초록 ▼

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 member

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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A specimen carrier adapted to be transported by an automated conveyor system while supporting a specimen container in a generally upright orientation, said specimen carrier comprising:a unitary structure defining (i) a pedestal portion adapted to be engaged and manipulated by components of said a

1. A specimen carrier adapted to be transported by an automated conveyor system while supporting a specimen container in a generally upright orientation, said specimen carrier comprising:a unitary structure defining (i) a pedestal portion adapted to be engaged and manipulated by components of said automated conveyor system for the purpose of advancing the carrier along a desired path and for selectively rotating the carrier about a vertical axis, said pedestal portion comprising spaced apart upper and lower platforms interconnected by a stem; and (ii) a container-retaining portion for receiving, supporting and retaining a specimen container in a desired orientation, said container-retaining portion comprising (a) a plurality of rigid members equally spaced from a central axis passing through the platforms and extending upwardly from the upper platform, and (b) a plurality of flexible fingers, one or more of said fingers extending angularly downward from a distal end portion of each rigid member, towards said central axis, each of said flexible fingers being adapted to engage and press upon the side wall of a container received by the carrier, said flexible fingers collectively defining a container site for receiving, centering and retaining specimen containers.