Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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METHOD OF HANDLING CLAMSHELL CONTAINERS CONTAINING A
PARTICULATE ALIQUOT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to methods of handling containers
for selectively dispensing one or more objects via automated processes. More
specifically, the present invention provides a method for selectively opening
a
container that contains metered seed sample aliquots. The method applies one
or
more forces to the container to release one or more objects contained therein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plant breeding, plant product development, plant product characterization,
and plant product commercialization processes often require a large number of
particles or components comprising aliquots from a bulk or composite
particulate
sample, such as a seed sample. For example, in agricultural research, it is
often
necessary to segregate an aliquot from a bulk sample such that the aliquot
includes
one or more selected seeds (representing a statistically-significant
population, for
example). Such aliquots must also sometimes be treated with a selected
treatment
compound (such as a particular fungicide or insecticide, for example) and
packaged with indicia that allows a researcher or field technician to easily
identify
the aliquot, as well as the handling history and treatment history of the
aliquot. An
example is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application No.11/774,230, entitled
"System,
Method, and Computer Program Product for Automated High-Throughput Seed
Sample Aliquot Preparation, Treatment, and Dispersal."
Current processes for dispensing packages containing one or more particles
or components comprising an aliquot as part of an intermediate research and/or
manufacturing step, is a complex and labor-intensive one. Conventional
techniques require aliquots to be packaged in small paper coin envelopes. In
order
to deposit the aliquots for planting research plots, the paper coin envelopes
are
manually opened at the desired planting locations. Not only is this process
very
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time consuming, requiring a great deal of manual labor, but the paper coin
envelopes are not well suited for closing and re-opening, much less re-opening
by
automated processes.
Some improved containers for use in receiving, containing, and dispensing
aliquots have been disclosed, for example in
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/774,256 entitled "Buckling
Clamshell Container for Automated Aliquot and Dispersal Processes ."
This
document generally describes an improved package assembly comprising first and
second portions configured to cooperate to contain the particular aliquot.
This
package assembly is easily
closed and re-opened,
easily and economically manufactured, and may be provided in a one-piece
assembly. Moreover, the package assemblies may be re-used.
However, there is a further need in the art for a method of handling such
package assemblies. The method should provide for automated handling of one or
more package assemblies and should facilitate separating first and second
portions
to release at least a portion of the particulate aliquot. Furthermore, there
is a need
for a method of handling package assemblies that identifies a package assembly
label comprising a indicia of the aliquot.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The embodiments of the present invention satisfy the needs listed above
and provide other advantages as described below. Embodiments of the present
invention may include a method of handling a package assembly containing a
particulate aliquot (such as one or more selected types of agricultural seeds)
and
comprising first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot.
According to some embodiments, the method comprises receiving the package
assembly in a package assembly handling device, and applying a force to the
package assembly using the package assembly handling device so that the first
and
second portions separate in response to the force, thus releasing at least a
portion of
the particulate aliquot. In various embodiments, the step of applying a force
to the
package assembly may comprise, but is not limited to, applying a compressive
force to the package assembly; inserting an opening tool between the first and
second portions of the package assembly; or applying a force approximately
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normal to a plane defined by a flange portion of the package assembly; or
combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the step of receiving the package
assembly may comprise receiving a closed package assembly in an inverted
orientation wherein the first portion comprises a container portion and the
second
portion comprises a cover portion, the cover portion being disposed below the
container portion and wherein when the cover portion separates from the
container
portion, the particulate aliquot is released from the package assembly. The
step of
applying a compressive force in some embodiments may comprise moving the
package assembly along a package assembly handling path defmed by a pair of
opposing guide rails using a pusher assembly, wherein the package assembly
passes adjacent a pinch area defined in one of the guide rails, and wherein
the
pinch area deflects one of opposing sides of the package assembly, thus
compressing the package assembly between the pinch area and the other of the
guide rails. In other embodiments, the pinch area may comprise, but is not
limited
to, a geometry of at least one of the guide rails configured such that the
guide rails
converge as the package assembly moves along the package assembly handling
path; one or more pinch rollers defined in at least one of the guide rails and
configured to deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly
as the
package assembly moves along the package assembly handling path; an actuated
section of at least one of the guide rails configured to move inward so as to
deflect
at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly; or at least one
adjustable
insert or section located in one or both guide rails configured to deflect at
least one
of opposing sides of the package assembly, the insert or section being
configured
to adjust the amount of the compression force applied to the package assembly;
or
combinations thereof. Some embodiments may further comprise identifying a
package assembly label comprising a indicia of the aliquot using a machine
reader
device, which may include, but is not limited to, a bar code reader, or an
RFID
reader, or combinations of such devices.
Some embodiments may further comprise inserting an opening tool
between portions of the package assembly. In various embodiments, inserting an
opening tool between portions of the package assembly may comprise moving the
package assembly relative to a stationary opening tool, moving an opening tool
relative to a stationary package assembly, or a combination of both. In some
embodiments the opening tool may be inserted into an existing aperture defined
by
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at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a flange
portion of the package
assembly for encouraging at least one of the first and second portions to flex
outwardly from
the other portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions
separate. The
step of inserting the opening tool into the aperture may also comprise
inserting an opening
tool into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave
portions located on
a first flange portion of the package assembly and at least one concave
portion located on a
second flange portion of the package assembly and adapted to substantially
align with at least
one of the pair of opposing concave portions when the first and second
portions are closed.
The step of inserting the opening tool may also comprise moving the package
assembly along
a package assembly handling path defined by a pair of opposing guide rails
using a pusher
assembly so that the aperture of the package assembly contacts a leading end
of an opening
tool. In addition, the method may further comprise deflecting one of the first
or second
portions of the package assembly when the first and second portions separate
so that the
package assembly at least temporarily remains in an open position.
Furthermore, the method
may also include applying a force approximately normal to a plane defined by
the flange
portion using the package dispenser, for encouraging the first and second
portions to separate.
The force may comprise actuating a disengaging tool through a notch portion
defined in one
of first and second flange portions of the package assembly to exert a force
against the other
of the first and second flange portions.
In addition to various embodiments describing a method of handling package
assemblies, the present invention also provides various embodiments of a
package handling
system. Thus the various embodiments of the present invention provide many
advantages
that may include, but are not limited to: providing automated handling of one
or more
package assemblies; automatically facilitating separation of first and second
portions of the
package assemblies in response to a compressive force; and identifying package
assembly
labels comprising indicia of the aliquots.
The invention relates to:
<1> A
method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot and
comprising first and second portions which cooperate to contain the aliquot,
said method
comprising:
receiving the package assembly in a package assembly handling device; and
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applying a compressive force to opposing sides of the package assembly using
the
package assembly handling device by moving the package assembly along a
package
assembly handling path defined by a pair of opposing guide rails with a pusher
assembly so
that the package assembly passes adjacent a pinch area defined in one of the
guide rails, and
wherein one of the opposing sides of the package assembly is deflected by the
pinch area,
thus compressing the package assembly between the pinch area and the other of
the guide
rails so as to cause at least one of the first or second portions to flex
outwardly from the
other portion about a flexure axis so that one of the first or second portions
disengages from
the other.
<2> The method of handling a package assembly according to <1>,
further
comprising inserting an opening tool between the first and second portions of
the package
assembly.
<3> The method of handling a package assembly according to <1>,
further
comprising applying a force approximately normal to a plane defined by a
flange portion of
the package assembly.
<4> The method of handling a package assembly according to <3>,
wherein the
step of applying a force comprises inserting an opening tool into an aperture
defined by at
least one of a pair of opposing concave portions located on a flange portion
of the package
assembly for encouraging at least one of the first or second portions to flex
outwardly from
the other portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions
separate.
<5> The method of handling a package assembly according to <4>,
wherein the
step of inserting the opening tool into the aperture comprises inserting an
opening tool into an
aperture defined by at least one of a pair of opposing concave portions
located on a first
flange portion of the package assembly and at least one corresponding concave
portion
located on a second flange portion of the package assembly and adapted to
substantially align
with at least one of the pair of opposing concave portions when the first and
second portions
are closed.
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<6> The method of handling a package assembly according to <4>, further
comprising applying second force to the package assembly, approximately normal
to a plane
defined by the flange portion, for encouraging the first and second portions
to separate.
<7> The method of handling a package assembly according to <6>, wherein
the
step of applying a second force comprises actuating a disengaging tool through
a notch
portion defined in one of first and second flange portions of the package
assembly to exert a
force against the other of the first and second flange portions for
encouraging the first and
second portions of the package assembly to separate.
<8> The method of handling a package assembly according to any one of
<1>-<7>,
wherein the pinch area is defined by:
a geometry of at least one of the guide rails configured such that the guide
rails
converge as the package assembly moves along the package assembly handling
path;
one or more pinch rollers defined in at least one of the guide rails and
configured to
deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly as the package
assembly
moves along the package assembly handling path;
an actuated section of at least one of the guide rails configured to move
inward so as
to deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly;
at least one adjustable insert or section located in one or both guide rails
configured to
deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly, the insert or
section being
configured to adjust the amount of the compression force applied to the
package assembly; or
combinations thereof.
<9> The method of handling a package assembly according to <4>, wherein
the
step of inserting an opening tool into an aperture defined by at least one of
a pair of concave
portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly comprises moving
the package
assembly along the package assembly handling path defined by a pair of
opposing guide rails
using a pusher assembly so that the aperture of the package assembly contacts
the opening
tool.
<10> The method of handling a package assembly according to <9>, wherein the
first and second portions of the package assembly are joined at one end by a
hinge, and
wherein the method further comprises deflecting one of the first or second
portions of the
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package assembly with the opening tool when the first and second portions
separate so that
the package assembly at least temporarily remains in an open position.
<11> The method of handling a package assembly according to <1>, further
comprising identifying a package assembly label comprising a indicia of the
aliquot using a
machine reader device.
<12> The method of handling a package assembly according to <11>,
wherein the machine reader device comprises:
a bar code reader;
an RFID reader; or
combinations thereof.
<13> The method of handling a package assembly according to <1>, wherein the
step of receiving the package assembly comprises receiving a closed package
assembly in an
inverted orientation wherein the first portion comprises a container portion
and the second
portion comprises a cover portion, the cover portion being disposed below the
container
portion, and wherein when the cover portion separates from the container
portion, at least a
portion of the particulate aliquot is released from the package assembly.
<14> A method of handling a package assembly containing a particulate aliquot
and
comprising a container portion defining an opening and a cover portion
configured to
cooperate with the container portion to selectively close the opening, said
method
comprising:
receiving, in a package assembly handling device, a closed package assembly in
an
inverted orientation wherein the cover portion of the package assembly is
disposed below the
container portion;
applying a compressive force to opposing sides of the package assembly using
the
package assembly handling device by moving the package assembly along a
package
assembly handling path defined by a pair of opposing guide rails with a pusher
assembly so
that the package assembly passes adjacent a pinch area defined in one of the
guide rails, and
wherein one of the opposing sides of the package assembly is deflected by the
pinch area,
thus compressing the package assembly between the pinch area and the other of
the guide
rails so as to cause the cover portion to flex outwardly from the container
portion; and
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inserting an opening tool into an aperture defined by at least one of a pair
of opposing
concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly and
applying an
additional force to the package assembly with a disengaging tool,
approximately normal to a
plane defined by the cover portion, for encouraging the cover portion to flex
outwardly from
the container portion about a flexure axis so that the cover portion separates
from the
container portion and at least a portion of the particulate aliquot is
released from the package
assembly.
<15> A package assembly handling system for handling a package assembly
comprising first and second portions that cooperate to contain a particulate
aliquot, the
system comprising:
a package assembly handling device configured for applying a comprehensive
force
to opposing sides of the package assembly,
wherein the comprehensive force causes at least one of the first or second
portions to
flex outwardly from the other portion about a flexure axis so that the first
and second portions
at least partially separate in response to the force, thus releasing at least
a portion of the
particulate aliquot,
a pusher assembly,
a pair of guide rails defining a package handling path, and
a pinch area defined in at least one of the guide rails and substantially
along the package
assembly handling path,
wherein the pusher assembly is configured for moving the package assembly
along the
package assembly handling path adjacent the pinch area;
and wherein the pinch area is configured for depressing at least one of the
opposing sides of
the package assembly.
<16> The package assembly handling system according to <15>, further
comprising
an opening tool configured for insertion between the first and second portions
of the package
assembly.
<17> The package assembly handling system according to <15>, wherein the
package assembly handling system is further configured for applying a force
approximately
normal to a plane defined by a flange portion of the package assembly.
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<18> The package assembly handling system according to <15>, further
comprising
an opening tool configured for inserting into an aperture defined by at least
one of a pair of
opposing concave portions located on a flange portion of the package assembly,
for
encouraging at least one of the first or second portions to flex outwardly
from the other
portion about the flexure axis so that the first and second portions separate.
<19> The package assembly handling system according to <18>, further
comprising
a disengaging tool configured for applying a second force to the package
assembly,
approximately normal to a plane defined by the flange portion, for encouraging
the first and
second portions to separate.
<20> The package assembly handling system according to <15>, wherein the pinch
area is defined by:
a geometry of at least one of the guide rails configured such that the guide
rails
converge as the package assembly moves along the package assembly handling
path;
one or more pinch rollers defined in at least one of the guide rails and
configured to
deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly as the package
assembly
moves along the package assembly handling path;
an actuated section of at least one of the guide rails configured to move
inward so as
to deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly; or
combinations thereof.
<21> The package assembly handling system according to <18>, wherein the
opening tool comprises a leading end, and wherein the pusher assembly is
configured for
moving the package assembly along the package handling path so that the
aperture of the
package assembly contacts the leading end of the opening tool.
<22> The package assembly handling system according to <21>, wherein the first
and second portions of the package assembly are joined at one end by a hinge,
and wherein
the opening tool further defines a deflecting arm configured to deflect one of
the first or
second portions of the package assembly when the first and second portions
separate so that
the package assembly at least temporarily remains in an open position.
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<23> The package assembly handling system according to <15>, further
comprising
a machine reader device configured for identifying a package assembly label
comprising
indicia of the aliquot.
<24> The package assembly handing system according to <23>, wherein the
machine reader device comprises:
a bar code reader;
an RFID reader; or
combinations thereof.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be
made to
the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and
wherein:
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FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram showing a package assembly handling
system configured to execute a method of handling package assemblies in
accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a package assembly handling device of a
package assembly handling system configured to execute a method of handling
package assemblies in accordance with one exemplary embodiment of the present
invention;
FIG. 3 shows a perspective view from a reverse angle of the package
assembly handling device of FIG. 2 in accordance with one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 shows a package assembly, in an open position, for use with the
package assembly handling device of FIG. 2 in accordance with one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4A shows a package assembly, in a closed position, for use with the
package assembly handling device of FIG. 2 in accordance with one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 shows a perspective view from a reverse angle of the package
assembly handling device of FIG. 2 wherein a package assembly is being lowered
by an elevator assembly into a package assembly handling path in accordance
with
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 shows a perspective view from a reverse angle of the package
assembly handling device of FIG. 2 wherein a package assembly is being pushed
by a pusher assembly along a package assembly handling path in accordance with
one exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 shows a perspective view from a reverse angle of the package
assembly handling device of FIG. 2 wherein a package assembly is being pushed
by a pusher assembly along a package assembly handling path into an opening
tool
and wherein a disengaging tool is being actuated, in accordance with one
exemplary embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 shows a perspective view from a reverse angle of an opening tool of
a package assembly handling device in accordance with one exemplary
embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 shows a side view of a package assembly according to one
embodiment of the present invention including an exemplary flexing action of a
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cover portion of the package assembly in response to an applied compressive
force; and
FIG. 10 shows a side view of a package assembly according to one
embodiment of the present invention including disengagement of a cover portion
from a container portion after the application of a compressive force.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with
reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments
of the invention are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many
different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set
forth
herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will
satisfy
applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.
While the embodiments of the present invention are described below in the
context of handling package assemblies in an agricultural research environment
wherein a package assembly handling device may be used to handle a package
assembly to dispense seed aliquots containing seeds of a particular type (such
as,
for example, seeds corresponding to a selected corn plant hybrid or
genetically
modified organism (GMO)), it should be understood that embodiments of the
method of handling package assemblies of the present invention may also serve
as
a method for dispensing a variety of particles, components, powders, fluids,
foods,
and/or other items that may require temporary containment and/or segregation
prior to being utilized for a downstream process. Embodiments of the present
invention may thus be useful for selectively dispensing such items when
required.
As noted above, current processes known in the art for dispensing packages
containing one or more particles or components comprising an aliquot as part
of an
intermediate research and/or manufacturing step, is a complex and labor-
intensive
one. These prior art techniques often require a great deal of manual labor and
time
to deposit the aliquots for planting research plots. In general terms, the
present
invention provides an automated method for handling one or more package
assemblies. The method facilitates at least partial separation of first and
second
portions of a package assembly in response to a force applied to the package
assembly, thus releasing at least a portion of the aliquot. The following is a
description of the components of a package handling system and a method of
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handling package assemblies, in accordance with exemplary embodiments of the
present invention, however it should be understood that many other embodiments
not depicted are possible within the scope of the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a package assembly handling
system 10 configured to execute a method of handling package assemblies
containing a particulate aliquot in accordance with one exemplary embodiment
of
the present invention. As shown in the figure, the package assembly handling
system 10 of the depicted embodiment comprises a pneumatic supply 20, a
controller 30, a scanner 40, and a package assembly handling device 50. The
controller 30 controls the pneumatic supply 20, which operates one or more
pneumatic components of the package assembly handling device 50. The
controller 30 also controls the scanner 40, which, as will be discussed in
more
detail below, is configured to read information from the package assemblies.
The
controller 30 may also directly control one or more components of the package
assembly handling device 50.
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the package assembly handling device 50 of
one embodiment showing its various components. Generally, the package
assembly handling device 50 of the depicted embodiment comprises a tray
assembly 52, a base plate 54, first and second guide rails 56, 57, an elevator
assembly 58, and a pusher assembly 60 (not visible in FIG. 2). The tray
assembly
52 includes an array of bins 62 configured to hold a plurality of package
assemblies 100. The base plate 54 is located below the tray assembly 52, with
the
guide rails 56, 57 mounted in a spaced parallel arrangement on top of the base
plate 54, such that the guide rails 56, 57 are disposed directly below the
bottom of
the tray assembly 52. In the depicted embodiment, the tray assembly 52, base
plate
54, guide rails 56, elevator assembly 58, and pusher assembly 60 of the
depicted
embodiment are constructed primarily of metal materials, such as steel and/or
aluminum, however in other embodiments these components may be constructed
of any other material(s) suitable for handling package assemblies, as
described
below.
The tray assembly 52 is oriented with the guide rails 56, 57 such that the
bottom of each of the bins 62 is substantially aligned between the guide rails
56,
57. Additionally, the tray assembly 52 is movable in a direction approximately
aligned with arrow Al so that the bottom of each bin 62 may be substantially
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aligned with a loading area 64 (better viewed in FIG. 3) defined by opposing
recesses 66 created in the first and second guide rails 56, 57. The loading
area 64
is configured to receive a package assembly 100 for moving along a package
assembly handling path defined by the guide rails 56, 57. The elevator
assembly
58 is located below the loading area 64 and includes an elevating mechanism 67
which raises and lowers a pair of supports 68 in a direction approximately
aligned
with arrow A2. The supports 68 are located between the guide rails 56, 57
substantially aligned with the loading area 64. The elevator assembly 58 is
configured to move the supports 68 in a direction approximately aligned with
arrow A2. In the depicted embodiment, the tray assembly 52, the elevator
assembly 58, and the pusher assembly 60 are movable through pneumatic power
by control of the controller 30, however in other embodiments any one or any
combination of the tray assembly 52, elevator assembly 58, or pusher assembly
may be movable by other means, including, but not limited to, gear trains or
screw
drive systems driven by one or more electric motors controlled by the
controller
30.
Although the tray assembly 52 of the depicted embodiment is shown
empty, each bin 62 is configured to hold a plurality of package assemblies
100,
which may be stacked one on top of another in a closed position. So
configured,
the tray assembly 52 provides an array of closed package assemblies 100. In
the
depicted embodiment, the tray assembly 52 creates an array that is 1 row by 8
bins
(1 x 8). However, in other embodiments a tray assembly may comprise a variety
of configurations designed to suit differing storage, space, and/or
performance
constraints. In such embodiments, the tray assembly may be movable in other
directions so as to substantially align the bottoms of the bins with a loading
area.
Alternatively, multiple loading areas may be available to receive package
assemblies from the tray assembly.
FIG. 3 is a perspective view from a reverse angle of the package assembly
handling device 50 in accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the
invention
depicted in FIG. 2. In this figure, the tray assembly 52 and the first guide
rail 56
have been removed to facilitate discussion. Each of the first and second guide
rails
56, 57 includes a support surface 74 which defines the package assembly
handling
path and along which a package assembly 100 travels after being loaded from
the
tray assembly 52 into the loading area 64. The pusher assembly 60 includes a
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pushing mechanism 70 that is configured to move a pair of pusher fingers 72
and a
disengaging device 73 in a direction approximately aligned with arrow A3. The
pusher fingers 72 are configured to move the package assembly 100 along the
package assembly handling path. As will discussed in more detail below, the
disengaging device 73 is configured to aid in opening a package assembly 100.
The pusher fingers 72 are located between the supports 68 so that when the
pair of
pusher fingers 72 are moved by the pushing mechanism 70 and/or the pair of
supports 68 are moved by the elevating mechanism 67, the pusher fingers 72 and
the supports 68 move independent of, and do not interfere with, each other. A
pinch area 75 is disposed in the second guide rail 57 along the support
surface 74,
downstream from the loading area 64. The pinch area 75 is designed to apply a
compressive force to the package assembly 100 as the package assembly 100
moves along the package assembly handling path. The pinch area 75 of the
depicted embodiment is formed by a geometry of the second guide rail 57, such
that a portion of the second guide rail 57 extends out some distance from the
second guide rail 57 toward the first guide rail 56 so that the guide rails
56, 57
converge and a compressive force is applied to the package assembly 100 as it
moves along the package assembly handling path past the pinch area 75 by
squeezing the package assembly 100 between the first and second guide rails
56,
57. In various other embodiments, the pinch area 75 may be formed in a variety
of
ways including, but not limited to, a geometric configuration of the first
and/or
second guide rails that results in the first and second guide rails converging
such
that a compressive force is applied the package assembly; one or more pinch
rollers defined by the first and/or second guide rails that extend inward so
as to
apply a compressive force to the package assembly; one or more actuated
sections
of the first and/or second guide rails wherein the one or more sections are
configured to apply a compressive force to the package assembly when actuated
inward; at least one adjustable insert or section located in one or both guide
rails
configured to deflect at least one of opposing sides of the package assembly,
the
insert or section being configured to adjust the amount of the compression
force
applied to the package assembly; and combinations thereof.
An opening tool 76 that includes a spear 78 defining a spear end 80 (shown
in more detail in FIG. 8) is located between the guide rails 56, 57 downstream
from the loading area 64 and is configured such that a package assembly 100
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moving along the package assembly handling path contacts the spear end 80. In
the depicted embodiment, the opening tool 76 is constructed of a steel
material,
however in other embodiments it may be constructed of any material structured
to
facilitate opening of a package assembly 100.
A scanner 40 is located proximate the package assembly handling path and
is configured to read a label 101 containing indicia associated with each
package
assembly 100 before the package assembly 100 opens to release the aliquot. In
the
depicted embodiment, the label 101 includes barcode information relating to
the
aliquot contained in the package assembly 100, however in other embodiments,
the
scanner 40 may be any other device capable of machine reading a label,
including,
but not limited to, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader capable of
identifying an RFID transponder associated with the package assembly 100,
and/or
a combination of a RFID reader and a barcode reader. Additionally, although
the
scanner 40 of the depicted embodiment of the present invention is located
proximate the package assembly handling path downstream from the loading area
64, in other embodiments a scanner could be located in a variety of locations.
For
example, one or more scanners could be located proximate the tray assembly 52,
the pusher assembly 60, the elevator assembly 58, and/or the opening tool 76.
In
other embodiments, package assemblies could be scanned with an independent
scanner prior to being loaded in the tray assembly 52. Howerver, it should be
noted that not all embodiments of the present invention include a scanner.
As noted above, improved package assemblies for use in receiving,
containing, and dispensing aliquots have been disclosed, for example in
U.S. Patent Application No. 11/774,256.
FIGS. 4 and 4A show an exemplary package assembly 100 of a type that may be
used in conjunction with the dispenser 50 shown in FIGS. 1-3. Specifically,
FIGS. 4 and 4A show a perspective view of a package assembly 100, in open and
closed positions, respectively, usable in conjunction with the method in
accordance
with one embodiment of the present invention. As shown, the package assembly
100 may generally comprise a container portion 110 defining an opening 120 and
including at least two opposing sides 112, 114. The package assembly 100 may
further comprise a cover portion 130 configured to cooperate with the
container
portion 110 to selectively close the opening 120 defined by the container
portion
110. It should be noted, however, that the method of handling package
assemblies
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of various embodiments of the present invention described herein may operate
on a
variety of package assembly designs and thus the present invention should not
be
limited to use with the particular package assemblies those shown in the
figures.
In order to effectively close the opening 120 defined by the container
portion 110 of the depicted embodiment, the cover portion 130 may comprise a
reinforcing ridge portion 140 operably engaged about a perimeter of the cover
portion 130 and configured to be capable of engaging an inner periphery of the
opening 120, in an interference fit, so as to selectively close the opening
120, such
that the cover portion 130 is not easily disengaged from the container portion
110
without the application of a compressive force, as described herein. It should
be
noted that in various embodiments, only a portion of the cover portion 130 and
the
container portion 110 may cooperate to hold the portions in a closed position.
Moreover, an interference fit need not be required to hold the cover portion
130 in
a closed position over the opening 120 of the container portion 110. The
method
of various embodiments of the present invention is operable in conjunction
with
package assemblies of a variety of designs, which are configured so that first
and
second portions at least partially separate in response to a force applied to
the
package assembly. In such a manner, the first and second portions may
separate, at
least partially, in response to the force, thus releasing at least a portion
of a
particulate aliquot contained within the package assembly. Thus, for example,
package assemblies of other embodiments may comprise independent first and
second portions wherein when the portions separate, one of the portions falls
away
from the other. Additionally, an adhesive or heat sealing material may be used
to
hold the first and second portions (or a portion of the first and second
portions) in a
closed position, wherein the adhesive or sealing material is designed to fail
when
the package assembly is subjected to a force.
The reinforcing ridge portion 140 of the depicted embodiment may also
define a pair of flexure channels 145 on opposing sides 131, 133 of the cover
portion 130. Furthermore, the flexure channels 145 may cooperate to define a
flexure axis 142 extending substantially perpendicularly to the opposing sides
131,
133 of the cover portion 130 defining the flexure channels 145 such that the
flexure axis 142 is substantially parallel to the opposing sides 112, 114 of
the
container portion 110.
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According to various embodiments of the present invention, the container
portion 110, the cover portion 130, and the opening 120 defined by the
container
portion may be formed into a variety of different shapes. For example, in some
embodiments, the various components of the package assembly 100 may be
formed in a substantially rectangular shape. In other embodiments the various
components (such as the container portion 110, cover portion 130, and
reinforcing
ridge portion 140) may be formed to have a variety of other shapes, including
but
not limited to: polygonal shapes (including, but not limited to rectangles,
triangles,
hexagons); circular; oval; semi-circular; and combinations of such shapes.
As shown in FIG. 4, the flexure channels 145 defined in the reinforcing
ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130 may have a substantially half-
circular
cross section. According to other embodiments, the flexure channels 145 may
also
define various other cross-sectional shapes that may be tailored to define a
flexure
axis 142 extending substantially perpendicularly to the opposing sides 131,
133 of
the cover portion 130. For example, the flexure channels 145 may, in some
alternative embodiments, define cross-sectional shapes that may include, but
are
not limited to: rectangular; oval; circular; triangular; and combinations of
such
cross-sectional shapes. The shape of the cross-section of the flexure channel
145
may thus be tailored to suit the material used to form the cover portion 130
and/or
the reinforcing ridge portion 140 so as to define a distinct flexure axis 142
across a
width of the cover portion 130 such that the cover portion flexes outwardly
from
the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 defined by the opposing
flexure channels 145 (see, for example, FIG. 9, showing the flexing action of
the
cover portion 130 about the flexure axis 142 in response to a compressive
force
applied to the package assembly 100).
Thus, in the depicted embodiment the cover portion 130 may be configured
to flex outwardly from the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142,
when a
compressive force is applied to at least one of two opposing sides 112, 114 of
the
container portion 110. The compressive force may thus initiate the
disengagement
of the reinforcing ridge portion 140 from the inner periphery of the opening
120 so
that the cover portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110. The
package
assembly 100 of the depicted embodiment is inverted such that the cover
portion
130 may drop away (see FIG. 10) from the container portion 110 after the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 has been disengaged from the inner periphery of
the
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opening 120 due to a compressive force applied to the opposing sides 112, 114
of
the container portion 100.
The package assembly 100 may thus be used to disperse one or more
particles 300 (such as a seed sample aliquot) that have been segregated and
contained within the container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 of the
present invention. As described generally above, the package assembly 100 of
various embodiments of the present invention may be advantageously opened by
the simple application of a compressive force to at least one of the opposing
sides
112, 114 of the container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 while
suspending the package assembly 100 in an inverted position.
As shown generally in FIG. 4A, the package assembly 100 may further
comprise a hinge portion 150 operably engaged between an edge of the cover
portion 130 and one of the at least two opposing sides 112, 114 of the
container
portion 110 such that the cover portion 130 and the container portion 110 may
form a substantially unitary package assembly 100 even when the cover portion
130 (and the reinforcing ridge portion 140 extending therefrom) is disengaged
from the inner periphery of the opening 120 defined in the container portion
110
(as shown generally in FIG. 9). In some embodiments of the present invention,
the
hinge portion 150 may be integrally formed with one or both of the container
portion 110 and the cover portion 130 to form a unitary package assembly 100.
According to some alternative embodiments, the hinge portion 150 may also be
operably engaged with one or both of the container portion 110 and the cover
portion 130 using an adhesive material in order to form the package assembly
100.
As described generally above, the hinge portion 150 may be formed with a bias
towards the "open" position (as shown generally in FIG. 9) such that the hinge
portion 150 may urge the cover portion 130 generally away from the container
portion 110 once the compressive force has caused the initial disengagement of
the
reinforcing ridge portion 140 from an inner periphery of the opening 120
defined
in the container portion 110.
Furthermore, as shown generally in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the package assembly
100 may also comprise a pair of complementary flange portions 119, 132
extending outward from an outer periphery of the opening 120 and the
reinforcing
ridge portion 140 of the cover portion 130, respectively. For example, the
package
assembly 100 may further comprise a first flange portion 119 extending
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substantially perpendicular from at outer periphery of the opening 120, and a
second flange portion 132 extending substantially outward from the reinforcing
ridge 140 such that when the cover portion 130 closes the opening 120 defined
by
the container portion 110, the first flange portion 119 is substantially
adjacent and
parallel to the second flange portion 132. Furthermore, the second flange
portion
132 may define a pair of opposing concave portions 135 substantially coaxial
with
the flexure axis 142. According to such embodiments, the concave portions 135
may form a corresponding pair of apertures between the first and second flange
portions 119, 132 when the cover portion 130 closes the opening 120 defined by
the container portion 110. For example, in some of such embodiments, the pair
of
apertures defined by the opposing concave portions 135 formed in the second
flange portion 132 may be adapted to be capable of receiving an opening tool
76
(described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5-8) for encouraging the cover
portion 130 to flex outwardly from the container portion 110 about the flexure
axis
142 so that the cover portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110.
In
various embodiments, an opening tool may any implement configured to aid in
encouraging package assembly portions to separate, such as a screwdriver,
knife,
or other narrow-bladed implement, etc. Thus, such opposing concave portions
135
defined in by the second flange portion 132 may serve to define a
corresponding
pair of apertures between the flange portions 119, 132 so that the opening
tool 76
may be inserted into the aperture located at or near the flexure axis 142 so
as to
further urge the cover portion 130 out of its interference fit with the
container
portion 110. The package assembly 100 of the depicted embodiment also includes
at least one corresponding concave portion 151 defined by the first flange
portion
119. The corresponding concave portion 151 is configured such that when the
cover portion 130 is engaged with the container portion 110, the container
ridge
151 substantially aligns with one of the opposing concave portions 135 defined
by
the second flange portion 132. In such a manner, the aligned concave portion
135
and corresponding concave portion 151 form a larger aperture between the first
and second flange portions 119, 132 when the cover portion 130 closes the
opening
120 defined by the container portion 110. As a result, the aperture formed by
the
concave portion 135 and the corresponding concave portion 135 creates a larger
target for receiving an opening tool for encouraging the cover portion 130 to
flex
outwardly from the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142 so that
the
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cover portion 130 disengages from the container portion 110. It should be
noted
that in other embodiments, concave portions need not be included on the
package
assembly. For such embodiments, an opening tool may still be used to at least
partially separate portions of a package assembly by inserting the opening
tool
between the portions.
A notch portion 153 is defined by the first flange portion 119 of the
depicted embodiment. The notch portion 153 is configured to allow a
disengaging
device 73 (described in more detail with respect to FIGS. 5-7) to exert a
force
approximately normal to the second flange 132 through the notch portion 153.
In
such a manner, the disengaging device 73 may further facilitate disengaging
the
cover portion 130 from the container portion 110. In various embodiments, a
disengaging device may be any device, tool, and/or mechanism configured to
exert
a force through the notch portion 153 against the second flange 132. As such,
in
various embodiments a disengaging device may be used alone, or in combination
with the opening tool 76 received in one or both of the pair of apertures
defined by
the opposing ridges 135. As a result, in various embodiments, this may
increase
opening success for packaging assemblies with dimensional variability. It
should
be noted that although the notch portion 153 shown in the depicted embodiment
is
generally rectangular in shape, one skilled in the art will recognize that a
notch
portion in accordance with the present invention may take many other shapes,
including, but not limited to, a half circular shape, a half oval shape, a
triangular
shape, a circular shape, an oval shape, and combinations thereof.
FIGS. 5-7 depict a method of handling a package assembly 100 in
accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In these figures, the
tray assembly 52 and the first guide rail 56 have been removed to facilitate
discussion. The method of handling package assemblies of various embodiments
of the present invention may handle one or a plurality of package assemblies.
Referring to depicted embodiment of FIG. 5, although a single package assembly
100 is shown, the description assumes that a stack of package assemblies
exists
above the package assembly 100. The process begins with the tray assembly 52
moving such that a bin 62 containing a stack of package assemblies is aligned
with
the loading area 64, which is defined by opposing recessed areas 66 located in
the
first and second guide rails 56, 57. The distance between the first and second
guide rails 56, 57 in the loading area 64 is configured to be slightly greater
than the
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length of the package assembly 100. In this manner, the supports 68 may move
into contact with the bottommost package assembly 100 and the stack of package
assemblies may be moved up and down by the elevating mechanism 67 proximate
the loading area 64. Once a stack of package assemblies has been moved by the
tray assembly 52 into a position approximately aligned with the loading area
64,
the elevating mechanism 67 moves the supports 68 into contact with the
bottommost package assembly 100. The entire stack of package assemblies is
then
moved downward so that the flanges 119, 132 of the bottommost package
assembly 100 approximately align with the support surfaces 74 of the first and
second guide rails 56, 57. As the elevating mechanism 67 lowers the stack of
package assemblies, the label 101 of the bottommost package assembly 100 is
scanned by the scanner 40 (not shown). In this manner, information relating to
the
bottommost package assembly 100, which is the package assembly entering the
package assembly handling path, may be recorded. As the elevating mechanism
67 continues to lower the stack of package assemblies, the flanges 119, 132 of
the
bottommost package assembly 100 contact the support surfaces 74 of the first
and
second guide rails 56, 57. As shown in FIG. 4A, in some embodiments the length
of second flange portion 132 may be shorter than the length of first flange
portion
119 so that when the package assembly 100 is lowered onto the support surfaces
74, the first flange portion 119 contacts the support surface 74 of the second
guide
rail 57 so that the cover portion 130 may be free to separate from the
container
portion 110 upon application of a compressive force.
In FIG. 6, the pushing mechanism 70 (not shown) moves the pusher fingers
72 into contact with the bottommost package assembly 100 such that the package
assembly 100 may be pushed out from the bottom of the stack of package
assemblies, along the package assembly handling path. The top surfaces of the
pusher fingers 72 are configured so that as the pusher fingers 72 move the
bottommost package assembly 100 out from under the stack of package assemblies
and along the package assembly handling path, the remaining stack of package
assemblies rides on top of the pusher fingers 72. Once the pusher fingers 72
move
past the stack of package assemblies, the elevating mechanism 67 moves the
supports 68 upward, lifting the stack of package assemblies off of the pusher
fingers 72. The pushing mechanism 70 then continues to drive the pusher
fingers
72, thus moving the package assembly 100 along the package assembly handling
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path defined by the support surfaces 74, past the pinch roller 75. As noted
above,
the pinch roller 75 extends out some distance from the second guide rail 57
toward
the first guide rail 56 such that as the package assembly 100 passes the pinch
roller
75, the package assembly 100 is forced against the first guide rail 56 and is
thus
subjected to a compressive force. In the depicted embodiment, the compressive
force is applied against the hinge portion 150 and an opposite end of at least
one of
the first and second flanges 119, 132. As such the compressive force is
applied
approximately perpendicular to the flexure axis 142. The compressive force
causes the cover portion 130 of the package assembly 100 to flex outwardly
from
the container portion 110 about the flexure axis 142, which causes the cover
portion 130 of the package assembly 100 to bow downward (as shown, for
example, in FIG. 9). In some embodiments, this compressive force initiates the
disengagement of the reinforcing ridge portion 140 from the inner periphery of
the
opening 120 so that the cover portion 130 disengages from the container
portion
110. As shown in FIG. 10, in such embodiments the cover portion 130 drops
away from the container portion 110 after the reinforcing ridge portion 140
has
been disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening 120.
In other embodiments, such as the depicted embodiment, additional devices
and/or mechanisms may be used to further encourage the cover portion 130 to
disengage from the container portion 110. Referring to FIG. 7, once the cover
portion 130 is bowed about the flexure axis 142, the pushing mechanism 70
drives
the pusher fingers 72 to move the package assembly 100 such it engages an
opening tool 76 (shown by itself in FIG. 8). In particular, the package
assembly
100 is moved along the package assembly handling path such that an existing
aperture defined by one of the opposing concave portions 135 and corresponding
concave portion 151 of the package assembly 100 contacts the spear end 80 of
the
opening tool 76. The opening tool 76 is rigidly attached to the base plate 54
such
that as the package assembly 100 continues to move along the package assembly
handling path, the spear 78 inserts between the cover portion 130 and the
container
portion 110 of the package assembly 100.
Concurrently, a disengaging tool 73, which is attached between the pusher
fingers 72, is actuated by the movement of the pusher fingers 72 along the
package
assembly handling path. In the depicted embodiment, the disengaging tool 73 is
mechanically actuated by the movement of the pusher fingers 72, however in
other
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embodiments the disengaging tool 73 may be actuated in various other ways.
Once actuated, the disengaging tool 73 of the depicted embodiment is
configured
to push downward through the notch portion 153 defined by the first flange
portion
119 of the package assembly 100. In such a manner, the disengaging device 73
exerts a force approximately normal to the second flange 132 through the notch
portion 153 further encouraging the cover portion 130 to disengage from the
container portion 110. Thus, in the depicted embodiment, the opening tool 76
and
the disengaging tool 73 ensure that the cover portion 130 completely
disengages
from the container portion 110.
If, as shown in the figures, the package assembly 100 is inverted, the cover
portion 130 drops away from the container portion 110 after the reinforcing
ridge
portion 140 has been disengaged from the inner periphery of the opening 120.
Once the cover portion 130 has disengaged from the container portion 110, a
deflecting arm 82 of the opening tool 78 deflects the cover portion 130 such
that it
is held away from the container portion. As shown generally in FIG. 10, the
package assembly 100 may thus be used to disperse a plurality of particles 300
(such as a seed sample aliquot) that have been segregated and contained within
the
container portion 110 of the package assembly 100 of the present invention.
It should be noted that although the depicted embodiments show a method
in which portions of a package assembly are at least partially separated by
applying
several forces to the package assembly (i.e., applying a compressive force to
opposing sides of the package assembly, inserting an opening tool between
portions of the package assembly, and applying an approximately normal force
to a
flange defined in one portion of the package assembly), in other embodiments a
package assembly may be at least partially separated by applying any one force
to
the package assembly or any combination of forces to the package assembly.
Additionally, although the depicted embodiments show a method in which
portions
of a package assembly are at least partially separated by applying several
forces to
the package assembly as the package assembly moves along a package assembly
handling path, in other embodiments any one force may be applied to the
package
assembly or any combination of forces may be applied to the package assembly
without requiring the package assembly to move along a package assembly
handling path. That is, in other embodiments any one force or any combination
of
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forces adapted to at least partially separate portions of a package assembly
may act
on an unmoving package assembly.
Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come to
mind to one skilled in the art to which this invention pertains having the
benefit of
the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated
drawings.
Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to
the
specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments
are
intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although
specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive
sense only and not for purposes of limitation.
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