Optics: measuring and testing – Sample – specimen – or standard holder or support – Fluid containers
Patent
1999-02-12
2000-06-27
Pham, Hoa Q.
Optics: measuring and testing
Sample, specimen, or standard holder or support
Fluid containers
356440, 422 65, 422100, 422104, 436 47, G01N 110, G01N 3502
Patent
active
060813261
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a device for the automatic reading of an identification code carried by tubular containers placed in filing boxes or carrier units circulating on a distribution chain.
It applies notably, though not exclusively, to the automatic identification of tubes of samples, e.g. of blood, being introduced into an automated analysis system.
It also relates to a filing box or carrier unit specially designed to enable said reading.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Generally, it is known that the blood samples to be analyzed in a modern automated analysis system are arranged in test tubes, usually in glass or plastic, sealed by a stopper. These tubes are identified by an identification code carried by a label adhering to the cylindrical wall of the tube. This identification code, e.g. a bar code, is designed to be readable remotely by an e.g. optoelectronic reading unit.
The tubes, fitted with their identification labels, are arranged in carrier units especially designed to be capable of being borne along by the conveyors equipping the automated analysis system.
In order for the automated system to be able to identify the samples, it has been proposed that, at the entrance to the automated system, manual or semi-automated entry be performed of the tube identification data, of the carrier units and of the positions of the tubes within the carrier units. However, this type of entry requires the presence of an operator and involves a high risk of error.
To remedy these drawbacks, it was therefore proposed that an automatic data reading system be placed along the path of the automaton's supply conveyor. However, to achieve such a result one must solve the problem stemming from the fact that the angular position of the tubes is undefined and that the label carried by the tube is therefore not always properly oriented in relation to the reader.
In order to solve this problem, a reader was therefore provided with a means enabling the tube to be rotated during the reading phase.
Thus, the reader disclosed in European patent No. 0,479,622 uses a rotary drive element designed to grasp the stopper of the tube at the end of a downward translation.
Experience has shown that this solution has a certain number of drawbacks: does not enable high outputs to be achieved,
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The main object of this invention is to remedy the preceding disadvantages, particularly to provide to this end a device for the reading of identification codes borne on a medium affixed to the cylindrical wall of the specimen tubes arranged in a carrier unit transported by a conveyor of a distribution device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, this device is characterized in that it uses a rotary drive means acting by friction on the cylindrical wall of the tube, through an opening provided in one of the two vertical walls extending longitudinally in relation to the axis of travel of the carrier units, so as to rotate the tubes about themselves during the code reading phase but also to enable inspection by camera from which certain information can be deduced about the specimen contained in the tube, such as:
Advantageously, the drive means can consist of a small roller or endless belt made in a material with a high coefficient of friction and arranged so as to bear against the cylindrical wall of the tube when the latter is in the reading zone.
Likewise, the aforesaid opening can extend over the entire length of said lateral wall so as to enable the drive means to successively come into contact with the tubes without requiring any alternating transverse motion of said means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Further features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the embodiments of the invention described, by way of non-limiting examples, in reference to the corresponding accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic representation enabling the operating principle of the reading device to be illustrated;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are side perspe
REFERENCES:
patent: 4729661 (1988-03-01), Bell
Gelin Jean Francois
Rousseau Alain
Diagnostica Stago
Drucker William A.
Pham Hoa Q.
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