Apparatus and method for handling sample containers

Abstract

A sample rack includes a housing that has multiple spaces or compartments each for receiving and retaining sample containers of various sizes. The sample rack includes dual hooks on the ends for engaging a sample rack handling system. Chamfers formed in the housing of the sample rack assist in placing and removing the sample rack from a sample rack handling system. The sample tube rack also includes a handle that extends upward from one end and includes gripping features. groove and bar, incorporated into each sample rack, are able to selectively interlock with adjacent racks to assist in lifting multiple sample racks together.

1 . An apparatus for transporting one or more sample containers for sample evaluation, wherein the apparatus comprises:
 (a) a housing;   (b) a clamp insert, wherein the clamp insert is connectable to the housing and positionable within the housing, wherein the clamp insert is configured to selectively retain the one or more sample containers;   (c) a first hook formed in the housing and located at a first end of the apparatus;   (d) a second hook formed in the housing and located at a second end of the apparatus; and   (e) a base formed in the housing, wherein the base comprises one or more engagement features for moving the apparatus and thereby transporting the one or more sample containers selectively retained within the clamp insert of the apparatus.   
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert is configured to self-center the one or more sample containers within the apparatus. 
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert comprises a first arm and a second arm, wherein the first and second arms have opposing orientations, and wherein the first and second arms are configured to resiliently deflect in opposite directions. 
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein the housing further comprises one or more limiting members configured to contact the first arm and the second arm to limit a range of deflection for the first arm and the second arm. 
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert comprises a clamp having a first arm and a second arm, wherein each of the first and second arms comprises one or more guide features configured to direct one of the one or more sample containers into position within the apparatus. 
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises one or more bottom locators configured to receive the one or more sample containers, wherein each of the one or more bottom locators comprise a multi-level feature configured for centering the one or more sample containers. 
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein the multi-level feature comprises three locator areas configured to center the one or more sample containers of differing size. 
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein each locator area is configured to complement at least a portion of a bottom of a sample tube, wherein an interface is defined by the at least a portion of the bottom of the sample tube and the locator area, wherein the interface defines a common boundary between the at least a portion of the bottom of the sample tube and the locator area. 
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert defines a plurality of spaces configured to receive the one or more sample containers. 
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert further comprises a plurality of connection rings, wherein each connection ring connects with a pair of clamp arms. 
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the housing comprises one or more bores within an interior of the housing, wherein the clamp insert comprises one or more posts configured to mate with the one or more bores of the housing to secure the clamp insert within the housing. 
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert further comprises one or more stop members configured to define a minimum spacing between the clamp insert and the housing. 
     
     
         13 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein the clamp insert comprises a first extension member and a second extension member, wherein the first extension member is configured to engage with a first slot within the housing, wherein the second extension member is configured to engage with a second slot within the housing, wherein the engagement of the first and second extension members with the respective first and second slots occurs only when the clamp insert is properly aligned relative to the housing. 
     
     
         14 . An apparatus for transporting one or more sample containers for sample evaluation, wherein the apparatus comprises:
 (a) a housing comprising a plurality of spaces configured to selectively retain the one or more sample containers;   (b) a first hook formed in the housing and located at a first end of the apparatus;   (c) a second hook formed in the housing and located at a second end of the apparatus; and   (d) a base formed in the housing, wherein the base comprises one or more engagement features for moving the apparatus and thereby transporting the one or more sample containers selectively retained within the housing of the apparatus; and   (e) a handle formed in the housing and extending upward from the housing, wherein the handle is configured for lifting the apparatus.   
     
     
         15 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a plurality of cradles formed in the housing and aligned with the plurality of spaces, wherein each of the plurality of cradles is configured to hold a respective one of the one or more sample containers having a sample cup configuration. 
     
     
         16 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the first and second hooks each define a void space configured to receive a rail for supporting the apparatus, wherein the first and second hooks each comprise a first pair of chamfers and a second pair of chamfers that partially define the void space, and are configured to assist in the void space receiving the rail to support the apparatus. 
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the handle extends from the second hook, and wherein the first hook comprises an angled nose portion. 
     
     
         18 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a longitudinally extending bar positioned along one side of the housing and a longitudinally extending groove positioned along an opposite side of the housing, wherein the groove has a depth and a height that corresponds with a width and a height of the bar. 
     
     
         19 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , wherein the handle further comprises a recessed area configured to receive a label. 
     
     
         20 . The apparatus of  claim 14 , further comprising a recessed area configured to receive a label, wherein the recessed area extends continuously around a corner of the housing such that the recessed area is viewable from two sides of the housing. 
     
     
         21 . An apparatus for transporting one or more sample containers for sample evaluation, wherein the apparatus comprises:
 (a) a housing comprising a plurality of spaces configured to selectively retain the one or more sample containers;   (b) a clamp insert, wherein the clamp insert is connectable to the housing and positionable within the housing, wherein the clamp insert is configured to selectively retain the one or more sample containers;   (c) a first hook formed in the housing and located at a first end of the apparatus;   (d) a second hook formed in the housing and located at a second end of the apparatus;   (e) a base formed in the housing, wherein the base comprises one or more engagement features for moving the apparatus and thereby transporting the one or more sample containers selectively retained within the clamp insert of the apparatus; and   (f) a passage formed in the base, wherein the passage is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of spaces of the housing, wherein the passage extends continuously through the base beneath the plurality of spaces of the housing.   
     
     
         22 .- 38 . (canceled)