Becton Dickinson and Company Limited

Kevin Bailey

Dwight Livingston

Mark A Talmer

Timothy Roy Hansen

Ammon David Lentz

Christopher John Tesluk

Gerard J Sevigny

Joel Daniel Krayer

Laurence Michael Vaughan

Dustin Diemert

Michael T VanSickler

Tong Zhou

Steven Charles Rotundo

Brian James McKeen

Stephen Robert LaChance

Donald E Gorelick

Spencer Lovette

Andre Scherz

Christopher M Embres

John Moore

Matthew Wesly

Michael J Touma

Michael A Brasch

Timothy M Wiles

Brent Ronald Pohl

Charles C Yu

Patrick Shawn Beaty

Ming-hsiung Yeh

Mei Yang-Woytowitz

Ben Turng

Liping Feng

Gary F Hershner

Eric Ursprung

Xiaofei Chang

Patrick R Murray

Gerard Lotz

Gerard Sevigny

Ming-Hsiung Yeh

Brian James Mckeen

An automated apparatus can provide pre-analytical processing of samples, racking and forwarding to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. The apparatus may have a controller that implements an auto-learn process to teach robotic handlers the locations within the workspace(s) of the apparatus. A robotic sample handler may include a sensor configured to generate a detection signal when in a near vicinity of a fiducial beacon in the workspace of the apparatus for biological sample preparation, preprocessing and/or diagnostic assay performed by one or more analyzers of the automated apparatus. The controller may control the robotic sample handler to conduct a search pattern so that a location of the fiducial beacon may be detected and thereafter calculated to obtain a more accurate location of the beacon. The calculated positions may then serve as a basis for the controlled movement of samples by the robot to and from locations of the workspace.

Robotic sample preparation system for diagnostic testing with automated position learning

A method for penetrating a pierceable cap () on a vessel (). The pierceable cap () prevents escape of sample specimens from the vessel () before transfer with a transfer device (). The pierceable cap () may fit over a vessel (). An access port in the shell of the pierceable cap () may allow passage of a transfer device () through the pierceable cap (). At least one frangible layer () may be configured with cross slits () in a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slits () may contain an openable portion () or be covered by a thin membrane (). The shell () and frangible layer(s) () may be integrated into a one piece cap (), or be separate components (). The membrane on which the cross slitsare placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer device () to the cross slits (). The flat surfaces are supported by rib structures () that extend radially inward and downward into the vessel ().

Pierceable cap

An automated pre-analytical processing method and an apparatus for pre-analytical processing of samples to be forwarded to an adjacent analyzer for analysis. Rack label information is read and communicated to a processor. From the rack label information, the processor determines where to route the rack. The pre-analytical system has a rack robot that conveys racks to discrete locations depending upon the routing information assigned to the rack by the processor. The pre-analytical system has an automated station that reads the labels of individual sample containers in the rack that are brought to the automated station on instructions from the processor. Depending on the type of sample container and the type of sample disposed therein, the samples are either prepared for analysis by the automated station or the sample containers are directly passed through the automated station. Prepared samples and passed through samples are passed individually to a batching rack.

Automated sample preparation system for diagnostic testing of same

An apparatus and associated methods of use for a controlled combination of reagents is disclosed. The apparatus includes a vessel, a vessel insert, and a cap element. The vesselhas a body portionfor receiving a biological sample. The vessel insertreceives at least one reagent therein. Preferably, the vessel insertis received in a portionof the vessel. The cap elementis attached to the vesselto secure the vessel insertin the vessel. During use, the vessel insertis adapted to release its contents when the biological sample is introduced into the body portionof the vesselupon application of an intermixing force to the vessel insert. A variety of intermixing forces may be applied, depending upon the embodiment of the present invention and its associated methods of use.

Blood culture bottles with mechanisms for controlled release of substances into culture media

A pierceable capmay be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable capmay prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable capmay fit over a vessel. An access port in the shell of the pierceable capmay allow passage of a transfer devicethrough the pierceable cap. At least one frangible layermay be configured with cross slitsin a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slitsmay contain an openable portionor be covered by a thin membrane. The shelland frangible layer(s)may be integrated into a one piece cap, or be separate components. The membrane on which the cross slitsare placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer deviceto the cross slits

A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container includes an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

Container and cap for a biological specimen

A container for collecting a biological specimen is provided that includes a peripheral wall extending from a base. The container further includes a longitudinal tower disposed within the container. The tower forms a partition within the container to form at least a first chamber and a second chamber therein, wherein the first and second chambers are in fluid communication with one another. In addition, the container include an insert disposed within the container opposite the base, the insert comprising at least a first opening and a second opening. The second opening provides access to the second chamber and is further configured to engage a specimen collecting device to leave a portion of the specimen collecting device within the second chamber. The first opening provides access to the first chamber and is further configured to receive a syringe therein for accessing the biological specimen. Associated systems and methods are also provided.

A system for automatically processing a biological specimen is provided that includes an elevator comprising a plurality of shelves configured to receive a plurality of sample trays. The trays may comprise a plurality of sample containers containing a sample and having a plurality of respective caps engaged therewith. The trays may further include a plurality of centrifuge tube racks each containing a plurality of centrifuge tubes. The system may include a first transport mechanism, a second transport mechanism and a third transport mechanism. The system may include a chain-of-custody device configured to read identifiers on each of the containers. The system may also include a pipetting device configured to remove a portion from the sample containers and dispense the sample into the centrifuge tubes.

System and method for automated sample preparation

A pierceable capmay be used for containing sample specimens. The pierceable capmay prevent escape of sample specimens before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable capmay fit over a vessel. An access port in the shell of the pierceable capmay allow passage of a transfer devicethrough the pierceable cap. At least one frangible layermay be configured with cross slitsin a particular cross slit geometry. The cross slitsmay contain an openable portionor be covered by a thin membrane. The shelland frangible layer (s)may be integrated into a one piece cap, or be separate components. The membrane on which the cross slitsare placed can be flat or contoured to guide the transfer deviceto the cross slits

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Cockeysville, MD, United States of America

Kevin Bailey