Sample identification utilizing RFID tags
First Claim
1. A sample handling apparatus comprising:
- a robotic assembly comprising a movable member;
a sample probe device mounted to and movable with the movable member, the sample probe device comprising a sample probe;
a sample container accessible by the sample probe and comprising a first structure including an open end and enclosing an interior, a second structure mounted to the first structure at the open end, and an RFID tag positioned near the open end; and
an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the movable member, whereby the RF transceiver antenna is movable into proximity with the RFID tag for communicating therewith.
5 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A sample container may include an open end, a closure member, a cap, and an RFID tag. The RFID tag may be positioned near the open end and includes a code uniquely identifying an analytical sample contained in the container structure. A sample handling apparatus may operate with one or more sample containers. The sample handling apparatus may include a robotic assembly for moving a sample probe device and a sample probe supported by a guide of the sample probe device. An RF transceiver antenna may be mounted to the guide for communicating with the RFID tag of the sample container. The sample probe device is moved into proximity with a sample container to read a code stored by an RFID tag attached to the sample container, whereby a sample contained in the sample container can be uniquely identified. The code can be associated with additional information relating to the identified sample.
131 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A sample handling apparatus comprising:
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a robotic assembly comprising a movable member; a sample probe device mounted to and movable with the movable member, the sample probe device comprising a sample probe; a sample container accessible by the sample probe and comprising a first structure including an open end and enclosing an interior, a second structure mounted to the first structure at the open end, and an RFID tag positioned near the open end; and an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the movable member, whereby the RF transceiver antenna is movable into proximity with the RFID tag for communicating therewith. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for uniquely identifying an object, comprising:
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moving a sample probe device comprising an RF transceiver antenna and a sample probe into proximity with a sample container, which includes a first structure enclosing an interior and having an open end, and a second structure mounted to the first structure at the open end; and using the RF transceiver antenna to read a code stored by an RFID tag mounted to the first structure and includes an RF transmitting component coaxially disposed about a central axis of the first structure, whereby the object can be identified from the code. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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19. A sample container comprising:
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a first structure extending along a central axis, the first structure enclosing an interior and including an open end; a second structure mounted to the first structure at the open end; and an RFID tag including an RF transmitting component annularly disposed about the central axis. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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25. A sample container comprising:
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a container structure extending along a central axis and having an open end; a cap mounted to the container structure at the open end and including a closure member isolating the container structure from an environment external to the cap, the cap having an aperture located at the central axis and providing access to the closure member from the external environment; and an RFID tag including an RF transmitting component substantially centered about the central axis.
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Specification