JPH01500297A - sample loading device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] sample loading device field of invention The present invention relates to the field of automated clinical analyzers, and more particularly to the field of automated clinical analyzers. Sample loading and unloading in and with the analyzer Regarding equipment.

Background of the invention Automated clinical analyzers automatically analyze patient samples in clinical chemistry laboratories. It is used to process various analytical items (anal) in such samples. yte) and/or '1 degree. of such an analyzer The degree of automation is simply to automatically measure the concentration of a single sample placed on the instrument Automatically processes large numbers of samples from the instrument that are loaded onto the system by the operator. There are many different systems to manage this.

The throughput of the system, i.e. the number of samples that can be analyzed per unit time, is , is an important consideration in automated systems. system One of the factors that affects the The method is to remove the data from the system once the required analysis is completed. too If the system has to wait while the operator loads or removes the sample. If not, the system throughput may be affected accordingly. thus, When the system must wait while the operator loads and removes the sample It is known in the art to utilize mechanisms or methods that reduce Ru.

One method of processing is performed by Beckman Instruments, Brea, California. Beckman Instruments Inc. Therefore, the Astra (registered trademark) analyzer is manufactured by Well, by placing a group of individual samples on a single turntable. single The turntable is then loaded into the analyzer and the time the analyzer is playing A simple operation is made to help minimize the amount. All samples on the turntable When a sample was analyzed, the entire turntable was removed and required analysis. The turntable is then replaced with another turntable that holds the sample. This technique is effective I know this, but regardless of the number of samples on the turntable, The entire sample turntable may be placed on or removed from the analyzer at once. need to be In this way, the analyzer operation can load the turntable. The amount of time that will be interrupted will be limited to a small sample of fluid, even if the turntable is full. It is the same whether you have a

Another processing method is from American Dade. Indicated by the Paramax (registry part a) analysis system. pa In the Lamax system, individual sample test tubes are loaded onto a loading carousel. and the carousel continues, similar to the Astra system described above. loaded into the system. Sample test tubes are transferred to the transfer carousel by an automatic transfer mechanism. The sample is then transferred to a tank where a sample aliquot is removed and transferred to the analysis Ru.

The sample tubes are then removed from the transfer carousel by another automated transfer mechanism. transferred to a carousel where it is then removed by the system operator .

The Baramax system suffers from the same disadvantage mentioned above, i.e., the individual samples are large. The carousel then loads the system. suffer a disadvantage. Thus, the flexibility of the system is reduced. Furthermore, paramax system requires two automated sample transport mechanisms, each with an individual glass sample tubes must be transported, increasing cost and system complexity. Increase sloppiness.

Therefore, it is possible to overcome the aforementioned limitations and to analyze the sample without interfering with the operation of the analyzer. Sample loading that makes it easy and quick to load samples into automated analyzers There are demands on the system. Also suitable for large-capacity tarps, tables or circular conveyors. Easily guide a limited number of samples to the analyzer without having to place the sample on the rack There is a need for a sample loading system that allows this.

Summary of the invention The present invention overcomes the aforementioned limitations and provides an adaptable, flexible, and simple implementation. Provide pull loading system. The analyzer can be used to load or unload samples. There is no need to wait while the Not affected.

The sample loading and unloading device according to the invention each includes a sample transport section. includes a loading tray that includes multiple locations for receiving data. This loading tray Separate from, but related to, the pull carousel, the sample carousel The conveyor also includes a plurality of locations each receiving a sample carrying sector.

Define the portion of the sample carousel closest to the loading tray or transfer location. outfit The position further includes forwarding the sector placed in the transfer position from the sample carousel. transferring the sector to the recording loading tray and at the same time loading the sector at the transfer position; carrying out a transfer cycle including transferring the samples from the sample tray to the sample carousel; including the means to carry out the

The transfer cycle also advances the sector on the loading tray one position around the perimeter of the tray. Includes

The device further includes a sector placed on the loading tray and a sector placed in the transfer position. means for removably securing the transferred sector to the transfer member; and lifting the transfer member; and may include means for rotating. The means for lifting and rotating the transfer member is a cylinder. and a motor for rotating the transfer member.

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a sample loading device according to the invention, and FIG. 2 is a cross-section of the device of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along plane 2-2.

detailed description Referring to FIG. 1, a sample loading device 10 according to the present invention is known in the art. carried by an automated clinical analyzer of the type known in It includes a loading tray 12 and a sample carousel 14. Simply put, the loading truck The ray 12 receives and carries four sample carrying sectors 16. Sample carousel 14 receives and conveys eight sample sectors 16. It is. The portion of the carousel 14 closest to the loading tray 12 is designated as a transfer position 18. It is defined as

Loading tray 12 includes a transfer assembly 20 . The transfer assembly 20 is in a transfer position. The sample sector 16 located in the storage tray 18 and the sample sector 16 located in the loading tray 12 all sample sectors 16 to other sample sectors placed on the sample carousel 14. Lift it above the pull sector 16. While holding up sample sector 16, Transfer assembly 20 moves sample sector 16 clockwise, as seen in FIG. rotate to one position in the direction. In this way, the sample section located at the transfer position 18 The tank 16 moves to a first loading position 22 and to second and third loading positions 24 . The sample sector I6 located at 26 is arranged clockwise around the periphery of the loading tray 12. The sample is advanced one loading position in the direction and placed in the fourth loading position 28. Sector 16 is moved to transfer position 18 . Transfer assembly 20 then Place sector 16 on loading tray 12 and sample carousel in transfer position @18. Lower it onto Ya14.

The sample carousel 14 has a sample sector 16 connected to the analyzer operator. It is thus rotated while being placed on and removed from the loading tray 12. . Additionally, the loading/unloading or transfer cycle described above may be performed on a sample carousel. to the sample carried by sector 16 located in rotation or transfer position I8. Occurs during parts of the automated analyzer operating cycle that do not require access. You can adjust the time to suit your needs. Both of these factors cause the device 10 to -buttons.

Returning now to a more detailed description of the apparatus 10, the loading tray 12 is generally designated by the number 30. includes a housing and a support tube 31. The housing 30 has four an upper portion 32 for receiving and supporting sample sector 16; and transfer assembly 2. 0 in its retracted or lowered position. . The upper portion 32 includes first through fourth portions spaced around the periphery of the upper portion 32. Loading locations 22-28 are defined.

In the embodiment described herein, each of the sample sectors 16 includes a first arcuate vertical face 38, a second longer arcuate vertical face 40 and a vertical connecting face 38.40 It includes an arcuate body 36 having an end surface 41.

So configured, the arcs 36 of the eight sample sectors 16 are When placed around the perimeter of the sample carousel 14, the partitioned annular assembly Form yellowtail. Each of the sample sectors 16 includes a first and a second arcuate surface 3 8. It includes ten apertures 42 formed to extend vertically through it parallel to 40. Open Port 42 in turn receives a sample cup (not shown) containing a liquid sample. Put it in. The apertures 42 are arranged in two arcuate rows of five apertures 42 in each row. , the first row near the first arcuate surface 38 and the second row near the second arcuate surface 40. It's in Kuni.

Now, continuing the explanation regarding the loading tray 12, its upper portion 32 is Vertical wall 44 extending approximately three-quarters of the way around the perimeter (Figures 1 and 2) including. The wall 44 is located at the top of the sample sector 16 located on the loading tray 12. It extends slightly upwards. Five horizontal platforms 46 are formed at the base of wall 44. The platform 4d extends inwardly toward the center of the loading tray 12. There is. Platform 46 is positioned within loading tray 12 at loading locations 22-28. Sample sector! Provide a supporting surface for 6. For more details, please refer to the loading position Each of the locations 22-28 includes two platforms on which opposite ends of the sector 16 rest. 46.

Further, the platform 46 has sectors 16 located at the treetop locations 22-28. includes a cylindrical upward projection 48 that engages the aperture 42 at each end thereof.

The lower portion 34 of the housing 30 is configured to define a cavity 50 between adjacent protrusions 48. It is formed like a sea urchin. The top of the cavity 50 is the loading point below the sample sector 16. Each of the locations 22-28 defines an aperture, and the sample sector 16 defines an aperture therein. placed in a loading position such as A horizontal bottom wall 52 is located at the center of the loading tray 12. It includes a circular aperture 53 therethrough coaxially aligned with the axis. The bottom wall 52 is the empty space 5 Define the bottom of 0. The opening 53 extends approximately two-thirds above the height of the cavity 50. It terminates in a vertical inner cylindrical wall 54.

Support tube 31 includes a horizontal flange 56 at its top, with flange 56 extending from the bottom wall. It is fixed to the lower surface of 52. The support tube 31 is also attached to the flange 56. It includes a fixed bell-shaped portion 58.

Bell-shaped portion 58 extends downwardly and inwardly and is connected to a vertical cylinder 60. Tare A straight cylinder 60 extends downward from the bell-shaped portion 58 and includes a bottom member 62 for closure. include. For example, the closure bottom member 62 may be attached to a casing attached to the vertical cylinder 60. with an O-ring seal interposed between the cap and the vertical cylinder 60. It can be made into a cap. Arranged within the vertical cylinder 60 is a base. An elongated bearing 64 near the upper end of the vertical cylinder 60 immediately following the rounded portion 58 It is. A Hall effect magnetic detector 66 is placed directly below the bearing 64. Ru. A second Hall effect detector 68 is aligned with the detector 66 and the occlusion bottom member 62 It is fixed inside the vertical cylinder 60 immediately next to the vertical cylinder 60. The detector 68 will be explained later. Connects through the housing to external circuitry (not shown) that controls the device 10 so as to be done.

Transfer assembly 20 provides upward and downward movement of this assembly 20 including pneumatically operated lifting means for More specifically, the transfer assembly 20 includes: It includes a cup-shaped piston 70 which extends outwardly at its upper open end. It has an extending annular lip 72. The bottom 74 of the piston 70 It has a barbed post 76 that is coaxially aligned with the central axis.

ABC3-450-27 of Bellofram Type A visible rolling seal such as 5-F connects the piston 70 and the housing 30. It is fixed between. Seal 78 is aligned with the barbed opening in boss 76. The piston 7 is connected to the piston 7 by a circular sotainer brake 1.80 having a central opening therethrough. 0 bottom 74. The bead 82 on the outer periphery of the seal 78 is Arranged in an annular groove 84 formed in the bottom wall 52 coaxial with the central axis of the loading tray 12 has been done.

Bead 82 is tightened within groove 84 between flange 56 and the underside of bottom wall 52. There is.

A guide shaft 86 supported by bearings 64 is disposed within the vertical cylinder. It is. A threaded member 88 at the top of the guide shaft 86 connects to the retainer plate 8. 0 into the post 76 and attach the retainer plate 80 to the bottom of the piston 70. It is fixed at 74.

The magnet 90 is located at the lower end of the kite shaft 86 in line with the detectors 66, 68. Fixed.

Bottom wall 52, seal 78, retainer plate 80 and support tube 31 cooperate. to define an enclosed, airtight cylinder or chamber 92 within which a valve 94 is placed. Compressed air is then introduced. Valve 94 is an electrically controlled two-way valve that The compressed air supplied through the tube 96 is guided into the chamber 92, and the chamber 9 is electrically controlled. The air in 2 is exhausted to the atmosphere via outlet 98.

Fixed to the above-described pneumatic lifting means are a mounting plate 100 and a stand. The rotation means includes a step motor 102. The mounting plate 100 has a lip 72 and supports a step motor 102 within the piston 70. Step Motor 102 includes a shaft 104 coaxially aligned with piston 70 . Tori The mounting plate 100 also includes a step motor 102 and, for example, a light source and a light detector. It serves as an electrical contact for a U-shaped position detector 106 including a detector. flexibility A conductor 108 connects the step motor 102 and the detector 106 through the housing 30. Connect to external circuitry (not shown). The external circuit is the detector, as explained later. Step motor 102 is controlled in response to signals from 106 .

The transfer assembly 20 is also secured to the end of the stepper motor shaft 104. Includes a transfer spider 110. The upper portion of the transfer spider 110 has a shallow cylindrical shape. An inverted cup 112 is defined. The side edges of the cup 112 form a tabered portion 114. It extends outward and downward as if The taber portion 114 is a transfer assembly. When the bridge 20 is in its lowered or retracted position, it terminates near the bottom wall 52. It connects to a vertical cylindrical section 116.

Five pick-up members or arms 118 pick up water from the lower end of the cylindrical portion 116. It protrudes outward. With transfer assembly 20 in its retracted position , four pickup arms 118 are arranged within the cavity 50, and a fifth pickup arm 118 is disposed within the cavity 50. The sample sector 118 is moved outwardly to the transfer location and the sample sector 16 is transported outwardly to the transfer location. Extending down a portion of the pull carousel 14. That of pickup arm 118 Each includes two cylindrical upwardly directed projections 120. The protrusions 120 include the first to fourth protrusions. Two of the sample sectors 16 located at loading positions 22-28 or transfer position 18 is received within two intermediate or central openings 42.

The transfer assembly 20 is also secured to a transfer spider 110, which is shaped like an inverted cylindrical cup. It includes a position flag 122. The lower outer edge 124 of the position flag 122 is a U-shaped position. One of the five index positions moved within the detector 106 and aligned with the five cutouts 50 is detected by detector 106 to indicate that transfer assembly 20 is located at Ru.

Now, regarding the sample circular conveyor 14 shown in FIG. Conveyor 14 includes a base 128 on which support ring 130 rotates. It is rotatably mounted.

The support ring 130 is driven by a stepper motor located on the base 128; It can be operated by a control circuit that operates step motor 102 and valve 94. preferable. As seen in FIG. 1, the surface defined by platform 46 is , somewhat above the plane defined by support ring 130.

The support ring 130 includes an inner annular member 132 and a plurality of radially projecting horizontal members. support arm 134. In the embodiments disclosed herein, a sample carousel 14 includes eight support arms 134. Each of the support arms 134 has four circles. It includes a cylindrical upward protrusion 136. The sample sectors 16 are The support arm 134 is placed on the support ring 130 so as to straddle the support arm 134 .

A group of four protrusions 136 on adjacent support arms 134 are located at each end of the sector 16. Fits into opening 42 and removably retains sector 16 on sample carousel 14 do. The support arm 134 can pass through the pickup arm 118 and the space 138. A space created with dimensions slightly larger than the pickup arm 118 so that the pickup arm 118 138 is defined between the support arms. When the transfer assembly 20 is lowered, That is, in the retracted position, the pickup arm 118 and its support The protrusion 120 is disposed in a plane below the plane defined by the support link 130. be placed.

To identify the sample sector 16 carried by the sample carousel 14, Each of the vectors 16 has a barcoded label fixed to the second arcuate surface 40. 140. Label displays unique sequential number for sample sector 16 and is read by barcode reader 142. The leader 142 has a support link. a sample sector placed outside the periphery of ring 130 and placed on support ring 130; 16. Preferably the output of a barcode reader is the same control that controls the loading tray 12 and sample carousel 14. added to the circuit.

In operation, the support ring 130 and any sectors 16 located therein are 128, while the sample sector 16 can rotate freely on the loading positions 22-28. is removed from the loading tray 12 and placed on the loading tray.

Said rotational freedom is necessary so that sample aliquots can be removed for analysis. allows the analyzer to place a sample on the sample carousel 14. do. Therefore, the operator can load or remove sample sections from the loading tray 14. When removing the sample carousel 16, the sample carousel 14 is removed from the analyzer throughput. can be independently controlled to maximize the

During the transfer cycle performed by the device 10, the sample carousel 14 is loaded with The next sector 16 to be loaded is placed in the fourth loading position 28. A certain section The analyzer operator immediately loads the samples onto the sample carousel 14. The fourth loading position 28 can be specially arranged by a motor. sample sex The ability to easily place the loader 16 in the fourth loading position 28 makes it possible for such a Particularly when the vector carries one or many samples to be analyzed as soon as possible. is important.

Before the transfer cycle begins, the sample carousel 14 is removed during this cycle. The sector 16 to be transferred from the loading tray 12 to the loading tray 12 is first It is placed in the transfer position 18 by rotation. Such sectors are explained below , it is called an extraction sector. The extraction sector carries the analyzed sample. sample carousel 14 and does not need to remain on the sample carousel 14. good Preferably, the support ring 130 is mounted on a transfer support so as not to interfere with the operation of the analyzer. Just before cycling, the removal sector is rotated to position it in the transfer position 18.

The transfer cycle begins when valve 94 is controlled to admit air to chamber 92. Ru. As the amount of compressed air in chamber 92 increases, transfer assembly 20 begins to rise. Melt. As the transfer assembly 20 rises, the pickup arm at the transfer position 18 The pickup arm 118 first engages the ejection sector 16 and then the remaining pickup arm. 118 engages sample sectors 16 located at loading locations 22-28.

Transfer assembly 20 has pickup arm 118 disposed on support ring 130. It ends its vertical movement above the top of any sample sector that it contains. Mo When viewed from above as shown in FIG. It is controlled to rotate in the clockwise direction. The rotation is the next in the position flag 122. the notch 126 is detected by the position detector 106 and the transfer spider 110 moves to the next It continues until it indicates that it has arrived at the index position. The step motor 102 After that, the power is de-energized and the transfer spider 110 is put to rest. First, load the fourth loading position 28. The sample sector 16 that was occupied is now on the support ring 130 in the transfer position 18. placed on the side. Similarly, the removal sector 16 is now located above the first loading position 22. The sectors that were placed on the side and were previously placed in the first to third loading positions 22 to 26 16 is placed above the second to fourth loading positions 24-28.

A valve 94 is controlled to exhaust the compressed air within the chamber 92 through an outlet 98 and the transfer spa Lowering the imager 110 and all sample sectors 16 carried by it . The sample sector is opened by the pickup arm 18 being lowered below the platform 46. As it is loaded, it is first placed on a loading tray. Finally, pick the transfer position 18. As the up arm moves below the support ring 130, the sample at the transfer position 18 Sector 16 is placed on sample carousel 14 .

Operation of apparatus 10 is such that sample sector 16 is transferred from tray 12 to sample carousel. 14 or sector 16 from sample carousel 14 to loading tray 12. , does not need to be transported in each cycle. For example, before a transport cycle Standing up, the sample sector can be placed in the fourth loading position 28 and in the transfer position It is also possible that fi1B does not have sample sector 16. The transfer cycle described above Afterwards, the sector 16 previously located at the fourth loading position 28 is moved to the transfer position 1i118. The sample is then transferred to the sample carousel 14 at the first loading location 22. sector 16 is not arranged. Similarly, the device 10 is placed in the transfer position 18. such sample sectors 16 to the first loading position 2. 2 and simultaneously move the sample sector 16 from the fourth loading position 22 to the transfer position. It can be used without moving to 18.

Thus, the device 10 according to the invention prevents the operation of the associated clinical analyzer. Transfer the sample sector 16 to the loading tray 12 without 12, increasing analyzer throughput. Sara The transfer cycle is automated, with individual samples transported on a sample carousel. The analyzed analyzer is pipetted to the analysis station and the analyzer is It can be performed while further strengthening the throughput.

Other equivalent embodiments of the invention will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and It is to be appreciated that the invention is consistent with the full scope of the appended claims. It is.

international search report 入NNEX To THE INTERNATIONAL 5EARCHREP ORT 0 NINTERNATIONAL API’LICATION No, PCτ/IJS 87101616 (SA 18079) e+-・+shido- ＋＋−−−−−＋＋−彎−＋＋−１・−１−−−−−＋類−＋＋axis−−−−Work− +＋＋＋＋−・・−１１１

Claims (10)

[Claims] (1) a plurality of sample carrying sectors each carrying one or more samples; Sample loading and unloading device for automated clinical equipment suitable for use in a stowage comprising a plurality of locations, each of which receives a sample carrying sector; a sample carousel disposed proximate the loading tray; including a plurality of locations, each receiving said sample transport sector, said loading a sample carousel, a portion proximate the tray defining a transfer position; loading the sample conveying sector from the sample carousel to the position; transfer the sample transport sector to the loading tray at the same time at the transfer position. and means for transferring the sample from the sample carousel to the sample carousel. Device. (2) the device supports and rotates the plurality of locations on the sample carousel; Apparatus according to claim 1, comprising means for rotating. (3) The transfer means is a transfer member, and the transfer means is a transfer member that includes the cells placed on the loading tray. removably securing the sector and the sector placed in the transfer position to the transfer member; and means for lifting and rotating said transfer member. The apparatus according to claim (1). (4) whether each of said sample carousel positions accepts said sector; a support member defining a space between the support members; Each of the storage tray positions has a support for receiving and supporting the sector. the transfer member includes support members defining a space between the support members; An arm smaller than the space of the sample carousel and the space of the loading tray. and said lifting and rotating means move said arm through said space and said support. a hand lifted to a position above said sector attached to the sample carousel; 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a stage. (5) The means for lifting and rotating the transfer member is a pneumatically actuated piston; A cylinder according to claim (4), comprising a cylinder receiving a ton and a seal therebetween. Device. (6) The means for lifting and rotating the transfer member applies pressure to the cylinder. 6. A device according to claim 5, and comprising means for removing pressure. (7) said sector includes a recess formed therein, and said sector includes a recess formed therein to determine the position and position of said loading tray; and each of said sample carousel locations has a protrusion received in its recess. 4. The device according to claim 3, comprising: (8) The device includes a means for determining rotation of the transfer member relative to the loading tray. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3, comprising a stage. (9) a plurality of sample carrying sectors each carrying one or more samples; Sample loading and unloading device for self-help clinical equipment suitable for use in a stowage comprising a plurality of locations, each of which receives a sample carrying sector; a sample carousel disposed proximate the loading tray; said loading tray, each including a plurality of locations for receiving sample transport sectors; a sample carousel, the portion proximate to the sample carousel defining a transfer position; means for supporting and rotating the shaped conveyor; and a transfer member for said loading tray. the sector placed at the transfer position and the sector placed at the transfer position to the transfer member. a transfer member including means for removably securing and lifting and rotating the transfer member; and a sample loading and unloading device. (10) multiple sample carrying sectors each carrying one or more samples; Sample loading and unloading equipment for automated clinical equipment suitable for use with A loading station comprising multiple locations, each of which receives a sample carrying sector. a loading tray and a sample carousel located in close proximity to the loading tray. a plurality of locations each receiving said sample transport sector; a sample carousel, the portion proximate the sampling tray defining a transfer position; means for supporting and rotating the pull carousel, and a transfer member extending therefrom; a plurality of arms, the arms carrying the sample sectors on the arms; a transfer member having a plurality of positions included in the loading tray and the transfer member; means for indexing said arm into a plurality of indexed positions with respect to a feed position; the transfer unit at a first horizontal position below the plurality of positions of the ray and the transfer position; material is supported with said arm, and said material is supported on said loading tray from said first horizontal position. the transfer member at a plurality of positions and a second horizontal position above the transfer position; and rotate the transfer member from one indexing position to the next. and means for lowering said transfer member to said first horizontal position. loading and unloading equipment.