(12) United States Patent
`J unca
`
`US006357983B1
`US 6,357,983 B1
`Mar. 19, 2002
`
`(10) Patent N0.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54)
`
`DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY STORING
`BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL SAMPLES
`
`(75) Inventor: Serge Junca, Maspie (FR)
`
`(73) Assignee: Groupe Industriel de Realisations et
`Applications, Morlaas (FR)
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`09/445,467
`Apr. 20, 1999
`
`Appl. No.:
`
`PCT Filed:
`
`(21)
`(22)
`(86)
`
`PCT No.:
`
`PCT/FR99/00926
`
`§ 371 Date:
`
`Dec. 21, 1999
`
`§ 102(e) Date: Dec. 21, 1999
`
`(87)
`
`PCT Pub. No.: WO99/54238
`
`PCT Pub. Date: Oct. 28, 1999
`Foreign Application Priority Data
`(30)
`Apr. 22, 1998
`
`(FR) .......................................... .. 98 05281
`
`(51) Int. Cl? .......................... .. B65G 1/12; B65G 1/133
`(52) US. Cl. ............ .. 414/331.03; 414/280; 414/331.05
`(58) Field of Search ....................... .. 414/3312, 331.01,
`414/331.02, 331.03, 331.05, 280
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`7/1969 IraZoqui
`3,456,817 A
`4,232,988 A 11/1980 Kochanneck
`4,252,488 A
`2/1981 Kochanneck
`4,726,725 A
`2/1988 Baker et al.
`
`4,867,629 A *
`4,981,409 A *
`4,986,715 A
`5,285,333 A *
`
`9/1989
`1/1991
`1/1991
`2/1994
`
`Iwasawa et al. ..... .. 414/33105
`Hirose et al. ..... .. 414/33101 X
`Asakawa
`Barr et al. ........ .. 414/33101 X
`
`FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`EP
`EP
`
`0005 169
`799776
`
`11/1979
`10/1997
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner—Steven A. Bratlie
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Greenblum & Bernstein,
`P.L.C.
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`Automatic storing device comprising a storage container for
`storing objects in a plurality of locations Which locations are
`de?ned by one of housings and shelves arranged side-by
`side and on a plurality of levels. A device is provided for
`loading and unloading the objects into and out of the
`locations. The device for loading and unloading the objects
`comprises a platform for supporting an object. A mechanism
`is also provided for moving the platform from one level to
`another. Apair of pliers adapted to grip an object is provided.
`The pliers comprise tWo parallel pivoting branches. Each of
`the tWo branches is pivotally mounted and has a free end
`adapted to grip the object. A ?rst moving mechanism
`adapted to move the tWo branches in the same direction is
`provided. Asecond moving mechanism adapted to move the
`tWo branches toWards and aWay from each other is also
`provided. Each of the free ends of the tWo branches com
`prises a mechanism for alloWing the free ends to move on
`the platform When the tWo branches are moved in the same
`direction. The ?rst moving mechanism is freely movably
`mounted to the device for loading and unloading the objects.
`
`27 Claims, 3 Drawing Sheets
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`414 52 37 52
`2211 lo
`17
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`22 2235 38
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`Hamilton Ex. 1013
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 19, 2002
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`U.S. Patent
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`Mar. 19, 2002
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`Sheet 3 0f 3
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`FIG.6
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`1
`DEVICE FOR AUTOMATICALLY STORING
`BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL SAMPLES
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
`APPLICATIONS
`
`The present application is a National Stage Application of
`International Application No. PCT/FR99/00926, ?led Apr.
`20, 1999. Further, the present application claims priority
`under 35 U.S.C. § 119 of French Patent Application No.
`98/05281 ?led on Apr. 22, 1998.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`1. Field of the Invention
`The present invention relates to a device for storing a very
`large number of samples.
`The invention relates primarily, but not exclusively, to the
`pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and biotechnology industries,
`Which accumulate and manipulate large numbers (as many
`as several million) of biological and chemical samples for
`the development of neW products.
`2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
`Under such circumstances, the ability to store and archive
`samples for long periods of time in a quickly accessible
`manner under the proper physical and chemical conditions
`for preserving the samples Would seem to be a necessity.
`Currently available storing devices use conventional stor
`age techniques: cabinets and draWers. Such devices do not
`lend themselves to quick, automatic access to the samples
`they contain. They are also very expensive and require
`special laboratory facilities. Speci?cally, When samples need
`to be stored under special conditions, a room must be
`specially equipped for such purpose. Such devices are not
`modular, moreover, so their storage capacity cannot be
`expanded.
`Cylindrical storage containers having several ring-shaped
`shelves on multiple levels are also knoWn. HoWever, such
`containers do not utiliZe ef?cient and reliable automatic
`devices for loading and unloading, even Where the device
`has several concentric, ring-shaped shelves on the same
`level.
`
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`
`The invention resolves the problems described above by
`providing an automatic storing device Which utiliZes a
`storage container With multiple housings for the objects
`being stored, arranged side-by-side on a plurality of levels.
`The device according to the invention is characteriZed in
`that it comprises a device for loading and unloading. The
`device is mobile from one housing to another and comprises
`a platform for receiving an object being loaded or unloaded.
`The device also includes a mechanism for moving the
`platform from one level to another. Also included are pliers
`to grip an object being loaded or unloaded. The pliers are
`provided With tWo parallel pivoting branches, each compris
`ing one free end and one end interlocked in rotation about a
`horiZontal axle shared by the tWo branches. The device also
`includes a mechanism for driving the branches in rotation
`about the horiZontal axle and further includes a mechanism
`for spacing or bringing closer the respective free ends of the
`branches. The free ends of the branches are each provided
`With respective rollers for rolling on the platform When the
`branches are driven in rotation. The mechanism for driving
`the branches in rotation and the horiZontal axle is freely
`mobile along a vertical axle integral With the platform, and
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`can move along the vertical axle by gravity and by the
`rotational driving of the branches.
`Thus, the invention utiliZes a relatively simple mechanism
`to rotate the pliers that grip the objects in storage, or to be
`stored, through a broad range of motion, thereby enabling
`them to reach objects relatively far aWay from the horiZontal
`axle of the branches. By moving vertically, moreover, the
`pliers can have shorter branches and need less space to
`move. In addition, the pliers can move symmetrically With
`respect to a vertical plane passing through the horiZontal
`rotation axis of its branches, thereby enabling the device for
`loading and unloading to move objects, in a single rotational
`movement, from a stored position in a housing to a position
`accessible from outside the container.
`The housings Within the storage container can advanta
`geously be arranged on ring-shaped shelves attached to tWo
`concentric cylinders, i.e., an outer cylinder and an inner
`cylinder, each cylinder being driven independently in rota
`tion about their longitudinal axis; the platform for loading
`and unloading being mobile along a vertical axis tangential
`to the outer cylinder.
`Such a container offers large storage capacity With mini
`mum volume, since the fact that the pliers for gripping the
`objects in storage, or to be stored, can sWing through a Wide
`range makes them perfectly suited to reach both the hous
`ings on the outer cylinder and those on the inner cylinder. All
`that is required is to leave a column of housings empty on
`the outer cylinder, so the object gripped by the pliers can
`slide from one housing to another, and onto the platform.
`It is dif?cult, hoWever, to adjust the respective levels of
`the housings on the tWo cylinders so they match up perfectly.
`As a result, the slightly different levels can prevent the
`object gripped by the pliers from sliding from one housing
`to another, facing housing on the other cylinder that is
`slightly higher.
`To solve this problem, the free end of the branches of the
`pliers is provided With a jaW, Which pivots about the rotation
`axis of the roller and has a pad With a high friction factor that
`rests against the object being gripped, and a beveled shoe
`that, When it encounters a difference in level, causes the jaW
`to pivot upWard and lift the gripped object slightly.
`Alternatively, each jaW has a ?nger that rests against the
`object being gripped, the ?nger pivoting Within a plane
`perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the jaW, to lift the
`object slightly by pivoting When the pliers close around the
`object.
`The invention further provides for an automatic storing
`device comprising a storage container for storing objects in
`a plurality of locations. The locations are de?ned by one of
`housings and shelves arranged side-by-side and on a plu
`rality of levels. A device for loading and unloading the
`objects into and out of the locations is provided. The device
`for loading and unloading the objects comprises a platform
`for supporting an object. A mechanism for moving the
`platform from one level to another is also provided. A pair
`of pliers adapted to grip an object is provided. The pliers
`comprise tWo parallel pivoting branches. Each of the tWo
`branches is pivotally mounted and has a free end adapted to
`grip the object. A ?rst moving mechanism adapted to move
`the tWo branches in the same direction is provided. Asecond
`moving mechanism adapted to move the tWo branches
`toWards and aWay from each other is also provided. Each of
`the free ends of the tWo branches comprises a mechanism for
`alloWing the free ends to move on the platform When the tWo
`branches are moved in the same direction. The ?rst moving
`mechanism is freely movably mounted to the device for
`loading and unloading the objects.
`
`Hamilton Ex. 1013
`Page 5
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`3
`Each of the tWo branches may be pivotally mounted to an
`axle that is oriented horizontally. The second moving
`mechanism may be adapted to move the free ends of the tWo
`branches horizontally toWards and aWay from each other.
`The ?rst moving mechanism may be freely movably
`mounted to an aXle that is oriented vertically. The aXle may
`be arranged on the device for loading and unloading the
`objects and the device for loading and unloading the objects
`may be vertically movably mounted. The aXle may be
`integral With the platform. The ?rst moving mechanism may
`be freely movable upWardly When the tWo branches are
`pivoted in one direction and the ?rst moving mechanism
`may be freely movable doWnWardly When the tWo branches
`are pivoted in an opposite direction. The locations may be
`arranged in tWo concentrically arranged cylinders or carou
`sels. Each of the cylinders or carousels may be at least one
`of independently and rotatably driven. At least some of the
`locations on an inner cylinder or carousel may comprise
`horiZontal surfaces Which are one of slightly loWer and
`slightly different than corresponding horiZontal surfaces of
`an outer cylinder or carousel.
`The storage container may comprise a base for supporting
`the inner and outer cylinders or carousels. The automatic
`storing device may further comprise one of an air condi
`tioning system and a system for circulating air Within the
`storage container. Each of the free ends of the tWo branches
`may comprise a mechanism for lifting the object, the mecha
`nism for lifting the object being adapted to at least lift the
`object slightly. Each of the free ends of the tWo branches
`may comprise a jaW. Each jaW may be one of movably and
`pivotally mounted and may comprise a mechanism for
`frictionally engaging the object. The mechanism for alloW
`ing the free ends to move on the platform When the branches
`are moved in the same direction may comprise a roller. Each
`of the free ends of the tWo branches may comprise a shoe
`Which includes a ramp, the shoe being movable and being
`biased by a spring. Each of the free ends of the tWo branches
`may comprise a jaW and a pivotally mounted ?nger adapted
`to engage the object, Whereby the ?nger is adapted to lift the
`object slightly.
`The automatic storing device may further comprise a
`spring disposed betWeen the ?nger and the free end. The
`mechanism for alloWing the free ends to move on the
`platform When the branches are moved in the same direction
`may comprise tWo rollers arranged on each free end, the tWo
`rollers being arranged in the vicinity of a pivoting jaW Which
`is coupled to each free end. The storage container may
`comprise an opening and the automatic storing device may
`further comprise a movable insertion and removal platform
`Which is adapted to move betWeen a closed position and an
`open position. The insertion and removal platform may
`comprise a mechanism for detecting When an object is
`disposed thereon. The device for loading and unloading the
`objects may further comprise an optical reader, Whereby the
`optical reader is adapted to read optical codes disposed on
`the objects. The device for loading and unloading the objects
`may further comprise a mechanism for detecting the object,
`Whereby the mechanism for detecting the object is adapted
`to detect the presence of the object betWeen the tWo
`branches. The mechanism for detecting the object may be
`arranged in the vicinity of the pliers.
`The invention also provides for an automatic storing
`device comprising a storage container for storing objects in
`a plurality of locations. The locations are de?ned by one of
`housings and shelves. Avertically movable device for load
`ing and unloading the objects into and out of the locations
`is provided. The device for loading and unloading the
`
`4
`objects comprises a platform for supporting an object. Apair
`of pliers is coupled to the device for loading and unloading
`the objects. The pair of pliers is adapted to grip an object and
`comprises parallel pivoting branches. Each of the branches
`is pivotally mounted and has a free end adapted to grip the
`object. A mechanism for moving the branches into and out
`of each of the locations is provided. A mechanism for
`moving the branches toWards and aWay from each other is
`provided. Each of the free ends of the branches comprises a
`mechanism for alloWing the free ends to move on the
`platform When the branches are moved into and out of the
`locations. The mechanism for moving the branches into and
`out of the locations is freely movably mounted to the device
`for loading and unloading the objects.
`The invention also provides for an automatic storing
`device comprising a storage container for storing objects in
`a plurality of locations disposed in tWo concentrically
`arranged carousels. Avertically movable device for loading
`and unloading the objects into and out of the locations is
`provided. The device for loading and unloading the objects
`comprises a platform for supporting an object and a pair of
`pliers. The pair of pliers is adapted to grip an object and
`comprises pivoting branches. Each of the branches is piv
`otally mounted and has a free end adapted to grip the object.
`Amechanism for moving at least one of the free ends of the
`branches into and out of at least one of the locations is
`provided. A mechanism for moving at least one of the
`branches toWards and aWay from the other is also provided.
`At least one of the free ends of the branches comprises a
`mechanism for alloWing the free end to move on the
`platform When the branches are moved into and out of at
`least one of the locations. The mechanism for moving at
`least one of the free ends of the branches into and out of at
`least one of the locations is freely movably mounted to the
`device for loading and unloading the objects.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`One embodiment of the device according to the invention
`is described beloW for illustrative purposes, not to be taken
`as limiting the scope of the invention, With reference to the
`accompanying draWings, Wherein:
`FIG. 1 is a longitudinal section vieW of the device
`according to the invention;
`FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional vieW of the device shoWn in
`FIG. 1;
`FIGS. 3 and 4 are detail vieWs of the device for loading
`and unloading according to the invention, shoWn from the
`front and side, respectively;
`FIG. 5 is a detail vieW of the inside of the free end of a
`branch of the pliers shoWn in FIGS. 3 and 4;
`FIG. 6 shoWs several possible positions for the pliers, to
`illustrate hoW they move;
`FIG. 7 is a detail vieW of the inside of the free end of a
`branch of the pliers according to an alternative embodiment
`of the invention;
`FIGS. 8 and 9 are side detail vieWs of the free end of the
`branch of the pliers shoWn in FIG. 7, before and after an
`object is gripped by the pliers, respectively.
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`INVENTION
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`65
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`FIGS. 1 and 2 shoW a storage container 1 having a tubular
`shape With a polygonal cross-section, assembled from a
`plurality of panels, i.e., a top panel 2, a bottom panel 3, and
`side panels 4, 4‘, 5, 6, 7, 7‘. Inside the container are multiple
`
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`5
`housings on a plurality of ring-shaped shelves 22, arranged
`one on top of the other and attached to one another on the
`outside of a cylinder 56, 57, to form tWo separate, concentric
`carousels 8, 9, i.e., an inner carousel 9 and an outer carousel
`8. These tWo carousels rotate about their longitudinal aXes.
`Housings 22, on a given shelf, are separated from the
`adjacent housings by partitions 55.
`The tWo concentric carousels 8, 9 are positioned With
`respect to one another, such that their respective shelves 22
`are substantially at the same level.
`The container 1 is mounted on a base that houses direct
`or alternating-current motors 10, 11 Which drive the tWo
`carousels 8, 9 in rotation. The positions of the carousels 8
`and 9 are indeXed using coders, e. g., optical or magnetic (not
`shoWn in the ?gures).
`The motors are designed to complete one rotation in, for
`eXample, less than 10 seconds, so any housing can be
`accessed Within 5 seconds if the motors are bi-directional.
`The vertical spacing betWeen tWo shelves can be adjusted
`to suit the height of the object being stored.
`To insert or remove an object from the container 1, a
`horiZontal opening 16 at a set height has been provided in
`the Wall of the container. The opening 16 is normally
`blocked by an insertion/removal platform 13, Which thus
`also acts as a door. The opening opens and closes as the
`platform 13 moves along a vertical aXis 15. The platform is
`moved automatically by a motor 14 When a command is
`given. Thus, the platform 13 moves betWeen tWo positions,
`i.e., a loW, open position shoWn in solid lines in FIG. 1, in
`Which the eXtractor 19 can transfer an object from platform
`13 to platform 17, and a high, closed position shoWn in
`dotted lines, in Which it blocks the opening 16 in the
`container 1.
`In the open position, the platform 13 is accessible to the
`eXtractor 19, Which can pick up or place an object on it. In
`the closed position, the platform 13 can receive an object to
`be introduced into the container 1, or make an object just
`removed from the container 1 accessible from the outside.
`For such purpose, the platform 13 is advantageously pro
`vided With a detector 60 for detecting an object on its upper
`surface.
`An object is loaded or unloaded automatically using a
`processor running softWare that controls an eXtractor 19 on
`a platform 17 inside the container 1, Which moves vertically
`and tangentially to the outer carousel 8, to reach shelves at
`any level.
`Platform 17, Which receives objects for loading or
`unloading, moves along a vertical aXis, for eXample via a
`motor 51 that turns rack-gearing or a notched belt 18, and
`can therefore reach all levels of shelves on the carousels 8,
`9 and the level of the insertion/removal platform 13 of the
`container 1.
`In FIGS. 3 and 4, the eXtractor 19 has a vertical rail 31
`attached to the platform 17, and U-shaped pliers held by a
`carriage 50 Which moves freely along the rail 31. The
`branches 32 of the pliers curve slightly inWardly toWard the
`center of the storage container 1, and can partially close via
`an activation mechanism 48, such as an electromagnet or a
`motor, to grip an object 52. The base 47 of the U-shape
`formed by the pliers is attached to an aXle 54 that rotates on
`the carriage 50. The aXle 54 forms a single piece With a
`coaXial Wheel 34, Which is driven in rotation by, for
`eXample, a belt 46 driven in turn by a motor 33 attached to
`the carriage 50. Thus, the pliers are driven in rotation about
`the aXle 54 in the direction of the arroWs 41, 42 in FIG. 3.
`A thumbWheel 49 in association With an optical reader (not
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`shoWn) can also be provided, for continuous reading of the
`angular position of the pliers.
`As shoWn in detail in FIG. 5, each free end of the branches
`32 of the pliers is provided With a respective, articulated jaW
`35, Which pivots about an aXle parallel to aXle 54 and has a
`freely rotating roller 37 mounted on it. This roller, made of
`a material such as rubber, rolls over the shelves 22 and
`platforms 17 and 13 to reduce friction as the pliers move. Its
`rotation aXis coincides With the pivot aXis of the jaW.
`Each jaW 35 has a pad 53 With a high friction factor that
`rests against the object 52 being loaded or unloaded, and a
`shoe 39 provided With a ramp 40. When the shoe encounters
`a higher level, the ramp 40 causes the jaW 35 to pivot
`upWardly by leverage, lifting the object 52 held in the jaWs
`of the pliers.
`Thus, differences betWeen the levels of the facing shelves
`of the tWo carousels 8, 9 and the platforms 13 and 17 create
`no problems for the eXtractor 19.
`The end of each jaW 35 can be provided With a roller 38,
`also made of rubber, to reduce friction When the pliers move,
`the roller having a rotation aXis parallel to that of roller 37.
`The jaWs 35 can be provided With a sensor, such as a
`pressure sensor, to detect an object gripped by the pliers.
`The ramp 40 can advantageously move horiZontally (in
`the direction of double-headed arroW 43) on a spring 58, to
`absorb any shocks While the free end of the pliers is in
`motion.
`The respective heights of the tWo carousels 8, 9 are such
`that the shelves on the inner cylinder 9 are slightly loWer
`than the facing shelves on the outer cylinder 8. This differ
`ence in level only constitutes an obstacle to movement of the
`pliers and the object gripped by the pliers When extracting an
`object from a housing 22 on the inner carousel 9. During
`such movement, the ramp 40 is activated and lifts the
`gripped object so it clears the difference in level Without any
`danger of jamming.
`Alternatively, in FIGS. 7 to 9, each jaW 65 has a ?nger 69
`on the side facing the opposing jaW, Which eXtends Within a
`plane perpendicular to the longitudinal aXis of the jaW. The
`tip of the ?nger can have a high friction factor for gripping
`the object 52 being loaded or unloaded.
`The ?nger 69 is positioned near the end of one branch 63,
`the other end of the branch being attached to the jaW 65, such
`that it pivots about an aXle 68 substantially parallel to the
`longitudinal aXis of the jaW, the aXle being located at the
`loWer edge of the jaW 65.
`The branch is pushed aWay from the jaW via an elastic
`mechanism, such as a spring 67, and rests against a stop 66
`on the upper edge of the jaW 65, suf?ciently far aWay from
`the jaW for the ?nger 69 to point doWnWardly in a rest
`position (FIG. 8).
`When the pliers close around an object 52 to be moved
`(FIG. 9), the branch 63 pivots about the aXle 68, compress
`ing the spring 67 and moving closer to the jaW 65, Which
`causes the end of the ?nger 69 to pivot upWard and lift the
`object 52 held betWeen the jaWs 65 of the pliers a certain
`height h by leverage. In that position, the respective ?ngers
`69 of the tWo branches 62 of the pliers are substantially
`coaxial.
`In FIG. 6, the branches 32 of the pliers in rest position 73
`are substantially vertical, With the end rollers 37, 38 resting
`on the platform 17. When the motor 33 drives the pliers in
`rotation toWard the center of the container 1 in the direction
`of the arroW 41 to position 70, the carriage 50 tends to move
`doWn along the rail 31 by its oWn Weight, While the rollers
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`US 6,357,983 B1
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`7
`37 at the ends of the branches 32 of the pliers roll horiZon
`tally over the platform 17, a shelf 22 facing the outer
`carousel 8 (position 71), and possibly the shelf 22 facing the
`inner carousel 9 (position 72), if the motor continues to
`rotate. As the pliers rotate in the opposite direction, in the
`direction of arroW 42, the driving force of the motor 33
`causes the carriage 50 to re-ascend the rail 31 until the
`rollers 37 at the ends of the branches 32 of the pliers return
`to the platform 17 (position 73), and then re-descend if the
`pliers 32 are oriented toWard the outside of the container 1.
`This last movement occurs When the platform 17 of the
`eXtractor 19 is at the level of the insertion/removal platform
`13 of the container 1 (position 74).
`This ?gure shoWs, therefore, that the pliers 32 of the
`eXtractor 19 according to the invention can reach any shelf
`on either carousel 8, 9. HoWever, for the shelves on the inner
`carousel 9 to be accessible, one housing 22 on each level of
`the outer carousel 8 must be left empty, so objects can move
`betWeen the platform 17 of the eXtractor 19 and the shelves
`22 of the inner carousel 9. In addition, if the spacing betWeen
`the shelves is insuf?cient from one level to the neXt for the
`branches 32 of the pliers to reach a housing on the inner
`carousel 9, the shelves on the level of the housings 22 of the
`outer carousel 8 can be provided With tWo slots 20, 21 for the
`branches 32 of the pliers to pass through (FIG. 2). The
`branches 32 of the pliers can also be curved slightly toWard
`the center of the container, as shoWn speci?cally in FIG. 6,
`so there are tWo straight sections at an obtuse angle to one
`another.
`To load or unload an object, motors 51, 33, 48, 14, 10 and
`11 are controlled concurrently by control softWare, signi?
`cantly reducing loading and unloading time.
`In addition, the softWare that controls the pliers is advan
`tageously designed to position the ?ngers 59 and 69, so they
`grip an object 52 near its edge on the side of the direction in
`Which the object is to be moved. Thus, to move an object and
`insert it into the container 1, the pliers grasp the object near
`the edge closest to the center of the container (position 74),
`Which has the effect of lifting that edge. To move in the
`opposite direction, the pliers grasp the object near the edge
`closest to the outside of the container (positions 71 to 73),
`Which has the effect of lifting the object on the side of that
`edge. Thus, there is no danger of slight differences in the
`levels of facing shelves on the tWo carousels 8, 9 and the
`platforms 13 and 17 hindering the movement of the object
`52 as it is transported by the pliers.
`A counterWeight system can be provided, attached for
`eXample by a cable supported by pulleys (not shoWn) or
`springs Whose tension increases as the branches 32 move
`aWay from the vertical position, to lighten the assembly
`consisting of the carriage 50, motor 33 and pliers, thereby
`reducing the poWer that has to be generated by the motor 33.
`Advantageously, the height of the door 16 can be adjusted
`by the user, so the objects being stored appear at the outside
`of the container 1 at a height suited to the Work environment
`or an automated system.
`The carousels 8, 9 are self-supporting, i.e., they are not
`supported by the vertical Walls 4, 4‘, 6, 7 and 7‘ of the
`container 1. The vertical Walls can therefore be removed for
`easy access to the inside of the container, especially the ?rst
`time the container is loaded or for maintenance.
`The storing device according to the invention can be fully
`automated by installing on the eXtractor 19, for eXample
`under the platform 17, an optical reader 36 capable of
`reading and transmitting to the central processor optical
`codes printed on labels af?Xed to the stored objects. Thus, if
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`55
`
`65
`
`8
`the container 1 is loaded manually, a program to control the
`eXtractor 19 can be provided, Which moves the eXtractor to
`all the locations 22 on the carousels 8, 9, to read the optical
`code on the objects in relation to their position Within the
`container. The information is transmitted to the central
`processor, Which stores it in a database. Thus, the user does
`not need to knoW location of each object. To get a particular
`container, the user simply enters its code, and a processor
`sends the eXtractor 19 to the position corresponding to the
`code of the requested object, as it appears in the database.
`Such a storing device is especially suited to storing
`objects Which require controlled physical and chemical
`conditions, such as biological or chemical samples.
`For such purpose, an air conditioning system 12 that
`controls the storage parameters, i.e., temperature and humid
`ity inside the container, can be provided in the top section of
`the container 1. The system also ?lters and circulates the
`ambient gas, Which may be air or another gas, such as an
`inert gas like nitrogen or argon.
`The siZe of the opening 16 is small, to limit gaseous
`exchanges betWeen the inside of the container and the
`outside, and keep internal storage conditions stable.
`The Walls 2, 3, 4, 4‘, 5, 6, 7 and 7‘ of the container 1
`consist of a double shell, Which thermally insulates the
`interior of the container, so the temperature inside can
`remain constant for several hours if the air conditioning
`system fails.
`The air conditioning system 12 can be used to set the
`internal temperature anyWhere betWeen —20 and +20° C.
`The air can be dehydrated before it is sent to the container,
`to limit the risk of frost forming at temperatures near or
`beloW 0° C. The air sent to the container is also ?ltered to
`prevent contamination of the samples stored in the container.
`The air conditioning system 12 also continuously circu
`lates the air inside the container 1 for homogeneous tem
`perature distribution at all levels. Speci?cally, the air circu
`lates doWnWardly through the central tube 56 and is diverted
`radially at each level. For such purpose, the central tubes or
`cylinders 56 and 57 have a plurality of openings for air to
`pass through. When the air reaches the Walls of the
`container, it is aspirated upWardly by the system 12.
`No outside air can get in, therefore, since the air is
`diverted outWard from the center of the container 1, pushing
`the air out of the container through the joints in its Walls and
`When the door is opened.
`Such air circulation also pressuriZes container slightly (a
`feW millibars), Which also prevents any outside air getting
`in.
`In a typical embodiment of the invention, the storing
`device is used to store chemical compounds stored in
`microtitre plates having a plurality of compartments. The
`processor can be connected to a computer netWork, making
`it accessible from several points. The storing device is also
`linked to an automated system that can pick up and return
`the microtitre plates at the container door, so preparations
`can be made by miXing the compounds contained in the
`microtitre plates stored in the container.
`What is claimed is:
`1. An automatic storing device comprising:
`a storage container for storing objects in a plurality of
`locations, the locations being de?ned by one of hous
`ings and shelves arranged side-by-side and on a plu
`rality of levels;
`a device for loading and unloading the objects into and out
`of the locations;
`
`Hamilton Ex. 1013
`Page 8
`
`

`

`US 6,357,983 B1
`
`9
`the device for loading and unloading the objects compris
`ing a platform for supporting an object;
`a mechanism for moving the platfo