Arrangement for Preparing a Plurality of Samples for an Analytical Method

• US 20200132708A1
• Filed: 12/23/2019
• Published: 04/30/2020
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joachim Gerstel
• Original Assignee: Joachim Gerstel
• Inventors: Gerstel, Joachim
• Granted Patent: US 11,761,971 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 35/02 Filters adapted for location in special places, e.g. pipe-lines, pumps, stop-cocks, B01D35/05 takes precedence; water pipe system filters E03B3/18, E03B7/07; dirt catchers in sewers E03F; filters or strainers for pipe-lines in general B08B, E03F; object or dirt catching devices in sinks or the like E03C1/26; suction strainers or filters for pumps F04B53/005, F04D29/70
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 2101/23 Mixing of laboratory samples e.g. in preparation of analysing or testing properties of materials
• CPC Class Codes: B01F 25/10 Mixing by creating a vortex flow, e.g. by tangential introduction of flow components
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0681 Filter
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/0275 Interchangeable or disposable dispensing tips
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 11/043 Load indication with or without control arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 2011/046 Loading, unloading, manipulating sample containers
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 5/0414 comprising test tubes
• CPC Class Codes: B04B 5/0421 pivotably mounted
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 1/286 involving mechanical work, e.g. chopping, disintegrating, compacting, homogenising microtomes G01N1/06; pulverising in general B02C; mixing in general B01F
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2001/2873 Cutting or cleaving
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/0405 manipulating closing or opening means, e.g. stoppers, screw caps, lids or covers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/0449 using centrifugal transport of liquid
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/1025 Fluid level sensing
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/103 using disposable tips
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 2035/1053 for separating part of the liquid, e.g. filters, extraction phase
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/00732 Identification of carriers, materials or components in automatic analysers
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/025 having a carousel or turntable for reaction cells or cuvettes
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/04 Details of the conveyor system G01N35/021 - G01N35/028 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/10 Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices G01N35/0099 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1011 : Control of the position or alignment of the transfer device
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1079 : with means for piercing stoppers or septums
• CPC Class Codes: G01N 35/1097 : characterised by the valves valves in general F16K

Abstract

The invention relates to an arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method, comprising a carousel with a solid housing and moveable receiving parts for the sample containers; a control for controlling the receiving parts in the carousel; and a sample receiving device for providing the sample for the analytical method. Said arrangement is characterized in that one or more stations for preparing samples are provided on the carousel, the receiving parts for the sample containers of the carousel can be positioned on said stations. Said arrangement also comprises a centrifuge with pairs of opposite lying receiving parts provided for the sample containers, and said receiving parts are arranged such that they can move on the centrifuge for the sample holder such that a transfer of a sample holder between a receiving part in the carousel and a receiving part in the centrifuge can be carried out. The control takes place by the same control which is also provided for controlling the carousel.

Claims

1. An assembly for taking up sample liquid from a vial and transferring said sample liquid to an analytic instrument, said assembly comprising:

a suction device; and

a needle or tube connected to said suction device;

a filter inside said needle or tube;

a depot with a plurality of unused needles or tubes; and

means for exchanging said needle or tube after receiving said sample liquid and introducing said sample liquid in an analytic instrument by an unused needle or tube from said depot.

2. The assembly of claim 1, and wherein said sample liquid is present in said vial with a liquid supernatant with a depth above a solid state phase and said needle provided at said sampling device is adapted to be inserted into said sample liquid with an end of said needle and the assembly further comprising optical means for the detection of said depth of said liquid supernatant and means for controlling said insertion depth of said end of said needle of said depth of said liquid supernatant.

3. The assembly of claim 2, and wherein said optical means comprises a video camera and image processing means.

4. The assembly of claim 1, and further comprising an interface for connecting a HPLC-column, a gas chromatographic column or any other analytic instrument downline said sample taking assembly.

5. A tube or needle for use in an assembly in claim 1, and wherein a filter is provided in its inside.

6. The tube or needle of claim 5, and wherein said filter is at least partly sintered by a sinter method.

7. The tube or needle of claim 5, and wherein said tube or needle has a wall, said filter defines a range in said wall and said wall has a reduced wall thickness in said range of said filter.

8. The tube or needle of claim 7, and wherein said filter is provided with a filter material in said range of said wall with a reduced wall thickness and said opening there below is closed by crimping.