System and method for automatic closure of sample vessels

A medical laboratory automation system comprising:

• a path;
• a carriage moveable along the path, the carriage to hold a sample tube containing a human sample;
• and
• a recapper, the carriage to transport the sample tube along the path between an automated measuring device and a working position in the recapper, the recapper including:
• a magazine with a plurality of slots to hold stacks of caps;
• a supply tube;
• a lifting arm to move a first stack of caps from the magazine into the supply tube;
• and
• a gripper to obtain an uppermost cap from the first stack of caps and insert the uppermost cap into a top of the sample tube, wherein the magazine is located below the gripper.

A medical laboratory automation system comprising:

• a path;
• a carriage moveable along the path, the carriage to hold a sample tube containing a human sample;
• and
• a recapper, the carriage to transport the sample tube along the path between an automated measuring device and a working position in the recapper, the recapper including:
• a magazine with a plurality of slots to hold stacks of caps;
• a motor to rotate the magazine;
• and
• a gripper to obtain an uppermost cap from a first stack of caps and insert the uppermost cap into a top of the sample tube.

A medical laboratory automation system comprising:

• a path;
• a carriage moveable along the path, the carriage to hold a sample tube containing a human sample;
• and
• a recapper, the carriage to transport the sample tube along the path between an automated measuring device and a working position in the recapper, the recapper including:
• means for storing a plurality of stacks of caps;
• means for holding one of the stack of caps;
• means for automatically moving the stack of caps from the storing means to the holding means;
• and
• means for automatically transferring an uppermost cap from the stack of caps to the sample tube and inserting the uppermost cap into a top of the sample tube.