US 12,436,022 B2
Automated in-place weighing of vials in tube racks
David K. Matsumoto, San Jose, CA (US); Eric James Rollins, Los Gatos, CA (US); and Thomas Patrick Grimley, South Bend, IN (US)
Assigned to BioNex Solutions, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed by BioNex Solutions, Inc., San Jose, CA (US)
Filed on Dec. 28, 2022, as Appl. No. 18/090,367.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/294,328, filed on Dec. 28, 2021.
Prior Publication US 2023/0204408 A1, Jun. 29, 2023
Int. Cl. G01G 21/22 (2006.01); G01G 21/28 (2006.01)
CPC G01G 21/22 (2013.01) [G01G 21/28 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for weighing containers, the apparatus comprising:
a stage configured as a platform to support a receptacle for securing one or more containers;
a first actuator for actuating the stage horizontally along an x-axis;
a second actuator for actuating the stage horizontally along a y-axis;
a third actuator for actuating the stage vertically along a z-axis;
a singulation post comprising a vertical element positioned below the stage, wherein the singulation post is configured to be aligned with and to displace a single one of the containers within the receptacle in an upward vertical direction as the stage is translated in a downward vertical direction towards the singulation post;
a load cell coupled to the singulation post, wherein the load cell is configured to measure a weight of the single one of the containers displaced by the singulation post while the vertical element of the singulation post contacts the container; and
a controller for actuating the stage in the downward vertical direction towards the singulation post and for recording a weight of the container measured by the load cell,
wherein the controller is configured to position the stage, using the first actuator and the second actuator, such that a particular container of the one or more containers is located above the singulation post, and wherein the controller is further configured to translate the stage towards the singulation post using the third actuator.