Patent Publication Number: US-10760042-B2

Title: Automated transfer mechanism for microbial detection apparatus

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a divisional patent application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/780,322, entitled “Automated transfer mechanism for microbial detection apparatus,” filed May 14, 2010, which is currently pending, and which claims the benefit of: U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/216,339, entitled “System for Combining a Non-invasive Rapid Detection Blood Culture System with an Invasive Microbial Separation and Characterization System”, filed May 15, 2009; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/277,862, entitled “Automated Loading Mechanism for Microbial Detection Apparatus”, filed Sep. 30, 2009; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/337,597, entitled “Automated Microbial Detection Apparatus”, filed Feb. 8, 2010; all of which are incorporated herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to an automated system for detecting the presence of a microbial agent or microorganism in a test sample such as a biological sample. Moreover, the automated system builds upon and improves existing detection systems for processing specimen containers, such as culture bottles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The detection of pathogenic microorganisms in biological fluids should be performed in the shortest possible time, in particular in the case of septicemia for which the mortality remains high in spite of the broad range of antibiotics which are available to doctors. The presence of biologically active agents such as a microorganism in a patient&#39;s body fluid, especially blood, is generally determined using blood culture bottles. A small quantity of blood is injected through an enclosing rubber septum into a sterile bottle containing a culture medium, and the bottle is then incubated at 37° C. and monitored for microorganism growth. 
     Instruments currently exist on the market in the U.S. that detect the growth of a microorganism in a biological sample. One such instrument is the BacT/ALERT® 3D instrument of the present assignee bioMérieux, Inc. The instrument receives a blood culture bottle containing a blood sample, e.g., from a human patient. The instrument incubates the bottle and periodically during incubation an optical detection unit in the incubator analyzes a colorimetric sensor incorporated into the bottle to detect whether microbial growth has occurred within the bottle. The optical detection unit, bottles and sensors are described in the patent literature, see U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,060; 5,094,955; 5,162,229; 5,164,796; 5,217,876; 5,795,773; and 5,856,175, the entire content of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Other prior art of interest relating generally to the detection of microorganisms in a biological sample includes the following patents: U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,770,394, 5,518,923; 5,498,543, 5,432,061, 5,371,016, 5,397,709, 5,344,417 and its continuation U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,374,264, 6,709,857; and 7,211,430, the entire content of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. 
     Substantial, and potentially life saving, clinical benefits for a patient are possible if the time it takes for detection of a microbial agent in a blood sample and reporting the results to a clinician could be reduced. A system that meets this need has heretofore eluded the art. However, such rapid detection of a microbial agent in a biological sample such as a blood sample is made possible by apparatus described herein. 
     The disclosed system and methods combines a detection system operative to detect a container containing a test sample (e.g., a biological sample) as being positive for microbial agent presence. The systems and methods of this disclosure have the potential to: (a) reduce laboratory labor and user errors; (b) improve sample tracking, traceability and information management; (c) interface to laboratory automation systems; (d) improve work-flow and ergonomics; (e) deliver clinically relevant information; (f) faster results. 
     Many further advantages and benefits over the prior art will be explained below in the following detailed description. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     An automated system and instrument architecture is described below that provides for automated detection of the presence of a microbial agent (e.g., a microorganism) in a test sample contained within a specimen container. In one embodiment, the automated detection instrument of the present invention is an automated culture instrument for detecting the growth of a microbial agent contained in, or suspected of being contained in, a test sample, wherein the test sample is cultured within a specimen container, e.g., a blood culture bottle. 
     The automated detection system of the present invention receives a specimen container (e.g., a blood culture bottle), containing a culture media and a test sample (e.g., a blood sample), suspected of containing a microorganism therein. The detection system comprises a housing, a holding structure and/or agitation means for holding and/or agitating the specimen container to promote or enhance microorganism growth therein, and optionally may further contain one or more heating means to provide a heated enclosure or incubation chamber. The automated detection system also comprises one or more detection units that determine whether a container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent in the test sample. The detection unit may include the features of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,060; 5,094,955; 5,162,229; 5,164,796; 5,217,876; 5,795,773; and 5,856,175, or it may include other technology for detecting the presence of a microbial agent in the test sample. Containers (e.g., bottles) in which a microbial agent is present are termed “positive” herein. 
     In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a detection apparatus for rapid noninvasive detection of microorganism growth in a specimen sample, comprising: (a) a sealable specimen container having an internal chamber with a culture medium disposed therein for culturing any microorganisms that may be present in said specimen sample; (b) a housing enclosing an interior chamber therein; (c) a holding means contained within said housing and comprising a plurality of wells for holding one or more of said specimen containers; (d) a detection means located within said interior chamber for the detection of microorganism growth in said specimen container; and (e) a transfer means within said housing for automated transfer of said specimen container from an entrance location to said holding means. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a robotic transfer mechanism for automated transfer of a specimen container within an apparatus, comprising: (a) providing a container; (b) providing an apparatus comprising a housing enclosing an interior chamber therein; (c) a holding means for holing one or more of said containers; and (d) a robotic transfer arm for transferring said container from an entrance location in said housing to said holding means said robotic transfer arm comprising a 3-axis robotic transfer arm capable of movement in three axes, and wherein at least one of said axes of movement comprises rotational movement around the x, y or z axis. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention is directed to a method for automated transfer of a specimen container within a detection apparatus, said method comprising the following steps: (a) providing a specimen container comprising a culture medium for promoting and/or enhancing growth of a microorganism; (b) inoculating said specimen container with a test sample to be tested for the presence of said microorganism; (c) providing an automated detection apparatus for the detection of microorganism growth, said apparatus comprising a housing enclosing an interior chamber therein, a holding structure located within said housing, said holding structure comprising a plurality of wells for holding one or more of said specimen containers, a transfer means for automated transfer of said specimen container within said housing to said holding structure, and a detection means for detecting one or more by products of microorganism growth within said specimen container; and (d) transferring said inoculated specimen container from an entrance location in said housing to said holding structure using said automated transfer mechanism. 
     In still another embodiment, the transfer mechanism is a multi-axis robotic transfer arm located and operable within a housing for automated transfer of a specimen container from said entrance location to a holding structure, wherein the multi-axis robotic transfer arm comprises at least one horizontal support rail and a vertical support rail, wherein the vertical support rail is supported by, or coupled to, the at least one horizontal support rail, and wherein the vertical support rail is capable of moving along the horizontal support rails in a first horizontal axis. In yet another embodiment, the transfer mechanism is a multi-axis robotic transfer arm located, or contained, within a housing for automated transfer of a specimen container from an entrance location to a holding structure, wherein the multi-axis robotic transfer arm comprises a horizontal slide rail in a first horizontal axis, and wherein the robotic head and gripper means or mechanism is supported on the horizontal slide rail, and wherein the robotic head and gripper means or mechanism is capable of moving along the horizontal slide rail in a first horizontal axis. 
     In yet another embodiment, the automated detection system of the present invention may contain one or more stations or locations for obtaining one or more measurements or readings of a specimen container, thereby providing information, such as, container type, container lot number, container expiration date, patient information, sample type, test type, fill level, weight measurement, etc. For example, the automated detection system of the present invention may contain one or more of the following stations: (1) a bar code reading station; (2) a container scanning stations; (3) a container imaging station; (4) a container weighing station; (5) container pick-up station; and/or (6) a container transfer station. In accordance with this embodiment, the automated detection system may further comprise a container management means or container locator device for moving and/or locating a specimen container among various stations of the detection system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The various inventive aspects will become more apparent upon reading the following detailed description of the various embodiments along with the appended drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an automated system for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. As shown, the system includes an automated loading mechanism. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the detection system of  FIG. 1 , showing a close-up view of the automated loading mechanism. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the detection system of  FIG. 1 , which shows an automated loading mechanism and a lower drawer that opens to reveal a waste container for containers that tested negative for presence of a microbial agent. 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of one of the specimen containers processed in the detection system of  FIG. 1-3 . While the detection container can take a variety of forms, in one embodiment it is configured as a blood culture bottle. 
         FIG. 5A  is a side elevation view of one configuration of the detection system of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5B  is a perspective view of the detection system shown in  FIG. 5A , with the upper and lower doors open showing the interior chambers and racks for holding multiple containers of the type shown in  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the transfer mechanism shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , showing the horizontal and vertical support rails. Also shown are first and second rotational mechanisms, which are operable to rotate the transfer mechanism about one or more axes. 
         FIG. 7A  is a perspective view of the robotic head and vertical support rail shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . As shown in  FIG. 7A , the robotic head is position in a vertical orientation, such that a specimen container held within the robotic head is also in a vertical orientation. 
         FIG. 7B  is another perspective view of the robotic head and vertical support rail shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . As shown in  FIG. 7B , the robotic head is positioned in a horizontal orientation, such that the container held within the robotic head is also in a horizontal orientation. 
         FIGS. 8A-C  shows a time-elapsed loading of a specimen container into the holding chamber of the robotic head shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . As shown in  FIG. 8A , the gripping mechanism grips the top or cap of the container.  FIG. 8B  shows the container in an intermediate position in the loading process.  FIG. 8B , shows the container after being loaded into the robotic head. 
         FIGS. 9A and 9B  are perspective and side views, respectively, of an alternative configuration of the detection system of  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , with the upper and lower doors open showing an alternative configuration of the container holding structures. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the racks are arranged in a drum or cylinder-type configuration. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another configuration of the automated loading mechanism, showing a first conveyor belt operable in a horizontal plane and a second conveyor belt operable in a vertical plane. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of yet another configuration of the automated loading mechanism, showing a first conveyor belt operable in a horizontal plane and a second conveyor belt having a plurality of paddles and operable in a vertical plane. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a casing and cover provided with an automated loading mechanism. 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of one embodiment of an automated loading mechanism shown isolated from the detection system. In accordance with this embodiment, the automated loading mechanism comprises a loading station or area, a transport mechanism and an entrance location, for the fully automated loading of a specimen container. A portion of one side of the loading area has been removed to show additional details of the automated loading mechanism of this embodiment. 
         FIG. 14  is another perspective view of the automated loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 . The container loading area is shown as a see through feature to reveal other features of the automated loading mechanism, as described herein. 
         FIG. 15  is a close up perspective view of the drum-like loading mechanism, vertical chute, locating device and system transfer device in  FIG. 14 . The drum-like loading mechanism, vertical chute, locating device and system transfer device are shown isolated from the detection system. 
         FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the automated loading mechanism shown in  FIGS. 14-15 . More specifically,  FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional view of the drum-like loading mechanism and vertical chute showing a specimen container falling through the chute. As shown in  FIG. 16 , the top or cap of the specimen container is held in place briefly by the tapered ledge as the bottom of the container falls through the chute, thereby up-righting the specimen container. 
         FIG. 17  is a perspective view of the automated detection apparatus comprising the automated loading mechanism shown in  FIG. 14 . The container loading area of the automated loading mechanism is shown in a user accessible location on the front of an automated system for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent. The automated detection system and the container loading area are shown with side panels removed and/or as see through features to reveal other features, as described herein. 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of the automated detection apparatus comprising an alternative loading mechanism. The container loading area of the automated loading mechanism is shown in a user accessible location on the front of an automated system for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent. The automated detection system and the container loading area are shown with side panels removed and/or as see through features to reveal other features, as described herein. 
         FIG. 19  is a side view of the lower portion of the automated system for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent shown in  FIG. 17 . The automated detection system is shown with side panel removed to reveal other features of the system, as described herein. 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of the holding structure and automated transfer mechanism shown in  FIGS. 17-19 . As shown, in this embodiment, the automated transfer mechanism comprises a lower horizontal support, a vertical support, a pivot plate and a robotic head for transferring a specimen container within a detection apparatus. For clarity, the holding structure and automated transfer mechanism are shown isolated from the detection apparatus. 
         FIGS. 21A-B  are perspective views of the pivot plate and robotic head of the automated transfer mechanism shown in  FIG. 20 . The robotic head is shown with a cross-sectional view of the gripping mechanism and specimen container to reveal the features of the gripping mechanism. As shown in  FIG. 21A , the robotic head is located at a first end of the pivot plated and in a horizontal orientation, such that the specimen container is also orientated in a horizontal orientation. In  FIG. 21B , the robotic head is shown located at a second end of the pivot plate and in a vertical orientation, such that the specimen container is also orientated in a vertical orientation. 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an alternative configuration of the automated detection apparatus showing a user interface, a status screen, a locator device cover and two positive container ports. 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view showing another design configuration of the detection apparatus. As shown in  FIG. 23 , the detection system comprises a first detection apparatus and a second detection instrument. 
         FIG. 24  is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the automated detection system. As shown, the automated detection system comprises a first detection apparatus having an automated loading mechanism and a second or down-stream detection apparatus linked or “daisy-chained” to the first detection apparatus, as described herein. 
         FIGS. 25A-C  show a time-elapsed pusher arm mechanism for pushing a specimen container from a first detection apparatus to a second or down-stream detection apparatus. 
         FIG. 26  shows a perspective view of the holding structure and agitation assembly shown isolated from the detection system. 
         FIG. 27A  is a perspective view of a rack holding structure and retention feature for holding a specimen container securely within the rack holding structure. 
         FIG. 27B  shows a cross-sectional view of the rack holding structure and retention feature shown in  FIG. 27A . 
         FIG. 27C  is a top cross-sectional view of the rack holding structure and retention feature of  FIG. 27A , showing a schematic representation of a canted coiled spring. 
         FIG. 28A-B  show first and second perspective views of a carrier for carrying a plurality of specimen containers to the detection apparatus. As shown, the carrier comprises a plurality of holding wells for holding a plurality of specimen containers.  FIG. 28A  also shows two opposed gripping features or handles and a release mechanism for releasing the plurality of specimen containers at the loading station, as described herein. 
         FIG. 29  shows a perspective view of another possible configuration for the detection system. As shown in  FIG. 29 , the detection system includes a release mechanism for releasing one or more specimen containers from the carrier shown in  FIGS. 28A-B . 
         FIG. 30  is a flow chart showing the steps performed in the operation of the detection system. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     An automated system or instrument for non-invasive detection of the presence of a microbial agent (e.g., a microorganism) in a test sample contained within a sample container, e.g., a culture bottle, is described herein. One embodiment of the automated system or instrument is described herein in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-8C . Other possible embodiments and design alternatives are shown in conjunction with  FIGS. 9A-30 , and described herein. The automated system can include one or more of the following features: (1) a housing, enclosing an interior chamber; (2) an automated loading mechanism for loading one or more containers into the interior chamber of the system; (3) an automated container management mechanism or locator device for moving or locating a container among various work-flow stations within the system; (4) an automated transfer mechanism, for transfer of a container within the system; (5) one or more container holding structures for holding a plurality of specimen containers, optionally provided with an agitation assembly; (6) a detection unit for detection of microbial growth; and/or (7) a mechanism for automated unloading of a specimen container from the system. In order to better appreciate how the illustrated embodiment of the detection system operate, this specification may describe the automated detection apparatus in the context of a particular detection instrument (a blood culture instrument) and specimen container (a blood culture bottle). However, persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the detection apparatus can be practiced in other embodiments, that variations from the specific embodiments disclosed herein can be arrived at to suit particular implementations, and that therefore the present description of a preferred embodiment and best mode for practicing the invention is provided by way of illustration and not limitation. 
     System Overview 
     An automated detection system  100  (for example, as illustrated in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B ) is described herein that provides a new architecture and method for automated detection of a microbial agent (e.g., a microorganism) that may be present in a test sample or specimen sample. In general, any known test sample (e.g., a biological sample) can be used. For example, the test sample can be a clinical or non-clinical sample suspected of containing one or more microbial agents. Clinical samples, such as a bodily fluid, include, but are not limited to, blood, serum, plasma, blood fractions, joint fluid, urine, semen, saliva, feces, cerebrospinal fluid, gastric contents, vaginal secretions, tissue homogenates, bone marrow aspirates, bone homogenates, sputum, aspirates, swabs and swab rinsates, other body fluids, and the like. Non-clinical samples that may be tested include, but not limited to, foodstuffs, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, water (e.g., drinking water, non-potable water, and waste water), seawater ballasts, air, soil, sewage, plant material (e.g., seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, fruit), blood products (e.g., platelets, serum, plasma, white blood cell fractions, etc.), donor organ or tissue samples, biowarfare samples, and the like. In one embodiment, the biological sample tested is a blood sample. 
     Referring now to the Figures, several configurations are possible for the detection system  100 . As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , the automated detection system  100  comprises a housing  102  and one or more automated mechanisms for loading (see, e.g.,  200 ,  FIG. 1 ), moving or locating (not shown), transferring (see, e.g.,  650 ,  FIGS. 5A-5B ), agitating (not shown) and/or unloading of specimen containers  500  within or from the detection system  100 . The housing  102  comprises front and back panels  104 A and  104 B, opposing side panels (e.g., left-side and right-side panels)  106 A and  106 B, a top or roof panel  108 A and a bottom or floor panel  108 B, which form an enclosure, enclosing an interior chamber  620  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5A-5B ) of the detection system  100 . In one embodiment, the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100  is a climate-controlled chamber (e.g., a temperature-controlled incubation chamber wherein the temperature is maintained at approximately 37° C.) to promote or enhance microbial growth. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the housing also may include a first port or container entrance location  110 , a second port or misread/error location  120 , a third port or positive container exit location  130 , a lower access panel  140  ( FIG. 1 ) or drawer  142  ( FIG. 3 ), and/or a user interface display  150 . As known in the art, the lower access panel  140  or drawer  142  may include a handle  144 . Also as shown in  FIG. 1 , the housing  102  may also comprise upper and lower sections  160  and  170 , optionally each comprising an operable door (i.e., upper and lower doors)  162  and  172  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5B ). The upper door  162  and lower door  172  are operable to allow access to the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 . However, as one of skill in the art would appreciate other design configurations are possible. For example, in another possible embodiment, the entire front panel may comprise a single operable door (not shown). 
     In one design possibility, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1-3 , the lower section  170  may have a larger profile or footprint than the upper section  160 . In accordance with this embodiment the housing of the larger lower section  170  forms a shelf  180  on a top surface of the lower section  170  and adjacent to or in front of the upper section  160 . This shelf  180  may provide a user workstation and/or workflow access points to the detection system  100 . Furthermore, the shelf  180  may comprise an automated loading means or mechanism  200 . The shelf  180  may further provide access locations for the first port or container entrance location  110 , the second port or misread/error location  120 , and the third port or positive container exit location  130 . 
     In one embodiment, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , the detection system  100  may comprise an automated loading mechanism  200 , for the automated loading of a specimen container  500  into the detection system  100 . The automated loading mechanism  200  may comprise a container loading station or area  202 , a transport mechanism  204  and a first port or container entrance location  110 . In operation, a user or technician can place one or more specimen containers  500  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) at the container loading station or area  202 . A transport mechanism  204 , for example, a conveyor belt  206 , will transport the specimen container to the first port or container entrance location  110 , and subsequently through the entrance location  110  and into the detection system  100 , thereby loading the container into the system. The automated loading mechanism  200  is described in greater detail herein. 
     As one of skill in the art would appreciate, other designs may be employed for the automated loading mechanism and are described elsewhere herein. For example, alternative automated loading mechanisms are shown in  FIGS. 10-16 . In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , and as described in greater detail herein, the detection system  100  may employ a container loading area or reservoir  302  and a drum-like loading device  308  for the automated loading of a specimen container into the detection system  100 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown for example in  FIGS. 14-15 and 18 , the automated detection system  100  may contain one or more work-flow stations  404  for obtaining one or more measurements, readings, scans and/or images of a specimen container, thereby providing information, such as, container type, container lot number, container expiration date, patient information, sample type, test type, fill level, weight measurement, etc. Furthermore, the one or more work-flow stations  404  may comprise one or more container management stations, such as, a container pick-up station or a container transfer station. For example, the automated detection system may contain one or more of the following work-flow stations: (1) a bar code reading station; (2) a container scanning stations; (3) a container imaging station; (4) a container weighing station; (5) container pick-up station; and/or (6) a container transfer station. In accordance with this embodiment, the detection system  100  may further have a container management means or container locator device  400 , as shown, for example, in  FIGS. 13-15, 18 and 24 . In operation, the container management device or locator device  400 , operates to move or otherwise locate a specimen container  500  to one or more work-flow stations  404 . In one design configuration, one or more of the work-flow stations are included within the housing  102  of the detection system  100 . In one embodiment, as best shown in  FIGS. 14-15 , the drum or drum-like loading device  308  and vertically orientated chute  332  of automated loading mechanism  300  can operated to deposit or place a specimen container into a locator well  402 , as described elsewhere herein. In another embodiment, as best shown, in  FIGS. 18 and 24 , the transport mechanism  204 , or conveyor belt  206 , of automated loading mechanism  200  can operate to deposit or place a specimen container into a locator well  402 , as described elsewhere herein. As known in the art, the detection system  100  may further comprise one or more guide rails (not shown) to guide the specimen container into the locator well  402 . In accordance with both of these embodiments, the container management device or locating device  400  can then rotate to move or locate the specimen container among various work-flow stations  404  within the system, such as for example, a bar code reading station, a container scanning stations, a container imaging station, a container weighing station, container pick-up station, and/or a container transfer station. The container management device or locator device  400  is described in greater detail herein. 
     As shown, for example, in  FIGS. 5A-8C  the detection system  100  may also comprise an automated transfer means or mechanism  650  for transferring the specimen containers  500  within the housing  102  of the detection system  100 . For example, the transfer mechanism  650  may transfer the specimen container  500  from an entrance location or port  110  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3 ), into the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 , and place the container  500  into one of the receiving structures or wells  602  contained in one of a plurality of holding structures or racks  600 . In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism  650  may also be used to rearrange, transfer or otherwise manage specimen containers  500  within the system. For example, in one embodiment, the transfer mechanism  650  can be used to transfer a specimen container  500 , detected as positive for microbial growth (referred to herein as a “positive” container), from the holding structure or rack  600  to a positive container location, such as a positive container exit location or port  130  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) where a user or technician can easily remove the positive container  500  from the detection system  100 . In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism  650  can be used to transfer a container  500  determined as negative for microbial growth after a designated time has passed (referred to herein as a “negative” container), from the holding structure or rack  600  to a negative container location within the system (e.g., a negative container waste bin  146  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 )) where a user or technician can easily access the waste bin  146  for removal and disposal of the container  500 . As one of skill in the art would appreciate, other designs may be employed for the automated transfer mechanism and are described elsewhere herein. For example, another design configuration is described herein in conjunction with  FIGS. 17-21B . 
     The detection system  100  will also include a means for detecting growth (e.g., a detection unit) in the specimen containers  500  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 27 ). In general, any known means in the art for detecting microbial growth in a container can be used. For example, as is well known in the art, each holding station or rack  600  may contain a linear scanning optical system that has the capability of non-invasive monitoring of microorganism growth in each specimen container  500 . In one embodiment, the optical system can interrogate a sensor (e.g., a Liquid Emulsion Sensor (LES) sensor)  514  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 4 ) in the containers  500 , thereby detecting for microorganism growth within the container. 
     The detection system  100  may also include an automated unloading mechanism for the unloading of “positive” and/or “negative” specimen containers  500 . This automated unloading mechanism can operate to ensure that once a “positive” or “negative” reading has been made for each specimen container  500 , the container  500  is removed from the container receiving structures or wells  602  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5A and 5B ), making room for another container to be loaded into the detection system  100 , thereby increasing system through-put. 
     Specimen Container 
     The specimen container  500 , shown for example in  FIGS. 4 and 27B , and other figures, is shown in the form of a standard culture bottle (e.g., a blood culture bottle). However, the description of a culture bottle (e.g., a blood culture bottle) is offered by way of example and not limitation. As shown in  FIG. 4 , the specimen container  500  comprises a top portion  502 , a body  504 , and a base  506 . The container  500  may include a bar code label  508  for automated reading of the container  500  within either the detection system or off-line equipment. As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 27B , the top portion  502  of the container  500  typically comprises a narrow portion or neck  510  through which an opening  516  extends to provide communication with the interior chamber  518  of the container. As shown in  FIG. 27B , the container also includes a closure device  512  (e.g., a stopper), optionally having a pierceable septum and may also have a sensor  514  (e.g., an LES sensor) formed or placed in the bottom of the container  500  for purposes of colorimetric detection of the presence of microbial growth in the container  500 . The configuration of the container  500  is not particular important and the inventive system and methods can be adapted to a variety of containers designed for culturing a test sample (e.g., a biological test sample). Containers  500  of the type shown in  FIGS. 4 and 27B  are well known in the art and described in the patent literature cited in the Background section of this document. 
     In one embodiment, the specimen containers  500  are inoculated with a test sample (e.g., a clinical or non-clinical biological sample) and are loaded/unloaded into/out of the detection system  100 . The container  500  may further comprise a growth or culture medium (not shown) for promoting and/or enhancing microbial or microorganism growth. The use of a growth or culture media (or medium) for the cultivation of microorganisms is well known. A suitable growth or culture medium provides the proper nutritional and environmental conditions for growth of microorganisms and should contain all the nutrients required by the microorganism which is to be cultivated in the specimen container  500 . After a sufficient time interval to allow natural amplification of microorganisms (this time interval varies from species to species), the container  500  is tested within the detection system  100  for the presence of microbial or microorganism growth. The testing may occur continuously or on a periodic basis so that the container can be determined as positive for microorganism growth as soon as possible. 
     In one embodiment, once a container  500  is detected as positive in the detection system  100 , the system will notify the operator through an indicator  190  (e.g., a visual prompt), and/or via a notification at the user interface display  150 , or by other means. 
     Automated Loading Means or Mechanism 
     The detection system  100  may include a means or mechanism for automated loading of a specimen container  500  into the detection system  100 . In one embodiment, as shown for example in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , the automated loading mechanism  200  may comprise a container loading station or area  202 , a transport mechanism  204  and an entrance location or port  110 . However, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art, the automated loading mechanism can take on many different configurations. For example, another design configuration of an automated loading mechanism  300  is described herein in conjunction with  FIGS. 13-16 . The various design configurations described herein are by way of illustration and not limitation. The automated loading mechanisms shown herein (e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3, 5A-5B and 13-16 ) are shown schematically and the parts are not to scale. 
     A user or technician can transport one or more specimen containers  500  to the detection system  100  by any known means and place the containers  500  at a container loading station or area  202 . For example, in one embodiment, a user or technician can use a carrier designed to transport a plurality of specimen containers to the loading station or area  202  of the detection system  100 . 
     One possible carrier design is shown in  FIGS. 28A and 28B . As shown in  FIGS. 28A and 28B , the carrier  350  comprises a body  351  having top and bottom surfaces  352 A and  352 B, respectively, front and back surfaces  354 A and  354 B, respectively, opposing side surfaces  356 A and  356 B (e.g., a right side surface and left side surface), respectively, and a pair of opposing user handles  358 A and  358 B, attached to said opposing side surfaces  356 A,  356 B. The body further comprises a plurality of through holes  360 , each configured to hold a single specimen container  500  therein. The body  351  may also comprise a slide plate  362  operable within a slide joint  364  to slide back-and-forth (see, e.g., arrow  366  in  FIG. 28A ) between a “closed” position, to retain the specimen containers  500  loaded within the carrier  350 , and an “open” position, to release the specimen containers  500  from the carrier  350 , and deposit them onto or into an automated loading mechanism. The slide joint  364  may further comprise a spring, or like means, for locking the slide plate  362  in the “closed” position during transport by a user to a detection system. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 28A-29 , the carrier  350  may further comprise a pair of alignment arms  368 A and  368 B and a release tab  370  operable with a release mechanism  372  for releasing the specimen containers  500  at an automated loading mechanism  200  of a detection system  100 . The release mechanism  372  comprises a pair of slots  374  that correspond to the pair of alignment arms  368 A and  368 B, to ensure the carrier  350  is properly aligned at the loading station or area  202  for depositing the specimen containers  500 , and a release bar  376 . In operation, a technician transports a carrier  350 , containing one or more specimen containers  500 , to the automated loading mechanism  200  and presses the carrier  350  against the release bar  376 , with the alignment arms  368 A and  368 B aligned with the corresponding slots  374  of the release mechanism  372 . By pressing the carrier  350  against the release bar  376 , the release tab  370  is pushed in or depressed, thereby moving the slide plate  362  to the “open” position and allowing the specimen containers  500  to fall out of the through holes  360  and onto the loading station or area  202 . The technician can then lift the carrier  350  upward until the carrier body  351  and plurality of through holes  360  clear the specimen containers  500 , thereby depositing the containers at the automated loading mechanism  200  for automated loading into the detection system  100 . As one of skill in the art would appreciate other design configurations are possible. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the loading station or area  202  is typically an easily accessible location or area of the automated loading mechanism  200  where a user or technician can place one or more specimen containers  500  for loading into the detection system  100 . Once at the loading station  202 , the containers  500  will be transported, using a transport mechanism  204 , from the loading station or area  202  to an entrance location or port  110 , and subsequently through the entrance location or port  110  and into the detection system  100 . Accordingly, a user or technician can simply place one or more specimen containers  500  at the loading station or area  202  and walk away, while the containers  500  are automatically loaded into the detection system  100 . Once the specimen containers  500  have been transported into the system, they can be moved to one or more work-flow stations using a container management device or locator device, and/or transferred to a holding structure or rack, as described elsewhere herein. 
     In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3, 5A and 5B , the transport mechanism  204  is a conveyor belt  206  operable to transport (e.g., convey) the containers  500  to an entrance location or port  110  and subsequently through the entrance location or port  110  and into the detection system  100 . However, other means or mechanisms for transporting the specimen containers  500  from the loading station or area  202  to the entrance location or port  110  are envisioned, and may include, but are not limited to, feed screws, timing belts having grooves or molded plates, and the like. In other embodiments, the process of automated loading of a specimen container  500  into the detection system  100  may further comprise transferring the container to a holding structure or rack using a transfer mechanism  650  or moving the container to one or more work-flow stations using a container locator device (see, e.g.,  FIG. 24, 400A ), as described below. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3, 5A and 5B , the loading station or area  202  and transport mechanism  204  comprise a conveyor belt  206 . In accordance with this embodiment, the user or technician can place one or more specimen containers  500  at a specific location or area (i.e., the loading station or area  202 ) of the conveyor belt  206  for automated loading of the containers  500  into the detection system  100 . The conveyor belt  206  may run continuously, or may be activated by the physical presence of the container  500  at the loading station or area  202 . For example, a system controller can be used to operate the conveyor belt  206  (i.e., turn it on or off) based on a signal (e.g., a light sensor) indicating the presence, or absence, of one or more specimen containers at the loading station  202 . Similarly, one or more sensors can be used at the entrance location or port  110  to indicate if a container is improperly loaded and/or has fallen over and may cause jamming. The conveyor belt  206  operates to move or transport the containers  500  from the loading station or area  202  (e.g., the left portion of the conveyor belt  206 , as shown in  FIG. 1 ) to the entrance location or port  110 , thereby accumulating one or more containers  500  at the entrance location or port  110  to be loaded into the detection system  100 . Typically, as shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , the loading station or area  202 , transport mechanism  204  or conveyor belt  206 , and entrance location or port  110  are located outside, or on the housing  102  of the detection system  100 . In one embodiment, the automated loading mechanism  200  is located on a shelf  180  located on top of the lower section  170  and adjacent to the upper section  160  of the system  100 . Also, as shown, the transport mechanism or conveyor belt  206  typically operates in a horizontal plane, so as to maintain the specimen containers  500  in a vertical or up-right orientation (i.e., such that the top portion  506  of the container  500  is up) for loading into the detection system  100  (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B ). As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 , the transport mechanism or conveyor belt  206  moves, for example, from left-to-right, or from the loading station or area  202  towards the entrance location or port  110 , to transport one or more free standing containers  500  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 2 , arrow  208 ). 
     In one embodiment, as shown, for example in  FIGS. 1-3 and 10-11 , the automated loading mechanism  200  will further comprise one or more guide rails  210  located juxtaposed to one or both sides of the transport mechanism or conveyor belt  206 . The one or more guide rails  210  function to guide or direct the specimen containers  500  to the entrance location or port  110  during operation of the transport mechanism or conveyor belt  206 . In one embodiment, the guide rails operate to funnel or guide the specimen containers into a single file line at the back of the automated loading mechanism  200 , where they await their turn to be loaded, one container at a time, into the detection system  100 . In another design aspect, as shown for example in  FIG. 22 , the detection system  100  may further comprise a locator device cover  460  that covers a locator device (described elsewhere herein) and encloses an interior locator device chamber (not shown) therein. The locator device cover  460  may comprise one or more container guide rails  462  for guiding a specimen container  500 , as it is transported from the automated loading mechanism  200  to the entrance location or port  110 , and subsequently into the interior chamber, thereby automatically loading the specimen contain into the system. In accordance with this embodiment, the interior locator device chamber (not shown) is considered to be a part of the interior chamber, which is described elsewhere herein. 
     In still another embodiment, the automated loading mechanism  200  may further comprise a means or device for reading or otherwise identifying the specimen containers  500  as the containers enter the detection system  100 . For example, the containers  500  may include a bar code label  508  which can be read for container identification and tracking within the system. In accordance with this embodiment, the detection system  100  will include one or more bar code readers (see, e.g.,  410  in  FIGS. 14-15 ) at one or more locations within the system. For example, the detection system  100  may include a bar code reader at the entrance location or port  110  to read, identify and log the individual containers  500  into the detection system controller as they enter the system. In another embodiment, the entrance location or port  110  may also include a means or device (e.g., a container rotator or rotating turntable, as described elsewhere herein) for rotating the container within the entrance location or port  110  to enable reading of the bar code label  508 . In another possible embodiment, the transfer mechanism (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5B, 650 ) may rotate the container  500  to enable reading of the bar code label  508 . Once the bar code has been read, the transfer mechanism will typically transfer the container  500  from the entrance location or port  110  to one of a plurality of receiving structures or wells  602  in one of a plurality of holding structures or racks  600 . 
     In yet another embodiment, if the bar code  508  cannot be properly read, (e.g., the label is misread or a reading error occurs) the detection system controller (not shown) can direct the container  500  to a misread/error location or port  120  for user access to the unreadable or misread container  500 . The user can re-load the container using the automated loading mechanism  200  and/or at the user&#39;s discretion, may optionally manually load the container  500  and hand enter container  500  information into the system controller (e.g., using the user interface  150 ). In another embodiment, the detection system  100  may contain a high priority (or STAT) loading location (not shown) for the loading of high priority containers and/or for manual loading of containers where the label has been misread or a reading error has occurred. 
     Another design configuration of the automated loading mechanism is shown in  FIG. 10 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , the automated loading mechanism  200  comprises a loading station or area  202 , a first conveyor belt  206 , and an entrance location or port  110 . The conveyor belt  206  operates to transport the specimen containers  500  from the left edge of the system  100  (i.e., the location of the loading station  202 ) to the entrance location or port  110 . In this example, the movement is from left-to-right and is represented by arrow  220  in  FIG. 10 . The automated loading mechanism  200  may further comprise a guide rail  210  and a second conveyor belt  212 , which operates around a set of gears or wheels  214 ,  216 . In accordance with this embodiment, the second conveyor belt  212  is orientated and operable in a vertical plane above the first horizontal conveyor belt  206 , and can operate in a clockwise or counter-clockwise manner (i.e., to move the belt from left-to-right or from right-to-left). The clockwise or counter-clockwise operation of the second vertically orientated conveyor belt  212  can provide the specimen container  500  with a counter-clockwise or clockwise rotation, respectively, about a vertical axis of the container. Applicants have found that providing a specimen container  500  with clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation can prevent and/or reduce jamming or clogging of the automated loading mechanism  200  as a plurality of specimen containers  500  accumulate at the entrance location or port  110 . Once the containers  500  have arrived at the entrance location or port  110  they can be moved into the detection system  100 . 
     In still another embodiment, the automated loading mechanism  200  may also contain a backer board (not shown) located in a horizontal plane underneath the first conveyor belt  206 . As one of skill in the art would appreciate, the conveyor belt  206  may have some give, flexibility, or may otherwise be considered “springy”. This springy nature of the conveyor belt  206  may lead to instability of the specimen container  500  as the container is transported across the conveyor belt  206  from the loading station or area  202  to the first port or entrance location  110  and may result in specimen containers  500  tipping or falling over. Applicants have found that by including a rigid or semi-rigid backer board underneath the conveyor belt  206 , this problem can be reduce and/or eliminate altogether, thereby, reducing and/or preventing jamming or clogging of the loading mechanism  200  (e.g., with containers  500  that have fallen over). In general, any known backer board material may be used. For example, the backer board can be a rigid or semi-rigid board made of plastic, wood, or metal. 
     Yet another configuration of the automated loading mechanism is shown in  FIG. 11 . As shown in  FIG. 11 , the automated loading mechanism  200  may comprise a loading station or area  202 , a conveyor belt  206 , and an entrance location or port  110 . Also as shown, the conveyor belt  206  can operate to transport the specimen containers  500  from the front edge of the system  100  (i.e., the loading station  202 ) to the entrance location or port  110 . In this example, the movement of the loading mechanism  200  is from front-to-back (i.e., from the front edge of the instrument to the loading port  110 ) and is represented by arrow  240  in  FIG. 11 . As shown, the automated loading mechanism  200  may further comprise one or more guide rails  210  to guide the one or more specimen containers  500  to the entrance location or port  110 , as they are transported by the conveyor belt  206 . 
     Optionally, as shown in  FIG. 11 , the automated loading mechanism  200 , in accordance with this embodiment, may include a second transport mechanism  230 . In one embodiment, the second transport mechanism  230  may comprise a second conveyor belt  232  located in, and operable in, a vertical plan above the first conveyor belt  206 . As shown, the second transport mechanism  230  may further comprise a plurality of paddles or plates  236  attached to the second conveyor belt  232 . In accordance with this embodiment, the first conveyor belt  206  operates to move or transport one or more specimen containers  500  from the loading station or area  202  to the second transport mechanism  230 , where the containers  500  are individually moved or transported into a well or space  234  between the paddles or plates  236 . The second conveyor belt  232  operates around a set of gears or drive wheels (not shown), and runs or moves, for example, from left-to-right across the back edge of the automated loading mechanism  200 , thereby transporting the containers  500  from left-to-right along the back of the loading mechanism  200  and to the entrance location or port  110  (see, e.g., arrow  250 ). Once the containers  500  have arrived at the entrance location or port  110  they can be moved into the detection system  100 . 
     In yet another embodiment, the automated loading mechanism  200  can be enclosed or encased in a protective housing or casing  260 , as shown for example in  FIG. 12 . In accordance with this embodiment, the automated loading mechanism  200 , or one or more components thereof (i.e., one or more of the loading area, transport means (e.g., conveyor belt  206 ) and/or entrance location or port (not shown)), can be housed or encased in a protective housing or casing  260 . The protective housing or casing  260  will have an opening  262  providing access to, and for loading specimen container  500  into/onto the automated loading mechanism  200  housed therein. Optionally, the protective housing or casing  260  can further include a cover means  264  that can be closed or shut to protect the automated loading mechanism  200 , and/or containers  500 , contained therein. The cover can be a closable lid  266 , as shown, or other structure or means for closing the housing or casing  260 . For example, in another embodiment, the cover  264  can be a lightweight curtain (not shown) that can be pulled shut over the opening  262 . The protective housing or casing  260  may also provide a priority container loading port  270  for the loading or high priority containers (i.e., STAT container) and/or misread containers. In one embodiment, a container  500  can be manually loaded into the priority port  270 . 
     Another embodiment of an automated loading mechanism is shown in  FIGS. 13-15 . Like the previously described automated loading mechanism, the automated loading mechanism  300  shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , comprises a container loading station or area  302 , a transport mechanism  304  and a container entrance location  306 , for the fully automated loading of one or more specimen containers  500  into the detection system  100 . 
     The container loading area  302  is in an easily accessible location on the detection system  100  to allow a user to easily place one or more specimen containers  500  therein, as shown for example in  FIG. 17 . In accordance with this embodiment, the specimen containers  500  are loaded in a horizontal orientation, such that they are lying on their side, as shown for example in  FIG. 13 . Once at the container loading area  302 , the specimen containers  500  can be transported by a transport mechanism  304  from the container loading area  302  to an entrance location  306 , from where the containers  500  will enter the detection system  100 , as described in more detail herein. Surprisingly, regardless of the specimen container  500  orientation in the loading area  302  (i.e., regardless of whether the top portion  506  of the container  500  is facing the detection system  100  or facing away from the detection system  100  (as shown, e.g., in  FIG. 14 )), the automated loading mechanism  300  of this embodiment is capable of loading the specimen containers  500  into the detection system  100 . 
     In one embodiment, the container loading station or area  302  comprises a loading reservoir  303  that is capable of holding one or more specimen containers  500 , as shown for example in  FIG. 13 . The loading reservoir  303  can be designed to hold from 1 to 100 specimen containers, from 1 to 80 specimen containers, or from 1 to 50 specimen containers. In other design concepts, the loading reservoir may hold 100 or more specimen containers  500 . The automated loading mechanism  300  of this embodiment may further comprise a lid or cover (not shown), which the user or technician can optionally close to cover the loading reservoir  303  and loading area  302 . Various designs are possible and contemplated for the lid or cover. 
     As show in  FIGS. 13-14 , the loading reservoir  303  contains a transport mechanism  304 , for example, a sloped ramp that slopes downwards towards an entrance location  306  so as to transport the specimen containers  500  from the loading area  302  to the entrance location  306 . In accordance with this embodiment, the sloped ramp will allow the specimen containers to roll or slide down the ramp to the entrance location  306 . Although, a sloped ramp is exemplified in the figures other designs are possible and contemplated for the transport means or mechanism  304  for transporting the specimen containers to the entrance location  306 . For example, in one alternative design concept the transport mechanism  304  may comprise a conveyor belt (not shown). In accordance with this design concept the conveyor belt can be designed to hold one or more specimen containers and may optionally be designed such that the conveyor belt slopes downward towards the entrance location  306 . 
     Once at the entrance location  306 , a drum or drum-like loading device  308  will be used for loading the specimen containers  500  into the detection system  100 . As shown, the drum-like loading device  308  has one or more horizontally orientated slots  310  for holding one or more specimen containers therein. Each individual slot  310  is capable of holding a single specimen container  500 . In one embodiment, the drum-like loading device  308  has a plurality of slots, for example, from 1 to 10 slots, from 1 to 8 slots, from 1 to 6 slots, from 1 to 5 slots, from 1 to 4 slots, or from 1 to 3 slots for holding specimen containers  500  therein. In another embodiment, the drum-like loading device  308  can be designed to have a single slot capable of holding a single specimen container  500  therein. 
     The drum-like loading device  308  is capable of rotating (either in a clock-wise direction, or counter-clock wise direction) about a horizontal axis, and is capable of picking-up and loading individual specimen container  500  into the detection system  100 . In operation, the rotation of the drum or drum-like loading device  308  picks up a horizontally orientated specimen container  500  in one of a plurality of horizontally orientated slots  310 , and moves the container  500 , by rotation of the drum or drum-like loading device to a tumbler device  330  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ). Any known means in the art can be used for rotation of the drum or drum-like loading device  308 . For example, the system may employ the use of a motor (not shown) and drive belt  316  for rotation of the drum-like loading device  308 . 
     In another embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the automated loading mechanism  300  of this embodiment may further comprise a single container loading port  312 . In operation, a user or technician can place a single specimen container into the single container loading port  312  for quick, or immediate loading, for example of a STAT specimen container. Once placed in the single container loading port  312 , the container will drop or fall via gravity onto a second transport mechanism  314 , for example, a sloped ramp that slopes downward toward the drum-like loading device  308  for quick or immediate automated loading of the specimen container into the detection system  100 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 13-16 , the drum or drum-like loading device  308  rotates in a vertical plane (i.e., around or about a horizontal axis) to move the specimen container  500  from the entrance location  306  to a tumbler device  330 . The tumbler device comprises an open slot at the top of a vertically orientated chute  332 . Once moved to the tumbler device  330 , the specimen containers are up-righted (i.e., the specimen containers are re-positioned from a horizontal container orientation to an up-right vertical container orientation) by a cam mechanism and vertically orientated chute  332 . In operation, the cam mechanism (not shown) is capable of sensing the top and/or bottom of the specimen container, and pushing the specimen container  500  in a horizontal direction from the base of the specimen container, thereby allowing the base to drop or fall through the opening of a vertically orientated chute  332 . Accordingly, the tumbler device  330  operates to allow the container  500  to drop (via gravity) bottom first through the vertical chute  332  and into a first locator well of a container locator device  400  (described elsewhere herein), thereby re-orientating the container  500  in a vertical, up-right orientation. 
     As shown for example in  FIG. 16 , the tumbler device  330  has two tapered ledges  334 , one on each side of the drum, each being narrow at a front edge and thicker at a back edge. The ledges  334  are aligned so that the cap portion  502  of the container  500  will be caught or held by the ledge (i.e., the cap will move over the top side of the ledge such that the cap will rest on the top of ledge  334 ) as the drum rotates. The ledge  334  only holds the cap portion  502  of the container  500  in place briefly, as the bottom of the container falls through the vertical chute  332 . Furthermore, the bottom or base  506  of the container will not be caught or held by the ledge. Instead, the tapered ledge  334  will act to push or slide the bottom or base  506  of the container  500  in a horizontal direction, from the bottom  506  of the container  500  towards the top or cap portion  502  of the container (see  FIG. 4 ), as the drum or drum-like loading device  308  rotates. This action helps to ensure that the cap end  502  of the container is held by the top edge of the ledge  334 , thereby allowing the bottom  506  of the container  500  to fall freely through the vertical chute  332  and into the container locator device  400 . By having a ledge  334  on each side of the drum or drum-like loading device  308 , container  500  orientation in the rotating drum in not essential. The container  500  will be up-right by the tumbler device  330  regardless of whether the cap end  502  of the container is on the right or left side (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ) of the drum-like loading device  308 , as the corresponding ledges  334  will function to hold the cap or top  502  of the container as the bottom  506  falls through the vertical chute  332 . In another embodiment, the vertical cute  332  may further comprise a narrower section  333  that helps direct the falling container  500  into the container locating device  400 . In operation, as the drum or drum-like loading device  308  rotates over the open slot at the top of the vertically orientated chute  332 , the cap or top portion  502  of the container  500  is held at the outer edge of the drum by one or more ledges  334  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 16 ). The ledges  334  hold the cap or top portion  502  of the container  500  in place while allowing the bottom  506  of the container to swing or fall freely out of the drum or drum-like loading device  308  and into the vertically orientated chute  332 , thereby up-righting or vertically orientating the container  500  as it drops or falls via gravity through the vertically orientated chute  332  bottom first, as previously described. 
     Container Management Means or Locator Device 
     As shown, for example in  FIGS. 13-15, 18, and 25A-25C  the detection system  100  may further comprise a container management device or locator device  400 . The container management device or locator device  400  can be used to manage, move or otherwise locate a container  500 , once inside the housing  102  of the detection system  100 , among various work-flow stations  404 . In one embodiment, the container management device or locator device  400  can be used in combination with the automated loading mechanism  300  shown in  FIGS. 13-15 , as shown. In another embodiment, the container management device or locator device  400  can be used in combination with the automated loading mechanism  200  shown, for example, in  FIG. 18 . The container management device or locator device  400  in  FIGS. 13-15 and 18  is shown schematically and the parts not to scale. 
     The container management device or locator device  400  comprises a rotatable wheel-like device or rotatable disk that contains one or more locator wells  402 , for example 1 to 10 locator wells, 1 to 8 locator wells, 1 to 5 locator wells, 1 to 4 locator wells, or 1 to 3 locator wells  402 . In one embodiment, the locator device comprises opposable parallel plates or discs (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 25A-25C ). Each individual locator well  402  is capable of holding a single specimen container  500 . In operation, the locator device  400  rotates (either clock-wise or counter clock-wise) in a horizontal plane (and around or about a vertical axis) to move an individual container  500  to or among various work-flow stations  404  (i.e., from station-to-station). In one embodiment, the work-flow station  404  is operable to obtain one or more measurements or readings of the specimen container, thereby providing information about the container, such as, container lot number, container expiration date, patient information, sample type, fill level, etc. In another embodiment, the one or more work-flow stations  404  may comprise one or more container management stations, such as, a container pick-up station or a container transfer station. For example, the locator device  400  is capable of moving an individual specimen container  500  to one or more work-flow stations  404 , such as: (1) a bar code reading station; (2) a container scanning stations; (3) a container imaging station; (4) a container weighing station; (4) container pick-up station; and/or (5) a container transfer station. In another embodiment, one or more of these measurements and/or readings can occur at the same station. For example, container weight, scanning, imaging and/or pick-up may occur at a single station location. In yet another embodiment, the detection system may contain a separate pick-up station. A container can be picked-up by a transfer mechanism (as described herein) at the pick-up location, and transferred to other locations (e.g., to a holding structure and/or agitation assembly) within the detection system  100 . In still another embodiment, the detection system  100  may contain a transfer station for the transfer of a specimen container  500  to another instrument, e.g., a second automated detection instrument. In accordance with this embodiment, the transfer station may communicate with a system transfer device  440 . For example, as shown, the system transfer device  440  may be a conveyor belt that allows the specimen container to be transferred to another location within the detection system  100 , or in another embodiment, to another instrument (e.g., a second detection system (e.g., as shown in  FIG. 24 )). As shown in  FIG. 14-15 , the locator device  400  comprises: (1) an entrance station  412 ; (2) a bar code reading and/or scanning station  414 ; (3) a container weighing station  416 ; (4) a container pick-up station  418 ; and (5) a system transfer station  420  for transfer of the container to another instrument. The locator device may further comprise a rotatable turntable device  406 , for rotating a container to facilitate bar code reading and/or container scanning, and/or a scale or weighing device  408 , for weighing a container. 
     As previously described, in operation, the container management device or locator device  400 , operates to move or otherwise locate a given specimen container  500  to a given work-flow station  404 . In one embodiment, these work-flow stations  404  are included within the housing  102  of the detection system  100 . For example, as shown in  FIGS. 13-15 and 18 , an automated loading mechanism can deposit or place a specimen container  500  into a locator well  402 , as described elsewhere herein. The container management means or locating device  400  can then rotate to move or locate the specimen container among various work-flow stations within the system, such as for example, a bar code reading station, a container scanning stations, a container imaging station, a container weighing station, container pick-up station, and/or a container transfer station. 
     Transfer Means or Mechanism 
     As shown, for example in  FIGS. 5-9B and 17-21 , the automated detection system  100  may further comprise an automated transfer means or mechanism operable for the transfer of a specimen container  500 , and/or for container management, within the system. As already described, the entrance location or port  110  receives containers from, for example, a conveyor system  206  shown best in  FIGS. 1-3 . As the containers accumulate in the entrance location or port  110 , the containers are moved within the detection system  100  whereby a transfer mechanism (e.g., a robotic transfer arm with a container gripping means) can pick-up, or otherwise receive, an individual specimen container  500  and transfer and place that container into a holding structure or rack  600  within the detection system  100 , as described in more detail herein. As known in the art, the transfer mechanism may use a vision system (e.g., camera), pre-programmed dimensional coordinates and/or precision motion controlling to transfer a specimen container to, and load the specimen container into, the holding structure or rack  600 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-3 and 13-15 , specimen containers  500  are loaded into, and/or transported within, the detection system  100  using an automated loading mechanism  200  ( FIG. 1-3 ) or  300  ( FIGS. 13-15 ). As shown, the containers  500  are typically loaded into the detection system  100  in a vertical orientation (i.e., such that the top or cap portion  502  of the container  500  is up-right). In accordance with one embodiment, the containers  500  are placed or held in a plurality of holding structures or racks  600 , and optionally agitated to enhance microorganism growth therein. As shown for example in  FIGS. 5A and 5B , the receiving structures or wells  602  of the holding structures or racks  600  can be orientated in a horizontal axis. Accordingly, in accordance with this embodiment, an automated transfer mechanism (see, e.g.,  FIG. 5B, 650 ) must re-orientate the container  500 , from a vertical orientation to a horizontal orientation, during the transfer of the container  500  from the automated loading mechanism  200 ,  300  to the receiving structures or wells  602 . 
     In operation, the automated transfer mechanism (e.g.,  FIG. 5B, 650  or  FIG. 20, 700 ) can operate to transfer or otherwise move, or relocate, a specimen container  500  within the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 . For example, in one embodiment, the transfer mechanism can transfer a specimen container  500  from an entrance location or port  110  to one of a plurality of holding structures or racks  600 . In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism can pick-up a specimen container  500  from a well  402  of the container locator device  400  and transfer the container to a holding structure or well  602  of the holding structure or rack  600 . The transfer mechanism can operate to place the container  500  in one of a plurality of container receiving structures or wells  602  that are located in one of a plurality of holding structures or racks  600 . In another embodiment, the transfer mechanism can operate to remove or unload “positive” and “negative” containers from the holding structures or racks  600 . This automated unloading mechanism can operate to ensure that once a “positive” or “negative” reading has been made for each specimen container  500 , the container  500  is removed from the container receiving structures or well  602 , making room for another container to be loaded into the detection system  100 , thereby increasing system through-put. 
     In one embodiment, the transfer mechanism can be a robotic transfer arm. In general, any type of robotic transfer arm known in the art can be used. For example, the robotic transfer arm can be a multi-axis robotic arm (for example, a 2-, 3-, 4-, 5-, or 6-axis robotic arm). The robotic transfer arm can operate to pick-up and transfer a specimen container  500  (e.g., a blood culture bottle) from an entrance location or port  110  to one of a plurality of container receiving structures or wells  602  located in one of a plurality of holding structures or racks  600  (optionally having an agitation assembly). Furthermore, to facilitate the necessary movements of the transfer mechanism or robotic transfer arm, the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 , may includes one or more supports for the robotic transfer arm. For example, one or more vertical supports and/or one or more horizontal supports may be provided. The transfer mechanism or robotic transfer arm will slide up and down and across the supports as necessary to access any of the receiving structures or wells  602  of the holding structures or racks  600 . As previously described, the robotic transfer arm can operate to change the orientation of a specimen container from a vertical orientation (i.e., up-right orientation such that the top  502  of the container  500  is up) to a horizontal orientation (i.e., such that the container  500  is laying on it&#39;s side), for example, to facilitate in container transfer from a loading station or location, and placement within a holding structure and/or agitation assembly. 
     In one embodiment, the robotic transfer arm is a 2-, or 3-axis robotic arm and will be capable of transferring the container  500  in one or more horizontal axes (for example, the x- and/or z-axes) and optionally a vertical axis (y-axis) to a specific location, such as the container receiving structures or wells  602  described herein. In accordance with this embodiment, a 2-axis robotic arm will allow movement in 2-axes (for example, the x-, and z-axes), whereas a 3-axis robotic arm will allow movement in 3-axes (for example, the x-, y-, and z-axes). 
     In another embodiment, the 2-, or 3-axis, robotic arm may further employ one or more rotational movements, capable of transferring or moving the specimen container  500  rotationally about one or more axes. This rotational movement may allow the robotic transfer arm to transfer a specimen container  500  from a vertical loading orientation to a horizontal orientation. For example, the robotic transfer arm may employ a rotational movement to move the specimen container rotationally about or around a horizontal axis. This type of robotic transfer arm would be defined as a 3-, or 4-axis robotic arm. For example, a robotic arm that allows movement in one horizontal axis (the x-axis), one vertical axis (e.g., the y-axis) and one rotational axis would be considered a 3-axis robotic arm. Whereas, a robotic arm that allows movement in two horizontal axes (e.g., the x-, and z-, axes), a vertical axis (the y-axis) and one rotational axis would be considered a 4-axis robotic arm. Similarly, a robotic arm that allows movement in a single horizontal axis (e.g., the x-axis), a vertical axis (the y-axis) and two rotational axes would also be considered a 4-axis robotic arm. In yet another embodiment, the robotic transfer arm  700  can be a 4-, 5-, or 6-axis robotic arm, thereby allowing movement in the x-, y-, and z-axes, as well as rotational movement about, or around, one-axis (i.e., a 5-axis robot), two axes (i.e., a 5-axis robotic arm), or all three horizontal (x-, and z-axes) and vertical axes (y-axes) (i.e., a 6-axis robotic arm). 
     In yet another embodiment, the robotic transfer arm may include one or more devices for obtaining measurements, scans and/or readings of a specimen container  500 . For example, the robotic transfer arm may include one or more video cameras, sensors, scanners, and/or bar code readers. In accordance with this embodiment, the video camera, sensor, scanner and/or bar code reader may aid in container location, reading of container labels (e.g., bar codes), container scanning, remote field servicing of the system, and/or detecting for any possible container leaks within the system. In yet another design possibility, the robotic transfer arm may include a UV light source to aid in automated decontamination, if necessary. 
     One design possibility of the transfer mechanism is shown in  FIGS. 6-8C . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the transfer mechanism comprises a robotic transfer arm  650 , which comprises an upper horizontal support rail  652 A, a lower horizontal support rail  652 B, a single vertical support rail  654  and a robotic head  656  that will includes a gripping mechanism (not shown) for picking-up, gripping or otherwise holding a specimen container  500 . The transfer mechanism shown in  FIGS. 6-8C  is shown schematically and the parts not to scale, for example, the horizontal supports  652 A,  652 B, vertical support and robotic head  656  shown are not to scale. As one of skill in the art would readily appreciate, the horizontal supports  652 A,  652 B, and vertical support can be increased or decreased in length as needed. As shown, the robotic head  656  is supported by, coupled to, and/or attached to the vertical support rail  654 , which in turn is supported by the horizontal support rails  652 A and  652 B. Also as shown in  FIG. 6 , the transfer mechanism may comprise one or more mounting supports  696  that can be used to mount the transfer mechanism in the detection system. 
     In operation, the vertical support rail  654  can be moved along the horizontal support rails  652 A and  652 B, thereby moving the vertical support rail  654  and the robotic head  656  along a horizontal axis (e.g., the x-axis). In general, any known means in the art can be used to move the vertical support rail  654  along the horizontal support rails  652 A and  652 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper and lower support rails  652 A and  652 B, can comprise upper and lower threaded shafts (not shown) operable to drive upper and lower horizontal slide blocks  659 A and  659 B, respectively. Also, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the upper and lower shafts  652 A and  652 B can include hollow, elongate reinforcing sleeves  653 A,  653 B that extends the length of the upper and lower support rails  652 A,  652 B, and thereby surrounds the upper and lower threaded screws (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,362). The sleeves  653 A,  653 B will each further comprise a slot (see, e.g.,  653 C) in the sleeve  653 A,  653 B that extends the length of the upper and lower support rails  652 A,  652 B. Threaded tongues (not shown) are provided that extend through the slot (see, e.g.,  653 C) and have threads engageable with the threaded shafts (not shown) which are encased in the reinforcing sleeves  653 A,  653 B. As the threaded shafts (not shown) of the upper and lower support rails  652 A,  652 B are turned by a first motor  657 , the threaded tongues (not shown) moves horizontal slide blocks  659 A,  659 B along the longitudinal length of the upper and lower support rails  652 A,  652 B, thereby moving the robotic head  656  along a horizontal axis (e.g., the x-axis) (again, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,362). A first motor  657  can operate to turn the upper and lower threaded shafts (not shown) and thereby drive upper and lower horizontal slide blocks  659 A and  659 B (each having internal threads that engage the threaded shafts, respectively) in a horizontal direction along the upper and lower threaded shafts. In one design possibility, the first motor  657  can be used to turn both the upper and lower threaded shafts by including a drive belt  660  and set of pulleys  662  to turn one of the threaded shafts (e.g., the lower threaded shaft) in parallel with the first threaded shaft, as the first threaded shaft is turned by the motor  657 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the vertical support rail  654  may further comprise a vertical threaded drive shaft (not shown) operable to drive a vertical slide block  655  and thereby move the robotic head  656  along a vertical axis (e.g., the y-axis). In operation, a second motor  658  can operate to turn a vertical threaded shaft (not shown) and thereby drive vertical slide block  655  in a vertical direction along the vertical threaded shaft. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 6-7B , and as described hereinabove, the vertical threaded shaft may further comprise a hollow, elongate reinforcing sleeve  654 A that extends the length of the vertical support rail  654 , and thereby surrounds the vertical threaded shaft (not shown). The sleeve  654 A will further comprise a slot  654 B that extends the length of the vertical support rail  654 . A threaded tongue (not shown) is provided that extends through the slot (not shown) and has threads engageable with the threaded shaft (not shown). As the threaded shaft (not shown) is turned by motor  658 , the threaded tongue (not shown) moves a vertical slide block  655 , thereby moving the robotic head  656  along a vertical axis (e.g., the y-axis) (again, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,467,362). The vertical slide block  655  may be directly attached to the robotic head  656 , or as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be attached to a first rotational mechanism  664 . The vertical slide block  655  has internal threads (not shown) that engage the threaded vertical shaft and operated to drive the vertical slide block, and thus the robotic head  656 , in a vertical direction, along the threaded vertical shaft. 
     The transfer mechanism  650  may further comprise one or more rotational mechanisms operable to provide rotational movement about or around one or more axes. For example, as shown in  FIG. 6 , the robotic head may comprise a first rotational mechanism  664  for providing rotational movement about or around the y-axis and a second rotational mechanism  665  for providing rotational movement about or around the x-axis. The first rotational mechanism  664  comprises a first rotational plate  667  that can be attached to the robotic head  656 . The first rotational mechanism  664  further comprises a first rotational motor  668 , a first pinion gear  670  and a first opposable ring gear  672 , which operate to rotate the first rotational plate  667 , and thus the robotic head  656 , about a vertical axis (e.g., about the y-axis). In one embodiment, as is well known in the art, the first pinion gear  670  and first ring gear  672  may be provided with gripping teeth (not shown) or other gripping feature (not shown). The first rotational plate  667  may be directly attached to the robotic head  656 , or as shown in  FIG. 6 , may be attached to a second rotational mechanism  665 . Also as shown in  FIG. 6 , the first rotational plate  667  may comprise a bent plate to facilitate attachment to the second rotational mechanism  665 . The second rotational mechanism  665 , like the first rotational mechanism  664 , comprises a second rotational plate  674 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the second rotational plate  674  is attached to the robotic head  656 . The second rotational mechanism  665  further comprises a second rotational motor  678 , a second pinion gear  680  and a second opposable ring gear  682 , which operate to rotate the second rotational plate  674 , and thus the robotic head  656 , about a horizontal axis (e.g., the x-axis). In one embodiment, as is well known in the art, the second pinion gear  680  and second ring gear  682  may be provided with gripping teeth (not shown) or other gripping feature (not shown). 
     The robotic head  656 , best shown in  FIG. 7B , comprises a housing  684  enclosing a holding chamber  685  for holding a single specimen container  500  therein. The robotic head further comprises a gripping mechanism  686  and a drive mechanism  688  to move the gripping mechanism  686 , and thereby a single specimen container  500 , into and out of the housing  684  and holding chamber  685 . The gripper mechanism  686 , as shown in  7 B, may comprise a spring clip  687  operable to snap over the lip of a specimen container  500 . After transferring the specimen container  500  to a holding structure  600 , as described elsewhere herein, the robotic head  656 , and thus the gripping mechanism  686 , can be raised or lowered relative to the holding structure  600  to release the specimen container  500 . The drive mechanism  688  further comprises a motor  690 , a guide rail  692 , a threaded gripper shaft  694  and a gripper drive block  696 , as shown in  FIG. 7B . In operation, the motor  690  turns the threaded gripping shaft  694 , thereby moving the gripping drive block  696 , and thus the gripping mechanism  686  along the guide rail  692 . 
     Another design possibility of the transfer mechanism is shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B . As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B  an automated transfer mechanism  820  is incorporated into the detection system  100  shown in  FIGS. 9A-9B  in order to grasp or pick-up a container  500  from the entrance location or port  110 , and move or transfer a container  500  to a give receiving structure or well  802 , of an upper or lower drum holding structure  800  (described elsewhere herein). The automated transfer mechanism  820  in this embodiment is also operable to move a negative container  500  to a waste location and subsequently dropping or otherwise depositing the container  500  into a waste bin  146 , or operable to move a positive container to a positive container location (see, e.g.,  130  in  FIG. 1 ). To provide such movement, the transfer mechanism  820  includes a robotic head  824  which may include a gripping mechanism  826  for picking-up and holding a container  500 , and a rotatable support rod  828  that extends across the interior chamber  850  of the system  100 . As shown, the robotic head  824  is supported by, coupled to, and/or attached to the rotatable support rod  828 . In general, the gripping mechanism can be any known gripping mechanism in the art. In one embodiment, the gripping mechanism may be the gripping mechanism and drive mechanism described hereinabove in conjunction with  FIGS. 6-8C . The robotic head  824  is moveable to any position along the rotatable support rod  828 . In operation, the support rod  828  can be rotated about its longitudinal axis, so as to orient the robotic head  824  towards either the upper or lower cylinder or drum holding structures  800 A,  800 B. 
     In one embodiment, the robotic head  820  is operable to pick-up a container  500  from the entrance location or port  110  and load the container  500  head-first (i.e., top portion  502  first) into the receiving structures or wells  802  of the drum holding structures  800 A,  800 B. This orientation exposes the bottom or base  506  of the container  500  to a detection unit  810  which can read the sensor  514  located at the bottom of the container  500  to detect microbial or microorganism growth within the container. 
     Yet another design possibility for the transfer mechanism is shown in  FIGS. 17-21B . As shown in  FIGS. 17-21B , the robotic transfer arm  700  will include one or more horizontal support structures  702 , one or more vertical support structures  704 , and a robotic head  710  that will include one or more features or devices (e.g., a gripping mechanism) to pick-up, grip and/or hold a specimen container  500 . The robotic head  710  can be supported by, coupled to, and/or attached to one of the horizontal supports and/or vertical supports. For example, in one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 17-21B , the robotic transfer arm  700  comprises a lower horizontal support structure  702 B and a single vertical support structure  704 . Although, not shown, as one of skill in the art would appreciate an upper horizontal support structure (not shown), or other similar means can be used to further support or guide the vertical support structure. In general, any known means in the art can be used to move the robotic head  710  up and down the vertical support rail  704  (as represented by arrow  726  (see  FIG. 18 )), and move the vertical support rail  704  back-and-forth along the horizontal support structure(s)  702 B (as represented by arrow  736  (see  FIG. 20 )). For example, as shown in  FIG. 20 , the robotic transfer arm  700  may further comprises a vertical drive motor  720  and vertical drive belt  722  that will operate to transfer or move the robotic head  710  up and down (arrow  726 ) the vertical support rail  704  to transfer or move a container  500  along (i.e., up and down) a vertical axis (i.e., the y-axis). The vertical support structure  704  may further comprise a vertical guide rail  728  and a robotic head support block  708 , as shown in  FIG. 20 . Accordingly, the vertical support structure  704 , vertical guide rail  728 , vertical drive motor  720  and vertical drive belt  722  allow the robotic transfer arm  700  to move or transfer the robotic head support block  708 , and thus, the robotic head  710  and a specimen container  500  along the y-axis. Likewise, also as shown in  FIG. 20 , the robotic transfer arm  700  may further comprise a first horizontal drive motor  730 , first horizontal drive belt  732  and horizontal guide rail  738  that will operate to move the vertical support structure  704  back-and-forth (i.e., from left-to-right and/or from right-to-left) along the horizontal guide rail  738 , and thus, along a first horizontal axis (i.e., the x-axis) within the housing  102  of the detection system  100  (see arrow  736 )). Accordingly, the horizontal support structure(s)  702 B, first horizontal drive motor  730 , first horizontal drive belt  732  and horizontal guide rail  738  allow the robotic transfer arm  700  to move or transfer a specimen container  500  along the x-axis. Applicants have found that by including a vertical support that is movable along a horizontal axis allows for an increased capacity within the detection system, as the robotic transfer arm is movable over an increased area within the instrument. Furthermore, Applicants believe a robotic transfer arm having a movable vertical support may provide a more reliable robot transfer arm. 
     As shown best in  FIG. 17-21B , the automated transfer mechanism or robotic transfer arm  700  may further comprise a linear or horizontal slide  706  and pivot plate  750 . As shown, for example in  FIGS. 17-20 , the linear or horizontal slide  706  supports the robotic head  710  and gripper mechanism  712 . The linear or horizontal slide  706  and robotic head  710  may be supported by, coupled to, and/or attached to, a robotic head support block  708  and vertical guide rail  728  (previously described). In accordance with this embodiment, the linear or horizontal slide  706  can be moved up and down (see  FIG. 18 , arrow  726 ) along a vertical axis (i.e., the y-axis), via the a robotic head support block  708  and vertical guide rail  728 , to move or transfer the robotic head  710  and/or specimen container  500  up and down within the housing  102  of the detection system  100  (i.e., along the vertical axis (y-axis)). As shown in  FIGS. 21A-21B , the linear or horizontal slide  706  may further comprises a pivot plate  750  comprising a pivot plate guide rail  752 , a pivot slot  754  and pivot slot cam follower  756  operable to allow the robotic head  710  to slide or moved along the linear or horizontal slide  706 , from front-to-back or from back-to-front (see  FIG. 18 , arrow  746 ), to transfer or move a container  500  along a second horizontal axis (i.e., the z-axis). In accordance with this embodiment, a second horizontal drive motor or horizontal slide motor  760  and a slide belt (not shown) can be used to move the robotic head  710  along the z-axis. Accordingly, the linear or horizontal slide  706 , the horizontal slide motor and slide belt, allows the robotic head  710  to move or transfer a specimen container  500  along the z-axis. As known in the art, one or more sensors (see, e.g.,  764  in  FIG. 21A ) can be used to indicate the position of the robotic head  710  on the linear or horizontal slide  706 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 21A-21B , as the robotic head  710  is moved along the linear or horizontal slide  706 , pivot plate  750  and pivot plate guide rail  752 , the pivot slot  754  and pivot slot cam follower  756  rotate the pivot carriage  758  about or around a horizontal axis (i.e., the z-axis), and thus, rotates the robotic head  710  from a horizontal orientation (as shown in  FIG. 21A ) to a vertical orientation (as shown in  FIG. 21B ), or vice versa. As described elsewhere herein, the transfer of a container  500  from a vertical entry orientation to a horizontal orientation may be necessary for depositing or placing the container in a horizontally orientated receiving structure or well  602  of the holding structure or rack  600 . Accordingly, the pivot plate  750 , pivot slot  754  and pivot carriage  758  allow the robotic head  710  to re-orientate a specimen container  500  from a vertical orientation, as loaded (see, e.g.,  FIG. 18 ) to a horizontal orientation (as seen, e.g., in  FIG. 21A ), thereby allowing a specimen container  500  to be transferred from an automated loading mechanism (see, e.g.,  200  in  FIG. 18 ) to a well in a holding structure (e.g.,  602  and  600  in  FIG. 18 ). As shown in  FIG. 20  the automated transfer mechanism may also comprise one or more cable management chains  782 , for cable management within the detection system  100 , and a circuit board  784  for controlling the robotic transfer mechanism. In yet another embodiment, the robotic transfer arm  700  may further comprise a break mechanism  786  that can operate to break the vertical drive belt  722 , thereby preventing if from falling to the bottom of the instrument (e.g., due to a power outage). 
     The robotic transfer arm  700  may further comprise a gripping mechanism  712  to pick-up, grip or otherwise hold a specimen container  500 . As shown, for example in  FIGS. 21A and 21B , the gripping mechanism may comprise two or more gripping fingers  714 . Furthermore, the gripping mechanism  712  may further comprise a linear actuator  716  and a linear actuator motor  718  which can operate to move the linear actuator to open and close the gripper fingers  714 . In operation, as is well known in the art, the actuator motor  718  can be used to move the linear actuator  716  of the gripper mechanism  712  thereby moving the gripper fingers  714 . For example, the linear actuator can be moved in a first direction (e.g., toward the motor) to close the fingers and grip the container  500 . Conversely, the linear actuator can be moved in a second direction (e.g., away from the motor) to open the gripper fingers and release the container  500 . Applicants have unexpectedly found that the use of one or more gripping fingers  714  allows the gripping mechanism  712  to accommodate (i.e., pick-up and/or hold) a large variety of different specimen containers  500 . Moreover, Applicants have found that by using gripper fingers  714  that extend from about one-quarter (¼) to about one-half (½) the length of the specimen container  500 , the gripper fingers will accommodate (i.e., pick-up and/or hold) a number of well known containers (e.g., long neck blood culture bottles) in the art. 
     As described further herein, the automated transfer mechanism or robotic transfer arm  700  can be placed under the control of a system controller (not shown) and programmed for specimen container  500  management (e.g., pick-up, transfer, placement and/or container removal) within the detection system  100 . 
     In yet another embodiment, as discussed further hereinbelow, the transfer mechanism  700  can be used for automated unloading of “positive” and “negative” specimen containers  500 . 
     Holding Means or Structure with Optional Agitation Means 
     The holding means or structure of the detection system  100  can take a variety of physical configurations for handling a plurality of individual specimen containers  500  so that a large number of containers (e.g.,  200  or  400  containers, depending on the specific holding structures used) can be processed simultaneously. The holding means or structure can be used for storage, agitation and/or incubation of the specimen containers  500 . One possible configuration is shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , and another possible configuration is shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . These configurations are provided by way of illustration and not limitation. As one of skill in the art will appreciate, other designs are possible and contemplated. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B  and  FIGS. 17-20 , one possible configuration uses a plurality of vertically stacked container holding structures or racks  600  each having a multitude of specimen container receiving structures or wells  602  each for holding individual specimen containers  500 . In accordance with this embodiment, two or more vertically stacked holding structures or racks  600  can be used. For example, from about 2 to about 40, from about 2 to about 30, from about 2 to about 20, or from about 2 to about 15 vertically stacked holding structures or racks can be used. Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5B and 17-20 , in this configuration the detection system  100  includes a climate controlled interior chamber  620 , comprising an upper interior chamber  622  and a lower interior chamber  624 , and a plurality of vertically disposed holding structures or racks  600  (e.g., as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , 15 vertically stacked holding structures or racks  600 ) each having a plurality of individual container receiving structures or wells  602  therein. Each individual holding structure or rack  600  can comprise two or more container receiving structures of wells  602 . For example, each holding structure or rack  600  can comprise from about 2 to about 40, from about 2 to about 30, or from about 2 to about 20 receiving structures of wells  602  therein. In one embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the receiving structures or wells  602  can comprise 2 rows of vertically aligned receiving structures or wells  602 . In an alternative embodiment, the receiving structures or wells  602  can be staggered, thus reducing the vertical height of each individual holding structure or rack  600  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 20 ), and thereby allowing for an increased number of total holding structures or racks  600  in a given vertical distance within the incubation chamber  620 . As shown, for example in  FIGS. 5A-5B , the detection system comprises 15 holding structures or racks  600  each comprising two rows of 10 individual container receiving structures or wells  602 , thereby giving the system exemplified in  FIGS. 5A-5B  a total container capacity of 300. In another possible design configuration, the detection apparatus may comprise 16 vertically stacked racks, each containing 25 receiving structures or wells, thereby giving a total container capacity of 400. 
     Furthermore, each of the individual container receiving structures or wells  602  has a specific X and Y coordinate position or address, where X is the horizontal location and Y is the vertical location of each container receiving structure or well  602 . The individual wells  602  are accessed by a transfer mechanism, such as a robotic transfer arm, for example, as described hereinabove in conjunction with  FIGS. 17-21 ). As shown in  FIGS. 17-21 , the automated transfer mechanism  700  can operate to move the robotic head  710 , and thus, the specimen container  500 , to a specific of the X, Y positions in the rack  600  and deposit the container  500  therein. In operation, the automated transfer mechanism  700  can operate to pick-up a specimen container  500  at the entrance station  110  or the pick-up station  418  of the container locator device  400 , move a container  500  determined positive for microbial growth therein to a positive container or exit location  130 , and/or to move a container  500  determined negative for microbial growth to a negative container location or waste bin  146 . 
     In one embodiment, the entire holding structure or rack  600  can be agitated by an agitation assembly (not shown) to promote or enhance microorganism growth. The agitation assembly can be any known means or mechanism for providing agitation (e.g., a back-and-forth rocking motion) to the holding structures or racks  600 . In another embodiment, the holding structures or racks  600  can be rocked in a back-and-forth motion for agitation of the fluid contained within the containers. For example, the holding structures or racks  600  can be rocked back-and-forth from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position, and repeated to provide agitation of the fluid contained within the container. In yet another embodiment, the holding structures or racks  600  can be rocked back-and-forth from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position 10 degrees, 15 degrees, 30 degrees, 45 degrees or 60 degrees from horizontal, and repeated to provide fluid agitation within the containers. In one embodiment, a racking motion from a substantially horizontal position to a vertical position from about 10 degrees to about 15 degrees from horizontal may be preferred. In still another embodiment, the holding structure or racks  600  can be rocked back-and-forth in a linear or horizontal motion to provide agitation of the fluid contained within the containers. In this embodiment, the holding structures or racks  600  and receiving structures or wells  602  can be orientated in a vertical, or alternatively in a horizontal position. Applicants have found that a linear or horizontal agitation motion, with the holding structures  600 , and thus the receiving structures or wells  602  and specimen containers  500 , in a horizontal orientation can provide substantial agitation with a relatively minimum energy input. Accordingly, in some embodiments, a horizontal holding structure or rack  600  orientation and a linear or horizontal agitation motion, may be preferred. Other means of agitating the holding structures or racks  600 , and thus, the fluid within specimen containers  500  are contemplated and would be well understood by one skilled in the art. These back-and-forth, liner and/or horizontal rocking motions can be repeated as desired (e.g., at various cycles and/or speeds) to provide agitation of the fluid within the containers. 
     One possible design for the agitation assembly is shown in conjunction with  FIG. 26 . As shown in  FIG. 26 , the agitation assembly  626  comprises one or more holding structures  600  comprising a plurality of holding wells  602  for holding a plurality of specimen containers  500 . The agitation assembly  626  further comprises an agitation motor  628 , an eccentric coupling  630 , a first rotation arm  632 , a second rotation arm or linkage arm  634  and a rack agitation bearing assembly  636 . In operation, the agitation motor  628  rotates the eccentric coupling  630  in an off-center motion thereby moving a first rotation arm  632  in an off-center circular or off-center rotational motion. The off-center rotational movement of the first rotation arm  632  moves a second rotation arm or linkage arm  634  in a linear motion (as represented by arrow  635 ). The linear motion of the second rotation arm or linkage arm  634  rocks the rack agitation bearing assembly  636  in a back-and-forth rocking motion, thereby providing a back-and-forth rocking agitation motion (represented by arrow  638  of  FIG. 26 ) to the holding structures  600 . 
     In another possible design configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 9A and 9B , the detection system  100  may includes upper and lower holding structures  800 A and  800 B in the form of cylindrical or drum structures containing a multitude of individual specimen container receiving structures or wells  802  for receiving one of the containers  500 . In this embodiment, the cylindrical or drum holding structures  800 A,  800 B each rotate about a horizontal axis to thereby provide agitation of the containers  500 . In accordance with this embodiment, each drum holding structure can comprise from about 8 to about 20 rows (e.g., from about 8 to about 20, from about 8 to about 18, or from about 10 to 1 about 6 rows), each comprising from about 8 to about 20 container receiving structures or wells  802  (e.g., from about 8 to about 20, from about 8 to about 18, or from about 10 to about 16 receiving structures of wells  802 ). 
     As described hereinabove, an automated transfer mechanism  820  is incorporated into the detection system  100  of  FIGS. 9A-9B  in order to grasp or pick-up a container  500  from the entrance location or port  110 , and move or transfer the container  500  to a give receiving structure or well  802 , of either the upper or lower drum holding structure  800 , and deposit the container  500  therein. The automated transfer mechanism  820  in this embodiment can further operate to move a negative container  500  to a waste bin  146 , or can operate to move a positive container to the positive container location  130 , shown for example, in  FIG. 1 . Also, as previously described, the robotic head  820  of  FIGS. 9A-9B  can pick-up a container  500  from the entrance location or port  110  and load the container  500  head-first (i.e., top portion  502  first) into the receiving structures or wells  802  of the drum holding structures  800 A,  800 B. This orientation exposes the bottom or base  806  of the container  500  to a detection unit  810  which can read the sensor  514  located at the bottom of the container  500  to detect microbial or microorganism growth within the container. 
     As described elsewhere herein, positive and negative containers can be retrieved by the robotic transfer arm and transferred to other locations within the system. For example, a container determined “positive” for microbial growth can be retrieved and transferred via the transfer mechanism to a positive container location or port where a user or technician can easily remove the positive container. Similarly, a container determined “negative” for microbial growth after a designated time has passed can be transferred via the transfer mechanism to a negative container location or waste bin for disposal. 
     In one embodiment, the holding structure or rack  600  may further comprise a retention feature operable to hold or otherwise retain a specimen container  500  in the receiving structures or wells  602  of the rack  600 . As shown in  FIGS. 27A-27C , the retention device  860  comprises a canted coiled spring  864  and a v-shaped holding plate  862 . In accordance with this embodiment, by using a canted coiled spring  868 , multiple points of the coiled spring contact the container surface to retain the bottle in the rack well  602 . The coils of the canted spring  864  are set at an angle relative to the vertical axis of the container, as shown in  FIG. 27C , which shows exaggerated coils to demonstrate the coil angle relative to the vertical axis of the container. However, typically the canted spring  864  is a tightly coiled spring. For example the canted spring  864  can be at an angel of about 10 degrees to about 50 degrees, from about 20 degrees to about 40 degrees, or about 30 degree (as shown in  FIG. 27C ), relative to the vertical axis of the container. The v-shaped holding plate  862  is capable of holding and/or retaining said canted coiled spring  864  relative to, or adjacent to the holding structure  600 . As shown, the holding plate  862  comprising a v-grooved retainer plate for retaining the canted coiled spring  864 . The v-groove retainer plate  864  prevents any movement of the spring  864  relative to the container  500  and/or holding structure  600 . Accordingly, unlike a traditional extension spring, which would typically contact a container at a single point (e.g., a flat leaf spring), the canted coiled spring  864  can be rigidly retained by the v-shaped groove  862  while the coils will deflect under pressure. The use of a canted spring  864  allows the load to be spread out, thereby providing uniform deflection. 
     As shown, e.g., in  FIGS. 27A and 27C , the receiving structures or wells  602  further comprise one or more ribs  868 . In one design possibility, as shown in  FIG. 27C , two of these ribs  868  are located directly opposite the canted coiled spring  864 . These two ribs  868  form a groove that functions to self-center the container  500  within the well  602  along a vertical centerline (not shown). In operation, the canted coiled spring  864  applies force to the container  500  wall, thereby holding or retaining the container securely within the well  602  of the rack  600 . In one embodiment, the two ribs  868  located opposite the coiled spring  864  can be spaced from 30 degrees to about 90 degrees apart, or from about 40 degrees to about 80 degrees apart. In another embodiment, the two ribs  868  located opposite the canted coiled spring  864  can be spaced about 60 degrees apart. Also, as shown in  FIG. 27C , the holding structure may comprise a first row and a second row of parallel holding wells, the parallel holding rows being capable of, or operable for, holding a plurality of containers therein, and wherein the holding structure further comprises a first canted coiled spring located adjacent to the first row and a second canted coiled spring adjacent to the second row, wherein each of the canted coiled spring are operable for retaining the plurality of containers in said holding wells. 
     Using the canted coiled spring  864 , v-groove retainer  862  and two ribs  868  located opposite said canted coiled spring  864 , the bottle will always be held securely in the same location within the well  602 , regardless of any sideloads applied through agitation or during rack cell insertion. The canted coiled spring  864  and v-groove retainer  862  also allow for the use of a shorter depth holding well  602  and holding structure  600 . The shorter holding well  602  depth will allow for multiple container designs and container lengths to be retained equally well, as well as allow more of the container surface to be expose to the incubation air flow within the system. 
     As one of skill in the art would appreciate other possible designs or configurations for the holding structure or structures  600  and/or agitation assembly are possible and are considered part of present invention. 
     Detection Unit 
     The various possible design configurations of the detection system  100 , as shown in  FIGS. 1-6, 9A-9B, 21A-21B and 27 , can include the use of similar detection means. In general, any known means in the art for monitoring and/or interrogating a specimen container for the detection of microbial growth can be used. As previously mentioned, the specimen containers  500  can be monitored continuously, or periodically, during incubation of the containers  500  in the detection system  100 , for the positive detection of microbial growth. For example, in one embodiment, a detection unit (e.g.,  810  of  FIG. 9B ) reads the sensor  514  incorporated into the bottom or base  506  of the container  500 . A variety of sensor technologies are available in the art and may suitable. In one possible embodiment, the detection unit takes colorimetric measurements as described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,945,060; 5,094,955; 5,162,229; 5,164,796; 5,217,876; 5,795,773; and 5,856,175, which are incorporated herein. A positive container is indicated depending upon these colorimetric measurements, as explained in these patents. Alternatively, detection could also be accomplished using intrinsic fluorescence of the microorganism, and/or detection of changes in the optical scattering of the media (as disclosed, for example, in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/460,607, filed Jul. 22, 2009 and entitled, “Method and System for Detection and/or Characterization of a Biological Particle in a Sample.”). In yet another embodiment, detection can be accomplished by detecting or sensing the generation of volatile organic compounds in the media or headspace of the container. Various design configurations for the detection unit can be employed within the detection system. For example, one detection unit could be provided for an entire rack or tray, or multiple detection units could be provided per rack or per tray. 
     Climate-Controlled Interior Chamber 
     As previously described, the detection system  100  may include a climate-controlled interior chamber (or incubation chamber), for maintaining an environment to promote and/or enhance growth of any microbial agents (e.g., microorganisms) that may be present in the specimen container  500 . In accordance with this embodiment, the detection system  100  may include a heating element or hot air blower to maintain a constant temperature within said interior chamber. For example, in one embodiment, the heating element or hot air blower will provide and/or maintain the interior chamber at an elevated temperature (i.e., a temperature elevated above room temperature). In another embodiment, the detection system  100  may include a cooling element or cold air blower (not shown) to maintain the interior chamber at a temperature below room temperature. In accordance with this embodiment, the interior chamber or incubation chamber will be at a temperature of from about 18° to about 45° C. In one embodiment, the interior chamber can be an incubation chamber and can be maintained at a temperature from about 35° C. to about 40° C., and preferably at about 37° C. In another embodiment, the interior chamber may be maintained at a temperature below room temperature, for example from about 18° C. to about 25° C., and preferably at about 22.5° C. A particular advantage provided is the ability to provide a more constant temperature environment for promoting and/or enhancing microbial growth within a specimen container  500 . The detection system  100  accomplishes this by providing a closed system, in which automated loading, transfer and unloading of specimen containers  500  occurs without the need to open any access panels that would otherwise disrupt the incubation temperature (from about 30° to 40° C., preferably from about 37° C.) of the interior chamber  620 . 
     In general, the detection system  100  can employ any known means in the art for maintaining a climate-controlled chamber for promoting or enhancing microbial growth. For example, to maintain a temperature controlled chamber, one or more heating element or hot air blower, baffles and/or other suitable equipment known in the art, can be used to maintain the interior of the detection system  100  at the appropriate temperature for incubating the container and promoting and/or enhancing microbial growth. 
     Typically, one or more heating element or hot air blower under control of the system controller are used to maintain a constant temperature within the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 . As known in the art, the heating element or hot air blower can be employed in a number of locations within the interior chamber. For example, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6  one or more heating elements or hot air blowers  740  can be positioned at the base of the holding structures or racks  600 , for directing warm air across the plurality of holding structures or racks  600 . A similar arrangement can be provided in the embodiments of  FIGS. 9A and 9B  (see, e.g.,  840 ). The details of the incubation features are not particularly pertinent, and are known in the art, therefore a detailed description is omitted. 
     Controller and User Interface 
     The detection system  100  will include a system controller (e.g., a computer control system) (not shown) and firmware for controlling the various operations and mechanisms of the system. Typically, the system controller and firmware for controlling the operation of the various mechanisms of the system can be any known conventional controller and firmware known to those of skill in the art. In one embodiment, the controller and firmware will performs all operations necessary for controlling the various mechanisms of the system, including: automated loading, automated transfer, automated detection and/or automated unloading of specimen containers within the system. The controller and firmware will also provide for identification and tracking of specimen containers within the system. 
     The detection system  100  may also include a user interface  150  and associated computer control system for operating the loading mechanism, transfer mechanism, racks, agitation equipment, incubation apparatus, and receiving measurements from the detection units. These details are not particularly important and can vary widely. When a container is detected as being positive, the user can be alerted via the user interface  150  and/or by the positive indicator  190  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 1 ) becoming active (i.e., an indicator light turning on). As described herein, upon a positive determination, the positive container can be automatically moved to a positive container location  130 , shown for example in  FIGS. 1-3, 10-11 and 22-24  for retrieval by a user. 
     The user interface  150  may also provide an operator or laboratory technician with status information regarding containers loaded into the detection system. The user interface may includes one or more of the following features: (1) Touch screen display; (2) Keyboard on touch screen; (3) System status; (4) Positives alert; (5) Communications to other systems (DMS, LIS, BCES &amp; other detection or identification Instruments); (6) Container or bottle status; (7) Retrieve containers or bottles; (8) Visual and audible Positive Indicator; (9) USB access (back ups and external system access); and (10) Remote Notification of Positives, System Status and Error Messages. In another embodiment, as shown in  FIGS. 22-23 , a status update screen  152  can also be used. The status update screen  152  can be used to provide status information regarding containers loaded into the detection system, such as, for example: (1) container location within the system; (2) container information, such as, patient information, sample type, input time, etc.; (3) positive or negative container alerts; (4) interior chamber temperature; and (5) an indication that the waste bin is full and needs to be emptied. 
     The particular appearance or layout of the detection system and user interface  150 , and/or status update screen  152 , is not particularly important, and can vary widely.  FIGS. 1-2  show one possible embodiment, which is provided by way of illustration and not limitation.  FIGS. 22-23  show another possible embodiment, which is also provided by way of illustration and not limitation. 
     Automated Unloading 
     The detection system  100  may also provide for automated transfer or automated unloading of “positive” and “negative” specimen containers  500 . As previously described, containers in which a microbial agent is present are termed “positive” containers, and containers in which no microorganism growth is detected after a given time period are termed “negative” containers. 
     Once a container is detected as positive, the detection system will notify the operator of the results through an indicator (e.g. visual prompt  190 ) and/or through notification at the user interface  150 . Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 and 5A-5B , positive bottles can be automatically retrieved via the transfer mechanism  650  (e.g., robotic transfer arm) and placed in a designated positive container area, such as a positive container location or exit port  130 . This positive container area will be located outside of the instrument housing for easy user access to the container. In a one embodiment, the container will be placed in a vertical orientation within the positive container area. In one design configuration, the automated unloading of a positive container will employ the use of a transfer tube (not shown) through which a positive container (e.g., a positive blood culture bottle) can travel to be relocated to a designated positive container location or exit port  130 . In accordance with this design feature, the transfer mechanism (e.g., the robotic transfer arm) will drop or otherwise deposit the positive specimen container into a top end of the transfer tube, and the container will travel through the transfer tube via gravity to the positive container location or port  130 . In one embodiment, the transfer tube (not shown) can hold one or more “positive” specimen containers therein. For example, the transfer tube (not shown) can hold from about 1 to about 5, from about 1 to about 4, or from about 1 to about 3 “positive” specimen containers. In another embodiment, for example as shown in  FIGS. 22-24 , the positive container location or exit port  130  may comprise holding wells for one or more “positive” specimen containers, for example, two holding wells for separately holding two “positive” specimen containers. 
     In another embodiment of the detection system  100 , negative containers can be transferred by the transfer mechanism  700  (e.g., robotic transfer arm) from the holding structure or rack  600  to a negative container location, such as a waste bin  146 . Typically, the containers will be released from the robotic transfer arm and dropped into the waste bin  146 , however other embodiments are contemplated and should be apparent to one of skill in the art. In one design configuration, the automated unloading of a negative container will employ the use of a transfer tube (not shown) through which a negative container (e.g., a negative blood culture bottle) can travel to be relocated to a designated negative container location, such as a waste bin  146 . In accordance with this design feature, the transfer mechanism (e.g., the robotic transfer arm) will drop or otherwise deposit the negative specimen container into a top end of the transfer tube, and the container will travel through the transfer tube via gravity to the negative container location or waste bin  146 . The detection system  100  may also include an access door  140  or drawer  142  that opens to provide user access to the negative container location, such as a negative container waste bin  146 . In another embodiment, the waste bin  146  may include a scale to weigh the waste bin  146 . As one of skill in the art would appreciate, by monitoring the weight of the waste bin  146 , the system controller (not shown) can determine how full the waste bin  146  is, and can optionally provide a signal (e.g., at the user interface  150 ) indicating to the user or technician that the waste bin  146  is full, and thus, needs to be emptied. 
     Automated Laboratory System 
     As noted above, the detection system  100  of this disclosure can take on a variety of different possible configurations. One such configuration, particularly suited for high volume implementations, is shown in  FIG. 24 . As shown in  FIG. 24 , the detection system  100 A can be employed in an automated microbiology laboratory system. For example, the detection instrument  100  can be included as one component of an automated laboratory system. In this embodiment, the detection instrument  100 A can be linked or “daisy chained” to one or more additional other analytical modules or instruments for additional testing. For example, as shown in  FIG. 24 , the detection instrument  100 A can be linked or “daisy chained” to a second detection unit  100 B. However, in other embodiments, the detection instrument can be “daisy chainetherwise linked to one or more other systems or modules. These other systems or modules can include, for example, identification testing systems such as the VITEK or VIDAS systems of the assignee bioMérieux, Inc., a gram stainer, a mass spectrometry unit, a molecular diagnostic test system, a plate streaker, an automated characterization and/or identification system (as disclosed in U.S. patent application No. 60/216,339, entitled “System for Rapid Non-invasive Detection of a Microbial Agent in a Biological Sample and Identifying and/or Characterizing the Microbial Agent”, which was filed May 15, 2009) or other analytical systems. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 24 , an automated laboratory system can comprise a first detection system  100 A, and a second detection system  100 B. In other embodiments, the automated laboratory system can comprise a first detection system  100 A, a second detection system  100 B, and an automated characterization/identification system (not shown). In accordance with this embodiment, positive containers can be moved or transferred from the first detection system  100 A to the second detection system  100 B, and/or subsequently to the automated characterization/identification system, using a system transfer device  440 . In other embodiments, the first detection system  100 A can be coupled to a microorganism identification module or an antimicrobial susceptibility module (not shown). 
     As shown in  FIGS. 24-25C  two detection systems  100 A and  100 B are “daisy chained” together by system transfer device  441 . This allows containers to be transferred from one detection system to another in case the first one is full. A similar system transfer device may also be provided for subsequent transfer of the specimen container  500  from the second detection system  100 B to a subsequent systems or modules, as described elsewhere herein. The system transfer mechanism  441  comprises a first container locator device  400 A having a transfer station  420  for transferring a container to a second or downstream instrument. The system transfer mechanism  441  also comprises a pusher arm  444  operable controlled by a pusher motor  442  and a transfer bridge  446 , as shown in  FIG. 24-25C . As shown, the pusher arm  444  may comprise a pair of parallel arms. In operation, when a container to be transferred is moved by the transfer station  420  of the first container locator device  400 A, a pusher arm  444  is activated to push or move the container from the transfer station  420 , across a transfer bridge  446 , to the down-stream detection system  100 B. As shown, the pusher arm  444  is connected to a pusher motor  442  via a pusher arm support structure  445 .  FIGS. 25A-C  show the transfer of a container from the transfer station  420  of the first detection system  100 A to the conveyor belt  206 B (see  FIG. 24 ) of the second detection system  100 B, and show the container in: (1) a first position ( FIG. 25A ) as the pusher arm  444  begins to push the container across the transfer bridge  446 ; (2) a second or intermediate position ( FIG. 25B ) as the container crosses the transfer bridge  446 ; and (3) a final position ( FIG. 25C ) as the container arrives at the conveyor belt (not shown) of the down-stream detection system  100 B. Furthermore, as shown in  FIGS. 25A-25C , the system transfer device  440  may further comprise one or more locator device guide rails  450  attached to a base plate of the locator device  404  via one or more guide rail supports  452 , and/or bridge guide rails  446 ,  448 , to guide the container from the first locator device  400 A and across the bridge  446  to the conveyor belt  206 B (see  FIG. 24 ) of the automated loading mechanism  200 B of the down-stream detection system  100 B. As would be well known in the art, the transfer of a container from the first detection system  100 A to the second or down-stream detection system  100 B, via the operation of the first container locator device  400 A and pusher arm  444 , can be controlled by the system controller. Typically, as shown in  FIG. 24 , only the first detection system  100 A needs to include a user interface  150 . The first  100 A and second  100 B detection systems may further comprise status screens  152 A,  152 B, positive container ports  130 A,  130 B, lower access panels  140 A,  140 B, automated loading mechanisms  200 A,  200 B and conveyor belts  206 A,  206 B. 
     Further, in accordance with this embodiment, positive containers can be transferred to other systems in the automated laboratory system. For example, as shown in  FIG. 24 , a container determined positive in the first detection system  100 A can be transferred to the second detection system  100 B and/or subsequently to an automated characterization/identification system (not shown) for automated characterization and/or identification of the microbe therein. 
     As one of skill in the art would appreciate other possible designs or configurations for the automated laboratory system are possible and are considered part of this invention. 
     Method of Operation 
     In one embodiment, a method for detection of microorganism growth in an automated detection system is described herein; the method comprising: (a) providing a specimen container comprising a culture medium for promoting and/or enhancing growth of said microorganism; (b) inoculating said specimen container with a test sample to be tested for the presence of a microorganism; (c) loading said inoculated specimen container into said detection system using an automated loading mechanism; (d) transferring said specimen container to a holding structure located within said detection system using an automated transfer mechanism, said holding structure comprising a plurality of wells for holding one or more of said specimen containers; and said holding structure optionally providing agitation of said specimen containers to promote and/or enhance microorganism growth therein; (e) providing a detection unit for detecting microbial growth in said specimen container by detecting one or more by products of microorganism growth within said container; and (f) detecting growth of a microorganism using said detection unit and thereby determining said container positive for microorganism growth. 
     The method of operation of the detection system  100  will now be described with reference to  FIG. 30 . After inoculation of a specimen container  500  with a sample to be tested (e.g., by a laboratory technician or doctor) the specimen container  500  is delivered to the automated loading mechanism  200 , for automated loading of the specimen container  500  into the detection system  100 . 
     At step  540 , the specimen container  500  is loaded into the detection system  100 , e.g., by placing the container onto a loading station or area  202  of a transport mechanism  204 , as shown for example in  FIG. 1 . The specimen container  500  is then moved by the transport mechanism  204  (e.g., a conveyor belt) to an entrance location or port  110 , and subsequently through said entrance location or port  110  and into the detection system  100 , thereby automatically loading the specimen container  500  into the detection system  100 . 
     At step  550 , an automated transfer mechanism  700 , such as a robotic transfer arm, as shown for example in  FIGS. 5A-5B , can then be used to transfer the container  500  to, and deposit the container in, a holding structure or rack  600  contained within the interior chamber  620  of the detection system  100 . 
     At step  560 , the specimen container  500  is incubated within the detection system  100 . The detection system  100  optionally provides for agitation (e.g., using an agitation assembly) of the holding structures or racks  600 , and/or one or more warm air blowers (see, e.g.,  740  in  FIGS. 5A-5B ) to provide a temperature controlled environment, to promote and/or enhance microbial growth within the specimen container  500 . 
     At step  570 , the specimen container  500  is read by a detection unit (see, e.g.,  810  in  FIGS. 9A and 9B ) to determine if the specimen container  500  is positive for microbial growth. 
     At step  580 , the reading of the specimen container is analyzed to determine if the container is positive for the growth of a microbial agent (e.g., a microorganism) therein. If not, the processing proceeds along the NO branch  582  and a check is made if a timer has expired (step  584 ). If the timer has expired, the container is deemed negative and the container is transferred to the waste container  146  (see for example  FIG. 1 ) at step  586 . Otherwise, the incubation continues and the reading of the specimen container  500  (step— 580 ) continues periodically. 
     If at step  580 , if the specimen container  500  is determined to be positive, the processing proceeds to the YES branch  590 . In one embodiment, the specimen container  500  is moved or transferred using the automated transfer mechanism (e.g., the container is automatically unloading, as described elsewhere herein) to the positive container location or port  130  (see for example  FIG. 1 ) at step  594  for user access to the container and/or further processing. In another embodiment, the specimen container can be transferred using a system transfer device to another detection instrument and/or another analytical system (e.g., to an automated characterization and/or identification system) for further processing.