Sample distribution apparatus/system
AssigneeA.i. Scientific Pty Ltd.
InventorsLeslie Robert Watson, Christoph Friedrich Tschopp, Ross Andrew Weaver, Ian David Henderson, Pieter Adriaan Kuiper, Christian Darrel Decosterd
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Abstract
A pathology distribution system 10 is provided for automated sample container 14, 15 distribution. The system 10 comprises a loading station 500 for loading samples in primary containers 14 of different types, a sample handling station 16 for receiving the containers 14 and identifying the container types and samples therein, and a container distribution station 38 for distributing the containers in areas or racks in the distribution station 38 marked for analyzing processes prescribed for the samples therein.
Claims32
A sample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers and the containers each being arranged to contain a sample for pathology analysis, the apparatus including container sealing means for sealing each of said containers with samples dispensed therein, the container sealing means having a source of heat sensitive lamination tape, means for punching the tape to form a cap seal for each said container, said punching means having a set of punches of different diameters and a punch actuator being controllably movable to actuate any of the punches for punching cap seals of a selected diameter, means for placing said cap seal over a top of each said container and means for heating the cap seal over the top of each said container to cause the cap seal to seal each said container.
A pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers of different types and the containers each containing a sample for pathology analysis a pathology specimen, the system comprising a loading station for loading said containers, a container handling station arranged to receive the containers in turn from the loading station, and a distribution station with areas or distribution holders marked for specific analyzing processes, the handling station including container sealing means for sealing each of said containers with samples dispensed therein, the container sealing means having a source of heat sensitive lamination tape, means for punching the tape to form a cap seal for each said container, means for placing said cap seal over a top of each said container and means for heating the can seal over each said container to cause the cap seal to seal each said container.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.