U.S. patent number 3,680,967 [Application Number 05/072,743] was granted by the patent office on 1972-08-01 for self-locating sample receptacle having integral identification label.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Technicon Instruments Corporation. Invention is credited to Alvin Engelhardt.
United States Patent |
3,680,967 |
Engelhardt |
August 1, 1972 |
SELF-LOCATING SAMPLE RECEPTACLE HAVING INTEGRAL IDENTIFICATION
LABEL
Abstract
A liquid sample receptacle includes an integral label portion
carrying machine-readable indicia identifying the sample source and
located substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of a cup
portion. The sample receptacle is structured with respect to the
turntable unit to properly align the machine-readable indicia for
automatic readout.
Inventors: |
Engelhardt; Alvin (Nanuet,
NY) |
Assignee: |
Technicon Instruments
Corporation (Tarrytown, NY)
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Family
ID: |
22109486 |
Appl.
No.: |
05/072,743 |
Filed: |
September 14, 1970 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
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830059 |
Jun 3, 1969 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
356/246; 422/915;
73/864.91; 235/487; 235/454; 422/64 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N
35/04 (20130101); B01L 3/5453 (20130101); G01N
35/00732 (20130101); G01N 35/025 (20130101); G01N
2035/00772 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
B01L
3/14 (20060101); G01N 35/04 (20060101); G01N
35/02 (20060101); G01N 35/00 (20060101); G01n
001/10 (); G01n 001/00 (); G06k 007/00 () |
Field of
Search: |
;73/423A,53,425.2
;356/102-104,208,244,246 ;250/218 ;23/292 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Wibert; Ronald L.
Assistant Examiner: McGraw; V. P.
Parent Case Text
This Application is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No.
830,059 filed June 3, 1969now abandoned.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. In a liquid sample receptacle for support by a tray, the
combination, comprising: a normally upwardly directed vertically
elongated cup portion open at the top and having a side wall
structure, an upwardly arranged vertically elongated plate-like
label portion spaced outwardly from a portion of said side wall
structure and having the vertical axis thereof substantially
parallel to the vertical axis of said cup portion, said label
portion having a surface thereof adapted to carry machine-readable
indicia which indicia identifies the source of the contents of said
cup portion, and a connector portion interconnecting said cup
portion and said label portion, said connector portion lying in a
plane substantially perpendicular to said vertical axes of said cup
portion and said label portion and having an outer margin spaced
outwardly from said side wall structure, said label portion being
fixedly supported from said outer margin of said connector
portion.
2. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein: said
label portion has the upper margin thereof fixed to said outer
margin of said connector portion.
3. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said
label portion is supported from said connector portion in depending
relation thereto, and said label portion has a face thereof
opposing said side wall structure of said cup portion and
engageable with a vertical surface portion of said tray.
4. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein the
lower extremity of said label portion lies in the same horizontal
plane as the lower extremity of said cup portion, the lower
extremity of said cup portion being structured to rest on a table
surface, and said label portion providing additional support to
said cup portion when resting on such table surface.
5. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said
cup portion has intermediate its upper and lower extremities a
circumferentially arranged annular shoulder on the exterior of said
side wall structure.
6. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said
connector portion is wedge-shaped and collars said cup portion, and
said label portion is arcuate in horizontal cross section.
7. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein said
label portion is curved inwardly toward said cup portion in a
direction transversely of said label portion, said label portion
being joined to said connector portion along one of its curved
edges.
8. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 1, wherein: said
label portion and said cup portion are inter-connected adjacent
their upper extremities by said connector portion, the lower
extremities of said cup portion and said label portion being
relatively inclined slightly toward each other, and said connector
portion and said label portion being resiliently supported from
said cup portion.
9. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 2, wherein said
face of said label portion has a plurality of tray-engaging ribs
thereon.
10. A liquid sample receptacle as defined in claim 9, wherein said
ribs are two in number and are vertically arranged in laterally
spaced-apart position.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention.
The invention relates to automatic apparatus for the quantitative
analysis of liquid samples and, more particularly, to a liquid
sample receptacle for introducing liquids to be analyzed to said
apparatus, such receptacle having an integral portion bearing
machine-readable coded indicia identifying the sample source.
2. Background of the Invention.
In the prior art, numerous apparatuses have been described for the
automatic quantitive analysis of liquid samples, for example, in
the L. T. Skeggs U.S. Pat. No. 2,797,149, issued on June 25, 1957,
and the L. T. Skeggs et al. U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,432, issued on Mar.
22, 1966. In such apparatuses, different liquid samples to be
analyzed for one or more constituents of interest are located in
individual sample receptacles which are positioned on a turntable
unit. The turntable unit is indexed to allow the liquid samples to
be aspirated successively and directed to analysis apparatus as a
continuous stream, generally segmented by an immiscible, inert
fluid, either liquid or gas. The samples are treated individually
with particular reagents and, subsequently, directed to an analysis
apparatus wherein the concentration of a particular constituent of
interest is determined, for example, colorimetrically,
spectrochemically, etc.
In such apparatuses, the individual liquid samples being analyzed
are essentially visually indistinguishable and, hence, a
sample-source relationship is non-existent. It is essential,
however, that proper identity of the individual liquid samples be
correlated with respect to the sample source such as a patient.
Without such correlation, automatic and continuous analysis of
liquid samples cannot be practical, and the analyst would be forced
to revert to slower and, often, less reliable manual processes,
wherein the sample-source relationship is maintained. Generally, to
effect such correlation, each sample receptacle is identified by a
sample identification card, attached either to the sample
receptacle, per se, or to the sample receptacle holder on the
turntable unit. Each identification card carries machine-readable
coded indicia identifying the sample source, and is readout, in
turn, by automatic means as the turntable unit is indexed, the
readout information being correlated with the analysis results.
However, the attachment or positioning of sample identification
cards was manually performed. Great care was required of the
analyst to insure that each was accurately positioned and properly
aligned with respect to the automatic readout means. Misalignment,
or misregistration, of an identification card would result in
improper identification of the corresponding liquid sample. In the
prior art to date, there has been much effort directed to the
problem of sample identification, both with respect to insuring a
completely reliable system and, also, reducing the manual effort
involved.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, an object of this invention is to provide positive
sample identification in automatic analysis apparatuses.
Another object of this invention is to provide, in automatic
analysis apparatuses, for the positive alignment of
machine-readable coded information identifying a sample source
concurrently with the positioning of a sample container on a
turntable unit.
Another object of this invention is to provide a liquid sample
receptacle including an integral label portion supporting
machine-readable indicia identifying the sample source.
A further object of this invention is to provide a liquid sample
receptacle including an integral label portion supporting
machine-readable indicia and which is self-aligning with respect to
automatic readout means.
A still further object of this invention is to provide a liquid
sample receptacle of particular structure which is self-aligning
and self-retaining when positioned on an indexable turntable
unit.
Still another object is to provide a liquid sample receptacle
including a holder having an integral label portion carrying
identifying indicia, which holder removably receives for support
thereby a cuvette containing the liquid sample.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the sample receptacle comprises an elongated tubular cup
portion, either of cylindrical, oblong, or rectangular
cross-section, and a curved label portion, the respective
longitudinal axes being substantially parallel. The label portion
is integral with the cup portion along a planar connector portion
shaped as an annular section. The connector portion collars the cup
portion, and is joined along its longer curved edge to the label
portion. The connector portion and, also, the label portion are
dimensioned such that the respective edges thereof abut
corresponding edges of sample receptacles when properly positioned
on an indexable turntable unit. Accordingly, the surfaces of the
respective label portions, which support machine-readable coded
indicia, define a cylindrical shape, each unit surface area being
spaced a proper distance, when indexed, from stationary readout
means, positioned adjacent to the turntable unit. Also, abutment of
the corresponding edges insures proper axial alignment of the coded
indicia with respect to the readout means.
Further, the turntable unit is structured so as to be engaged
between the cup and label portions of each sample receptacle. The
turntable arrangement includes an annular rim portion and, also, an
aperture for receiving the cup portion of a positioned sample
receptacle. The cup and label portions of each sample receptacle
are spaced so as to clasp the rim portion of the turntable
arrangement to provide alignment and stability. Also, when a sample
receptacle is properly positioned, its connector portion rests on
the upper edge of the rim portion to insure proper vertical
alignment of the coded indicia with respect to the readout
means.
FIG. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C show a top view, full sectional view and a
front view, respectively, of a liquid sample receptacle according
to the present invention.
FIG. 2A shows a partial-sectioned side view of a turntable unit
supporting a plurality of liquid sample receptacles as would be
employed in an automatic analysis apparatus, which apparatus is
illustrated in block form.
FIG. 2B is a partial top view of the turntable unit of FIG. 2A.
FIG. 3A is a view similar to FIG. 1A illustrating a modification of
the sample receptacle.
FIG. 3B is a partially exploded view similar to FIG. 1B further
illustrating the modification.
FIG. 3C is a view similar to FIG. 1C further illustrating the
modification.
FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3B illustrating still another
modification of the sample receptacle.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring to FIGS. 1A - 1C, the sample receptacle 1 includes an
elongated cylindrical cup portion 3, formed of plastic or other
suitable inert material, having an inverted conical bottom 5 raised
slightly above lower extremity 7. Conical bottom 5 insures that
substantially the entire liquid sample contained in cup portion 3
can be aspirated, as hereinafter described.
A connector portion 9 is attached to and collars cup portion 3
slightly below its upper extremity 11. Connector portion 9 can be
formed of a flat sheet of any appropriate rigid material, e.g., a
plastic, and includes an aperture 13 for receiving cup portion 3.
As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, connector portion 9 is preferably
shaped as an annular section, cup portion 3 being received in the
narrower end portion. Also, connector portion 9 is joined along its
entire wider curved edge 15 to label portion 17, the latter being
supported substantially parallel with respect to the longitudinal
axis of cup portion 3. Label portion 17 can be formed of a same
material as connector portion 9, whereby sample receptacle 1 could
be formed as a unitary structure, for example, by moulding. As
shown, label portion 17 extends downwardly and terminates in the
plane of the lower extremity 7 of cup portion 3. Accordingly, when
the sample cup 1 is positioned on a flat surface, its stability is
greatly increased.
Label portion 17 is slightly curved, as shown in FIG. 1A, for
reasons hereinafter explained, the outer surface supporting coded
indicia identifying the source individual from whom a contained
sample was taken. A two-out-of-five binary code with parity check
is shown, the binary quantities being arranged in parallel by
bit-serial by character fashion and indicated by the presence or
absence, respectively, of a binary notation, herein represented as
a color discontinuity suitable for optical readout. For example,
the coded indicia can be printed on a paper label 18 which is
affixed to the outer surface of label portion 17. Alternatively,
the binary quantities could be indicated by the presence or absence
of a surface discontinuity, for example, a recess bump or hole, so
as to be suitable for mechanical readout. To assit the technician,
the decimal equivalent of the binary notations can be provided on
label portion.
Also, label portion 17 includes on its inner surface a pair of
longitudinal ribs 21. Additionally, cup portion 3 includes an
annular shoulder 23 along an intermediate portion.
Ribs 21 and shoulder 23, as hereinafter described, insure alignment
of the coded indicia during readout. It will be obvious that ribs
21 and shoulder 23 can be used individually to insure such
alignment.
As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, a plurality of sample receptacles are
positioned on a turntable unit 25. Turntable unit 25 is mounted on
drive shaft 27, which is coupled to a drive motor 29 through a
Geneva-type gearing arrangement 31. Gearing arrangement 31
intermittantly indexes turntable unit 25 to successively position
each sample receptacle 1 with respect to sample probe 33. Also,
motor 29 is coupled to a drive arrangement 35 which functions to
move probe 33 (FIG. 2A) into and out of cup portion 3, as indicated
in phantom and by the arrows. The movement of probe 33 is
synchronized with the rotation of turntable unit 25, such that the
probe is withdrawn while the turntable unit is indexed and immersed
in a juxtaposed sample receptacle during the dwell time of the
turntable unit. Mechanisms of this type are known in the art and
have been described, for example, in the Jack Isreeli U.S. Pat. No.
3,038,340, issued on June 12, 1962, and the E. B. M. de Jong U.S.
Pat. No. 3,134,263, issued on May 26, 1964.
Probe 33 is connected along a sample tube 37 to the automatic
apparatus 39 for performing a number of analyses of each liquid
sample. For example, such apparatus has been shown and described in
U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,432, supra, probe 33 and sample tube 37
corresponding to take-off device 18 and conduit 12 shown in such
patent. Apparatus 39 includes a peristaltic pump, not shown, which
is connected along sample tube 37 to probe 33 whereby liquid sample
is aspirated from a sample receptacle 1 while probe 33 is immersed
within the sample contained in cup portion 3; air is aspirated
while probe 33 is withdrawn from cup portion 3 and turntable unit
25 is being indexed. Accordingly, a continuous flow of liquid
samples, each sample separated, or being segmented, by an air
bubble is directed along sample tube 37 to the apparatus 39. As
fully described in the U.S. Pat. No. 3,241,432, supra, each liquid
sample, in turn, is individually reacted and treated and,
subsequently, analyzed to ascertain the quantity of particular
constituents of interest under test. The results of such analysis
are directed to recorder 41, wherein a permanent record of the
analysis results is provided. However, these analysis results must
be correlated with the identify of the sample source, otherwise
they are meaningless or misleading.
Positive correlation of the analysis results recorded by recorder
41 is achieved in accordance with this invention by insuring
positive alignment of the identifying coded indicia on each sample
receptacle 1 with respect to the readout means 43. Positive
alignment is insured by the related structural features of sample
receptacle 1 and turntable 25, as particularly shown in FIGS. 2A
and 2B. As shown, turntable unit 25 includes an annular rim portion
45 integral with disc portion 47, which is attached to drive shaft
27. A circular row of holes 49, each dimensioned to receive a cup
portion 3, is defined in disc portion 47. The spacings between
adjacent holes 49 are such that, when sample receptacles 1 are
positioned on adjacent holes, the edges of the respective connector
portions 9 and label portions 17 are abutting. Also, rim portion 45
is dimensioned to be received and clasped between the cup portion 3
and label portion 17 of a sample receptacle 1. To this end, label
portion 17 is slightly inclined inwardly, say 1.degree. or more, to
insure a slight pressure being applied between the outer surface of
rim 45 and the adjacent wall surface of hole 49, whereby a sample
receptacle 1 is retained in fixed position on turntable unit 25.
Alternatively, the cross-section of rim portion 45 can be truncated
whereby the lower dimension is slightly greater than the spacing
between ribs 21 and the outer surface of the lower extremity 7 of
cup portion 3 to achieve a same result.
Also, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, that particular structures of
connector portions 9 and label portions 17, of adjacent sample
receptacles 1 are dimensioned to abut along their adjacent edges.
Preferably, connector portion 9 is formed in an annular section
would subtend an angle .theta. having its origin at the center of
turntable unit 25, where .theta. = 360.degree. /n, n being the
maximum number of sample receptacles 1 to be supported. Also, the
centers of adjacent holes 49 and, also, each label portion 17
subtend a same angle .theta.. To position a sample receptacle 1
onto turntable unit 25, the analyst would introduce the receptacle
downwardly onto rim portion 45 in such a fashion as to increase the
spacing between label portion 17 and of cup portion 3. At this
time, rib portions 21 would be rubbed along the outer surface of
rim portion 45 which removes any particulates from such surface and
insures a close contact therebetween. When sample receptacle 1 is
positioned, rim portion 45 is firmly clasped due to the resiliency
of label portion 17 and cup portion 3 to retain the sample
receptacle 1 in position. Also, by applying a slight downward
pressure to connector portion 9, such portion is forced to rest
upon the upper edge surface of rim portion 45 and, also, shoulder
23 on the corresponding cup portion 3 is forced to rest upon disc
portion 47 to vertically align the label 18 affixed to portion 17.
As adjacent sample receptacles 1 are positioned on turntable 25,
abutment of the edges of the respective connector portion 9 and
label portions 17 insures that such vertical alignment along with
an axial alignment is achieved. Finally, a cover plate 51 having a
circular row of holes 53 is positioned over turntable unit 25 to
insure that the alignment of the sample receptacles 1 is
maintained. The upper extremity 11 of each cup portion 3 is
accessible through a corresponding hole 53 in cover plate 51 to
allow for the aspiration of the liquid sample.
While the connector portions 9 have been illustrated and described
as formed in annular sections and, also, label portions 17 have
been described as being curved, alternative structures are
possible. For example, a connector portion can be formed in a
rectangular geometry, raised guide portions, for example, of a
substantial triangular geometry being provided on the upper edge of
rim portion 45 to position the corresponding cup receptacle. Also,
label portions 17 can be formed in planar fashion, the ribs 21
being provided to compensate for the curvature of rim portion 45;
also, the rim portion could be polygonal, having a planar surface
corresponding to each sample receptacle to be positioned on
turntable unit 25.
As turntable unit 25 is indexed by gearing arrangement 31, each
sample receptacle 1 is positioned, in turn, with respect to probe
33, whereby a portion of the liquid sample is aspirated and
directed to apparatus 39, and subsequently advanced to pass the
label portion 17 by optical readout apparatus 43. Printout of the
coded indicia on label portion 17 is effected by buffer-printer 59
a finite time subsequent to sample aspiration, such time being
equal to that time required for the corresponding sample to be
passed through apparatus 39 and analyzed whereby the graphical
analysis results and the identification is provided concurrently to
recorder 41. This time can be determined by the location of the
readout means 43 with respect to probe 33 or, alternatively, by
providing for a temporary information storage in buffer-printer
59.
Since an optical readout is described, readout is effected during
indexing of turntable unit 25, i.e., while 33 is removed. As shown
in FIG. 2A each of the columns of binary notations, each
representing a particular binary word, is illuminated by an
individual pencil-beam light source, generally indicated as 55. The
binary bits, represented by a coded pattern of elongated dark marks
19 as shown in FIG. 1C, in each individual rows are illuminated as
turntable unit 25 is indexed, the intensity of each reflected light
beam being modulated according to the passage of a dark mark
indicating a particular binary quantity. The reflected modulated
light beam from sources 55 are detected by a bank of photocells,
generally indicated as 57, one such photocell corresponding to each
binary bit. A light shield 61 can be provided to shield the
photocell from stray light. Readout is effected parallel by
bit-serial by character, corresponding information bit slots in
each binary word being vertically aligned. The respective outputs
of the photocells 57 are directed to a buffer-printer unit 59,
which has the capacity to store the binary information and, in
turn, to print the corresponding decimal number, also shown on
label portion 17, on the permanent record being made by recorder
41. Printing of the decimal number is effected concurrently with
the recording of the analysis results, whereby correlation
therebetween is achieved. Such techniques are well known in the art
and are described, for example, in the M. H. Pelavin U.S. Pat. No.
3,419,879, issued on Dec. 31, 1968. In such patent, readout is
effected mechanically by the sensing of coded notches located on
the edges of a sample identification card which is physically
attached to the liquid sample receptacle. Alternatively, sample
receptacles 1 and, also, the output of readout means 43 can be
identified in ascending numerical sequence and subsequently
correlated. The particular structures of sample receptacles 1 and
turntable unit 25 positively assure alignment of label portions 19
within the vertical and axial tolerances of the readout beam
whereby accurate sample identification is achieved.
While the receptacle 1 shown in FIGS. 1A-2B may be a unitary
structure, the modification illustrated in FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is
not such a unitary structure. The modified form includes a cup
portion 70 generally similar to the cup portion 3 previously
described but having a different bottom configuration, as best
shown in FIG. 3B, wherein the bottom is shown as substantially flat
and having an opening 71 extending upwardly therethrough. The cup
portion 70 receives a removable tube or cuvette as will be
explained in detail hereinafter. If desired, the bottom of the cup
portion 70 may be closed.
A connector portion 72 similar to the previously described
connector portion 9 is attached to and collars the cup portion 70
below its upper extremity. Connector portion 72 is joined along its
entire wider curved edge to label portion 73, similar to label
portion 17. The cup portion 70 extends below the label portion 73.
A label 74, as of paper, similar to label 18, is afixed to the
label portion 73 in a similar manner and bears, in addition to
other indicia similar to the indicia 19, an identification number
indicating the source of the sample. The cup portion 70 has a
circumferential shoulder 76 intermediate of its ends similar to the
shoulder 23. It serves the same function.
Above the connector portion 72, the cup portion 70 is provided with
a series of upwardly extending circumferentially extending fingers
78 which may be formed as an integral part thereof, the fingers 78
being spaced from one another. At their upper extremities the
fingers 78 are each provided with a transverse rib 80 located on
the inner surface thereof, that is, the surface facing toward the
center line of the cup portion 70.
The sample receptacle receives in the cup portion 70 thereof
through the upper end a tube 82 closed at the bottom to support a
liquid sample, the tube being open at the top in the conditions
shown in FIGS. 3A and 3C. The tube 82 is of an outer diameter
approaching that of the inner diameter of the lower part of the cup
portion 70 and sufficiently larger than the aperture 71 so that the
tube, which may have a rounded bottom extending into the opening 71
will not pass therethrough. The diameter of the tube 82 is also
slightly greater than that of the interrupted ring formed by the
ribs 80 on the fingers 78, so that the distal ends of the fingers
are sprung slightly laterally outwardly as the tube 82 is thrust
into the cup portion 70. Hence it will be understood that the
fingers 78 have a tube-retaining function once the tube 82 is
assembled with the cup portion 70. The fingers 78, which as
previously indicated may be formed of plastic material, are
sufficiently resilient to bear against the tube 82 to hold the tube
in assembled condition, even in the event that the assembly is
inverted with a sample maintained captive therein.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the tube 82, which may be termed a cuvette and
resembles a laboratory test tube, may be provided with a removable
stopper or plug 83 formed of a resilient material which may form a
tight seal in the mouth of the tube 82. The plug 83 may be formed
of rubber-like material.
In practice the tube 82 and stopper 83 may form parts of a blood
collection system or device sold under the trademark "Vacutainer"
wherein the atmosphere is evacuated from the tube 82 after the plug
83 is assembled, and blood is collected directly into the tube 82
from a patient by the use of a needle and needle holder known and
used in a conventional manner. After the sample has been flowed
into the tube 82 or prior thereto, an identifying sticker 84
forming a label portion is applied directly to the tube 82 in the
manner shown and bears digital information corresponding to the
digital information on the label portion 74. It will be appreciated
from the foregoing that the tube 82 is not assembled with the
holder portion of the sample receptacle shown in FIG. 3A until
after the sample has been collected in the tube 82.
It will also be appreciated from the foregoing that the sample
receptacle shown in the last-mentioned view has other uses apart
from that just described, that is, the holder portion thereof may
receive an ordinary test tube open at the top into which a sample
is poured at atmospheric pressure. In the last-mentioned case there
may be no need to employ a stopper such as that shown at 83. The
stopper may be omitted entirely. It will be evident that the
stopper, if provided, must be removed before sample may be
aspirated from the sample holder in the manner shown in FIG.
2A.
The sample receptacle of FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C is assembled to a
turntable unit in the same manner as the sample receptacle 1 and
cooperates therewith in the same manner.
The sample receptacle of FIG. 4 is very similar to the sample
receptacle 3A and differs mainly in that it is adapted for use on a
turntable to centrifuge a sample contained therein, which turntable
may later be used in the manner shown in FIG. 2A for aspiration of
a sample from the receptacle. The use of a single turntable for
both centrifuging of a sample and subsequent aspiration of the
sample from the sample receptacle while on the turntable forms no
part of the present invention and is separately described and
claimed in application Ser. No. 70, 199, filed Sept. 8, 1970,
assigned to the Assignee of this invention.
In the form of FIG. 4, the cup portion 85 of the receptacle is
similar to the cup portion 70 and the label portion 86 is similar
to the label portion 73. A connector portion 87 is provided which
is generally similar to the connector portion 72 except that it is
provided with an extension 88 which, when the receptacle is mounted
on a turntable, extends in a direction towards the center of the
turntable beyond the cup portion 85. The extension 88 has a
downward flange 89 thereon which together with the extension 88
forms a hook-like member, as shown in FIG. 4, to receive and swing
about a pivot member 90 so that the sample receptacle may swing on
a horizontal axis (in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in
FIG. 4) as in a conventional centrifuge. Though the details of the
turntable supporting the pivot member 90 are not shown in this
view, it will be understood that the receptacle cooperates
therewith in a manner similar to that described with reference to
the sample receptacle of FIG. 1A to maintain the sample receptacle
(to prevent swing movement in a clockwise direction as viewed in
FIG. 4) in substantially vertical position when a sample is not
being centrifuged but is being aspirated from the sample receptacle
and when indicia is read from the label portion 86.
While several forms of the sample receptacle have been shown in the
drawings and described above it will be apparent to those versed in
the art that the sample receptacle is susceptible of taking other
forms and that changes may be made in details without departing
from the principles of the invention.
* * * * *