WO2018206849A1

WO2018206849A1 - System and method for disposal of a series of receptacles

Info

Publication number: WO2018206849A1
Application number: PCT/FI2018/050347
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sami PAAVILAINEN
Original assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy
Current assignee: Thermo Fisher Scientific Oy
Priority date: 2017-05-12
Filing date: 2018-05-09
Publication date: 2018-11-15
Anticipated expiration: 2019-11-12
Also published as: CN211337369U; DE212018000219U1

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system (1) for disposal of a series of receptacles (2a, 2b), the system (1) comprising at least one transporting unit (3a, 3b) which is configured to transport a series of receptacles (2a, 2b) to at least one disposal port(4a, 4b) provided for the disposal of the receptacles (2a, 2b), wherein the disposal port(4a, 4b) comprises at least a first disposal guide(5a) connected to a first disposal hole (6a) and a second disposal guide(5b) connected toa second disposal hole (6b), at least one receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b), and wherein the system (1) is configured to guide a first receptacle(2a) to the at least one receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the first disposal guide(5a) and to guide a second receptacle(2b) to the at least one receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the second disposal guide(5b).

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPOSAL OF A SERIES OF RECEPTACLES

FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a system for disposal of a series of receptacles. Further, the present invention relates to a method for disposal of a series of receptacles. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a computer program product. Additionally, the present invention relates to a computer-readable data carrier.

BACKGROUND

[0002] In automated laboratory systems such as sample analyzers which analyze target substances contained in a sample, such as blood or the like, typically so called sample tubes, test tubes, cuvettes, sample containers, sample vessels, or other elongated receptacles are used for temporarily storing the target substance. The sample tubes, test tubes, cuvettes, sample containers, sample vessels, or other receptacles, in particular other elongate receptacles, in the following only referred to as "receptacles", have to be discharged, for example subsequent to analyzing the target substance contained in the sample. Therefore, some sample analyzers comprise a disposal port provided for disposal of receptacles, for instance. Such disposal ports can also be arranged in connection with other automated machines such as receptacle loaders, receptacle storages, a complex of different devices in the field of receptacle handling, or the like.

[0003] For example, document EP 2028494 A2 discloses a sample analyzer comprising a transporting unit which is configured to transport a sample tube to a disposal section provided for the disposal of the sample tube. The sample tube disposal section includes a disposal pipe which has a sample tube disposal hole. The sample tube disposal section further includes a sample tube receptacle which is disposed below the sample tube disposal hole. The disposal pipe is cylindrical and extends in vertical direction. The disposal pipe functions as a guide to guide a sample tube, which has been transported by the sample tube transporting unit, to the used sample tube receptacle. [0004] Additionally, document EP 1867978 Al discloses a sample analyzer comprising a sample tube disposal portion provided for disposing the sample tube from the rotational transport portion. The sample tube disposal portion is constituted of a disposal catcher portion, a disposal hole provided at a defined distance from the disposal catcher portion having a fixed length, and a disposal box set under the disposal hole. The disposal catcher portion is provided for moving the sample tubes from the rotational transport portion into the disposal box through the disposal hole.

[0005] A disadvantage of known systems for disposal of receptacles is that the disposal boxes, disposal containers, waste bins, or other disposal receptacles, in the following only referred to as "disposal containers", cannot be filled completely with receptacles, because the receptacles are stacked particularly below the disposal hole or outlet of the disposal pipe, thus providing a low filling factor of the disposal container. In other words, the whole capacity of the disposal container cannot be used.

[0006] In view of the foregoing, it would be beneficial to provide a system for disposal of a series of receptacles improving filling of a disposal container. The system should be capable of being manufactured in industrial scale.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for disposal of a series of receptacles, the system comprising at least one transporting unit which is configured to transport a series of receptacles to at least one disposal port provided for the disposal of the receptacles, wherein the disposal port comprises at least a first disposal guide connected to a first disposal hole and a second disposal guide connected to a second disposal hole, at least one receptacle disposal container, and wherein the system is configured to guide a first receptacle to the at least one receptacle disposal container via the first disposal guide and to guide a second receptacle to the at least one receptacle disposal container via the second disposal guide. [0009] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

• the system is configured to guide the first receptacle to a first area of the disposal container and to guide the second receptacle to a second area of the disposal container

• the system comprises at least one sensor for measuring the filling level of the first area and the second area

• at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide is in the form of a hollow profile

• at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide is in the form of a hollow profile which is bent

• at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide is configured to be bent by a user

• a first distance between the first disposal hole of the first disposal guide and the second disposal hole of the second disposal guide is less than a second distance between a first outlet of the first disposal guide and a second outlet of the second disposal guide

• the first distance is less than 10 cm, less than 15 cm, less than 20 cm, less than 25 cm, or less than 30 cm

• a first distance between the first disposal hole of the first disposal guide and the second disposal hole of the second disposal guide is substantially greater than a second distance between a first outlet of the first disposal guide and a second outlet of the second disposal guide

• the first distance is greater than 30 cm, greater than 40 cm, greater than 50 cm, greater than 75 cm, or greater than 1 m

• the system is configured to guide receptacles via at least the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide to a first disposal container and to guide receptacles via at least a further third disposal guide to a second disposal container

• the at least one transporting unit is configured to transport each receptacle to any one of the disposal guides • the system comprises a first transporting unit and a second transporting unit, and wherein at least one of the transporting units is configured to transport receptacles to only one of the disposal guides

• the system comprises a first transporting unit and a second transporting unit, and wherein the transport units are configured to transport receptacles to same or different disposal guides

• at least a part of one of the disposal guides is set inclined at an angle relative to another disposal guide

• the disposal guides are arranged separate from each other

• at least one of the disposal guides is configured to rotate around a vertical axis

• at least two disposal guides are configured to rejoin, thus providing a single outlet

[0010] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for disposal of a series of receptacles, the method comprising transporting a series of receptacles to at least one disposal port provided for the disposal of the receptacles by means of at least one transporting unit, wherein the disposal port includes at least a first disposal guide connected to a first disposal hole and a second disposal guide connected to a second disposal hole, providing at least one receptacle disposal container, guiding a first receptacle to the at least one receptacle disposal container via the first disposal guide and guiding a second receptacle to the at least one receptacle disposal container via the second disposal guide.

[0011] Various embodiments of the second aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list:

• the method further comprising guiding the first receptacle to a first area of the disposal container and guiding the second receptacle to a second area of the disposal container

• the method yet further comprising measuring the filling level of the first area and the second area by means of at least one sensor

• transporting a receptacle by the at least one transporting unit to one of the disposal guides based on the measured filling level of the first area and the second area • guiding receptacles via at least the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide to a first disposal container and guiding receptacles via at least a further third disposal guide to a second disposal container

• transporting each receptacle by the at least one transporting unit to any one of the disposal guides

• transporting receptacles to only one of the disposal guides by means of at least one of a first transporting unit and a second transporting unit

• bending at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide and the second disposal guide by a user

[0012] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps:

Receiving measurement data regarding a filling level of separate areas of a disposal container from at least one sensor, transmitting instructions to at least one transporting unit based on the measured filling level of the separate areas of the disposal container, causing the transporting unit to transport a receptacle to a disposal port comprising at least a first disposal hole and a second disposal hole, wherein a first disposal guide is connected to the first disposal hole and a second disposal guide is connected to the second disposal hole, and causing the transporting unit to drop the receptacle into one of the disposal holes.

[0013] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a computer-readable data carrier having stored thereon the computer program product of claim 27. [0014] Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. A system and method for disposal of a series of receptacles is provided. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, filling of at least one disposal container can be improved due to guiding the receptacles to different areas of the disposal container via the disposal guides, because the receptacles are stacked below a plurality of outlets of the respective disposal guides, thus providing a high filling factor of the disposal container. Thus, use of the capacity of the disposal container and thus efficiency of the system can be improved. Certain embodiments of the present invention also provide more freedom of operation regarding the size and location of disposal containers used.

[0015] Further, complex parts such as servo motors are not required in order to guide the receptacles to different areas of the container via different drop points. [0016] Further, the risk of clogging of the disposal system can be reduced due to the plurality of disposal guides each comprising a respective disposal hole. In case of clogging of one of the disposal guides, the receptacle part flow can be guided to another disposal guide, thus also improving reliability of the disposal system.

[0017] Additionally, small disposal port surface areas can be provided due to bent disposal guides. Consequently, another system requiring a receptacle disposal system can be manufactured more compact or the surface area saved may be used otherwise. A small disposal port surface area, wherein disposal holes are arranged as close as possible to each other, may also increase a receptacle disposal rate, which may be dependent on the distances to be travelled by the transporting unit. The disposal rate can be further improved by use of a plurality of transporting units.

[0018] In an embodiment, disposal holes are arranged away from each other, for example at opposite ends of the system or a device complex comprising the disposal system, but the disposal guides are configured to guide the respective receptacles into a single disposal container. Such a system may be especially useful when providing a plurality of transporting units.

[0019] According to certain embodiments, filling of at least one of the disposal containers can be improved and simultaneously receptacles can be divided into different containers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, [0021] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0022] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic side view of a disposal port of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0023] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic side view of another system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0024] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic top view of a disposal port of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0025] FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic side view of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, and

[0026] FIGURE 7 illustrates a flow chart of a method for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

EMBODIMENTS [0027] In FIGURE 1 a schematic perspective view of a system 1 for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. Examples of receptacles are test tubes, sample tubes, cuvettes, sample containers, sample vessels, or other elongate receptacles. The system 1 comprises a transporting unit 3a which is configured to transport a series of receptacles (not shown) to a disposal port 4a provided for the disposal of the receptacles. The term "disposal port" may, for example, mean a disposal area or disposal section of an apparatus. In other words, a series of receptacles can be transported to such a "disposal port", i.e. a defined area or section, in case that receptacles have to be discarded. Said "disposal port" is typically a unit comprised by another apparatus. Such a "disposal port" is only used in a one-way direction, i.e. receptacles cannot be supplied to the apparatus via the "disposal port". The disposal port 4a includes a first disposal guide (not shown) connected to a first disposal hole 6a and a second disposal guide (not shown) connected to a second disposal hole 6b. The disposal holes 6a, 6b functions as inlets of the disposal guides. The system 1 is configured to guide a first receptacle to a receptacle disposal container 7a via the first disposal guide and to guide a second receptacle to the receptacle disposal container 7a via the second disposal guide. The disposal guides function as a guide to guide receptacles, which have been transported by the receptacle transporting unit 3 a, to the used receptacle disposal container. The system may, for example, only comprise one single disposal container. [0028] In other words, the system 1 is configured to guide the first receptacle to a first area of the disposal container 7a and to guide the second receptacle to a second area of the disposal container 7a. Of course, an integer number n of receptacles, i.e. a series of receptacles, can be guided to separate areas of the disposal container 7a by means of the system 1. The system 1 is configured to guide a first set of receptacles to a first area of the disposal container 7a and to guide a second set of receptacles to a second area of the disposal container 7a. Filling of the disposal container 7a can be improved due to guiding the receptacles to different areas of the disposal container 7a via the disposal guides, because the receptacles are stacked below a plurality of outlets (not shown) of the respective disposal guides, thus providing a high filling factor of the disposal container 7a. In other words, use of the capacity of the disposal container 7a can be improved.

[0029] In FIGURE 2 a schematic side view of a system 1 for disposal of a series of receptacles 2a, 2b in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The system 1 for disposal of a series of receptacles 2a, 2b comprises a single transporting unit 3a which is configured to transport a series of receptacles 2a, 2b to a single disposal port 4a provided for the disposal of the receptacles 2a, 2b. The transporting unit 3a may, for example, take a receptacle 2a, 2b from a receptacle carrier (not shown) or a receptacle storage (not shown) and transport the respective receptacle 2a, 2b to the disposal port 4a. The shown system 1 comprises a single disposal port 4a. The disposal port 4a further comprises a first disposal guide 5 a such as a pipe having a first disposal hole 6a and a second disposal guide 5b such as a pipe having a second disposal hole 6b. According to certain embodiments, the system may also include three or more receptacle disposal guides. The transporting unit 3a is configured to transport each receptacle 2a, 2b to any one of the disposal holes 6a, 6b of the disposal guides 5a, 5b as indicated by arrow 11.

[0030] Further, the system 1 comprises a sensor 10 for measuring the filling level of different areas of a single disposal container 7a. A receptacle 2a, 2b can be transported by the transporting unit 3a to one of the disposal holes 6a, 6b of the disposal guides 5a, 5b based on the measured filling level of the areas of the disposal container 7a.

[0031] Additionally, the system 1 comprises a computing device 8. Both the transporting unit 3 a and the sensor 10 are connected to the computing device 8. The computing device 8 is configured to receive measurement data from the sensor 10 regarding the filling level of separate areas of the disposal container 7a. Furthermore, the computing device 8 is configured to subsequently transmit instructions to the transporting unit 3a based on the filling level of the separate areas of the disposal container 7a. A receptacle 2a, 2b is then either transported to the first disposal hole 6a of the first disposal guide 5a or to the second disposal hole 6b of the second disposal guide 5b by the transporting unit 3 a based on the instructions received from the computing device 8.

[0032] In FIGURE 3 a schematic side view of a disposal port 4a of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The disposal port 4a comprises a first disposal guide 5 a connected to a first disposal hole 6a and a second disposal guide 5b connected to a second disposal hole 6b. The system is configured to guide a first receptacle 2a to the disposal container 7a via the first disposal guide 5 a and to guide a second receptacle 2b to the at least one receptacle disposal container 7a via the second disposal guide 5b. In other words, the system is configured to guide the first receptacle 2a to a first area of the disposal container 7a and to guide the second receptacle 2b to a second area of the disposal container 7a.

[0033] A part of the first disposal guide 5a and a part of the second disposal guide 5b are in the form of a hollow profile, for example a pipe having a cylindrical profile or a rectangular profile. At least a part of a disposal guide 5a, 5b may be also U-shaped. A respective disposal guide 5a, 5b may be made of a single part or of a plurality of parts. Further, a disposal guide 5a, 5b may be detachably connected to a respective disposal hole 6a, 6b in order to replace the disposal guide 5a, 5b by another disposal guide, if required. Furthermore, the disposal guides 5a, 5b may be formed such that differently sized receptacles can pass through separate sample guides 5a, 5b. For example, the sample guides 5a, 5b may be cylindrical hollow profiles having a different inner diameter. The disposal guides 5a, 5b may be made of metal or plastic, for instance. The disposal guides 5a, 5b may be made of transparent plastic material in order to provide the possibility to visually inspect a respective sample guide 5a, 5b in case of clogging.

[0034] Furthermore, a part of the first disposal guide 5a is bent. A part of the second disposal guide 5b is further set inclined at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the second disposal hole 6b. According to certain embodiments, at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide 5a and the second disposal guide 5b is configured to be bent by a user. Thus, the respective disposal guide 5a, 5b can be oriented into a desired direction by the user. Alternatively, at least one of the disposal guides 5a, 5b may be arranged rotatable around the vertical axis in order to guide receptacles 2a, 2b into a desired direction.

[0035] As shown in FIGURE 3, a first distance di between the first disposal hole 6a of the first disposal guide 5a and the second disposal hole 6b of the second disposal guide 5b, i.e. between the inlet of the first disposal guide 5a and the inlet of the second disposal guide 5b, is less than a second distance d₂ between a first outlet 9a of the first disposal guide 5a and a second outlet 9b of the second disposal guide 5b. Thus, the area of the disposal port 4a necessary for disposal of receptacles 2a, 2b can be small. The first distance di may be less than 10 cm, for instance. Consequently, distances to be travelled by the transporting unit (not shown) can be kept as short as possible, thus increasing the possible disposal rate, i.e. the number of receptacles 2a, 2b being transported to the disposal port per time interval. The disposal rate may be, for example, 20 receptacles per minute or 30 receptacles per minute. In such a case, the transporting unit 3a is configured to transport each receptacle 2a, 2b to any one of the disposal guides 5 a, 5b. [0036] In FIGURE 4 a schematic side view of another system 1 for disposal of a series of receptacles 2a, 2b in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The system 1 comprises a first transporting unit 3 a and a second transporting unit 3b. The first transporting unit 3a is configured to transport a series of first receptacles 2a to a first disposal port 4a provided for the disposal of the first receptacles 2a. The second transporting unit 3b is configured to transport a series of second receptacles 2b to a second disposal port 4b provided for the disposal of the second receptacles 2b. The first transporting unit 3a and the second transporting unit 3b may be arranged on opposite sides of the system 1 or on opposite sides of a device complex comprising the disposal system 1 and at least one further system, for instance.

[0037] The first disposal port 4a includes a first disposal guide 5a which has a first receptacle disposal hole 6a. The second disposal port 4b includes a second disposal guide 5b which has a second receptacle disposal hole 6b.

[0038] The system further includes a receptacle disposal container 7a. The receptacle disposal container 7a is arranged below the outlet 9a of the first disposal guide 5 a and the outlet 9b of the second disposal guide 5b.

[0039] The system 1 is configured to guide a first receptacle 2a to the receptacle disposal container 7a via the first disposal guide 5 a and to guide a second receptacle 2b to the receptacle disposal container 7a via the second disposal guide 5b.

[0040] A first distance di between the first disposal hole 6a of the first disposal guide 5a and the second disposal hole 6b of the second disposal guide 5b is substantially greater than a second distance d₂ between the first outlet 9a of the first disposal guide 5a and a second outlet 9b of the second disposal guide 5b. The first distance di may be greater than 50 cm, for instance. In such a case, at least one of the transporting units 3a, 3b is typically configured to transport receptacles 2a, 2b to only one of the disposal ports 4a, 4b.

[0041] As shown in FIGURE 4, the disposal guides 5a, 5b are arranged separate from each other. At least a part of the disposal guides 5a, 5b is set inclined at an angle relative to the other disposal guide 5a, 5b.

[0042] The first disposal port 4a and the second disposal port 4b may be considered as a single united disposal port according to this document.

[0043] In FIGURE 5 a schematic top view of a disposal port 4a of a system for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The disposal port 4a includes four disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d which each have a respective receptacle disposal hole 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. Additionally, a receptacle disposal container 7a is shown below the disposal port 4a. It can be clearly seen from FIGURE 5 that the system is configured to guide a first receptacle 2a to a first area of the disposal container 7a and to guide a second receptacle 2b to a second area of the disposal container 7a. The system is also capable of guiding receptacles to other areas of the disposal container 7a. The receptacle disposal hole 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d are arranged relatively close to each other, thus reducing the area of the disposal port 4a. Consequently, distances to be travelled by the transporting unit (not shown) can be kept as short as possible, thus increasing the possible disposal rate. Filling of the disposal container 7a can be improved by means of a plurality of disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d.

[0044] In FIGURE 6 a schematic side view of a system 1 for disposal of a series of receptacles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The system 1 comprises a single transporting unit 3 a which is configured to transport a series of receptacles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d to a disposal port 4a provided for the disposal of the receptacles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. The disposal port 4a includes four disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d which each have a respective receptacle disposal hole 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d. Additionally, the system 1 comprises a first receptacle disposal container 7a and a separate second receptacle disposal container 7b.

[0045] The system 1 is configured to guide a first receptacle 2a to the first receptacle disposal container 7a via the first disposal guide 5 a and to guide a second receptacle 2b to the first receptacle disposal container 7a via the second disposal guide 5b. Additionally, the system 1 is configured to guide a third receptacle 2c to the second receptacle disposal container 7b via the third disposal guide 5 c and to guide a fourth receptacle 2d to the second receptacle disposal container 7b via the fourth disposal guide 5d. [0046] The system 1 is configured to guide the first receptacle 2a to a first area of the first disposal container 7a and to guide the second receptacle 2b to a second area of the first disposal container 7a. Additionally, the system 1 is configured to guide the third receptacle 2c to a first area of the second disposal container 7b and to guide the fourth receptacle 2d to a second area of the second disposal container 7b. [0047] The transporting unit 3a is configured to transport each receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c,

2d to any one of the disposal holes 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the respective disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5 c, 5 d as indicated by arrow 11.

[0048] Further, the system 1 comprises a sensor 10 for measuring the filling level of different areas of the first disposal container 7a. Additionally, the system 1 comprises a further sensor 10 for measuring the filling level of different areas of the second disposal container 7b. A receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d can be transported by the transporting unit 3a to one of the disposal holes 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d of the respective disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d based on the measured filling level of the areas of the first disposal container 7a and the second disposal container 7b. Furthermore, receptacles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d can be separated in different receptacle disposal containers 7a, 7b by means of the system 1. [0049] Additionally, the system 1 comprises a computing device 8. Both the transporting unit 3 a and the two sensors 10 are connected to the computing device 8. The computing device 8 is configured to receive measurement data from the sensors 10 regarding the filling level of separate areas of the first and second disposal containers 7a, 7b. Furthermore, the computing device 8 is configured to subsequently transmit instructions to the transporting unit 3 a based on the filling level of the separate areas of the disposal containers 7a, 7b and/or the kind of the receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d. Each receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be provided with a barcode, for instance. The system may further comprise a barcode reader (not shown) connected to the computing device 8. A receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d may be transported to the respective disposal container 7a, 7b based on the barcode information. A receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is then transported to one of the first disposal hole 6a of the first disposal guide 5a, the second disposal hole 6b of the second disposal guide 5b, the third disposal hole 6c of the third disposal guide 5c, or the fourth disposal hole 6d of the forth disposal guide 5d by the transporting unit 3a based on the instructions received from the computing device 8. [0050] According to certain embodiments, it is possible to set a predefined maximum filling level per disposal container 7a, 7b. Such a predefined filling level may be, for example, 75 % or 80 % of the volume of the respective disposal container 7a, 7b.

[0051] According to certain other embodiments, instead or in addition to monitoring the filling level of different areas of a disposal container 7a, 7b by means of at least one sensor 10, the computing device 8 monitors the filling level of the respective disposal container 7a, 7b based on calculating the number of receptacles 2a, 2b dropped into each disposal container 7a, 7b. The estimated filling level may be displayed as percentage of the volume of the disposal container 7a, 7b used, for instance.

[0052] In FIGURE 7 a flow chart of a method for disposal of a series of receptacles in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The method comprises transporting a series of receptacles 2a, 2b to at least one disposal port 4a, 4b provided for the disposal of the receptacles 2a, 2b by means of at least one transporting unit 3a, 3b. The transporting unit 3a, 3b may be, for example, a robot such as a mechanical gripper. The disposal port 4a, 4b includes at least a first disposal guide 5a connected to a first disposal hole 6a and a second disposal guide 5b connected to a second disposal hole 6b. [0053] Further, the method comprises providing at least one receptacle disposal container 7a, 7b. The disposal container 7a, 7b is provided below the disposal port 4a, 4b.

[0054] Furthermore, the method comprises guiding a first receptacle 2a to the at least one receptacle disposal container 7a, 7b via the first disposal guide 5a and guiding a second receptacle 2b to the at least one receptacle disposal container 7a, 7b via the second disposal guide 5b. Thus, the first receptacle 2a is guided to a first area of the disposal container 7a, 7b and guiding the second receptacle 2b to a second area of the disposal container 7a, 7b. In other words, a series of receptacles can be divided into at least two groups, and wherein the groups are guided to separate areas of the disposal container. Each group may consist of an integer number of receptacles, for example a first group may consist of 100 receptacles and a second group may consist of 120 receptacles. The number of the receptacles of the first group and the second group do not have to be identical, but can be identical.

[0055] According to certain embodiments, the method yet further comprises measuring the filling level of the first area and the second area by means of at least one sensor 10. Subsequently, a receptacle 2a, 2b is transported by the at least one transporting unit 3a, 3b to one of the disposal guides 5a, 5b based on the measured filling level of the first area and the second area. The disposal guide 5a, 5b to be used is typically chosen by a computer implemented algorithm.

[0056] According to certain other embodiments, first and second receptacles 2a, 2b are guided via at least the first disposal guide 5a and the second disposal guide 5b to a first disposal container 7a and third receptacles 2c are guided via at least a further third disposal guide 5 c to a second disposal container 7b. Such a method may be performed in order to improve filling of at least one of the disposal containers 7a, 7b and simultaneously separate respective receptacles into different containers 7a, 7b. [0057] In an embodiment, each receptacle 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d is transported by the at least one transporting unit 3a, 3b to any one of the disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d. Small disposal port surfaces can be provided by such a method, thus also increasing a disposal rate, which may be dependent on the distances to be travelled by the transporting unit 3 a, 3b. In another embodiment, receptacles 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d are transported to only one of the disposal guides 5a, 5b, 5c, 5d by means of at least one of a first transporting unit 3a and a second transporting unit 3b. Such a method may be performed in case that a large distance di between different disclosure holes 6a, 6b, 6c, 6d is provided.

[0058] According to an embodiment, at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide 5 a and the second disposal guide 5b can be bent by a user.

[0059] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0060] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0061] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0062] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0063] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0064] The verbs "to comprise" and "to include" are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0065] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in sample analyzers, receptacle loaders, or receptacle storages.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

1 system

2a first receptacle

2b second receptacle

2c third receptacle

2d fourth receptacle

3 a first transporting unit

3b second transporting unit

4a first disposal port

4b second disposal port

5 a first disposal guide

5b second disposal guide

5 c third disposal guide

5d fourth disposal guide

6a first disposal hole

6b second disposal hole

6c third disposal hole

6d fourth disposal hole

7a first disposal container

7b second disposal container

8 computing device

9a first outlet

9b second outlet 10 sensor

1 1 arrow

CITATION LIST

Patent Literature

EP 2028494 A2

EP 1867978 Al

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A system (1) for disposal of a series of receptacles (2a, 2b), the system (1) comprising:

- a robot (3 a, 3b) which is configured to transport a series of receptacles (2a, 2b) to a disposal area (4a, 4b) provided for the disposal of the receptacles (2a, 2b), wherein the disposal area (4a, 4b) comprises at least a first disposal guide (5 a) connected to a first disposal hole (6a) and a second disposal guide (5b) connected to a second disposal hole (6b),

- a receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b), and

wherein the system (1) is configured to guide a first receptacle (2a) to the receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the first disposal guide (5a) and to guide a second receptacle (2b) to the receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the second disposal guide (5b).

2. The system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the system (1) is configured to guide the first receptacle (2a) to a first area of the disposal container (7a, 7b) and to guide the second receptacle (2b) to a second area of the disposal container (7a, 7b).

3. The system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the system (1) comprises at least one sensor (10) for measuring the filling level of the first area (8a) and the second area (8b).

4. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal guide (5b) is in the form of a hollow profile.

5. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal guide (5b) is in the form of a hollow profile which is bent.

6. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal guide (5b) is configured to be bent by a user.

7. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein a first distance (di) between the first disposal hole (6a) of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal hole (6b) of the second disposal guide (5b) is less than a second distance (d₂) between a first outlet (9a) of the first disposal guide (5a) and a second outlet (9b) of the second disposal guide (5b).

8. The system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the first distance (di) is less than 10 cm, less than 15 cm, less than 20 cm, less than 25 cm, or less than 30 cm.

9. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-6, wherein a first distance (di) between the first disposal hole (6a) of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal hole (6b) of the second disposal guide (5b) is substantially greater than a second distance (d₂) between a first outlet (9a) of the first disposal guide (5a) and a second outlet (9b) of the second disposal guide (5b).

10. The system (1) according to claim 9, wherein the first distance (di) is greater than 30 cm, greater than 40 cm, greater than 50 cm, greater than 75 cm, or greater than 1 m.

11. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-10, wherein the system (1) is configured to guide receptacles (2a, 2b) via at least the first disposal guide (5 a) and the second disposal guide (5b) to a first disposal container (7a) and to guide receptacles (2a, 2c) via at least a further third disposal guide (5 c) to a second disposal container (7b).

12. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the robot (3a, 3b) is configured to transport each receptacle (2a, 2b) to any one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d).

13. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the system (1) comprises a first robot (3a) and a second robot (3b), and wherein at least one of the robots (3a, 3b) is configured to transport receptacles (2a, 2b) to only one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d).

14. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the system (1) comprises a first robot (3a) and a second robot (3b), and wherein the robots (3a, 3b) are configured to transport receptacles (2a, 2b) to same or different disposal guides (5 a, 5b)

15. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-14, wherein at least a part of one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c) is set inclined at an angle relative to another disposal guide (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d).

16. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are arranged separate from each other.

17. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-16, wherein at least one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) is configured to rotate around a vertical axis.

18. The system (1) according to any one of claims 1-15, wherein at least two disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) are configured to rejoin, thus providing a single outlet.

19. Method for disposal of a series of receptacles (2a, 2b), the method comprising:

- transporting a series of receptacles (2a, 2b) to a disposal area (4a, 4b) provided for the disposal of the receptacles (2a, 2b) by means of a robot (3a, 3b), wherein the disposal area (4a, 4b) includes at least a first disposal guide (5 a) connected to a first disposal hole (6a) and a second disposal guide (5b) connected to a second disposal hole (6b),

- providing a receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b),

- guiding a first receptacle (2a) to the receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the first disposal guide (5 a) and guiding a second receptacle (2b) to the receptacle disposal container (7a, 7b) via the second disposal guide (5b).

20. The method according to claim 19, the method further comprising guiding the first receptacle (2a) to a first area of the disposal container (7a, 7b) and guiding the second receptacle (2b) to a second area of the disposal container (7a, 7b).

21. The method according to claim 20, the method yet further comprising measuring the filling level of the first area and the second area by means of at least one sensor (10).

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein a receptacle (2a, 2b) is transported by the robot (3a, 3b) to one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b) based on the measured filling level of the first area and the second area.

23. The method according to any one of claims 19-22, wherein receptacles (2a, 2b) are guided via at least the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal guide (5b) to a first disposal container (7a) and receptacles (2c) are guided via at least a further third disposal guide (5 c) to a second disposal container (7b).

24. The method (1) according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein each receptacle (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) is transported by the robot (3a, 3b) to any one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d).

25. The method (1) according to any one of claims 19-23, wherein receptacles (2a, 2b, 2c, 2d) are transported to only one of the disposal guides (5a, 5b, 5c, 5d) by means of at least one of a first robot (3a) and a second robot (3b).

26. The method according to any one of claims 19-25, wherein at least a part of at least one of the first disposal guide (5a) and the second disposal guide (5b) is bent by a user.

27. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer, cause the computer to carry out the steps:

- receiving measurement data regarding a filling level of separate areas of a disposal container (7a, 7b) from at least one sensor (10) electrically connected to the computer,

- transmitting instructions to a robot (3a, 3b) based on the measured filling level of the separate areas of the disposal container (7a, 7b),

- causing the robot (3a, 3b) to transport a receptacle to a disposal area (4a, 4b) comprising at least a first disposal hole (6a) and a second disposal hole (6b), wherein a first disposal guide (5a) is connected to the first disposal hole (6a) and a second disposal guide (6b) is connected to the second disposal hole (6b), and

- causing the robot (3a, 3b) to drop the receptacle into the first disposal hole (6a) or the second disposal hole (6b) depending on the measurement data.

28. A computer-readable data carrier having stored thereon the computer program product of claim 27.