Patent Publication Number: US-9423409-B2

Title: Articulated sample container rack apparatus, rack conveyor systems, and methods of conveying sample containers

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/640,075 filed Apr. 30, 2012, and entitled “ARTICULATED SAMPLE CONTAINER RACK APPARATUS, RACK CONVEYOR SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF CONVEYING SAMPLE CONTAINERS,” the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates generally to sample container racks, and systems and methods adapted for conveying sample containers between locations. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Testing within clinical laboratories, for example, may involve measuring one or more chemical constituents in a biological fluid obtained from a patient, such as whole blood, blood serum, blood plasma, spinal fluid, interstitial fluid, urine, or the like. Automated clinical analyzers, automated immunoassay equipment, and other automated processing equipment (e.g., centrifuges and pre-processing equipment) may be used to reduce the number of trained technicians required to perform analyses or pre-analysis processing, improve overall accuracy, and reduce the cost per operation performed. 
     Typically, such automated clinical analyzers or automated equipment may include an automated track system that is adapted to automatically transfer sample containers (e.g., sample tubes) from one location to another). In some embodiments, rigid sample racks containing multiple sample containers (e.g., multiple sample tubes) may be conveyed by the automated track system. In other embodiments, individual sample tube carriers (referred to herein as “sample tube pucks”) each including a single sample container may be conveyed on an automated track system, and possibly diverted to one or more additional tracks for processing or analysis. 
     Conveying sample containers in rigid sample racks has advantages in terms of throughput. However, such sample racks may be difficult to convey within the tight space envelope desired for analyzers and processing equipment. In particular, turning tight corners in order to reverse a conveying direction may be problematic. Similarly, conveying individual sample containers in pucks may be problematic because they are spaced apart and, thus, may provide lower throughput. Accordingly, improved sample container conveyor systems and methods are sought after. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to a first aspect, an articulated sample container rack apparatus is provided. The sample container rack apparatus includes a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle configured and adapted to receive a sample container, the receptacle including a bottom, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing relative rotation between at least some of the rack components. 
     According to another aspect, an articulated sample container rack apparatus is provided. The sample container rack apparatus includes a plurality of rack components having a total number of between 3 and 10, at least some of the rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, wherein the receptacle includes a sidewall and a bottom, link sets connected to the rack components at first and second vertically-spaced locations, and retainers coupled to each of the rack components to restrain vertical motion of the link sets relative to the rack components and yet allow rotation of the rack components relative to the link sets. 
     According to another aspect, a sample container rack conveyor system is provided. The sample container rack conveyor system includes a track formed between a first wall and a second wall, at least one of the walls comprising a moveable wall having cleats extending into the track, and an articulated sample container rack adapted to be moved along the track by the moveable wall, the articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the coupled rack components. 
     In another aspect, a method of conveying a sample container rack is provided. The method includes providing an articulated sample container rack, the articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components, at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle adapted to receive a sample container, the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge allowing relative articulation between at least some of the rack components, and moving the flexible sample container rack along a track with a moveable wall. 
     Still other aspects, features, and advantages of the present invention may be readily apparent from the following detailed description by illustrating a number of exemplary embodiments and implementations, including the best mode contemplated for carrying out the present invention. The present invention may also be capable of other and different embodiments, and its several details may be modified in various respects. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. The invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will be better understood by referring to the detailed description taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 
         FIG. 1A  illustrates an isometric view of an articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1B  illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of a portion of a rack conveyor system for an articulated sample container rack apparatus including two moveable walls according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 1C  illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of a portion of a rack conveyor system for an articulated sample container rack apparatus including one moveable wall according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2A  illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of an alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2B  illustrates a top view of an alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 2C  illustrates a top view of an alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus shown misaligned according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a cross-sectioned view of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus including a center payload-carrying component according to embodiments. 
         FIGS. 4A and 4B  illustrate isometric views of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments (sample containers removed for clarity in  FIG. 4B ). 
         FIG. 4C  illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4D  illustrates a top view of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus shown misaligned according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4E  illustrates a top view of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus shown misaligned according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 4F  illustrates a cross-sectioned side view of another alternative articulated sample container rack apparatus according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5A  illustrates a top isometric view of a portion of a sample container rack conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5B  illustrates an underside isometric view of a portion of a sample container rack conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5C  illustrates a diagram of a sample container rack conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5D  illustrates an isometric view of some components of a sample container rack conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5E  illustrates an isometric underside view of segments of a conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 5F  illustrates an isometric top view of segments of a conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 6  illustrates an isometric view of another embodiment of a sample container rack conveyor system according to embodiments. 
         FIG. 7  is a flowchart illustrating methods according to embodiments. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In view of the foregoing difficulties, there is an unmet need to reduce the space needed for transferring sample containers and/or allow more system flexibility for transferring sample containers within sample container conveyor systems. 
     Accordingly, in one embodiment, an articulated sample container rack apparatus is provided that allows sample containers to be conveyed in relatively small groups. The articulated sample container rack apparatus includes a plurality of coupled rack components including at least one hinge allowing articulation between at least some of the rack components. At least some of the rack components have a receptacle (e.g., recess) configured and adapted to receive a sample container such as a sample tube. The sample tube may contain a biological fluid to be processed and/or tested at a testing and/or processing station. The rack components have a receptacle including a bottom configured to contact the sample container, and may include a holder having one or more locator fingers configured and operational to locate the sample container within the rack component. 
     In another embodiment, a sample container rack conveyor system is described. The sample rack conveyor system includes a track having first and second walls and a floor, the track being configured and adapted to receive the articulated sample container racks. At least one of the walls comprises a moveable wall. The moveable wall may have cleats extending into the track that engage spaces between the rack components. An articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components and one or more hinges allowing articulation between at least some of the coupled rack components may be conveyed by the cleats on the moveable wall. Additional embodiments wherein the conveyor system includes a secondary moveable wall are disclosed, which can be used to spin the rack components so that a barcode on the sample container may be read. 
     These and other aspects and features of embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to  FIGS. 1A-7  herein. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1A , an example embodiment of an articulated sample container rack apparatus  100  is illustrated. The articulated sample container rack apparatus  100  will be referred to as “articulated sample container rack apparatus,” or “articulated sample container rack,” or “sample container rack,” or “sample rack,” or just “rack” herein. The sample container rack  100  includes a plurality of rack components  102  that are coupled to one another by a plurality of links  103 . In particular, as shown, a plurality of links  103  are rotationally coupled to each of the rack components  102 . The rack components  102  may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be identical to one another in some embodiments. The rack components  102  may be made of a suitable plastic material, such as a thermoplastic. For example, Polyoxymethylene (POM), also known as acetal, polyacetal, and polyformaldehyde, is an engineering thermoplastic that may be used. Optionally, Nylon may be used. Other materials may be used. The rack components  102  may have a diameter of about 27 mm or greater and height of about 35 mm or greater, for example. Other dimensions may be used. The links  103  may be generally flat in shape and may be identical to one another in some embodiments. The links  103  may be made of a rigid material, such as steel, and may be about 1.5 mm thick, for example. The links  103  may have a center-to-center dimension of greater than about 28 mm, or even between about 28 mm and about 35 mm in some embodiments. The center-to-center dimension of the links  103  may be selected so that adjacent rack components  102  may be spaced at less than about 5 mm from one another. Other materials, thicknesses, and center-to-center dimensions may be used. 
     At least some of the rack components  102  have a receptacle  104  with a sidewall and a bottom  104 B that is configured and adapted to receive a sample container  106  therein. The bottom  104 B is configured and adapted to contact a bottom of the sample container  106  or a holder that receives the sample container  106 . For example, in some embodiments, the bottom  104 B may be part of a sample container holder  105  (see  FIG. 1B ) that may be received in the receptacle  104  so that the sample container  106  is held in a generally upright configuration and is generally centered within the rack component  102 . The sample container  106  may be a capped or uncapped sample-containing tube. Other types of sample containers  106  may be received in the receptacles  104 . However, the sample rack  100  may be adapted for carrying 12 mm to 16 mm biological liquid sample tubes. 
     The sample container rack  100  has a first free end  108  and a second free end  110 . The term “free end” means that an end one of the rack components  102  is coupled to only one other adjacent rack component  102 . Washer-shaped spacers  111  may be provided at the free ends  108 ,  110  to enhance commonality of components used in the rack  100 . Center rack components  102  are attached to two adjacent rack components  102 . At least some of the rack components  102  include a hinge  112  (e.g., a pivot axis) allowing articulation (e.g., relative rotation) between at least some of the rack components  102 . In the depicted embodiment, all of the rack components  102  that include a receptacle  104  may have the ability to rotate substantially freely (e.g., 360 degrees or more), with minimal friction, about a rotational axis  114  (hinge axis) generally aligned with a center of the sample container  106  as shown in  FIG. 1A . In this manner, the sample container rack  100  may be conveyed on a conveyor system  120  (See  FIG. 1B ) and, at one or more locations on the conveyor system  120 , each of the rack components  102  may be spun and a barcode  106 B on one, a subset, or all of the sample containers  106  in the sample container rack  100  may be read by a barcode reader. In the depicted embodiment, at least one of the hinges  112 , and preferably all of the hinges  112  are substantially aligned with a location of a receptacle  104 . Retainers  116  may be coupled to each of the rack components  102 . A retainer  116  (only a few labeled) may be provided adjacent to each link  103  or spacer  111  to restrain the links  103  from vertical motion relative to the rack components  102 . Retainers  116  may be threaded rings, for example. 
     The conveyor system  120  in the depicted embodiment of  FIG. 1B  includes a track having a stationary floor  122  upon which the sample container rack  100  may slide, and at least one moveable wall  124 . The stationary floor  122  of the track may be made of a low friction material, or include a low friction surface treatment or layer (e.g., a Teflon layer). Suitable low friction materials include Nylon, High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), or the like. Other low friction materials may be used. The conveyor system  120  may also include additional moveable walls and/or stationary walls (See  FIGS. 5A-6 ). In the depicted embodiment, a secondary moveable wall  126  may be provided, and the rack  100  is received between the moveable wall  124  and the secondary moveable wall  126 . Portions of the track may be formed by the stationary floor  122 , the moveable wall  124 , and the secondary wall  126 , wherein at least one of the walls comprises a moveable wall. 
     The secondary moveable wall  126  may be provided at least locally, such as in the area shown where a barcode  106 B on the sample container  106  may be read. The barcodes  106 B may be read by spinning each rack component  102  by contacting a side surface  102 S of the rack component  102  with the secondary moveable wall  126 . The secondary moveable wall  126  may be a compliant high-friction material, such as an elastomer such as natural rubber, polyurethane, or the like. The material should have a relatively high coefficient of friction Cf 1 . The surface may be roughened or a low slip coating may be added to achieve a high coefficient of friction Cf 1 . The secondary moveable wall  126  may be moved by any suitable means. For example, a moveable member  128 , which may be a rotating wheel or other suitable article for causing rotation of the secondary moveable wall  126 , may be used. Other support members (e.g., idler wheels) may be used along the secondary moveable wall  126 . The moveable member  128  may be rotated by any suitable motive device  129 , such as a variable speed motor, or the like. 
     To cause rotation of the rack component  102  in contact with the moveable walls  124 ,  126 , the secondary moveable wall  126  may be operated (e.g., moved) at a rate different than the moveable wall  124 . A rate that is faster than, slower than, or even reversed or stopped relative to the moveable wall  124  will cause rotation (spinning) of the rack components  102  and sample containers  106  received therein. In particular, a slight interference may be provided so that the walls  124 ,  126  slightly pinch the rack components  102 . 
     In operation, cleats  124 C (shown dotted in  FIG. 1B ) of the moveable wall  124  are adapted to extend into the track and contact at least some of the rack components  102  and move the rack  100  along the stationary floor  122  of the track. The cleats  124 C on the moveable wall  124  hold the rack components in a defined moving position, and the relatively faster or slower secondary moveable wall  126  may cause rotation of the rack components  102 . In one or more embodiments, the material of the moveable wall  124  may have a relatively lower coefficient of friction Cf 2  than that of the secondary moveable wall  126 , i.e., Cf 2 &lt;Cf 1 . This will increase slippage of the side surface  102 S of the rack component  102  on the moveable wall  124 , but minimize slippage on secondary moveable wall  126 . The moveable wall  124  may be a compliant material, such as an elastomer (e.g., silicone, fluorosilicone, polyurethane, or the like.) In some embodiments, a rougher surface texture may be used on the secondary moveable wall  126  to achieve the relatively lower coefficient of friction Cf 2  of moveable wall  124 . Accordingly, in operation, as the rack  100  is moved along, the relative rate difference between the moveable wall  124  and secondary moveable wall  126  spins the rack components  102  positioned between the walls  124 ,  126 , and the barcode  106 B may be read by a barcode reader  130  as the rack  100  passes by. In this manner, the barcode  106 B may be read regardless of the rotational orientation of the barcode  106 B in the sample container rack  100 . In an alternative embodiment, the moveable wall  124  may be stopped momentarily when a rack component  102  is positioned adjacent to the barcode reader  130  and the rack component  102  may be spun by the secondary moveable wall  126  in order to read the barcode  106 B. Barcode reading stations such as those described above may be added at suitable locations in the conveyor system  120 . 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIG. 1C , a moveable member  132  may extend through a stationary wall  134  of the conveyor system  120 . The moveable member  132  may be a compliant wheel of a high-friction material such as those described above. The moveable wall  124  may be as previously described. As the sample rack  100  is moved along, the moveable member  132  spins the rack component  102  positioned adjacent to the moveable member  132  and the barcode  106 B may be read by the barcode reader  130 . Again, in this manner, the barcode  106 B may be read regardless of the rotational position of the barcode  106 B in the rack  100 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 2A-2C , an alternative articulated sample container rack  200  is shown. In the depicted embodiment, sample rack  200  has three rack components  202 . However, it should be understood that a number of rack components  202  between the first and second free ends  208 ,  210  in the sample rack  200  may be 15 or less in one or more embodiments, between 3 and about 10, or even between 3 and about 7 in some embodiments. Each of the rack components  202  may be individually rotatable by 360 degrees or more. As in the previous embodiment, a plurality of links  203  may be coupled to each of the rack components  202  near a top and bottom thereof. Washer-shaped spacers  211  may be used on the ends  208 ,  210  so that the rack components  202  may have a common configuration. Thus, each end rack component of the rack components  202  may have multiple end links  203  and spacers  211  coupled thereto. Also, as shown, the rack apparatus  200  comprises multiple retainers  216  coupled to each of the rack components  202 . The retainers  216  may be coupled to the rack components  202  and may function to restrain vertical motion of the plurality of links  203  relative to the rack components  202 , yet allow free rotation of the rack components  202  relative to the plurality of links  203 . Suitable gaps may be provided to allow ease of rotation. The sample container rack  200  may include a sample container holder  205  in one or more of the receptacles  204 , each having a plurality of leaf spring fingers adapted to grip the sides of the sample container  106  received therein. The sample container holder  205  may comprise stamped metal fingers that may be interconnected by a broken ring, for example. The stamped metal fingers may be coupled to the sides by the ring being compressed and snapped into a groove or grooves formed in the body of the rack components  202 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2C , a degree of articulation capability of the rack apparatus  200  is illustrated. A component-to-component articulation angle  235  may be at least 15 degrees or more, at least 30 degrees or more, at least 45 degrees or more, at least 90 degrees or more, or even up to about 120 degrees in some embodiments. The degree of articulation possible is only limited by contact between the links  203  and the rack components  202 . Because of the articulation capability, the rack apparatus  200  may turn very sharp corners, as will be apparent when viewing a conveyor system  520  (see  FIGS. 5A-5B and 6 ) in which the rack  100  may be operated. 
     Another embodiment of a sample container rack apparatus  300  is shown in  FIG. 3 . In this embodiment, less than all of the rack components  302  are configured and adapted to receive sample containers  106 . For example, in the depicted embodiment, one or more of the center rack components  302  may be adapted to carry a payload, such as a reagent container  336  containing a reagent on the rack  300 , while others may be adapted to receive sample containers  106  in receptacles  304  thereof. A reagent is a substance for use in a chemical reaction and especially for use in chemical synthesis and analysis. The rack  300  is otherwise constructed as previously described. 
     Another embodiment of a sample container rack apparatus  400  is shown in  FIGS. 4A-4D . In this embodiment, a plurality of rack components  402  have receptacles  404  that are configured and adapted to receive sample containers  106 , as was previously described. Each rack component  402  may include a sample container holder  405  as disclosed in  FIG. 1B , for example. However, in the depicted embodiment, the rack components  402  are connected together by hinges  412 , and at least one of the hinges  412 , and preferably all of the hinges  412  are offset from a location of the receptacles  404 . Any number of the rack components  402  may be hinged together to assemble the rack  400 . Five rack components  402  are shown in  FIGS. 4A-4B . However, this embodiment may include two (see  FIG. 4D ) or more, three or more, four or more, or even five or more rack components  402 , and the like. In some embodiments, the rack  400  may include less than 15 rack components, or between 2 to about 10 rack components  402 , or even between 3 to about 7 rack components  402 . The hinge  412  may extend an entire height of the rack component  402  or less than all thereof. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4C and 4D , each one of the rack components  402  may include a receptacle  404  having a bottom  404 B and a sample container holder  405  received therein. Only two linked components are shown in  FIG. 4D . However, more than 2 and up to about 15 may be linked, for example. On one side, a recessed portion  412 R may be provided, while on the other side a projecting portion  412 P may be provided. Together, the recessed portion  412 R and the projecting portion  412 P engage to form the hinge  412 . The projecting and recessed portions  412 R,  412 P each may include a circular profile on the mating portions thereof. A diameter D of the circular profile may be between about 5 mm and about 10 mm, for example. Other diameter values may be used. A slight gap between the recessed portion  412 R and the projecting portion  412 P may be provided to allow relatively free articulation. In this manner, two adjacent rack components  402  may be coupled together and provide articulation between them, allowing a capability of a component-to-component articulation angle  435  of greater than about 15 degrees, or even up to about 30 degrees, for example. One advantage of this embodiment is the ease by which any desired number of rack components  402  may be linked together. For example, the two shown in  FIG. 4D  may be assembled by sliding the projecting portion  412 P into the recessed portion  412 R from the top or bottom. The rack components  402  may be formed of a molded plastic, such as a thermoplastic material as discussed above. Other materials may be used. 
       FIGS. 4E and 4F  illustrate another embodiment of a rack  400 A and rack component  402 A, respectively. In this embodiment, the articulation between the rack components  402 A may be provided by a pin  413 P received in a slightly larger hole  413 H formed in a first boss  402 B on an adjacent rack component  402 A. The pin  413 P may be coupled to (e.g., press fit, screwed, or glued) in a second boss  402 C or may be integrally formed therewith. Because the hinge  412 A is formed by a pin and hole, the only restraint on component-to-component articulation angle  435 A is mechanical contact between adjacent rack components  402 A. Thus, a component-to-component articulation angle  435 A of greater than about 15 degrees, greater than about 30 degrees, or even up to about 60 degrees, may be provided, for example. 
     An embodiment of a conveyor system  520  including one or more sample rack apparatus  100  is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5C . The sample rack apparatus  100  as shown in  FIG. 5A  includes nine rack components. However, any number less than about 15 may be used. In some embodiments, between 3 and about 10 may be used, for example. Having the rack  100  include about 15 or less rack components  102  may be advantageous because it may allow for many like sample containers to be carried together to a destination by one rack  100 , while being small enough to allow offshoots and diversions from a main track, including coordination thereof. Furthermore, having relatively smaller numbers of rack components, may allow release of sample container subgroups more quickly, because they do not need to wait for completion of tests ordered on a large number of sample containers. Also, there may be time limits for completion of some diagnostic tests, and use of a small number of rack components facilitates prompt completion, as the rack may only have to wait at a station until all the tests on the relatively small rack  100  are completed. Additionally, or alternatively, the use of a smaller number of rack components may leave spaces for reentry onto a main track without waiting, and may not require large buffer areas at a station. The conveyor system  520  may include a delivery track  540  and return track  542 . The system  520  may deliver one or more sample racks  100  to one or more analysis and/or processing stations  543 A,  543 B for analysis and/or processing provided along the delivery track  540  and/or return track  542  or both. The system  520  as shown in  FIG. 5C  includes two stations  543 A,  543 B. However, it should be understood that any number of stations may be used. Stations  543 A,  543 B may include any type of analysis and/or processing equipment, such as diagnostic equipment, chemical analyzers, immunoassay systems, pre-processing or post-processing stations, storage stations, centrifuges, or the like. The stations  543 A,  543 B may include automated means for aspirating samples from the sample containers contained in the racks  100  or, optionally, the entire sample container may be transported into the analysis and/or processing equipment. 
     The system  520  further includes, as shown in  FIG. 5A , at least one moveable wall  524  having a plurality of cleats  524 C positioned along its length. However, it should be understood that the conveyor system  520  may include many moveable wall assemblies  525  and thus many such moveable walls  524  as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5C . The cleats  524 C may be molded and integral with the moveable wall  524  or may be attached to the moveable wall  524  by suitable fastening means such as rivets or adhesive. The cleats  524 C may be spaced at appropriate intervals along the moveable wall  524  such that one or more cleats  524 C may be received between spaces between the rack components  102  of the rack  100 . The inside of the moveable wall  524  may include serrations that mate with a drive pulley  544  and an idler pulley  546 . The drive pulley  544  and idler pulley  546  may include cogs that mate with the serrations. Other suitable constructions may be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5A , the moveable walls  524  may be formed as part of a moveable wall assembly  525  wherein the moveable walls  524  are formed on either side of an endless belt, as shown. As such, one moveable wall  524  is provided on the delivery track  540  and another is provided on the return track  542  and, because of their connectivity and orientation, each moveable wall  524  is driven in synchronism to move racks  100  in opposite directions along the delivery track  540  and the return track  542 . 
     The system  520  may also include secondary moveable walls  526  spaced across one or more of the respective tracks  540 ,  542  from the moveable walls  524 . The secondary moveable walls  526  may also be formed as part of a secondary moveable wall assembly  527  by an endless belt wound about a secondary drive pulley  548  and secondary idler pulley  550 . 
     At the track corner there may be a turnaround from the delivery track  540  to the return track  542 , and a turntable  552  (see also  FIG. 5D ) may be provided to aid in the direction change. The turntable  552  may include a rotatable disc  552 A upon which one or more of the rack components  102  of the rack  100  may rest at various times. The turntable  552  may be rotated independent of the idler pulley  546  and the moveable wall  524 . However, the turntable  552  may be driven by a same drive motor  549  ( FIG. 5B ). The turntable  552  may include indentations  552 I (e.g., concave surface portions) that are of a size that they may locate and engage with the bottoms of the individual rack components  102  of the rack  100  thereon. While in the track corner, the turntable  552  is configured so that the cleats  524 C disengage from the spaces between rack components  102  in the track corner, as shown in  FIG. 5A , so that no contact between the cleats  524 C and the sides  102 S of the rack components  102  is made in the track corner, i.e., the rack components only reside on the turntable  552 . 
     The various drive pulleys  544 ,  548  ( FIG. 5A ) may be driven by a suitable drive motor  549  ( FIG. 5B ). The drive pulley  544  may be driven at any speed desired for the conveyor system  500  by the main drive system. The main drive system may be driven at constant speed, variable speed, or may stop completely if desired. The secondary drive pulley  548  may be driven by the main drive system or may be driven by a secondary motive device  129  such as a drive motor shown in  FIG. 1B . The secondary motive device  129  may be driven at the same or a different speed than the main drive motor. Thus, as described above, spinning of the rack components may be accomplished, such as in front of a barcode reader  130 . 
       FIG. 5B  illustrates an underside view of the conveyor system  520  and illustrates the main drive system thereof. In particular, the main drive system includes a drive motor  549  driving a primary drive pulley  551 P. Primary drive pulley  551 P drives driven pulley  553  via an endless belt  554 . This driven pulley  553  is rigidly coupled to and rotates the turntable  552 . A spring-biased tensioning pulley  554 T may be used to maintain tension on the belt  554 . Rigidly coupled to the primary drive pulley  551 P or otherwise formed therewith is primary drive gear  551 G. Also rigidly coupled to the primary drive pulley  551 P is the drive pulley  544  of the moveable wall assembly  525 . Accordingly, the moveable wall assembly  525  is driven directly by the drive motor  549 . Primary drive gear  551 G drives intermediate gears  551 I, which in turn drives transfer gears  551 T, which in turn drives the secondary gears  551 S. Secondary gears  551 S are directly coupled to and drive the secondary moveable wall assemblies  527 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5C , a high-level view of a conveyor system  520  configured and adapted to convey a plurality of articulated sample racks  100  is shown. Various sized sample racks  100  may be accommodated within the system  520 , such as those having between 3 and 10 rack components. In some cases, a smaller number of rack components (e.g., 3 or less) may be used for STAT samples. The conveyor system  520  may include a plurality of moveable wall assemblies  525  that are configured and adapted to move the racks  100  about the system  520 . Additionally, the system  520  may include one or more secondary moveable wall assemblies  527 . Each of the secondary moveable wall assemblies  527  may be positioned to oppose a moveable wall assembly  525  across the respective tracks  540 ,  542 . Positioned along one or more of the tracks  540 ,  542  may be one or more barcode readers  130 . The barcode readers  130  may be provided at suitable locations to read the barcode labels  106 B of the sample containers  106  carried by the racks  100  and interface with a controller  555  to map a location thereof and determine routing of the various racks  100  based upon test/process ordering information received from the Laboratory Information System (LIS)  558 . The barcode readers  130  may be placed adjacent to and before at least some of the junctions where the racks  100  may depart from the delivery and return tracks  540 ,  542 . 
     In the depicted embodiment, several station tracks  556 A,  556 B may be provided. The station tracks  556 A,  556 B may exit the delivery and/or return tracks  540 ,  542  and direct a rack  100  to a station  543 A,  543 B for processing and/or testing. In the depicted embodiment, station  1   543 A and station  2   543 B are provided. Any number of additional stations may be used. Also, one or more than one station may be provided on each station track  556 A,  556 B (see  FIG. 6 ). The controller  555  may interface with an LIS  558  to determine the testing and/or processing to be performed on each sample, as well as to relay the results thereof. Once a rack  100  is loaded onto the system  500  either manually or by suitable automation onto the delivery track  540  at IN, the rack  100  is conveyed past the first barcode reader  130 . As the rack  100  passes the barcode reader  130 , each rack component  102  may be spun as described with reference to  FIG. 1B  (or  FIG. 1C ) and the barcode  106 B may be read and communicated to the controller  555 . If at least one of the sample containers  106  contained in the rack  100  has testing and/or processing ordered of the type being carried out at station  1   543 A, then the rack  100  may be diverted to station  1   543 A. The various wall assemblies  525  on the delivery and return tracks  540 ,  542  may all be moved in synchronism in some embodiments, whereas the motion of station tracks  556 A,  556 B may not be synchronized. 
     The diversion may be accomplished by actuating a gate  557 A. Once diverted, the rack  100  may go directly to station  1   543 A for processing and/or testing. Optionally, it may be held in a holding lane waiting for testing and/or processing at station  1   543 A to be completed on all ordered samples. Once the processing and/or testing is completed for each of the sample containers  106  having an ordered test or process at station  1   543 A, the results may be sent to the controller  555  and may be relayed to the LIS  558 . Optionally, the results may be sent directly to the LIS  558  by the station  1   543 A. The rack  100  may then be conveyed back onto the delivery lane  540 . Because the various wall assemblies  525  on the delivery and return tracks  540 ,  542  are driven in synchronism, the system controller  555  always knows where any free spaces are, regardless of how complicated the layout is. 
     Next, the rack  100  may encounter the turnaround which moves the rack  100  around the track corner on a turntable  552  and onto the return track  542  as was described with reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B . At the turnaround, the rack  100  may disengage the moveable wall  524  and may be carried on the turntable  552  through at least part of the excursion. As shown in  FIG. 5D , indentations  552 I of the approximate shape of the bottom of the rack components  102  aid in moving the rack  100  around the track corner. The turntable  552  moves the rack  100  in the track corner and the front of the rack  100  is again picked up by the cleats  542 C of the moveable wall as the rack  100  enters onto the return track  542 . Again, the rack  100  may encounter a barcode reader  130  and, again, the barcodes  106 B on each sample container  106  may be read. 
     If at least one of the sample containers  106  contained in the rack  100  has testing and/or processing ordered of the type being carried out at station  2   543 B, then the rack  100  may be diverted to station  2   543 B. The diversion may be accomplished by actuating a gate  557 B. Once diverted, the rack  100  may go directly to station  2   543 B for processing and/or testing. Optionally, it may be held in a holding lane and await testing and/or processing on a previous rack  100  at station  2   543 B to be completed. Once the processing and/or testing is completed for each of the sample containers  106  having an ordered test or process, the results may be sent to the controller  555  and may be relayed to the LIS  558 . Optionally, the results may be sent directly to the LIS  558 . The rack  100  may then be conveyed back onto the return lane  542  and conveyed out of the system  520  at OUT. 
     A suitable number of stations may be used in the system  520  to meet the expected demand including more than one station on each of the delivery and return tracks  540 ,  542 . However, if the capacity of one or both stations is exceeded, then the conveyor system  520  may stop or there may be a rack return system provided. For example, the rack return system may be the same as the turnaround shown in  FIG. 5A , so that any station may be bypassed one or more times until the desired station again has a capacity to hold or test or process the test sample. If a second turnaround is provided, then the IN and OUT lanes would be installed upstream and downstream of the second turnaround, respectively, and another gate would be added to divert the rack  100  to the OUT lane only if all tests and/or processing had been completed on all sample containers  106  in the rack  100  as determined by a barcode reader positioned upstream of the additional gate. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5E and 5F , the drive system for the turnarounds may also be used to drive moving wall assemblies  525 ,  527  that are located in areas other than at the turnarounds. In the depicted embodiment, a turnaround section  562  and a straight section  564  are shown coupled. However, it should be apparent from the foregoing that multiple straight sections  564  may be driven by one drive motor  549 . The drive motor  549  drives intermediate gears  551 I that are coupled to transfer gears  565 . Drive gears  567  of the secondary wall assemblies  527  are driven by transfer gears  565 . The drive gear  568  of the moveable wall assembly  525  is driven by one or both of the intermediate gears  551 I. Additional gears on the other end of the straight section may be coupled to the wall assemblies  525 ,  527  and used to drive another coupled section. The various gears may be common sizes and manufactured from any suitable plastic material (e.g., thermosetting plastics). 
     A construction of a conveyor system  620  is shown in  FIG. 6 . This conveyor system  620  includes delivery lane  640  and return lane  642 . As shown, the system  620  includes the ability for racks  100  to be received in an inflow lane  660 , circulate to one or more stations  643 A- 643 C, and be diverted to an outflow lane  662  by a moveable gate when all the desired testing and/or processing on sample containers in the rack  100  is completed. If the desired testing and/or processing is not completed, then the rack  100  may re-circulate one or more times. As shown, each rack  100  does not need to be full. The system  620 , as shown, includes multiple turntables  652 A,  652 B of the type previously described with reference to  FIGS. 5A-5D  to move the racks  100  at the corners. Additional turntables may be provided, such as turntable  652 C, which operates as discussed previously, but may not include indentations. Turntable  652 C simply aids the rack  100  in turning the corner. The inflow and outflow lanes  660 ,  662  may be loaded with racks  100  manually or by automation. Optionally, the inflow and outflow lanes  660 ,  662  may be coupled to a larger conveyor system (not shown) and several systems like system  600  may be linked, or the system  600  may be linked, to a primary track or track loop. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a broad method of operating a conveyor system (e.g., system  120 ,  520 , or  620 ) according to one or more embodiments is illustrated. The method  700  includes, in  702 , providing an articulated sample container rack (e.g.,  100 ,  200 ,  300 , or  400 ), the articulated sample container rack having a plurality of coupled rack components (e.g.,  102 ,  202 ,  302 , or  402 ), at least some of the coupled rack components having a receptacle (e.g.,  104 ,  204 ,  304 , or  404 ) adapted to receive a sample container (e.g.,  106 ), the plurality of coupled rack components having first and second free ends, and at least one hinge (e.g.,  112 ,  412 ) allowing relative articulation between at least some of the rack components. In  704 , the articulated sample container rack is moved along a track (e.g., tracks  540 ,  542 ,  640 , or  642 ) with a moveable wall (e.g.,  124 ,  524 ). Moveable wall may include cleats  124 C. 
     As discussed above, the motion of the sample rack  100  along the track in some embodiments may be provided by the moveable wall (e.g.,  124 ,  524 ) in conjunction with a secondary moveable wall (e.g.,  126 ,  526 ). Other systems may include moveable wall (e.g.,  124 ) and a stationary wall (e.g.,  134 ). In some embodiments, the moveable wall (e.g., moveable wall  124 ) and a secondary moveable wall or moveable member (e.g., moveable member  132 ) may be moved at different rates to spin at least some of the rack components (e.g., rack components  102 ). In some embodiments, a turntable (e.g., turntable  552 ,  652 A,  652 B) may be provided and, as shown in  706 , the articulated sample container rack (e.g.,  100 ,  200 ,  300 , or  400 ) may be moved around a track corner on a turntable (e.g., turntable  552 ,  652 A, or  652 B). In some embodiments, the turntable may be provided and the moveable wall (e.g., moveable wall  124 ) with cleats (e.g., cleats  124 C) may disengage the articulated sample container rack (e.g.,  100 ,  200 ,  300 , or  400 ) in a track corner. 
     From the foregoing, it should be apparent that novel sample container rack apparatus, conveyor systems adapted to convey sample container racks, and methods of operating conveyor systems are provided. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific system embodiments and methods thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and are described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular apparatus, systems or methods disclosed but, to the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention.