Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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CAP AND VESSEL POSITIONING SYSTEM
Field
The present invention relates generally to holding, mixing and pouring of
vessels, and more particularly to mixing and pouring devices designed for
vessels
having removable serew caps, and the vessels themselves.
Backg-ound
Currently, inannal processes for worlcing with chemicals in solution,
isolation of components from solution, and the like involve time intensive
operation
of one (1) to 24 hours, including an overnight incubation period. Further,
samples
may need to be mixed, shaken, poured, agitated, and the like for certain time
periods or a certain number of iterations.
In many lab processes, a sample of some material which contains
components to be isolated, mixed, or the like is typically placed in a sample
vessel,
and processes comprising the steps to be performed on the sample are performed
on the vessel and its contents. Materials may be removed from the vessel,
added to
the vessel, transferred to another vessel, and the like.
Typical lab procedures for working with samples include mixing and
agitating the sample, adding material to the sample, removing material from
the
sample by pouring, and the like. These processes have traditionally been
performed by hand. Such mamal performance of tasks has been and contimies to
be labor intensive, requiring time consuming and repetitive tasks that occupy
a
technician, often to the exclusion of other tasks. The repetitive process
steps of
processes for working with chemicals, solutions, suspensions, and the like as
described above require precision and attention to detail, and may often rely
on the
skUl of the technicaan respons-ible for the isolation. Repetiitive application
of
precise process steps lends itself to errors which may negatively affect the
quality
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of the processes performed. In the case of unique or limited samples, such
errors
;may occur when dealing with samples that cannot be duplicated, or are
irreplaceable. =
Further, during many types of laboratory procedures, such as isolation of
DNA, vessels are capped and recapped so that samples and reagents can be
added,
contents can be shaken or moved, and so forth. Many manufacturing processes,
including processes for producing packaged foods, chemicals, medicines, and so
forth also involve capping or uncapping of vessels, and the adding and removal
of
contents.
Typically, threaded vessels and caps are used. Oftentimes, however, it is
difficult to start the cap threads squarely on the vessel threads, which can
cause the
cap to not be securely attached, leading to leakage of vessel contents. In
some cases,
- it may be necessary to stop the entire operation to clean up the spill,
leading to
reduced productivity. During precise laboratory procedures, such as DNA or RNA
isolation, such content loss can also cause contamination and cross-
contamination of
samples and the laboratory, such that the entire process needs to be
restarted.
Furthermore, if the vessel itself rotates as the cap is being secured, the
vessel may
remain uncapped or the cap may not be in the proper position, again leading to
problems with loss of vessel contents. Vessel movement can also adversely
affect
fragile contents, such as coagulated DNA strands suspended in a liquid, which
can be
tom by viscous effects in the liquid.
Summary
The present invention overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing a
mixing and pouring apparatus for performing mixing and pouring tasks without
requiring a user to perform the tasks, and vessels for use in such an
apparatus. The
present invention further overcomes the problems of the prior art by providing
a cap =
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and vessel positioning system that securely locks a vessel in place and
realigns a cap
in essentially the identical position in relation to the vessel every time the
vessel is
capped. In one embodiment, both the cap and vessel have flanges that are
aligned
when the cap is properly secured to the vessel.
In one embodiment, a mixing and pouring apparatus includes a base, and a
locking arm support carried on the base. A locking arm is rotatably mounted
within the locking arm support, and a drive mechanism is operatively coupled
to
the locking arm, the drive mechanism capable of rotating the locking arm.
In another embodiment, a vessel having a substantially square flange at the
base of a series of external threads is disclosed. A cap having a
substantially
identical square flange and intemal threads is threaded onto the vessel. In
one
embodiment, the vessel has multiple disjointed threads to provide an improved
surface for starting the threads. In one embodiment, four-start threads are
used. In
this embodiment, the cap is adequately secured after minimal turning.
In another embodiment, the cap and positioning system further comprises a
locking device for securing the vessel in a fixed position. The locking arm
can be a
pair of partitions on a lab rack, or a locking pocket in a storage rack or the
shaking
and pouring device as described above.
In another embodiment, a method for positioning and repositioning a vessel
and cap in a substantially identical location is disclosed. The method further
includes securing the vessel or a vessel and cap assembly in a suitable
locking arm
for storage, transport, shaking, and so forth.
Other embodiments are described and claimed.
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3A
There is provided a cap and vessel positioning system comprising: a locking
arm
having an opening with a locking device; and a threaded vessel having a vessel
flange,
the threaded vessel securable in the locking device; wherein the locking arm
further
comprises a plurality of vessel openings and a matching plurality of locking
ports, each
of the vessel openings sized to accommodate a vessel, and each of the locking
ports
capable of retaining the vessel in the locking arm.
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Brief Description of the Drawings
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of an apparatus for mixing
and pouring, =
Fig. 2 is a rear elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 1;
Fig. 3 is a partial side view of a trough embodiment of the present invention
pouring to waste;
Fig. 4 is a partial side view of the trough embodiment of Fig. 3 pouring to
save;
Fig. 5 is a front elevation view of a trough embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 6 is a front elevation view of an embodiment of a registration mechanism
of the present invention in a home position;
Fig. 7 is a front elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 6 with the
registration mechanism displaced from its home position;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation view of the embodiment of Fig. 6;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram view of a control embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 10 is a flow chart diagram of a method embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 11 is an exploded perspective view of a cap and vessel in one
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 11A is a roll-out view of multiple disjointed threads in one embodiment
of the present invention;
Fig. 12A is a top view of a cap in one embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of a cap in one embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 12C is a bottom view of a cap in one embodiment of the present
invention; =
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Fig. 13A is a top view of a vessel in one embodiment of the present
invention;
Fig. 13B is a cross-sectional view of a vessel in one embodiment of the
present invention;
5 Fig. 14 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels in place on a lab rack in
one
embodiment of the present invention;
Fig. 15 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels and caps in a storage rack
in
one embodiment of the present invention; and
Fig. 16 is a cut-away perspective view of vessels with caps in a shaking and
pouring device in one embodiment of the present invention.
Description of Embodiments
In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is made to
the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and in which are shown by
way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be
practiced. In
the drawings, like numerals describe substantially similar components
throughout the
several views. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those
slalled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that
other
embodiments may be utilized and logical, structural, electrical, and other
changes
may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.
Figure 1 shows one embodiment of a mixing and pouring apparatus 100.
Mixing and pouring apparatus 100 comprises a base 102, a locking arm support
104,
rotatable locking arm 106, drive mechanism 108, and motor 130 (shown best in
Fig.
2). Mixing and pouring apparatus 100 is suitable for use with a vessel and cap
structure 110 such as vessel 112 and cap 114 shown in greater detail in
Figures 11,
11A, 12A, 12B, 12C, 13A, and 13B and described below.
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Base 102=serves as a support for the remaining components of the mixing and
pouring apparatus 100. Base 102 includes on one embodiment guide pin openings
132 capable of receiving a supplemental vessel and cap cradle for use in a
pouring =
operation to be described later. Loclcing arm support 104 includes openings
for
receiving a support or supports for the locking arm 106 at its ends 145 and
147.
Shaft 134 of locking arm support 104 is fixedly connected to drive mechanism
108
and locking arm 106 for effecting motion of locking arm 106 is response to
operation
of the drive mechanism 108.
Locking arm 106 is rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shaft 134, and
is rotated upon actuation of the drive mechanism 108 to effect the rotation or
other
motion of the locking arm 106 initiated by the drive mechanism 108. As will be
clescribed in greater detail below, locking arm 106 is capable of holding and
retaining
vessels such as vessel 112 within one of a plurality of vessel openings 140 in
the top
of the locking arm 106. As will be described below, each of the vessel
openings 140
in the locking arm 106 is surrounded by a locking pocket 142 which is shaped
and
sized in one embodiment to match a flange such as flange 118 of a vessel such
as
vessel 112 to secure the vessel against rotation in the locking pocket 142 and
opening
1.40.
The locking arm 106 fiuther comprises in one embodiment vacuum locking
ports 144 which serve to secure a vessel such as vessel 112 into the locking
arm 106
so that the locking arm with the vessel therein may be rotated, tipped,
inverted, or the
like, without the vessel falling out of the locking arm. In this embodiment,
each of
the locking ports 144 comprises a locking opening 146 (also shown in Fig. 16)
having at its edge an 0-ring 148 to seal the opening 146 when a vessel such as
vessel
112 is placed in the opening 146 and a vacuum or partial vacuum is drawn below
the
port 144.
A vacuum or partial vacuum is drawn below the port 144 which holds the
vessel 112 against the 0-ring 148 within the port opening 146, thereby
retaining the =
I I r X
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vessel 112 within the port 144 and within the locking arm 106. Once the vessel
112
is secured within the port 144, the locking arm may be rotated, tipped, or the
like
without the vessel 112 being separated from the locking arm. If a cap such as
cap
114 is on the vessel 112, then any motion of the locking arm 106 will result
in an
agitation, nixing, or shaking of the contents of the vessel 112. If the cap
114 is
removed from the vessel 112, then the rotation of the locking arm 106 will
result in a
pouring of contents from the vessel 112.
In one embodiment, a vacuum line 150 is connected to an external vacuum
pump in one embodiment. It should be understood that an internal vacuum pump
could also be used. It is sufficient that some vacuum pump be connected to the
ports
144 to draw a partial vacuum below the vessel tip 117. In cutaway in Fig. 1,
one
embodiment of a connection of a vacuum line 150 to several ports 144 is shown.
In
this embodiment, the vacuum line 150 is connected from an external vacuum pump
to the locking arm 106. Intemal to the locking arm, the vacuum line 150 is
connected to each of the ports 144 so as to draw a partial vacuum at each port
when
the vacuum pump is turned on. =
The partial vacuum is also applied when the contents of the vessel 112 are
being poured out so that the vessel 112 will not fall out of the mixing and
pouring
station 100 as it is being tipped. In this way, the vessel 116 can be rotated
beyond a
horizontal position without slipping out, and its contents emptied out
completely, or
sufficiently to remove excess material while leaving desirable material in the
vessel
112.
In other embodiments, other apparatuses for holding vessels such as vessel
112 within the locking arm 106 include by way of example only and not by way
of
limitation clamps, threads, clips, pins, and the like. It is sufficient that
the vessels be
held in the locking arm 112 so that if inverted, the vessels will not fall out
of the
locking arm 112.
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As is best seen in Figs. 1 and 2, the drive mechanism 108 comprises in one
embodiment a pair of gears, drive gear 152 and free gear 154. Drive gear 152
is
operatively coupled to shaft 156 of motor mechanism 130, and therefore rotates
when shaft 156 rotates. Free gear 154 is fixedly coupled to shaft 134, and
rotates
therewith. As has been mentioned, shaft 134 is fixedly coupled to locking arm
106.
Therefore, when free gear 154 rotates, shaft 134 and locking arm 106 also
rotate. A
belt 158 is seated over gears 152 and 154. In one embodiment, gears 152 and
154 are
notched, and belt 158 is notched, so that the notches of belt 158 fit the
notches of
gears 152 and 154. In this embodiment, rotation of the drive gear 152 directly
corresponds to rotation of the free gear 154 at a known ratio. The notches of
the
gears 152 and 154, and of the belt 158, eliminate to a large extent any
potential
slippage of the belt 158 on the gears. When the motor 130 operates, the shaft
156
rotates, driving the drive gear 152, moving the belt 158 to rotate the free
gear 154
and consequently the shaft 134 and the locking arm 106.
The motor 130 is in one embodiment controlled externally by a computer
control. Computer control signals are sent to the motor 130 along line 129.
Such a
computer control allows the choice by a user of the operation of the motor,
and
therefore the motion of the locking arm through the operation of the drive
mechanism 108. In this embodiment, a user can program a single operation of
the
locking arm, or multiple operations of the loclcing arm. For example, if it is
desired
to mix the contents of a vessel retained within the locking arm, the user may
choose
rotation of the locldng ann in complete 360 degree rotations about the
longitudinal
axis of the shaft. The speed of rotation is adjusted or set by the user, and
the known
ratio of the drive gear size to the free gear size allows the computer to
program the
motor to drive shaft 156 at the appropriate rotational speed to supply the
desired
rotational speed of the loclang arm 106.
Motor 130 is in one embodiment a so-called smart motor. The motor 130 in
this embodiment includes a processor and memory (Fig. 9) which are capable of
=
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executing and storing a series of commands for operation of the apparatus 100
without further input from an external control. The commands are in one
embodiment downloaded to the memory over computer control line 129, and are
executed in the process without further input from the external computer
control. In
this embodiment, an entire sequence of steps may be programmed into the motor
130
for execution at a later time, such as when the apparatus 100 is unattended,
or when
the steps of the process are lengthy and it is not necessary for a user such
as a
scientist or technician to be present to oversee each step or the full
process.
A computer control system capable of operating the apparatus 100 is
disclosed in co-owned U.S. Application Serial Nos. 09/255,146, entitled
COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED DNA ISOLATION METHOD, filed February 22,
1999, and 09/361,829, entitled COMPUTER IlVIPLEMENTED NUCLEIC ACID
ISOI.ATION METHOD AND APPARATUS, filed July 27, 1999.
Motor 130 and drive mechanism 108 in one embodiment have a registration
mechanism to ensure that the loclaing arm begins its operational processes
from the
same position each time the apparatus 100 is started. Such registration
mechanism is
shown in greater detail in Figs. 2, 6, and 7. A registration disk 137 is
fixedly
attached to shaft 134, so that registration disk 137 will rotate when shaft
134 rotates
as described above. Registration disk 137 has therein along its circumference
a
registration slot 139 extending inward from the outer edge toward shaft 134.
In the
position shown in Fig. 6, the regishation slot is aligned with optocoupler 138
when
the loclcing arm 106 is substantially vertical with respect to the plane 131
of the base
102 of apparatus 100. The registration mechanism is connected to the motor 130
by suitable wiring 136.
Optocoupler 138 has an optical transmitter 133 each electrically connected to
the motor 130. Transmitter 133 emits a light signal. When slot 139 is between
the
transmitter 133 and optical receiver 135, receiver 135 receives the light
signal from
transmitter 133, indicating that the registration disk 137 is in its "home"
position,
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that is, the locking arm 106 is substantially vertical with respect to plane
131. If no =
signal is received by receiver 135, then the registration disk 137 and hence
the
locking arm 106 and any vessels 112 retained therein are not substantially
vertical.
'The motor 130, upon startup, will rotate the shaft 156, and therefore
operated drive
5 mechanism 108, to bring the registration disk 137 back to its home position
before
initiating any mixing or pouring operations.
In the position shown in Fig. 7, the registration disk 137 has rotated through
an angle a, as has the locking arm 106. If the locking arm is rotated away
from the
home position shown in Fig. 6 before initiation of a process step, the
optocoupler
10 does not make a connection and the motor rotates the shaft 156 until the
optocoupler
makes a connection between its transmitter 133 and receiver 135.
It should be understood that other registration mechanisms may be used
without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, but not by way
of
limitation, such registration could be accomplished by manual rotation and
alignment, through the known gear ratio of free gear 154 to drive gear 152, or
the
like.
Alternatively, the user may choose to invert the vessels retained within the
loclcing arm 106. This action may be repeated multiple times. It should be
understood that any number of sequences of rotational motion may be programmed
into a computer control as described above, or may be initiated by the user by
utilizing the computer control.
Another action which may be desired by a user is a pouring action. In many
laboratory processes, materials must be poured fmm the vessels. The material
removed from the vessel may be waste material, or it may be material to be
saved.
Such pouring operations are referned to herein as `pour to waste" and "pour to
save"
respectively.
The locking arm support 104 of apparatus 100 in one embodiment includes a
waste trough 160 (Figs. 1, 3, and 5) having a center drain 162 connect:ed to a
drain
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I1
hose 164. Waste trough 160 receives "pour to waste" material poured from a
vessel
112 retained within the locking arm 106 when the vessel 112 has its cap 114
removed and the locking arm 106 rotates toward the back 168 of apparatus 100.
As
is best seen in Fig. 3, when locking arm 106 is rotated toward back 168 of
apparatus
100 while a capless vessel 112 is retained within locking arm 106, any waste
fluid
from vessel 112 is poured into trough 160 to drain out drain 162 and drain
hose 164.
In one embodiment, trough 160 has bottom surfaces 166 which are angled
downward and inward from edges 170 and 172 of trough 160 so that drain 162 is
located at the physical lowest point of trough 160 when trough 160 is
substantially
vertical, to facilitate proper draining of waste material from trough 160. It
should be
understood that any drain configuration allowing the trough 160 to drain would
suffice, and the invention is not limited to a center drain.
Referring now also to Fig. 4, one embodiment of a pour to save configuration
is shown in greater detail. In the pour to save operation, when a capless
vessel 112 is
retained within locking arm 106, and locking arm 106 is rotated toward the
front 174
of apparatus 100, any fluid from the vessel 112 is poured from the vessel 112
into
another vessel 113 held in a supplemental vessel cradle 107 which is similar
in shape
and size to locking arm 106, but which does not contain the vacuum ports or
vacuum
connections of locking arm 106. Cradle 107 has a plurality of guide pins 176
which
engage guide pin openings 132 in base 102 of apparatus 100 so as to position
supplemental cradle 107 to receive vessels such as vessel 113 capable of
retaining
fluid poured from vessels 112 retained within locking arm 106.
As they are used herein, the terminology top, bottom, and sides are referenced
according to the views presented. It should be understood, however, that the
terms
are used only for purposes of description, and are not intended to be used as
limitations. Orientation may change without departing from the scope of the
invention.
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Fig. 9 shows a block diagram of an embodiment 900 of an apparatus such as
apparatus 100 and its connects to an extemal vacuum pump 902 and computer
contro1904. In one embodiment, motor 130 includes processor 906 and memory
908, whose functions have been described above.
One embodiment of the cap and vessel assembly 110 is shown in Fig. 11. In
this embodiment, the cap and vessel assembly 110 comprises a vessel 112 and a
cap
114. The vessel 112 comprises a vessel body (or skirt) 116 contiguous with a
vessel
flange 118. The vessel body 116 has individual or "disjointed" external
threads
1120a, 1120b, 1120c and 1120d (hereinafter "1120a-1120d") visible on one side
of
an upper portion of the vessel body 116 above the vessel flange 118. There can
be
any suitable distance or "groove" between the external threads 1120a-1120d. In
one
embodiment, the distance between threads is about two to three times the
thickness
of each thread.
The vessel body 116 can be any size and shape depending on the application.
It should be understood that for different sizes and shapes of vessels,
different
loclcing openings and ports are contemplated, and are within the scope of the
invention. In one embodiment, the vessel body 116 is a cylindrically-shaped
tube as
shown in Fig. 11. Such a tube can have a tapered bottom as shown in Fig. 11,
or can
have a flat or rounded bottom as desired. This type of tube is typically used
in a
laboratory as a test tube into which small amounts of samples and reagents are
placed.
In one embodiment, the vessel 112 is a tube that holds about 50 ml of fluid
material and has a length of about 11.4 cm (about 4.5 in), an inner diameter
of about
2.8 to three (3) cm (about 1.1 to 1.2 in) with a wall thickness of about 0.1
cm (about
0.4 in). The tapered bottom can be designed in any suitable manner. In one
embodiment, the tapered portion has an angle 1122 of about 54 degrees starting
about 1.5 cm (about 0.6 in) up from the bottom in a vessel 112 having an
overall
length of about 11.4 cm.
1 I 1 ~
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The disjointed external threads 1120a-1120d, can have any known type of
profile or form, such as American Standard, square, Acme, and so forth. In
another
embodiment, conventional joined single or multiple threads are used. In the
embodiment shown in Fig. 11, quadruple or "four-start" external disjointed
threads
are used. In this way the cap 114 can be securely fastened to the vessel 112
with a
minimum of turning. The threads can be present along any suitable length of
the
vessel 112 and in one embodiment, extend to just above the vessel flange 118.
In
one embodiment, the external threads 1120a-1120d cover about the upper 1.2 cm
(0.48 in) of a vessel having an overall length of about 11.4 cm.
In a disjointed thread configuration, each individual thread typically extends
around the circumference of a vessel body in proportion to the number of
disjoint
threads in the configuration. In a triple or "three-start" configuration,
there are three
separate threads, each of which start and stop at approximately 120 degree
intervals.
In a "four-start" thread configuration, as shown in Fig. 11, there are four
separate
external threads 1120a 1124d. Each. external thread 1120a 1120d starts and
stops at
approximately 90 degree intervals in relation to the adjacent thread, and each
thread
extends approximately 180 degrees around the top of the vessel body 116.
In a roll-out view of the external threads 1120a-1120d shown in Fig. 11 A, it
can be seen that each thread starts at the about the same distance down from
the top
of the vessel body 116. As such, a corresponding cap with four matching
disjointed
threads (which have the same configuration as shown in Fig.11A) will initially
rest
on all four external threads 1120a 1120d on the vessel body 116 no matter
where it is
placed on the vessel 112.
In the embodiment shown in Figs. 11 and 11 A, the threads are male threads
that are all at a slight angle in relation to horizontal, although the
invention is not so
limited. Angling the threads in this way, however, allows them to be molded
more
easily. Further, the slight angle provides an upwardly facing relief face on
the lower
side of the extemal threads 1120a-1120d as is known in the art. In one
embodiment,
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the angle is about ten (10) to 25 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is
about
20 to 22 degrees.
Referring again to Fig. 11, the vessel flange 118 can be any suitable size and
shape provided it can serve to hold the vessel 112 in a fixed position on a
suitable
locking arm, such as the locking arm 106 or supplemental cradle 107 of mixing
and
pouring device 100 discussed above. In one embodiment; the vessel flange 118
is
compatible with the corresponding cap flange 128 discussed in more detail
below. In
one embodiment, the vessel flange 118 is substantially square, triangular,
round or
rectangular shaped. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 11, the vessel flange 118
is
substantially square shaped with each corner is angled, although the invention
is not
so limited. However, by removing the sharp edges at each corner, added comfort
is
provided for the person handling the vessels 112 and caps 114.
In one embodiment, the vessel flange 118 surrounds the entire circumference
of the vessel body 116. The vessel flange 118 can be any suitable size in
relation to
ihe vessel body 116. In one embodiment, the combined diameter of the vessel
body
116 and vessel flange 118 is about one (1) to 15% greater than the outer
diameter of
the vessel body 116 along all sides. In another embodiment, the vessel flange
118
extends beyond the vessel body 116 only in the corner areas of the vessel
flange 118.
In another embodiment, the vessel flange 118 does not surround the entire
r,ircumference of the vessel body 116, and is present only on certain portions
of the
vessel body 116, such as on two opposing sides or at three or more locations,
such as
in a spoke arrangement. In one embodiment, the vessel flange is about 0.02 to
0.6
cm (about 0.008 to 0.24 in) thick.
The cap 114 comprises a cap body (or skirt) 126 and cap flange 128, which is
integral with the cap body 126. The cap body 126 shown in Fig. 11 is
substantially
circular in shape and has a circular internal ridge (shown in Fig. 12B) around
which
the top of the vessel body 116 sets. The cap body 126 further has intemal
threads
1130a, 1130b, 1130c and 1130d (hereinafter "1130a-1130d") as shown. The
internal
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threads 1130a-1130d can be any conventional type of threads, but in one
embodiment
are also individual or disjointed threads substantially identical to the
external threads
1120a-1120d on the vessel body 116. In one embodiment, the intemal threads
1130a-1130d are also male threads. In another embodiment, the internal threads
5 1130a-1130d are female threads. Molding female threads in this manner is
more
difficult, however, because the cap body 126 needs to be thickened to
compensate for
loss of wall thickness in the area of the threads. The end result is a larger
and thicker
cap 114.
The internal threads 1130a-1130d can be substantially horizontal or at any
10 suitable relief angle, which can be a minimum relief angle as shown in Fig.
11. As
noted above, angling the internal threads 1130a-1130d in this manner allows
them to
be molded more easily as discussed above, although the angle should not be so
steep
as to cause the internal tbreads 1130a 1130d to `5ump" the extem.al threads
1120a
1120d on the vessel body 116 when being screwed on. Further, angling the
threads
15 in this manner provides a downwardly facing pressure face on the upper side
of the
internal threads 1130a-1130d as is known in the arG In one embodiment, the
angle is
about ten (10) to 25 degrees. In another embodiment, the angle is about 20 to
22
degrees.
The dimensions and shape of the cap flange 128 are substantially identical to
the corresponding vessel flange 118. In one embodiment, the cap flange 128 is
substantially square and is nearly flush with the outer diameter of the cap
body 126
on four sides, extending outwardly from the cap body 126 only in the four
corner
areas as shown in Fig. 11.
The vessel 112 and cap 114 can be made from any suitable material. In one
embodiment, the vessel 112 and cap 114 are made from an inert material which
does
not react with the contents of the vessel. In a particular embodiment, the
vesse1112
and cap 114 are injection molded with polypropylene. Each component further
has a
small draft in order to remove the die as is known in the art. Additionally,
the
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parting line flash for each can be held to any suitable amount, such as less
than about
0.003 in witness, as is known in the art.
In one embodiment, the male threads in both the cap and vessel are made
with an unscrewing core or die which leaves strong and substantial threads to
provide
a tight lock-up with mating threads. This is in contrast to internal cap
threads made
using a steel core pin, which are typically very rounded so the cap can be
easily
snapped off the molding core pin. In one embodiment, the threading cores in
the die
for the caps and vessels have virtually identical phasing relationships such
that the
internal (cap) threads 1130a-1130d produced in the die are virtually identical
and in
phase with the extemal (vessel) threads 1120a-1120d, all of which are also
virtually
identical. Further, by molding in virtually identical anti-rotating devices,
i.e., vessel
flanges 118 and cap flanges 128, on both the vessel 112 and cap 114 at the
same
point in relation to the threads, all of the intemal threads 1130a-1130d in
every cap
1141ocate virtually to the same depth as every other cap 114.
The cap body 126 and vessel body 116 can further have any suitable texture.
ln one embodiment, some or all of the cap body 126 and/or vessel body 116 has
a
knurled or ridged texture comprised of a series of vertical lines. Typically
such a
knurled surface aids in gripping and serves as a type of "anti-rotation"
device. This
iype of surface may be useful in embodiments in which there are no other anti-
:rotation devices, i.e., the cap flange 128 and/or vessel flange 118.
In operation, the cap body 126 is placed over the vessel body 116 and the cap
114 can be given a tum sufficient to provide sealing of the contents inside
the vessel
112. With a four-start thread configuration for the extemal threads of the
vessel 112
as described above, it is possible to obtain an adequate seal with less than a
1/4 or 90
degree turn of the cap body 126 in relation to the vessel body 116. In another
embodiment, the cap body 126 is turned any amount up to 360 degrees. The
amount
of rotation needed to secure the cap 114 depends on where the cap 114 is
placed
initially. In any of these embodiments, the vessel 112 is sealed when the
edges of the
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flanges (118 and 128) are aligned. Specifically, in one embodiment, the cap
114
comes to an abrupt stop at this point and further turning does nothing to
change the
relationship between the cap 114 and vessel 112. This is due to the particular
design
of the internal and external threads 1130a-1130d and 1120a-1120d,
respectively,
including the profile shape, angle, and so forth. The amount of rotation
required to
remove the cap '114 from the vessel 112 can be designed to be any suitable
amount.
In one embodiment, the assembly 110 is designed to require a 180 degree
rotation for removal. Such rotation amount depends on the ramp angle of the
threads, space between the top of cap 114 and beginning of the threads, and so
forth.
In this way, a suitably designed automated device, such as a cap rotator,
discussed
below, can be used to secure and remove the caps 114 by rotating the cap (114)
180
degrees in either direction. In this embodiment, the assembly 110 can be
designed to
require up to a 180 degree rotation for removal even if less than a 180 degree
rotation
is needed to secure the cap 114 to the vessel 112. In one exemplary
embodiment, the
ramp angle of the internal threads 1130a-1130d is about 21 degrees and the
threads
are spaced down about 0.44 cm (0.175 in) from the top of a cap 114 having an
inner
diameter of about 2.7 em (1.05 in) and an outer diameter of about 2.8 cm (1.12
in).
With use of multiple individual threads, the internal threads 1130a-1130d of
the cap 1141oad on multiple and separate thread surfaces (1120a-1120d) on the
vessel body 116, rather than on only one, providing a more stable positioning
system.
Although multiple threads provide enhanced stability as compared with a single
thread, some tipping can still occur with double and triple thread
configurations.
With use of the four-start threads for the external threads of the vessel body
116,
there are four individual threads 1120a-1120d onto which the four internal
threads
1130a-1130d of the cap 114 are in communication with initially as shown above
in
Fig. 11A, providing a flat plane, thus preventing tipping. In this way, the
cap 114
can be taken on and off relatively quickly.
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Additionally, use of the cap flange 128 not only helps with correctly
positioning and repositioning the cap body 126 on the vessel body 116, it also
serves
as a strengthening device. Specifically, with the cap flange 128 present, the
cap body
126 can not expand or bend if excess torque is applied. Similarly, the vessel
flange
118 prevents the vessel body 116 from caving in if the cap body 126 is secured
to the
external threads 1120a-1120d with excess torque. Generally, the use of torque
is not
required with this type of thread arrangement, and complete sealing can be
obtained
with minimal turning, as noted above.
Fig. 12A is a top view of the cap 114, showing the cap flange 128 and cap
body 126 as described above. Fig. 12B is a cross-sectional view of the cap 114
showing the cap body 126 and internal threads 130. As noted above there is
also an
intemal ridge 1210 around which the top of the vessel body fits. Fig. 12C is a
bottom
view of the cap 114 showing the cap flange 128, as well as the inner and outer
diameters of the cap body 126 and the internal ridge 1210.
Fig. 13A is a top view of the vessel 112 showing the vessel flange 118 and
vessel body 116. The wall 1310 of the vessel body 116 can also be seen in this
view.
Fig. 13B is a cross-section of the vessel 112 showing the wall 1310, the
vessel
flange 118 and the external threads 1120a-1120d as described above.
The assembly 110 can be placed in any number of devices that serve to hold
the assembly 110 in position and further aid in positioning the cap 114 to the
vessel
112. Fig. 14 shows one embodiment of a lab rack 1410 which has been modified
to
have partitions 1412 between rows of holes 1414. Any suitably sized lab rack
1410
can be used. In one embodiment, there are four rows of holes 1414, each row
having
eight (8) holes 1414 through which 32 vessels 112 can be placed. In this
embodiment, the partitions 1412 run the entire length of the lab rack 1410.
The
partitions 1412 are spaced such that two opposing sides of each vessel flange
118 are
in contact with adjacent partitions 1412 when in place on the rack 1410 and
properly
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positioned. In this way, the vessel 112 is held securely in place so that
samples or
reagents can be added, the vessel 112 can be capped, and so forth.
In one embodiment, a lab operator loads a portion of the rack 1410, such as
about half, with samples. If a bar code is present on the vessel 112, that can
be
scanned into a suitable scanning device at this time. When the operator is
ready to
seal the contents of a vessel 112, the operator manually places a cap 114
(which can
also have a bar code) onto a vessel 112, turning the cap 114 until the cap
flange 126
is aligned with the vessel flange 118. As with the placement of the vessels
112, the
presence of the partitions 1412 on either side of each row insures that the
caps 114
will be placed in the correct position. Specifically, if the vessel flanges
118 and cap
flanges 128 are not in alignment, the vessels 112 and caps 114 will not fit in
between
the partitions 1412. Further, as discussed above, the thread design and
seating
tolerances cause the cap 114 to come to an abrupt stop when it is in proper
alignment, so that this proper alignment is easily achieved. Therefore, with
substantially square cap and vessel flanges, 128 and 118, respectively, the
cap 114
and vessel 112 can be dropped into position in four different ways, i.e.,
along any of
the four edges of the flanges 118 and 128.
Fig. 15 shows a shuttle device 1510 which is used to store the cap 114 and
vessel 116. The cap 114 and vessel 112 can be stored in the shuttle device
1510
when not in use, or for transport during any type of procedure. Such procedure
can
be any type of manual or automated procedure. As Fig. 15 shows, the shuttle
device
1510 contains pairs of identical holes for storing a vessel 112 and its
corresponding
cap 114. The shuttle device 1510 comprises the same type of holes 140, each
with a
step or locking pocket 142 as the mixing and pouring device 100 discussed in
Fig. 1.
25. The locking pocket 142 is designed to be the same size and depth as the
flanges, i.e.,
cap flange 128 and vessel flange 118. The shuttle device 1510 can contain any
number of holes 140 as desired for a particular application. In one
embodiment,
there are four (4) pairs of holes 140 to support four pairs of vessels and
caps.
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When capping the vessel 112, the cap 114 can be picked up, placed on the
vessel 112 and rotated the desired amount, such as 90, 180, 270 or 360
degrees. In
one embodiment, the cap 114 is rotated approximately 180 degrees clockwise in
relation to the vessel 112. When the cap 114 is removed from the vessel 112,
it is
5 rotated the same amount in reverse and placed back in its original hole. In
one
embodiment, the cap 114 is screwed onto the vessel 112 with a'/z or 180 degree
rotation in one direction and unscrewed with a'/z or 180 degree rotation in
the
opposite direction.
In one embodiment, the caps 114 are picked up simultaneously and
10 automatically by a series of cap rotators 1516, placed on the vessel 116
and rotated
180 degrees. Each cap rotator 1516 comprises a cap rotator body 1518 and two
blades or fingers 1520. The blades 1520 can be made from any suitable
material,
such as replaceable tool steel. In one embodiment, the blades 1520 are secured
to the
rotator cap body 1518 with a suitable connector 1522. Each cap rotator 1516
finther
15 has an internal suction cup (not shown) to hold the cap 114 firmly in place
as it is
being transported or rotated. Any number of cap rotators 1516 can be used so
that
multiple caps 114 can be picked up and moved simultaneously.
An embodiment of the vessel sealing method 1000 described herein is shown
in Fig. 10. Method 1000 comprises placing a threaded cap having a cap flange
on a
20 threaded vessel having a vessel flange in block 1002, and securing the
threaded cap
to the threaded vessel a fnst time by rotating the threaded cap in one
direction, the
threaded cap secured to the threaded vessel when the cap flange and vessel
flange are
aligned in block 1004.
In the embodiment shown in Fig. 15, each of the holes 140 further have
recesses 1524 on opposing sides into which the opposing blades 1520 on the cap
rotator 1516 slide to pick up the cap 114 in order to move it out of the
locking pocket
142. The process is completed in reverse when it is desired to remove the cap
114.
In other words, the cap 114 is rotated 180 degrees in the reverse direction
and
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returned to the locking pocket 142 in the same position it began. The screwing
and
unscrewing of the cap 114 and placement in the locking pocket 142 can also be
completed manually. In one embodiment, bar codes are used to identify the
vessel
112 and cap 114 so that the same cap 114 is always used with the same vessel
112.
5_ This helps to ensure that there is no contamination or cross-contamination,
although
in most embodiments all of the vessels 112 and caps 114 are made with the same
die
so that the caps and vessels are interchangeable.
The shuttle device 1510 or the cap rotators 1520 can also be used to move the
vessels 112 and caps 114 to any location desired in the process, such as
underneath
reagent dispensing devices, to centrifuging stations and into alignment with
subsequent lab racks 1410 (shown in Fig. 14).
The shuttle device 1510 can also transport vessel and cap assemblies 110 to
the mixing and pouring station 100 described above, as shown in Fig. 16. The
holes
140 with opposing recesses 1524 as well as the locking pocket 142 are the same
as
shown in previous figures. By locking the flanges, 128 and 118, in place in
this way,
the assembly 110 does not come loose and start to reposition itself during a
shaking
or pouring step. Any suitable number of assemblies 110 can be placed in the
mixing
and pouring station 100. In one embodiment, eight assemblies 110 are placed in
this
device. The assemblies 110 can be moved to this location manually or
automatically,
such as with the cap rotator 1516 as shown. In the embodiment shown in Fig.
16, the
vacuum port 144 serves to further secure the vessel 112 in place, particularly
when
the cap 114 is being rotated on or off.
The various holding devices shown in Figs. 1, 14, 15 and 16 can be used
individually or in combination in any type of automated or manual laboratory
or
manufacturing procedure as described above.
The mixing and pouring apparatus 100 allows a user to more closely control
the operations of mixing, agitating, and pouring. The apparatus 100 is
precisely
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controlled by the motor 130 and external computer control, so that it is
capable of
performing any number of programmed tasks.
Furthernmore, the cap and vessel flanges of the present invention provide
means to cap and recap a vessel without losing track of where threads are
located on
the vessel, such that the cap is resecured to the vessel in substantially the
identical
location and manner each and every time. Rotation of the cap then engages the
two
sets of threads evenly and consistently. Once the flanges are oriented in the
same
direction, the vessel is tightly sealed. Proper alignment also ensures that
the vessel is
locked into position for transport, shaking, and so forth. Tbrough use of
multiple
disjointed threads on the vessel, the cap and vessel positioning system of the
present
invention has the added advantage of providing a tight seal with only a
minimum
amount of turaing.
Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it
will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement
which is
calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific
embodiments shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or
variations of the invention. It is intended that this invention be limited
only by the
following claims, and the full scope of equivalents thereof.
