Sample identification utilizing RFID tags

Abstract

A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader may include a body including a proximal end region, an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the body at the proximal end region, and an RF shield mounted to the body and extending beyond the proximal end region. The RF shield defines an interior space between the body and an open end of the RF shield, and surrounds the antenna. Alternatively, or additionally, a holder of sample containers may provide an RF shield. The reader may be moved into position over a sample container to enable communication between the antenna and an RFID tag associated with the sample container. The RF shield provides isolation from neighboring sample containers.

1 . A radio frequency identification (RFID) reader, comprising: 
 a body including a proximal end region;    an RF transceiver antenna mounted to the body at the proximal end region; and    an RF shield mounted to the body and extending out from the body beyond the proximal end region to an open end of the RF shield, the RF shield defining an interior space between the body and the open end, wherein the antenna is surrounded by the RF shield.    
   
   
       2 . The reader of  claim 1 , comprising a sample probe device, the sample probe device including the body and a sample probe.  
   
   
       3 . The reader of  claim 1 , further comprising a robotic device communicating with the body for moving the body.  
   
   
       4 . The reader of  claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the RF shield is movable relative to the body.  
   
   
       5 . A sample holder, comprising: 
 an RF shield including a plurality of walls defining a plurality of interior spaces; and    a sample container positioned in at least one of the interior spaces, the sample container including a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag surrounded by one or more of the walls.    
   
   
       6 . The sample holder of  claim 5 , wherein the sample container includes a first structure including an open end enclosing a container interior, and a second structure mounted to the first structure at the open end, and the RFID tag is positioned near the open end.  
   
   
       7 . The sample holder of  claim 6 , wherein the RFID tag is attached to the first structure.  
   
   
       8 . The sample holder of  claim 6 , wherein the RFID tag is attached to the second structure.  
   
   
       9 . The sample holder of  claim 6 , wherein the RFID tag is positioned in off-center relation to a central axis passing through the open end.  
   
   
       10 . The sample holder of  claim 6 , wherein at least a portion of the RFID tag is positioned coaxially about a central axis passing through the open end.  
   
   
       11 . A radio frequency identification (RFID) apparatus, comprising: 
 an RFID reader including an RF transceiver antenna;    a sample container including an RFID tag; and    an RF shield defining an interior space between the reader and the container,    wherein the antenna and the RFID tag are surrounded by the RF shield.    
   
   
       12 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the RF shield is mounted to the reader.  
   
   
       13 . The apparatus of  claim 11 , wherein the sample container is positioned in the interior space.  
   
   
       14 . A method for identifying an object, comprising: 
 moving a reader, including a radio frequency (RF) transceiver antenna, into proximity with a sample container whereby the antenna can communicate with a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag of the sample container; and    surrounding the antenna and the RFID tag with an RF shield such that the antenna and RFID tag are isolated from an environment external to the RF shield.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the RF shield is attached to the reader and defines an interior space in which the antenna is located, and surrounding includes moving the reader toward the sample container such that the RFID tag becomes located within the interior space.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the RFID tag is located in an interior space defined by the RF shield, and surrounding includes moving the reader toward the sample container such that the antenna becomes located within the interior space.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising using the antenna to read a code stored by the RFID tag whereby the sample container or a sample contained in the sample container can be identified  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 17  further comprising, after reading the code, associating the code with information relating to the identified sample container or sample.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , further comprising using the antenna to determine whether the sample container is present at a selected location.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the sample container is a target sample container positioned proximate to one or more neighboring sample containers including respective RFID tags, and the method further comprises establishing communication between the antenna and the RFID tag of the target sample container without interference from RFID tags of the one or more neighboring sample containers.  
   
   
       21 . A sample container, comprising: 
 a container structure extending along a central axis, the container structure enclosing an interior and including an open end;    a first cap mounted to the container structure at the open end and having a first aperture located at the central axis;    a second cap mounted to the first cap and having a second aperture aligned with the first aperture along the central axis; and    an RFID tag mounted at the second cap in off-center relation to the central axis.    
   
   
       22 . The container of  claim 21 , further including a closure member mounted at the open end, whereby the interior is isolated from an environment external to the container structure and the first and second apertures provide access to the closure member.