U.S. patent application number 14/723014 was filed with the patent office on 2016-12-01 for centering holder for optical interrogation.
The applicant listed for this patent is TruTag Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Sergey Etchin, Timothy Learmonth, Michael P. O'Neill, Christopher Perrott, David Shepherd, Christopher Tacklind.
Application Number | 20160349173 14/723014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 57398290 |
Filed Date | 2016-12-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160349173 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Etchin; Sergey ; et
al. |
December 1, 2016 |
CENTERING HOLDER FOR OPTICAL INTERROGATION
Abstract
A sample holder comprises a bottom and one or more arms. The
bottom has an initial area for supporting a sample. The one or more
arms actuate to move the sample in the initial area to a target
area, wherein the one or more arms hold the sample.
Inventors: |
Etchin; Sergey; (Castro
Valley, CA) ; Learmonth; Timothy; (Berkeley, CA)
; O'Neill; Michael P.; (Kaneohe, HI) ; Perrott;
Christopher; (Edinburgh, GB) ; Shepherd; David;
(Edinburgh, GB) ; Tacklind; Christopher; (Menlo
Park, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
TruTag Technologies, Inc. |
Kapolei |
HI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
57398290 |
Appl. No.: |
14/723014 |
Filed: |
May 27, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 3/508 20130101;
G01N 2021/036 20130101; G01N 2021/0339 20130101; B01L 2300/0609
20130101; G01N 21/03 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 21/13 20060101
G01N021/13; G01N 21/11 20060101 G01N021/11 |
Claims
1. A sample holder, comprising: a bottom, wherein the bottom has an
upper surface comprising an initial area for supporting a sample,
wherein supporting the sample comprises holding the sample in a
z-direction; one or more arms, wherein the one or more arms actuate
to move the sample from an initial location in the initial area to
a target area and hold the sample in the target area; and an
actuation device for actuating the one or more arms, wherein the
actuation device comprises a cover rotatably movable between a
first position and a second position, wherein moving the cover to
the first position actuates the one or more arms to move to a
default position, and wherein moving the cover to the second
position actuates the one or more arms to move to an actuated
position holding the sample in the target area.
2. A sample holder as in claim 1, further comprising one or more
bottom actuators, wherein the one or more bottom actuators moves
the bottom to provide optical access to the sample.
3. A sample holder as in claim 2, wherein the bottom no longer
supports the sample when optical access is provided to the
sample.
4. A sample holder as in claim 2, wherein the one or more arms and
the one or more bottom actuators are both actuated using the
actuation device.
5. A sample holder as in claim 4, wherein the one or more arms are
actuated first to hold the sample and then the one or more bottom
actuators are actuated to remove the bottom.
6. A sample holder as in claim 4, wherein the one or more bottom
actuators are actuated first to replace the bottom and then the one
or more arms are actuated to release the sample.
7. (canceled)
8. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the actuation device is
actuated by manually twisting the cover.
9. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the bottom comprises one
or more plates.
10. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the bottom comprises a
transparent plate to provide optical access to the sample.
11. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the bottom comprises an
aperture to provide optical access to the sample.
12. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein holding the sample in
the target area comprises not allowing the sample to move in the
x-y plane.
13. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein holding the sample in
the target area comprises not allowing the sample to move in the z
plane.
14. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the one or more arms
comprises three or four arms.
15. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the one or more arms
comprises ledges to support the sample.
16. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the one or more arms
sweep the initial area to move the sample to the target area.
17. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the target area
comprises an area where the sample is optically measured.
18. (canceled)
19. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein each of the arms is
coupled to a torsion spring.
20. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the initial area is
large enough to place and retrieve the sample by hand.
21. A sample holder as in claim 1, wherein the sample shape is one
of the following: round, elliptical, oval, or oblong.
22. A sample holder as in claim 1, further comprising: one or more
magnetic aligners, wherein the magnetic aligners align the sample
holder to a sample reader.
23. A method of sample holding, comprising: providing a bottom,
wherein the bottom has an upper surface comprising an initial area
for supporting a sample, wherein supporting the sample comprises
holding the sample in a z-direction; providing one or more arms,
wherein the one or more arms actuate to move the sample from an
initial location in the initial area to a target area and hold the
sample in the target area; and providing an actuation device for
actuating the one or more arms, wherein the actuation device
comprises a cover rotatably movable between a first position and a
second position, wherein moving the cover to the first position
actuates the one or more arms to move to a default position, and
wherein moving the cover to the second position actuates the one or
more arms to move to an actuated position holding the sample in the
target area.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] A producer or reseller of items (including ingredients and
components of such items)--for example a manufacturer, but also
including other parties in the entire supply and distribution chain
such as a supplier, a wholesaler, a distributor, a repackager, and
a retailer--especially, but not limited to, high-value items, faces
counterfeiting of the items. Counterfeiting includes the
substitution, dilution, addition or omission of ingredients or
components of the item compared to its intended product
specification, as well as misrepresentation or diversion of the
packaged item from its intended course of sale. This leads to loss
of potential revenue as counterfeit items are sold in the place of
the real item. Also, there can be health or product related damages
caused by not using an authentic item as opposed to a
counterfeit--for example, the counterfeit can perform differently
or not at all as compared to an authentic item. This is
particularly acute in industries that can affect health and safety
such as industries involved with pharmaceuticals, nutritional
supplements, medical devices, food and beverages, construction,
transportation, and defense.
[0002] As international criminal organizations become more
sophisticated, existing packaging security is proving inadequate.
The complexity of many industry supply chains--for example, the
supply chain of the pharmaceutical industry--lends itself to entry
points for adulterated or counterfeit product(s), often found in
carefully counterfeited and high-quality packaging, and sometimes
in authentic packaging that has either been stolen or as part of a
repackaging operation.
[0003] In complex product supply chains and markets with variable
pricing, opportunities for arbitrage exist for unscrupulous parties
to misrepresent product pricing without any change to the
underlying product, and thus benefit monetarily, for example, as in
returns, rebate or charge-back fraud. Monetary gain or loss to
either side of a transaction may also result from errors in
record-keeping.
[0004] In addition to counterfeiting or product misrepresentation,
items that appear physically identical or similar, for example
certain nutritional supplements, may actually contain different
ingredients or components, but because of similar appearance may be
unintentionally packaged or labeled incorrectly. Even if the items
are otherwise identical, they may have different properties
associated with the particular lot or batch conditions; for
example, pharmaceuticals that otherwise appear identical may have
different expiration dates and be incorrectly labeled due to
failures or limitations in quality assurance protocols to ascertain
such differences.
[0005] For product development and research, it may be beneficial
at times to study and authenticate performance of items that appear
identical but are made differently to learn whether or how those
differences affect an end use. At times, it is important in such
studies--for example in clinically masked (or `blind`) studies
leading to pharmaceutical development--to be able to confidently
identify the underlying item without revealing the true identity to
study participants. In the case of pharmaceutical development and
clinical trials, item-level identity error may be introduced, for
example, at the contract research organization that repackages the
various product formulations into masked unit-doses. Much time,
cost, and effort goes into statistical sampling and chemical
analyses to verify the true identity of the unit-doses that are
ultimately administered.
[0006] In the effort to attain positive health outcomes in a more
cost-effective and timely manner, healthcare providers need to
focus on the adherence to health regimens, not just the efficacy of
specific drugs. Understanding when, where and how often medicine is
prescribed by a doctor, accurately and timely dispensed from a
pharmacy, received by a patient, and consumed by the patient is
helpful in understanding and verifying the effectiveness of the
overall health regimen. Recording and collecting the data for
appropriate analysis and study while also being able to confirm the
underlying identity of the medicine at each stage is important to
the reliability of the information collected.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Various embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the
following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
[0008] FIG. 1 is an image illustrating an embodiment of a tag.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of tag
measurement geometry.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of spectral
dependence associated with geometry.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement with a sample holder.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement with a sample holder holding a sample.
[0014] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0015] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0016] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0017] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0018] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder.
[0021] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder with a bottom aperture.
[0022] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder with a bottom aperture.
[0023] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
process for a sample holder.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The invention can be implemented in numerous ways, including
as a process; an apparatus; a system; a composition of matter; a
computer program product embodied on a computer readable storage
medium; and/or a processor, such as a processor configured to
execute instructions stored on and/or provided by a memory coupled
to the processor. In this specification, these implementations, or
any other form that the invention may take, may be referred to as
techniques. In general, the order of the steps of disclosed
processes may be altered within the scope of the invention. Unless
stated otherwise, a component such as a processor or a memory
described as being configured to perform a task may be implemented
as a general component that is temporarily configured to perform
the task at a given time or a specific component that is
manufactured to perform the task. As used herein, the term
`processor` refers to one or more devices, circuits, and/or
processing cores configured to process data, such as computer
program instructions.
[0025] A detailed description of one or more embodiments of the
invention is provided below along with accompanying figures that
illustrate the principles of the invention. The invention is
described in connection with such embodiments, but the invention is
not limited to any embodiment. The scope of the invention is
limited only by the claims and the invention encompasses numerous
alternatives, modifications and equivalents. Numerous specific
details are set forth in the following description in order to
provide a thorough understanding of the invention. These details
are provided for the purpose of example and the invention may be
practiced according to the claims without some or all of these
specific details. For the purpose of clarity, technical material
that is known in the technical fields related to the invention has
not been described in detail so that the invention is not
unnecessarily obscured.
[0026] A system for a sample-holder for optical measurement is
disclosed. The sample holder comprises a bottom and one or more
arms. The bottom has an initial area for supporting a sample. The
one or more arms actuate to move a sample in the initial area to a
target area. The one or more arms hold the sample. In some
embodiments, the sample holder comprises one or more bottom
actuators, wherein the one or more bottom actuators moves the
bottom to provide optical access to the sample.
[0027] In some embodiments, the sample holder sweeps a sample into
a position and holds the sample. In some embodiments, the sweeping
is performed with arms symmetrical in two planes (e.g., in order to
accommodate typical pill shapes--for example, elliptical, oval,
oblong, etc.). In some embodiments, four arms are suitable for
sweeping and/or holding the sample. For example, the arms sweep and
position (e.g., center) the sample for optical measurement. In some
embodiments, opposite pairs of arms are driven symmetrically. In
some embodiments, force on the one or more arms is largest when the
arms are fully retracted--so the forces on the sample are only
balanced when the opposite pairs are at the same deflection. For
example, the linear force is generated using torsional springs. In
some embodiments, only when the sample is held in a centered
manner, then the bottom is opened to enable optical measurement. In
some embodiments, the opening is large enough to easily drop a
sample in and/or to be able to reach in and grab the sample using
fingers to remove the sample after measurement (e.g., a thumb and a
forefinger plus a sample size--for example, around 3 cm plus a
sample width or length; the opening is approximately 3 cm, 4 cm, 5
cm, or 6 cm in diameter). In some embodiments, the one or more arms
sweep the entire area of the well, so the sample is always captured
and swept to the center. In some embodiments, the bottom area does
not open the entire well area. In some embodiments, the optical
measurement area comprises a small area on the surface of the
sample (e.g., smaller than the surface area of the sample, smaller
than the well area, etc.).
[0028] In some embodiments, the sample holder is used for holding a
sample in order to make an optical measurement. The optical
measuring system comprises one or more broadband sources, an
optical measurement system (e.g., a spectral measurement system, an
optical imaging system, etc.), and the sample holder. The one or
more broadband sources are to illuminate a sample, wherein the one
or more broadband sources have a short broadband source coherence
length. The optical measurement system is to interrogate the
sample--for example, measure a reflectance spectra or image the
sample. The sample holder is to hold the sample in the correct
position for illumination and reflection of light to the detector.
The sample holder is designed to allow an operator to place a
sample within the sample holder with low accuracy and perform a
simple actuation step (e.g., a twist motion) to hold the sample at
a target position with high accuracy. The sample holder
additionally comprises an aperture to allow illumination light to
enter and reflected light to leave the sample holder.
[0029] In some embodiments, the sample or the object is tagged so
that the sample or object can be authenticated--for example, tags
are applied to a pill. The tags are spectral microtags that reflect
specific spectral peaks when illuminated with broadband light. The
optical measurement system has a limited field of view so that the
sample needs to be positioned within a target area for optical
measurement. The samples need to be held in a fixed position during
measurement.
[0030] In some embodiments, the optical measurement system is
specifically configured to measure tags (e.g., rugate tags). In
various embodiments, tags comprise one of the following materials:
silicon, silicon dioxide, silicon nitride, doped silicon, or any
other appropriate material. In some embodiments, tags are made of
silica and deemed "generally recognized as safe"--or GRAS--by the
Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rendering them biologically
inert and edible. Each barely visible tag contains a
custom-manufactured spectral signature chosen so as to uniquely
identify or authenticate a particular product. Tags with a given
spectral signature are manufactured in quantities sufficient to
enable cost-effective identification of commercial-scale product
volumes. The number of available spectral signature combinations
range from identifying product manufacturer or brand, to product
type or model, to individual lot or batch numbers across multiple
industries and markets.
[0031] In some embodiments, the unique optical signature of each
tag can be read using an absolute or a relative spectral
measurement device, apparatus, or system. In some embodiments, tags
comprise the surface of a silicon wafer that is etched to have a
spectral code encoded by the etching. A thin layer from the surface
of the etched wafer is removed and divided into small tags, and the
resultant tags contain a complex porous nanostructure that is
programmed during electrochemical synthesis to display a unique
reflectivity spectrum. The tags are then oxidized by a
high-temperature bake step to turn the crystalline, nanoporous
silicon tags into amorphous, nanoporous silica. This bake step
stabilizes the nanoporous structure against further oxidation (thus
stabilizing the spectral signature) and provides for the tags to be
characterized as a GRAS excipient.
[0032] In some embodiments, the spectrum of one or more tags is
measured in an absolute or relative spectral measurement system,
then verified against other information as part of a database or
located on a label or package. In some embodiments, the tags are
used on their own acting simply as labels for quality assurance or
other purposes. Information capacity is based on the number of
possible unique spectra, using different peak numbers, peak
placements, peak rugate phases, and/or peak amplitudes as
modulation parameters. The tags are passive, inconspicuous and can
be attached to the outside of medicines or food products to be
read, for example, through clear or translucent plastic blister
packs, or mixed into medicines or food as a forensic excipient, to
be read as part of an investigation or inspection process by
authorized security or quality assurance personnel.
[0033] In various embodiments, the tag properties comprise one or
more of the following: [0034] Inconspicuous size range (.apprxeq.50
to 100 micrometers) allows covert or semi-covert use [0035] Edible
and biologically inert [0036] High temperature resistance--melting
point above 1000.degree. C. [0037] Passive--no energy input or
output [0038] Are used in or on a product, package, label, or
security fiber [0039] Are applied via sprays, coatings, varnishes,
or as part of laminate [0040] Are integrated at a number of
manufacturing stages [0041] High level of security possible; can be
scaled to suit specific product needs [0042] Are made so as to be
self-authenticating and thereby have a reduced cost and security
risk as compared to systems with online databases and
maintenance
[0043] In some embodiments, the optical measurement system includes
a lens for collecting light from the sample with a good working
distance and field of view (e.g., .about.10 mm diameter field of
view, 2.times. objective lens with numeric aperture (NA) of
.about.0.05-0.07, and working distance of .about.3-7 mm). In some
embodiments, the objective lens will be operated in a telecentric
arrangement to ensure that the system captures tilted tags.
[0044] In some embodiments, the system comprises a sample holder
for holding a sample (e.g., a sample that includes a tag). The
sample holder comprises a sample input port for allowing system
operator to place the sample into the sample holder. The sample
holder is placed anywhere within an initial area in the sample
holder. The sample holder additionally comprises a bottom (e.g., a
bottom for supporting the sample--for example, preventing the
sample from falling through the sample holder). The sample holder
additionally comprises an actuator for actuating the sample holder.
In some embodiments, the actuator comprises a manual actuator
(e.g., an actuator that mechanically causes parts to move under a
manual force)--for example, a lever, a twist ring, a pull string,
etc. The actuator actuates one or more moving parts within the
sample holder. In some embodiments, the actuator actuates one or
more arms. The one or more arms comprise arms for moving a sample
from an initial location in the initial area to a target area. In
some embodiments, the target area is small (e.g., a predetermined
position with some small amount of acceptable variability). In some
embodiments, the one or more arms additionally comprise arms for
holding a sample (e.g., for preventing the sample from moving in
the x-axis, the y-axis, or the z-axis). In some embodiments, the
one or more arms additionally comprise arms for holding a sample
within the target area. In some embodiments, the actuator actuates
one or more bottom actuators. The one or more bottom actuators
comprise bottom actuators for moving the bottom to provide optical
access to the sample (e.g., under the target area). In some
embodiments, the one or more bottom actuators comprise an aperture.
In some embodiments, the sample does not fall through the optical
access to the bottom after actuation of the bottom actuators
because the sample is held by the one or more arms. In some
embodiments, the actuator first actuates the one or more arms to
move the sample to the target area and hold the sample, and then
actuates the bottom actuators to provide optical access to the
sample.
[0045] In some embodiments, the sample holder has the ability to
place a sample "roughly" in x, y, with z specified by a floor. The
sample holder arms sweep a sample by covering all of x, y (e.g., an
initial area or well of the sample holder). The arms center a
sample to 0,0 or the origin (e.g., a target area of the sample
holder) without regard to the initial sample orientation. The
sample holder then retracts the floor for an unobstructed view of
the sample. There is no glass floor in the way. The sample holder
performs the sweeping of the arms and the retraction of the floor
in sequence through a simple motion (e.g., a twist of the large
outer ring of the sample holder). Further, the reverse procedure,
reinsertion of the floor followed by retraction of the arms, is
performed by the simple motion reversed.
[0046] In various embodiments, the sample holder is used to hold a
sample for a laser etching tool, ink jet printing, marking
individual pills with a marking such as a serial number, or any
other appropriate operation on a sample that is held. These
embodiments also rely on the unobstructed (glass free) holding of
the sample.
[0047] FIG. 1 is an image illustrating an embodiment of a tag. In
the example shown, tag 100 is a 50 um to 100 um sized irregularly
shaped tag. The tags are 20 um thick. These tags are imaged using
an Ocean Optics USB2000+ spectrometer with broadband illumination
from a halogen source
[0048] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of tag
measurement geometry. In the example shown, tag 202 is partially
embedded in substrate 200 (e.g., at an angle to the surface of the
substrate). Illumination beam (e.g., beam 205) is incident within
angular cone outlined by 207 and 208. Collection aperture is
different from illumination beam and is outlined with 203 and 204.
In this case, the larger collection aperture as compared to the
illumination beam enables the collection of reflected light from
tilted tags. In some embodiments, beam 206 is reflected beam from
incident beam 205.
[0049] FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of spectral
dependence associated with geometry. In the example shown, tag 352
surface normal is angle .THETA. with respect to incident light 355.
A reflected spectral peak location is a function of the optical
path length of the beam within the tag. The path is a function of
the angle between the light ray and the surface of the tag and is
proportional to d/cos(.THETA.). Thus, the spectrum from a tilted
tag is shifted. In addition, the peaks broaden and become lower
(perhaps due to scattering within the tag). In some embodiments,
beam 356 is reflected beam from incident beam 355.
[0050] In some embodiments, the reflections of multiple tags at
different angles will broaden the reflection peaks. In some
embodiments, variations in tags also will broaden the reflection
peaks.
[0051] In some embodiments, the tags are specular reflectors and
not diffuse reflectors. Therefore, the tags can either be
illuminated at a large angle orthogonal to the object surface, or
the tags can be combined using a diffuser and lens to form a
combined multispectral high NA beam orthogonal to the surface
[0052] FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement. In the example shown, source 400 provides
broadband illumination to sample 414. For example, source 400
comprises a white light emitting diode, a tungsten source, an
incandescent source, or any other appropriate source. Light from
source 400 propagates along path 402 and is collimated using lens
404. Light propagates along path 406 and at least a portion is
reflected by beam splitter 408 through objective 410, travels on
path 412, and is focused on sample 414. Reflected light from sample
414 propagates along path 416. Numerical aperture of incident beam
is different from the numerical aperture of the reflected beam
(e.g., NA of incident beam is smaller than NA of reflected
beam).
[0053] In the example shown, reflected light from sample is
collimated and propagates along 418 with at least a portion of the
beam transmitting through beam splitter 408. The reflected light is
focused using lens 420 to focus on detector 436.
[0054] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement with a sample holder. In some embodiments,
optical measurement system 500 comprises optical measurement system
of FIG. 4. In the example shown, the system includes sample holder
502. The sample holder 502 holds a sample (e.g., sample 512) for
measurement by system for optical measurement system 500. In some
embodiments, sample holder 502 holds the sample in a predetermined
position for measurement by system for optical measurement system
500. Sample holder 502 is aligned to system for optical measurement
system 500 using alignment posts (e.g., alignment post 804,
alignment post 505, etc.). In various embodiments, sample holder
502 is aligned to system for optical measurement system 500 using
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or any other appropriate number of alignment posts.
In various embodiments, alignment posts comprise magnetically
orienting posts, nesting posts, meshing teeth, or any other
appropriate alignment devices. Sample holder 502 additionally
comprises bottom 506. In some embodiments, bottom 506 comprises a
bottom for holding a sample. In some embodiments, bottom 506
comprises an initial area (e.g., an area where it is possible for
an operator to initially place a sample). In some embodiments,
bottom 506 comprises one or more bottom actuators for moving the
bottom to provide optical access to the sample. Sample holder 502
comprises one or more arms (e.g., arm 508, arm 509, etc.). In some
embodiments, the one or more arms actuate to move a sample in the
initial area to a target area (e.g., target area 510), wherein the
one or more arms hold the sample. In some embodiments, target area
510 comprises the optimal location for optical measurement by
system for optical measurement system 500. In some embodiments,
sample 512 is placed in the initial area (e.g., by an operator),
moved to target area 510 and held by the one or more arms, optical
access is provided to sample 512 by the motion of the one or more
bottom actuators, sample 512 is measured (e.g., optically) by
system for optical measurement system 500, optical access to sample
512 is closed (e.g., by a reverse motion of the one or more bottom
actuators), the one or more arms release sample 512, and sample 512
is removed (e.g., by the operator).
[0055] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a system
for optical measurement with a sample holder holding a sample. In
some embodiments, the system for optical measurement of FIG. 6
comprises the system for optical measurement of FIG. 5 holding a
sample. In the example shown, sample holder 602 comprises fixed
bottom 602 (e.g., a portion of the bottom of sample holder 602 that
does not move) and aperture 610 (e.g., a region when actuators have
moved a portion of the bottom of sample holder 606 to create an
aperture). Sample holder 600 additionally comprises one or more
arms (e.g., arm 608, arm 609, etc.) that have been actuated to move
sample 612 into position for measurement (e.g., over aperture 610)
and hold sample 612 such that it does not fall when aperture 610
opens.
[0056] FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 700 of FIG. 7 comprises
sample holder 502 of FIG. 5. In the example shown, sample holder
700 comprises cover 702. In some embodiments, cover 702 comprises a
sample holder cover for protecting the moving parts of sample
holder 700. In some embodiments, cover 702 comprises a handle
mounted to an actuator (e.g., a rotational actuator). Sample 706
comprises a sample placed within sample holder 700. In some
embodiments, sample 706 comprises a pill. In some embodiments,
sample 706 comprises a pill including a coating. In various
embodiments, the shape of sample 706 is round, elliptical, oval,
oblong, or any other appropriate shape. In some embodiments, when
sample holder 706 is placed within sample holder 700, it is placed
within an initial area (e.g., an area acceptable for placing the
sample, e.g., an area large enough to place and retrieve the sample
by hand). In some embodiments, the initial area comprises all of
the area where sample 706 can be initially placed within sample
holder 700. In some embodiments, the initial area comprises an
initial area for supporting a sample (e.g., for preventing the
sample from falling through the sample holder--for example, holding
the sample in the z direction). In some embodiments, rotating cover
702 (e.g., relative to the rest of sample holder 700) actuates one
or more arms (e.g., arm 704). In some embodiments, actuating one or
more arms causes sample 706 to be moved to a target area. In some
embodiments, actuating one or more arms causes sample 706 to be
held by the one or more arms. In some embodiments, rotating cover
702 actuates one or more bottom actuators, causing one or more
bottom sections (e.g., bottom section 708) to move to create an
aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture is directly beneath the
target area.
[0057] FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 800 of FIG. 8 comprises
sample holder 502 of FIG. 5. In the example shown, sample holder
800 comprises cover 802. In some embodiments, cover 802 comprises a
sample holder cover for protecting the moving parts of sample
holder 800. In some embodiments, cover 802 comprises a handle
mounted to an actuator (e.g., a rotational actuator). Sample 806
comprises a sample placed within sample holder 800. In some
embodiments, sample 806 comprises a pill. In some embodiments,
sample 806 comprises a pill including a coating. In various
embodiments, the shape of sample 806 is round, elliptical, oval,
oblong, or any other appropriate shape. In some embodiments, when
sample holder 806 is placed within sample holder 800, it is placed
within an initial area (e.g., an area acceptable for placing the
sample, e.g., an area large enough to place and retrieve the sample
by hand). In some embodiments, the initial area comprises all of
the area where sample 806 can be initially placed within sample
holder 800. In some embodiments, the initial area comprises an
initial area for supporting a sample (e.g., for preventing the
sample from falling through the sample holder--for example, holding
the sample in the z direction). In some embodiments, rotating cover
802 (e.g., relative to the rest of sample holder 800) actuates one
or more arms (e.g., arm 804). In the example shown, sample holder
800 is holding a sample after the actuating of the one or more arms
and this has caused sample 806 to be moved to a target area. In
some embodiments, actuating one or more arms causes sample 806 to
be held by the one or more arms. In some embodiments, rotating
cover 802 actuates one or more bottom actuators, causing one or
more bottom sections (e.g., bottom section 808) to move to create
an aperture. In some embodiments, the aperture is directly beneath
the target area.
[0058] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, the sample holder of FIG. 9 is an
exploded view of sample holder 700 of FIG. 7 or sample holder 800
of FIG. 8. In the example shown, cover 900 rotates to actuate arms.
For example, features articulated on the bottom of cover 900
release arms to sweep a sample in an initial area and hold the
sample at a target area. Each arm pivots about a pivot (e.g., pivot
904) with a sweep/hold portion of the arm (e.g., arm portion 906)
and an opening lever (e.g., opening lever 902). Cover 900 after
releasing arms so that the sample is held, can rotate farther to
actuate bottom arms (e.g., bottom arm 908) to enable access to
sample for an optical measurement system beneath the sample holder.
The bottom arms pivot about a pivot (e.g., pivot 910) and are
actuated when an opening lever (e.g., lever 912) is engaged by
articulated features on the bottom of cover 900. In some
embodiments, the articulated features used to actuate the
sweeping/holding arms are the same features as are used to actuate
the opening of the bottom arms. Springs (e.g., spring 914) are used
to close each arm individually to grab a sample in the sample
holder. Bottom of sample holder includes pivot axes (e.g., pivot
axis 916) as well as open stops (e.g., stop 920) and close stops
(e.g., stop 918). Bottom of sample holder also has mounting
features (e.g., metal ball 922 that enable the use of a magnetic
mounting to an optical measurement system).
[0059] In some embodiments, the sweeping/holding arms for the
sample pivot around the same pivot axis as the bottom arms that
open the aperture for optical measurement (e.g., pivot 904, pivot
910, and pivot axis 916).
[0060] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 1000 comprises sample
holder 900 of FIG. 9 with the cover (e.g., cover 902) not shown. In
the example shown, sample holder 1000 comprises actuation ring
1002. Actuating sample holder 1000 comprises turning actuation ring
1002. In some embodiments, actuating sample holder 1000 comprises
turning actuation ring 1002 clockwise. Actuation ring 1002 is shown
in the default (e.g., non-actuated) position. In some embodiments,
actuating sample holder 1000 comprises actuating one or more arms
(e.g., arm 1008). In some embodiments, actuating sample holder 1000
comprises actuating one or more bottom actuators (e.g., bottom arm
1018). In some embodiments, actuation ring 1002 is connected to a
cover. Actuation ring 1002 includes cam 1004 (e.g., an articulated
feature that engages arms to actuate the arms). In the default
position (e.g., against open stop 1020), cam 1004 holds lever 1006
pushed towards the center of sample holder 1000. Lever 1006
comprises part of arm 1008, and lever 1006 and arm 1008 rotate
about post 1010 (e.g., when lever 1006 is positioned towards the
center of sample holder 1000, arm 1008 is positioned away from the
center of sample holder 1000; and when lever 1006 is positioned
away from the center of sample holder 1000, arm 1008 is positioned
towards the center of sample holder 1000). In some embodiments, arm
1008 comprises a spring (e.g., a torsion spring--for example,
mounted around post 1010) for pushing lever 1006 and arm 1008. In
some embodiments, the spring pushes lever 1006 and arm 1008 towards
a position where arm 1008 is towards the center of sample holder
1000 and lever 1006 is away from the center of sample holder 1000.
In the default position, cam 1004 holds the spring in tension. When
actuation ring 1002 is actuated (e.g., turned clockwise), cam 1004
no longer holds lever 1006 pushed towards the center of sample
holder 1000, and the spring pulls lever 1006 away from the center
of sample holder 1000 and arm 1008 towards the center of sample
holder 1000. Each arm is independently pushed by a spring mounted
around a pivot of the arm. In some embodiments, sample holder 1000
comprises four arms (e.g., arm 1008) that each move in a similar
fashion as actuation ring 1002 is actuated. In various embodiments,
sample holder 1000 comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 12, 14, 17 or any
other appropriate number of arms. In some embodiments, three arms
are selected for the sample holder because it is suitable for round
objects. In some embodiments, four arms are selected for the sample
holder because it is suitable for round objects and has dual
symmetry more suitable for oblong objects.
[0061] In some embodiments, when the arms of sample holder 1000
move towards the center of sample holder 1000, a sample within an
initial area of sample holder 1000 (e.g., sample 1016) is swept to
a target area. In some embodiments, after the sample is swept to
the target area, it is held by the arms. In some embodiments,
holding the sample comprises not allowing the sample to move in the
x-y plane (e.g., in the plane of the arms). In some embodiments,
holding the sample comprises not allowing the sample to move in the
z plane (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the arms, e.g., up and
down). In some embodiments, the target area comprises an area where
the sample is optically measured. As actuation ring 1002 is
actuated (e.g., past fully releasing lever 1006), cam 1004 pushes
bottom actuator 1012. In some embodiments, cam 1004 pushing bottom
actuator 1012 comprises actuating bottom actuator 1012. In some
embodiments, bottom actuator 1012 comprises part of a bottom
section (e.g., bottom arm 1018) that pivots about the same post
1010. In some embodiments, cam 1004 pushing bottom actuator 1012
towards the center of sample holder 1000 moves the bottom section
so that it opens an aperture at the bottom of the sample holder.
Cam 1004 can rotate until stopped by hold stop 1014, where the
sample holder is holding a sample with arms moved to the center and
the bottom sections moved away from the center. In the example
shown, sample holder 1000 comprises four bottom actuators (e.g.,
bottom actuator 1012). In various embodiments, sample holder 1000
comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 13, 17 or any other
appropriate number of bottom actuators. In some embodiments, the
one or more bottom actuators move the bottom to provide optical
access to the sample. In some embodiments, the bottom no longer
supports the sample when optical access is provided to the sample.
In some embodiments, sample holder 1000 comprises the same number
of arms and bottom actuators. In some embodiments, sample holder
1000 comprises different numbers of arms and bottom actuators. When
bottom actuator 1012 is pushed by cam 1004 and the associated
bottom section is moved, an aperture in the bottom of sample holder
1000 is formed. In some embodiments, the aperture is formed beneath
the target area. In some embodiments, sample holder 1000 comprises
no moving parts for creating an aperture (e.g., no bottom actuators
and no bottom sections) and instead comprises a bottom section
transparent to light (e.g., a glass bottom section, a quartz bottom
section, etc.).
[0062] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 1100 comprises sample
holder 1000 of FIG. 10. In the example shown, sample holder 1100 is
shown in the actuated position. Sample holder 1100 comprises a set
of arms (e.g., arm 1104) holding sample 1102 over aperture 1106. In
some embodiments, each arm of the set of arms is individually
spring turned to sweep the initial open area to move and hold a
sample (e.g., sample 1102) at a target location over aperture
1106.
[0063] FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 1200 comprises sample
holder 1000 of FIG. 10. In the example shown, sample holder 1200 is
shown from a bottom view (e.g., the bottom of sample holder 1200 is
shown). Sample holder 1200 is shown in a default (e.g.,
non-actuated) position. Sample holder 1200 comprises static bottom
1202 and a set of moving bottom sections (e.g., bottom section
1204). Sample holder 1200 comprises four moving bottom sections.
Static bottom 1202 comprises an aperture. When sample holder 1200
is actuated, each moving bottom section of the set of moving bottom
sections moves to leave an aperture in the bottom of sample holder
1202. When sample holder 1200 is actuated, a sample is held over
the region of the aperture. Sample holder 1200 comprises a set of
alignment posts (e.g., alignment post 1206) for alignment. In some
embodiments, the set of alignment posts comprises one or more
magnetic aligners. In some embodiments, the set of alignment posts
aligns sample holder 1200 to an external system (e.g., an optical
measurement system--for example, a sample reader). In various
embodiments, sample holder 1200 comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 11, 14,
or any other appropriate number of alignment posts. In some
embodiments, there are three posts and the three posts comprise
balls, where each ball engages a "V block" (not shown) on the
instrument. The ball/V block is a traditional kinematic mount
ensuring repeatable placement on the instrument.
[0064] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder. In some embodiments, sample holder 1300 comprises sample
holder 1200 of FIG. 12 shown in the actuated position. In the
example shown, sample holder 1300 is shown from a bottom view.
Sample holder 1300 comprises a set of arms (e.g., arm 1304) holding
sample 1302 over aperture 1306. The aperture is created as the
bottom is actuated away from sample 1302.
[0065] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder with a bottom aperture. In the example shown, sample holder
1400 is actuated by rotation of the top either clockwise or
counterclockwise (e.g., in the direction of arrow 1406). The
actuation causes arms (e.g., arm 1402) to sweep a sample in the
initial area (e.g., the area when the arms are retracted) to a
target area (e.g., over aperture 1404). The arms sweep until the
sample is held (e.g., not able to move) for optical measurement via
aperture 1404. In various embodiments, aperture 1404 is an aperture
integral to the bottom of sample holder 1400, is a removable
aperture (e.g., so that different aperture sizes can be placed at
the bottom of the sample holder), is smaller than sample (e.g., so
that the edges of the aperture prevent the sample from falling
through the aperture but so that an optical measurement can be made
through the aperture of the sample), or any other appropriate
aperture.
[0066] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a sample
holder with a bottom aperture. In the example shown, sample holder
1500 is actuated by rotation of the top either clockwise or
counterclockwise (e.g., in the direction of arrow 1506). The
actuation causes arms (e.g., arm 1502) to sweep a sample in the
initial area (e.g., the area when the arms are retracted) to a
target area. The arms sweep until the sample is held (e.g., not
able to move) for optical measurement via an aperture or bottom
that moves away (not shown). The arms have ledges (e.g., ledge
1504) that prevent the sample from falling. In various embodiments,
ledge 1504 is integral to the bottom of an arm, is a removable
(e.g., so that different ledge sizes can be placed at the bottom of
the arm for different sample geometries), is fixed, is actuated to
protrude as the arm sweeps the sample to the target area, or any
other appropriate ledge.
[0067] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a
process for a sample holder. In the example shown, in 1600 a bottom
is provided, wherein the bottom has an initial area for supporting
a sample. For example, an initial area is provided for a sample to
be placed into, where the bottom supports the sample. In some
embodiments, the initial area is bounded on the sides by the
surfaces of one or more arms. In 1602, one or more arms are
provided, wherein the one or more arms actuate to move the sample
in the initial area to a target area, wherein the one or more arms
hold the sample in the target area (e.g., after having been moved
from the initial area to the target area). For example, the
actuation of the sample holder comprises rotating a top of the
sample holder, and the one or more arms move to sweep the initial
area so as to move the sample in the initial area to a target area.
In 1604, an aperture is provided. In various embodiments, an
aperture is opened (e.g., by moving bottom plates to create an
aperture), an aperture exists in the bottom of the sample holder at
the target area (e.g., a hole exists smaller than the sample but
large enough to allow an optical measurement to be made through),
or any other appropriate aperture. In some embodiments, the
aperture comprises a transparent bottom enabling an optical
measurement to be made through the transparent aperture.
[0068] In some embodiments, the sample or object holder comprises
an access port, a reference surface, and two or more actuated arms
(e.g., clamps). The arms have the dual function of a) pushing a
sample or object towards the center of the holder and b) clamping a
sample or object in place. The object is placed via the access port
onto the reference surface anywhere within an open area of the
access port.
[0069] In some embodiments, the reference surface is an optically
transparent plate. In some embodiments, the reference surface
comprises one or more actuated plates. In some embodiments, the
sample or object holder comprises one or more actuation mechanism.
In some embodiments, one or more actuation mechanisms of the sample
or object holder comprise manual actuator(s).
[0070] In some embodiments, clamping arms of the sample or object
holder have common actuation on OPEN but have independent actuation
(e.g., via separate torsion springs) for actuation to CLOSE.
[0071] Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in
some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the invention
is not limited to the details provided. There are many alternative
ways of implementing the invention. The disclosed embodiments are
illustrative and not restrictive.
* * * * *