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Publication Number
US-12461117-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
Disclosed are high-throughput vessel receiving systems and methods of receiving sample vessels, such as samples stored in test tubes. A system for receiving a plurality of individual vessels that each contains a sample, and systems and apparatus for guiding, reorienting, collecting, and transporting a plurality of articles, including vessels, are disclosed.
Core Innovation
The invention is a system for guiding a plurality of vessels using a plurality of chutes that each include an inlet and an outlet. The system includes a plurality of alignment components positioned with first and second sides, and a plurality of encasing panels configured in a row having a first end and a second end. The alignment components and encasing panels are positioned in a vertical orientation with an encasing panel in contact with and separating each of the plurality of alignment components in the row to form each of the plurality of chutes.
Each alignment component includes a first element and a diverter connected to and protruding from the first side, where the first element and the diverter are perpendicular to the first side. The diverter separates the inlet of each chute into a first inlet and a second inlet. The diverter guides each vessel through a first path of each chute to the outlet or through a second path of each chute to the outlet.
The chute architecture supports vertical orientation reorientation from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical for vessels received from an upstream process, and the inlet-to-outlet geometry supports funneling, with an inlet wider than an outlet. The system is modular and includes connector tubes to deliver vessels into collection containers at a collection point, while sorting can be supported based on sample type or indicia.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim defines 3 inventive features centered on forming vertical chutes from alignment components and encasing panels, using perpendicular elements and a diverter on an alignment component side, and routing vessels to the outlet through diverter-separated first and second paths.
Chutes formed by alignment components and encasing panels in vertical orientation
A plurality of chutes comprising an inlet and an outlet, where the plurality of alignment components and the plurality of encasing panels are positioned in a vertical orientation with an encasing panel in contact with and separating each of the plurality of alignment components in the row to form each of the plurality of chutes.
Perpendicular first element and diverter on first side of alignment components
A plurality of alignment components comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first side comprises a first element and a diverter, wherein the first element and the diverter are connected to and protrude from the first side of each of the plurality of alignment components, and wherein the first element and the diverter are perpendicular to the first side of each of the plurality of alignment components.
Diverter splits chute inlet into first and second inlets and guides to outlet via first and second paths
The diverter separates the inlet of each of the plurality of chutes into a first inlet and a second inlet and guides each of the plurality of vessels through a first path of each of the plurality of chutes to the outlet or through a second path of each of the plurality of chutes to the outlet.
The claim coverage centers on vertical chute formation, perpendicular alignment component elements with a diverter, and diverter-driven routing through first and second paths to the outlet. Dependent refinements further specify Y-shaped alignment element configurations, cylindrical sample tubes with a cap, and dimensional relationships for chute inlet and outlet widths.
Stated Advantages
The chute architecture supports vertical orientation reorientation from substantially horizontal to substantially vertical for vessels received from an upstream process.
The inlet-to-outlet geometry supports funneling, with an inlet wider than an outlet.
The system is modular and includes connector tubes to deliver vessels into collection containers at a collection point.
Sorting can be supported based on sample type or indicia.
Documented Applications
Delivering vessels into collection containers at a collection point.
Sorting vessels based on sample type or indicia.
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