Patent ID: 7588546

Claim:
A sample collector for collecting samples for biopsies to be used with at least two types of a stem and needle, each stem and needle comprising a needle extending through a stem, each type of a stem and needle having a different structure, the sample collector cooperating with the respective different structures of the at least two types of a stem and needle to operatively receive and enable the functioning of the at least two types of a stem and needle, the sample collector comprising: a grip for serving as a housing for a selected one of at least two types of a stem and needle; a first movable base and a second movable base, each of the first and second movable bases being operatively mounted in said grip and comprising: an interchangeable connector positioning structure; a plurality of interchangeable connectors respectively being capable of being operatively attached to a different one of the at least two types of a stem and needle, the plurality of interchangeable connectors each comprising: a locating structure for cooperating with the interchangeable connector positioning structure on one of the first and second movable bases to firmly and removably position the respective interchangeable connector on the respective movable base; and fitting elements for cooperating with the specific structure of a specific type of a stem and needle to operatively connect the stem and needle to the respective interchangeable connector, for enabling the sample collector to operate the specific type of a stem and needle to collect the samples; wherein selected first and second interchangeable connectors have appropriate fitting elements for cooperating with the different structures of the selected one of the at least two types of a stem and needle for conducting a particular sample collection.