CN-122028986-A - Sectional tray for automatic sampler

Abstract

The segmented sample processing tray includes a plurality of sample processing sections, each sample processing section including a plurality of sample locations for a sample container, wherein the segmented sample processing tray transitions between a compact two-dimensional array arrangement and an extended linear arrangement by at least partially separating the plurality of sample processing sections.

Inventors

• D. Hoffmeyer
• H. Al Essavi

Assignees

• 戴安公司

Dates

Publication Date

20260512

Application Date

20241121

Priority Date

20231206

Claims (15)

1. 1. A segmented sample processing tray comprising: A plurality of sample processing sections, each sample processing section comprising a plurality of sample locations for sample containers; wherein the segmented sample processing tray transitions between a compact two-dimensional array arrangement and an extended linear arrangement by at least partially separating the plurality of sample processing sections.
2. 2. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 1, wherein the extended linear arrangement comprises the plurality of sample processing sections substantially end-to-end.
3. 3. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 1, wherein the compact two-dimensional array arrangement comprises the plurality of sample processing sections substantially side-by-side.
4. 4. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 1, wherein sides of each of the plurality of sample processing sections are at least partially open such that the sample containers are visible inside the sample processing sections.
5. 5. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sample processing sections are coupled together using an integral hinge.
6. 6. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 5, wherein the integral hinge is joined to the sample processing section at an edge between an end and a side of the sample processing section.
7. 7. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 5, wherein the integral hinge is joined to the sample processing section at an end of the sample processing section.
8. 8. The segmented sample processing tray of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sample processing sections are coupled together using a mechanical hinge.
9. 9. A sample processing system for use with a segmented sample processing tray, the segmented sample processing tray comprising a plurality of sample processing sections, the sample processing system comprising: a loading area for carrying the segmented sample processing trays in a compact two-dimensional array arrangement; A conveyor for transporting the segmented sample processing trays in an extended linear arrangement; a sample container reading zone configured to identify sample containers inside the segmented sample processing tray, and A needle insertion region for sampling the contents of the sample container.
10. 10. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein said extended linear arrangement comprises said plurality of sample processing sections substantially end-to-end.
11. 11. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein said compact two-dimensional array arrangement comprises said plurality of sample processing sections substantially side-by-side.
12. 12. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein said sample container reading zone comprises a camera that reads a label on a side of a sample container inside one of said plurality of sample processing sections, a side of each of said plurality of sample processing sections being at least partially open to make said label visible to said camera.
13. 13. The sample processing system of claim 9, wherein said sample container reading zone comprises an RFID reader that reads RFID tags on sample containers inside one of said plurality of sample processing sections.
14. 14. The sample processing system of claim 9, further comprising a needle for taking the contents of the sample container and providing the contents to an analysis system.
15. 15. The sample processing system of claim 14, wherein the analysis system comprises a liquid chromatography system, an ion chromatography system, a gas chromatography system, a mass spectrometry system, a genetic analysis system, a gene sequencing system, an immunoassay system, or any combination thereof.

Description

Sectional tray for automatic sampler Cross Reference to Related Applications The present application claims priority from U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 18/530,757 filed on 6/12/2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field The present invention relates to the field of analytical chemistry, and in particular to an autosampler for use in various laboratory environments. More specifically, the present patent application is directed to a novel sample processing design that improves the efficiency and accuracy of sample introduction and analysis in analytical chemistry. Background Analytical chemistry plays a vital role in a number of scientific fields including pharmaceutical, environmental monitoring, food and beverage analysis, and forensic sciences. One of the basic steps in analytical chemistry involves sample preparation and introduction into analytical instrumentation, which traditionally relies on manual techniques. However, manual sample processing can be time consuming, error prone, and laborious, often resulting in reduced accuracy and reproducibility of the analysis results. To overcome these limitations, autosamplers have been developed to automate the sample introduction process, thereby improving efficiency, accuracy and throughput in analytical laboratories. Autoinjectors are widely used in conjunction with various analytical instruments such as Gas Chromatographs (GC), liquid Chromatographs (LC), mass Spectrometers (MS), and the like. Conventional autosampler designs typically feature a sample tray or carousel that carries multiple samples that are introduced into the analytical instrument in sequence. Sample introduction automation eliminates the need for manual sample handling, thereby reducing human error and increasing sample throughput. However, existing autoinjectors may still face certain limitations that limit their overall performance and efficiency. Disclosure of Invention In a first aspect, a segmented sample processing tray may include a plurality of sample processing sections. Each sample processing section may include a plurality of sample locations for sample containers. The segmented sample processing tray may be converted between a compact two-dimensional array arrangement and an extended linear arrangement by at least partially separating the plurality of sample processing sections. In various embodiments of the first aspect, the extended linear arrangement may comprise a plurality of sample processing sections substantially end to end. In various embodiments of the first aspect, the compact two-dimensional array arrangement may comprise a plurality of sample processing sections substantially side-by-side. In various embodiments of the first aspect, the sides of each of the plurality of sample processing sections may be at least partially open such that the sample container is visible inside the sample processing section. In various embodiments of the first aspect, the plurality of sample processing sections are coupled together using an integral hinge. In particular embodiments, the integral hinge may be joined to the sample processing section at an edge between the end and the side of the sample processing section. In particular embodiments, the integral hinge may be joined to the sample processing section at the end of the sample processing section. In various embodiments of the first aspect, the plurality of sample processing sections may be coupled together using a mechanical hinge. In a second aspect, a sample processing system for use with a segmented sample processing tray comprising a plurality of sample processing sections may comprise a loading region for carrying segmented sample processing trays in a compact two-dimensional arrangement, a conveyor for transporting segmented sample processing trays in an extended linear arrangement, a sample container reading region configured to identify sample containers inside the segmented sample processing tray, and a needle insertion region for sampling sample container contents. In various embodiments of the second aspect, the extended linear arrangement may comprise a plurality of sample processing sections substantially end to end. In various embodiments of the second aspect, the compact two-dimensional array arrangement may comprise a plurality of sample processing sections substantially side-by-side. In various embodiments of the second aspect, the sample container reading zone may comprise a camera that reads a label on a side of the sample container inside one of the plurality of sample processing sections. The side of each of the plurality of sample processing sections may be at least partially open to make the label visible to the camera. In various embodiments of the second aspect, the sample container reading zone may comprise an RFID reader that reads RFID tags on sample containers inside one of the plurality of sample processing sections. In various embodiment