Abstract: A fluid container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids. The container body has a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The fluid container also includes one or more container alignment features disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall and configured to self-align the container body with a datum. The fluid container also includes one or more anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the container body and configured to self-align an anti-evaporation tube within the container body.

Abstract: A pick and place device for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided that includes a motor and a rotatable motor shaft coupled to the motor and a gripping assembly. The gripping assembly includes a yoke selectively coupled to the rotatable motor shaft and configured to rotate with the rotatable motor shaft when the yoke is coupled to the rotatable motor shaft. The gripping assembly also includes a first movable finger mount and a second movable finger mount each coupled to the rotatable motor shaft and configured to move toward each other and away from each other in a linear direction responsive to the rotation of the motor shaft when the yoke is uncoupled from the rotatable motor shaft. Fingers extending from the movable finger mounts are configured to move toward each other and away from each other in the linear direction and rotate with the yoke.

Abstract: A pick and place device for use in an in vitro diagnostics automation system is provided that includes a motor and a rotatable motor shaft coupled to the motor and a gripping assembly. The gripping assembly includes a yoke selectively coupled to the rotatable motor shaft and configured to rotate with the rotatable motor shaft when the yoke is coupled to the rotatable motor shaft. The gripping assembly also includes a first movable finger mount and a second movable finger mount each coupled to the rotatable motor shaft and configured to move toward each other and away from each other in a linear direction responsive to the rotation of the motor shaft when the yoke is uncoupled from the rotatable motor shaft. Fingers extending from the movable finger mounts are configured to move toward each other and away from each other in the linear direction and rotate with the yoke.

Abstract: A fluid container includes a container body configured to hold one or more fluids. The container body has a first side wall and an opposing second side wall. The fluid container also includes one or more container alignment features disposed on an outer surface of the first side wall and configured to self-align the container body with a datum. The fluid container also includes one or more anti-evaporation tube alignment mechanisms disposed on one or more inner surfaces of the container body and configured to self-align an anti-evaporation tube within the container body.

Abstract: A method for automatically determining whether a reagent container is new and unused or whether the reagent container has been previously used whenever reagent containers are initially placed onto an analyzer. Unused containers have a weakened member that can be deformed by a moveable sensor probe when containers are placed onto the analyzer.

Abstract: A re-sealing puncturable stopper for use with capped vials having lyophilized calibration chemicals therein adapted for use in a manner that minimizes failure modes: (1) in an initial lyophilization manufacturing process; (2) during a subsequent hydration process; (3) while protecting a vial stored on-board an automated clinical analyzer; (4) when punctured for aspiration; and, (5) when re-sealing the vial after aspiration.

Abstract: A device for automatically maintaining tension and control of a drivebelt as the driving direction of the drivebelt is rapidly reversed and when the drivebelt is worn.

Abstract: A random access reagent container handling system using a reagent container shuttle to move reagent containers between a loading tray and at least one linear reagent container tray and at least one circular reagent carousel. The reagent container tray is positioned as needed beneath the reagent container shuttle by a reagent tray shuttle.