Abstract: A device which not only removes the stopper from a test tube or vacutainer without any human contact, but one which also stores and retains the removed stoppers is disclosed. The device has a container for receiving and retaining the removed stoppers which communicates with a stopper extractor. The stopper extractor has one extractor lip which bears against a first side of the vacutainer and a second extractor lip which engages an opposite side of the stopper such that relative pivoting movement between them exerts a force on the stopper to urge it out of the vacutainer. A spring device is attached to the stopper extractor and has a leaf spring which contacts one side of the vacutainer after it has been inserted into the stopper extractor. During pivoting movement between the stopper extractor and the test tube or vacutainer, the leaf spring is further displaced from its normal, at-rest position.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for positive identification between a patient and a blood unit to be administered to the patient incorporating a combination lock which positively prevents access to the blood unit unless its code matches that of the patient. An alphabetic code is assigned to the patient and is set into the combination lock at the time the blood unit is removed from the blood bank. Setting of the code is achieved by the technician without necessity of external tools or mechanical skill. The combination lock has several alphabetic coded indicia dials which may be set at any orientation with respect to several locking rings. Once the combination is set, a manual clamping force exerted on the structure serves to lock the indicia rings to the associated locking ring to set the code.

Abstract: A blood bank microscope in which cell/serum-reagent reactions can be viewed, from below, directly in the cuvettes in which the reactions take place and in which the cuvettes can be rocked to cause the contents thereof to flow back and forth within the viewer's field of observation.

Abstract: An element suitable for attachment to a hospital wristband or patient specimen container such as test tubes or the like is disclosed which element has a coating of magnetizable material that is encoded along a circular track with patient identification and other desired information relating to the patient and the system employing such elements. The element is used to associate positively a patient with a specimen taken from him, or with medicine or treatment to be given him.