Specimen carrier
US5589137A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 7, 1995 |
| Grant date | Dec 31, 1996 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 7, 2015 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB01L9/06
- WIPO fieldChemical engineering
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A specimen carrier is designed for transporting specimen tubes throughout an automatic laboratory conveyance system. The specimen carrier includes a generally rectilinear carrier body with a forward face having an identification zone delimited thereon. An identification code is marked in the identification zone so as to permit mechanical sensing and identification of the carrier on a conveyor system. A plurality of holes of various diameters and depths are provided in the top surface of the carrier to receive specimen tubes of various types. The deepest holes are located centrally, so that the carrier is stable while retaining specimens therein. A groove is formed in the top surface of the carrier body which extends between the specimen tube holes, so as to communicate any fluid spilling from a test tube to the other empty holes in the specimen carrier, thereby retaining the fluid within the body of the carrier. A special vertical slot is provided in one of the vertical holes, utilizing a pair of opposing vertical channels, so as to retain a specimen slide in the specimen carrier.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.