SE528489C2 - A sample carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A sample carrier (2) for an analysis instrument is provided. The sample carrier (2) includes a transport (4) for moving particulate samples, such as cereal grains or pharmaceutical preparations in capsule or tablet form, along a predetermined path within the instrument. The transport (4) is provided with a plurality of pockets (10a...d) , each one intended to hold an individual particle sample. The pockets (10a...d) of the plurality each comprise one or more movable wall sections for adjusting the dimensions thereof . Pins (12,14) are attached to the movable wall sections and cooperable static guides (16,18,20,22,24) are located within the predetermined path to provide a position sensitive drive means that operates to automatically effect a position dependent movement of those wall sections with movement of the transport (4).

Description

Compound using undersized holes as pockets, are suggested as solutions to this problem.

Another such sample carrier is known from, for example, US 4,572,666 to Satake. Here the conveyor is formed as an endless belt or a reciprocating rectangular plate, both of which are provided with a plurality of through holes or depressions over an upper surface thereof, which holes or depressions are to act as the particle holders or - the pockets. As with the disc in US 6,556,295, it is intended that each pocket hold only one particle as it is moved past an optical analysis station. It will be appreciated that each pocket of the sample carrier described in US 4,572,666 may also, under certain conditions, contain more than one particle.

A further problem with the sample carriers of known types is their lack of versatility in the handling of different particle types or desired orientations. For example, the pocket size may be optimized only for one particle type, eg wheat, and then it may be difficult to use it with another particle type, eg rice, which has a different "medium" size for which the container size should be optimized. In certain circumstances it may also be desirable to vary the orientation in which the particulate sample is kept for presentation at the optical analysis station. One solution proposed by the contents of US 6,556,295 is to provide replaceable discs, each of which has different pocket sizes that are optimized for the sample to be analyzed.

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate at least one of the above problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a sample carrier as described and characterized by claim 1. By arranging for one or both of the lengths and widths of the pockets to be adjustable, for example by being defined by relatively movable slats, when the size and / or shape of any or all of the plurality of pockets are varied either together, in subgroups or individually. In this way, pocket dimensions can be adjusted manually or automatically, for example to minimize the risk of more than one particle being held by a pocket or to change the desired orientation of a sample held in a pocket.

The pocket dimensions can suitably be automatically adjustable as a result of the location and preferably the movement of the conveyor. This enables the size of the pockets to be optimized for a predicted process inside an analysis instrument.

The scope of the movement for the movable wall sections can advantageously be selectable. In this way, the size of the pockets can be automatically optimized for different sample types.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an optical analysis instrument for measuring samples of individual particles, the instrument comprising a sample feeding station; an optical measuring station and a sample discharge station. By including in this instrument a sample carrier according to the first aspect of the present invention, in which the lamellar conveyor is movable for receiving particulate samples in the pockets at the sample feeding station and moving the received samples to the optical measuring station for optical measurements thereof and thereafter to the discharge station for removal of the samples received from the conveyor, the benefits associated with the sample carrier are also included in the instrument.

These and other advantages will be elucidated by reading the following description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a first example of a sample carrier according to the present invention: Fig. 2 shows an exploded view in section of a segment of the conveyor disk shown in Fig. 1; Figs. 3 (a) and (b) schematically show the function of the sample carrier in Fig. 1 in an analysis instrument. A sample carrier 2 according to the present invention is shown schematically in Fig. 1. The sample carrier 2 here comprises a lamellar conveyor disk 4 which is rotatable about an axis, as shown by the arrow in the figure, for describing a predetermined path ( here a circle) As can be seen more clearly in Fig. 2, the conveyor disc 4 comprises a plurality of slats 4a, b, c, d, e, f. Reference is now made again to Fig. 1, from which it appears that these for transport of samples. slats 4amf in the present embodiment form a segment 8a of a plurality of similar segments 8a, b, c, d, e, f, g, h, i, j which are arranged together to form the conveyor disc 4. The slats 4amf of each segment (t ex Ba) cooperate to define pockets 10a, b, c, d, which are located around the outer periphery of the disc 4, and are movable relative to each other for varying separately or simultaneously the width and length of the pockets 10amd of the respective segments 8a. The 4amf design of the layers and their relative movement will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2 and Fig. 3.

In the present embodiment there is also provided a support disc 6, which is arranged to have the same extent as part or all (here whole) of the predetermined path to be described by the movement of the conveyor 4 in use and which may even form a portion of a larger area inside an analysis instrument. In the present example, the support plate 6 is provided with a number of elongate guide surfaces 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 which project from the support plate 6 and extend substantially in a direction of movement of the conveyor 4 along the predetermined path.

Collaborating guide means, here in the form of projections such as pins 12, 14, are mounted for movement with the movable slats 4amf. The elongate guide surfaces 16m24 are positioned to engage and disengage from one or the other of the cooperating guide members 12, 14 when the conveyor disc 4 rotates so that the pins 12:14 are forced into substantially radial movement. In this way, the group of pockets 10amd of different associated segments 8amj can be automatically adjusted differently for each group as a result of the rotation of the disc 4 and depending on the position of the respective associated segments. The function of the position-sensitive drive means formed by the pins 12, 14 and the guide surfaces 16 24 will be described in more detail below with reference to Fig. 3.

In the present embodiment, two of the guide surfaces 16 and 18 are each individually relocated by movement about a pivot pin 16a and 18a, respectively (shown by the bidirectional arrows in Fig. 1) to provide different degrees of engagement with an associated pin 12, 14, and thereby different ranges of movement of the pins 12,14 for a given movement of the conveyor 4 and thus different pocket dimensions.

Reference is now made to Fig. 2, in which a segment (e.g. 8a) of the plurality of segments 8amj constituting the conveyor disk 4 in the present embodiment presented in Fig. 1 is shown in more detail. The segment 8a in this example consists of six slats 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e, 4f. These are mutually arranged so that every second layer 4a, c, e and 4b, d, f cooperate for movement for varying the width (represented by arrow A) and length (represented by arrow B), respectively, of the pockets of the segment 8a.

In the present embodiment, the movement of the cooperating slats 4a, c, e acts for the same and simultaneous variation of the widths of all the pockets 10a d of the respective segments Ba. Each lamella 4a, 4c, 4e here comprises a first plate 28 and a plurality of second plates 30a, b, c, d corresponding to the number of pockets 10a d. These second plates 30amd are mounted for movement relative to the first plate 28. A number of crenelations 32a , b, c, d which also correspond to the number of pockets 10amd of each segment 8a are formed in an outer periphery 34 of the first plate 28. These crenellations 32amd each act to define a maximum size of a corresponding pocket 10amd. Each of the other plates 30amd is then assembled with an associated crenelation 32amd and is mounted for movement in a direction substantially toward the outer periphery (as illustrated by the bidirectional arrow A). . At least one element 36 is provided here for mechanical interconnection of all other plates 30amd of individual slats of the cooperating slats 4a, c, e to support the arrangement of their common movement. The projection 12 is connected to the second plates 30ad via the at least one element 36 and is movable substantially along a radius of a circle described by the rotation of the conveyor disk 4 for moving the other plates 30amd of every other lamella 4a, c, e and thereby varying the width of the pockets.

Movement of the cooperating slats 4b, d, f acts for the same and simultaneous variation of the lengths of all the pockets 10a d of the respective segments 8a. Each lamella 4b, 4d, 4f comprises a plurality of blades 38a, b, c, d, which are arranged to protrude to a variable degree in the crenellations 32a d. These lamellae 4b, 4d, 4f are relatively movable in the circumferential direction (as illustrated by the bidirectional arrow B) relative to the cooperating slats 4a, c, e for moving the blades 38amd into and out of the crenelations 32amd. In this way, changes are made to the lengths of all the pockets left of the associated segment, illustrated as 8a, simultaneously.

The projection 14 is arranged to engage with a guide 40, here in the form of a slot, which is formed in each lamella 4b, 4d, 4f and which is oriented so that displacing movement of the projection 14 substantially along a radius of a circle which described by the rotation of the conveyor disk 4 is transmitted to a displacement substantially in the circumferential direction of the cooperating slats 4b, d, f. Although the movement of the pins 12,14 can be done manually, it is convenient if such movement can be done automatically. For this purpose, the pins 12,14 project beyond the plane of the conveyor disc 4 for engagement with guide surfaces such as the projections 16,18 on the support disc 6. Alternatively, depressions (not shown) could be formed in the surface 6 for engagement. with and thereby control of the movement of the pins 12,14. The guide surfaces 16,18 are oriented on the support plate 6 for co-operation with a selected pin of one or the other pin 12,14 for transmitting rotational movement of the conveyor disk 4 to the moving movement of the pins 12,14 when it is in contact with the selected guide surface 16.18. This has an advantage in that since movement of the pins 12, 14 results directly from the movement of the conveyor disc 4, only one means (not shown) is required for driving the conveyor disc 4.

Referring now to Fig. 3, an example of the interaction in use between the pins 12, 14 and cooperating guide surfaces 16m24, which together form the position-sensitive drive means, is illustrated in connection with an analysis instrument, generally designated 26. In the embodiment In the form shown in Fig. 3, the conveyor plate 4 is formed by a plurality of identical segments 8a j. Each segment 8amj is substantially formed as illustrated for segment 8a in Fig. 2 and each pocket 10amd is shown to be provided with movable wall sections 50,52. Referring to Fig. 2, it will be appreciated that the wall section 50 comprises the slats 4b, d, f and is therefore movable to vary the length of a pocket 10a d while the wall section 52 comprises the slats 4a, c, e and is therefore movable to vary the width of a pocket. pocket 10amd.

For the sake of clarity, the interaction will be described with reference to a single segment, eg 8a, when the disc 4 makes a turn (as shown by the arrow in the figures) to traverse a predetermined path for the pockets l0md.

In the position of the segment 8a illustrated in Fig. 3a, the pin 12 has engaged with the guide surface 16 and the pin 14 with the guide surface 18. When the conveyor disc 4 rotates, the pins 12,14 move over these surfaces 16,18 and while in contact they are forced to moved radially. The extent of this radial movement and thus the change in widths and lengths of the pockets 10amd 10 15 20 25 30 35 528 489 8 can be varied by relocating one or both of the guide surfaces 16,18, here by rotating them around the respective tive pivots 16a, 18a. The limitations of relocation are illustrated by the dashed line indication of 18. As the disc 4 continues to rotate and the pins 12,14 are detached from their respective guide surfaces, the guide surfaces 16, 16,18 are then fixed then the width and length of the pockets 10awd (equivalent to the position of segments 8b).

The segment 8a then moves to a sample feeding site, at which there is a sample feeding station (44 in Fig. 3 (b)) of known type. Here, sample 42, illustrated as grain, is filled into the pockets 10amd (equivalent to the position of segment 8c). A correct choice of the 10amd dimension of the pockets to fit one or both of the sample type and the measurement technique will facilitate a correct orientation of the individual grains 42 in an associated pocket 10a d for subsequent measurement.

A continued rotation of the disc 4 for the grains 42 to a measuring point (equivalent to the position of eg segment 8f), where there is a measuring station (46 in Fig. 3 (b)). In the present instrument 26, optical measurements are performed to determine in a known manner one or more properties of the sample 42 using one or more known methodologies, such as imaging; NIR spectrophotometry or any other light-dependent measurement.

The rotation of the disc 4 then moves the segment 8a to a sample discharge site segments 8h, 8i, 8j) at which there is a discharge station (48 in Fig. 3 (b)). Here, the grains 42 are removed from the conveyor disc 4. When the disc 4 rotates to move the segment 8a through the discharge point, in equivalent to the position of the present embodiment a guide surface 22 engages the pin 14, the guide surface 22 being designed so that movement of the pin 14 over this surface 22 as the disc 4 rotates causes a movement of the pin 14 to set the maximum length of the pockets 10amd (equivalent to the position of segment 8h). This facilitates the release of any Further rotation of the disc 4 then causes the pin 12 to engage the guide surface 24. This is designed so that movement of the pin 12 over this surface 24 as the disc 4 rotates causes a movement of movement of the pin 12 to adjust it. minimum width of the pockets 10a d (equivalent to the position of segment 8i) .In this way, grains 42 are ejected from the pockets 10amd. with the guide surface 20. This is designed so that movement of the pin 12 over this surface 20 as the disc 4 rotates moves the pin 12 to set a maximum width of the pockets 10amd (equivalent to the position of This facilitates cleaning of the pockets 10amd before the width and length in the pockets l0amd re-segment 8j). is set by rotating the disc through the position illustrated by segment 8a.

It will be appreciated that a large number of modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment while still remaining within the scope of the invention as described in the claims. For example, and without limitation, the conveyor disk 4 can be replaced by a lamellar rectangular plate which is movable along a predetermined path between different stations of an analysis instrument. One or both pins 12,14 may be connected to the slats defining the length of a pocket as well as the slats defining the width so that movement of a pin causes a simultaneous change in both the length and width of a pocket. The pins 12, 14 and the guide surfaces 16m24 of the position-sensitive drive means can be replaced by position sensors, such as optical sensors, by which the position of the conveyor within its predetermined path is determined, and operating means for moving different slats independent of the movement of the conveyor and depending on the positions thus sensed. For example, the optical sensors may be arranged to monitor the surface of the disk 4 to detect changes in its reflective properties which have been intentionally created at predetermined positions around its circumference. These positions can be selected to correspond to the position of one or more of the different stations 44,46,48 of an analysis instrument. The dimensions (length, width) of the pockets l0amd may be individually adjustable and the pockets may be distributed over a substantial portion of a surface of the conveyor instead of only around its periphery.

In a further alternative embodiment, the optical measuring station 46 may be replaced by or supplemented with a measuring station which drives other, for example known chemical or electrical, measuring forms.

Furthermore, the conveyor does not have to be continuously movable, but this is advantageous in most cases, especially when the movement is unidirectional (eg rotating disk or endless belt conveyors), as it causes insignificant wear on mechanical parts.

Claims (9)

A patent claim (26), which sample carrier (2) comprises a conveyor (4) for A sample carrier (2) for an analytical instrument moving sample (42) along a predetermined path, said conveyor (4) being provided therein with a plurality of pockets (10amd), each holding a single particulate sample (42), The plurality of pockets (10amd) comprise one or more movable wall sections (50; 52) which are adjustable for varying each of the dimensions of the pockets. Sample carrier according to claim 1, characterized in that said one or more wall sections (50; 52) comprise a plurality of movable slats (4amf). Sample carriers according to claim 2, characterized in that (4amf) are designed to delimit size-varying crenellations (32amd) around an EV n a d a v that the slats outer edge of the conveyor as the majority of pockets (10amd). Sample carrier (2) according to any one of the preceding claims, in that a position-sensitive drive means (12, 14, 16, 16, 20, 22) is further provided, which is operably connectable to said one or more wall sections (50; 52). characterized for automatically performing movement thereof depending on a position of the conveyor (4) within the predetermined path. Sample carrier according to claim 4, characterized in that the position-sensitive drive means comprises a first guide means (12, 14) which is mounted for movement with at least one of said one or more wall sections (50; 52) and a cooperating second control means (16,18,20,22) which is statically located within the predetermined path for entering and exiting engagement with the first control means (l2, l4) for forcing its movement as a result of movement by the carrier (4). Sample carrier according to claim 5, characterized in that the first guide means is designed as one of either a guide surface (16, 16, 20, 22) or a projection (12, 14, 14). ) and in that the second guide means is formed as the second of the guide surface (16, 18, 20, 22) and the projection (l2, l4), the projection (l2; 14) and (l6; l8; 20; 22) being moved of the projection (12:14) along the guide surface (16; 18; 20; 22) at least one of said one or more wall sections (50:52). Sample carrier according to claim 6, characterized in that the guide surface is arranged relative to each other so that the movement automatically takes place so that the conveyor (4) is designed as a disc, which is mounted for rotational movement for describing a circle as the predetermined path, and (16; 18; 20; 22) is statically located within the predetermined path of engagement with that of the second guide means first guide means (12; 14) and forcing its movement along a radius of the circle when the conveyor (4 ) rotates. Sample carrier according to one of Claims 5 to 7, characterized in that one or both of the first control means (12; 14) and the second control means (16; 18; 20; 22) can be relocated to vary a degree of engagement therebetween. during the movement of the conveyor (4). An analysis instrument (26) for analyzing particulate samples (42), the instrument comprising a sample feeding station (44): a measuring station (46): an emptying station (48); and a sample carrier (2) adapted to receive particulate samples (42) at the sample feeding station (44) and move the received samples (42) to the measuring station (46) for analysis thereof and then to the discharge station (48) for removal of the samples (42) received from the carrier (2) that the sample carrier (2) comprises a sample carrier according to any one of the preceding claims, the conveyor (4) thereof being mounted for moving said plurality of pockets (10a d) along a predetermined path between the stations (44; 46; 48).