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Publication Number
US-9193539-B2
Publication Date
2015-11-24
Expiration Date
Abstract
A storage apparatus has an annular array of stacked item storage formations, and an epicyclic selector arrangement for extracting items from the array, with a temporary storage unit.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a high-density, temperature-controlled sample storage apparatus that includes an array of item storage formations with an epicyclic picking arrangement. A first member rotates about a first axis and carries a selector that rotates about a second axis parallel to and offset from the first axis, with the selector including an item transfer conduit offset from the second axis. The first member and the selector are configured so that rotation selectively aligns the item transfer conduit with one of the array of item storage formations to extract an item from the array.
The apparatus further provides a source of differential pressure in fluid communication with the item transfer conduit to selectively propel items into an item receiving formation from the array by creating a fluid pressure differential. A temporary catcher or temporary storage unit is described as having a plurality of chambers positioned to receive extracted items. The suction or low pressure source draws samples through the transfer passage into a chamber, and the catcher can index to align additional chambers while returning non-target samples to the array.
The apparatus includes sealing and thermal-control concepts to maintain a cold zone. The document describes sealing at the transfer conduit or conduit orifice, including conforming, spherical, or convex seal members at an inlet seal, and alternative arrangements where the selector and catcher are integrated to remain within the cold zone using articulated or sprung seals. Insulation placement is described with an aim to maintain temperature conditions, and the refrigerated enclosure is described with controlled temperature and inert-gas purging in an access system.
Claims Coverage
The document provides one independent claim that defines the core storage apparatus architecture, along with multiple dependent claims refining structural and functional features, including a temporary storage unit, suction or differential-pressure arrangement, and sealing geometry. The main inventive features across the independent claim are a rotatable first member with an offset rotatable selector and an item transfer conduit driven by differential pressure to extract items by selective alignment with one array formation.
Epicyclic selector for selective conduit alignment
A first member rotatable with respect to the array about a first axis, and a selector mounted on the first member rotatable with respect to the first member about a second axis that is parallel to and offset from the first axis, where the selector comprises an item transfer conduit offset from the second axis, and the first member and selector are configured to selectively align the item transfer conduit with one of the array of item storage formations to extract the item.
Differential pressure driven item transfer
A source of differential pressure in fluid communication with the item transfer conduit to selectively propel items into an item receiving formation from the array by the creation of a fluid pressure differential.
Temporary storage unit with multiple chambers
A temporary storage unit disposed near the selector, the temporary storage unit having a plurality of chambers for temporarily storing items.
Selective suction from differential pressure source
A source of differential pressure that selectively draws items through the transfer conduit into a chamber connected to the transfer conduit.
Seal at the transfer conduit orifice engaging the array
A seal at an orifice of a transfer conduit in the selector that contacts the array of item storage formations.
Part spherical inlet seal engaging the inlet
An inlet seal with a part spherical surface that engages the inlet.
Array of parallel elongate conduits selectively connected
An array of parallel elongate conduits, where the selector selectively connects an item receiving formation to extract items from the elongate conduits arrangement.
Overall claim coverage centers on an apparatus where an offset, parallel-axis rotatable selector carried by a first rotatable member selectively aligns an item transfer conduit with a targeted formation in an array, and differential pressure selectively propels items into a receiving formation. Coverage is further refined by use of a temporary storage unit and chambers, selective suction or differential-pressure placement, and sealing features at the transfer conduit orifice and inlet, with additional structural narrowing to an array of parallel elongate conduits in at least one dependent refinement.
Stated Advantages
Not explicitly described in patent.
Documented Applications
Not explicitly described in patent.
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