Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Gmbh

Norbert Laszka

William L Perry

Michael Chen

Gyula Hojer

Steven Geehan

Andrew Dunbar

An embodiment is a sample rack system. The sample rack system comprises a rack having a base, a top opposite the base along a vertical direction, a receptacle that extends from the top toward the base along the vertical direction, and a receiver element proximate the top. The receptacle is sized to receive a sample collection unit. The system also includes a retention clip for holding the sample collection unit in the receptacle. The retention clip includes an engagement head for attachment to the receiver element of the rack. The engagement head defines an outer surface. The retention clip also includes a curved tail that extends from the engagement head and contacts the sample collection unit when the sample collection unit is placed in the receptacle. The outer surface of the retention clip does not project outwardly from the rack when the retention clip is attached to the rack.

Retention clip and sample rack for a sample analysis system

An embodiment is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample that includes at least one test device for analyzing the sample. The system also includes a rack handler operable to move a sample from a first location to a second location along a travel path. The rack handler has a rotation assembly including a) an engagement element for engagement with the sample rack, and b) a motor coupled to the engagement element and is operable to cause rotation of the engagement element. The rotation assembly rotates the sample rack from a first orientation into a second orientation along the travel path when the engagement element engages the sample rack.

Sample rack handler and rotation assembly for a sample analysis system

An embodiment of the disclosure is a rack adapted to engage a rack handler. The rack includes a rack body. The rack body has a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom. The receptacle is sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body has a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top, and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top. The second interior surface is opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body also includes an interference groove in the slot along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

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Budapest, Hungary

Norbert Laszka