveyor belt 3 is permitted by using a suitable test tube transport device 5 which ensures the verticality and stability of the test tube during its handling. Such a transport device 5 can be appropriately turned and stopped on the conveyor belt 3 as much as possible by means of suitable stop and steering devices included in the conveyor 1.

[0028] The container 2 can equally travel along the conveyor belt 3, the container being capped, i.e. a cylindrical closure 6 being applied at the opening of the container, or uncapped, i.e. without said closure 6, for example because a biological sample contained in the container 2 needs to be withdrawn by a module along this path.

[0029] The following discussion relates to initially uncapped containers 2 (preferably test tubes) which need to be recapped by reapplying the closure 6 , for example being directed to a module which needs to receive closed containers 2 .

[0030] According to a preferred application, each uncovered container 2 is conveyed along a secondary route 4 docking with a closing device 100 and stops at a working point 7 in a stable and upright position.

[0031] The device 100 suitable for automatically closing test tubes comprises means 8 for replenishing and loading caps and means 9 for closing test tubes and substantially follows what has already been shown in the applicant's aforementioned European patent EP 2 235 545 B1, with the differences that will become clearer from the description below.

[0032] Specifically, refer to Figure 2 , the device 8 for replenishing and loading the caps comprises:

[0033] a closure container 10 arranged to house the closures 6 to be used during a working cycle,

[0034] a closure replenishing system 11 arranged to deliver the closures 6 collected in the closure container 10,

[0035] a channel device 12 arranged to receive the caps 6 from the replenishing system 11 and to guide the caps 6 towards the loading chamber 13 ,

[0036] - a slide 14 arranged to transfer the closure 6 from the access device 12 to a pick-up position below the tube closing device 9 which is controlled to pick up the just transferred closure 6 and apply it to the container 2 stationary at the working point 7.

[0037] The device for replenishing and loading 8 further comprises at least one electronic control unit configured and programmed to control the activation of the various components.

[0038] The structural and functional details of the closing device 9 are known per se and are therefore not the object of the present invention.

[0039] The capping container 10 is arranged transversely with respect to the replenishing system 11 and is in communication therewith. Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4As shown, the capping container 10 has at least one inlet 10c and at least one inclined ramp 10a, 10b, through which the cap 6 is introduced, and said inclined ramps can promote the flow of the cap 6 towards the refill system 11. The cap 6 can be discharged into the container 10 manually by an operator or by a known type of automatic transport mechanism (not shown) in direct communication with the container 10 through the inlet 10c. In one or more embodiments, as Figure 3 , Figure 4 shown in the embodiment, the capping container 10 includes a first ramp 10a and a second ramp 10b. The cap 6 introduced through the inlet 10c can slide on the first ramp, and the second ramp extends below the first ramp 10a and is inclined in the opposite direction to receive the cap 6 from the first ramp 10a and guide the cap 6 towards the collection part of the refill system 11 (as Figure 8 , Figure 10 shown).

[0040] As Figures 3 - 5C shown, the device 8 includes a contact wall 20, which is positioned as an obstacle at the end or along said at least one inclined ramp 10a, 10b to gather the caps 6 along said at least one inclined ramp 10a, 10b and prevent the caps 6 from reaching the collection part included in the refill system 11 unobstructed. Referring to the shown embodiment, the contact wall 20 is positioned to interrupt the flow of the caps 6 along the second ramp 10b.

[0041] According to a further feature, the device 8 further includes at least one movable element 21, 210 spaced apart near the contact wall 20, which can move between a lowered position independent of the caps 6 gathered against the wall 20 and a raised position capable of moving the caps 6 in contact with the wall 20 to allow the caps 6 to cross over the contact wall 20 and fall into the collection part of the refill system 11.

[0042] In one or more embodiments, near the contact wall 20, especially along the side of the contact wall intended to contact the gathered caps 6, said at least one movable element includes a pallet 21 movable between a lowered position ( Figure 3 ) and a raised position ( Figure 4 ). The lowered position is independent of the caps 6 gathered against the wall 20, and the raised position can move the caps 6 in contact with and adjacent to the wall 20, so that they cross over the contact wall 20 and fall into the collection part of the refill system 11 (as Figure 8 , Figure 10 shown). Of course, in order to achieve the above-mentioned raised position of the pallet 21, the relevant inclined ramp 10b must have a corresponding opening to allow the pallet 21 to rise. At regular intervals, the electronic unit issues a command signal to raise the pallet 2 in order to guide the caps 6 into the system 11 downstream of the capping container 10.

[0043] According to a further preferred feature, the at least one movable element comprises a comb 210 ( Figures 3 - 5C ), the tooth comb passes through the holes (not visible in the figure) formed in the ramp 10b, thereby helping to further remove the cover 6 and facilitate the cover 6 to enter the gathering area downstream of the ramp.

[0044] Although the tray 21 and the comb 210 are shown in the drawings as being associated with a container having a dual ramp, it will be appreciated that the trays may be provided alone or in combination even in the case of a container having a single ramp.

[0045] In view of the above characteristics, it can be understood that, in operation, the cover 6 is substantially released gradually towards the replenishing system 11 , thus avoiding its blockage.

[0046] According to another feature, the closed container 10 is also equipped with a sensor 10d ( Figures 2 - 4 ) for identifying a situation where the number of closures 6 in the container 10 is below a predetermined threshold, and the sensor may preferably activate an alarm signal regarding the need to introduce (manually or automatically as described above) new closures 6 in the container 10.

[0047] On the other hand, Figure 8 As shown, a cap presence sensor 110 is present even at the base of the replenishing system 11, in particular at its cap collection portion, where the caps coming from said at least one ramp 10a, 10b are collected in order to identify the possible situation where the replenishing system 11 is completely out of caps 6, and it is therefore necessary to command the sending of new caps 6 to the replenishing system 11 by appropriately raising the pallet 21.

[0048] according to Figure 2 、 Figures 6 - 8 、 Figure 10 As shown, the replenishing system 11 comprises a closed loop belt 16 mounted on at least one pulley 190 and continuously driven by an electric motor 19. The belt 16 runs along an inclined or vertical direction relative to the vertical axis, starting from the base of the system 11, where a collection portion for receiving the closures 6 from the containers 10 is provided, until it reaches the inlet portion of the channel means 12. The portion of the belt located at the bottom of the loop forms a base surface ( Figure 8 、 Figure 10 ).

[0049] An embodiment provides for an inclination between 20° and 30°, preferably 25°.

[0050] according to Figure 7 、 Figure 9 、 Figure 10Another feature shown is that the belt 16 has a plurality of steps 17 along its entire inner surface. These steps are spaced apart from each other along the extension of the belt 16 and are arranged to engage the caps 6 gathered in the collection part and lift them upwards, i.e., towards the inlet part of the channel device 12. According to the illustrated embodiment, the steps 17 are substantially in the shape of a parallelepiped and are preferably made of a metallic material.

[0051] In a specific embodiment, the width dimension of each step 17 is approximately equal to 1 / 3 of the height of the replenished cap 6 in the vertical direction, which in any case is sufficient to ensure the engagement and proper lifting of the cap 6 when it is horizontally arranged, i.e., placing its cylindrical side surface 6a on the step 17.

[0052] In one or more embodiments, each cap 6 has a substantially flat outer surface 6b and an inner surface 6c. The outer surface faces outwards when mounted on the corresponding container 2, and the inner surface has a protruding profile for closing the container. With reference to these features, it should be noted that only when the caps 6 conveyed by the belt 16 engage the steps 17 respectively, can the caps conveniently continue to rise towards the inlet part of the channel device 12, such that the outer surface 6b of the cap itself rests on the belt 16 ( Figure 9 、 Figure 10 ). If the caps engage the lifting mechanism in the opposite posture, they will fall due to being unbalanced with respect to their own center of gravity. The falling of the caps is of course also affected by the inclination of the replenishment system 11, so this helps to replenish the caps only at the desired position, such that the caps then enter the channel device 12 while the outer surface 6b of the caps rests on the support surface 120 of the channel device 12 ( Figure 9 ).

[0053] The channel device 12 includes a channel mainly extending along a substantially vertical direction, whose dimensions are adapted to continuously receive a plurality of caps 6 conveyed by the belt 16 along the ascending path to the inlet part of the channel device 12 and guide the caps 6 towards the slider 14 along the descending path. The dimensions of the channel device 12 are substantially complementary to the dimensions of the caps 6 to avoid accidental tipping of the caps 6 when moving along the channel device 12, and the caps can at most rotate about their axes. The channel has a first main support surface 120 and a second main surface 121 opposite to the first surface, and the dimensions of the second main surface are adapted to accommodate the caps 6 along the outer surface 6b and the inner surface 6c respectively ( Figure 7 ). A pair of side walls laterally accommodate the caps 6 along the extension of the channel.

[0054] The entire path of the channel device 12 includes an upper section, a main section 12a, and a substantially C-shaped end section. The upper section is substantially parallel to the branch of the belt for the upward movement of the capping 6. The main section has an inclination between 55° and 65°, preferably 60°. The end section appropriately supplies the capping 6 to the loading chamber 13, that is, to the inner surface 6c resting on the housing 14a of the slider 14.

[0055] It should be noted that how the capping 6 is lifted from the base of the replenishment system 11 by means of the belt 16 rather than another capping, and thus the engagement of the capping by the step 17 during subsequent upward movement has a random characteristic and this engagement is the result of the continuous changing position of the capping 6 itself occurring in this part of the system 11 due to the continuous rotation of the belt 16. However, this is consistent with the fact that the exactly same capping 6 is discharged into the container 10, which makes the order in which the cappings reach the channel device 12 substantially irrelevant.

[0056] Each capping 6 terminates at the entrance of the channel device 12 along the upward path of the belt 16 until it encounters a suitably shaped profile 18 ( Figure 9 ) within the replenishment system 11, which causes the capping 6 to turn from the upward direction and fall within the channel device 12 due to gravity.

[0057] In some cases, it is necessary to deal with the blockage of the capping 6 rising from the belt 16 at the profile 18, which may cause a complete blockage of the belt slip. In this case, the electronic unit can be programmed and configured to activate the protection mechanism and stop the electric motor 19. In this case, then the belt 16 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction, which thus serves to release the blockage of the capping 6 (in this way, the capping falls back and then rises), and subsequently the belt 16 normally resumes rotation in the correct direction.

[0058] However, the situation of the capping 6 being blocked may also cause the belt 16 to slip on the pulley 190, such that the above protection mechanism is not activated. In this case, the sensor 160 consisting of the transmitter 160a and the receiver 160b ( Figure 7 、 Figure 8 ) still discerns after a predetermined amount of time (usually on the order of a few milliseconds) that the step 17 has not passed by the sensor 160 itself, because the belt 16 is stuck in the descending section. Again, the belt 16 is driven to rotate in the reverse direction to release the blockage of the capping 6 in a manner similar to that already described.

[0059] In operation, as the cap 6 rises from the replenishment system 11, there is an accumulation of caps 6 within the curved channel device 12, and according to the first-in, first-out logic, the caps slide towards the loading chamber 13, where the caps are appropriately picked up by the slider 14, which is preferably pneumatically actuated and which individually receives each cap 6 in a respective housing 14a( Figure 11 ). The slider 14 is actuated to transfer the caps 6 one by one preferably along a horizontal direction substantially parallel to the conveyor belt 3 until they become available for the test tube closing device 9.

[0060] According to a further feature, the channel device 12 has a first cap presence sensor 120a( Figure 7 ) which is located at a point near the end of the curved end path of the channel device itself, so as to discriminate a minimum number of caps 6 (preferably four, in addition to the cap already occupying the loading chamber 13), in order to ensure that the row of accumulated caps 6 has sufficient weight to guarantee that, after the slider 14 picks up the cap 6 currently occupying the chamber 13 itself, the subsequent caps 6 fall into the chamber 13.

[0061] According to a further feature, the channel device 12 also has a second cap presence sensor 120b( Figure 7 ) which is located exactly below the entrance of the channel device 12 (i.e., the drop point of the caps 6 ascending from the belt 16). This second sensor 120b discriminates the situation in which the channel device 12 is full and, therefore, since it cannot accommodate new caps 6, the operation of the belt 16 (more generally, of the replenishment system 11) must be stopped.

[0062] Once the caps 6 are provided to the test tube closing device 9, the test tube closing device provides the closing of the container 2 stopped at the working point 7 according to what has been described in European patent EP2235545B1 or is known from other similar devices.

[0063] Of course, the closing device 100 is able to appropriately perform the same operation on the continuously arriving still-uncovered containers 2 at the working point 7, even over short time intervals.

[0064] It is evident from the above description that, compared to known solutions, the use of the device for collecting and loading caps according to the present invention within a device capable of closing test tubes in a laboratory automation system provides a significant improvement in the continuity of cap agitation, particularly at the base of the collection system and, consequently, in the engagement and lifting of the caps, which results in the elimination of the deadlocks generated in known replenishment and loading devices, where, after a given amount of time, it may occur that the replenishment system no longer lifts the caps.

[0065] It is highly advantageous for there to be steps along the inner surface of the belt in the replenishment system because, compared to known solutions, during the continuous rotation of the belt, this position of course favors a greater likelihood that the caps will be engaged and lifted by the belt.

[0066] Furthermore, compared to known solutions, there are channel means capable of accommodating a plurality of caps that have just ascended, and even more so due to the curved profile of the length of the extension of this channel means, allowing a cap aggregation area with a greater capacity, which is ready to be provided to the tube closing device placed downstream, and which can be supplied at a greater frequency, resulting in an acceleration of the operation cycle for closing the uncapped tubes along the automated system, and resulting in their faster sending to any other processing module placed downstream.

[0067] Moreover, compared to known solutions where the replenishment and loading devices are typically hidden below the plane of the automatic conveyor of the automated system, the device according to the present invention is positioned on the plane of the conveyor itself, thus facilitating any maintenance operations on the conveyor and having a significantly reduced footprint.

[0068] Therefore, the research and experience carried out by the applicant show that the use of such replenishment and loading devices can significantly accelerate the flow of biological samples within a laboratory automation system, avoiding the deceleration associated with the operation of closing tubes containing the above-mentioned biological samples, in particular with replenishing the caps and sending them to the closing device.

[0069] Naturally, without prejudice to the principles of the present invention, the structural details and embodiments can vary greatly from what has been described and shown by way of example only, without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the present invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus (8) for replenishing and loading caps (6) onto containers (2) containing multiple enclosed biomaterials, comprising: - A cap container (10) arranged to accommodate a plurality of caps (6) in batches, - A cap replenishment system (11) in communication with the at least one cap container (10), arranged to convey the caps (6) collected within the cap container (10) along a predetermined direction, - Channel means (12) in communication with the replenishment system (11), arranged to receive the caps (6) conveyed by the replenishment system (11) and direct the caps (6) downstream of the channel means (12), - A slider (14) arranged to transfer the caps (6) from the channel means (12) towards a pick-up position, where the caps (6) can be individually picked up for application onto respective containers (2) without caps (6) positioned at a working point (7), - Wherein the cap container (10) includes at least one inlet (10c) and at least one inclined ramp (10a, 10b), the caps (6) are introduced through the inlet, and the inclined ramp is capable of facilitating the flow of the caps (6) towards the replenishment system (11), - Wherein the replenishment system (11) includes a closed-loop belt (16) that extends along a direction inclined or vertical with respect to the vertical axis, arranged to convey the caps (6) along an ascending path from a collection portion of the system (11) that receives the caps (6) from the cap container (10) towards an inlet portion of the channel means (12), - Wherein the belt (16) includes an inner contact surface with the caps (6), provided with a plurality of steps (17) spaced apart from each other along the extension of the belt (16), and arranged to respectively engage the caps (6) aggregated in the collection portion, - Wherein the channel means (12) includes a channel sized to continuously receive the caps (6) conveyed by the belt (16), including a row of aggregated caps (6), and directs the caps (6) from the inlet portion of the channel means (12) along a descending path towards the slider (14).

2. The apparatus (8) according to claim 1, including a contact wall (20) positioned at an end or along the at least one inclined ramp (10a, 10b) as an obstacle to aggregate the caps (6) along the at least one inclined ramp (10a, 10b) and prevent the caps (6) from freely reaching the collection portion of the replenishment system (11). The apparatus (8) further includes at least one movable element (21, 210) spaced apart from the contact wall (20), which can move between a lowered position and a raised position. The lowered position is not related to the caps (6) aggregated against the wall (20), and the raised position can move the caps (6) into contact with the wall (20) and allow the caps (6) to pass over the contact wall (20) by falling into the collection portion of the replenishment system (11).

3. The device (8) according to claim 2, comprising a cap presence sensor (110) placed at the collection part of the system (11), which is arranged to discriminate a situation where the refill system (11) is completely without a cap (6), and to emit a control signal to raise the at least one movable element (21, 210).

4. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cap container (10) comprises a sensor (10d), which is arranged to discriminate a situation where the number of caps (6) in the cap container (10) is below a predetermined threshold, and to activate an alarm signal regarding the need to introduce additional caps (6) into the cap container (10).

5. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The part of the inner surface of the belt (16) corresponding to the bottom of the ring itself forms the collection part of the system (11) for receiving caps (6) from the cap container (10).

6. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The belt (16) is inclined with respect to the vertical direction perpendicular to the conveyor belt (3) for transporting the container (2), with an inclination between 20° and 30°.

7. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each cap (6) comprises a substantially flat outer surface (6b) and an inner surface (6c), the outer surface being for facing outwards when mounted on the respective container (2), and the inner surface having a protruding profile for closing the container (2), wherein the configuration of the step (17) and the inclination of the belt (16) are for achieving that the respective caps (6) are transported to the channel device (12) only when the caps (6) are engaged by the step (17) with the outer surface (6b) of the cap (6) resting on the inner surface of the belt (16), so as to refill the caps (6) only according to the predetermined position of the caps themselves, such that they enter the channel device (12) with the outer surface (6b) of the cap (6) resting on the main support surface (120) of the channel.

8. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The cap container (10) comprises a first ramp (10a) and a second ramp (10b), the caps (6) introduced from the inlet (10c) being able to slide on the first ramp, and the second ramp extending below the first ramp (10a) and being inclined in the opposite direction to receive the caps (6) from the first ramp (10a) and to guide the caps (6) towards the collection part of the refill system (11).

9. The apparatus (8) according to claim 7, wherein, The channel comprises a second main surface (121) opposite to the first main support surface (120) and a pair of side walls, the second main surface being spaced apart from each other to accommodate a row of caps (6) along the outer surface (6b) and the inner surface (6c), and the side walls laterally accommodating the row of caps (6) along the length of the channel.

10. The apparatus (8) according to claim 7, wherein, The channel of the channel device (12) includes an upper section for moving the cap (6) upward from the collecting part towards the inlet part of the channel device (12) substantially parallel to the upward branch of the belt (16), a main section (12a) having an inclination between 55° and 65°, and a substantially C-shaped curved end section for providing the cap (6) to the slider (14) in a predetermined orientation, in particular, the inner surface (6c) resting on the housing (14a) of the slider (14).

11. The device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The channel device (12) includes a first cap presence sensor (120a) arranged to distinguish whether a minimum number of caps (6) are present in the channel, so as to ensure that an aggregated row of caps (6) has sufficient weight to ensure that subsequent caps (6) fall in the direction of the slider (14).

12. The device (8) according to claim 11, wherein, The channel device (12) includes a second cap presence sensor (120b) arranged to distinguish the situation where the channel is full of caps (6) and issue a stop signal to prevent the movement of the belt (16).

13. A method for closing a plurality of biological material containers (2) with corresponding caps (6), comprising the following steps: - Arranging the replenishing and loading device (8) according to any one of the preceding claims - Introducing a plurality of caps (6) into the cap container (10) - Operating the replenishing system (11) to convey the caps (6) collected in the cap container (10) along a predetermined direction - Aggregating a plurality of caps (6) in the channel - Activating the slider (14) to transfer the caps (6) from the channel device (12) towards the picking position, where the caps (6) can be picked up respectively to be applied to the corresponding containers (2) without caps (6) positioned at the working point (7).

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