A closure and a container assembly are disclosed. The closure includes a first visual identifier and a second visual identifier, wherein the second visual identifier is different from the first visual identifier. The first visual identifier may be a first color, and the second visual identifier may be a second color. At least one of the first and/or second visual identifier may include a fluorescent compound having a characteristic fluorescent spectra. The first visual identifier and the second visual identifier may be provided on the annular skirt of the closure. The fluorescent compound may be provided on at least one of the closure and the container assembly and can be used to facilitate automated visualization of the fluorescent compound under fluorescence excitation light.

A method of reading machine-readable marks on a movable support and object of a sample instrument. The method includes capturing a first image of the moveable support as the moveable support moves from a first position to a second position using an image capture device; determining whether a first fiducial machine-readable mark on the moveable support is in the first image; determining, when the first fiducial machine-readable mark is in the first image, whether a first machine-readable mark on a first object coupled to the moveable support is in the first image at a predetermined position relative to the first fiducial machine-readable mark; and associating information decoded from the first machine-readable mark on the first object with a first location on the moveable support associated with the first fiducial machine-readable mark.

A system is disclosed for tracking and monitoring sets of assets in or on a container using RFID-RF tags associated with the assets. The system comprises a specimen holder bin or similar container and a wireless tag affixed to the specimen holder bin. The specimen bin holder is configured to hold a plurality of assets. The wireless tag comprises a radio frequency identifier (RFID) circuit, a radio frequency (RF) circuit, a processor, a memory storing an identifier (ID) associated with the RFID circuit, and an energy source electrically connected to the RFID circuit, the RF circuit, and the processor. The wireless tag is configured to broadcast the identifier associated with the RFID circuit responsive to an interrogation signal by one or more gateways associated with the system. In some embodiments, each asset of the plurality of assets additionally comprises an RFID tag.

Vial assemblies comprising a tubular body and a flexible bottom or flexible liner are described herein, wherein the flexible bottom or liner is configured to compress at least partially upon the application of force. Methods for storing and removing frozen samples from such vial assemblies are also described herein.

The present invention relates to a system which permits securing an electronic label on a test tube. In particular, it refers to an Internet of Things (IoT) based platform for real-time remote sensing and monitoring of specimen transportation and banking. The technology is based on an interconnected smart collecting tubes and transportation box monitored with a remote digital interface, allowing real-time sample monitoring of key parameters such as sample identification, temperature, volume, geolocalization, sealing and bio-banking.

A method to handle tubes in a diagnostic laboratory automation system comprising a control device and a tube-analyzing device is presented. The tube-analyzing device comprises a tube identification reader, a tube type recognition unit, a sample color determination unit, and a tube consistence unit. The tube identification reader reads tube identification device. The tube type recognition unit identifies tube type. The sample color determination unit determines sample color. The tube consistence unit determines sample consistency. The sample tube type, the tube type, the sample color, the sample consistency are send to the control device. The control device determines a construed tube type from one or more of the information of the tube type, the sample color, and the sample consistency. The control device checks whether the tube type matches the construed tube type and changes a used tube type from the tube type to the construed tube type.

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a tube opening and closing device capable of opening and closing a lid of a tube and comprising a container, a lid coupled to the container so as to enable the container to be blocked, and a joint part for connecting the container and a first side of the lid comprises: a tube supporting rack having a plurality of openings formed on one surface thereof, wherein the containers of the tubes can be inserted into each of the plurality of openings; an opening and closing part positioned at an upper part of the tube supporting rack, rotating around a first rotary shaft and having a coupling groove in which a second side of the lid, which faces the first side of the tube, can be accommodated; and a driving part for rotating the opening and closing part, wherein the lid can be opened and closed with respect to the container through the rotation of the opening and closing part.

A method of reading machine-readable marks on a movable support and object of a sample instrument. The method includes capturing a first image of the moveable support as the moveable support moves from a first position to a second position using an image capture device; determining whether a first fiducial machine-readable mark on the moveable support is in the first image; determining, when the first fiducial machine-readable mark is in the first image, whether a first machine-readable mark on a first object coupled to the moveable support is in the first image at a predetermined position relative to the first fiducial machine-readable mark; and associating information decoded from the first machine-readable mark on the first object with a first location on the moveable support associated with the first fiducial machine-readable mark.

A receptacle delivery system includes a carriage configured to move from a first to a second location of an instrument. The carriage may be configured to removably support a receptacle and may include a receptacle clamping mechanism. The receptacle mechanism may be configured to apply a clamping force to the receptacle as the carriage moves from the first to the second location and release the clamping force as the carriage moves from the second to the first location.

A test strip system having containers and suitable carriers therefor. The test strip assembly is suitable for carrying out different types of chemical, biological or biochemical tests and evaluating them using a suitable analysis device. The test strip assembly has a first region having at least one container and a second region also having at least one container. The container of the first region has a flat transparent bottom, and the container of the second region has a V-shaped or U-shaped bottom.