Locking assembly for a measuring system

Abstract

To provide a suitable locking assembly for a measuring system.SOLUTION: The present disclosure is directed in one aspect to a lock assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly includes a ramp block having one or more slots defined therein and configured to at least partially receive a portion of a sample tube assembly. The ramp block also includes a plurality of surface features defined therealong and configured to engage and move the sample tube assemblies toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. The lamp block is further movable between a plurality of positions, including an open position for allowing the sample tube assemblies to be received through the one or more slots or openings, and a closed position that substantially seals the sample tube assemblies against or within the sample manifold. Other aspects are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 623,168, filed January 29, 2018.

[0002] The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 623,168, filed January 29, 2018, is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes to the same extent as if set forth herein in its entirety.

[0003] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed generally to measurement systems, and more particularly to locking assemblies for securing sample tube assemblies within a sample manifold of a measurement system. Other aspects are also described. [Background technology]

[0004] Loading one or more sample tubes into a receiving manifold of a measurement system can be cumbersome or difficult. For example, loading or attaching a sample tube can sometimes require handling multiple loose parts using only one hand. The sample tube may also be extremely hot or cold to the touch due to the use of hot or cold gases or liquids in the sample testing and / or heating or cooling of the sample tube, which can cause the sample tube to be dropped and damaged. In addition, such sample tubes are typically attached or loaded into many types of measurement systems by, for example, rotating one or more threaded connectors via the sample tube's collet nut, and the rotation can cause damage to the sample tube or the sealing mechanism attached thereto due to, for example, friction between the surfaces of the measurement system and the sample tube or sealing mechanism. Friction from the rotation can further damage the sample tube and / or tear, strip, or otherwise damage any sealing member attached thereto, potentially causing leakage or seal failure during testing. The sample tube retention mechanism may further be over- or under-rotated during loading, causing inconsistent loading (e.g., over- or under-compression) of the seal member, which may result in an insufficient seal or damage to the sample tube and / or seal member. It should therefore be appreciated that a need exists for a locking assembly for a sample tube assembly that allows for ease of installation, promotes the application of a substantially consistent force or stress between the sample tube assembly and the manifold, and addresses other related and unrelated challenges or problems in the art. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Briefly, the present disclosure is directed, in one aspect, to a locking assembly configured to secure a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system. The locking assembly may include a ramp block movable between a plurality of positions for receiving the sample tube assembly and securing it to the sample manifold. The ramp block may include a body with one or more slots defined therein for receiving at least a portion of the sample tube assembly. The ramp block may further include surface features (e.g., including angled or sloped surfaces) configured to engage and move the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold as the ramp block is moved between the plurality of positions.

[0006] In one embodiment, the plurality of positions can include an open position in which the ramp block is positioned / arranged to allow a sample tube assembly to be received within the ramp block or to pass through one or more slots or openings therein. The plurality of positions can also include one or more intermediate positions, such as a semi-closed position or other intermediate positions in which the sample tube assembly is retained within the sample manifold but only a partial seal or no complete seal is made between the sample manifold and the sample tube assembly, although the plurality of intermediate positions can also include other positions in which no seal is made between the sample tube assembly and the sample manifold. The plurality of positions can additionally include a closed position in which the sample tube assembly is substantially sealed to or within the sample manifold, in a state that allows testing of one or more samples received therein, with the sample tube assembly in a locked position.

[0007] Additionally, the locking assembly may include a lever mechanism or other actuator, such as a motor or other suitable actuator, operable to move the ramp block between a plurality of positions. The lever mechanism may be in communication with a drive shaft that is communicatively coupled to the ramp block and drives its movement.

[0008] Further, the locking assembly can include a feedback assembly for positioning the ramp block and providing tactile feedback to a user to indicate that the ramp block is in a specific position, e.g., an open position, a semi-closed position, a closed position, or another suitable intermediate position or location. In one embodiment, the feedback assembly can include a plurality of detents defined along the drive shaft and a plunger assembly mounted adjacent thereto. The plunger assembly can include a spring-loaded plunger that can be selectively received in the detents and provide tactile feedback to the user. The plunger assembly and detents can further help to hold the locking assembly in a specific position, e.g., an open position, a semi-closed position, a closed position, or another suitable intermediate position or location. In one exemplary embodiment, the feedback assembly can be in communication with a controller, control system, or other computing device operably connected thereto and having a processor that provides feedback to a user, such as to notify the user that a sample tube is or is not properly disposed / sealed within the sample manifold.

[0009] In one exemplary embodiment, the sample tube assembly can include a U-shaped sample tube each having a pair of legs with an opening in its upper portion for receipt of one or more samples therein. The sample tube assembly can additionally include one or more sealing members, such as O-rings, formed from an elastomer or other sealing material that are substantially self-retaining, e.g., sized to be at least partially received in a seat along the upper portion of the sample tube assembly.

[0010] The sample tube assembly may also include a collet assembly that can be at least partially received around the legs of the sample tube. The collet assembly may include collets that can be attached to one another using, for example, a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism may have front and rear clamping portions that are attached or clamped together using fasteners. The legs of the sample tube may be at least partially received between the connected collets and held in place by an O-ring received on the protruding end of the leg of the sample tube. Each collet may have a body with a groove or notch defined therein along / adjacent its top, which notch or groove may be sized, dimensioned, or otherwise configured to receive at least a portion of the ramp block. The notch / groove may further contact or conform to a surface feature of the ramp block. A shoulder or surface may be defined for engagement.

[0011] In one example, one or more surface features of the ramp block can be shaped, constructed, or otherwise configured to contact or engage with the collet assembly (e.g., a shoulder or surface defined by a notch / groove) to move or urge the sample tube assembly toward and / or into the sample manifold. For example, the ramp block can include a stepped upper surface having multiple generally flat portions with sloped or angled sections or portions positioned therebetween, which generally can correspond to open, closed, or other intermediate positions.

[0012] With the ramp block in the open position, the leg of a sample tube with the collet attached thereto can be at least partially received through an opening defined in the ramp block. The lever / actuating mechanism can be activated to move the ramp block to a semi-closed position or other intermediate position, where one or more sloped / angled sections of the ramp block at least partially engage a shoulder or face of the collet, moving the sample tube toward and / or at least partially into the sample manifold. The lever / actuating mechanism can further be activated to move the ramp block toward a closed position, where as the ramp block is moved, one or more sloped or angled sections of the ramp block engage a shoulder or face of the collet, moving the sample tube further into the sample manifold and forcing the seal member against one or more engagement surfaces defined along the borehole in the sample manifold to substantially seal the sample tube assembly therein. Additionally, as the lever / actuation mechanism is activated to move the ramp block between its positions, e.g., open, semi-closed, closed, and / or various intermediate positions, a spring-loaded plunger may be received in a detent on the drive shaft to provide tactile feedback regarding the position of the ramp block. The engagement between the plunger and the detent may further help to hold or support the ramp block in each of its positions.

[0013] As a result, a sample tube assembly can be reliably loaded into the sample manifold assembly even when supporting the sample tube assembly with only one hand. Also, the sample tube or seal member can be brought into sealing engagement with a surface of the sample manifold without rotation, for example, using a generally linear motion / translation, which can prevent or minimize damage and / or wear to the sample tube assembly or the seal member attached thereto (e.g., prevent tearing or stripping of the seal member) and improve the operational life of the sample tube assembly and seal member. Additionally, the locking assembly of the present disclosure can facilitate the application of a substantially consistent force or stress to the sample tube assembly, e.g., between the seal member and the sample manifold, each time a sample tube is loaded, preventing, for example, over- or under-compression of the seal member. The locking assembly, therefore, can further help ensure a proper seal between the sample tube assembly and the sample manifold and can also help reduce, minimize, or prevent damage to the seal member due to over-compression / overloading thereof.

[0014] Various objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The present invention provides, for example, the following. (Item 1) 1. A measurement system comprising: A base plate and a sample tube assembly configured to receive one or more sample tubes; a sample manifold connected to the base plate and configured to receive the sample tube assembly such that the sample tube assembly is communicatively coupled to the measurement system; and a locking assembly for securing the sample tube assembly to the sample manifold, the locking assembly comprising: a ramp block including: a body having one or more slots defined therein, the slots configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly; and a plurality of surface features defined along the body and configured to urge the sample tube assembly into engagement with the sample manifold, the ramp block being movable along the base plate between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including an open position in which a portion of the sample tube assembly is received through or removed from at least one of the one or more slots, and a closed position in which the sample tube assembly is substantially sealed against or within the sample manifold for testing of the one or more samples received in the sample tube assembly. a locking assembly comprising: A measurement system comprising: (Item 2) Item 1, wherein the plurality of positions further includes at least one intermediate position in which the sample tube assembly is engaged within the sample manifold without forming a substantially complete seal between the sample manifold and the sample tube assembly. (Item 3) Item 10. The measurement system of item 1, wherein the surface features of the ramp block include a slanted, angled, or sloped surface arranged on an upper surface of the body of the ramp block. (Item 4) Item 1, wherein the ramp block further includes a plurality of substantially flat surfaces defined along the upper surface of the body at locations substantially corresponding to the open and closed positions of the ramp block. (Item 5) Item 2. The measurement system of item 1, wherein the locking assembly further comprises an actuation assembly including an operating lever for moving the ramp block between its multiple positions. (Item 6) Item 6. The measurement system of item 5, wherein the actuation assembly further includes a drive shaft rotatably coupled to the base plate and operably connected to the operating lever, and a lever arm pivotally connected to the base plate and coupled to the drive shaft and the ramp block, for driving movement of the ramp block in response to actuation of the operating lever. (Item 7) 7. The measurement system of claim 6, further comprising a feedback assembly including a plunger assembly mounted to the base plate, the plunger assembly having a biased plunger adapted to be received within a plurality of detents defined along the drive shaft to provide tactile feedback of the position of the ramp block. (Item 8) The sample tube assembly includes a sample tube and a collet, the collet being secured to the sample tube by at least one clamping mechanism, the collet being attached to the run. Item 10. The measurement system of item 1, including a shoulder or surface defined along an outer portion of the collet configured to engage a plurality of surface features of the block. (Item 9) Item 9. The measurement system of item 8, wherein the sample tube assembly further includes a seal member that is at least partially received along an upper portion of the collet, and the seal member is configured to promote a substantially gas-tight or liquid-tight seal between the sample tube assembly and the sample manifold when the ramp block is in the closed position. (Item 10) Item 1, a measurement system according to item 1, wherein one or more slots of the ramp block include an extended portion defined therethrough, the extended portion being configured to allow the sample tube assembly to be received in or removed from the one or more slots when the ramp block is in the open position. (Item 11) 1. A locking assembly for securing a sample tube assembly to a sample manifold of a measurement system, comprising: a lamp block including: a body having one or more slots defined therein, the one or more slots configured to at least partially receive a portion of the sample tube assembly therethrough; and a plurality of surface features defined along a surface of the body, the plurality of surface features configured to engage and direct the sample tube assembly toward and into engagement with the sample manifold. Equipped with A locking assembly, wherein the ramp block is movable between a plurality of positions, the plurality of positions including an open position in which the ramp block is positioned or arranged to allow a portion of the sample tube assembly to be received through or removed from the one or more slots, and a closed position in which the sample tube assembly is substantially sealed within the sample manifold. (Item 12) Item 12. The locking assembly of item 11, wherein the plurality of positions of the ramp block further includes one or more intermediate positions in which the sample tube assembly is retained within the sample manifold without a complete seal between the sample manifold and the sample tube assembly. (Item 13) Item 12. The locking assembly of item 11, wherein the surface features include a slanted, angled, or sloped surface defined along an upper surface of the ramp block. (Item 14) Item 14. The locking assembly of item 13, wherein the ramp block further includes a generally flat surface defined along the upper surface thereof at locations substantially corresponding to the open and closed positions of the ramp block. (Item 15) Item 12. The locking assembly of item 11, further comprising an actuation assembly including an operating lever configured to move the ramp block between the plurality of positions. (Item 16) Item 16. The locking assembly of item 15, wherein the actuation assembly further includes a drive shaft operably connected to the operating lever, and a lever arm coupled to the drive shaft and the ramp block, the lever arm driving movement of the ramp block in response to actuation of the operating lever. (Item 17) the drive shaft to provide tactile feedback of the position of the ramp block; Item 17. The locking assembly of item 16, further comprising a feedback assembly including a plunger assembly having a biased plunger adapted to be received within a plurality of detents defined along the (Item 18) Item 12. The locking assembly of item 11, wherein the sample tube assembly comprises a sample tube in which one or more samples are received and a collet, the collet being secured to the sample tube by at least one clamping mechanism, the collet including a shoulder or surface defined along an outer portion thereof and configured to engage with a plurality of surface features of the ramp block. (Item 19) Item 19. The locking assembly of item 18, wherein the sample tube assembly further includes a seal member that is at least partially received along an upper portion of the collet, and the seal member promotes a substantially gas-tight or liquid-tight seal between the sample tube assembly and the sample manifold when the ramp block is in the closed position. (Item 20) Item 12. The locking assembly of item 11, wherein one or more slots of the ramp block include an extended portion configured to allow the sample tube assembly to be received in or removed from the one or more slots when the ramp block is in the open position. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] It should be understood that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some elements may be exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating the teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with reference to the drawings herein.

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a sample port manifold assembly for a measurement system having a locking assembly for a sample tube assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0017] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a ramp block of a locking assembly according to an aspect of the present disclosure.

[0018] [Figure 3A] 3A-3B show perspective views of a sample tube assembly and lamp block, with the lamp block in a closed position, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 3B] 3A-3B show perspective views of a sample tube assembly and lamp block, with the lamp block in a closed position, in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure.

[0019] [Figure 4A] 4A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the open position. [Figure 4B] 4A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the open position. [Figure 4C] 4A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the open position.

[0020] [Figure 5A] 5A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in an intermediate position. [Figure 5B]5A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in an intermediate position. [Figure 5C] 5A-C show top and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in an intermediate position.

[0021] [Figure 6A] 6A-D show perspective, top, and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the closed or locked position. [Figure 6B] 6A-D show perspective, top, and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the closed or locked position. [Figure 6C] 6A-D show perspective, top, and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the closed or locked position. [Figure 6D] 6A-D show perspective, top, and side views of the locking assembly with the ramp block in the closed or locked position.

[0022] [Figure 7A] 7A-C show cross-sectional views of a locking assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 7B] 7A-C show cross-sectional views of a locking assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 7C] 7A-C show cross-sectional views of a locking assembly in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0023] The following description, combined with the figures, is provided to aid in understanding the teachings disclosed herein. The description focuses on specific implementations and embodiments of the present teachings and is provided to help explain the present teachings. This focus should not be construed as a limitation on the scope or applicability of the present teachings.

[0024] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a sample port manifold assembly 10 of a measurement system with a sample tube locking assembly 40 for a sample tube assembly 14 in accordance with the principles of the present disclosure. Various measurement systems can be used, such as the AutoChem system, the ASAP system, Tristar, and the 3Flex system, such as those offered by Micromeritics Instruments Corporation of Norcross, GA, and / or any other suitable measurement device or system that uses sample test tubes. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 , the sample port manifold assembly 10 of the measurement system can include a sample manifold 12 configured to receive one or more sample tube assemblies 14 and to communicatively couple or otherwise connect the sample tube assemblies 14 to the sample port manifold assembly 10 of the measurement system. The sample manifold 12 can include a body 16 with one or more sample tube bores or holes 18 defined therein. The sample tube bores / holes 18 are generally sized, dimensioned, and / or configured to receive at least a portion of the sample tube assembly 14, e.g., a portion of a sample tube 20. The bore / hole 18 further communicates with one or more fluid passages 22, such as a network of piping, conduits, or channels, that allow gas or other fluid media (e.g., liquid, etc.) to be transported between the sample tube 20 and the sample port manifold assembly 10 to facilitate testing of a sample or samples received within the sample tube 20.

[0025] 1 further illustrates that the sample manifold 12 can be connected to an upper surface 24A of a base plate 24 of the measurement system 10, for example, using one or more fasteners (not shown) or other suitable attachment mechanisms. Additionally, a plurality of posts 26 can facilitate attachment of the sample manifold 12 to the base plate 24. For example, the posts 26 can each have a generally tubular body 28 having a bore 30 defined therethrough with openings defined at both ends to allow for receipt of fasteners for attaching the sample manifold 12 to the base plate 24. The bore 30 can have one or more threaded portions therealong for matingly engaging threaded fasteners, although the bore or It may also have a substantially smooth interior surface without departing from this disclosure. The sample manifold 12 may further be positioned across and / or along an opening or aperture 32 defined at least partially through the base plate 24. The aperture 32 is generally sized and / or configured to allow passage of at least a portion of the sample tube assembly 14 therethrough and to allow reception of the sample tube assembly 14 at least partially within the bore / hole 18 of the sample manifold 12.

[0026] Additionally, an insulating and guide block 34 can be positioned below / just below the base plate 32. The guide block 34 can have a body 35 with one or more bores or passages 36 defined therethrough. The body 35 of the guide block 34 can be formed from a metal, such as aluminum or other metal, or using other suitable materials, such as plastic, composite, etc., or combinations of these and other materials. The guide block 34 can also be positioned such that the bores or passages 36 defined therethrough are generally coaxial with the bores 18 of the sample manifold 12. Thus, the bores 36 of the insulating and guide block 34 can guide or direct the sample tube assemblies 14 toward the sample manifold 12 as the sample tube assemblies 14 are loaded therein.

[0027] In one embodiment, the sample tube 20 can be heated, such as in a furnace assembly, or by other application of heat from a heater or other suitable heating mechanism for heating the sample tube. For example, a furnace assembly can heat the sample tube from about room temperature (or lower) up to about 1,000°C, although the furnace assembly or heater can be configured to heat the sample tube assembly 14 to any suitable temperature, such as below 20°C and / or above 1,000°C, without departing from this disclosure. Additionally, the sample manifold can be a heated assembly, for example, that can be heated to a temperature of up to 150°C. Thermal insulation can further be provided to ensure that the temperature between heated sections of the sample manifold and / or sample tube assembly is not altered or otherwise affected by external influences. In one exemplary embodiment, the insulation may include one or more insulating disks, such as disks made of Carborundum Duraboard® LD or other suitable insulating material, to insulate and preserve the internal temperature of the sample tube assembly, prevent or minimize external influences, and substantially prevent or substantially minimize the transfer or transmission of heat to and from the heated zone through the induction block 34.

[0028] As further shown in FIG. 1 , the sample port manifold assembly 10 of the measurement system can include a locking assembly 40 for securing the sample tube assembly 14 to the sample manifold 12. In one embodiment, the locking assembly 40 includes a ramp block 42 that is movable between multiple positions to facilitate loading of the sample tube assembly 14 into the sample manifold 12 and to lock and hold the sample tube assembly 14 in a substantially sealed position within the sample manifold 12. For example, the ramp block 42 is movable to an open position 44 ( FIGS. 4A-C ), which allows loading or removal of a sample tube through one or more openings / slots 64 in the ramp block 42. The ramp block 42 is further movable to one or more intermediate positions, such as an intermediate position 46 ( FIGS. 5A-C ) or a semi-closed position (not shown), to hold or support the sample tube assembly 14 within the sample manifold. Additionally, the ramp block 42 is movable to a closed or locked position 48, which substantially seals the sample tube assembly 14 within the sample manifold ( FIGS. 6A-D ). The ramp block 42 may be operated by an actuation assembly / mechanism, such as an actuator, as shown in FIG. 1, that may be moved or otherwise activated to move the ramp block 42 between each of a plurality of positions or other positions or locations. It can be actuated or moved by a lever assembly 50 .

[0029] FIG. 2 illustrates a lamp block 42 according to an aspect of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 2, the lamp block 42 generally includes a body 52 having a top 54, a bottom 56, a front 58, a rear 60, and side 62 portions or sections. The body 52 of the lamp block 42 can be formed from a metallic material such as brass, bronze, phosphor bronze, or other suitable metallic material; in one exemplary embodiment, the lamp block body 52 can be formed from corrosion-resistant 954 Bearing Bronze. However, other suitable materials, such as plastics, composites, synthetic materials, etc., or combinations of these and other suitable materials, can also be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The body 52 of the lamp block 42 can have a generally rectangular cuboid shape or configuration, although any suitable shape / configuration, such as a cubic, spherical, polygonal, diamond-shaped, triangular shape or configuration, is also contemplated without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0030] 2 further illustrates that the body 52 of the ramp block 42 may further have a plurality of slots or openings 64 defined therein that are sized, dimensioned, or configured to receive at least a portion of the sample tube assembly 14 and allow translation or movement of the ramp block 42 about it. In addition, the slots 64 may have one or more openings 66 that at least partially define an extension 68 of the slot 64. The extension 68 may allow the sample tube assembly 14 to be received within the slot 64 when the ramp block 42 is in the open / load position 44. In addition, the slots 64 may be at least partially aligned with the bores / holes 18 of the sample manifold 12. As a result, the sample tube assembly 14 may be received through the slot 64 and moved or urged by the ramp block 42 into the sealing position 48 within the sample manifold 12.

[0031] As shown in FIGS. 1 , 4A-4C, 5A-5C, and 6A-6D, the lamp block 42 can be slidable along / around the upper surface 24A of the base plate 24. The lamp block 42 can also have a slot, notch, or groove 70 defined along or through the lamp block that at least partially receives a portion or section 72 of the sample manifold 12. The slot 70 allows translation of the lamp block 72 about the sample manifold 12 between each of a plurality of positions. At least a portion of the lamp block 42 along the slot 70 may slidably contact or otherwise engage a portion of the section 72 to guide or align the lamp block 42 as the lamp block 42 moves between positions 44, 46, and 48 and / or other intermediate positions.

[0032] 2A-2C, the ramp block 42 can have a plurality of surface features 80 defined therealong that are configured to engage and move at least a portion of the sample tube assembly 14 toward and into engagement with the sample manifold 12. For example, the surface features 80 can include one or more slanted, angled, or sloped segments or portions 82, 84 defined on the upper surface 54A of the ramp block 42 that are configured to at least partially engage at least a portion of the sample tube assembly 14 as the ramp block 42 is moved between its various positions. For example, the ramp block 42 can have at least one slanted, sloped, or angled segment or portion 82 that is configured to move the sample tube assembly 14 toward or to the intermediate position 46 and / or toward and / or to the semi-closed position. The ramp block 42 can further have at least one slanted, sloped, or sloped segment or portion 82 that is configured to move the sample tube assembly 14 to the closed, sealed position 48. or angled segments or portions 84. Upper surface 54A of lamp block 42 may further include one or more generally horizontal or generally flat segments or portions 85, 86, 88. Segments 85, 86, and 88 may be generally parallel to horizontal axis A and / or upper surface 54A of lamp block 42 or upper surface 24A of base plate.

[0033] In one embodiment, the upper surface 54A of the ramp block 42 may include three generally flat sections 85, 86, 88 with transitional sloped sections 82 and 84 arranged therebetween such that the ramp block 42 has a stepped configuration or shape. Sections 85 and 88 generally correspond to the open position 44 and the closed position 46, respectively. For example, in the open position 44, the sample tube assembly 14 may be freely moved in and out of the expanded portion 68 of the slot 64 of the ramp block 42 to facilitate the initial loading and removal of the sample tube assembly 14 into and from the locking assembly 40 ( FIGS. 4A-C ). Additionally, with the sample assembly 14 inserted into the slot 64, the lamp block 42 can be moved toward a closed position 48, generally as shown in Figures 6A-D, in which the sample tube assembly 14 is at least partially engaged by the top section 88 and the sample tube assembly 14 is substantially sealed within the sample manifold 12 (e.g., the seal member 112 of the sample tube assembly can be compressed against at least a portion of the sample manifold 12).

[0034] Segment 86 also generally corresponds to intermediate position 46. Figures 5A-C show that with sample assembly 14 inserted into slot 64, ramp block 42 can be moved to intermediate position 46, where segment 86 can at least partially engage sample tube assembly 14, with at least a portion of sample tube assembly 14 at least partially engaged with sample manifold 12. For example, in intermediate position 46, seal member 112 of the sample assembly can at least partially contact or engage a portion of sample manifold 12, but may not be substantially compressed to seal sample tube assembly 14 and sample manifold 12. Intermediate position 46 can facilitate alignment of sample tube assembly 14, seal member 112, and / or sample manifold 12, and further, angled segment 84 can have a slight slope or angle to compress seal member 112 against sample manifold 12 and seal sample tube assembly 14 therein when ramp block 42 is moved to closed position 48. 1-6D, ramp block 42 can have any suitable construction for moving sample tube assemblies between open position 44 and sealed / closed position 46 and / or any other suitable intermediate or semi-closed or semi-open position. For example, ramp block can have one substantially continuous sloped or beveled section, or multiple, e.g., two, three, or more sloped or beveled sections with corresponding flat sections, without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3A-3B, the sample tube assembly 14 generally includes one or more sample tubes 20. The sample tubes 20 can be made of glass or other suitable materials, such as plastic, composites, etc. In one embodiment, the sample tubes 20 can be a generally U-shaped sample tube with a pair of legs 90. Each leg 90 can have a generally cylindrical shape, although the legs and / or sample tubes can have any suitable shape without departing from this disclosure. Additionally, the legs 90 can have an opening 92 in their upper / top portion 94, which can facilitate receipt of a sample and / or one or more gases for testing the sample. For example, one or more gases (or other fluid media) can be inserted into the opening 92 for testing the sample using a measurement system. The sample tube 20 may be introduced into the sample assembly 14. The sample assembly 14 may further include one or more collets 96 coupled or attached to the sample tube 20. The collets 96 may be secured to the sample tube 20 by at least one clamping mechanism 98. For example, the clamping mechanism 98 may include a front clamping 102 portion / section and a rear clamping 102 portion / section connected together by one or more fasteners 104, such as screws, bolts, or the like, although any other clamping mechanism and / or other suitable attachment mechanism may be used without departing from this disclosure. Each collet 96 may further include a notch or groove 104 defined in the outer surface of the body 106 of the collet 96. The notch or groove 104 may be formed / defined generally adjacent to or generally proximate to the upper portion 106 of the collet body 106. The notches / grooves 104 may further define or provide one or more shoulders or surfaces 108 for engaging or otherwise interacting with surface features 80 of the ramp block 40. However, the notches / grooves may be optional, and the exterior surface of the collet may have one or more protruding portions positioned therealong that include or define one or more surfaces / faces or other suitable portions, segments, etc. for engaging the ramp block.

[0036] 1 and 3A-3B, the sample tube assembly 14 also includes one or more seal members 112. The seal members 112 can facilitate a substantially gas-tight (or liquid-tight) seal between the sample tube assembly 14 and the sample manifold 12. For example, the seal members 112 can include O-rings that can be received in corresponding seats along the upper portion of the collet. The O-rings can be formed from an elastomer, such as Bura-N, Viton, Kalrez, or other suitable sealing material, and can be sized to be self-retaining on the legs 90 of the sample tubes 20 along the top of the collet. In one embodiment, the upper portion 106 of the collet further includes a surface or face 110 for at least partially engaging the one or more seal members 112. The seal member 112 can also facilitate sealing of the sample tube to the sample manifold and can further at least partially engage the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12 to help reduce the likelihood of or prevent the sample tube assembly 14 from disengaging before the ramp block 42 enters the locking position 48.

[0037] 4A-4C show the locking mechanism 40 with the ramp block 42 in the open position 44. As shown in FIGS. 4A-4C, with the ramp block 42 in the open position 44, the sample tube assembly 14 can be at least partially received through an expanded portion 68 of a slot 64 defined through the ramp block 42. With the sample tube assembly 14 at least partially received through the ramp block slot 64, the ramp block 42 can be at least partially positioned within a notch 104 defined in a body 106 of the collet such that the ramp block 42 can at least partially engage a shoulder or face 108 of the collet as the ramp block 42 is moved to the locked position 48 or other intermediate or semi-closed position.

[0038] 5A-5C show the ramp block 42 in the intermediate position 46. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5C , when the ramp block 42 is moved toward the intermediate position 46, for example, through activation of a lever 152 of another actuation mechanism, a surface or face 82 of the ramp block 42 may at least partially engage or contact (e.g., slidably engage) a shoulder or face 108 of the collet, moving the sample tube assembly 14 upward and toward the sample manifold 12. In one exemplary embodiment, as the ramp block 42 is moved toward the intermediate position 26, a beveled, angled, or sloped section 82 of the ramp block 42 may slidably contact or otherwise engage a surface or face 108 of the collet, moving the sample tube assembly 14 upward into the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12. With the ramp block 42 in the intermediate position 46, The generally flat section 86 of the ramp block 42 may at least partially engage the surface 108 of the collet, and the seal member 112 of the sample tube assembly 14 may at least partially contact or engage a portion of the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12, e.g., a surface / face 120, and the seal member 112 may engage the surface / face 120 of the bore 18 but may not be substantially compressed against it.

[0039] 6A-6D show the ramp block 42 in the sealed / closed position 48. As shown in FIGS. 6A-6D , when the ramp block 42 is moved to the closed or sealed position 48, the collet face or surface 108 is slidably engaged by the angled, beveled, slanted, or inclined surface 84 of the ramp block 42, moving or urging the sample tube assembly 14 further into the bore 18 and engaging a seal member 112 (e.g., an O-ring) arranged along the upper portion 106 of the collet with at least a portion of the sample manifold 12. For example, the seal member 112 can be pressed against one or more surfaces or faces 120 of the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12. With the ramp block 42 moved to the fully locked position 46, the seal members 112 are compressed or otherwise pressed against the surface / face 120 of the bore 18 and the surface / face 110 of the collet in a sandwich-like arrangement, creating a substantially gas-tight seal between each leg of the sample tube assembly 14 and the sample manifold 12, which may also accommodate variations in materials such as size variations in glassware, collets, etc. It should be appreciated that because this motion is generally linear rather than rotational, tears or damage to the seal members may be substantially reduced / avoided during loading and locking of the sample tube assemblies.

[0040] 7A-C show cross-sectional views of the locking assembly 40. Generally, as shown in FIGS. 7A-C, the surface / face 120 of the bore 18 can be angled, beveled, or sloped. For example, the surface / face 120 of the bore 18 can be aligned transversely to the horizontal axis A, the upper surface 54A of the ramp block 42, or the upper surface 24A of the base plate. As a result, when the ramp block 42 is in the closed position 48, the beveled or angled surface 120 can urge or press the seal member 112 (e.g., an O-ring) inward and against the legs 90 of the sample tube 20, providing a multi-point seal, e.g., a three-point seal, with pressure points on each leg 90 of the sample tube, the surface 110 of the collet, and the surface 120 of the bore 18. However, the surface 120 of the sample manifold bore 18 may have any suitable construction without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, and may, for example, be generally parallel to the horizontal axis A, the upper surface 54A of the lamp block 42, or the upper surface 24A of the base plate.

[0041] Returning to FIG. 1 , it can be seen that, in one embodiment, the actuation assembly 50 can include an operating lever 152 that can be actuated to move the ramp block 42 between a plurality of positions. The operating lever 152 can include a body 154 operably connected to a drive shaft 156. The drive shaft 156 can be coupled to the lever body 154 by one or more fasteners or any other suitable connection mechanism. In one embodiment, the drive shaft 156 can communicate with the ramp block 42 through a lever arm 158 and drive the translation / translation of the ramp block 42. The drive shaft 156 is at least partially received within a bushing 160 that is rotatably coupled within an opening 162 defined in or through the base plate 24, such that the drive shaft 156 can rotate thereabout. Additionally, a drive pin 164 coupled to the drive shaft 156 can be received within an opening or slot 166 in a first end 168 of the lever arm 158. The lever arm 158 may further be connected to a lamp block drive pin 170, or other suitable member, coupled to the lamp block 42. The lamp block drive pin 170 may be at least partially received within an opening 172 adjacent a second end 174 of the lever arm 158. 8 can be connected to the drive shaft drive pin 164 or ramp block drive pin 170 using any suitable connection mechanism, such as an E-clip 176 having one or more washers 178, although other suitable connections, such as screws, bolts, or other fasteners, fastening mechanisms, are also contemplated without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, fasteners such as screws or bolts with washers or bushings received therearound may be used in place of drive pins 170 and 164 to secure lever arm 158 to drive shaft 156 and / or ramp block 42.

[0042] 1 , the drive shaft 156 may be pivotally mounted to the base plate 24. In one embodiment, a support 180 or other suitable member may be rotatably or pivotally mounted within a pivot block 182, which is connected to the upper surface 24A of the base plate. Thus, when the operating lever 152 is actuated or otherwise activated, the drive shaft 156 may rotate and move, e.g., pivot or rotate, the lever arm 158 to urge the ramp block 42 between each of the plurality of positions 44, 46, and 48, and / or other suitable positions / locations.

[0043] However, the actuation assembly is not limited to the lever mechanism / arrangement shown in FIGS. 1 and 4A-6D and can include any suitable actuation assembly, such as one or more motors or actuators, that automatically move / translate the ramp block 42 between its multiple positions. For example, the drive shaft 156 can be in communication with one or more motors that rotate the drive shaft 156 and move the ramp block 42 between each of its multiple positions. However, other suitable actuators, such as air cylinder actuators, air-driven miniature guide cylinders, tie-rod air cylinders, electrically driven linear actuators, electrically driven rotary gear drive actuators, and / or other drive mechanisms, such as rack-and-pinion drives, linear motor drives, piston drives (e.g., air or electric piston drives), pneumatic sliding mechanisms, and / or combinations of these and other mechanisms, can be used to drive the movement of the ramp block without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. These drive assemblies can further be used in conjunction with one or more electrical or optical sensing assemblies to provide feedback of the position of the ramp block to a user / driver.

[0044] 4A, 5A, and 6B, the locking mechanism / assembly 40 may also include a feedback assembly 200 for positioning the ramp block 42 and providing tactile feedback to a user that the ramp block 42 and / or the sample tube assembly 14 are in a specific position or location, such as an open, semi-closed, or closed position, or another suitable intermediate position or location. In one embodiment, the feedback assembly 200 may include a plurality of notches or detents 184 defined along the drive shaft 156 and a plunger assembly 202 mounted adjacent thereto. The plunger assembly 202 may include a spring plunger 186 mounted to the base plate by a spring plunger mount 188. The spring plunger 186 may communicate with the plurality of detents 184 to provide tactile feedback regarding the location / position of the ramp block, for example, to notify a user when the sample tube assembly is sealed at, or just before, the removed position, and / or other intermediate positions.

[0045] In one embodiment, plunger 186 can be at least partially received or otherwise positioned within one of three detents 204, 206, 208 on drive shaft 156 to provide tactile feedback to the user that the locking mechanism is in one of three positions. As shown in FIG. 4A , with ramp block 42 in open position 44, plunger 186 is positioned within detent 204. Additionally, in open position 44, 6B, the plunger 186 and detent 204 can also lightly hold the ramp block 42 in the open position 44 so that the sample tube assembly 14 can be removed or inserted without being hindered by mispositioned or misaligned components of the locking mechanism. Still further, with the ramp block 42 in the fully closed and sealed position 48, the plunger 186 will generally rest against the detent 208, as shown in FIG.

[0046] Additionally, the plurality of detents 184 can include one or more detents to indicate that the ramp block 42 is in one or more intermediate positions, such as intermediate position 46, which can also serve to at least partially retain the ramp block 42 in one or more intermediate positions. As shown in FIGS. 4A, 5A, and 6B, the plurality of detents 184 can include one detent 206 to indicate or serve to retain the ramp block 42 in a semi-closed position (not shown). In one embodiment, the detent 206 can be a physical and tactile stop just before the sample tube assembly 14 is removed from the locking mechanism 40 or just after the sample tube assembly 14 is inserted into the locking mechanism 40, for example, to prevent a user from accidentally or prematurely removing the sample tube assembly 14 from the sample manifold 12. Additionally, the detent 206 can also provide feedback to the user when inserting the sample tube assembly 14 to inform the user that the sample tube assembly 14 is securely held (but not yet sealed) and will not accidentally fall or otherwise be removed from the sample manifold 12 even if not supported by the user. One or more camming features can also be provided along the drive shaft 156 adjacent to or just before the detent 204 in the open position so that moving the locking mechanism past the detent 206 requires additional force on the spring plunger 186 to acquire the removal position 204 and prevent accidental removal of the sample tube assembly even if, for example, the user operates the lever 152 without holding or supporting the sample tube assembly 14.

[0047] 7B further illustrates that the sample tube assembly 14 may further include one or more retaining features 210 to help prevent unintentional removal of the sample tube assembly 14 from the sample manifold 12. For example, the retaining feature 210 may include one or more members 212, such as a radial spring (e.g., a Bal Spring® canted coil spring), a spring plunger, an O-ring, or other suitable retaining member, positioned within a groove, e.g., a radial groove 214 defined around the collet 90. The retaining feature 210 may at least partially engage the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12 and / or the bore 36 of the guide block 34, providing additional friction, for example, between the sample tube assembly 14 and the bore 18 of the sample manifold 12 and / or the bore 36 of the guide block 34, to prevent accidental removal of, and potential damage to, the sample tube assembly 14 from the sample manifold 12, for example, when the sample tube assembly 14 is not supported by the user.

[0048] Feedback assembly 200 may further communicate with a controller or processor, e.g., a controller or processor of a measurement system or other suitable controller or computing device, which may communicate with one or more display or audio mechanisms or devices, such as a monitor or speaker, to provide notifications or alerts when the ramp block is in the open, intermediate, semi-closed, and locked positions. Additionally or alternatively, one or more sensors may be used to electronically indicate to the controller that the locking mechanism has reached or is at one or more specific positions. Feedback assembly 200 may further be of a construction shown in the figures and may include any suitable mechanism or sensing device for locating the position of the locking mechanism, e.g., the feedback assembly may be configured as described herein without limitation. Without deviation, a solenoid-actuated plunger may be employed, triggered by a position sensor and / or other suitable mechanism or combination thereof.

[0049] The foregoing description generally illustrates and describes various embodiments of the present invention. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made to the above-discussed structures of the present invention without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention disclosed herein, and that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings is intended to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, the scope of the present disclosure shall be construed to cover various modifications, combinations, additions, alterations, etc. to the above and above-described embodiments, and shall be considered to be within the scope of the present invention. Thus, the various features and characteristics of the present invention as discussed herein may be selectively substituted for and applied to other illustrated and non-illustrated embodiments of the present invention, and numerous variations, modifications, and additions may also be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. 1. A measurement system comprising: a sample manifold configured to receive at least a portion of the sample tube; a locking assembly configured to at least partially engage a portion of the sample tube, to allow loading of the sample tube into the sample manifold, and to hold the sample tube in a sealed position within the sample manifold; a feedback assembly including one or more sensors configured to provide a feedback response related to a position of the sample tube, the feedback response including a position of the locking assembly; and A measurement system comprising:

2. 2. The measurement system of claim 1, wherein the sample manifold comprises a body having one or more fluid passages configured for fluid communication with the sample tube when the portion of the sample tube is at least partially received by the locking assembly.

3. 2. The measurement system of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly comprises a ramp block movable between a plurality of positions and including one or more surface features defined along the ramp block, the surface features configured to move the sample tube into engagement with the sample manifold as the ramp block is moved from an open position toward a closed position for engagement.

4. The measurement system of claim 3 , wherein the surface features include one or more tilted surfaces, angled surfaces, beveled surfaces, flat surfaces, or combinations thereof.

5. The measurement system of claim 1 , further comprising a controller comprising at least one processor, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to locate and communicate a position of the locking assembly to the controller.

6. 2. The measurement system of claim 1, further comprising a base plate and a guide block, wherein the sample manifold is mounted on the base plate, the locking assembly is movable along the base plate, and the guide block is configured to receive at least a portion of the sample tube and at least partially insulate the sample tube from the sample manifold.

7. The measurement system of claim 1 , wherein the locking assembly further comprises an actuation assembly configured to move the locking assembly relative to the sample manifold.

8. 8. The measurement system of claim 7, wherein the locking assembly further comprises a ramp block, and the actuation assembly is configured to move the ramp block between an open position for insertion of the sample tube into engagement with the sample manifold and one or more additional positions.

9. 8. The measurement system of claim 7, wherein the actuation assembly comprises one or more motors, air cylinders, air-driven miniature guide cylinders, tie-rod air cylinders, electrically driven linear actuators, electrically driven rotary gear drive actuators, rack and pinion drives, piston drives, pneumatic sliding mechanisms, lever mechanisms, or combinations thereof.

10. 2. The measurement system of claim 1, wherein the locking assembly further comprises an actuator, a ramp block, and a lever arm coupled to a drive shaft of the actuator to be driven by the actuator, the ramp block connected to the lever arm to drive movement of the ramp block in response to actuation of the actuator.

11. 11. The measurement system of claim 10, further comprising: a controller having at least one processor; and a feedback assembly in communication with the controller, the feedback assembly including a plurality of detents arranged along the drive shaft and a plunger adapted to engage the detents to provide an indication of the position of the ramp block during movement.

12. 12. The measurement system of claim 11, further comprising a spring configured to apply a biasing force to the plunger such that the plunger is biased into engagement with the detent to hold the ramp block in its position until sufficient additional force is applied to the plunger to overcome the biasing force.

13. 12. The measurement system of claim 11, further comprising a controller having at least one processor, wherein the locking assembly further comprises an actuator configured to automatically move the locking assembly between a plurality of positions relative to the sample manifold.

14. 1. A measurement system comprising: a sample manifold; a sample tube assembly received within the sample manifold, the sample tube assembly including one or more sample tubes; a locking system in communication with the sample tube assembly, the locking system including an actuation assembly; a sample manifold configured to at least partially engage a portion of the sample tube assembly and to allow loading of the sample tube assembly into the sample manifold; a locking assembly configured to hold the sample tube assembly in a sealed position within the sample manifold; a feedback assembly including one or more sensors configured to provide a feedback response related to a position of the sample tube assembly, the feedback response including a position of the locking assembly; and Equipped with A measurement system, wherein the locking assembly is configured to manually or automatically move the one or more sample tubes between an open position for inserting the one or more sample tubes to engage with the sample manifold and a closed position in which the one or more sample tubes are sealed against or within the sample manifold for testing of one or more samples received therein.

15. 15. The measurement system of claim 14, wherein the actuation assembly comprises one or more motors, air cylinders, air-driven miniature guide cylinders, tie-rod air cylinders, electrically driven linear actuators, electrically driven rotary gear drive actuators, rack and pinion drives, piston drives, pneumatic sliding mechanisms, lever mechanisms, or combinations thereof.

16. The measurement system of claim 14 further comprising a controller comprising at least one processor.

17. 17. The measurement system of claim 16, wherein the feedback assembly includes a plurality of detents arranged along a drive shaft of an actuator of the actuation assembly, and a plunger adapted to engage the detents as the drive shaft is rotated to provide an indication of the position of the locking assembly during movement.

18. 17. The measurement system of claim 16, wherein the feedback assembly further comprises one or more position sensors for locating and communicating the position of the locking assembly relative to the sample manifold.

19. 17. The measurement system of claim 16, wherein the sample tube assembly further includes: a collet secured to each of the one or more sample tubes by at least one clamping mechanism, the collet including a shoulder or surface defined along an outer portion of the collet configured to engage a plurality of surface features of the locking assembly; and a sealing member received at least partially along an upper portion of the collet, the sealing member configured to promote a gas-tight or liquid-tight seal between the sample tube assembly and the sample manifold.

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