Delivery system for analytical samples

摘要

A system for handling sample vials includes a vault for receiving a series of storage cartridges. Inside the cartridges are one or more discs providing vial recesses. In multidisc cartridges, through passages are provided to place and retrieve vials into and from the subjacent discs. A pick up device is moved until it aligns with a selected vial and the vial is pneumatically removed. A device is provided to reverse orientation of a vial moving through the system. A venturi operated system is provided including symmetrical bleed off ports to propel vials through the system without inducing excessive spinning of the vials. A piping system from a central bank to a multiplicity of analytical instruments includes a minimum number of through conduits and a diverter at each instrument location for sending the vial either to the instrument or downstream toward another diverter and instrument.

主权项

1. A combination vault and storage cartridge for vials comprising a storage cartridge including
a housing having a top wall providing at least one entry/exit opening for a vial, the at least one entry/exit opening being smaller than the top wall, a disc inside the housing and mounted for rotation about an axis, the disc having a multiplicity of sample holders for receiving vials having a machine readable tag, at least one of the sample holders being aligned with the at least one entry/exit opening in one rotational position of the disc, and a brake mounted in said housing for securing the disc against rotation, a vault including a docking station configured to removably receive the storage cartridge housing such that each said storage cartridge is selectively inserted into or retrieved from said docking station, means for activating the brake when the storage cartridge is out of the vault and releasing the brake at a time when the storage cartridge is in the vault to allow rotation of the disc when the storage cartridge is in the vault, said storage cartridge being configured to captivate the vials in the housing when the storage cartridge is out of the vault, the combination comprising a drive mechanism engaging the disc and adapted to rotate the disc about the axis, an input/output device movably mounted between a position aligned with the sample holder intersected by the entry/exit opening and a position for receiving a vial from a location beyond said vault, a control system configured to position the input/output device at selected ones of its positions, at least one conduit connected to said input/output device for transporting vials toward and away from the vault, and a reader for reading the machine readable tag.