Articulated sample container rack apparatus, rack conveyor systems, and methods of conveying sample containers
AssigneeSiemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc.
InventorGlenn Friedman
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An articulated sample rack apparatus is disclosed. In one aspect, the articulated sample rack apparatus has a plurality of coupled rack components wherein at least some of the rack components have a receptacle having a bottom to receive a sample container, the rack having free ends and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components. Conveyor systems and methods to convey sample racks are provided, as are other aspects.
Claims24
An articulated sample container rack apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle configured and adapted to receive a sample container, the receptacle including a bottom, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing relative rotation between at least some of the rack components.
An articulated sample container rack apparatus, comprising:
- a plurality of rack components having a total number of between 3 and about 10, at least some of the rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, wherein the receptacle includes a sidewall and a bottom;
- link sets connected to the rack components at first and second vertically-spaced locations;
- and
- retainers coupled to each of the rack components to restrain vertical motion of the link sets relative to the rack components, and yet allow rotation of the rack components relative to the link sets.
A sample container rack conveyor system, comprising:
- a track formed between a first wall and a second wall, at least one of the walls comprising a moveable wall having cleats extending into the track;
- and
- an articulated sample container rack adapted to be moved along the track by the moveable wall, the articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the coupled rack components.
A method of conveying a sample rack, comprising:
- providing an articulated sample container rack, the articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components;
- and
- moving the flexible sample container rack along a track with a moveable wall.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.