Sample distribution apparatus/system
First Claim
1. A sample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers of different types of container configurations, and the containers each containing a sample for pathology analysis and having an identification indicator or identifying the sample and having one unique characteristic or a unique set of characteristics by which a container type can be identified, the apparatus comprises a container handling station located in a container transfer path of the containers and having a container handler arranged for receiving the containers sequentially, the handling station including a container type identification means arranged to capture a container image or images containing said one or set of characteristics of a container received at the handling station and to analyse the captured image or images for extracting the one characteristic or set of characteristics of the received container, and to identify the container type by comparing the extracted characteristic or set of characteristics with predetermined characteristics and sets of characteristics of known container types, wherein the container type is identified when the extracted characteristic or set of characteristics match or are within a predetermined range from matching one predetermined characteristic or one set of the predetermined characteristics for a known container type.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Reexamination
Accused Products
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.
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Citations
14 Claims
- 1. A sample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers of different types of container configurations, and the containers each containing a sample for pathology analysis and having an identification indicator or identifying the sample and having one unique characteristic or a unique set of characteristics by which a container type can be identified, the apparatus comprises a container handling station located in a container transfer path of the containers and having a container handler arranged for receiving the containers sequentially, the handling station including a container type identification means arranged to capture a container image or images containing said one or set of characteristics of a container received at the handling station and to analyse the captured image or images for extracting the one characteristic or set of characteristics of the received container, and to identify the container type by comparing the extracted characteristic or set of characteristics with predetermined characteristics and sets of characteristics of known container types, wherein the container type is identified when the extracted characteristic or set of characteristics match or are within a predetermined range from matching one predetermined characteristic or one set of the predetermined characteristics for a known container type.
- 11. A sample container handling apparatus for a pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of containers for dispensing pathological samples therein for pathology analysis, each container having a closed end and an open end, the apparatus comprises hopper means having an upper container receiving section for receiving said plurality of containers and a lower guide section for guidingly delivering one or more of the containers into a plurality of holders respectively, and container alignment means arranged between the upper section and the lower section, and having a magazine with compartments, each of said compartments being configured for loading a container from said plurality of containers in the upper section, in a substantially horizontal orientation, the magazine being positionable in a manner to sequentially place said compartments over the lower guide section for releasing the containers in the compartments to fall into the guide section, the guide section being configured for aligning the containers released from the magazine from the substantially horizontal orientation to a substantially vertical orientation with the open ends positioned to receive samples when the containers are delivered to said holders.
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14. A pathology sample distribution system having a plurality of primary containers of different types and the primary containers each containing a sample for pathology analysis, and having a bar coded label affixed thereto, the system comprises:
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a container handling station primary container identification means;
the identification means including a bar code scanner arranged to sequentially scan bar coded labels on the primary containers transferred to the container handling station and an image analyser to analyse one or more characteristics of the primary container and/or the sample therein;
a capping station having primary container cap removal and replacement sample aspiration and/or dispensing means for aspirating and/or dispensing volumetrically proportions of the samples from the primary containers;
blockage detection means for detecting blockage of flow in the sample aspiration means;
means for removal of the cap on one of the primary containers for aspirating the sample therein and for recapping it with the removed cap following the aspiration;
hopper means having container alignment means for delivering secondary containers each with a closed end and an open end in a vertical orientation and with the open ends in position to receive samples to be dispensed from the aspirated samples;
secondary container sealing means arranged to seal the open end of each secondary container with a sample dispensed therein;
secondary container labelling means arranged to apply a label on each of the sealed secondary containers;
secondary container storage means for storing the secondary container with the applied label;
container conveyance means arranged to controllably transfer the primary containers and the secondary containers from the storage means;
wherein in operation each primary container containing a sample is sequentially presented to the identification means and the primary contains are accepted or rejected according to given criteria;
the identification means being arranged to reject a primary container when it fails to detect the given criteria and thereby indicating the presence of an error condition,when the given criteria are detected the cap of the primary container is removed and aliquots of the sample aspirated by the sample aspiration and/or dispensing means are dispensed into a secondary container or secondary containers which are then sealed by the container sealing means and labelled by the labelling means and placed in the storage means; and
wherebythe conveyance of the primary containers and secondary containers between operational steps is via the container conveyance means and the whole process is coordinated and controlled by a computerised laboratory information management system.
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Specification