System and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument
First Claim
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1. An instrument for testing a test sample, comprising:
- a performance envelope that is modifiable by changing detachable components associated with the instrument;
a connection configured to mate with a detachable component; and
a reader configured to read a machine-readable device disposed on the detachable component, wherein information associated with the detachable component is retrievable by the instrument using the machine-readable device, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component, and wherein the instrument is configured to determine from the information an approximate position of the zero position and to initiate a zero gap routine without operator involvement.
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Abstract
A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.
61 Citations
21 Claims
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1. An instrument for testing a test sample, comprising:
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a performance envelope that is modifiable by changing detachable components associated with the instrument;
a connection configured to mate with a detachable component; and
a reader configured to read a machine-readable device disposed on the detachable component, wherein information associated with the detachable component is retrievable by the instrument using the machine-readable device, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component, and wherein the instrument is configured to determine from the information an approximate position of the zero position and to initiate a zero gap routine without operator involvement. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method for testing a test sample comprising:
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associating information related to a detachable component of an instrument on a machine-readable device disposed on the detachable component, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component;
attaching the detachable component to the instrument;
reading the machine-readable device;
moving the detachable component with the instrument;
using the information to perform an analysis on the test sample placed on the instrument, determining an approximate position of the zero position; and
initiating a zero gap routine without operator involvement, wherein the instrument is a rheometer. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. An instrument for testing test samples, comprising:
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a performance envelope that is modifiable by changing detachable components associated with the instrument;
one or more detachable components, each having a machine-readable device, wherein information associated with each detachable component is retrievable by the instrument using the machine-readable device, and wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component;
a reader configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device; and
an algorithm that uses the information to analyze properties associated with a test sample in contact with the detachable component, wherein the instrument is a rheometer, and wherein the instrument determines from the information an approximate position of the zero position and initiates a zero gap routine without operator involvement. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17)
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18. A rheometer comprising:
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a shaft configured to be driven by a motor and bearing assembly;
a measuring geometry detachably attached to the shaft;
a machine-readable device disposed on the measuring geometry, wherein the machine-readable device is associated with informing related to the measuring geometry, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the measuring geometry;
a reader configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device; and
an algorithm that uses the information to analyze rheological properties associated with the test sample, wherein the rheometer is configured to determine from the information an approximate position of the zero position and to initiate a zero gap routine without operator involvement. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20, 21)
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Specification