Arrangement for preparing a plurality of samples for an analytical method

• US 11,619,643 B2
• Filed: 12/23/2019
• Issued: 04/04/2023
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Joachim Gerstel
• Original Assignee: Joachim Gerstel
• Inventors: Gerstel, Joachim
• Primary Examiner(s): Wright, P. Kathryn
• Application Number:
  US16/725,930
• Publication Number:
  US 20200132709A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,198 Days
• Field of Search: None
• 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 the preparation of a plurality of samples for an analytical method, the assembly comprising a sampling system for introducing samples provided on a sheet-like sample carrier into an empty or prepared vial, the sampling system comprising:

a jet nozzle wherein said jet nozzle and/or said sheet-like sample carrier is configured to carry out a movement;

a fluid source connected to said jet nozzle, said fluid source configured to eject fluid from said jet nozzle in a high-pressure jet beam configured to cut said sheet-like sample carrier;

a control unit configured to control said movement so that selected portions of said sheet-like sample carrier are partly cut out of said sheet-like sample carrier but remain attached to said sheet-like sample carrier; and

a spraying head configured to spray flushing fluid onto said sample, said spraying head configured to spray flushing fluid onto said cut out portion above said vial to swing down said cut out portion above said vial and to flush said sample from said cut out portion into said vial.

2. The sampling system of claim 1, and wherein said sample has a color, a degree of dryness, a position, and extent and wherein a scanner is provided for scanning said color, said degree of dryness, said position of said sample, said extent of said sample and/or further optically detectable features of said sample.

3. The sampling system of claim 1, and wherein a housing tower is provided configured to receive a stack of sample carriers with distance holders in-between and means for moving one or more of said sample carriers from an opening in said housing tower to a range below said jet nozzle.

4. The sampling system of claim 3, and wherein said opening is provided at a lower end of said housing tower and said housing tower further has an upper opening for inserting further sample carriers.

5. The sampling system of claim 1, and further comprising a reader for reading identification data and/or data for the required sample preparation from a bar code, RFID-storage or any other data storage provided at said sample or vial.