Patent ID: 7910067
Filing Date: 2011-03-22
Classification: B01L,G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A sample tube holder comprising: a base; a first sample tube holding structure positioned above and structurally interrelated to the base, the first sample tube holding structure having a series of openings and a set of spaced-apart finger springs depending inwardly from about each opening, each set of finger springs being configured and arranged to frictionally hold a sample tube therebetween; a second sample tube holding structure spaced from and structurally interrelated to the first sample tube holding structure, the second sample tube holding structure having a series of openings and a set of spaced-apart finger springs depending inwardly from about each opening, each set of finger springs being configured and arranged to frictionally hold a sample tube therebetween, and the openings of the first sample tube holding structure being coaxially aligned with the openings of the second sample tube holding structure; a guide structure positioned above and structurally interrelated to the second sample tube holding structure, the guide structure having a series of openings, each opening of the guide structure being sized to receive a sample tube therethrough, and each opening of the guide structure being coaxially aligned with an aligned set of openings in the first and second sample tube holding structures, wherein the guide structure comprises a generally planar member having a top surface; and a retainer that is releasably engaged by the guide structure, the retainer having a series of openings coaxially aligned with the openings in the guide structure, each opening in the retainer being sized to allow non-interfering passage a fluid transfer device therethrough, and each opening in the retainer being sized to block the passage of a sample tube therethrough, wherein the retainer comprises a bottom surface and a series of partitions depending therefrom, such that the partitions are generally in touching contact with the top surface of the guide structure adjacent each opening of the guide structure.