Sample rack for sample analysis system

An embodiment of the disclosure is a rack adapted to engage a rack handler. The rack includes a rack body. The rack body has a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom. The receptacle is sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body has a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top, and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top. The second interior surface is opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body also includes an interference groove in the slot along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sample rack for a sample analysis system.

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic methods may include testing a sample to measure sample properties and/or to detect substances of interest that may be present in the sample. In the field of urinalysis, urine chemistry and sediments are commonly analyzed. The liquid sample usually contains one or more analytes/particles of interest. For urine chemistry analysis, the presence and concentrations of the analytes of interest in the sample are determinable by an analysis of the color changes undergone by the reagent pads that have been submerged in the liquid sample. For urine sediment analysis, the presence and concentrations of the particles of interest are measured by microscopic image analysis. These analyses may be done manually or using automated test device.

Samples may be presented to the test device via a sample rack that holds multiple sample collection units, e.g. sample tubes. Typically, a conveyor system is used to present the sample rack, containing the sample collection units, to the test device by moving sample racks horizontally along a travel path that has a U-shape. The U-shaped travel path has a first leg that can stage multiple sample racks, a lateral portion adjacent the test device, and a second leg that is parallel to the first leg. The sample racks are staged in the first leg of the travel path and the conveyor system moves the sample rack in a first direction to the lateral portion that is adjacent to the test device. Then, the sample rack is translated laterally into a test position adjacent the test device along that lateral portion. When the test procedure is complete, the conveyor system moves the sample rack again laterally. After the last lateral movement of the sample rack, the conveyor system then moves the sample rack in a second direction along the second leg into an additional staging region.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the disclosure is a rack adapted to engage a rack handler and to carry a sample collection unit. The rack includes a rack body. The rack body has a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom. The receptacle is sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body has a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top. The second interior surface is opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body also includes an interference groove in the slot along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

Another embodiment of the present disclosure is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample. The system comprises a rack handler and a rack having a rack body. The rack body has a bottom, a top opposite the bottom, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom. The receptacle is sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body has a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top. The second interior surface is opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body also includes an interference groove in the slot along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Referring toFIG.1, embodiments of the present disclosure include a sample analysis system1for analyzing samples. The sample analysis system1includes one or more test devices10,20, a computing device30electronically coupled to the test devices10,20, a sample rack handler100, and multiple sample racks200. The sample racks200, hold sample collection units50. Each sample collection unit50may contain a sample for testing.

The computing device30may be used to control operation of the sample analysis system1. The computing device30may include typical components of a computer, including a memory, one or more processors, a user interface, input/output ports, and various software applications used to run the sample analysis system1. The computing device30may be a separate component as illustrated. Alternatively, the computing device30may integrated with either or both test devices10,20.

As discussed above, the sample analysis system1may include at least one test device, e.g. a first test device10and a second device20. The first and second test devices10and20are designed to analyze analytes of interest in the sample. In the illustrated embodiment, the first test device10is configured to analyze the sample contained in the sample collection unit50. For example, the test device10may include a device, such as a color imager, that determines the color of the sample applied to one or more of the reagent pads on a test strip. Other types of systems may include a spectrophotometer that determines color changes based on reflectance readings, or digital microscope that uses special algorithm to classify particles based the size, shape and texture. Test devices10(or20) may employ a variety of area array detection read-heads utilizing CCD (charge-coupled device), CID (charge-injection device) or PMOS (P-type metal-oxide-semiconductor) detection structures for detecting color changes to the reagent pads. The color changes can be used to determine the presence of analytes of interest. While a spectrophotometer is described above, other systems for testing a sample may be used in the sample analysis system1and the present disclosure is not strictly limited to optical based systems.

Multiple test devices10and20may be used for robust evaluations of samples. If the data obtained by the first test device10indicates a need for further analysis, the rack handler100conveys the sample rack200and sample collection units50to the second test device20. Further tests are performed on the samples by the second test device20. However, it should be appreciated that the inventive concepts as described herein are not strictly limited to analysis systems that include two or more separate test devices.

As best shown inFIGS.1and2, the second test device20includes a housing22and an analyzer (not shown) contained in the housing22. The housing22is coupled to the rack handler100and includes front panel near where the rack handler100is coupled to the second test device20. The front panel24includes a portal26through which the sample rack200travels if it is determined that a sample in the sample rack200needs further analysis by the second test device20.

Referring toFIG.1, the sample rack handler100includes a base118, a transport system120, and a rotation assembly150. The sample rack handler100defines a travel path P along which the transport system120guides the sample racks200. As illustrated, the sample rack handler100includes an input staging region102where sample racks200to be tested may be staged, a lateral portion104, a rotation region106, a travel region108, and an output staging region110where sample racks200may be collected once testing is complete. The rack handler100as illustrated includes a serpentine travel path P. It should be appreciated that the inventive concepts disclosed herein are not limited to the specific travel path shown. Accordingly, the sample rack handler100as disclosed herein may be used with any type of sample analysis system that needs to move a sample rack from one location to another location and may need to change the orientation of the sample rack from one orientation to another orientation.

The transport system120can hold and convey multiple sample racks200along the travel path P from the input staging region102to the first test device10, from the first test device10to the second test device20, and further into the output staging region110. The transport system120may include guide elements130, one or more belts132, and motors (not shown) that are used to advance the sample racks200along the travel path P. As best shown inFIG.2B, guide elements130may comprise movable tabs that travel along the path P and can push the sample racks200along the travel path P into the desired position. The transport system120may be electronically coupled to a control system300(SeeFIG.4) that will be described further below.

Referring back toFIGS.2A-3C, the rack handler100includes a rotation assembly150that is used to change the orientation of the sample rack200along the travel path P. The rotation assembly150includes an engagement element160that extends along a vertical axis4. The engagement element160has a base162and a protrusion164that projects upward from the base162. The protrusion164can engage the sample rack as discussed further below. The rotation assembly150also includes a motor330coupled to the engagement element160and operable to cause the engagement element160to rotate about the vertical axis4. Rotation of the engagement element160about the vertical axis4causes the sample rack to rotate about the vertical axis V when the engagement element160is engaged with the sample rack200.

FIGS.3A-3Cillustrate an exemplary engagement element160. The engagement element160may be any structure or device that can selectively engage and/or be coupled to a sample rack200. In the embodiment illustrated, the engagement element includes the base162, which forms a body166having an upper surface168, a lower surface170opposite the upper surface168along the vertical axis4, and a central recess172that extends from the lower surface170into the base162along the vertical axis4. A shaft174extends from the motor330and into the central recess172of the engagement element160to rotationally couple the engagement element160to the motor330. The motor330may be electrically coupled to a controller310in the control system300as further explained below and illustrated inFIG.4. The base162is a structure that supports the protrusion164and provides enables coupling the motor330to the engagement element160via the shaft174. Any particular structure may be used to form the base162. The base162and protrusion164may be monolithic. Alternatively, the base162and the protrusion164may be separate components that are coupled together during manufacture of the rotation assembly150.

Continuing withFIGS.3B and3C, the protrusion164may be designed to engage with sample rack200. As shown, the protrusion projects164from the base along the vertical axis4and may define an elongated tab that is sized to fit within the slot270(FIG.8) of the sample rack. The protrusion164defines a first end180and a second end182that is opposite the first end180along a first axis6that is perpendicular to the vertical axis4. The protrusion164also includes a first side184that extends between the first and second ends180,182, and a second side186that extends between the first and second ends180,182. The first and second sides184and186are shown disposed on opposite sides of the vertical axis4. The protrusion164defines a length L that extends from the first end180to the second end182along a first axis6that intersects and is perpendicular to the vertical axis4, and a width W that extends from the first side184to the second side164along a second axis8that intersects and is perpendicular to the first axis6and the vertical axis4. In the embodiment shown, the length L of the protrusion164is greater than the width W of the protrusion164. The protrusion164also includes a top surface188and a height H that extends from an upper surface168of the base162to the top surface188along the vertical axis4. In one example, the height H is less than the length L.

The engagement element160may comprise a protrusion164with a configuration other than what is illustrated and described above. In alternative embodiments, for example, the protrusion164may have any polygonal cross-sectional shape that is defined perpendicular the vertical axis4. For example, the protrusion can have cross-sectional shape that is a square, a triangle, a pentagon, a hexagon, an octagon, or other shapes that have three or more sides. In another alternative embodiment, the engagement element160may comprise a plurality of protrusions (not shown) that are spaced apart and aligned with each other along an axis that intersects and is perpendicular to the vertical axis4. For instance, the engagement element160may include a first protrusion and a second protrusion that is spaced apart from and aligned with the first protrusion along the axis. In such an embodiment, the first and second protrusions are positioned to engage the slot of the sample rack.

The rotation assembly150is operable to cause the engagement element160to rotate about the vertical axis4to cause the sample rack200to pivot. In the embodiment shown, the engagement element160is rotatable in a first rotational direction R1and a second rotational direction R2that is opposite the first rotational direction R1. The rotational direction of the engagement element160is based, in part, on its engagement with the sample rack200and the orientation of the sample rack200. How the rotation assembly150operates to pivot the sample rack from the first orientation to a second orientation is described in further detail below.

FIG.4illustrates a control system300used to control operation of at least the rack handler100. The control system300includes one or more controllers310, at least one motor330that is electrically coupled to the controller310, and a plurality of sensors electrically coupled to the controller310. The controller310includes at least one processing unit312, a memory unit314, and communications unit316. The sensors are positioned along various portions of the travel path P and may be configured to detect the presence of a sample rack200proximate to a particular sensor. In the embodiment illustrated, the control system includes a first sensor352, a second sensor354and optionally one or more additional sensors. The sensors352and354obtain sensor data concerning a position of the sample rack that is transmitted electronically to the controller310through the communications unit314. In this regard, the sensors352and354are position sensors, such as Hall Effect sensors. However, other sensors could be used to determine rack200position. The controller310, in turn, causes the motor330to operate based on the position data of the sample rack200obtained via the sensors described above. Operation of the rack handler100to move the sample racks200along the travel path P will be described further below.

FIGS.5-9illustrate a sample rack200adapted to engage the rack handler100. The sample rack200includes a rack body202, a bottom205, and a top203spaced from the bottom205along a vertical direction V. The rack body202further defines a top surface204at the top203and a bottom surface206at the bottom205that opposite the top surface204along the vertical direction V. The rack body202further includes a first side208, a second side210opposite the first side208along a transverse direction T, a first end212, and a second end214opposite the first end212along a longitudinal direction L. In the drawings, the longitudinal direction L is perpendicular to the vertical direction V and to the transverse direction T. As illustrated, the rack body202further includes a base portion220that defines the bottom surface206, and a rack portion230that extends upwardly from the base portion220along the vertical direction V. The rack portion230defines the top surface204. The rack body202includes at least one receptacle240(such as a plurality of receptacles). The receptacle240is sized and shaped to hold a sample collection unit50. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, the rack200includes 10 separate receptacles240. However, the rack200may include less than ten receptacles, such as one receptacle240, or more than ten receptacles240.

As best shown inFIGS.5-9, the rack200is configured to engage a portion of the rack handler100, such as, for example, the rotation assembly150. The rack body202includes a first interior surface250that extends from the bottom205toward the top203along the vertical direction, and a second interior surface260that extends from the bottom205toward the top203along the vertical direction V. The first interior surface250and the second interior surface260may be referred to as first wall250and a second wall260, respectively. The second interior surface260is opposite to the first interior surface250so as to at least partially define a slot270along the bottom205of the sample rack200. Furthermore, the sample rack200includes at least one interference groove252,262in either of both of the first interior surface250and the second interior surface260. For instance, as illustrated, the sample rack200includes a first interference groove252formed in the first interior surface250and a second interference groove262formed in the second interior surface260. In other embodiments, the rack may include a single interference groove.

As illustrated, the rack200includes a single slot270along the bottom205of the sample rack200. However, in alternative embodiments, the rack may include a plurality of slots along the bottom205for receiving the a portion of the rack handler100. For example, the rack200may have a first slot270and a second slot (not shown) that is similar to the first slot. Multiple slots would allow the rack200to be inserted into the rack handler in either orientation and still be rotatable by the rotation assembly150.

Referring toFIGS.7-9, the first interior surface250has a first portion254, a second portion256, and a third portion258. The first portion254and second portion256are angularly offset with respect to each other so as to define the first interference groove252. In particular, the first portion254and the second portion256may intersect to define a first angle α1therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle α1is less than 180 degrees. In one example, the first angle α1is between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The first angle α1may not be limited to this stated range. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second portions254and256may not intersect. In other alternative embodiments, the first and second portions254and256may not intersect and may be substantially parallel to each other to define the interference groove. Furthermore, as shown in the figures the third portion258is angularly offset from the first and second portions254and256.

Referring toFIGS.7-9, the second interior surface260includes a first portion264, a second portion266, and a third portion268. The first portion264and a second portion266are angularly offset with respect to each other so as to define the second interference groove262. The first portion264and the second portion266may intersect to define a second angle α2therebetween. In the illustrated embodiment, the first angle α2is less than 180 degrees. In one example, the second angle α2is between 45 degrees and 135 degrees. The second angle α2may not be limited to this stated range. However, in alternative embodiments, the first and second portions264and266may not intersect. In other alternative embodiments, the first and second portions264and266may not intersect and may be substantially parallel to each other to define the interference groove. As illustrated, the third portion268is angularly offset from the first and second portions264and266. In addition, the third portion258of the first interior surface250is substantially parallel to the third portion268of the second interior surface260. In alternative embodiments, the third portion258of the first interior surface250may not be specifically parallel to the third portion268of the second interior surface260.

Furthermore, and continuing withFIGS.7-9, the slot270includes a first wall250and a second wall260that is substantially a parallel to the first wall250. As illustrated, the first and second walls250,260are arranged on opposing sides of a first axis A1. The first axis A1can be described as the center line of the slot. The first wall250has at least one indentation252and the second wall260has at least one indentation262. The indentation252in the first wall250has first and second portions254and256. The indentation262in the second wall260has first and second portions264and266. The respective first portions254,264of each indentation252,262can be oriented along a second axis A2which is offset from the first axis A1. The respective second portions256,266of each indentation254,264can be oriented along a third axis A3which is offset from the first axis A1and second axis A2. Furthermore, the distance between the second portions256,266of the indentations252,262generally corresponds to the size of the engagement element160.

As illustrated inFIGS.7-9, the slot270extends from the first side208to the second side210and is located primarily in the base portion220of the sample rack200. In addition, the slot270is closer to the first end212than to the second end214. In other words, the slot270may be spaced a first distance D1from the first end212and a second distance D2from the second end214but the first distance D1is less than the second distance D2. The location of the slot270toward the first end212can facilitate engagement with the rack handler100and rotation by the rack handler100as shown and further described below.

Continuing withFIGS.7-9, one end of the slot270may be widened in order to allow for easy insertion of the engagement element160when the sample rack is not perfectly aligned with the rotation assembly150. In alternative embodiment, both ends of the slot270could be widened as well.

Referring back toFIGS.5and6, the sample rack200includes a recess290that is adapted to engage the transport system120of the rack handler100. As shown, the rack body202defines a recess290that extends into the second end214of the rack body202along the longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the recess290extends from the first side208to the second side210. The recess290is shown spaced slightly above the bottom surface206along the vertical direction V in order to engage a guide element130. The recess290engages a guide element along a substantially portion of the travel path P through the rack handler100and helps to stabilize the rack200during transport along the travel path P.

Turning toFIGS.10-13, the engagement element160is designed to engage with a portion of the sample rack200to move the sample rack200from a first orientation where the side210faces the test device20into a second orientation that is rotationally different than the first orientation. As shown inFIGS.10and12, the sample rack200may be moved over the rotation assembly150so that the protrusion164slides within the slot270. In this configuration, the sides of the protrusion164are generally parallel to the first and second interior surfaces250and260of the sample rack200.

As shown inFIGS.11and13, the controller310can cause the engagement element160to rotate in the slot270of the sample rack200a first rotational distance R1to engage the at least one interference groove252,262in the sample rack200. In particular, the first and second ends180and182of the protrusion164can engage with and abut the first and second interference grooves252and262, respectively. When the protrusion164is engaged with the interference groove252,262, the engagement element rotates a second rotational distance R2(not shown) to rotate the sample rack200from the first orientation (e.g. seeFIG.17) into the second orientation (e.g.FIG.19). Thus, it can be seen that the engagement element160rotates a first rotational distance to fully engage the sample rack200and rotates a second rotational distance to cause the sample rack200to rotate into the second orientation. In this manner, the second rotational distance is greater than the first rotation distance. When the sample rack is in the second orientation, the engagement element160can disengage from the sample rack200. In particular, the engagement element160can rotate in a second rotational direction R2that is opposite to the first rotational direction R1in order move the protrusion164out of engagement with the interference groove252,262. When the protrusion164is aligned with the slot270, similar to that which is shown inFIG.12, the sample rack200can be translated along the travel path P by the transport system120.

As illustrated inFIGS.14-20, the transport system120advances the sample rack200from the input staging region102in a first direction112to the first test device10until the sample rack200is positioned in the lateral portion104. The transport system120can advance the sample rack200in a lateral direction116into a testing position proximate an analyzer (not shown) in the test device10. Once testing is complete, the transport system120advances the sample rack200further along the lateral portion104until the sample rack is aligned with the rotation region106, as shown inFIG.16.

Continuing withFIGS.14-20, the transport system120, via a controller310, advances the sample rack200over the engagement element160. As discussed above, the first sensor352determines when the sample rack200is engaged with the engagement element160of the rack handler in the first orientation (similar to the position shown inFIGS.10,12, &17). The controller310causes the motor330to begin rotation of the engagement element160. The engagement element160then rotates into engagement with the interference groove252,262of the slot270, as described above (and shown inFIGS.11and13).

Referring toFIGS.18-20, continued rotation of the engagement element160while the engagement element160is engaged with the groove252,262causes the sample rack200to rotate about a vertical axis4of the rack handler100into second orientation, as shown in the progression ofFIGS.17,18and19. The second sensor354determines when the sample rack200is in the second orientation and is still engaged with the engagement element160(i.e., the protrusion is engaged with the grooves252,262). The controller310reverses rotation of the engagement element160so that the engagement element160is aligned with slot270. The second sensor354that determines when the sample rack is in the second orientation and is disengaged from the engagement element, i.e. the protrusion in disengaged with the grooves252,262as shown inFIGS.11and13, and rack200is not over the rotation assembly150.

Referring toFIGS.19and20, the controller310can then cause the transport system120to advance the sample rack200along a direction116until the sample rack200has disengaged from the engagement element160completely. If the sample rack200is disengaged, the transport system120may be used to advance the sample rack along the direction115in travel region108.

In the second orientation as shown inFIG.20, the longitudinal end212of the sample rack may face the first test device10(or second test device if present). In this manner, the sample rack200is oriented to be inserted into the portal26of the second test device20. The transport system120translates the sample rack200in the second direction116. Once the sample rack200is positioned adjacent to portal26, guide elements (not shown) pull the sample rack200along the first direction112into the housing22of the second test device20so that the sample(s) can be further analyzed, as shown inFIG.1. When testing is complete, the sample rack200is pushed out onto the travel path P. The transport system120advances the sample rack200into the output staging region110.

The invention includes the following illustrative embodiments:

Embodiment 1 is a rack adapted to engage a rack handler and to carry a sample collection unit. The rack includes rack body. The rack body includes a bottom, a top opposite the bottom along a vertical direction, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom along the vertical direction, the receptacle sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body also includes a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top along the vertical direction, and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top along the vertical direction, the second interior surface being opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body also includes an interference groove in the slot along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface. The slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

Embodiment 2 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the first interior surface has a first portion and a second portion that is angularly offset with respect to the first portion so as to define the interference groove that engages a portion of a rack handler.

Embodiment 3 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the first and second portions of the first interior surface intersect to define a first angle, wherein the first angle is less than 180 degrees.

Embodiment 4 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the interference groove is a first interference groove, wherein the second interior surface has a first portion and a second portion that is angularly offset with respect to the first portion of the second interior surface so as to define a second interference groove that engages the portion of a rack handler.

Embodiment 5 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the first and second portions of the second interior surface intersect to define a first angle, wherein the first angle is less than 180 degrees.

Embodiment 6 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the first interior surface defines a third portion that is angularly offset from the first and second portions of the first interior surface. The second interior surface defines a third portion that is angularly offset from the first and second portions of the second interior surface and the third portion of the first interior surface is substantially parallel to the third portion of the second interior surface.

Embodiment 7 is the rack of embodiment 1, further comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side along a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the slot extends from the first side to the second side.

Embodiment 8 is the rack of embodiment 1, further comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the slot is closer to the first end than to the second end.

Embodiment 9 is the rack of embodiment 8, further comprising a recess that extends into one of the first end or the second end along the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 10 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the slot and the interference groove are disposed entirely below the receptacles along the vertical direction.

Embodiment 11 is the rack of embodiment 1, wherein the receptacle is a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of the sample collection units.

Embodiment 12 is a sample analysis system for analyzing a sample. The system includes a rack handler and a rack having a rack body. The rack body has a bottom surface, a top opposite the bottom along a vertical direction, and a receptacle that extends from the top toward the bottom along the vertical direction, the receptacle sized to receive the sample collection unit. The rack body has a first interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top along the vertical direction and a second interior surface that extends from the bottom toward the top along the vertical direction, the second interior surface being opposite to the first interior surface so as to at least partially define a slot along the bottom. The rack body has an interference groove along at least one of the first interior surface and the second interior surface, wherein the slot and the interference groove are sized to engage a portion of the rack handler.

Embodiment 13 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the at least one sample collection unit is a plurality of sample collection units, wherein the at least one receptacle is a plurality of receptacles.

Embodiment 14 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the first interior surface has a first portion and a second portion that is angularly offset with respect to the first portion so as to define the interference groove that engages a portion of a rack handler.

Embodiment 15 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the first and second portions of the first interior surface intersect to define a first angle, wherein the first angle is less than 180 degrees.

Embodiment 16 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the interference groove is a first interference groove, wherein the second interior surface has a first portion and a second portion that is angularly offset with respect to the first portion of the second interior surface so as to define a second interference groove that engages the portion of a rack handler.

Embodiment 17 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the first and second portions of the second interior surface intersect to define a first angle, wherein the first angle is less than 180 degrees.

Embodiment 18 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the first interior surface defines a third portion that is angularly offset from the first and second portions of the first interior surface, and wherein the second interior surface defines a third portion that is angularly offset from the first and second portions of the second interior surface. The third portion of the first interior surface is substantially parallel to the third portion of the second interior surface.

Embodiment 19 is the system of embodiment 12, further comprising a first side and a second side opposite the first side along a transverse direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the slot extends from the first side to the second side.

Embodiment 20 is the system of embodiment 12, further comprising a first end and a second end opposite the first end along a longitudinal direction that is perpendicular to the vertical direction, wherein the slot is closer to the first end than to the second end.

Embodiment 21 is the system of embodiment 21, further comprising a recess that extends into one of the first end or the second end along the longitudinal direction.

Embodiment 22 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the slot and the interference groove are disposed entirely below the receptacles along the vertical direction.

Embodiment 23 is the system of embodiment 12, wherein the receptacle is a plurality of receptacles for receiving a plurality of the sample collection units.

The invention as described in the present disclosure is capable of exploitation in industry in accordance with how it can be made and/or used.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that the present disclosure may be applied to other applications and may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the exemplary embodiments described above, but only by the appended claims.