Spec-trac

• US 20060283944A1
• Filed: 06/18/2005
• Published: 12/21/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 06/18/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Charles Holley
• Original Assignee: Charles Holley
• Inventors: Holley, Charles
• Granted Patent: US 7,992,770 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 235/385
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 1/02 Preservation of living parts
• CPC Class Codes: A01N 1/0242 Apparatuses, i.e. devices used in the process of preservation of living parts, such as pumps, refrigeration devices or any other devices featuring moving parts and/or temperature controlling components
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2200/14 Process control and prevention of errors
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/021 Identification, e.g. bar codes
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/0829 Multi-well plates; Microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 7/50 Cryostats
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 9/523 for multisample carriers, e.g. used for microtitration plates
• CPC Class Codes: F25D 2700/06 Sensors detecting the presence of a product
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/087 Inventory or stock management, e.g. order filling, procurement or balancing against orders

Abstract

Spec-Trac is a computerized specimen rack storage system. The main focal point of the invention is the computerized storage racks that allows the user to scan barcode labeled specimens and place them in the rack as directed by the computer, using LED, proximity switches and computer technology. In addition the rack'"'"'s are stored in refrigeration/freezer units that connect the racks to a network and allow the racks to synchronize its database with the main storage server, using standard network wired or wireless technology. Specimen retrieval can occur at the computerized rack, individual storage units, or the main database server.

Claims

1. Spec-Trac storage system contains the following components, computerized storage racks, that can connect to a network. Storage racks communicate back to a main database server using standard wired or wireless networking technology. The refrigeration/freezer storage units store the racks while not being actively used, utilizing CAT5 and RJ45 connections back to an on-board switch that connects to a Local Area Network using standard wired, or wireless network technology. The main database storage server will utilize standard computing technology (wired or wireless) to communicate, and store specimen location information within the racks. In addition each storage unit will contain an adequate power stripe to power each computerized rack stored in the refrigeration/freezer units. See FIG. (01, 02, 03, 04, 07)

2. Networked computerized specimen racks will allow users to readily store barcode specimens:

FIG. (03, 04, 05)

a. Each slot in the rack will have a corresponding LED and Proximity switch. The LED'"'"'s will be wired in parallel, connected to a relay boards that, communicates with and is controlled by existing computer technology. Using existing technology, a barcode reader connected to the rack using a standard USB connector, will scan a barcode, the system will light the LED corresponding to the next available slot in the rack, which directs the user to place the specimen in the illuminated slot.

The Proximity switch will allow the computer to determine slot availability.

b. The on board computer will store the barcode number and slot position. If the rack is connected to a network at the work area via a RJ45 connection or wireless interface, it will communicate that information to the main database server real-time. If not connected to a network, the on board computer will synchronize with the main database server, once the rack is returned to the storage unit, and connected via a RJ45 network connection.

c. The Racks will have unique internal slot identification numbers, each rack will have a unique IP address, and each rack will be assigned to specific organization section (i.e. chemistry, or Hematology department). The racks will be assigned to specific storage units, but not specific shelves within the storage unit.

3. Spec-Trac will allow users to quickly retrieve specimens from the system from multiple access points. FIG. (01 thru 07)

a. When the computerized racks are deployed in a work area the user will be able to retrieve specimens utilizing a keypad attached to the rack via a standard USB connector. By keying in a partial or whole barcode number, the on board computer will light the LED(s) that correspond to the number entered.

b. Using a software client that communicates with the main database server, via a standard PC, a user can enter a partial or whole barcode number at a workstation, and the corresponding LED(s) will light across multiple racks.

c. When a specimen(s) is removed from a rack(s) the proximity switch at the bottom of each rack will reset the slot to an open or available status.

4. Spec-Trac will allow for efficient database storage and maintenance. FIG. 07

a. When a rack is removed from a storage unit, all the user has to do is dump the samples out of the rack;

the proximity switch will reset the slots to an open or available status and purge the barcodes associated with the corresponding slots.

b. When the rack is either connected to a LAN using an RJ45 connection or returned to the storage unit (refrigerator) at the end of use, the rack will synchronize with the main database server.

c. Each rack will contain a local database, and the main database server will contain a duplicate copy of that data for redundancy.

d. When wireless interface cards are used, the racks will update the main database server real-time when the specimens are removed or added.

e. When specimen(s) is retrieved from a rack, and need to be returned the user must scan the specimen again to return it to a rack.

5. Spec-Trac will allow users to decontaminate rack between each use. The Rack'"'"'s can be separated from the electronic base, in turn allowing the user to apply:

FIG. (04, 05, 06)

a. Decontamination solutions that do not interact with the composite material of the rack.

b. The electronic rack base containing the LED'"'"'s, proximity switches, relay boards, and computer components are sealed. This will all users to wipe the base down with a decontamination solutions, but not submerge.

6. The Spec Trac electronic base is modular to allow replacement of any malfunctioning part. FIG. (03,04,05)

a. The LED'"'"'s, switches, relay board(s), computer board(s), and USB connectors will be readily modular to allow quick replacement.