Delivering samples to and controlling analytical instruments
First Claim
1. A system for transporting samples to and operating a bank of analytical instruments at least some of which include an automatic injector for delivering a liquid sample from a vial into the instrument, comprising a conveyor including an inlet at a station and an outlet at selected ones of the autoinjectors, an autoloader at the station for holding sample vials and presenting a selected one of the vials to the conveyor inlet for delivery to a selected one of the autoinjectors and at least one computer communicating with at least some of the instruments and using information from the instrument as an input for controlling operation of the autoloader and conveyor.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A control system for a bank of analytical instruments operates the instruments as a group rather than singly. The system includes an autoloader at a sample preparation station into which an individual loads sample vials of unknown material. A second autoloader provides sample vials of known material that can be used to calibrate instruments. A computer controls the autoloader and a conveyor system to deliver a selected one of the vials to a selected instrument. The conveyor system includes a group of distributors, typically in series, to deliver a vial to any one of a large group of instruments. The conveyor system is preferably a pneumatic system includes a receiver and technique for slowing the vials down when they approach the receiver. The receiver is positioned to deliver the vial to an autoinjector of the instrument. A computer monitors and communicates with the analytical instrument to obtain inputs to control components of the system.
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Citations
30 Claims
- 1. A system for transporting samples to and operating a bank of analytical instruments at least some of which include an automatic injector for delivering a liquid sample from a vial into the instrument, comprising a conveyor including an inlet at a station and an outlet at selected ones of the autoinjectors, an autoloader at the station for holding sample vials and presenting a selected one of the vials to the conveyor inlet for delivery to a selected one of the autoinjectors and at least one computer communicating with at least some of the instruments and using information from the instrument as an input for controlling operation of the autoloader and conveyor.
- 15. A method of operating a bank of analytical instruments at least some of which include an automatic injector for delivering a liquid sample from a vial into the instrument, comprising accumulating sample vials at a station, conveying a series of vials in seriatim from the station to the instruments with a conveyor in response to a condition of the instrument, conveying the series of vials from the instrument to a receptacle with a conveyor at the end of each test, monitoring the instruments with a computer, controlling the conveyor with the computer in response to inputs from the instruments and delivering sample vials from the station to the conveyor in response to inputs from the instruments.
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23. An autoloader for receiving and launching a selected one of a series of vials, comprising
a base having an upstanding wall providing a series of horizontally and vertically spaced first openings for receiving the vials; -
a manifold inside the wall providing at least one second opening aligning with, and being in vial transferring relation to, different ones of the first openings in different positions of the manifold; and
a motor causing relative movement between the base and the manifold between a plurality of positions for aligning the at least one second opening to a selected one of the first openings. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26)
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27. A receiver for receiving a vial adjacent an end of a pneumatic conveyor system, comprising
a tubular housing having an axis in a direction of movement of the vial; -
a gate having an edge, the gate being biased for movement between a first position outside a path of movement of the vial toward a second position where the edge is inclined to the path of movement so an incoming vial contacts the edge and moves the gate toward the first position; and
a motor for moving the gate from the second position to the first position. - View Dependent Claims (28)
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29. A distributor for receiving and distributing a series of sample vials, comprising
a housing having an inlet sleeve rotatably receiving an inlet conduit and a planar bottom wall having a plurality of outlets in a circular path for connection to a plurality of outlet conduits; -
a rotatable article director in the housing having a rotatable disc providing a flat bottom abutting the planar bottom wall and providing an opening registering with the circular path, the inlet conduit being connected to the planar bottom wall around the opening for directing vials entering through the inlet opening to a selected one of the outlets in response to the rotational position of the disc;
a seal operative between the flat bottom of the rotatable disc and the planar bottom wall preventing leakage between the disc and the bottom wall; and
a motor for rotating the rotatable article director in response to a command. - View Dependent Claims (30)
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Specification