Transfer device for a laboratory container

Abstract

Transfer device for laboratory vials for the automatic transfer of laboratory vials from a transport packaging containing a plurality of such vials, comprising: a vial feeder (20) for connection to the transport packaging after opening the packaging (2) in order to feed the vials (8) directly from the packaging (2) without manual contact, wherein the vial feeder (20) comprises a rotatable carousel (40) with a plurality of vial receiving points arranged on the carousel (40), each of which is designed to receive a single vial and, when the carousel (40) is operated, is designed to receive the vials from the opened packaging (2) into respective vial receiving points, wherein the carousel (40) can be operated to feed the vials from their respective vial receiving points to an output point; wherein the carousel has cutouts (44) in its outer edge (42) which form the vial receiving points; and wherein the vial feeder (20) is designed to connect to the packaging (2) such that the packaging (2) is held vertically with its open end pointing downwards and the feeder is arranged below the packaging (2) in order to receive vials from the open packaging (2) by gravity.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the automatic handling of laboratory containers, for example vials. background

[0002] Transferring containers, such as sample vials, from their transport packaging to a workbench, workroom, or autosampler in the laboratory has traditionally been a completely manual process. This manual handling is slow, inefficient, and represents a potential source of sample contamination.

[0003] Automated vial handling systems are common in industrial settings, such as the pharmaceutical industry, where a large hopper is sometimes filled with hundreds of vials, which can be discharged from the hopper to a downstream processing operation. However, these systems are designed for use on a very large scale and are not suitable for medium or low throughput transferring vials, perhaps only one at a time, from their small transport packaging to the workbench, the workroom, or an autosampler in the laboratory.

[0004] US 2009 / 0254214 A discloses a vial dispensing system, for example, for use with a drug delivery system that receives vials in a spiral feed chute while a plate disposed below the chute is rotated in one direction to move the vials along the chute for loading. When the plate is rotated in the opposite direction, the loaded vials can be dispensed from the chute and picked up by a vial transport system. However, the vials still need to be manually handled to load them individually into the feed chute, which is inefficient and leads to potential vial contamination.

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art. Summary of the invention

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a transfer device for laboratory vials for automatically transferring laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of these vials, comprising: a vial feeding device for connection to the transport package after opening of the package in order to feed the vials directly from the package without manual contact, wherein the vial feeding device comprises a rotatable carousel with a plurality of vial receiving locations arranged on the carousel, each intended to receive a single vial and, upon operation of the carousel, adapted to receive the vials from the opened package in respective vial receiving locations, wherein the carousel can be operated to feed the vials from their respective vial receiving locations to an exit location.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for automatically transferring laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of such vials, comprising: Opening the package to provide an open end of the package; Connecting the open end to a vial feeding device for connection to the transport package after opening of the package, wherein the vial feeding device comprises a rotatable carousel with a plurality of vial receiving locations arranged on the carousel, each intended to receive a single vial and, upon operation of the carousel, adapted to receive the vials from the opened package in respective vial receiving locations; Operating the carousel to feed vials directly from the package without manual contact, whereby the carousel guides the vials from their respective vial receiving stations to an output station.

[0008] According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a laboratory container transfer device for automatically transferring laboratory containers from a package containing a plurality of said laboratory containers, comprising: a container feeding device for connecting to a row of laboratory containers from the package to feed the containers directly from the row without manual contact.

[0009] The package containing the plurality of laboratory containers preferably contains the laboratory containers in a row-like arrangement, e.g., in an ordered (not random) arrangement. The row of laboratory containers is particularly preferably the row-like arrangement in the package, and the container feed device is thus preferably designed for connection to the package containing the plurality of laboratory containers after the package has been opened.

[0010] Furthermore, a laboratory container transfer device for automatically transferring laboratory containers from a package containing a plurality of these laboratory containers is disclosed, comprising: a container feeding device for connection to the package containing the plurality of laboratory containers after opening the package to feed containers directly from the package without manual contact.

[0011] The container feeding device preferably comprises a conveyor with a plurality of container receiving stations arranged on the conveyor, each of which is designed to receive a single laboratory container and, upon operation of the conveyor, is configured to receive the laboratory containers from the row (e.g., opened packaging) in respective receiving stations. The conveyor is configured to feed the laboratory containers from their respective container receiving stations to an exit point, i.e., a point at which they leave the conveyor. The containers can then be transferred to a receiving device for further processing.

[0012] It is an advantage of the invention that the laboratory containers can be fed directly and automatically without any manual contact (i.e., without touching by a human hand) from a bulk transport package to a feeding device and then delivered to a receiving device, for example a robotic system (e.g., autosampler or robotic handling system), a receiving means (e.g., tray or rack), or a processing device (e.g., printer or liquid dispensing device). This lack of manual handling eliminates a potential source of contamination. The user only has to open the package and connect the opened package to the feeding device, but does not have to touch any of the containers in the package. The device is thus an automatic laboratory container transfer device for the mechanical transfer of containers from a transport package.The containers are preferably aligned in a row-like arrangement within the package, so that correctly aligned containers are guided into a collection feeder for transfer to a receiving device. In addition to the benefits of reduced manual intervention and maintaining cleanliness, the invention also contributes to reducing breakage and handling errors, reducing container waste, and integrating the workflow because the containers can be fed directly to a further processing device.

[0013] When the package no longer contains any containers, the package can be separated from the feeder, e.g., for disposal. The feeder can then be connected to a fresh package containing a plurality of containers.

[0014] The container feeding device is preferably connected directly to the packaging so that the laboratory containers contained therein do not have to be first removed from the packaging in order to feed them to the feeding device. In other words, the containers are fed directly from their packaging to the feeding device. Thus, the device eliminates the need for the user to remove the containers from the packaging in a separate step. In another embodiment, a plurality of laboratory containers can be transferred as a row-like arrangement from the packaging into a carrier connected to the feeding device, so that the feeding device can transfer laboratory containers from the row to the carrier even though the containers have been removed from the packaging.

[0015] The container feeding device may comprise a recess or receiving space in which at least a part, preferably at least one end, of the package (the open end), optionally substantially the entire package, can be received, preferably in a close-fitting manner, so as to connect the package. In a preferred embodiment, the package is a rectangular cuboid and the container feeding device comprises a rectangular receiving space for receiving at least one end of the package in a close-fitting manner. A removable carrier, as described in more detail below, may also be provided, which has a receiving space for receiving at least a part of the package, optionally substantially the entire package, preferably in a close-fitting manner. Additionally or alternatively, the removable carrier may contain the row of containers, e.g.after they have been transferred from the packaging to the carrier.

[0016] The container feeding device may be connected to the packaging by clamps or other fastening to the packaging. Thus, the container feeding device preferably comprises one or more fastening elements, e.g. clamps, for fastening to the packaging. Resilient fastening elements are preferred. The packaging preferably has one or more recesses for receiving the one or more fastening elements. Alternatively or additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the device may further comprise a carrier which is inserted into the packaging (or into which the row of containers is transferred from the packaging), and the container feeding device may be fastened to the carrier for a more secure connection to the packaging (after opening the package). Thus, the container may have one or more fastening elements, e.g. clamps, for fastening to the carrier.The container feeding device may be fastened to the carrier by clamps or other fastening. In a preferred embodiment, the carrier has one or more fastening elements, e.g. clamps, for fastening to the container feeding device. Resilient fastening elements are again preferred. The container feeding device may be fastened to both the package and the carrier by clamps or other fastening. The carrier is preferably detached from the feeding device for insertion of the package into the carrier and for removal of the package from the carrier when the package is empty, and is preferably fastened to the feeding device when the package containing the plurality of containers is loaded on the carrier.

[0017] The laboratory containers can be, for example, vials, in particular glass sample vials, test tubes, bottles, flasks, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tubes, solid phase extraction (SPE) tubes, etc. Typically, the containers are vials. However, it is understood that the above list of containers does not limit the scope of the invention. The laboratory containers can generally be any vessel for holding a liquid or solid, in particular a liquid, laboratory sample. The laboratory samples are usually intended for examination using one or more analytical laboratory techniques. Autosampler vials, e.g., for chromatography, or other chromatography vials, which are usually made of glass, are a preferred type of container for which the invention is suitable.The dimensions of the containers are not a limiting factor, and the invention could be used with a wide variety of container sizes with appropriate scaling of the device components. The material from which the containers are made is not restricted and can be, for example, glass or plastic, but glass is preferred.

[0018] The packaging containing the plurality of these laboratory containers is preferably the packaging in which the containers are transported from a manufacturer or supplier to a customer or end user, i.e., it is preferably a transport packaging, i.e., a delivery packaging. The transfer device according to the invention is thus designed for use by a customer or end user. The packaging is typically a box, and usually a rectangular cuboid-shaped box. The box can be made of cardboard or other conventional packaging material. The containers are preferably packaged and aligned within the packaging.

[0019] It is desirable that the container packaging fits and can be connected to the container feeder. This allows the packaging, fully filled with containers, to be brought into an operating position with the feeder, allowing the containers to be removed individually from the packaging and transferred to the feeder.

[0020] For example, when the package is opened by the user, it presents an opening or open end. The package can then be connected to the container feeder with the open end adjacent to the feeder. The containers are transferred through the opening or open end of the package into the respective container receiving locations on the conveyor while the conveyor is moving.

[0021] The package is designed to be held vertically in use when connected to the feeder. The package is designed to be held upside down (i.e., with the open end facing down), with the feeder positioned beneath the package to receive containers from the open package under gravity. That is, containers from the package are fed to the feeder under gravity.

[0022] The conveyor is preferably designed to pick up the laboratory containers one after the other (individually) from the opened packaging into the respective container receiving locations on the conveyor. Furthermore, the conveyor is preferably designed to deliver the laboratory containers one after the other from their respective container receiving locations to the exit or receiving device.

[0023] The conveyor is a rotating carousel, i.e., a circular conveyor that rotates. A carousel can be a compact and robust conveyor and constructed as a fixed component with cutouts in its (circular) outer edge that form the container receiving points.

[0024] The container feeding device comprises a rotatable carousel with a plurality of container receiving stations arranged on the carousel, each of which is designed to receive a single laboratory container and, upon rotation of the carousel, is configured to receive the laboratory containers from the opened package into the respective container receiving stations. The rotatable carousel can be rotated to feed laboratory containers from their respective container receiving stations to an exit or receiving device.

[0025] The carousel is preferably designed not only to pick up the laboratory containers individually from the packaging or carrier into respective container receiving locations on the carousel, but also to transfer the laboratory containers one after the other from their respective container receiving locations to the exit or receiving device.

[0026] The feeding device, in particular its conveyor or carousel, is preferably connected in use to a drive for operating (rotating) the conveyor or carousel, which could be a manually operated drive, but is preferably a motorized drive. The drive is preferably controlled by a control unit, and in particular by an electronic control unit. The control unit may comprise a computer. The drive may, for example, be part of a base unit for positioning on a work surface. The feeding device is preferably a removable part that is connected to the base unit. The feeding device can be detached from the drive (e.g.by removing the feeder from the base unit), for example, when the feeder needs to be unloaded and / or when the feeder needs to be connected to a fresh package containing the laboratory containers. The feeder can then be reconnected to the drive (and the base unit), for example, when the feeder needs to be operated to dispense containers from the package.

[0027] Further preferred features of the invention include one or more of the following: a lock on the conveyor (carousel) to prevent accidental operation (rotation) of the conveyor (carousel), particularly when it is released from a drive on a base unit, e.g. a spring-loaded lock; a switch for checking for empty container receiving locations in the conveyor or carousel, particularly when it is rotating; and a position sensor for detecting the position of the conveyor or carousel during its movement or rotation, e.g. a rotary encoder.

[0028] Preferably, a robot system is provided, for example, on the aforementioned base unit, for transferring containers to a receiving device after they have left the exit of the feed device. Alternatively, the containers can be guided from the exit of the feed device directly to the receiving device. The device can thereby transfer the containers individually to any of the robot systems, receiving containers, or processing devices listed in the following non-exhaustive list, which are examples of receiving devices: 1. An autosampler rack 2. A storage rack for samples / compounds 3. A storage rack for samples / compounds 4. A crimper unit 5. A screw cap unit 6. A printed work 7. A label applicator 8. A liquid dispensing unit 9. A weighing unit 10. A tare weighing unit 11. A heating unit 12. A barcode reader

[0029] Any of the above systems, ie any of the robotic systems, receiving containers or processing devices, can be connected to the base unit to which the feeding device is connected so that they are integrated in its operation, or the transfer device can be used to load transport trays which are then moved, for example, by a robotic arm or an autosampler unit.

[0030] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0031] The invention may be put into practice in a number of ways, some of which will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Short description of the drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows an embodiment of a vial-containing package in a closed state ( Fig. 1A), a partially open state ( Fig. 1B) and an open state ( Fig. 1C). Fig. Figure 2 shows an arrangement in which the opened package is connected to a container feeding device according to the invention. Fig. Figure 3 shows an alternative arrangement according to the invention in which the package is inserted into a carrier, the carrier shown being guided by the container feed device into Fig. 3A is released and on the feed device in Fig. 3B is attached. Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of a connected container feeding device according to the invention with a package in its carrier, wherein the feeding device and the carrier are shown partially disassembled. Fig. 5 shows a similar view to Fig. 4, but with the packaging in transparent form, so that the multitude of bottles inside is visible. Fig. Figure 6 is a cutaway view of the container feeder showing an internal detail of a rotatable carousel in the feeder for feeding vials, with a lock to prevent accidental rotation of the carousel and with a position sensor to determine the position of the carousel. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an overall workflow in which a container feeding device according to the invention is shown in an operating position in a base unit, which in turn is connected to a printing unit. Fig. Figure 8 shows a cutaway view of a container feeding device according to the invention in position in a base unit as in Fig. 7, in which the section shows vials being transferred from their packaging by the container feeder and emerging on rollers for orientation and preparation for pickup by a transport assembly on a robotic arm. Fig. Figure 9 shows a transport device on a robot arm which has moved a selected vial to a printing station, wherein a heated printing block is in its raised (non-contact) position ( Fig. 9A) and is shown in its lowered (touch) position ( Fig. 9B). Fig. 10 shows the transport arrangement from Fig. 9, which ejects a printed vial into a receiving system. Fig. 11 shows a workflow with an operation according to the invention. Detailed description of specific embodiments

[0032] Referring to Fig. 1A shows a package 2 containing a plurality of vials. A standard package size contains, for example, 96 vials. The package is used for transporting the vials from the manufacturer or supplier to the end user in the laboratory. The package is made of a conventional, inexpensive material and is produced in a cutting and folding process. The package is generally a rectangular cuboid-shaped box with an openable cover 4 at one end. The cover 4 is closed for transport with a clip 6 on the cover, which is attached to one side of the package. For transport, the entire package can be protected from the ingress of dust with a removable thin transparent film.

[0033] When the vials need to be used, first remove the transparent film and then open the cover 4 by opening the clamp 6 and pulling the cover as shown in Fig. 1B is shown is subtracted. Fig. Figure 1C shows the completely removed cover 4 with the uniformly packaged and aligned vials 8 inside, visible through the open end. The package further includes a recess 10 on one side adjacent to the open end and an identical recess on the opposite side (not visible). The purpose of this recess will become clear in the following description.

[0034] Referring to Fig. 2, the packaging 2 in Fig. 1 has such dimensions that it can be connected to a container feeder 20. The feeder is described in more detail below. The feeder 20 comprises a housing 21 comprising two halves 21a and 21b, which are fastened together, for example, with the screws 23 shown. The housing 21 of the feeder carries two elastic clamps 22 (of which Fig. 2 only one is visible), which fit into the respective recesses 10 on the package to secure the package to the feeding device. The feeding device 20 also has a receiving space in the form of a recess 25 in its upper side, which has such dimensions and a such shape (rectangular) that it can receive the open end of the package 2 in a tight manner. The open end of the Fig. The end of the package 2 shown in Figure 1C is therefore connected to the feeder 20. In this way, vials can be picked up from the package by the feeder as described below. Fig. Figure 2 shows the orientation of the feeder 20 and the package 2 in use, i.e. with the package inverted so that its open end points downwards and the feeder lies beneath the package (beneath its open end) to allow vials to be fed from the package under gravity. It will be understood that when the cover is removed, the package is normally positioned so that its cover is on top (so that no vials can fall out of the opened package) and the package is only inserted into the Fig. 2 shown position is reversed when the feeding device is connected to the packaging.

[0035] In an alternative arrangement, which Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B, the package 2 can be inserted into a carrier 30. The carrier is robust and supports the package and assists in connecting the package to the feeding device 20. This makes handling of the package easier and safer, particularly when connecting the package to the feeding device. The carrier may have a handle 38. The carrier 30 is preferably a rigid body, e.g. made of plastic, with a recess or receiving space, which in this case is rectangular, for accommodating the package. The open end of the package remains free when the package is inserted into the carrier. The carrier 30 also has elastic clips 32 which are fastened over the recess 24 on the container feeding device 20, as in Fig. 3B. The clamps 22 on the feeder 20 still fit into the recesses 10 in the package 2 because the carrier has cutouts 34 on its sides to allow access to the recesses 10 of the package. The clamps 22 on the feeder extend through openings 36 in the clamps 32 of the carrier so that they can reach the recesses 10. In Fig. 3A, the receiving space 25 in the top of the feeder is better visible. The receiving space 25 has dimensions and a shape suitable for snugly receiving the open end of the package 2. The shape of the space 25 is rectangular to accommodate the rectangular cuboid-shaped package.

[0036] Referring to Fig. Figure 4 shows a view of the connected container feeder 20 and the package 2 in its carrier 30, wherein the feeder 20 and the carrier 30 are shown partially disassembled to show the internal components. The carrier 30 consists of two modular halves that are fastened together, e.g., with screws passing through screw holes 33 in each half. One of the modular halves of the carrier 30 has been Fig. 4 and the other half holds the packaging 2. In the feeding device 20, one half of the housing 21a was removed (after removing the screws 23 in Fig. 2), so that the housing half 21b remains. In the housing 21 of the feeder is a rotatable carousel 40, which includes a plurality of cutouts 44 (three of which are indicated) in its outer edge 42. The cutouts 44 are arranged at equal distances around the edge of the carousel. The cutouts 44 are sized to accommodate a vial from the package in each cutout. Thus, the carousel functions as a vial selector. By means of two lugs 45 projecting from the center of the carousel 40, the carousel can be mounted in a base unit, as will be described hereinafter. The lugs 45 project through an opening in the housing 21 of the feeder, as shown in Fig. 2 can be seen.

[0037] Fig. 5 shows the view from Fig. 4, but with the packaging 2 in transparent form, so that the row of vials 8 inside is visible.

[0038] When the carousel 40 is rotated about an axis 48 in a direction indicated by the arrow 49, the cutouts 44 are thus rotated so that the vials 8 from the package are successively received in each of the cutouts 44 in the carousel as the cutouts pass the open end of the package. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the vertically arranged and inverted opened package 2 results in the vials being fed to the carousel under gravity. The vials 8, which are individually held in respective cutouts 44, are thereby guided around by the rotating carousel until each cutout reaches an exit of the feeding device in the form of an opening 27 in the housing 21 of the feeding device. A switch can check for empty cutouts as the carousel rotates. The exit opening 27 is located on the side of the carousel opposite the open package. As shown in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 2, the feeder and associated package are arranged vertically in use, so that the outlet 27 is located at the bottom of the feeder, allowing each vial to fall (under gravity) from the exit opening as it reaches it. The cutouts, which are empty when their vials fall from the exit opening, are advanced as the carousel rotates, eventually picking up fresh vials from the package and continuing the process.

[0039] In an alternative embodiment not shown, the row of vials could be taken from a package, similar to package 2, into a carrier, similar to carrier 30, without manual handling and then fed from the carrier into the feeding device 20. By removing one of the large sides of the package to expose the vials and bringing them into contact with one half of the carrier, the vials can be transferred into the carrier, for example, as a row. The other half of the carrier can then be placed on top of the first half to enclose the transferred vials in the carrier. When the carrier is connected to the feeding device, the vials can be fed directly from the contained row.

[0040] Referring to Fig. Figure 6 shows a cutaway view of the container feeder 20, showing an internal detail of the carousel 40, which includes a lock 50 for preventing accidental rotation of the carousel. The lock 50 is spring-loaded. The lock comprises a center piece 52 that slides within a central bore 41 in the carousel 40. The center piece 52 has two projections 58 projecting therefrom. The center piece 52 of the lock is biased within the bore 41 of the carousel 40 by a spring 54 disposed within the bore. The spring 54 biases the lock so that the projecting projections 58 engage the openings 23 in the housing 21 surrounding the carousel, specifically, one side 21a of the housing. When the locking mechanism is pre-tensioned in this way, the lugs engaging in the housing 21 prevent rotation of the carousel.When the feeder 20 is removed from its operating position (i.e., when it is no longer in its base station as described hereinafter), a user can press into the center portion 52 of the lock to thereby release the lugs 58 from engagement with the apertures 23 in the housing 21 and manually rotate the carousel to empty the feeder of vials, i.e., unload them, if desired. When the feeder 20 is positioned in use as described hereinafter, the lock is pushed inward to allow the carousel to be rotated by the drive. In . Fig. 6 also shows a position sensor 60 on the carousel for detecting the carousel's rotational position. The position can be input into a control unit of the device (not shown). The control unit can also control the drive and thus parameters, such as the feed speed (e.g., the rotational speed of the carousel) of the device, based on the speed set by a user.

[0041] Fig. Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of an overall workflow in which a container feeding device 20 is connected to a packaging carrier 30 which is provided with an opened packaging 2 according to Fig. 1 to 6. The container feeding device 20 is mounted vertically (with the inverted package 2 in its upper side) in an operating position on a base unit 70, which in turn is connected to a printing unit 80. The base unit 70 can, for example, be arranged on a work surface. The base unit comprises a drive (not shown) for operating (i.e., rotating) the carousel 40 of the feeding device 20, which could be a manually operated drive, but in this preferred example is a motorized drive. When the feeding device is connected to the drive on the base unit, the drive is controlled by an electronic control unit (not shown), which preferably comprises a computer. When the drive rotates the carousel, the position of the carousel is determined by the position sensor 60 and passed to the control unit.The control unit thus receives information about which receiving points on the carousel have delivered vials to the exit. The container feeder 20 can be detached from the base unit 70, for example, so that it can be connected to a fresh package of vials and / or for maintenance purposes.

[0042] With reference to Fig. Figure 8 is a cutaway view showing details of a container feeder 20 according to the invention in position in the base unit 70. The cutaway shows the feeder 20 with one half of its housing 21 removed so that the carousel 40 inside is visible. The carousel 40 has an integral toothed lug 62 which can be driven, i.e. rotated, by engagement with the drive of the base unit 70. As the carousel is rotated in this way, vials 8 are fed one after the other from their packaging 2 into the cutout receiving locations in the carousel and guided by the carousel to the exit 27 of the feeder, after which the vials fall one after the other from the feeder.

[0043] In the workflow embodiment shown in this example for a printing unit, the vials leave the feeder 20 on a pair of rollers 72 (only one of which is visible in the drawing) to orient the vial 8' and prepare it for pickup by a carriage assembly on a robotic arm 74. Optionally, the rollers 72 may rotate the vial 8' until a correct orientation is achieved, e.g., until an optical sensor 75 locates an edge (e.g., an edge of a label or writing area 9 on the vial). When the vial 8' is correctly oriented, a pair of robotic jaws 77, which are part of the carriage on the robotic arm, close on the oriented vial, thus holding it in position. The carriage is then driven to the printing unit 80.

[0044] Fig. Figure 9A shows the vial 8' after its transfer to the printing unit 80. A dye sublimation type printing process is preferably used to mark the vials, for example as described in WO 2013 / 059568. A dye-carrying printed ribbon 82 is moved, for example, by rollers into the correct position near the vial 8' and under a heated block 84. The block 84 is as shown in Fig. 9B, wedging the ribbon between the block and the vial. The dye from the ribbon evaporates and is transferred to the writing surface (label or marking area) of the vial. After printing, the block is moved upward and away from the printed vial. In this way, vials can be printed with any suitable label and legend. A ribbon magazine that slides into position can be used to facilitate insertion of the ribbon into the device by a user.

[0045] As in Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B, at least one jaw 77 of the transport assembly finally opens so that the printed vial 8' is ejected and guided by a chute 88 into a collection system or point (not shown) for the user.

[0046] The workflow may optionally include a filter for broken vials. If a vial breaks during the transfer process to the printing unit 80, the robot jaws 77 cannot properly grip it because they cannot close enough to grasp the vial. As the vial is moved from the jaws, it passes through a filter station, where the broken vial falls to the bottom under gravity. The filter station could also be used to discard vials that fail an inspection or test before being moved to the printing unit.

[0047] It is understood that instead of one container feeder connected to a printing unit, as shown in the accompanying figure, two or more container feeders could be used with one printing unit, e.g., with appropriate coordination of the transfer of vials to the printing unit. For example, a vial from one feeder could be prepared for printing (e.g., alignment and transfer of the vial) while a vial from another feeder is being printed. Thus, multiple feeders could provide increased throughput. For applications and markets where throughput is less important, a single feeder could be used.

[0048] In the field of chromatography, most analyses are performed using 12 mm x 32 mm glass autosampler vials. These vials are cylindrical in shape and are typically supplied in bulk packs or trays, usually containing approximately 100 units. The transfer of these vials from their shipping packaging to the chromatography run is currently a manual process. Even though the workflow includes sample processing, liquid transfer, and analysis in automated instruments such as autosamplers, the transfer from the packaging to the autosampler device is still manual. Manual transfer at this stage can introduce quantitative errors due to sample loss, vial damage, and sample contamination. However, the inventive delivery device enables a fully automated process, thereby reducing the aforementioned problems.Laboratory containers, such as vials, can be transferred directly from their packaging to an automated instrument without manual handling.

[0049] The present invention is not limited to the single instrument illustrated above, i.e., an instrument comprising a printing mechanism, but can also be used, with only minor modification, to feed individual vials into a variety of different collection formats, referred to herein as receptacles. This can allow direct manipulation on a variety of different devices. Several examples of vial receptacles will now be described. 1. Autosampler trays / storage of samples / compounds: Most instruments can utilize SBS footprint trays or plates that can accommodate, for example, between 40 and 50 vials. The inventive feeding device can be used to automatically guide vials into such plates without manual intervention. 2. Automatic crimping: The use of electronic and pneumatic crimping tools has eliminated the need for manual force to properly close the crimp on vials, but in most cases, vials are still manually inserted into the crimper's jaws. For many years, the integration of a vial feeder and crimper was only found in large-scale pharmaceutical packaging, but not in medium or small laboratory applications. 3. Automatic assembly of vials with screw caps and caps. 4. Automatic weighing, e.g. tare weighing.

[0050] The advantages of the present invention are the lack of manual intervention, increased cleanliness, a reduction in breakage and handling errors, a reduction in vial waste and an integration of the workflow.

[0051] From the specific embodiments above, a generalized or high-level workflow incorporating the process of the present invention becomes apparent. Such a generalized workflow is shown in Fig.11. Vials packaged by a supplier 100 and transported in their packaging (step 101) ultimately arrive at the user in a fully filled tray or an array of multiple vials 102. The array of vials is loaded (in step 103) into a hopper 104, which may comprise the packaging carrier described above and / or a separate carrier. The hopper is connected to the vial transfer device or feeder 106 (step 105). The vial transfer device detects the pickup of the vials (step 107) and provides for individual vial transport 108. An operation such as rotation of the transfer device (step 109) enables the vials to be delivered to an instrument or receiving device 110. The vials may then be processed depending on the type of instrument or receiving device (step 111).For example, the method may include one or more of the following operations: analysis, identification, closure, addition of samples, counting and weighing 112.

[0052] The embodiments described above are merely examples of devices according to the invention. It is understood that various modifications to the illustrated embodiments are possible and still remain within the scope of the invention.

[0053] As used herein, including in the claims, singular forms of terms used herein shall be construed as including the plural form, and vice versa, unless the context indicates otherwise. Unless the context indicates otherwise, a reference to the singular, e.g., "a" or "an" means "one or more."

[0054] In the description and claims of this specification, the words "comprise", "including", "having" and "containing" and their variations, for example, "comprising" and "comprises", etc., mean "including but not limited to" and are not intended to exclude (and do not exclude) any other components.

[0055] It is understood that modifications to the above embodiments of the invention are possible and still remain within the scope of the invention. Unless otherwise stated, any feature disclosed in this specification may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent, or similar purpose. Thus, unless otherwise stated, each disclosed feature is merely one example of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0056] The use of any examples or exemplary language ("for example," "such as," "for example," "e.g.," and the like) herein is merely intended to better illustrate the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as referring to any unclaimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0057] All steps described in this specification may be performed in any order or simultaneously, unless otherwise stated or the context requires otherwise.

[0058] All features disclosed in this specification may be combined in any combination, except for combinations where at least some of these features and / or steps are mutually exclusive. In particular, the preferred features of the invention are applicable to all aspects of the invention and may be used in any combination. Similarly, features described in non-essential combinations may be used separately (not in combination).

Claims

[1] Transfer device for laboratory vials for the automatic transfer of laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of these vials, comprising: a vial feeding device (20) for connection to the transport package after opening of the package (2) in order to feed the vials (8) directly from the package (2) without manual contact, wherein the vial feeding device (20) comprises a rotatable carousel (40) with a plurality of vial receiving locations arranged on the carousel (40), each of which is intended to receive a single vial and, when the carousel (40) is operated, is designed to receive the vials from the opened package (2) in respective vial receiving locations, wherein the carousel (40) can be operated to feed the vials from their respective vial receiving locations to an output location; wherein the carousel has cutouts (44) in its outer edge (42) forming the vial receiving locations; and wherein the vial feeding device (20) is adapted to be connected to the package (2) such that the package (2) is held vertically with its open end downwards and the feeding device is arranged below the package (2) to thereby receive vials from the open package (2) under gravity. [2] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the vial supply device (20) has a receiving space (25) for receiving at least one end of the package (2) in a closely fitting manner. [3] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 2, wherein the package is a rectangular cuboid and the vial feed device (20) has a rectangular receiving space (25) for receiving at least one end of the package (2) in a close-fitting manner. [4] Transfer device for laboratory vials according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the container feeding device (20) has one or more fastening elements for its attachment to the package (2). [5] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 4, wherein the package (2) has one or more recesses (10) for receiving the one or more fastening elements. [6] A transfer device for laboratory vials according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a carrier (30) into which the package (2) is inserted. [7] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 6, wherein the carrier (30) has one or more fastening elements for attaching it to the vial feeder (20). [8] A laboratory vial transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vials are glass vials. [9] A laboratory vial transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the package (2) is a rectangular cuboid box and the vials are packed and aligned in the box. [10] A laboratory vial transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carousel (40) is adapted to receive the laboratory vials one at a time in respective vial receiving locations on the carousel (40) and is operable to deliver the vials one at a time from their respective vial receiving locations to the exit (27). [11] A laboratory vial transfer device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the carousel (40) can be connected to a drive for rotating the carousel (40). [12] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 11, wherein the drive is part of a base unit and the vial feeder (20) is a removable part that is connected to the base unit. [13] The laboratory vial transfer device of claim 12, further comprising a lock on the carousel (40) for inadvertent rotation of the carousel (40) when not connected to the drive on a base unit (70). [14] A transfer device for laboratory vials according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a position sensor (60) for detecting the position of the carousel (40) as it rotates. [15] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 12 or 13, wherein a robot system is provided on the base unit to transfer the vials to a receiving device after they have reached the exit point. [16] A laboratory vial transfer device according to claim 15, wherein the receiving device is selected from the group consisting of the following receiving devices: a printing unit (80); an autosampler rack; a sample / compound storage rack; a crimper unit; a screw cap unit; a label applicator; a liquid dispensing unit; a weighing unit; a tare weighing unit; a heating unit; and a barcode reader. [17] A method for automatically transferring laboratory vials from a transport package containing a plurality of these vials, comprising: Opening the package (2) to provide an open end of the package (2); Connecting the open end to a vial feed device (20) for connection to the transport packaging after opening the packaging (2), wherein the vial feed device (20) comprises a rotatable carousel (40) with a plurality of vial receiving locations arranged on the carousel (40), each of which is intended to receive a single vial and, when the carousel (40) is operated, is designed to receive the vials from the opened packaging (2) in respective vial receiving locations; Operating the carousel to feed the vials directly from the package (2) without manual contact, whereby the carousel (40) guides the vials from their respective vial receiving locations to an exit location; wherein the carousel (40) has cutouts (44) in its outer edge (42) forming the vial receiving locations; wherein the vial feeding device (20) is adapted to be connected to the package (2) such that the package (2) is held vertically with its open end downwards and the feeding device is arranged below the package (2) to thereby receive vials from the open package (2) under gravity.

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