Abstract: Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A certificate for a target device includes encrypted system attributes that are verified against attributes of the target device prior to software usage. A certificate server securely obtains system attributes from the target system and generates a certificate with encrypted components including some system attributes. The certificate is stored on the target device and software installation/execution is made dependent on validation of the certificate. An encrypted system fingerprint in the certificate is decrypted by the software at the target device and compared with locally obtained system attributes to verify authorization for software usage on the target device. The certificate represents an easy to use paradigm for anti-piracy protection of software.

Abstract: A certificate for a target device includes encrypted system attributes that are verified against attributes of the target device prior to software usage. A certificate server securely obtains system attributes from the target system and generates a certificate with encrypted components including some system attributes. The certificate is stored on the target device and software installation/execution is made dependent on validation of the certificate. An encrypted system fingerprint in the certificate is decrypted by the software at the target device and compared with locally obtained system attributes to verify authorization for software usage on the target device. The certificate represents an easy to use paradigm for anti-piracy protection of software.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a clinical specimen for a presence of one or more interferents, such as those that might be found within clinical analytical blood specimens by subjecting the specimen to centrifugation to separate the specimen into a red blood cell portion and a blood serum or plasma portion is provided. Subsequent to the centrifuging procedure, the serum or plasma portion of the clinical analytical specimen may be tested for the presence of one or more interferents such as hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, or liquid nonuniformities therein. Additionally, physical dimensional characteristics of the sample container and/or specimen may be determined. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: Methods of identifying a characteristic of a clinical analysis specimen or a sample container containing the specimen are disclosed. The methods include moving the sample container along a track while causing translation and rotation of the sample container, and capturing two or more images of the sample container during the translation and rotation. The track may have one or more moveable belts contacting a carrier to rotate and translate the carrier holding the sample container. Image analysis may be used to read a barcode label of the sample container, determine HIL, and/or physical characteristics of the sample container. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A mobile, thermally insulated storage and retrieval unit for housing tube racks on shelves and having an elevator and conveyor for moving racks between shelves and an exterior loading tray.

Abstract: A method of inspecting a clinical specimen for a presence of one or more interferents, such as those that might be found within clinical analytical blood specimens by subjecting the specimen to centrifugation to separate the specimen into a red blood cell portion and a blood serum or plasma portion is provided. Subsequent to the centrifuging procedure, the serum or plasma portion of the clinical analytical specimen may be tested for the presence of one or more interferents such as hemolysis, icterus, lipemia, or liquid nonuniformities therein. Additionally, physical dimensional characteristics of the sample container and/or specimen may be determined. Apparatus for carrying out the method are described, as are other aspects.

Abstract: A mobile, thermally insulated storage and retrieval unit for housing tube racks on shelves and having an elevator and conveyor for moving racks between shelves and an exterior loading tray.