Abstract: An optic module verification device for normalizing between X photon counters, including a verification tray with X verification wells and a modular photon emitter in each verification well. Each photon emitter includes a spring, a Beta source disk, a scintillator disk adjacent the Beta source disk, and a neutral density filter over the scintillator disk, all of which are encapsulated in a cylindrical chamber with the filter adjacent an opening on one end of the chamber and the spring biasing the Beta source disk and the scintillator disk toward the opening. The device is periodically used for normalization, and may be updated when emitted photons fall below a desired level by replacing the scintillator disk and then determining a new normalized reference values for each photon emitter.

Abstract: A container comprising a body having embedded therein a plurality of chipless radio frequency identification elements. The chipless radio frequency identification elements comprise a plurality of categories of resonant elements. The resonant elements can be utilized in a system having a binary code feature. The combination of different resonant elements can be read and translated to identify the features of a particular product. The container can be prepared by compounding moldable compositions with the resonant elements and molding the moldable compositions containing the resonant elements into the final product. The invention also provides a system and a method for reading the binary code provided by the chipless radio frequency identification elements.

Abstract: A method for arranging assays in an order for execution in a system that employs a plurality of clinical analyzers, typically automated clinical analyzers.

Abstract: A method for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container, by means of an insert molding process or in-mold decorating process. Such a method can be utilized to simplify the manufacturing processes for applying a radio frequency identification tag to an object, e.g., a container. The molding process can be a conventional molding process, such as, for example, injection molding, blow molding, compression molding, transfer molding, and rotational molding. However, the conventional molding process is modified by inserting a radio frequency identification tag into the cavity of the mold prior to forming the molded article. The modified molding process results in a molded article having a radio frequency identification tag encapsulated by the polymeric material of the molded article.

Abstract: A system for automation of laboratory analyzers that utilizes radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and radio frequency identification (RFID) readers to identify containers and vessels, and the contents thereof, that are employed in the system. Radio frequency identification tags, conforming to the guidelines of ISO 18000 and either of ISO 14443 or ISO 15693, are positioned on the items of interest, such as, for example, reagent containers, sample containers, and microplates. These tags can be read by and written to by a stationary antenna connected to a radio frequency identification reader. Reading of radio frequency identification tags and writing to radio frequency identification tags are controlled by software.

Abstract: A closure for a container, e.g., a tube, for a sample, e.g., a biological sample. The closure comprises a cap having a first opening and a second opening, the first opening capable of communicating with the mouth of a container, the second opening sealed by an exterior seal, and intermediate the first opening and the exterior seal, an interior seal. The invention also provides an assembly comprising the closure of this invention and a container. The invention also provides a method for preparing the closure.

Abstract: A container segment assembly suitable for use with a carousel of an analytical instrument, including (a) a container rack having the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped, the container rack capable of receiving containers in a substantially linear row and (b) a container segment having a frame. The frame has an arcuate shape, whereby the container segment can be mounted onto a corresponding arcuate portion of the carousel of the analytical instrument. The frame further defines a receptacle capable of receiving the container rack. The major dimension of the receptacle is substantially aligned as a chord of the arcuate-shaped frame of the container segment.