Abstract:
A device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. A sheet comprising at least one tag, each tag consisting of a thin piece of resilient, print-treated polyester, or other material, and a method of attaching the tag to a three-dimensional object, such as a glass or plastic vial, is described. The tag identifies each individual object, and permits transfer of the object throughout a series of analytical processes without losing object identity. The tag is marked by offset printing, laser engraving, or another marking process such that the marking does not become unreadable during handling and testing. Labeling of individual objects is accomplished by inserting an object through an aperture in the tag resulting in the tag being attached to the vial. Removal of the vial from the sheet causes the tag to be separated from the sheet and to remain attached to the vial. Alternatively, a sheet holder, such as a rack, could be used to hold the sheet of tags during the labeling process. Labeling three-dimensional objects through the use of the device, system, and method of the present invention is faster, easier, and less expensive than current labeling methods. Additionally, the engagement of the tag to the three-dimensional object withstands extreme temperature changes better than the adhesive attachment of other labels, and the tags are easier to remove than adhesive labels.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates to a device, system and a method for labeling three-dimensional objects, such as vials that are used in chemical analysis.  
         BACKGROUND  
         [0002]    Several methods for placing identification information onto three-dimensional objects currently exist. One method utilizes an adhesive to adhere the identification information to the surface of the object, such as by attaching an identifying label. Another involves printing the identification information on the surface of the object, such as through the use of ink. The information could also be stamped into the surface of the object. Alternatively, the identification information may be etched into the surface of the object through the use of a laser or other etching tool. Another method involves placing the identification information onto a tag and tying the tag to the object.  
           [0003]    For many three-dimensional objects, however, the currently available methods for placing identification information onto the objects are not compatible with the manner in which the objects are used in certain industries. One example of such an object is a vial used in chemical analysis. Chemical analysis involves the exposure of a sample to one or more treatments which may be used to determine the identity and/or relative concentration of constituent chemicals in that sample. Bioanalytical chemistry is one variant of this process which involves the study of samples from various, biological origins such as blood, plasma, serum, urine, tissue, bile, and cerebrospinal fluid. In some studies, large numbers of samples are generated to provide either statistical validity, or a representation of change during a dynamic process such as metabolism, which changes one chemical entity into another. Sample vials are typically small, and hold volumes on the order of 300 μL. Managing large numbers of small sample vials during a process which may involve transfer of vials to different devices, such as fraction collectors, centrifuges, autosamplers, mixers, or incubators, presents the opportunity for confusion of sample identity unless those vials are clearly labeled.  
           [0004]    An example of a process in bioanalytical chemistry that requires clearly labeled vials is fraction collection. Fraction collection is a process which allocates fluid from a continuously flowing stream into a series of collection vessels arranged sequentially. The sequence of the collection vessels is extremely critical in several applications of fraction collection, including but not limited to, liquid chromatography, column chromatography, microdialysis sampling, automated blood sampling, and ultrafiltration sampling. The material eluting from a column, probe or other device represents a discrete series of chemical events or changes. The progress of these chemical events can be identified only through the correct sequencing of vials during subsequent analysis.  
           [0005]    Fraction collection and the chemical analysis techniques required to analyze the collected samples rarely occur simultaneously. A normal procedure requires that samples be collected and then stored before being transferred to a separate device for analysis or further processing, such as centrifugation, heating, or freezing. Fraction collection samples are frequently collected in small, e.g. 300 μL, glass vials which may be capped and sealed before or after the collection process. These vials are loaded into an X-Y type grid or circular carousel before collection and then must be transferred to a holding device or another type of grid or carousel if they will be stored or processed for analysis. During the process of transfer, it is relatively easy for an operator to mistakenly transfer one or more vials out of the correct order or sequence. It is also possible for the operator to drop one or more vials during the transfer process, losing the sample or altering the relative order of the samples in the collection sequence.  
           [0006]    Another process in bioanalytical chemistry that requires clearly labeled vials is autosampling. Autosampling is the “reverse” of fraction collection. During autosampling, the vials containing samples are arranged in order and then the fluid inside the vials is removed in that same sequence by the autosampler and transferred to a device such as a gas or liquid chromatograph or a mass spectrometer. Autosampling is generally done just prior to the final analysis of a material, or as part of the final analytical step. Since the correct arrangement of the vials is critical, proper sample identification is vital. Mistakes can occur since these vials are generally loaded with the sample in a remote location and during a separate process such as fraction collection, manual pipetting, or another dispensing operation.  
           [0007]    Most methods for organizing the handling of multiple sample vials use the concept of a rack. In the rack approach vials are transferred by hand into a container which has an individual hole for each vial. These holes are typically arranged in an array of one or more rows and columns. This container or rack is then carried to the next processing step, where the vials are then either unloaded from the rack and reloaded into a different rack, or the rack itself is placed into another device so that the samples are processed in the same sequence. Obviously, the least potential for error exists in the scenario where vials are loaded into a rack, and not removed from the rack throughout the battery of analyses. However, it is rare that the user has an option of using the same rack for all steps of the process. More frequently, the fractions are collected in one rack, stored in another and finally analyzed in yet another rack. Each step requires the transfer of multiple sample vials, with the concomitant risk of dropping or misplacing samples thereby destroying the original and required sequence of vials.  
           [0008]    The current methods of placing identification information onto three-dimensional objects are not sufficient for labeling vials used in bioanalytical chemical analysis. Using adhesive labels to apply identification information is not optimal because adhesives on labels can loosen allowing the label to detach from the vial. This detachment of the label from the vial is accelerated by freezing and or refrigeration that occurs in some bioanalytical testing procedures, as temperature changes, and condensation induced by such changes, can have a deleterious effect on adhesives. Additionally, if the identification information on the adhesive label is ink, it can become smudged and unreadable due to repeated handling and exposure to the solvents and fumes which may be used during an analytical procedure. During fraction collection, adhesive labels could critically alter test data as the labels can cant the vial to one side, ruining the critical alignment of the vial relative to a perpendicular collection cannula. Further, if the identification information on a vial needs to be changed, an additional label must be added to the vial, further affecting the alignment of the vial, or the original label must be painstakingly removed. Also, applying adhesive labels to each small vial is tedious and time-consuming.  
           [0009]    Printing the identification information onto the surface of the vial with ink is not acceptable because the ink can become smudged and unreadable just as the ink on adhesive labels. Additionally, due to the small size of the vials and their glass or plastic construction, labeling each vial individually and legibly using a pen is a tedious and time-consuming chore. Processes such as pre-engraving, bar-coding, or stamping the identification information directly onto the vials add to the expense of each vial, require that vials be pre-arranged in order, and, depending on the process used, may not provide numbers or codes that are easily readable, or readable without a special device such as a bar-code scanner. Additionally, any identification information placed directly onto vials by processes such as these do not permit easy alteration of the information. Such alteration may be desirable, for example, to identify multiple vials as members of one group by causing the first or last symbol of the identification information on all of the vials to be the same. Tying a label to a vial is also not effective, because the material used to tie the label to the vial will likely affect the alignment of the vial and tying a label to each individual vial would be extremely time-consuming. Additionally, none of these current methods for labeling three-dimensional objects are capable of labeling multiple objects at one time.  
           [0010]    Further, these current methods for labeling three-dimensional objects are not capable of satisfying a current need in the chemical analysis industry, namely a quick and inexpensive means of labeling vials at multiple points in the analytic process to track the progression of vials through the process. Currently, if a vial is to be tracked through various stages of a process, after each stage the identification information on the vial must be recorded. For example, if the identification information on the vial is a barcode, the barcode is scanned after each stage of the process signifying to a computer attached to the scanner that the vial has completed that stage. Alternatively, an adhesive label of a certain color could be applied to the vial after it has completed a certain stage. However, in bioanalytical testing, the addition of more adhesive labels could alter a vial&#39;s alignment. Also, neither the barcode method or the colored adhesive label method permit the marking of multiple vials at one time.  
           [0011]    For the foregoing reasons there is a need for a relatively inexpensive device that permits quick and simple labeling of three-dimensional objects, such as vials. A device that enables easy removal of the identification information and that does not alter the alignment of the object is also needed. A further need is for a device that attaches identification information to an object such that the attachment is capable of withstanding the repeated handling and extreme temperature changes inherent in bioanalytical chemical testing. A device is needed that permits the addition of identification information to an object that is easily read, easily altered, and resistant to smudging and smearing. Additionally, there is a need for a device that is capable of labeling vials at various stages in an analytical process to permit tracking of the vial through the process.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0012]    The present invention comprises a device, system, and method for labeling three-dimensional objects. In one embodiment of the device of the present invention, the device comprises a sheet having a carrier portion and at least one tag removably attached to the carrier portion. Each tag in the device has an aperture therethrough, and the aperture is so dimensioned that an engagement may be created between the aperture and the outside surface of a three-dimensional object. The strength of this engagement is greater than the strength of the tag&#39;s removable attachment to the carrier portion of the sheet.  
           [0013]    In another embodiment of the device of the present invention, the device comprises a sheet having two layers, a tag layer and a backing layer, lightly adhered together by a weak adhesive. The tag layer has a carrier portion and at least one tag removably attached to the carrier portion. Each tag has an aperture therethrough, and the aperture is so dimensioned that an engagement may be created between the aperture and the outside surface of a three-dimensional object. The backing layer has at least as many holes therethrough as the number of apertures in the tag layer. Each aperture in the tag layer is aligned with a corresponding hole in the backing layer. The strength of the engagement between the aperture and the three-dimensional object is greater than the combined strength of the tag&#39;s removable attachment to the carrier portion of the sheet and the adhesive attachment of the tag layer to the backing layer.  
           [0014]    In one embodiment of the system of the present invention, the system comprises at least one sheet as in the device of the invention, a sheet holder, and a means for removably attaching at least one sheet to the sheet holder. In one embodiment of the system, the sheet holder is a vial rack, and in another embodiment the sheet holder is a vial carousel. The means for removably attaching a sheet to the sheet holder is a cover in one embodiment of the system of the present invention. In another embodiment, such means comprises an adhesive. In a further embodiment of the system, the means for removably attaching a sheet to the sheet holder comprises at least one registration protrusion extending upward from the sheet holder and at least one registration hole in the sheet for receipt of the at least one registration protrusion.  
           [0015]    In an embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method comprises providing a sheet as in the device of the present invention, inserting the first end of a three-dimensional object into the aperture in one of the tags in the sheet, moving the object through the aperture until the aperture reaches a desired contact point on the object, and moving the object in the opposite direction, thereby removing the tag containing the aperture from the carrier portion of the sheet such that the tag remains attached to the contact point of the object. In another embodiment of the method of the present invention, the method comprises providing a sheet as in the device of the present invention, providing a sheet holder as in the system of the present invention, removably attaching the sheet to the sheet holder, inserting the first end of a three-dimensional object into the aperture in one of the tags in the sheet, moving the object through the aperture until the aperture reaches a desired contact point on the object, and moving the object in the opposite direction, thereby removing the tag containing the aperture from the carrier portion of the sheet such that the tag remains attached to the contact point of the object.  
           [0016]    The device, system, and method of the present invention satisfy the need for labeling a three-dimensional object quickly and easily. They further satisfy the need for a labeling method that doesn&#39;t alter the alignment of the labeled object. The present invention provides a device that enables attachment of identification information to an object such that the attachment is capable of withstanding repeated handling and extreme temperature variations. The need for a manner of adding identification information to an object that is easily read, easily altered, and resistant to smudging and smearing is also met by the present invention. The device, system, and method of the invention permit easy tracking objects at various stages in a process. Additionally, the need for a system that enables easy removal of the identification information is met by the present invention.  
           [0017]    These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0018]    [0018]FIG. 1 shows an overhead view of one embodiment of the device of the current invention.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2 shows an overhead view of the tag layer and the backing layer of another embodiment of the device of the current invention.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIGS. 3A, 3B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G, and  3 H show side views of three-dimensional objects capable of being labeled by the device, method, and system of the current invention.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C show side views of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 and vials to illustrate the sequence of inserting vials into the device.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C illustrating the step of removing a vial from the device of FIG. 1 and a labeled vial.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIGS. 6A, 6B, and  6 C show side views of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 2 and vials to illustrate the sequence of inserting vials into the device.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and  6 C illustrating the step of removing a vial from the device of FIG. 2 and a labeled vial.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 8 shows an overhead view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C show side views of the system of FIG. 8 and vials to illustrate the sequence of attaching a sheet and cover to a sheet holder and inserting vials into the system.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 10 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C illustrating the sequence of removing a vial from the system of FIG. 8 and a labeled vial.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 11 shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the device of the current invention.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIGS. 12A, 12B,  12 C, and  12 D show a side view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention and vials to illustrate a sequence of labeling vials. 
     
    
     DESCRIPTION  
       [0030]    Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown an overhead view of one embodiment of the device for labeling three-dimensional objects according to the present invention. In this embodiment, a device  20  for labeling at least one three-dimensional object comprises a sheet  22  of strong, yet resilient material. The sheet  22  has a carrier portion  24  and at least one tag  26  removably attached to the carrier portion  24 . Each of the tags has an aperture  28  therethrough.  
         [0031]    In one embodiment, the sheet  22  consists of a thin piece (between about 0.002″ and about 0.007″ thick) of print-treated polyester, but in other embodiments, the sheet  22  may consist of a thin piece of another flexible material, including, but not limited to, Dupont Tyvek®, polyester film, polyethylene film, polypropylene film, paper, vinyl sheet, rubber, neoprene, or composites of aluminum and polymer. Some salient characteristics of these materials are that they are moisture-resistant and that they are not destroyed or weakened during prolonged storage in high humidity or a wide range of temperatures, from freezing conditions to incubation at high temperatures. Additionally, they are not damaged by solvents that may be spilled during fraction collection. These materials are all available in thin, e.g. 0.002″, 0.005″, and 0.007″, sheets which may be etched using laser energy or chemicals or printed on by offset, silk-screen, dye sublimation, inkjet, or other methods, such as manual inscription with an ink pen or marker.  
         [0032]    Individual tags  26  are made in the sheet in a pre-determined pattern through a process such as die-cutting or laser-cutting. In one embodiment, the pattern of the tags  26  reproduces the shape of the grid, carousel or belt on a fraction collector. Such patterns may include, but are not limited to, an array of one or more rows and columns or a pattern of one or more concentric circles. The tags  26  may be any of a plurality of shapes and sizes.  
         [0033]    The process used to make the tags  26  in the sheet  22  produces a removable attachment  30  of each tag  26  to the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22 . In one embodiment, the removable attachment  30  consists of perforations in the sheet  22  leaving three points of attachment between the tag  26  and the sheet  22 . In alternative embodiments, the removable attachment  30  may consist of either more or less perforations in the sheet  22  to result in a different number of breakable attachment points. In another embodiment, the removable attachment  30  consists of areas of weakness in the sheet  22 , such as may be created by stamping, etching, or engraving.  
         [0034]    Each tag  26  has an aperture  28  therethrough. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the aperture  28  is circular. In other embodiments, the aperture  28  may be any of a plurality of shapes, including, but not limited to, elliptical, square, triangular, or rectangular. The aperture  28  is dimensioned so as to permit an engagement between the aperture  28  and the three-dimensional object to be labeled, as is explained in further detail herein.  
         [0035]    In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 1, an appropriate process is used such that each tag  26  is marked with identification information  32 . In this embodiment, identification information  32  comprises numbers. However, other identification information  32 , such as, but not limited to, letters, magnetic strip, optical codes, bar codes, graphic images, or other codes are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. The process used to mark each tag  26  may include, but is not limited to, engraving, etching with a laser or chemicals, printing, stamping, or manual inscription. Each tag  26  may be uniquely identified, or may be identified as part of a particular lot. The present invention also includes within its scope the use of other codes which can be used to identify samples, such as, but not limited to, the color of the sheet  22  or colored tags  26  within the sheet  22 . Space can be allowed on the tag  26  for additional identification information  32  which may be later added by the user of the three-dimensional object.  
         [0036]    In another embodiment, each tag  26  is not pre-marked with identification information  32 , but at least one surface of the tag  26  permits the subsequent addition of identification information  32 . Identification information  32  such as, but not limited to, numbers, letters, magnetic strips, optical codes, bar codes, graphic images, or other codes are contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Also, the tag  26  may be specifically identified by altering the outer shape of the tag  26  or by adding Deoxyribonucleic Acid (“DNA”) or fingerprints to the tag  26 . The identification information  32  may be added to the tag  26  through the use of a pen, a laser printer, an inkjet printer, an engraver, or other devices. As will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, other means of adding identification information  32  to at least one surface of a tag  26  may be used.  
         [0037]    In the embodiment of FIG. 1, registration holes  34  are drilled in or cut from the sheet  22 . These holes are positioned and dimensioned so as to closely match the position and size of registration protrusions extending upward from a vial rack or vial mounting block to ensure proper alignment of the sheet  22  on the rack or block.  
         [0038]    [0038]FIG. 2 illustrates an overhead view of an alternative embodiment of the invention. In FIG. 2, the device comprises a sheet  36  comprised of two layers, a tag layer  38  and a backing layer  40 . The backing layer  40  would normally be supplied already attached to the tag layer  38 , but is illustrated separately in FIG. 2 to show how it is different from the tag layer  38 . The tag layer  38  consists of a thin piece (between about 0.002″ and about 0.007″ thick) of a flexible material, such as those materials comprising the sheet  22  in the embodiment of FIG. 1. The tag layer  38  comprises a carrier portion  42 , at least one tag  44  having an aperture  46  therethrough, and a removable attachment  48  of each tag  44  to the carrier portion  42 . Alternative embodiments of the tag layer  38  may include any combination of the elements of the one-layer sheet  22  discussed above, including, but not limited to, identification information  50  and registration holes  52 .  
         [0039]    The backing layer  40  is composed of a material such as paper which eases the handling of the tag layer  38 . Weak adhesive, such as is found on a  3 M Post-It® note, is used to lightly adhere the tag layer  38  to the backing layer  40 . While the present invention includes within its scope the application of adhesive to the tag layer  38 , it is preferable to apply the adhesive to the backing layer  40  in order to minimize the mass of the tag  44  when it is attached to the three-dimensional object to be labeled. The backing layer  40  contains holes  54  that are positioned so as to align with the apertures  46  in the tag layer  38 . In one embodiment, the holes  54  are approximately the same size as the apertures  46  in the tag layer  38 . The backing layer  40  does not contain tags  44 . In another embodiment, the backing layer  40  has registration holes  56  positioned and dimensioned so as to match the registration holes  52  in the tag layer  38 .  
         [0040]    The three-dimensional objects that may be labeled by the device, system, and method of the current invention have common characteristics that may be described by reference to FIGS. 3A, 3B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G, and  3 H. FIG. 3A shows a side view of a three-dimensional object, a vial. The three-dimensional object  58  in FIG. 3A, has a first end  60  and a second end  62  defining a longitudinal axis  64  therebetween. Between the first end  60  and the second end  62 , the three-dimensional object  58  has a desired contact point  65  where the aperture of a tag will be engaged with the outer surface of the three-dimensional object  58 . At the desired contact point  65 , the object  58  has a desired planar cross-section  66  that defines a contact point surface. The device, system, and method of the present invention are operable to label any such three-dimensional object  58  in which, at no point between the first end  60  and the desired contact point  65 , the area of the planar cross-section of the object  58  with the least cross-sectional area is substantially greater than the area of the contact point surface. If an object did not meet this criterion, either the aperture in the tag would be too greatly enlarged by the substantially greater cross-sectional area to engage the object  58  at the desired contact point  65  or the aperture would be unable to travel over the point with the substantially greater cross-sectional area without tearing the tag.  
         [0041]    The three-dimensional object  58  in FIG. 3A has a circular cross-sectional area, but the device, system, and method of the present invention are capable of labeling three-dimensional objects having cross-sectional areas of other shapes, including, but not limited to, triangles, squares, ovals, and rectangles. Additionally, the outer surfaces of the three-dimensional object  58  in FIG. 3A are parallel to the longitudinal axis  64 , such that at each point between the first end  60  and the second  62 , the cross-section with the least cross-sectional area is the cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  64 . The present invention is capable of labeling objects that are dimensioned such that the outer surfaces of the object are not always parallel to the object&#39;s longitudinal axis. FIG. 3B shows a side view of an object  58  with curved outer surfaces such that they are not always parallel to the object&#39;s longitudinal axis  64 . Therefore, at a point between the first end  60  of the object  58  and the desired contact point  65  of the object, the area of a cross-section  67  perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  64  is greater than the area of the desired cross-section  66  at the desired contact point  65 . However, the device, system, and method are capable of labeling the object  58  of FIG. 3B because at that point between the first end  60  and the desired contact point  65 , the area of the cross-section  68  with the least cross-sectional area is not substantially greater than the cross-section of the contact point surface defined by the desired cross-section  67 . Therefore, the aperture in a tag would be able to pass over that point without excessively enlarging the aperture and without tearing the tag.  
         [0042]    [0042]FIG. 3C shows a side view of an object  58  with outer surfaces that are not parallel to the object&#39;s longitudinal axis  64 . FIG. 3C illustrates that the desired cross-section  66  at the desired contact point  65  need not be the cross-section intersecting the desired contact point  65  with the least cross-sectional area. Because at at least one point between the first end  60  of the object  58  and the desired contact point  65  the area of the cross-section with the least cross-sectional area is substantially greater than the area of the cross-section  69 , if cross-section  69  was designated as a desired cross-section, the device, system, and method of the present invention would likely be unable to label the object  58 . However, because at each point between the first end  60  and the actual desired contact point  65  of the object  58  the area of the planar cross-section of the object  58  with the least cross-sectional area is not substantially greater than the area of the contact point surface of the object  58 , defined by the desired cross-section  66 , the object may be labeled by the present invention.  
         [0043]    [0043]FIGS. 3D, 3E,  3 F,  3 G, and  3 H show side views of other three-dimensional objects that may be labeled by the present invention. Each of the objects  58  has a first end  60 , a second end  62 , a longitudinal axis  64 , a desired contact point  65 , and a desired planar cross-section  66 . FIG. 3D shows a side view of a capillary tube. Capillary tubes are typically made of glass, plastic, or stainless steel and are typically open on both ends. FIG. 3E shows a side view of a centrifuge or reaction tube. FIG. 3F shows a side view of a microcentrifuge tube, and FIG. 3G shows a side view of a tapered tube. FIG. 3H shows a side view of a tube for lyophilized materials. Such tubes are usually sealed on both ends. As will be obvious to one skilled in the art, the three-dimensional objects shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E,  3 F,  3 G, and  3 H are merely representative of the many types of objects that may be labeled by the present invention.  
         [0044]    A method for labeling a three-dimensional object with the device of the present invention can be described by reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B,  4 C, and  5 . FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C show side views of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 and vials to illustrate the sequence of inserting vials into the device. FIG. 5 shows a side view of the embodiment of the device of FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C illustrating the step of removing a vial from the device of FIG. 1 and a labeled vial.  
         [0045]    In FIG. 4A, a side view of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 1 is shown. In FIG. 4B, the three-dimensional object  58  to be labeled is a vial. Either the first end  60  of the object  58  is inserted into an aperture  28  in one of the tags  26  in the sheet  22  or the aperture  28  in one of the tags  26  in the sheet  22  is placed over the first end of the object  58 . Referring to FIG. 4C, the object  58  is then moved through the aperture  28  toward the first end  60  of the object  58 . Alternatively, the sheet  22  is moved toward the contact point  65  of the object  58 . As the aperture  28  reaches the contact point  65  of the object  58 , an engagement is created between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58 . This engagement may be the result of one or more of a plurality of forces, including, but not limited to, (i) a frictional force between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58  and (ii) an adhesive force resulting from the presence of an adhesive on at least one point of least one edge of the aperture  28  or the presence of an adhesive on at least one point on the outer surface of the object  58 .  
         [0046]    In FIG. 5, the object  58  is moved away from the sheet  22  toward the second end  62  of the object  58  or the sheet  22  is moved toward the first end  60  of the object  58 , thereby removing the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  and leaving the tag  26  engaged with the object  58  at the contact point  65 . This separation of the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  occurs because the strength of the engagement between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58  is greater than the strength of the removable attachment  30  of the tag  26  to the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22 . A perspective view of a tagged vial may also by seen in FIG. 5.  
         [0047]    An alternative method of labeling the three-dimensional object  58  includes the steps illustrated in FIGS. 4A, 4B, and  4 C and described above. After the aperture  28  reaches the contact point  65  of the object  58  in FIG. 4C, the movement of the second end  62  of the object  58  toward the sheet  22 , or the movement of the sheet  22  toward the second end  62  of the object  58 , is continued, thereby removing the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  and leaving the tag  26  engaged with the object  58  at the contact point  65 . This separation of the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  occurs because the strength of the removable attachment  30  of the tag  26  to the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  is overcome by either (i) the strength of the engagement between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58  or (ii) a force placed upon the tag  36  in the direction of the movement of the object  58 . Such a force may be exerted by a cross-section of the object  58  that has a substantially greater area than the contact point surface and that is adjacent to the contact point  65  on the side of the contact point  65  closest to the second end  62  of the object  58 , e.g., the cross-section of the lip of a vial. Alternatively, the force may be exerted on the tag  26  by an entity separate from the object  58 .  
         [0048]    [0048]FIGS. 6A, 6B,  6 C, and  7  illustrate a method for labeling a three-dimensional object  58  using the alternative embodiment of the current invention consisting of a sheet  36  with a tag layer  38  and a backing layer  40 . FIGS. 6A, 6B, and  6 C show side views of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 2 and vials to illustrate the sequence of inserting vials into the device. FIG. 7 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 6A, 6B, and  6 C illustrating the step of removing a vial from the device of FIG. 2 and a labeled vial.  
         [0049]    In FIG. 6A, a side view of the embodiment of the device of FIG. 2 is shown. Referring to FIG. 6B, either the first end  60  of the object  58  is inserted into an aperture  46  in one of the tags  44  in the tag layer  38  or the aperture  46  in one of the tags  44  in the tag layer  38  is placed over the first end  60  of the object  58 . In FIG. 6C, the object  58  is then moved through the aperture  46  and the hole  54  in the backing layer  40  toward the first end  60  of the object  58 . Alternatively, the sheet  36  is moved toward the contact point  65  of the object  58 . As the aperture  46  reaches the contact point  65  of the object  58 , an engagement is created between the aperture  46  and the outer surface of the object  58 .  
         [0050]    In FIG. 7, the object  58  is moved away from the sheet  36  toward the second end  62  of the object  58  or the sheet  36  is moved toward the first end  60  of the object  58 , thereby removing the tag  44  from the carrier portion  42  of the tag layer  38  and from the backing layer  40  and leaving the tag  44  engaged with the object  58  at the contact point  65 . This separation of the tag  44  from the carrier portion  42  of the tag layer  38  and from the backing layer  40  occurs because the strength of the engagement between the aperture  46  and the outer surface of the object  58  is greater than the strength of the combination of the removable attachment  48  of the tag  44  to the carrier portion  42  of the tag layer  38  and the adhesive attachment of the tag layer  38  to the backing layer  40 . A perspective view of a tagged vial may also by seen in FIG. 7.  
         [0051]    [0051]FIG. 8 is an overhead view of one embodiment of the system of the present invention for labeling a three-dimensional object. The system comprises a sheet  22  as previously described, a sheet holder  70 , and a means for removably attaching the sheet  22  to the sheet holder  70 . In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the sheet holder  70  is a rack that also holds vials. In another embodiment, the sheet holder  70  is a carousel or belt that holds vials. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, the means for removably attaching the sheet  22  to the sheet holder  70  is a cover  71 . The cover has holes  72  therethrough positioned and dimensioned such that when the cover  71  is placed over the sheet  22  each tag  26  in the sheet  22  is completely visible through a hole  72  in the cover  71 . In an alternative embodiment of the current invention the means for removably attaching the sheet  22  to the sheet holder  70  may comprise at least one registration protrusion  74  extending upward from the sheet holder  70  and at least one registration hole  34  in the sheet  22  for receipt of at least one registration protrusion  74 . The cover  71  may also have registration holes  76  therethrough. In other embodiments, the means for removably attaching the sheet  22  to the sheet holder  70  may comprise an adhesive or a force applied by the user of the system. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that other means for removably attaching the sheet  22  to the sheet holder  70  and other means for aligning the sheet  22  with the sheet holder  70  exist, including, but not limited to, screws, clips, clamps, rubber bands, or tape.  
         [0052]    Referring to FIGS. 9A, 9B,  9 C, and  10 , a method for labeling a three-dimensional object with an embodiment of the system of the present invention can be described. FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C show side views of the system of FIG. 8 and vials to illustrate the sequence of attaching a sheet and cover to a sheet holder and inserting vials into the system. FIG. 10 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIGS. 9A, 9B, and  9 C illustrating the sequence of removing a vial from the system of FIG. 8 and a labeled vial.  
         [0053]    In FIG. 9A, at least one sheet  22  is removably attached to the sheet holder  70 . This removable attachment is achieved by placing the cover  71  over the sheet  22  such that registration holes  76  in the cover  71  are aligned with the registration holes  34  in the sheet  22  and by placing the cover  71  and the sheet  22  on the sheet holder  70  by positioning the cover  71  and the sheet  22  such that the registration protrusions  74  extending upward from the sheet holder  70  protrude through the registration holes  34  and  76  of the sheet  22  and the cover  71 , respectively.  
         [0054]    Referring to FIG. 9B, the first end  71  of the object  58  to be labeled is inserted through a hole  72  in the cover  71  and into an aperture  28  in one of the tags  26  in the sheet  22 . Alternatively, a hole  72  in the cover  71  and the aperture  28  in one of the tags  26  in the sheet  22  are placed over the first end  60  of the object  58 . In FIG. 9C, the object  58  is then moved through the aperture  28  toward the first end  60  of the object  58 . Alternatively, the sheet holder  70  is moved toward the contact point  65  of the object  58 . As the aperture  28  reaches the contact point  65  of the object  58 , an engagement is created between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58 . In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, at this point in the method the first end  60  of the object  58  contacts the sheet holder  70 , and the sheet holder  70  holds the object  58 . The object  58  may then be filled with contents without being held by the user of the object  58 .  
         [0055]    Referring now to FIG. 10, the object  58  is moved away from the sheet holder  70  toward the second end  62  of the object  58  or the top of the sheet holder  70  is moved toward the first end  60  of the object  58 , thereby removing the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  and leaving the tag  26  engaged with the object  58  at the contact point  65 . This separation of the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22  occurs because the strength of the engagement between the aperture  28  and the outer surface of the object  58  is greater than the strength of the removable attachment  30  of the tag  26  to the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22 . A perspective view of a tagged vial may also by seen in FIG. 10.  
         [0056]    [0056]FIG. 11 shows an overhead view of an embodiment of the device of the current invention. In FIG. 11, tags  78  are organized on a sheet  80  that is perforated into strips. Each strip has a set of registration holes  82 , so that individual strips or the entire sheet  80  can be mounted on a sheet holder having registration protrusions. The organization of the tags  78  can be in a rectangular fashion, as shown, or in a circle, or a triangle, or any other shape which matches the format of the sheet holder being utilized.  
         [0057]    [0057]FIGS. 12A, 12B,  12 C, and  12 D show a side view of another embodiment of the system of the present invention and vials to illustrate a sequence of labeling multiple vials at one time. In FIG. 12A, a sheet holder  84  is combined with a sheet holder support  86 . The sheet holder  84  is dimensioned so as to permit the first end  60  of an object  58  that is inserted into the sheet holder  84  to protrude below the bottom surface  88  of the sheet holder  84 . The sheet holder  84  is placed on top of the sheet holder support  86 . The steps illustrated in FIGS. 9B and 9C are then taken using this version of the invention, resulting in an engagement between the aperture  28  in one of the tags  26  in the sheet  22  and an object  58  at the contact point  65  of the object  58 .  
         [0058]    In FIG. 12B, the sheet holder  84  is moved away from the sheet holder support  86  and the sheet holder support  86  is removed. Referring to FIG. 12C, the sheet holder  84  is then moved towards a substantially planar surface  90  until the first end  60  of the object  58  contained in the sheet holder  84  contacts the surface  90 . In FIG. 12D, the cover  71 , the sheet  22 , and the sheet holder  84  are then moved toward the surface  90  with a force sufficient to remove the tag  26  from the carrier portion  24  of the sheet  22 , leaving the tag  26  engaged with the object  58  at the contact point  65 . This movement of the sheet holder  84  causes, at one time, the transfer of a tag  26  to each object  58  in the sheet holder  84 , thereby speeding up the labeling process.  
         [0059]    As will be obvious to those skilled in the art, the previously described versions of the present invention have many significant advantages. One advantage of the invention is the provision of a device, system and method whereby an identification tag is automatically attached to an object, such as a sample vial, as it is being inserted into a sheet holder, such as a vial rack. Thus, identification information is added to the vial quickly and easily. The objects may be labeled very quickly if a machine is used to perform the method of the current invention. Another advantage is the provision of a device which does not rely solely on the use of an adhesive to maintain the tag in contact with the vial. Because the tag is not solely maintained on the vial by an adhesive, there is no risk of loss of adhesion during freezing and thawing cycles.  
         [0060]    Yet another advantage of the invention is the provision of a device which does not require the use of a marking pen, inkjet, or other marking device to add an ink-based code to the vial itself. A further advantage is the provision of a device for the identification of individual glass or plastic vials by means of preprinted or etched codes, numbers, letters, symbols or bar codes. Because the tags can be offset printed with indelible inks, etched, or stamped, the identification information remains readable when exposed to solvents including water and alcohols. In the case of magnetic or optical encoding, positive sample identification through automated readers is possible. Also, the invention has the advantage of including the means for the user to differentiate separate lots of samples or samples in different stages of a process by using different colors of ink codes or tags or different shapes of tags. The invention also permits users to enter additional information on the tag as needed for identification of a group of samples.  
         [0061]    Yet another advantage of the invention is the provision of a device which binds the tag tightly so that the tag does not fall off during transfer of the vial to other devices. Also, because the tags are sufficiently strong and resistant to tearing, a tag is likely to remain with a vial throughout several transfers. Because the tags of the invention are made of thin, flexible material, they can be bent and folded so as not to interfere with the positioning of a vial as it is transferred to and placed in other devices, carriers, or chemical analyzers. Because the tags are light and the weight of the tags are relatively evenly distributed around the vial, the tags do not alter the alignment of the vials. Additionally, this invention is resistant to damage by moisture caused by high humidity, freezing, refrigeration, high temperatures, or spillage of water and other solvents during use.  
         [0062]    The invention further allows automatic identification and storage of the vials loaded into it so that they do not fall out due to tipping or inversion of the device, yet also allows deliberate removal of the vials as needed. That the invention can be easily removed from a vial when experimentation is complete without leaving any residue on the vial or physically altering the vial is also an advantage over the prior art.  
         [0063]    Although the present invention has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions are possible. For example, the user of a three-dimensional object to be labeled could manually remove a tag from the carrier portion of the tag&#39;s sheet and then place the tag onto the three-dimensional object by hand. This version of the method of the present invention is contemplated to be within the scope of the invention. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred versions contained herein.