U.S. patent application number 10/945605 was filed with the patent office on 2005-05-05 for compound storage vessel handling apparatus.
Invention is credited to Craven, James Norman.
Application Number | 20050092643 10/945605 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29286799 |
Filed Date | 2005-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050092643 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Craven, James Norman |
May 5, 2005 |
Compound storage vessel handling apparatus
Abstract
Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels such as
microtubes having a least one cavity for receiving a compound
storage vessel. Each cavity is associated with a respective
detector operative to detect the presence of a storage vessel in
the cavity. The detector may comprise a spring form extending in
the cavity and arranged to be deformed by a storage vessel when
introduced into the cavity, and further arranged so that on
deformation it closes an electrical switch indicating the presence
of the microtabe in the cavity. The presence of the spring form
also increases friction between the storage vessel and the cavity
retaining the storage vessel within the cavity.
Inventors: |
Craven, James Norman;
(Abbotsley, GB) |
Correspondence
Address: |
AMSTER, ROTHSTEIN & EBENSTEIN LLP
90 PARK AVENUE
NEW YORK
NY
10016
US
|
Family ID: |
29286799 |
Appl. No.: |
10/945605 |
Filed: |
September 20, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
206/446 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 2035/1051 20130101;
B01L 2300/123 20130101; B01L 9/06 20130101; B01J 2219/00308
20130101; B01L 2200/143 20130101; G01N 35/0099 20130101; B01L
2300/0627 20130101; B01J 2219/00283 20130101; C40B 60/14
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/446 |
International
Class: |
B65D 085/20 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 25, 2003 |
GB |
0322443.3 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. Apparatus for handling compound storage vessels comprising at
least one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel, the or
each cavity being associated with a respective detector operative
to detect the presence of a compound storage vessel in the
cavity.
2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 comprising a plurality of
cavities, each associated with a respective detector.
3. Apparatus as claimed in either claim 1, wherein the or each
detector comprises a first electrical contact arranged on
introduction of a compound storage vessel into the cavity to be
urged into contact with a second electrical contact, thereby to
complete an electrical circuit indicating the presence of a vessel
in the cavity.
4. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resiliently biassed
member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel
introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to
help retain the vessel relative to the cavity.
5. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resiliently biased
member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel
introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to
help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and the resiliently
biased member comprises a spring form.
6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resiliently biased
member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel
introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to
help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and the resiliently
biased member is disposed in a slot in a wall of the cavity.
7. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resiliently biased
member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel
introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to
help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and movement of the
resiliently biased member causes the first and second electrical
contacts to come into contact.
8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein a resiliently biased
member extends into the or each cavity operative to urge a vessel
introduced into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to
help retain the vessel relative to the cavity and movement of the
resiliently biased member causes the first and second electrical
contacts to come into contact and the resiliently biased member
comprises a spring form incorporating an electrical contact
arranged in use to come into contact with a contact on a printed
circuit board when compound storage vessel is introduced into the
cavity.
9. A microtube lifting head comprising apparatus as claimed in
claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to compound storage vessel
handling apparatus. Particularly, although not exclusively, the
invention relates to a lifting head for handling microtubes.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Contemporary drug development involves the preparation and
storage of a large number of compounds, and subsequent later
retrieval of selected compounds. Typically small quantities of
compounds are stored in microtubes. The microtubes are stored in
racks which are in turn stored in cold stores. Introduction of
microtubes into a cold store and subsequent retrieval of selected
microtubes is usually automated.
[0003] In our co-pending application number 0314686.7 a method and
apparatus for handling microtubes are disclosed. The method is for
handling a compound storage vessel disposed in a cavity in a rack,
the cavity having an upper opening and a lower opening, and
comprises the step of introducing a lifting pin into the cavity
through the lower opening to urge the compound storage vessel
upwards within the cavity. Correspondingly the apparatus is for
handling a compound storage vessel disposed in a cavity in a rack,
the cavity having an upper opening and a lower opening, and
comprises a lifting pin and associated actuator, the lifting pin
being arranged to be inserted into the cavity through the lower
opening and operable by means of the actuator to urge the compound
storage vessel upwards within the cavity.
[0004] Using a lifting pin enables individual compound storage
vessels to be selected and raised within a rack.
[0005] In one embodiment the method is for removing a selected
vessel or vessels from wrack and further comprises the step of
locating a lifting head defining at least one cavity over the rack
so that the at least one cavity is aligned with the cavity in the
rack containing the selected vessel, raising the selected vessel
out of its cavity in the rack by means of the lifting pin so that
the vessel is introduced into the cavity in the lifting head such
that the vessel becomes retained relative to the lifting head.
[0006] The lifting head and rack may then be moved apart and the
lifting head placed over another rack such that the cavity or
cavities in the lifting head containing selected vessels are
aligned with cavities in the other rack. The or each vessel
retained in the lifting head may then be displaced from the lifting
head into the one or more cavities in the rack. The or each vessel
is preferably arranged to be retained within a cavity of the
receiving head by means of a friction fit.
[0007] It is an object of this invention to provide improved
apparatus for handling compound storage vessels and particularly,
although not exclusively, a lifting head for handling
microtubes.
[0008] According to the present invention there is provided
apparatus for handling compound storage vessels comprising at least
one cavity for receiving a compound storage vessel, the or each
cavity being associated with a respective detector operative to
detect the presence of a compound storage vessel in the cavity.
[0009] Provision of a detector or detectors enables automated
vessel handling apparatus to determine if a cavity is populated.
This is particularly useful where the apparatus comprises a large
number of cavities.
[0010] In one embodiment a detector comprises a first electrical
contact arranged on introduction of a compound storage vessel into
the cavity to be urged into contact with a second electrical
contact, thereby to complete an electrical circuit to indicate the
presence of a vessel in the cavity.
[0011] The or each cavity may include a resiliently biassed member
extending into the cavity and operative to urge a vessel introduced
into the cavity against a wall of the cavity thereby to help retain
the vessel relative to the cavity. The resiliently biassed member
may comprise a spring form which may be disposed in a slot formed
in a wall of the cavity. Movement of the resiliently biassed member
may be arranged to cause the first and second electrical contacts
to come into contact. In one embodiment the resiliently biassed
member comprises a spring form incorporating an electrical contact
arranged, in use, to come into contact with a second contact
disposed on a printed circuit board when a compound storage vessel
is introduced into the cavity.
[0012] Preferably the apparatus forms a lifting head for lifting
microtubes from a microtube storage rack.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0013] In order that the invention may be more clearly understood
an embodiment thereof will now be described by way of example with
reference to the accompanying drawings of which:
[0014] FIG. 1 is a side schematic cross-sectional view of a lifting
head being used to remove microtubes from a microtube storage
rack;
[0015] FIG. 2 is a cutaway perspective view of a microtube cavity
of apparatus according to the invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 shows a side cross-sectional view of the cavity of
FIG. 2 comprised in a lifting head;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a plan view of the cavity of FIG. 2; and
[0018] FIG. 5 shows how cavities of the shape illustrated in FIGS.
2 to 4 may be arranged together to form a lifting head having a
plurality of such cavities.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0019] In the following description references to upper, lower, top
bottom and the like refer to the apparatus as illustrated, and are
not intended to be limiting in any other way.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows in general how a lifting head (whether or not
it includes the present invention) is used in the selection of
microtubes from a microtube rack. Referring to FIG. 1, a microtube
rack 1 defines a plurality of open topped cavities in each of which
is disposed a microtube 2. The bottom of each cavity is partially
closed to provide support for the microtubes 2 whilst permitting a
lifting pin 3 to be introduced into the cavity beneath the
microtube 2. Alignment pins 4 extend from the upper surface of the
microtube 2 rack.
[0021] A lifting head 5 is used to remove selected microtubes 2
from the microtube rack 1. The lifting head 5 defines a plurality
of cavities 6 for receiving microtubes 2. The cavities are sized so
that the microtubes 2 fit into the cavities 6 with an interference
fit. The cavities 6 are open to the bottom and at least partially
open to the top to enable a pin to be introduced from above to
displace any microtube 2 disposed in a cavity of a lifting head 5
out of the cavity through its lower opening. The underside of the
lifting head includes alignment apertures 7.
[0022] When it is desired to remove selected microtubes from the
microtube rack the lifting head 5 is placed over the rack so that
the cavities of the lifting head and the cavities of the rack are
aligned and alignment pins 4 are received into alignment holes 7.
Selected microtubes 2 are then raised out of their cavities in the
rack and urged into the corresponding cavity of the lifting head 5
by means of a lifting pin 3 introduced into the cavity in the rack
from below. The lifting head 5 can then be removed from the rack 1
with the selected microtubes 2 retained within cavities of the
lifting head. Subsequently the lifting head may be placed over
another rack and the microtubes 2 retained in the lifting head
displaced from the lifting head into the new rack by means of pins
introduced into the cavities of the lifting head 1 from above.
[0023] Features of a lifting head of an embodiment of the present
invention having a plurality of cavities are shown in FIGS. 2 to 5.
For simplicity only a single cavity is shown in FIGS. 2 to 4.
Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5 each cavity 8 is of a generally keyhole
shaped cross-section. Each cavity 8 comprises a portion of
substantially circular cross-section and a portion of substantially
rectangular section, formed by a longitudinal slot extending in a
wall of a substantially circular cavity. The portion of the cavity
8 of substantially circular cross-section is intended to
accommodate a microtube, which should ideally have a close sliding
fit within this portion of the cavity.
[0024] A spring form 9 is disposed within the slot of the cavity 8.
The spring form 9 is formed from a suitable electrically conductive
material, for example Beryllium Copper. One end of the spring form
9 is flattened and fixed within the slot of the cavity so that it
cannot move relative to the slot. This end of the spring form 9 is
fixed by way of a detent 10, although any other suitable means of
fixing may be employed. The spring form 9 extends from the flat
portion in an arcuate fashion. The arcuate portion of the spring
form 9 extends out of the slot into the portion of the cavity 8 of
substantially circular cross-section and back into the slot where a
second flattened portion of spring form is found leading to a tail,
having an electrical contact surface, the tail extending out of the
slot.
[0025] In a microtube lifting head each cavity extends between top
13 and bottom 14 plates. The bottom plate 14 includes a plurality
of substantially circular apertures 15 each one disposed
concentrically with and substantially the same size as the circular
portion of a respective cavity 8 so that microtubes may enter and
leave each cavity through the bottom plate 14. The top plate 13
also includes a plurality of substantially circular apertures 16
concentric with the substantially circular potion of each cavity.
In contrast to the top plate though each aperture 16 has a diameter
sufficiently smaller than that of the substantially circular
portion of each cavity so that microtubes will not pass through the
top plate 13 but a pin of smaller diameter than the microtubes can
do so in order to displace microtubes from the cavity 8. Further
apertures 19 (which may connect with the substantially circular
apertures 16) are formed in the top plate 13 through which the
spring form 9 of each cavity extends. The tail portion 11 of each
spring form extends at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the
cavity 8. Adjacent but spaced apart from the tail portion 11 of
each spring form is an electrical contact 17 comprised in a printed
circuit board 18.
[0026] In use a microtube is introduced into the cavity 8 through
aperture 15 in the bottom plate 14. As the microtube substantially
fills the portion of the cavity of circular cross-section as it
moves into the cavity 8 it comes into contact with the arcuate
portion of the spring form 9. This causes the spring form 9 to
deform. As the spring form 9 deforms the arcuate portion becomes
flattened the effect of which is to urge opposite ends of the
spring form 9 apart. The lower flattened end of the spring form
cannot move relative to the slot in which it is disposed, both
because of detent 10 and because the end of the spring form 9 is in
contact with the bottom plate 14. The upper flattened end of the
spring form is, however, able to move since it can pass through
aperture 19 in the upper plate 13. This causes the tail 11 of the
spring form to move towards electrical contact 17 and electrical
contact 12 to make contact with contact 17. This completes an
electrical circuit enabling automatic microtube handling apparatus
to determine that a microtube is present in the cavity 8.
[0027] The spring form 9 serves a dual function. When a microtube
is inserted into the cavity 8 the spring form 9 urges the microtube
towards the opposite wall of the cavity ensuring a good friction
fit between the microtube and cavity and therefore that the
microtube is retained within the cavity. Secondly the spring form
acts, in conjunction with electrical contact 17, as an electrical
switch which is closed when a microtube is introduced into the
cavity and reopens when a microtube is displaced out of the cavity
owing to the fact that the spring form will return to its original
shape on removal of the microtube.
[0028] The keyhole shape of the cavities enables a plurality of
cavities to be arranged closely together, in a manner illustrated
in FIG. 5. In one practical embodiment the centre points of the
circular portion of each cavity are spaced apart by 4.5 mm. Whilst
an array of 140 cavities has been illustrated apparatus can be
provided with any convenient number of cavities.
[0029] The above embodiment is described by way of example only.
Many variations are possible without departing from the invention
as defined by the following claims.
* * * * *