Specimen carrier for automated transport system and method and apparatus for identifying same
US6343690B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 18, 1999 |
| Grant date | Feb 5, 2002 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 18, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01N2035/0406
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A specimen carrier comprises a unitary structure for receiving and retaining a specimen container in an upright orientation. Such unitary structure is defined by a pedestal having upper and lower platforms connected by a stem. Extending upwardly from the upper platform is a plurality of rigid members which support a plurality of opposing flexible fingers adapted to engage and press upon the side wall of a specimen container received by the carrier. Preferably, the specimen carrier of the invention has a chamber formed therein for housing a pre-programmed, programmable or otherwise radio-frequency (RF) identification tag in the form of an RF transponder. Upon being energized by a suitable RF field provided by an RF reader antenna or sensor positioned adjacent the carrier's intended path of movement, the tag transmits a unique identification code, such code being received by the antenna or sensor and decoded by the reader.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.