GB2541375A - Device for covering a loading bay - Google Patents

Device for covering a loading bay Download PDF

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Publication number
GB2541375A
GB2541375A GB1514305.0A GB201514305A GB2541375A GB 2541375 A GB2541375 A GB 2541375A GB 201514305 A GB201514305 A GB 201514305A GB 2541375 A GB2541375 A GB 2541375A
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GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
rack
shutter
base cover
loading bay
analyzer system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB1514305.0A
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GB201514305D0 (en
Inventor
Vielsack Claus
Retzlaff Riidiger
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Stratec Biomedical AG
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Stratec Biomedical AG
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Stratec Biomedical AG filed Critical Stratec Biomedical AG
Priority to GB1514305.0A priority Critical patent/GB2541375A/en
Publication of GB201514305D0 publication Critical patent/GB201514305D0/en
Publication of GB2541375A publication Critical patent/GB2541375A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
    • B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N2035/00178—Special arrangements of analysers
    • G01N2035/00277—Special precautions to avoid contamination (e.g. enclosures, glove- boxes, sealed sample carriers, disposal of contaminated material)
    • G01N2035/00287—Special precautions to avoid contamination (e.g. enclosures, glove- boxes, sealed sample carriers, disposal of contaminated material) movable lid/cover for sample or reaction tubes
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N2035/00178—Special arrangements of analysers
    • G01N2035/00306—Housings, cabinets, control panels (details)
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
    • G01N2035/0401—Sample carriers, cuvettes or reaction vessels
    • G01N2035/0412—Block or rack elements with a single row of samples
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/02—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor using a plurality of sample containers moved by a conveyor system past one or more treatment or analysis stations
    • G01N35/04—Details of the conveyor system
    • G01N2035/046—General conveyor features
    • G01N2035/0465—Loading or unloading the conveyor
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N2035/1027—General features of the devices
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N2203/00—Investigating strength properties of solid materials by application of mechanical stress
    • G01N2203/02—Details not specific for a particular testing method
    • G01N2203/0202—Control of the test
    • G01N2203/0204—Safety arrangements, e.g. remote control, emergency stop
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
    • G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
    • G01N35/10—Devices for transferring samples or any liquids to, in, or from, the analysis apparatus, e.g. suction devices, injection devices
    • G01N35/1009—Characterised by arrangements for controlling the aspiration or dispense of liquids
    • G01N35/1011—Control of the position or alignment of the transfer device

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Immunology (AREA)
  • Pathology (AREA)
  • Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)

Abstract

A device 1 for covering a loading bay 10, 13 of an analyzer system comprises a base cover 2 having at least one first opening (2e; fig 4) and at least one shutter element 3 having at least one second opening 3e wherein the at least one shutter element is movably coupled to the base cover such that the shutter slides to align the second opening with the first opening. The device is intended to allow a user to safely access reagent racks 30 in a loading bay. The base cover may further comprise at least one fin 4 projecting from a bottom surface of the base cover into the loading bay and at least two intermediate portions (2c; fig 2) with latching elements projecting from a top surface of the base cover between which the shutter is located. Each shutter may comprise a receiving portion 3a for engaging with a pin 31 on a rack. When placed in the loading bay, the rack engages with the shutter causing the shutter openings and base cover openings to align so that reagents can be accessed. When a rack is removed, a biasing element moves the shutter so that the openings are distanced.

Description

Description
Title:_Device for covering a loading bay
Field of the invention [0001] The field of the invention relates to a device for covering a loading bay, in particular in an analyzer system. The invention also relates to the use of a device for covering a loading bay in an analyzer system for loading, storing, and unloading at least one container, and a method using a device for covering a loading bay for loading and unloading at least one container in an analyzer system.
Background of the invention [0002] Automatic analyzer systems in clinical diagnostics and life science (e.g., In-Vitro-Diagnostic-Instrument (IVD-Instrument)) have to be supplied with different liquids to run biochemical processes. The liquids are usually stored in consumable bottles, containers, or vials. The containers can be of different size and are transported into the analyzer system on a rack.
[0003] The automated analyzer system typically incorporates modules or units for loading, storage, and unloading of different liquids (e.g. patient blood samples or reagents). A user typically loads the sample and tubes or containers. The automated system identifies and accesses the sample and tubes or containers to process them. Finally, the user unloads and replaces the sample and tubes or containers. In addition to the identification, the system’s most typical access to the liquids is an aspiration task, which is performed by a pipetting system (i.e., a pipettor).
[0004] A common automated analyzer system comprises a loading bay, in which the samples/liquids containers are loaded. There are typical loading bays known having a top cover protecting the entire loading bay, a partial top cover protecting only parts of the loading bay, or no top cover, at all. Typical modules for loading and unloading samples/liquids have an interface to the user and to the pipetting system (i.e., pipettor).
However, simultaneous access to the system for user and system (e.g. during loading, unloading and pipetting) must be strictly prohibited by reliable means of safety to avoid damage of the system and harm to the user. Hence, there is a need for appropriate protection means, if the area for manual loading and unloading by a user and access by the pipetting system (i.e., pipettor) is identical.
Object of the invention [0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide means allowing a user and an automated analyzer system a safe and flexible access to loading areas at the same time.
Summary of the invention [0006] The instant invention provides a device for covering a loading bay of an analyzer system. The device comprises a base cover having at least one first opening and at least one shutter element having at least one second opening. The at least one shutter element is movably coupled to the base cover.
[0007] The instant invention provides further that the base cover has at least one fin element projecting from a bottom surface of the base cover.
[0008] The instant invention provides even further that the at least one shutter element has a receiving portion integrally formed within the at least one shutter element.
[0009] The instant invention provides further that the base cover has at least two intermediate portions projecting from a top surface of the base cover, onto which the at least one shutter element is located.
[0010] The instant invention provides even further that at least one of the at least two intermediate portions has at least one latching element for contacting a shutter surface.
[0011] The instant invention provides further that the device comprises at least one biasing element coupled between the at least one shutter element an the base cover to bias the at least one shutter element in a closing position, in a state, where the first and second openings are displaced from each other.
[0012] The instant invention provides an analyzer system for loading, storing, and unloading of at least one container. The analyzer system comprises a loading bay, at least one guiding element for receiving at least one rack transporting the at least one container, and a device for covering the loading bay. The device comprises a base cover having at least one first opening and at least one shutter element having at least one second opening, wherein the at least one shutter element is movable coupled to the base cover, and wherein the at least one rack is movably coupled with the at least one shutter element.
[0013] The instant invention provides that the at least one rack is spaced apart from at least one fin element of the base cover with a predetermined gap there between, in a state, where the at least one rack is inserted into the loading bay.
[0014] The instant invention provides that the predetermined gap has a maximum amount of 4 mm.
[0015] The instant invention provides that the analyzer system further comprises at least one releasable fastening element engaged with the at least one rack in an insert position.
[0016] The instant invention provides further that the at least one releasable fastening element has a spring member for releasing the at least one rack from the insert position.
[0017] The instant invention provides even further that the at least one rack further comprises a pin element operatively coupled with a receiving portion of the at least one shutter element.
[0018] The instant invention provides a method for loading and unloading at least one container in an analyzer system. The method comprises the method steps of guiding at least one rack on at least one guiding element of a loading bay, moving the at least one rack into the loading bay, loading the rack by inserting the rack into at least one releasable fastening element of the analyzer system by pushing a pin element of the rack against a receiving portion of at least one shutter element of a device for covering the loading bay into an opening position, where at least one first opening of a base cover of the device and at least one second opening of the at least one shutter element are overlapped with each other, and unloading the rack by loosening a loaded spring member of the at least one releasable fastening element, wherein the at least one shutter element is biased into a closing position via a biasing element of the device.
Summary of the figures [0019] The invention will now be described on the basis of figures. It will be understood that the embodiments and aspects of the invention described in the figures are only examples and do not limit the protective scope of the claims in any way. The invention is defined by the claims and their equivalents. It will be understood that features of one aspect or embodiment of the invention can be combined with a feature of a different aspect or aspects of other embodiments of the invention. It shows: [0020] Figure 1 Perspective side view of an automated analyzer system including a rack in accordance with a first embodiment; [0021] Figure 2 Partial top view of the automated analyzer system illustrated in
Figure 1; [0022] Figure 3 Partial perspective side sectional view of the rear of the automated analyzer system illustrated in Figure 1; [0023] Figure 4 Sectional side view of the rear of the automated analyzer system illustrated in Figure 1; [0024] Figure 5 Enlarged partial perspective front view of the automated analyzer system illustrated in Figure 1; [0025] Figure 6A Perspective side view of an automated analyzer system in accordance with a second embodiment; and [0026] Figure 6B Enlarged partial perspective front view of the automated analyzer system illustrated in Figure 6A.
Detailed description of the invention and the Figures [0027] The invention provides a device for covering a loading bay of an automated analyzer system. The device is configured in a manner that the analyzer system itself and a user are allowed in parallel to access a loading area in the loading bay of the automated analyzer system for loading and unloading sample or containers at the same time. The invention provides an increased user safety and allows for parallel working of user and system, which results in a higher throughput. The device of the invention prevents a user from getting access to the area of the pipetting system (i.e., pipetting needle and/or pipettor) and thus protects a user. The invention provides therefore a protective barrier for both, the system and the user.
[0028] The device for covering a loading bay of an analyzer system comprises a base member having a plurality of first openings, which are arranged one after the other on the a base cover forming a line of a plurality of first openings, respectively. The distance between two of the plurality of first openings corresponds to the distance of two containers arranged on a rack, when inserted into the loading bay below the base cover. Hence, each of the first openings in each line aligns with the corresponding outlets of the container inserted in the rack. Therefore, an access is provided for a pipetting system for aspirating the liquid from the container, in a state, when the container is completely inserted into the loading bay of the automated system. The device includes further a plurality of shutter elements (e.g., passive shutter elements), wherein each shutter element has a plurality of second openings. Each shutter element is movably coupled to the base cover for providing two different positions, in particular an opening position, wherein each of the first and second openings overlap with each other, and a closing position, wherein the first and second openings are displaced from each other. In the closing position, the shutter element covers the first openings of the base cover. Thus, the pipetting system (i.e., the pipettor needle) is not able to access the inner part of the loading bay. The displaced shutter element on top of the base cover (i.e., during the closing position) prevents the pipettor needle from penetrating through the first opening of the base cover. Hence, only if the rack is entirely inserted into the loading bay, the pipettor needle is able to access the corresponding loading area of the container. If the rack is not inserted into the loading bay, the pipettor needle is not able to get unintended access to areas of the loading bay where no rack is inserted, and the user can safely access the loading bay for manually loading of at least one container, for example. As a result, the device for covering the loading bay allows the system and the user to simultaneously access the loading area of the loading bay.
[0029] The device for covering the loading bay of the analyzer system may further comprise at least one fin element or barrier fin formed at the base cover. The at least one fin element projects from a bottom surface of the base cover into the loading area of the loading bay. The fin element is spaced apart from the inserted rack with a predetermined gap there between overlapping the pipetting area, wherein the gap may have a maximum amount of 4 mm. By this measure, the potentially dangerous area, where the pipettor has to move is protected. Thus, the fin element prevents the user’s hand from getting access to the pipetting needle (i.e., pipettor area). Thus, the fin element protects the user from accidently harm or infection, and increases the safety of the analyzer system.
[0030] In addition, the automated analyzer system may comprise at least one sensor element, which is arranged at a back cover of the loading bay. The sensor element may be formed as a light barrier. The rack may comprise a flag arranged at the top end of the rack for interrupting the light barrier, in a state, when the rack is entirely inserted into the loading bay. Thus, the sensor element is an additional safety guard for preventing that the pipettor is able to access areas of the loading bay where no rack is inserted. As a result, the user can access the loading bay for manually loading of at least one container. The device for covering the loading bay allows the system and the user to simultaneously access different parts of the loading area of the same loading bay.
[0031] Further, it is possible to replace the shutter element by a software algorithm, because the inserted racks are detected by the light barrier. The software algorithm is configured in a manner that the pipettor is only allowed to move in areas where racks are inserted and the corresponding light barrier is interrupted. Thus, the sensor element is an additional safety guard for preventing the pipettor from accessing areas of the loading bay without an inserted rack. As a result, the user can access the loading bay for manually loading of at least one container. The device for covering the loading bay allows the system and the user to simultaneously access different parts of a loading area of a loading bay. In such a configuration, a shutter element according to the first aspect of the invention is not needed.
[0032] The advantages of the invention of the present disclosure can be summarized as follows: a. The potentially dangerous area where the pipettor has to move is guarded. b. The user can not reach the pipettor area. c. The safety of the user and the pipettor is guaranteed. This ensures no accidently harm or infection for the user. d. The system and the user are able to simultaneously access the loading area of the loading bay for loading and unloading containers. This enables a safe and flexible access to loading areas at the same time. e. From a manufacturer or distributor perspective, it generates benefits in marketing and customer satisfaction. From a consumer or user perspective, this results in a higher throughput.
[0033] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a device 1 for covering a loading bay 10 in an analyzer system in accordance with a first embodiment. The loading bay 10 comprises a base plate 12, two side walls 13 and a back cover 11. At least one guiding element 20is arranged on the base plate 12 for receiving at least one rack 30 for transporting containers. The at least one guiding element 20 forming at least one lane, where the at least one rack 30 is inserted. The top end of the loading bay 10 is covered with the device 1 in accordance with the first embodiment. The device 1 in accordance with the first embodiment comprises a base cover 2 and at least one shutter element 3.
[0034] The base cover 2 includes a plurality of first openings 2e serially arranged on a top surface 2b of the base cover 2. The first openings 2e are centrally aligned with the at least one guiding element 20. The base cover 2 has at least one fin element 4 (barrier fin) projecting from a bottom surface 2a of the base cover 2 into the inner of the loading bay 10. The at least one fin element 4 is arranged adjacent to the lane of first openings 2e of the base cover 2. The base cover 2 further comprises at least one intermediate portion 2c projecting from a top surface 2b of the base cover 2. The at least one intermediate portion 2c is arranged adjacent to the lane of first openings 2e of the base cover 2. The at least one shutter element 3 is interposed between two intermediate portions 2c on top of the base cover 2. The shutter element 3 includes a plurality of second openings 3e serially arranged on each of the shutter elements 3e. The second openings are centrally aligned with first openings 2e. The shutter element 3 is movable coupled to the base cover 2. At least one latching element 2d, which is formed at the intermediate portion 2c of the base cover 2, is in contact with a shutter surface 3b. The shutter element 3 further comprises a receiving portion 3 a arranged on a top end of the shutter element 3. The receiving portion may be integrally formed with the shutter element 3.
[0035] As can be seen in Figure 1, the rack 30 is inserted in a first lane of a plurality of lanes of the loading bay 10 of the automated analyzer system 100. With the rack 30 inserted into the loading bay 10, a pin element 31 projecting from a top surface of the rack 30 engages the receiving portion 3a of the shutter element 3. When the rack 30 is inserted into the loading bay 10, the rack 30 engages with a releasable fastening element 40 formed at the lower end of the back cover 11 facing the inner space of the loading bay 10. The releasable fastening element 40 has a spring member 41 for releasing the rack 30 after use. If the fastening element 40 is released, the rack 30 will pushed by the loaded spring member 41 (i.e., spring force) outwards the loading bay 10. The invention is however not limited to such releasing/locking mechanism, the invention may comprise no releasing/locking mechanism, or a push-push releasing/locking mechanism. In another aspect of the invention, the rack 30 may be automatically pushed by the loaded spring member 41 (i.e., spring force) outwards the loading bay 10.
[0036] Figure 2 shows a top view of the device 1 for covering the loading bay 10 in the analyzer system in accordance with the first embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 2, the shutter element 3 is in an opening position. The rack 30 is guided by the at least one guiding element 20 on the base plate 12. The rack 30 is entirely inserted into the loading bay 20. The rack 30 is engaged with the fastening element 40. Thereby, the pin element 31 of the rack 30 pushes the shutter element 3 over the surface of the fixed base cover 2 against a biasing force of a biasing element coupled between the fixed base cover 2 and the shutter element 3. The shutter element 3 slides between the intermediate portions 2c of the base cover 2, wherein the at least one latching element 2d is in contact with the shutter surface 3b. In the opening position, the first and second openings 2e and 3e are overlapped with each other. Further, when there is no rack 30 inserted into the lane of the loading bay 10, the shutter element 3 is in a closing position. The biasing element bias the shutter element 3. In the closing position, the first and second openings 2e and 3e are displaced from each other.
[0037] Figure 3 shows a rear sectional side view of the device 1 for covering the loading bay 10 in the analyzer system in accordance with the first embodiment. The rack 30, which is in an inserted position (i.e., opening position of the shutter element) may comprise a flag 32 arranged at the top end of the rack 30 for interrupting a light barrier, in a state, where the rack 30 is entirely inserted into the loading bay 10.
[0038] Figure 4 shows an sectional side view of the rear of the automated analyzer system 100 illustrated in Figure 1 in accordance with the first embodiment. As can be seen in Figure 4, the back cover 11 of the loading bay 10 comprises at least one sensor element 70. The at least one sensor element 70 may be formed as the light barrier. Figure 4 shows the rack 30 in the insert position, wherein the shutter element 3 is not shown for illustrating the base cover 2 including its bottom surface 2a and top surface 2b in more detail. The at least one fin element 4 projecting from the bottom surface 2a is arranged adjacent to the rack 30.
[0039] Figure 5 shows an enlarged perspective front view of the automated analyzer system 100 illustrated in Figure 1 in accordance with the first embodiment. Figure 5 shows the at least one fin element 4 (barrier fin) in more detail. The at least one fin element 4 projects from the bottom surface 2a of the base cover 2 into the inner space of the loading bay 10. The fin element 4 is spaced apart from the inserted rack 30 with a predetermined gap 50 there between overlapping the pipetting area, wherein the gap 50 may have a maximum amount of 4 mm. As can be seen in Figure 5, the sensor element 70 (i.e., light barrier) is disposed in a longitudinal recess 14 formed in the back cover 11 of the loading bay 10.
[0040] Figure 6A a perspective side view of an automated analyzer system in accordance with a second embodiment. The automated analyzer system comprises all technical features in accordance with the first embodiment except for the shutter element 3. For brevity reasons, these features, which are identical with the features in accordance with the first embodiment, will not be discussed in detail again. The automated analyzer system in accordance with the second embodiment comprises the at least one fin element 4 (i.e., barrier fin) formed at the base cover 2 and at least one sensor element 70. The at least one fin element 4 projects from the bottom surface 2a of the base cover 2 into the loading area of the loading bay 10. The fin element 4 is spaced apart from the inserted rack 30 with a predetermined gap 50 there between overlapping the pipetting area, wherein the gap 50 may have a maximum amount of 4 mm. The at least one sensor element 70, which is arranged at the back cover 11 of the loading bay 10, may be formed as a light barrier. The rack 30 may comprise the flag 32 arranged at the top end of the rack 30 for interrupting the light barrier, in a state, where the rack 30 is entirely inserted into the loading bay 10. As the light barrier detects the inserted rack 30, it is possible to replace the shutter element 3 according to the first embodiment by a software algorithm. The software algorithm is configured such that the pipettor (not shown) is only allowed to move in areas where racks 30 are inserted and the corresponding light barrier is interrupted.
[0041] Figure 6B shows an enlarged perspective front view of the automated analyzer system illustrated in Figure 6A in accordance with the second embodiment. A can be seen in Figure 6B, several racks 30 are inserted into the loading bay 10 of the automated analyzer system.
Reference Number List 1 device 2 base cover 2a bottom surface 2b top surface 2c intermediate portion 2d latching element 2e first opening 3 shutter element 3 a receiving portion 3b shutter surface 3e second opening 4 fin element 10 loading bay 11 back cover 12 base plate 13 side wall 14 longitudinal recess 20 guiding element 30 rack 31 pin element 32 flag 40 fastening element 41 spring member 50 gap 60 container 70 sensor element

Claims (13)

Claims
1. A device (1) for covering a loading bay of an analyzer system, the device (1) comprising: a base cover (2) having at least one first opening (2e); and at least one shutter clement (3) having at least one second opening (3c), wherein the at least one shutter element (3) is movably coupled to the base cover (2).
2. A device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the base cover (2) has at least one fin element (4) projecting from a bottom surface (2a) of the base cover (2).
3. A device (1) according to any one of claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one shutter element (3) has a receiving portion (3a) integrally formed within the at least one shutter element (3).
4. A device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the base cover (2) has at least two intermediate portions (2c) projecting from a top surface (2b) of the base cover (2), onto which the at least one shutter element (3) is located.
5. A device (1) according to claim 4, wherein at least one of the at least two intermediate portions (2c) has at least one latching element (2d) for contacting a shutter surface (3b).
6. A device (1) according to any of claims 1 to 5, further comprising at least one biasing element coupled between the at least one shutter element (3) an the base cover (2) to bias the at least one shutter element (3) in a closing position, in a state, where the first and second openings (2e, 3e) are displaced from each other.
7. An analyzer system for loading, storing, and unloading of at least one container (60), the analyzer system comprising: a loading bay (10); at least one guiding element (20) for receiving at least one rack (30) transporting the at least one container (60); and a device (1) for covering the loading bay (10) comprising: a base cover (2) having at least one first opening (2e); and at least one shutter element (3) having at least one second opening (3e), wherein the at least one shutter element (3) is movable coupled to the base cover (2); wherein the at least one rack (30) is movably coupled with the at least one shutter element (3).
8. An analyzer system according to claim 7, wherein the at least one rack (30) is spaced apart from at least one fin element (4) of the base cover (2) with a predetermined gap (50) there between, in a state, where the at least one rack (30) is inserted into the loading bay (10).
9. An analyzer system according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined gap (50) has a maximum amount of 4 mm.
10. An analyzer system according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising at least one releasable fastening element (40) engaged with the at least one rack (30) in an insert position.
11. An analyzer system according to claim 10, wherein the at least one releasable fastening element (40) has a spring member (41) for releasing the at least one rack (30) from the insert position.
12. An analyzer system according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the least one rack (30) further comprises a pin element (31) operatively coupled with a receiving portion (3a) of the at least one shutter element (3).
13. A method for loading and unloading at least one container (60) in an analyzer system, the method comprising: guiding at least one rack (30) on at least one guiding element (20) of a loading bay (10); moving the at least one rack (30) into the loading bay (10); loading the rack (30) by inserting the rack (30) into at least one releasable fastening element (40) of the analyzer system by pushing a pin element (31) of the rack (30) against a receiving portion (3 a) of at least one shutter element (3) of a device (1) for covering the loading bay (10) into an opening position, where at least one first opening (2e) of a base cover (2) of the device (1) and at least one second opening (3e) of the at least one shutter element (3) are overlapped with each other; and unloading the rack (30) by loosening a loaded spring member (41) of the at least one releasable fastening element (40), wherein the at least one shutter element (3) is biased into a closing position via a biasing element of the device (1).
GB1514305.0A 2015-08-12 2015-08-12 Device for covering a loading bay Withdrawn GB2541375A (en)

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GB2541375A true GB2541375A (en) 2017-02-22

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EP3763443A1 (en) * 2019-07-12 2021-01-13 B.R.A.H.M.S GmbH Multiple magazine for caps of a poc test system

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JP2000065841A (en) * 1998-08-26 2000-03-03 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Reagent storage of biochemical analyzer
EP1653234A1 (en) * 2004-10-27 2006-05-03 Roche Diagnostics GmbH Sampling apparatus comprising a carousel
US7597854B1 (en) * 2007-03-15 2009-10-06 Stovall Life Science, Inc. Pipette guide
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US4495150A (en) * 1983-07-25 1985-01-22 Beckman Instruments, Inc. Multiple object capturing and processing device
JP2000065841A (en) * 1998-08-26 2000-03-03 Fuji Photo Film Co Ltd Reagent storage of biochemical analyzer
EP1653234A1 (en) * 2004-10-27 2006-05-03 Roche Diagnostics GmbH Sampling apparatus comprising a carousel
US7597854B1 (en) * 2007-03-15 2009-10-06 Stovall Life Science, Inc. Pipette guide
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EP3763443A1 (en) * 2019-07-12 2021-01-13 B.R.A.H.M.S GmbH Multiple magazine for caps of a poc test system

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