Tracking Biological and Other Samples Using RFID Tags

• US 20110199187A1
• Filed: 02/14/2011
• Published: 08/18/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: BioTillion, LLC
• Original Assignee: BioTillion, LLC
• Inventors: Davidowitz, Hananel
• Granted Patent: US 8,872,627 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/10.1
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 2300/022 Transponder chips
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/508 rigid containers not provided for above
• CPC Class Codes: B01L 3/545 for laboratory containers

Abstract

RFID tags are affixed to vials used to store samples, such as biological samples stored in liquid nitrogen dewars or mechanical freezers. In one set of embodiments, an RFID tag is inserted into a recess at the bottom of a vial and held in place by an insert that engages with vial structure. In another set of embodiments, the RFID tag is retained in the recess by directly engaging with the vial structure and without using a separate insert. Mechanisms for keeping the insert and/or tag in place include tabs that gouge into the vial material, clips that allow the insert/tag to be inserted, but not removed, and holes in the side wall of the vial recess that receive tabs extending from the insert/tag. Tag-insertion techniques enable tags to be affixed to vials either before or after insertion of the sample, thereby enabling retrofitting of existing sample-storing vials with tags.

Claims

1. An RFID tag/vial assembly comprising:

a vial having (i) an upper enclosure for storing a sample and (ii) recess-defining material defining a lower recess located below a bottom surface of the upper enclosure; and

an RFID tag located within the recess, wherein the assembly comprises tag-retaining structure for retaining the RFID tag within the recess.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag/vial assembly and the vial have substantially identical heights and diameters.

3. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag has a top surface whose shape corresponds to the shape of the bottom surface of the vial'"'"'s upper enclosure.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tag-retaining structure comprises a retainer (e.g., 103) that engages the recess-defining material, such that the RFID tag is located between the retainer and the bottom surface of the vial'"'"'s upper enclosure.

5. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the retainer comprises one or more tabs (e.g., 104, 213) that gouge into the recess-defining material.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the retainer further comprises one or more protrusions (e.g., 105) that fit within grooves (e.g., 108) in the recess-defining material.

7. The assembly of claim 5, wherein the retainer further comprises one or more openings (e.g., 106) that allow fluid to flow out from the recess.

8. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the recess-defining material comprises one or more clips (e.g., 231, 241, 261) that allow the retainer to be inserted into the recess and then prevent the retainer from being removed from the recess.

9. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more clips are outer clips (e.g., 231, 261).

10. The assembly of claim 9, wherein the recess-defining material further comprises one or more inner guides (e.g., 263) such that the RFID tag is washer-shaped.

11. The assembly of claim 8, wherein the one or more clips are inner clips (e.g., 241) such that the RFID tag is washer-shaped.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the recess-defining material further comprises one or more stops (e.g., 243).

13. The assembly of claim 4, wherein the retainer comprises one or more tabs (e.g., 251) positioned within corresponding holes (e.g., 253) in the recess-defining material.

14. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the recess-defining material has beveled edges (e.g., 254) that assist during the insertion of the retainer into the recess.

15. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag is retained within the recess without using a retainer.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the tag-retaining material comprises a spring (e.g., 211) surrounding the RFID tag, the spring having one or more tabs (e.g., 213) that gouge into the recess-defining material.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the spring has a gap (e.g., 214) that inhibits induced current within the spring.

18. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the recess-defining material comprises one or more clips (e.g., 231, 241, 261) that allow the RFID tag to be inserted into the recess and then prevent the RFID tag from being removed from the recess.

19. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the one or more clips are outer clips (e.g., 231, 261).

20. The assembly of claim 19, wherein the recess-defining material further comprises one or more inner guides (e.g., 263) such that the RFID tag is washer-shaped.

21. The assembly of claim 18, wherein the one or more clips are inner clips (e.g., 241) such that the RFID tag is washer-shaped.

22. The assembly of claim 21, wherein the recess-defining material further comprises one or more stops (e.g., 243).

23. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the RFID tag comprises one or more tabs (e.g., 251) positioned within corresponding holes (e.g., 253) in the recess-defining material.

24. The assembly of claim 23, wherein the recess-defining material has beveled edges (e.g., 254) that assist during the insertion of the RFID tag into the recess.

25. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the tag-retaining structure comprises a cavity (e.g., 352) having one or more vent holes (e.g., 341).

26. A method for affixing an RFID tag to an untagged vial having (i) an upper enclosure for storing a sample and (ii) recess-defining material defining a lower recess located below a bottom surface of the upper enclosure, the method comprising:

(a) placing the RFID tag within the recess; and

(b) using tag-retaining structure to retain the RFID tag within the recess.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein steps (a) and (b) are performed after inserting the sample into the upper enclosure of the untagged vial.

28. A tagged vial fabricated using the method of claim 26.

29. A tagged vial fabricated using the method of claim 27.