US 5,846,487 A · Specimen cartridge

Abstract

A specimen cartridge for biological materials is formed from unbreakable materials, such as cardboard or synthetic polymers. The specimen cartridge includes a handle, a receptor attached to the handle, and an outer housing. The receptor and handle are slidable relative to the outer housing which may include a bar-coding label and a security tape. The outer housing and receptor fit snugly together to provide a liquid-tight, leak-proof seal to prevent the escape of any biological materials from the receptor. Thus, the specimen cartridge minimizes the risk of contamination caused by the storage and transport of potentially hazardous biological materials. Further, the outer housing and receptor are formed of shatter-proof materials, also to prevent contamination. A carrying case is adapted for safely and securely transporting and testing a plurality of specimen cartridges.

Claims8

Dependent claims

A specimen cartridge comprising:

(a) an elongated handle;
(b) a receptor, said receptor attached to said handle;
(c) an outer housing, said outer housing contiguous to said receptor, said outer housing slidable longitudinally of said handle between open and closed positions so as to sealingly engage said receptor within said housing in said closed position, said handle generally exterior of said housing;
(d) means for absorbing biological materials, said absorbing means positioned within said receptor;
whereby a user may grasp said handle in both of said open or closed positions for manipulation or transportation purposes in both said open or closed positions;
and (e) a plurality of receptors, and wherein said outer housing defines a plurality of channels, one each of the receptors slidably, sealingly positioned within one each of the channels.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Specimen cartridge

Life of this patent

Specimen cartridge

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims8