System and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument
AssigneeWaters Investment Limited
InventorsNigel Doe, Peter Foster
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A system and method for automatic identification of a detachable component of an instrument is disclosed. The detachable component includes a machine-readable device that contains information associated with the detachable component. The machine-readable device can be a bar code, a variable depth pattern, a magnetic stripe, or the like. The information contained within the machine-readable device can include one or more of serial number, type, material, dimensions, and calibration data of the detachable component. The instrument includes a reader that is configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device.
Claims21
An instrument for testing a test sample, comprising:
- a performance envelope that is modifiable by changing detachable components associated with the instrument;
- a connection configured to mate with a detachable component;
- and
- a reader configured to read a machine-readable device disposed on the detachable component, wherein information associated with the detachable component is retrievable by the instrument using the machine-readable device, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component, and
- wherein the instrument is configured to determine from the information an approximate position of the zero position and to initiate a zero gap routine without operator involvement.
A method for testing a test sample comprising:
- associating information related to a detachable component of an instrument on a machine-readable device disposed on the detachable component, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component;
- attaching the detachable component to the instrument;
- reading the machine-readable device;
- moving the detachable component with the instrument;
- using the information to perform an analysis on the test sample placed on the instrument,
- determining an approximate position of the zero position;
- and
- initiating a zero gap routine without operator involvement,
- wherein the instrument is a rheometer.
An instrument for testing test samples, comprising:
- a performance envelope that is modifiable by changing detachable components associated with the instrument;
- one or more detachable components, each having a machine-readable device, wherein information associated with each detachable component is retrievable by the instrument using the machine-readable device, and wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the detachable component;
- a reader configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device;
- and
- an algorithm that uses the information to analyze properties associated with a test sample in contact with the detachable component,
- wherein the instrument is a rheometer, and wherein the instrument determines from the information an approximate position of the zero position and initiates a zero gap routine without operator involvement.
A rheometer comprising:
- a shaft configured to be driven by a motor and bearing assembly;
- a measuring geometry detachably attached to the shaft;
- a machine-readable device disposed on the measuring geometry, wherein the machine-readable device is associated with informing related to the measuring geometry, wherein the information includes mechanical properties of the measuring geometry;
- a reader configured to obtain the information from the machine-readable device;
- and
- an algorithm that uses the information to analyze rheological properties associated with the test sample,
- wherein the rheometer is configured to determine from the information an approximate position of the zero position and to initiate a zero gap routine without operator involvement.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.