System and method for microwave assisted chemistry

Abstract

A system and associated method for performing microwave assisted reactions (e.g., digestion reactions) are described herein. In some embodiments, the system and associated method may simplify sample preparation requiring one or more variables / parameters that differ from preprogrammed variables / parameters of preloaded methods. In some embodiments, the system and associated method may facilitate the preparation of a smaller number of samples (e.g., using one, two, or three, reaction vessels).

Description

Attorney Docket 7100.303WOSYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MICROWAVE ASSISTED CHEMISTRY CROSS-REFERENCE TO PRIORITY APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 774,348, filed March 19, 2025, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Digestion reactions facilitated with laboratory equipment are typically carried out at elevated temperatures and elevated pressures. Such a digestion reaction can be the reaction of a sample with an aggressive acid at high temperatures and pressures. The combination of high temperature and the strong acid tends to break most, and often all, of the chemical bonds in the sample to produce a liquid containing the constituent species, typically elements, of the sample. The liquid can then be analyzed for the presence and amounts of these elements.

[0003] Microwave systems are often used to accelerate the digestion reaction process.Microwaves typically interact directly with the digestion acid and sample composition so that the digestion can be carried out more quickly than digestion using conventional heat sources.

[0004] Current microwave digestion systems can include a library of preloaded or preinstalled methods with preprogramed variables / parameters (such as the amount of the sample) for sample preparation. While such preloaded methods can facilitate the ease and safety of sample preparation, in some instances it may be advantageous to prepare samples using methods requiring one or more variables / parameters that differ from the preprogrammed variables / parameters. In such a case, typically the user will calculate the necessary changes to reaction conditions for conducting their modified application. It can be challenging, however, to accurately calculate various reaction conditions, which can raise efficiency and / or safety issues.

[0005] In addition, current microwave digestion systems can require a minimum number of samples to accurately operate. A user, however, may sometimes want to prepare a smaller number of samples than can typically be accurately prepared using current systems.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system and associated methods for performing microwave assisted reactions (e.g., digestion reactions) as described herein.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0007] In some embodiments, the system and associated method may simplify sample preparation requiring one or more variables / parameters that differ from preprogrammed variables / parameters of preloaded methods. As an example, the method can include positioning a turntable carrying one or more microwave transparent reaction vessels containing digestion reaction contents in a microwave cavity of a system for performing microwave assisted digestion reactions. A user can select a digestion reaction temperature for the contents of the reaction vessels from a list of digestion reaction temperatures displayed on a user interface in communication with a computer controller of the system.

[0008] The method further includes rotating the turntable and, while rotating the turntable, (i) counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels using at least a first pair of transducers configured for counting and locating reaction vessels in communication with the computer controller and (ii) identifying the type of the one or more reaction vessels using at least a second pair of transducers configured for identifying reaction vessel type in communication with the computer controller. The controller can then determine a digestion reaction time in response at least in part to the selected digestion reaction temperature and / or the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified.

[0009] As an example, the method can include querying a database contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller, the database including a plurality of predefined digestion reaction ramp times for heating one or more reaction vessels from an initial temperature to a selected digestion reaction temperature, the predefined digestion reaction ramp times based on a number of vessels and / or a type of vessels; and selecting one of the predefined digestion reaction ramp times in response to the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified.

[0010] The method can further include measuring an initial temperature of each of reaction vessels and calculating the initial average temperature of the reaction vessels based on the measured initial temperatures; and heating the reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time. Heating the reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time can include directing microwave energy to the reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller in response to the initial averageAttorney Docket 7100.303WOtemperature of the reaction vessels, to increase the initial average temperature of the reaction vessels to the selected digestion reaction temperature.

[0011] After determining that the ramp time is complete and / or that an average temperature of the reaction vessels substantially corresponds to the selected digestion reaction temperature, the method can include heating the reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to a hold time (e.g., a user selected hold time or a default time for all user selected reaction temperatures) by directing microwave energy to the reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller to substantially maintain the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature.

[0012] In some embodiments, the system and associated method may also facilitate the preparation of a smaller number of samples (e.g., using one, two, or three, reaction vessels). As an example, when a total of three reaction vessels, or a total of two reaction vessels are counted and located while rotating the turntable, the method can include: stopping rotating the turntable; reversing the direction of rotation of the turntable; and oscillating the turntable between positions of the three reaction vessels to position different ones of the three reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the three reaction vessels, or oscillating the turntable between positions of the two reaction vessels to position different ones of the two reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the two reaction vessels. As another example, when a single reaction vessel is counted and located while rotating the turntable, the method can include: stopping rotating the turntable; reversing the direction of rotation of the turntable; and oscillating the turntable to substantially continuously move the one reaction vessel back and forth over the temperature sensor over a distance sufficient to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the one reaction vessel.

[0013] The present disclosure also relates to a system for performing microwave assisted digestion reactions. In exemplary embodiments, the system can include: a microwave radiation source; a microwave cavity; a waveguide in microwave communication with the microwave radiation source and the microwave cavity; at least a first pair of transducers configured for counting and locating reaction vessels positioned within the microwave cavity; at least a second pair of transducers configured for identifying reaction vessel type of reaction vessels positionedAttorney Docket 7100.303WOwithin the microwave cavity; a turntable motor and encoder assembly configured for rotating a turntable positioned within the microwave cavity in a first direction, for rotating the turntable is a direction opposite the first direction, and for oscillating the turntable; an interface; and a computer controller in communication with the microwave radiation source, the first pair of transducers, the second pair of transducers, the turntable motor and encoder assembly, and the interface, the computer controller being capable of determining a reaction time for performing a digestion reaction in the microwave cavity at least in part in response to the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] The drawings are provided as examples, and they may be schematic and / or not drawn to scale. The present invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the examples depicted in the drawings.

[0015] Fig. 1 is front pictorial view of an exemplary microwave digestion system including a housing defining a front opening to a microwave cavity, and a door for opening and closing the opening to the microwave cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0016] Fig. 2 is a front view of a portion of the system of Fig. 1 with the door removed, wherein a rotatable turntable that is carrying reaction vessels is in the microwave cavity.

[0017] Fig. 3 is a left view of a portion of the system of Fig. 1 with a left exterior panel of the housing removed to expose components including a pressure sensor and components of a computer controller.

[0018] Fig. 4 is like Fig. 3, except that additional components are omitted to more clearly depict the pressure sensor and associated tubing.

[0019] Figs. 5-9 are partial views that depict, for example, the pressure sensor and associated components (e.g., tubing).

[0020] Fig. 10 is a bottom pictorial view of a portion of the system of Fig. 1 depicting, for example, a port by way of which the pressure sensor is in fluid communication with the ambient environment.

[0021] Fig. 11 is a top-front pictorial view of a portion of the system of Fig. 2 with an upper exterior panel of the housing removed to expose upper transducers.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0022] Fig. 12 is a bottom-front pictorial view of a portion of the system of Fig. 2 with a front exterior panel of the housing removed to expose the upper transducers.

[0023] Fig. 13 is a bottom-front pictorial view of a portion of the system of Fig. 2 with a lower exterior panel of the housing removed to expose lower transducers and other components.

[0024] Fig. 14 is a top-front pictorial view of a portion of the system of Fig. 2 with a front exterior panel of the housing removed to expose the lower transducers and other components.

[0025] Figs. 15-16 identify a pair of the transducers respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair configured for use in counting and identifying the location of reaction vessels carried by the turntable in the microwave cavity.

[0026] Figs. 17-18 identify a pair of the transducers respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair configured for use in at least indirectly detecting the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable in the microwave cavity.

[0027] Figs. 19-20 identify transducers depicted in Figs. 13-14 that are temperature sensors for detecting temperature of reaction vessels (e.g., contents of the reaction vessels) carried by the turntable in the microwave cavity.

[0028] Fig. 21 is a rear view of a portion of the system of Fig. 1 that depicts a motorized exhaust fan or blower configured for drawing air out of the microwave chamber.

[0029] Fig. 22 depicts a flow diagram of a method of the system being operated by a computer controller in response to signals received by the computer controller, in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure.

[0030] Fig. 23 is schematic high-level diagram of a digestion system that can be used to facilitate digestion reactions, wherein various components of the system in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure are not shown to streamline the schematic depiction of various structural elements (e.g., housing, inner and outer panels, secondary cavities, etc.) of the digestion system.

[0031] Fig. 24 is a top front pictorial view of an exemplary turntable for carrying one or more reaction vessels.Attorney Docket 7100.303WODETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Examples of embodiments are disclosed in the following. The drawings depict an example of an embodiment. Stated differently, an example of an embodiment is described with reference to the drawings. The present invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein (e.g., each embodiment is a non-limiting example). For example, features disclosed as part of one embodiment or example can be used in the context of another embodiment or example to yield a further embodiment or example. As another example of the breadth of this disclosure, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and / or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the Detailed Description section of disclosure, as discussed in greater detail below.

[0033] Figs. 1-24 depict aspects of a system 10 for microwave assisted chemistry (e.g., a microwave digestion system) in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. Referring to Fig. 1, the system 10 includes a housing 12 and a front door 14 pivotably mounted to the housing for opening and closing a front opening 16 to a main cavity 18 defined in the housing 12.

[0034] In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, such as schematically depicted in Fig.23, the main cavity 18 of the housing 12 is defined by inner panels (e.g., upper inner panel 250, right inner panel 252, lower inner panel 254, and left inner panel 256) of the housing 12, and one or more secondary or wall cavities (e.g., an upper wall cavity 270, a right wall cavity 272, a lower wall cavity 274, and a left wall cavity 276) are defined between respective inner panels (e.g., inner panels 250, 252, 254, and 256) and exterior panels (e.g., upper exterior panel 260, right exterior panel 262, bottom exterior panel 264, and left exterior panel 266) of the housing 12. At least one conventional source of microwave radiation 26 (e.g., a magnetron) is positioned in a wall cavity (e.g., such as depicted schematically at 272 in Fig. 23) of the housing 12. At least one conventional waveguide 28 is configured so that the magnetron 26 is in waveguide communication with the main cavity 18 of the housing 12. The microwave radiation source 26, wave guide 28, and housing 12 are cooperatively configured so that microwave energy (i.e., electromagnetic radiation with predetermined wavelengths for inducing dielectric heating) is directed to and substantially contained in the housing’s main cavity 18. Accordingly, the housing’s main cavity 18 may be referred to as a microwave cavity.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0035] Referring to Fig. 2, and Fig. 24, a turntable 30 is positioned in the microwave cavity 18 and rotatably mounted to the housing 12 for being rotated in the microwave cavity 18, as discussed further below. The turntable 30 includes an annularly arranged series of receptacles 32 for respectively removably receiving and carrying reaction vessels 34 in the microwave chamber 18. There can be one or more of such annularly arranged series of receptacles 32. In the example depicted in the drawings, the turntable 30 has both an inner 36 and an outer 38 annularly arranged series of receptacles 30. Each receptacle 30 can include a base 40, and a sidewall 42 extending upwardly from the base 40 and around a receptacle cavity for receiving a conventional reaction vessel. Each receptacle base 40 can be downwardly open by way of a lower opening 44. The receptacle lower opening 44 is typically too small for allowing a reaction vessel 34 in the receptacle 40 to fall downwardly through the receptacle lower opening 44. In the embodiment depicted in the drawings, the receptacle lower opening 44 is configured to (i) provide optical access to any reaction vessel in the receptacle for temperature measurement, as discussed further below, and (ii) to be a portion of an optical signal path for use in determining whether the receptacle is empty, as part of a process of counting and determining locations of reaction vessels, as discussed further below.

[0036] Figs. 1 and 2 also depict a user interface of at least one computer controller 48 (see, e.g., Fig. 23) of the system 10. The user interface can be a conventional touchscreen 50 that includes an input device (a touch panel) overlaying an output device (visual display). In the example depicted in Figs. 1 and 2, the touchscreen 50 is mounted to the housing 12 near a front, right-top comer of the housing 12, so that the touchscreen 50 is above the closed door. That said, differently configured and positioned computer user interfaces are within the scope of this disclosure. For example, the system can include computer user interfaces in the form of a microphone associated with suitable hardware and speech recognition algorithms, a speaker associated with suitable hardware and speech synthesis algorithms, and / or other suitable user interfaces.

[0037] Fig. 3 is a left view of the system of Fig. 1 with a left exterior panel of the housing 12 removed to expose components in at least a left wall cavity of the system 10. Fig. 3 depicts, for example, at least one pressure sensor 52 and components 54 of the computer controller 48 of the system. The at least one pressure sensor 52 (e.g., one or more pressure sensors) can be configured to provide an indication of a difference between ambient pressure and pressure withinAttorney Docket 7100.303WOthe microwave cavity, as discussed further below. Accordingly, the at least one pressure sensor 52 can be in the form of a differential pressure sensor. The computer controller 48 is in communication with (e.g., connected by wire or wirelessly) to each of the touchscreen 50 (Figs.1-2), differential pressure sensor 52, at least one proximity sensorthat provides a signal when the door is latched closed, and numerous other components, as discussed further below.

[0038] Fig. 4 is like Fig. 3, except that additional components (e.g., computer controller components 54) have been removed. Figs. 4-6 and 8-9 depict the differential pressure sensor 52. The differential pressure sensor 52 has fluid input ports respectively in fluid communication with the microwave cavity 18 and the ambient environment outside of the housing 12 by way of respective tubes and fittings. Figs. 4-9 depict tubing and fittings by way of which the ports of the differential pressure sensor 52 are in fluid communication with the ambient environment and microwave cavity 18, respectively. For example, Fig. 7 (also Figs. 4-6) depicts that an end of a respective tube 60 extending from the differential pressure sensor 52 is connected to a fitting 62 that is open to the microwave cavity 18 via port 56. As another example, Figs. 8-10 (also Figs.4-6) depict that an end of a respective tube 64 extending from the differential pressure sensor 52 is connected to a fitting 66 that is open to the ambient environment by way of a port 58 identified in Fig. 10. Fig. 10 also depicts an ambient air inlet 68 of a pathway for supplying ambient air to the microwave cavity 18, and an air outlet 70 of a pathway for exhausting air from the microwave cavity 18, as discussed further below.

[0039] Figs. 11-12 depict upper transducers 72, 74, and 76 mounted to an upper inner panel (such as upper inner panel 250 schematically depicted in Fig. 23) of the housing 12 and in optical communication with the microwave cavity 18. Figs. 13-14 depict lower transducers 80, 82, 84, 86, and 88 mounted to a lower inner panel (such as lower inner panel 254 schematically depicted in Fig. 23) of the housing 12 and in optical communication with the microwave cavity 18. The transducers are in communication with (e.g., connected by wire or wirelessly to) the computer controller components. Fig. 13 also depicts a conventional turntable motor and conventional encoder assembly 92 in communication with (e.g., connected by wire or wirelessly to) the computer controller components. The turntable motor and encoder assembly 92 are configured for use in rotating the turntable 30 and knowing the rotational position of the turntable 30. In the present disclosure, in addition to rotating the turntable 30, the turntable motor and encoder assembly 92 of the present disclosure is also configured for use in reversing the direction ofAttorney Docket 7100.303WOrotation of the turntable and / or for oscillating the turntable 30 (e.g., moving the turntable between positions of three reaction vessels to position different ones of the three reaction vessels over a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the three reaction vessels; moving the turntable between positions of two reaction vessels to position different ones of the two reaction vessels over a temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the two reaction vessels; or moving the turntable to substantially continuously move one reaction vessel back and forth over a temperature sensor over a distance sufficient to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the one reaction vessel, as described in more detail herein).

[0040] Figs. 15-16 identify a pair of the transducers 74, 82 respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair configured for use in counting and identifying the location of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., transducers configured for use in counting and locating reaction vessels 34). For the example depicted in the drawings in which the turntable 30 has both an inner ring and an outer ring of receptacles for reaction vessels, there is a first pair of the transducers 76, 84 configured for counting and locating reaction vessels 34 carried by the inner series 36 of receptacles 32 of the turntable 30, and a second pair of the transducers 74, 82 configured for use in counting and identifying the location of reaction vessels 34 carried by the outer series 38 of receptacles 32 of the turntable 30.

[0041] Figs. 17-18 identify a pair of the transducers 72, 80 respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair configured for use in determining the types of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 (e.g., transducers configured for use in determining reaction vessel type). More specifically, the system 10 can be configured to have interchangeable turntables, wherein a first turntable type has receptacles configured for carrying a first type of reaction vessels, and a second turntable type has receptacles configured for carrying a second type of reaction vessels that is different from the first type. The transducers 72, 80 configured for determining reaction vessel type can function by providing a signal indicative of which type of turntable is in the microwave cavity 18 and, thus, the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18. For example, the transducers 72, 80 configured for use in determining reaction vessel type can be cooperatively associated with the computer controller 48 to read or otherwise identify a respective feature of the turntable 30 (e.g., as a notch or cutout 94 at an outermost edge 96 of a lower portion of the turntable 30 and aAttorney Docket 7100.303WOcorresponding notch or cutout 95 at an outermost edge 97 of an upper portion of the turntable 30) to determine whether the turntable 30 is the first or second type, to thus determine the type of reaction vessels 34 caried by the turntable 30.

[0042] Figs. 19-20 identify at least one of the transducers identified in Figs. 13-14 that is configured for use in determining the temperature of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., an infrared temperature sensor). For the example depicted in the drawings in which the turntable 30 has both an inner ring 36 and an outer ring 38 of receptacles 32 for reaction vessels 34, there is a first temperature sensor 88 for measuring the temperature of reaction vessels 34 carried by the inner ring 36 of receptacles 32 of the turntable 30, and a second temperature sensor 86 for measuring the temperature of reaction vessels 34 carried by the outer ring 38 of receptacles 32 of the turntable 30. The lower opening 44 of each receptacle 32 of the turntable 30 as described herein is configured to provide optical access (indicated at 103 in Fig. 20) of the infrared temperature sensor 86 to reaction vessel(s) 34 in the receptacle 32. The lower opening 44 of each receptacle 32 of the turntable 30 as described herein is also configured to provide optical access (indicated at 104 in Fig. 19) of the infrared temperature sensor 88 to reaction vessel(s) 34 in the receptacle 32.

[0043] Fig. 21 depicts a motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 configured for drawing air out of the microwave chamber 18 by way of an appropriately configured opening to the microwave chamber 18. Referring to Figs. 10 and 21, when the exhaust blower 98 is operated, air is drawn outwardly through an air outlet 70 for exhausting air from the microwave cavity 18. In response to the air being drawn outwardly, ambient is drawn inwardly into an air inlet 68 of a pathway for supplying ambient air to the microwave cavity 18. The computer controller 48 is in communication with (e.g., connected by wire or wirelessly to) the motor 99 of the exhaust blower 98.

[0044] The motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 can be operated as described herein to provide airflow (e.g., continuously and / or intermittently) through the microwave cavity 18 before, during and / or after a chemical reaction. For example, in the embodiment depicted in the figures, the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 can be operated to provide airflow through the microwave cavity 18 during a digestion reaction at a rate sufficient to safely vent byproducts such as acid vapor, etc. discharged from individual reaction vessels 34 when the vessels releaseAttorney Docket 7100.303WOpressure during the chemical reaction (the reaction vessels can release pressure in a manner known in the art). The processor of the computer controller 48 can receive signals from the differential pressure sensor 52 depicted in Figs. 3-10 and use data represented by those signals to determine the difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., before, during, and / or after a chemical reaction is conducted). The processor can further provide signals to the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 depicted in Fig. 21 (e.g., responsive to the determined differential pressure) to control the speed of the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 and the airflow rate through the microwave cavity 18 of the system (e.g., to increase or decrease the speed of the exhaust fan or blower 98 to increase or decrease airflow rate through the microwave cavity 18).

[0045] Fig. 22 depicts a flow diagram of an example of a method of operation (schematically represented by blocks 110-230 in Fig. 22) of the system under the control of the computer controller 48 (Fig. 3), in accordance with an embodiment of this disclosure. The method of Fig.22 can begin while the system 10 is connected to an appropriate electrical supply and the exhaust blower 98 is connected to appropriate ductwork for routing the exhaust flow away from the system 10, after one or more reaction vessels 34 with suitable contents (e.g., digestion sample and appropriate acid) are placed in respective receptacles 32 of the turntable 30, and after the door 14 for accessing the microwave cavity 18 is latched closed.

[0046] Prior to block 110 of Fig. 22, the processor of the computer controller 48 can provide signals to the touchscreen 50 and / or other suitable user interface to at least partially facilitate a user selecting a reaction temperature (e.g., a digestion temperature) for the contents of the one or more reaction vessels 34. Also prior to block 110 of Fig. 22, the processor of the computer controller 48 can provide signals to the touchscreen 50 and / or other suitable user interface to at least partially facilitate a user selecting a reaction hold time (e.g., a time to maintain the reaction vessels 34 at the user selected reaction temperature in the microwave cavity 18 to complete (e.g., substantially complete) the reaction, as discussed herein), within reasonable safety standards. Alternatively, the hold time can be a default time (e.g., 15 minutes) for all user selected reaction temperatures. At block 110, the processor receives a signal from the touchscreen 50 and / or other suitable user interface that is indicative of reaction temperature for the contents of the one or more reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0047] At block 110, the processor receives a signal from the touchscreen 50 and / or other suitable user interface that is indicative of reaction temperature for the contents of the one or more reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18.

[0048] Processing control is transferred from block 110 to block 120. At block 120, the processor provides signals resulting in operation of the turntable motor and associated encoder 92 to rotate the turntable 30, and operation of both the transducers 72, 80 configured for use in determining reaction vessel type, and the transducers 74, 82 and 76, 84 configured for use in counting and locating reaction vessels 34. At block 120, the processor can receive signals from the respective transducers and use data represented by those signals to query a database or other organization of information contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller 48 to determine the number and the location of the reaction vessels 34 and the type of reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18. The database or other organization of information can, for example, include a plurality of predefined digestion reaction ramp times for heating one or more reaction vessels from an initial temperature to a selected digestion reaction temperature, the ramp times based on a number and / or a type of reaction vessels.

[0049] For example, as noted herein, Figs. 15-16 identify a pair of the transducers 74, 82 respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair (e.g., form at least a first optical switch) configured for use in determining (e.g., counting) the number and location of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18. Also as noted herein, Figs. 15-16 identify another pair of the transducers 76, 84 respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair (e.g., form at least another optical switch) configured for use in determining (e.g., counting) the number and location of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18. In the example depicted in Figs. 15-16, each receptacle 32 of the turntable 30 includes a lower opening 44 configured to be a portion of an optical signal path 100 associated with the optical emitter and sensor pair 74, 82, and / or to be a portion of an optical signal path 101 associated with the optical emitter and sensor pair 76, 84, for use in determining whether the receptacle 32 is empty, as part of a process of counting reaction vessels 34. As the turntable 30 rotates and aligns the lower opening 44 of a receptacle 32 with the optical signal path 100 and / or 101 associated with the optical emitter and sensor pair 74, 82 and / or 76, 84, the sensor determines if the optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is interrupted or broken (indicating that a vessel 34 is present to be counted). When an opticalAttorney Docket 7100.303WOsignal emitted by the optical emitter is interrupted or broken, the processor receives a signal from the sensor and uses data represented by the signal(s) to determine the number and the location of the reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18.

[0050] As another example, as also noted herein, Figs. 17-18 identify a pair of the transducers 72, 80 respectively depicted in Figs. 11-14 that form an optical emitter and sensor pair (e.g., form at least another optical switch) configured for use in determining the types of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18. Each type of interchangeable turntable includes a unique feature configured to be a portion of an optical signal path 102 associated with the optical emitter and sensor pair 72, 80 for use in determining the type of turntable 30 to thus determine the type of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30. In the example depicted in Figs. 17-18, the unique feature of the representative turntable is depicted as a notch or cutout 94 at an outermost edge 96 of the lower portion of the turntable 30 and corresponding notch or cutout 95 at an outermost edge 97 of the upper portion of the turntable 30. As the turntable 30 rotates and aligns the edge notch or cutout 94 and the edge notch or cutout 95 of the turntable 30 with the optical signal path 102 associated with the optical emitter and sensor pair 72, 80, the sensor determines if the optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is uninterrupted or unbroken. When an optical signal emitted by the optical emitter is uninterrupted or unbroken, the processor receives a signal from the sensor and uses data represented by the signal to query a database or other organization of information contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller 44 to determine the type of reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18. Again, as noted herein, the database or other organization of information can, for example, include a plurality of predefined digestion reaction ramp times for heating one or more reaction vessels from an initial temperature to a selected digestion reaction temperature, the ramp times based on a number and / or a type of reaction vessels.

[0051] After determining the number, location, and type of reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18, processing control is transferred from block 120 to block 130. At block 130, the processor determines a total reaction time (e.g., a total reaction time for completing a digestion reaction). In the example depicted in Fig. 22, the reaction time is the sum of (i) a ramp time; and (ii) a hold time. As used herein, and as understood in the art, ramp time can be expressed as a rate of change of temperature over time (e.g., °C / minute) to heat the reactionAttorney Docket 7100.303WOvessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18 to the user selected reaction (e.g., digestion) temperature; and the hold time can be expressed as a time (e.g., in minutes) to maintain the reaction vessels 34 at the user selected reaction temperature in the microwave cavity 18 to complete (e.g., substantially complete) the reaction (e.g., digestion).

[0052] For example, at block 130, the processor can receive signals from the transducers 74, 82 and / or 76, 84 configured for use in counting the number of reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., the transducers 74, 82 and 76, 84 depicted in Figs. 15-16) and / or signals from the transducers 72, 80 configured for use in determining the type of reaction vessels 34 in the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., the transducers 72, 80 depicted in Figs. 17-18) that were determined at block 120 and use data represented by those signals to query a database or other organization of information as described herein contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller 44 to determine ramp time to reach the reaction temperature selected by the user.

[0053] As an example, for a first type of reaction vessels detected (e.g., an “Xpress” vessel type, e.g., MARSXpress, commercially available from CEM Corporation, which can be suitable for use with a turntable capable of including up to 40 reaction vessels), the ramp time can be determined by the following query:

[0054] If <= 16 reaction vessels: 15 minutes is the ramp time

[0055] If 17 - 24 reaction vessels: 20 minutes is the ramp time

[0056] If > 24 reaction vessels: 25 minutes is the ramp time

[0057] As another example, for a second type of reaction vessels detected (e.g., an “Xpress Plus” vessel type, e.g., MARSXpress Plus, also commercially available from CEM Corporation, which can be suitable for use with a turntable capable of including up to 24 reaction vessels), the ramp time can be determined by the following query:

[0058] If <= 8 reaction vessels: 15 minutes is the ramp time

[0059] If 9 - 16 reaction vessels: 20 minutes is the ramp time

[0060] If > 16 reaction vessels: 25 minutes is the ramp timeAttorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0061] In the example depicted in the figures, at block 130, the hold time can be a default time (e.g., 15 minutes) for all user selected reaction temperatures. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the hold time can be a user selected hold time.

[0062] Before processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140, when the processor determines the presence of a predetermined number (e.g., four or more) reaction vessels 34 as described herein, the processor can continue to provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder of the motor and encoder assembly 92 to continue rotating (e.g., to continuously or constantly rotate) the turntable 30 so that each reaction vessel 34 will pass over at least one of the transducers 86 and / or 88 identified in Figs. 13-14 configured for use in determining the temperature of reaction vessels 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., the infrared temperature sensor) to measure the temperature of each reaction vessel 34 as described herein. Rotation continues until the reaction is substantially complete (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 150-190 described herein are complete) and the reaction vessels 34 cool to a temperature considered safe for handling (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 200-230 described herein are complete).

[0063] Alternatively, before processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140, when the processor determines the presence of only two reaction vessels 34 or the presence of only three reaction vessels 34 (e.g., two or three reaction vessels 34 placed in adjacent receptacles 32 of the turntable 30) as described herein, the processor can provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder of the motor and encoder assembly 92 to position the turntable 30 so that at least one of the reaction vessels 34 (e.g., the middle of three adjacent reaction vessels 34 or one of two adjacent reaction vessels 34) is positioned over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 and to stop rotating the turntable 30 (when processing two, or three, reaction vessels 34, the reaction vessels 34 can be placed in adjacent receptacles 32). The processor can further provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder of the motor and encoder assembly 92 to operate the motor in reverse and initiate oscillation (e.g., continuous or constant oscillation) of the turntable 30 between positions of the two, or three, reaction vessels 34 to position different ones of the two, or three, reaction vessels 34 over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 to measure the temperature of each reaction vessel 34 as described herein. During oscillation, the motor does not move empty receptacles 32 over the temperature sensor(s) 86 and / or 88. Oscillation continues until the reaction is substantiallyAttorney Docket 7100.303WOcomplete (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 150-190 described herein are complete) and the reaction vessels 34 cool to a temperature considered safe for handling (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 200-230 described herein are complete).

[0064] As yet another alternative, before processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140, when the computer controller 44 determines the presence of a single (only one) reaction vessel 34 as described herein, the processor can provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder of the turntable motor and encoder assembly 92 to position the turntable 30 so that the single reaction vessel 34 is positioned over the infrared temperature sensor 86 or 88 and to stop rotating the turntable 30. The processor can further provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder to operate the motor in reverse and initiate oscillation (e.g., continuous or constant oscillation) of the turntable 30 to substantially continuously move the single reaction vessel 34 back and forth over the infrared temperature sensor 86 or 88 over a distance sufficient to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the single reaction vessel 34 as described herein. During oscillation, the motor does not move empty receptacles 32 over the temperature sensor(s). Oscillation continues (e.g., in a manner to substantially continuously move the single reaction vessel 34 back and forth over the infrared temperature sensor 86 or 88) until the reaction is substantially complete (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 150-190 described herein are complete) and the reaction vessel 34 cools to a temperature considered safe for handling (e.g., the processing operations of blocks 200-230 described herein are complete). Oscillation distances differ between the one, two, and three vessel configurations, and the processor can provide signals to the turntable motor and associated encoder to move the turntable 30 a distance sufficient to oscillate the detected vessels 34 over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 (e.g., to move the turntable 30 the minimal distance sufficient to move the one, two, or three detected vessels 34 back and forth over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88).

[0065] Also before processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140, the processor provides signals resulting in the operation of the transducers 86 and / or 88 identified in Figs. 13-14 and Figs. 19-20 (e.g., the infrared temperature sensor(s)) to determine the initial temperature (e.g., before initiation of a digestion reaction) of the reaction vessel(s) 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavityl8). The lower opening 44 of each receptacle 32 of the turntable 30 as described herein is configured to provide optical access (indicated at 103 in Fig.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO20) of the infrared temperature sensor 86 to reaction vessel(s) 34 in the receptacle 32. The lower opening 44 of each receptacle 32 of the turntable 30 as described herein is also configured to provide optical access (indicated at 104 in Fig. 19) of the infrared temperature sensor 88 to reaction vessel(s) 34 in the receptacle 32. For example, when the turntable 30 includes four or more reaction vessels 34, the turntable 30 can rotate (e.g., continuously rotate) and position each of individual ones of the four or more reaction vessels 34 over a corresponding infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 to measure the temperature of that individual reaction vessel 34. As another example, when the turntable includes only two, or only three, reaction vessels 34, the turntable 30 can oscillate (e.g., continuously oscillate) and sequentially position individual ones of the two, or of the three, vessels 34 over a corresponding infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 to measure the temperature of each of the two, or of each of the three, individual reaction vessels 34. As yet another example, when the turntable 30 includes only one reaction vessel 34, the turntable 30 can oscillate (e.g., continuously oscillate) a distance that can essentially substantially continuously position the single reaction vessel 34 over a corresponding infrared temperature sensor 86 or 88 to measure the temperature of the single reaction vessel 34 (e.g., to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the single reaction vessel 34). The processor can receive signals from the respective infrared temperature sensor(s) 86 and / or 88 as the turntable 30 positions each reaction vessel 34 over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 and use data represented by those signals (e.g., the measured temperature of each reaction vessel 34) to determine an initial average temperature of all the reaction vessels 34 (e.g., before starting or initiating the digestion reaction).

[0066] Also before processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140 (e.g., substantially before starting or initiating the chemical reaction and / or at other suitable times), the processor can receive signals from the differential pressure sensor 52 depicted in Figs. 3-10 and use data represented by those signals to determine any differential pressure between the ambient environment and the microwave cavity 18 (the pressure in the microwave cavity 18 should be less than the ambient pressure). The processor can further provide signals to the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 as depicted in Fig. 21 (e.g., responsive to the determined differential pressure) to control the airflow rate through the microwave cavity 18 of the system 10 (e.g., to increase or decrease the speed of the exhaust fan or blower 98 to optimize exhaust rate).Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0067] After determining the reaction time (e.g., the sum of the ramp time and the hold time for the digestion reaction) and the initial average temperature of all of the reaction vessels 34 present in the microwave cavity 18, processing control is transferred from block 130 to block 140 to start or initiate, or at least further facilitate, the reaction. At block 140, the processor determines the optimal microwave energy or power (e.g., the optimal magnetron 26 output) for providing the ramp time determined in block 130 (e.g., for providing a substantially constant rate of heating of the reaction vessels 34 to the user selected reaction temperature) based on the initial average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 determined in block 130 (the input) using a modified proportional-integral-derivative (“PID”) algorithm optimized for chemical-based reactions. The PID algorithm seeks to cause the heating rate to be substantially uniformly increasing. It is currently believed that other suitable algorithms can be used. The processor then provides signals resulting in operation of the magnetron 26 in cooperation with the waveguide 28 to generate the determined optimal microwave energy (e.g., power) to heat the contents of the reaction vessels 34 located in the microwave cavity. In block 140, the processor also provides signals resulting in operation of a countdown clock or timer based on the reaction time (e.g., the combined ramp time and hold time determined in block 130 as described herein).

[0068] After determining the initial optimal microwave energy and initiating operation of the magnetron 26 and the countdown clock, processing control is transferred from block 140 to block 150. Blocks 150 through 190 can be generally representative of a do loop or for-loop of steps that are repeatedly executed or performed during the reaction time until the reaction is complete (e.g., repeatedly executed during the ramp time and the hold time of the digestion reactions conducted in each reaction vessel 34 in the microwave cavity 18 until the countdown clock hits zero, indicating completion of the digestion reaction).

[0069] At block 150, the processor receives signals indicative of whether the reaction is finished or completed. For example, the processor can receive signals from the countdown clock indicative of remaining reaction time. At block 150, a determination is made whether the reaction is completed (e.g., there is no remaining time left on the countdown clock) and cooling is to be initiated (e.g., processing control transfers to block 200 as described in more detail herein) or if the reaction is not completed (e g., there is remaining time on the countdown clock). If time remains on the countdown clock indicating that the reaction is not finished, processing control is transferred from block 150 to block 160.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0070] At block 160, the processor receives signals from the at least one pressure sensor 52 (e.g., the at least one differential pressure sensor) indicative of the difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the microwave cavity 18. At block 160, the processor determines whether the difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the microwave cavity 18 falls within a predetermined operating range suitable for system operational safety. If the difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the microwave cavity 18 is outside of the predetermined operational range, then the processor can activate safety protocols (e.g., can signal the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 as depicted in Fig. 21 to increase or decrease the speed of the exhaust fan or blower 98 to increase or decrease airflow through the microwave cavity 18 and / or can signal the magnetron 26 to cease operation, etc.). The processer can, for example, transfer control to block 180 (with or without first passing control to block 170) to initiate safety protocols.

[0071] At block 160, if the difference between ambient pressure and pressure within the microwave cavity 18 is within the predetermined operational range, the processor can transfer processing control to block 170 and / or the processing operations of blocks 160 and 170 may occur substantially simultaneously. At block 170, the processor continues to receive signals from the infrared temperature sensor(s)) 86 and / or 88 indicating the temperature of each individual reaction vessel 34 measured as the turntable 30 positions individual reaction vessels 34 over the infrared temperature sensor(s) 86 and / or 88 and to use data represented by those signals (e.g., the measured temperature of each reaction vessel 34) to dynamically determine real time average temperature of all the reaction vessels 34.

[0072] After determining the real time average temperature of all the reaction vessels 34, processing control transfers to block 180. At block 180, the processor determines if the measured average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 (e.g., of all of the reaction vessels 34) is higher than a predetermined maximum safety temperature (e.g., higher than the maximum temperature that the system can operate safely). If the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is higher than the predetermined maximum safety temperature, then the processor can activate safety protocols (e.g., transfer processing control to block 200 to initiate cooling as described in more detail herein). If the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is less than the predetermined maximum safety temperature, the processor can transfer processing control to block 190.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0073] At block 190, the processor re-determines the optimal microwave energy (e.g., power) for providing a substantially constant rate of heating of the reaction vessel(s) 34 during ramp to the user selected reaction temperature and / or for providing a substantially constant temperature of the reaction vessel(s) 34 after the reaction vessel(s) 34 reach the user selected reaction temperature (e.g., providing a substantially constant temperature during the hold time), based on the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 dynamically determined (e.g., in real time) at block 170 using the modified PID control described herein. For example, at block 190, the processer can provide signals resulting in adjustment of microwave power generated by the magnetron 26 (e.g., to increase or decrease microwave power) in response to the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 dynamically determined at block 170. At block 190, the processor can also provide signals affecting operation of the motor of the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 depicted in Fig. 21 to increase or decrease airflow through the microwave cavity 18 in response to the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 dynamically determined at block 170.

[0074] As an example, if the real time average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 dynamically determined in block 170 lags the target ramp rate (e.g., as determined by the processor in block 130), the processor can provide signals resulting in operation of the magnetron 26 in cooperation with the waveguide 28 to increase microwave energy (power); and / or the processor can provide signals resulting in operation of the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 depicted in Fig. 21 to decrease airflow through the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., to decrease the flow in ambient air drawn inwardly into and through the microwave cavity 18 and exhausted from the microwave cavity 18).

[0075] After re-determining the optimal microwave energy and / or optionally adjusting microwave power generated by the magnetron 26 and / or optionally adjusting airflow through the microwave cavity 18, processing control transfers back to block 150. At block 150, the processor can determine whether the digestion reaction is or is not complete (e.g., based upon signals received from the countdown clock). When the processor determines that the digestion reaction is not complete (e.g., based upon signals received from the countdown clock indicating time remaining on the countdown clock), processing control is transferred to block 160 to initiate the next iteration through blocks 160 through 190. When the processor determines that the digestion reaction is complete (e.g., based upon signals received from the countdown clockAttorney Docket 7100.303WOindicating that no time remains on the countdown clock), processing control is transferred to block 200 to initiate cooling of the reaction vessels 34 as described herein.

[0076] Blocks 200 through 230 can be generally representative of another (a second) do loop or for-loop of steps that are repeatedly executed or performed during cooling until a safe temperature of the reaction vessels 34 (e.g., for handling safety) is reached. For example, the reaction vessels 34 may be considered sufficiently cool for safe handling when the average internal temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is at or below 80°C.

[0077] At block 200, signals and / or cessation of signals from the processor cause cessation of operation of the microwave source 26 to discontinue the heating of the reaction vessel contents. Also at block 200, the hold time for cooling the reaction vessels 34 to a safe temperature may be determined based on whether an average temperature of the reaction vessel(s) 34 is at or below a predetermined target temperature (e.g., the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is at or less than 80°C), as described herein with reference to blocks 210-220. Also at block 200, and / or at other suitable times, the processor can provide signals resulting in operation of the motorized exhaust fan or blower 98 depicted in Fig. 21 to increase airflow through the microwave cavity 18 (e.g., to increase the flow in ambient air drawn inwardly into and through the microwave cavity 18 and exhausted from the microwave cavity 18) to facilitate cooling (e.g., decrease cooling time).

[0078] Control then transfers to block 210. At block 210, the processor provides signals resulting in the operation of the transducers 86 and / or 88 identified in Figs. 13-14 (e g., the infrared temperature sensor(s) 86 and / or 88) to determine the temperature of each reaction vessel(s) 34 carried by the turntable 30 in the microwave cavity 18 in a manner as described herein.

[0079] Control then transfers to block 220 to determine if the reaction vessels 34 have reached the predetermined target temperature. The processor receives signals from the respective infrared temperature sensor(s) 86 and / or 88 as the turntable 30 positions each reaction vessel 34 over the infrared temperature sensor 86 and / or 88 and uses data represented by those signals (e g., the measured temperature of each reaction vessel 34) to determine if a safe temperature has been reached (e.g., to determine if the average of the internal temperatures of the reaction vessels 34 is at or below 80°C).Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0080] At block 220, if the processor determines that a safe temperature has not yet been reached, control transfers back to block 200 and the steps of blocks 200 through 220 can be repeatedly executed or performed during cooling until a safe temperature (e.g., for handling safety) is reached (e.g., by the processor determining at block 220 that the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is at or below 80°C).

[0081] At block 220, if the processor determines that a safe temperature has been reached, the processor determines that the reaction vessels 34 may be considered sufficiently cool for safe handling. In case of a temperature sensor malfunction, the processor can determine when a failsafe predetermined time cooling has occurred before determining that the run is complete. Control can then transfer to block 230 and the processor sends a signal (e.g., to the display panel of touch screen 50) to indicate that the reaction is complete (e.g., the door 14 of the microwave system 10 may be opened and the reactions vessels 34 may be removed).

[0082] The steps of blocks 200 through 220 accordingly can be repeatedly executed or performed during cooling until a safe temperature (e.g., for handling safety) is reached (e.g., by the processor determining that the average temperature of the reaction vessels 34 is at or below 80°C).

[0083] At least partially reiterating from above, the system typically includes at least one controller 44 operatively associated with, for example, numerous electrical components of the system. The at least one controller 44 can include one or more computer controllers, computer controller data storage devices, programmable logic devices (PLDs) and / or application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC). A suitable computer controller 44 can include one or more of each of a central processing unit (CPU) or processor, integrated circuits or memory, user interface (e.g., graphical user interface and / or voice / sound user interface (e.g., microphone, and / or speaker)), peripheral or equipment interface for interfacing with other electrical components of the system, and / or any other suitable features. The controller(s) 44 can respectively communicate with electrical components of the system by way of suitable signal communication paths. Processes of this disclosure can be controlled (e.g., at least partially controlled) in response to the execution of computer controller-based algorithms operatively associated with the at least one controller 44. For example, the computer controller-based algorithms can include, for example, speech recognition algorithms, speech synthesis algorithms, and / or other suitable algorithms.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO

[0084] To supplement the present disclosure, this application incorporates by reference the entire disclosure of each of the following documents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,161,395 and 9,769,885, and U.S. Pat. App. Pub. No. 2019 / 0291070.

[0085] Reiterating from above, it is within the scope of this disclosure for one or more of the terms “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and / or the like, to qualify each of the adjectives and adverbs of the foregoing disclosure, for the purpose of providing a broad disclosure. As an example, it is believed that those of ordinary skill in the art will readily understand that, in different implementations of the features of this disclosure, reasonably different engineering tolerances, precision, and / or accuracy may be applicable and suitable for obtaining the desired result. Accordingly, it is believed that those of ordinary skill will readily understand usage herein of the terms such as “substantially,” “about,” “approximately,” and the like.

[0086] In the specification and drawing figures, embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not, however, limited to such exemplary embodiments. For example, the present invention is not limited to the specific details disclosed. The use of the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

Attorney Docket 7100.303WOClaimsWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of performing microwave assisted digestion reactions, the method comprising:positioning a turntable carrying one or more microwave transparent reaction vessels containing digestion reaction contents in a microwave cavity of a system for performing microwave assisted digestion reactions;selecting a digestion reaction temperature for the contents of the one or more reaction vessels from a plurality of digestion reaction temperatures displayed on a user interface in communication with a computer controller;rotating the turntable and, while rotating the turntable, (i) counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels using at least a first pair of transducers configured for counting and locating reaction vessels in communication with the computer controller and (ii) identifying the type of the one or more reaction vessels using at least a second pair of transducers configured for identifying reaction vessel type in communication with the computer controller;determining a digestion reaction time in response at least in part to the selected digestion reaction temperature and / or the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified, wherein determining the digestion reaction time is comprised of:determining a ramp time for heating the one or more reaction vessels from an initial average temperature to the selected digestion reaction temperature, the ramp time based at least in part on the selected digestion reaction temperature and / or the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified, anddetermining a hold time for maintaining the one or more reaction vessels at the digestion reaction temperature to substantially complete the digestion reaction; measuring an initial temperature of each of the one or more reaction vessels and calculating the initial average temperature of the reaction vessels based on the measured initial temperatures;Attorney Docket 7100.303WOheating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time, wherein heating for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time is comprised of directing microwave energy to the one or more reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller in response to the initial average temperature of the one or more reaction vessels, to increase the initial average temperature of the one or more reaction vessels to the selected digestion reaction temperature; andheating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time, wherein heating at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time is comprised of directing microwave energy to the one or more reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller to substantially maintain the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein heating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time comprises increasing the initial average temperature of the one or more reaction vessels to the selected digestion reaction temperature at a substantially uniform rate of heating.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the ramp time comprises:querying a database contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller, the database including a plurality of predefined digestion reaction ramp times for heating one or more reaction vessels from an initial temperature to a selected digestion reaction temperature, the predefined digestion reaction ramp times based on a number of vessels and / or a type of vessels; andselecting one of the predefined digestion reaction ramp times in response to the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO4. The method of claim 1, wherein:the hold time for maintaining the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature is a user selected hold time; andheating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time comprises heating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the user selected hold time.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein:the hold time for maintaining the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature is a predetermined hold time for all selected digestion reaction temperatures; andheating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time comprises heating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the predetermined hold time.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein heating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time is further comprised of:measuring the temperature of each of the one or more reaction vessels during heating the one or more reaction vessels from the initial average temperature to the selected digestion reaction temperature and calculating an average temperature of all of the reaction vessels based on the measured temperatures, andmaintaining or adjusting microwave energy directed to the one or more reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller in response to the average temperature of all of the reaction vessels, to continue increasing the initial average temperature of the one or more reaction vessels to the selected digestion reaction temperature until theAttorney Docket 7100.303WOaverage temperature of all of the reaction vessels reaches the selected digestion reaction temperature.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein heating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time is further comprised of:measuring the temperature of each of the one or more reaction vessels and calculating an average temperature of all of the reaction vessels based on the measured temperatures; and maintaining or adjusting microwave energy directed to the one or more reaction vessels, while controlling the microwave energy with the computer controller in response to the average temperature of all of the reaction vessels, to continue substantially maintaining the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature; and wherein the method further comprises determining that there is no remaining time left of the hold time and the digestion reaction is substantially complete; and discontinuing directing microwave energy to the one or more reaction vessels.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein:rotating the turntable and counting the one or more reaction vessels comprises rotating the turntable and counting and locating four or more reaction vessels; and the method measuring the initial temperature of the one or more reaction vessels comprises continuing rotating the turntable so that each of the four or more reaction vessels passes over a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature of the reaction vessels carried by the turntable to measure an initial temperature of each of the four or more reaction vessels and calculating an initial average temperature of the four or more reaction vessels based on the measured initial temperatures;heating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time comprises continuing rotating the turntable so that each of the four or more reaction vessels passes over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the four or moreAttorney Docket 7100.303WOreaction vessels during heating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time; andheating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time comprises continuing rotating the turntable so that each of the four or more reaction vessels passes over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the four or more reaction vessels during heating the one or more reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the hold time.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein:rotating the turntable and counting the one or more reaction vessels comprises counting and locating a total of three reaction vessels positioned in adjacent receptacles of the turntable;wherein after counting the reaction vessels, the method further comprises: positioning the turntable so that at least one of the three reaction vessels is positioned over a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature of the reaction vessels carried by the turntable;stopping rotating the turntable;reversing the direction of rotation of the turntable and initiating oscillating the turntable between positions of the three reaction vessels to position different ones of the three reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the initial temperature of each of the three reaction vessels; andcontinuing oscillating the turntable between positions of the three reaction vessels to position different ones of the three reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the three reaction vessels during heating the reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time and during heating the reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein:Attorney Docket 7100.303WOrotating the turntable and counting the one or more reaction vessels comprises counting and locating a total of two reaction vessels positioned in adjacent receptacles of the turntable; wherein after counting the reaction vessels, the method comprises:positioning the turntable so that at least one of the two reaction vessels is positioned over a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature of the reaction vessels carried by the turntable;stopping rotating the turntable;reversing the direction of rotation of the turntable and initiating oscillating the turntable between positions of the two reaction vessels to position different ones of the two reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the initial temperature of each of the two reaction vessels; andcontinuing oscillating the turntable between positions of the two reaction vessels to position different ones of the two reaction vessels over the temperature sensor to measure the temperature of each of the two reaction vessels during heating the reaction vessels for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time and during heating the reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein:rotating the turntable and counting the one or more reaction vessels comprises counting and locating a total of one reaction vessel;wherein after counting the reaction vessels, the method further comprises: positioning the turntable so that one reaction vessel is positioned over a temperature sensor configured for measuring the temperature of the reaction vessels carried by the turntable;stopping rotating the turntable;initiating oscillating the turntable to substantially continuously move the one reaction vessel back and forth over the temperature sensor over a distance sufficient to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the one reaction vessel; andAttorney Docket 7100.303WOcontinuing oscillating the turntable to substantially continuously move the one reaction vessel back and forth over the temperature sensor over a distance sufficient to substantially continuously measure the temperature of the one reaction vessel during heating the reaction vessel for a period of time corresponding to the ramp time and during heating the reaction vessel at the selected digestion reaction temperature for a period of time corresponding to the hold time.

12. The method of claim 1, wherein:the turntable comprises an annularly arranged series of receptacles, each receptacle comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and around a receptacle cavity for removably receiving and carrying one of the one or more reaction vessels,each receptacle base is downwardly open by way of a lower opening, wherein the receptacle lower opening is configured to prevent a reaction vessel in the receptacle to fall downwardly through the receptacle lower opening.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein each receptacle lower opening is configured to be a portion of at least a first optical signal path for use in determining whether the receptacle is empty, as a part of the counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels carried by receptacles of the turntable.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein:the first pair of transducers comprises a first optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with a receptacle lower opening, to form the first optical signal path for counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels carried by receptacles of the turntable.

15. The method of claim 1, comprising selecting the turntable from two or more interchangeable turntables, the interchangeable turntables comprising at least a first turntable type having receptacles configured for carrying a first type of reaction vessels, and at least aAttorney Docket 7100.303WOsecond turntable type having receptacles configured for carrying a second type of reaction vessels that is different from the first type,wherein the two or more interchangeable turntables includes a unique feature configured to be a portion of at least a second optical signal path for use in determining the type of turntable and to thus determine the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable, andwherein the second pair of transducers comprises a second optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with the unique feature of the selected interchangeable turntable, to form the second optical signal path for determining the type of turntable and to thus determine the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein:the unique feature of at least one of the interchangeable turntables is a cutout at an outermost edge of the turntable, andwherein the method comprises aligning the edge cutout of the turntable with the second optical signal path associated with the second optical emitter and sensor pair and determining if an optical signal emitted by the second optical emitter is uninterrupted.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein:the annularly arranged series of receptacles comprises an inner annularly arranged series of receptacles and an outer annularly arranged series of receptacles;the at least first optical signal path counts and locates one or more reaction vessels carried by one of the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable; andthe counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels further comprises counting and locating the one or more reaction vessels using at least a third pair of transducers in communication with the computer controller,the third pair of transducers comprising a third optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with a receptacle lower opening of the other of the inner or outer receptacles of the turntable, to form at least a third optical signalAttorney Docket 7100.303WOpath for counting and locating reaction vessels carried by the annularly arranged series of the other of the inner or outer receptacles of the turntable.

18. The method of claim 12, wherein:each receptacle lower opening is configured to provide optical access to a reaction vessel in the receptacle for temperature measurement; andmeasuring a temperature of the one or more reaction vessels comprises measuring the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels using at least a first temperature sensor configured for determining the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels via a respective receptacle lower opening of the one or more reaction vessels.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the at least first temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor.

20. The method of claim 18, wherein:the annularly arranged series of receptacles comprises an inner annularly arranged series of receptacles and an outer annularly arranged series of receptacles; andmeasuring a temperature of the one or more reaction vessels is comprised of:measuring the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels carried by the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable using the at least a first temperature sensor; andmeasuring the temperature of the one or more reaction vessels carried by the other of the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable using at least a second temperature sensor configured for determining the temperature of a reaction vessel via each receptacle lower opening.

21. The method of claim 1, further comprising:Attorney Docket 7100.303WOmonitoring the pressure within the reaction vessels; andadjusting the microwave power in response to the monitored pressure.

22. The method of claim 1, comprising:initiating operation of a countdown timer, based on the digestion reaction time, at the start of heating the one or more reaction vessels from the initial average temperature to the selected digestion reaction temperature; anddetermining, during heating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature, if there is remaining time left on the countdown clock.

23. The method of claim 22, comprising:determining that there is remaining time left on the countdown clock; and continuing heating the one or more reaction vessels at the selected digestion reaction temperature.

24. The method of claim 22, determining that there is no remaining time left on the countdown clock and the digestion reaction is substantially complete.

25. The method of claim 24, comprising, after determining that there is no remaining time left on the countdown clock and the digestion reaction is substantially complete, discontinuing directing microwave energy to the one or more reaction vessels.

26. The method of claim 25, comprising repeatedly measuring the temperature of each of the one or more reaction vessels and calculating an average temperature of the reaction vessels based on the measured temperatures until the average temperature of the reaction vessels is at or below a predetermined target temperature.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO27. The method of claim 1, further comprising determining a difference between ambient pressure outside of the system and pressure within the microwave cavity using at least one pressure sensor in communication with the computer controller.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is a differential pressure sensor.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising operating a motorized exhaust fan in communication with the computer controller to provide air flow through the microwave cavity in response to pressure data received by the computer controller from the differential pressure sensor.

30. The method of claim 28, comprising adjusting the output of microwave energy with the computer controller in response to pressure data received from the pressure sensor.

31. A system for performing microwave assisted digestion reactions, the system comprising:a microwave radiation source;a microwave cavity;a waveguide in microwave communication with the microwave radiation source and the microwave cavity;at least a first pair of transducers configured for counting and locating reaction vessels positioned within the microwave cavity;at least a second pair of transducers configured for identifying the type of reaction vessels positioned within the microwave cavity;Attorney Docket 7100.303WOa turntable motor and encoder assembly configured for rotating a turntable positioned within the microwave cavity in a first direction, for rotating the turntable is a direction opposite the first direction, and for oscillating the turntable;an interface; anda computer controller in communication with the microwave radiation source, the first pair of transducers, the second pair of transducers, the turntable motor and encoder assembly, and the interface, the computer controller being capable of determining a reaction time for performing a digestion reaction in the microwave cavity at least in part in response to the number of vessels counted and / or the type of vessels identified.

32. The system of claim 31, further comprising a turntable positioned within said cavity, the turntable comprising an annularly arranged series of receptacles, each receptacle comprising a base and a sidewall extending upwardly from the base and around a receptacle cavity for removably receiving and carrying a reaction vessel,each receptacle base is downwardly open by way of a lower opening, wherein the receptacle lower opening is configured to prevent a reaction vessel in the receptacle to fall downwardly through the receptacle lower opening.

33. The system of claim 32, wherein each receptacle lower opening is configured to be a portion of at least a first optical signal path for use in determining whether the receptacle is empty, as a part of counting and locating one or more reaction vessels carried by receptacles of the turntable.

34. The system of claim 33, wherein:the first pair of transducers comprises a first optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with a receptacle lower opening, to form the first optical signal path for counting and locating one or more reaction vessels carried by receptacles of the turntable.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO35. The system of claim 31, wherein:the turntable is selected from two or more interchangeable turntables, the interchangeable turntables comprising at least a first turntable type having receptacles configured for carrying a first type of reaction vessels, and at least a second turntable type having receptacles configured for carrying a second type of reaction vessels that is different from the first type;the two or more interchangeable turntables include a unique feature configured to be a portion of at least a second optical signal path for use in determining the type of turntable and to thus determine the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable; andthe second pair of transducers comprises a second optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with the unique feature of the selected interchangeable turntable, to form the second optical signal path for determining the type of turntable and to thus determine the type of reaction vessels carried by the turntable.

36. The system of claim 35, wherein:the unique feature of at least one of the interchangeable turntables is a cutout at an outermost edge of the turntable, andwherein the edge cutout of the turntable aligns with the second optical signal path associated with the second optical emitter and sensor pair for determining if an optical signal emitted by the second optical emitter is uninterrupted.

37. The system of claim 33, wherein:the annularly arranged series of receptacles comprises an inner annularly arranged series of receptacles and an outer annularly arranged series of receptacles;the at least first optical signal path counts and locates one or more reaction vessels carried by one of the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable; andthe system further includes at least a third pair of transducers in communication with the computer controller, the third pair of transducers comprising a third optical emitter and sensor pair configured, in combination with a receptacle lower opening of the other of the inner or outerAttorney Docket 7100.303WOreceptacles of the turntable, to form at least a third optical signal path for counting and locating reaction vessels carried by the annularly arranged series of the other of the inner or outer receptacles of the turntable.

38. The system of claim 31, wherein:each receptacle lower opening is configured to provide optical access to a reaction vessel in the receptacle for temperature measurement; andthe system further includes at least a first temperature sensor in communication with the computer controller and configured for determining the temperature of a reaction vessel in the receptacle via a respective receptacle lower opening, wherein the computer controller is capable of adjusting the output of the microwave radiation source in response to temperature data received from the temperature sensor.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein the at least first temperature sensor is an infrared temperature sensor.

40. The system of claim 38, wherein:the annularly arranged series of receptacles comprises an inner annularly arranged series of receptacles and an outer annularly arranged series of receptacles;the first temperature sensor is configured for determining the temperature of a reaction vessel in a receptacle via a respective receptacle lower opening carried by one of the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable; andthe system further includes at least a second temperature sensor in communication with the computer controller and configured for determining the temperature of a reaction vessel in a receptacle via a respective receptacle lower opening carried by the other of the inner or outer annularly arranged series of receptacles of the turntable.Attorney Docket 7100.303WO41. The system of claim 31 , further comprising a database including a plurality of predefined digestion reaction temperature ramp times contained by at least one storage device of, or associated with, the computer controller, the database capable of determining, based upon a number and / or type of reaction vessels in the microwave cavity, a ramp time of a digestion reaction temperature.

42. The system of claim 31, further comprising at least one pressure sensor in communication with the computer controller and configured to provide an indication of a difference between ambient pressure outside of the system and pressure within the microwave cavity.

43. The system of claim 42, wherein the at least one pressure sensor is a differential pressure sensor.

44. The system of claim 43, further comprising a motorized exhaust fan in communication with the computer controller and configured for drawing air out of the microwave cavity by way of an air outlet of the microwave cavity, wherein the computer controller is capable of controlling the speed of the fan in response to pressure data received from the differential pressure sensor.

45. The system of claim 42, wherein the computer controller is capable of adjusting the output of the microwave radiation source in response to pressure data received from the pressure sensor.

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